PRP: DYLF: Back to the lounge

[Corn]

Corn raises his fists and sets himself as if preparing to face off against the assailant. "Kidnapper!" he calls out.
In truth, he is concentrating and playing for time, bluffing. His Nimbus flares up as he reaches across the Abyss to reach into the Supernal. As the magic is vulgar - but hopefully the effect should not be perceivable by Sleepers - the scent of freshly dug earth that hits Philip with a sense of wrongness mixed in. Corned pushed some mana from his being, to ease the passage of the Spell to the fallen world and the expense paid off. The Abyss didn't intervene with the spell.

failure

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-14 15:01:44	Corn rolls 1 to pArADoX -1 (3rd dot) +2 (sleepers) -2 mana (10 Again)	6	failure

3 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-14 15:05:34	Corn rolls 8 to Gnosis + Matter -1 (durability) (10 Again)	6, 9, 8, 8, 1, 1, 5, 6	3 successes

The magic took effect and the rubber of the left-side, front wheel warped to become smooth, much smoother than the wheels of the other side.
It should totally feel like the tire went flat, Corn thought, unaware that the Abyss and the reality didn't consider his casting clever enough to trick the Sleeper driver despite Corn's optimism.

spells and effects

Armor 5
Spells active: 3/7
Spell Tolerance: 3/3
Vulgar spells: 2
Mana: 6





[3] Matter shield
[2] Speak with ghosts
[5] Alter Raiment




Cellphone
Lead Medallion (dedicated Tool)
Wallet, includes his ID, credit cards, some cash
His cross and his wedding ring
A bottle of water and a candy-bar
pack of hankerchiefs
pack of gum

[Philip Crosen]

Fortunes Protection

Fate

Shielding

  Prolonged

Sybils Sight

Fate

Mage Sight

  Prolonged

Shifting the Odds

Fate

minor boons and banes

  Special

Evil Eye

Fate

penalizes target's rolls

  Prolonged

Corn using a vulgar spell sorrounded by sleeper witnesses was certainly duly noted by Philip as he suddenly smelled a scent of fresh earth and recognised it for what it had to be, Corn`s vulgar nimbus flare. Clearly they`d have quite a bit to talk about later.
But that would have to wait, because although he`d gotten off his photo of the escaping van and its` all-too-important license plate, someone was now pointing a shotgun at him. Seeing the shopkeeper in his peripheral vision and hearing his order, Philip would certainly not drop or hand over his order tool. He would not risk his key evidence and enlightened property being damaged, destroyed or taken from him just because he was told to do so by some sleeper, whether he had a gun or not. But the fact that he was pointing a shotgun at him at essentially point-blank range was certainly a considerable threat. And he knew from his own first-hand experience with guns just how dangerous that could be.
Not saying anything to the shopkeeper except "Why?", but managing to formulate it as a genuine, neutral and innocent question as he turned to face him. As he did so, his eyes told a different story, giving him a baleful glare and an Evil Eye at the threat with the weapon, while forming the imago for said spell in his mind and feeling the mana drain that accompanied his wish, going off into the ever-mercurial streams of fate.

This was with the full intention to curse his possibly even unpredictable would-be attacker out of a desperate self-defense, due to the threat to his as well as the taxi driver`s life, safety and property. And on top of that came the urgency to chase after the van housing the kidnapped Darren-slash-Mothisa, and that Philip simply didn`t have time for this nonsense. At that moment, Philip didn`t care whether this glare could be interpreted as defiance, but his feelings of guilt for the taxi driver were clearly being abused by the shopkeeper in his mind. And of course, he was being drawn into a situation that he, at least from a sleeper`s perspective, had nothing to do with. And plausible deniability for his arcane actions was certainly a thing, given his brief, covert spell despite his awkward gestures casting his rote.
This time he hoped, Fate would agree with him and punish this presumptuous and very angry sleeper that just needed to calm down and speak rationally with the taxi driver, in Philip`s mind. Ideally, without trouble. But he knew trouble always had a way of finding him, or he finding it. Although Philip had of course effectively cursed said shopkeeper too with his earlier spell that had sent the taxi careening into his window, all good faith and pity disappeared very quickly under threat of death or serious injury.

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-14 17:57:53	Philip Crosen rolls 5 to Evil Eye (Gnosis 3 + Fate 4 -2 (2 over stamina)) (10 Again)	4, 1, 3, 5, 8	1 success

Marked spells active with question marks here, in case you rule Evil Eye as not having had an effect on the shopkeeper because of his resistance. Mana reduction already marked in the spoiler below.

spells , effects and gear

Armor 0, Defense(also protects vs firearms because FP): 7 (3+4), Spells active 4?/6: ([2] Fortunes Protection, [2] Sybils Sight, [3] Shifting the Odds(special duration),[1?] Evil Eye(if it goes into effect)), Spell tolerance: 4?/2 (2 over limit), Vulgar spells: 0, Mana: Willpower: (max WP/scene 2) Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, first aid kit, wallet: with car key, cash already spent getting in twice, various mundane ID`s and membership cards, in car that was parked some distance away from Lounge: additional first aid kit.

[ReubanBrightwood]

In a spectacular display of magic Corn's nimbus bursts forth uncontained as he wills the tyre smooth, the lie buckles and reality obeys without interference, his supernal might and knowledge helping hold all in place.

Philip drawing on his own expertise understands even with fate to protect him that a shotgun being aimed is no small problem and works his own subtle magics to try and balance the scale in his favour as only enchanters know how.

resist evil eye 1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-15 13:38:56	Shop keeper rolls 2 to resist evil eye (10 Again)	1, 10, 2	1 success

The shotgun wielding shop keeper however feels seem undeterred and Philip knows why he feels the spell slip from his control thwarted by the will of this sleeper. Philip knows it has not taken hold.

The gun swivels still raised to the taxi driver who also hits his knees. ''Now stay put.'' If an answer is forth coming to Philips question it seems it won't be in a time frame that suits his present needs.

The ghost vanishes completely from Corn's sight one moment here the next gone.

The thig in blue jeans reels slightly away from Corn his face contorting in disgust. The nimbus clearly having provoked a reaction. Is he unsettled? enraged? or does he know? whatever the answer, he draws a knife.

Drive! 1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-15 13:45:18	Driver rolls 3 to drive 2, dex 3 -2 no handling (10 Again)	3, 8, 4	1 success

Skidding, swerving losing traction whoever is behind the wheel manages to hold control of the car and while it is not accelerating as fast it is still picking up speed and moving further away.

Initiative: Corn (14), Philip (13), Shop keeper (12), Mothisa's Ghost (9), Darren (7), Blue jeans guy (7), The car (6)

[Corn]

Did the Sleeper figured out what he did? Did the sleeper felt his nimbus? Is he fighting a sleepwalker? A hunter? Something else?
Corn's fear has little to do with the knife, but much to do with what the f- happened. He doesn't need to pretend.

"Heey now!" Corn says trying to figure whether the guy is disgusted with him for interfering... or something else.

1 success for What the F?!?

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-15 17:19:08	Corn rolls 4 to Wits + Empathy (10 Again)	6, 8, 1, 5	1 success

[Philip Crosen]

Fortunes Protection

Fate

Shielding

  Prolonged

Shifting the Odds

Fate

minor boons and banes

  Special

Clearly, his Evil Eye had no effect on the gentleman and he was able to tell that immediately, much to Philip`s dismay. Fate would not make this so easy for him.
His hope at that time was that the shopkeeper could somehow be made to tell he was being threatened unfairly and he wasn`t a party to this or if he could be calmed down somehow. Additionally, he`d yet to answer his question which was also mildly worrying. But if he was going to fire, he`d already have had several seconds in which to do so. And Philip knew the more time passed, the less threatening the situation got. All of this caused Philip to reassess the situation and end his Sybils Sight while still facing him.
"Call the cops?"

Hope it`s ok Philip ended Sybils Sight and also that I removed mentions of Evil Eye because the latter spell had no effect and was successfully resisted.

he asked him in a measured tone. That was in equal-parts a statement and a question asking whether the shopkeeper would allow him to call the cops with the phone in his hand or if the shopkeeper would do it himself. It was also an attempt to give a reason for why the shopkeeper wanted them to stay put, and an attempt to de-escalate the situation. And as he did so he donned his deadpan expression, giving off the air of remaining unphased by the whole situation, despite earlier clearly having already shown he was furious at being threatened so directly and seemingly unjustly. The latter was yet another reason he said he`d call the cops on the shopkeeper. And on top of everything, this was a test. If he wanted to attack them, then the talk of bringing the cops into it would definitively show if he was a good guy or a bad guy.

What clothes is the shopkeeper wearing? Is there anything on him clothing or otherwise that might suggest he haphazardly or quickly got ready or dressed for this? Can Philip tell if it`s more likely or less likely that the shopkeeper expected them or not from this? Needless to say, because of the spell being cancelled, I doubt I can roll for anything else or do anything else than I already narrated this turn though it`s also possible I`m wrong on this. But I wanted to know more about the scene Philip finds himself in- whatever else he might be able to know about the precise configuration of the taxi crash site, the clothes of the taxi driver as well, the articles for sale in the shop and those that maybe got damaged, the closest street light and illumination(perhaps also now from inside the store), stuff like that. Just more info in general of the sort that would be obvious without needing to make a roll for it.

spells , effects and gear

Armor 0, Defense(also protects vs firearms because FP): 7 (3+4), Spells active 2/6: ([2] Fortunes Protection, [3] Shifting the Odds(special duration)), Spell tolerance: 2/2, Vulgar spells: 0, Mana: Willpower: (max WP/scene 2) Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, first aid kit, wallet: with car key, cash already spent getting in twice, various mundane ID`s and membership cards, in car that was parked some distance away from Lounge: additional first aid kit.

[ReubanBrightwood]

''Dismissing a spell is a reflexive action, while modifying a spell’s factors is an instant action (regardless of the number of modifications).'' p128 of mage. So yep dismissing is all good and evil eye was resisted so is done. Correct on both counts good stuff

In post 56 I wrote this about the shop keeper ''Wearing a plain white wife beater and black cargo trousers.''

Corn takes a moment to steady his own sense of self and take stock he comes to the maybe calming revelation that no it seems more like this guy is gritting himself up to do something unpleasant Corn's nimbus flare just happened to coincidence with the series of events that meant Corn became the guys problem at that moment.

resist being read failure

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-16 10:48:19	Blue jeans guy rolls 3 to resist being read (10 Again)	5, 5, 3	failure

Philip rolls the dice metaphorically speaking if this guy meant harm cops would escalate, if he did not cops would still mean complications. But maybe one he could handle more readily then than an angry guy with a shotgun. Taking in the scene in this brief window. He sees a counter, a standing fridge wit ha glass door a variety of fizzy drink cans in rows inside. A menu board above them burgers, pizza, kebabs. the scent of grease, the harsh white light from the filament bulb in the ceiling above. The taxi guy is wearing a red and blue chequered shirt, nice enough jeans and fashionable trainers. The night out side is dark the best source of light from the night club across the way and a little down the street. Street lamps do cast small islands of respite through the gloom but none are immediately close.

The shot gun swings back to aim at him as he talks. ''Someone is.'' A response this time, better then nothing can he work with it? does it mean this guy is safe? The taxi driver looks more panicked now then ever.

The guy in blue jeans now with knife in hand lunges for corn, not a stabbing motion but his free hand going wide as he tries to wrap it around the Moros in a heavy grip. Grunting with the exertion but not bothering to articulate.

Grapple Corn 4 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-16 11:03:40	Blue jeans guy rolls 7 to Grapple Corn (10 Again)	9, 8, 3, 7, 10, 4, 8, 3	4 successes

The car is rounds a corner and moves out of sight.

Drive! 4 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-16 11:04:52	Driver rolls 6 to to drive (10 Again, WillPower)	8, 2, 10, 9, 7, 6, 10, 1	4 successes

Initiative: Corn (14), Philip (13), Shop keeper (12), Mothisa's Ghost (9), Darren (7), Blue jeans guy (7), The car (6)

[Corn]

Realizing he will have to wrestle a Sleeper, which means little spells, Corn decides to take a shortcut to muscle memory, using his knowledge of Life to boost his brawl skill.

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-17 02:19:09	Corn rolls 6 to Gnosis + Life (10 Again)	6, 3, 7, 4, 2, 8	1 success

[Philip Crosen]

Fortunes Protection

Fate

Shielding

  Prolonged

Shifting the Odds

Fate

minor boons and banes

  Special

Seeing the fight Corn had with the blue jeans guy in his peripheral vision, and knowing `someone ` was calling the cops as the shopkeeper had said, Philip`s intentions were clear. Philip wanted to get away from the shopkeeper and the situation as a whole. He did not want to have to give his ID to cops or even give them any knowledge of his involvement in that scene at all. He also wanted to help Corn in the fight with blue jeans guy, perhaps to two-versus-one him. And finally he wanted to get a picture of the plate of the taxi to help the taxi driver later, still feeling bad for him. But he knew he had to prioritize. At the moment the shopkeeper no longer struck him as murderous, though still dangerous, as the seconds continued to pass without a shot from him.
”Glad to hear.”
Philip said reassuringly to the shopkeeper in a neutral-slash pleasant, even understanding expression, trying to further de-escalate the situation. Well, in order to hopefully not get shot at while backing away from him and his ever-present shotgun at normal walking speed. And as he did so, he decided to take pictures of the taxi scene. Most important was of course its` plate number, for later in order to secretly reimburse or in some way help the taxi driver back on track. Ideally, this was in order to get to Corn and retreat without being shot. Hopefully enough time passed for the shopkeeper to no longer expect his order to stay put to be followed as stringently because after all, he still hadn`t answered why he wanted him to put his phone down. And after all, Philip knew he`d have to help Corn one way or another, and he didn`t fancy his chances with a trigger-happy person.

4 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-17 13:35:06	Philip Crosen rolls 5 to photographing taxi (Wits 3+Subterfuge2) (10 Again)	10, 9, 10, 5, 7, 4, 8	4 successes

After getting the plate number, Philip takes as many additional pictures of the taxi and the scene sorrounding it as possible, pressing as many times on his phone`s camera button as he can and is possible.

spells , effects and gear

Armor 0, Speed 10, Init +6, Defense(also protects vs firearms because FP): 7 (3+4), Spells active 2/6: ([2] Fortunes Protection, [3] Shifting the Odds(special duration)), Spell tolerance: 2/2, Vulgar spells: 0, Mana: Willpower: (max WP/scene 2) Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, first aid kit, wallet: with car key, cash already spent getting in twice, various mundane ID`s and membership cards, in car that was parked some distance away from Lounge: additional first aid kit.

[ReubanBrightwood]

Corn remember to link your spells so I can be sure of what your doing and not have to guess or infer. I think you casting the life version of gain skill to boost the brawl skill?

As Philip beings to move away raising his phone to in his mind innocent take pictures the angry gun wielding shop keep advances after him several steps up to the broken shouting. ''HEY. STAY DOWN.'' ... And the gun discharges.

Shotgun! 5 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-17 14:12:49	Shop keeper rolls 8 to Shotgun 12 - 7 (defence, wp (9 Again)	4, 10, 2, 10, 1, 9, 8, 3, 5, 2, 1	4 successes

The rumbling and explosive boom cracks through the night the bright muzzles flash a dazzling moment of blistering sun in the gloom as the shot tears through the air and despite fates best efforts to pull him clear through Philip. The blistering pain kicks in moments later as Philips position on the effectiveness of using guns against mages is proven all to true.

Shifting the odds fades from Philip's active spells it has ended.

The taxi driver eyes wider then wide with terror, pale from shock seems to have frozen in place like a statue possibly not even breathing. Frozen in fear for his life.

Maintain grapple 3 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-17 14:18:36	Blue jeans guy rolls 7 to maintain grapple (10 Again)	10, 1, 10, 5, 2, 1, 9, 6, 5	3 successes

Grunting snorting a thick arm moves under corns chin and raises his head up as the second meaty fist, holding the knife ...

Slit Corn's throat failure

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-17 14:21:36	Blue jeans guy rolls 3 to slit corns throat 8 -5 (armour) -3 (targeted location) wp (10 Again, WillPower)	4, 4, 1	failure

Fail to find purchase as he bucks and tussles to keep corn under control seemingly unware of the formidable and unseen aegis preventing him from the vile act. But the intent is all to clear.

Initiative: Corn (14), Philip (13), Shop keeper (12), Mothisa's Ghost (9), Darren (7), Blue jeans guy (7), The car (6)

[Corn]

Corn realizes, again, why he shouldn't get into fights with murderous thugs much bigger than him. Even with his muscle memory giving him a boost, fighting off that guy, that means business, is no easy feat. Having pushed reality quite much and realizing he may need his remaining mana to heal - is that a gunshot ???- Corn tries to fight off the guy.

"Bullets fly!" he says, trying to make the other guy consider the situation they are in. He puts all his effort to break the grapple.

4 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-04-18 01:03:39	Corn rolls 7 to Strength+ (increased) Brawl (10 Again, WillPower)	8, 10, 4, 2, 8, 7, 2, 9	4 successes

Speak with ghosts is dropped.

spells and effects

Armor 5
Spells active: 3/7
Spell Tolerance: 3/3
Vulgar spells: 2
Mana: 5


[2] Gain Skill [Brawl]
[3] Matter shield
[5] Alter Raiment


Cellphone
Lead Medallion (dedicated Tool)
Wallet, includes his ID, credit cards, some cash
His cross and his wedding ring
A bottle of water and a candy-bar
pack of hankerchiefs
pack of gum