Spacefurry

Jennifer restrained herself at Dr. Gwib’s praise. Damn it, she was going to fight tooth and nail for that B+. It was the highest grade the fickle and demanding professor ever gave, and the reason no one had graduated with a 4.0 since she joined the faculty. Lost in the process, Jennifer completely forgot about the incident in the morgue. Their search had turned up a number of potentially useful finds. She had recovered several fresh looking clothing fibers from the cracked edge of an old metal bin. And after taking into account the slope of the alley floor, not only had she found spent shotgun shells, but a number of 9mm handgun shells. ”There was at least a second weapon. Small caliber handgun.” She commented, holding up one of the spent brass with her tweezers. After that find Jennifer took another, closer look at both walls and found bullet holes for the spent rounds. She managed to recover some for examination later by the ballistics lab. With neither weapon found she could only speculate that the surviving shooter must have taken both with them. As she contemplated this another glint caught her attention. A piece of metal imbedded in the brickwork of the building. Jennifer glanced over her shoulder and, using her body as cover, a thin tendril of techno organic matter snaked out to nudge the fragment loose enough for her tweezers to pull it free. A piece of some kind of edged weapon. She gave it a thoughtful look before bagging it with the other evidence and continued on. Multiple blood sample were gathered from around the scene. Judging from the locations there may have been a second person injured. ”Possible second victim I would guess. Not enough evidence to determine how badly they were injured. Police should check any possible clinics in the area.” As she paced the scene again with her camera taking more pictures of the blood splatter, she carefully documented a number of shoe prints in the muck and grime of the alley. It was whole photographing one of these that a voice echoed into the alley. Jennifer looked back at the entrance to see the shorter man flanked by two others. She frowned as she recognized the howled man from the news. The man they called Blowfish. A silly name for someone with their reputation. Her frown became a scowl and she looked to Dr Gwib, wondering where the officer that should have been watching the scene was.

Knowledge, Streetwise check: 8 big old nope.

Jennifer was happy to be away from the morgue for the time being. Although part of her did worry if one got up, then… She shook her head. She need to concentrate on her class. Standing with her classmates in the alley Jennifer looked around. Outside scenes could be problematic if not investigated quickly and properly. As her gaze scanned the scene she took note of the immediate details. The blood, the damage to the wall, stupid trash and debris. When Dr Gwib called on her again Jennifer stiffened a little. “Yes, Dr Gwib.” She said as she carefully stepped forward. “Well, the first thing is determining the center of the crime scene and establishing the perimeter. Taking into account the victim, the wound, and what we can see here we should be able to determine where the victim was at the time of attack. From that we should be able to determine we’re the attacker was.” Jennifer moved carefully around the scene. “Possible threats to evidence should be determined and accounted for. From here an initial survey of the crime scene should be made.” She recited as she pulled out her camera again. “From the evidence we can determine the victim was standing there. And the shooter must have been over here. If the weapon’s chamber was cycled directly after firing, the spent shell would have ejected in that direction.” She noted almost clinically off-hand as she continued to circle the scene, taking pictures. “After the initial survey, detailed recovery and processing of evidence should proceed. Followed by a second survey.” Jennifer turned to the other students to direct them each to a specific area of the alley. She included herself in sectioning the scene and began to carefully comb through the various detritus of the alley for clues they may have been overlooked in the first pass.

Search check: 24 Investigate check: 15 I got an extra HP, I’ll go ahead and use one. Gotta make a good impression with the teacher. Investigate reroll: 17 +10 =27

Leon gave Eira a ‘really’ look, but paused when the old man in red took his hand. It was strange, but he could swear he felt something in it. A sense of ease started to creep into him. He looked back at the man and saw on their face genuine care and an a desire for understanding. It hurt the boy somewhere inside, but Leon’s targetless anger pushed back and the old man didn’t deserve it. He glanced at Luke when his roommate bumped his shoulder. He wanted to just yank his hand away, but instead just pulled his hand away with feigned carelessness. “I don’t need a hand out.” He paused, wishing he had meant to make that a pun on purpose. He flexed the realistic looking fingers absently. “I made my bed.” Leon started to turn away but stopped as a thought came to mind. Why pass up a prime favor if he could use it. “But, if you owe us… there is a certain little kitty cat I’d like to get something special.” He wanted to get his girlfriend something nice for graduation. Sure he was the one graduating and she had another year, but that was semantics. “Any good ideas mister I know what people want?” Leon flashed a familiar mischievous smile.

Chimera cursed under her breath as the head left bits on the floor. “Dang it.” She hesitated a moment before crouching to pick up the head. She squinted at it, waiting to see if it moved again. When it didn’t show signs of continued animation she relaxed a little. The techno-organic material pullers back from her face as she set the head on the table. “Just what at was that?” Jennifer wondered as she sighed as she scooped up the body to return it to the table. She thanked her super strength for the effortlessness of moving the body. Jennifer squeaked a little at Dr Gwib’s call. “Coming doctor!” She called back as she used her increased speed to shove the head in place and pull the sheet back over it. She would have to come back later to investigate. The cover was barely stopped fluttering as she raced for the morgue’s doors. She paused, took a breath and exhaled before putting on a ‘nothing-wrong-here’ smile and walking out. “Just almost forgot my recorder.” She said meekly and waved the little device, silvery-grey tendrils already withdrawing back up her sleeves, before shoving it back in her pocket.

Okay

Blackstaff The small vessel bounced over the waves. Water splashed back on Christopher’s duster as he watched the waves roll by. There were seven people on board the boat, it was a favorable number at least he thought. The captain stopped as he passed to check on him again and Christopher once again assured the man he was fine. He could understand the man’s anxiety. They were purposely moving into dangerous waters. His eyes scanned the horizon line was it bobbed in time with the ship’s travel. As he stared out over water his mind wandered for a moment. The Day Before- “I’m sorry Lark, I can’t take you with me this time.” Christopher said for the half-dozenth time. He was really was sorry he couldn’t, but the PanStar representative had been quite clear. They wanted as few people involved as possible. The blonde college girl huffed and leaned in office’s doorframe with a mock pout. “But I promise, no wolfing out this time.” “That isn’t the problem.” He reassured her. “It’s not a day trip on a party boat. The client was very clear on this. Besides, you should spend some time with your human friends.” Christopher came from around his desk and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure this will be very boring. I’m going to ride out, talk to some fish people, and be back before you know it.” Lark gave him a look that spoke volumes to her belief it would be so simple. “Don’t give me that look.” He said returning to his desk. “You’re lucky I’m not asking you to finish filing the receipts for the Thurman case while I’m gone. Or help Marrowind organize the research library.” He chuckled knowing his part-time secretary was sticking her tongue out at his back before she returned to her own desk up front. He looked over a few of the items he wanted to make sure he took on this case. Some colored string, a couple waterproof markers, and few other odds and ends that would find a home in his coat pockets. Once again his eyes drifted to the staff of blackened wood in the corner of his office. Present time- Christopher gripped the smooth black wooden staff as he leaned against the rail. He exhaled and glanced up at the sky. They still had two hours or so of light left. With luck, they’d reach the spot before sunset. Suddenly, he spotted something in the distance. It was another ship, and not a small one like theirs. Pushing off the railing he headed for the bridge. “Captain, there’s another boat. I thought this was a minimal travel area? We should intercept them and warn them to change course. It could complicate matters.”

Notice: 21 +10 but I rolled anyway, could still roll a 1. And I keep forgeting I didn’t give him Diplomacy. Really need to update him. I really wanted to use Bluff, but it just didn’t feel like the right skill. He has nothings to BS about right now, so… Diplomacy check: 7 Bluff wouldn’t have helped Still would have missed.

Jennifer’s nose wrinkles at the smell as sparks danced and the corpse twitched under her touch. The smell was a bit disturbing but at least it should do minimal damage, she thought. Unfortunately, the symbiote was a bit over zealous and the charge it released was more than she had intended. “Shit.” That was going to damage the evidence. Maybe no one will notice, she grimaced as the gold tooth bounced along the floor. “At least that should do i-“ The corpse had other ideas it seemed as it turned on her again, taking a wide awkward swing. Jennifer easily stepped aside the avoid it. Her eyes darting back to the door briefly. She needed to end this faster. She could come back later to figure out what was happening. She turned her attention back to the corpse and silver grey techno-organic spread over her mouth and nose. “Need to keep damage to a minimum.” Chimera darted in close and struck at the neck. If the a shock wouldn’t work, maybe she could break the connection with a little physical trauma.

… because of course that’s my luck. Regular Melee attack: 13 Toughness DC23 if it hits

Jennifer forced a smile as the others passed her. Their idle back and forth was a blessing as she watch them leave, not even having noticed she hadn’t followed. “Now for the corpse.” Cause damn it, she refused to call it a zombie… at least not out loud. Jennifer turned back, a small squeak of surprise as it stood itself upright. She didn’t even blink at the sheet feel to the floor. It was still just a corpse and she once you’ve seen one, as the saying went. She did grimace a bit as her eyes flickered to the gaping hole but her shook it off. “Okay you,” She shook a finger at it, a little surprised by her own anger. “I will not have you jeopardizing my grade this semester. So you’re gonna have to get back on that slab.” Silvery grey tendrils snaked out of her sleeves, wrapping around her hands and wrists. She needed to put this thing to rest before someone walked in. Stepping forward she shifted to the side and reached out. Electricity crackled along her palms and fingers as grabbed for the corpse.

Okay so attempting a Stun Melee attack: 28 Holy crap, I can’t believe I actually nat 20’d that That’s a Fort save DC18+5 = DC23 for the walker.

Cha check DC10: 19 whoot!

Be all like ‘nothing to see here’

I had the idea that if she can get the others to walk past her, she would make a ranged attack to try to Stun the zombie so it would fall back down into laying down on the table.

Jennifer winced at Dr Gwib’s jab. There was a reason there were only four students had the courage to sign up for this class. True, from time to time there were things other than partying that kept her up late. Of course, Jamie would love it if Jen loosened up a little. “Of course Dr Gwib.” Nodding, she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. Both destinations were valid options, the lab work might give them an idea of what to look for. But, the crime scene may yield more useful evidence. She weighed the choices and opened her mouth to respond. Her eyes went wide as the corpse slowly sat up and turned its attention towards them. The others had no idea, which was probably for the best right now. How was she not screaming herself? Was this shock? No, it was too soon for that. Was this a hero thing? She wasn’t sure she liked that idea. She kinda wanted to freak out, even if it was just a little… Oh right, zombie… Jennifer forced a smile. “Yes, right, I think we should,” ‘Don’t say run screaming.’ She thought quickly. “Go to the crime scene.” Jen nodded. She stepped aside and motioned to the let Dr Gwib and the others go first. Her eyes darting back to the now not-quite-so dead corpse just waiting for it to moan or something to give it away to the others.

If she wants to keep it a secret she may be burning through those.

Jennifer relaxed a bit. Dr Gwibs comments were the closest to ‘well done’ or ‘good job’ anyone ever got from her. As the doctor turned to address the other students Jen’s brain raced with doubt though. Had she missed something? No, no, none of that now. Jamie would give her hell for her self doubt again. Her attention snapped back to Dr Gwib when the woman turned back to her with a follow up question. “Ah,” Jennifer hesitated for a moment as her thoughts caught up to the question. “I would have to say, toxicology report not withstanding, no signs of the wound being self inflicted could be found. The shape,…” Something caught Jennifer’s attention for just a moment. Movement? Did she just see something under the cover twitch? It had to be her imagination, just the AC blowing the sheet. She quickly tore her attention away and back to Dr Gwib. “The shape, angle and close proximity of the wound suggest deliberate aim and intent.” She finished confidently. “I would feel justified in reporting this as a homicide and that the officers should look for some kind of shotgun as the murder weapon.”

Notice check: 22

Jennifer’s cheeks flushed a little as she tried to collect herself. But she felt the need to at least defend her wording. “Of course, Doctor. I simply said ‘most likely’, as it’s not completely unheard of for a gun wound to be use to distract from or hide a different cause of death. I just didn’t want to state fact prior to the exam.” Jennifer quickly looked back at the corpse having used up her courage for the moment. Withdrawing a small audio recorder she started it and began like this was a real exam. “This is Jennifer Gale, student ID JG2217. Subject is a male with dark skin, dark brown hair. Approximately five feet eleven inches in height and weighing approximately 150-160 pounds. Subject appears approximately 34-37 years old at time of death.” She judged the height from the length of the table. Moving to the head of the corpse, she pulled on a pair of examination gloves. The body was cool to the touch, even through the gloves as she open one eye, then the other. Pulling out a pen flashlight and leaning in close to get a good look. “Light brown eyes. No evidence of contacts or use of corrective lenses. I don’t see the usual scratching on the corneas or the marks on the bridge of the nose where they would sit and rub the skin.” Putting the other students out of her mind Jen focused on the body now. Bodies didn’t bother her, well not ones that had already been bagged. She was able to think about them in a more clinical manner. “Nasal passage show signs have having been broken at least once before and attempted to be reset, judging by it’s angle.” She moved her fingers through the hair and checked behind each ear. “The head doesn’t show any sign of recent trauma. Ears are pierced as is the right nostril.” She had guessed right she thought as she ran her fingers down along the jaw to the mouth. “Some dental work, subject has a number of fillings. A request for proper documentation of the dental records should be made.” Jennifer noted moving on to the mouth, opening it to check the tongue. Finding nothing of note she closed the mouth and moved on. She voiced mention of the various scars and tattoos as she reach them, pausing to note size and description, as well as approximate age based on how faded they appeared as she took pictures of them. She checked one arm before moving around the table to check the other. Noting more scars and ink work as she did. Finally, Jennifer began examining the chest. Using her camera as she measured the wound, including depth. She took samples from around the wound before using tweezers to recover what projectiles she could see. She carefully recorded and bagged everything she collected. Once she was satisfied with her work in the chest she continued on down the body. Once she finished checking the feet. (She did not feel it necessary to record the man had badly needed to clip his toenails, but she had made a footnote in regards to the ‘athlete’s foot’ he had apparently been suffering from.) She waved over one of the other students to help her lift the corpse so she could examine its back and record it. (None of them needed to know she could technically do it on her own with the help of her symbiote.) She thanked the other student once finished and the body was carefully replaced on its back. She resisted the urge to step back, but unconsciously held her breath under the stern unreadable eyes of their professor.

Just for fun let’s see Untrained Knowledge, Arcana: 8 lol, appropriate Untrained Knowledge, Theology/Philosophy: 7 some obvious holes in her schooling

Jennifer stood with the other three students. Short hair pinned back out of her face. A student’s lab coat over a simple shirt and a conservative skirt. She had had to stand firm on that despite her roommate’s insistence that it, in her ‘professional opinion’, it wasn’t cute enough. It was a morgue day, and she didn’t want to chance getting anything she actually cared about soiled. She supposed it was what she got for living with a best friend that was a fashion/business double major. Dr GWB, as she was referred to by others, was a hard professor but had a well deserved reputation in her field and Jennifer was eager to learn what she could every class. Her eyes scanned over the corpse as Dr GWB revealed it. She mentally noted the various scars and tattoos. At first glance she didn’t notice any other body modifications, though the ears were probably pierced. A closer examination would be needed for more details she thought. The hole in the young man’s chest was impossible to miss as the most likely cause of death. When the other students seemed hesitant to step forward Jennifer squared her shoulders and took up Dr GWB’s challenge. Stepping forward Jennifer glanced over the body again as she spoke. “At first glance, cause of death is most likely severe trauma from close range, wide spread ballistics. Swabs from the wound for gunpowder residue and projectiles lodged within the cavity would narrow down possible range and weapon used.” She said clearly, hoping to get the most obvious part out of the way first. “The first step though should be the external examination of the body. Beginning at the head and moving down the body one should make note of any deviations, body modifications, or injuries new or old. Careful attention should be made to areas not normally noticed or normally covered, such as the scalp, insides of joints, between the finger and toes or under the nails.” She answered looking up at Dr GWB. Jennifer held her breath as she tried to gauge her professor’s judgment before daring to continue.

Paper felt the impact through the paper guitar and grinned. Using the momentum of it he shoved back and landed on his feet. He wasn’t as fast as most members of the school’s growing cat-person population, but he was still one of the more agile humans. Or at least he’d happily boast if asked… sometimes even when he wasn’t asked. He could feel the hint of a tremble in his muscles as he swung the guitar in a wide arch, ready to attack again. It wasn’t enough to slow him, but it seemed an unnecessary worry as the carapace of the giant spider cracked and crumbled… into more spiders. “Yesh! See, this is how phobias start.” Leon made a face as the swarm tried to flee. He leaned on the guitar and rolled his shoulder as he watched the old man in red. Leon shook his head. “Be a lot easier if he just squished it.” He muttered letting the guitar collapse into paper that joined the swirling mass of sheets around him. The paper swirled and flowed back into his backpack. At the old man’s words Leon waved dismissively. “Yay, yay. I’d ask for what you owe me, but I don’t need a sack of coal.” He said coldly. Leon wasn’t sure he actually believe this guy was the real deal. He wasn’t sure if that would have made this better or worse if he did. Instead he did want he did best and withdrew. Eria’s keen memory would be able to pickup the change in Leon’s attitude as easily as Luke could after being friends for the last three years. Leon hunched his shoulder a bit and turned to Eria. “We done here E?” He asked before turn back towards the cave that they had walked through.

Razor sharp paper easily sliced through the giant webbing, letting the two out-of-seasonally festive hostages wiggle free. He didn’t need to tell them to run. The duo slipped and slid as they scrambled away towards safety. The ground shook as the giant spider queen stomped to her own beat. Paper managed to keep his footing but a large chunk of icy rock fell on him. A wave of pain smashed through his shoulder, causing him to stagger a moment before recovering his balance. “That’s gonna leave a bruise.” He thought as he turned to face ‘her majesty’. “Working on it!” He yelled back at Eira. He grit his teeth and paper swarmed around him; some gathering to his outstretched hand, the rest gathering under his feet. Paper crouched and a paper pillar exploded upwards under him, carrying him above the spider-queen. A long slender handle began to form in his hand, growing out into a comically large, oversized guitar. “You may have some rhythm, but it time to drop the bass.” Holding it by the neck with both hands he easily swung it over his head, then into a downward swing aimed directly at the giant arachnid.