Sentinels Shattered Story-line Saga. Episode 2: As the crow flies.

The Escape pod fuel had gotten them 5 miles from Rook City.  That meant a five mile walk, and Ryan was starting to question whether his suit would hold out, he had listened to Dr. Stinson’s lectures, but he didn’t pay too much attention to the maintenance section.  “Damn Scientists.”  Frost muttered to himself, he could see the skyline getting closer, but the Wraith had gone ahead to make sure the coast was clear.  It sure was starting to feel warm.

. . .

Ryan didn’t care who these people were, they could all burn as far as he was concerned.  Someone was dead, but somehow wasn’t.  Someone ran the city, someone else didn’t, who gives a flaming crap?  Ryan knew it was the heat talking, but he didn’t know how much juice he had left.  He had to conserve energy, save it in case they needed it.  He wasn’t going to look weak.

-----

Maia knew Ryan was struggling, whether he knew how the suit worked or not Maia had studied the blueprints, and she knew what they needed to recharge the suit.  She also knew the dangers they faced in acquiring the means.  From what she had learned the Earth had fallen prey to Grand Warlord Voss two years ago.  Which proved her hunch right, something, someone, had changed the past.  They had to find out what had changed, and then find a way to set it right.  But first things first, they wouldn’t get anywhere with Ryan Frost in this condition.

The Chairman now ruled Rook City, and his network was still as powerful as ever.  She had counted on them being unknown but even that was denied them.  Thanks to some myth about heroes returning from the sky the whole world was looking for them.  She did appreciate being immortalized as “One who walks in shadow,” but she’d prefer those shadows to be free of people looking for her.

Sadly they had to act, and fast.  This Rook City had a lot in common with hers, even if Maia Montgomery was dead here others would stand with her.  On the other hand plenty others would sell her out to the Chairman for a cup of coffee.

. . .

Getting in had been easy enough, they were preparing the necessary equipment when it started.  A terrible screeching sound, like the air itself was drowning in a horrid sea of noise.  Wraith knew the sound, as did her allies.  All they could do is prepare for her entrance, and it would be dramatic.

Episode 2:

Number of Heroes:  3-5

Required Heroes:  Rook City Wraith, Absolute Zero Elemental Wrath.

Other Heroes:  Mr. Fixer, Expatriette, Unity

Villain:  The Matriarch advanced

Environment:  Pike Industrial Complex.

No special rules this time. (to be honest I had some special rules planned involving recharging the suit using the cold vat, but I misremembered the way it worked and there's no way you'd want to leave that in play to heal AZ. (esp. because it would still damage him too much)

EDIT:  Swapping AZ and Unity because of time differences.

Here's the team:

Wraith: dpt

Expatriette: Blue Haired Meerkat

Mr. Fixer: Gestahl

Unity: grimm88

I'd love to play Unity, but it's worth mentioning that I've not yet had a good game with her and, as you may recall, I don't have Rook City, so no Matriarch or Pike Industrial. Perhaps I should wait for the next round...

Go for it, we can help, I post the effects on the respective turns, I'll try to do that more completely.  I'll put you in for Unity.

I’d be interested in Wraith again, although I’m also open to leaving the slot for a new player.

If there's no-one in yet, I'll happily take Zero

Hello all, new to the forum. I'm up to play Mr Fixer, but that's not an especially strong preference over Expatriette. I don't have the promo Zero or Wraith, but do have all that other stuff.

(edit)I've read some other PBF games so I know the idea, but how do starting hands and card draws work? Honor system or does the person running the scenario deal them out?

(edit 2) Looks like we have a lineup then! I'll go ahead and draw..

Mister Fixer - Starting hand - Hoist Chain, Tool Box, Driving Mantis, Meditation

I'll grap Expatriette, if I may, and all card draws are done on the honour system.

Unity - Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm

Yeah, cheating and picking your card wouldn't work too well anyway.  Twice I had what looked to be a terrible hand (in 3 forum games) but both times I ended up having exactly the right cards for what happened, and every freaking time I think I've got the perfect hand everything changes.

Zero's starting hand- Onboard Module Installation, Fueled Freeze, Modular Realignment, Focused Apertures.

A note that since I live on the opposite side of the world to most, if not all of you, my updates times may be a little... odd.

“Greetings, and welcome to Rook City frien . . . What are you doing here?”  The skylight had been broken open by a swarm of crows, the Matriarch then lowered in, carried by what must have been several hundred more.

Curses, that's what I get for not checking the forums last night.  I'll have to get in on the next one.

That makes two of us, brother…Alack!

In the rafters, Wraith finds some handy items: a bicycle wheel and a piece of chewing gum. Together with the fish she had the foresight to bring, she quickly rigs up a device that shoots out knitting needles while belching out great clouds of smoke.

The Wraith

HP: 27

Opening hand: Combat Stance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook, Impromptu Invention

In play:

Trash:

Additional effects:

[hr]
Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Impromptu Invention. Draw a card: Smoke Bombs. Search the deck for Razor Ordinance, and put it into play. Play Smoke Bombs.

Use a power: Razor Ordinance. Deal 3 projectile damage to the Mask of the Matriarch [6].

Draw a card: Impromptu Invention

End of hero turn:

[hr]
HP: 27

Hand: Combat Stance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook, Impromptu Invention

In play: Razor Ordinance, Smoke Bombs

Trash: Impromptu Invention

Additional effects: Whenever the hero with the lowest HP is damaged, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

Well, Expatriette had always kept stashes of equipment here and there. This one was a bit short on actual weapons, unfortunately...

Expatriette

HP: 29

Hand: Arsenal Access, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds x2, Reload

In play:

Trash:

Additional effects:

Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Arsenal Access reveals 2 Flak Jackets. Put one into play.

Use a power: None

Draw a card: Submachine Gun

End of hero turn:

HP: 29

Hand: Liquid Nitrogen Rounds x2, Reload, Submachine Gun

In play: Flak Jacket

Trash: Arsenal Access

Additional effects:

Slim kicks at the descending Matriarch as he leaps toward a nearby locker, quickly searching for useful items as the sound of thousands of flapping wings grows ever closer.

(I'm gonna go out of turn since it's round 1 and Expat's turn is unlikely to affect mine.)

Mister Fixer

HP: 28

Opening hand: Hoist Chain, Tool Box, Driving Mantis, Meditation

In play:

Trash:

Additional effects:

Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Tool Box. When it enters play I draw 2 cards. Drew Overdrive and Bloody Knuckles.

Use a power: Strike: Deal 1 melee damage to Mask of the Matriarch [5]   (unless you guys can do exactly 6 damage and would rather me hit Matriarch)

Draw a card: Overdrive

End of hero turn:

HP: 28

Hand: Meditation, Hoist Chain, Driving Mantis, Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles

In play: Tool Box

Trash:

Additional effects: At the start of my turn, return Tool Box to my hand.

nicely timed.

Expatriette is a ninja :D

Haha nice, sorry we grabbed up your spots guys, I know how ya feel I've been looking for a PBF game for months and it seems like they always fill up right before I think to check.

Grim88, what times are you usually available to update?  We could switch order with you and AZ to better line up with Theta Sigma's schedule.

I'm Central time zone. Available usually 4:30ish to 10:30ish week days, with a small possibility of posting early in the morning, say 6:30 - 7:00 am.
You want me to go next?
 

Yeah go ahead, that will help keep the game flowing.

"Miss Wraith, I really like what you did there, but I think I can improve it too, and that's exactly what I'll do!"

The Wonderful and Fantastically Pleasant Unity!

HP: 26

Hand: Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm

In play:

Trash:

Additional effects:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Hasty Augmentation: Wraith, use your power again, with a +2 to damage. (My intent is that the mask will die here, but I suppose Wraith gets the final call)

Use a power: NA

Draw a card: Volatile Parts

End of hero turn:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 26

Hand: Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Brainstorm, Volatile Parts

In play:

Trash: Hasty Augmentation

Additional effects:

(This probably goes without saying but if anyone ever has Equipment cards they'd let me destr....repurpose, that'd be swell.)

If there's demand, I'm contemplating starting a second "campaign-style" one.  It seems like the Play-by-Post games are getting really popular…

Hmm, quite interesting. I think I might be able to use this technique in some other devices... I've been interested in these "golems" you mention. Next time I have a device that has served its purpose, I'll call you over.

Wraith hits the Mask for a total of 5 damage, destroying it.

I'd join that too, but since I'm in this one already put me last in line, just in case yours doesn't fill up quick enough. I have every vanilla deck except Ambuscade. Since I'll be checking the forum a lot anyway and I see how it all works now maybe I could start up one of those randomized non-story games if there is STILL demand

OK so looking at this hand of mine… Assuming I can keep a hoist chain out (If I'd known 2 Overdrives were coming I would have put it out first thing XD), by turn 3 I can nullify her revenge damage for the Fowl…  Hell, I can nullify the Carrion Field on turn 2 if we want an SMG burst, but revenge will still be painful… I like this hand so far, but if my chain gets broken I might want to go back to fixing cars

For Unity, if I ever have a chance to play this Tool Box again you can feel free to "repurpose" it haha (clearly breaking that mask was the best move for you this turn).

I've looked through Matriarch's deck but never faced her, so I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing she got Carrion Field first instead of a bird swarm… With 5 players that carrion is really going to hurt but at least we get this one quiet moment of not getting pecked by birds. With Zero and Unity here I want to say any extra setup time we can get will be a blessing.

Carrion field is devastating to Unity, unless she gets stealth bot out.

If I put out and use a Stun Bolt that would pretty much neutralize the Carrion Fields, as would Hoist Chain. Smoke Bombs already do pretty well in protecting Unity's bots. Stealth Bot + Smoke Bombs is awesome, of course. (Per a recent ruling, you can redirect as much as you like, but you'd only get one copy of each DR.)

Some of the miscellaneous fowl are bad for Unity too, let's hope some cohort doesn't fly off with my chain :)

"What, a crow carrying a hoist chain?", "He could grip it by the hook!", "It's not a question of where he grips it! It's a simple question of weight ratios! A sixteen ounce bird could not carry a 20 pound hoist chain!", "It could be carried by a Thoratian crow!", "Oh, yeah, a Thoratian crow maybe, but not a Earth crow, that's my point."

Ryan sighed, but if there was going to be a fight, he wouldn't sit by, helpless!

Absolute Zero (EW)

HP: 27

Opening hand: Onboard Module Installation, Fueled Freeze, Modular Realignment, Focused Apertures

In play:

Trash:

Additional effects:

Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Onboard Module Installation. Draw a card: Frostbound Drain. Search the deck for Null-Point Calibration Unit, and put it into hand. Play Focused Apertures.

Use a power: Elemental Wrath. Deal 3 cold damage to The Matriarch [67].

Draw a card: Coolant Blast

End of hero turn:

HP: 27

Hand: Fueled Freeze, Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast

In play: Focused Apertures

Trash: Onboard Module Installation

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1

Pike Industrial Complex

In Play:

Trash:

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

Start of Turn:

Play a Card:  Chemical Explosion, Destroys all vat cards, deal each target x damage where x=the number of vat cards destroyed by this card plus three, 0 vats all targets take 3 damage.

End of Turn:  Chemical explosion destroys itself.

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

In Play:

Trash:  Chemical Explosion

Hero damage:  Stinking Flak jacket and its non-optional prevention.

Expatriette Would take three, prevents and destroys flak jacket. [29]

Unity would take three, Smoke Bombs redirects to Expatriette [27]

Fixer takes 3 [25]

Wraith Takes 3 [24]

AZ takes 3 [24]

The air was thick and toxic, a mixture of chemical fumes and what smelled like rotting flesh.  Ryan's suit was functioning, but he was really kicking the cooling up too high to keep it going, the Ice was building up on the outside and it seemed the temperature regulation was malfunctioning.  Not that he minded, it couldn't get too cold for him.

"You little vermin," the Matriarch fumed as she searched the filth that covered the ground for her mask, "I shall feed you to my flock!"

ROUND TWO

The Matriarch

HP:  64

In Play:  Carrion Fields [12]

Trash:  Darken the Sky, Mask of the Matriarch

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

Start of Turn:

Play a Card:  Unkindness of Ravens [1] (fowl), Unkindness of Ravens [1] (fowl), Carrion Fields [15]

End of Turn:

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

HP:  64

In Play:  Carrion Fields [12], Unkindness of Ravens [1], Unkindness of Ravens [1], Carrion Fields [15]

Trash:  Darken the Sky, Mask of the Matriarch

Effects:

ST:  Unkindness of Ravens deals each hero target except the hero target witht he lowest HP 1 projectile damage.

ET:

Static:  When a Fowl card is destroyed the hero with the highest HP must either destroy one of their equipment or ongoing cards, or the Matriarch deals them 3 psychic damage.

When a fowl card is destroyed, Carrion Fields deals each hero target, except the hero target with the highest HP 1 toxic damage.

Hero Status:

RC Wraith:  24

Expatriette: 27

Mr. Fixer:  25

Unity:  26

AZEW:  24

Devra, I found this old computer. It’s still functional, but I’d also love to see what you can make with it, if you want to come over and play around.

Rook City Wraith

HP: 24

Hand: Combat Stance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook, Impromptu Invention

In play: Razor Ordinance, Smoke Bombs

Trash: Impromptu Invention

Additional effects: Whenever the hero target with the lowest HP is damaged, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

[hr]
Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Impromptu Invention. Draw a card: Mega Computer. Search the deck for Stun Bolt, and put it into play. Play Mega Computer.

Use a power: Stun Bolt. Deal 1 projectile damage to Carrion Fields #1 [11]. Carrion Fields’ damage is at -1 until the start of my next turn.

Draw a card: Inventory Barrage

End of hero turn:

[hr]

HP: 24

Hand: Combat Stance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook, Inventory Barrage

In play: Razor Ordinance, Smoke Bombs, Mega Computer, Stun Bolt

Trash: Impromptu Invention, Impromptu Invention

Additional effects: Whenever the hero target with the lowest HP is damaged, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

The damage of Carrion Fields #1 is reduced by 1 until the start of my next turn.

** Edit-Oops, nevermind *** (Why is Matriarch dealing 3 with revenge instead of 2? I may be missing something sorta distracted)

Slim finds only cheap dollar-store tools in the locker, so angrily he uncoils his trusty chain. (changed)Swinging the chain around overhead he disrupts the birds' flight!

Mister Fixer

HP: 25

Hand: Meditation, Hoist Chain, Driving Mantis, Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles

In play: Tool Box

Trash:

Additional effects:

Start of hero turn: Tool Box goes to my hand.

Play a card: Hoist Chain

Use a power: (**changed BACK**) Strike Matriarch for 1 [63], Matriarch's damage is reduced by 1 until the start of my next turn.

Draw a card: Jack Handle

End of hero turn:

HP: 25

Hand: Meditation, Tool Box, Driving Mantis, Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle

In play: Hoist Chain

Trash:

Additional effects: Matriarch is at -1 dmg til the start of my next turn

Her revenge damage is H-2, which in this case is 5-2=3.

Ah crap did I get an old edition of rook city? Mine just says 2 dmg… I hope my Fixer isn't also different I'll look into it.

Carrion Fields' damage is at -2 until the start of my next turn.

I thought Stun Bolts only lowered by 1, am I missing something?

Not to jack this thread but can we get a photo of that? I got a first printing of Rook City and it's -2… unless it's a misprint on an oversized card (again!)

And old School (First Edition) Stun Bolts make the target -2 damage on a hit, you're playing with a fellow non-updater!

Seriously If I get a picture of the card I'll give you the -2 on it, is the artwork different at all?

OK nevermind apparently I was hallucinating, I looked at that card like 3 times and missed it somehow… Sorry for the confusion, all is well. (had a friend talking politics at me in Steam chat was hard to focus lol)

(fixed)Also though, did the Matriarch record that Chemical Explosion damage? She should maybe be at 63 after my chain attack?

Yeah, Matriarch at 63, I forgot to change both HP, only changed the first one, fixed now.

The picture offer was directed at Wraith, sorry for the confusion, cleaned up the post.

EDIT x 1 MILLION! I'm gonna stick with Matriarch! The math was more complicated than I thought!!

Really sorry to anyone who was reading the forum during my "who do I hit" freakout :D

I was just confused--serves me right for posting without looking at the actual cards. I corrected my turn above.

This is exactly why I can't play one of these forum games unless it involves only cards I own.  Hard enough to keep track of everything when I DO have the cards to look at.

(I currently have no bots in hand to make use of the Mega Computer, just an fyi.)

However, if you play Brainstorm you have a reasonable chance of getting one in time for your Power phase.

Btw, it’s your turn, grim88.

(So,i'm unfamiliar with this villian. Do I want to kill Carrion Fields first or the birds?

damage of one field is gone, and Matriarch is dealing reduced damage, so destroying them is about as good as you'll get.

Also you do have flash forge, you can pull any golem you want with it.

Cryo bot is a lot of fun vs. Matriarch, with all the small hits of damage and low hp targets, and Stealth bot is epic for eating carrion field damage, in fact he could eat the raven's damage too.

The Needlessly Curious Unity!

HP: 26

Hand: Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Brainstorm, Volatile Parts

In play:

Trash: Hasty Augmentation

Additional effects:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Brainstorm: Draw 2 cards (Brainstorm, Platform Bot)

3 targets 1 lightning damage: Carrion Fields1 [11], Fowl[DEAD], Fowl, [DEAD]

Use a power: Bothack: "This Mega Computer is the ginormous. It gives me an idea... I will call you...Platform Bot!... because... y'know, it's a big platform like bot."

Draw a card: Swift Bot

End of hero turn:

Platform Bot(3) deals 1 target 3 Energy damage: Carrion Fields1[8]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 26

Hand: Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Brainstorm, Volatile Parts, Swift Bot

In play: Platform Bot(3)

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot is reduced by 1.

I would have maybe killed the ravens with Brainstorm instead (not sure where to put the 3rd damage point), as Wraith's stun bolt on Carrion #1 kinda goes to waste otherwise. Thoughts anyone?

I'm fine either way. I asked that question before I took my turn, but maybe I misunderstood phantaskippy's answer.

Yeah, I'd kill the birds.

Just for the record, I don't mind if the Stun Bolt goes to waste; I was weighing the possibilities, and knew there was some chance it wouldn't matter this turn. But I guess I would also kill the birds.

Another question: how do people feel about me possily putting out Combat Stance next turn? (This has the danger of triggering retaliation damage when we don't want it.) Right now it seems like we have enough DR that it would be OK, possibly? Does anyone have a way to conveniently get rid of Ongoing cards?

I updated my post. Now everyone but Expatriette take 2 damage?

I have a fueled freeze in hand, but it hit non-hero targets for ongoings destroyed. It may be dangerous.

"Cough, Cough. . . Really?  Smoke?  Do you know what this does to my hair?  AAAUGH!  I hate you so much!"

OK

First bird dies

Matriarch hits Expat for 2 [25]

Carrion 1 deals 0 damage

Carrion 2 targets everyone but Unity, attempts to damage AZ [24] and Wraith [24], but Smoke Bombs take care of that, Fixer takes 1 [24], Expatriette takes 1 [24]

Second bird dies:

Matriarch hits Unity for 2 [24] 

Carrion 1 cannot deal damage

Carrion 2 targets a sea of heroes tied for lowest and highest health, but finds only smoke.

Everyone is now at 24 HP.

As of right now instances of 1 damage will be for naught.

Oh and for combat stance, Munnin would be willing to help with that when he decides to appear, if that helps.

Also the Pirates just won, so free Freedom 5 all natural energy drinks for everyone!  “Drink like a hero with Freedom 5 Energy drinks, Tachyon tested, Legacy approved!”

It may be a good plan to focus fire the Matriarch before her cohorts come out

Absolute Zero (EW)

HP: 24

Hand: Fueled Freeze, Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast

In play: Focused Apertures

Trash: Onboard Module Installation

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1

Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Null-Point Calibration Unit

Use a power: Elemental Wrath. Deal 3 cold damage to The Matriarch [60].

Draw a card: Null-Point Calibration Unit

End of hero turn:

HP: 24

Hand: Fueled Freeze, Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast

In play: Focused Apertures, Null-Point Calibration Unit

Trash: Onboard Module Installation

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1, If AZ would be dealt cold damage, he regains that many HP instead.

A second Explosion rocks the building, and even more toxic chemicals flood the air and ground.

Pike Industrial Complex

In Play:

Trash:  Chemical Explosion

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

Start of Turn:

Play a Card:  Chemical Explosion, Destroys all vat cards, deal each target x damage where x=the number of vat cards destroyed by this card plus three, 0 vats all targets take 3 damage.

End of Turn:  Chemical explosion destroys itself.

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

In Play:

Trash:  Chemical Explosion, Chemical Explosion

Hero damage:

With Smoke Bombs everyone takes 2 damage instead of three, all heroes at 22 hp.

The air in the complex felt like fire in her lungs, the ground a mess of chemicals and death, Expatriette was used to this.  "Never a dull moment, never a sunny day," she muttered to herself as she scanned her targets and planned an attack pattern.

"Ah, there you are."  The Matriarch straightened up, did her best to straighten her dress and restored her mask to its perch on her face.

"Now . .  Arise my lovelies and feast upon the flesh of my enemies!"

ROUND THREE

The Matriarch

HP:  57

In Play:  Carrion Fields [7], Carrion Fields [9]

Trash:  Darken the Sky, Mask of the Matriarch, Unkindness of Ravens(2)

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

Start of Turn:

Play a Card:  Kettle of Vultures [1] (f), Murder of Crows [1] (f), Unkindness of Ravens [1] (f), Kettle of Vultures [1] (f), Clattering of Jackdaws [1] (f), Building of Rooks [1] (f), Clattering of Jackdaws [1] (f), Murder of Crows [1] (f), Darken the Sky.  Unkindness of Ravens [1], Unkindness of Ravens [1], Mask of the Matriarch [9] enter play.

End of Turn:

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

HP:  57

In Play:  Carrion Fields [7], Carrion Fields [9], Kettle of Vultures [1], Murder of Crows [1], Unkindness of Ravens [1], Kettle of Vultures [1], Clattering of Jackdaws [1], Building of Rooks [1], Clattering of Jackdaws [1], Murder of Crows [1], Unkindness of Ravens [1], Unkindness of Ravens [1], Mask of the Matriarch [9]

Trash:  Darken the Sky(2)

Effects:

ST:  Anything with 1 hp does damage here, Matriarch regains 2hp (Mask)

ET:

Static:  When a Fowl card is destroyed the hero with the highest HP must either destroy one of their equipment or ongoing cards, or the Matriarch deals them 3 psychic damage.

When a fowl card is destroyed, Carrion Fields deals each hero target, except the hero target with the highest HP 1 toxic damage.

The first time a non-fowl villain card enters play each turn, play the top card of the villain deck (Mask)

Carrion Field's damage is reduced by 1 till start of Wraith's turn

The Matriarch's damage is reduced by 1 till Mr Fixer's turn.

Hero Status:

RC Wraith:  22

Expatriette: 22

Mr. Fixer:  22

Unity:  22

AZEW:  22

It is almost sad how easy it will be to undo this impressive swarm.

Sad? It's going to be awesome.

I think we do all take the full 3 from Chemical Explosion, as Smoke Bombs only redirect villain card damage. Platform Bot would take 2 and survive with 1 hp.

**REDACTED** It would be nice if we could find a way to clear out the Fowl AND break that mask this turn..

(EDIT)Er, with that Platform Bot out, the only truly safe ways to kill all the Fowl will be either Stun Bolt + SMG or stun bolt + double hoist chain + Unity/Zero attack. Smoke bomb is doing nothing for us right now against Matriarch's revenge damage, though we're still safe from the Carrion Fields.

I guess the Smoke Bombs only helped us like that because the birds were killed before the Platform Bot was played. I hadn't noticed that Smoke Bombs only affect villain damage.

I can't tell if you're talking about Megalopolis or baseball?

The explosions, smoke, and hordes of birds are filling the factory with chaos. Wraith feels quite at home. Lots of places to hide and strike from the darkness.

Rook City Wraith

HP: 21 (using Gestahl’s correction)

Hand: Combat Stance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook, Inventory Barrage

In play: Razor Ordinance, Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt

Trash: Impromptu Invention, Impromptu Invention, Mega Computer

Additional effects: Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

The damage of Carrion Fields #1 is reduced by 1 until the start of my next turn.

[hr]
Start of hero turn: Stun Bolt expires.

Play a card: Combat Stance

Use a power: Stun Bolt. Deal 1 projectile damage to The Matriarch [56]. Her damage is at -1 until the start of my next turn.

Draw a card: Suture Self

End of hero turn:

[hr]
HP: 21

Hand: Suture Self (x2), Grappling Hook, Inventory Barrage

In play: Razor Ordinance, Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt, Combat Stance

Trash: Impromptu Invention, Impromptu Invention, Mega Computer

Additional effects: (Smoke Bombs) Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

(Combat Stance) The first time The Wraith is dealt damage by a target each turn, she deals that target 2 melee damage.

The damage of The Matriarch is reduced by 1 until the start of my next turn.

How so? The Liquid Nitrogen rounds will be helping us against the Carrion Fields, but I don't see how the Smoke Bombs do.

(On my turn, I could use the Powered ShockWave to do 2 damage to all villian targets. That would kill all the birds. How's that sound?)

I'm suspecting Expatriette will take them out with her Liquid Nitrogen Rounds first, but we'll see what happens.

Correct again

So everyone is at 21 hp, Turret bot at 1.

Also Matriarch is currently at -2 damage (Fixer and Wraith)

And I am speaking of the Pirates of Pittsburgh, who have just won their first playoff game since I was 13.  I'm a little excited.

Expatriette smiles the smile of a hungry wolf with prey in sight. She considers making some manner of ice-based pun, but ultimately decides against it.

Expatriette
 
HP: 21
 
Hand: Reload, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Arsenal Access
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Trash: Arsenal Access, Flak Jacket
 
Additional effects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn:
 
Play a card: Arsenal Access; reveal Tactical Shotgun and Incendiary Rounds, put the Shotgun into play.
 
Use a power: Submachine Gun; 1 cold damage to the Matriarch [55], leaving her dealing -3 damage, 1 each to the Carrion Fields [6 and 8], giving them a -1 damage dealt until the start of my next turn, 1 to the mask [8], aaaand the fowl fall in a shower of lead and ice.

And I can do this all day :D
 
Draw a card: Flak Jacket (grumble grumble)
 
End of hero turn:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 21
 
Hand: Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Reload, Flak Jacket
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Tactical Shotgun
 
Trash: Arsenal Access x2, Flak Jacket, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Additional effects: Matriarch and Carrion Fields dealing -1 damage until the start of my next turn.

Slim empties his mind, the rhythmic swinging of the chain helps him achieve a martial trance. Soon, patterns begin to emerge in the birds' movements.

Mister Fixer

HP: 21

Hand: Meditation, Tool Box, Driving Mantis, Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle

In play: Hoist Chain

Trash:

Additional effects:

Play a card: Driving Mantis (not exactly a power play but I feel like I should save these Overdrives)

Use a power: Hoist Chain - deals 1 dmg to Matriarch [54], she's at -1 dmg til my next turn.

Draw a card: Harmony (neat)

End of hero turn:

HP: 21

Hand: Meditation, Tool Box, Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle, Harmony

In play: Hoist Chain, Driving Mantis

Trash:

Additional effects: Matriarch is at -1 dmg til the start of my next turn, the first 2 or less damage dealt to Mr Fixer each turn may be redirected to a target of my choice.

The HP on the Carrion fields seems wonky to me. Carrion fields 1 was:

• Hit for 3 by the first Chemical Explosion [12]
• Hit for 1 by my Stun Bolt [11]
• Hit for 1 by Unity's Brainstorm [10]
• Hit for 3 by Unity's Platform Bot [7]
• Hit for 3 by the second Chemical Explosion [4]
• Hit for 1 by the SMG [3].

Carrion Fields 2, on the other hand, was:

• Hit for 3 by the second Chemical Explosion [12]
• Hit for 1 by the SMG [11].

I hope I got that right. I agree with Theta_Sigma, let's focus on the Matriarch as much as we can, and let the environment &c take out the Carrion Fields (or neutralize them with more liquid nitrogen).

Well carrion fields hit everyone except the highest, since we're tied for highest wouldn't that mean only Platform Bot would be targetted? Then, even though he doesn't need it, smoke bomb would protect him anyway

Oh, and remember guys, that mask is back out, I don't know if we should be focusing our single-target damage on that or her…

New power play : Leave The Matriarch with a cloud of birds and one DR. Have her do retaliation damage to Mr. Fixer.
I want the movie version of that.

"Y'know, I think that jacket could make a good torso for this idea i've got ticking around in my head…" (dodges falling bird)

I see it's suddenly my turn, but won't be able to make it for about 4 hours.

"If I can get it to you then feel free, but right now I'm a bit busy raining frozen death."

It only redirects the first shot each turn.

"Devra, I'm considering seeing what you can do with this Knitting Needle Ordinance. It's useful, but I'll probably be using my Stun Bolt more."

Remember that any additional robots will be theoretically vulnerable to carrion fields next time we kill some fowl.

The Multipurposeful Unity!

HP: 21

Hand: Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Brainstorm, Volatile Parts, Swift Bot

In play: Platform Bot(3)

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm

Additional effects:

Platform Bot(1)
Damage to Platform Bot is reduced by 1.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Brainstorm: Draw 2 cards (Platform Bot, Supply Crate)

3 targets 1 lightning damage: Carrion Fields1 [2], Mask [7], Matriarch[53] (I used dpt's numbers for the Carrion Field. If it's wrong, let me know)

Use a power: Bothack: "Razor Ordinance you say? Hmm, how about a stun bot to go with your stun bolt! Ah, yes.... I think she's stunning, don't you? I bet Miss Tachyon would think so. I wish she were here..." Swift Bot enters play.

Draw a card: Supply Crate, Cryo Bot (Sometimes I swear my decks aren't shuffled well...)

End of hero turn:

Platform Bot(1) deals 1 target 3 Energy damage: Mask[4]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 21

Hand: Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Volatile Parts, Supply Crate(2), Platform Bot, Cryo Bot

In play: Platform Bot(1), Swift Bot(6)

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm(2)

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot is reduced by 1.

[Looking forward to my next turn... :) I'm setup well to get a bot out all on my own + other good stuff. ]

I don’t think this is correct. If there’s a tie, only one of us can count as "highest ".

Unity, I think your hand wasn’t updated.

Look's right to me…

nevermind. I removed Brainstorm which I used. Should be right now.

Before I have my turn, does anyone have ongoings out they don't mind getting rid of? If there's even one, I could hit everything for 2, and then hit the mask with my power, which would take both it and the Carrion Fields out of play. Or I could play Coolant Blast and use that for Fueld Freeze next round.

You can take Combat Stance if you need it. That’s probably the only one ; Mr Fixer will likely play Harmony next round.

You may be right, I'm not sure… If so we better take out those Carrions or Unity's robots will become a problem.

It seems like Combat Stance is… probably? Less useful than Driving Mantis? If you wanna burn Mantis though there's other stuff I can do, Meditation, Overdrive, Tool Box… If that one cohort comes out with the damage reduction I might want to meditate anyway to get the style to counter that. Other than that one cohort coming out we're probably better off burning Combat Stance.

(edit)And yeah, barring unforeseen circumstances I'll probably play Harmony next round :)  It's just a Mr Fixer damage ramp though, so if we need to disrupt it, no big deal.

Devra is planning to construct a Cryobot on her next turn to help control a potential bird population, but if this seems like a bad idea, she can do a second Platform Bot instead.

Ryan couldn't help grinning at Expatriette's comment. Raining icy death? He could definitely get behind that.

Absolute Zero (EW)

HP: 21

Hand: Fueled Freeze, Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast

In play: Focused Apertures, Null-Point Calibration Unit

Trash: Onboard Module Installation

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1, If AZ would be dealt cold damage, he regains that many HP instead.

Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Fueled Freeze. Destroy Wraith's Combat Stance to deal 2 cold damage to Carrion Fields 1 [DEAD], Mask of the Matriarch [2], The Matriarch [51].

Use a power: Elemental Wrath. Deal 3 cold damage to Mask of the Matriarch [DEAD].

Draw a card: Onboard Module Installation

End of hero turn:

HP: 21

Hand: Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast, Onboard Module Installation

In play: Focused Apertures, Null-Point Calibration Unit

Trash: Onboard Module Installation, Fueled Freeze

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1, If AZ would be dealt cold damage, he regains that many HP instead.

Cleaning up:  DPT's numbers seem right, we'll go with them.  The second Carrion fields is still there, at 9hp currently.  Unity, which card did you destroy to summon Swift Bot?

Ryan heard a strange sound, he turned and saw the largest Rat he had ever seen, it had to be a full foot high and at least three feet long, and its eyes; they seemed to glow.

"What the. . ."

"Never seen a Rook City rat before?" Expat asked.  "That isn't even a big one."

"At least these ones don't fly." added Mr. Fixer.

Pike Industrial Complex

In Play:

Trash:  Chemical Explosion(2)

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

Start of Turn:

Play a Card:  Escaped Lab Rat [3]

End of Turn:  Escaped Lab Rat tries to attack Platform Bot, but cannot find any target in the smoke, but then bites Swift bot for 1 melee damage [5]

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

In Play:  Escaped Lab Rat [3]

Trash:  Chemical Explosion, Chemical Explosion

She took the Razor Ordinance.

I put the card title in caps in my flavor text, but i can be sure to call it out more specifically in the future.

"My precious birds!"  The Matriarch screamed, "YOU KILLED MY BIRDS AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

The heroes covered their ears to drown out the horrors of teenage drama.  Even Swift Bot joined them.

"You're lucky you don't have ears little buddy" Unity said, loooking at her Platform Bot.

Platform Bot simply floated there.

ROUND FOUR

The Matriarch

HP:  51

In Play:  Carrion Fields [9]

Trash:  Building of Rooks, Carrion Fields, Clattering of Jackdaws(2), Darken the Sky(2), Horrid Cacophony, Kettle of Vultures(2), Mask of the Matriarch, Murder of Crows(2), Unkindness of Ravens(3)

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

Start of Turn:

Play a Card:  Horrid Cacophony destroys Driving Mantis, Each non-villain target takes 3 sonic damage.  Since I believe the source is the Matriarch (I don't like that source, since the birds making the noise seems more fitting, esp. considering the card art, but whatever) it is reduced by 3 to 0 damage.

End of Turn:

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

HP:  51

In Play:  Carrion Fields [9]

Trash:  Building of Rooks, Carrion Fields, Clattering of Jackdaws(2), Darken the Sky(2), Kettle of Vultures(2), Mask of the Matriarch, Murder of Crows(2), Unkindness of Ravens(3)

Effects:

ST:  

ET:

Static:  When a Fowl card is destroyed the hero with the highest HP must either destroy one of their equipment or ongoing cards, or the Matriarch deals them 3 psychic damage.

When a fowl card is destroyed, Carrion Fields deals each hero target, except the hero target with the highest HP 1 toxic damage.

The Matriarch's damage is reduced by 1 till RC Wraith's turn.

The Matriarch and Carrion Fields damage is reduced by 1 till Expat's turn.

The Matriarch's damage is reduced by 1 till Mr Fixer's turn.

Hero Status:

RC Wraith:  21

Expatriette: 21

Mr. Fixer:  21

Unity:  21

AZEW:  21

Platform Bot:  1

Swift Bot:  5

Reduced by 3, I believe? Mr. Fixer, Expatriette, and I are all reducing her damage by 1. Expatriette is also reducing the damage of the Carrion Fields, not that it matters at the moment.

Oh I didn't see the other Carrion Fields were still in play. They took two damage from my Fueled Freeze, then, since it hits all non-hero targets. Want me to adjust my post?

Forgot about Expat's reduction from her Anti-Avian Rampage.  Will fix.

and Theta Sigma, I gave it the 2 damage, it went from 11 to 9 with fueled freeze.

Except it was at 9 after The Matriarch's last turn, and Expatriette hit it. Unless I'm missing something?

No, it was 12 after the last turn, before Expatriette hit it. See here:  https://greaterthangames.com/comment/41707#comment-41707

Phantaskippy, I think we're all at 21HP: https://greaterthangames.com/comment/41671#comment-41671

Rook City Wraith

HP: 21

Hand: Suture Self (x2), Grappling Hook, Inventory Barrage

In play: Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt

Trash: Impromptu Invention, Impromptu Invention, Mega Computer, Combat Stance, Razor Ordinance

Additional effects: (Smoke Bombs) Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

The damage of The Matriarch is reduced by 1 until the start of my next turn.

[hr]
Start of hero turn: Stun Bolt expires.

Play a card: Suture Self. Regain 3HP.

Use a power: Stun Bolt. Deal 1 projectile damage to The Matriarch [50]. Her damage is at -1 until the start of my next turn.

Draw a card: Trust Fund

End of hero turn:

[hr]
HP: 24

Hand: Suture Self, Grappling Hook, Inventory Barrage, Trust Fund

In play: Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt

Trash: Impromptu Invention, Impromptu Invention, Mega Computer, Combat Stance, Razor Ordinance, Suture Self

Additional effects: (Smoke Bombs) Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

The damage of The Matriarch is reduced by 1 until the start of my next turn.

We don't technically need to reduce Matriarchs damage this turn do we?

That's correct. Go ahead and bust loose.

Hm, we don't really NEED to reduce her damage this turn do we?

Unity, do you want me to throw down a Tool Box you can repurpose?

Expatriette looks up at the clear sky with a satisfied smirk. "Hey, Unity!" She tosses her Flak Jacket across the room. "Heads up!"

Expatriette
 
HP: 21
 
Hand: Reload, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Flak Jacket
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Tactical Shotgun
 
Trash: Arsenal Access x2, Flak Jacket, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Additional effects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn:
 
Play a card: Flak Jacket
 
Use a power: Tactical Shotgun to the Matriarch's face [46].

 
Draw a card: Arsenal Access
 
End of hero turn:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 21
 
Hand: Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Reload, Arsenal Access
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Tactical Shotgun, Flak Jacket
 
Trash: Arsenal Access x2, Flak Jacket, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Additional effects: 

Looks like I've got a Flak Jacket to use. I also have Supply Crates in my hand now, so I should be good for now. I'll never turn down free Equipment though. What I really need is an out of turn card play.

Slim stumbles out of his stance, holding his ears. He regains his composure to kick open another box of tools and resume swinging his chain all about.

HP: 21

Hand: Meditation, Tool Box, Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle, Harmony

In play: Hoist Chain

Trash: Driving Mantis

Additional effects: Whenever Mr Fixer damages a target, that target is at -1 damage til my next turn.

Play a card: Tool Box, I draw 2 cards. Drew Alternating Tiger Claw and Tire Iron.

Use a power: Hoist Chain - deals 1 dmg to Carrion Field [8], Carrion field is at -1 dmg til my next turn.

Draw a card: Salvage Yard

End of hero turn:

HP: 21

Hand: Meditation, Tool Box, Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle, Harmony, Tire Iron, Alternating Tiger Claw, Salvage Yard.

In play: Hoist Chain, Tool Box

Trash:

Additional effects: Carrion Field -1 damage til my next turn. Return Tool Box to my hand at the start of my next turn.

Unless Expatriette REALLY wants to get rid of that Flak Jacket I think Unity should break the Tool Box first. I've got a lot of cards to play, no way I'll need this Tool Box again.

The Still Plucky Unity!

HP: 21

Hand: Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Brainstorm, Volatile Parts, Swift Bot,Supply Crate(2), Platform Bot, Cryo Bot

In play: Platform Bot(1), Swift Bot(5)

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm(2)

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot is reduced by 1.

Swift Bot allows me to Play and Draw an additional card during those Phases.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Volatile Parts, Supply Crate (draw card from SC: Powered Shock Wave)

Use a power: Bothack: (Looking at Mr Fixer:) "With that Tool Box I can create a replica of the manliest man I know!" (Eyes shift to Absolute Zero...)
Tool Box is discarded. Cryo Bot enters play.

Draw a card: Bee Bot, Raptor Bot (So many choices! Raptor will be awesome next round if i don't lose any bots)

End of hero turn:

Platform Bot(1) deals 1 target 3 Energy damage: Escaped Lab Rat[DEAD]   "Revenge for my little sweeties!" (Unity giggles in what she thinks is an evil cackle.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 21

Hand: Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Powered Shock Wave(2), Supply Crate, Platform Bot, Bee Bot, Raptor Bot

In play: Platform Bot(1), Swift Bot(5), Cryo Bot(7), Supply Crate, Volatile Parts

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm(2)

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot is reduced by 1.

Swift Bot allows me to Play and Draw an additional card during those Phases.

When Cryo Bot takes damage, he deals all non hero targets 1 Cold Damage. He's also immune to Cold Damage.

When a Golem is Destroyed, Unity deasl the non-hero target with the lowest HP 2 Fire damage.

(Rats and birds....must try this combo sometime!)

I vote Tool Box just because I can't imagine needing it again, Flak Jacket is at least imaginably useful (though I'll concede probably not).

Robot Absolute Zero? Robot Absolute Zero. Well, alright then.

Absolute Zero (EW)

HP: 21

Hand: Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast, Onboard Module Installation

In play: Focused Apertures, Null-Point Calibration Unit

Trash: Onboard Module Installation, Fueled Freeze

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1, If AZ would be dealt cold damage, he regains that many HP instead.

Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Onboard Module Installation. Draw Impale, Search the deck for Isothermic Transducer. Play Impale on The Matriarch.

Use a power: Elemental Wrath. Deal 3 cold damage to The Matriarch [43].

Draw a card: Cryo Chamber

End of hero turn:

HP: 21

Hand: Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast, Isothermic Transducer, Cryo Chamber

In play: Focused Apertures, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Impale (on The Matriarch)

Trash: Onboard Module Installation (2), Fueled Freeze

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1, If AZ would be dealt cold damage, he regains that many HP instead.

Yeah, go Tool Box. My jacket can wait.

Updated. Unity would like to go on record that she does not think AZ is a tool, nor was she inspired by the Tool Box in any way that isn't completely G rated when she created Cryo Bot from it.

They had the Matriarch on the run, her birds were falling as fast as she called them, and they had given her a few good shots as well.  They caught up to her in the flesh revitalization laboratory.  Just being in the room felt good.

Pike Industrial Complex

In Play:

Trash:  Chemical Explosion(2), Escaped Lab Rat

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

Start of Turn:

Play a Card:  Biometric Plasma Vat

End of Turn:  Each target recovers 1 HP

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

In Play:  Biometric Plasma Vat

Trash:  Chemical Explosion(2), Escaped Lab Rat

Effects:  

ET:  Each target regains 1hp

Static:  Reduce all damage by 1

The Matriarch was hunched over on a walkway, as the heroes approached they could hear her talking, she appeared to be talking to a very large Raven.

"They'll be sorry, won't they Muninn, they'll all be sorry now, we'll make them sorry."

ROUND FIVE

The Matriarch

HP:  44

In Play:  Carrion Fields [9]

Trash:  Building of Rooks, Carrion Fields, Clattering of Jackdaws(2), Darken the Sky(2), Horrid Cacophony, Kettle of Vultures(2), Mask of the Matriarch, Murder of Crows(2), Unkindness of Ravens(3)

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

Start of Turn:

Play a Card:  Clattering of Jackdaws [1] (f), Building of Rooks [1] (f), Kettle of Vultures [1] (f), Muninn [7] (cohort)

End of Turn:

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

HP:  44

In Play:  Carrion Fields [9], Clattering of Jackdaws [1], Building of Rooks [1], Muninn [7], Kettle of Vultures [1]

Trash:  Building of Rooks, Carrion Fields, Clattering of Jackdaws(2), Darken the Sky(2), Kettle of Vultures(2), Mask of the Matriarch, Murder of Crows(2), Unkindness of Ravens(3)

Effects:

ST:  Fowl deal damage

ET:  If Huginn is in the villain trash, put it in play.

Static:  When a Fowl card is destroyed the hero with the highest HP must either destroy one of their equipment or ongoing cards, or the Matriarch deals them 3 psychic damage.

When a fowl card is destroyed, Carrion Fields deals each hero target, except the hero target with the highest HP 1 toxic damage.

Damage dealt by the Matriarch is increased by x, damage dealt to the Matriarch is reduced by x, x = the number of cohorts in play (1)

The Matriarch's damage is reduced by 1 till RC Wraith's turn.

The Carrion Field's damage is reduced by 1 till Mr Fixer's turn.

Muninn is indestructible. (Matriarch advanced text)

Hero Status:

RC Wraith:  22

Expatriette: 22

Mr. Fixer:  22

Unity:  22

AZEW:  22

Platform Bot:  2

Swift Bot:  6

Static damage modifiers reminder:

All damage is reduced by 1. (biometric Vat)

All damage to The Matriarch and Cohorts is reduced by 1.  (Muninn)

Deamage dealt by the Matriarch is reduced by 1 and increased by 1. (Muninn and Wriath)

Carrion Fields damage is reduced by 1. (Fixer)

We want that Vat gone, right? We'll have a lot of trouble overcoming the damage reduction of 2.

As nice as healing is, the DR is pretty painful.

The Wraith pulls herself up onto the healing vat. Her grappling hook damages the vat, spilling its contents. The liquid flows out and drenches Lillian and her pet, further enraging them.

(BTW, I’m at 25 now. I used Suture Self last turn. Also, isn’t it a Biomemetic Plasma Vat, not Biometric?)

Rook City Wraith

HP: 25

Hand: Suture Self, Grappling Hook, Inventory Barrage, Trust Fund

In play: Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt

Trash: Impromptu Invention, Impromptu Invention, Mega Computer, Combat Stance, Razor Ordinance, Suture Self

Additional effects: (Smoke Bombs) Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

The damage of The Matriarch is reduced by 1 until the start of my next turn.

[hr]
Start of hero turn: Stun Bolt expires.

Play a card: Grappling Hook. Destroy the Biomemetic Plasma Vat. Draw a card: Razor Ordinance

Use a power: Sleuth. Reveal the top card of the environment deck; play or discard it. (Stun Bolt is useless right now, correct?)

Draw a card: Grappling Hook

End of hero turn:

[hr]
HP: 25

Hand: Suture Self, Inventory Barrage, Trust Fund, Razor Ordinance, Grappling Hook

In play: Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt

Trash: Impromptu Invention, Impromptu Invention, Mega Computer, Combat Stance, Razor Ordinance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook

Additional effects: (Smoke Bombs) Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

Escaped Lab rat is revealed.

Discard.

Expatriette didn't care for any of this 'indestructible' stuff; she had a shotgun, the blasted bird had a face, and there was really nothing else to it.

Expatriette
 
HP: 22
 
Hand: Reload, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Arsenal Access
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Tactical Shotgun, Flak Jacket
 
Trash: Arsenal Access x2, Flak Jacket, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Additional effects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn:
 
Play a card: Arsenal Access; reveal SMG and Prejudice, put Prejudice into play.
 
Use a power: Tactical Shotgun to Muninn's face [4].

 
Draw a card: Pride
 
End of hero turn:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 22
 
Hand: Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Reload, Pride
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Tactical Shotgun, Flak Jacket, Prejudice
 
Trash: Arsenal Access x3, Flak Jacket, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Additional effects: 

So, when the Vat was destroyed that played another Lab Rat? I think i'll be wanting to kill that so it doesn't hurt my bots. They've got 3 HP? It's strange playing in a game with 4 decks I don't have.

The rat is trashed, it was revealed by Wraith's base power.  It reveals the top card of the environment deck, and either plays it or trashes it.

It is the rook city promo version of Wraith.

ok, thanks.

I'' repurpose the Flak Jacket this turn unless you've decided to keep it. If so, I'll use a Supply Crate.  The reason for saving the Supply Crate is in case I run out of bots, I can cash it in for 2 cards. Actually, maybe I should cash it in this turn, then use Flash Forge to get more Raptors and/or the big brute bot.
I still have a spare Supply Crate in my hand for an Equipment Destroy and could also use the Volatile Parts if nessessary, but I think that card will come in handy once my bots start dying.

Take the Flak.

I'm going to be out of town this weekend. I'm OK with the team playing my character while I'm out; I could see playing Razor Ordinance, Grappling Hook, or Trust Fund next turn, depending on the situation. (If I need to play Suture Self, things have gone really far south...) With Trust Fund, I would be looking especially for the Micro-Targetting Computer and to a lesser extent the Utility Belt. I'll be back on Monday.

I might be able to get a move in tomorrow(saturday) but it would either be really early or really late

(Sorry for the delay today, reading up now)

"Your birds lack grace, Matriarch! The crane will put them all to shame!"

Mr Fixer

HP: 22

Hand: Meditation, Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle, Harmony, Tire Iron, Alternating Tiger Claw, Salvage Yard

In play: Hoist Chain

Trash: Driving Mantis, Tool Box

Additional effects: Whenever Mr Fixer damages a target, that target is at -1 damage til my next turn.

Play a card: Meditation, I search my Deck for Riveting Crane and put it into play.

Use a power: Hoist Chain - deals 1 dmg to Carrion Field [8], Carrion field is at -1 dmg til my next turn.

Draw a card: Salvage Yard

End of hero turn:

HP: 22

Hand: Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle, Harmony, Tire Iron, Alternating Tiger Claw, Salvage Yard x2

In play: Hoist Chain

Trash: Tool Box, Meditation, Driving Mantis

Additional effects: Carrion Field -1 damage til my next turn.

Riveting Crane: Whenever I damage a target all damage dealt to that target is irreducible til my next turn.

Next turn I can make all damage to Matriarch irreducable, just can't get any damage past her this turn.

Ya'll want the birds dead? I could kill 'em all. I'm just worried about this:
Static:  When a Fowl card is destroyed the hero with the highest HP must either destroy one of their equipment or ongoing cards, or the Matriarch deals them 3 psychic damage.

Looks like everyone's offline. I'll do my turn killing the birds, if that is not the consensus, I can redo it.

The "I have a small posse" Unity!

HP: 22

Hand: Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Powered Shock Wave(2), Supply Crate, Platform Bot, Bee Bot, Raptor Bot

In play: Platform Bot(2), Swift Bot(6), Cryo Bot(7), Supply Crate, Volatile Parts

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm(2)

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot is reduced by 1.

Swift Bot allows me to Play and Draw an additional card during those Phases.

When Cryo Bot takes damage, he deals all non hero targets 1 Cold Damage. He's also immune to Cold Damage.

When a Golem is Destroyed, Unity deals the non-hero target with the lowest HP 2 Fire damage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn: Destroy Supply Crate and draw two cards: (Volatile Parts, Scrap Metal)

Play a card: Powered Shock Wave (each villian target takes a base 4 damage), Supply Crate (draw card from SC: Flash Forge)

Use a power: Bothack: "Have you ever seen a tiny little dinosaur wearing a jacket? Now you have!" Destroy Flak Jacket, Play Raptor Bot

Draw a card: Brainstorm, Stealth Bot

End of hero turn:

Platform Bot(2) deals 1 target 3 Energy damage.

Raptor Bot(2) deals 1 target (Golems in play +1) Melee damage.

Damage:
 

Powered Shock Wave Damage:

Carrion Fields [4], Clattering of Jackdaws [DEAD], Building of Rooks [DEAD], Muninn [1](or 4, if I can't damage him?), Kettle of Vultures [DEAD], The Matriarch [41]

Platform Bot Damage: Matriarch [39]

Raptor Bot: Carrion Fields [DEAD]

(I subtracted 1 from damage dealt to Matriarch and Munnin)

(We'll need to deal with this [Static:  When a Fowl card is destroyed the hero with the highest HP must either destroy one of their equipment or ongoing cards, or the Matriarch deals them 3 psychic damage.]  3 times...) I'm willing to take one of the batch would take the damage over the Destuction)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 19 (22 if I don't take 3 of the damage above)

Hand: Flash Forge(2), Powered Shock Wave, Platform Bot, Bee Bot, Stealth Bot, Scrap Metal, Volatile Parts, Brainstorm

In play: Platform Bot(2), Swift Bot(6), Cryo Bot(7), Raptor Bot(2), Supply Crate, Volatile Parts

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm(2), Powered Shock Wave

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot is reduced by 1.

Swift Bot allows me to Play and Draw an additional card during those Phases.

When Cryo Bot takes damage, he deals all non hero targets 1 Cold Damage. He's also immune to Cold Damage.

When a Golem is Destroyed, Unity deals the non-hero target with the lowest HP 2 Fire damage.

Wraith takes the first shot of 4 damage[21]

Unity takes the second shot of 4 damage[18]

Need one more volunteer.

I can, but it would take my Flak Jacket, and that wuold mean no dinosaur in a swanky jacket...

Ah, that's right, we didn't subtract one damage from her this round due to the having to destroy the Vat.  I don't know how much damage all those Fowl cards do, but I figured it'd be better to get rid of them.

I don't mind taking damage either if that helps. I just need to stay alive long enough to let us burn through that damage reduction for a while. By the time she's low you guys can probably finish her without me :)

If someone does sacrifice some equipment I have 2 salvage yards in my hand so I can always move all equipment from trash back to our hands if need be.

Fixer takes 4 damage too.

Hero Health:

Wraith: 21

Expatriette: 22

Mr. Fixer:  18

Unity:  18

AZEW:  22

Matriarch:  39

Munin:  1 (indestructible)

no environment cards out.

It is AZ's turn

I'm back, by the way. Seems like other people were busy this weekend too.

Absolute Zero (EW)

HP: 22

Hand: Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast, Isothermic Transducer, Cryo Chamber

In play: Focused Apertures, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Impale (on The Matriarch)

Trash: Onboard Module Installation (2), Fueled Freeze

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1, If AZ would be dealt cold damage, he regains that many HP instead.

Start of hero turn: Absolute Zero deals 2 damage to The Matriarch [37]

Play a card:  Isothermic Transducer

Use a power: Elemental Wrath. Deal 2 cold damage to The Matriarch [35].

Draw a card: Hoarfire

End of hero turn:

HP: 22

Hand: Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast, Hoarfire, Cryo Chamber

In play: Focused Apertures, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Impale (on The Matriarch), Isothermic Transducer

Trash: Onboard Module Installation (2), Fueled Freeze

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1, If AZ would be dealt cold damage, he regains that many HP instead. If AZ is dealt fire damage, he deals 1 target that much cold damage.

Pike Industrial Complex

In Play:

Trash:  Biomemetic Plasma Vat, Chemical Explosion(2), Escaped Lab Rat(2)

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

Start of Turn:

Play a Card:  Supercooled Trisolvent Vat

End of Turn:  Each target takes 1 cold damage, 1 toxic damage, and 1 energy damage

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

In Play:  Supercooled Trisolvent Vat

Trash:  Biomemetic Plasma Vat, Chemical Explosion(2), Escaped Lab Rat(2)

Effects:  

ET:  Each target takes 1 cold, 1 toxic, and 1 energy damage

Static:  Whenever a player plays a hero card their hero takes 1 cold damage.

Damage:

Matriatch [35] and Munin [1] reduce damage to 0

Unity takes 3 damage [15]

Mr. Fixer takes 3 damage [15]

Absolute Zero takes 2 damage, heals 1 [21]

Wraith takes 3 damage [18]

Expatriette takes 3 damage [19]

Platform bot reduces all damage to 0

Swift bot takes 3 damage [3]

Cryo Bot takes 2 damage, his retaliation is reduced to 0

Raptor Bot is destroyed.

The Smoke Bombs only works on Villain damage, unfortunately. It would also only affect damage to the lowest hero target, which at the beginning of the turn would be the Platform Bot.

Edit: I misread something. Sorry.

(Unity crys.)

When a Golem is Destroyed, Unity deals the non-hero target with the lowest HP 2 Fire damage.

So, Munnin takes 1?

Yeah, Muninn would drop to-1 HP (Indestructible targets can achieve negative HP)

My computer died while I was typing Matriarch's turn this morning, and while I'm at the Library now, I don't think that's a great way to run this game.

So

I need someone to take over the rest of this game, you can see the deck as it is on my last turn and there are no special rules or events to deal with.

The card play for Matriarch this turn is Huginn.  (I think there's a few birds, a horrid Cacophony and a darken the skies {ouch} left in the deck.

I will be back as soon as I can, but it could be several weeks before that happens (God I hope not).  I will continue the story then.

Thanks for understanding and Muchas Thanks to the person who takes over for me.

Ouch! Sorry about your computer, I hope you manage to fix it soon.

It's probably best for someone not currently playing a hero to take over running the villain, right? Otherwise I could do it.

Sorry to hear that, phantaskippy.

If you and the players here like, I can take over the villain for the remainder of the game...

Hello, I am your new bird fiend, please hold while I calculate your doom.

Damn, I see someone else volunteered while I was setting up my cards, I will bow out to the previous offer.

If you already have the cards out, man, go right ahead--I'm not set up at all.

I reinstate my previous offer!

Death will fall upon from the skies... like birds (give me 5 to do this)

Wraith tries out her grappling hook on the Supercooled Trisolvent Vat, but splashes a little on herself this time.

Rook City Wraith

HP: 18

Hand: Suture Self, Inventory Barrage, Trust Fund, Razor Ordinance, Grappling Hook

In play: Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt

Trash: Impromptu Invention, Impromptu Invention, Mega Computer, Combat Stance, Razor Ordinance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook

Additional effects: (Smoke Bombs) Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

[hr]
Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Grappling Hook. Take 1 damage from the Trisolvent Vat. Destroy the Trisolvent Vat. Draw a card: Impromptu Invention.

Use a power: Sleuth. Reveal the top card of the environment deck; play or discard it.

Draw a card: Trust Fund

End of hero turn:

[hr]
HP: 17

Hand: Suture Self, Inventory Barrage, Trust Fund (x2), Razor Ordinance, Impromptu Invention

In play: Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt

Trash: Impromptu Invention (x2), Mega Computer, Combat Stance, Razor Ordinance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook (x2)

Additional effects: (Smoke Bombs) Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

Sleuthing around you find a horde of rats covered in an Experimental Mutagen, Run away cowardly or face it down heroically?

You could also just PM the next person, instead of keeping up and changing your sig each time. Or have the person who just finished their turn PM the next hero.

I could, but it's really no hassle, I'm using dropbox to do it and the link is the same so it's I don't actually edit my signature everytime. Plus it's a big visual clue that people see whereever they are on the forum.

If it annoys people I can remove it

(and I always miss PMs on this forum for some reason)

That signature is brilliant...

Expatriette has a shotgun, and likes shooting things with it. Leave her alone; she's a girl of simple pleasures.

Expatriette
 
HP: 19
 
Hand: Reload, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Pride
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Tactical Shotgun, Prejudice
 
Trash: Arsenal Access x3, Flak Jacket x2, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Additional effects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn:
 
Play a card: Pride enters play.
 
Use a power: Tactical Shotgun to Huginn's face [5].

 
Draw a card: Speed Loading
 
End of hero turn:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 19
 
Hand: Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Reload, Speed Loading
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Tactical Shotgun, Pride, Prejudice
 
Trash: Arsenal Access x3, Flak Jacket x2, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Additional effects: 

I'm willing to offer Pride and/or Prejudice to Huginn and/or Unity.

I close the door on the mutated rats and tiptoe carefully away.

So how do these indestructable birds work? What's the point of attacking them? Is my Volatile Parts (damage the lowest HP non hero target) worthlesswith them out?

The 2 Cohorts become non-indestuctible (destructible?) when the Matriarch flips, at which point if they have 0 or lower HP they will promptly fall out of the sky with no further prompting from the heroes. Each Cohort pulls the other from the trash at the end of the Villain Turn so it's generally best to get rid of them on the same round.

Unfortunately the Volatile parts will keep hitting the lowest HP target, which is one of the Cohorts at this point. It's odd but I've never really even thought about something that keeps hitting the lowest target when they have negative HP before, but unless anyone can make a convincing argument otherwise I guess we stick with the convention that negative whatever is still a number and the lowest in play.

There are currently only 4 cards in the Matriarch's deck, she flips when you shuffle the villain trash into her deck.

(Wraith's door shutting has been noted)

(It might be worth looking at losing the Volatile Parts for Huginn's start of turn destruction because of this odd situation... but I am running the Villain so I could be giving bad advice)

EDIT: Horrid Cacophony was never added to the trash on the Matriarch's card play of Round 4, now added

Or it could make a good bot…

Mr Fixer

HP: 15

Hand: Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle, Harmony, Tire Iron, Alternating Tiger Claw, Salvage Yard x2

In play: Hoist Chain, Riveting Crane

Trash: Driving Mantis, Tool Box, Meditation

Additional effects: Whenever Mr Fixer damages a target, that target is at -1 damage til my next turn.

Play a card: Bloody Knuckles

Use a power: Hoist chain on Matriarch [34] and both reduce her damage -1 and strip her damage reduction til the start of my next turn.

Draw a card: Bloody Knuckles ( >:D )

End of hero turn:

HP: 15

Hand: Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle, Harmony, Tire Iron, Alternating Tiger Claw, Salvage Yard x2

In play: Hoist Chain, Riveting Crane, Bloody Knuckles

Trash: Tool Box, Meditation, Driving Mantis

Additional effects: Whenever I damage a target all damage dealt to that target is irreducible til my next turn, and damage dealt by that target is -1 til my next turn. Increase damage dealt to me by 2, increase damage dealt by me by 2.

Dude, any damage you can provide is fantastic. You're probably referring to this, but it just occurred to me that Bloody Knuckles is much nicer to play when there is Ongoing destruction out.

Well, half cheating since I know I have another in my hand, but I was leaning toward bloody knuckles anyway.. I'll edit my post and let's unleash on Matriarch with whatever we've got.

(edit)OK, Matriarch has no reduction til my next turn, Now everyone plus Platform Bot (I'm glad he stuck around) can go ahead and unload whatever damage they have on her. Is Matriarch close to flipping? Obviously I am happy to sacrifice Bloody Knuckles to Hunnin next round, as I believe the effect persists either way.

The only non-Fowl card left in the Matriarch's deck is Horrid Cacaphony. So, yes, she's close to flipping :)

I think that also means we're sure to lose all our Ongoing cards this round. So perhaps we should sacrifice them to Hunnin first.

The No Longer Plucky Unity...

Unity, in her grief, begins mentally tossing parts back and forth, digging

through crates, constructing and overloading pylons, all in an effort to create

the little friends she so desperately craves.

HP: 15

Hand: Flash Forge(2), Powered Shock Wave, Platform Bot, Bee Bot, Stealth Bot,

Scrap Metal, Volatile Parts, Brainstorm

In play: Platform Bot(2), Swift Bot(3), Cryo Bot(5), Supply Crate, Volatile

Parts

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm(2), Powered Shock Wave, Raptor Bot

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot is reduced by 1.

Swift Bot allows me to Play and Draw an additional card during those Phases.

When Cryo Bot takes damage, he deals all non hero targets 1 Cold Damage. He's

also immune to Cold Damage.

When a Golem is Destroyed, Unity deals the non-hero target with the lowest HP 2

Fire damage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn: Destroy Supply Crate and draw two cards: (Robot

Reclamationm, Inspired Repair)

Play a card: Inspired Repair( Draw: Supply Crate; Play: Supply Crate[[Draw:

Construction Pylon]], Bots heal 3), Construction Pylon

Use a power: Construction Pylon: (Stealth Bot, Platform Bot) Discard

Construction Pylon

Draw a card: Construction Pylon, Bee Bot

End of hero turn:

Platform Bot(3) deals Matriarch [31] Energy damage.

Platform Bot2(3) deals Matriarch [28] Energy damage.

(I was originally planning to target Huginn, or whatever it's name is, but it sounds like we want to focus on the Matriarch)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 15

Hand: Flash Forge(2), Powered Shock Wave, Bee Bot(2), Scrap Metal, Volatile

Parts, Brainstorm, Construction Pylon, Robot Reclaimation

In play: Platform Bot(3), Platform Bot2(3), Swift Bot(6), Cryo Bot(7), Stealth

Bot(5), Volatile Parts, Supply Crate

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm(2), Powered Shock Wave, Raptor Bot,

Inspired Repair, Construction Pylon

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot(s) is reduced by 1.

Stealth Bot: Hero Targets who take damage can redirect to this card. Damage

taken is -1

Swift Bot allows me to Play and Draw an additional card during those Phases.

When Cryo Bot takes damage, he deals all non hero targets 1 Cold Damage. He's

also immune to Cold Damage.

When a Golem is Destroyed, Unity deals the non-hero target with the lowest HP 2

Fire damage.

(Volatile Parts could indeed be eaten by Huginn.)

Excellent! You've got a real machine now. (But your formatting seems a little messed up?) Let's see what AZ can pull out.

If Hunnin is above 0HP when The Matriarch flips on her turn, then he will immediately pull Muginn out of the trash. It looks quite possible we could kill her before she flips; if not, we probably want to finish off Muginn.

I propose to feed Bloody Knuckles and Impale to Huginn, since all ongoing cards will be taken out by Horrid Cacaphony anyway.

I will point out that you are miscounting, there are 4 cards in her deck, 2 non-fowls, one Horrid Cacophony and one Darken the Skies.

You might be planning for the wrong thing

Before I do my turn, I want to clarify: Huginn also has DR 2, yes? Because Muninn is still around?

Yes, Huninn and Muginn have DR2 (The Matriach's is gone thanks to Mr. Fixer)

Alrighty then. Writing out my maths this time, since it's getting awkward.

Absolute Zero (EW)

HP: 21

Hand: Modular Realignment, Frostbound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast, Hoarfire, Cryo Chamber

In play: Focused Apertures, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Impale (on The Matriarch), Isothermic Transducer

Trash: Onboard Module Installation (2), Fueled Freeze

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1, If AZ would be dealt cold damage, he regains that many HP instead. If AZ is dealt fire damage, he deals 1 target that much cold damage.

Start of hero turn: Absolute Zero deals 3 damage to The Matriarch [25]

Play a card:  Frost-Bound Drain Deal 2 cold damage to Huginn (3+1-2) [3]. Deal myself 3 fire damage [18], dealing 2 cold damage to Huginn again (again, 3+1-2) [1]. Playing a card deals me 1 cold which heals me. [19].

Use a power: Elemental Wrath. Deal 1 cold damage to Huginn (2+1-2) [0, Indestructable].

Draw a card: Frost-Bound Drain

End of hero turn:

HP: 19

Hand: Modular Realignment, Frost-Bound Drain, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Coolant Blast, Hoarfire, Cryo Chamber

In play: Focused Apertures, Null-Point Calibration Unit, Impale (on The Matriarch), Isothermic Transducer

Trash: Onboard Module Installation (2), Fueled Freeze, Frost-Bound Drain.

Additional effects: Cold Damage dealt by Absolute Zero is increased by 1, If AZ would be dealt cold damage, he regains that many HP instead. If AZ is dealt fire damage, he deals 1 target that much cold damage.

Absolute Zero looks around him and finds that the Wraith had already destroyed the Supercooled Trisolvent Vat, with only a Grappling Hook!

(AZ is on 18 HP)

I could fix it, and make your comment look kind of weird, or leave it as is :P

Ryan just couldn't catch a break, he had had no time to bask in the cooling light of the Supercooled Trisolvent Vat before  Wraith had safely disposed of the contents and now the sickly glow from the Irradiated Cyclohexane Vat rendered his Null-Point Calibration Unit and his Isothermic Transducers useless. It was just another one of those days.

Oops! Indeed I was confused. Scratch almost everything I said. We should be focusing fire on The Matriarch herself, I think. And I vote for ditching Volatile Parts and Bloody Knuckles.

The Matriarch was reeling, something that senile old man had done had weakened her, had he infected her with "old"? Summoning up the last of her power she called on her faithful flock to take care of the heroes once and for all.

• How does Unity want to deal with Stealth bot?
• Do you want another bot to take the damage first and become the lowest target thus no damage will be redirected with Smoke Bombs from the Platform bots or do you want to save them (and inflict harm on your fellow heroes Expat and AZ)?

dies laughing

I'm happy to have my face melted for the good of the Platform Bots, unless you want to Stealth Bot their damage.

I can take it, and if someone can deal with the vat and Fixer can remove her DR, The Matriarch can take 14 damage on my turn.

If we could keep the Platform Bots alive so they get another round of attacks in, that would be great. Stealth Bot can save whoever would work best. That's what she's for. I don't have my cards with me and only a couple minutes to look at the thread now.

Can we kill her this round? Unfortunately I don't think Mr. Fixer can make damage irreducible again, since he'll need to play Riveting Crane again (unless the vat helps?). I can do 7 damage on my turn with an Inventory Barrage.

I think the only damage worth saving with the Stealth Bot would be damage to some of Unity's bots; the rest of us can take it at this stage in the game. For destroying the vat so AZ can do damage, one option might be a Bee Bot.

The current HP of the heroes is: RC Wraith 17, Expat 19, Mr. Fixer 15, Unity 15, AZEW 21, I believe.

Proposed partial order of damage: Platform Bot (redirected to AZ [17]), Platform Bot (redirected to Expat [15]), Stealth Bot [1], RC Wraith (redirect to Stealth Bot, back to Wraith [14]), AZ (redirect to Stealth Bot, back to AZ [14]), Expatriette (-> Stealth Bot -> Expatriette [12]), Mr. Fixer (-> Stealth Bot -> Mr. Fixer [12]), Unity (-> Stealth Bot -> Unity [12]), Swift Bot [1]. This leaves out Cryo Bot.

For Cryo Bot, there's another question: do we want him damaged? He would hit The Matriarch for 2, and take out the birds, triggering some retaliation damage. Otherwise I guess we'd have to redirect his damage to the Stealth Bot. We could do that first and then let the Stealth Bot die.

Edit: Matchstickman, I think my way is better. We can also reduce the retaliation damage by an effective 2 by making sure the Stealth Bot saves alive. The second batch of retaliation damage we could let the Stealth Bot take, destroying it. (Note the Swift Bot and Stealth Bot will both be at 1HP at that point.)

Edit 2: New proposed order: Platform Bot (redirected to AZ [17]), Platform Bot (redirected to Expat [15]), Stealth Bot [1], RC Wraith (redirect to Stealth Bot, back to Wraith [14]), AZ (redirect to Stealth Bot, back to AZ [14]), Expatriette (-> Stealth Bot -> Expatriette [12]), Mr. Fixer (-> Stealth Bot -> Mr. Fixer [12]), Unity (-> Stealth Bot -> Unity [12]), Swift Bot [1], Cryo Bot [2]. Cryo Bot deals retaliation damage to The Matriarch [23], Muninn, Huginn, Murder of Crows [DEAD], Building of Rooks [DEAD]. The Matriarch deals 5 toxic damage to AZ (-> Stealth Bot -> AZ [11]) and Wraith (-> Stealth Bot[DEAD]).

Where's the -1 from?

You still take 4 damage when redirected to Stealth bot and then back to the highest, the damage is only reduced by Smoke Bombs

Hoist Chain

Oh, right. You could get the 2 reduction by going from the lowest to the highest then to Stealth Bot, but that doesn't help very much.

dpt wrote:

Well, that's a bit of a problem, without riveting crane I can't make her vulnerable next turn.I can work towards dealing irreducible damage but by the time I'm hitting hard at all she'll probably flip anyway. If anyone has valuable equipment in their trash let me know, I can always do Salvage Yard instead of trying to pump up my damage.

Anyway am I correct in thinking the "all damage to Matriarch is irreducible" effect lasts til my turn even though Riveting Crane is gone?

Your numbers are off because AZ has 18 HP, not 21.

If you do follow your plan (which is a good plan) you save 1 point of damage per attack per target, the end result is

Wraith [9]

Expatriette [11]

Mr Fixer [11]

Unity [11] Platform bot [3], Swift bot [1], Cryo bot [2], Platform bot [3], Stealth bot [DEAD!]

AZ [10]

Plenty of HP with which to kill the Matriarch, nothing for you to worry about.

EDIT:

Yes, the damage dealt to the Matriarch is still irreducible until the start of your turn

Alright then, continuing on.

• Expatriette suffers a shattering blow to her ears as the smoke bombs redirect the damage from Platform bot to her [19->15]
• AZ sighs deeply and resigns himself to a Horrid Cacophony from Platform bot [18->14]
• Stealth bot will be destroyed either way, so redirects 2 instances of damage and dies. Purely to balance the scales she takes it for Expat and AZ
• Everyone else takes 5... leading to more fun

1. The Matriarch retaliates against Expat. Destroy one of your cards or take an additional 5 Toxic
2. The Matriarch will retaliate against either Expat (if she destroyed a card) or AZ, same choice as before.

Current HP

[u]The Matriarch[/u] [23]

Wraith [12]

Expatriette [15] (pending decision)

Mr. Fixer [10]

Unity [10] Platform bot [3] Swift bot [1] Cryo bot [2] Platform bot [3] (Stealth bot is dead, mwhahahaha!)

AZ [14]  (pending decision)

If any of the redirection is unacceptable tell me and I'll redo it

See below for current discussion

Rook City Wraith

HP: 9

Hand: Suture Self, Inventory Barrage, Trust Fund (x2), Razor Ordinance, Impromptu Invention

In play: Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt

Trash: Impromptu Invention (x2), Mega Computer, Combat Stance, Razor Ordinance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook (x2)

Additional effects: (Smoke Bombs) Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

[hr]
Start of hero turn:

Play a card: Impromptu Invention. Draw a card: Throwing Knives. Search deck for Utility Belt and put it into play. Play Razor Ordinance.

Use a power: Razor Ordinance: Deal 3+1 toxic damage to The Matriarch [19]. Stun Bolt: Deal 1+1 toxic damage to The Matriarch. Damage she deals is reduced by 1 until the start of my next turn.

Draw a card: Smoke Bombs

End of hero turn:

[hr]
HP: 9

Hand: Suture Self, Inventory Barrage, Trust Fund (x2), Throwing Knives, Smoke Bombs

In play: Smoke Bombs, Stun Bolt, Utility Belt, Razor Ordinance

Trash: Impromptu Invention (x3), Mega Computer, Combat Stance, Razor Ordinance, Suture Self, Grappling Hook (x2)

Additional effects: (Smoke Bombs) Whenever a villain card would deal damage to the the hero target with the lowest HP, redirect the damage to the hero with the highest HP. Damage redirected this way is reduced by 1.

The damage of The Matriarch is reduced by 1 until the start of my next turn.

Wraith looked on in horror as her Razor Ordnance transformed from her shiny blades into a rusty crud cover blade.

"Oh well," thought the mysterious detective, "at least the Matriarch will suffer horrible infections"

Ah! I'll pull out a Utility Belt instead, then. Editing my turn. That will do more damage with my Inventory Barrage next turn anyway (if the game lasts that long).

Wraith went to boot up her computer and instead found it was a belt, the Matriarch took extra damage from this confusing situation

Expatriette just wishes this stupid girl would die already.

Expatriette
 
HP: 11
 
Hand: Reload, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Speed Loading
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Tactical Shotgun, Prejudice, Pride
 
Trash: Arsenal Access x3, Flak Jacket x2, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Additional effects:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn:
 
Play a card: Speed Loading enters play.
 
Use a power: The Matriarch gets hit with Pride [14] and Prejudice [11].

 
Draw a card: Submachine Gun
 
End of hero turn:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 19
 
Hand: Liquid Nitrogen Rounds, Reload, Submachine Gun
 
In play: Submachine Gun, Tactical Shotgun, Pride, Prejudice, Speed Loading
 
Trash: Arsenal Access x3, Flak Jacket x2, Liquid Nitrogen Rounds
 
Additional effects: 

I could put out a Bee Bot to deal with the environment card. Let the Bee Bot be the first thing the Matriarch attacks, if possible, and then the damage bonus will go away.

One problem is that AZ can't operate effectively with the toxic vat in play. It may be best for you to hit the Bee Bot yourself, eg with a Platform Bot.

By thee way, Expatriette, you would do more damage with Pride and Prejudice.

So I would. Editing!

Sacrilege!

Slim takes an offensive tiger stance, wrapping the chain around his knuckles!

Mr Fixer

HP: 11

Hand: Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle, Harmony, Tire Iron, Alternating Tiger Claw, Salvage Yard x2

In play: Hoist Chain

Trash: Driving Mantis, Tool Box, Meditation, Riveting Crane, bloody Knuckles

Additional effects: Whenever Mr Fixer damages a target, that target is at -1 damage til my next turn.

Play a card: Alternating Tiger Claw (Mr fixer's damage is irreducible)

Use a power: Hoist chain on Matriarch [10] and reduce her damage -1 til the start of my next turn.

Draw a card: Charge

End of hero turn:

HP: 11

Hand: Overdrive x2, Bloody Knuckles, Jack Handle, Harmony, Tire Iron, Salvage Yard x2, Charge

In play: Hoist Chain, Alternating Tiger Claw

Trash: Driving Mantis, Tool Box, Meditation, Riveting Crane, Bloody Knuckles

Additional effects: Whenever I damage a target, damage dealt by that target is -1 til my next turn.

The Practically Deranged Unity...

"Get them, my pretties!"

HP: 11

Hand: Flash Forge(2), Powered Shock Wave, Bee Bot(2), Scrap Metal, Volatile Parts, Brainstorm, Construction Pylon, Robot Reclaimation

In play: Platform Bot(3), Platform Bot2(3), Swift Bot(1), Cryo Bot(2), Supply Crate

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm(2), Powered Shock Wave, Raptor Bot, Inspired Repair, Construction Pylon, Stealth Bot, Volatile Parts

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot(s) is reduced by 1.

Swift Bot allows me to Play and Draw an additional card during those Phases.

When Cryo Bot takes damage, he deals all non hero targets 1 Cold Damage. He's also immune to Cold Damage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of hero turn: Destroy Supply Crate and draw two cards: (Bee Bot, Platform Bot)

Play a card: Flash Forge (Discard: Scrap Metal, Brainstorm, Volatile Parts, Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge, Robot Reclaimation (6 cards)   Claim: Champion Bot, Turret Bot, Raptor Bot(2), Modular Workstation(2)), Construction Pylon

Use a power: Construction Pylon: (Raptor Bot, Raptor Bot) Discard Construction Pylon

Draw a card: Brainstorm, Robot Reclaimation

End of hero turn:

Platform Bot(3) deals Matriarch[8] 2 toxic damage. (3 - 2 +1 vat)

Platform Bot2(3) deals Matriarch[6] 2 toxic damage.

Raptor Bot(2) deals Matriarch[DEAD] 6 toxic damage   (6 golems +1 -2 + 1 vat)

Raptor Bot2(2) deals Matriarch[-6] 6 toxic damage

"That last one is for Stealthy and Mr. Chomps!!!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP: 11

Hand: Bee Bot(3), Platform Bot, Modular Workstation(2), Turret Bot, Champion Bot, Brainstorm, Robot Reclaimation

In play: Platform Bot(3), Platform Bot2(3), Swift Bot(1), Cryo Bot(2), Raptor Bot(2), Raptor Bot2(2)

Trash: Hasty Augmentation, Brainstorm(2), Powered Shock Wave, Raptor Bot, Inspired Repair, Construction Pylon, Stealth Bot, Volatile Parts, Scrap Metal, Brainstorm, Volatile Parts, Powered Shock Wave, Flash Forge(2), Robot Reclaimation

Additional effects:

Damage to Platform Bot(s) is reduced by 1.

Swift Bot allows me to Play and Draw an additional card during those Phases.

When Cryo Bot takes damage, he deals all non hero targets 1 Cold Damage. He's also immune to Cold Damage.

First off thanks for covering for me!

I have the story all worked out but I can't do that now.

So, here's the big decision, again for the players of this game to make:

You have the opportunity to join your allies and try to rescue Legacy, or leave them and set off to fix the timeline.

Each has reward and risk, do you risk the world for your friends (who would be usefull) or do you abandon them to focus on the big picture?

Hopefully I'll be back to continue soon.

Noooooooooooooooooo!

My run is at an end, happy to have filled in for the short time that I did, sorry I didn't get to kill more heroes.

Expatriette wants to fix the timeline.

Ryan wants to get this over with (fix the timeline)

I suspect Legacy would be none too happy if we saved him at the expense of innocents.

Thank you both, phantaskippy and Matchstickman! You were both awesome. Great game.

I'm inclined to go help out Legacy, actually. I suspect we might need his help... But it sounds like I'm outvoted, which is fine.

This has been a great read you guys.  There is a possibility, though not a large one, that I will be joining you for the next chapter if you'll have me.  (I can't do it if the Cosmic Omnitron game is still running, nor if you use any decks I don't have access to, and I might sit out if there are too many house rules or scenario twists I'm not up for dealing with.  But if none of those things is true when Phantaskippy is able to continue, then count me in!  Unless of course the game is full, in which case I'll understand.)

I ended that game with a total of four cards in my deck.

Slim is pretty confused (isn't this actually his timeline?). He still has the Chairman to deal with, so he wishes you well on your crazy adventure and mutters something like "youth is wasted on the young".

Good game guys, thanks for running it Phanta.