Friday, January 29, 2016

5. THE TWO TWINS AND MOTHER

Fig. P5M4 
 
Fig. P5M5


Over the fallen wall, two giant forms make their way toward you. Each one is a set of conjoined twins. The first set is two torsos sharing one pair of legs. The second is a man with his back arched, walking on his hands and feet. His twin is a torso growing out of his stomach. It looks like the twin is riding his brother like an animal.

Each set of twins wields a metal staff that breaks into a small trident at the top. Each of them wears a cape. Even the one with the arched back. Their skin is like old, wet clay. Their teeth are a radioactive yellow hue.

"Telem! Fortunata! What have you there? Blessed ones?! They are chosen?! Praise to the glory of The Activation! It is the glittering spirit of the wind that guides us and protects us!"

The sets of twins break into a song in a language you don't understand. They stand there and sing at you for several minutes. You are a captive audience to their performance.

"Blessed ones," says Telem, "These are the twinses. They guide our journey. They are high priests of The Thrice Church and first lieutenants to Hood Prie, the great spiritual leader to us." Pointing to the twin stalks on two legs, "This Felix and Steven Pettycrow." Then gesturing to the other twins, the one seemingly riding the other, "This Rudy and Harlowe Blackball."

"Telem! Have they accepted The Veiled Activation as their God?" yells Rudy, the twin riding his brother.

"Yes! Father Rudy, they will be with us in The Thrice Church now! They have been touched by The Veiled Activation! They are ready to be baptized into The Thrice Church." He clangs together his hands above his head.

"Come with us, blessed ones," says Felix waving a beckoning hand. "It is the time of The Mother then."
 Fig. P5V1

72 comments:

  1. [@WHOLE PARTY]

    [INVENTORY and STATUS]

    MICKEY - Back behind everyone, holding the now-open sphere, possessing the screwdriver, and the red ring.

    MORN-START - Near Telem, a broken slate tablet in one hand, dripping blood.

    MOSES - Standing with Telem, wearing the skull as a helmet and holding the femur bone.

    WINTER - Standing with Telem, possesses the smaller steel key with the ring and plastic piece. Black stone shard in one hand.

    CELEXIS - An ancient key.

    MAULMUIRE - Near Telem


    [ACCOUNTING]

    I believe MICKEY lost two points of damage.

    ReplyDelete
  2. [MAOLMUIRE]

    [IC] "Where is the Mother?" Maolmuire whispers to Telem. "What does she look like?"

    [OOC] Maolmuire will not step toward Felix until he sees what everyone else does. Even then, he's thinking he might use his "mental phantasm" mutation to put an illusion in the mind of Felix...he's thinking what kind of phantasm he might conjure if things start to go bad. But he will only do that if obvious danger looms. He'll try to stand near Telem as long as possible until then.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MAOLMUIRE]

      Telem says, "The Mother is in her chambers. You must go to her and perform The Baptism. Then I call you brother."

      Delete
  3. [MOSES]

    [IC] "What a wonderful family atmosphere here in the Thrice Church! Off to see Mother then." While he smiles and nods, Moses steals a look at the multi-bladed vehicle by the fallen wall. Is the vehicle's engine running, or turned off? Could they drive it? (Maybe even hot-wire it if required, with some of our keys and tools.) Is it fast enough to outrun humanoids? How many humanoids could fit in the vehicle?

    [OoC] I'm up for exploring the Thrice Church and seeing how far it goes. Maybe they could be allies, or their HQ and leader might be rewarding in some way. They're pretty weird, but then again, so are we! What do you guys think?

    Of course, if they try to make us all eat our own faces or something, we're outta here. I'm not too psyched to fight Telem and the Priestess. That's why I'm checking out the vehicle, for a possible getaway. Mind control and illusions might come in handy for a smooooth exit. We are entering a village with hundreds of 'the children.' Might be tough to fight our way out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MOSES]

      The vehicle's engine is still on. There's a person in the driver's seat. They have goggles, a helmet, some kind of breathing apparatus, a heavy canvas coat, and leather gloves on.

      You surmise the vehicle's primary function is for breaking through and down barriers, not speed or high-performance maneuverability. It has four large, big-tread wheels. But it does look like it could outrun a person.

      There are several other four- and two-wheeled vehicles beyond the one with the blades, outside the wall. They must be The Thrice Church. Some vehicles have tall flags hanging from the backs with the marking III. There are several vehicles in the collection that look to have houses on the wheels. Some of the houses are even made out of brick. The largest house is made out of a mix of found metal and plastic pieces. Smoke billows from a chimney in the center of its roof.

      Delete
  4. [Morn-Start]

    [IC] "Greetings and blessings brzzzztpt-- super sized Thrice Church members. Comfort and service to you all. Hello, Mother, I'm hoo-owme!! Morn-Start the famous favorite when it comes to saving the day with savings. Morning noon and night!!!!"

    Morn-Start walks with the group, his inner mechanics and drives scan the area with caution. He is pleased to see a structure and hierarchy of some sort here at the church, he relates it to the structure of his corporation. He senses his friends trepidation as his analysis is also inconclusive to weather these are truly allies yet. “ He who regards the day sacred, so regards it pzzzzz for the masters sake, start and end everyday the Morn-start way!! with super sized master shakes, now with hologram toppings!!!”

    [Ooc] I get the sense we were going to end up on one side of the war that seems to be going on. The war between the Thrice Church and the flying cult guys we saw. If shit gets too nuts we will go out swinging but I think this is the side we ended up on and we will probably end up calling it home base?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MORN-START]

      Felix greets you with a warm wave, but his brother, Steven, just nods without looking at you. Rudy rides Harlowe over to you and Harlowe attempts to perform some kind of ritualistic greeting, patting your shoulders and head, making cooing sounds. Rudy chastises his brother, "Our ways are unfamiliar to the blessed ones! They are uninitiated!"

      Delete
  5. [Mickey]

    [IC] "Hi," says Mickey's left head, trying not to show how terrified he is. For much of the walk, Mickey has been doing what he's been trained to do — seem invisible, blend into the woodwork, just another mutated animal in a world full of mutated life. He looks down at the smoking sphere again. This mysterious thing that burned his hand. And sensing that it might attract attention, Mickey quietly tries to close it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MICKEY]

      You close the sphere. The smoke billowing out of it has ceased. You surmise that the contents have been exposed to air long enough that its acclimated to being unsealed.

      "Greetings, Rat Heads!" says Felix with a vigorous wave.

      Steven trots over to you with Rudy on his belly. Steven doesn't say anything but pats your chest alternating his hands.

      Rudy says, "Yes, Steven, they are all healthy. The Mother will enjoy them surely!"

      Delete
    2. [Mickey]

      [IC] "Hey, uh. Father Rudy, do you have a light?" says left head to Steven and Rudy, hands shaking, trying to light two cigarettes. "Help a brother — er, two brothers — out?" says right head. "Gotta say, we like your style. You know. Being twins and all."

      Delete
    3. [@MICKEY]

      Rudy goes under his robe and retrieves a small cylindrical object. He thumbs a trigger and a hissing blue flame appears from one end. He leans over and lights the cigs in Mickey's two mouths.

      "This world is full of pain. We must mitigate the pain as best we can, through any kind of external materials, my blessed friend," he says to you, putting the lighter back under his cloak.

      Delete
    4. [Mickey]

      [IC] "Thanks," says left head. Mickey exhales a cloud above his head, slowly drops his shoulders, and actually seems to relax. He peers into his flask and sniffs it.

      [OOC] Is there any booze in my flask?

      Delete
    5. [@MICKEY]

      The cigarette tobacco hits your bloodstream like molasses. Your brains feels half their normal weight.

      You unscrew the metal flask's top. It's pretty well worn. You give the contents a whiff and it knocks you back a bit. Smells like a combination of moonshine and fuel.

      Delete
  6. [Mickey]

    Mickey caps the flask, eyes his ragged T-shirt, and thinks to himself, "If we gotta burn our way outta here, I'll know what to do."

    "Hey, Morn-Start!" says left head. "I don't wanna keep hitting up the Fathers for lights. Didn't realize you had that lighter. You might if I hang on to it for a bit? I can give it back whenever you want."

    ReplyDelete
  7. [OoC] My Lord, I think I'm finally ready to jump in here. But I'm not really sure how you think I should do it. Looks like I'm pretty good-looking (charisma 15), and my AC is 9, which sounds pretty tough. Anything else I need to know? Teddy is basically going to be a mercenary type who likes to fight, as you know I am incapable of problem-solving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@TEDDY]

      Let your imagination and vision for Teddy guide your decisions.

      Delete
  8. [MOSES]

    [OoC] Welcome, Teddy! Ha, we're trying to figure these weirdos out, but there may be a fight soon.

    Winter and Mickey, do you want to try that meta concert of your minds to ask for a straight answer on what the Mother's baptism will be?

    Or should we just go to the Mother and see for ourselves? I have a hunch that she wants to breed with our hot mutant bods.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MOSES]

      These are all interesting ideas and theories.

      Delete
    2. [@MOSES]

      [Ooc]Winter was metaconcert linked with Mickey at the end of chapter 4. Not sure what happened with that. Maybe Mickey snapped out of it?

      Delete
    3. [@WINTER and MICKEY]

      I figure you guys are still linked, since you established the link at the end of the last post, WINTER. You can speak to each other psychically and join your Wills together to make mental attacks, if you choose to.

      Delete
    4. [WINTER]
      [Ooc] Ok! let's continue this thought below

      Delete
  9. [Morn-Start]

    [OoC] Do I have a lighter?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MORN-START]

      Yes, you found it on some of the bodies before leaving the town square.

      Delete
  10. Another figure, handsome, dusty and rogueish, with a rangy physique and hair like thick straw, awakened on the perimeter of the carnage where the rest of the party awakened. So great was his confusion that he merely followed the rest of the group from a distance until he could puzzle out who they were. But now his blood is up and he views the muscular, bronzed figures as quarry. He doesn't know who he is, but he knows he has no tolerance of religious zealotry and would love to burn the Thrice Church to the ground.

    ReplyDelete
  11. [OoC] Hi team! Lord Ben - I'm thinking that when the shit hits the fan I'll activate my character? Make sense? I don't think I have any weapons, so do you think I could search the area for something to attack with? ps. does Fortunata have any steakums?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@TEDDY]

      I consider your character already activated!
      Looking around you find some broken concrete on the side of the road.

      You could ask Fortunata if she has any steakums.

      Delete
    2. Teddy Finds some broken concrete and grabs it, pleased to feel something solid in his fist. Something with which he can draw blood and perhaps find fortune.

      Delete
    3. [@TEDDY]

      The concrete feels good in your hand. It's a sliver of power, of not feeling vulnerable. It's warm and rough in your palm.

      (Also, you can write [TEDDY] at the top of your comment entry so we know immediately who's doing what. Additionally, use [IC] when taking action In Character)

      Delete
  12. [@WHOLE PARTY]

    You see Steven Pettycrow, who has been the least friendly toward your party, start shaking visibly. Felix looks a little worried as Steven tries to use his leg to step toward you.

    "Telem! The come to The Mother now! I can feel her! She calls to me! She wants to baptize these blessed ones! Bring them to her!" he spits at Telem, not even looking at you.

    Telem stands there arms at his sides seeming to access a much-used behavioral sequence, letting the yelling pass over him. He looks at Steven directly but doesn't seem to acknowledge the fit. Fortunata looks a little more uncomfortable.

    You can see two other giant human warriors, similarly clad as Telem and Fortunata, beyond the wall amongst the other vehicles start toward you, presumably hearing Steven's yelling.

    ReplyDelete
  13. [@WHOLE PARTY]

    Telem says, spreading his arms and trying to shepherd you through the opening of the collapsed wall, "Blessed ones, you come with Telem. You become with The Thrice Church. Together we will be as brothers and sisters and face the realities together."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [OoC] Does my character have a view inside the collapsed wall? I'm hesitant to just jump in. I'm going to see if I can trail the rest of the party into the collapsed section to perhaps bring the ruckus should my teammates fall into a freakish trap.

      Delete
    2. [@TEDDY]

      You are standing within the collapsed wall. It appears the wall surrounds some kind of compound, inside of which is the town square where you awakened. The Thrice Church seem to have breached the compound's shield wall with some vehicles brandishing giant chainsaws, some of the saws drip with energy. Beyond the breach you can see several other rugged sand-blasted and charred vehicles. Many have brick houses or pueblos on their beds. There is one very large house with a chimney in the center of its roof with smoke lazily emerging.

      Delete
  14. [WINTER BLACKFORD]

    [IC] The sweet smell of danger tickles the wirey nose hairs of Winters Blackford's battle hardened "Man" head, just as the tactical lobe of his "Meat" head brain kicks into gear. With a gentle love filled spank on Fortunata's firm yet waxy rump, and a suggestive field-tested double-headed wink, Winter locks all eyes on the ocular slits of the Priestesses hockey mask.

    Man Head: "Boy, you're Steven Poopycow over there sure is a wet blankie! Hows about you and us head over to one of those roadside love shacks and find a cool place in the shade?"

    Meat Head: "Wet Blankie"

    Winter makes very sure not to seem too aggressive with his voice or body language as he fishes for more clues as to what these people intend to do. Besides, Winter has a hunch that he and his group can be more demanding now that they are blessed ones!

    [Ooc] Winter observes the Thrice Church wackos reactions to his behavior. Can Winter attempts a metaconcert link with Felix and Steven Pettycrow? Can it be used to see into the others mind and maybe get a reading that way?

    ReplyDelete
  15. [@WINTER]

    Fortunata, the Priestess, appears unfazed by the intimate love tap on her muscular rear, but she does turn to you and meet your gaze. You see something flash across the eyes you see deep within the shadows of the mask. Excitement? Yearning? It quickly disappears and you are met with the steely gaze of a warrior.

    In response to your question she says with a struggle, "After. Baptism."

    Telem's attention has been caught by your action and he adjusts his posture so he's standing square with you. "Blessed, you are welcome to anything in The Thrice Church. This reality is with pain, always. We must find ways to push off the pain. You may have Fortunata," then he steps forward, closing the space between you, "But first you must be baptiiized."

    ReplyDelete
  16. [@WINTER]

    The Thrice Church Twinses observe the exchange between you, Fortunata, and Telem. Only Steven appears to be agitated. He's bobbing as if he has to piss badly, makes quiet whimpering sounds, his face snapping between grimace and worry.

    You can definitely Metaconcert with either set of Twinses, as you are all share a similar mutation of two heads. You may be able to see into their minds, but we'll do a Will check to see how successful you are.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [WINTER]

      [Ooc]I want to attempt a metaconcert with Felix and Steven Pettycrow, specifically Steven (if it works that way) with the intention of looking into their minds for loose thoughts.

      Delete
    2. [Mickey]

      [OOC] I'm so in this! Let me know if I need to roll anything or if we're good to go here. Twins unite!

      Delete
    3. [WINTER]

      [Ooc] For sure, if our four heads are better for this than we must keep the Mickey/Winter link.

      Delete
    4. [@WINTER]

      Yours and MICKEY's minds reach out to Felix and Steven. You feel their minds open to yours. They are aware of your inquiries into their minds. They put up a resistance to your intentions.

      [Tech] WINTER, roll a 1d20. Combined, you and MICKEY have a 15 Will. Since you have the Metaconcert ability, WINTER, you will conduct the roll. You're rolling against the combined Will of Felix and Steven.

      Delete
    5. [@WINTER and MICKEY]

      Your minds swim through a dark red ether. There are many moving forms beneath you, but they are difficult to make out in detail. They are shadows in the smoke.

      The moving shadows are dwarfed by a much larger shadow. It shifts and squirms. It emits a green pulse and belches a low groan. It's amoeba shape creates a tendril which makes its way through the smoke toward you. You feel pain. WINTER, you are insensitive to pain, but it registers in your mind, a foreign, unwelcome feeling.

      The next thing you know you are back in your own minds, like a rubber band snapping back into place. Steven is screaming. "AAAUUURRRGH! They were in our minds!"

      Delete
    6. [WINTER]

      [Ooc] Are Mickey and I still linked? can we do a quick followup probing on Rudy and Harlowe Blackball?

      Delete
    7. [@WINTER]

      Yes, you're still linked. I figure you are until you say you aren't, or take damage. You can do a quick scope of Rudy and Harlowe's minds. Be aware that Steven seems very antagonized by your mental probe.

      Delete
    8. [Mickey]

      [IC] Looks at Winter, concerned. Then gives him a little nod. "Aaaagh!" yells Mickey, pointing at Steven. "What was THAT?! They were in OUR minds!"

      Delete
    9. [@MICKEY]

      Steven cuts off his yelling and cocks his head, looking at you confused. You've given him pause.

      [Tech] Roll a 1d20 under your Charisma for success.

      Delete
    10. [Mickey]

      [Tech] Mickey rolls a 9.

      Delete
    11. [@MICKEY]

      That's a success! Let's wait to see what WINTER's roll result is to determine the final outcome.

      Delete
  17. [MOSES]

    [IC] Holding his friendly piranha smile, Moses slowly inches away from Telem towards the multi-blade vehicle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MOSES]

      You have a clear line to the multi-blade vehicle. There is a church member in the driver's seat observing the meeting.

      Delete
  18. [MAOLMUIRE]

    [IC] Maolmuire confidently addresses Telem. "I am ready for the baptism. Pain is my mistress. Point the way."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MAOLMUIRE]

      Telem acknowledges you, but is distracted by Steven's screaming accusation toward WINTER and MICKEY. He seems like he wants to be polite, but is torn away by the sudden heated exchange.

      Delete
  19. [Morn-Start]
    [IC]Morn Start, the chromium cat shaped machine mascot starts turning his head scanning the situation with a startled alarm. He side steps in the direction of Moses. " No Shoes No Shirts No Dice, make your next move your best zrrrp move, buyers beware all sales final brzp bzrp !!!!" He tosses his lighter to Micky "complimentary lighter for your nerves VIP Rat Man! Catch, the savings bananza we set sales ablaze!!!

    [OoC] Morn Start is ready to take the blade machine with Moses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MORN-START]

      There is no obstacle in your way to get to the bladed vehicle if you choose to move there.

      Delete
  20. TEDDY
    [OoC] Lord - Is it possible for me to sidle into position to help my colleagues potentially capture the multi-blade vehicle? I's ideally like to jump in and help them grab it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@TEDDY]

      Indeed you are in position to run to the blade-sprouted vehicle, should you choose to move toward it.

      Delete
    2. [TEDDY]

      Teddy notices what the other figures are doing, seeing Moses and Morn-Start slowly approach the vehicle, and senses that a donnybrook may commence. He stealthily approaches the vehicle as well.

      Delete
  21. {WINTER BLACKFORD]

    [IC] Winter shakes off the psychic slap and gives a loud confident chuckle. Addressing the group with confidence and ease he tries to calm the situation.

    Man Head: "Woaaahthere Stevie boy, my wet blanket friend. Nooobody is hurting you here. We are THE BLESSED. Show us the respect The Mother demands! Am I right?"

    Meat Head: "He right. Respeck, blankie"

    [Ooc @ Team] Thinking out loud here: We woke up inside this walled town, the protective wall of which has been broken into by these nut jobs who arrived on massive vehicles that look like they can travel the waste land in style. If we make a run for it in a slow vehicle do we leave the town walls or go deeper into the walled town? OR do we attack the Priests and/or steal one of their larger vehicles and make a run for the wasteland? OR do we play along and see what the Mother wants? Exciting times!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@ WINTER]

      [TEDDY OoC]
      My character is really going to interested in killing all of these religious freaks and stealing any riches and weapons they may possess. I'm thinking if we can steal the vehicle, maybe we can use it to kill these giants, since it's equipped with huge blades. What does the team think?

      Delete
    2. [WINTER @ TEDDY]

      [Ooc] I'm game for that or anything really. I do find that MornStart theory interesting however...the one that these are potential allies on one side of a growing war, they just are very strange in appearance and approach. Right now I'm poking them with short soft stick to see if they might reveal more of their true intent.

      Delete
    3. [MOSES @ WHOLE PARTY]

      [OoC] Even though I'm scared it's going to be painful and bad, I do want to follow things through and meet the Mother. Just go all the way. Perhaps she will give us riches or great power. MAOLMUIRE said he is ready to be baptized—should he go first?

      If things get too nasty, though, I'm ready to hijack the blade-truck and jet out of here. I agree with MORN-START that we are outnumbered, and now there's four muscle-giants. Escape sounds better than a long battle. Let's see how the Twinses and friends react to WINTER's mental proddings. If they don't turn on us, I could propose that MAOLMUIRE is ready for baptism.

      Delete
    4. [MOSES @ TEDDY]

      [OoC] Maybe you saw this already, TEDDY, but just thought I'd mention, there are hundreds of Thrice Church believers around us right now, along with the Muscle-Freaks and the Twinses. Normal dudes with daggers and dick-strangling belts. They all kinda scattered and went into buildings around us, but there's a big crowd of them. I don't think we can kill them all, so that's why I'm thinking about the escape vehicle. (Of course, it would also be rad to have a blade-truck.)

      Delete
  22. [@WINTER]

    Steven turns from MICKEY's remark toward you, WINTER. His face is even more confused. His brow is knotted up in worry, his mouth turned down. He almost looks like a child. He appears on the verge of tears from the frustration of confusion.

    [Tech] Roll a 1d20 under your Charisma to drive the hammer home for ultimate success.

    ReplyDelete
  23. [Morn-Start]

    [OoC] I think fighting them right now could be a major mistake we are outnumbered by many.

    ReplyDelete
  24. [@WINTER and MICKEY]

    Steven appears to be very confused. He doesn't know what happened to him, but he knows something did happen and he didn't like it. He can't tell where it came from or who did it to him, but he is very leery of you. You get the sense he doesn't trust you. By contrast Felix doesn't seem as put out by your Metaconcert mind probe. He's smiling and waving his hand at you in a beckoning manner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [Mickey]

      [IC] Mickey's heads smile back at Felix. Scared, but emboldened by his scam, the two-headed rat is ready to be baptized. Whatever the fuck that means.

      [OOC] Can I talk to Winter using the mind-link without anyone knowing?

      Delete
    2. [@MICKEY]

      As long as WINTER is using his Metaconcert ability with you, you can speak to each other without anyone hearing. Things like being surprised, attacked, or taking damage might interrupt the link.

      Delete
  25. [MOSES]

    [IC] "Eager Maolmuire! Would you like the honor of being the first of us to be baptized?" asks Moses.

    ReplyDelete
  26. [MAOLMUIRE]

    [IC]"The Mother awaits. Let us join her!" says Maolmuire, patting Telem on the back like an old friend.

    [OoC] Maolmuire doesn't really want to be baptized, but will pretend to be eager just to get to the "Mother" and see what is at the center of this society. He is looking for weapons as he advances...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. [@MAOLMUIRE]

      Telem receives your gesture with a nod. You sense relief in his body language.

      As you and the rest of the party begin to walk through the wall breach, you can see many weapons. I will fully describe what you see in the next post!

      Delete
  27. [@WHOLE PARTY]

    The Twinses lead you through the breached wall, you step over the fallen pieces and walk past the blade vehicles. A low hum comes from the one to your right, with the energy blade. The drivers of the vehicles are totally covered. There isn't any flesh exposed. They stare at you with goggled and visored eyes.

    Telem and Fortunata take up the rear as your group is guided out beyond the wall. Something in your mind is trying to break free, as if an idea is reaching for your consciousness through some membrane too difficult to penetrate. You have a feeling of uncertainty and vulnerability but are unsure why since no aspect of this place holds any familiarity for you.

    This seems like a good time to start a new post!

    ReplyDelete

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