Dead Earth: The Beginning

[ragincajun2288]

The cleaver sinks into Bob's forehead with a "thunk" and suddenly he stops thrashing beneath Chuck, only lying still. Chuck now lies on top of the corpse as the infected begin moving forward with ill intent.

And much to everyone's horror as soon as the three infected move into the bar, three more are behind them to take their place.

One of the infected runs toward the bar at break neck speed and jumps, trying to jump onto it or over it at Lily, no one is sure for the infected misses his mark and slams into the bar, falling backwards into one of the bar chairs.

The infected who had been stumbling on bottles nearby Lily recovers and jumps forwards swinging his claws viciously. Lily tries to step back but doesn't make it in time. The claws rake across her thigh for 6 points of damage!

The other infected approach Hudson and Chuck. One of them leaps into Hudson, baring his teeth! Hudson, still crouched, rolls to the side and the monster misses!

As Chuck is pushing himself to his feet another infected slams into him and suddenly Chuck fills a sharp pain his right arm. He pushes the infected away but feels something go with him. Chuck's hand flies to his shoulder to clamp down onto a wound. The infected in front of him growls, blood and flesh on it's teeth. Chuck has received 8 points of damage.

The infected scream and screech as they continue to fill the night with the cries of their blood lust.

[spoiler]Lily your up.[/spoiler]

[maggieloo72]

"Ah, damn it!" After the slash of damage, Lily really feels the urgency of the situation. And seeing Chuck get bitten isn't exactly an encouraging development. Hopefully they have time before the effects of the bite kick in... She yells as she steps back to get a better shot at the infected one in front of her. "Chuck, can we get to the firetruck?! We need some distance from these things!"
[spoiler]
Actions
(Free) Step back from zombie to I-13.
Shoot zombie in K-13. 1d20+6=10
Damage (if she got lucky): 2d6+1=9
(Move) Knock bottles toward zombie's head to keep it at bay.

Status
HP: 10     
AC: 16 vs. melee, 19 vs. ranged.
[/spoiler]

[ragincajun2288]

As Lily fires her bullet goes wild in the frantic panic of close combat. A bottle explodes nearby and whiskey goes flying everywhere. The bottles clang and clatter and a couple shatter as they fall to the ground. With bullet fire, bottles exploding, infected screeching, and another siren going off somewhere the scene is quite hysteric.

[spoiler]Aaaannnd ROUND 3! Hudson you're up. According to d20 modern rules one round of combat equates to 6 seconds. Think about that.[/spoiler]

[shallowesoul]

after seeing the infected bite Chuck Hudson worries, despite hardly knowing him. Hudson looks around a moment an then takes aim, on the same infected that just bit Chuck.

[spoiler]range-1d20+6=8+1(pointblank)=9
damage(no point really)-2d6+4=15[/spoiler]

after his shot Hudson shouts out in the midst of the chaos happening in the bar. "we need to find a way to distract them long enough for us to get to that truck. otherwise we may not survive this encounter."

[Gnomeo]

Chuck, still clutching the open wound on his shoulder, fights off the pain of the bite to concentrate on the more pressing issue of how to get out of the bar.  "The truck is on the other side of these things.  Did either of you notice a window in the back room?  We should head back there at least to prevent them from surrounding us in here.  Unless you think jumping through the window sounds fun.  We don't know how many more of them are out there."  Chuck roars as he puts his full weight behind each swing of the cleaver.

[spoiler]Actions
Activate Power Attack for full Base Attack Bonus (+3) (free)

Attack zombie in F11 (unless G11 is damaged, then target G11): Power Attack (1d20+4=21) (standard)
If it hits: Cleaver Damage (1d6+7=12)

If zombie is defeated, Cleave on other zombie in reach: Cleave (1d20+4=12)
If it hits: Cleaver Damage (1d6+7=9)

If both zombies in reach are defeated, move through the doorway to the back room, G15.  Otherwise, make a 5-foot step to F13. (move or free)

Status
HP: 14 (bitten)
Using Power Attack for +3
AC: 13[/spoiler]

[ragincajun2288]

Hudson fires on the infected as they rush in but his aim is less steady this time and the bullet misses flying past the infected to crash into one of the front windows and cause it shatter, glass shards flying like shrapnel but if any infected are struck, they show no signs of noticing.

As Chuck roars a battle cry, he swings his cleaver...and the infected in front of him loses it's entire head! The head flies off and rolls along the ground, the body thrashes for a second as blood spurts from the stump that's remaining and then the body falls to the ground and twitches. The cleaver continues through and cuts across the other infected but only leaves a shallow cut. Chuck doubts he has done any real damage to the monster.

The infected attack again. The one next to Lily attempts to attack her but as he swings his mutated claws at her she deftly leans away and the attack misses her. The one behind the bar who had previously fallen clambers onto the bar and screeches a hideous noise at her. In return the other infected begin screeching.

An infected next to Hudson, a former construction worker by the looks of him, swings a bloody claw at him. Using his new found gun Hudson knocks the claw away. As another approaches and swings Hudson ducks his head and dodges that attack as well. Finally another one of the infected run around his brethren to swing at Hudson but his attack falls short and doesn't come close.

[spoiler]Wow your a lucky son of a bitch. Remember how many bullets you got left in that clip boy, I'll get you yet.[/spoiler]

As the last of the infected pour in, screeching back and forth to each other and taking up positions around the party you all notice that there is no more coming through the door but you think you hear screeching from outside as well.

[spoiler]Map updated. Lily's up.[/spoiler]

[maggieloo72]

Lily takes another step back to shoot at the one on the bar. When no more zombies climb through the door she says to the guys, "Think we can run out before more come?!" As her target is right in front of her, she breathes with her shot, determined to make it.
[spoiler]Actions
Free step back into H-13.
Shoot at infected in I-12. 1d20+6=26+2=28!  
Damage: 2d6+4=10

Status
HP: 10
16 vs. melee, 19 vs. ranged. [/spoiler]

[ragincajun2288]

As Lily steps back she tries to gather as much as herself as she can in the terrifying, frantic moment. She releases her breathe she pulls the trigger and her aim is true. The bullet hits the infected human standing on top of the bar between the eyes and pretty much obliterates the top half of it's skull. The infected falls backwards, slamming into the ground and chairs behind it, scattering the items as it pours blood all over the floor.

[spoiler]Nice critical Lily.
Map updated.
Hudson's up.[/spoiler]

[shallowesoul]

after being nearly surrounded Hudson rolls backwards (F-13) to get space between him and the infected. Hudson then holds his gun up and takes aim at one of the infected (F-11).

[spoiler]tumble check-1d20+10=16
attack check-1d20+7=15
damage-2d6+5=14 [/spoiler]

Hudson shouts over the discharge of his firearm "I think this is almost over, i dont see anymore of them coming in. we may be able to survive yet!"

[Gnomeo]

Seeing Hudson nearly back into him, Chuck takes a single step to his right behind Lily.  He holds his cleaver at the ready; waiting for the infected to make their move.

[spoiler]Actions
5-Foot Step to G-13 (free)
Activate Power attack for +3 (free)
Ready an action to attack the first infected to come within reach (standard)

If an infected comes within reach: Readied Attack (1d20+4=18, 1d6+7=9)

Status
HP: 14 (bitten)
Using Power Attack for +3
AC: 13
[/spoiler]

[ragincajun2288]

Hudson tumbles again, like some kind of acrobat. The man is obviously talented. He moves away from one of the infected but the other two next to him both take swings at him as he tries to roll away.

Both of the enemies swing too late as Hudson rolls away to safety.

[spoiler]I officially hate you and your high DEF Nathan. I even rolled decent that time. Just mark that bullet buddy, just mark it.[/spoiler]

After Hudson rolls into another crouch he takes aim and fires, his bullet taking the infected in the chest, near it's heart. The infected goes down and seems to not be moving, but Hudson isn't sure he would trust the corpse as much as he would a venomous snake's.

Chuck steps back and holds the cleaver at ready, he isn't sure what will come first but he seems to be putting himself into a position to protect the rest of the party. He will stand ready, and even if it means he will be the last to make a move, he will attack with a true aim and a heart full of vigor.

The infected continue their onslaught, their screeching surely alerting any others in the area. One infected that is near Lily tries to slash at her with it's ragged, bloody claws...but Lily leans backwards all matrix style and dodges it!

One of the infected approach Chuck and he swings his cleaver instantly! The attack slices across the infected and the creature's guts begin spilling out of it's stomach. As if the monster doesn't feel the blow, he continues to attack him but Chuck notices the creature moves more slowly. Perhaps a loss of blood effects them.

Another of the infected humans runs toward Hudson. A bloody corpse wearing an a nurse outfit. She would have been attractive if she wasn't half dead looking. She swings large claws at Hudson.

Hudson finally feels the first pangs of pain! As the creature's claws rake across his chest, leaving semi-deep cuts for 6 points of damage!

[spoiler]Hah! Finally![/spoiler]

The other infected look around as their comrades fall, they seem to be confused for some reason.

[spoiler]If anyone has Knowledge: Nature skills at all I need a check, if not, don't worry about it. Map updated. Lily up again. Chuck, having using a readied action in battle is pushed to the spot right above the enemy who caused his reaction. Meaning, after Hudson, Chuck still has his turn because of all the enemy's initiative is still below his.[/spoiler]

[Gnomeo]

Knowledge: Earth & Life Sciences (1d20+10=12)

[ragincajun2288]

Chuck
[spoiler]notices the pack like behavior and even believes the noise they are emitting may be a form of communication.[/spoiler]

[maggieloo72]

Lily focuses her attention back to the infected behind the bar and aims her Colt once more and steadily pulls the trigger.
[spoiler]Actions
Free step into G-13 with Chuck.
Shoot J-13 zombie. 1d20+8=25
Damage: 2d6+4=13

Status
HP: 10
16 vs. melee, 19 vs. ranged. [/spoiler]

Loss of blood, Lily remembers. And she says more anxiously, "We need to get to the firetruck while we still can..."

[ragincajun2288]

Lily looks to her next opponent. She is desperate in her weakened state but her mind is still focused. Survival is a must, failure not an option. She had too much to do still. Without thinking she fired off another shot...and her bullet completely annihilated the face of another enemy.

[spoiler]Congrats again Lily. Remember to count your total ammo and the ammo left in your revolver. Make it easy for me K? Updating the maps every turn on paint is a bitch enough. I want to keep this campaign gritty; fatigue and hunger, reloading and finding ammo, so I'm enforcing reloading rules and the like.

Map updated, Hudson up, followed by Chuck.[/spoiler]

[shallowesoul]

after feeling the first pain of combat Hudson stumbles and tries to regain his balance. after a moment Hudson takes aim and shoots at (F-12) the infected in front of him.

[spoiler]attack check-1d20+6=20+1=21
damage-2d6+5=10[/spoiler]

"I agree with Lily we need to head for that truck as soon as we can. otherwise we may get stuck in here with more of these things."

[Gnomeo]

"Out the front door, then.  Let's see if we can't clear a path!"  Chuck leans into his next swing, taking a full step before delivering the blow.

[spoiler]Actions
5-Foot Step to F-13 (free)
Activate Power Attack for a +3 bonus (free)
Attack the infected in F-12 (if standing, otherwise E-12) Power Attack (1d20+4=20, 1d6+7=10)

If infected is defeated, Cleave on infected in E-12: Cleave (1d20+4=19, 1d6+7=12)

Status
HP: 14 (bitten)
Using Power Attack for +3
AC: 13[/spoiler]

After the attack, Chuck grabs his turnout gear from the chair nearby, slings it over his good shoulder, and takes a moment to catch his breath.  He has a grimace on his face as he tries to push through the pain in his shoulder, and it looks like he's grinding his teeth.  In between huffs, he says: "So much for rabies.  These things aren't just mindless cannibals.  They're attacking in packs and talking.  Maybe even calling for help."

[ragincajun2288]

As Hudson moves to fire at his next opponent the adjacent infected sees an opportunity and swings.

As the bullet from Hudson's gun annihilates the face of the infected he had aimed at the other infected moves in and his claws rake across Hudson's ribs for 6 points of damage.

[spoiler]Sorry Nathan but you were standing right next to another opponent when you used a ranged attack and that provokes an attack of opportunity according to the rulebook. I researched it for your sake but it's a traditional rule meant to preserve melee fighters and keep them useful. (Remember your free 5 foot step!) [/spoiler]

Chuck lunges forward and swings his cleaver. The cleaver slashes through the nearby infected who had just attacked Hudson and takes a large chunk of the monster's throat out. The infected stumbles back and looks as if it might stand but it finally falls to it's knees and then it's face hits the ground, blood pouring everywhere. Chuck thinks, Yeah, felt that didn't you?

The other infected screech and begin to move forward, then they suddenly stop. They stand stock still, their face's expressionless. As the party begins to become confused by the change of nature they slowly notice a low clicking noise coming from somewhere outside. The infected are appearing to listen to it. As the clicking noise gets more rapid and loud the other infected suddenly dart out the door and run into the night at a full sprint, running with something that looks close to panic.

[spoiler]
The battle is over. No more initiative. Post freely.[/spoiler]

[Gnomeo]

With adrenaline pumping, Chuck's mind begins to race.  He sees his father, treating the scrapes on young Chuck's knees after the first time he fell off his bicycle.  Pop told him: "There are 101 uses for good booze, and preventing infection is one of them."

As the memory fades, Chuck takes a moment to compose himself and force his mind to focus on the task at hand.  He takes a bottle of the good whiskey off the bar and pours some over his injured shoulder, hissing through his teeth as he does so.  He then tears a section of his shirt off and ties it on the wound as best he can.  Real treatment will have to wait. 

Chuck then grabs his turnout gear and hastily puts it on.  As he does so, he says: "Whatever just happened, it looks like it scared these things off.  I don't want to stick around to see what could possibly do that.  Let's get to the truck!"

Reminded of Pop's advice, Chuck then grabs as many bottles of alcohol as he can safely carry.  They may come in handy later.

[spoiler]I'm guessing he can carry 5 bottles safely if he's using both arms.

Status
HP: 14 (bitten)
AC: 15[/spoiler]

[shallowesoul]

after battle Hudson looks at his wound and winces at the pain of moving. he then seems to stare off into space remembering one of his tours in the middle-east. after a few moments Hudson snaps out of his "trance like state" and looks around thinking what could possibly make them run. he then decides there's only one way to find that out, and he doesn't want to go through that right now.

then looking at Chuck he thinks for a moment and says "I think you have a good idea. what ever you dont use I would be able to use and make a motov with the leftovers." Hudson pauses a moment and looks around the bar "also If there is a motion sensor here I may be able to use it to make a security perimeter around my shop... oh and we may want to grab some of the food from the freezer because I dont have much to eat at my store. unless you like M.R.E's?" after speaking Hudson walks in the kitchen grabs a few rags and looks in the freezer for food. after his search in the kitchen Hudson sets his findings on a tablecloth. then he walks to the bar and grabs two bottles in each hand sets them on the same table walks back and grabs four more bottles, setting them with the others.

after Hudson is done moving things around he looks at Lily and Chuck. wondering how he was so lucky as to go through that entire encounter and only be hit once. "if we manage to actually get to my shop I have some camping gear. like sleeping bags and pillows so we should be able to sleep well there."

[spoiler]spot check(for motion sensor)-1d20+4=12
search(the freezer)-1d20+3=8 ugh..[/spoiler]