Where the Demon Dwells

## Background

The NIL (specifically Blister) contacted Seen and Ophis, informing them that they recently discovered that Vickerson planned to leave his compound. Both Ophis and Seen had a vendetta against Vickerson, and so they were quick to accept the job. They assembled a team of runners through their respective networks, adding Trample and Ulster to the team.

## The Meet

The group briefly met at the NIL hideout. The terms and payment (40,000 Nuyen upon completion) were quickly agreed upon.

## Legwork

Trample performed a divination ritual in an attempt to learn about any unexpected surprises. She had a vision of a magic-user with a long and bloody history, warning the group of increased magical security. The runners attempted to scout the palatial compound Vickerson was taking shelter inside. Seen summoned a low-force air spirit and discovered a mana barrier surrounding the estate. Trample used Matrix Perception and sensor arrays to perceive that the area as well.

Through these efforts, the group noticed that there was a helipad on the top of the estate with a helicopter being fueled for takeoff. Faced with the uncertainty of whether Vickerson would be in the helicopter or travel by automobile, the group elected to cover their bases. They would hack the helicopter en-route and force it down while physically intercepting the vehicle to ensure that Vickerson would not get away.

## Run

Hacking the helicopter proved trivially easy for Trample. They quickly bricked the helicopter through a series of dataspikes and forced the pilot, NMR the mage, and Pralka the cyberzombie to eject to safety. Without a pilot to safely land it, the helicopter crashed on the highway. In the meantime, the Ares Roadmaster crashed into the land vehicle, revealing Vickerson and two of his mercenaries to be onboard as they were forced to bail out.

The hit and run attempt quickly turned into an all-out brawl. Trample attempted to both provide Matrix Support and fire support for the group. Ophis and NMR engaged in a contest of spellcasting as Ophis attempted to dispel NMR's levitation spell faster than he could restore it. Seen engaged Vickerson and his mercenaries with bullets and magic, and Ulster battled the cyberzombie in the bed of Seen's truck. As the fight wore on the opposing forces proved unexpectedly capable, and once Seen lost consciousness after being shot by a mercenary, the group resolved to end the battle as quickly as possible. Ophis managed to restore Seen back to consciousness, just in time to watch Pralka carry Vickerson to cover, right behind a fuel pump at an old gas station. The two of them were set to make another escape. In a moment, Seen's fury and determination to fulfill his vow made upon Bullet's death outweighed his desire to minimize harm. He cast ball lightning on the two of them. Pralka was killed nearly instantly but Vickerson, ever the slippery one, managed to escape at the very last moment. In the chaos of the explosion happening at an unsafe distance and the continued firefight, Seen lost consciousness a second time.

Ulster loaded him into Trample's Roadmaster and began performing first aid in an effort to keep him stable. Ophis stayed behind and went back to the ruins of the gas station in an effort to save as many people as they could, reasoning that they would be one of the few able to evade and escape the notice of HTR. Trample ensured that the group made a quick and stealthy getaway while Ulster restored Seen to consciousness a second time. Upon awakening, Seen remained paranoid and furious. He continually summoned spirits in an attempt to ensure that they would find and kill Vickerson, even as the drain began to kill him. These spirits did in fact find Vickerson, but they struggled to kill him, especially with the target's magical protections. In a desperate effort to ensure Seen's survival, Ulster knocked him unconscious to prevent his drain from reaching potentially lethal levels.

Ophis made their getaway when the time was right but received a call from Blister. The man was furious at the amount of collateral damage, and he told Ophis to not be too surprised should the Naga never hear from Blister or the NIL ever again. Trample, also furious at what came to pass, dropped Seen off at the nearest bolthole. Ulster remained with Seen, feeling duty-bound as a bodyguard to ensure his healthy recovery, though he doubts that he will ever trust this mage again.

## Aftermath

Ophis made their getaway when the time was right but received a call from Blister. The man was furious at the amount of collateral damage, and he told Ophis to not be too surprised should the Naga never hear from Blister or the NIL ever again. Trample, also furious at what came to pass, dropped Seen off at the nearest bolthole. Ulster remained with Seen, feeling duty-bound as a bodyguard to ensure his healthy recovery, though he doubts that he will ever trust this mage again.

Where Vickerson will go and what he plans next remains unknown.

## Rewards

* 2 Karma for Ophis
* No nuyen
* 14 CDP (+4 for anyone who isn't Seen or Ophis)
* -5 karma for Seen and Ulster (due to the high level of collateral damage)
* Trample's Phobia of explosions is now "Severe"
* Ophis gains the Impassive Quality
* Positive Qualities "Guts" and 2 ranks of "Battle Hardened" for everyone
* Seen received the "Witness My Hate" Positive Quality and the "Big Regret" Negative Quality
* Ulster gained the "Natural Athlete" Positive Quality
* Every character gained +2 PA

## Player After-Action Reports

**Ulster:** As the candle that burns too bright, I have melted innocents away. Please, show me the light. I beg for absolution.