LarsWester
 Out of Character Thread 
 Columbia Place Mall, Columbia, SC October 30th, 1987 9:05 PM 
Hundreds of teens mill about the grand foyer of the Columbia Place Mall.  An excited buzz permeates the place as Mrs. Klander the principal of Richland Northeast High School takes the stage with a bullhorn in her left hand and big smile on her face.  She presses a button on the hand of the bullhorn and it emits a loud siren sound grabbing the attention of the crowd.  Mrs. Klander clears her throat before giving her welcoming speech.
 Congratulations to all of you bright minds and helpful hands.  You've earned the right to be here at our 13th annual Fall in the Mall event.  We've got a fun-packed night planned for you here at Columbia Place Mall.  Upstairs outside the Babbage's there is an exciting computer gaming thing going on.  There'll be movie going all night over by the food court. There are going to be all manner of games in the center of the mall including relay races, bobbing for apples, a pie throwing event with several of the teachers and coaches for your school present.   Later there will be options for crafting, reading, or even sleeping.   the crowd boos the mention of getting some sleep.  Principal Klander continues  And through it all there's unlimited snacks and drinks provided so you have the energy to stay up all night if you choose.   There's a cheer from the younger kids in attendance.

 
 Spoiler: Vincent Vales 

You hear the speech echo through the mall up and over towards you and Mr. Maxwell.   The old man leaned on your help to get the network of 10 SGI workstations up and running.   It took a bit of work but you've tested the game runing on multiple stations and everything seems to be working.  You wondering how many of your classmates are going to make their way up in your direction for the gaming competition and doubt that Rebecca Carlson would be one.
 

 
 Spoiler:  Katherine Hart &amp; Giselle Nasri 

 Argh there be Captain Katy!  Betsy also dressed a pirate lass calls out as she sees the giant Jolly Roger attached to Katherine's colorguard flagpole. It was her idea to go as pirates but Katy's to use the flagpole as a sign to gather up.  Besidies Giselle, Katherine and Betsy there was another girlfriend and the group's token boy who were all to meet up dressed as pirates.  [ooc]Feel free to name these characters[/ooc] Betsy starts chatting and she mentions the news of a tragic environmental accident just being reported.   She was always the most Earth consicous  of your friends pushing for things like recycling and planting trees.  You can only make out a few words above the speech and the other chatter around you.   ... irradiated contamination of Broad River for who knows how long.  Those fat cats at V.C. Summers have doomed us all. 
 

 
 Spoiler: Eleanor 

Your camera in your hands you are snapping a few photos of the gathered crowd on the 1st floor from your vantage point on the second story.  You are leaning over the guard rail to get the best angle for your shot.  A fresh can of soda at your feet.  Having just spent the last 3 hours helping set up various parts of the event you feel you've earned a little me time and are looking forward to hiding in a corner with your book  Equal Rites .
 

 
 Spoiler: Embry Thomas 

As Principal Klander rattles on you roll your eyes and look around to see if you recognize anyone there- almost out of fear that you might be recognized in turn.   If it weren't for Jessie you'd be at jamming on the guitar or reading a book.  Speaking of Jessie she had run off just a minute ago after spotting some her cheerleader friends.  Now where was she?
 

 
 Spoiler: John Wilson 

John looked over the crowd of teenagers annoyed.  He was the sole mall security personel present due to a coworker calling in sick at the last moment.  This was going to be a long night but at least the Columbia Police Department had dispatched four officers to the event.  Two were working the admittance and checking kids at the door making sure no one brought in any weapons or booze.  The other two were wandering the crowds basically checking for kids who peeled away to smoke weed or make out somewhere.  John scanned the group of kids once more.  It had been a long day at the mall around and now he was stuck here until the morning.
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
If everyone can please roll a d10 + Perception + Notice
 
Metastachydium
Giselle, trying to look somewhat less blasé about both the Big Speech and Betsy (and secretly, at some level, quite grateful for the former drowning out the latter presenting yet another Final Doom of the Day and End of Days scenario), lays a comforting, light hand on her overeager friend's shoulder.   Sh-yeah, the gall. It's totally horrible.   she makes a point of agreeing with some delicately constructed, melodious tone of concern woven into her voice. And she doesn't even roll her eyes. She's especially proud of that. Instead, she merely flicks a melancholy look at the crowd and the place, as if looking for the signs of Kingdom Come.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Perception/notice:  (1d10+4)[ 13 ]  Does Situational Awareness factor into that? G. has it.
 
Kareeah_Indaga
Feeling an internal sigh of relief at finding her friends, Katy waved the flag in question, making sure to hold it high enough for her band buddies to see it. She thought she could see Josh, too, though he was staring off in the wrong direction to see her flag. She called out loudly, “  Ahoy, me mateys!  ” Then after swaggering over to Betsy, in more conversational tones, she continued, “ Aye, if we be seein’ those scurvy nuclear dogs, we be makin’ em walk the plank, ” and Katy winked. This was going to be  so fun!   
 Spoiler: Perception 
 (1d10)[ 4 ] +2+2
 
rogue_alchemist
John finds himself watching the principal make her announcement as he was "patrolling" around stretching his legs. He preferred to be in one of the side hallways, but found himself crossing a stretch of public area as he crossed from one side to the other of the mall. He laughed to himself as the kids jeered the sleep and applauded the caffeine, but he didn't blame them. It wasn't so long ago he preferred that too. Now he gratefully took whatever opportunity he could to sleep, as he found himself kept awake by his past experiences, especially reliving that horrible experience that got him promoted.

Shaking himself from his melancholic revelry, he avails himself of some of the coffee for the adults that is left near the food and candy for the kids. He then continues his patrol, making his way back to the warren of back hallways that connects all the stores and things, making sure no kids have snuck away.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 
[roll]1d10+5[/roll] (Notice 3, Perception 2) with +2 from Situational Awareness if applicable.
 
rogue_alchemist
 
 Spoiler: perception again 
 (1d10+5)[ 15 ]  with +2 from Situational Awareness to be added if applicable
 
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by rogue_alchemist 
  
 Spoiler: perception again 
[roll0] with +2 from Situational Awareness to be added if applicable
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Rogue_Alchemist wouldn't that natural 10 trigger the rule of 10 requiring an additional d10 roll to see how successful that Perception check was?   I'll be posting an update post later today going to give a few more hours for our other players.   Also been thinking about the tapestry we need to weave and I hope there's no problem with making Giselle and Katy friends.  Any objections to including Rebecca Carlson in the friendship group?  She is Vincent Vale's crush and would provide a link between the characters.   So the pirates crew would be Giselle, Katy, Rebecca, and Josh.
 
rogue_alchemist
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
  
 Spoiler: OOC 
Rogue_Alchemist wouldn't that natural 10 trigger the rule of 10 requiring an additional d10 roll to see how successful that Perception check was?   I'll be posting an update post later today going to give a few more hours for our other players.   Also been thinking about the tapestry we need to weave and I hope there's no problem with making Giselle and Katy friends.  Any objections to including Rebecca Carlson in the friendship group?  She is Vincent Vale's crush and would provide a link between the characters.   So the pirates crew would be Giselle, Katy, Rebecca, and Josh.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC/Perception trigger 
 (1d10)[ 9 ]  +15 = 24 . You are correct Lars, I had quite a bit of trouble getting this to format correctly and take, so I got it to finally go through and went back to other jobs. Thanks for looking out. I wish this dice roller was a *bit* more robust
 
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by rogue_alchemist 
  
 Spoiler: OOC/Perception trigger 
[roll0] +15 = 24 . You are correct Lars, I had quite a bit of trouble getting this to format correctly and take, so I got it to finally go through and went back to other jobs. Thanks for looking out. I wish this dice roller was a *bit* more robust
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC John's Perception 
Rule of 10 is also very unintuitive.   I get what they are trying to do but it basically half explosive dice.  The second d10 has 5 subtracted from it.  If the second D10 is a 10 it halfway explodes again.  So this allows for crazy roll results but makes them less likely.  In this case I have John's perception result as being 19 which places it in the Fifth level of success or Excellent.  The way I'm going to rule on this check is that John clocks 5 distinct things with his different senses.
 
Kinro
"So, everything looks to be running fine, all the stations are working and the games are running well with each other. Will that be everything?" Vincent asked Mr. Maxwell hopefully. He hadn't planned on being there, instead wanting to find Rebecca and maybe talk to her, at the very least, but he'd been asked and, well, he couldn't really say no. And so, here he was, dealing with tech stuff that anyone could have done while chances to get closer to his crush were slipping away, one by one. And he needed every chance he could get. "Look, everything should basically run itself now, and if not, anyonw interested in this will know how to deal with it just as much as me. Well, nearly as much as me. Just... can I go now?" he asked, almost plaintively.

  
 Spoiler: Perception 

 (1d10+6)[ 8 ] 
 
LarsWester
 
 Spoiler: Vincent Vales 

Mr. Maxwell turns to you smiling.   Yes thank you greatly for your help setting this up Vincent.   You have a gift for computers my boy that most lack.  I think you may not be aware of how much the average person lacks in this area compared to you.   I hope you and your friends come and enter the tournament later.  Go have some fun now.  Vincent fails to see Rebecca anywhere from his current vantage point on the Western foyer of the 2nd floor.   Principal Klander is continuing her introduction of the night's events on the 1st floor in the center between the escalators.   That's where the majority of the students have gathered to hear what the plan is for the evening.
 

 
 Spoiler: Giselle 

 Perception 13 3rd degree success 
Glancing through the crowd Giselle notices the rest of their pirate crew.  Rebecca Carlson looks great with her hair swept back and tied down with a red bandana with a black skull and crossbones.   She has a puffy white shirt and a brown leather skirt with a plastic sword hanging from a loop on a belt.  She waves to Giselle and starts making her way over.   Josh seeing Rebecca turns his head to finally notice the giant pirate flag.  What a lovable idiot he is dressed as the Dread Pirate Roberts from the Princess Bride.   Looking over the crowd Giselle also notices a group of about 6 JV football players from Spring Valley High School who have surrounded three younger girls who were wearing matching jackets that called them out as cheerleaders of Dent Middle School.   It looked like the older boys were giving the younger girls a hard time.   With her keen eye Giselle also noticed that a few kids had broken away and were heading towards the bathroom.   She thought her eyes caught one of them pass a lighter to another.
 

 
 Spoiler: Katherine 

 Perception 4 
Katy is happy to see Josh dressed in black from head to toe looking like the Dread Pirate Robert from Princess Bride.  How many times had he dragged them all out to the theater to watch that movie.   Katy was surprised when Rebecca Carlson actually beats him to the group.  Rebecca Carlson had her hair swept back and tied down with a red bandana with a black skull and crossbones.   She has a puffy white shirt and a brown leather skirt with a plastic sword hanging from a loop on a belt.  With the pirate crew assembled the night can officially begin.
 

 
 Spoiler: Embry 

 Perception 9 - success 
Embry was able to catch a glimpse of Jessie's red and gold hoop earrings, the colors of Dent Middle School, in the crowd.   She was with two of her cheerleading friends.   A group of 6 older boys closed around the three younger girls and even from this distance Embry could tell they were starting to give them a hard time.
 

 
 Spoiler: John 

 Perception 19 - 5th level of success 
John clocks several things on his patrol through mall.   First he overhears several conversations among the kids about some environmental disaster that made the news.   Something involving V.C. Summers Nuclear Station and leaking radiation into Broad River.  John hadn't had a chance to watch any news reports himself today being stuck at the mall since open.  He wasn't sure if he should chalk the conversation of the teens as paranoia or if there was any truth behind it.   As he passed Officer Mendoza who offered him a smile and nod, his ears caught a snippet of her radio reporting a call of shots fired in Elmwood Park.   John's sharp eyes caught a few other things.   One he noticed a group of teens pulling away heading towards the bathrooms most likely to smoke something.  Second he happened to see down on the first floor a crowd of 6 older teens with Spring Valley JV letter jackets surround three girls wearing sweatshirts stating Dent Middle School cheerleading.   Finally he caught a draft and turned to see someone had managed to prop open an outside door to the mall.   Probably some kid leaving a way in for some fool who didn't manage to get an invite.
 

 
 Spoiler: Eleanor 

After taking enough shots of the gathered crowd to satisfy her Eleanor sat down back against the 3' high glass wall protecting people from the opening down to the first floor.  She started reading her book excited to leave this world and Columbia Place Mall for the realm of Discworld.
 
Kareeah_Indaga
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
  
 Spoiler: OOC 
Also been thinking about the tapestry we need to weave and I hope there's no problem with making Giselle and Katy friends.  Any objections to including Rebecca Carlson in the friendship group?  She is Vincent Vale's crush and would provide a link between the characters.   So the pirates crew would be Giselle, Katy, Rebecca, and Josh.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
No objections on my part.
 


“ Ahoy there, Becca! Ahoy Josh! ” Katy greeted. “ Now that our merry band be complete, where be we fine swabbies sailin’ off to first? Arr, but me memory be slippin’. Pictures be first! And  then  we be settin’ sail! ” She motioned for everyone to bunch up while she juggled the flag pole from hand to hand to extract the camera.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Feel free to tell her to wait for later if you’d rather.
 
Kinro
"You missed your chance to call me a wiz," Vincent joked, referring to his costume. A lame joke that likely fell flat. He didn't stay around much to see the result, instead option, perhaps wisely, to make his retreat back down to the main area. He didn't even know what Rebecca would be dressed at, but he was certainly more likely to find her down there than up where he was. And if he didn't succeed, he could always return and console himself showing whoever bothered to get up there how it was done.
Bowerbird
Eleanor nods to herself, as she slips down to the floor to read her book, she'd done a good job with the decorations. She was particularly proud of how the bats had turned out. She pockets the camera, having taken the obligatory shots of the crowd for the Council, and the decorations for herself. She spares a glance down at the crowd, feeling a brief pang of loneliness before returning to her book, she doesn't really know anyone down there anyway, though maybe she'll check out the horror movie marathon later, even if they were unlikely to show any of the really scary stuff.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sorry I'm late, haven't been well the last few days, all my character stuff should be complete and in the OOC Thread. Here's a Notice check, if it's still relevant:  (1d10+5)[ 7 ] 
 
Metastachydium
The little girls in trouble do get Giselle's brief attention, but only for so long as she mentally files it as a "look the other way" class occurence; sucks to be them, but she needs no trouble in her life. No trouble not of her own choosing, that is. The lighter puts a blink-and-one'll-miss smirk in the corner of her mouth. She's been trying to reach that dumb oaf Manny for days to no avail. These kids may yet prove a resource; she'll have to sniff around thereabouts and definitely make a mental note of their faces. (It better not be weed, though.)

For the time being, nevertheless, she has more pressing business in the shape of the crew finally converging. She lets go of Betsy's arm. Rebecca and Josh get a hug and a grin each. And Katy…   English, please, oh captain.   she pinches the bridge of her nose with most decadent languor.   Swabby sounds like those stick things you clean ears with.   she adds with a smile, shifting close by Katy's side.   Anyhow,   she adjusts her hair with a light flick of her hand, flipping the blue parrot feather hanging from her right ear onto her shoulder with the same momentum.   think I'll have to hit a bathroom first. You think the water's safe, Betsy?   she circles a finger in said friend's direction.   Betsy says there's some  world's-ending **** on   –  again ; she explains for Becca and Josh's benefit.
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by CardTrick 
 Embry sighs deeply at the sight of some pathetic wastoids giving his sister and her friends grief. They were locked in for the night with plenty of cute high school girls just roaming all over the place, but these losers were spending their all energy harassing a trio of middle school kids.

Hoofing it over to Jessie... 
 

As Embry approaches he overhears some of the wastoids last comments.    Jessie it's a shame you'll never grow up to be as hot as your mom.    This dude's buddy added   She cooked me up something nice at the Country Club last weekend.    Then a third piled on   If your mom ever got hungry I got something for her mouth right here.   pointing down to his crotch.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I think I'm going to ask for a Willpower check here for Embry to try to ignore the comments of the wastoids.  If you choose to not ignore the comments depending on the method an Intimidation(Str) or a Brawling(Str) check may be in order.
Also Embry up close recognizes these boys as the ones who recently harassed and catcalled Jessie.  (I.E. from the backstory the reason Embry is here in the first place.)
 
Kareeah_Indaga
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   English, please, oh captain.   she pinches the bridge of her nose with most decadent languor.   Swabby sounds like those stick things you clean ears with.   
 

“ Nay, it be a nautical term for fine sailors such as ourselves! But okay, ” Katy replied, dropping the accent and deflating somewhat. One of the few things she’d managed to pick up in history class first try, too!
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by CardTrick 
    "For serious, Jess? You get me to take the night off from shooting practice, throw on this lame-o preppie blazer and come play personnal chauffer and chaperone... just to bounce on me at the doors? Not cool."   , before shooting her friends, whose names he is only half for sure are Trina and Debs, a smile,   "We should head to the food court before all the good snacks and seats are taken"  , that abruptly shifts into an incredulous, eyebrow raised smirk,   "Jessie was pulling my leg about none of you having seen Gremlins yet, right? There's NO WAY."   
 

All three girls looked relieved to see Embry show up.   Trina and Debs return Embry's smile and shake their heads no in unison.  When he leads them away from the football players and towards the movie theaters one of the wastoids, the one with the nasty comment about Embry's mom, sticks his foot out to trip Embry as he walks past.
 
 Spoiler: OOC Mechanics 

Jerkface attempts to trip Embry by kicking out at his feet.
  BrawlDexKick  - (1d10+5)[ 14 ] 
  Damage  - (1d4)[ 4 ]  x 4 if it hits.
  Initiative  - (1d10+3)[ 5 ] 
  DodgeDexIfRequired  - (1d10+5)[ 13 ] 
Need at least a Dodge/Dex check from Embry.  Then your call obviously on his response.  Jerkface has a few buddies around but you get he is the ringleader.
 
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by CardTrick 
 Embry's skull cracks on the mall cement and he dies. 
 

This will be retconned as that isn't what the dice showed.  Let me check in with Card Trick to verify he is out but Embry isn't dead either way.   In fact he completed side stepped the trip attack.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy spends the next two hours with her friends doing whatever activities they deem worth doing, taking pictures of whatever seems to be picture-worthy and making regular runs for soda and snacks.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Katy will be her usual clingy self and stick with her social circle first and foremost, only breaking off occasionally for food and maybe a bathroom run.  If  none of her friends have any preference as to activity, then my vote goes to the horror movie marathon so we could conceivably run into Eleanor. Not sure how to rope John in, sorry!
 
Bowerbird
Eleanor spends a while quietly engrossed in her book, but after about half an hour or so realises she's a little hungry. She's packed several sandwiches for herself, as usual, but free snacks are free snacks. She carefully places a bookmark in her library book and tucks it back into her bag before venturing out to see what sort of free food they were offering the students. Maybe the horror movie marathon could be worth it, Little Shop of Horrors sounds like it has potential. After securing food she'll find an out of the way place to watch the movie marathon from, and sit down there for the remainder of the first two hours.
Kinro
There weren't that many student invited. With two hours, Vincent easily managed to fin where Rebecca was. She was, however, surrounded by her friends and he hadn't managed to find any opening, any excuse to get close enough to talk to her. After a while, he started to wonder if he really should give up and go back to the computers. He hadn't quite given up hope yet, however.
Metastachydium
Having broken away from the others for long enough to sniff out for herself how very right she was, and to track down the other smokers, learning  that asshat Manny is in here and didn't even bother to explain himself , Giselle returns to the crew inwardly grumpy, but vaguely hopeful. She  will  track down that moron, give him hell, and get her due damn smokes out of it. She's very sure of it. All she needs to do is drift about some more with these four and  not  fall asleep standing while so occupied. If Katy's tentative interest in the movies catches on, maybe she can fall asleep  sitting . That would probs help her stay cool. God, this is gonna be a long night.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Giselle doesn't CARE and is very fine with the movies idea.
 
rogue_alchemist
John clocks the door and mutters to himself  "I don't care who did it, I am not inviting vagrants into the mall on a night like this"  as he heads to close it. Then he moves to check on the group of rivals, but thankfully sees he is too late. It looks like a bad bruise, but nothing that shouldn't heal with time. Kids are young and bounce back quickly. He did not want to have to try to talk some punk kids down.

John isn't too interested in busting teens for smoking. Let kids be kids, they aren't breaking any of his laws. He then continues his rounds, feeling a bit spooked with all the chatter about a nuclear spill and possible shots fired. He keeps checking over his shoulder, but he chalks most of it up to kids being precocious. Any time it is an off limits area, he investigates enough to open the door and look down the hallway, using his commander voice to give a brisk  "Everybody out!"  But he doesn't bust them to anyone who will actually punish them.

He can tell he is in for a long night of kids trying to see what they can get away with. He hopes he gets a chance to sneak away for at least some peace and quiet at some point, but he knows you have to start tough on the kids to set the boundary.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
It's the late 80's, everyone is smoking something :p. So long as it'll mellow them out, what's the harm. (Seriously people in my neck of the woods could still buy them underage from the gas station pretty easily, especially if your friend was working there).
 
LarsWester
 Columbia Place Mall, 11:00PM October 30th, 1987 
The end credits of Gremlins scrolls across the scene and the lights kick on as the gathered kids dash off for bathroom breaks and runs for more free soft drinks and popcorn.   Vincent sees Rebecca start to stand and move away from her seat.
 Well Mateys! This thirst must be quenched, or I be no pirate wench.  Rebecca says to Giselle, Katy, and the other pirates standing up from her seat and heading to the open food court soft drink counter.  Looking back over her shoulder she calls out  You coming or not.  We should make it back in time for Little Shop of Horrors if we hurry. 

Eleanor having stocked up recently on snacks and drinks has a window of opportunity to get closer in some of the vacatted seats or stay where she is currently at a bit further away from the screen and the audio is not that great.

John notices on his last circuit that he only saw two of the previous four officers.  Officer Mendoza looks on the shuffling crowd of teens with a nervous look on her face.  Her radio is in her hand held up to her ear.  As John nears a mall entrance he hears a banging on the glass door.
Kareeah_Indaga
“ Aye, wench, I be comin’! ” Katy replied. “ A bathroom break before the next one would be  great.  ”
Bowerbird
Eleanor contemplates staying at the back where it's less crowded, but she hasn't had the chance to see Little Shop of Horrors yet. She glances around to see if anyone else is beelining for her chosen spot closer to the screen, before getting up and shuffling over. Once safely in a new seat, she removes her big witch's hat and sits it in her lap, it's only polite after all plus it covers her bag full of surplus snacks raided from the counters in case anyone's feeling grabby.
Metastachydium
Giselle stretches and suppresses a small yawn. Is she sore!   Better not feed our Becca after midnight.   she smirks, trying her best to ensure the others that no, she didn't sleep through  all  the movie.   Also,  yeah , bathrooms.   she forces herself into something resembling a standing position.   Good thinking.   she may even run into that jerk Manny and kick his fat ass. The general area of any bathroom has a fair chance of containing smokers, making those a natural habitat for Manny.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Not to mention that teenage girls hitting the bathroom in groups of less than three is unnatural and we must not let it happen.
 
rogue_alchemist
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 John notices on his last circuit that he only saw two of the previous four officers.  Officer Mendoza looks on the shuffling crowd of teens with a nervous look on her face.  Her radio is in her hand held up to her ear.  As John nears a mall entrance he hears a banging on the glass door. 
 

John suspects the cops are sneaking off for their donut breaks and maybe a little sugar crash, but hasn't forgotten about the shots fired he heard over the radio earlier.

 "Darn teenagers!"  John grumbles as he heads to the door to tell them to quit trying to spook each other.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
John is investigating the door noises, do you need a roll or anything?
 
Kinro
Vincent was fairly miserable. Oh, the movie had been great, of course, but he would have wanted to watch it with Rebecca, not merely near her. But her group of friends seemed to be forming an impenetrable barrier. Still, maybe... maybe now was his chance. Rebecca was going for drinks and he was close enough to hear that some were going to the washroom. Maybe he could hope that she would be left alone, then? And so, he followed, ostensibly to get drinks as well, but more in hopes that he might be able to at least exchange a few words with his crush tonight. All he needed was a chance and then... well... He didn't actually think much of his chances, but trying was better than doing nothing, right?
LarsWester
Katy, Giselle and Betsy all head off to the bathroom reaching the required quota of three teenage girls.  As they approach the bathroom Giselle sees Manny standing against the wall by the boys bathroom.  There's three other boys standing around him, backs towards the girls.

Josh followed Rebecca to the drinks counter catching a glimpse of Vincent as he was headed there himself.  Josh waves Vincent over and starts talking to him.  Hey Vincent I heard from some people that you helped set up that computer network with the plane fighting games upstairs.  Super cool.  You're like a computer wiz, right?  I heard that computer jobs were going to be super in demand in the future.  Have you made any decision about college yet?   Josh and Vincent were in a couple classes together including math class.  Rebecca hasn't really said a word or seem like she's paying any attention to the conversation at this point.

John rounds the corner to see an adult woman banging on the entrance door with a frantic look on her face.   Her car lights on a few feet behind her John can see, from the exhaust in the colder October air, that it is still running.

Eleanor settles into her seat at the front as kids come back from getting snacks to watch the next movie the seats around her begin to fill up.  There's only a couple more minutes before the start of Little Shop of Horrors.   Eleanor hears one of the kids behind her start to blab about the movie.    So then the guy starts feeding the plant people.   It's awesome.  You'll see. 
Metastachydium
  Be with you iiiin a moment.   Giselle tells Katy and Betsy, breaking formation immediately as she spots her target. That was super easy. And there's audience; she can  embarrass  Manny.  Publically.  This is so much better than she hoped. Only waiting for just long enough to see the girls go on and out of picture, she strides up with newfound energy to the big guy, pushing past the other three as though she barely noticed their presence and stopping mere inches away from Manny, her arms crossed most sternly afore her chest.   Manny dearest, where have you  been ?   she asks, the tone quite  dramatically  cold.
Kinro
"What?" Vincent called out, startled, looking around to see Josh talking to him. "Oh, yeah, I set them all up, got everything ready a few days ago and then did the final touches earlier," he boasted, maybe a bit loud, glancing at Rebecca to see if she'd heard him. "It's more of a... I haven't really been thinking about jobs, but I'm probably going to go to college in something like that? I hear a few places are offering programs. Or maybe engineering or something. Electrical, maybe? Or something of a mix? I'm not sure. Things are kind of changing fast lately." Certainly, he had other things on his mind than talking about college right now. "Uhm... What about you? What are your plans?" he asked back, more to be polite than to hope for an answer.
Kareeah_Indaga
Prior to entering the ladies’ room, Katy leaves the flag leaned against a wall outside, since managing it in the stalls was going to be awkward.  And Rebecca might need it to fend off boys  oh wait Josh was with her, never mind, she'd be fine. It would still be awkward to juggle in the stalls. She tells Becca “ Arr, be guardin’ yon flag with yer life, matey! ” before winking and stepping into the bathroom. She’d pick it up again on her way out.
rogue_alchemist
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 John rounds the corner to see an adult woman banging on the entrance door with a frantic look on her face.   Her car lights on a few feet behind her John can see, from the exhaust in the colder October air, that it is still running. 
 

John calls out  "Ma'am, calm down! No need to bang down the door."  He pulls out his standard issue security flashlight and holds it at his shoulder as he approaches about 3 feet from the door and calls  "What is going on? The mall is closed."  He is glancing between her and the car just behind her, assessing any potential threat.
Bowerbird
Eleanor rolls her eyes at the sound of the whispering kids behind her, this is exactly why she rarely goes to the cinema. Well, that and the cost. She suppresses the immediate urge to turn around and shush them. For now, at least. Though she does shoot an annoyed glance back at them, mostly to see if this was likely a one-off outburst or only the beginning. Maybe she  was  better off back in her corner...
rogue_alchemist
 
 Spoiler: rolls 
Interaction: [roll=Will+Social]1d10+2[/roll] (John doesn't have any social skills [Glossophobia explains why]). Perception:   peepers  - (1d10+7)[ 8 ]  (Perception +2, Notice +3, Situational Awareness +2)
 
rogue_alchemist
 
 Spoiler: roll again 
  "willpower"  - (1d10+2)[ 10 ]  (John doesn't have any social skills).   peepers  - (1d10-5)[ 3 ]  (and apparently can't see with the headlights in his eyes)
 
LarsWester
Maybe it was the commanding tone or perhaps just the sight of someone in a position of control that gave the woman pause.   Her pounding on the door ceased and she motioned for John to come to the door.  She started talking loudly so her voice could be heard through the door.    Sir I am here to take my daughter.   The city has gone mad.  I think it started with a prank by some of the college kids but then a police officer shot one of the kids and now there is massive protests and crowds in the western half of the city.  It's moving this way.   Please let me in so I can take my daughter and drive to my mother's up North.   Got to get out of here quickly.    The city is falling apart.   Please I just need my daughter Betsy Jones.  If you could bring her here I'll wait in the car. 
Beyond Mrs. Jones car running in the parking lot John could see what looked like reflections of fires and flashing lights in the far distance off towards the West.   It did look like part of the city had descended into chaos.

Outside the ladies room Betsy Jones held tight to Katy's Pirate Flagpole.  She nodded and smiled at some classmates who walked by.    Argh! Be ye warned there's pirates about.   she said with a wink.   She was having a great night with Josh and the girls.   She hoped Katy wouldn't be in the restroom too long she wanted to get back to the movie marathon.

Rebecca turns around armed with a fresh large paper cup of soda and sees Josh talking to Vincent.   Hi there Vince.   Oh college I haven't given it much thought yet.   I think I might try working a bit first.  Not sure.   Josh grabs his own coke and states proudly  It's the Navy for me.  I'm going to try to be one of them special forces folks but will probably end up mopping the deck of a submarine for all of my luck.   Josh laughs and continues.   Hey come sit with us Vincent if you're going to catch the next movie.   Could use a little more Y chromosomes around.    Rebecca dramatically rolls her eyes at the comment and heads back to the Pirate Crew's seats two rows behind Eleanor.

Manny frowns then smile seeing Giselle.   Been here the last two hours.   I'd ask how you got in but hey I'm here so anything possible.  You need anything tonight?   I got the usual and little something more too if you're interested.  Manny plays it real cool still leaning against the wall between the bathroom doors.  He puts a hand in his coat pocket and waits for your response.   Usual price.  he adds with a smile.
Metastachydium
Giselle pinches the bridge of her nose with a sigh, and still quite the dramatic one at that.   Model citizen here, remember? I  walked  in packing an invite. A-anyhow, Manny. I've been trying to get you for two ****in' days now; what was  that  about?   she begins to inquire, only to wave the question away with a quick hand gesture of infinite charity.   You know what? Never mind.   she slips closer, putting a shoulder against the wall, still pointedly ignoring anyone not called Manny.   You fix me up. What's today's special?  
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy finishes her business in the ladies’ washroom and emerges, drying her hands. She retrieves the flag from Betsy. “ Thankee, wench, I be takin’ the wheel now! ” she says with a grin. Then in a normal voice, asks, “ Should we grab more snacks before we head back? ”
Kinro
"Hi... uhm... Hi!" Vince replied to Rebecca, trying not to grin himself silly. She recognized him! She knew his name! Of course, she was gone almost immediately, but that felt like progress! "Yes!" he called out quickly to Josh, maybe a bit too loudly. "I mean, yes, of course, he tried to correct before going over to sit next to Rebecca. he was actually sitting next to her! He felt his face redden. "Hi... Hey..." he said. He felt his face redden and he was unable to look right at her. His mind grasped for anything to say. "You... like... movie?" he struggled out.
rogue_alchemist
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 Maybe it was the commanding tone or perhaps just the sight of someone in a position of control that gave the woman pause.   Her pounding on the door ceased and she motioned for John to come to the door.  She started talking loudly so her voice could be heard through the door.    Sir I am here to take my daughter.   The city has gone mad.  I think it started with a prank by some of the college kids but then a police officer shot one of the kids and now there is massive protests and crowds in the western half of the city.  It's moving this way.   Please let me in so I can take my daughter and drive to my mother's up North.   Got to get out of here quickly.    The city is falling apart.   Please I just need my daughter Betsy Jones.  If you could bring her here I'll wait in the car. 
Beyond Mrs. Jones car running in the parking lot John could see what looked like reflections of fires and flashing lights in the far distance off towards the West.   It did look like part of the city had descended into chaos. 
 

John is relieved to hear the lady calming a bit. He attempts to reassure her  "I will go find one of the school officials to get your daughter and bring her here."  He then heads off to find the principle or whoever he can that is in charge. He doesn't really want to get involved, but he is probably one of the only ones with keys to front door. When he finds someone he relays  "There's some lady at the front door wanting to take her daughter out of here. Raving about some unrest in the city. I think the name was Betty or Bethany Jones. Something like that."  He half hopes the official will dismiss the idea and he can pawn off getting rid of the lady onto the school official.
LarsWester
Principal Klander greeted John with a smile that turned to a frown when she heard that a parent was here to pick up their student.   This was highly irregular.    Betsy Jones  I presume.  She's one of our more driven and intelligent students I'll see if I can't locate her.   Follow me.  I'll need your help unlocking the doors and letting this student out.  I'd prefer to keep the other students ignorant of the unrest in the city wouldn't do to ruin their reward night because other people can't behave.   With that the teacher set out to find Betsy remembering that the girl was with her friends dressed as pirates the Principal added.   Betsy and her friends are all dressed as pirates.   I even recall seeing Katy with her colorguard flag decorated as the Jolly Roger.  

Meanwhile upstairs by the bathrooms Giselle is trying her best to put Manny through the wringer.   Manny calmly pulls his hand out of his pocket a rubber-band bound 5 pack of cigarettes surreptitiously cupped in his palm.    That squares us away Cuz.    He asks smiling.   Of course if you finally wanted to try it I do have some joints tonight.  he adds in a softer voice.

Back at the movie marathon seats Rebecca gives Vincent a confused look and then a polite smile.   She looks relieved when Betsy and Katy return.   She gets up from her seat and moves to the end of the row to let the girls in.   The two girls file in past Rebecca seating down on the other side.   Leaving the current seating as Josh Vincent Betsy Katy then Rebecca.   Rebecca leans into to whisper something to Katy.   
 Spoiler: Katy 
Josh asked that weirdo Vincent to join us.  Such a nerd.  So awkward.  He asked if I quote "you like movie?"
 


With the pirate flag back at the movie marathon Principal Klander points out there target to John as the lights go down and the opening credits to Little Shop of Horrors begin to scroll across the projector screen.
Kinro
Vincent was crestfallen. He'd barely managed to talk to Rebecca and he'd already blown it. The movie started, but he wasn't into it. Some loser started singing about how awful the placed he live din was. He'd probably find love. They always did. Vince hoped he'd end up eaten.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy glanced over in Vincent’s direction as Becca spoke, to see who she was talking about. She then whispered back,

 
 Spoiler: Rebecca 
“ Ooo, yeah, that’s awkward. Did you want to leave? Don’t worry, I got your back. ”
 


Katy started checking around her for a drink in case she needed to accidentally-on-purpose spill something to facilitate a quick getaway for her friend.
rogue_alchemist
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 Principal Klander greeted John with a smile that turned to a frown when she heard that a parent was here to pick up their student.   This was highly irregular.    Betsy Jones  I presume.  She's one of our more driven and intelligent students I'll see if I can't locate her.   Follow me.  I'll need your help unlocking the doors and letting this student out.  I'd prefer to keep the other students ignorant of the unrest in the city wouldn't do to ruin their reward night because other people can't behave.   With that the teacher set out to find Betsy remembering that the girl was with her friends dressed as pirates the Principal added.   Betsy and her friends are all dressed as pirates.   I even recall seeing Katy with her colorguard flag decorated as the Jolly Roger.  

[...]

With the pirate flag back at the movie marathon Principal Klander points out there(sic) target to John as the lights go down and the opening credits to Little Shop of Horrors begin to scroll across the projector screen. 
 

John tries to suppress a sigh as the principle says she needs him to stay with her, but follows her around. As they approach the theater, John can feel his stomach knotting up at the thought of the crowd of teenagers in there and having to address them. He is very glad for his decision to involve Principle Klander and that she would be the one to have to engage the crowd. John waits at the back as she does whatever she needs to to get the girl to leave. He grabs his key-ring and half-heartedly starts flipping keys just to appear busy, so no one is likely to engage him as the movie starts.
Metastachydium
A folded banknote emerges from a pocket of Giselle's own, and replaces the contraband in Manny's palm, the latter getting vanished with practiced speed and ease.   That's gonna do, Manny.   she pronounces, as if doing the guy a favour, a corner of her lips curling somewhat disdainfully down at the mention of joints ( sh'yeah , like she doesn't need her  brain  anymore!).   Later.  Maybe.    she pushes herself off the wall to begin pulling away, not to so much as look back and to find… Her friedns apparently forgot she was still herabouts. She eats a nascent sigh. Katy and Betsy. So  typically  Katy and Betsy. Such scatterbrains. It's a good thing she knows where they went, at least.

And so, her  next  break accounted for, Giselle heads back to the movie theatre, pleased but displeased. Such is life.
LarsWester
Giselle returns to the movie marathon seats to see the next movie already started.  Looks like another boy is with the group.   The computer geek Victor or Vinny something like that.   As she makes her way over to an open seat in the row Principal Klander slides into the row and leans over Rebecca and Katy to whisper something to Betsy.

 Pardon only take a moment.  Principal Klander whispers to Rebecca and Katy as she blocks out view of the screen.  She leans over and whispers to Betsy.   Your mother is here and is demanding to see you. Come with me please.    Betsy looks confused and irritated but she stuffs her remaining snacks into her purse and grabs her drink squeezing past Katy and Rebecca giving a whispered  My Mom is here.  with a shrug.  As Betsy files out Rebecca turns to Kay.   Should we go with it could be bad news like a family member died or something?  Doesn't her grandmother have cancer? 

Poor Eleanor all she wanted to do was watch a movie in peace, but first there was the annoying boys behind her and now the Principal was causing a scene two rows back.

John standing off a short ways behind the seats as the girl in question is getting up.  Officer Mendoza slides up next to him.   Hey John, heard the banging on the door what's the news? 
Metastachydium
The principal gets a pleasant little wave and smile, all silent, naturally, from Giselle before she'd sink into the seat beside Josh, flopping her head on his shoulder, her face decidedly grumpier already.   Thought you'd wait up.   she murmurs upwards.   Where's Betsy going, anyhow? And where did you  find  that   she motions towards… V-v-v-v-v… Oh,  right , none other than Wince the Weirdo(; joy!), only to alter the phrasing with a wooden    guy ?   thrown in at the end. It's unladylike to be  that  rude aloud, after all.
Kareeah_Indaga
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 As Betsy files out Rebecca turns to Kay.   Should we go with it could be bad news like a family member died or something?  Doesn't her grandmother have cancer?  
 

Figuring this was a better escape for Becca than Katy dumping a drink on someone, Katy hastily agreed. “ Yeah, let’s go. ” And Becca was right, too; Betsy might need some morale support.
Bowerbird
As she hears more murmuring behind her, Eleanor gives a quick glance over her shoulder, starting to actually feel a little frustrated. One nice night out, reading and watching movies while her mother worked the night shift, was that too much to- wait, was that Principal Klander? Why were they over here? She briefly contemplates going over to find out, but no. She'd only get in the way. She glances around the room to see if there was anything else weird before sitting back down in her seat, half paying attention to the movie but also doing her best to hear what the commotion with the Principal was about.

 
 Spoiler 
Would it be appropriate to make a Notice roll of some sort to have an idea what's going on? I'm guessing that would be 1d10 + Perception + Notice? So  (1d10+5)[ 11 ]  If not, ignore this, figured I'd save time if it was needed.

Added a little extra to Eleanor's backstory as well, since it was still a little bare-bones. Put in a bit more about her mother and upbringing.
 
rogue_alchemist
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 John standing off a short ways behind the seats as the girl in question is getting up.  Officer Mendoza slides up next to him.   Hey John, heard the banging on the door what's the news?  
 

John jumps a little as Officer Mendoza speaks up. Turning he whispers back  "Hey, some parent is freaking out about civil unrest. I heard something about shots fired earlier, what is going on out there?" 
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
 The principal gets a pleasant little wave and smile, all silent, naturally, from Giselle before she'd sink into the seat beside Josh, flopping her head on his shoulder, her face decidedly grumpier already.   Thought you'd wait up.   she murmurs upwards.   Where's Betsy going, anyhow? And where did you  find  that     guy ?   
 

Josh looks down at Giselle and pats her head.   Missed me then.  I went with Becca to get drinks during the break.   Vince was up at the counter.   You know Vince, right?  Josh says softly in answer.   Not sure where the others are going but something is up with Betsy though.  He adds nodding in the departing girls direction   Should we follow?  turning to his right he leans over to Vince.   Hey Vince you know Giselle right? 

Two rows forward Eleanor's sharp ears picked up enough of the annoying chatter to understand that Betsy's mom had come to pick her up for some reason.  The other girls thought it might be bad news that couldn't wait.  Eleanor's glance around the room took in the fact that the security guard and one of the assigned police officers were talking with worried looks on their faces.


 
 Originally Posted by rogue_alchemist 
 John jumps a little as Officer Mendoza speaks up. Turning he whispers back  "Hey, some parent is freaking out about civil unrest. I heard something about shots fired earlier, what is going on out there?"  
 

Officer Mendoza's face grows visible more concerned.   Not sure John.  Here's what I can tell you.  It seems that there was reports of a mob of costumed people attacking civilians.  A responding officer fired shots when the crowd was unresponsive.  The report I heard was that the target was on some drugs or something and didn't respond to several body shots but kept on coming towards the officer until a headshot brought the guy down.  That's when reports started coming in of other incidents.  The chief dictated that all comunication go through our new encrypted channels and guess who's old radios don't work with that channel.  Chief called Smith and Jones away for backup and stated that two babysitters were enough when there's chaos in the streets. But I'm in the dark as much as you right now.  Is there a TV around somewhere maybe the news has got something?   Mendoza quickly shuts her mouth as Principal Klander approaches followed by a gathering of teen girls.

 Okay here's the girl.  You ready to unlock the door?  Principal Klander asks John pointing to Betsy.
Kinro
Vincent was pulled out of his self-pyting sulk by Josh addressing him. And, despite himself, he had to admit that the music was pretty good. "I've seen her around, I think?" he said, giving a small wave to Giselle. He didn't really hang out much with their crowd, but, well, since he was paying so much attention to Rebecca, he had an idea who they all were. "Are you sure..." He started, looking in the direction where his crush had gone. "I'm don't think she really wants me around," he admitted.
rogue_alchemist
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 Officer Mendoza's face grows visible more concerned.   Not sure John.  Here's what I can tell you.  It seems that there was reports of a mob of costumed people attacking civilians.  A responding officer fired shots when the crowd was unresponsive.  The report I heard was that the target was on some drugs or something and didn't respond to several body shots but kept on coming towards the officer until a headshot brought the guy down.  That's when reports started coming in of other incidents.  The chief dictated that all comunication go through our new encrypted channels and guess who's old radios don't work with that channel.  Chief called Smith and Jones away for backup and stated that two babysitters were enough when there's chaos in the streets. But I'm in the dark as much as you right now.  Is there a TV around somewhere maybe the news has got something?   Mendoza quickly shuts her mouth as Principal Klander approaches followed by a gathering of teen girls.

 Okay here's the girl.  You ready to unlock the door?  Principal Klander asks John pointing to Betsy. 
 

John wants to ask more questions to Mendoza, but knows that the wrong thing could spook everybody unnecessarily. COs keeping calm kept the troops calm; though this was a largely different situation, it still applied. All John can muster is  "Yes, ma'am"  as the crowd size was starting to get a little big for his liking, especially with unpredictable teenagers.
Metastachydium
The smarm and head pat earns a grunt and soft punch from Giselle, but she's not really angry at all. Josh… He's many things, but good at inspiring anger, he's not.   Yes(, hey, Vincent!) and…   she considers her options; going with means they'd ditch Vince and all the awkwardness hanging about. But it would take actually getting up and  doing  something, and she has a whole Josh between herself and the weird guy anyhow.   …not really, no.   Path of least resistence it is.   It's prob'ly nothing. And I just freakin' sat  down , you wouldn't drag me off already, would you Josh?  
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy just shamelessly eavesdropped on the adults, trying not to draw unnecessary attention to herself while she tried to figure out what was going on.

[spoiler=OoC]How much of that could I hear?

Roll if I need it:  
 Spoiler: Perception 
 (1d10+6)[ 14 ]  – Perception, Notice, Acute Hearing included
 
Bowerbird
Eleanor settles back into her seat, though her attention is less on the movie and more on the security guard and police officer. She watches them leave with the Principal and the girls with a worried look on her face. She resolves to ask one of them about it politely once this fuss dies down, after all between the staff and the police there shouldn't be anything super bad or urgent. She tries to go back to watching the movie, but with the occasional glance around.
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by Kareeah_Indaga 
 Katy just shamelessly eavesdropped on the adults, trying not to draw unnecessary attention to herself while she tried to figure out what was going on.

[spoiler=OoC]How much of that could I hear?

Roll if I need it:  
 Spoiler: Perception 
[roll0] – Perception, Notice, Acute Hearing included
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Katy 

Impressive roll let's agree that Katie heard the last bit.
"Chief called Smith and Jones away for backup and stated that two babysitters were enough when there's chaos in the streets. But I'm in the dark as much as you right now. Is there a TV around somewhere maybe the news has got something?"
 
LarsWester
John, Officer Mendoza and Principal Klander followed by the trio of girls reach the top of the escalator and start heading towards the doors.   Exhaust from Ms. Jones car billows outside the doors obscuring the view of the city beyond but through the haze flashing lights can be seen reflecting off tall buildings.   There definitely was something going on out there in the greater city of Columbia.
Principal Klander looks nervously at John for support.   Betsy lets out a gasp when she sees her mother weeping behind the steering wheel of their running car.   Mrs. Jones looks up from the steering wheel chokes back some sobs and smiles at the girls behind the glass door.
 
 Spoiler: John and Katy 

Can I get a perception test?  Does John unlock the door?
 
rogue_alchemist
John at first is a bit confused, not seeing the woman at the door, but upon looking closer sees her in the car, with clear tear marks down her face. He feels a bit weird with the smog from the car and the flashing lights in the back. It all feels a bit dystopian, but he can't get in the way of a mother's protection for her child.

 
 Spoiler: roll 
  perception  - (1d10+5)[ 6 ]  (there could a +2 for danger from situational awareness)
 
Kareeah_Indaga
Chaos in the streets? Like a riot? Katy gulped and gripped harder on the flag pole.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 
 (1d10+4)[ 7 ] 

Includes Notice and Perception. If Acute Hearing counts towards this, add another +2
 
LarsWester
John turns the key in the mall door unlocking it.  As the door opens the sound of distant sirens can be heard softly over the sound of a 4 door sedan idling in the cold October air.  Ms. Jones rolled down her window calling out to Betsy.   Hurry dear!  It's awful we need to get to Grandmother's quick. 
Becca turned to Katy with a look of satisfaction that she was right it was a sick relative but her face dropped when Betsy's mom added  Where it's safe. 

It all happened very quickly it wasn't like the movies where things slow down and you see your life flash before your eyes.   Officer Mendoza was the first to act barking out an order  Stop where you are.   This is a private event.   her gun was drawn and she was pointing it at a group of six people who were in the most outrageously gorey makeup.   Huge bites wounds in the necks and arms.  They were covered in blood and dirt from scrambling up the hill at the side of the mall parking lot.  The group of them did not stop but looked at the police officer who was standing just outside the mall doors.  Then as one they dashed towards the policewoman.  Ms. Jones blared on the horn as she slammed the car into reverse wheels screeching.  Betsy ran towards her mothers car but two of the group broke off to chase after her.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Please roll for initiative here in the first round.  There are 4 zombies closing on Mendoza and Principal Klander.   There are 2 zombies running after Betsy towards her mother's car.   The zombies have initiative
 (1d10+4)[ 10 ]   If you roll higher on initiative you may act but at this point your character's assumption is that these are rioters in makeup not zombies that would be ridiculous.
 
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy felt a brief burst of nausea at those costumes -   it’s not real blood it’s not real blood it’s not real blood   - but they were going after her friend and she had to do  something. 

So she snatched Rebecca’s drink out of her hand and threw it at the rioters chasing Betsy, shouting “  You stay away from her!  ”, trying to get their attention.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
ZM, what do I roll?
 
rogue_alchemist
John is taken aback by the sudden appearance of a crowd rushing them. He isn't used to being taken by such surprise, but his combat training kicks in. A quick assessment of the situation sees him running after the girl. He still can't remember her name, so he calls out  "Betty, come back to the group!"  He runs to put himself between her and the mob, while pulling out his Police Baton. He really regrets not having his gun loaded, but then he remembers that these are civilians not enemy combatants.

After he places himself, he calls out to the approaching group  "Halt! You are trespassing on private property. Go back to your protest lines!" 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sorry John can't remember Betsy, he isn't very social and was hoping to be out of this situation quickly. Now he stands with his Police Baton protecting her. That'll be D6x4 (avg: 12), which is pretty deadly.
 
LarsWester
As the group pressed towards the police officer Mendoza fired a warning shot above the group.   Something seemed off in the groups lack of reaction so the field officer trusted her gut and aimed the gun for a second shot.   There'll be mounds of paperwork for this  she thought as her finger pulled the trigger.   
 Spoiler: 2ndShot 
  Attack  - (1d10+5)[ 14 ]    RandomLocation  - (1d10)[ 4 ]    Damage  - (1d6)[ 4 ] x4 (x2 after armor normal bullets) 32 points of damage to the torso.
 
   The shot catches the approaching man square in the chest knocking him back to the pavement with a load smack.
Rebecca screams  WHAT THE HELL KATY?  as her drinks hurtles through the air crashing into the side of the face of one the two chasing after Betsy.  The impacts causes the man to stop. His tongue unnaturally lashes out to lick the side of his mouth revealing teeth coated in blood.  Then his eyes widen as he sees Katy and Rebecca's scream echoes into the night.   Rebecca turns and runs through the mall doors.  The man turns towards the girls, closes the distance and reaches for Katy with bloody fingernails.  
 Spoiler: Z1-&gt;Katy 
Moves up to Katy and makes an attempt to grab her and bite.   (1d10+2)[ 5 ]  Katy needs to make a Dodge/Dex check to oppose this.   If the zombie hits it does   Damage  - (1d4)[ 3 ]  x 2 damage to Katy's   Location  - (1d10)[ 2 ]  On success does 6 damage to Katy's right arm.  Describe your interaction in your post with the opposed roll.   Also probably about time for a fear check for Katy let's do it after her dodge check though.
 

The other person chasing after Betsy turns towards John who imposed himself between the woman and the girl.   The woman wore a brown jacket and black skirt both torn in many places and blood stained.  The woman attempted to grab the security guard and lunged forward with her blood stained teeth. John's combat senses returned to him after years of absence and he could swear he saw patches of skin and hair under the woman's fingernails.   
 Spoiler: Z2-&gt;John 
 Moves up to John and makes a resisted close combat   attack  - (1d10+2)[ 8 ]  John's MA+Dex to resist.  First is free.  If Z wins   Damage  - (1d4)[ 1 ]  x2 to John's   Location  - (1d10)[ 10 ] 2 points of damage to John's left leg if successful.  Describe this interaction with your opposed check.
 


The remaining folks closed on Officer Mendoza and Principal Klander who stood between them and Katy and Rebecca.  Hands reached out and attempted to grab a hold of the woman as mouths opened again showing off blood stained teeth and bits of hair stuck between gaps in teeth.  Mendoza relied on her training as her hands went into practiced self defense moves as four hands reached for her.   Klander got her hands up in time to bat away the clumsy attempt to grab ahold of her jacket.   Her eyes went wide when she realized this man was trying to bite her.
 
 Spoiler: Z3-&gt; Mendoza 

Moves up to Mendoza and makes an attempt to grab her and bite.   (1d10+2)[ 5 ]    Dodge  - (1d10+4)[ 13 ]  check to oppose this.   If the zombie hits it does   Damage  - (1d4)[ 1 ]  x 2 damage to Mendoza's   Location  - (1d10)[ 2 ]  if torso (4-6) Mendoza's vest offers   AV  - (1d8)[ 4 ] x2+17 protection.  Misses! 
 

 
 Spoiler: Z4 

Moves up to Mendoza and makes an attempt to grab her and bite.   (1d10+2)[ 5 ]    Dodge  - (1d10+2)[ 6 ]  -2 for 2nd dodge check to oppose this.   If the zombie hits it does   Damage  - (1d4)[ 1 ]  x 2 damage to Mendoza's   Location  - (1d10)[ 6 ]  if torso (4-6) Mendoza's vest offers   AV  - (1d8)[ 7 ] x2+17 protection. Misses! 
 

 
 Spoiler: Z5 

Moves up to Principal Klander and makes an attempt to grab her and bite.   (1d10+2)[ 6 ]    Dodge  - (1d10+3)[ 11 ]  for dodge check to oppose this.   If the zombie hits it does   Damage  - (1d4)[ 3 ]  x 2 damage to Klander's   Location  - (1d10)[ 6 ]  if torso (4-6) Klander's leather jacket offers   AV  - (1d4)[ 3 ]  protection. Misses! 
 

 
 Spoiler: Z6 

 Moves up to Principal Klander and makes an attempt to grab her and bite.   (1d10+2)[ 4 ]    Dodge  - (1d10+1)[ 2 ]  for -2 for 2nd dodge check to oppose this.   If the zombie hits it does   Damage  - (1d4)[ 2 ]  x 2 damage to Klander's   Location  - (1d10)[ 2 ]  if torso (4-6) Klander's leather jacket offers   AV  - (1d4)[ 1 ]  protection.  Stands up.
 

Officer Mendoza lets out a  Dios Mio!  when the man she just shot square in the chest stands to his feet with an obvious deep gunshot wound to his heart.   There should be no way he could get up from that.
LarsWester
Principal Klander strikes back at the man attempting to bite her with the only thing in her hands a metal binder clipboard with the night's permission slips and emergency contact numbers.     
 Spoiler: Klander 
  Attack  - (1d10+2)[ 10 ]   (1d4)[ 2 ]  damage to Z5 head.
 
  She then backed up to stand in front of the mall doors.
Betsy runs towards her mother's car getting into the passenger seat.
Betsy's mom peels out of the mall parking lot with Betsy looking out the passenger window with a look of horror on her face.   RUN!  she shouts at Katy.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Depending on Katy's fear result that shouted Run may allow a lessening of effect.
 
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy’s mind jammed up momentarily.   How do you put makeup on teeth – oh no that’s real blood it’s real it’s real it’s real—!   She screamed and tried to back away while batting at the reaching fingers with the flag pole.

 
 Spoiler: Dodge Check 
 (1d10+4)[ 8 ]  – includes Dexterity and nothing else. If there are relevant Skills, Qualities or whatever else I should be adding to Katy’s roll, let me know!
 
Bowerbird
Eleanor tries to get more into the movie, but keeps glancing around wondering what was going on the the principal left with all that security. It's probably fine, just paranoia. When during a musical number she faintly hears a loud noise near the front of the mall, she finally makes up her mind, she is Student Council after all, if there's a problem maybe she could or should help out. Eleanor finishes the last of her soda, carefully puts the can in her bag for later, and starts making her way out to the aisle to go see what the fuss was about. She puts her hat back on and starts making her way towards where she saw everyone go earlier, if the girl's mother had come to pick her up they were probably out the front. She looks over at the girl's other friends as she passes them, curious if any of them are concerned as well.
Metastachydium
What Eleanor  does  get to see likely sits at one extreme end of the "alarming to comforting" scale. Giselle used the intervening time to sink deeper into her seat, gain control of  both  armrests (Josh can use Vince's, if he really wants one!) focusing hard on  not  really focusing, in hope of a good sleep finding her in due time. Unlike Katy and Becca, she's  really  not in the slightest bit concerned. It's  just  like Betsy to make weird scenes at the weirdest moments; maybe it's genetic or somesuch. Worst case scenario, she'll get to roll her eyes about it later.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy continues screaming and flees after Rebecca, the Jolly Roger fluttering behind her.
rogue_alchemist
John feels the monster bearing down on him more than sees it (for who but a monster tries to bite somebody). At this point John can't help his training and his hands automatically fly up to protect himself, then turn the attack back on the aggressor and swing out with his fist. Dodge roll:  [12] He uses his reflexes to dodge quickly to the side before attacking with a well aimed punch to the solar plexus Attack: [7]  for   damage  - (1d4)[ 2 ] x8+4=20 damage (4 for Str and doubled for Vital Area Target then add 4 for Martial Arts).

EDIT: See OOC for actual rolls, but edited them into here just for continuity of reading.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
John really likes to botch important rolls. But 20 damage from a punch is A LOT, dang MAs are good.
 
rogue_alchemist
John then looks around and sees that Betsy has taken off, so he rushes back over to the girl with the flagpole to try to help her. He swings [roll=1d10+3+2-2]1d10[/roll] = 7  (see below) with his baton for   1d6x4  - (1d6)[ 3 ]  =  12  just trying to connect  location  - (1d10)[ 3 ] 
rogue_alchemist
swing roll again  (1d10)[ 4 ] 
LarsWester
John hears the woman's ribcage shatter under the force of his blow.  No cry of pain comes from the bloody lips of his target but the woman is sent sprawling to the cold pavement.    LuckRoll  - (1d10)[ 9 ] 

John moved to protect the screaming retreat of the flagbearer.  His baton shatters the man's left arm.  Again not even a wince of pain registering on the man's face as it turned towards the security officer.  But he'd have a hard time using that arm to grab a hold of teenage girls.

A few feet away Officer Mendoza had two of these crazed drug addled protestors clawing at her uniform and attempting to bite her.   Falling back on her training her gun went off with a series of point blank shots.  Her mind repeating her training  empty the clip stop the threat empty the clip stop the threat  but after 5 shots she felt her aim was lessening.
  Attack1  - (1d10+7)[ 16 ]   Damage8x  - (1d6)[ 5 ]  to   Location  - (1d10)[ 6 ]   hit Z3 prone! 
  Attack2  - (1d10+6)[ 9 ]   Damage8x  - (1d6)[ 2 ]  to   Location  - (1d10)[ 10 ]   hit Z3 right arm useless -2 to attacks! 
  Attack3  - (1d10+5)[ 11 ]   Damage8x  - (1d6)[ 6 ]  to   Location  - (1d10)[ 4 ]   hit Z4 prone! 
  Attack4  - (1d10+4)[ 8 ]   Damage8x  - (1d6)[ 6 ]  to   Location  - (1d10)[ 4 ]   miss! 
  Attack5  - (1d10+3)[ 11 ]   Damage8x  - (1d6)[ 2 ]  to   Location  - (1d10)[ 6 ]   hit Z4 torso 

Rebecca screams as gunshots echo across the mall's parking lot.   With Katy rushing through the door gunshots and screaming can be heard from upstairs.   A panic takes over the movie marathon viewers as no one knows what's going on.  Everyone looks around for someone who is a leader and can offer an explanation.

Officer Mendoza looks over at John with a look of fear as the people who have taken deadly impacts clumsily rise to the feet.   John get back inside.  They're too drugged to know they're dead.  she screams at the security officer.   Grabbing the principal by the arm she tries to throw her towards the door.
LarsWester
The bloody people knocked down to the pavement rise up to their feet.  The ones already on their feet make attempts to grapple and bite down on their targets.
 
 Spoiler: Z1-&gt;John 

  Z1Attack  - (1d10+1)[ 6 ]    Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 1 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 10 ]   need opposed roll from John.
 

 
 Spoiler: Z2,Z3,Z4 
All stand up
 

 
 Spoiler: Z5-&gt;Mendoza 
  Z5Attack  - (1d10+2)[ 6 ]    Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 1 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 8 ] 
  MendozaDodge  - (1d10+4)[ 11 ]  dodged
 

 
 Spoiler: Z6-&gt;Mendoza 
  Z6Attack  - (1d10+2)[ 10 ]    Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 1 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 5 ] 
  MendozaDodge  - (1d10-6)[ 0 ]  she took 5 shots so this is her fifth action after the free ones
 

One of the bloody ones succeed in grabbing hold of Mendoza but inexplicably bites at her chest.   Thankfully only succeeding on breaking a few teeth on the officers body armor.
Principal Klander rushes in through the glass doors and pushes the younger girls further away from the glass.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy doesn’t need the prompting from the principle. She continues to flee, headed towards the movie screening as that was the last place she'd seen her other friends. Her screaming has gotten a little more coherent. “  Blood! Monsters! Blood monsters outside! We’re gonna die we’re gonna die we’re gonna die!  ”
Metastachydium
The screaming doesn't fall on  entirely  deaf ears this time around either. Giselle shuffles somewhat in her seat and opens an eye to look about with an annoyed grimace.    Katy, I  swear …    she grumbles, pulling herself further up.
LarsWester
With Katy's screaming bloody murderers Ms. Pauline Clapton Clyde rises to the moment.   She stands on a chair raising her voice to full on teacher mode.    Alright!  Movie's over folks.   Let's all quickly duck under our seats for cover and begin moving out of view of the 2nd floor.  Katy come to me NOW, please.   the teacher calls up to the screaming school girl near the top of the escolators.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy makes her way to Ms. Clyde, clutching the flagpole as tightly as a small child would a teddy bear or security blanket. She is gradually transitioning from barely-coherent screaming to barely-coherent sobbing, “  Ms. Clyde!  There are rioters outside and they tried to eat Betsy but the police lady shot one but he got back up and there was  blood everywhere!  ”
rogue_alchemist
 
 Spoiler: Dodge (1d10+Dex+Athlethics) 
 (1d10+7)[ 14 ] 
 
John ducks quickly away from the biting druggie that is attacking him, then hears Officer Mendoza's admonition.
 
 Spoiler: Willpower 
Test to resist being reckless/Honorable and immediately engaging Mendoza's swarm, vs falling back and providing support (1d10+2)[ 7 ] 
 
rogue_alchemist
John just can't leave Officer Mendoza to fend for herself. He squares up to the crazy person attacking him and aims a round-house kick for its head.
 
 Spoiler: Attack (Dex+MA-4) 
Aiming for Head  (1d10+3)[ 12 ]  doing  (1d4)[ 2 ] x5+4 =  14  damage to the head.
 


He then pulls out his gun, loads the magazine, and starts aiming for the next closest person's head. He was done being attacked by people who were standing back up from debilitating blows. They must be blitzed out their minds to still be going after the punch he gave one and the shot Officer Mendoza got off. No reasonable person goes after children.

 
 Spoiler: Gun attack 
 Attack: (1d10+3+3-2-4) (Dex + Guns - Multi-action - Aiming for Head) (1d10)[ 2 ]  doing  (1d6)[ 2 ] x4 =  8  damage to the head (If they are within 3 yards (9 feet), then the Attack is +1 = 3 and the damage is x5 = 10 instead)
 
Metastachydium
With Ms. Clapton-Clyde getting involved, Giselle finally surrenders to her cruel fate, and with no outwardly perceptible groaning, even. She is still reasonably convinced this cannot be much more than Katy overreacting to some well-choreographed prank or somesuch (Katy and this holiday… don't mix well), but the conformist in her knows she better comply now and strangle Katy later. Throwing only the briefest glance of baffled curiosity in the teacher's direction, she grabs Josh by the wrist to begin pulling him along while proceeding as instructed and hoping her light-coloured pants don't get  too  dirty around the knees. Having to double-strangle Katy would be a hassle.
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by rogue_alchemist 
 John just can't leave Officer Mendoza to fend for herself. He squares up to the crazy person attacking him and aims a round-house kick for its head.
 
 Spoiler: Attack (Dex+MA-4) 
Aiming for Head   Attack1  - (1d10+3)[ 4 ]  doing   Damagex4  - (1d6)[ 3 ] x5+4 =  14  damage to the head.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Blunt damage is doubled when targeting the head. per page 104
 

John's roundhouse kick to his attackers head connected with a loud thud.   The target dropped like a bag of rocks with a fractured skull.  A pool of blood forms on the asphalt of the mall parking lot.  John fires erringly at one of the people engaged with Mendoza.

Mendoza fires four more shots from her rapidly emptying clip this time aiming at heads since body shots seemed to be ineffective against whatever these folks are on.   
 Spoiler: Mendoza Mechanics 
Shooting +2+4+1-4 for first -1 for each after.
  Attack1  - (1d10+3)[ 4 ]    Damagex4  - (1d6)[ 3 ] x12
  Attack2  - (1d10+2)[ 6 ]    Damagex4  - (1d6)[ 4 ] x12
  Attack3  - (1d10+1)[ 7 ]    Damagex4  - (1d6)[ 5 ] x12
  Attack4  - (1d10)[ 7 ]    Damagex4  - (1d6)[ 6 ] x12
 
 However the officer's aim is off and none of her shots connect with the target's heads.  Aiming for a target's head seemed contrary to the officer's moral code.
LarsWester
The unstoppable unfeeling drugged-out protestors pressed their attacks on John and Mendoza.
 
 Spoiler: Z2-&gt;John 

  Attack  - (1d10+2)[ 7 ]   Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 4 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 9 ] 
Need John's Dex/Acrobatics
 

 
 Spoiler: Z3-&gt;John 

  Attack  - (1d10)[ 7 ]   Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 1 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 7 ] Attacking with a -2 to arm damage.
Need John's Dex/Acrobatics -2
 

 
 Spoiler: Z4-&gt;Mendoza 

  Attack  - (1d10+2)[ 11 ]   Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 4 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 10 ] 
  MendozaDodge  - (1d10+4)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Z5-&gt;Mendoza 

  Attack  - (1d10+2)[ 4 ]   Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 3 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 5 ] 
  MendozaDodge  - (1d10+2)[ 12 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Z5-&gt;Mendoza 

  Attack  - (1d10+2)[ 11 ]   Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 2 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 1 ] 
  MendozaDodge  - (1d10)[ 9 ] 
 

Mendoza with her shots going wide is finally being overwhelmed by the mob of attackers.   She manages to dodge one of them but the other two grab hold of her one around her torso the other who had stumbled grabbed her left leg.   Both bite at her one at her midleg the other at her neck tearing away pieces of flesh as the police officer screamed in pain.    #$%#.  John fall back.  Hold the door against these animals. 
The officer struggles against the grip of the attackers and can't retreat.
Principal Klander is standing at the doors holding them open.   Hurry come inside.  she is also looking around for anything she could use to fight these crazed attackers off.
Bowerbird
Having been in the middle of leaving when the gunfire broke out in earnest, Eleanor finds herself only a few rows back from her initial seat, alongside the same row that the girls left from earlier. With a glance around to the Ms. Clapton-Clyde standing on her own in a sea of increasingly panicking students, she figures she might as well help with the load somewhat,   "Okay."   Her voice coming out cracked and quiet so she clears her throat,   "Okay everyone, like she said! Get down low and start moving this way please!"   With that said, she starts directing the other students, starting with those nearest her, probably standing taller than is wise with gunfire going off but doing her best to keep the students from straying or slowing as everyone shuffles over towards the nearest cover.
Kinro
At first, Vincent thought that it was just some sort of Halloween prank from Katy, but the expression on the teacher's face soon told him otherwise. Just as instructed, he ducked low and started moving away, his group being near the back and, therefore, near where the teacher had entered. "What's happening? We should get out of here, right?" he asked, eyeing the emergency exits at the bottom of the theater.
Metastachydium
   Welcome to the world of Katy – Halloween Edition, Vincent.    Giselle answers morosely, without turning back or letting go of Josh shom she's still dragging along as if he was in need of being dragged.
rogue_alchemist
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 The unstoppable unfeeling drugged-out protestors pressed their attacks on John and Mendoza.

Mendoza with her shots going wide is finally being overwhelmed by the mob of attackers.   She manages to dodge one of them but the other two grab hold of her one around her torso the other who had stumbled grabbed her left leg.   Both bite at her one at her midleg the other at her neck tearing away pieces of flesh as the police officer screamed in pain.    #$%#.  John fall back.  Hold the door against these animals. 
The officer struggles against the grip of the attackers and can't retreat.
Principal Klander is standing at the doors holding them open.   Hurry come inside.  she is also looking around for anything she could use to fight these crazed attackers off. 
 

John feels his adrenaline spike at the solid contact. He looks to the next protestor ready to dodge.

 
 Spoiler: dodge Z2 (1d10+3+4) 
 (1d10+7)[ 10 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: dodge Z3 (1d10+3+4-2) 
 (1d10+5)[ 12 ] 
 

John deftly bobs and weaves around the zombies, avoiding their nasty mouths and dirty hands. He can't believe how violent they are. He takes a few steps back to gain space to aim for the head of the next.
 
 Spoiler: Willpower (1d10+2) 
 (1d10+4)[ 7 ]  (I assume this is +2 Willpower x2 for easy test, with so many people yelling to run)
 

Suddenly his battle fog clears a little and he looks around at Mendosa being swarmed and Principal Klandar holding the door. He feels the pit in his stomach as he realizes this is a losing fight, but at least the girls made it out safely. He hated to leave a man behind, but he also knew not to waste an opportunity bought with such a dear price. He quickly pivots and runs to the door principal Klandar is holding, trying to close it and hold it while re-engaging the lock.
  
 Spoiler: attacks 
This is just in case he fails his willpower so I don't have to do another post. Attack (point blank at head)  (1d10)[ 3 ]  for  (1d6)[ 5 ] x5 to head. Attack 2  (1d10)[ 9 ]  for  (1d6)[ 1 ] x5 to the head.
 
 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I am not sure if this is the type door that would relock as soon as you close it or if there are sliding bolts in the top/bottom. Since we unlocked it to go out, do we need to bar it with something? John will command Principal Klandar to get something if need be. John is hoping Office Mendoza can break free and run, but seeing the swarm and the fatalistic command, he knows she doesn't expect to make it.
 
LarsWester
Back behind the glass doors John searches for the keys to lock up the doors as Mendoza makes her stand against whomever or whatever these people were who attacking so brutally violent.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Going to take a turn to find the keys and lock the doors.
 

Emptying her clip this time forgoing the head and just shooting at each person attacking her with hopes of knocking them back Mendoza fired her gun until it sounded an empty *click*
 
 Spoiler: Mendoza Mechanics 

  Attack1  - (1d10+7)[ 12 ]   Damage8x  - (1d6)[ 4 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 9 ] 
  Attack2  - (1d10+6)[ 7 ]   Damage8x  - (1d6)[ 5 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 8 ] 
  Attack3  - (1d10+5)[ 8 ]   Damage8x  - (1d6)[ 1 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 9 ] 
  Attack4  - (1d10+4)[ 10 ]   Damage8x  - (1d6)[ 2 ]   Location  - (1d10)[ 3 ] 
 

Not able to get her gun arm up and free Mendoza fires her first shot into the leg of one of the people holding her.  Bone and blood splatter all over the parking lot as that attacker crumbles to the ground unsupported by the devastated leg.  Mendoza next two shots went wide before she managed to get her final attack to connect with the left shoulder of the other one that bit her.   The arm hung useless connected to the attacker.  Mendoza free from the grasps of her attackers turned with a glance towards the doors.   She looked at John and the Principal and saw John reaching for his keys.   A quick mental calculation told the officer that there wouldn't be time for her to squeeze through the doors and not allow these maniacs through.  She swore to herself and offered a half hearted prayer as she turned to face the mob.
LarsWester
The mob crashed in on the brave policewoman as she frantically tried to resist their attempts to grab and bite.
 
 Spoiler: Z2 
  Attack  - (1d10+2)[ 3 ]    Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 1 ]   location  - (1d10)[ 7 ] 
  MendozaDodge  - (1d10+4)[ 14 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Z3 
  Attack  - (1d10)[ 8 ]    Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 4 ]   location  - (1d10)[ 10 ] 
  MendozaDodge  - (1d10+2)[ 8 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Z5 
  Attack  - (1d10+2)[ 12 ]    Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 1 ]   location  - (1d10)[ 3 ] 
  MendozaDodge  - (1d10)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Z6 
  Attack  - (1d10)[ 8 ]    Damage2x  - (1d4)[ 3 ]   location  - (1d10)[ 8 ] 
  MendozaDodge  - (1d10-2)[ 3 ] 
 


She managed to avoid some bites and blows but the press of the numbers proved to be to great and she was overwhelmed.  Teeth sunk into unprotected flesh and tore away skin, muscle and fat.    Mendoza's screams echoed in the near empty parking lot.   Principal Klander sobbed next to John as she turned away from the carnage outside the doors of the mall.  She had a few hundred students to worry about downstairs.
bramblefoot
 

silus will watch the proceeds going on, and crack a rictus grin.  let the sheep bleat  he thinks to himself, watching katy practically have a hissy fit about blood.  what a city-slicker. soft, and used to comfort. she wouldnt last a day with my family, out in the hills hunting and trapping to make a living 

he will head to the hunting supplies store, and put a boot kick just under the handle, like his father trained him to when he got back from the gulag

martial arts check to boot the door open (personally, i feel i should get some AV reduction at the ZM's discretion, since silus has done this before)

 (1d10+4)[ 7 ] 
 (1d4)[ 3 ]  multiply by 3, and possibly more cause of silus' systema training
LarsWester
Silus slips away down the mall's corridors to the Sportsman's Warehouse.  The metal shutters are down but Silus gives them a solid kick like his dad had taught him.   The sound of his boot kicking the metal loudly echoes in the halls of the mall drawing the attention of the huddle scared mass of school kids.  For a brief moment the clang causes a hush to fall as heads turn towards Silus and his determined kicking of steel.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

You just kicked steel very hard.   What you were attempting didn't work but wondering what consequences from kicking steel that hard.   I think I'm going to say take the die result 3 as endurance point damage.  Your boots dropped that from the full 9 damage.
 
rogue_alchemist
John fumbles with keys in his hurry, finally finding the right one and locking the door. He takes a deep breath and continues to look down at the lock as he hears Mendoza's screams. A single tear leaks down his cheek. He has lost too many good people. It was still hard. He steadies himself before turning to Principle Klandar.  "We need to gather everyone together and find a safe place to bunker down until this blows over."  He puts a hand on each shoulder and looks her in the face.  "And let's not give out details about what happened here. Some druggie protestors attacked us as we were seeing Becca off. Officer Mendoza is off dealing with them but we are going to take precautions to ensure no one gets hurt, if they continue to target the Mall." 

John then decides he needs to go by the security office and check on things, maybe grab his gym bag.  "Principle Klandar, I am going to check the security office. You start gathering everyone and keeping them calm. I will be right back."  He then turns and heads to the side doors that lead to the warren of hallways and the security office. He sets off a steady jog to be as quick as possible.

 
 Spoiler: Intentions 
John would grab a building schematic (or blue-print, if he must). His gym bag will have some extra magazines and holster to carry his gun at his chest (his preferred carry, though not allowed at work). Also a change of clothes, but he doesn't want to change yet, just have the bag. He would also take a second to move his knife from its hidden location on his ankle to a more overt location on his forearm. He isn't arming up too overtly yet (just the knife), but he wants to have his options close at hand if things continue to escalate. Wild protestors tend to like to pillage and riot, so a Mall is a logical choice for quick smash-and-grabs.
 
LarsWester
Principal Klander looks at John tears streaming down her face.  She nods at his suggestion of calming in the students and controlling the story.  Before he leaves she adds  John if there's a TV or radio in your break room maybe you should try to bring it out for someone to monitor.  We are completely in the dark here as to what is going on out there.  It's madness.  Pure madness.  Also clean up your shirt I think there's some blood on it where those protestors tried to grab you. 
Then Principal Klander wiped her tears away and steeled her resolve before slowly stepping over to the banister looking down to bottom floor of the mall.  She called out in her loudest teacher voice.

 Please everyone remain calm.  I owe you all an explanation for what you heard and I need you all to hear my next words.   First and most importantly we are safe.  Second there's some form of protest going on in the city and Betsy's mother arrived early to leave with her for safety concerns.  If any of your parents do the same we will try to accommodate those requests as well.   While escorting Betsy to her mother a band of protestors arrived at the mall and saw Officer Mendoza and attacked the policewoman.   Officer Mendoza is outside right now handling the situation.  It was her gun that you all heard.  We have reason to believe we are safe within the mall but I would like people to be in groups no smaller than five for the time being.   Please form groups of at least 5.  Come on now it's ok to stand up and move people 
bramblefoot
 

silus will sigh.  they think they're safe here  he chortles to himself.  nothing is safe, specially not with a buncha civvies with absolutely no fugging combat training  he'll leave the grate alone, and go prowling around, looking for any improvised weapons that may be lying around.

perception +arsenal to find something to fill his hands should he need it
 (1d10+4)[ 14 ] 

31 total, on the extra dice i rolled

10, 10, and 7
Kinro
This all made sense to Vincent. A few protesters. Nothing to really worry about. Not unless they decided to start looting the mall. "Hey, we were already together, maybe we should stick together?" he proposed to Josh and Giselle hopefully. If he was going to be in a group, he could hope to be in a group with Rebecca, at least. Of course, he wasnt' aware yet of the true peril which awaited them all.
LarsWester
Silus was feeling stressed by the situation and with protestors outside the boy searched his surroundings to find something anything to give him that sense of being prepared and armed to fight back.  He found himself in a mall food court.   There were numerous wooden tables and chairs around him.   Most with teens coming out from hiding underneath them during Klander's address.  The food court was lit by long overhead lighting trays hanging from metal chains at either end.   Each of the restaurants had a metal grating pulled down to the countertop cutting off the behind counter area from the mall's huddled occupants.  Hanging on the wall on either side of the row of closed restaurants were two large fire extinguishers.  Silus also noticed on a counter near one end of the row of restaurants a plastic tray of cleaning supplies, a mop in a bucket, a large sweeping broom and dustpan.   On of one of the tables plugged into an extension cord was a large popcorn making machine with bags of popcorn a liquid butter dispenser and salt shakers.   In the main foyer of the downstairs was a movie projector and a large projector screen.   Around the foyer were heavy ceramic planters with assorted greenery.  Glancing down the mall's hallway Silus could see a table with about 50 baseball sized pumpkins.  About 20 feet behind the table on the wall was a target printed on a bed sheet with smashed pumpkin guts all over it.   It was an entertainment station for the event where posters were given out for throwing pumpkins and hitting the bullseye of the target.  Walking towards the gathered students was the other officer remaining for event security.
Metastachydium
Giselle rises from her cover with much incredulous blinking thrown in, forgetting entirely to let go of poor Josh. With her free hand, she instinctively dusts off her nearer knee as she looks at Katy, Ms. Clapton-Clyde and the principal in turn.   What?   she blurts out, for once largely unthinking, background processes running fast and loud in the subcortical bits of her brain, loud enough for her to simply miss Vince's question. Actual  rioters  actually tried to  eat  Betsy (that can't be right, Katy!) and attacked  police ?  Here ?  Now?  This must be some kind of sick joke,  right? 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

I have a feeling that someone someone called Giselle is not seeing what she hoped to see.
 
LarsWester
Josh nods at Vincent happy to have another guy in the group for the time being considering everything.   Once Katy and Rebecca come back that will be our five then.  then quieter to Giselle  sounds like Katy wasn't just being Katy.  Let's find out what the other girls saw.   then Josh waved Katy and Rebecca over to join their group of 5.
Ms. Clapton Clyde immediate got to helping the kids sort out into the groups that Principal Klander suggested.   Finding spots for solo or pairs of kids who didn't meet the number of 5 and breaking large groups into smaller groups reminding them that they are to stick together no matter what.  She sees Eleanor standing off to the side and comes up to her.    Did you see that boy kicking the metal gate, Silus Hush?   He's a bit of a problem child, not sure what he's doing here.  Can you keep an eye on him and form a group of five with him in it?  I'm counting on you Eleanor.  Let me know if he starts causing trouble. 
Bowerbird
Eleanor's eyes narrow at the Principal's address, that was an awful lot of gunfire all things considered. Although if things  were  more dangerous, then they wouldn't want to set all these kids panicking. She looks up from her thoughts when Ms. Clapton-Clyde starts talking to her, Suppressing a grimace at the teacher's request, uncomfortable at being put on the spot, but this  is  the sort of thing she's supposed to do.   "Oh, um, Yes ma'am. We could group up with... Katy was it? They seem to have a group already, and I could keep an eye on both of them."   Not to mention maybe find out more about what happened outside. She stands on tip-toe to look around the crowd of students to see if she can see Silas skulking about.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy looked a little confused as Ms. Clapton-Clyde abandoned her in favor of breaking everyone off into groups like it was a class project. Had she not understood there had been  blood?  Real blood, not fake blood like that regrettable incident last year involving the rice pudding brains, or the one before that with the Theater Club putting on their skit in front of the school in their ‘crash victim’ costumes for Drunk Driving Awareness Week (in Katy’s defense their set dressing had involved an actual car wreck)?

But she saw Josh waving, so still clutching the Jolly Roger like a teddy bear she skittered over to her friends. “ We’re all gonna die! ” She managed almost normal conversational volume this time, though she was still obviously upset. It helped that her friends were nearby now, and there was no blood in sight or anything trying to eat her at the moment.
Kinro
Vincent let a small smile when Vincent invited him in, one that grew a bit when he mentioned Rebecca. "I think... I think everything's fine?" he suggested. "There's guards, right? And the doors lock. A few protesters won't be trying to make their way in. As long as we stay together, we should be alright, " he said, partly trying to reassure himself. And, of course, Katy had a bit of a reputation for over-dramatizing the situation.
Metastachydium
  Yeah, you make me feel safe.   Giselle snarks at Vince more irritably than she would normally address anyone, even as she slides forward and pulls Becca and Katy into what should look like a harmless group hug. A quick motion of her head beckons Josh closer; as for Vincent… He'll do whatever he'll do. Like she cares.    Klander's ****ting us.    she declares with positive certainty.    I can tell. What's this about? Where's Betsy?   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Kinro: Giselle is a jerk; make sure you don't mind her.
 
Kareeah_Indaga
 
 Originally Posted by Kinro 
 "There's guards, right? And the doors lock. A few protesters won't be trying to make their way in. As long as we stay together, we should be alright, " he said, partly trying to reassure himself. 
 

“ No no no you don’t  understand , the police said there was rioting in the streets earlier so there are only  two  police people here and the police lady shot one of the rioters - shot him, right in the chest - and he just got right back up! ” Katy was still nauseated at the thought. “ And the rioters were all covered in  blood!   Real  blood! ” she added, feeling that fact couldn’t be overstated.


 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
    Klander's ****ting us.    she declares with positive certainty.    I can tell. What's this about? Where's Betsy?    
 

Absurdly glad that  someone  at least was taking this seriously, Katy replied in an equally low voice, “  Betsy got away, or at least she made it to her mom’s car and her mom drove off after that. One of the rioters had tried to  eat her,   ” Katy repeated.
Metastachydium
   Katy, that's…    actually pretty scary; Giselle feels a shiver running down along her spine, but she composes herself and narrows her eyes.    … absurd , it's, we're not one of those weird  forest places  where people eat people.    she bites her lip.    I… Please  say something  Becca. Becca?    Rebecca's shoulder is squeezed.    Why is Klander ****ting us?   
LarsWester
 Giselle...  Becca started but then stopped and lowered her voice.   What is she supposed to say?  The truth?  Katy is not just being Katy.   I don't know if they were trying to eat Betsy, but some chased after her.  The rent-a-cop got in the way or I think they would have caught her.  They did have blood on their hands and teeth.   They weren't armed though and were trying to grab and bite people.  At least that's what it looked like to me.   I didn't see much.   I ran inside as soon as I could.  
Then she added in an attempt to make things lighter  Katy threw my coke at one of the ones chasing Betsy.  Can you believe it?  At least Betsy made it to the car.  So now what? 
Kinro
Vincent didn't join into the huddle, but did linger close enough to hear. WHat Katy said what worrying, but that Rebecca agreed with her made it even worse. "Protesters don't usually bite people," he said. "This feels... wrong. Something's going on." He hesitated. "Nothing wrong with being cautious, right? There's a lot of door to a supermarket. We were told to stick together, so... what if, together, we go and make sure all the doors are well locked?"
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by Kinro 
 "Protesters don't usually bite people," he said. "This feels... wrong. Something's going on." He hesitated. "Nothing wrong with being cautious, right? There's a lot of door to a supermarket. We were told to stick together, so... what if, together, we go and make sure all the doors are well locked?" 
 

Rebecca nods towards Vincent.   Right also these "protestors" they didn't chant or say anything.  I mean isn't that what protestors do say chants or slogans?   Did you hear them say anything Katy? 
Kareeah_Indaga
 
 Originally Posted by Kinro 
 "Protesters don't usually bite people," he said. "This feels... wrong. Something's going on." He hesitated. "Nothing wrong with being cautious, right? There's a lot of door to a supermarket. We were told to stick together, so... what if, together, we go and make sure all the doors are well locked?" 
 

Katy was completely on board with a plan that kept the  horrible horrible blood  rioters away and nodded enthusiastically.


 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 Rebecca nods towards Vincent.   Right also these "protestors" they didn't chant or say anything.  I mean isn't that what protestors do say chants or slogans?   Did you hear them say anything Katy?  
 

Katy shook her head ‘no.’ “ I didn’t see any signs either. They’re supposed to have signs, how else is anyone supposed to know what they’re protesting? ”
Metastachydium
  This is ****ed up. Who  does  that?   Giselle pulls back, pinching her nose. Katy and Becca can't both be wrong. She looks around, as if some kind of clue were elusively floating about midair as Vincent and the girls present their cases.   Doesn't mean it  wasn't  a protest, though.   she muses, visibly nervous.   Grandpa Abe says those devolve into stealing TVs and stuff a  lot , maybe… Which is still  bad .   She crosses her arms, suddenly and sighs.   Also, you're all  nuts . I'm  not  going  anywhere  near a door. Place has security and…   Manny. Manny somehow got in here, right past those morons. She lets her arms fall down very abruptly and swivels around.   There's a guy we need to find  now . Come on.  
Kinro
"Right. Let's start here, then?" Vincent suggested, pointing to the bottom of the theatre, to the doors on both sides. "These are fire doors. They'll lead right outside. If not immediately, then quickly enough. They're not meant to be opened from the outside, but it's almost trivial to pry them open. Depending on what kind they are, anything with a flatish bit, a crowbar, a hammer, even a flat screwdriver could get them loose."
bramblefoot
 

silus snags a claw hammer and the monkey wrench, tucking them into his empty craftsman belt, and making a reappearance, whistling  glory glory hallelujah as he rejoins the party.  "i got a gnarly feeling about this"  he says.  "pops always said that the first sign of danger is when a figure of authority tells us not to worry" 

he quirks his mouth  "personally, i say we check the exits. pops always said a plan is better than sitting on your ass and chewing gum" 
Metastachydium
Giselle stops dead on her tracks for a second as the newly arrived Silus announces his presence, looking back with a flustered squint.   …   she… Doesn't like what she sees.   Who are you and why are you happening to me?   she asks with blunt bemusement before shooting a pleading look towards her friends. Maybe she can guilt them into  not getting themselves horribly murdered or whatever ; at any rate, she's dead set on finding out if Manny killed them all or not first.
Kareeah_Indaga
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   Also, you're all  nuts . I'm  not  going  anywhere  near a door. Place has security and…   Manny. Manny somehow got in here, right past those morons. She lets her arms fall down very abruptly and swivels around.   There's a guy we need to find  now . Come on.   
 

“ Why not do both? We can check the doors on the way to wherever the guy is, ” Katy suggested, mostly to keep the group together. Apart from not wanting to get in trouble, she had the panicky thought that if they split up she might never see her friends again. “ It’s not like it will take a long time to try the handles, will it? ”
Bowerbird
From where she's been standing, near Katy's group  eavesdropping  looking for Silus, Eleanor notices him appear next to the group in question and smiles to herself. That saves one task at least. As for their current plan of action, she quickly steps over to Ms. Clapton-Clyde while the others are talking,   "Our group looks to be all assembled ma'am, I just thought I'd make a suggestion. If there's troublemakers outside it might be best to check those doors, make sure none of these protestors can come in and hurt anyone?"   She indicates the doors directly on the opposite end of the food court.   "I'd do it myself, but I think we're still getting ourselves in order over there."   As she gestures back to Katy's group she glances back, making sure the others haven't all left yet,   "I should get over there actually."  

With her message delivered she gives a wave and politely slips away again to pop up on Giselle's other side, where she can see Silus and Katy, and addresses the group,   "If you're worried about  those  doors, the teacher should be having someone check them shortly,"   She quietly offers Giselle some chips from her snack bag,   "So, who're we looking for? I'm Eleanor by the way."  
bramblefoot
 

silus will watch giselle go, and shrug.  seriously, the amount of rule followers here  he thinks to himself. he will make an offhanded statement to the equivalent of  "are you gonna live your comfy safe lives, or live on the edge for once" 
Metastachydium
Giselle swivels around once more with a start. How do these people keep popping up behind her?!   Oh, hey.   she reflexively reaches for the offered food, but merely begins to roll it about between her fingers, as if trying to get a good grasp of its texture.   You're… Student's council, right?   she asks offhandedly, mostly to give herself some time to steady her breathing properly. This  Eleanor  looks familiar enough and she doesn't otherwise particularly care from where.   He's… A guy I know.   she nods to herself, deliberately staying as vague as it gets in answering Eleanor's question.   And it's kinda important. That we find him, quick.   she adds. Katy gets a pointed look from above her shoulder.   More important than popping random doors open, trust me.  
Kareeah_Indaga
 
 Originally Posted by bramblefoot 
  "are you gonna live your comfy safe lives, or live on the edge for once"  
 

Katy just stared at him dumbfounded for a moment before deciding that he was joking...and she might have done the same if she hadn't seen some blood-encrusted crazy person try to eat one of her friends in the last hour. But she had, and he hadn't. Maybe he’d believed the principal.


 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   He's… A guy I know.   she nods to herself, deliberately staying as vague as it gets in answering Eleanor's question.   And it's kinda important. That we find him, quick.   she adds. Katy gets a pointed look from above her shoulder.   More important than popping random doors open, trust me.   
 

“ No one said  anything  about  opening  doors, ” Katy said in a somewhat alarmed, don’t-even-joke-about-it voice. And then the way Giselle was dodging answering the question sunk in. She got closer to the latter and in said in a low voice, “  You’re going looking for cigarettes  now?  Really?! If those rioters get in here they’ll eat us all!  ”
Bowerbird
Eleanor hides a moment of surprise that other students actually  remember  she's on the Student Council, she's never been one of the popular ones, before nodding,   "Yes, I helped decorate for the event."   She smiles and gestures towards the Halloween decorations. Looking between Katy, Giselle, and Silus she claps her hands together lightly,   "Alright, nobody's suggesting  opening  any of the outer doors. That's not particularly safe at the best of times. If you're insistent on checking the doors are locked safely we can do that,  together , but this friend of yours is clearly also important so we can look for him along the way. Sound good?"  
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Bowerbird 
 Eleanor hides a moment of surprise that other students actually  remember  she's on the Student Council, she's never been one of the popular ones, before nodding,   "Yes, I helped decorate for the event."   She smiles and gestures towards the Halloween decorations. Looking between Katy, Giselle, and Silus she claps her hands together lightly,   "Alright, nobody's suggesting  opening  any of the outer doors. That's not particularly safe at the best of times. If you're insistent on checking the doors are locked safely we can do that,  together , but this friend of yours is clearly also important so we can look for him along the way. Sound good?"   
 

  Alright, fine, whatever! Let's do that.   Giselle flashes an almost excessively pleasant smile at Eleanor. At least,  this one  is being reasonable about it. As for Katy…


 
 Originally Posted by Kareeah_Indaga 
 “  You’re going looking for cigarettes  now?  Really?! If those rioters get in here they’ll eat us all!  ” 
 

…Giselle casually wraps both arms around the panicky girl's neck.   Already did's how I know he's in here.   she informs Katy casually, before sliding closer to basically breathe into her ear an added little    And he's a stowaway, oh, captain. Got in here somehow. Put two and two together?   , only to then let go and finally pop that edible thing she got from Eleanor into her mouth as if she didn't reveal any horrible and unsettling truth to someone already scared.   Shall we?   she points a thumb in the bathrooms' general direction.
Kinro
"Right, I'm suggesting we find a ways to make sure the doors stay closed, not to open them and let the protesters in," Vincent said. He wasn't so sure that the were protesters anymore, but he lacked any other thing to call them." Checking the doors would take us across the mall, so it should be easy to look for your friend at the same time?" he suggested.
Kareeah_Indaga
Getting that close to someone on the edge of panic and then shoving them off that edge when they were kinda-sorta armed was maybe not the best idea, as Giselle shortly found the Jolly Roger swinging at her face - not even a deliberate strike, just a natural result of Katy trying to break away in fright with the flagpole sandwiched between them.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Not trying to do damage.
 


“ Eeek, yes let’s go! ”
bramblefoot
 

silus snorts at katys attempt to fend off giselle.  she wouldnt stand a chance in a bar fight  he thinks.  its time to take control  he thinks, and will casually steer the conversation to business.  "alright, lets check the doors"  he says coolly, staring down everybody with his hard grey eyes.  "are there any objections?"  you really get a feeling you dont want to argue with silus

intimidation roll to get people to fall in line

 (1d10+8)[ 18 ] 
LarsWester
Josh looks around at the others in the group maybe they didn't get how dangerous Silus was but something told him to fall in line and not question the boy.   As the group headed towards the bathrooms where Manny was last located.  Right Silus.  When we get to the bathrooms, you and I and anyone else who wants can take the elevator up to check the 2nd floor doors by Sears. 

Rebecca shudders  Count me out.  I was just there and saw enough freaks already thank you very much. No desire to go back to that door again plus the Principal just said that door was locked. 
 Still might be good to check it.  What do you think Silus?   Josh asked deferring to the other boy who almost seemed giddy with the chaotic situation.

As the group arrives at the back bathrooms Manny is still seen leaning against the wall with his hands in his black leather jacket.   Back so soon Giselle?    then softer he added     Finally decide to try something a little stronger than those smokes?  

Manny still had two other boys hanging around who were jokingly shoving each other about and laughing.

Manny also added a bit louder and to the whole group.   What do you make of all this?  pointing in the direction of the food court and the huddled up scared kids.   Is it bull^&amp;*&amp;? And all part of the night's activities or something to it all? 

John office door closed as the Principal began her speech to the kids.  Once inside he grabs his gym bag.  He opens it and double checks that it still has his extra mag and holster, a change of exercise clothes.   To this he adds the office's AM/FM radio and a security map of the mall.  He moved his knife and sheath from his ankle to his forearm.   Loaded up with the necessary stuff he exited his office locking the door behind him.    It seemed during his load up the Principal had given a speech of some sort and there was a general buzz and kids milled around on the lower level by the food court.  It seemed the youths were grouping up into larger groups of around five.    Principal Klander turned around and noticed John emerging from his office.   She motioned to him to meet over away from the view of those below.

 Well I told the kids that there were protestors outside but that the police officer had the situation under control.  I think the best thing we can do is to gather some information on what is happening out there and making sure the mall entrances are all secured.   Did you get a radio or TV? 
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by LarsWester 
 As the group arrives at the back bathrooms Manny is still seen leaning against the wall with his hands in his black leather jacket.   Back so soon Giselle?    then softer he added     Finally decide to try something a little stronger than those smokes?   
 

  Leave me  be , Manny.   Giselle makes a positively miserable face as she rushes closer, grabbing Manny by the jacket.   Got no time for  that .  

 Manny also added a bit louder and to the whole group.   What do you make of all this?  pointing in the direction of the food court and the huddled up scared kids.   Is it bull^&amp;*&amp;? And all part of the night's activities or something to it all?  

  Cause it's not that. Guess what hit the fan, Manny? **** did.   she exhales loudly and altogether a tad too dramatically.   Where did you get in, Manny? I need to know,  now .  
Kinro
"I agree," Vincent said when Rebecca refused to go to the second floor. "We should stick to to checking out the ground floor. That's where they'll be trying to get in." Of course, he'd likely have agreed to just about anything just to stay around where she was.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy just scooted closer to her friends, very much not wanting to wander off alone right now.


 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   Cause it's not that. Guess what hit the fan, Manny? **** did.   she exhales loudly and altogether a tad too dramatically.   Where did you get in, Manny? I need to know,  now .   
 

“ There are rioters outside and they’re trying to  eat  people! ” Katy added by way of support, still clutching the Jolly Roger like her life depended on it.
LarsWester
Manny was about to say something about Magician not revealing their tricks when he heard what Katy said.  Wait is she serious?  There's people out there trying to  eat  other people?  That's crazy.  Doesn't make any sense.   he then turned from Katy to Giselle and seeing the seriousness on her face.   Okay jeez kid.  Take it down a notch.   I got in through the service door at Sears.   I had a buddy copy a key for me.  Ironically he used Sears own key making machine for the job.   Why does it matter? 
Metastachydium
Seeing how oddly effective Katy's interjection was, Giselle  mostly  forgoes admonishing her for it.   For the record? I don't think  anyone 's trying to eat anyone. Sounds like creeps got grab-y with Betsy, though. And Klander  is  scared as ****.   she subtly corrects the initial report, letting go of Manny to cross her arms.   Anyhow… Did you, at least, bother to freakin'  lock  the door once in? Would rather not take any chances if **** went awry out there.  
LarsWester
Manny stood there blinking at Gisselle trying to recall if he had actually bothered to lock the door again of if he just closed it assuming it locked behind him.   Ummm not sure I just assumed that the door was the kind that locked behind me and didn't need me to turn a key.  $%^#!  You don't think  they  could come in through there do you? 
bramblefoot
 

silus will smirk and nod.  "lets check the second floor doors. keep your head on a swivel, and find something heavy to wield. if what katy says is true, forearmed is forewarned"  he considers, and will suggest they take the stairs  "if the power goes out, stairs arent affected"  he shrugs.  "i watch a lot of disaster movies" 
Bowerbird
Eleanor just rolls her eyes as Silus bullies the other kids into doing what he wanted, which is what they were already doing but worse because it involved splitting up. With a sigh she resigns herself to her fate, after all Miss Clapton-Clyde had told her to watch him, but not actually given her any  actual  authority over him. As Josh and Silus start off towards the stairs she glances over at the others,   "I should go keep an eye on him. At least try and stay in a big enough group and meet us upstairs when you're done looking for your friend."   At that she follows Silus and Josh towards the stairs, muttering quietly to herself about the futility of this whole thing.   "Stubborn, pig-headed, doesn't listen, going to get somebody hurt..."  
bramblefoot
 

silus will easily catch eleanor in his peripheral vision following them.  typical klander, sending a civvie to watch me  he thinks.  it's too late to lose her, so let her follow us and i might get some extra intel 

he'll head up to the second floor, and check the doors one by one, making sure all are locked.
Metastachydium
Giselle simply stares at the big guy for a moment, her face going progressively pale and her arms dropping down; only to press the later tightly against her sides and clench her fists immediately thereafter.    Damn it,  Manny! Are you for  real?!    the good news that Creepy Creep and Busybody 1  managed to peel off of their own accord and the bad news that they took poor  Josh  along for the ride mostly escapes her presently.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 1 Also known as Silus and Eleanor for people who are  not  jerkishly mean teenagers.
 
bramblefoot
 

silus will keep eleanor in his peripheral vision as he checks the doors. he walks with no wasted energy and will finally trap eleanor at a blind corner  "didnt they ever tell you not to follow people?"  he hisses softly.  "people get hurt when they follow those who dont want to be followed"  he will sigh, and crack a rictus  "why dont you tell me why your following me?" 
Bowerbird
Eleanor, who hadn't been putting any real effort into being stealthy, gives Silus a nonplussed look,   "I'm following you because we're  supposed  to stay in groups for safety, which we would be if we'd gone with the plan of doing this with  everybody . As a member of the Student Council I'm supposed to make sure nobody goes around getting themselves or  others  hurt."   The last with a pointed look between Silus and Josh,   "Hence I'm following you."  
bramblefoot
 

silus harrumphs  "i can handle myself in a goddamn scrap, thank you very much!"  he hisses.  "you, on the other hand, dont look like you could hurt a daisy with those soft hands"  he eyes her up, and will crack a fake smile  "so why dont you go run off and play with the other civilians. soon enough, he'll separate the wheat from the chaff, and eleanor, I'd hate to see you end up somewhere before the reckoning hits" 
Bowerbird
Eleanor narrows her eyes and folds her arms, clearly unimpressed,   "Okay tough guy, I tell you what, your choice. I can "run off" and go immediately to the Principal, and we'll see how you fare with Security actively mad at you,  or  we hurry up and do this ridiculous solo mission  together , then join back up with the group when they get done looking for Giselle's friend."   She makes eye contact with Josh over Silus' shoulder as if to say: "Really? You  trust  this guy?"
bramblefoot
 

silus' shark eyes stare into eleanors.  "fine, tag along, but dont come crying to me if you get hurt"  he spins away and will keep checking doors.  the fugging temerity  he thinks to himself.  but hey, if there are any rioters, disposal is simple. push her in and run  his mouth quirks at the thought

 when the apocalypse hits, everyone goes mad. nothing is sacred, and everything is fair game. there is nothing you are owed that cannot be carved out of dirt and gravel, and defended with blood and violence 
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
 Giselle simply stares at the big guy for a moment, her face going progressively pale and her arms dropping down; only to press the later tightly against her sides and clench her fists immediately thereafter.    Damn it,  Manny! Are you for  real?!    
 

Manny looks down at Giselle seeing that the girl wasn't just being her normal dramatic self that deep down she really was worried.   $#%! Giselle as real as rioters eating the faces off people.  I didn't check the door behind me.  I mean shouldn't it be the kind that locks automatically?  Do you think we need to go check it to be sure?   What is going to please the princess here? 
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy was just watching the exchange go back and forth, though at the revelation that there might be rioters breaking in at this  very moment  she gulped and looked around.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 
 (1d10+4)[ 14 ] 

Includes Notice and Perception, add another +2 if Acute Hearing counts towards this.

…and I don’t actually expect to notice anything regardless of the result, I just don’t have much to add to the conversation presently.
 
Metastachydium
 Princess  earns Manny a bad glare from Giselle, and for a moment it seems she'll just eat his face off herself, but in the end, she exhales slowly instead.   Look, I'm not goona narc you out here, even though I ****ing  should , and   she looks around   you're lucky enough that council chick that's stuck to us is apparently babysitting some creep elsewhere, so she won't either. Even though she  also  ****ing should. But the thing is, Manny, I don't know that it's a  we   problem.   a delicate index finger meets Manny's chest.   I think it's a  you  problem. See what I mean?  
LarsWester
 I love it when you think you can boss me around.   Manny laughs looking down at Giselle's poking finger.   He then looks over at Katy who is frantically looking around as if she expects danger to leap through any nearby door.   The girl was obviously traumatized by something.   Also if Giselle had a change of heart and decided to squeal he was looking at at least a B &amp; E and possibly some drug dealing charges too depending on which of his companions got caught.  Alright keep your mouth shut about and me and my boys will double check that door.   Make sure that whatever is outside stays out there.   Would that please her highness?   Manny nods to his two companions and the three of them move away from the bathrooms sneaking down the hallway to a service door to Sears they left unlocked.

Rebecca watches the three of them leave before muttering  Idiots.  under her breath.   Ok so where to now that we found your friend Giselle?  Should we try to meet up with Eleanor, Josh, and that weirdo guy Silus?   I think he is actually excited by all this.  Like it's a game or horror movie or something.  But Katy and I saw what those people were capable of doing and it's real life dangerous stuff.   I don't think Officer Mendoza is ok.   I think they are lying to us. 

There was a moment of silence where the three girls just looked at each other not sure what to do next in the stressful situation.   Over the murmurs of panicking groups of kids Katy caught the faintest bit of conversation drifting down from the floor above it was the mall cop John.
 
 Spoiler: Katy Only 

 Yes Principal Klander I've got them right here.  I haven't tried getting any information from them yet but perhaps it best if you take them and try to do so.   I think keeping everyone calm is important but I also think sharing news once we have confirmed news to share is important too.  Ignorance is just as deadly as panic.  Have you fully briefed the other police officer?  
 Not yet.  Principal Klander responded.  Do you mind doing it?   I don't know what to say. 
 I'll handle it.  Shame she was a credit to the force and had a great sense of humor too. 
 
Metastachydium
  Look, at least this is all handled!   Giselle points a thumb towards the empty space behind her back, off towards where Manny's marauders went, an expression as smug as she can manage without really smiling on her face.   Figuring out Officer Whatever's final fate's maybe not top priority right now. I'm more worried about poor Josh, frankly.   she crosses her arms, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.   Kinda fell like we should go rescue him, but he comes with…  Baggage  right now. You sure we can't just enjoy a little no-creep-time here?   Eleanor being away's also kind of a blessing, now that she thinks of it. Maybe she could squeeze a quick smoke in? She could use a quick smoke.
bramblefoot
 

silus will pick his way around the 2nd floor northwest entrance, checking doors and scanning for any additional weapons. he hums  lay me down in the cold cold ground  as he checks handles  "so little miss busybody, if klander told you to watch me she must be worried about something."  he cracks a rictus grin  "the only question is, whats she worried about? contrary to popular belief, adults dont always have everything under control. how do you feel about being klanders pawn in this game?" 

he stops and looks back  "thats all you are to her, a pawn and a way to keep the good little puppies in line. thankfully, her authority doesnt apply to the wolves, outcasts and loners. they learn to avoid her wrath, not that she can do much to me. shes got you pegged down like a goat, and thats just the way she likes it" 
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy, distracted, tried to motion for quiet and strained to hear. “ I think I can hear them talking – the principle and the other officer. At least, I think it’s him. ” Katy hadn’t interacted with him much, and the circumstances had been  stressful  to say the least, but even so there were a finite number of adult men in the building right now. “ It sounds like they’re upstairs. I think…it sounds like the other officer didn’t make it back. ” Katy felt suddenly sad; it was one thing to know, on the surface level, that the people in uniforms were there to protect you, it was another to know the lady who had done so was…not coming back.
Bowerbird
Eleanor just rolls her eyes at Silus,   "Can't imagine what she'd be worried about."   She tries to make eye contact with Josh to see if at least one of these people she's stuck with is sane. She picks her way along after the boys, close enough to keep an eye on them but not getting particularly close to Silus. Not especially eager to be serial killed today.   I just wanted to sit somewhere quiet and read, maybe catch a tame horror movie or two, instead I have to babysit this monologuing psychopath.  
bramblefoot
 

silus smirks  "she doth worry too much"  he says.  besides, if SHTF, shes likely to kick it first  he thinks to himself.  she may be a teacher's pet, but in the apocalypse ill call her zombie food 
Metastachydium
  Geez, that's… Heavy.   Giselle lowers her own voice with a grimace, looking up. Hopefully those upstairs haven't overheard  their  little Manny-conversation. That could get awkward.    You hear anything more, um, immediately useful, though?    she goes on.    Spare me if it's **** I don't want to hear.   
Kareeah_Indaga
“ Just that they’re trying to get information and keep everyone calm, ” Katy replied, but strained her ears to try and hear if there was anything else of interest.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 
 (1d10+6)[ 8 ] 

Includes Notice, Perception and Acute Hearing.
 
Metastachydium
   Wow. That just made me super calm, all of a sudden.    Giselle snarks, her arms still folded.    Are they coming this way?   
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by Kareeah_Indaga 
 “ Just that they’re trying to get information and keep everyone calm, ” Katy replied, but strained her ears to try and hear if there was anything else of interest.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 
[roll0]

Includes Notice, Perception and Acute Hearing.
 
 
 

The general buzz of the growing panic among the teens on the first floor picks up in volume and Katy can't discern any further conversation from above.   She does notice that the nearby elevator light seems to indicate that the elevator has been called up to the 2nd floor requiring an answer to if the group wants to hang around to encounter whoever might be coming down or move on to somewhere else.

Meanwhile on the second floor Josh has taken to falling a few steps behind Silus.   A few times he has exchanged concerned looks with Eleanor at the outsider's turn of phrase.   Almost every store, except for Mr. Maxwell's Babbages, was shuttered for the evening.  Silus tried any store that just had a door and found them locked.  After a few minutes walk the trio turned right heading down a hallway lined with stores on both sides.   At the end of the hallway was the Northwest entrance to the mall with it's bay of automatic sliding doors and double doors on either side.  Outside those doors was a small vestibule and then another set of doors.   Normally looking out of these doors would provide a view of Columbia South Carolina's skyline.  There was an orange haze over much of the city.    
 Spoiler: Simple Intelligence check at -2 
The city of Columbia is on fire at several locations.  Nothing close by or immediately threatening to your location.
 
Kareeah_Indaga
“ I can’t tell, ” Katy responded honestly, “ It’s too noisy now. We should probably get moving anyway though, ” she glanced at the elevator lights coming down, “  before any of the teachers realize we split up from our group.  ”
Metastachydium
So much for her smoke break!   Like it's  our  fault we got stuck with the creep. Or that the creep got himself unstuck.   Giselle grumps, not in any sort of hurry to go anywhere.   There's four of  us  and three of  them  anyway. I say they split.  
bramblefoot
 

silus scans the outside  "seems like theres a couple fires spreading."  he smiles  "i guess this really is the end of days"  he looks back at eleanor  "you might as well offer an  ave maria , cause this could be the end"  he crosses himself, and will move to continue checking areas

 play it cautious silus, and feed the annoying girl to the freaks at the first chance  he thinks
Kareeah_Indaga
“  I  say we just hide in the bathroom and wait for them to leave, so then we don’t have to say  anything  to  anyone,  ” and with that Katy started pulling the other girl in that direction.   Really, you’d think she wasn’t regularly sneaking around to obtain smokes…   “ And then we can just catch up with the others once the coast is clear. ”
Bowerbird
Eleanor moves to where she can look out through the doors, but keep Silus in her peripheral vision, before deadpanning,   "Yes, Silus, the protesters have mastered man's red flower. Well done. Utterly terrifying. Shaking in my boots."   She does spare a concerned thought for her mother, working at the hospital during all this, hopefully it looks worse than it is.   Maybe I should have stayed home and looked after the place? Not much worth stealing anyway, I suppose.   She glances over at Josh to make sure he's not freaking out, before finally having a proper look around out at the city.
 
 Spoiler 
Perception + Notice check to pick up any extra details outside? 1d10+5
 
Metastachydium
  Ffiine!   Giselle relents with altogether way too much generosity mixed into the tone of her voice, as though she were doing Katy a favour.   Move along, guys.   she adds for the benefit of the other two, with the same amount of grace and indulgence as she lets Katy drag her onwards. And it's not like she has no reason to be in such a giving mood. Maybe smoke break is back on the menu, after all.
LarsWester
As Silus moves away from the mall's doors Josh stammers.   Uh shouldn't we like check the doors here first.  I mean we came all this way.   I mean this was your idea, Silus, I think you should do it.  he looks at Eleanor for help.

Back at the Eastern end of the mall on the first floor Rebecca follows Katy and Giselle into the ladies' room leaving Vincent there standing by himself when the elevator chimes that the doors have arrived on the first floor.   If he wanted to dart into the men's room he had only a few seconds to do so before the doors opened.

Upstairs John Wilson had located the remaining police officer on the first floor.  He signaled to him and then the stairs in the middle of the mall.   From his second floor perch the mall cop could see huddled groups of scared kids on the first floor.   Whether Principal Klander wanted it or not the fun times of the evening were over.  His job was just to keep as many of these kids safe through the night as he could.  The job hadn't changed only the mission parameters.
Metastachydium
Giselle begins idly ambling towards the far end of the bathroom, sniffing the air. If some residual smoke was already there, that would make her life so much easier… She wouldn't even have to lie if she'll ever  have to  say so! Hopefully, Klander will march past fast too. Then, she'll easily press Katy into playing lookout for her. She's really hell-bent on sticking together, after all, and filing in here was  her  idea.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Notice:  (1d10+6)[ 11 ] , incl. Situational Awareness; add +2 for detecting smells (Acute Smell)
 
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy just hung around the sinks, so she could turn one on and pretend to wash her hands if the door opened, and in the mean time strained to listen for the voices of any authority figures outside.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 
 (1d10+6)[ 9 ] 

Includes Notice, Perception and Acute Hearing.
 
bramblefoot
 

silus will give the door handle leading outside a rattle.  "seems secure, but this aint gonna hold if some hick decides to shoot his way in"  he shrugs.  "personally, id say this area is condition green. keep moving, and keep your heads on a swivel." 

he'll keep moving towards the next one  cant slip the busybody yet, so play it cool. eventually something's gonna go tits up, and then you dispose of her 
LarsWester
Giselle smiled when her acutely tuned nose picked up traces of smoke.   Manny had been having a profitable night it would seem.   However she didn't have a chance to take advantage of the cover by lighting up her own cigarette as soon Principal Klanders entered the ladies room.   She had under the crook of her arm a boombox style radio.   She quickly located an electrical outlet near the door and plugged it in.   As she did so she finally realized that she wasn't alone in the restroom and turned to the three girls as the radio blasted static.   Ladies you have a choice.  You can stay in here and finish your business but keep your mouths shut about anything you might hear or leave now.   In fact you should probably leave now.   Principal Klander is wearing her most authoritative face right now but Gisselle could swear that her eyes look like they had just been crying.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Someone roll a social skill check of your choice to convince the Principal to let you stay.
 


Upstairs the mall exterior door rattled as Silus gave them a shake.    The sound drew the attention of something outside as vague shadows turned and moved towards the entrance.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Perception checks for Eleanor and Silus please visual only
 
Metastachydium
When Klander barges in, right in time to interrupt her moment of triumph, Giselle begins internally screaming and throws in a quite external grimcae for good measure, if only for so long as her back is turned to the principal. By the time she swivels around, it's all gone.  Of course.  Model citizen and all that.

Still, if her innermost cravings cannot be satisfied, she might as well milk that option left hanging mid-air for all its worth and satisfy some of her curiosity instead, Katy's overly sensitive sensitivities be damned. She shuffles closer, with a clumsiness all feigned and a practiced, timid smile of sorts, the very image of clueless understanding.   It's okay, Ms. Klander. We're all in this.   she say like the responsible adult she  totally  is.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Smooth Talking:  (1d10+9)[ 11 ]  (incl. Attractiveness +2 and Charisma +1)
 
Kinro
Vincent hadn't felt any particular need to avoid the person coming down from the elevator. He'd had, after all, a perfect excuse for being alone, his group being in the washroom at the time.
bramblefoot
 

silus grunts, and looks out the window  kark  he internally thinks.  "well lady and gentleman, i suggest we beat a swift retreat somewhere else, before whatever is out there wants to come in" 

internally hes thinking  discretion is the better part of valor, and right now im feeling very cautious 

he says  "let me say we have swapped rapidly from condition green to condition red" 
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy just nodded agreement with Giselle, and grabbed a piece of paper towel to dry the hands she’d shoved under the spigot when the Principle had come in.
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   It's okay, Ms. Klander. We're all in this.    
 

Principal Klander offered a weak smile back at the girls.   Right you are there.  Okay girls not sure what we are going to hear but I ask you don't go spreading any of this around.   People might panic and get hurt.  with that she plugged in the radio and turned through static until reaching a AM station that was broadcasting news.   ... preserve us and keep us safe through this times.  through sobs the normal traffic announcer continues.  Listeners I am witnessing from high above the city what can best be described as bedlam and chaos.   Multiple fires have broken out throughout Columbia.   There is frequent flashes of gun fire below me.  Multiple police cars responding to multiple incidences throughout the city.  If you can please stay at home the roads are generally impassable at this point.   Too much remains unknown at this time however reports have been coming forward that there seems to be some form of transmissible contagion through the populace resulting in ultraviolet reactions and superhuman durability.  I have heard from headquarters that the South Carolina National Guard has been given orders to mobilize from Olympia Armory.  The United States Army has not been authorized to use force against civilians and remains within the boundaries of Fort Jackson.  Stay safe and indoors if possible.  We plan to stay above the fray and continue to update you as long as we have fuel and AM1560 is transmitting. 
The look of horror on Principal Klanders face is in stark contrast to her calm voice.   Right nothings changed.   It's best for all of us to stay indoors and wait for the National Guard to sort this all out.  Point is that the authorities are moving on it and we just need to trust that they have everything in hand.   Principal Klander sniffs back some tears before asking Giselle quite pointedly  Is that cigarette smoke I smell? 

Vincent outside the ladies room overhears the radio report.
Metastachydium
Giselle's mouth falls open slightly as she follows the news report, mostly forgetting even to blink. If Manny  did  leave that ****ing door open, she'll strangle him with extreme prejudice. And then there's the Swamp Thing, messing with all those other doors and  geez , they'll have to rescue poor Josh now, somehow!

Klander's sudden meddlesome non sequitur does shake her out of that stupor.   What?   she asks flatly.   Sorry, I mean, um, your pardon, Ms. Klander?   the principal gets a properly stumped blink from a properly stumped young lady.   I  think  I smelled something back there, yes… Did they say  there's people shooting out there?  With, uh, with  guns?    she motions towards the radio. The safety of her hide notwithstanding, that's  bad .

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Smooth Talking, to keep Klander on topic, damnit:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ]  (as above)
 
LarsWester
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
  
 Spoiler: OOC 

Smooth Talking, to keep Klander on topic, damnit: [roll0] (as above)
 
 
 

AFMBE is D10 based not D20.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy looked increasingly wide-eyed as the broadcast went on. “ Yes, I heard it too! Gunfire and – and something about a disease? A – a contagion? And they’re sending the National Guard. ” Katy tried to remember if they covered what the National Guard did that was different from the army but there was a loud thought in her head going   WHAT ABOUT OUR    PARENTS?!!  that was very thoroughly drowning it out, just now.
LarsWester
Principal Klander switches focus from the smell of cigarette smoke to address the girls' fearful questions.
 Please Katy try to remain calm.   As the radio said the authorities are responding the National Guard will be here soon.  They always get sent on missions like this during natural disasters and the such.   They will restore order to the city in no time.  In the meantime you heard and know just as much as I do.  Can you girls do something for me.   Keep listening to this radio and if you get an update you think I should know come find me.   I need to go share what we just heard with the other chaperones. 
Principal Klander then leaves the bathroom and nods to Vincent waiting outside by the water fountain.
 Keep an eye on those girls Vincent.  Things might get a little dangerous tonight. 
And the Principal walks off looking for the other teachers and adults among the children.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy was still looking a little bug-eyed at the moment, but her response was immediate (if jittery). “ Yeah. Yeah we can do that, Ms. Klander. Where do we find you at? If we hear something. ”
Metastachydium
 You can…  Giselle has to clear her throat. The hit her confidence has taken is big enough to surprise even her.   You can count on us, Ms. Klander. Yes.   She raises a tentative arm to put around Katy's shoulder in a show of being the all-grown-up little sun radiating comfort all around, but drops it down immediately. An  actual  hit to the face  again  is the last thing she needs right now, Katy's stupid questions being a close second. Like  hell  she's going to go  anywhere  from here now, unless the ground starts shaking or something.

 ♣ 
Once the principal's out of the picture, her  first  priorities get the limelight as well.   Katy, watch that thing,   she points a nervous thumb towards the radio   Becca, you watch that door for me, will you.   Giselle sighs, covering her face with both palms for a moment.   I'mma need a  ****ing  smoke now, and for real  need  it.   Klander's already felt the smoke. Plausible deniability and all that. It's not like she can  do  much else.
Kinro
"Alright, I'll... I'll do my best," Vincent said. He had caught most of what had been said in the washroom. They hadn't been particularly quiet, after all. And he was now wondering what was going on. This didn't seem like mere protesting or looting. Clearly, something bad was happening out there. "We were going around, checking the doors. Or, at least, we were planning to. A lot of us don't feel rigjt, just sitting there and waiting for things to happen."
LarsWester
Principal Klander nods wordlessly at Vincent before heading off to find the other adults.  Soon after her departure Rebecca comes out of the bathroom and sees Vincent standing by the water fountain.   She turns for a second to head back into the bathroom before turning around slowly and taking up a position against the wall a few feet from Vincent.     Giselle asked me to stand guard out her while she smokes.  Did you hear everything out here?  It sounds really bad Vince.   it looks like the girl is about to cry.
When suddenly a shout rings out over the general buzz of the mall foyer.
  RUN!!!    Manny cries from across the mall.   He and one of his lackeys shoving the side door to Sears furiously.  The two boys turning to race down the hallway at the South end of the mall towards the food court and bathrooms at the North end.
Kareeah_Indaga
Katy just nodded and sat down next to the radio to listen, wrinkling her nose at the smell.

 
 Spoiler: Perception 

Trying to see if Katy can hear any of that since we're in the bathroom with the radio on:
 (1d10+6)[ 15 ] 

Includes Notice, Perception and Acute Hearing.
 
Metastachydium
Giselle leans back against the wall inside one of the farter stalls, willfully ignoring how dirty it may or may not be, and slides a cigarette into her mouth. She really, really,  really  does need it. This is all so stupid. She was just supposed to have boring chill time here. Her lighter clicks and clicks, throwing sparks before igniting properly. Might be low on gas. Just what she wanted in her life right now. A puff of smoke is blown out, then another. There's some muffle dnoises somewhere in the background, but she just doesn't  care  to care. How much worse could this get, anyhow?
Kinro
Vincent was glad that Rebecca came to him for her troubles, at least, though not so much about the circumstances. "I'm sure it will be alright. Sounds bad, but... we'll be safe here," he said, though he wasn't sure if he believed it entirely. Expecially when the call came from Many. "Get theothers," he told Rebecca quickly. "It sounds like something bad's happening. No time to be smoking."
bramblefoot
silus will sigh  seems like we got us a situation  he will circle the second floor, looking outside

 "fun fact for all you civvies. rubbing alcohol is a great accelerant, and flour makes explosions much more deadly"  he will grin, but theres no mirth there.  "we should split up, canvas the area for any useful supplies. im talking two way radios, pipes, preferably metal, any other weapons that could be useful"  he turns back, and will give eleanor his best shark eyes  "you gonna die on your knees like a coward, or go down swinging on your feet?" 