Failed Semaphore Warning and Pumpkin Attack

Summary

In Session 5 of the campaign, Vasso attempted to warn Sucks and Cat about danger in the pumpkin field using military hand signals that the group had previously used at the wall. The warning completely failed—Sucks and Cat stood squinting at Vasso, debating what the signals meant and discussing proper semaphore technique, while a pumpkin launched by the Pumpkin Catapult Creature hurtled toward them. Sucks used the Shoot First thief move to react first, attempting to slice the incoming pumpkin with either a throwing dagger or his ragged bow, requiring a Defy Danger with Dexterity roll.

Details

After Vasso discovered the danger lurking in the pumpkin field through investigation, they attempted to silently communicate the threat to Sucks and Cat. Vasso executed a series of hand signals: pointing at their eyes, pointing down the field like an air traffic controller, pointing to Sucks and Cat, making a triangle picture gesture, and then doing "the creep" (T-Rex arms from Lonely Island) while backing away slowly.

The silent communication proved unsuccessful. Sucks asked Cat, "what do you think all that meant?" Cat wondered aloud, "Is Vasso doing some sort of semaphores?" As the two stood analyzing the signals, the Pumpkin Catapult Creature struck: one of the pumpkins rose up on a stocky vine wrapped around it and was whipped through the air, sailing toward the oblivious Cat and Sucks.

Vasso broke the silent protocol to scream "pumpkin catapult!" Cat called back with a correction: "You're not supposed to talk when you're doing semaphores." Sucks added his own advice, stating that semaphores should be done "silently in a private location where no one can see or hear you."

As the pumpkin hurtled toward them and the discussion about proper semaphore technique continued, Sucks invoked his Shoot First thief move, which meant he was never surprised and always acted first. He attempted to shoot the incoming pumpkin with either a throwing dagger or his ragged bow, trying to slice it in half before impact. This required a Defy Danger with Dexterity roll.

Meanwhile, Safia watched the trajectory with Goober, positioning herself to harvest pieces if the pumpkin smashed.

Participants

• Vasso — Attempted to warn the party using military hand signals from their time at the wall; eventually broke silence to shout a warning
• Sucks — Failed to interpret the signals; discussed semaphore technique while under attack; used Shoot First to react to the incoming pumpkin
• Cat — Failed to interpret the signals; corrected Vasso about proper semaphore protocol during the attack
• Safia — Observed the attack trajectory and positioned to harvest pumpkin pieces
• Goober — Present with Safia during the observation
• Pumpkin Catapult Creature — Launched the pumpkin attack while the party was distracted

Consequences

• The failed communication initiated combat with the Pumpkin Catapult Creature
• Sucks made a Defy Danger with Dexterity roll to attempt to destroy or deflect the incoming pumpkin
• The party learned that their old military hand signals were no longer an effective means of silent communication
• Safia prepared to scavenge pumpkin pieces from the attack, maintaining her opportunistic approach to resource gathering