Achtung! Cthulhu Season 2 Ep12

The ride to Dunkirk

Bold text: mechanics
Italics text: Out of character explanation
Plain text: Roleplaying

Materials used: Achtung! Cthulhu Core, A!C Vive la Resistance, A!C Secret War Documents, Mythic GME 2e, A!C Operation Ultimatum, My personal WW2 Random Table

In the last session, Diego escaped the crumbling manor and was able to fight of remaining Black Sun Troopers long enough to find refuge in a safe house. He took a frightful injury during his escape, and the resistance cell in the village found a doctor to treat his wound.

Chaos factor 8

Expected Scene: I don’t have any open threads, but I decided that Diego would be met by another resistance Section M agent, who would accompany him to Dunkirk, for the mass evacuation of British forces from the continent.

Test the Scene: 7 Altered Scene
Scene Adjustment 5: Remove an Object

Object tables: Rare + Clothing
Oh no, I think this means I won’t be able to bring my trusty Lee-Enfield with me. Makes sense travelling through occupied France, to not have the obvious weapon of the enemy.

Diego had been in the small village safehouse for how long now? Days? Weeks? Following the night of the thwarted ritual, it all seemed a blur spent in a sick bed. Physical wounds were on the mend, mental wounds…they still pained him greatly. He sat at the small table in the kitchenette sipping greatly diluted coffee. He had shared what little he had in his ration packs, used and reused the grounds until the coffee was almost the color of tea. Disgusting really, but better than nothing he supposed.

A single knock sounded at a door at the rear of the house, and a short Frenchman entered without being invited. Diego stood, hand on his holstered pistol. He had kept a weapon at hand. Constant vigilance was the only solace against his troubled mind. The Frenchmen glanced at him, then said something to the stern woman who owned the house, Ivy. She had taken good care of Diego during his stay here, didn’t say much. But neither did he. They shared in the cooking and cleaning of the house, after his wound began to mend. They did their chores in silence, only speaking when necessary. Diego did not know the nightmares that played in her mind, but his were sufficiently silencing.

They traded words in French, then the man walked over to Diego and plopped a bag onto the kitchen table, nearly knocking over the coffee cup. “Here, we are leaving. Get changed.” The man spoke English with the slight flavor of French accent, but it was perfectly understandable.

“Who are you?” Diego opened the bag and found a variety of French styled outfits. Enough for a few days of changes.

“Leonard Corriveau. Don’t call me Leo,” he said without cracking a smile. Diego did not think the man knew how to smile. It might crack his stone-like visage. “We have to get to Dunkirk and leave with the rest of the BEF, you know of this, yes?”

Diego nodded his head. So, time to go back to England. He didn’t argue or ask any further questions. He made a quick change into the casual clothes, then scooped up his pack and rifle.

“Uh, uh, uh.” Leonard chastised, wagging a long finger. “That rifle will draw attention. You will leave it here.”

Diego looked longingly at the weapon he had since Spain. It had saved his life innumerable times. But it was just an object. Just another mechanism of death that Diego brought with him. He laid it down, a bittersweet duality of deliverance from evil and sacrifice.

“I have a motorbike outside, I suppose you can drive, you are too tall for the sidecar. But take my instruction, understood?” The man brooked no nonsense, but Diego had none to give. Leonard handed over some French papers proving Diego’s citizenship, then motioned for him to follow.

Diego glanced at Ivy as he walked out the door. She gave a small wave, and the barest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. Uninvited, he walked over and gave her a firm hug. She returned it with vigor, neither of them speaking a word. Their shared grief had spoken more than words ever could. After a moment, they separated and he walked out the door without saying goodbye. It would have been too many words.

The motorcycle zipped from the village of Saint Sulac, leaving behind the terrors of near extinction at the hands of unknown forces. Leaving behind a bitter love of an enemy he was forced to kill.

A!C Unexplored Event d20=8 None.

Mythic, is the drive from the village to Dunkirk greater than 1 day? 94 vs 85 No.

“We have a stop we must make before we get to Dunkirk.” Leonard shouted over the roar of the motorcycle engine. They had been driving for several hours, and the coast of the English Channel sparkled in the far distance. Diego pulled over to the side of the dirt road they traversed and killed the engine.

“We are not the only operatives leaving France. We received word this morning, a research team were enroute to the evacuation point when their convoy was attacked by the Luftwaffe. The location should be ahead on the road through those woods.” A thick patch of forested area swallowed the road as it branched to the north, heading away from their destination of Dunkirk to the northeast.

“Professor Guilbert Paschal was gathering artifacts and research to be used against Black Sun. We do not think it was a targeted attack, just unlucky timing. The research in particular is most critical, but any artifacts we can save should be handled as well.”

“Hopefully we can commandeer a truck still in service then, I don’t think we’ll carry much on his bike.”

“Obviously.” The Frenchman shook his head, leaving off the unsaid scoff of Americans.

Despite his dour mood, Diego grinned. He was beginning to like this gruff little man. He turned the bike onto the north fork and they zipped into the tree canopy. Before long, they approached a muddy wasteland that had been a clearing in the surrounding trees. A convoy of three trucks, a jeep, and a British tank were scattered around the clearing, damaged beyond repair. The smell of oil and fuel, mixed with churned earth and burnt cordite filled the air.

GM gets 2 Threat to start this scene from Operation Ultimatum

Diego Reason+Observation to search the wreckage for the Professor
TN 11 Difficulty 1
2d20=2,5. 2 Successes. +1 Momentum (1)

Leonard and Diego began searching the carnage, looking for survivors. Everyone was dead. They found the professor, half hanging from the cab of the overturned truck, his books scattered around his corpse. As they began to gather them, Leonard’s boot kicked something metal sticking out of the ground. He gasped. It was the fin of an unexploded 250kg bomb dropped by the Germans.

Spend 2 Threat by GM

“Don’t move!” Diego hissed.

“What!? That’s exactly what I should do, get out of here!” Leonard began looking around frantically.

“No, if we disturb it further, it might go off. I need to disconnect the firing mechanism.”

“Won’t that make it go off too?!”

“Only if you keep yapping in my ear.” Diego said it absently without heat in his voice. He was already unpacking his demotion kit and using the tools to remove the cap from the unexploded munition.

Coordination + Engineering = 13 Difficulty 2
Demolitions Talent +1d20 free and ignore first complication
Buy 1d20 with demo kit
4d20=2,13,16,17. I have a focus in explosives, so I have 3 successes. +1 Momentum (2)

Sweat began to drip on Diego’s head, though it was a rather cool day. Soon the bomb was disarmed, and he sat back on his heels. Leonard was visibly shaken.

“Are we safe now?” he said in a tremulous voice. It seemed out of place with his hard angled face.

“Safe from this bomb at least.”

They gathered up the books and loaded them into their packs the best they could. There was no sign of the artifacts though. Curious, they began searching the perimeter for any tracks.

Reason + Survival =10 Difficulty 1
2d20=3,11. 1 Success

Something had dragged off a crate from the destroyed convoy, but there were no footprints, tire tracks, or other indications of how the crate had been moved. Very strange.

Buy information for 1 Momentum (1)

After more diligent searching, the did find a footprint along the dragged path. But it was not a booted foot. It was something else, something…inhuman. Diego and Leonard shared a look. Perhaps this had been coordinated by some other force outside just the Luftwaffe happenstance.

As they followed the trail further into the surrounding trees, the path became more clear as the crate broke through the dense underbrush.

The sound of a rifle shot cracked through the air, and both men dropped to the ground. It did not sound like a German weapon.

Does Diego recognize it as a Lee-Enfied? 04 Extreme Yes

“That’s one of ours,” Diego whispered to Leonard. The other man nodded, his chin in the dirt.

“We are not Germans, we are friends.” Leonard called out, both in French and English.

“I don’t believe you!” a woman’s strained voice returned.

“Are you from the convoy? We’re here to help!” Diego chimed in, noting the woman’s British accent.

Will + Persuasion= 10 Difficulty 1
Buy 1d20(0)
3d20=5,20,20. 1 Success, 2 Complications. Dang!

She did not answer, but only moaned in pain. Diego sprang to his feet and ran over to where she lay in a clump of dense ferns. Her leg was severely broken, the bone protruding from the meat of her thigh. The lower half of her pants was soaked from her blood, she likely would not live long. Regardless, he unpacked his meager medical supplies and started cutting away the leg of the pant around the injury. Before he could make more than a single cut, the sound of an engine made him pause.

Leonard had been keeping a watch on the nearby road, and he hastened over to Diego’s side. “German Kubelwagen. Armored car. 1 driver and 2 passengers.”

The woman soldier moaned again. Her flesh was pale and clammy; she was in shock. Diego knew if they moved her, she would be in extreme pain and would likely kill her. He decided to give her his only dose of morphine. Perhaps it would ease her pain until death consumed her. Always death.

He picked up her discarded rifle; there was only one round remaining. He and Leonard moved through the trees behind the armored car as it progressed through the forest. Ahead, the ruins of some ancient structure clawed at the sky with stony fingers. It was beginning to get dark, but a strange blue light emanated from within the stone walls.

The armored car stopped, its headlights pointing in the direction of the ruins.

Image from Wikipedia

The three Germans exited the vehicle and had a low-voiced conversation amongst themselves, the officer gesturing to the ruins emphatically.

Diego Insight + Observation= 8 D1
2d20=5,19. 1 Success

The troops were not wearing standard issue Wehrmacht uniforms, nor those of Black Sun. Peering in the dim light, Diego just could make out the wolf’s paw badges on their clothes. Nachwolfe. They were the offshoots from Black Sun focused on technological advances derived from the occult, as opposed to Black Sun’s magic and rituals. In some ways, they were more dangerous, as their troops could be embedded in traditional armies, the new technologies wreaking great devastation.

“We could use that car to transport the artifacts and the wounded soldier to Dunkirk.” Leonard whispered beside him. Diego silently nodded. The wounded soldier would likely be dead by the time they finished whatever was happening in these ruins.

Whatever it was, it gave the “Night Wolves” pause.

Mythic does Diego or Leonard know anything about Blauer Kristall, “Blue Crystals”, unlikely? 24 Yes.

Leonard pointed discreetly at the blue light emanating from the ruins. “They must be doing something with the Blauer Kristall, or Blue Crystals, as it is translated. Items of great energy, Professor Guilbert supposedly had captured some and was bringing it back for study.”

“So I guess we need to take out these guys and see what’s happening in the ruins.” Diego agreed and reached for one of his grenades.

Leonard put out a hand to stop him. “Wait. These Night Wolves seem hesitant to enter, perhaps they will leave on their own. Let’s sneak around the other side and see if we can catch a glimpse of who is inside the ruins.”

Diego frowned, this seemed like a good way to get overwhelmed by enemies. His mind went back to Victor’s betrayal. As Leonard slipped into the deeper brush, Diego’s hand strayed to his trench knife. A quick cut, and a traitor would be finished. But only if it was done before the betrayal. So much death. In the end, he followed Leonard warily.

Spend 1 fortune point to get auto success on Stealth check. 2 fortune remaining

Coordination + Stealth= 13 Difficulty 3
2d20=1, 18. Whew! That was close. 2 Successes from the nat 1. 3 Successes total. But with a D 3, the complication range is within the 18, so 1 Complication.

Skirting around the edge of the ruins and away from the Germans, Diego and Leonard pressed themselves against the moss-covered stony wall of the keep. Inside, a deep electrical hum, along with an occasional crackle of an arc could be heard. Leonard pulled climbing gear from his pack and silently began to scale the side of the wall. Before he reached the top, they both heard the Kubelwagon drive away.

Leonard assisted Diego as he scaled the wall behind him. His face turned grim as he saw the scene before. Creatures from his nightmares at Cailleanach House buzzed around the ruins, working on strange machinery within. Three monstrous crustacean-like creatures with two pairs of arms, six legs, and bat like wings moved across the crumbling stone from machine to machine. Arcs of blue lightning danced between antennae sprouting from each machine.

Near the portcullis gate of the ruins, the crate of the professor’s artifacts could be seen opened and discarded. From this higher vantage point, there appeared to be something still within. Diego took an unconscious step forward, and the floor beneath began to crumble. He gave a shout as the floor disappeared beneath him and he tumbled to the stony ground below.

3d6 falling damage=2,4,4. 2 Stress. 12/14 Left.

Mythic, did the Mi-Go notice this, nearly certain? 71 Yes

The Mi-Go will finish whatever they are doing in 5 rounds unless the machinery can be shut down or destroyed.

Round 1

The rocks beneath Diego did nothing to soften his fall, and he groaned in pain. Two of the creatures continued their work, but the third flew clumsily toward Diego’s position.

Leonard suffer mental fright for seeing Mi-Go the first time TN=9 D1
2d20=2,9. 1 Success

Leonard attack with pistol (salvo 2/3) TN=13 D1
2d20=18,20. Fail with 1 Complication, gun jammed, 1 round to clear

Diego attack Mi-Go with rifle TN=12 D1
Aim 1d20
3d20=3,8,18. 2 Successes, +1 Momentum (1)
8d6=1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5. 6 -5 armor= 1 Damage. 3/4 Stress.

Mi-Go attack Diego TN=15 D1
2d20=7,11. Success
5d6=2,4,5,6. 4 -2 =2 stress. 10/14. 2 Snared

Leonard shook off the fright that tried to creep over him, aimed his pistol and fired. Only, the gun clicked instead, jamming on a fouled round. He cursed and began trying to clear it. Diego rolled over, scooped up the dropped rifle of the wounded woman, put the flying crab in his sights and fired. The round thudded into he thick chitinous shell of the beast. It shuddered but continued its flight toward him. He attempted to get up and run, but the thing’s pincers closed on his pack as he ran, then another grasped his shoulder, forcing a gasp of pain from Diego.

Round 2

Leonard clear jam

Diego break free from snares TN=14 D 2
2d20=3,15. Fail

Mi-Go attack Diego TN=15 D1
2d20=17,19 Fail

Leonard finally cleared the jam from his pistol but could not get a clear shot at the buzzing creature below him. He decided to climb down instead and help free Diego. Diego used the now empty rifle to bludgeon at the pincers holding him, but to poor effect. The creature continued its hold, but was unable to inflict more damage. The other two Mi-Go continued in their tasks, hurrying to complete them.

“We have to stop whatever it is they are doing!” Leonard called as he descended the ruined wall.

“I’m…trying!” Diego gasped back.

Round 3

Leonard attack Mi-Go salvo 1/3 TN=13 D1
2d20=4,18. 1 Success.
3d6=3,4,4. No damage, but 1 snare removed from Diego

Diego break free TN=14 D1
2d20=14,16. 1 Success

Mi-go attack Diego TN=15 D1
2d20=6,16. 1 Success
5d6=1,1,4,5,5. 4-2=2 stress. 8/14. 2 Snares

Leonard fired another shot at the buzzing crab and it plunked against its hard shell. It distracted it enough to let go with one of its pincers. Diego took advantage of the momentary lapse, and struck the creature holding him in the face with the butt of his rifle. It buzzed in frustration and let him go. Then it barreled into him, its six legs pinning him to the ground, wings flapping to keep it close to the ground with extra force.

“Forget about me, destroy those machines!” Diego growled. Leonard looked from him to the buzzing electricity and nodded.

Round 4

Leonard tries to deactivate closest terminal TN=8 D2
2d20=9,9. Fail

Diego break free TN=14 D2
Buy 1d20 (0)
3d20=9,9,18. 2 Successes!

Mi-go sees Leonard messing with machine attacks him TN=15 D1
2d20=6,7. 2 Successes.
5d6=1,1,4,5,6. 4 damage. 4/8 stress. 2 Snares

Leonard pounded away at the various controls, even going so far to fire his weapon into the strange machinery. But it appeared to have no ill effect. The Mi-Go saw him attempting to interrupt their process, and released Diego. It flew with surprising speed into Leonard, knocking him away from the machine.

The lightning arcing from terminal to terminal was now steady, and Diego knew they were running out of time. He raced over to the machine Leonard had been working on and started setting an explosive.

Round 5 (final round)

Leonard break free TN=11 D 2
2d20=6,16. Fail

Diego set explosives TN=13 D2
3d20=4,5,6. 3 Successes, +1 Momentum (1)

Mi-go attack Leonard Tn=15 D1
2d20=7,10. 2 Successes
5d6=1,3,5,6,6. 4 damage. Disabled

Diego hastily set the explosives on the terminal, then looked over to Leonard, who was still pinned by the rampaging Mi-Go.

“LEONARD!” he shouted. Diego knew the man was too close to the blast zone.

“Do it!” Leonard gasped, and the crab’s pincer closed over his throat, ending his shout with a gurgle.

The lighting stabilized, then began to turn from blue to orange. Diego dove behind some rubble and pressed the button. The explosives roared to life, blasting one of the four terminals to bits, causing the lightning to flicker out. The two other Mi-Go who had been attending to the process hovered motionless for a moment, then flew away into the night.

Blast 10d6=1,2,2,2,3,4,4,4,5,6. 11 -5 armor= 6 damage. Mi-Go killed. Leonard killed as well.

Large chunks of the ruin’s walls crumbled under the detonation pressure. When the dust and rock settled, both the Mi-Go and Leonard were nowhere to be seen. Either blown apart or covered in rubble, Diego did not know which. He mentally ticked a mark in his mind, another person he had killed that should not have been.

He stumbled to his feet, unsteady and ears ringing. The other creatures had flown away into the night, no longer staying now that their experiment was ruined. Diego had no clue what they had been attempting, but he knew it would have been for Earth’s detriment. He walked crazily to the crated artifacts, his inner balance upset by the blast. Inside, he found two weapons that Section M would likely want back.

A strange looking pistol, and an even stranger rifle packed into a case. He gathered both in his arms and made his way back to their…no, his…waiting motorcycle. Dunkirk awaited.

End of Scene

Chaos factor 7

Diego 5 XP > 13 XP

Spend 10 to increase Fighting to 3. 3XP left.

Things are getting increasingly dark for Diego. Rough times ahead