The Ritual of the Quickdeath


 
     Everyone is gathered together around the  fire at the Oasis...
Brenon is scratching battle plans in the sand...
"we'll use the following plan for our battle strategy...."
    Being impressed with his scrawlings upong the ground...Brenon promptly goes
into the plan...
    "Myself and Telgar will provide a mock flank, angling ourselves at a 45
degree angle so as not to shoot each other <Brenon winks at Telgar>these
Mock Flank positions will have some freedom to move along the beasts
flanks...but do not stray to far along it's flank or you'll be alone with
it turns on you..., Zhirrzh will saturate the kill zone with his
Triax...circumstances allowing...Zhirrzh will remain in a fixed
position.... Raliegh will have a very important duty of pumping sleep
needles into the Quick Death, hopefully we can put this thing to nighty
night...then kill it. Kah'liss I want you positioned here..< Brenon points
to drawings in dirt> You're job at first will be to lob tanglers into the
vecinity of the Quick Death...if those seem to fail begin using the
frags...do all this while carrying extra weapons for those that may need
them..."
      Athru edges up to your fire and introduces you to two additional Ul-Mor that will be joining you in the
Ritual, they are young males, eager to take the Ritual. A bit brash, but it is
apparrent that a lot of their bravado is a front - they've heard stories of the
Quickdeath but as you, they have never seen one. The secrecy of what the
Quickdeath is is held firm in the Ul-Mor society. The Ul-Mor barely hide their
nervousness about the coming ritual, as they each know of Ul-Mor who have joined
another form of the One in the Ritual.
  The two Ul-Mor:
       Re-Dair the Blue
       Afilkh Kwidge Tune
    Brenon watched as Athru approached with two other Squid Heads...
 'Damn' Brenon thought to himself, 'Just what we need two fresh
Squid Heads getting in our way and mucking things up, all they have is
close range weapons.... they'll be completely in our firing zones.' Brenon
immediately takes control of the situation. He greets the two newbies and
in a firm and commanding voice, "Excellent, it will be good to fight side
by side with your kind, this shall be a great bond between your people and
ours. I am honored at the opportunity. Our flanks have need of more numbers
in this battle and it would be wise to strengthen them with these fine
warriors.<Brenon points to Re-Dair the Blue> You will stay at my side and
guard me. <Brenon then points to Afilkh Kwidge Tune> And you will stay at
his side<Brenon points to Telgar> Guarding him... Brenon sees the false
bravado they are displaying and says, "You both appear to be courageous,
strong warriors, you will do fine. When we have weakened the creature, you
two will have the Great Honor of rushing in and delivering the killing
blow" Brenon hopes his fluff works and the two feel important and will stay
out of the way....only time will tell.
        Brenon makes the plans with the additional Ul-Mor, hopefully
     'pursuading' them to stay out of the way...
 
     [DieRoll Brenon]
     Personality check
        d100 = 14       PASS
 
     Personality Checks for all
        d100 = Rolls secret
 
        The two Ul-Mor listen to the plans and discuss with the group. They
     feel a bit more at ease the longer they spend with the team. They felt
     slighted at first, having to go through the Ritual with these
     outsiders, these aliens. Although perhaps a bit disappointed at the
     situation, they decide that it is another test by Athru given them, a
     test of their character and trusting.
        While they do not snub you or are rude to you, it is obvious they
     would rather perform the Ritual with their own kind.
        After Brenon offers the plan, they look it over and agree with the
     plan:
 
    The evening at the Oasis is turned into a festival of sorts, with roasted beasts the Ul-Mor call Kwidges (which they herd), song, and great fanfare. Stories of brave Ul-Mor are told to the young. Many perform dances, some of them with the mind-link and some more open, forming a long ring of Ul-Mor. If any of the team joins in, the Ul-Mor will welcome them openly into the festival.
    Brenon puts his head together with Zhirrzh for a moment and the two talk
about needed supplies for this excursion and they come up with the
following list.

1. Five days of food and water. An extra two days in case this, that, or
the other happens.
2. One blanket each.
3. One everflame each.
4. Two coils of rope.
5. One machete.
6. One compass.
7. One knife each.
8. Kay'liss to use his decresion on amount of medical supplies to bring along.
9. Infra Goggles.
10. Pair of flashlights.

Brenon will also hand out the following weapon assignments....
"I'll be carrying a beam rifle.....I'll also carry some demolitions equipment"
He glances at Telgar's arm...
"Looks like you'll be joining me in the singing of beams. Beam Rifle."
Brenon's eyes fall upon Kay'liss
"You'll have a very important, multipurpose function. I want you to provide
support for the rest of us, you'll hold some extra clips ,also sling two
rifles; a gyrojet and a beam in case ours jam or we're in need of an
alternative weapon. you'll also play as an Granadier, bring with you 3
frags, 2 doze & 2 tangler" Brenon gives Kay'liss a quick wink, he knows
he's given the Vrusk a lot to do.
Brenon turns to Zhirrzh
"I want you on the Needler using Sleep ammo, bring some alternative ammo as
well in case this thing is resilient to the needler's sleep ammo...."
Brenon looks to Raliegh
"Beam rifle my friend. You'll provide secondary support, stick close to
Kay'liss and watch his 6 while laying fire into this 'Quick Death'."

"Now here's the drill, for all we know the Quick Death could be a harmless
little white rabbit....Then again it could be some hulking beast towering 3
or 4 stories with nasty raser sharp teeth... point is, we don't know. So
we've gotta be prepared no matter what....the only intel we've got is that,
a crippled Vrusk and his team were able to take it out, and that they move
fast according to our good friend Arthru.  Telgar, Zhirrzh and myself will
act as a front line with Raliegh and Kay'liss providiing secondary support
while commencing direct fire."
    Brenon will pull Kayliss aside and explain the simplistics of grenades,
usage, blast radiuses, etc....
    "We'll tether ourselves to a rope so that we'll all stick together and no
one can get lost. Zhirrzh, you'll provide point."
    After everyone has tethered themselves together....
"Let's move it out." Brenon signals to Arthru that they are ready.
    Zhirrzh pulls Brenon aside for a moment and speaks with him privately.
After the conversation Brenon announces there will be a few new weapon
assignments.
Brenon addresses the group.
"Zhirrzh will be carrying a Triax auto-rifle instead of the Needler. Raliegh,
instead of a beam rifle, I'm putting you on the needler, you're role will
not change though. Make sure to bring both types of ammmo, sleep and
standard."
    Raleigh looks down at the Needler rifle Zhirrzh just
handed him with a near disgusted look on his face.
"Damnit, I hate these things." he muttered quietly
under his breath. Not feeking like arguing, Raleigh
slings the rifle and gathers some other gear as
well...

1x Gyrojet Pistol (6 clips)
1x Flashlight, preferrably attached to the needler.
1x Techkit...just in case.
1x Medikit(or at least help Kahliss carry supplies)
1x Grappling Gun w/ rope
1x Machete
1x Needler Rifle (10 clips)

Satisfied he had everything he might need, Raleigh
stepped down from the Explorer and bumped into
Zhirrzh. They exchanged glances to one another,
Zhirrzh smiling and Raleigh frowning. Taking a moment
to admire Zhirrzh's gun, he looked back into the tall
Yazirians eyes and winked, "I hate you."
    Zhirrzh nods, picking up his equipment, one of the coils of rope, and the machete. He picks up the auto-rifle, slapping in one clip and putting five extra in his bandoleer. He clips the rifle to his bandoleer and slings the rope over his shoulder. He picks up an SEU clip and puts it in the stunner he appropriated from the pirate on the Dawn. Finally he picks up five spare clips for his auto-pistol, sliding them into his bandoleer as well.
    His equipment secure, Zhirrzh nods to Brenon. "Ready to go."
    Kahliss grumbles silently to himself about being the mulepack.  But, he does see the wisdom in it, and from his estimates ... he could carry said load.  He pulls out the backpack he made sure to acquire for this sort of work.  He puts five days worth of food and water into it, the blanket, a coil of rope, and an everflame.  He dumps in several extra clips for each weapon type.  He finds two side pockets, putting the frag and tangler in one pocket, and the doze in the other.
    With a little intuitive work. He manages to strap the med kit to his chest with the release set so he can open it without having to remove the kit, and without spilling everything everywhere.  He then straps a knife to one leg, before slinging the beam rifle over one shoulder and the gyrojet rifle over the other.    He reduces the strain on his shoulders by actually holding the guns, as well as having them slung.  He imagines he has that Tri-D Action Hero look.  Dripping with weapons and firepower ... and any combat trained soldier could tell you that you couldn't hit the broadside of a barn holding weapons like that....
    "Ready to go sir."
    Now let's just hope that his Stamina could stay up with everyone else's...
Brenon digs through the explorer and gathers the following items:
Brenon will put on a pair of explorer boots and an explorer vest. He will
affix most of the following items to his vest.(6kg, Vest and Boots)

1) Warteck Beam Rifle(set at 5SEU)(3kg)
2) 8 Clips (--Kg)
3) Flashlight (--Kg)
4) InfraGoggles (--Kg)
5) 100 Grams of TD-19 (100 Grams)
6) Radio Detonator (1Kg)
7) Pressure Detonator (1Kg)
8) Knife (Goes into boot sheath) (--Kg)
9) 1 Frag Grenade (--Kg)
10) 5 Days Rations (2.5 kg)
11) 1 Water Ration (4 kg)
11) 2 Holoflares (2kg)
12) 1 Poncho (3 kg)

16.6 Kg
+
Clothing, Vest and Boots (6 kg)
----------------
22.6 Kg

Encumberance Weight: 31kg
Brenon will tether on the rope just behind Zhirrzh.
    ....Brenon also rummages throught the TechKit and pulls out a thick greasy
sticky substance ,some dressing(cloth) from a medkit and an empty water bag
from the trash, he does the following one evening.....
    Brenon installs the radio detonator in the TD-19 he is carrying along with
him. He then carefully meshes some small rocks into the TD-19, giving it a
studded look. He then wraps dressing entirely around the TD-19/Rock combo,
leaving the Receiver on the detonator exposed. Next he covers this
contraption with the thick greasy substance and places it in the empty
water container....he will keep the transmitter easily accessable along
with the TD-19 contraption.
    If anyone asks, Brenon is making a sticky bomb.

    Telgar takes the following:
Knife (strapped to lower leg)
Laser Rifle (strapped over shoulder and set to 5 SEU)
2 Laser Pistols (in shoulder holsters and set to 2 SEU)
2 extra SEU clips (on belt)
SEU Belt [one with full SEU] (around waist)
Infra goggles (on head)
Magnigoggles
Sungoggles
Backpack
5 days food and water
Net tracers
Blanket
Everflame
Flashlight (strapped to rifle)
Skeinsuit (on person)
Net Chrom II (on wrist)
Net Tracers
Net Gun
Net Ears
Explorer Boots (on feet)

     Day 13 on Volturnus.
 
 
        The next morning, when the second moon has set and the sun begins
     to bombard its heat, the Ul-Mor rise and prepare for the journey into
     the burning lands. A large portion of the Ul-Mor remain at the Oasis,
     the young and females not being allowed at the Ritual. Perhaps 60
     Ul-Mor are prepared to ride into the Burning lands (Lopers have been
     provided for you).
        Zhirrzh coordinates hiding the Explorer at some of the rocks near
     the Burning Lands. Once complete, the team heads eastward, staying
     close to the Ul-Mor.
        The Lopers jump nervously when the phosperous ignites. The deeper
     you travel into the wasteland, the more frequent the blasts. Your
     Lopers dash wildly away multiple times, often requiring the help of a
     nearby Ul-Mor to calm the creature down (The Ul-Mor find these actions
     extremely funny and laugh openly at your expense). You begin to
     understand the power of the mind-link that the Ul-Mor have with the
     Lopers; they are the perfect model of rider to mount.
        After a 12 hour ride in the Burning Lands, passing numerous
     geysers, gas fissures, and even a small lava flow erupting through the
     crusty ground, you come to a network of dark caves in the side of a large
rock outcropping. Dark and forboding, steam hissing from cracks in the ground,
the area is almost too much for your Lopers. Blasts of steam from nearby geysers
scare the mounts so that finally an Ul-Mor is assigned to each of you to calm
the beasts. While the other Ul-Mor find amusement in this, you see Afilkh Kwidge
Tune and Re-Dair the Blue exchange worried looks with each other.
        Athru approaches on his Loper and addresses everyone, but most
specifically you. "We must all be one and stick close," he warns. "Inside the
caverns is an endless expanse of caverns, teeming with unknown dangers. We go in
as one and we leave as one. These are the Forbidden Caverns. Careful and alert
you must be."
 
        The party makes their way inside one of the caverns. The mood quickly
changes to that of quiet alertness as the light fades into darkness. The Ul-Mor
are impressed with your flashlights and usher you to the front to help the
leaders see. The tunnels are between 5 and 10 meters wide, while the ceiling
rises as high as 12 meters. Occasionally, the tunnels spread into
underground rooms as much as 1 kilometer in diameter, with ceilings as high as
20 meters. Often rooms are illuminated by phosphorescent minerals lined in the
cavern walls; at times your 'Sun sticks' are not even needed.
        You constantly pass large stands of a mushroom-type fungus growing from
the cavern floors. The stalk of this fungus is almost as thick as a small tree
trunk. There is nothing else unusual in these caverns.
        As you move along, you pass many smaller passages leading away from the
main path, but the Ul-Mor carefully avoid these passages and warn you to do
the same.
    Day 16 on Volturnus.

   As you continue to stumble through the caverns, you see a beam of light
far ahead. The air is warm and fresh, almost overwhelming after the days of
breathing the dank cavern air. The Ul-Mor squeak quiet, excited shouts of
joy as the welcome sunlight grows increasingly brighter with each step
forward.
   Before completely exiting the caverns, Athru halts the group. He gives
thanks for the journey and allows everyones eyes to begin adjusting to the
bright desert sun.
   After three days travel, you finally emerge from the caverns. The blazing
heat of the surface is actually a welcome change to the dark, dank caverns
under the wastelands. Athru allows you several hours rest to accustom your
eyes to the environment and mentally prepare for the Ritual.
    A pair of Ul-Mor uncover a large gong-type instrument mounted onto the
natural limbs of a protruding rock. Ul-Mor writing and a ceremonially
painted rocks give homage to Ul-Mor who joined a different form of the One
and failed the Ritual. This, clearly, is the Place of True Warriors. The sun
drops soon and the stars creep slowly across the sky. {Insert the gospel
singing scene from Glory here :) }
   Everyone knows that on the morrow, the Ritual of the Quickdeath will
commence.
 


Day 17 on Volturnus.

  Athru comes to you on the morning of the fourth day and says, ''It is now
time for the Ritual of Manhood. Those who survive will become Ul-Mor. Those
who do not will become a different form of the One. Take spears." He offers
each of you a spear. "It is time."
  Athru and several other Ul-Mor lead you to the ritual area which is
perhaps 50 meters from the rocks. The other Ul-Mor have withdrawn to a safe
distance. The other Ul-Mor offer you a straw dummy, shaped roughly like
yourself. Fonn-Ar the Warrior says, "The Quickdeath is nearly blind when it
strikes. May it attack these first."
  Athru says, "May you fare well against the quickdeath." The Ul-Mor mount
their Lopers and withdraw to join the other Ul-Mor. The team gets in their
formation, scanning the desert for anything. What was this Quickdeath? Was
it another Sandworm? The silence of the desert is unnerving. A soft wind
begins to pick up, an almost foreboding premonition to the unknown attacker
everyone nervously waits on.
    Kahliss sees the light at the end of the tunnel and fills with a mixture of relief and dread.  At the end of that tunnel was light and the end of waiting .. it was also where the Quickdeath was.  He thought back to the last couple days, the party with the Ul-mor ... he was still going to claim to have had too much to drink, not that he actually had enjoyed himself trying to join in the Ul-mor dances and the rich culture of this people.
    The last couple days had also been interesting, watching the reactions of the Ul-mor to the SunSticks, talking to the two young Ul-mor about topics that weren't tribal secrets.
    Now .. the trial commenced...
      The gong lets out a loud bang, shattering the silence. Immediately the
Ul-Mor begin chanting in loud shrieks. The gong continues, its pace
quickening.
    With the sound of the gong, Kahliss awoke from his daze and readied himself. Taking one of the straw dummies, he pushed the offered staff through the dummy.  Thus giving it both support to stand on it's own ... and the Quickdeath an added second or two delay as it attempted to rend the dummy without getting poked.  Hopefully, the nearblind creature wouldn't realize the spear went through the dummy, but thought it was being held instead.
    Now he takes the weapons and moves back, leaving his dummy with the others in the vicinity.  He raises his guns, no real aim .. but if the Quickdeath did decide to charge him, he should get two good shots from two different weapons at very close range....

  "Get Ready," Zhirrzh mumbles. Everyone looks around, squinting at the
horizon. Nothing.
  The two Ul-Mor ready their spears and begin chanting a warrior's creed.
  Telgar scans the horizon with his magnigoggles. "I don't see anything."
The ominous chanting of the Ul-Mor and the crash of the gong makes you dizzy
with anxiety. What was out there?
    Telgar intends to stick to the plan that Brenon had discussed days before - create a false flank.  He starts quickly moving at a 45 degree angle around where he anticipates the beast to ultimately end up, motioning for Afilkh Kwidge Tune to follow and also taking the spear and dummy.  Under any other circumstances, Telgar may have been surprised at the size and shape of the beast, but because of his short stay here on V, Telgar is not phased.  Upon reaching a satisfactory spot, Telgar drops down on one knee, drops the spear and dummy, draws his rifle, double checks the connection to his SEU beltpack, props one supporting arm on his knee, and draws a bead on the beast's head.  He motions to Tune to keep down.  Telgar hopes that the native remembers the plan and will adhere to it.
        Raleigh waits patiently for the beast to come. Already he had set his dummy up in front of him, leaning back
slightly against the spear he had planted into the ground as a punji stake of sorts. Now, with the Ul Mor
chanting and the gong ringing, he waits.
    Reflecting back on the teams experiences on this rock, he smiles to himself. How he had first met Zhirrzh and
the big Yazirian had taught him what a real combat specialist was capable of. How he had originally not
liked Brennon for his outward hatred of Kahliss, but how well he took the leadership role once it was put
on him. He smiled as he watched Telgar get ready and remembered how well they had fought alongside one
another against the Pirates. And then Kahliss, his mentor of sorts, always there to guide him and help
him. Briefly he felt remorse for the loss of Rolgar and Lyrium, how they had died so tragically...and then
he saw it.
  Suddenly, you see a tiger-sized creature covered with some sort of
reflective armor running toward you. It has a long neck and hideous head.
You can see that its gaping jaw is filled with sharp teeth, and that it has
four eyes mounted on stalks above its head. Three small tentacles ending in
suction cups dangle from each of its sides. This hideous beast is running
toward you at an unbelievable speed, and is apparently going to attack.
 
  So, this is the Quickdeath.
 

[DieRoll Quickdeath]
Spotting (due to speed)
        d100 = 26 PASS

The Quickdeath is charging at such an unbelievable speed that you do not
even notice it until it is 120 meters away.
 
    'Damn' Brenon thinks, mirror-type armor...my weapon may prove ineffective
against this beast....he quickly switches his rifle to 10 seu....
    At first, the beast just seemed to appear out of the desert as if in a dream. Soon, however, Raleigh
understood that this was no dream...more like a nightmare.
    Crouching down, he gripped the needler tightly in his hands and made sure, for the thirtieth time at least,
that there was a fresh clip of sleeper ammo loaded.
    Deep down inside, he prayed this wouldnt be the end.
    Not here, and not like this.
 
 

[Turn 1]

    Everyone takes intervals about 15-20 meters apart, trying to flush the Quickdeath into the center of the horseshoe attack. Zhirrzh switches his holo-screen on, hoping to become invisible to the beast.
[DieRoll HoloScreen]
    80% chance: d100 = hidden
 

                                        Brenon
                            Ul-Mor

   Kah'liss

                    Zhirrzh                                                                            Quickdeath
                                                                                                          <-----
         Raleigh
                               Ul-Mor
                                        Telgar
 

[DieRoll Quickdeath]
    Roll for Melee attack of Quickdeath
        d6= 1    BRENON
   Roll for Ranged attack of Quickdeath
        d10/2= Ul-Mor (Tune)

[Roll for Initiative]
    Quickdeath IM 8 +d10 (4) = 12
    Team IM 8 +d10(6) = 14
        Team has initiative.

    In a matter of seconds, the Quickdeath descends upon the group, covering the 120meters in a blink. Apparently a smart creature as well, it lunges straight for your flank, turning dead into Brenon.
    Zhirrzh raises the Triax and fires. He is amazed at the speed of the creature, and finds it hard to adjust his aim for the creature. The Quickdeath quickly cuts its distance in half before Zhirrzh has a chance to fire.
[DieRoll Zhirrzh]
    Base Column +2
    Medium Range -1CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
    Large Creature +1CS
    Adjusted Column = 0
        Roll = 29    YELLOW    3 damage   == 1/2 protection = 2 damage
        Roll = 64    WHITE    MISS
        Roll = 14    BLUE    9 damage == 1/2 protection = 4 damage
        Roll = 93    WHITE    MISS
        Roll = 84    WHITE    MISS
        Roll = 72    WHITE    MISS
 
    Telgar raises his Laser Rifle and fires as well, trying to adjust for the incredible speed of the Quickdeath.
[DieRoll Telgar]
    Base Column +1CS
    Medium Range -1CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
     Large Creature +1CS
    Adjusted Column = -1CS
        Roll = 89    MISS
        Roll = 90    MISS

    Raleigh raises the Needler...At about 60 meters, he fires. Medium Range could easily score a hit.
[DieRoll Raleigh]
    Base Column +2
     Medium Range -1CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
     Large Creature +1CS
    Adjusted Column = 0CS
        Roll = 49    MISS
        Roll = 31    HIT    YELLOW    Damage Unspecified
        Roll = 78    MISS

    Brenon, seeing the Quickdeath change course directly for him, aims his Laser rifle quickly and fires.
[DieRoll Brenon]
    Base Column +4
    Medium Range -1CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
    Large Creature +1CS
    Adjusted Column = /0
        Roll = 55    MISS
        Roll = 93    MISS

    Kah'liss watches in awe at the speed of the creature, noting the many misses of the firing crew in front of him. His hands grip tighter around his weapons, ready for the worse...
    At 30 meters, Kah'liss is shocked to see the Quickdeath's tail snap as a whip towards their right flank....
 
[DieRoll Quickdeath]
    Dart Tail
    Base Column +4
    Medium Range -1CS
    Adjusted Column = +3
        Roll = 12    HIT    COBALT    10 damage - Poisoned

    ...Afilkh Kwidge Tune shrieks in pain as a sharp stinger slams into his head. Telgar looks over and sees the oozing stinger protruding a few inches below the young Ul-Mor's left eye. It drops its guard a moment as it tries to beat the pain away. It then raises its head, spear ready, breathing heavy.

[TURN 2]
Roll For Initiative
Quickdeath IM 8 +d10 (3) = 11
Team IM 8 +d10(9) = 17
    Team has initiative.

    The Quickdeath is practically on top of Brenon. Frustrated in missing his first initial shots, he couldn't determine if he should resort to the sticky bomb hidden in the straw dummy. Right now, however, it was a one on one struggle - if the rifle didn't work, hopefully the beast would attack the dummy. Then perhaps the bomb could be triggered. With the beast's ungodly speed, there was no time to jump out of the blast radius. He fired again with the rifle.
[DieRoll Brenon]
 Base Column +4
    Point Blank +2CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
    Large Creature +1CS
    Aim at Head -2CS
    Adjusted Column = +2
        Roll = 20    BLUE    120 Damage === skin reflects 1/4 damage = 90 damage
        Roll = 86    MISS

    Re-Dair the Blue, standing near Brenon, lunges forward and attacks the Quickdeath. Whether or not he was confused about the plans or just got carried away, he jumps into the action. As far as he is concerned, it is his ritual of manhood as well, and he isn't going to sit back and watch it go by...With its armloads of spears, the Ul-Mor bravely lunges at the creature.
[DieRoll Re-Dair]
Melee
Base Column +0
    Roll = 64
    Roll = 100
    Roll = 98
    Roll = 28    YELLOW    4 damage == armor 2 damage
 
    Raleigh sees Re-Dair jump into the fray and watches as Brenon fires in a hasty retreat, trying to keep the dummy between him and the Quickdeath. He sees his opening and fires with the Needler.
[DieRoll Raleigh]
 Base Column +2
    15m    Short Range +0CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
    Large Creature +1CS
    Adjusted Column = +2
        Roll = 32    GREEN    No Damage
        Roll = 31    GREEN    No Damage
        Roll = 19    BLUE        No Damage
    "Damn!" Raleigh yells, tossing the Needler Rifle as far as he can. "I hate this gun!" He made 3 clear shots, and watched the clump of needles bounce harmlessly off of the Quickdeath. He pulls his Gjet pistol out...

   Zhirrzh curses under his breath as the sees the Ul-Mor lunge into Melee range with the beast. He hopes his shots are true.
[DieRoll Zhirrzh]
Base Column +2
    20m     Short +0CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
    Large Creature +1CS
    Adjusted Column = /0
        Roll = 44
        Roll = 71
        Roll = 83
        Roll = 83
        Roll = 18    GREEN    6 == armor  = 3 damage
        Roll = 80

    Afilkh Kwidge Tune charges towards the Quickdeath as well, still in pain from the stinger. Telgar grunts to himself and rushes 10 meters in an arc to his right, trying to get a clear view of the beast, keeping Zhirrzh and Afilkh out of his line of sight.
    Afilkh Kwidge Tune takes 10 damage to poison.

[DieRoll Telgar]
Base Column +1
        30m     Short +0CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
    Large Creature +1CS
    Aiming at Head -2CS
    Running -1CS
    Adjusted Column = -1
        Roll = 88
        Roll = 1    HIT 125% damage = 100 damage === 1/4 reflected = 75 damage
            Head wound 50% unconscious d100 = 43 not unconscious
 
[DieRoll Quickdeath]
    The Quickdeath lunges at Brenon, its eyes retracting just before the attack. Hopefully it will attack the dummy instead of him...
Claws - Base Column +2CS
    Roll = 34    YELLOW    15 damage
    Straw Dummy? 50%    d100 = 41
Maw - Base Column +2CS
    Roll = 72    MISS
    The area around Brenon rains straw as the Quickdeath devours the dummy, shaking its head angrily at the grass victim.
[DieRoll BOMB location]
  1-4 Stuck to Quickdeath 5-10 scattered
        d10 = 8
    Kah'liss notices a larger clump of dummy sling through the air as the Quickdeath destroys it. He notices the radio detonator protruding from the clump and sighs. Good idea, but the bomb was now out of the quesion. As close as it is to everyone and as fast as it is, it would probably be impracticle anyway, as scrambling away from the blast radius looked impossible before the beast would be back on you.

[Turn 3]
Roll for Initiative
Quickdeath IM 8 +d10 (4) = 12
Team IM 8 +d10(10) = 18
    Team has initiative

[DieRoll Ul-Mor]
    The Two Ul-Mor are now engaged full melee with the quickdeath, jabbing their spears into the hide..
Column +2 with spear thrust
Roll 90
Roll 28    GREEN     7 damage --- armor = 3 damage
Roll 56
Roll 29

Roll 12    BLUE    11 damage --- armor = 5 damage
Roll 69
Roll 38    YELLOW   4 damage --- armor = 2 damage
ROll 27    GREEN    7 damage --- armor = 3 damage

    Afilkh Kwidge Tune thrusts angrily into the Quickdeath, hitting home in several places.
    Afilkh Kwidge Tune takes 10 damage to poison.
 
[DieRoll Brenon]
    With the two Ul-Mor fully engaged, Brenon decides against aiming directly at the Beast's head. With the Ul-Mor jumping in and with the Beast's head snapping quickly in different directions, swooping next to the Ul-Mor, he decides to test the weapon on the body itself...
 Base Column +4
    Point Blank +2CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
    Large Creature +1CS
   Adjusted Column = +4
        Roll = 89
            Hit Ul-Mor?  40% d100 = 77  MISS
        Roll = 18    BLUE    120 damage --- armor reflection == 60 damage

[DieRoll Zhirrzh]
Base Column +2
    20m     Short +0CS
    Extreme Speed -3CS
    Large Creature +1CS
    Adjusted Column = /0
        Roll =   53    Hit Ulmor?    18    9 damage to Afilkh Kwidge Tune
 
    Zhirrzh curses when he realizes he shot the Ul-Mor. It's too crowded in there! He slings the rifle and draws his machete. That Quickdeath was bleeding and was obviously weakening. He didn't want to be responsible for killing any coming-of-age Ul-Mor. They may face an entire war party of Ul-Mor if that happened! "Close in! Don't use Ranged Weapons!" With that, the Yazirian growls his battle rage and jumps into the battle..
    Telgar was about to fire when Zhirrzh announced the melee. He curses, but shoulders his weapon, drawing his laser pistols to get in some good point blank shots. He rushes closer to the beast. Being the furthest away from the fray, he is the last to get into the fray...
    Raleigh slings his weapon as well, wields his machete, and lunges into the battle. Kah'liss watches with a mixture of horror and extreme curiosity, stepping closer to the fray, looking for a chance to help.

[DieRoll Quickdeath]
    The beast continues its attack on Brenon, this time reaching at him with the rubbery tentacles hanging from his front.
Base Column +2
    Roll = 2    COBALT    10 points    Skeinsuit absorbs damage
The tentacles grab Brenon and with little effort lifts him into the air towards the razor sharp teeth of the Quickdeath. Piercing down on Brenon, he's glad Streele provided those skeinsuits. Eyes bulging with the pressure of the Jaw, he tries to break free of the hold, both from the mouth and from the grapple he is in with the tentacles.
Base Column +2
    Roll = 82
    The Quickdeath strikes with his claws at Afilk but the weakened Ul-Mor dodges the attack.

[TURN 4]
Roll for Initiative
Quickdeath IM 8 +d10 (1) = 9
Team IM 8 +d10(3) = 11
    Team has initiative.

[DieRoll Ul-MOR]
   The Two Ul-Mor are now engaged full melee with the quickdeath, jabbing their spears into the hide..
Column +2 with spear thrust
Roll 91
Roll 3    BLUE    14 dmg    --- armor = 7 damage
Roll 100    Spear snaps
Roll 11    BLUE  14 dmg    --- armor = 7 damage

Afilk /0 with wounds
Roll 13    BLUE    10 dmg --- armor = 5 damage
Roll 88
Roll 83
ROll 32   YELLOW    3 damage --- armor = 1 damage

Afilkh Kwidge Tune takes 10 damage to poison.
    Afilkh strains and squeals a hard breath. He had continually felt weakened in the short battle, but he could fight it no longer. The poison of the stinger paralizes its heart, and the Ul-Mor sinks to the ground, dead.
    Brenon groans from the pressure of the Quickdeath jaws and tries to break free...
[DieRoll Brenon]
Base Column +1
    Break from Hold
        Roll = 5 BREAK!
    Brenon heaves and throws an elbow at the beast, knocking it squarely on the jaw and pushing himself away from the deadly teeth. He breaks from the grasping tentacles and lands with a thud on the ground. He pulls his machete out in a roll and jumps up to attack...

[DieRoll Zhirrzh]
Battle Rage Check = 71    no rage
    He jumps into the Quickdeath, trying to stab deep into the beast.
Melee +1 Base Column
    Roll = 62
    Roll = 61
 
    Zhirrzh strikes several times, but the machete fails to pierce its hide.

[DieRoll Raleigh]
    Not wanting to miss out on this cutting session, Raleigh hurls himself at the Quickdeath.
Melee +1 Base Column
    Roll = 89
    Roll = 2    BLUE    14    armor = 7 damage
The machete pierces deep into the Quickdeath; the creature's hind legs waver under the weight of its attackers.

[DieRoll Telgar]
    Seeing the crowd closing in on the Quickdeath, Telgar drops his pistols and attacks with his knife...
Base Column +1
    Roll = 61
    Roll = 12    BLUE    10 damage  - armor = 5 damage

    The Quickdeath lets out a growl of anger, rage, and pain as its hind legs collapse again. It's front legs waver weakly, and the team continues to make quick work of it. Blood gushing from its wounds, the Quickdeath finally collapses with a thud on the desert floor.
    As you look at the carnage before you, the scattering of straw, the broken spears, and the fallen Ul-Mor, a group of Ul-Mor ride up, led by Athru. When he reaches you, he dismounts. "You have done well," he says. "We are now One, for you are Ul-Mor."
 
 

                              -----------------------------------------

Referee's Notes:
    And this is the end of Module 1: Crash on Volturnus.
        You each receive an additional 9 XP !!!!

Congratulations Bryan on your wedding - have a good week! Let me know what your intentions at this point are...