Rising Phoenix Gaming
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- Prowlers and Paragons
- The New Age - A GURPS 4E Story
- Chill - Tales of the Unknown
- Three Leaves DnD 5E Campaign
- Exalted - Legands of the North
- Mage Revived
- Code of Conduct Read in Rules Above
Overview
About This Club
- What's new in this club
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"The adventure I have you guys starts in media res," Sean said enthusiastically, rubbing his hands together, his grin visible over the edge of his DM's screen. He slid a thin binder towards Sara with the character he had made for her at her request, modifiers all tallied up with descriptions of various powers and abilities so she wouldn't need to leaf through the books looking for them. All she needed to do was fill in personal details for the winged tiefling rogue. He had considered making a Warlock for her, but a Rogue was simpler to start, and she could always multiclass later. He had added all of to the gaming app he'd developed too, but some of players, like Abel, preferred pen and paper and he wanted to give her the option. "We'll do flashbacks to figure out how you guys got to where you are... and where you are is on an airship to the great frontier city of Maranos, a city of opportunity and adventure! You are about a day from arrival when there is a commotion above deck. Through the thick hull, you both can hear rising shouts of the crew and the shrieks of some sort of reptilian or possibly avian creatures. What do you do?" ~~+~~+~~+~~+~~+~~+~~+~~ While not as excellent as Sara's Mac & Cheese, Sean had been comfortable behind the grill, cooking up hamburgers and hotdogs with aplomb. His parents had indeed joined them, as had his younger sister, Laurie. Abel had been over many times before, but Jack and Carolyn Cassidy had treated Sara as if she had been too, without the awkwardness of a new arrival. Jack had asked her about her motorcycle, and shared his own experiences riding a Triumph Bonneville before he had kids. Laurie and Sean bantered and bickered like any other pair of siblings, even if the fourteen year-old girl was nearly half a foot taller than her older brother, and the sixteen year-old boy was prettier and far more well-endowed than his sister. Gangly and skinny as a rail, Laurie ate nearly as much as Abel did. This was the Sean Abel knew, and he was glad to see it. School wasn't kind to the feminine boy, and he put up a wall, a mask around others, for his own protection, and it had been getting thicker, harder, over the years. It was too bad, because while, yes, he was... unusual, he was a better person than even he knew. He had asked Sean to help him with math since middle school. Sean had been unsure at first, believing he wouldn't be a good tutor since math came so easily to him that he barely had to think about it. But it had turned out he had way to explaining things for Abel that just clicked for him, made the concepts and formulas clear and obvious. Sean had started working on notes for a gaming campaign when they had been finishing a tutoring session and curious, Abel had asked him about it. And since then, despite being vastly different boys, Abel had been one of Sean's gaming buddies. ~~+~~+~~+~~+~~+~~+~~+~~ During the gaming session, Sara saw a side of Sean she never saw at school. There, he was insular and sullen, bitter in just trying to get by. But at the head of the gaming table, his was animated, engaging, and as confident as he was talking about computers and math. It was like he put on filter in public, and only took it off when around friends. Instead of hunching his shoulders slightly, he sat straight and proud, unselfconscious about his pronounced, hourglass proportions. Sara realized at school, Sean unconsciously made his voice slightly lower, gruffer. But his natural soprano was sweet and clear and melodious, and surprisingly rich, like honey. It wasn't a girlish voice, but a woman's, and amazingly versatile and entrancing. Sean was good with voices and accents, able to convincingly portray a sultry noblewoman, a weaselly merchant, a gruff ship captain, or a sagacious loremaster. She had thought Dungeons & Dragons was just a silly, nerdy game were you rolled funny shaped dice. And it was. But Sean made it so much more than that. It wasn't like playing a video game or watching a movie. It was like being in the video game or movie. The music and sound effects he played from a second laptop added to the ambiance. Sean manipulated the pacing and action with subtle deftness, such that her heart hammered with the excitement of what was going to happen next, that what happened next partly depended on her and what she was going to. Though there was a stack of gaming books on the corner of the gaming table, Sean never looked through them, knowing the rules by heart. He had stolen rules and mechanics he liked from other systems to add them to his own game. More, he knew when bend or break them for the sake of the story and the sake of sheer fun, never letting any concern about rules bog down the game. Sean was in the zone, he could feel it, the game going excellently, the words flowing from his lips like poetry and music, painting scenes like a renaissance artist. He was on his second laced brownie, and if this was being high felt like, he certainly approved. His felt a momentary pang that Abel couldn't partake, being an athlete on several school teams and was routinely tested, but Abel didn't seem to mind and appeared engrossed in the game. Cool, more brownies for me! More, Sara seemed to be totally into the game too. He had thought she'd just been humouring him - them, and would be sarcastic and only marginally engaged. And while she'd been reserved and unsure at first, she seemed to be enjoying herself now. She had passed over using the app, instead relenting to the tactile sensation of rolling dice for herself. Sara couldn't help but think it unfair for someone claiming to be a boy to have such gorgeous eyes. They were large and canted, with naturally thick and dark lashes, a bright, rare turquoise set off by the colour rising in his fair cheeks that pulled her into the story he - they were telling. It was a game, but not just a game to Sean. It was art. "... the miasma of the fetid swamp is thick and cloying, an unnatural fog amplifying the heat, making sweat bead on your flesh, the incessant buzzing of insects never leaving your ears. Finally, you make it through a screen of leafless trees, black bark peeling away from crooked trunks to reveal dead pale heartwood. There, on rise breaching the bog, is what you were looking for, relief that it is there surging through you. The edifice is foreboding, stone crumbling from the merlons, the gate a gaping maw, the raise portcullis threatening rusted teeth, thick moss and vines wreathing it all like leprosy. A forgotten keep, but what forgotten treasures has it kept?" Sean tapped a key on his laptop, and the music cut of with an ominous sting. He grinned and stood up, stretching with his hands pressing against the small of his back. "Find out next week on Campaigning with Cassidy!"
-
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
SalmonMax replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
"You are going to want at least one of us to go with you that," Roach advised Ben cheerfully as she poked her nose into the Cassidy kitchen to hunt for snacks. "Because if the mutation rate in this household has anything to do with environment and not just crazy genetic lottery wins, then the odds are your field team's got their hands full right now. You guys have anything besides granola bars for nosh?" She took a granola bar regardless, of course. -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Nina replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
Ben's desperate gaze landed on Abel, a complete stranger to him. But in this dire situation, he was willing to take any help he could get, "Do you have a helicopter nearby?" he asked hopefully. If it was at the airport, that would be a good thirty minutes away. Sara raised an eyebrow at Abel from across the room, giving him a look that said "What the hell?" As Ben noticed the intense glare and confusion on everyone else's faces, it finally hit him, "Oh no. You don't actually have a helicopter, do you?" “No, I do not.” Abel’s sisters mouth dropped open as it dawned on her too. Before anything could go further Sean interrupted. “What was that stuff about Radar Teams?” Ben’s head swiveled to Sean and her…his incredible figure. “Ah, Central Command sent temas here to reactivate the old Early warning Radar site. They need to launch replacement satellites, but without GPS, they have to have those old radars for guidance. They sent a bunch of field repair teams out to get the actual radars operational, but unless they can get the control systems updated with the new software,which were taken offline back in the nineteen eighties, it probably won’t matter.” -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Shameless replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
Abel listened to the conversation, and shrugged. "I could fly you back, would that get you off the hook?" He was only half joking about it. Stories about Abel were bound to get out, he knew that, and yet he kept on helping people. That was his nature. "I mean I'm not going to stick around and let them just lock me away, but you did my friend's family a favor, at some real risk to yourself." It was Abel being the same sort of guy Sean and Sara remembered him being. -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Nina replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
Ben was overwhelmed, out of his depth. First the Cassidy’s and that Sara woman, now This guy that looked like Captain America and another kid. He looked at Rochelle not really getting what she was saying, “Eminent domain? What?” He drained the glass of liquor and stood, “Look I just came out here to do Teag a favor…” The pad Alice was holding buzzed loudly and the video of her step mom froze and was replaced by a slowly revolving Air Force emblem. Ben grabbed it looked around and moved to the wall and put his back to it and held the pad up in front of him, his thumb hitting a button on the screen. “Sgt Sykes here.” “And where the hell are you Sergeant? We have a mission, dust off is in ten mikes.” The voce was tinny from the pad tiny speaker but gave the impression of a large bear. Sykes eyes went wide as he glanced around the room with just his eyes. “A mission,sir?” “Yeah a SAR, one of those radar teams missed two check-ins and command can’t raise them. So we need to go and hold their hands. So I need you on the flightline asap so we can get in the air.” Sykes felt the weight of the situation bearing down on him. A mission like this was not to be taken lightly, especially with the strange occurrences happening in Shelly. He quickly assessed the room, his mind racing with the possibilities of what could happen next. "Sir, I... I'm currently occupied at the moment," Sykes stammered, trying to find a way out of his current predicament. The voice on the other end grew impatient. "Occupied? What are you talking about, soldier? This is a direct order!" Sykes knew he had to think fast. Taking a deep breath, he made a split-second decision. "Sir, I understand the gravity of the situation, but I've encountered something... unusual. It could be connected to what happened to Sgt. Cassidy, sir.” Sykes winced as he said it. There was a full two seconds of silence then, “I don’t care, Sykes, Cassidy is grounded and I need at least one of my goddamn senior ncos working so get your ass to the flightline pronto.” “Yes sir.” Sykess muttered to a screen that had already gone back to the revolving emblem. “Well I’m fucked.” -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
SalmonMax replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
"Wow, your sister and your mom too?" Rochelle asked. "I'm almost surprised the military's not dissecting you guys. And I say almost because...the night is young. And full of youknowtherest ANYWAY." She glanced at Ben, sized him up, put together a few items about his appearance, connected a few dots. "It'd be interesting if you all had the same kind of abilities, huh? Tantalizing hints of genetic factors? Or maybe it's something about where you lived, grew up. Hey Ben. Any talk of eminent domain yet?" -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Asarasa replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
Sean's mind raced as he studied the changes in his sister in the video, his eyes occasionally flicking towards their mother to see how she was taking it. Calculations flowed. Using the table for scale, it didn't seem Teagan had grown any taller. He hadn't seen her in years, but he estimated she had added at least sixty pounds of pure muscle, assuming typical levels of tissue density. He had added a foot of height and over a hundred pounds with his changes, becoming almost as buff as Teagan was - had been rather. Muscle density and efficiency were above human norms, making him far stronger than the strongest person on record. His mother's changes were more subdued, if still rather obvious, and despite her appearance, she was as strong as his father now. Based off that alone, Teagan must be in the top one percentile for strength. If her musculature had altered as his had, she would be at least twice as strong as he was. Sean cast a casual glance towards Sara. She and Abel were magnitudes stronger than he was. Without deeper analysis, he couldn't confirm, but he wasn't certain their strength was even based purely on their physiology and biomechanics. With his own biological self-awareness, he knew the activation of junk code in his DNA was responsible for his changes. Now, with him, Teagan, and their mother all experiencing some level of alterations, it seemed the genetics for alteration could be shared, it wasn't entirely random or singular. He pursed his lips, considering Sara and Abel. Could there be an environmental factor as well? Five, possible six, altered that all came from Shelly, where he had encountered only one altered individual while traveling there. Hardly a good sample size, but it was all he had to go on. "Hmm," Sean murmured, pondering. "I'm really interested in Laurie making it home, now." "Oh, my!" Carolyn gasped. "Do you think? Her too?" Ben stared, his eyes going from Sean to Carolyn and back. Now that he was looking closely, he noticed that they moved with the same fluid grace Teagan did, Sean even more so, Carolyn somewhat less. Really, all three Cassidys looked more like comic book characters than regular people, exaggerations of women, if in different ways. "Laurie? Your younger sister?" Ben asked after wetting his dry throat with another sip of his drink. "What does she have to do with this?" Sean considered Ben. He come here, ostensibly against orders, to tell them about Teagan. He had at least some loyalty to his sister beyond that of his loyalty to the Air Force. Like many, if not most, Sean had reservations about the government, military included. But he had aided, in a small way, in their effort to deflect the meteor. But he wanted to know what they knew about the aftermath, needed to know, needed more data, so he could make his own informed hypotheses and conclusions. He would need to offer a bit of trust on his own part. The changes in his family were obvious. Sara's and Abel's were far less so, if not for their antics in and about Shelly. He'd let them reveal themselves as they would, he wouldn't assume on their part. He shared a look with his mother, then turned his attention back to Ben. "Give me a second," Sean said. "I have to show you something." Before Ben could protest, Sean turned to the unlit fireplace as he fished his phone from his pocket. His lips curved in a smile as Alice gushed at how big her mom was, wondering how high she could throw her now, and wishing she would grow as big. Sean looked over the pictures on the mantle before picking one up. Sara had joined Alice and Carolyn to look at the video of Sean's older sister, but her attention was on Sean as he turned the framed phone and the smartphone towards Ben. "I hope I grow up as big and strong as mommy," Alice gushed, hitting play on the tablet again. Carolyn gave her adopted - but no less loved - granddaughter a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. "I takes hard work and healthy eating to get big like that," Carolyn said, before adding in a low mutter, "and some sort of luck. Or unluck." "I can work healthy and eat hard!" Alice promised, hitting play once more. "You've shown us something you're probably not supposed to, and gave us a very grateful update on what's going on with Teagan," Sean said as he returned to Ben, cueing up a pic on his phone, then turning it and the frame photo towards him. "So, I'm going to return at little too. That's me and our mother, what we looked like, before the meteors fell." Ben swallowed, staring at the photo and the pic on the phone. It was clearly Carolyn Cassidy and Sean Cassidy, and just as clearly, they had changed as much as Teagan had. One, a woman who had aged gracefully, hair faded to blond and grey, eyes heavy with crow's feet, now firm and ripe with youth, hair a vibrant red mane. The other, short, slim, and busty, now every bit as curvaceous, hair the same style in a shade of ruby red, but also a towering, athletic, imposingly and implausibly attractive amazon. "It's not contagious," Sean added. "How do you know that?" Sean replied with an enigmatic grin. "Call it... intuition." While Ben tried to reconcile the women - Sean might say he was Teagan's brother, but Ben was finding it hard to consider him anything but female - with the women in the photos, and what Sean just claimed, the doorbell rang. "It's all good," Sean said, opening the door and giving Ben time to think. "Come on in Abel... and Rochelle," Sean added, noting the inquisitive and spritely girl in Abel's shadow. "We were just getting an update on Teagan." Sean led Abel and Rochelle into the living room with the others. Ben looked uncomfortable with the number of people. Sean gave him a wry smirk. "Seems like Teagan's changed... much like our mother and I," Sean said, carefully avoiding any hint of indicating Abel or Sara. "I'm curious, Ben, have you and the military found any... others like Teagan? And like me, and our mother, I suppose?" "Others? No, not as such. But some of the folks around Taylor and about Shelly have been telling some weird stories... " Ben hesitate. Did he glance towards Abel for an instant longer than needed? "... and we've been told to keep an eye out for... unusual... things..." "I see." And Sean did. There was at least someone higher up in the food chain that realized more than just catastrophe had come down with the sky falling, even if they were trying to keep it quiet and need to know. Sean wanted to know. "Now that you've delivered your message and seen me and my mother, what are you going to do, Ben?" Sean inquired, folding his arms below his breasts. It was a casual, if eye catching movement, that evoked a sense of challenge. "I definitely want to figure out what is going on with my family, and am more than willing to help in the endeavour, but I don't think I'll assent to being locked in quarantine like Teagan. None too fond of her being there either, for that matter." -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Shameless replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
"Yeah." He shrugged. "I'm probably already screwed on keeping what I can do a secret, I've been helping people since this all happened." He unlocked his dad's truck and waited for roach to climb in. After she did he set out heading to Sean's. "I couldn't just sit by and let people get hurt. It wasn't just people that have been changed by this. I've killed a few animals, and even seen people turned into monsters." He'd made peace with the fact he'd killed those men, even in self defense. The fact he had a witness had backed up his claim, but still, there was a part of him bothered by it. "I certainly didn't think Sara was going to take off flying in the middle of town though, not in broad daylight." He looked at her. "You sure you want to be associated with us, I can stop and let you out.." When she said nothing, he kept driving arriving at the Cassidy home. "Sean and Sara aren't the only ones affected, I know his mother is too." As they pulled in, he noted there was a JLTV there, and he frowned. "Looks like we weren't the only ones who noticed." He steeled himself for whatever was going on, and got out of the truck, which Roach did too, heading to the door, Ringing the Doorbell. "Sean, It's Abel. Is everything alright?" -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
SalmonMax replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
"I'm gonna get outside for a bit," Roach told her uncle. "Need some exercise. I'll...probably be back in time for dinner. I'll give you guys a call or whatever." Then she hurried outside after Abel. Once out in the sun again she said to him, "So...seems like you and your friends are still working out how this is all going to work, huh?" When Abel looked back at her, Roach shrugged and stuffed her hands in her pockets. "Being mutants, I mean. A lot of big choices to make. Ones you can't take back if you don't like how they go. Is...that what you're going rushing off to talk about right now?" -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Nina replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
At the Cassidy Residence... Ben took a slow sip of his drink, feeling the burn of the alcohol against his throat as he tried to gather his thoughts. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on his shoulders as he looked around at the expectant faces before him. Before he could get his thoughts together, Sara who had been close by Sean’s side stepped closer toward him. “Why are you out here alone? For the past three days since the sky fell, we haven't seen any of you soldiers, unless you’re in groups. Yet here you are,” she held up her hand forefinger extended upward, “one truck, one person.” Ben felt the weight of her accusing gaze, and he cleared his throat before responding, "I'm here on a special mission regarding Teagan. It's... it's complicated." He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, feeling the intensity of everyone's eyes on him. Sara's eyes narrowed as she studied him, then she turned to Sean with a questioning look. Sean simply shrugged and gestured for Ben to continue. Taking a deep breath, Ben began, “Teag is alive and … unhurt, but something happened to her after the impacts. She is in quarantine, and the brass want to keep it quiet. But,Teag is my team-leader and my friend, and she wanted to make sure her husband and daughter knew she was ok.” Sean exchanged a glance with Carolyn, his expression unreadable.The news of Teagan's safety brought a wave of relief through the room, but the mention of quarantine set an uneasy tension in the air. "Quarantine? What does that mean? Is she sick?" Sara asked flatly. Ben shifted in his seat once more, his gaze flickering from one person to another as he tried to choose his words carefully. "It's... it's hard to explain. Teagan was exposed to something during the meteor impacts that... changed her. The military is trying to understand what happened and how to contain it," he explained, his voice tinged with a mix of worry and confusion. Carolyn's grip tightened even further, her eyes narrowing as she processed the information. "Changed her how?” Sykes reached into the left cargo pocket of his pants and drew out a small IPad. He turned it on and looked at the screen a moment then, with resigned sigh, handed it to Carolyn. “Press the right button to play. Sorry there is no audio I had to take that out.” Carolyn looked at the screen. It was Teagan, of that there was no doubt, she was sitting close to the camera and only her head and part of her shoulders were visible. Carolyn glanced up at Sykes. She couldn’t make out anything wrong with her daughters image, not a face value, but something was off. She pushed the button. The image’s mouth moved for a couple of seconds. By then Sean and Alice had moved up on either side of her to watch the screen. The Teagan in the video talked to whomever was on the other side, Sykes presumably, for about a minut, then a somewhat frustrated Teagan pushed back from the screen and stood up and started pacing. Alice gasped, Sean and Carolyn remained silent, but both tensed. The figure on the screen was Teagan, but, taken in whole, she looked almost unrecognizable. Her toned body was clad in tight olive green bicycle shorts and a form-fitting t-shirt, accentuating every curve and muscle. Instead of her usual pulled back ponytail or bun, her hair flowed freely down her shoulders and back. It was as if a new version of Teagan had emerged. As she paced back and forth on the video, the changes to her physique were impossible to ignore. Her muscles bulged and rippled with every movement, like a living statue carved from marble. She radiated strength and power, surpassing even the most dedicated bodybuilder. Some might even say she resembled the comic book character She-Hulk, but her physique was far more impressive. Despite her incredible muscular appearance, she moved with fluid grace, defying any assumptions about the limitations of such a formidable body. -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Shameless replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
Abel looked back to Arthur, and the paperwork they'd agreed on. He pulled an envelope from one of his pockets, and counted out ten thousand dollars in cash, for which Arthur gave him a receipt, and the keys. "I'll come get the truck later, since my helpers left. That way I can bring dad's truck home. Thank you Arthur, and don't worry things are going to be alright." After shaking his hand again and Arthur agreeing to pull the tags from the truck, marking it as sold, Abel turned to leave. He caught Roach's eye, and looked to the door, a not so subtle invite to come along, before heading out to the truck. -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Asarasa replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
"And I'm her brother," Sean added as she glided up to step in line with his mother, not giving Ben a moment to recover. Despite his training and experience, Ben was finding it hard to breathe. Teagan had mentioned her brother before, though she hadn't seen him for years. What Ben had learned was that Sean Cassidy looked like girl, was short, had big tits, and was an even bigger nerd and computer genius. He had also known Teagan had a younger sister who was very tall and played professional basketball. He had thought the woman was Laurie Cassidy at first. She was tall, noticeably taller than he was, but she had ruby red hair washed with gold instead of blond. And she was very well endowed. He had encountered many dangerous individuals, but the way the woman moved, impossibly graceful and assured, suggested she was very dangerous indeed. Meeting her intoxicating turquoise eyes hinted at her being even more of a potential threat. They were too... knowing, weighing him to the ounce and measuring him to the quarter inch in an instant, and glinted with humour. Despite himself, Ben glanced down and couldn't but noticing her snug shorts revealed she was well endowed in more than one aspect. "Um, right, yes. Sean, right?" Ben confirmed uncertainly. "Teagan mentioned you, once or twice." Sean smirked with bemusement. He hadn't missed Ben's darting eyes - it was something he had seen many times before. But now it was time to put him at ease. "Whatever she said, it's only mostly lies. C'mon in, Ben, and tell us what you can about Teagan," Sean said, stepping aside and extending a hand towards the living. His honeyed tones were friendly, but there was an edge of demand. He would tell them what he could about Teagan. "There's probably some things we'd like you to tell Teagan too." Sean very consciously didn't hint at glancing towards Sara, as he led everyone to the living room. What she choose to reveal about herself was hers to tell. "Can I get you a drink, Ben? Coffee? Or something stronger?" "Stronger," Ben muttered, trying to collect himself. Since the meteors, the world had gone crazy, but this scene was bewildering even for the times. Alice squirmed out from about Shannon so she was standing right in front of Ben, craning her head up to meet his eyes. "Is momma Teag coming home?" "I'm sure she will soon, honey," Carolyn assured her grand-daughter with a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. She had relinquished the rifle to the umbrella stand by the front door. "Ben here will is going to tell us all he can." In short order, Ben found himself in a broken in, comfy Lazy-boy, a tumbler with two fingers of amber liquid in his hands, the center of attention to five set of female eyes. Two sets belonged to the unnerving pair of redheaded Cassidys. Two sets Ben filed under civilians, a child and another young woman who actually seemed to look her age, if not part of the family, by blood at least. The last set of eyes belonged to a woman who he didn't have a heading for. She hadn't said a word yet, but her gaze was unflinching. If not as blatantly gorgeous as the Cassidys, she had her own type of appeal. There was something about her than he couldn't put his finger on, not otherworldly, but something not quite human either. After already seeing himself and his mother, with a shared glance, Sean and Carolyn had silently decided there wasn't much reason to exclude Abel's sister, even if he hadn't told her everything yet. And while there were reasons to kept things from young ears, Teagan was Alice's mother, and Alice had been missing her. Even if she'd been banished to the Barn, Carolyn knew her intrepid grand-daughter were just sneak back if eyes weren't kept on her. "So, please, mister Staff Sergeant Sykes, what can you tell us about Teagan?" Carolyn asked with seemingly patient calm, but her fingers were white with a tight grip on her pants. -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Nina replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
Staff Sergeant Ben Sykes, USAF PARARESCUE, had never been to his teammate's home off base, but Teag had told her team about it over beers more than once and even without gps it wasn’t hard to find. Coming here was against orders, hell leaving base by himself was article 15 territory if not worse. This whole asteroid disaster was fucked up beyond belief. And now he had to tell Teag’s husband and kid and the rest of her family… what the fuck was he supposed to tell them? As Ben approached the Cassidy home, he couldn't shake off the weight on his shoulders. The gravity of his mission sank in deeper with each step towards the doorstep. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand to knock when the door swung open, revealing the captivating sight of a barely out of her teens goddess holding a rifle in the crook of her arm, with a puzzled expression on her face. "Afternoon, miss. I'm Staff Sergeant Ben Sykes, and I'm here to speak with Chad Marsters," Ben began, trying to maintain his composure despite the circumstances. Carolyn eyed him warily for a moment before stepping aside and gesturing for him to come in. "Come on in, Sergeant Sykes. Chad’s not here right now," she said before turning to step back into the foyer, “He’s out with my husband, working. Is this about my daughter?” Ben entered cautiously, scanning the room until his eyes landed on Sean, who was standing with Sara by his side. There were two young girls behind them, Ables sister and Teag’s step daughter. Then what the fist voluptuous girl had said registered. It was difficult for Ben to tear his eyes from the beauty across the room and back to the beauty with the rifle, but somehow he uncomfortably managed it. “Daughter?” "Technical Sergeant Teagan Cassidy.” Carolyn Scowled at Sykes. Ben did a double take then a triple, this…girl was claiming to be Teag’s mother. Impossible. Carefully, Ben took a step forward, his mind racing to make sense of the situation unfolding before him. Teagan Cassidy was his teammate, a strong and fierce Air Force Pararescue operator who had been with him on countless missions. The idea that this young woman in front of him could be Teagan's mother seemed absurd, yet the resemblance was uncanny. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but are you saying that you're Sergeant Teagan Cassidy's mother?" Ben asked tentatively, his voice betraying both confusion and disbelief. Carolyn Cassidy nodded solemnly, her expression softening as she looked at Ben. "I know it's hard to believe, but it's the truth. Teagan is my daughter," she confirmed, her eyes briefly flickering towards Sean and Sara before returning to Ben. Ben's mind reeled at the revelation. -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Asarasa replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
Despite himself, Sean's arms went around Sara's neck as they blazed through the sky. Rationally, he was more than reasonably sure even falling at this height would be more of an inconvenience than a real danger. But while he had adapted easily in many ways to his changes and enhancements, he couldn't always overcome instincts ingrained over nearly thirty years. The thrill of flying through the sky in the arms of a woman he cared a great deal about was tied with the unconscious terror of what a fall would usually cause. But the exhilaration was winning, the tingle of Sara's aura teasing his golden flesh. He could run as fast as a cheetah, but Sara was going far faster. Sean had seen aerial views of Shelly before, mostly through a hobbyist's interest in drones, but it was so much different seeing it your own eyes rather than through a monitor. Over the rushing wind of their passage, Sean's rich laughter floated pass Sara's ears, his heavenly breasts heaving in her peripheral vision below her chin. "This is a little more fun than riding bitch on the motorcycle," Sean murmured, alluding to a moment of shared history as he pulled himself close, his warm breath tickled Sara's ear. Too soon, Sara caught sight of the JLTV. Turning his head, and reallocating biological resources from his ears to his eyes, Sean saw it too. Calculating speed and the route it was taking, it seemed likely it was going where he thought it might be going. "Go higher," Sean urged, "and swoop back and around. I wanna stay out of their line of sight. Don't want to give 'em any warning." "Got it!" Sara affirmed, and Sean felt the pressure in his guts as the Gs increased when Sara added altitude and velocity. In moments, Sara shot down to a landing on the cropped grass between the main house and the barn as the Cassidy place. Despite the speed, she came to a soft land, the aura of red and blue dissipating like a luminescent fog under sunlight. Sean took a second to catch his breath and straighten his crop top that almost had a wardrobe malfunction from the speed of Sara's flight. "Thanks, babe. That's a way better flight than Delta or United," Sean said, flashing Sara a grin before heading towards the back door of his old family home. He reached the door with several long strides, Sara at his heels, and opened it, stepping into the kitchen... and coming to a halt so abruptly that Sara bumped into his back. Sara squeezed herself through the door and around the tall man-woman, to find herself facing a rifle aimed at her by a gorgeous, curvaceous redhead that clearly shared a close familial resemblance to Sean, and who couldn't be out of high school yet. "Sara?" the young woman said, puzzled, a slight frown on her lips, as she lowered the rifle. "It happened to you too?" "Carolyn?!" Sara gasped, realizing the young woman before was Sean's mother. She had seen Carolyn Cassidy a few times around town since she'd come back to Shelly. but not like this. If she wasn't so spectacularly beautiful and voluptuous as her son, she wasn't that far behind, the blond and white her hair had faded to now restored to a red almost as vibrant as Sean's. She had never known Carolyn to have anything to do with firearms, but she seemed to handling the rifle with the casual proficiency of long experience. "Hey, mom!" Sean said wryly as he gave Sara more room and folded his arms. "What's up with the warm welcome?" "Oh! I'm terribly sorry," Carolyn said, face flushing as the set the safety on the rifle. "We saw the... the glow in the sky and didn't know what it was... " She waved a hand, fingers flailing at the air. "With everything that has been going on, I thought it better safe than sorry." "You can fly?!" A young girl chirped in wonder from the hallway that led towards the bedrooms. "I'm sorry, we heard Sean and Alice wanted to see and..." Abel's sister looked flustered as she tried to hold back a a girl of seven or eight squirming with excitement before giving up. "There's nothing dangerous, is there?" "I can't fly. She can." Sean pointed to Sara. "And, no, nothing dangerous. I'm pretty sure. But I'm thinking we can be expecting some company soon. So mom, put the gun away and put on a pot of coffee, so we can be hospitable and all for our guest." -
Once they were done eating, Abel got to the point of tonight. "Alright, so I know we've got characters done, so what sort of adventure do you have for us tonight?" Abel hadn't made his usual Paladin for this game, Instead he'd gone with a straight fighter, as he knew Garret was out, so there wouldn't be a cleric this time, which could be rough. It was going to call for him to play abit more conservatively than normal, unless by some strange chance Sara had made one.
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The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Shameless replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
With the deal done Abel breathed a sigh of relief, he had the money, and enough to cover payments for awhile, but Arthur was right, without communication, there was a real question of what would happen next. He was surprised Arthur'd gone for it, but happy to see that he understood that they would all have to work together. Now he'd have to bring his father's truck home then walk back to get his new truck. Ironically enough, the question of what next was answered when Roach shot past the two of them headed for the window, excited by something. As he turned his head he caught the telltale energy of Sara's power, as she scooped up Sean and rocketed into the sky. "Oh yeah, that's perfectly subtle." -
The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Nina replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
At the dealership… Arthur McKendrick raised an eyebrow in surprise at Abel's proposal, then leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in contemplation. "That's quite an unconventional request, Abel. But I suppose in these unprecedented times, we need to think outside the box." Roach couldn't help but smirk at Abel's bold move, her interest piqued by the negotiation unfolding before her. She continued to jot down notes on her notepad, capturing the essence of the tense atmosphere in the room. After a moment of silence that seemed to stretch on, Uncle Art finally spoke up. "However, we don’t even know if there is a government anymore.” McKendrick paused and looked out the window beside his desk which looked out onto the fields behind this part of town. “Alright, Abel. This is just between you and me, and I trust you. You are liked in the community and you have a job and it is a job that needs doing and if things have gone south in Washington or even Helena, god help us we are going to need men like you. I’ll take your down Payment and your promissory note to pay the personal loan off when circumstances allow at 0 interest. All payments made will go straight to your principal. HOw does that sound Abel?” Abel's eyes widened in surprise at Mr. McKendrick's offer, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He extended his hand to shake on the deal, a grateful smile spreading across his face. "I can't thank you enough for this, Mr. McKendrick. You're truly a lifesaver." Mr. McKendrick shook Abel's hand firmly, a solemn look in his eyes. "We're all in this together, Abel. We have to look out for each other in times like these." Rochelle couldn't help but feel amazed by what she witnessed. She knew he had a reputation as a tough businessman, but seeing this compassionate side of him made her respect him even more. She looked on as Abel and her uncle shook hands but then her eyes were drawn to something through the window past the two men. At the Truck Stop… Indecision and not doing anything was what was gnawing at Sara but now there was something she could do. She grabbed Seans hand and led him out of line. “Come on food can wait. Do your folks still live at the place we used to play?” Sean looked at Sara with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Yeah, they do. Why?" Sara's eyes gleamed with determination as she tugged on his hand, leading the way towards the back of the truckstop where the supplies were loaded and unloaded. " Because I’m not hungry and your worried about that truck and where it might be going.I think it's time we pay them a visit.” She stopped an dface Sean looking him/her in the eye, “Do you trust me?” Sean gazed into Sara's eyes, seeing the determination and resolve reflected in them. Without any hesitation, he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Of course, I trust you.” “Then hang on.” Sara embraced Sean tightly, pulling him towards her. With ease, she scooped him up and supported his weight by placing an arm under his knees, holding him like a newlywed groom carrying his bride across the threshold. Sean's eyes widened in shock as he felt himself leaving the ground. He had barely started his question when they rose, suspended in a pulsating aura of reddish blue flames. Despite the lack of heat, there was an electrifying sensation on his skin, like tiny sparks dancing across it. Sara pivoted them towards the direction of Sean's childhood home, and with a surge of unimaginable energy, they blasted away from the truck stop like a rocket. The force of their ascent caused his stomach to drop and his hair to whip around wildly in the wind. As they soared higher and higher, Sean couldn't help but feel both exhilarated and terrified at the same time! At the dealership… Roach flew out of her seat and pushed past Able and her uncle to put her face against the window staring up into the sky. “Holy Shit!” -
The look Sara cast Sean’s way would have wilted a cactus. "It's a 1978 Kawasaki Z1300 and has 5 gears and a kickstand. I've always been partial to a little kick, seems more...authentic somehow," she said with a smirk, slyly leaning her hip against the sideboard as she assessed the spread Sean had prepared. Abel jumped in before things could get overly uncomfortable, hoping to defuse any potential tension. "So, what are we making with the bowl and all?" he asked, changing the subject. "I brought the ingredients for my Mac & Cheese," Sara replied, shifting her focus from Sean to the task at hand. She took items out of the bags and placed them on the counter: a large bag of Bow Tie Pasta, a block of Mexican velveeta, three bags of shredded cheese, a can of cream, and several small bottles of spices. Sean let out a silent sigh of relief as the tension in the room dissipated, grateful for Abel's timely interruption. Sara turned around, her leather jacket with a bold Motorhead emblem emblazoned across the back clinging tightly to her frame. The material was well-worn and cracked in some places, evidence of the countless adventures it had been on. Her jacket remained unzipped, revealing a faded Cradle of Filth t-shirt, the black fabric adorned with intricate designs and lyrics that spoke of darkness and defiance. It was also clear that she wasn't wearing a bra, as the outline of her breasts could be seen through the fabric, adding a touch of sensuality to her already striking appearance. She leaned against the countertop with an air of confidence and nonchalance, like a rockstar taking a break from a wild concert performance. "It only takes about 15-20 minutes in the microwave. Do you want me to make it now or later?" she asked, stretching her arms back against the counter. "Let's get that Mac & Cheese cookin' now," Sean replied, his eyes lingering on Sara's form for a moment before he quickly busied himself with setting up the microwave. He poured water into the bowl as instructed, leaving just the right amount of space at the top, then placed it inside. Sara stood back up, her black combat boots clicking lightly against the floor as she moved to stand beside Sean. She watched intently as he set the time and started the microwave, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Thanks for bringing all this stuff," Abel said sincerely, glancing over at the array of ingredients spread out on the counter. "I'm excited to try your Mac & Cheese." Sara flashed him a smile, her green eyes sparkling with a mixture of mischief and warmth. "No problem. Just wait until you taste it; it's gonna blow your minds." As they waited for the creamy Mac & Cheese to cook, Sean couldn't help but steal glances at Sara's every move. The way she stood with confidence and grace, her dark hair cascading in loose waves around her face. Her laughter was like a sweet symphony, filling the air and making his heart skip a beat. Even the simple act of sipping her Dr Pepper was mesmerizing - the way she tilted her head back, revealing the delicate curve of her neck and a glimpse of her chest. It all seemed to add to her allure, making it impossible for Sean to take his eyes off of her. Abel, trying to prolong the conversation, interjected with a question. "Do you use your bike as your main mode of transportation, Sara?" His voice sounded strained, as if he were also finding it difficult to keep his attention on anything besides Sara's captivating presence. "Most of the time," Sara replied as she crumbled some cooked bacon, adding it to the mix. "I just love the freedom of it. Oh, and I usually go for a ride whenever I need to clear my head." She finished stirring all the ingredients together and looked at Sean. “Are the Bow Ties ready?” Sean checked the microwave; the bowl was steaming and bubbling away. "Yep, looks like it's ready," he said, carefully removing the hot bowl from the microwave using oven mitts. After draining it in the colander he poured the cooked pasta into the mixing bowl, which Sara deliberated over for a moment before throwing in some seasoning. The smell that emanated from the mixture was tantalizing, a perfect blend of savory and comfort. Abel couldn't resist interjecting with his opinion. "That mix smells incredible!" His eyes widened at the sight of the bubbling mass of cheesy goodness. "Hold your horses, big fella," Sara said with a mischievous grin, diving into a refrigerator for something cold. "We need to cool this down a bit." She fetched out a tray of ice and delicately set it on top of the mixing bowl, covering it like a blanket of frost. Sean watched in awe as Sara deftly handled the hot bowl with ease; he knew he could never possess such skill. He couldn't help but feel proud watching her work - she was an artist, a master of her craft. "So, Sean," Abel interjected, "how bout them this-and-thats? You managing to stay out of trouble?" The mention of trouble brought Sean's mind back from its reverie, where he was lost in the enigmatic allure of Sara. He smirked, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously before answering, "Just keepin' my head down and focusin' on the game." Sara chuckled softly at Sean's response, a warm smile playing on her lips that seemed to light up the room. She then turned to Abel, leaning against the counter with one hand while the other held a wooden spoon. "Well, seems like we have everything set then. Shall we dig in?" Sean and Abel nodded eagerly, their anticipation palpable. They both looked at Sara with eager eyes, as if she were about to lead a parade of deliciousness. She winked playfully at them before offering each a bowl filled to the brim with her famous Mac & Cheese. "Bon appétit!" she said, lifting her own bowl in a mock toast. Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she took a big bite, savoring the taste that only she knew how to create. Sean and Abel followed suit, their eyes widening in delight as they tasted the exquisite blend of flavors that filled their mouths. They exchanged glances, both feeling a sense of gratitude towards Sara for this culinary masterpiece. It seemed like all tension and unease had melted away in the warmth of the meal and the comfort of each other's company. As they savored every bite, the room filled with the sound of contented sighs and the occasional hum of approval. Sara watched them with a satisfied grin, her heart feeling light and full in a way she hadn't experienced in a long time. She had always found solace in her cooking, a way to focus and relax when life go too stressful. And in this moment, as Sean and Abel enjoyed her Mac & Cheese, she felt a sense of belonging that she hadn't realized was missing. Sean caught her eye and gave her a grateful smile, his turquoise eyes soft with appreciation. "This is amazing, Sara. Thank you for sharing this with us." Abel nodded emphatically between bites, his mouth too full to speak but his eyes speaking volumes. It was a simple gesture, sharing a meal together, but it felt like so much more.
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The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Asarasa replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
"The last I heard from her, she was. Haven't talked to her in years, but Laurie would have mentioned if Teagan wasn't anymore." Sean frowned after the vehicle, then at the shortening line in front of them at the truckstop. He wasn't worried, precisely. There were any number of reasons for a Search and Rescue vehicle to be passing through Shelly. Taylor AFS wasn't far. But much fewer for one to be traveling alone, and with a single driver. And while there was many things in the direction the JLTV was going, the Cassidy residence was one of them. And they hadn't heard from Teagan directly since the meteors. Sean resisted urge to run after the vehicle and chase it down. Mostly for Sara's current sense of circumspection. "Let's get the food and then find Abel. Was going to wait for tomorrow, but I feel like heading back home and now getting the Civic and trading it in today." It was true, but looking up at Sean, at the set of his fine jaw and the light in his glorious eyes, Sara could sense that wasn't the only reason. "Might not be the most convenient for everything, but your motorcycle would be useful right about now," Sean commented with a grin as he turned back to the line, seemingly at ease, but Sara could see the tension in the sleek muscles of his arms and legs. -
Sean juggled the grocery bags for a moment before getting them in a position to carry them comfortably. He let out a silent breath of relief he hadn't known he'd been holding. It wasn't that he had doubted Sara would show up, just... he was glad that she had. He nodded towards the Barn before heading in. "There's a sink in the bathroom, just use that for water," Sean said, his eyes cutting towards the door under the stairs to his loft bedroom. "There's a cup, if the bowl doesn't fit under the tap." With a soft grunt, he heaved the bags onto the sideboard, then ran a hand through his vibrant red hair. "There! So, we have pizza, hamburgers, and hotdogs. Plenty to drink. And, um..." A faint pinkness rose in his fair cheeks as he waved to a plate covered with plastic wrap sitting on top of the microwave. "... special peanut butter chocolate brownies. "Fill that, about an inch from the top," Sara commanded, giving Abel a slight shove towards the bathroom before joining Sean at the sideboard. Sean pulled out a towel from the sideboard and laid it out to catch any mess. "Thanks." She nodded at the plate as she put down the colander and utensils. "And sweet." "Ain't no big thing," Sean said, trying to sound casual, but he stood straighter and threw back his shoulders, even as the colour in cheeks deepened. "Grill is ready if you need anything cooked or heated up. Just tell me when to start the burgers and dogs." He glanced towards the front door. "Nice bike." His turquoise eyes twinkled. "Ten speed, or twelve?"
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"There's no real kitchen out here, no." Abel answered Sarah, "Though there is a microwave and a toaster oven." He set the bowl down in what passed for the "kitchen area" and nodded. "How much water do you need, I can go get it." He was surprised she'd shown up, but also happy. Sean had been looking forward to this, and it was obvious, even to Abel. That she'd come ready to make something, as she'd said, well, he figured he could try it, as long as it was normal. Sean knew Abel had a thing regarding any sort of drugs. He didn't mind them, but didn't want to partake. It wasn't a moral thing, he didn't care about that really. He didn't smoke weed because it could get him kicked off the team, and if he was being honest about it, he couldn't lie very well.
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Sean glanced at the time again, they should have started ten minutes ago, but there was still no Sara. He glanced over at Abel who was reading a comic book. “Should I text her?” Able closed the comic keeping his thumb inside to hold his place, “Well, if it was one of us you would have texted ten minutes before we were supposed to start, not ten minutes after. I don’t know why you really thought she was going to show up anyway.” At that moment they both heard the unmistakable sound of a motorcycle. They went outside, it was the last moments of twilight and the old motorcycle was just coming around the main house toward the barn. It was Sera, leather jacket, no helmet, combat boots and faded patched jeans. Sean glanced at the house and saw his mother looking out the kitchen window. Sara parked the bike in front of the two boys and stepped off. “Sorry I’m late had to stop for gas.” She turned back to the bike and opened the saddle bags and took out two medium grocery bags and a large glass bowl. “You got running water in there or do i have to get it from the house? Oh and a microwave?” She handed the bowl to Abel, the bags to Sean, and turned back to the bike and the other saddlebag from which she took out some utensils and a large metal colander. “Well?”
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At Abel's voice, Sean's head snapped up from going over the music playlist for the night's game, giving a little huff. Abel always announced himself, even if he had an open invitation to come on in. "Come on in Abe-" Sean shouted, then sighed and got up. Abel's hands might be full. "Just a sec! I'll get the door!" Abel heard Sean moving about inside the Barn and moment later, the door was sliding open with a muted rattle in its tracks. Sean looked up at his much bigger friend and the offerings in his hands. "Aw man! We're gonna have so much extra food. Garret begged out, so it's just you and Sara today. Come in, come in." Sean waved Abel into the Barn then moved over to the fridge to make space for the bottles of soda. The Barn had a tiny bathroom with a shower stall the Cassidys had installed the year before last, but no kitchen yet, just a fridge, a small freezer, and a microwave and toaster-oven on a sideboard. There were plans to make a full kitchen later this year or early next year. "That sucks, Sean," Abel commiserated, handing Sean the two litre bottles. "It is what it is." Sean tried to sound nonchalant as he sat the bottles on the door of the fridge, but Abel thought he caught some annoyance in his high voice. "You and Sara while just have to more time to shine up your characters and the story we're telling today." Sean pursed his lips as he considered the pizzas, then jerked his head towards the door. "C'mon. Don't know if you guys want to eat before gaming or game a bit before. We'll put the pizzas on the warming rack by the grill." "Sure," Abel agreed with a nod. Handling the pizzas in one hand, his slid his backpack off his shoulder and plopped it down into his usual seat on the left side of the gaming table as he followed his short and shapely friend out of the Barn. He left the door open, they'd be right back and the bugs weren't bad this time of year. With his longer strides, Abel easily caught up to Sean before he made it halfway across the gravel lot to the main house, Abel's Wrangler parked next to Sean's Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. He followed Sean around the back of the house and was tall enough to set the pizzas on the warming rack from behind the grill while Sean pattered up the few steps to the deck off the veranda. "There's pizza too!" Sean shouted through cupped hands. There was a rapping from the other side the kitchen window. "No need to shout, Sean, I'm right here," Carolyn said. "And I saw. And yes, your father and I will help you lot with all this food. And God knows Laurie is eating nearly as much as Teagan was are your ages. I've just finished mixing up a pitcher of pink lemonade too, if you want to collect it." "Okay," Sean said, sauntering towards the back door. "Sara said she was bringing something too." "Four teenagers in the house for the night. I'm sure the food won't go to waste," Carolyn commented wryly, grey eyes twinkling with bemusement.
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Abel was already on his way to Sean's. He had just picked up the pizzas, and three two liters of coke, sprite, and dr. pepper, the tried and true choices for the group. It wasn't to say that Sean's parents didn't ensure they always had plenty to eat, more that Abel felt it was right for him to contribute something too, beyond just coming over to play with his friends. When he arrived at Sean's place, he could smell the telltale smells of a Barbecue. He knocked on the door to be met by Sean's mother. "Oh, Abel, Sean's out back in the barn." "Thanks Mrs. Cassidy." Even though he'd been told he didn't need to let them know he was there like that, he still did. His Dad had told him it was the polite thing to do. Once he'd greeted her, she went back inside, and Abel grabbed his backpack from his truck. It had some math homework Abel wanted to ask Sean about, among other things. Sean was better at explaining things to Abel in a way he could grasp easier, so it made more sense. it also had his binder for the various characters in Sean's games, and of course a modest collection of dice. He put his pack on and then picked up the drinks and pizza, heading back to the barn and knocking on the door, knowing if he was home, Sean was likely there. "Hey Sean, it's Abel." It seemed silly to announce himself like that, but at the same time, he always had.
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The New Age - And I Say Rock On
Shameless replied to Nina's topic in GURPS 4E - The New Age's The New Age Story
Abel sat there for abit, and shrugged. "What sort of rate, and how long?" Arthur looked at him, and grinned back, "Well given how things are, and that I'll be fully financing this myself, If you put ten thousand down, I could go for 72 months at 10.5%." Abel looked at him, and his eyes narrowed. "That's the best you can do?" "Well the market is what it is right now Abel." Abel sat up, and shook his head. "That's not going to work for me. I can do the ten grand down, with a prommissary note for the rest of the balance backed by the government, specifically the Department of the Interior. This is going to be my new work truck after all so Uncle Sam's going to foot the bill."