ATTG Season 1 B-Team, Session 9: To Hades!

 

Casting

• Adelphin "Adel" Jean-Baptiste (Laurie) Domains (Death and Magic), child of  Werethekau and Baron Samedi. Machiavellian meddler. Power unto herself. Adelphin can kill with a glance, manipulate magic as if she were born to it (she was), and doesn't seem to be able to actually die. Tagline: "I'm not the devil, but betray me and I will show you hell".
• Siv (NPC) Child of Odin, handed to Adelphin for protection.
• Cosmos aka Management (Ally), an unusual cat that is her hotel manager.
• Rui Qui (Ally) Theogenic demigod, hacker, magician.
• Liam O'Shea (Randy) Domain (Strength) and child of Dagda. A huge, powerful, and deadly warrior. A druid and generally a likeable guy. Taught the old ways but is comfortable with the modern. He's traveled much of the world and is looking to see even more. Tagline: "I told you I wouldn't fit."
• Mitzidu Ito (Rory) Domains (Business, Hearth/kitchen), child of Inari and Kojin. The teams business guru, event planner and entertainer. Taglines: "Life never tasted this good before!" and "The Hearth is the heart of the home, but food is the soul of a community"
• Suveer Patel (Christian) Domain (Clearing Obstructions), child of Ganesh.  Martial artist and student of a thousand styles, Suveer is one of the teams upfront fighters with fists or his gauda (mace). He can get past any obstacle put before him. Tagline: "You are in front of me and no obstacle can stop me. Find a better place to be."
• Yannis Papadopoulos aka The Courier (Chris D.) Domains (Communication, Secrets, Rainbows), child of Harpocrates and Arke. Team sneaker and postman. If you see him, its already too late, your package has been delivered. Tagline: "The thirty minutes or less policy is for those that like to live dangerously."
• Chad (NPC), child of Cupid
• Auriol (NPC)

GMs Commentry

The Setup

The group is all back in the war room after a 4 hour rest and cleanup/bandaging from the motel scene.

The plan is to go to to Hades to get the third piece of the sword. Mitzadu asks Auriol why she hasnt given them the piece she has since that was the deal for rescuing her daughter. He would like to get that piece as far away as posible before going after the next one. Auriol says she will give it to us if we get the last piece out of Tartarus and if we dont give it to Poseidon as a bargaining chip to leave her alone. Mitzadu and Adelphin both object to that with Adelphin saying shell simply kill her and bring her back as a zombie before letting that happen.  Auriol is a bit taken aback and rethinks her situation.

Mitzadu tells the group of his plan to give each piece to a separate pantheon so no one can have the completed sword. Also that Hades didnt object to the idea.  However a powerful offscreen voice informs the party that all the pantheons would be afraid to get involved so the plan wont work. The voice then proclaims they cant decide what to do with the swords now as they have to hurry to Tarterous.

The Journey

Yannis is still extremely unhappy about participating in this venture and refuses to go with the group but will open the portal.

The rest opt to go, with Auriol leading the way as she knows its location. We portal into Hades by the river Styx and wait for the ferryman. Mitzadu asks for the toll and Adelphin forks over some jewelry, then all pile in with Liam a little surprised the boat does not overturn or sink.

We are carried quickly to the gates of Tarterous which are wide open. Almost like someone wants us to succeed and quickly be on our way...

The group wanders a short distance and up a huge hill surrounded by trees with people hanging from them.

Cyclops!

As the group gets near the top they see a huge alter with 8 twelve foot tall cyclops guarding it. Plans are quickly made and its decided to have Adelphin and Rui rush the alter to check out the sword in its middle and any protections that need to be countered. Liam and Suveer flank their left, Mitzadu and Chad flank right, and Auriol brings up the middle between them.

Liam summons his godly strength and tries to chop one ion half but his blow is deflected. Suveer leaps to his aid, the giant misses Liam and together the two quickly fell him by first breaking his pelvis with a power that reflects his blows off Liam's new shield then chopping off an arm before mercifully killing him.

Chad tries to place an arrow in a cyclops eye but the arrow is slapped away with a might axe. Mitzadu swings twice at the torso (Rapid Strike and Deceptive Attack) but does little damage, holding one attack back for a counterattack. Auriol tosses a bolt of darkness at it but misses. Mitzadu uses his remaining attack to hurt it some more.

The cyclops swings at Chad who dances back out of the way (thanks to a Tactics reroll). Mitzadu then sees another cyclops run up to Auriol and charges it and this time opts for a strike to its large single eye. He hits both times, killing it instantly.

Chad shoots the cyclops they were fighting in the eye, blinding it.

Liam picks up Suveer and throws him at a cyclops that is a bit behind the others in the first wave and Suveer kills it with the force of the move and his sharp sword.

Meanwhile at the front of the line Rui protects them both with a wall of swords and Adelphin uses her death gaze.

Chad hits the cyclops again before its finished off by Suveer.

Rui figures out the sword is a fake!

Auriol quickly (perhaps too quickly?) protests she didnt know.

A Cry From on High

As the group gathers to leave and takes a final look around Liam notices a dog hanging from a tree and Mitzadu hears a voice in Russian saying "Save the dog". As Liam is already doing that, Mitzadu asks the man why hes here and if he saw what happened to the sword. He mumbles something about wishing to see his wife and daughter one last time.  Mitzadu finally recognizes his old teacher and friend Koschei the Deathless and goes to cut him down. As a godling he shouldnt be here, especially in mortal form. The man doesnt recognize him and keeps mumbling and Mitzadu assure him he will take him to them. Adelphin comes down from the alter and recognizes her adopted father.

She casts Sense Sin on the dog who appears as pure as the driven snow and they all opt to leave.

As they leave the gates Adelphin leaves some jewelry, Suveer a sandwich, and Mitzadu that special Italian sandwich he knows is Hades favorite.

The group summons the ferryman and quickly depart. A tip is discussed and Mitzadu makes a delicacy from his magical rice grinder for Charon who is inordinately pleased. Rui has meanwhile collected a gallon of water from the river (careful not to touch it) and Adelphin offers a bracelet to the river in return - it throws it back somewhat changed.

Charon gives them both a handshake

Aftermath

Mitzadu treats and feeds Koschei and once he is sure he is stable sends a magical message to his wife - Baba Yaga.

She replies she will be there immediately and Mitzadu, not wanting an angry Baba Yaga scaring the guests (or worse) as she tries to find her lost husband goes out front to meet her. She shows up in her chicken hut but its magically covered with a "You dont really see this" spell so no trouble there. Shes furious, demanding to see him and Mitzadu escorts her along with Adelphin.

Words exchanged, people and dogs treated, and threats made before things settle down. Auriol fearfully asks if that was really her - likely really rethinking that strategy of pissing off Adelphin by giving the piece to Poseidon.

Afterthoughts

Surprisingly quick fight scene, the GM said he needs to toughen them up. The players were just happy at not dealing with automatic weapons!

The group, or at least Mitzadu needs to see the Oracle and all figure out a next move.

Who has the third piece? Did Poseidon get it early to keep Zeus from stopping him after he had the other pieces? Did Zeus grab it to keep Poseidon from getting it? Or was it yet another new party altogether?

If the group gets a piece how can they destroy it or otherwise keep it out of the Olympian hands? Should they? The thought crosses Mitzadus mind to let Poseidon get the pieces and let the Olympians have their own civil war.

ATTG Season 1, Session 8 Hot Time in the City

 

Casting

• Adelphin "Adel" Jean-Baptiste (Laurie) Domains (Death and Magic), child of  Werethekau and Baron Samedi. Machiavellian meddler. Power unto herself. Adelphin can kill with a glance, manipulate magic as if she were born to it (she was), and doesn't seem to be able to actually die. Tagline: "I'm not the devil, but betray me and I will show you hell".
• Siv (NPC) Child of Odin, handed to Adelphin for protection.
• Cosmos aka Management (Ally), an unusual cat that is her hotel manager.
• Rui Qui (Ally) Theogenic demigod, hacker, magician.
• Liam O'Shea (Randy) Domain (Strength) and child of Dagda. A huge, powerful, and deadly warrior. A druid and generally a likeable guy. Taught the old ways but is comfortable with the modern. He's traveled much of the world and is looking to see even more. Tagline: "I told you I wouldn't fit."
• Mitzidu Ito (Rory) Domains (Business, Hearth/kitchen), child of Inari and Kojin. The teams business guru, event planner and entertainer. Taglines: "Life never tasted this good before!" and "The Hearth is the heart of the home, but food is the soul of a community"
• Suveer Patel (Christian) Domain (Clearing Obstructions), child of Ganesh.  Martial artist and student of a thousand styles, Suveer is one of the teams upfront fighters with fists or his gauda (mace). He can get past any obstacle put before him. Tagline: "You are in front of me and no obstacle can stop me. Find a better place to be."
• Yannis Papadopoulos aka The Courier (Chris D.) Domains (Communication, Secrets, Rainbows), child of Harpocrates and Arke. Team sneaker and postman. If you see him, its already too late, your package has been delivered. Tagline: "The thirty minutes or less policy is for those that like to live dangerously."
• Chad (NPC), child of Cupid

Comparing Notes

Adelphin calls for a meeting and Mitzadu readily agrees as he has some info he wants to share. Liam isnt back yet but shows up during the meeting bearing food and drink from his trip to Tir Na Nog.  He gives two apples to Adelphin and two to Mitzadu, these are the famous Emain Ablach from the Isle of Apples, sometimes called Avalon. They will help recover magical energy from spellcasting.  Also he is carrying a keg of beer and a side of bacon with healing properties. The rather irreverent Suveer tries to swipe the back for a sandwich but Liam guards it carefully.

The team is brought up to speed on everyone's recent meetings and visits with family, friends or associates and a plan is hatched for finding and rescuing Cora from Poseidon's clutches as we know she is on earth, likely guarded by Spartans.

Mitzadu shares some of the sake he got from his father and tells everyone he was advised they should talk with the Oracle of Delphi who is in town for the harrowing. Hes not thrilled about it as he doesnt much like prophecy or predestination and Greek prophecies tend to be among the worst.

He also tells them about the plans he made with the police chief, his meeting with Ares, and requests Adelphins help in contacting Hades.

Hello Hades, Have Some Sake and a Sandwich

While the rest chill in the conference or war room, Adelphin and Mitzadu head to the roof where she summons Hades.  He immediately pops in and exchanges brief pleasantries and a drink with Adelphin before turning his attention to Mitzadu.

Mitzadu puts his diplomatic skills to the test and tries to show his respect and flatter Hades while not coming off like a sycophant, then he gets to the points.

#1 Is the issue with Hades and the sword. Mitzadu figures Hades already knows whats going on but he does actually respect Hades, certainly much more than most of the Olympians and wants him to not be killed by Poseidon. He mentions both for him to keep his guard up and in hopes of eliciting cooperation in getting the pieces as far away as possible.  Hades indicates he is under an oath to hold it but if someone steals it that would not be his fault.

#2 With that core business out of the way of trying to save a bunch of gods from a potential war he talks about the Spartans. He explains, just as he did with Ares that coming after him was fine - if a bit cowardly and against the spirit of the Compact by killing off rival gods before the harrowing formerly begins. However they killed mortals who were not part of the war and kidnapped a Kitsune and magically crippled her. The Spartans need to pay the blood debt and be discouraged from such behavior.  Simply go directly after the godlings they want to kill.

Mitzadus aim here, as with Ares is to minimize collateral damage and hope the leadership tells the Spartans the price of their current strategy is too high and to change it once they have been hit hard enough.  He isn't expecting any help or to have his name taken off the Red List, but why make all the Olympians thinks he despises them and will be a threat to their earthly assets.

After this conversation Hades asks Adelphin to tell Yannis that he would like to speak with him. Yannis doesnt immediately answer his phone and Adelphin goes to talk to him face to face. While waiting Mitzadu tries to entertain Hades who seems a bit depressed and offers him the second gourd of Sake. Turns out its potent stuff and Hades gets a little tipsy! He asks if Hades would like anything to eat and when Hades tells him about a specific bistro on the east coast that made one of the best sandwiches he ever tasted Mitzadu recalls eating there himself. He pulls out a relic he recently purchased called the Magical Mo of Shennong which is an ancient Chinese rice grinder and using simple rice can make any food the bearer desires and knows how to prepare.  Making a few excellent Culinarian! rolls he presents the sandwhich to Hades who is pleased with the results.

Eventually Adelphin comes back and informs him that Yannis is unwilling to meet him so he offers a magical tattoo to Adelphin to give to Yannis, saying its from his mother.  Also some personal messages best left off this journal as its not Mitzadus story to tell.

The Rescue at the Red Means Go Motel

The party gears up for combat, donning any armor, casting a few spells, and passing around charms before they try scrying for Cora.

Mitzadu tosses a Safeguard charm at the parties bullet magnet, Liam and casts Kojins Visage to help him be better aware of his surroundings. Adelphin tries to hand Mitzadu a charm but its effects wont cooperate with his Safeguard and Lesser Celerity charms. Liam improvises a Bat Vision and Dark Vision charm as the godling in the room appears to possess darkness powers.

Yannis takes the lead on scrying with help from Adelphin, Liam, and Mitzadu who also cast supplementary spells.

They wind up with a perfect birds eye view of the motel and the forces present. Yannis is asked to create two portals into the room, one near Cora and one opposite her by the entrance. He reluctantly complies.

Portal #1 lets in Suveer, followed by Adelphin, Rui, and Auriol. Suveer breaks a Safeguard charm on Cora and tosses her to her mother. Rui and Adelphin block off that half of the room with deadly barriers, one of fire and one of whirling swords. One of the guards dives into the bathroom to avoid getting caught in the fire.

Portal #2 lets in Mitzadu followed by Liam, Chad, and a reluctant Yannis. Mitzadu goes for the godling resting on the bed, dodges a bolt of darkness and chops him up pretty well, he is finished off by an arrow to the arm from Chad. Liam does what he is best at and draws enemy fire from the two guards with guns on this side of the room. 

Liam surprises everyone by dodging some of the bullet fire and his barkskin armor is shredded by the ones that hit. He slams one of the guards (the one with the sign saying "I'm a mage!" through both barriers, killing him quite thoroughly. Unfortunately his death curse brings down the portals, cutting off the teams escape.

The whole area heard the gunfire and Spartans who were stationed in several rooms, likely to catch those coming in from the street in a crossfire head over.

The Spartans had prepared the room by putting in a fake wall from a room next door into the bathroom. The wall is knocked out in hopes of surprising us, unfortunately for them the bathroom door is covered by a deadly wall of flames.

They shoot up the wall by group #1 and are killed by Adelphin and Rui for their trouble. Auriol tries to shelter Cora and Suveer dances between the barrier of blades and flames using his power to get through obstacles.

On the entrance side of the room a guard pops in and tries to shoot Liam in the back. Yannis cuts loose and seeing more guards coming up to the room amps up his rainbow blast, making it a large cone and blinds or kills about a dozen guards or mages, including the one in the door.

Mitzadu looking out through a hole in the wall that used to be a window before being shattered by bullets and beams of light sees one of the godlings standing defiantly on a car and charges him. He gets close enough to strike with the Katana but is expertly parried.

Suveer runs out and sees the remaining godling on the ground just outside the door, having been shot by one of the guys trying to shoot Liam.

Liam finishes off the last Spartan remaining in the room.

The Spartan godling Yorimi Sakakihara dances back on the car and gestures for Mitzadu to follow. Mitzadu taunts him by challenging his honor saying he expects him to step on top of the car and be cut down by the two dozen or so gunmen. He declares no one is to interfere and Mitzadu, now committed prepares to attack.

Yannis not caring about such things calls a beam from the sky and takes out most of the remaining gunmen. Suveer is in the area but not hit by the precise attack and along with Rui go off to finish off the remaining forces.

Liam steps out and take care of a couple at the door. Yorimi vanishes away from the beam and appears about 20 yards away.  Mitzadu heads over to continue the fight.

Mitzadu and Yorimi trade blows but both are expert swordsman and parry each other. They try a few tricky moves and Mitzadu realizes Yormi is much better than he is but his spells help even things. Yorimi, seeing his forces wiped out goes for a finishing move called "Death by 88 Cuts" which is a blur of rapid fire strikes and Mitzadu manages to dodge many but not nearly enough and takes mortal wounds. Knowing he has one shot left and barely hanging onto consciousness Mitzadu opts for an aggressive set of Deceptive strikes to the heart and two of the three get past Yorimis defenses. Yorimi dies but as his dying words say that Mitzadu will regret his actions.

Aftermath

Mitzadu killed a powerful Samurai and picked up the war domain, his foe was the child of Hachiman and Uzeme so Mitzadu plans to inform them directly that though he served the Spartans he died with honor.

Liam beheaded the Egyptian god Mitzadu and Chad took out and increased his Strength domain.

Adelphin absorbed the godling unlucky enough to be killed by his own men and gained star powers.

Liam summoned a rainstorm to put out the fires and the group left, with Adelphin animating the bodies and marching them off to her collection.

The godlings were carried out and the motel and remaining guests left to deal with the arriving police and fire department.  Lots of blood and bullet holes to explain, never mind two seeming explosions.

The news will enjoy the ratings boost, the police will likely get some extra funding, and the local business community not be too happy.