View source for Maya hosts a pig roast

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{{Log
| date=09/28/2018
| time=7:00pm EDT
| summary=Maya has friends over, but it's the unexpected guests who are the real boars
| cast=
* [[Amane]]
* [[Emma]]
* [[Jim]]
* [[Maya]]
| st=[[Charles]]
| place_name=Overgrown Warehouse Ruins, [[Old East Side]], Detroit, MI
| place_desc=
| log=
Since a certain conversation, Maya's created a couple of routes up onto the old walls and window ledges, both inside and outside the bramble-protected sanctum. A couple of pallets, a crate here and there, a stack of cinderblocks: the additions aren't things people would steal, but they're arranged to make higher &quot;ground&quot; accessible. 

While she's waiting for Emma, Maya's pruning again, collecting dead leaves off the berry plants and cutting canes here and there. She wears long, gauntlet-like gloves for the job. There's a long gym bag close to her feet, with one ankle stepped through the handle to prevent theft. She's keeping her weapons close, rifle in the bag, two knives strapped to her body.

Emma, in contrast, is totally unarmed, apparently not knowing what kind of party this was. Emma drives up a distance in her piece of crap Honda Civic, parking it behind some bushy ruins - a short walk to Maya, but out of sight for the casual ruffian who might actually *want* such a run down piece of crap. She pulls her bomber jacket on to protect against the day's chill, before slinging her cross-body bag over her shoulder and heading the rest of the walk towards Maya.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Jim rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">perception + alertness</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 3 4 4 4 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

Maya's Pinto, on the other hand, is parked down the block in plain sight. Because... who would steal a Pinto? 

Maybe she hears Emma's approach, or the rustle of the bag; in any case, she turns when the woman is still some distance away. She's wearing her trench coat with the messenger bag slung over it, despite the fact that she's working. &quot;Hey,&quot; Maya offers, giving Emma a slightly worried smile. &quot;Just let me finish this last one, yeah?&quot; She gestures with the pruning shears to a thick tangle of blackberry canes. &quot;And then I can offer you a drink of something... or a cookie?&quot;

There is a flare of light accompanied by the hiss of flame as a match springs to life along one of the remaining walkways near at the outer walls of the factory ruins. Silver hair catches the light so that it looks more like it is composed of flame for a moment as the shadow Amane was in flickers into oblivion and then closes back in around her. The straw red tip of a cigarette held in her lips, Amane says quietly but with clear audibility, &quot;Hey there you two.&quot;

Jim is unarmed except for his mighty beak and claws. Okay, he's unarmed. This morning, after dropping Monday off, he goes flying a bit, and ends up going overhead here again. After discussing boars with Maya, it doesn't hurt to looks around for them. And uh, there they are. Three of them. So he zooms toward Maya's and.. uh oh. The three of them do see a large black bird come to land on one of the bushes. Much bigger than Notion, but maybe they can't tell that.

Emma arrives just a little too late to spy the flashy arrival of Amane, only catching the tail end of it as she approaches. She gaves Maya a weak wave, before looking towards Amane. &quot;What's this about?&quot; She wonders, at neither of them in particular.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">perception+alertness+1</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 4 4 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

Maya starts a little, when Amane speaks, and stares at her for a moment before watching the bird land. Then she sheathes her pruning shears in a back pocket, grabs up the rifle bag, and crosses quickly to the white-haired newcomer. She wraps Amane in a swift embrace, ducking her head against the shorter woman's own. &quot;Hey,&quot; she says, very quietly, hiding her face.

&quot;I haven't seen Maya since the Bookclub meeting, and thought I'd see if she was about in her old haunt,&quot; says Amane. She gives Maya a brief embrace in return, smiling faintly &quot;Hey there. I'm glad to see you too.&quot; She takes a drag, blowing her smoke very much away from her friend before nodding to Emma. &quot;How 'bout you?&quot;

Jim is torn. He doesn't know who Emma and Amane are! He also doesn't know this is the kind of sensitive place where only friendlies would treat. So, he's cautious. The large bird flaps in a noisy and attention getting way, three times. Then invokes Voice of the Mimic, making a squealing piggy sound. Then flaps three more times. Then lifts off of the branch, and buzzes the tower, his wing tips grazing Maya's back.

Emma's answer is put off by the display from the unexpected raven. Or is that unexpected display from a raven? She blinks as the raven squeals like a pig, looking up and over to the bird, and then down at Maya just in time to see the other get divebombed. &quot;Eh... what?&quot;

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Perception + Awareness</span>, difficulty 9 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (3 5 7 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">perception+awareness+1</span>, difficulty 9 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (4 4 6 6 6 8 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">perception + awareness</span>, difficulty 9 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">BOTCH</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 5 7, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

Maya disengages when it seems appropriate, and then... That sound from the raven gets her attention in a hurry. The Dreamspeaker's eyes widen, and she unslings the long bag from her back, pulling a rifle and a smallish ammo bag from it. &quot;Incoming!&quot; she says sharply. The bag just falls empty to the ground, the ammo ends up in a pocket of her trench coat, and then she starts tugging off her gloves with her teeth, once she's got a hand free for the job. &quot;'eth eehi me,&quot; she tells Emma.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Emma gains 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Last night's sleep.
</div>

&quot;Gods, I swear,&quot; murmurs Amane &quot;If a guy dressed up like a mime shows up... &quot; She follows the raven with her eyes and murmurs &quot;Allright. Tell me I wasn't the only one who felt that?&quot; She witdraws a very, very, white knife with a circular pommel from within her sleeve and swips it round her middle finger before taking up a lower stance to the back right behind Maya. The serrated, curved, blade looks similar to a large fang and it is probably made of high-fired ceramic.

There is a brief chorus of ear-splitting squeals in the distance, followed by a scuffling sound, then hooves pounding in the general direction of Maya's safe haven.

The mages might feel it AGAIN, as they hear a voice in a strong Texan accent. &quot;Miss Maya, get out of here, the pigs are coming.&quot; He chances it.

Okay, *that's* not normal. Only parrots talk, even Emma knows *that*. The young technomancer seems to grok Maya well enough that she gets behind her; the appearance of the gun definitely helps to convince her that maybe she shouldn't be in front of the Dreamspeaker. &quot;Uh... what's going on?&quot; She asks, slowly backing away.

&quot;Go up,&quot; Maya says shortly, gesturing to one of her escaped routes that ends in a window ledge. There are several set up around the area, pallets here, crates and cinderblocks there, providing access to perches on the tops of wall sections or old window ledges. There's even a crate beneath the lowest limp of one of her larger trees, big enough to climb now. &quot;You don't wanna close with them. Period. I'll cover you and follow.&quot; Is that fear in her voice?

Maya's gloves drop to the ground and then she is busy with the rifle, her eyes trained toward the approaching sound.

Plucking her cigarette from her lips, Amane begins to trace it through the air. The orange glow of the ember at the tip leaves after-images, as most things composed of light do upon thevision. If you are fast enough and knowledgable enough you might realize she is drawing the Sanskrit character 'Ran' which is symbolic of 'The World'. She says nothing as she does this, concentrating.

The smell is nauseating, like the worst sewage stench, mixed with a stomach turning grave-rot. The three skullpigs burst into view; massive boars, easily 500lbs a piece, with white skin drawn so tight across their faces that their heads look like exposed skulls with ears. It seems that the animals were squabbling over the remains of a desiccated human limb. They startle and come to a brief halt, having unexpectedly come across some very live humans.

Jim has given up on not talking inf ront of the two. If they're not... in the know... this will have to be handled later. &quot;Three of them coming. They have... they dug into a grave.&quot; HE caws. &quot;And I think they're coming at y'all. Get on high ground.&quot;

Emma stares for a long moment, before doing what comes entirely natural to her: turning and running. She doesn't scream, shout, or holler, but the expression on her face reads it all: pure terror. She runs, climbs, scabbles for the high ground Maya directed her to.

&quot;Amane, GO!&quot; Maya pleads, stepping back to get herself closer to one of those makeshift &quot;ladders.&quot; How strong are these old walls, anyway, without the intact building to hold it all together?

&quot;Maya,&quot; says Amane calmly, &quot;Get up there. You have range.&quot; It isn't the calm of someone whom is stupidly unafraid, it isn't even the calm of someone who has no fear; it's an unrelenting acceptance. She has the Look of the Lost, the Thousand Yard stare. &quot;If we don't stop them here, there will be victims,&quot; she continues as she walks backwards slowly towards the ladder but continues her somatic gestures.

The skullpigs get over their shocks and squeal out a challenge, as the trio charge at the two on the ground. Two attempt to gore Maya, while the third goes for Amane. Their mouths gape wide, revealing massive tusks and terrifying peg-like teeth. Jim and Emma are ignored for now.

Jim will be not-ignored.. when pigs fly! He's circling overhead, watching. &quot; I don't know who two of y'all are, but I shot one of those critters and it walked it off. With a real semi auto rifle. Be careful.&quot;

Emma continues to climb up and out of the way, looking in a less-than-mild state of panic. She honestly doesn't know what to do.

After that moment of careful aiming, Maya takes her shot at the leftmost boar.

As the pigs come charging, Amane stops backing off and simply holds her ground. The Sanskrit traced through the air with her cigarette now finishes with a flourish as she flings her left arm wide, pointing from the pig rushing her to the ones rushing Maya. There is a cracling feeling in the air, almost like the feeling of a coming storm.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">arete</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: Yes)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Amane spends 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Automatic Success
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">dexterity+firearms+1</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 3 4 4 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Amane gains 2 points of Paradox. Reason: Failed Vulgar no Witness Forces 2 effect.
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">9 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 4 4 4 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">9 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 4 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">9 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 6 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 3 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">9 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 4 successes (3 3 5 5 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">dexterity+athletics</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 3 3 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">dexterity+athletics -2</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 4 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: Yes)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya spends 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Automatic Success
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Dexterity+Athletics</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 2 successes (2 3 4 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">10 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 5 successes (2 3 3 4 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">9 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 3 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">9 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 3 3 4 5 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">stamina</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (2 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 [<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">HEALTH</span>] Maya takes 5 Bashing damage! She is Mauled!
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Jim gains 1 points of Rage. Reason: Boar attack. This definitely qualifies as a confrontation, boss man.
</div>

Right after Amane's spell fizzles, the boar that was charging him misses him by a hairsbreath. It's a terrifying enough experience that a weaker person would soil themselves. The Skullpig's charge sends it crashing into the wall that Emma is perches on, making the whole structure vibrate with the impact. Bone audibly cracks and Emma gets a rather disturbing view of the pig's brains, before the skull starts to knit itself back together. Maya is not nearly as fortunate, as the first boar makes contact, knocking her off her feet. The second dips a tusk beneath her body, then tosses her into the air. She comes crashing down on some of the boxes she set up earlier, the ones designed to get her to a higher perch.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Jim rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">willpower</span>, difficulty 8 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (4 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">wits+firearms</span> (-2 from Wounds), difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2, Specialty: No, Willpower: Yes)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya spends 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Automatic Success
</div>

Jim would probably have to fly off reflexively at the sight of Maya getting hurt that badly. He does caw out, and swoops in her direction. Not within reach of the Boars mind you. He's not stupid. &quot;Are you alright miss Maya?&quot;

So, Emma is watching her friends get the snot beaten out of them. They could be dying, for all she knows. She watches from up top, clutching at her bag, and clinging to the wobbling wall as the skullpigs smack the walls. &quot;Think. _Think_!&quot; She tells herself, trying to decide what to do.

Somewhere in the midst of landing--and man, is THAT ever an ugly noise on impact--Maya loses hold of the Winchester. She makes a sound of exploding breath which mixes with the breaking of wooden crates. And then she is still for an unnervingly long moment before she takes a sudden, deep breath and starts climbing. A sharp sound of pain escapes her as she has to jump to get to her first step (those handy crates having been smashed when she landed on them.) But adrenaline is a good thing, and so are endorphins, and so is yoga.

Those watching the strong willed young mage will still see Amane's eyes widen and shake within their sockets, pupils constricting, but it is the only outward sign she shows of the fear within her at the near miss. Oh she fears; fear is a motivator. It keeps her focused, though she watches Maya get tossed in the air with an inarticulately primordial snarl escaping her lips &quot;NO!&quot; All the same, she has a situational awareness of the field that keeps her on track as she settles into a lower stance while landing from her side-step of the charge and holds her ceramic blade in front of her while charging the pig that sailed past her into the wall, bringing her knife down in a sharp stroke to try to sever its spinal column at the base of its skull while it's... stunned? &quot;I bring you peace,&quot; she murmurs too softly for the others to likely hear, &quot;I bring you the good death.&quot;

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Dexterity+Melee</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (2 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Strength+1+5</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 3 4 4 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">4 dice</span>, difficulty 5 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (2 3 4 4, Specialty: No, Willpower: Yes)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Amane spends 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Automatic Success
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">7 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (2 3 3 3 3 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Dexterity+Athletics</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 4 successes (2 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

The two Skullpigs that were after Maya continue their pursuit, but she manages to crawl out of range, just and they go crashing into the boxes that the Dreamspeaker was on moments ago. They proceed to turn the wood into kindling, squealing and roaring the whole time. One is bleeding from a gunshot wound and seems less than pleased. The pig that ran into the wall was briefly stunned, so was unable to dodge Amane's attack and a massive wound opens up in its neck, but that does not stop the animal from turning and attempting to gore Amane. Fortunately, the wounds slow the pig down and it misses Amane all together. Infuriated, it tries to attack him again, moving far faster than should be possible.

Jim considers his options. Pluck their eyes? Naaaah. That'll nevr work. You have to practice that. Run? That doesn't feel right. He flies over to Emma, and perches beside her. &quot;Are you one of the wizards?&quot; he drawls.

Emma thinks hard, clinging to the wall as she does. Finally, the blue screen of death that seems to have her brain so locked up clears, and she starts digging through her bag, bringing out a small white handheld device. It kinda looks like the portal gun, from the game Portal, except it's one handed. She adjusts the settings, doing some quick, on the fly math in her head as she adjusts for coordinates. She aims out into the field and mouths a little silent prayer as she tries *something*

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">dex + firearms</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">BOTCH</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">arete</span>, difficulty 4 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (2 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

&quot;Ow,&quot; Maya groans, as she balances precariously sitting on the old window ledge--and then she reaches behind herself, wincing with the motion as she pulls a knife from a back sheath. She nicks a few fingertips and sweeps them across her face, marking both cheeks with slashes of blood as she begins to chant. The language is full of way too many consonants, glottal stops, and unfamiliar sounds. She holds out a bloodied hand, tracking that very, very angry boar as it goes after Amane.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya spends 3 points of Quintessence. Reason: help me mama bear
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">arete</span>, difficulty 3 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Emma gains 2 points of Paradox. Reason: Happily failed that roll.
</div>

There is also the fact that Amane knows her body, and knows it well. She may not be quite on the level of a professional gymnast but she has the sense of someone who is no stranger to combat... nor fighting demonic beasts in close quarters. Her nostrils flare while her silver hair flashes in the dingy sunlight that finds its way at once too bright and too dim into such city ruins, and her duster flutters as she dances back in and tries for a slash across the boar's eyes.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Dexterity+Melee</span>, difficulty 8 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (2 3 3 4, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

Amane swings her knife at the skullpig and misses, as the animal abruptly squeals out in pain and topples over onto its side, blood oozing from its mouth. At the squeal, the two pigs busy smashing boxes turn their attention towards the figure that clearly killed their buddy and charge at Amane, moving far faster than humanly possible. Emma attempts to use her weapon, but aside from a popping smell and the faint smell of burnt ozone, nothing happens.

&quot;Fuck.&quot; Emma curses as the talking bird very briefly 'gets in her way'. *ppfffew* is the only sound that her portal projection device makes, along with a faint fizzle of static electricity. &quot;Shoo! Go drop something on them!&quot; She says, ushering the bird away with both hands, before aiming and trying again.

Jim flaps when Emma's response to him is to pull out some... gadget and mess with it. &quot;Ma'am, begging your pardon if I offended you. Drop what?&quot;

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">dex + firearms</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 5, Specialty: No, Willpower: Yes)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Emma spends 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Automatic Success
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya spends 3 points of Quintessence. Reason: Kill kill kill
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">arete</span>, difficulty 4 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 2 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

Maya's chanting gets louder, sharper, more savage. She brings the knife to bear, sighting along her arm and &quot;drawing the bow&quot; as if doing warrior yoga.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Emma gains 2 points of Paradox. Reason: Vulgar Magic
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">arete</span>, difficulty 3 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 4 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">4</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: Yes)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya spends 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Automatic Success
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">9 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">9 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 4 successes (3 3 4 4 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Dexterity+Athletics+2 6</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (2 3 4 4 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">10 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 6 successes (2 4 4 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

There is a crack of electricity as Emma manages to fire her weapon, as the air fills with the smell of ozone. A miniature lightning bolt streaks toward the skullpigs, but miss the mark, leaving behind a small patch of scorched earth instead. The animal that was already injured squeals out and drops dead, a mystery wound appearing in its side. The final pig remains quite alive and manages to gore Amane, opening up a horrific wound in her side and it doesn't stop there, as it continues to press its Rage-filled attack.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">1 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 [<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">HEALTH</span>] Amane takes 5 Lethal damage! She is Mauled!
</div>

Maya cries out as Amane's hurt, and starts scrambling down from her perch, chanting all the while. She isn't moving at a run, by any means, and she isn't going to get to Amane right away... but her unarmed hand is stretched in that direction, desperation on her face.

Emma is all but crying as her continued efforts are met with continued failure. &quot;I don't know.&quot; She yells at the bird. She tries a third time, lining up the portal, trying to position it over the pig's body, doing some quick adjustments to the coordinates, and then triggering the projector.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">dex + firearms</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: Yes)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Emma spends 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Automatic Success
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">arete</span>, difficulty 4 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: Yes)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Emma spends 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Automatic Success
</div>

Controlling her fear, controlling her panic, having a vast and unprecedented knowledge of the field through wits so legendary that they are like a literal sixth sense... none of this helps Amane as she is gored. Pain, well, pain is pain. The veins and muscles stand out on her slender neck as she screams, helpless under the final pig's onslaught as those tusks finally find their mark. Kelar, leather, and gortex part like tissue before socker cleats and her blood is everywhere.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Emma gains 2 points of Paradox. Reason: Vulgar Magic redux.
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">paradox</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">arete</span>, difficulty 3 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (2 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">4</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: Yes)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya spends 1 points of Willpower. Reason: Automatic Success
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">temporary paradox</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">6 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 2 5 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">7 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 5 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">7 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 2 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 5 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Dexterity+Athletics</span> (-2 from Wounds), difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 2 successes (2 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 [<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">HEALTH</span>] Amane heals 4 Lethal damage! She is Bruised!
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Dexterity+Athletics</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">Dexterity+Athletics-1</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 2 successes (3 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya gains 3 points of Paradox. Reason: Vulgar Healing
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">5 dice</span> (-2 from Wounds), difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 4 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">2 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (2 3, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Charles rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">8 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 4 successes (2 3 4 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

Lots of things seem to happen all at once, Emma finally gets her gun to work and hit her intended target. The electricity roars out from her gun, striking the Skullpig, blackening its skin and actually setting some of its back on fire. Still, the monster keeps attacking Amane, goring her once again, before seeming to realize that it is severly injured. The animal flees at speed, smoke rising from its back.

Jim is emboldened by Emma. He grabs a rock, flies over to it, and drops a rock on its head. Well, a pebble.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Amane rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">1 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 [<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">HEALTH</span>] Amane takes 3 Lethal damage! She is Wounded!
</div>

Dropping to her knees, still holding her gut, Amane gasps as she acts as though she may well be holding her organs in. Well, truth be told she may well be. &quot;Nnnngh... gods damnit all, that fucking hurts... &quot; She Puts her back against a bit of debris and pulls a battered cigarette out of her pocket with her bloody fingers. &quot;Two out of three isn't bad I guess... &quot; she coughs as she lights up &quot;Fuck. Still. If one of those maneaters got away... there could still be victims... &quot;

Emma's portal project.... okay, Portal Gun(tm) cackles with a bit of the etheric potential it'd been flinging around to create little lightning-spewing portals, making Emma blow it off. She very reluctantly climbs down, her skin still pale from terror. &quot;But it's gone, right? It's not going to come back here, right?&quot; She asks, like that's all she can think about right this instant.

Maya gets to Amane's side, limping, her expression tight. &quot;I dunno. I can't chase it.&quot; Quieter, she says, &quot;I got you, Amane. Be still.&quot; She lays both hands on Amane's shoulders, and draws warrior lines on the woman's face. &quot;Be still, and focus on your healing. Focus on your breathing.&quot; Then, swaying slightly, she begins chanting again.

&quot;Breathing, yeah,&quot; says Amane, &quot;I'm pretty good at that.&quot; She sighs, but she breathes... well, like a pro. Maybe it wasn't a joke? There are monks that aren't as good at meditative breathing as she is. &quot;Emma... people will be in danger from that thing. It obviously wasn't normal. Best we figure out taking it down too. But by now... we've lost it.&quot;

Emma doesn't seem interested, or willing to go after the last pig. But she glances up to the big, black bird. &quot;We... could ask the talking crow to find it?&quot; She says, revealing the depths of her bird ignorance.

&quot;Not as bad as it looks,&quot; Maya says softly. &quot;Mother Bear and Wolf will aid you. The power for healing comes from within.&quot; Her attention is... occupied. Going into the messenger bag, she pulls out a bit of plain muslin. &quot;Direct pressure if you can stand it,&quot; she says. And then she's chanting again in that weird language, her eyes closed.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya spends 4 points of Quintessence. Reason: Healing
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">arete</span>, difficulty 3 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

Jim finishes dropping a pebble on the retreating boar, and flies back over. He lands on a bush, and looks around. &quot;Well uh... I reckon it's too late now. Howdy.&quot; He looks at Amane, then rapidly looks away.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya gains 3 points of Paradox. Reason: healing
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">paradox</span> (-2 from Wounds), difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (5, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">8 dice</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 3 successes (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> 2 3 4 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Heads-or-Tails rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">dex + stealth</span>, difficulty 7 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">FAIL</span> (3 4 5 6, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 [<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">HEALTH</span>] Amane heals 4 Lethal damage! She is Unhurt!
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Jim rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">perception + alertness</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 5 successes (2 2 2 4 5 5 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">6</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">8</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Emma rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">perception + alertness</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">7</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">[</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">POOL</span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffff00;background-color:#000000;">]</span> Maya spends 3 points of Paradox. Reason: Backlash
</div>

Heads-or-Tails was coming to visit Maya, because she had promised him a burner phone at their last meeting. He hears voices, so sticks to the long grass in an attempt to remain hidden as he creeps closer. And then he catches sight of the dead skullpigs and swears, rather loudly, alerting all to his presence. &quot;Holy fucking shit on stick!&quot; And yea, that right there is a wolf with a human face and it is not at all normal looking.

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Maya rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">stamina</span>, difficulty 6 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff0000;background-color:#000000;">1</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">9</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
 [<span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">HEALTH</span>] Maya takes 2 Bashing damage! She is Incapacitated!
</div>

&quot;Mmmph. Thanks Doc,&quot; says Amane, chuckling as she continues &quot;This is going to be hard to explain when I get this suit fixed. Yeah... I got gored... by a Rhino that's it.&quot; She gives the raven a chin-up nod, &quot;Hey there. So. You're obviously talking off the cuff. Who's famili... &quot; She looks to Heads-or-Tails and says &quot;Okay. I'm hallucinating or something.&quot;

Right around Charles showing up... the chanting stops, and Maya makes a faint sound of pain, dropping the knife and folding in on herself, arms wrapping instinctively around her body. By the time she hits the ground she is unconscious.

&quot;Hi talking bird.&quot; Emma says, wearily. &quot;You're very...&quot; She pauses and thinks. Yes, she's trying to sex the bird to play into human gender norms. 50/50 odds, right? &quot;Pretty.&quot; She's just about to ask &quot;What are you?&quot; when Charles shows up, and Maya collapses. &quot;Holy fucking shit.&quot; She says, though it's not clear which one prompted the reaction. She does, however, run over to check Maya.

Jim flies over to Maya, and lands beside her. &quot;And this is why I need to learn healing from mama bear,&quot; he softly says. &quot;Name's Jim, and thank you kindly for calling me pretty but..&quot; He looks over to Charles. &quot;Charles, howdy. Do you... know how to heal miss Maya here?&quot;

&quot;Damnit,&quot; mutters Amane, &quot;Maya... &quot; She moves to at least prevent Maya from hitting her head on the ground, laying the knife beside her and checking to see if she is breathing. &quot;She took a pretty heavy hit earlier. Doing what she did now probably tapped her out... I'm sorry Maya... &quot;

Heads-or-Tails shakes his head 'no' in a very human gesture. &quot;You are going to have to explain what the fuck happened here,&quot; the Metis says, as he steps out of the not-so concealing grass. &quot;Those are fucking Skullpigs,&quot; he says, a bit bewildered. &quot;I'll check in Maya's place, see if she has a first aid kit.&quot; That said, the wolf-thingie disapears into the Dreamspeaker's sanctum.

Emma looks up and stares, with some expression mixed between revile and disgust at the man-wolf-thing that heads into Maya's sanctum. She jumps up, apparently having not noticed it before, and starts to back up. A small shiver runs up her spine. &quot;My day just went off the fucking rails.&quot; She says to herself.

Jim looks around at the reactions, then looks to Charles again. &quot;Those critters are nasty. I tried to warn them but we didn't have time to prepare before they came at us.&quot;

&quot;Yeah, you can say that again, Emma,&quot; says Amane. She sits back on her haunches. &quot;Look,&quot; she says to the raven, &quot;I understood something bad was coming. But it's our responsability to make sure innocent people aren't harmed by things from our side of the equation. It's not the first time I've faced down demon beasts. Granted, I was pretty much resigned to only thinning them out a little but fate was against me even if friends were with me.&quot; She sighs, &quot;I'm no medic, but I think Maya will be allright with a little rest thankfully.&quot;

&quot;What the fuck was that? I mean, I can take a magic fucking talking bird named Jim... but *what the fuck was that?*&quot; Emma asks, attention fixed on the direction Charles went, &quot;Will somebody tell me what the fuck is going on here?&quot;

Charles re-appears in his human form, medical supplies tucked under one arm. &quot;Morning, Ms. Emma and I'm afraid that 'thing' was me,&quot; he tells Emma, then looks down at Amane and Maya. &quot;Excuse me, I don't know your name?&quot; Charles enquires of Amane. &quot;Are you injured? I know some basic first aid, if you will allow me to help?&quot;

&quot;Emma,&quot; says Amane, &quot;dial it back. If I knew what was going on here I would tell you. I imagine we will find out if we are patient.&quot; She shakes her head, &quot;I go by Amane. And thanks to Maya I'm fine.&quot; She takes a drag from her bloody cigarette and makes a face, mashing it out on a chrome box she pulls from her coat and stuffing the whole butt inside. &quot;Ugh. Tastes awful.&quot; Nodding to the skullpig corpses she says &quot;So. You called those skullpigs. And you... what are you? Some sort of Chimerae like out of Greek myth?&quot;

Jim flaps to Charles, but then hops over to Emma. &quot;My name is Jim. What those things are, are boars that are tainted by a very powerful spirit. That man there, the wolf you saw, has a deformity. That's why he looks strange as a wolf. I reckon we should drop that part. What's your name and what in the wide world of sports were you shooting?&quot;

Emma does not look any less freaked when Charles re-emerges. If anything, you can almost see the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. And Amane's asking to dial it back did not help. At all. If anything, she's cranking up the dial. &quot;I... I...&quot; Emma stammers, brain basically going into overload. &quot;This is heavy.&quot;

Charles crouches down next to Maya and starts to look her over, carefully straightening out her limbs, rolling up a ball of cloth and placing it under her head. That done, he checks for broken bones, feels for a heartbeat, then looks at her gums of all things. &quot;Alright. Her breathing and heart rate are good. No signs of broken bones or internal bleeding. She had something that looked like smelling salts in here,&quot; he mutters, as he rummages though the bag he came out of the Sanctum with. &quot;I'm Garou. What you would likely call a Werewolf. I am also Metis - which means that I was born with a deformity. That is why I look the way I do as a wolf.&quot; Finding the smelling salts, he pops off the lid and holds it under Maya's nose. &quot;And the Skullpigs are not Fomor, from what I heard, Jim. Seems that they are just animals. corrupt ones, but no spiritual possession is involved.&quot;

<div class="dice">
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> Jim rolls <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">willpower</span>, difficulty 7 
 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;">&lt;&lt;DICE&gt;&gt;</span> 1 success (4 6 <span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#00ff00;background-color:#000000;">10</span>, Specialty: No, Willpower: No)
</div>

Charles crouches down next to Maya and starts to look her over, carefully straightening out her limbs, rolling up a ball of cloth and placing it under her head. That done, he checks for broken bones, feels for a heartbeat, then looks at her gums of all things. &quot;Alright. Her breathing and heart rate are good. No signs of obvious broken bones, but they could still be there. Or fractures, anyway. She should go to a doctor. Colour is okay, so likely no internal bleeding. Bruised all the way to hell and back. She had something that looked like smelling salts in here,&quot; he mutters, as he rummages though the bag he came out of the Sanctum with. &quot;I'm Garou. What you would likely call a Werewolf. I am also Metis - which means that I was born with a deformity. That is why I look the way I do as a wolf.&quot; Finding the smelling salts, he pops off the lid and holds it under Maya's nose. &quot;And the Skullpigs are not Fomor, from what I heard, Jim. Seems that they are just animals. corrupt ones, but no spiritual possession is involved.&quot;

It doesn't *smell* like your typical thing, but the grains have a sharply herbal scent, and Maya slowly awakens. She makes a sound, and turns her face away with a wince.

Jim looks up at Emma, and uses a gift given to him by the spirits for the most solemn of tasks. He imitates Christopher Lloyd. &quot;Great scott! Did your device somehow alter the Earth's gravitational pull?!&quot; But then back to his normal voice. He sees Charles working, and is glad for Maya. &quot;Charles, they use gifts don't they? There's something involved with the spirits... it's complicated I reckon.&quot; Now he walks up to Amane, sizing her up. Her shiny hair does not manage to distract him from his intent. He'd greet her but she's limping out... So he returns to the others. &quot;That was scary.&quot;

Emma is no more at ease when Amane leaves, the young technomancer trying hard to pull her shit together. But she can't; her hands start shaking. &quot;This is... too much, I'm going to... I gotta go.&quot; She says, starting to back away.

&quot;Ms. Emma,&quot; Charles says, as he looks up from Maya. &quot;All I can do is make Ms. Maya comfortable. She really should get to a doctor, or one of yours who can heal. Could you take her to a doctor, or a healer?&quot;

&quot;Circle,&quot; Maya says hoarsely. She brings up a hand, touches the blooming, unnatural bruises at her throat. &quot;The medicine wheel.&quot;

Emma hesitates when Maya speaks, like it's the only thing that she's hearing right now. Bending over, she puts her arm around Maya and tries to help her up, so to move her into her sanctum.

Jim walks back over to Maya again, and just watches a bit. &quot;Well... Emma?&quot; finally catching her name. &quot;It should be safe to go if you reckon you need a rest.&quot;

Maya clenches her teeth and makes a little noise, then looks toward Emma. &quot;We-- okay?&quot; she says quietly. &quot;I-- we can talk tomorrow... after. Y'not hurt?&quot; She sounds vague, a little mumbly.

Charles reaches out a gently restraining hand to halt Emma's actions. &quot;If you wish to bring her inside, I can manage that much.&quot; That said, he slips his arms under Maya's form. Charles grows larger, more muscular. Once in Glabro, it is a simple matter to pick up the Dreamspeaker.

Emma's eyes go wide as Charles changes mass before her, taking a few steps back from the muscular man as she releases Maya and goes back. A few steps, she looks between the three of them. &quot;I'm...&quot; She starts, searching for words. &quot;I'm going to go now.&quot; She looks to Maya like to make sure that she doesn't want Emma to stay, before she starts backing out.

&quot;I am sorry Ms. Emma,&quot; Charles says, as he lifts Maya from the ground. &quot;The last thing I wanted was to frighten you further. I will make Maya comfortable and keep watch as needed. You have my word, on my Honor.&quot;

&quot;Be okay, Emma,&quot; Maya mumbles. She's limp and heavy. &quot;Amane... healed?&quot;
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