Shadowrun

Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Virtual Underworld 93 => Topic started by: Bull on <09-04-10/2052:02>

Title: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-04-10/2052:02>
Links:
UV93 OOC Discussion Thread (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=78.0)
UV93 OOC Bio Thread (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=79.0)

This thread is only for IC play.  Please read the first post in the UV93 Discussion for the rules before you post here.  Any OOC posts will be deleted by the mods.  Thank you.

Bull
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-04-10/2052:26>
//…Load Shadowland 4.7 Software? (Y/N)
//…Shadowland 4.7 Loading….
//…Newer Version Found.  Download Shadowland 7.2? (Y/N)
//…Update Aborted
//…Loading Custom Scripts
//…Reticulating Splines
//…Shadowland 4.7 Is Now Loaded.  Thank You.

>>>>>[Welcome to the new Shadowland 4.7!  I’m not going to bother giving you all the boring details behind what’s new with this version of the software.  Suffice it to say, it’s got some better security and has some better data compression rates.  Deon’t try fragging with the backend though, chummers, or I’ll kick your hoops back to the stone age.]<<<<<
     -- Captain Chaos (12:33:51/03-12-57)

>>>>>[Oh frag.  I wasn’t expecting to see that when I booted this up.  Damn.  Ghosts from the past.  I never really knew Cap, except by reputation and in passing.  We didn’t hang out or anything.  But still, he was a chummer.  One of the old guard.  I’d take him by my side over any 10 of these kids today that call themselves “hackers”.  Too many of them are gone now.  This biz chews you up and spits you out like day old soy-burgers.
     Well, that was a bit more melancholy than I expected for the grand opening of Virtual Underworld 93.  There’s a lesson there for you, though.  No matter how smart you are, no matter how good you are, no matter how long you’ve been doing this…you can still be surprised.
     Here’s to Cap, and all those who came before.  May we honor their memory, while we try to avoid becoming memories.]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (20:46:22/09/04/72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-04-10/2120:30>
>>>>>[Immortality is achieved by becoming a part of the collective memories of those you leave behind. In that regard, Cap will always be with us.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (20:18:30/09-04-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-04-10/2123:46>
>>>>>[There are times when people wish to remain memories.  Not everyone lost wishes to be found.]<<<<<
     -- Moreau(20:47:25/09-04-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-04-10/2125:18>
>>>>>[Ok.  So you set up a new BBS, using some code that's older than dirt.  I used to play with this code like Legos when I was 10, remember?  You're too damn sentimental, old man.  It's gonna be the death of you someday.  Seriously.  Have any of you actually worked with MacCallister yet?  He carries a goddamn cyebrdeck around still.  Well, to be fair, it's just the 'deck case.  He's got a top of the line Commlink inside the thing, so don't let him fool you.  But still.  Can you imagine having to actually go on a shadowrun lugging something like that around?]<<<<<
     -- Tauren (21:24:44/09-04-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-04-10/2221:20>
>>>>>[Does he go around lookin' for something to jack in to? <har-har>]<<<<<
     -- Bear (21:19:47/09-04-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nomad on <09-04-10/2307:22>
>>>>>[It's so nice to see the respect of the youth today.  A slight word of advice: pay attention.  You just might learn something.]<<<<<
     -- Nomad (23:06:53/09-04-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-05-10/1050:56>
>>>>>[Woah, funky formatting.  This is a bit different than ShadowSEA,
     Anyway, I'm intern down at the Governor's office.  Apparently there's some big push by the meta-rights groups going on.  Anyone know what that's all about?]<<<<<
     -- Legal Eagle (10:50:25/09-05-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-05-10/1855:20>
>>>>>[Tauren, you dropped soemthing while we were getting off that island.  Forgot to give it back to you on the boat ride home.  Drop me a message, I'll get it back to you!  We should do a trip like that again!]<<<<<
     -- Stevesie(12:54:12/09-05-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-05-10/2346:00>
>>>>>[Any idea when MagickNet is going back up? I need to compare some notes on some AmerInd pottery shards I recently found, and my local lodge doesn't have the information I need - and I highly doubt the local universities are going to let a Poor Ork Boy look at their files.]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula(10:54:11/09-05-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wayfinder on <09-06-10/0011:34>
>>>>>[This takes me back to the day. I wish I could find some of the old crew. I could use some of that professionalism these days.]<<<<<
--Wayfinder (23:10:52/09-05-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-06-10/0219:50>
>>>>>[Just came back from a midnight run to the Stuffer Shack and McHugh's. Some damn fool street gang tried to hold the Shack up while I was there. Led to a firefight between them, me and some other 'concerned citizens. I swear it's gonna take me a week to wash the blue goo out of my dreads.
     Ever happen to anyone else?]<<<<<
     -- Bear (01:17:29/09-06-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-06-10/1051:20>
>>>>>[It's funny, Bear.  I've been doing this for over 20 years, and almost every runner has a story about when they were first starting out, and how some drekhead gangers tried to rob a Stuffer Shack, leading to a firefight.]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (10:43:16/09-06-72)

>>>>>[I don't get it.  Why rob the place?  They don't usually carry physical currency these days, do they?]<<<<<
     -- GnuB (10:45:43/09-06-72)

>>>>>[It depends.  They occasionally have some actual Corp Scrip lying around, and even more rarely some UCAS Dollars.  More often than not though, they're just there for the thrill and maybe to snag some Nuke-Em Burgers and some cheap booze.]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (10:45:43/09-06-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-06-10/1302:25>
>>>>>[It might be some sort of right of passage among the gangs too.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (12:01:34/09-06-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-06-10/2344:27>
>>>>>[Whoa, ancient code here. Anyway, got jumped at a stuffer shack last week, barely got out with my tail intact. No idea how many gangers needed to take me, but saw how many they were gonna use.]<<<<<
     -- Tekdrake (23:42:34/09-06-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-07-10/0947:27>
>>>>>[Whoa, ancient code here. Anyway, got jumped at a stuffer shack last week, barely got out with my tail intact. No idea how many gangers needed to take me, but saw how many they were gonna use.]<<<<<
     -- Tekdrake (23:42:34/09-06-72)

>>>>>[Ugh. Gangers are getting worse and worse these days. I hate to sound like an old fogey, but back in my day, kids knew respect - and they didn't have all this ARO crop to ping you with, either! I'm a shaman! Stop harassing me online, you bastards, or I'll make you think you're a frog!]<<<<<
     -- Texas_Tarantula (08:47:22/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-07-10/1004:37>
>>>>>[What's a frog?]<<<<<
     -- Bear (09:03:44/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-07-10/1118:43>
>>>>>[Get out of the basement Bear, there's a word outside you can live in as well.  There is plenty of stuff there... includin natural light!]<<<<<
     -- Moreau (09:13:22/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-07-10/1122:38>
>>>>>[Sez the man without a allergy to sunlight. There's a reason I work the shadows, omae.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (10:21:28/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-07-10/1150:11>
>>>>>[Ugh. Gangers are getting worse and worse these days. I hate to sound like an old fogey, but back in my day, kids knew respect - and they didn't have all this ARO crop to ping you with, either! I'm a shaman! Stop harassing me online, you bastards, or I'll make you think you're a frog!]<<<<<
     -- Texas_Tarantula (08:47:22/09-07-72)

>>>>>[Why make 'em think they were a frog, and just turn 'em into one instead?]<<<<<
     -- Tekdrake (11:48:54/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <09-07-10/1721:49>
>>>//error//>>{uploads 25¥ each online user}>>> [Drek stupid scrag code, damn you if you think fat troll fingers don't cost money...well with that at least someone is going to get a drink out of my hide! On that thought know any Troll friendly pubs? Just in off the old ferry and by god it was a long scraggen trip over the pond, around the channel and up the coast.]<<<<<
     -- Frankie the Fomori (12:58:31/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-07-10/1818:03>
>>>>>[Stop by the Big Rhino, Frankie and I'll buy ya a yard o' beer and some great ribs!]<<<<<
     -- Bear (17:14:07/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-07-10/2137:53>

>>>>>[Why make 'em think they were a frog, and just turn 'em into one instead?]<<<<<
     -- Tekdrake (11:48:54/09-07-72)

>>>>>[It's almost impossible to force a person into another shape against their will - the soul rejects the form and remembers what it is, and strives to maintain that original identity, resisting any weaving the shaman lays over the unwilling subject. If someone is willing to undergo the process, that's different, but as far as I know there isn't an actual offensive shapechanging spell. Besides, it's more fun watching gangers leap around and make ribbiting noises.]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula (08:41:12/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-07-10/2141:35>
>>>>>[I still say that was a lousy practical joke, TT. And I still owe ya for it.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (20:40:06/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-07-10/2144:38>
>>>>>[I still say that was a lousy practical joke, TT. And I still owe ya for it.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (20:40:06/09-07-72)

>>>>>[Hey, if you nanospray "LONE STAR SUX [sic]" onto my jackrabbit, you'd better be prepared to eat humble pie. I had to get the whole thing painted green because of you.]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula (08:53:11/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-07-10/2203:42>
>>>>>[Looks better bein' green.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (21:02:53/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-07-10/2225:15>

>>>>>[It's almost impossible to force a person into another shape against their will - the soul rejects the form and remembers what it is, and strives to maintain that original identity, resisting any weaving the shaman lays over the unwilling subject. If someone is willing to undergo the process, that's different, but as far as I know there isn't an actual offensive shapechanging spell. Besides, it's more fun watching gangers leap around and make ribbiting noises.]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula (08:41:12/09-07-72)


>>>>>[Thanks for the quick lesson. Not much for slinging mojo aside from spitting some nasty sparks; maybe I should start studying up...]<<<<<
     -- Tekdrake (22:24:18/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <09-07-10/2234:24>
>>>>>[Bear I am there chap, you will find me wereing this  http://www.airmagination.com/shirt-mobster-pooh.html (http://www.airmagination.com/shirt-mobster-pooh.html) ]<<<<<
     -- Frankie the Fomori (23:32:17/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wayfinder on <09-07-10/2317:08>
>>>>>[I once saw a Stuffer Shack that had contracted with a small time security corp. The sec guys had some serious bang installed. Should have seen the looks on those ganger's faces when miniguns dropped from the ceiling. Priceless .]<<<<<
  --Wayfinder(22:14:31/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-08-10/0044:58>
>>>>>[For what it's worth, gangers try to rob Stuffer Shacks in Houston, too. Fraggers nearly killed me doing it, too, about twelve years ago or thereabouts. Or maybe they did and I just got better; the whole thing is kind of...fuzzy to me. I was only there for a six-pack, too.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (23:44:34/09-07-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-08-10/0111:03>
>>>>>[Interesting. The same thing happened to me when I first started running the shadows in '51.
      I just did some searching on the Matrix and found references to this all over the world in most major cities. The really strange thing is that every report of the incidents also manages to mention 'NovaNuke Swedish Meatballs' somewhere in the story.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (00:05:25/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Turtletron on <09-08-10/0250:47>
>>>>>[You chummers make me remember that back in my Lone Star days, we were often called to deal with this kind of "Stuffer Shacks robbery", things would get pretty wild sometimes, one of my partners became traumatised because of that, he had to take forced vacations... which never ended. Good thing, dude was a wuss anyway, wondered why he became a cop in the first place.]<<<<<
     -- Turtletron (02:50:45/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-08-10/1009:36>
>>>>>[How can you get traumatized dealing with Stuffer Shack robberies? What, did a nuke-em burrito explode in his face? Did the Ooozy Freeez machine refuse to stand up to questioning? Honestly.]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula (09:09:21/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-08-10/1045:42>
>>>>>[I think I heard o' that guy. Ain't he the one where the gang's wizzer reanimated the soy chik'ns and had them crawl all over him and beat 'im up?]<<<<<
     -- Bear (09:42:48/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-08-10/1058:58>
>>>>>[I think I heard o' that guy. Ain't he the one where the gang's wizzer reanimated the soy chik'ns and had them crawl all over him and beat 'im up?]<<<<<
     -- Bear (09:42:48/09-08-72)

>>>>>[I... I don't think that's possible, Bear. Raising the dead is next to impossible. Raising a dead, fried chicken substitute made entirely out of vegetable matter? The Spirits laugh. If that's what happened, the mage probably used an illusion or poltergeist spell. Heh. Poultrygeist.]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula (010:01:18/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-08-10/1103:47>
>>>>>[Whaddabout dem Voodoo guys down south? And dem Shemdin spirits we've heard about? They reanimate deaders...]<<<<<
     -- Bear (10:01:06/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-08-10/1139:15>
>>>>>[... In a way, yes. We'll leave it at that. But I don't think any power on earth or in the Spirit Realm can reanimate a hunk of processed soy-based nutrigrain psuedomeat.]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula (10:39:12/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-08-10/1306:34>
>>>>>[Youse sayin' the soy-chik'n ain't meat??]<<<<<
     -- Bear (12:05:39/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-08-10/1311:20>
>>>>>[If it's meat, then I'm an elven simsense star.]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula (12:11:43/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Turtletron on <09-08-10/1319:34>
>>>>>[I dunno if it was an illusion, though it might explain while he ran away from the restaurant yelling "Get it off of meeeeee!". Awwww, those were good times.]<<<<<
     -- Turtletron (12:16:29/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-08-10/1417:59>
>>>>>[I do what I can to help, omae.]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula (13:17:11/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-08-10/1542:12>
>>>>>[I can't see a Shedim trying to possess a Soy-Chicken, but in theory a Loa could do it.  Probably wouldn't be happy about it though.  You could also do it with a bit of electronics gear and a Bust-A-Move toy drone.]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (15:41:08/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Doc Chaos on <09-08-10/1600:19>
>>>>>[What, dead-raising-ghosts possessing drones now? That is a... scary thought. Can any of you folks with more arcane knowledge comment on this?]<<<<<
     -- Gent (15:59:01/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-08-10/1610:27>
>>>>>[Hah!  No, I didn't mean possessing drones.  I meant that you could probably "fake" a possession with a Soy-Chicken by putting some drone parts inside one.  I mat have to try that out.  That would freak Johnny 99 right the frag out after one of his all night benders...]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (16:10:28/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wayfinder on <09-08-10/1927:18>
>>>>>[ I can think of 3 different ways to make a soy chicken attack off the top of my head. First a Phantasm easy and doesn't incur much drain, but it would really only work on the weak minded. Second Control Thoughts and make the guy think he's being attacked, but that is taking a risk with a very heavily controlled spell. Third (and my favorite) Magic Fingers low drain, legal, and you can target multiple people.]<<<<<
     -- Wayfinder (18:25:28/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Turtletron on <09-08-10/2201:20>
>>>>>[All this talk about walking food made me hungry, I'm going to get myself one of those giant burger they serve at Big Rhino's. Just hope not to see any of you mages and shamans mess with my food. Peace.]<<<<<
     -- Turtletron (21:52:51/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-08-10/2214:27>
>>>>>[I'll see ya there. Meetin' up with Frankie.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (21:13:09/09-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Doc Chaos on <09-09-10/0046:44>
>>>>>[Hah!  No, I didn't mean possessing drones.  I meant that you could probably "fake" a possession with a Soy-Chicken by putting some drone parts inside one.  I mat have to try that out.  That would freak Johnny 99 right the frag out after one of his all night benders...]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (16:10:28/09-08-72)

>>>>>[Phew. Was kind of worried there for a second. I guess I should brush up on my stuff ghost thingies can do. But speaking of food, does anybody know if that restaurant down at the waterfront is still open? I can't for the love of god remember the name, but it served the best lobster the soyfood industry could fake. Burned down in '53, but they rebuilt it. Anybody...?]<<<<<
     -- Gent (00:43:56/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Turtletron on <09-09-10/0223:33>
>>>>>[Hah!  No, I didn't mean possessing drones.  I meant that you could probably "fake" a possession with a Soy-Chicken by putting some drone parts inside one.  I mat have to try that out.  That would freak Johnny 99 right the frag out after one of his all night benders...]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (16:10:28/09-08-72)

>>>>>[Phew. Was kind of worried there for a second. I guess I should brush up on my stuff ghost thingies can do. But speaking of food, does anybody know if that restaurant down at the waterfront is still open? I can't for the love of god remember the name, but it served the best lobster the soyfood industry could fake. Burned down in '53, but they rebuilt it. Anybody...?]<<<<<
     -- Gent (00:43:56/09-09-72)

>>>>>[*Burp* Just came back from Big Rhino's. I think you're talking about Freddie's Salmon Eatery, great food but the best thing is that somewhere in the restaurant there's an underground clinic, Fast Freddie's Surgery it's called. So Freddie is not only a good cook, but also a good street doc if the rumors are true, never had the "chance" to confirm them though.]<<<<<
     -- Turtletron (01:22:17/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Doc Chaos on <09-09-10/0242:24>
>>>>>[Somehow that makes some of the cooking methods there make more sense and the place much less attractive at the same time...]<<<<<
     -- Gent (0242:36/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-09-10/0904:55>
>>>>>[Never get into a drinking contest with a Formori. My head's goin' to be hurtin' for weeks...
     Glad to see you made it out of there safe Turtle!]<<<<<
     -- Bear (08:02:26/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Turtletron on <09-09-10/0940:15>
>>>>>[Yeah, it was nice evening, and I was careful not to be followed by any Shedim-possessed BBQ ribs on my way back.]<<<<<
     -- Turtletron (08:39:52/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-09-10/0945:02>
>>>>>[Those baby-backs will get you every time.... Oh, and Bear...duh. {g}]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (08:44:32/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <09-09-10/2007:55>
>>>//error//>>{uploads schematics to his custom Warhawk}>>> [Damn drechin Tech! Bear (or anyone from last night)......um do you know how I got on top of that building, and better yet who i was with....they have my pants, and more importantly my other commlink? I will say though, it was worth it for the view i got when she was leaving!!!!!!!!]<<<<<
     --  Frankie the Fomori (10:07:07/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-09-10/2034:24>
>>>>> [I just remember some cute ork babe was ticklin' your horns...]<<<<<
     --  Bear (19:32:15/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <09-09-10/2038:49>
>>>>> [I tell you, Seattle public transportation is a bit testy when you try to board one of their buses with no pants on....It was a long walk back to Riverton when your swinging in the breeze!]<<<<<
     --  Frankie the Fomori(19:56:46/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-09-10/2045:27>
>>>>> [I thought all you irish-boyos carried an extra skirt wid ya, just in case... ;)]<<<<<
     --  Bear (19:44:17/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <09-09-10/2114:20>
>>>>> [It's a kilt, KKK---IIII----LLL---TTTT, lad why you asking for my second one, didn't you barrow it to dress old Guardian up and take her home and have your merry way with her errrr it!]<<<<<
     --  Frankie the Fomori(20:13:26/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-09-10/2303:33>
>>>>>[Oh, ghost!! There was an image that I could have done without....]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (22:03:51/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-10-10/0013:04>
>>>>>[I thought the Scottish and Irish stopped wearing kilts back after the turn of the century, when geeks and fanboys started wearing them as an affectation, ruining it for the real thing?]<<<<<
     -- Chaos (22:12:39/09-09-72)

>>>>>[Holy drek!  Chaos?  I thought you were dead, you ol' psycho wizworm!  Ghost, Bu...  Err, I mean MacCallister is really pulling out some of the old faces isn't he?  I'm kinda surprised any of us are still alive.  Especially those of us who ran with you.  What you been up to?]<<<<<
     -- Mac (22:32:09/09-09-72)

>>>>>[It was a close call, sometimes, Mac.  There was a long time where I didn't want to live.  After Beth...]<<<<<
     -- Chaos (22:40:22/09-09-72)

>>>>>[Yeah, I remember.  That was ugly.  You ever find that guy?  What was his name?  Spellbinder?]<<<<<
     -- Mac (22:43:38/09-09-72)

>>>>>[Spellfire, he called himself.  Adam Manholm, a cowardly little worm who always blamed his failures on others, even when his mistakes cost people their lives.  Yes, some friends and I finally caught him back in '61.  Maybe '62.  It was...unpleasant.  He did not die well, nor did he die quickly.]<<<<<
     -- Chaos (22:46:15/09-09-72)

>>>>>[Good.  I'm glad to hear that.  You can't let it eat you up though.  As I recall, you let things affect you far too much emotionally, and that always left you a bit unstable.  You were a good man, and could be a good asset to a team, but sometimes...  Well, I hated it when I couldn't afford to bring you along for a job. ]<<<<<
     -- Mac (22:52:27/09-09-72)

>>>>>[It's ok, Mac.  I wasn't always the easiest teammate to deal with, on my best day.  On my worst, well, you remember when they had to remodel Dante's.]<<<<<
     -- Chaos (22:55:21/09-09-72)

>>>>>[Good Ghost, do I ever.  You trashed four full levels of hell and it took weeks for my eyebrows to grow back.  You're lucky I didn't shoot you for that mess.]<<<<<
     -- Mac (22:59:19/09-09-72)

>>>>>[That was not one of my finer moments, no.  Though in my defense, the Johnson did have it coming.  Just because the prototype we stole didn't work, that's no reason to stuff us on payment.  Still, as I said, I've found some semblance of balance in my life now.  Thanks to Cindy.]<<<<<
     -- Chaos (23:08:33/09-09-72)

>>>>>[Wait, Cindy?  Wasn't she your...]<<<<<
     -- Mac (23:14:09/09-09-72)

>>>>>[Yeah.  Funny how things worked.  I unconsciously created her in Beth's image.  Eventually, she became far more than I could have imagined.  Once I set her free, she chose to stay.]<<<<<
     -- Chaos (23:19:41/09-09-72)

>>>>>[You're still messed up man.  That's not natural.]<<<<<
     -- Mac (23:22:32/09-09-72)

>>>>>[It is what it is.  She's her own person now, and we're happy.  Enough about that, though.  How are the old crew?  I've lost touch with most everyone since we moved to Amazonia.]<<<<<
     -- Chaos (23:27:35/09-09-72)

>>>>>[Kam's gone.  He bit it on a run against Saeder-Krupp in '60.  Mysty is as well.  Stupid thing, really.  Drive-by in '62, after she'd semi-retired.  She was working as a talismonger in Denver, and was on the wrong street corner during a gang hit.  If you've been down in the rainforest, you may not have heard about Blitz and Krieg.  They got picked up in '63 by a record label, so they took their music full time.  Had a big hit record, and have released a couple lesser ones since then.  They still do the tour thing on occasion, though you know how the music scene is.  Less than 10 years, and they're already Golden Oldies.  And John, well, he's John.  He's nearly impossible to kill.  He got tired of being hunted though, and he moved to a monastery somewhere in Europe.  Hiding on holy ground.  Refused to give me his location or address, but a get a Christmas card from him every year.]<<<<<
     -- Mac (23:37:01/09-09-72)

>>>>>[That's a shame about your brother.  I know you didn't get along well, but still.  Family is family.  And I know you and Mysty had a thing going for a while.  I had heard about Blitzkrieg though.  Amazonia is plenty civilized, you know.  Good for them.  Glad to know some of the crew made it.  Surprised that many of us survived, really.  The shadows are a harsh place.]<<<<<
     -- Chaos (23:43:39/09-09-72)

>>>>>[*raises a glass*  To the fallen, may they rest in piece.]<<<<<
     -- Mac (23:48:22/09-09-72)

>>>>>[Ok, seriously?  I not only have to endure this ancient, ugly ass code, but we get old geezer's telling sob stories about shit that happened when I was 10?  Someone fucking put them out of their misery already!]<<<<<
     -- Thugboy  (00:12:21/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-10-10/0025:45>
>>>>>[Boy, didn't anyone ever teach you to respect your elders? You may learn something that will keep you alive...]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (23:21:24/09-09-72)

[OOC: You have no idea how much I wanted to write that as FastJack... ;)]
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-10-10/0030:18>
>>>>>[Thugboy...you're easier to trace than you think. Especially if I can do it. That's not one of the nicer neighborhoods in Seattle you're sliced into right now. Would be a shame if something were to fall on you.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder  (23:25:21/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <09-10-10/0034:36>
>>>>>[Jokes aside chummers, does someone have the low down on Fed Boeing Auburn Facility? Out of the kindness of our hearts Some lad's and lass's are looking like it could be a nice place to collect for a charity event coming up, and any additional info would help our cause out!]<<<<<
     -- Frankie the Fomori  (00:32:56/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-10-10/0041:56>
>>>>>[You mean da one wit the museum over on Enumclaw? I heard sec's tighter than da Chromed Accountant's wallet. I wouldn't touch it without a merc team or a hunnerd gangers]<<<<<
     -- Bear (23:36:01/09-09-10)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-10-10/0043:18>
>>>>>[You got me quaking here, Thunder.  Really.  Must be another old fart crying about dead friends.  I only need three friends.  Colt, Ares, and my Credstick.]<<<<<
     -- Thugboy (00:42:18/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-10-10/0049:01>
>>>>>[Hey Frankie, try the sewers.  They smell like drek, literally, but me and SteveZ were in and out of that place about a month ago for a recon job.  They have no astral security underground and only a handful of security alarms and the like down there.  Of course, you do have to worry about the residual odor once you're inside.  SteveZ got a little too close to one of the guards and he got a wiff.  Fortunately, he just thought his partner farted.  We managed to get out while they were arguing.
     And Thugboy, watch it man.  The old fogeys around here will leave you little more than a grease stain.  It's nota  fluke they're still alive where so many others aren't.]<<<<<
     -- Tauren (00:48:19/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-10-10/0057:00>
>>>>>[An old-timer at 28? Boy, Tauren, you know how to treat a girl....
     And because I'm a little drunk and in a pissy mood...I've got 15K up front and an address if someone would like to go teach Thugboy some manners for me. Send me a private message for the details.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder  (23:52:12/09-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-10-10/0100:04>
>>>>>[Since I'm not anywhere near Seattle these days, I'll have to leave Thugboy to one of you guys, if Thunder wants to give up his location.  I expect he's gonna have a short life expectancy from here out though.  Lets see how well Colt and Ares can protect him from some pissed off retired runners with some resources behind them.  And if we need to take up a collection, I'll kick in a couple grand.  Provided they upload some video here after the fact.]<<<<<
     -- Mac (00:59:12/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-10-10/0103:01>
>>>>>[Thanks, Mac. I'd do it myself if I wasn't 3,000 km away.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder  (00:02:21/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-10-10/0105:11>
>>>>>[Sorry Thunder, didn't mean to disparage you.  Hard to tell here on the Matrix, ya know?  But I know MacCallister, Mac, and Chaos.  And they are some seriously old fogeys. *grin*  Considering I think all three of them started running before I was born.]<<<<<
     -- Tauren (01:04:15/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <09-10-10/0107:52>
>>>>>[Thunder my lady, I will take it for 1¥, consider me on the job just upload the details. Tauren thanks for the solid bite of info, will give you a % of the take if it turns out the way we go in. Bear my friend, they brought me a long way for this job there be no walking out now! K chummers, I am dropping of the Grid for a solid bit of time, Thunder I will pay our friend a visit before i go silent see you all on the flip side]<<<<<
-- Frankie the Fomori  (01:14:35/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-10-10/0111:21>
>>>>>[Not a problem, Tauren. These things happen. I know all about working with people who were kicking ass and taking names since before I was born, too.
     And I really do just want to teach the little snot some manners. Make a stain out of him, and he won't have a chance to learn. That said, the bounty's still good, and I'm informed that there can be some danger money in there, too, in case he get's lucky.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder  (00:04:54/09-10-72)

>>>>>[Nice knowing you, Thugboy. She's not a good one to piss off when she's had a couple beers too many....]<<<<<
     -- Aries  (00:09:21/09-10-72)

>>>>>[Speaking of old farts...hi, boss!]<<<<<
     -- Thunder  (00:11:21/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Critias on <09-10-10/0113:26>
>>>>>[Fomori, I'll race ya to this motherfucker's slum, bro.  Thunder did me and some buddies a solid last time I was makin' a shipment to Austin, and the least I can do is hand-deliver a friendly beating to a punk that don't respect his elders. 

I got buddies named Colt, Ares, and Browning, and he and his credstick are about to get friendlier than Thugboy ever wanted.]<<<<<
     -- Outrider (01:16:11/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-10-10/0121:37>
>>>>>[I drew the line at Wetwork, in my day.  But if I didn't, well...  Mr. Panther tends to trump Mr. Colt and Mr. Ares.  And Tauren, behave.  You don't want me having a word with your mother.]<<<<<
     - MacCallister (01:20:55/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Critias on <09-10-10/0130:00>
>>>>>[Panther?  Shit.  Save the big bang-bangs for the ones who'll deserve 'em.  I got twenty noo says I won't even need a piece to tune this punk up.]<<<<<
     -- Outrider (01:25:12/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <09-10-10/0133:37>
>>>>>[I read you lady boss, will rope it down to my Knight and some stick n shock! I will Also take a Foot or a hand, your choice? Outrider company is always appreciated, see you there chummer!]<<<<<
     -- Frankie the Fomori (01:28:46/09-10-72)

OOC: Started our run into Boeing, here is hoping for a good die night :)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Inverse on <09-10-10/0355:18>
>>>>>[Hah! Looks like the fun started without me. I'd take that offer to brain melt the punk if everyone and his sister weren't already after him. Guess I'll have to save the new formula for later. Such a shame, everybody loves kittens, I think...]<<<<<
     -- Inverse (16:55:17/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Saint on <09-10-10/0533:08>
>>>>>[You mean da one wit the museum over on Enumclaw? I heard sec's tighter than da Chromed Accountant's wallet. I wouldn't touch it without a merc team or a hunnerd gangers]<<<<<
     -- Bear (23:36:01/09-09-10)

>>>>>[Oddly the museum has better fragging security than the actual main facility. Me and my crew were approached by some Kraut Johnson about stealing a black box from some Eurowar era fighter, why someone would want a piece of junk like that's flight recorder... anyway, we were gonna take it, but we got offered a better paying job, good thing too, one of my associates and his team got greased when they tried to get in. ]<<<<<
     -- D'velkyn (03:32:53/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-10-10/1116:51>
>>>>>[There's a difference between "teach him some manners" and "amputate limbs." Keep that in mind; I don't want this to turn into wetwork. Teach him some manners, leave him more-or-less intact. Go for the good wound, not the kill shot. Do I need to spell it out more clearly? I'll do that if I have to.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (10:15:17/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Frankie the Fomori on <09-10-10/1206:03>
>>>>>[Ha, sorry boss lady, but word to the wise....when throwing money around you may want to dig a little before you hire someone, i take trophies. No harm no foul though, I will mail it back to him....you may want to route the 14,999¥over to him though for a simple operation. Crashing folks, i got more holes in me then Swiss cheese, those Boeing brats are quite good. We went in with 12, and three of us made it out.....If you could raise a pint in their honor tonight i sure would like it. On the up side I got three hearts to add to my collection...and Tauren one set of our crew did use the tunnel, most of the pay went into Activesofts before we went in, but I got 10% of my final share here when you ready! If 750¥ is to light then send me a wire.]<<<<<
     -- Frankie the Fomori(11:04:39/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-10-10/1327:35>
>>>>>[I'll give you that one, just because last night I was probably a lost cause. But I'll give you a word to the wise right back: Find out what Johnson wants you to do before you go off half-cocked. That way you don't wind up on her shit list.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (12:27:31/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Critias on <09-10-10/1503:40>
>>>>>[Moot point, in this instance.  He's taken care of, and didn't lose any pieces.  Thugboy got treated like Thugbitch, just enough to teach him that mean, old, Shadowrunners have friends, and that it doesn't pay to call Thunder a mean, old, Shadowrunner.  He's got a few bruises to show for it, but since he didn't get a shot off, I didn't break any bones.  All that got busted up was his Miracle Shooter simrig.  And his pride, natch.]<<<<<
     -- Outrider (12:32:17/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-10-10/1530:13>
>>>>>[Thanks, Outrider. You've got mail; try not to spend it all in one place.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (14:29:14/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-10-10/1606:12>
>>>>>[Miracle Shooter, eh?  I guess I have a new hunting target then.  See if I can't tank Thugbitch's rankings into the toilet.  And dammit, SteveZ!  What have I told you about sniping me when we're getting ready for a meet with a Johnson?]<<<<<
     -- Tauren (16:05:22/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Saint on <09-10-10/1632:20>
>>>>>[Good to see the little Drekhead got taught a lesson. The Shadows taught me early on that our elders are mentors, not something to be laughed at. I am pretty sure any one of the old guard here could put little Thuggie done for a dirt-nap.]<<<<<
     -- D'velkyn (16:32:52/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <09-10-10/2035:15>
>>>>>[Upon my word.  Is best to have respect for your own self before anything else.  Why go on and work a self up over a thing said.  How you think them blouse and skirt fuckery look upon you?  Ease up, yeah?]<<<<<
   -- Shaper (17:33:24/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Saint on <09-10-10/2124:53>
>>>>>[My Crew just got tapped for a job In the Area of South Rainier, in the NeoNet Enclave, anyone got any Intel they would be willing to share?  ]<<<<<
     -- D'velkyn (18:24:52/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-10-10/2233:17>
>>>>>[The last news I received from my contacts was that the current rotation of troops down there were getting ready to rotate out. A few of them seem to have contracted 'short-timers' disease; they're a little lax in their watchfulness, but be careful if you set any alarms off. They are all itching for a fight.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (21:23:50/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-10-10/2246:08>
>>>>>[You guys been busy.  Had to lie low a few days, couldn't get to my usual hot-spots.  Some mage or something been in the area, aura just about made me spew.  Any idea why he'd be on the east shore of Lake Michigan near some no-name sprawl?]<<<<<
--TekDrake (22:45:58/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Critias on <09-10-10/2252:06>
>>>>>['Cause he didn't want to swim to the west side of Lake Michiganl?]<<<<<
--Outrider (22:52:11/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-10-10/2256:09>
>>>>>[Har-har-har! I ain't never been to Lake Michigan and even I know nothin' livin' can swim that muck!]<<<<<
     -- Bear (21:52:55/09-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Inverse on <09-11-10/0339:16>
>>>>>[That mage didn't happen -- Let's just stick to basics before I start getting paranoid. You're sure it was a he, right?]<<<<<
--Inverse (17:39:10/09-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Saint on <09-11-10/0406:04>
>>>>>[Har-har-har! I ain't never been to Lake Michigan and even I know nothin' livin' can swim that muck!]<<<<<
     -- Bear (21:52:55/09-10-72)

>>>>>[Tell that to to three hundred pound Catfish that are thriving on the shit on the bottom of that lake... I bet one of those things could take someone arm off at the shoulder. I am more cautious of what is living in the toxic lake than the so called water in it Chummer.]<<<<<
     -- D'Velkyn (02:06:55/09-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <09-11-10/0455:27>
>>>>>[Righted, rude boy.  Them top fi dirty, whole heap dirty underneath.  True fi water.  True fi most everything.]<<<<<
     --Shaper (03:55:21/9-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-11-10/1211:56>
>>>>>[That mage didn't happen -- Let's just stick to basics before I start getting paranoid. You're sure it was a he, right?]<<<<<
--Inverse (17:39:10/09-11-72)

>>>>>[Pretty sure it was a he. Asked around about what I saw, every time I got close to hinting what the aura looked like, anyone Awakened and with any experience suddenly got real busy, no time to talk, see you later.]<<<<<
--Tekdrake (12:10:34/09-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-11-10/1350:47>
>>>>>[The Great Lakes may be polluted, but that doesn't mean that drek don't live in them.  hen I was operating out of Cleveland, I heard rumors about a lake monster kinda like Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.  She was called the Erie Dearie, Bessie, and a few other names.  It had been a rumor for centuries, so I didn't pay any attention to it.  But, I ended up running a couple smuggling ops through the lake.  While I didn't see anything myself, our sonar picked up something big moving under us at one point.  At first we thought maybe it was a submarine, but submarines simply don't move like that.  Polluted, maybe, but there are still things that live in them.]<<<<<
     - MacCallister (13:50:10/09-11-10)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-11-10/1501:56>
>>>>>[Might be kind of quiet from out Texas way today. We honor a fallen friend today here in Houston; Keith went down four years ago today. defending a bunch of people he didn't know from a threat few of them knew was in their midst. He was a friend, a fellow warrior, and a good man.
     Rest in peace, amigo. You've earned it.]<<<<<
     -- Aries (14:01:26/09-11-10)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Saint on <09-11-10/2104:17>
>>>>>[Might be kind of quiet from out Texas way today. We honor a fallen friend today here in Houston; Keith went down four years ago today. defending a bunch of people he didn't know from a threat few of them knew was in their midst. He was a friend, a fellow warrior, and a good man.
     Rest in peace, amigo. You've earned it.]<<<<<
     -- Aries (14:01:26/09-11-10)

>>>>>[I will buy myself a real beer and have a drink in your friends name tonight. It is important to remember those few good people who have fallen.]<<<<<
     -- D'velkyn (19:04:46/09-11-10)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-11-10/2122:05>
>>>>>[A toast will be raised in his honor.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (20:19:42/09-11-72)

>>>>>[Same here, one of rounds will be in his name at the Big Rhino tonight!]<<<<<
     -- Bear (20:21:30/09-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Turtletron on <09-11-10/2156:14>
>>>>>[I've got an old bottle of whiskey a friend gave me, i'll drink a glass of that bottle in your friend's honor.]<<<<<
     -- Turtletron (21:53:42/09-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-11-10/2357:05>
>>>>>[My condolences, Aries.  I've lost more than a few friends over the years myself, so I know how it feels.  *raises glass*]<<<<<
     -- Mac (23:53:38/09-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wayfinder on <09-12-10/0029:14>
>>>>>[Don't usually drink, but for a fallen hero of the shadows, I'll raise a glass of the finest scotch. ]<<<<<
     -- Wayfinder (22:28:28/09-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-12-10/0035:32>
>>>>>[Thanks, guys. You'd think that after four years, it wouldn't hurt so much.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (23:34:38/09-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Critias on <09-12-10/0058:55>
>>>>>[Any excuse for a drink.]<<<<<
     -- Outrider (23:34:59/09-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-12-10/0135:16>
>>>>>[I hate to say it Thunder, but if it was someone you cared about, or responsible for, or both...  That pain never goes away.  It'll be 20 years next May, and it still tears me up whenever I think about it.  I lost my whole team, including a girl who could have been something very special, all because I screwed up.  I didn't think the plan through and overlooked something stupid.  A goddamn laser tripwire that wasn't tied to the Matrix.  It was on the blueprints, and I missed it.  It triggered a silent alarm, and before we knew it, we had a platoon of Knight Errent's boys on our backs inside the facility, and half of Lone Star waiting for us just off corp grounds.
     Goddamn it.  I need a drink.  A lot of them.]<<<<<
     -- Mac (01:34:48/09-12-71)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <09-12-10/0850:52>
>>>>>[Thing about pain, it never truly goes away, no matter what you do. Sure, sometimes you can dull it, suppress it, but it will always be there in some way shape or form, ready to rear it's head. Nearly burnt me up. For years, it was all I had. It kept me going, pushed me to keep going, take insane risks, risk myself in ways no sane person should because I simply could not let anyone else do it. My pain made me angry, angry at everything and nothing at the same time. The pain is still there, the anger and fury still there. But now I've got a purpose and learned to channel it, use it for some small amount of good; for as long as I still can breathe. Pain without purpose is nothing, anger without direction is blinding, both never serve the memory of the fallen. Hmmm, I wonder when I got so philosophic?]<<<<<
        --Bravo Six (08:47:33/09-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <09-12-10/0900:20>
>>>>>[The Great Lakes may be polluted, but that doesn't mean that drek don't live in them.  hen I was operating out of Cleveland, I heard rumors about a lake monster kinda like Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.  She was called the Erie Dearie, Bessie, and a few other names.  It had been a rumor for centuries, so I didn't pay any attention to it.  But, I ended up running a couple smuggling ops through the lake.  While I didn't see anything myself, our sonar picked up something big moving under us at one point.  At first we thought maybe it was a submarine, but submarines simply don't move like that.  Polluted, maybe, but there are still things that live in them.]<<<<<
     - MacCallister (13:50:10/09-11-10)


<<<<<[Definately something there, a contact of mine who operates out of Put-In-Bay is looking into it. If I hear something solid, I'll let everyone know. But for everyone traveling Erie near the Davis Bessie II (yeah, that's how they got the name) nuke-plant, watch your active sonars...Things have been known to get, agitated.]<<<<<
      -Bravo Six (08:58:22/09-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Inverse on <09-12-10/0911:08>
>>>>>[Let's not start about bad times and pain, else this'll turn into an "oh yeah, well my twelves gauge has thirteen gauges!" type deal.]<<<<<
      --Inverse (22:11:05/09-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wayfinder on <09-12-10/1800:13>
>>>>>[If you're in the Shadows you've known pain. If you're too young, too stupid, or too lucky to have dodged the agony bullet, GET OUT, get out now. The longer you stay in darkness the more it infects your soul. For most of us old timers the only fraggin way we get out of bed is that the we can't stand to be alone with the memories any longer. On a site like this, runnin the old code, you'd better fraggin believe chummer that there is going to be stories of trauma and old farts cryin in their beers. Just no way around it.But if ya can see past the surface you'd see that us old farts drip with knowledge. Check out Mac's post, ya he was lamenting his fallen brethren, he also gave you youngsters a damn fine hint to always check for off matrix security measures. ]<<<<<
     -- Wayfinder (17:01:28/09-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-12-10/2024:37>
>>>>>[Ghost and Spirits... helpful hint for drakes out there: don't try to drink an ork and a troll under the table. Especially don't shift to scales to keep up.  And never, ever shift /back/ to get a ride.  Worst. Hangover. Ever.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (20:24:08/09-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-12-10/2113:47>
>>>>>[Shoulda seen the look on the face of the cutie in the corner eyeing you up--after you shifted. I still don't know if fear or curiosity won out... ]<<<<<
     -- Bear (20:11:29/09-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-12-10/2136:22>
>>>>>[At least you have the excuse of having some fun, TekDrake. I don't even have that. I know, in principle, that I could cast a spell and deal with the hangover I've got right now...I also know that I earned it, and don't have any right to get rid of it.
     I reserve the right to be bitchy about it, though. I swear this didn't hurt so bad when I was 18....]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (20:33:11/09-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-12-10/2329:58>
>>>>>[Everything hurt less at that age.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (22:29:01/09-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Doc Chaos on <09-13-10/0059:04>
>>>>>[The feeling you got when you found out you did something really fragging stupid didn't!]<<<<<
     -- Gent (23:58:02/09-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-13-10/0143:47>
>>>>>[That feeling didn't necessarily hurt less...  It just hurts more now, 'cause we should know better.]<<<<<
     MacCallister (01:43:28/09-13-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <09-13-10/0219:52>
>>>>>[Pain is Mother Nature's way of saying, "stupid fragger, don't do that again." Not that we ever listen.]<<<<<
      --Bravo Six (02:19:56/09-13-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-13-10/0401:02>
>>>>>[Alright, enough of this drek.  We can wallow in self pity, whining about what's happened, what we've done, how we fragged up, and all that happy dragonshit all day long.  It doesn't really solve anything, and we know it.  This nodes taken a serious downturn, so lets get things back on pace.  I need a couple things done, and you're just the bunch of socially maladjusted miscreants to help an old ork out.
     I have a couple jobs I could use some locals for.  Drop me a private message on my comm, and I can give you the lowdown.  Should be relatively low threat, but since my last name ain't Johnson, I won't snowball you.  We all know how these "low threat" jobs tend to work out, right chummers? 
     And Tauren, don't bother.  I have something for you and your crew.  We'll talk, meatbod to meatbod, the usual place.]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (03:12:12/09-13-72)


>>>>>[Did a little digging after our illustrious Sysadmin's recent postings.  Might get Black Hammered for this, but, figured I should share.  Always find out everything you can about your Mr. Johnson, even if he doesn't call himself that, as our ork "decker" friend points out.  Let me preface with a bit of a history lesson, for those that aren't local and don;t pay attention to national news. 
     From late 2069 up through early this year, Seattle had itself a Serial Killer.  A very active one, quaintly named the Mayan Cutter.  He was carving up people, mostly SINless metahumans, and stringing them up like Christmas turkeys on display.  He chalked up something like 50 or 60 kills in just over two years, and the bad publicity was one of the contributing factors to Lone Star losing face with Seattle and getting the boot.  When Knight Errant set up shop, one of their first priorities was hunting down this killer.  They managed to catch him within 6 weeks.  Whether or not that's just a tad suspicious, I'll leave it to the conspiracy nuts in the crowd.
     In June, the killings started up again, out of nowhere.  Rumors started circulating.  Did KE get the wrong guy?  Was it a copycat?  My favorites were that the Cutter came back as a Shedim, or the one about how the Cutter wasn't a single person, but a cult, and each kill was made by a different person.  The killings didn't last long, only a couple weeks.  The cutter was busy during those weeks and got 5 or 6 people.  The last victim was Rebecca MacCallister.
    The daughter of our friendly neighborhood ork decker turned fixer.
     Yeah, let that one sink in.  MacCallister was only playing around at being back in the shadows before that.  A couple jobs here and there, mostly working with a couple specific runners.  I'll be nice and not out them, as there's a little more to that story.  I'll save that as a "Get Out of Hell Free" card, so to speak.  Never know when you need to call in a favor from a big dog.  Anyway, so after this, MacCallister's been back in the action with a vengeance.  He's hitched his wagons to some Metahuman Rights groups that his daughter (also an ork, natch) had been involved with before she died.  He's also started butting heads with the Brackhaven administration some.  There's rumors that O.R.K. or M.O.M. or some other cute acronym group wants to make Metarights a big ticket ballot item on next years election.  Not a big deal to me, I'm all for giving rights to the trogs and halfers and weed-eaters.  But, for those of you taken jobs from him, I'd say be careful.  If there's one thing worse than taking on the cops, it's taking on the guys that pay the cops.]<<<<<
     -- The Ivisible Kid (00:00:00/)00-00-00)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <09-13-10/0614:50>
>>>>>[Them bad man Cutter, collector type, yeah?  I an I dun once a man as he.  Was south-like.  Babylon offer strong money fi me link up machete an he heart.  Bad man be Bocor like.  Original bomboclot hot stepper.  Boy break free from bloodfire hell - Truth.  Him kill a man, grab up the dead man soul and stuff it back in he body.  Send dead man home an make fi kill him family.  Soul slave zombie.  Worst thing ever made.  I an I put machete deep in him, me lord.  You weight coil with them strong money, I an I do for you like for Babylon.  Honor.]<<<<<
     --Shaper (4:56:31/9-13-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-13-10/1504:13>
>>>>>[Speaking of jobs MacCallister... Do you still have smuggling contacts?  My "organization" has a need to look into the possibility of some trafficking of specific "antiquities". The talisleggers that I've shaken down have mentioned that there's been some extra work coming around with anitiquities, but I was wondering if you might have some info I don't.  Drop me a meet time, I have a secure location to talk.]<<<<<
     -- Moreau (05:25:22/09-13-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-13-10/1519:26>
>>>>>[I might know a couple people who can get things into the city shall we say, "under" the radar.  Let me check around, see who's available, and I'll drop you a line.
     And Kid, I'm keeping an eye on you.]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (15:18:10/09-13-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Doc Chaos on <09-14-10/0750:30>
>>>>>[Usually I am not one to advocate vendetta, but this... call me sentimental, but this I can understand and I don't even have kids. At least none that I know of. Which brings me to another inquiry. If anyone of you can provide information about the current whereabouts of former (at least I think she quit) art- and talisman-thief 'Venus', I'd really appreciate it. She was operating here roughly 20 years ago and was still when I left in '56. Looks like most of my old contacts have since moved or retired. I'm not asking for a freebe, I will pay for info that's worth it.]<<<<<
     -- Gent (6:48:19/09-14-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-14-10/1049:33>
>>>>>[MacCallister, we had a similar spree here in Houston not too long ago, and there may be some correlation. Check your mail; I'll send you what I've got on our whack job, and we can see if there's anything I can do from here.
     And I'm so sorry. If you need anything from me...call. I left you direct contact info with the rest of the data.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (09:46:10/09-14-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-14-10/2002:27>
>>>>>[Grüß dich, fellow Runners. A friend found this node a few days ago, been meaning to post but catching up on the logs took a while. On top of my usual matrix problems, all that talk about corpses got me hungry.
Sorry to hear about your daughter MacCallister, I live in Redmond Barrens so send me a message if you need something done. I'm sure you already know my skill base.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (07:02:27/09-14-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Critias on <09-15-10/0018:54>
>>>>>[Mac, I'm available for any straight-up muscle work you might need.  In or out of Seattle.  You do what you've got to do for your family.  I'll bring a few of the boys along if I need to, but if the nuyen's good, they'll be glad to tag along. 

Toss me an address if you want, tell me what they look like, and consider the problem solved.  We ain't the sort to shy away from getting our hands dirty.  Shit, I got more than a few guys I'm running with lately, they'll burn a place down if you pay 'em enough.  Offing some piece of crap serial killer'll be as easy as flushing a toilet.]<<<<<
     -- Outrider (07:12:27/09-14-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-15-10/0922:47>
>>>>>[One of my friends is a higher up in the 162s. He'll burn a place down if you so much as say he's allowed too. Poor guy wasn't all there after the change but he's as loyal as they come.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (08:22:47/09-15-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-15-10/1737:55>
>>>>>[Outrider, considering there's just plain "Mac" as well as myself, you may want to clarify who you're talking to. *grin*  Anyway, the situation with the Cutter was handled a couple months ago.   It wasn't advertised, as we handled the matter privately.  Let's just say that as mean as I can be, my wife is worse.  We ended up working with some runners from back East on this job, since I was still getting set up here.  A chummer from the Manhattan sprawl put them in touch with me, said they were in town and needed some work.  They managed to track this guy and bring him in pretty quick.  Good team. 
     There's more to the story, of course.  There always is.  I'm tracking down some rather elusive leads right now, so I may be putting out a call for work in the near future.
     Also, if you're ever in the Manhattan Sprawl and looking for work, contact an ork fixer named Peace Man.  Mention my name, he'll hook you up.  He's not always ll there, but he's a pretty straight shooter.]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (17:37:19/09-15-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-15-10/1823:32>
>>>>>[Glad it's dealt with. I'm heading into Manhattan in a couple weeks. Gotta keep track of some runners starting out there. Any tips for a Ghoul needing to get into any and all districts?]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (05:23:32/09-15-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-15-10/1915:03>
>>>>>[Lots of makeup and a very high rated fake SIN and whatever they call those Manhattan color coded passes.   And be careful.  That's a city where the corps apparently know what you're doing and where you're at all the time.  THe very thought of trying to run there terrifies me.]<<<<<
     - Tauren (19:14:55/09-15-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-15-10/1936:29>
>>>>>[Thanks Tauren. I can always fall back on magic and sewers if I have to. Anyone got any work in Seattle going while I'm free?]<<<<<
     -  Chrona (06:36:29/09-15-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-16-10/0824:31>
>>>>>[Hey, are there any hot runner chix in here? lol. How's it going guys? Chrona, I could put you in touch with a fixer... for a small fee.]<<<<<
     -  Joker (07:17:36/09-16-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-16-10/1019:29>
>>>>>[Hot runner chix? You're either very brave or have a death wish. Send me a PM with your offer and we can discuss it.]<<<<<
     -  Chrona (09:19:29/09-16-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-16-10/1459:15>
>>>>>[What? No, neither. I thought this was a personals board.]<<<<<
     -  Joker (01:58:57/09-16-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-16-10/1503:12>
>>>>>[That's Virtual Underworld 69, then next board over.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (14:02:07/09-16-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-16-10/1636:19>
>>>>>[Now I'm bloody worried that Fixer's gonna turn out to be a pimp.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (03:36:19/09-16-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-16-10/1712:41>
>>>>>[Can I get a drone delivery of some caffeine and maybe a soyburger to my location?  I can pay costs plus 50 nuyen.  I've been sitting in one place too long watching my mark.]<<<<<
     -- SteveZ(04:22:19/09-16-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-16-10/1716:42>
>>>>>[I've got a rigger friend who houses one at mine, and hes a true caffiene addict, PM me the details SteveZ.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (04:22:19/09-16-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-19-10/1002:04>
>>>>>[Just had a fun data-run. You'd think with mages, adepts, and drones, even a mini-corp would have a better-secured roof. Time to do some correlation in case its a trap of some kind.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (09:59:59/09-19-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: GrimWulf on <09-19-10/1309:58>
>>>>> [You sure you wanna 'cast your loc SteveZ?  Seems like a good way to call down the rain if ya ask me.]<<<<<
     -- Trodeface(11:09:19/09-19-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-19-10/1452:01>
>>>>> [Three days and I never heard from him, maybe the rain already came down.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (01:52:01/09-19-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-19-10/1542:21>
>>>>> [That's cause the target up and moved. Nice part about that is it let me hit a cache of goods I had left.  Bad part is, no matter what they tell you about massaging liners, 3 days in the same position will give you major cramps. Owww....]<<<<<
 -- SteveZ(02:34:12/09-19-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-19-10/2237:41>
>>>>>[Those things are only really good for keeping VR freaks from turning into piles of goo. You should use a drone if you've got the Nuyen. Will save you some misery.]<<<<<
     -- Joker (21:36:37/09-19-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wayfinder on <09-19-10/2318:27>
>>>>>[There are some types of recon that a drone cannot possibly do. Massaging liners do come in handy when you have to spend a lot of time in the astral. Of course a spirit can actually be better at keeping tabs on a mark than technology. I personally prefer a good mix of tech, mojo, and physical.]<<<<<
     -- Wayfinder (22:17:18/09-19-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-20-10/0011:08>
>>>>>[Having a team helps with stake-outs too. Not only can you maintain all three types of observation that Wayfinder mentions, but splitting the time into shifts keeps the cramps away.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (23:08:33/09-19-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-20-10/0021:24>
>>>>>[Oh, don;t worry.  He had the rest of the observation fields covered.  I know I was keeping an eye on things via the Matrix for Stevie.
     By the way, SteveZ.  Tag.  You're it.]<<<<<
     -- Tauren (00:20:45/09-20-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <09-20-10/0852:52>
>>>>>[Ah, field recon, one of the most important and least glamorous jobs in any op. Nothing like spending months in the steaming Atzlan bush mapping possible enemy strongpoints, shadowing enemy patrols, tracking supply lines while eating bad rations, dodging nightmare critters, avoiding detection by said enemy, and trying to keep bugs, muck, and other assorted drek from places god never intended them to be. All for a raid that lasted less than 90 seconds. Ah good times... But, at least the fireworks were pretty.]<<<<<
      --Bravo Six (08:47:56/09-20-10)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <09-21-10/0926:20>
>>>>>[The fireworks make it all worth it.  Then again, hot, humid, and poisonous were things I grew up around.  Helocasting into water that'd be frozen if it were fresh and sleeping buried under the snow like a sled dog were the kinds of things that got to me.]<<<<<
      --Vice (09:18:21/09-21-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-21-10/1209:46>
>>>>>[I think I'll stick around the cities and suburbs. Too much weird drek out in the boonies. Lot of things out there that still haven't been cataloged. And no, weird doesn't get chummy with weird.]<<<<<
--Tekdrake (12:08:27/09-21-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-21-10/1607:26>
>>>>>[You haven't explored the urban jungle all that much, have you?  Some of the nastiest critters on the planet live in an urban settlement, and I'm not talking about metahumans.  There's the "natural" stuff that tends to live in the sewers like the devil rat and it's bigger, meaner cousin the demon rat.  Shamblers.  Gargoyles.  Ghouls.  Let's not even talk about how many kinds of deadly awakened insect there are scurrying under the floorboards.  Then there's the stuff that's been introduced, usually through Corp breeding and security programs.  Basilisks, hell-hounds, barghasts.  There's a breed of awakened, albino alligator that's adapted to the sewers in New York called the Ghost Gator that was originally imported by the MDC, and some escaped.  They're basically a gator mixed with python, and have bodies that can squeeze through holes and pipes 1/4 their normal body mass.  Oh, and they can camouflage themselves so you can't see them coming.  They're one of the newer beasties that popped up on my radar lately.  Rumor has it one or two have shown up in the subterranean levels of the old Renraku Archology recently, though.
     There isn't anywhere safe from critters, awakened or not.  And at least in the jungle, you're not usually dealing with Metahumans as well.]<<<<<
     - Dr. Wright (16:07:10/09-21-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-21-10/1614:04>
>>>>>[Wow, Doc. You make me not wanna go outside.]<<<<<
     - Joker (16:13:52/09-21-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-21-10/1621:40>
>>>>>[Ah, Doc's not been ramblin' ever since we took him to the Rhino and he swore one of those gators bit him when he went to the john. I think he was just too loaded and walked into the wrong bathroom and Maxy gave 'im a pinch. I spent a lot of times in the sewers and ain't never seen a white gator.]<<<<<
     - Bear (15:18:05/09-21-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-21-10/1649:24>
>>>>>[Don't doubt the good Dr's word just cause of a night out drinking.  There are more things in sky and earth, Bear, than dreamt of in your philosophy.

My suggestion would be to check out some of the works of Dr. Fiona Craig here in Seattle. Her work on Awaken Biology and Symbolic Mythologial is an eye opening read.  I used to regard the field of Anthropology as something that wouldn't have a tie to Biology, but tis one has changed my mind on some of this.  Don't expect I'll start quoting Ehrin now, but I will pay more attention to how we affect the sphere of magic around us.

Speaking on those topics, SteveZ, I expect a report on how the "magic defense and targeting" system I lent you for your work, performs]<<<<<
 - Moreau (15:35:12/09-21-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <09-21-10/2217:38>
>>>>>[Ha!  Corporate man spend large fi bring them big beastie in.  Think it make him safe.  I an I work the science on them.  Catch they mind, easy.  They most can't stop Rasta science fi nothing.  Them metal-like beasties?  Them drone-imal?  No different.  Take they mind?  No. Can't.  So Rasta take they body fi his control.  What was your protection, is now I an I weapon.  Bless.  Them few beastie can stop the science?  I an I put the quicksilver spirit in to them.  Spirit take the strongest one, now Rasta make him champion.]<<<<<
     - Shaper (9:17:22/09-21-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-22-10/2152:13>
>>>>>[Hey Hey.  Back to the shadows after having my arm involuntarily replaced with a brand spanking new custom cyberarm.  Looking for biz.]<<<<<
     -- Belial (08:47:58/09-22-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-22-10/2239:24>
>>>>>[Hoi Belial.  Welcome back chummer.  I totally know the feeling of an involuntary cyberarm.  Lost my arm to a cybered up bandersnatch once.  I was out of commission for a couple days, so my partner Johnny 99 decided to try saving a few bucks, and got a used cyberarm put on, rather than springing for a vat-grown arm.  Not fun, and freaked the wife out something fierce.  I lost that same arm three more times over the next couple of years, and eventually put a cloned arm on, and got rid of the metal.  Felt a little wonky after that long, but still a lot more comfortable for me than the cyber.  I dunno how folks can voluntarily hack off major body parts like that.]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (22:38:17/09-22-72]<<<<<
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-22-10/2251:41>
>>>>>[Yeah was on a run against the Big A and well the last thing I remember was some slotted wage mage spinning mojo in my general direction.  Next thing I know my credstick in considerably lighter and I've got some new chrome.  You hear of and good jobs recently?  My normal fixer set up the Aztechnology job so i'm not a big fan of him right now.  He's lucky I'm a forgiving person.

Yeah MacCallister, those guys are generally on another level of crazy. I ran with a guy how had his legs removed in favor of chrome. Lets just say that was a long scary experience. ]<<<<<
     -- Belial (08:47:58/09-22-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <09-23-10/0901:37>
>>>>>[You are lucky to have gotten off so lightly. From some of the things I have see Aztech, and more specifically their magic users, do, a few extra bits of crome would have been the least of your worries. There are a select few who think that Aztechnology is no better or worse than the "average" corp, and this may in fact turn out to be true. But I have seen first hand what Azzie magicians do to those unlucky enough to be taken alive, and for that I reserve a special place of hatred in my heart for them. Never has the axiom "Geek the Mage (or shaman) FIRST" been more true than with Aztechnology.]<<<<<
      --Bravo Six (08:59:12/09-22-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-23-10/1139:58>
>>>>>[No Joke, Chummer. Them's words to live by right there. Glad my team was on the ball (reminds me I owe them all rounds next time I see them).  I don't want to be an experiment for some Azzie spellworm. That is true high octane nightmare fuel right there. ]<<<<<
     -- Belial (10:33:21/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-23-10/1252:56>
>>>>>[ In this biz you gotta be careful what jobs you take. I might be poor, but I've got all my original parts. Know what I mean?]<<<<<
     -- Joker (11:52:17/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-23-10/1422:30>
>>>>>[True nuff, But the fixer who set me up with Mr. Johnson on this one had yet to stear me wrong and the cred was excellent. Which is why he still breaths. Be awhile before i run agianst the Big A though. ]<<<<<
     -- Belial (1:19:36/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-23-10/1848:09>
>>>>>[I fucking hate vampires. That is all.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (17:47:38/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-23-10/1925:59>
>>>>>[Wait vampires exist?  I thought that was just a myth. ]<<<<<
     -- Belial (6:25:11/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <09-23-10/1929:34>
>>>>>[No reason to hate them.  They're just like anyone else with an incurable, infectious disease.  Put them out of their misery and go on with life.  There are so many people who are so much more rewarding to hate. ]<<<<<
     -- Vice (19:29:04/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-23-10/2004:59>
>>>>>[Wait vampires exist?  I thought that was just a myth. ]<<<<<
     -- Belial (6:25:11/09-23-72)
>>>>>[What node have you been livin' in?]<<<<<
     -- Bear (19:04:09/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-23-10/2011:56>
>>>>>[Hey I've never seen one. ]<<<<<
     -- Belial (7:11:09/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-24-10/0000:25>
>>>>>[More of the fraggers than I care to count. Let's just say it's been an ugly couple of nights and leave it at that.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (23:01:49/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <09-24-10/0836:38>
>>>>>[Thunder, there are people I know who would very interested to hear your story; especially details about the sunshine challenged. And they would be more than willing to compensate you well for it.]<<<<<
      --Bravo Six (08:35:44/09-23-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-26-10/1235:36>
>>>>>[Not much to tell, really, Bravo Six. I'm normally a live-and-let-live kinda girl, but when the Infected start feeding on the people I've sworn to protect, it gets personal. We started having some people go missing recently, and I started following up on it a few weeks ago. Finally found out that a vampire had begun slumming it in Pasadena, though I probably wouldn't have found that out quite so soon if he hadn't gotten sloppy and turned a couple of street punks that I used to have to deal with on a semi-regular basis.
     And, of course, if he hadn't started bringing his friends and treating the place like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
     Things got ugly around here for a little while, but there was an unfortunate fire a couple of nights ago. Let's just say that the South Houston/Pasadena area is short one vampire nest. I got the shit kicked out of me in the process, of course, but I'm posting and they're not, so you make the call on how it all worked out.
     If your associates want any specifics, though, don't hesitate to let me know.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (11:35:42/09-26-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-26-10/1920:41>
>>>>>[Idiot Vampires, Taminus is here for a reason.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (06:20:41/09-27-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-26-10/2146:24>
>>>>>[Anyone else come home from the bar last night and find some thrill gangers camped out in their doss?]<<<<<
     --Belial (08:44:41/09-26-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-26-10/2155:26>
>>>>>[Uh, no! You need better security. ...And new sheets.]<<<<<
     -- Joker (08:55:34/09-27-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-26-10/2229:13>
>>>>>[Yeah I'm gonna need a couple new couches.  I geeked em all but useing my couches a cover pretty muched nixed their further usefullness.  Since they were Halloweeners I sold them to organleggers.  So I made cred on the deal. Joker you know a good security man?  Only guy I know is a paranoid shut-in who booby traps whateven hovel he squats in.  I need something a little more umm.....safe.]<<<<<
     --Belial (09:24:53/09-26-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-26-10/2303:49>
>>>>>[I gots some friends in Skraacha that could help, if the price is right.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (22:00:07/09-26-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-27-10/0301:09>
>>>>>[If you can get the Skraacha to talk to you, they're not a terrible bet.  They tend not to like anyone that isn't an ork, and isn't from the Underground.  If you can survive down there though, ask for a Skraacha named Ca'Tan.  He's recently taken an interest in home security.]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (03:00:12/09/27/72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <09-27-10/0458:05>
>>>>>[What go on, Brethren.  What them shottah man here know about this Laés rumor?  I an I hear that only them Prince man know how fi make it.  Now them Prince out on they pointy ear, only Laés left is what sit in the cask.  Rasta hear that's why them elf lads make so much Leäl fi sell on the street.  Have to water it down now.  Stretch it out.  When it run out, they lads be done.]<<<<<
     -- Shaper (3:57:37 09/27/72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-27-10/0734:33>
>>>>>[I don't do traps, since they are more likely to go off on me, when I'm stumbling around in the morning, than an intruder. Nope. Don't know any home security guys. My place has built in security. Used to be some kinda lab or shelter or somethin'. Overall it's pretty oldschool and the entire heating system is shot, but you can't put a price on peace and quiet.]<<<<<
     -- Joker (6:31:59 09/27/72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <09-27-10/0848:47>
>>>>>[If your associates want any specifics, though, don't hesitate to let me know.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (11:35:42/09-26-72)

>>>>>[Thank you, I have two long-standing clients who are interested in tracking movements of the undead, and specific ones at that. From what you have said, and if they are who I think they are, you may have saved me a lot of work. My employers tagged a specific group last seen heading south from the St. Louis area as a "priority" for location before they went off grid. Didnt' happen to make any kind of ID did you?]<<<<<<
      --Bravo Six (08:48:33/09-27-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-27-10/2326:48>
>>>>>[Since they were Halloweeners I sold them to organleggers.]<<<<<
     --Belial (09:24:53/09-26-72)
>>>>>[Thanks for Dinner Belial.]<<<<<
     --Chrona (10:26:48/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <09-28-10/0831:10>
>>>>>[My Pleasure Chrona.]<<<<<
     --Belial (07:29:59/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-28-10/0901:45>
>>>>>[My contacts at Knight Errant have asked me to put the word out that they are looking for some runners willing to do some legwork on an outstanding case of there. Turns out there's some nut (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=534.msg8778#msg8778) out there killing cab drivers. The perp has been bumped up the most wanted list after his last victim turned out to be a moonlighting Knight Errant officer, and KE is willing to pay big on this bounty. Of course, any bounty collection has to come with proof that your target is the killer. They've been really good at cleaning their tracks.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (07:56:29/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-28-10/1037:30>
>>>>>[GHOST!  Someone set me up on this!  Has to be.  The mark I had was attacked by another group.  But ghost save me, they had a cybermage... I mean full on crazy cybermage. Obvious skull replacement, obvious cyberlegs, and was still throwing juju like no one I've ever seen.  Took out 2 of his team, as fortunately the "magic alarm system" worked quite well.  It skawks pretty damn loud.  A least this guy didn't get the drop on me, I'd be fried.  And in all the excitement, my mark slipped out and vanished into the night.  I need ears to the ground though, I need to find out who the hell it was who sold my mark's location off.]<<<<<
 -- SteveZ(09:22:5429/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-28-10/1054:16>
>>>>>[I'd start with my fixer if I were you, chummer.]<<<<<
     -- Joker(09:54:43/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-28-10/1114:17>
>>>>>[My fixer is the only one I have faith didn't sell me out in this case.]<<<<<
 -- SteveZ (09:58:16/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-28-10/1724:59>
>>>>>[My contacts at Knight Errant have asked me to put the word out that they are looking for some runners willing to do some legwork on an outstanding case of there. Turns out there's some nut (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=534.msg8778#msg8778) out there killing cab drivers. The perp has been bumped up the most wanted list after his last victim turned out to be a moonlighting Knight Errant officer, and KE is willing to pay big on this bounty. Of course, any bounty collection has to come with proof that your target is the killer. They've been really good at cleaning their tracks.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (07:56:29/09-28-72)

>>>>>[Time to give my wings a rest and pick up a few nuyen driving cab.  Hm.  Actually, I know a pretty crazy driver who'd do it cheap, for the kicks, and I'd be better off staking out a few seedier street docs. Don't know any squeamish ones, but some sources of money got some nasty trails.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (17:24:20/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FoxBoy on <09-28-10/1925:33>
>>>>>[GHOST!  Someone set me up on this!  Has to be.  The mark I had was attacked by another group.  But ghost save me, they had a cybermage... I mean full on crazy cybermage. Obvious skull replacement, obvious cyberlegs, and was still throwing juju like no one I've ever seen.  Took out 2 of his team, as fortunately the "magic alarm system" worked quite well.  It skawks pretty damn loud.  A least this guy didn't get the drop on me, I'd be fried.  And in all the excitement, my mark slipped out and vanished into the night.  I need ears to the ground though, I need to find out who the hell it was who sold my mark's location off.]<<<<<
 -- SteveZ(09:22:5429/09-28-72)

>>>>>[That don't sound right. Could it have been a spirit riding him instead?]<<<<<
 -- FoxBoy(18:25:33/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-28-10/2022:46>
>>>>>[There are those powerful enough and with deep resources that could produce a powerful cybermage, young fox. SteveZ, any details you can part with on the encounter? Cybermages usually work for the Megas. There are less than a handful that run solo.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (19:17:11/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FoxBoy on <09-28-10/2141:29>
>>>>>[There are those powerful enough and with deep resources that could produce a powerful cybermage, young fox. SteveZ, any details you can part with on the encounter? Cybermages usually work for the Megas. There are less than a handful that run solo.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (19:17:11/09-28-72)

>>>>>[ You two leggers get your noses into all kinds of things. Well.. if your in Seattle and he pops up again, I can track him down. Or if you got something of his I can try anyways. Scent trails last a bit longer then astral, depending on foot traffic. ]<<<<<
     -- FoxBoy (20:32:11/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wayfinder on <09-28-10/2151:50>
>>>>>[Way less then a handful solo. I'd be very interested in any and all info regarding cybermages. I have interested parties that would pay a bounty for a live capture or a carcass.]<<<<<
     -- Wayfinder (20:49:17/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-28-10/2300:30>
>>>>>[Careful, little fox. Just because it leaves a trail doesn't mean you should follow it without your pack.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (21:58:49/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FoxBoy on <09-28-10/2311:32>
>>>>>[Careful, little fox. Just because it leaves a trail doesn't mean you should follow it without your pack.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (21:58:49/09-28-72)

>>>>>[My pack is bugging me to ask Wayfnder how much it would be worth to him. I would be happy with a couple dozen mice but I don't think they'll go for that.]<<<<<
     -- FoxBoy(22:01:36/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-28-10/2320:20>
>>>>>[Foxes don't live in packs. ...What? I paid attention in school. Anyways, this smells like serious trouble to me. I'd leave this one alone if I were you.]<<<<<
     -- Joker (22:20:13/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FoxBoy on <09-28-10/2336:40>
>>>>>[Foxes don't live in packs. ...What? I paid attention in school. Anyways, this smells like serious trouble to me. I'd leave this one alone if I were you.]<<<<<
     -- Joker (22:20:13/09-28-72)

>>>>>[Sorry.. english is a second language for me. Pack and Skulk are the same in Salish, had to ask for help. And I think I need to run, hacker gal's coming at me with a baseball bat... again! Be back in a bit.]<<<<<
     -- FoxBoy (22:21:14/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-28-10/2342:55>
>>>>>[No offense intended. I love Salish food by the way.]<<<<<
     -- Joker (22:42:29/09-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <09-29-10/1437:29>
>>>>>[Kage0, I'll crack what I can for you.  Let's just sayI was a little north, and a lot east of Everett when this all went down, as I've stated, tracking down a smuggler.  2 days into his 3rd location switch, my "alarm system" goes off.  Seems the buggers are coming in under concealment or invisibility or some such magic trick.  I figured it had to be a spirit because when they popped out of cover, I could see they were a heavy hitting cyber crew.  Smuggler-boi is already at alert mode as well, must have had ultrasound detectors or something, and starts lobbing shots out his front door.  And I’m talking mil-spec shots here, big bang-bang. 
Well cyber-head (which I’ll call him for now) whips up orders to some sort of spirit.  I take a second and decided that competition is quite good for business, and decide I’m gonna take out these fraggers as well.  Took 2 shots of 6.8mm ex-ex from my rifle to bring the first guy down, so I know they’re either pretty juiced up or all have cyberskulls.  As I switch my target over to #2, Cyber –head unleashed …something… on the cabin the smuggler was using.  Lightning and wind and all.  I pulled the trigger on #2 and watched him fall, and about then a Sparrow lit up out of the cabin and took off.  Since what I was being paid to track was out, I got out as fast as I could.  Needless to say, cyber-head might just be out there looking for me, so I took a day to get to ground somewhere before following up with you all.  If you wanna track him down, feel free.  I’m pretty sure the guy stands out in a crowd.  Looked like he had the balance tail, those eerie reverse style legs, and all sorts of horn accessories for the cyberskull.  Not the type to blend anywhere.]<<<<<
 -- SteveZ (15:07:43/09-29-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-29-10/1759:00>
>>>>>[Thank you, I have two long-standing clients who are interested in tracking movements of the undead, and specific ones at that. From what you have said, and if they are who I think they are, you may have saved me a lot of work. My employers tagged a specific group last seen heading south from the St. Louis area as a "priority" for location before they went off grid. Didnt' happen to make any kind of ID did you?]<<<<<<
      --Bravo Six (08:48:33/09-27-72)
>>>>>[Sorry for the delay, B6; been trying to track down info on the former vampires.
     The one who started the mess here had a list of aliases as long as your arm (if you're a troll, anyway; call it one of my legs otherwise). The one he was using around these parts was Myron Thorne; I think his real name might have been Milo Wells. I don't know about St. Louis, but he did come into Houston by way of Dallas. This one of the ones you're looking for? If so, I've got a couple of fingers that didn't get cooked that I might be able to get a DNA sample from for more positive ID, if you want.
     The other fraggers were all Houston locals; a couple of them were even from this neighborhood. Hope that's helpful.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (16:58:04/09-29-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-30-10/0412:00>
>>>>>[Hrmm.  Here's a wierd one.  Anyone familiar with the term "Arcanoarcheologist"?  What are they, and why is the Draco Foundation in Seattle putting out feelers, looking to hire one?  They're offering some decent pay too, sounds like.]<<<<<
     -- Tauren (04:11:28/09-30-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-30-10/0842:49>
>>>>>["Arcano" = magical shit. "Archeology" = study of/search for old shit. Ergo, "Arcanoarcheology" = the study of/search for magical old shit. And if the DF is involved...well, it's BIG magical old shit. Pack accordingly.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (07:42:36/09-30-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Texas_Tarantula on <09-30-10/0857:42>
>>>>>[Quite honestly, arcanologist is just another made-up term used by (and no offense to you, dear Bullish Decker) people who don't want to rattle off a whole title. An arcanologist, as the term is used, is usually an archeologist as stated above with an in-depth background of magical theory, thaumaturgy, and basic symbol recognition along with a heavy dose of mythology and comparative religion under their belt. And no, the arcanologist doesn't have to be Awakened or a mage in order to qualify - the field is mainly theoretical in nature, with time mostly spent decrypting old riddles and trying to figure out if that human-like symbol on the wall is a representation of a powerful god or just some primitive's version of "for a good time call Thog." ]<<<<<
     -- Texas Tarantula (07:58:11/09-30-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <09-30-10/0912:56>
>>>>>[Thunder: Yes that name does put a few more pices into my little puzzle and fills the current part of my contract...for now. I have an tempoary account avalable with a token of thanks. Also, I could use some more eyes in the Houston area; if you are interested. As for the Arcanoarcheologist, I don't claim to know much about that particular specialist. However, I have noticed the DF has been recruiting heavily for those with unusual skill sets.]<<<<<<
      --Bravo Six (09:09:09/09-30-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-30-10/0959:13>
>>>>>[Arcano-archeology, better known as Arcanology, is a branch of Anthropology. It's the study of past magic-using societies, usually through careful examination of artifacts or architecture. The Atlantean Foundation includes several outspoken Arcanologists among their members.]<<<<<<
     -- Joker (09:15:47/09-30-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-30-10/1608:30>
>>>>>[@Texas:  Hey now, who you calling Bullish, or a decker?  I think you're getting me mixed up with my d...  Err, someone else.  Anyway, I'm a Hacker.  You see a clunky, obsolete piece of junk strapped to my arm?
     Anyway, as for the Arcanoarcheologist bit, that's kind of what I was thinking. Just wasn't sure if that was a real field of study or not.  Not too much on the ol' electron highway about it.  But the DF is definitely stirring here in the Emerald City.]<<<<<
     -- Tauren (04:08:37/09-30-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <10-05-10/1547:50>
>>>>>[Where'd ever'body go? Guess business is good for some...]<<<<<
     -- Bear (14:46:27/10-05-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FoxBoy on <10-05-10/1557:41>
>>>>>[Had to go hide for a bit, pissed off the hacker gal so I wanted to give yer some time. That and she swiped my commlink too, took a bit to get it back.]<<<<<
     -- FoxBoy (14:55:43/10-05-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine Hazen on <10-05-10/1647:10>
>>>>>[Meetings.  Its always meetings. On the plus side, it might be good for the bottom line for you folks!   Biz is coming to the streets here in Emerald City!]<<<<<
 -- Moreau (16:12:52/10-05-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <10-08-10/2328:26>
>>>>>[Hey Foxboy, that's why I date outside the game.  Some junior executive secretary will never understand how we do what we do, but at the same time, she'll never know I'm lying about what I do.  Even if she does find out, she won't drop a mortar round onto my terrace.

Even the tangentials are worth avoiding.  Pretty sure I hooked up with one of those legit in the front, dirty in the back mechanics back east and the whole thing almost blew up in my face.]<<<<<
 -- Vice (23:13:08/10-08-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <10-09-10/0020:50>
>>>>>>[I would not say business has been good, but there is some business that just can't be put off. I dont actually get out into the field, as it were, much anymore; but sometimes there are matters serious enough that require my personal attention. Thankfully I was able to resolve the situation without too much damage and bloodshed, both to myself and my associates. Still, it's good to get out and keep the edge sharp, despite less than ideal circumstances]<<<<<<
       --Bravo Six (00:19:06/10/8/72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <10-09-10/0229:33>
>>>>>[Vice, you are probably on to something there. Most of us runners have some serious issues. On the other hand, an honest relationship is hard to come by. I don't think there really is any one right way when it comes down to it. It's one of those things that can't be summed up in a neat little saying or rule. I think we're all just doing our best to die with as few regrets as possible.]<<<<<<
     -- Joker (01:29:33/10-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Doc Chaos on <10-09-10/0510:39>
>>>>>[And the break-ups tend to be spontaneous and most of the time without any explanation...]<<<<<<
     -- Gent (04:10:23/10-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <10-09-10/0533:55>
>>>>>[Now I know I need some sleep. You know Gent, the first read I did of your post I thought it said without explosions and I was about to disagree. However, all things being equal, I have only had one relationship end with literal pyrotechnics. And truth be told, I would rather face a block of plastique than a woman scorned; it's safer.]<<<<
     --Bravo Six (05:32:32/10-09-10)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <10-09-10/1001:38>
>>>>>[Why the Vice man be talking about some tan-genitals and some "dirty in the back" blowing up in him face?  Leave them batty-hole talk fi home.  Nasty man.]<<<<<
     --Shaper (9:00:22/10-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FoxBoy on <10-09-10/1307:04>
>>>>>[Oh, vice, Hacker gal is not my date. She's just someone I like to mess with at times but she knows how to make those metal birds fly, so I don't bother her when we're working, or things are really slow and I'm bored. And it's a lot of fun hitching a ride on one of them too!

And.. that reminds me. I gotta deal with this guy who makes snuff trids whose for a vixen I know and like, even got a couple trolls sniffing around to try and catch her. I'm going to have some fun with the guy, anyone wants to help? Already told him to back off and leave Vicky alone, but he isn't getting the hint so now it's time to get nasty.

There's a bit of loose change in it for ya.]<<<<<
     -- FoxBoy (11:43:52/10-09-2072)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <10-09-10/1323:56>
>>>>>[I typically try to keep my nose outa other people's business, but I'll help you out if you introduce me to Hacker gal. Lol. Well... if she's cute anyway.
Why don't you just shoot this guy? He's a creep and he's messing with your woman. You must not be from the east side. Lol.]<<<<<<
     -- Joker (01:29:33/10-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <10-10-10/0123:51>
>>>>>[Fox, before you do anything find out who this guy really is, or more importantly, who is backers may be. If he is into snuff as you say, that is some serious drek to get into and to produce. This means that this guy likely has either some strong backers, a loyal clientel, or enough fundng to hire adequate security measures. Any one of those could cause serious poblems if you try and take him head on or out-muscle him. That this slag seems to have a fixation on your...friend, it suggests something a bit more personal. Biz is one thing but personal takes things to a whole new dangerous level.]<<<<<
     --Bravo Six (01:18:19/10-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FoxBoy on <10-10-10/1621:53>
>>>>>[Considering that Vicky's got my kits and this guy likes to skin shifters on vid... yea, it's personal.

It's my fixer that's putting the cash up and said the guy needs to go down, doesn't matter how. The fact he's going after my girl is coincidence. So... yea, I need a bit of help here.

Fixer did say that it's ok to mention, that doing this might earn some good friends that have long memories.]<<<<<
     --FoxBoy (15:02:19/10-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <10-10-10/1650:33>
>>>>>[I dislike producers of "snuff" BTLs on principal. If he is going so far to skin your kind in addition, you may count on any aid I can give you, cub.]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (15:48:49/10-10-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <11-09-10/1714:46>
>>>>>[Just a friendly reminder: Never forget that giants walk the earth. That is all.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (16:13:19/11-09-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <11-11-10/0825:50>
>>>>>[Speaking from recent, personal experience? Or is this a more specific warning for us all?]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (08:24:19/11-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <11-11-10/1421:38>
>>>>>[Little of both, I suppose. I did have a run-in with a giant a few weeks back. Thought he was pretty hot stuff, being 3 meters or so tall and shaking down the neighborhood for protection money. There's an old cliche, though, that says the bigger they are, the harder they fall, and in my experience that holds pretty true.
     Mostly, though, it's just something a friend of mine told me once, when I was just starting out on this weird-ass path I'm traveling down now. "You have to remind these punks sometimes that giants walk the earth," he told me, "giants like me...and you." I've never forgotten that, and it's been...gods, more than ten years since I started doing this. His way of saying we needed to put the fear of God back into their lives if we were ever going to get the streets back, I suppose. Keith could get kinda metaphysical sometimes.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (13:21:34/11-11-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <11-12-10/0903:36>
>>>>>[Metaphysical Philosophy has its place, but I tend to be a bit more pragmatic, having played both the giant and the one who has been stepped on in my life. I have to constantly remind those who I have mentored over the years that for all the power one can amass, there will always be something bigger. When it comes to "giants", trick is knowing when and who you can stop your foot down on...and which feet you have to plant shaped charges under. ]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (09:01:08/11-12-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <11-12-10/1420:38>
>>>-+̬̩̣̭̝ͫ͆̈́̿̌ͥ̉͂̑̍ͧ̽͊͟g̠̩̤̞̭͎͖̯̘̳͉̪̫̰͙̰͖̼ͥ̊͐̒͐͗̏̉̀ó̯[Error code respon+̬̩̣̭̝ͫ͆̈́̿̌ͥ̉͂̑̍ͧ̽͊͟-x-x-x- 0H HI 0MAE.  I HEARD THAT BULL HANGS 0UT HERE.  JUST WANTED T0 SEND MY C0ND0LENCES F0R WHAT HASN'T N0T YET UNHAPPENED T0 Y0UR FAMILY.  IT MAY 0R MAY N0T PRESENTLY HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.  UNTIL THAT TIME, ALL PREDICTIVE M0DELS SH0W THAT Y0U WILL HAVE A NICE DAY.  CUTE B0ARD BY THE WAY.]<X<x<x<x
     -- B1T_ CH0MP CH0MP CH0MP̎ͪ̒͑͏̜͓̲̥̹͙͖̝̟̘̦͇̺̮́
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <11-12-10/1730:27>
>>>>>[Yes, sensei, "know my limitations." Got it. <g>]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (16:30:12/11-12-72
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <11-13-10/0338:25>
>>>>>[Limits are for those whithout imagination. More like, know when you can piss someone off, and when you are about to get pissed on. If the latter, have an umbrella.]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (03:35:37/11-13-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <11-13-10/0908:28>
>>>>>[♫♪You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, know when to run. You never count your money, when you're sittin' at the table. There'll be time enough for countin', when the dealin's done.♫♪]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (09:05:37/11-13-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <11-14-10/0416:52>
>>>>>[Oh ye gods...My uncle, a retired T-bird jock, loved that song. Every time I hitched a ride down south he would play that through the cabin speekers AND the internal comms. To this day I don't know what I hate more: a hard extraction over the Azzie boarder or listening to that song again.]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (04:14:37/11-14-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <11-25-10/0145:06>
>>>>>[Well, it's that time of year again for those of us in the UCAS, CAS, and maybe a few other places; Thanksgiviing. Despite all of the danger, parannoia, hardship, etc of living in the shadows of the sixth world, is there anything out there to be truly thankful for? I myself am thankful that for once, I'm not in some gods-forsaken hell hole fighting for my life. It's nice just to be home. Anyone else have anything they are thankful for?]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (01:42:37/11-25-72)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <11-25-10/0157:55>
>>>>>[I thank the old bear himself I get to blow things up for a livin'.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (00:54:48/11-25-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <11-26-10/2250:26>
>>>>>[My little sister.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (21:50:12/11-26-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <11-27-10/0039:50>
>>>>>[Yeah yeah, sappy and bleedin' sad, that's what you all are.  Buncha wankers call yerselves shadowrunners, and you're getting all emotional because a bunch of yanks killed some natives and then cooked up some turkey?  Christ.
     So, a little business question for you, if you can tear yourselves away from the group hug long enough.  I got a line on something, and it's old.  Like, really old.  But no one seems to know what it is.  Does the word "Melor" mean anything to anyone?]<<<<<
     -- Cap'n Jack (00:39:48/11-27-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FoxBoy on <11-27-10/0147:34>
>>>>>[What am I thankful for? My mate, kits, good friends, lots of fun that pay, and living close enough to a preserve for the free munchies. Fast food always taste better after you chase it down.]<<<<<
     -- FoxBoy (01:42:29/11-27-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <11-27-10/0224:12>
>>>>>[Ah, come on Jack!  Sentimentality be god sent when man find it in he enemies, and can be that thing keep brethren fi turning on another.  On them Melor, it sound a little familiar when said.  Feast of Melor?  Don't know.  Rasta not one fi books.  Maybe overheard it in New Orleans.  Seems a right place for a feast.]<<<<<
     --Shaper (2:24:21/11-27-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <11-27-10/0306:19>
>>>>>[Sorry Cap ol' boy, but it took me a while because I was soooo busy roasting marshmellows and sitting around the fire singing "kumbiya". Only thing I found in my files was a cross reference in an after action report transcript from an associate. Said associate was working on a skip-trace and blundered onto an unidentifed slag near death next to three unidentifiable corpses (due to severe charring) while on his way to a meet with an informant in Shreveport. Said slag got one word out before expiring: "Melor". Got nothing else. And Cap, lighten up, you'll live longer, eh gov'na?]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (03:01:37/11-27-72)


Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <11-27-10/1922:24>
>>>>>[If it's old and it's the Melor I'm thinking of, I might have some "Temp" friends that could help...]<<<<<
     -- KageZero (18:19:01/11-27-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wayfinder on <11-28-10/1154:58>
>>>>>[The only reference I have to a Melor is a 4th century Breton saint. He had a right hand made of silver and a left foot of bronze. These limbs were said to grow with the saint from childhood and act like real limbs. After his uncle had him decapitated to insure his place as King, Melor's severed head supposedly caused his uncle's death. During the middle ages a cult based on the saint was very popular in Brittany. Based off those clues you could be dealing with relics of the hand, foot, or head. There is also the possibility the cult has survived as a secret society. Of course as we all know the historical records contain only part of the truth and might be reinterpretations of older myths or even disinformation meant to lead one astray. I'd start an investigation by heading over to Amesbury Abbey where the saint's relics were said to be housed.   ]<<<<<
     -- Wayfinder (10:53:20/11-28-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <11-29-10/0338:53>
>>>>>[Lousy, bloody, flakey bitch.  So apparently, I got some bad intel.  The word is "Morel", not Melor.  Apparently this bint I got my data from is a bit dyslexic or something.  Other details still stand though.  Can't find nothing else out about this though.]<<<<<
     -- Cap'n Jack (00:36:48/11-29-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <11-29-10/0341:30>
Off Topic Note:  I'm going to archive this thread and start up a new one come December 1st.  As I mentioned before, one thing I kinda want to do is play around with some stuff for Missions in these threads, so while a lot of the chatter that goes up will be the usual goofy stuff, some of it may be hints as to plot developments for upcoming Missions adventures, or discuss some fallout from released adventures.  I'll likely start up a new [IC] thread each month.
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <11-29-10/0402:55>
>>>>>[Besides being rude and presumably British, who the hell is "Cap'n Jack", and why the hell should I care about this melor or morel or moron-whatever he's asking about?  What's in it for me?]<<<<<
     -- Who, me? (01:02:14/11-29-72)

>>>>>[Cap'n Jack, aka Captain Jack Turner is a smuggler, a thief, a murderer, a pirate, and utterly without morals, scruples, or any other redeeming qualities.  So pretty much just like most of the rest of us.  He operates almost exclusively out of Pirate's Cove in the Ork Underground, though he's human, smuggling drugs, BTLs, guns, and the occasional "livestock" in on his fishing boat The Fortune Hunter.  Word on the street is that the new Assistant District Attorney in Downtown Seattle has her cross-hairs set on him as a link to one or more of the Mafia crime families, since he's run contraband for them, the Yaks, the Triads, the Tong, and anyone else willing to pay.
     Problem is, she's having trouble reaching him in the Underground.  Knight Errant's contract is very specific about what areas it can and can't police, and the higher ups at Ares are holding them to that.  And since the Ork Underground isn't technically a district of Seattle, Ares won't let them go down there unless it's an emergency.  They're trying to strong arm Brackhaven into renegotiating their contract.  Anyway, so long as he keeps his head down, pays his dues, and doesn't piss off the Skraacha, he's in one of the safest places in Seattle right now.]<<<<<
     -- The Invisible Kid (00:00:00/00-00-00)

>>>>>[Tell me about it.  Fucking ridiculous rules.  Goddamn red tape.]
     -- Tosh (01:48:28/11-29-72)

>>>>>[Call me a clueless newb, but I'm not sure I understand that.  The Ork Underground is right under the streets of downtown, isn't it?  So why doesn't it count, and why won't KE send the fuzz in if they know where this guys holed up?]<<<<<
     -- Who, me? (01:57:51/11-29-72)

>>>>>[Ok, first of all, Bryce, I just deducted 200¥ out of your bank account.  Call it a stupid tax.  Second, get yourself a better stealth program and upgrade your firewall.  Third, seriously?  Centaur Porn?
     To answer your question, it's simple.  KE's been chomping at the bit for years to get the Seattle contract.  Lone Star finally screwed up enough to let Knight Errant muscle in, but Brackhaven managed to negotiate some pretty good terms for the city.  In less than a year, Damien's boys in black & gold have mostly shut down the Tempo trade and very publicly took down one of the worst Serial Killers in history when they took down the Mayan Cutter after his two and a half year reign of terror.  By the way, my virtual hat off to you for that one, Detective Tosh.  Anyway, KE has the public's favor right now.  They have a 5 year contract at the moment, but they're hoping they can manage to get that renegotiated immediately, rather than waiting 4 more years.  One of the ways they're doing this is being very careful about following that contract to the letter.  That means they don't involve themselves in any Corp's business than Ares or their other contractees, and they don't step outside their jurisdiction.
     Seattle has long ignored the Ork Underground, considering it to be not a part of the city.  It's a footnote at best.  But what folks don;t realize is how big the OU has become.  The tunnels and warrens encompass almost the entirety of downtown, and there are tunnels, roads, and paths that lead out into every other district in the city.  You can travel almost anywhere in Seattle without ever seeing the sky, if you know what you're doing and you're lucky enough to avoid the gangs, the criminals, and the paracritters that live down there.  Very little the Underground is mapped, a deliberate move on the part of most of it's residents, and what few maps that are made are quickly rendered inacurrate as new tunnels are constantly being dug, and old tunnels collapse or are filled in.
     So in part, the Underground is nearly impossible to police, even if KE wanted to do the job.  Many of the residents still resent "Topsiders", those who live above ground, and Lone Stars actions during the Night of Rage still leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many of those who call it their home.  They don't trust the cops, and they don't want them down there.
     Beyond that, since the OU isn't technically part of the city, KEs contract doesn't include it.  So they don't go down past the public entrances at Lordstrung's and the Rhino, along the Tourist Highway.]<<<<<
     -- The Invisible Kid (00:00:00/00-00-00)

>>>>>[Dammit Kid, what have I told you about hacking into the code?  Knock that drek off, or I'll have to take some steps you won't like.
     Not everyone is adverse to letting the law into the Underground.  The O.R.C. and M.O.M. have been working on getting some measures passed through next year that will recognize the Ork Underground as part of Seattle, making it a full blown district.  Project Freedom would mean tax money for civic improvements, mapping the Underground, roads, schools, hospitals, the works.  It would make the citizens down there legitimate, make them a part of the city once more, instead of the boogeymen and the monsters hidden away underground as they're often portrayed these days.
     Of course, if you listen to the talking heads at city hall and in the governor's office, they make noise about the crime rates down there and how they don't have the money to overhaul the OU.  If you believe that fragger Brackhaven, Seattle's broke.  Which doesn't stop him from living in a mansion and taking a limo everywhere he goes.  Some ARO spam making the rounds in in the Underground lately talks about how the city is offering amnesty to any SINners that move out of the OU, offering them a chance to start over and get a "real life".  RUmor has it that he's doing this to get as many voters out of the line of fire, before he starts pouring in cement and burying the OU once and for all.
     I sound like a propaganda poster, I know, but...  Dammit.  He's a Brackhaven, for ghost's sake.  Like he's going to treat metahuman's fairly?  Frag that noise.]<<<<<
     --MacCallister (04:47:10/11-29-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <11-29-10/0704:06>
>>>>>[Ha!  TIK, a man can walk for weeks on Seattle street and not once see sky.  Underground just got the lower ceiling.]<<<<<<
     --Shaper (6:04:04/11-29-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <11-29-10/0833:02>
>>>>>[That little bitch Oaks can kiss my ass.  So can the Knights.  The way politics in this city runs, I got years before I need to worry about the badges coming down here after me.  Even if they do, I got plenty of backup around here.
     As for "Morel", well, there's possibly some money in it for me.  So lets throw out a bounty.  First one to get me some useable hard data that helps me earn a paycheck on gets 1,000¥.  Decent payday for a little bit of research, neh?]<<<<<<
     -- Cap'n Jack (08:32:19/11-29-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <11-29-10/1740:07>
>>>>>[I assume that you've already ruled out mushrooms? Morels are some of the better-tasting edible mushrooms out there, and while they might or might not be mycoproteins (depending on how strict a definition you want to follow), they get used a lot in a variety of food applications where soy doesn't cut it (mostly because of allergic reactions to soy, et cetera, but also because some people don't like the flavor or texture of soy).
     I've got nothing concrete, of course; the only reason I know this is because my sister's allergic to soy and I have to feed her something. Someone might be thinking of raiding a shipment, or making a run on, say, a couple of different Azzie subsidiaries for plans on increasing mushroom yields or some such thing.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (16:39:28/11-29-72)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <11-29-10/1851:43>
>>>>>[No, it's not a Mushroom. Like I said, this might be worth some cred, so I don't want to give out too much information.  Like I said, whatever this is, it's old.  Like, pre-5th world old.  Not usually my forte, but there's a lot of interest in stuff like that these days.
     And before anymore of you jokers gets it in his head to come looking for this thing, I don't have it.  Yet.  Someone tried breaking into my bloody flat early this morning, and I'm guessing it was someone reading these boards.  Whoever it was, they weren't very good, and like I said, I have a lot of friends in the neighborhood.  THere's some pointy-eared dandelion-eater floating out in Puget Sound who found that out the hard way.]<<<<<
     -- Cap'n Jack (18/:51:12/11/829/872)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-30-10/0745:47>
>>>>>[Oh, hey. I’m new here, and my agent just picked up something by chance, that could be revelant. It’s a translation (stript to the bare bones) from a TriCity data haven called ‘Spichlerz’, which would translate to Granary. I’m pretty sure this is not a fake thread, since i'm the 'meat luggage' from Uncle's post. Greetings from the Other Side, and thanks for help to... Well, he knows what for. :>]<<<<<
     -- NiSayer (22:22:22/11-29-72)

>[OpenFile: MushroomHunger.Transcript.]<

Okay boys and girls, i need info, now. Just got these: >MushroomThingy.3DImageFile< and i need to know what the hell is that. They're not normal, and by what i managed to find out, not toxic, or some kind of mutated schrooms. What is that and how much is it worth?
~Uncle-Good-Advice

Looks weird enough to be Awakened to me.
~Pucek

It is. I've heard of these. Pretty rare. I'd like to know more about it.
~Paramour

I knew that much. You're not helping. And i need to know now. It's pretty hot here, if you know what i mean.
~Uncle-Good-Advice

Oooh. Uncle, you're in trouble. How surprising. No good advice for yourself.
~Militiant

Heh. Knew it. Told you so. Don't do business with these guys. They're bad luck.
~Fort-Dweller

That's a 'WyrdMorel'. An awakened form of  Morchella esculenta , hailing from the west. I've heard someone managed to grow those, for alchemical purposes. There's also that witch in Chojnice that brews some nasty stuf out of it. It could make a troll whine for a week, and get really scared of shadows and darkness. Normally i'd call it a bad case of home-brewed awakened drug, but it seems wherever those things grow, shadows act strange. I can take it of your hands for a fair price, if you want.
~Pedestrian

Too late, omae. Just got an offer and sent it overseas along with some hot meat luggage. The price you sent me was better, but man, those things are freaky. They eat light, and i don't think i'll sleep here for a while. It's a good thing they're gone. <shudders> Thanks anyway, boys and girls. Gotta get some sunlight, so, let's say drinks are on me today, and we call it a night _before_ sunset.
~Uncle-Good-Advice

Happy end. It's a good thing. See ya there, Uncle.
~Paramour

>[CloseFile: MushroomHunger.Transcript.]<
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: wylie on <12-01-10/1936:40>
>>>>>[My, the matrix is as pretty as the astral. It is a wonder how it spands pass the sun's home, and yet, can fit on my smallest finger. You humans are a wonderous and sad race. I find yours words lacking, as though they drip with false poison. I hear much puffing of one's size, but not much else. You say how the shiney star wearer is not wanted in the concrete and metal pipe caverns. Yet, I have met a few of the 'undersiders' who wear the star and try to maintain the balance in the eternal darkness. Perhaps you need to look beyond the metal eyes you have had planted in your bodies like mushrooms and see the true Underground.
              And the mushrooms from there are mouthwatering. ]<<<<<
              BW 302 (19:36:47/12-01-72)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Realtime on <01-13-11/2304:04>
>>>>>[Just thought I’d drop a quick line here and say that, since I’m seriously new to the scene here and in dire need of some small time jobs, nothing hot and noticeable, for the moment anyway, anyone got anything for a new hacker in town looking to make some nuyen?]<<<<<
     -- Realtime (10:02:47/01-13-73
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheCommanders on <08-29-11/0136:40>
>>>>>[Well isn't this place quiet, and here I was hoping for a meet and greet.]<<<<<
     -- Leon (00:37:03/08-29-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine on <09-29-11/2341:14>
>>>>>[Meet and greets can be overrated or just deceptive of their usefulness. Sometimes its whats not there that is more important than what is there. But in anycase this is an interesting little blast from the past I stumbled upon. I so miss the days when the net was not always in my face. Wireless world is so overrated.]<<<<<
     -- Tyco (23:39:03/09-29-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <09-30-11/1128:44>
>>>>>[Texas is here. In spirit, anyway. The flesh...yeesh, the flesh is aching like crazy right now. Rough night at work; maybe I'll tell you about it sometime....
     Anyway, welcome to VU93, ye newbies. Be excellent to one another.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (10:27:28/09-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <09-30-11/1209:19>
>>>>>[Sorry about letting things go so quiet, chummers.  Meatworld Biz has kept me pretty busy, and I have some personal fires burning right now besides the my regular fixing work.  I'll likely be looking for a team of runners for a special assignment before too long.  The virtual bar here's been pretty jumping though.  Nice to see more deckers showing up and hanging out, despite old school matrix architecture of the place.
     (I swear, Slamm-0! whines like a little girl about the "low rez design" every time he and 'cat show up, but he's still here a couple times a week to watch the Seadawgs play.]<<<<<
     -- Bull (12:08:22/09-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <09-30-11/1252:45>
>>>>>[Might have something to do with that Simcohol™ program you installed here.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (12:50:40/09-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mason on <09-30-11/1254:44>
>>>>>[Would this special assignment happen to need some magical backup? If so, I am available. Drop me a line.]<<<<<
     -- Mason (12:13:22/09-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine on <09-30-11/2212:46>
>>>>>[If you have something intrsting and productive drop me a line omae. I may be intrested in some kind of diversion..]<<<<<
     -- Tyco (22:12:03/09-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine on <09-30-11/2220:12>
>>>>>[Honestly the low rez designe is refressing. I miss the old way the matrix looked.  This new design is just to unnatural.  Not like the old design was natural but well i guess nostalgia is just the way of things as we move forward. .]<<<<<
     -- Tyco (22:19:03/09-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheCommanders on <10-01-11/0212:16>
>>>>>[A recent contract of mine got snatched when I couldn't find a reliable merc in time, so my schedule's now wide open. When can we hear about the job?]<<<<<
     -- Leon (01:07:23/10-01-73)

>>>>>[Next time you're looking for a merc, remember I'm in town.]<<<<<
     -- Pagan (01:09:42/10-01-73)

>>>>>[I did remember, not your type of job though. One of the requisites was finesse.]<<<<<
     -- Leon (01:12:31/10-01-73)

>>>>>[Boring.]<<<<<
     -- Pagan (01:13:26/10-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <10-01-11/0233:18>
>>>>>[Ah, youth. But anyway...Just because it's new, dosen't make it better. People think I'm crazy, but I still carry my grandfather's Colt '91 as backup. Too many people today tend to rely on their gear rather than themselves. It's sad to see supposedly top-tier merc units or runners fall to pieces when their tac-net or gear is hacked. All I need is for my weapon to go BANG whenever I pull the trigger and a target. *Offers up a virtual beer in toast* here's to the old school. ]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (02:33:13/10-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mason on <10-01-11/0234:03>
>>>>>[Finesse is the one thing that can keep you alive in the shadows, Pagan. That, or a good defense plan.]<<<<<
     -- Mason (01:36:26/10-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheCommanders on <10-01-11/0434:54>
>>>>>[I prefer watcher spirits and fear, but whatever floats your very flammable boat I suppose.]<<<<<
     -- Pagan (03:34:55/10-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mason on <10-01-11/0600:08>
>>>>>[Watcher spirits and fear IS a good defense plan :P.]<<<<<
     -- Mason (05:41:25/10-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-01-11/0625:11>
>>>>>[Oh, nice! Just got back to Seattle and look what I found pending in my mailbox, an invite to Underworld 93. Don't know what it's all about but I'm always happy to meet new and old aquaintances. On another note, when I'm done releasing the second album of my band in a couple of days, I'll be back to running the shadows and that's going to be fun.]<<<<<
-Smiley (06:17:43/10-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Caine on <10-02-11/0008:56>
>>>>>[I personally am a fan of a good exit strategy. As long as that goes off smoothly then you can rectify most of the other situations.]<<<<<
     -- Tyco (24:08:55/10-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <10-02-11/0012:10>
>>>>>[Whoa. Do we have here an old-school rocker?]<<<<<
     --TekDrake(0:08:42/10-2-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-02-11/0029:29>
>>>>>[If you're talking about me TekDrake than yes, I guess I am. Most of the time at least. Have you heard of Thanks for Coming Out? (ALERT! Shameless self publicity coming fast.]<<<<<
     --Smiley(0:27:13/10-2-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-02-11/0124:52>
>>>>>[Thanks for the link, MacCallister.  Been a long time since I saw code like this around.  And seeing Cap's old message, well, brought a tear to my eye, just tossed a shot of scotch into the fire for him, and now my CHN is having a conniption.  New technology is not always better technology, let me tell you.  Always good to see the old crew and wanna-bes that are actually interested in old tech and ideas.  Means they're open to opinions, options, and opportunities, which is better than some of the folks I've been seeing on ShadowSEA far too often.  So, dusting off the ol' ShadowLand Username and Login info, and figure, what the hell, see what bites.  Or who.]<<<<<
     --Money Johnson(13:01:00/10-2-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheCommanders on <10-04-11/2303:44>
>>>>>[Personally I find the old code makes me a bit nostalgic. Not the same way as some of you old deckers, but it reminds me of my old mentor back in FDC. I swear if that guy had owned a shotgun, and a lawn, he'd be chasing kids off of one with the other. Good times.]<<<<<
     --Leon (22:03:41/10-4-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <10-05-11/0136:03>
>>>>>[I prefer a recliner and a Panther Assault Cannon myself.]<<<<<
     -- Bull (01:35:14/10-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-05-11/0202:54>
>>>>>[Oh, I was never a Decker.  Just had a deck and a lot of free time and biz to be done.  And I have chased kids off my lawn with a bolt-action rifle (And, yes, a rocking chair.).  Got me kicked out of that damned gated community...  Ah, semi-retirement, I don't miss it.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (01:35:45/10-05-73)

>>>>>[Don'tz gots nah lawn, but doez haz kidz what need respect learned ta 'em but quick-like.  Shotgun wurks guud fer dat.  Backa muh hand, too.  Dey fear da hand wurst.]<<<<<
     -- Big Murphy (02:00:08/10-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-05-11/0208:22>
>>>>>[Chasing kids off one with the other? Well, seeing an old decker chasing kids off his shotgun by throwing lawn patches would certainly be... interresting to say the least!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (02:08:23/10-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheCommanders on <10-05-11/1959:45>
>>>>>[The good news is with modern sim technology, seeing it is not outside the realm of possibility. I'll hook y'all a link once I've finished :P]<<<<<
     -- Leon (18:59:51/10-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-05-11/2247:40>
>>>>>[Hahaha! I can already see the Matrix meme: Redneck Decker, You're doing it wrong!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:46:43/10-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-05-11/2258:31>
>>>>>[I actually hired a Redneck Decker one time out of...  Somewhere in the CAS, worked out of a trailer park with a satlink.  Might still be there for all I know.  His cyberdeck was a kludge of components held together with duct tape, no actual DECK.  Just an old external keyboard for plugging into a portable telecom.  Electrocuted himself twice just trying to log in.  Got my paydata in less time than it took to heat up the soykaff, but dear Ghost I felt like the place was going to burn down just watching the bloody thing work.  The snowmoose head on one wall with the party hat on was also disconcerting, and badly stuffed.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (23:00:02/10-05-73)

>>>>>[Crash 2.0 got him.  :-(  He was protecting a datahaven in his area trying to spread the ShadowLand message as far as possible.  The trailer did, indeed, burn down, too.  Luckily, only his body was there, so he didn't suffer (I hope.)]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (23:01:50/10-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-05-11/2314:15>
>>>>>[I gotta say, a fitting end for such a glorious creature!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:13:14/10-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-05-11/2319:28>
>>>>>[You didn't see the guy.  Glorious was not how I'd describe him.  Honestly, I never met an uglier human, before and after.  And I've had to shake hands and smile to both Karl and Kenneth Brackhaven.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (01:12:55/10-06-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-05-11/2329:12>
>>>>>[Hahaha! What I meant is, he went out in fucking style! I make myself no illusion, I'll most likely end up dead alone in a ditch somewhere, much sooner than later. But this guy, that's nearly poetic. Like the body of a Viking King on his Drakkar at large. I mean, if I was a Redneck Decker, I wouldn't want to go out any other way!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:28:22/10-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-05-11/2337:43>
>>>>>[That's my religion you're playing with there, Smiley.  But, yeah, he was a warrior and went out like a warrior should, indeed.  I wonder if there's a virtual version of Valhalla for Deckers who fall in the digital realm?  Might have to bring that up with the Gyðja.  Heavy thoughts, indeed.  Heh, well, a toast to him and Captain Chaos and all the rest who fell while saving the whole fraggin' world by spreading that message out!  Let their memorial be the future!]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (12:00:05/10-06-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-05-11/2345:54>
>>>>>[Alright, you were too inspiring there. I just raised my glass, drank it all down the hatch and smashed the glass on the ground shouting "MORE!" Now everyone at the Powerline's lookin' at me funny.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:45:30/10-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-06-11/0007:32>
>>>>>[I can have that effect on people.  It's important in my line of work.  Too many Mr. Johnsons see the position far too wrong.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (12:46:00/10-06-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <10-06-11/2316:09>
>>>>>[Me, I'd rather die of old age, knowing that all my enemies have died long before.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (23:15:04/10-06-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-07-11/0011:34>
>>>>>[Well, I guess I can see the satisfaction in it. Someone not-so-wise once told me, "If you look back and see that many people wish you were dead and you are still alive, you know you're doing your job right. At least in our line of work." I've been at it for a little more than ten years now and, although I am inclined to believe I'm doing my job right, I can definitively say I've made more than my share of enemies over the years. But my natural talent for pissing people off might also contribute to the number. Nonetheless, I will never have the time, nor the money to go after all of them. So I accept the fact that I'll never see the end of it, I get a good laugh and I take comfort in knowing most of them can't touch me. Pissing them off and getting away with it is way more satisfying. Not that it's my goal to piss people of, mind you. I just have a job to do and I'm rather good at it.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (12:11:35/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-07-11/0138:13>
>>>>>[Speaking of pissing people off, and changing topic, election time is starting up.  Oh, not officially or in the Light.  Well, at least not in the major parties, the small "Throwaway vote" parties like Seattle's three Communist Parties (No, I'm not joking) have nominated their leaders and potential electorates.  But the Shadow work is starting to line up as the potential leaders of the major parties start getting their lies, sorry, "Campaign Promises" ready, and start sorting out their houses to make them seem as clean as possible.  You know, getting the Mistresses out of the Metroplex (Or underground), making alibis for situations they were in before, disappearing or fabricating data galore.  Biz will be starting up soon, so deckers/hackers out there better update their programs and musclebois and grrls get your shovels ready, and the rest, well, get ready however you get ready..  These jobs always leave me feeling dirty in a way that never washes off.  But the major players seem to be waiting for the Ork Underground situation to come to a head before they start fighting over who gets to be the figurehead for their party.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (12:14:55/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-07-11/0158:26>
>>>>>[Yeah, that's when the most disgusting and morally questionable jobs get offered. A guy contacted me through my fixer, just a few years back, and wanted two names to disappear. One woman and a child. I'm no angel and I've done my share of really bad stuff but killing children isn't something I've done. So I tell him, to give me two days to check with my schedule and think about it, I'm good with lies. So I have an acquaintance of mine check into these two names. Turns out, a married candidate had a bastard child and an ex-mistress and wanted them gone. So killing children isn't my business, but charity isn't either, so I told my fixer about it. As it turns out, he wasn't into arranging children murder either. So he told me he would take care of it and sent me a few thousand nuyens a few days later. Hahaha! The old bastard had hired runners to protect and hide the woman and the child and arranged an extortion scheme. Those nuyens were my cut and a token of gratitude apparently."]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (01:58:12/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheCommanders on <10-07-11/1038:19>
>>>>>[Hmm, I've been told morality pays off occasionally, but I've carved out a reliable market niche by getting a reputation of no questions asked. In regard to the enemies, anyone with a death threat on me or my associates can expect to find me waiting in an alley outside their favorite haunt, and nothing else after that. The best defense is a good offense; when people find holding a grudge is bad for their health, they either back off or conspire. As for conspirators, let's just say I like all my eggs in one basket, and hard-broiled.]<<<<<
     -- Pagan (09:38:55/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-07-11/1236:04>
>>>>>[Ah ain't ifultraiten da Arch-Conservortives again.  Ever.  {Start Playback:  02/01/60}:  "Ha!  That cigar must have been, what, three, four hours of that 'man's' life?"  "Oh, please, hardly a man.  Just a troglodyte that thinks he's people."  "True enough.  Pity he was able to get a SIN somehow to work here, but at least he's in his proper place in society."{End Playback}]<<<<<
     -- Big Murphy (11:35:12/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <10-07-11/1546:27>
>>>>>[Anyone else catch Teiko's concert last week at the Seattle Coliseum? The girl's got impressive talent. Reminds me of Mercurial back in the day.]<<<<<
     -- KageZer0 (15:26:46/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <10-07-11/1657:03>
>>>>>[ No drek Kage, and I knew Mercurial back then, In fact this girl has got a set of pipes on her that almost surpasses MM. I bet a lot of bodies have wracked up over turning her toward one mega or another. I wonder if there's any openings on her security team?]<<<<<

--Wolfgar(15:53:46/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-07-11/1718:16>
>>>>>[Can't say that I have KageZer0. I was... away from Seattle the day of the concert. I'll have to say that it's not quite my type of music too. But, I'll admit, she's got a nice... personality... yes, personality!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (17:17:17/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-07-11/1722:50>
>>>>>[I had tickets, but Biz got in the way.  Damnit.  But debts are debts, and this one is paid off now.  Fired them off to a friend who enjoyed the show a lot, despite having to spoof quite a bit of the security to let her in.  The auto-vendeors at the site were really keen eyed on things, too, preventing her from getting anything but water, wonder how they were able to do that.  I'd ask her how she liked it, but, honestly, I get one-word-out-of-five when she talks.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (17:20:10/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mason on <10-07-11/2253:01>
>>>>>[Sorry, Wulf, but some guys I know are pretty much her exclusive security detail anywhere in the UCAS.]<<<<<
     -- Wight Knight (18:42:36/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <10-08-11/0017:19>
>>>>>[What about the CAS Wight Knight?]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (23:14:57/10-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <10-08-11/1108:09>
>>>>>[From the amount of MCT goons I saw at the concert, the only local security they might hire are bouncers.]<<<<<

--KageZero (11:05:31/10-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mason on <10-08-11/1342:46>
>>>>>[Her...friends aren't allowed in the CAS for legal purposes.]<<<<<

-- Wight Knight (14:14:14/10-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-08-11/1415:27>
>>>>>[Did they pee on the Alamo like Ozzy Osbourne did?  (Look it up if you don't know.)  Also, I know one music group from the Salish-Shide Council that made the mistake of touring in Quebec (Fragged if I'm going to asent e gue anything to the slots!) and their Bass player was hunted by the local cops as he was a wolf shapechanger.  "F*** The French" was their next album, I like the Or'Zet translation they did better, however.  Really carries the anger properly.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (13:12:40/10-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-09-11/1008:32>
>>>>>[Alright, I'm really gonna sound like an asshole there but they were kinda gunnin' for trouble! I mean, I really feel for the guy, I know all too well the feeling of been chased down like a fucking dog, believe me I do! But it's no friggin secret that the République de Québec hate their critters. In fact they're showing their hatred for the whole world to see with their "Harmful Paranimal Act". Hahaha, it's even a damn touristic tool, attracting hunters from all around the world. So I'm gonna say it, they were idiots if they didn't know what they were getting into.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (10:07:46/10-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-09-11/1135:03>
>>>>>[Notice I said it was the Police that were after him, right?  Well, guess who had all the proper permits and visas and writs of Mother May I (In the horrible French that country uses, of course) to let him legally be there.  He just had to wear a collar at all times, and have all his shots.  If they had actually arrested/killed him, they'd have been brought up on charges on, um...  "Animal Cruelty" or "Abuse Causing the Death of a Licensed and Owned Pet" if I translate right.  If he was just there with nothing but a passport and a smile, then yeah, I'd be with you Smiley, but he was there as legally as possible and they still wanted to have a Fox Hunt with a Wolf.  That's why I refuse to do Biz that deals with the damned place.  'Course, being semi-retired, I get to pick my jobs anyhow.  Oh, and guess what's a campaign platform with their current election:  The ability to put Trolls on said "Harmful Paranimal Act" list again, with a provision that native-born Quebecois Trolls would be exempt.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (10:32:15/10-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-09-11/1206:41>
>>>>>[Oh I noticed, and I'm not making any excuses for these ignorant bigots. All I'm saying is that you don't go into a predator's den, knowing they want to eat you, even if they promise not to. That reminds me the one and only time I went in Quebec for a job. I'll pass on the details but I got hired to get rid of someone hiding in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue's wilderness, It didn't even took 3 hours and I got attacked by a giant horned bear. That thing was huge. I was able to get the hell out alive but my guide wasn't so lucky. They mostly use the Act as a way to get rid of the things they don't understand nowadays but I understand why they originally put this thing on the table to be voted and later adopted. I, personally, would think of doing something when you can't even get in your own backyard without something as big as your house trying to eat you.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (10:07:46/10-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-09-11/1220:58>
>>>>>[After Dad kicked me out (Don't ask), I grew up in territory just as bad.  We didn't have those laws.  We did have hunting rifles, however.  There's a reason I find hunting relaxing.

As for "The Predators Lair", I think their agent shouldn't have taken the offer to visit from Quebec's Tourism Department (I'm not writing the french name for it, it's horribly written) to show how "enlightened and understanding we are with the peoples of North America" and the dumptruck full of Que₣, n'est-ce pas?  Before you ask, yes, I'm privy to quite a bit of what happened.  No, I'm not going to explain how.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (11:19:30/10-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-11-11/1525:58>
>>>>>[Still, they took the offer and that was pretty dumb. Anyway, my band and I won't have this problem. We haven't get out of the UCAS and we don't plan to.

Talking about that, we got ourselves in a frustrating situation. We are being harassed by a guy who says he's an agent working for Mitsuhama since I came back from... somewhere. He wants us to sign a deal with him. Not that it is not tempting but we're all a bunch of SINless runners so everytime he showed up, we not-so-politely told him to fuck off. I mean, we do it for fun and the music itself is completely free. Well, with the exception of live performance and some merch, which a more than affordable. We haven't seen the guy in a while and at the same time he left us alone, all the networks distributing our shit went down. Also none of the other network wants to release our brand new digital album for free. I bet this asshole is trying to shut us down until we accept his deal. Something tells me he's going to show up again soon and when he does, I'll rip his head off and shit down his neck!.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:25:15/10-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <10-11-11/1637:26>
>>>>>[If ya needs any help with the MCT goons, let me know. Me and my pals owe them some "manual cosmetic reconstruction" after the Johnson screwed us on the payoff last time.]<<<<<
     -- Bear (16:35:16/10-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-11-11/1721:24>
>>>>>[PM me you contact info, Smiley.  I got some contacts with non-corp based distributors that will get your stuff out fairly well.  Might not be as cheap as it used to be, I will admit, but it'll be independent and honest.  Three-Chords-and-the-Truth, Chummer.  Just if you're ever in the Seattle area, send me some tickets, wouldya?  All I'll ask for.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (16:40:06/10-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-11-11/2031:43>
>>>>>[Bear, if this asshole shows up, I will! Besides... who am I to get in the way of well deserved payback? But nobody touches this guy, he's mine. The rest of his entourage is for your pleasure.

Done, Mr. Johnson. We are based in Seattle and if we can get these guys to release our music for free and merch at a discount, you won't ever have to pay a nuyen at our gigs. Assuming you like the shit we're doing. Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:31:33/10-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-11-11/2122:17>
>>>>>[OK, sent off your contact info to them.  I'll let you guys handle the negotiation, these folks are pretty hard core anti-corp, so they're not about to be "Bought Out" anytime soon.  (Shot out is another matter.).  And if I don't like what you do, I'm sure there's Shadowrunners that do, the tickets make great bonuses for jobs well done.  ;-D]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (20:32:56/10-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <10-12-11/0424:56>
>>>>>[Word of advice, still be careful, especially soon after a run. I knew a few sneaky bastard Johnsons back in the day who gave out concert tickets in order to draw "loose ends" out into the open. Nice and easy for a sniper to set up and tag you when they know exactly what seat you're in. Old chum of mine went out that way. ]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (04:23:56/10-12-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-13-11/1222:10>
>>>>>[I wouldn't worry too much at our gigs. It's always in a small concert room. About a quarter of the crowd is acquainted with the shadows and we hire local gangers for security, both street and matrix. Everybody knows each other. Not saying it's air tight but bringing a sniper rifle inside the place would be a hell of a feat.

On other news, your buddies came through Mr. Johnson. A little hard on negotiation but they were downright easy to work with and we already worked a deal. The music will be freely distributed but the merch will be slightly more expensive than we wanted. Can't have everything I guess but it's still cheap enough to keep us happy! Now the shameless self promotion, the album is going to be released on October 17 and here's the album info for those interested. We even added a bonus track not previously planned.

//upload text file :: user Smiley :: 10/13/73 //

Album: Puzzle your Skull
Artist: Thanks for Coming Out
Recorded and Mastered by Joking Chan
Produced by Thanks for Coming Out
Digital distribution by Three-Chords-and-the-Truth
Copyright 2073

01 - Deep Trout
02 - Captain Brown down the Maelstrom
03 - Mouthful of Cheese
04 - Junky Yard
05 - Redmond's Boogie
06 - Scion of Assholes
07 - Dirt Relation
08 - Swallow it all
09 - Clone
10 - Puzzle your Skull
11 - Bonus Track - Morons, Cunts and Twats

Thanks For Coming Out is:
-Joking Chan (Vocals, Guitars)
-Johnny Falco (Drums)
-Anna Wivietsky (Bass, Back Vocals)
-Michael Dubois (Keyboards)
-Lisa Rover (Trumpet, Saxophone)
//end file//

Stay tuned for a album release party. I should warn thought, when we organize a party, it usually get wild. Haven't decided on a date yet.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (12:21:02/10-12-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-13-11/1427:22>
>>>>>[Always smart to be paranoid of a smiling Johnson, Bravo Six.  Now, I personally have never had 'Runners shot to tie up loose ends (Believe that or not as you will), but there have been times that my gifts have had, shall we say, a second ulterior motive.  'Course, if those Humanis 'Runners had bothered to look into the music group whose tickets I gave them, they'd have realized they wouldn't be welcome at a 'Trog Rock Concert.  Never used that Fixer again, either.  Ah, when I was young and naive, back in the '50s.  Not just tickets I've given as gifts, either.  So many toys in the box to play with.

Good to hear you signed up, Smiley.  If you did your research (And if you didn't, SHAME!), you'd know that the group is privately owned partnership of actual people (The ones you met, BTW, which is why the negotiation was hard), so there's no fronts or hidden possibilities for Mega Influence, and they have a very good law firm to protect copyright.  Hope everyone is happy with the situation.  I PMed you a drop box where you can send me tickets.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (13:25:40/10-13-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <10-21-11/0520:18>
>>►♪♫ H0W_MANY_PUNK_R0CKERS_D0ES_IT_TAKE_T0_CHANGE_A_LIGHT_BULB.  TRICK_QUESTI0N.  PUNK_R0CKERS_HAVE_NEVER_CHANGED_ANYTHING♫♪◄<<
     --bit_meddler (̎ͪ̒͑͏̜͓̲̥̹͙͖̝̟̘̦͇̺̮́)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-21-11/1204:36>
>>>>>[Bu...  MacCallister!  The Skript Kiddies got in.  How the hell did that happen, this system doesn't even work with stock CommLink OSes or the shareware programs being passed around today.

I go away for a hunting "Weekend" and the place goes to hell.  Oh, and if someone wants some Elk Meat...  Go get it yourself.  Damned herd I was tracking has some kind of magical protection going that nearly fried me (Lightning in this case.).  Any magicians want to make some "easy" coin doing an Astral Fly-By, contact me.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (11:00:32/10-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Patrick Goodman on <10-21-11/1206:32>
>>>>>[Money, check your mail. It just so happens I've got some free time.]<<<<<
     -- Thunder (11:05:27/10-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-21-11/1227:07>
>>>>>[HAHAHA! That's a good one, bit_meddler!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (12:27:55/10-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <10-21-11/1339:39>
>>>>>[Sorry to hear about your hunting problems, Money, wish I could help but I have my own trip to contend with. My prey like to shoot back too, good thing my unit and I are much better shots. So far. ]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (13:39:55/10-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-21-11/1646:07>
>>>>>[Thanks, Bravo Six.  Not the first time game has hunted me, but it is the first time Elk has.  The Tribe whose land I was on (Legitimately) was concerned as well, and not too happy, either.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (15:45:00/10-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-30-11/1800:03>
>>>>>[ The tribe is not the spirits of the land.  Remember to propitiate them before taking of the bounty they provide. ]<<<<<
     -- Jungle Hunter (16:00:00/10-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <10-30-11/1807:02>
>>>>>[I've always been respectful of the spirits of the land and animals I hunt.  Unlike a lot of my contemporaries, I do use all the animal that I hunt, and don't overhunt.  (OK, a bit of an exaggeration, I don't use everything PERSONALLY, but I do see that it is put to use by others.).  I've had a few people investigate it (Thanks Thunder!) and whatever it was is gone now, which puts the tribe there at ease a bit, but it showed up with a few other folks in various parts, protecting different herds.  I got a, um, nature expert investigating it now full time, and damn is she not cheap.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (17:06:42/10-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <11-02-11/1821:28>
>>>>>[ You know guys, bit meddler made me think and then go looking into some old data from right after the crash. Does anyone else remember running across a file talking about one of the first AIPS cases? It was a transcript of a shrink and his patient who had been seeing what i think were some orriginal AIs right after the Stockholm wireless grid first came up.]<<<<<
     ---Wolfgar(17:20:05/11-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-05-11/1315:57>
>>>>>[REWARD:  To the first person that finds out where the hell I am!

Bring pants.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (12:15:00/11-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-05-11/1454:19>
>>>>>[I did say our parties were wild! Well, someone's coming to get you if you're still where it... she tracked your signal. Let's hope I got the size right.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (14:53:06/11-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-05-11/1653:38>
>>>>>[It was the afterparty, and it wasn't as much fun as the party.  Oh, and medium flats, I'm not picky at this point.  Something to clean blood up would be an idea too, but not necessary.  I hate leaving myself open for tracking like this, BTW.  Be glad when I can get back in Hidden And Spoofing Mode.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (15:52:18/11-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-06-11/2241:36>
>>>>>[Well, I guess it's a little late to ask since it... she already told me you got out of your, let's call it, predicament alive and well but, was the suit fine enough for you Money? I wasn't gonna make you walk around in flats. Even for me, the thought of doing that is unbearable! Flats, just the word makes me shiver.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:40:40/11-06-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <11-07-11/0050:54>
>>>>>[One of these days, I need to learn Fashion so I can tailor Flats to me out of the tube. I hate when I shift and forget where I left my clothes. Or have to change without time to undress. Went to wearing really cheap stuff on 'runs long ago. Better yet, for most of you anyway, they're more anonymous. Just-bought stuff has less of a link, too, it feels like.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (00:50:40/11-7-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-07-11/0218:38>
>>>>>[When that new color-changing and AR-enhanced style clothing came out, I made sure to upgrade my threads. Guards are looking for someone all in black? They might not pay too much attention to the guy in the green and silver, broadcasting your favorite team's logo. If you don't mind about the reduced armor, that Teg-mentum suit makes changing looks on the fly a breeze.]<<<<<
--Iceblade (04:20:03/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-07-11/1100:12>
>>>>>[You might wanna look into Nanofaxing, Tekdrake. You won't be able to design them yourself but they should have a nice selection by now. An acquaintance of mine use that in combination with Vendingwear for cheap "fashion" on the spot. By the Jade Emperor, Vendingwear is the only thing worst than Flats. Personally, all my clothes are made of real fabric, about half of them custom made and about a quarter of it I made myself. Yes, I'm a man who sew, the little feminine side of my personality.

On a more tasteful note, I just received my custom made Feywear suit that I will use in concert as soon as the other receive theirs. And oh my, it is 1920 mafia don style with a small twist, hat and shoes included, and it is worth every nuyen!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:00:03/11-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <11-07-11/1130:00>
>>>>>[Smiley, have you ever tried to lug a nanofax about? Without the benefit of a vehicle? Or at times, thumbs.

Sweet threads, though, and nice style. Might get a dress or suit made up one of these days if I can ever afford it. Drawback of being a changeling, a seamstress or tailor kinda remembers making adjustments for extra limbs or a tail whether cash or spoof. Let's just say I need to be circumspect about that side of town for a bit.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (11:29:44/11-7-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-07-11/1143:44>
>>>>>[One Shapechanger I hire on a regular basis uses a fanny pack with an eleastic band to lug stuff around, including a folded set of flats to keep nudity from being an issue, and his CommLink.  Don't laugh, he's bigger than most Trolls, and a hell of a lot meaner than some folks I know.  He also swears by passport holders that go around the neck to hold his Credsticks.  Not exactly giving away secrets here, it's pretty obvious who he is if you see him.  The issue is seeing him.

A group I knew, um, "back in the day", has stashes all over their land for various stuff they find useful when they need thumbs, like titanium knives (they don't rust or get dull) for skinning and clothing for selling to fur traders.]<<<<<
--Money Johnson (11:30:20/11-7-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <11-07-11/1212:58>
>>>>>[Thanks, MJ, I just spent 20 minutes cleaning out the fiber optic sockets in my 'link after spitting my 'kaf onto it. I just pictured winging around while wearing a day-glo fanny pack on my lovely cobalt scales.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (12:12:34/11-7-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-07-11/1234:38>
>>>>>[He wears black synthleather, but whatever floats your boat, chummer.  *Emote:  Big Grin*]<<<<<
--Money Johnson (11:34:44/11-7-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-07-11/1730:05>
>>>>>[Can't say that I have, Tekdrake. I never used Nanofaxed clothing, all I know is that some peeps I know finds it handy for a quick change. Me I really never needed a fast change of clothes but I always have some spare ones in the trunk of my Westwind 3k or in the seat compartment of my Mirage. Well... that and sex toys. You never know when you need those! And being the boytoy of a fair amount of women in nearly every districts of Seattle have some advantages, I can always leave some behind for later use. Some clothes too, of course!

And for Feywear, yeah, expensive comes to mind but nuyens are just about half of what people think they cost. There's also a fairly exhausting binding process that comes with it and if you don't already have the "designer" in your pocket already, you might have to owe it a favor or two. That brings also the fact that you have to know or be introduced to one of these "designers" before you can even think about getting a set of these clothes. Ask me what we had to do to get ours!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (17:28:56/11-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-08-11/1057:01>
>>>>>[HOLYMOTHERWHATTH'FRAG!!!  Sorry, fergot dis 'ting on.  Yuh, dere's som'tin' in da sewers 'round Everett bigger dan me an' hu'gry fer orky flesh.  An' dwarf.  An' elfies.  An' it don' like no shotties slugs wit' da 'plosives in 'em!  MJ, yuh wanna go huntin'?

Five kay new yen, down da tubes.  Lit'ral like!]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (09:55:21/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-08-11/1512:41>
>>>>>[... It is posts like that one that make me wish I'd never left the Tir. That perversion of language literally hurt to read.]<<<<<
--Iceblade (10:30:08/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-08-11/1620:14>
>>>>>[ And it's posts like yours that makes me glad of the large number of times I was hired to hack Tir Tairngire.  Hell, boy, I'm willing to bet my last nuyen that your personal elven ancestry is no more than one generation deep. Posts like yours make me glad I bought out of that crap very early on.  Because you know what?  The way population growth is happening, the odds are that there are more people who understood his post than didn't. ]<<<<<
-- The Wyrm Ouroboros (16:20:14/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-08-11/1632:47>
>>>>>[Ah can't use no keyboard, sos I gotta use da mic t'ing.  Damn 'board iz too smallish fer my orky-sized mitts.  An' peoples wunderz why elfies t'ink der drek don' stink.  Me, Ise knowz I make da stereotype 'bout Dumb Barrens Trog stronger.  But dis howz I talk, and nevers could get rid a' da aksent.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (15:28:04/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-08-11/1701:29>
>>>>>[Second generation, actually. Born in '32. And this has nothing to do with metatype, Wyrm. Education? Physical impairments with being able to use standard-sized gear? Sure. But those issues are not based strictly on metatype. And it certainly isn't an elven thing to appreciate language enough not to mangle it.

Wonder what it would take to get Horizon to expand some of its education programs to Redmond. From what I can see in the PCC, they're doing some good teaching less fortunate people (of all metatypes) basic literacy and skills that they can use for profitable careers, whether in the private sector or the shadows.]<<<<<
--Iceblade (18:30:10/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-08-11/1757:39>
>>>>>[Oh, I don't know. Seems the uneducated orky isn't doing too badly for himself in terms of profit. Like all the rest of us, he knows what he needs to know to get the job done. The fact that you can't understand him easily is more your problem than his. Personally, I get nervous when media giants take an interest in the SINless. Besides that...even if Horizon didn't have ulterior motives, do you really think the SINless will be allowed to use the skills they acquire? Just knowing to read and write isn't going to bring very many opportunities your way, even if you didn't already have the tiny little problem of being illegitimate.]<<<<<
-- Madrecita (0:57:23/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-08-11/1829:39>
>>>>>[Never said I couldn't understand him. Just said it hurt to listen to. Being able to read and write might not open many more doors when you're SINless, but every door opened is another opportunity for profit and getting out of ghost-forsaken hellholes. Education isn't THE solution to poverty, but it does offer some people a way out. Especially once they have some marketable skills.

Awakened types and the hacker/techno crowd have the easiest time finding work once they get some education and training. And merc units are always looking for fresh talent. But a bit of education can go a long way, even in setting up a legitimate business. Knowing how to take apart a Roadmaster, fix what's broken, and put it back together again means you've got a steady stream of income just waiting for you.

But really, the reason you want a bit of education is that there are meets that happen in places where formal dress is mandatory, and getting past the maître d’ is damn near impossible unless you can both look and speak the part. Being able to 'get rid a' da aksent', combined with a nice suit means that the Johnson that would have passed on you for that gig guarding some pop princess will now take a second look. You can spout off all you like about not judging books by their covers, but we all know, or ought to, that presentation is a big part of being seen as a professional. Like it or not, that's how the game works.

Currently working the LA sprawl, though I visited a few times before the Crash and the Fall. Whatever else you can say about Horizon, they and the PCC have kept the Azzies from taking the place over. And their community service groups do help out in some of the hardest hit areas. Do they have ulterior motives for being seen publicly as the 'nice' mega? Doubtless. But they're better than the alternative. If given the choice between a Consensus and teocalis, I know who I'll turn to, every time.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:23:09/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-08-11/1833:56>
>>>>>[Ah Tir Tairngire. I don't miss my birthplace one second!

Stereotypes... they'll follow you anywhere like glue. I say everyone are idiots as a whole, slightly different on an individual basis. Point is, Big Murphy seems to be an Ork with a simple mind and a speech impediment and Iceblade seems to be an educated ass with an ego! Hey, I'm an annoying jackass with sociopathic tendencies. What a nice bunch of losers we make!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (18:33:36/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-08-11/1835:32>
>>>>>[Horizon scares me in a lot of ways.  We deal with the Corporations dirty laundry all the time, PayData is often stuff they don't want getting out.  Like Aztechnology and their use of Blood Magic.  Yeah, we know about it, but the general public doesn't.  Renraku had the AI that caused the Archology Incident.  And so on.  Horizon?  They got NOTHING.  Small-time stuff that's normal with any corporation above the size of Bob and his brothers.  Nothing on the Denver Data Haven, nothing on ShadowSEA, nothing on the DumpShock DataHaven, NOTH-ING.

That scares me more than Blood Magic and a Toxic Pixie Shaman that has a taste for my flesh.

As for Big Murphy, I've worked with four generations of Murphy's now.  They've all been professional and discrete, which is more than I can say for a lot of Muscle that comes out of the Barrens.  He just never lost his accent, and is far better read than I am at this point.  And I went to University.  If you can stand his manner of speaking, his comparison on Sun Tzu against Clausewitz is actually quite insightful.  I just wish he'd break down and buy a troll-sized keyboard so these arguments quit happening.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (17:31:44/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <11-08-11/1927:30>
>>>>>[Some of the greatest weapons in this world are misconception, misdirection, and arrogance. Play on their bias, point them in the wrong direction, and then convince them what they are seeing can't possiblly be anything but what they have determined. Makes for one hell of a suprise. I learned a long time ago not to just focus on the threat right in front of you, but look for the one sneaking up from behind. And Money, not to sound condensending and with all respect but, you have no idea of what's still out there. Tip of the iceburg, chummer. Until this unpleasentness I'm currently involved in took all my attention, I was actively researching such things. If the public knew half of what was really out there...and should some of it get loose, I weap for metahumanity. ]<<<<<
-- Bravo Six (19:26:34/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-08-11/1940:51>
>>>>>[Yeah, I'z enjoy'd dat stuff when I wuz yunger.  But da woid iz out dat I'z iz smarter den I sounds.  Still, lotsa folks try ta stiff mes on payment an' stuff.  Never hadta worry 'bout dat wit' Money.  I'z da one what gave him dat name.  And I ain't to sure-like dat he's arroganty 'bout knowing soz much stuffz.  Oft times he askz mes for helps with da thinkin' an' plannin'.  Not many do, even wit' knowin' howz smarts I iz.  But he keyed into dirty biz, dat his primary biz an' hobby t'ig.  Me, I collects da holdout pistol weapons.  Much better hobby.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (18:40:22/11-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <11-08-11/2102:17>
>>>>>[I love my cousins from the Promised Land. They are so much easier to convince to let me in and tell me their secrets.]<<<<<
-- Mercedes (20:52:43/11-08-1173)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <11-09-11/0146:26>
>>>>>[I've had a bunch of folks turn their nose up at the scruffy Changeling huddled in a daze on a park bench. Those, for some odd reason, find themselves victims of identity theft and their comms the origin of some nasty hacks. I actually miss college, but when my SIN got... 'misplaced' when I manifested and turned into what I am, well, it kinda opened my eyes. Not to mention, I couldn't finish my degree.

Hey, Big Murphy, if'n ya ever want an upsized keyboard, I can hook you up. Got one for my scaly side custom-made, claw-resistant. Thing's bigger than those clumsy decks used by geezers, though.

Oh, what's with the weird date-hack, Mercedes? Daylight savings glitch your comm?]<<<<<
--TekDrake (1:45:12/11-9-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <11-09-11/0826:56>
>>>>>[¡Caray! Hacker friend of mine thinks he's funny... Let's see how funny it is when his next shipment of Betel is "late".]<<<<<
--Mercedes (08:24:01/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-09-11/1249:44>
>>>>>[T'anks, but I'z us'd ta da mic now.  Haveta relearn ta type all o'er ag'in.  Hard ta dos when yer tirdy and orky.  Old dawgs an tricks an all dat.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (11:49:10/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-09-11/1335:56>
>>>>>[Mmm...ever considered rejuv treatment, orky?]<<<<<
-- Madrecita (20:36:13/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-09-11/1441:58>
>>>>>[Da name be Big Murphy, naht Money Johnson.  Can't afford no rejuvy when youse gots da household a five-duzen or so mout' to feedz.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (13:41:44/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-09-11/1556:26>
>>>>>[I thought so. Drop me a message, and we'll see what can be arranged. The world needs more honourable folk.]<<<<<
-- Madrecita (22:56:44/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <11-09-11/1651:44>
>>>>>[Okay, camotes, my friends and I are looking for some help. Our teammate has gotten himself detained by some of the chota and we need to free him up for an upcoming job. If you have any information on <redacted> where he's being held, it would be much appreciated. And we can pay. And if there's any chamucos out there that think they could lend a hand, we might be in the market...]<<<<<
-- Mercedes (16:42:50/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-09-11/1759:52>
>>>>>[Who are these guys? Knowing a little more, I should be able to find someone who knows something.]<<<<<
-- Smiley (17:59:12/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-09-11/1814:13>
>>>>>[What sprawl you in? Might be I could find someone who can get you what you need.]<<<<<
--Iceblade (18:01:30/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <11-09-11/2026:22>
>>>>>[Messaged you both with the details. (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=3870.0)]<<<<<
-- Mercedes (20:24:35/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-09-11/2054:10>
>>>>>[Checking with my contacts. I'll let you know if anything turns out.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:54:01/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-09-11/2055:25>
>>>>>[I know some people who may be able to help. You want to owe a favor to the Laesa, Horizon, or some officials in the Tir?]<<<<<
--Iceblade (20:25:39/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <11-09-11/2352:36>
>>>>>[Already calling in a couple favors from them. What do you have from the Tir?]<<<<<
-- Mercedes (23:51:29/11-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-10-11/0751:43>
>>>>>[A friend in the army who helped me get out before the rebels caught me, and avoid some other minor unpleasantness. I'm sure she'd be glad to have someone who owed her a favor or two in Seattle.]<<<<<
--Iceblade (00:02:12/11-10-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-10-11/2106:36>
>>>>>[Alright, my contacts came through. First bit you might wanna know about the place Mercedes, you do not want to push the "Open all cell doors" button. The U.C.A.S. Marshalls have a contract with Knight Errant, specifically this facility. It seems they are using the place to stash very violent and very dangerous fugitives until they can process them to a more permanent and more maximum security facility. The place seems to be tight but far from full proof. Lawyers are sometimes allowed to see their clients, District Attorney come and go sometimes to make deals with prisoners and of course Marshalls come and go to give and take prisoners from the place.

A friend of mine looked into employees on the matrix and he told me one of them might be of use. The secretary at the reception is... hum... very sexually active and always on the hunt for anything physically attractive and on two legs. He even sent me some... slightly intense videofeeds of her in action but I'll spare you that. Bottom line, he says she has some access and could be easily seduced into doing naughty things.

Another source of mine forwarded some info on their security and on the whereabouts of your friend. So if what I got is accurate and up-to-date, it's a prison designed to be easily covered by cameras so there's only a few guards patrolling every ten minutes or so in any given area and on every floors. Don't be fooled though, if the alarm goes on for just a few seconds, the prison has the capacity to send a few dozen armed guards in just a few minutes. There is also word of an elite team with heavy artillery and armor with magic support that can be called on by the Warden, somewhere within the facility. Now I don't have specifics on the cameras, like emplacements, the level of encryption to hack through them or even if they are wireless but what info I do have is that they apparently cover every angle in detention area. It might be possible to evade them elsewhere, but probably not in that area. There is also a truck delivering supplies to the facility during your time window. You might want to check into that. Now what I got on your friend. The info is a day old and prisoners move around a lot, so you might want to confirm on site or with other sources. There is a prisoner matching the information you sent me in cell A-10, it's a four men cell on the ground floor. His three cellmates are an Ork imprisoned for smuggling, an Elf (no info on this one) and a Troll big time murderer. Apparently, his name is Garry Weller and was on a murder spree before getting caught by Lone Star. He escaped from prison twice and killed a lot of cops, both Lone Star and Knight Errant before being put there by the Marshalls. The guy is nuts so be careful since there's a chance they're still cellmates.

That's what I got so far and I got people still looking for more info but I doubt it goes somewhere within your time frame. I'm also trying to get hold of a guy who owes me big time. If I get hold of him, I might be able to make it that easy for you. If that proves useful, you'll owe me a small one Mercedes.<<<<<
     -- Smiley (21:06:13/11-010-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-11-11/1128:17>
>>>>>[Three days in the sewers, I had to burn the outfit I was wearing, and have a six-hour long shower.  And I still want to dip myself in a vat of CleanerCleaner.  Got the whatever the hell it was that Big Murphy found down there, however.  Nasty critter, I found bones, well, I wish I didn't know as much about Metahuman Physiology as I do.  More nightmare fuel for when I sleep.  As for what it was, after the third or fourth Hi-Ex Grenade Tripwire I made it run into, it stopped being really identifiable.

Took a setting of five claymore mines in pattern to impact as much of the critter as possible to get it.  Ruined the hide, too, damnit.  Have to see if that Sniper that taught me all those backtrail trapping tricks is still alive so I can thank him.  Also have to find the crews that maintain the ventilation system in the sewers, as I was popping off enough of everything that if there had been a Methane build-up, I'd have gone up with it.  'Course, I made sure that it was safe before I went down there.

So, what did I miss?]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (10:26:00/11-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <11-11-11/1259:09>
>>>>>[Thanks, Smiley. We owe you big time!]<<<<<
-- Mercedes (10:26:00/12:58:23/11-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-11-11/1629:17>
>>>>>[Mercedes, my contacts didn't have anything on the facility, but they offered a couple Plan Bs for you. If you don't manage to get them out, my friend can file extradition papers with the facility holding him, and provide uniforms, when things go through. It will take longer, but once you're in the Tir, you'll be home free.

If you do manage to get him out, and find heat's a little too hot to get back to Seattle the way you came, head for the Tir Border. My friend can fix it so that you're allowed safe passage through a crossing.]<<<<<
--Iceblade (10:55:39/11-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: inca1980 on <11-11-11/1928:10>
>>>>>[Garry Weller was one crazed glitched-out trog.  Too crazy for his own good and last I heard, an order went out from the Crush to have him shanked.  Apparently the job got done by his elven cell-mate (don't got the name) to pay off some standing debts.  He definitely spent some time in solitary....maybe even still there.   So Mercedes, If that's true and your teammate checks out to be in A-10, he might be all alone there with the ork.  Can't tell you who that guy is, and all I can say is I hope your buddy can hold his own in a fight if he doesn't want his cellmate to ....how should we say...baptize him.  Big Ol' Garry wasn't the only crazy locked up in that facility.  Just watch out people, any place that also has cryo-stasis towers to hold awakened inmates definitely doesn't skimp on the security.

Now Smiley my friend, as soon as you mentioned the...how should I say...."skank" if you will....down at in-take...I don't know if you got an image of her, and mind you, this is a long-shot......but have you ever slotted the sim-porn chip "SquawSkank Redemption"?  It's an amateur simrig recording unit placed on a prisoner inside a real Lonestar (it's a little old) detention facility.  It develops into a forced femdom reach around daisy-chain gang-bang with four on the floor with some human Amerind female as the star of the show.  Of course...ahem...I don't have a copy of this chip.....I only heard about this recording which went viral.  The feeds you're talking about Smiley would be interesting to cross reference with the Sim-sensation.  It would be interesting to find out if our "receptionist" actually did a foray into professional sim-rigging.  Enjoy doing the research people!]<<<<<

--BeeDubs (11:14:32/11-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-11-11/2031:08>
>>>>>[Not much, Money. Just helping some runners with a prison break out. I bet there's some scientists who'd like to get their hands on that carcass.

I ain't into VR things too much, makes me feel a little uncomfortable. But I did heard of that from a pr0n obsessed hacker I sometimes use on runs I can't do on my own. I asked him to look into it, he's a little occupied and doesn't have a copy of the chip anymore so you guys will have to do it. But he did say when looking at the videofeed I sent him that it could definitely be her though it's hard to tell since she likes to put on small masks that cover the area around her eyes. I guess if you can find the chip, a recent picture of her and have a good facial recognition software you could sort that out.

Oh and no problems Mercedes. I'm a nice guy... for a killer.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:30:42/11-011-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-12-11/1233:42>
>>>>>[Money, if you happened to take a small souvenir off that beast, I can take a look at it...maybe take a shot at identifying it. It might just have value as magical ingredients. Message me if you do have a sample, and would like to find out.]<<<<<
-- Madrecita (19:33:43//12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-13-11/0059:22>
>>>>>[Um, no.  There wasn't much left after the claymores, and I wasn't about to hunt for things in the sewer "water", and I already burned the suit that had the blood.

I'm going to call it "Ugly" and "Dead", and leave it at that.  Hope it didn't have a mate and kids, that's all.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (23:57:12/11-12-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-14-11/2156:51>
>>>>>[Did youz findsa flametrower wit' da backpack fulla holy water whens youz wuz down?]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (20:56:43/11-14-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-16-11/1414:41>
>>>>>[If there's one...there's bound to be more. I just hope it isn't something toxic. Well...one way to find out...]<<<<<
-- Madrecita (21:15:03/16-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-16-11/1714:47>
>>>>>[Youz cans find anunnder tusker ta git a sample.  I ain'ts gonnin' go down dat hole agin' 'til I hears from da crew what normally workz down dere.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (16:14:21/11-16-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-16-11/1925:28>
>>>>>[Hell, I'm not doing anything. Need any magical backup, Madrecita? Been a while since my last hunt. Of course, the last time I was hunting, it was a pack of barghests hunting me during my Bridging.]<<<<<
--Iceblade (04:15:35/11-17-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-16-11/2110:01>
>>>>>[I shower and shower and shower and yet I never feel clean!

Just kidding, I've waded through worse.  Hell, my wedding was worse when it comes to mess (And violence and explosions, come to think of it.).  I'll tell you folks when the statute of limitations ends, there's a few SINners that would get nailed if details got out.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (20:08:55/11-16-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-18-11/1723:30>
>>>>>[Guud weddin'.  I waz an usher an' weapon's check guy.  Muh holdout collection came ins handy-like whens someones didn't have no firearms.  An' I knowz I can't sayz no mores.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (16:22:11/11-18-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-20-11/1216:38>
>>>>[Geez. Thanks the spirits we don't have weddings like that in Tarislar. The Laesa would think a war had broken out...and when they found out there wasn't a war, would wonder why they were not invited. Never a good idea.]<<<<<
-- Ysoni (19:16:15/11-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-20-11/1228:48>
>>>>>[Wuz pretty close to da war-ting.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (11:28:32/11-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-20-11/1231:01>
>>>>>[MURPHY!  Shut your vut-hole!  NOW!  I just finished posting we can't talk about it!  Trust me, Cerri, I wish I could trade war stories as well, bring some life back to my wife in this world...]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (11:30:00/11-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-20-11/1333:36>
>>>>>[There's not many things in this world that scares me more than a wedding. Not that I ever came close to get married.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:30:42/11-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-20-11/1640:56>
>>>>>[Find the right person, best thing in the world.  And I don't just say that because I caught the wife in bed with another woman, was just about to freak out, then they both invited me in.  Well, what could I say to that?  It's also the hardest thing when that person is taken away from you.  Sometimes I feel like the hurt will never go away.

Oh, Madrecita, another crew caught one of those whatevers in a white gator trap, and after what I am told was an "Epic Battle", they got some pieces for you.  I took the opportunity to get a few and have them magically contained to stave off...  Fragged if I know, but I've worked with the magician before and trust him to do good work.  I currently have it on dry ice in a .50 Cal locked ammo box, packed around dry ice in a floor safe at a place that I have an, um, "arrangement" with.  If you don't want it, I know another crew of researchers that would be interested in it.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (15:40:24/11-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-20-11/1754:22>
>>>>>[I attended a virtual wedding between a free sprite and an idoru AI this weekend. It was a very touching ceremony, followed by a lively reception at Tux's. I dragged Isao-kun along as payment for cleaning a virus someone from the Choson Ring got onto his system somehow.]<<<<<
--Motoko Kusanagi (16:43:23/11-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-20-11/1830:23>
>>>>>[I knew a beautiful woman once. Well, I know a lot of beautiful women but this one was the closest I got to a relationship. We were a lot alike. It was wild. Both living a hundred miles per hour and for her it was pretty literal, damn good driver, we both knew what the other was doing for a living and I guess we were both screwed up persons. She was an addict, well she had been clean for a few months when we met but it wasn't easy, I didn't mind. And me well, I was being me. I guess screwed up people get closer from time to time. She even made me think about quitting that life. I was about to make the necessary preparations to retrieve an make my real identity live again when one day I got back to my condo and she was gone, along with all her things, no explanations. I knew from the beginning that some things are bound to be one way, that I was destined to live and die alone in a gutter somewhere but I guess I only realized it at this precise moment. Destiny has other plans for me, always had. So I resumed my both dangerous and hedonistic life and never looked back. No regrets so far. She is still in Seattle, I see her from time to time but we haven't spoke since. I see shame when she looks at me and she seems to avoid me like the plague. She's been in a relationship for a few months now. Looks serious enough. Good for her. I do wonder why she left, not that it really bothers me anymore.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (18:29:22/11-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-21-11/1345:08>
>>>>>[Sorry Iceblade. I'd already gone hunting by the time you posted. Next time I need back-up, I'll hit you up.

Crazy, crazy drek! I've never seen the like. I caught up with a small one but ended up having to destroy it. It just kept coming and coming! This is not something I'd care to face alone again...

Money...yes please! Like I said...my own run turned up squat. I owe you one. If any of the crew needs medical attention...I'll cover it.

Mmm...love and The Shadows don't mix. In the end, the Shadows will always claim one or both of you. Unless you're lucky enough to make a good Shadow team. Which Sinead and I was...but the SHadows still won in the end.]<<<<<
--Madrecita (20:45:23/11-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-21-11/1447:27>
>>>>>[No worries, Madre. But seriously, you were on the trail of unknown para-crazy, and you went alone? Always grab some backup when you're going after the crazy unknown drek!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:34:03/11-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-21-11/1812:41>
>>>>>[Oh I don't know Madrecita, I do think it's possible. I know a few runners who are making it work. Bull, VU93's creator here has been married for years now. The Shadows claimed his daughter but it wasn't his fault or did she had anything to do with said Shadows (Not my intention to open old wounds Bull, just mentioning your married life). All I'm saying, and not to start a religious debate, but destiny/fate/whatever-suits-your-mind has plans for us. Some of us a bound to live alone and others aren't. In my case, I know for a fact that the Celestial Bureaucracy does have written plans for me and as I found out, the best way to piss those heavenly bureaucrats off is asking for your files with a big mustache and a fake warrant, hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (18:12:36/11-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-21-11/1924:08>
>>>>>[I know a few ShadowCouples that went well.  I tried to retire after the wedding, moved out of the sprawl, up in the Northern UCAS, but neither of us could keep out of Biz.  Hell, the Citizens of one gated community forced us into it once because of Anniversary Presents, if you could believe it!  But we weren't fully in, just the peripheral stuff.  There were a few attempts by amateurs, typical drek.  You know, the stuff that'd happen just walking downtown Seattle.

What happened with her death, it wasn't Biz, it wasn't Shadows, it was policlub terrorism.  Stupid, pathetic, worthless drek.  Damned racism of all things.  Public personas, legal concealed firearms, the works.  Not that carrying heavy and illegal would have saved her, or me.  Or anyone else in the building.

No, I know families that have lived in the shadows.  Big Murphy is a third-generation Shadowrunner, and is training the fourth.  Hell, he's almost done, really.  Few other folks.  Some I'd consider safer than anyone outside of a Corp Enclave.  They know the scene, kids know how to protect themselves from the street monsters, the works.  Better than most kids on the street with no armoured clothing, no handguns or tasers, no idea who they have to be careful of.  No monsters that will come creeping out of the gutters if anything ever happens to them.

I should know.  I'm one of those monsters.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (18:24:10/11-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <11-22-11/1346:08>
>>>>>[Whoa. Makes me glad I'm single.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (13:45:07/11-22-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-22-11/1431:15>
>>>>>[Biggest problem for me would be finding a woman that understands the difference between what I do to get the job done, and what I do in my personal life. Sometimes getting the pretty secretary on her back is an easier way to get through a door than sending your hacker through the IC and past the spiders to unlock it for you. Lots of women take offense to the idea of a guy sleeping around as part of his job, or to sell a cover story. Go figure.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:43:32/11-22-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-22-11/1553:20>
>>>>>[Ah trah'd da Man-whorin' t'ing once when I wuz yunger, Little Murphy I waz den.  Had ta give it up.  Da hubbie-folks figured out dat dere wimmin were messin' around 'cause dey didn't measure up no moar.  Once youse goes Orky, youse can't goes back wit'out da surgical cerrection.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (14:53:11/11-22-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-22-11/1625:21>
>>>>>[Well, like I said, only one woman was able to keep me in the same bed every night. Never had that problem before and even less after. I'd even say it the best part of the job! Someone once asked me if I haven't slept with any of my female contacts and colleagues. I didn't had an answer for him. It did made me realize something though. Some woman are just too rare and precious.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:25:02/11-22-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-23-11/1424:00>
>>>>>[Mmm...you may be right. It could be possible. I’m a second generation runner myself. In my 59 years of living, the Shadows claimed my parents, my children, my husband...and Sinead. Everyone I ever loved. I’d rather not face such loss – or even the possibility of such loss – ever again. Losing Sinead almost broke me.

Ah Ice...men just don’t understand women. Never have, never will. That is why men are not welcome in my bed. To men...it is always the job. It doesn’t matter who they hurt. Just as long as the job gets gone. In the most expedient manner possible. The man responsible for the death of my loved ones? He was my lover. To him, I was just a means to give Mr. Johnson what he wanted...and for my love and trust, I got the death of all I held dear.]>>>>>
-- Madrecita (21:23:45/11/23/73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-23-11/1442:42>
>>>>>[If you think there aren't female runners out there that do the same thing, Madre, you're going to get burned again. And remember that people are always looking for an opening to stab you in the back.

But I am sorry for your loss. Losing your family is hard. I know that as well as any. If you ever need a friendly ear, drop me a message in private. My sister would never forgive me if I did anything less.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:35:02/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-23-11/1533:54>
>>>>>[Ouch. Not to piss you off, I understand all too well the pain of loss and even the weight of loneliness (well sometimes), but it's not that black and white for those using sex as means to an end on the job. Yeah, it would be dumb to think only man does that! I don't have enough fingers to count the number of times a woman pulled off the grand seduction game to get something from me. I don't always give them what they want but if I like them enough, I nearly always indulge them. But of course, I don't have any loved ones for anyone to hurt, well not anymore. I'd say you have the right to be angry and those trust issues are completely justified but putting the fault on gender is just stupid.

That leads me to those of us, man AND woman, living an hedonistic life only because they like it. Now I'll talk on a personal level and I know we're a minority in the lot, but I'm not the only one with this mindset. If you think I need to sleep with every woman I meet because of what they could provide me, then you couldn't possibly be more wrong. I don't need to do that on the job at all. I just like it. I only sleep with them if I really like them and I make it clear it ain't going to last. Things do go bad sometimes, but I do try to make things so they don't get back at them. I like, even love to a degree, every single one of them and I am always thrilled to see them again, I'm just not a only-one-woman type of guy. A good portion of my contacts are woman I met this way and they wouldn't talk to me if I was a complete asshole. I just have to pay for a favor in kind from time to time (which, again, doesn't bother me at all).

But you're right on something though. Man will never understand woman and vice-versa (with a huge french accent oh oh!). That's because there's nothing to understand. Things just are the way they are.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:33:12/11-23-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-23-11/1621:06>
>>>>>[Smiley has the right of it. To most of us who do this kind of thing, seduction is another tool in the box, another option we have available to us. For me, there's no malice behind it. I don't go out trying to hurt anyone, and unless I'm developing someone into a long term contact, I don't give them any illusions that it is more than a good time. But it gives me and whatever team I'm with options, when sending the troll in to put a gun to someone's head might cause more trouble than its worth. There's no more malice in it than anything else you may do in the shadows.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:24:12/11-23-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-23-11/2021:37>
>>>>>[Hahaha! I just got released from the local KE precinct. They busted me in a stuffer shack while I was buying myself a snack. Been a long time since my hands were cuffed... well by a cop I mean. I haven't laughed so hard in a while. Damn I love this lawyer of mine.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:21:43/11-23-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-23-11/2203:19>
>>>>>[You think yours is good, mine had Lone Star paying ME for being in lockup.  And that's with HD-Trid of me wedging a Dwarf's head through the prison bars.  In self-defense, of course.  It was quite hilarious for the arresting officers to see this human in a suit sitting in the middle of the holding cell while all the street monsters were at the bars and walls to stay as far away as possible.  Also, before I was augmented.

Speaking of, anyone doing the flip-flop Aztlaner-side, hit me up, I might have a job that'll pay your travel expenses.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (21:02:55/11-23-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-24-11/0055:22>
>>>>>[Haha! Yours could pull that off too with Lone Star? Are you sure we haven't the same lawyer? Small guy (and I mean really short), human, black hair and eyes, small scar on the neck, dead serious, never-seen-him-smile type of guy? He hasn't done it yet with KE, I don't know why. I love this guy, ain't cheap though. All I gotta do is keeping him in the loop of my travels and activities and if I get busted in the Seattle area, he shows up at most a few hours later.

Usually it is pretty straight forward, he goes to the chief or the detective himself and gets me out but today, how he got that little weasel off my back, was just astonishing. The guy who busted me is a young detective named Joseph Sutta. You know... the green, idealistic, naive and slightly zealot type of detective. He probably thought I was his way into the big league so he arrested me on suspicion of murder. I'm not going to say if he was right or not, just that he was way over his head. So we arrive at the station and he puts me in a cell with some other guys. It didn't took three seconds and his supervisor strongly advised him to cut me loose before the boss orders him to do it. He gets angry and decide to go through his investigation anyway.

Maybe one hour later, he comes back and moved me into the interrogation room. He asks me all sorts of question but I keep my mouth shut. All I give him is my usual, arrogant smile. About a few dozen questions and insults later, my little lawyer storms into the room without saying a word. He puts his huge briefcase on the table and with all the seriousness in the world he says "My client has been arrested for unjustified reasons. You have no proof that links him to your investigation and I suggest you stay away from my client or I'll file a complaint for harassment. You are clearly on a crusade against my client for obvious personal reasons and we will not tolerate it." Now the best part and even I never saw it coming. So Joe (shorter than Joseph) gets mad and protest that he is not on a personal crusade against me and that I was a clear suspect. This was when my lawyer got his commlink out of his briefcase and projected on the surface of the table what I would qualify as dropping the biggest bomb ever. The trid was of a woman having, hmmm, sexual intercourse with me in very high quality and clarity.

Joe jumped over the table shouting something I don't quite remember at me (something mean I'm sure) and started punching me in the face. That's when I understood who the woman was. I mean, I remembered sleeping with her, very sweet girl and great in bed, but I didn't know she was married, even less that she was HIS wife. Apparently, he never knew of her wife's affair either but at this point it didn't really matter. This ridiculous situation made me laugh so hard that it made him even more angry. It took three other cops to make him stop hitting me. A few minutes later, the chief arrived, and quite pissed I would say. After a few minutes of discussion with my little lawyer and the detective, he has me released and had Joe apologize to me. Hahaha! Unbelievable, I sleep with his wife and I get an apology. Oh I got a small compensation for medical expenses and I didn't really see the need to press charges either. The guy is now off the case and has been told to leave me alone on grounds of suspension. After that, my lawyer just looked at the time and took off like nothing happened. My little lawyer orchestrated everything, knowing I'd get a beating and trid recorded everything for insurance. I have no idea where this little guy got the recording, hell I take pictures of me on my commlink and they mysteriously disappear. It always cracks me up how he gets me out of there without even breaking a sweat but this was hilarious! Best lawyer, ever!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:55:14/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-24-11/1010:11>
>>>>>[My law firm sends a Dwarf in that's had more years in law than most officers.  Nice guy, smiles all the time.  His smile gets sinister when he has someone on the hook for something.  The issue was a problem with my SIN, which I've had all my life (Yes, I'm a SINner.  Mr. Johnson, remember?), so they were trying to pin a "Usage of a forged SIN and illegal permits" on me, as I was legally carrying at the time.  Just kept my trap shut, and waited for him to show up.  And demonstrated that I am a legal citizen, pillar of the community, friend of one of the Mayors of Seattle, stuff like that.  This was one of the times it was near contract time for Lone Star, so they wanted as many friends as possible.  Sticking me in "The Cage" with all the street monsters did not exactly make me the happiest to begin with, so...

I donated the money to a charity for victims of police brutality.  Made sure the arresting officer (Who did him me a few times more than necessary with a stun baton) got a holo of them getting it, too.  It's hilarious, he's a Shadowrunner now, and I've hired him a time or two.  He remembers me, too, but keeps his trap shut.  Not good on subtlety, but can break legs with the best of them.  Of course, he doesn't get paid as much as others I hire for the same type of job, he's got to earn his stripes back now that he's seeing the other side of the badge.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (09:09:24/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-24-11/1014:38>
>>>>>[Muh Barri-star is a Troll.  Hims guud at gettin' me outs of da lockup er drunk tank an' stuff quick-like.  Jus' looms over da po-po an' frowns, showing how deys haz no evidence an' stuff, an' dat de SINless iz Probationary Citizens, but Citizens nonedeles.  Runz a furniture biz as well, fer trolls and da bigger orkies like me, usin' ex-cons whos wanna git outta da life.  I jus' haveta make surez I callz 'im afore I gits in da squaddy car soes he knowz I been 'rested.]<<<<<
     -- Big Murphy (09:14:01/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <11-24-11/1404:54>
>>>>>[Hey, Big Murphy, I have a need for some more durable furniture. Could you hook me up?]<<<<<
--TekDrake (14:04:30/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-24-11/1424:04>
>>>>>[Yeh, null sheen. (http://fromtheshadowsrpg.blogspot.com/2007/11/advertisement-underbridge-and.html)]<<<<<
     -- Big Murphy (13:23:14/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-24-11/1548:21>
>>>>>[My first run was a willing extraction, corp to corp. We picked up the girl in question (and a couple drones she just couldn't leave behind  ::)) and drove off. I'm on my bike, playing outrider just to cause a distraction if need be. Lone Star spotted the vehicle we'd 'borrowed' to transport the girl, and tried to pull the rest of the team over on the highway. They took off, and I drove up, launched a spell through the window, and sped after them. Nonlethal stuff, not even a combat spell. We got away easy enough. Only problem was, like the rookie I was, I forgot to turn my 'link to hidden before that, though I was using one of my fake SINs.

Star was waiting at my safehouse. Spotted them first, so I started broadcasting my real SIN. They stopped me, asked me where I'd been, blah, blah, blah, and I played the enraged noble card on them, demanding to speak to their superior about this. They brought me down to the station (not in the back, and not in cuffs), and, after about thirty minutes, a detective came in to apologize to me, and explaining that I'd apparently been the victim of identity theft, someone using my biometric data and information to forge false SINs. He said this kind of thing was unfortunately very common, and very hard to track down. I was released without ever being arrested, and a hacker friend of mine made sure the 'identity theft' case disappeared. Learned my lesson though. Only time I've ever been in a squad car.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:47:32/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-24-11/1843:15>
>>>>>[Ah wish dat I wuz onlyz in da squaddy car unce.  'Course I be at dis fer longer dan youse.  And, um, I sumtimez be drivin' da squaddy.  Gotta admit, da siren and cherriez iz fun!  'Specilly wit da Trog Rock blarin' out da music maker.  Dey gotz some guud sound when youse put da mic up to da speaker.  Still got da car sumwerez.]<<<<<
     -- Big Murphy (18:43:43/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-24-11/2248:00>
>>>>>[I wish I could trade war stories, especially my first job. But on my first real wetwork job, they paid me extra and told me to not leave my business card and make it look like suicide so I won't be giving any details. I will say I was pretty methodical and ruthless in my early days of shadowrunning. It was lacking the finesse and panache I have now but still, I'm pretty proud of my first run. It wasn't exactly easy and took a little planning but I pulled it off without any incident. I've been told it's pretty rare for rookies lacking any real experience in the shadows.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:47:51/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-24-11/2258:04>
>>>>>[*Sighs*  All-Father, it's rare with experienced ones as well.  I'm on my third shot of synthscotch and I need a fourth dealing with these idiots.

NO NO!  SUBTLE!  SUBTLE!  Look it up, you have AR vision you...  OK, now you got it.  Download a dictionary people.  Honestly.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (21:57:06/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-24-11/2333:27>
>>>>>[Honestly most of my jobs went without incident. Well I won't say I wouldn't screw up like the others if I had to break in and out of high security facilities all the time. I don't really do that stuff, because I don't have to. I always know someone who's going to pin point me to a guy who's going to let me in, do my thing and hold the door until I need to get out. I'd also say the fact that I work alone most of the time lessen the chances of incidents. And when I say incident, it's always something weird or a little crazy I didn't accounted for but never something I can't handle.

For one example, the target I was chasing was paranoid enough to not trust any bodyguard or anyone for that matter. I knew that but what I didn't accounted for is that he wasn't paranoid about his life being in danger, he was paranoid that his knowledge, the things he was working on would fall into the wrong hands and would gladly end his own life and property to prevent that. I wasn't after his research at all but when I forced myself into his limo, he assumed I was. As it turned out, his apartment, his lab, his office and his limo were rigged to explode at the moment of his death. Since I had planned to break his neck inside the limo while nobody was watching, I kinda had to change plans and pretty quick. I waited for an opportunity, well more of a distraction and I could use a puppeteer spell on him and the driver without getting shot first. After that I could just do it somewhere else. That's a shame, the seats were amazingly comfortable in that limo... before it went in flames. Funny thing how quickly firefighters got to his apartment and his lab.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:33:24/11-24-73
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-24-11/2347:32>
>>>>>[I swear, this election is going to lead me to an early grave.  Or Brackhaven.  I'm not sure which would be better.  (I'm sure most of you would say Brackhaven, however.).  How difficult is it to understand, "No shooting.  Use tasers or narcojet darts."]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (22:46:16/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-24-11/2355:55>
>>>>>[Shoot outs are that bad for business these days? I mean I always assume it is but most of the time, runners and Johnsons can get away with it if the objective is complete and if no identity has been compromised. What's so special about those elections that requires that much discretion?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:55:39/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-25-11/0020:22>
>>>>>[Dead people don't vote.  Injured people vote Republican or Arch-Conservative.  Neither is good for any of the parties I'm doing work for.  And, honestly, the less heat brought down by KE right now, the more jobs available for everyone during the elections.  But most of my team that's good for subtle work like this are out of town.  I'm working Big Murphy to the nub with gigs that a huge ork can fit into.  The rest, frag, the Fixers are scraping the barrel everywhere.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (23:13:44/11-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-25-11/0120:03>
>>>>>[I guess it makes sense if you and your employing parties are actively working against those political parties. Well, if you need someone out of the chess board discreetly Money, you already have my contact info. I don't take suicidal jobs and I'm pretty expensive but I got perfect and pretty lengthy record. If you need to do some legwork about me first go ahead, I'd say that I'm pretty easy to look into. But a little bird tells me you already did that, did you? Haha.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (01:18:01/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-25-11/0726:47>
>>>>>[Well, dead people aren't SUPPOSED to vote. But even before the Awakening, it isn't like that actually stopped them. But yes, if you get a chance, put two in Brackhaven and do your good deed for the day/week/month/year.

As for how long I've been at this, well, I didn't start until the Crash, obviously. After I left Malek'thas with a few people who dearly wanted me dead, I didn't have much choice. Some corps can be so unreasonable on the concept of live witnesses.

If work's getting that plentiful in Seattle, I may have to go back there. Its been fun here in LA, but...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:26:32/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-25-11/1236:32>
>>>>>[It's a lot of little jobs, but requires finesse and manhours if not so much skill.  Political 'runs are fairly safe and sometimes even legal, but doesn't always pay the best, but there's a credstick at the end of the 'run instead of a bullet more often than not, and always with me (My rep will hold that out.).  Prop 23, the creation of a new official part of Seattle with the Ork Underground, is turning into much more of a hot ticket item than anyone expected.  Brackhaven is schmoozing left, right, and center to try and not appear racist but not say one way or another which direction he'll go on it.  The rest of the parties are screaming and yelling about it, and there's 'runs galore about viral/guerrilla advertising IRL, ARO, and Matrix, with defense and defacement of opponents Matrix sites being big jobs for the Matrix Inclined.  For the more physically inclined, there's bodyguard, riot duty, riot provocation, on-demand extraction (This is a job that just might pay to sit around and do nothing!), and one really impressive "Insertion" 'Run that I can't talk about more except that I had to import a team from the Pacific Islands, and you'll know it when you see it.  Magical jobs are plentiful as well, but rarely combat, which limits the pool of your typical Shadowrunners (Is it just me, or does the majority of Spellslingers out there seem to only know how to throw fireballs?).  Astral security with Watchers or low-powered spirits, ritual detection of kidnapped or disappeared everything, and, I drek  you not, "special effects" for speeches are jobs being lined up.

But because the pay isn't that great, so Fixers and Johnsons are dealing with locals with little experience, or folks new in town with no local rep.  The first are a pain as they're jazzed up on 'Trid Shadowrun shows and want to go in guns blazing, and the second are wondering where the hell the sun went.  And that's on top of biz as usual!  Yeah, for the next couple of months, there's going to be jobs galore, just might not be up your alley, is all.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (11:36:21/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <11-25-11/1259:15>
>>>>>[Thanks loads, Big Murphy. The extra couple-hundred wasn't a typo, my back went out when I crunched a futon.

I ain't too subtle in the meat, and in astral the less said the better. Cyber, though, I can hack it. As it were.]<<<<<
--TekDrake(12:58:39/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-25-11/1402:53>
>>>>>[That would explain why I've had only three jobs inside Seattle since I came back and only one of them political related. That's also probably why my fixer told me there was a lot of jobs around but didn't forward me anything, he knows I will not accept a smaller check than usual, under any circumstances. I do accept bodyguard jobs too, I mean most assassins make a great addition to a protection team as we tend to see things coming, but I must be too expensive. Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (14:02:18/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <11-25-11/1510:55>
>>>>>[Once had two Johnsons call me inside an hour-- one to do some wetwork, and one to do bodyguard work. I walked away from both, thank goodness. A few 'runners I knew didn't walk away, and, well, didn't walk away.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (15:10:56/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-25-11/1538:02>
>>>>>[Likewise, Ice. I wasn't given the name "Madrecita" for nothing. And don't mistake an aversion for males in my bed as having a general grudge.

Mmm...small magical jobs that require a bit more than fireballs? What the heck. I'd be willing to take a few of them on, Money. I've been meaning to get a feel for running again. Well...getting a feel for running, period. All the runs I've done over the last 19 years were for personal reasons, or as favours to contacts. I've never run for Mr. Johnson before. Might be interesting. I think a 6 year vacation minding the store is long enough. ]<<<<<
--Madrecita (22:37:19/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-25-11/1554:30>
>>>>>[Well, a fireball certainly ends most arguments quite effectively. I agree that it isn't very subtle. Personally, if I can't talk my way out of a situation, I'll ask one of the spirits to possess me, and cut my way out. But I'd be the first to admit that I'm no face. Still, the bodyguard thing is something I've done before. Before I left Seattle, my cover was working as a high end male escort. So no one thought anything of it when they saw me on some socialite's arm, running close protection.

And Madre, sorry if I mistook your words, though they were slanted that way. And thanks.

On a related note, if anyone ever wants a snapshot of hell, I've got a simsense recording that will chill your bones, with or without hot sim.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:54:02/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-25-11/1612:11>
>>>>>[High end male escort eh? I know one of those. He's a Night One. Whoo! He defines sexy, let me tell you. And he can take a lot of...drek, to put it delicately. Just be careful what you think around him. He's not just hot in bed, he's got some hot mojo too. Once you're relaxed, or completely distracted, he'll steal the paydata right out of your head and you won't even know he got it. Slick! ]<<<<<
-- Ysoni (23:11:13/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-25-11/1629:20>
>>>>>[Messages sent.  Long Haul and Antacid taken.  Somebody shoot me.

That last bit wasn't a job offer.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (15:29:12/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-25-11/1650:18>
>>>>>[Haha! I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to accept the job of taking you out, Money.

Oh, don't worry about it, Ice. Nevermind me. Time heals all wounds...and the universe has ways to ensure you have the time to heal.

By the way...if anyone needs a high-force counterspelling focus, I have one available. The person who commished it from me didn't show with the dough, so its up for grabs.]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (23:51:34/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-25-11/1655:04>
>>>>>[Don't be so sure.  It's often forgotten that the only people that have a shorter lifespan in the Shadows than Shadowrunners is Johnsons.  'Runners are deniable and don't know the whole story.  Johnsons, not so much.

And then there's the people that want me dead for personal reasons, or general principals.  And the Tir for some damned reason, but that's only if I enter the country.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (15:54:42/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-25-11/1816:21>
>>>>>[Yeah if anyone think Johnsons are safe from harm, they're wrong. In the last 15 years I had to kill four Johnsons and one fixer. No one double cross me and live and I am sure I'm not the only runner who tries to make a point on not being fucked by the middleman. Only one has evaded me so far. On the other hand, a Johnson who gives me good business and don't hire someone to kill me after a few jobs can be assured I'll never turn on them. But I suspect my reputation has deterred people from hiring people to kill me because, with the exception of the fourth Johnson, it's been years since someone tried that on me.

The story of that fourth Johnson is an interesting one! I don't kiss and tell so I won't be giving any names but I can tell the big lines. So this guy hires me for a circuit, well that's what I call it when someone gives you a big list of people to kill and a big check to go with it. So I do the circuit and there's this amateur who tries to put a bullet in my head. To make it short, I beat this amateur assassin, interrogate him and finally kill him. After that I followed the trail until I discover it was my Johnson who hired the guy. So I discreetly ask a friend to do some legwork on him, to help me decide how I catch and end the guy. My friend sends me all the details necessary for the task but I ask him to keep digging before I go after him. As it turned out, the Johnson had the bad habit of hiring bad runners for jobs and also discovered that his employer was growing quite displeased. That got me curious. I go after the guy and beat him to an inch of his life. He tells me his employer asked him to terminate me before I finally end his suffering. It didn't really make sense, killing the only runner who actually did his job right and leaving all the others alive but unemployed? Then I finally pieced everything together. The Corp Exec hiring the Johnson was counting on the failed attempt for me to kill that incompetent bastard. Quite clever actually, you get one of the, I dare say, best wetwork artist on Seattle's market to take care of one of your problems for free. Well, I think he didn't count on the fact that I would piece it together and traced him down. You should have seen his face when I showed on his door step saying "You owe me money dude! I don't work for free!".]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (18:16:32/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-25-11/2108:48>
>>>>>[My Grandfather decided to grace me with a bit of wisdom right now.  The fact that he's on another continent allowed me to joke that it was all he probably had.  But it really fits with what's going on today.  Hell, he thought it was bad enough before the Crash of '29.  Now?  Well, he's got a big ol' file of quotations he keeps handy on various forms (Including old yellowed Dead Tree Format), and keeps adding onto.  Hope you folks mind it as things get even more hectic in this world...

“We are buried beneath the weight of information, which is being confused with knowledge; quantity is being confused with abundance and wealth with happiness.  We are monkeys with money and guns.” ― Tom Waits

Don't know who this "Waits" slot is, but damned if that doesn't sound like most of the drekheads we have to deal with today in almost every aspect of existing.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (20:07:33/11-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-26-11/0159:02>
>>>>>[I meant there are few runners who would dare to accept the job of ending you. After all, your rep precedes you. It would take serious cash and serious backup for a runner to take on that one.

Tom Waits. Jazz, Blues and Rock musician and composer in the previous century. Known for his distinctive, growly voice and lyrics that portrayed bad people and places...his music was almost prophetic in many ways. He still has a cult folowing even now. He died in the early '30's. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (08:59:22/11-26-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-26-11/1710:00>
>>>>>[ Don't be going and inflating egos.  Anyone can be gotten to, and in most cases, this is quite easy.  It is just whether it is worth the after-action annoyance. ]<<<<<
     -- Shivowtnoeh (17:10:42/11-26-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-26-11/1755:42>
>>>>>[Hm, interesting, surprised I haven't heard of Tom Waits, my kind of music.  'Course, there's a lot of music out there.  Luckily Grandpa has more than just quotes to give, a few digital items netted him quite a bit of cash after Crash 1.0 and 2.0 after all copies of them were lost in the chaos.

In addition, I know I'm touchable.  For original parts, I think I have a kidney and my spleen left to prove that point.  Also, I'm "Writing" this with a concussion from a Troll that didn't like the first price.  Actually a smart move on his part as we were in the Underground and no one would back me up in a fight.  He was a bit surprised when I broke the wooden table, so everything came too all right.  Now, if you excuse me, money bottle banana toque.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (16:55:42/11-26-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-27-11/0314:05>
>>>>>[ Exactly. After-action annoyance. When I look at his rep, what he survived, and his probably list of contacts...I'm betting on a lot of after-action annoyance. I'm old enough to know a bad bet when I see it. But you are correct. No one is invulnerable.

Mmm...I can't say I'm overly fond of Mr. Waits. Now Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald...those were the big names. They had their day a few decades before Tom Waits though. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (10:14:22/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-27-11/0609:01>
>>>>>[ ... what you are talking about?  I am speaking about police.  Always someone with good ears, official eye somewhere now.  These people is, you say, Wandering Knight, yes?  Now it is them, used to be cowboys.  Is annoying to have to avoid them afterwards, too often have to destroy tools.  Expensive, but then, you make that part of contract, yes?

Someone kill him, there is plenty of people who know who profits.  Reputation, contacts -- these matter only if person who handle is personal grudge.  If it is professional, only fools hunt handler; as they say, you never know when you want someone handled, and is always good that you know good handler.  Otherwise, is stupid, waste of resources.  Oh, maybe you find, ask questions, but you are polite, take tea, ask nice.

What, you think handler not know how to stay safe enough? ]<<<<<
     -- Shivowtnoeh (06:03/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-27-11/0809:53>
>>>>>[Really, though, grudges are a bad thing to carry into the shadows. Not saying that there aren't perfectly legit times for vengeance. Tempo addict kills someone close to you, then show them the error of their ways. Someone gives you bad intel, gets one of your team killed for it, you get answers. Personal grudges, though, should always be approached like professional jobs. Do it cold, do it clean, make sure there aren't any witnesses, or if there are, that they see something different from what really happened.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:09:39/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-27-11/1206:41>
>>>>>[Grudges tend to make you pick fights you shouldn't have taken on to begin with.  Problem is, sometimes the fight picks you.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (11:06:22/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-27-11/1215:03>
>>>>>[Which is why you should always have a strong 'argument' within arm's reach. Nothing ends a fight better than pressing the business end of a loaded gun to someone's head. Or, if you prefer, a knife to the kidney works just as well. I always keep a weapon or two on my person, even when I'm out at a fancy club. Swordcanes are wonderful things, when you want to bring a blade into a fancy gala.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:14:03/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-27-11/1221:22>
>>>>>[There's also "The First Weapon" if you're skilled enough.  And no scanner detects your hands, feet, head, and so on.  Personally, I see weapons all around me no matter where I am.  As that troll last night demonstrated.  Still got a headache.  But, yeah, I'm a strong proponent of knives and other stabbing weapons, I find that in close quarters they're a more frightening thing than firearms at times.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (11:21:09/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-27-11/1302:15>
>>>>>[Oh sure, fists and feet are deadly, if you know how to use them right. But we're not talking about 'winning' the fight, but 'preventing' the fight. As I said, most people tend to stop causing trouble when you shove a gun in their face. An adept who can punch you from across the room is impressive, but for most people, a Predator between their eyes makes more of an impact.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:01:34/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <11-27-11/1553:00>
>>>>>[I heard a rumor once about some old-time ork hacker who had an assault rifle in every room of the house. Way I heard it, that paranoia saved him.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (15:52:23/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-27-11/1609:08>
>>>>>[You don't?]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (15:09:10/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-27-11/2259:13>
>>>>>[ <run_snort.mpi>  Tools are good, but still are just tools.  Prepare properly, enemy becomes tool.  Your mind is always first; think ahead, and will never be unprepared. ]<<<<<
     -- Shivowtnoeh (23:00:00/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-27-11/2355:11>
>>>>>[Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.  And, yes, do things right and the enemy becomes the tool.  But, sometimes, the enemy has properly prepared for you and you're the tool.  That's why I cheat.  If I'm going to be a tool, I'll be a multitool and have more than one blade.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (22:55:55/11-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-28-11/0116:10>
>>>>>[Remember, folks, cheaters do prosper. Until they're caught at it by someone who responds to such things with manabolts.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:15:28/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-28-11/1158:26>
>>>>>[Unless you've got some mojo of your own up your sleeve. Proper planning and preparedness can only take you so far. There's always that stray bullet, the little piece of rock you step on that twists your ankle...that little something you can't plan for. And of course...there's always someone better. Best hope that someone's on the same side as you...or at the very least not actively opposed to you.]<<<<<

-- Madrecita (18:58:17/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-28-11/1252:57>
>>>>>[We'z jus' laugt at da boyz what tries 'tings wit' our house.  We'z all Orkies (Well, Unca Bob iz a Troll), an' youse growz up fast in da Barrens.  Da little unz gotz da pistols az soon as we can trusts dem wit' dem.  Da not so little unz dey get da bigger gunz.  Hows dat term goez again?  "Moar Dakka"?  Yeah, dat'z uz.]<<<<<
     -- Big Murphy (11:52:19/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-28-11/1324:46>
>>>>>[AAAAARRRGH! Never teach a canine shapeshifter to play fetch, because forever after, anything round will be "BALL!" to him, and no drone will be safe.]<<<<<
   -- Ysoni (20:24:29/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-28-11/1350:46>
>>>>>[Does he stick his head out the window when you drive with him in the car as well?  Had that happen once and it took all my willpower not to laugh.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (12:47:21/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-28-11/1401:22>
>>>>>[I do not let animals in my van unless I absolutely have to. The smell!]<<<<<
--Motoko Kusanagi (14:01:03/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-28-11/1409:30>
>>>>>[Yes he does! It's especially irritating when he does it while in metahuman shape. I suspect he does it because he knows it annoys me. He knows better.

And Motoko...I'll have you know, Fen does not smell. He's learned to enjoy water, and I do keep him groomed.]<<<<<
-- Ysoni (21:09:46/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-28-11/1422:10>
>>>>>[At least you have him trained. Now if only people could give the same training to some of the gaijin that crawl out of the barrens. Last run I was on, I threatened to have my drones send the troll through a car wash. I had to get the van detailed five times to get the stink out. Made the Tacoma Aroma positively pleasant in comparison.]<<<<<

--Motoko Kusanagi (14:21:34/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <11-28-11/1458:53>
>>>>>[Well...he came pre-trained, really. He didn't exactly come in from the wild like so many do. He was a security critter. Only...his former corp had no idea he was a shifter. He...took the chance to liberate himself when my run against them went...south, shall we say...]<<<<<

--Ysoni (14:58:54/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <11-28-11/1711:16>
>>>>>[If he'z goez afta da round-tings, guud idea not to be trowin' da grenadey-bangers.  He prob'bly fetch 'em guud.  Nor da Tater-Masher Bangers, dey be like sticks.  Or da Discy Bangers, dey be like da frisbee.]<<<<<
     -- Big Murphy (16:11:12/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-28-11/1829:10>
>>>>>[ Good tip. ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (18:30:00/11-28-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-01-11/1544:54>
>>>>>[ Hey Aunty Zee...you...think you could give a guy a hand? I'm in some pretty deep drek...Magical drek...Fen says he found a toxic mage that's trying to poison stretch of land out in Snohomish. ]<<<<<
          -- Ysoni (15:44:18/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-01-11/1623:02>
>>>>>[ Sure, honey. Just let me get my gear. ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (16:22:48/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-01-11/1638:46>
>>>>>[I can also be there in ten minutes if you still need help. But I gotta be at the Powerline by 9 PM, I promised a friend I'd help her doing a little special for the audience. If you guys wanted to see me in a very embarrassing situation, now's the chance! Damn, I'm going to regret this. Well I owe her a favor and I always pay up. Good thing I ain't afraid of the ridicule.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:38:49/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-01-11/1645:48>
>>>>>[ Well, like Ice reminded me not so long ago...its always better to have some backup. Sure, okay.

Mmm...Powerline, eh? It's not really my kind of place, but I'm sure Ysoni would love to go. He's pretty good with a camera too. Prepare to have your embarrassment shown to the whole world! ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (16:45:41/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-01-11/1652:28>
>>>>>[Alright, just send me coordinates by PM and I'll be there. When you'll see a yellow Westwind 3k, you'll know it's me.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:52:12/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-01-11/1659:39>
>>>>>[Pack the stick-n-shock ammo if you have it. The one million nuyen bounty Big D put on toxics is still in play, if you can deliver the bastard alive to the DIMR. Only trick is getting him there. I'd invest in some Slab if I were you. Laes also works.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:59:03/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-01-11/1715:11>
>>>>>[Check if he's on the list, however.  The DF publishes a list of Known Toxics that they'll pay the bounty on, as too many idiots came in with something like the severed head of a Magician Teacher from MIT&T and demanded the reward.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (16:14:55/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-01-11/1718:07>
>>>>>[We also need a valid SIN to cash in the reward, but that hasn't stopped any of us before! Haha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (17:17:19/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-01-11/1727:16>
>>>>>[Dunkie always was good about dealing with the Shadows and the SINless.  Treated everyone equal until they proved otherwise.  Hell, I remember having a few conversations and even a polite argument with him on ShadowLand back in the day.  You were always polite with The Big D, he had a few skills with the deck as well as being a fragging dragon.  Never cut a deal with him, of course, and he respected me for that for some reason.

You know, me and a lot of other people are still looking for who took him out.  And you better believe they better hope they're dead, otherwise it's going to be a long, long time until they do.  I'll pay for Leonization for the bastard to make it last longer out of pocket if I have to bankrupt myself to do it.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (16:27:00/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-01-11/1736:16>
>>>>>[Speaking of which, anyone else catch word of the conspiracy theory going around that maybe Big D had something to do with it himself? There is new footage going around the 'trix showing him making what looks like arcane gestures moments before the blast.]<<<<<
--Motoko Kusanagi (17:35:35/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-01-11/1752:23>
>>>>>[I was there at the time, celebrating Dunkie's victory (OK, I cut a deal with him by voting with all my SINs), and got myself an invitation through some, um, contacts.  I admit I had a few to drink.  OK, I had a lot to drink.  But he looked pretty still to me from what I could see through the tinting on the windows as I and a few dozen people were waving good-bye like idiots when it happened.  Which is exactly what makes me think that 'trid footage was forged, that limo was blacker than the ace of spades to show the kind of detail they're showing.  But I admit I'm no professional in this.

I did have experts go over the footage time and again for years, however.  Both legit and shadows.  They never showed anything like that before.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (16:52:12/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-01-11/2211:51>
>>>>>[ It's comments like that that make me wonder how much else of yours is crap, Johnson.  The only dragon who actually decks for himself is Eliohann -- Cerberus and/or Neurosis, depending on how he's styling himself today.  The rest of them 'hitch', using novahot deckers (or otaku / technomancers) as their Voices to the Virtual.
          And let me tell you, it feels weird... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:05:56/12-01-2073)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-01-11/2348:05>
>>>>>[Hahaha! And it's comments like yours that makes the matrix so damn funny. I was gonna say trolls like you, but I knew I might offend some real Trolls. So relax, don't take shit so seriously!

You are aware that Big D was an active member of the old ShadowLand Network do you? Hestaby too, from time to time! And I'm pretty sure he wasn't using anyone to post in his place. Now if Big would have really been able to handle himself on the decking scene, I have no idea. We don't know if Money is good either. You'd also be surprised how many of them use the matrix extensively by themselves and on various skill levels. There may be only a few Great Dragons but don't forget there are dozens of Dragons of various ages awaken in this world. I wouldn't be surprised if I learned that one (or more) of them, other than Eliohann, is a kickass hacker. They may be old fashion and alien in culture but some of them seems to adapt pretty well. Hell, I'm sure they're all better than me! Hahaha!

On another matter, it was pretty fun at the Powerline tonight! Well, it still is! I gotta say it wasn't as bad as I thought it would, I mean there's nothing this girl did to me that I hadn't tried before. I just never thought I do it in front of a few dozen people. Well it was nice, we laughed a lot and now we're drinking... a lot. Any of you who makes it tonight, I'll pay your first drinks! And for the Toxic Shaman job in Snohomish, well I'll let either Madrecita or Ysoni tell you all about it.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:58:53/12-01-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-02-11/0021:46>
>>>>>[ Greaseball.
          I'm well aware Dunkelzahn had a hacker Voice for him on ShadowLand; Hestaby did the same through her little otaku clutch.  Mujaji, Lofwyr -- how many do you want me to list in some sort of futile snarkwork?  While a few dragons -- even Great -- may have learned how to hack manually since the advent of high-speed AR, there's a reason they stay out of VR decking, and a reason the bequest from Dunkelzahn's will is still unclaimed.
          I take my hacking seriously, and I take my contacts seriously.  Money Johnson's doing what a lot of Turks do, claiming something big and flash and getting tripped up by a detail.  Doing that brings into question ... everything.  People, information, everything else.
          If you lie in the shadows, if you lie to the shadows, be damn sure you don't get caught.  Life lesson for the day, twerp. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros ( 12:02:12 / 12-02-73 )
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-02-11/0105:32>
>>>>>[Wow! Agressive this one. Well, if you say so dude! If you say so!

Personally, I don't know and I don't really give a shit about how dragons are using the matrix. I just know they do. And I'm also too drunk to want to talk about things that doesn't matter to me. If you're around Bellevue you should come here! Free booze and sexy (and willing) people, that should help you relax.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (01:04:22/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-02-11/0148:32>
>>>>>[I have twenty years experience working the Shadows of Seattle, a reputation you can ask around about, and I'll freely admit I was pretty green as a decker in those days.  Or even today, really.  Enough to get by.  I just know the actual Deckers (As in the ones I hired for jobs) agreed that The Big D had some skills.  Check out ShadowSEA, some of the old logs survived Crash 2.0 so you can tell I'm not pushing Drek.  Or ask Bull, he was around at the same time.  I'm not saying he was an ice breaker, there's various ways to be good with a deck (Or commlink today), and I can't say what he was good at that impressed folks back then.

As for my "Turkish" attributes that I'm being accused of...  Well, I am a man of mystery, and have many pasts to check out if you care to.  Maybe I embellish a little, maybe I outright lie.  You realize that's part of my job, right?  Lying to the employer and employee so that there's a disconnection between the two so that deniability is kept?  Hidden truths and lies by exclusion?  Just realize that I am lied to as well, and must ferret out the truth of both employer and employee as well...  What is the job really about, can the person really do the job?  I'd be retired right now were it not for the, how shall we put it, thrill?  No.  Intrigue?  Not quite right.  Danger?  Hm, danger works well enough.

Taking your Contacts seriously, that's a good thing.  "You are your contacts" I've said since day one on this job.  Just don't live life so seriously that you miss out on what makes life worth living!  Go hit up Smiley and those sexy and willing people.  I've had my share recently before this big hit of business, and I'll celebrate when it's over again for another year.  The New Boar herds should be roaming close to Seattle by then.  And now, to Biz.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (00:47:09/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <12-02-11/0349:00>
>>>>>[Wonder what Dunkelzahn would've done for the Drakes, if he were still around?]<<<<<
TekDrake(3:49:01/12-2-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-02-11/0357:41>
>>>>>[I don't know alive but he did leave some directives to the Draco Foundation concerning Drakes. If a Drake's in trouble and can make it to one of the Foundation's facilities, they have, well sort of, a protection program. They give you a job, a new identity and the like if you need any. I don't really have more details than that.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (03:57:31/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-02-11/0545:23>
>>>>>[ Oh, not much to tell, really. You know these toxics. Poisoners especially. Arrogant slots, the lot of them. He was far more interested in making speeches than fighting back, estupido hijo de perra.

He was so convinced of his own superiority that it never occurred to him to watch his back. All I had to do was banish a few of his toxic spirits, and blast my way through his barriers, then sit back and listen to him rant at how weak Gaia was, and how deluded I was for still honouring a connection to Her. He served as his own distraction, stupid baboso. Smiley and Ysoni snuck up behind and neatly took him out. Nice work guys!

Sadly, he was not on the list, so it wasn’t worth keeping him alive. But there’s one less evil

Glad you had a good time, Smiley. Sorry I couldn’t come with you to Powerline. Forgive an old elf for preferring a quiet evening listening to jazz after death-defying magical theatrics. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (5:46:45/12-2-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-02-11/0656:10>
>>>>>[Well, at least you took the bastard down. Only good toxic is a dead one. Though this has got me wondering. What did Dunkelzhan (and presumably the other dragons) know that made him put such a steep bounty on blood mages and toxics? Sometimes I wish the people who were around the last time magic was high weren't so tight-lipped about what things were like back then.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:55:02/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-02-11/0750:57>
>>>>>[ Not just the dragons. The Immortal Elves too. It's not just those from the previous magical age who have some information about this. From the transcripts I saw on Shadowsea, apparently some great wyrms have shared it with some close followers. Especially in Amazonia. I spent some time in Bogota a few years before the war broke out, but I couldn't find out any more about it. I've been travelling the metaplanes I have access to for answers too, but...so far, I could not find any. What I do know is that blood magic is an abomination. It is a corruption of life...worse...the consumption of life. I've seen enough of it to know. ]<<<<<
             -- Madrecita (07:52:12/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <12-02-11/0902:44>
>>>>>[Dragons and the Immortals aren't the only ones who hunt blood mages and their ilk. The DF does indeed pay very well for them. But money is just a means to an end. At the end of the day, when everything is said and done, because of what they've done, to make sure there are less and less of them in this world, I'll gladly kill them all for free.]<<<<<
             -- Bravo Six (09:02:23/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-02-11/1123:04>
>>>>>[No offense Bravo Six, but only amateurs do something for free.  Charge at least 1¥.  I've done that a time or two, and smiled when the opposition tried to bribe their way out by offering money, power, people, drugs...  "You can't afford my price" was all I said.  After I stroked the trigger, of course.  Shoot, then talk.

And Madrecita, Smiley, Yosoni (Written in alphabetical order), good job!  We ever meet, drinks on me.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (10:21:14/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-02-11/1204:57>
>>>>>[ If it isn't paid for, it isn't valued. Also...doing something for free leaves an implication of indebtedness. That's fine, but you should consider carefully just who you leave with that impression. Some people would rather kill you than feel they're on your payroll.

Agua de Valencia, Money. Second round's on me. ]<<<<<
            -- Madrecita (12:04:53/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-02-11/1557:30>
>>>>>[You got that right. Never work for free! I never did and I don't plan to. Of course, I don't always ask for money, favors are also a valuable currency. If someone wants to hire me, he's going to have to accept my price and I ain't cheap. But, I do help a fella runner from time to time without asking anything in return, like Madrecita and Ysoni here for example. By the way, a pleasure working with you, you are both lovely. I also helped Mercedes a while ago. Giving a hand is often the fastest way to build good relationships. You help them, they help you then the next thing you know you're the first one they call when they need someone additional for a nice job right down your alley. The reverse is also true, I often need specialists for special jobs. And to be honest, I'm already pretty rich and I don't really need the very few nuyens I could pry off other runners in exchange for my help, best just making friends.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:57:36/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-02-11/1637:44>
>>>>>[Indeed, trading favors, especially with those who have skill-sets different from your own, can make your own runs that much easier. Magic and hacking are the two most obvious areas where this comes into play, of course. If you're a dedicated spellslinger and close quarters type mage like myself, having someone along who has more of a support/summoning focus can go a long way. Likewise, while I have some programs on my 'link, I know full well that I'm no hacker. And while I could get a spirit to possess me and break down a door, it is often easier (and quieter) to get a hacker to open it for you. I prefer working with technomancers for my hacking needs, though that comes down to a bit of bias on my part, I admit. I've watched these mages of the matrix in action, and the ability to change things up on the fly is a useful asset. Plus, my skills compliment their own nicely, as I can operate in the meat easier than they can.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:37:24/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-02-11/1703:28>
>>>>>[ For me, the price is negotiable, up to a point. My sliding scale takes into account a lot of factors. Like how much I trust you, how much I like you, your rep, how much you can afford, how badly you need it done...and how much inconvenience it's going to cause me. Truth be told...I prefer favous as trade, unless you have some magical item or reagent I need. I don't have to run anymore since my personal issue is settled and I have my magic shop to keep me supplied with nuyen...but occasionally, I do take on a job, for much the same reason you do, Smiley. It's a good way to build relationships, and to assess runners. I wouldn't hesitate running with Smiley, or recommending him. Lovely working with you too, btw. My door is open for you.

I'm really grateful for the existence of hackers and mancers since my own technological skills end with switching the commlink on and off.  ]<<<<<
           -- Madrecita (17:00:13/12-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-03-11/0336:05>
>>>>>[Most of the time, I can do everything on my own. I can break in minimum and intermediary security facilities on my own, although that doesn't make me hacker. That makes me a guy with the basics and a lot of money to buy the latest and nastiest programs out there. Gadgets too, I love these nerds conventions, the treasures you find there. I also hire drivers and pilots here and there when skill can be an issue. Talking about piloting, I really need a new Banshee. I bought that second-hand crap a million and a half and it doesn't start half the time. But these things are so damn expensive! Anyone knows of a good T-Bird a little more affordable? Anyway... Oh! And of course, I do need a feminine touch sometimes when my charms are... ineffective. And lastly, hired guns when I'm on a protection detail. Always in need of sharp eyes and big guns on those.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (03:36:03/12-03-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <12-03-11/0902:05>
>>>>>[Because I have such a great respect for the host of this board, I will refrain from becoming...irritated and enter into a confrontation because of a casual comment made about me and my preceived level of experience. I will say: had anyone interpreted the true meaning of my comment or even bothered to do any research into my rep and known past activities concerning blood mages, you would have understood. And while I have killed them on sight "for free", I do "get paid". It's called justice, which under the right circumstances, is far more valuable than any currency, scan omaes? But, like I said, I'm not here for a confrontation, I'm too old and too busy to get mad at those who don't really deserve it.

So, to show no hard feelings...anyone who needs any vehicle or related work, especially T-birds, I know a wily old rigger down by 'Nawlins. If you want to sell your bird, he'll buy, But I know from personal experience his crew could fix it up better than factory new at far less you could get selling it. PM me for the commcode and when you get there, tell Blackhawk I sent you and "quit drinkin' that damn shine and get off your lazy ass". Oh, one more thing, check your nav-systems when he's done. He likes to sneak on trojan programs that play old Kenny Rogers songs over the loudspeakers and the internal comms.]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six (09:02:33/12-03-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-03-11/1025:26>
>>>>>[ Now, now Bravo Six. Hunting down blood and toxic mages isn't exactly a job. I myself have hunted them for many, many years...It's a calling, not a job. Unless you treat it that way. I never did. And I'm sure you don't either. Now, working for free...that would be a mistake. Unless you do it for professional reason. Which I'm sure you also don't do. ]<<<<<
             -- Madrecita (10:25:20/12-03-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <12-03-11/1116:12>
>>>>>[Fair enough. Apologies to all. This particular subject is still a very raw and open wound for me and mine. It's the one thing that almost brings out my old explosive temper. Thankfully, age, experience, a lot of scares, and a major change in my life has taught (more like forced) me to channel my rage into more satisfying and frankly lucrative enterprises. Oh, and by the way, as of approximately 0445 yesterday...current count is up to twelve. *evil, but satisfied grin*]<<<<<
             -- Bravo Six (11:16:01/12-03-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-03-11/1123:56>
>>>>>[Sorry Bravo Six, I didn't mean to imply that you were an amateur, just the perception of people who work for free.  No longer used to using a chat system that doesn't have an emotive track added onto the messages.  It's been a rough few weeks and I haven't been sleeping well.  And, no, I don't like using Long Haul unless I'm really slotted off.

I'm wondering if fighting for an election is good enough to get me into Odin's Hall at the moment, 'cause I'm sure this one is going to kill me.  "I want  you to intimidate..."  "How much of his skin do you want us to deliver, in square centimeters?"  "No, just intimidated."  "Pain is intimidating."  *Headtable*  "Waitress, three more shots.  You guys want anything?"]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (10:22:14/12-03-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-03-11/1223:05>
>>>>>[Headz up tuskers and odder non-human types.  Yumantis iz up to dere dirty tricks again.  Dey riggin' up jobz what makez da Orkies and Trollz look like dey iz causin' violence an' destruction to da regul'r folk.

Dis breeder Johnson, he wantz me an' da crew I'z wit' (nonea dem iz human I notice-like) ta do a hard 'xtraction from a "facility".  He hearz da wayz I talk-like, an' figurez I'z too stoopid ta know how a mapsoft work, so I lookz up da address an' seez dat it'z a public grade school.  Ain't no body dere wort' da moneiez he trowin' at uz on the final bit, and onlies 20% up front, "Az youse gettin' so much at de endz.", he saiz.

I tellz da crew where we hittin', and dey know dat 1 an' 1 make 10, so wez haz a new deal.  Findz out who dis guy really iz (Yep, Yunmantis confirm), den we haz bar gamez usin' hiz body.  He hated da dartz da woist.  Dat troll waz really able ta hammer 'em inta his crotch wit' really guud accracy.  Soz yas, check yer jobz careful-like if dere ain't no humey types on da crew.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (11:22:59/12-03-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-04-11/0207:02>
>>>>>[Humanis. Two of their Johnsons went MIA in the last two weeks... I wonder what happen to 'em. Hehehe.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (02:06:19/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-04-11/0744:50>
>>>>>[Ah Humanis. So much fun when you dose them with Laes and let them wake up just after you've sold them to Tamanous, and they have no idea how they've gotten there.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:44:34/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-04-11/0843:43>
>>>>>[Folks like that are the type that give "Mr. Johnson" a bad name.  We're not that bad for a bunch of people that hire borderline-sociopaths to shoot people in the face for money.  I give quite a lot to charity, for example.

Widows and orphans.  We need more of them.  ;-)]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (07:43:00/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-04-11/0924:03>
>>>>>[Money Johnson, your sense of humour is going to get your hoop into deep drek one day...;-)

I've had some of these humanis types on my table a few times. Nothing humiliates them more than having to accept medical treatment from a meta. They all made full recoveries, but curiously, none of their attempts to harm metas ever worked out right for them again. I wonder what went wrong with them... ]<<<<<

-- Madrecita (09:24:05/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-04-11/0949:29>
>>>>>[My mouth got me into so much trouble once that I ended up married.  Heh, kidding, was a wonderful time to try and have the UCAS dream.  House, white picket fence, dog-drone with custom software, HOA that freaks out over neighbors that give firearms to each other for Anniversary Presents.  Getting kicked out of the gated community.  Smiling as "suddenly" every house thief in town knew no one was armed in the complex and there was a rash of break-ins there just when the rent-a-cops were upgrading their systems and couldn't get any alerts.  *Sighs*  Good times.

Actually, my mouth getting me into trouble usually does lead to good times otherwise as well.  I love it when the posh fellows think I'm just gutter trash and then find out I can fence with the best of them.  I prefer epee when fencing, but can whistle the tune with a rapier as well.  Sorry, what was I saying?  Never mind, I should try sleeping sometime this week I think.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (08:47:51/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-04-11/1111:56>
>>>>>[ Money Johnson...tired people make mistakes, and long haul will eventually kill you. I have a few spells up my sleeve that can help you...and I can at least offer a hot meal and cold beer. Both home-made, I might add. ]<<<<<
-- Madrecita (11:11:46/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-04-11/1438:15>
>>>>>[Shhhhhhhhhh.  He seepin'.  Likez da babies what don't wakez up and criez.  He lookz so innocent-like, cuddlin' his pistol like da teddy bear.

Came at muh place a bit ago, wuz punched inda face by muh sistah, and did't appears like hez felt it.  Juz ask'd fer a place ta crash, pazzed over a bottlea hooch, um, "Glenfiddich" it sayz, tas payz fer it an pazzed out on da couch.  I do know he don' take noz Long Haul, givez him a nazty hangover, so he jus' probbly  push hisself twos far.  Fragger's older dan I iz, 'courze, he'z a Breeder...]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (13:38:02/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-04-11/1653:43>
>>>>>[Hahaha! That's a good one Money! Well, you might want to look into it... but I was actually hired to take these two out before they could do some serious damage. Damn I hate short time frames. Anyway they were willing to pay my price so it seems there's someone with deep pockets fighting your fight. You ain't that alone after all.

Breeder? I heard lots of Orks calling humans and elves breeders. Ain't so sure why... Orks don't breed? Don't tell me the storks delivers brand new Orks to Ork mommies around the world. I'd like to see that, it's so magical! Hahaha! No seriously I'm pretty curious to know why you're calling us Breeders.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:53:43/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-04-11/1705:03>
>>>>>[ Heads up, runners! Remember that creature Big Murphy and Money reported? Well, I've finished my analysis of it. It's something new. At least...I couldn't find it in any of my books. It seems to be a toxic, awakened version of the Behemoth. It's a spreader of pestilence, and...here's the bad part: it seems to suffer from essence loss. So...what we have here is an awakened toxic that's definitely out to get you. Be very, very careful around dark, wet places. I'll post some stats later once I've compiled all the data. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (17:05:03/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-04-11/1710:32>
>>>>>[Just a thought, Madre. Did you test the thing for HMHVV? If there's a strain out there that can start affecting paracritters besides Sasquatches, then I would rather know about it before it tries to take a bite out of me.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:10:34/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-04-11/2352:42>
>>>>>[I tink da term "Breeder" waz when dere waz more humies dan orkies aroun', and da Yumantis wuz alwayz yellin' 'bout havin' ta keep breedin' pure-like humies ta keep up wit' da litters Orkies hav' an' stuff.  Never called no Elf no breeder meself.  Fairy an' Keeb on occasion, but only wif dems dat I knowz well, who callz me Trog an' Tusker in turn.  Halfer ta some dwarves I know, and sir ta da trollies.  I'm a biggie ork, but deys all bigger dan me.

Dat ting in da sewers, it weren't parta da job er notin', juz came acrost it.  Turnz out onea da guyz had a recorder goinz, I'll send da files ta you, Madrecita, don' see much, hiz eyes, dey ain't da best.  Cheap Sony Knock-offz er sumptin'.  All I gotz wuz dat it wanted uz for lunchies, an' wasn't takin' no soy substitute az an option.  I'll ask Money how much boomies he used on it, dat'll tell uz how hard we needz ta killz it.  But from what I knowz of hiz huntin' habits, if he sayz he used lots, da robbry at da Metroplex Guard armery might explain howz he gotz da replacements.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (22:52:42/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-05-11/1414:01>
>>>>>[ Yes, I did test it for HMHVV. It isn't a carrier. This thing is scary enough without adding that to it. I for one am intensely grateful for small mercies Anyway...here's the stats (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=5582.0) for it I managed to piece together. There isn't much there, but I'm sure we can add to it as we find out more. Just be very careful if you do decide to play biologist.

Murphy...thank you. Any data is useful at this point. I think you just earned that rejuv treatment I once offered you. And be sure to warn the troll underground. if this thing gets loose in there... ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (14:14:03/12-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-05-11/1437:27>
>>>>>[Tanks, but da photos ain't wort dat much, an' I ain't 'bout to be in no debt.  Ain't gonna diea no old age anywho.  Da odder two Big Murphies didn't, Pa and Grandpa.  Da new Little Murphy's 'bout ready fer his own wings anyhowz.

Hm, lookin' at dis infermatons, it'z a guud t'ing dat Money an' I didn't get caught by dis t'ing.  Ain't much lefta Money's "Soul" er whatever dey talk abouts when it comes ta da cyberstuff.  Az for me, I'd make a damned guud feed, being a biggie Ork wit' all da lean meat an no fatties an' bad 'lestoral.  If youse want, ya can sendz da toxicology infermation ta me, and I'z might be ablez ta figurez out where da puhlooshun what made it change came frum.  Been readin' up on dat a few years ago when I ran up against a ten-foot tall roadrunner what put a hole in muh armor.  Chicken plate stopped da beak, an I broke it'z neck.  Almost ate it 'til I ran da scannery t'ing over it an saw it wuz poison fer even a toughie ork like me.  Burned da body 'steada cookin' in on da campfire.  Pity, wanted ta git some real meat.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (13:37:08/12-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-05-11/1516:01>
>>>>>[ Information sent, Murph. And I appreciate the help. That will really go a long way in figuring this thing out. Just one question...what is a "chicken plate"?

Why am I offering you this? Because I know good when I see it. Take it from someone who very nearly walked down Dark Paths. You're a good man, Murph, and in my view, it's far better to keep the good around than where's so much bad in this world. But I realise that you have no reason to trust me when I say that that's my only motivation. That's okay. The offer stands if you should ever change your mind about that. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (15:16:03/12-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-05-11/1526:45>
>>>>>[Good, bad... What matters is who's got the gun really.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:26:27/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-05-11/1553:40>
>>>>>[Hmm. Reading that file, makes me glad I know a couple ice spells.]<<<<<
--Iceblade (15:53:32/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-05-11/1557:58>
>>>>>[ So I used to believe as well. What I realised though, when I was faced with that choice, is that believing in the rightiousness of power is the fastest possible way to begin walking the Dark Path. I promissed myself I would never go down that road again. In the real world, who has the gun often determines who wins, it is true...and that is why having good, smart and experienced back-up around is never a bad thing. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (15:57:46/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-05-11/1746:38>
>>>>>[Haha. I was just making a joke by quoting an old flick (and when I say old, it's old). I doubt anyone saw that one. Anyway, if I have to be serious for a few minutes, I'm not gonna say if I agree with you or not. I chose to kill people for a living and thus I'm a really bad men according to what morality dictates. I have no intention of changing my ways, I'm rich and I don't give to charity, my money is mine. People are free to think what they wish, I think everyone has their own views on morality. Me, I don't think about it. All I know is that, like many others, I'm a guy with a gun. Or I might be just a psychopath but who knows!?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (17:46:22/12-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-05-11/1805:18>
>>>>>[ I'd say you're a psychopath with a gun.  No, sorry -- sociopath.  I always have trouble with the difference. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:05:47/12-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-05-11/1856:14>
>>>>>[The way it was explained to me in school, a psychopath doesn't know right from wrong. A sociopath doesn't care.]<<<<<
--Motoko Kusanagi (18:55:09/12-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-05-11/1947:45>
>>>>>[ Yeah. It's been a while since I took those classes, or did any programming that had to take that into account.  Rather wish I'd never done some of that later stuff, though.  ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:47:57/12-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-05-11/2010:16>
>>>>>[Or maybe... I'm a broken man, smiling and laughing to cover his sadness and remorse, living a life of debauchery to distract himself from remembering the things he's done and continuing down this line of work in the hopes that someone worthy and skilled is finally going to end his life. There's also the option that I'm screwing with all of you. Well.. I guess it's another mystery that is never going to be solved.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:10:11/12-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-05-11/2027:44>
>>>>>[Da "Chicken Plate" is da hard parta da armor, usually ceramic plate or dat new hardnin' gel dey gots.  Dey used to be added onta reg'lar armor (Which wuz alwayz soft kevlar armor, no guud 'gainst knives an' clubs), but I don' know where da term come from.  Maybe 'cause youse hadta be a chicken ta wear it, or it wuz a waya sayin' "Ceramic" wit'out sounding like it's a coffee cup.  Dunno, but dats what it'z called in da barrens.  Ya gotta talkz ta Money 'bout gunz an' hist'ry like dat.  Dat's hiz hobby.  An' he'z sleepin' da hard sleep, probbly not gunna be 'wake fer awhile.  Just gotta keeps da kidz frum drawin' on hiz face wit da markers, er my brudders an' sisters from killin' him.

Readin' t'rough dis work now.  Gotz some time afore I gotta workz again fer da cred.  Da J what had me on da last job wuzn't too happies 'bout dat gator t'ingy eatin' his precious package and has bad wurdz out ons me.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (19:26:41/12-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-05-11/2345:34>
>>>>>[ Didn't you hear?  Brains can now be hacked.
          Guess who's next on the list?? ]
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:45:41/12-05-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <12-06-11/1437:32>
>>>>>[Whoa. That's a nasty, nasty beast. I'll keep flying over the ground instead of crawling under, tyvm.]<<<<<
--TekDrake(14:37:32/12-6-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-06-11/1656:01>
>>>>>[ Madrecita's probably going to kill me tomorrow, but I'm gonna do this anyway. She's performing this evening at the Bandoleone...that new Latin Jazz club in Downtown. If you want to see a side of her you'll otherwise never see...come join us there around 21:00. It'll be me and several other former students of hers, but you're welcome to join us. ]<<<<<
     -- Ysoni (16:56:02/12-06-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-06-11/1720:54>
>>>>>[Nice. Haven't been to the Bandoleone yet and that would be a perfect occasion. I'll bring some flowers!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (17:20:14/12-06-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <12-07-11/0116:30>
>>>>>[Reminds me, I need to find a good club locally that's Changeling-friendly. I know most of those places tend to be Mob fronts, but I'll take what I can get, for going out and just being me. Well, that side of me anyway.]<<<<<
--TekDrake(1:16:49/12-7-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-07-11/1005:12>
>>>>>[Not to sound crass, but if you're one of the 'pretty' changelings, pretty much any high end club will be welcoming of you. Just avoid the rabidly racist clubs and you're good. Now if you're not so pretty, you might look into places that have a high percentage of Awakened patrons. Anywhere in the Hub in Denver should be fairly welcoming to you, so long as you didn't SURGE into something with insect features. (And if you did, I'd suggest going with virtual clubs. Lot of people I know shoot first ask questions later if they see someone with bug features. Especially the ones who've seen the real bugs before.)]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:04:23/12-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-07-11/1801:57>
>>>>>[Yeah, Iceblade is right. Any Awakened friendly clubs should let you in and have some fun. I know dozens of those here and there, in and round the UCAS but if your cozy little nest is in the Seattle area like me, you might want to try the Pirate, Wanda's (a little too artistic for my taste but she's a nice lady) or the Purgatory (your best bet if you can get in). I saw a pair of drunk drakes dancing around in their Dracoform at the Pirate's a few years a go with everybody clapping and cheering. That was a pretty funny night.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (18:01:28/12-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-07-11/2335:18>
>>>>>[Sorries it tuuk soz long ta getz back about da critter.  Money wokez up an' I hadta saves him from the fambly.  He'z on da way home wit' anuuder concussion frum muh brudder, who haz one hizzself (From me) and a broke arm (From Money.).  Racists don' just wear da white sheetz an comez in "Breeder" flaverz, ah'm sorries ta say.  An' everbuddy sayz dat he did deservez what happened.  Ya don'ts bringz up Money's wife up wit'out riskin' da metahurtz.

Anyhowz, da chemical reportz I wuz sent sayz dat dis is not az likelies da Toxic styliez a'critter, but justa Mutant.  Da toxins in da report iz mostlies attackin' da orgins an' da DNA at areaz awayez from da partsa da strandz what most eggheadz t'ink da "Magic Gene" iz, which iz da scientific wayz to piece out which iz which.  Dat said, da report did showz dat dere wuz crystalization frum da ice whut didz damage ta da sample.  It keptz it guud from some standpoints, but odders it wuz bad.  Honestly, da high-foreheady typez don' know dere hoops from dere speakin' holes when it comez ta da magic stuff mostly, so I'd sayz da only acid test whut matters iz da astral check.  I hadz no WizWyrms wit' me on da team, and Money ain't no magicy type, soz nuna uz haz dat infos.  But nuna dem ever askz me not'in', soz what do I knowz, I'ze jus' some dumb Trog in da Barrens, right?

Nowz, if youse excuse me, I haz to mark muh Nephew'z tests on da physics az applied ta da explodies.  He'z a bit miffed dat I wouldn't let him use da calculator, an' he's savin' up fer dat Math SPU t'ing dat lets you dos da math wit'out workin' da brain-stuff.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (22:35:01/12-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-08-11/0007:50>
>>>>>[Oh, an' da Matchstick's Jazz Club iz friendly-like wit' da Changling-folk.  Even haz a few music-playerz dat iz da Changling.  Da onlies problem wit' dat place iz dat it'z in da Downtown, wit' all da cameras an' SIN scanner dronez an' security stuffs.  Noes offense, but da Changling-folk are kinda obvious an' unique, soz I wouldn't suggest youse do Biz dere, jus' enjoy da music, da atmosphere, and da non-watered down drinks.  Dat'z why I uze da place meself.  Lezz I'm workin', dat iz.  Den da security don sees me 'causea da hacker.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (23:07:43/12-07-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-08-11/1137:02>
>>>>>[ I like conducting biz in music clubs. Especially the louder ones. Unless of course Mr. Johnson is one of those refinement freaks.

There are a few specialist shapeshifter clubs. They tend to attract changelings too. I'l ask Fen. He's bound to have sniffed out a few by now.

Thanks to those of you who came to see Madre perform. I was surprised to see her do a few flamenco numbers. ]<<<<<
     -- Ysoni (11:36:28/12-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-08-11/2305:22>
>>>>>[I did appreciate those flamenco, if I had known, I would have brought a date with me just to have a dance partner. Yes, a chinese guy who dances flamenco, so what? Tango too! Ain't a pro but I do. Every guy should, the ladies just love it! I tried waltz a few times, but beside the funny costumes it was pretty boring!

Oh did she liked the flowers? Didn't get her reaction much, she just looked at me surprised and I had to go like, real fast. Fresh from the plastic jungle and my own garden, chose them myself. Every good performance merits flowers, or so I'm told. Nonetheless, it was good show and I had a good time! I should really go out in these places more often.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:05:48/12-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <12-09-11/0115:15>
>>>>>[Typing this in AR to spare you all the hangover-overtones. Going to have to wait for my head to clear before I can start studying it, tho. Great clubs, guys. I know I sampled at least two. Things get fuzzy after that. Never knew the Seattle area had such a nice bed and breakfast either.]<<<<<
--TekDrake(1:14:12/12-9-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-09-11/0118:18>
>>>>>[Great, you guys have fun, and I get a concussion from a racist ork and get to spend the night in the Doc Wagon waiting room.  I miss my wife being around...  Never mind me, I had a bit too much "Medicinal" brandy.  'Least I broke the bastard's arm.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (00:17:00/12-08-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-09-11/0311:47>
>>>>>[Well, I had fun last night but tonight... not so much. I was at the ACHE visiting a... friend there. Had to pull a few strings to get in there just for two hours and a half. Man, this place a bucket full of shit about to hit a big high speed fan. But this time, it's... Well... It's still going to be fun! I guess I'll have to get him out of there eventually but he doesn't want me to for now. He's probably planning something. Anyway, it's going to be an interesting sight, watching all those crazed and angry people running in the streets of Downtown when the front door will explode. Meh! I'm sure a bunch of Knight Errants in shining armor will ride the streets on their white horses to save the damsels in distress. But enough wild speculations. For now Sir Drinkalot here's going to get another cup and finally go to bed!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (03:10:20/12-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-09-11/0856:15>
>>>>>[OK, head in better shape, rested up, fresh suit of clothing, spare mags for pistol.  Ready to head out and...  Oh, wait...  Just saw in the mirror.  Pants might help.  Remind me again why I'm getting into politics this year again?  Maybe I am getting old, can't keep up this kind of schedule like I used to.  Or it's the repeated recent blows to the head.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (07:55:44/12-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-09-11/1226:08>
>>>>>[ Mmm...I see another run in my near future, to get an uncontaminated sample of the critter. If anyone knows a zoologist who's willing to take some risks in the name of science, please let me know. Thanks though, Murph. You're right that the ice did a lot of damage, and I think it might also have been contaminated.

As for you, Ysoni...I'll deal with you later. How'd you like to lose those balls I gave you? I'm not looking for fame here, you idiot. It's a big enough risk for me to perform in public without you advertising it.

Smiley...you ran off before I could thank you. Am I really that scary? The flowers are lovely. I can't remember the last time I received some. Thank you...and I'm gratified to know you enjoyed yourself. Nevermind that you're chinese and liking flamenco. That's no stranger than a Spanish woman singing the blues. Tango is good. The rumba is better. As for the ACHE...you have a very strange idea of "fun", my dear. I'd take it as a kindness if you'd give me a bit of warning before you blast the lid off things? I wouldn't want to be anywhere near Downtown when that drek goes down.  ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (12:26:01/12-09-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-09-11/2242:33>
>>>>>[All-Father damn it to Hel's Domain!  The Toxic Pixie?  >Link To Post (http://forums.shadowrun4.com/index.php?topic=5080.msg85738#msg85738)<  She's back in the Mextroplex!  Just got this pic from one of my informants that I keep well fed.

Where's my full-auto shotgun, I'm going hunting.  Something to wash the taste out of politics.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (21:39:20/12-09-73)

>>>Download Attached Image Here (http://raben-aas.deviantart.com/art/Shadowrun-Missions-Scene-202704488)<<<
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-10-11/0021:17>
>>>>>[That was an interesting day, now chilling out at the Powerline. Oh I love it when a plan comes together! Hehehe.

Oh! No! Hell no! I'm not going to be the one to break hell loose. Don't worry. All I said is that it's just a matter of time before this thing explode. Take my word for it, it's a catastrophe waiting to happen. If I have to get anyone out of there, it's going to be quietly by pulling a few strings. No explosive involved, I promise! Speaking of which, I haven't dabble in explosives in ten years now. It doesn't really match my style anymore. But I gotta say, it's still really cool to see things go boom.

Then I guess you won't be joining me after all Money. That's too bad. Well good luck with the Pixie. Avoid the bites this time.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:20:34/12-10-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-10-11/1011:25>
>>>>>[ Need some magical back-up, Money? I've dealt with toxics before. ]<<<<<
      -- Madrecita (10:11:10/12-10-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-10-11/1230:29>
>>>>>[OK, I'll admit, I figured that Smiley was just shooting the breeze, even with his rep backing him up (Rep isn't always right.  Except in my case.).  Well, frag that.  The guy is worth every nuyen (Or, in this case, a really expensive bottle of aged whiskey).  That's the second-smoothest operation I have ever witnessed, and he threw in a few bonuses as well.  After the news broke, a contact of mine reported a new shipment of extra-strength antacid being ordered at the Governor's Mansion.  When the bigger jobs start getting my attention again, I'll certainly keep you in mind, Smiley.  Just the elections going on right now that's got me doing things so cheap.  I got a few folks on my "To do bad things to" list that might be up your alley.

As for the hunt, I got some magical support from a borrowed spirit right now, I'm not about to tangle with a magician with no magic support of my own.  This is personal, however, so I'm taking this slitch on myself.

Now, be vewy, vewy quiet.  I'm hunting Toxic Pix...  Oh frag, how'd she see me?  OH DREK!!!  Fraggin' spir...  >Contact terminated at source<]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (11:29:00/12-10-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-10-11/1502:56>
>>>>>[Vendetta! That's very Italian. Scrap that, that's very universal! I really hope you caught it this time.

Hehe. Well, that's high praise indeed. Anything for the cause! Hahaha! Well if I didn't have enemies in the Governor's Mansion, which I'm sure I already did, now it's a certainty. I watched the news while I was on my way to the Powerline, those kids were so cute "I was really scared and I was holding daddy really hard!", priceless! Hahaha! Those Humanis pricks, being zealots makes them idiots so easy to fool. You know what they used to say, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Well, that's the third time in the space of a week and a half that I humiliate them.

I always promised myself not to be political and all that bullshit. But with a bunch of dudes who thinks the world would be better if they could put me and my kind, well anyone and anything not human in gas chambers or work camps, it ain't really political anymore. That's pretty personal at this point. So fuck 'em!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:02:13/12-10-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-10-11/1543:51>
>>>>>[I'm OK.  Covered in used synthetic motor oil and kitty litter, but OK.  She had a damned Sludge Spirit handy in the place as a TRAP.  Came out of a damned barrel and tried to smother me.  Fell into a hole in this old garage where they usually go to change the oil, cracked my head AGAIN...  Honestly, what is it with blows to my head recently?  Anyhow, the Spirit I had lent to me kept the sludge away from my face at least, while preventing me from being affected by the Pixie's spells.  A bit of freeze foam around it allowed me to break out, and...  Bah, you don't need a blow-by-blow.  Just know that I got dirty, she had some kind of barrier that swatted my buckshot while I was dealing with the sludge monster she threw at me.  Damned Pixie was waiting for me, someone snitched me out.  AGAIN!  Either that, or she's just as pissed at me that I didn't die when she bit me.

Had to get so many shots after that, too.  Good idea to check all the electives when filling out a DocWagon Health Insurance form, folks!  Now, if you excuse me, I need to use the roll of construction plastic to keep oil from getting on the upholstery on the car.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (13:43:09/12-10-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-11-11/0004:48>
>>>>>[Did you kill it at least?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:04:23/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-11-11/0020:24>
>>>>>[No, the Pixie is still alive and got away.  I reviewed the footage from my cybereyes while I was wrapped in construction plastic my car drove me around, and I winged her in the leg with a single piece of steel shot.  She'll feel that, but nothing more.  Belt-Fed Fully-Automatic Shotgun with a SmartGun Link and a lot of other options, and a single piece of buckshot hit her.  To hell with this personal drek, she comes to Seattle again, I get every damned magician and free spirit I can whistle up and throw them all at her, see how that goes down!

As for my current state of mind:  Frag it all to Hel's domain.  I'm at one of my boltholes, finally clean, and am scanning the usuals, and, damnit, I have to stop reading to the Obits.  Two really hit me.

First was a fellow, troll, late forties, shot while protecting his bar from hoodlums that were just thrilling.  Shot a lot, as this guy used to be a Street Sami who retired, and got a SIN through the amnesty.  I gave him the damned job that let him retire, buy that bar, just watch the men and women come in and spend their nuyen on booze and a song.  Live SINless bands every night.  I used his place a lot, lots of good blues bands that sung in Or'Zet there.  Refused to take any money from me for drinks, but I always left a tip big enough to cover them.  Damn stand-up guy that got out of the Biz and found his dream.

Second one, just a pre-teen dwarf with no name.  KE pleading for help (Yeah, right) in IDing him.  He was some kid I hired with a Colt Asp and a Kludge of a CommLink that's almost the size of MacCallister's Cyberdeck.  Viral advertising, nothing dangerous, little pay, and a boost in rep which tells you how badly the kid was doing.  Seems he decided that he was going to overwrite some gang's turf tags and, well...  Six shots don't count for much when there's twenty of them.

Most Johnsons would shrug and dig deeper into their real beef filet mignon.  Me, I just feel that it's a total waste of life for no damned good reason.  Both went out fighting, so that gives me some relief thanks to my religion, but, frag...  It'd be better if I didn't have to turn to it at all, right?  Or am I just getting too sentimental for my job now?  Maybe I should retire for good after this election?  Half-In/Half-Out of the Shadows is not a way to live, is it?]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (23:12:55/12-10-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-11-11/0143:48>
>>>>>[I ain't no philosopher and I doubt I'm the right person to tell you this but my say on the matter is: Always do what you love to do. Live at 200 mph and have a taste at everything the world has to offer. Learn from the past, but never look back.  Live in the present, it's a gift. Always react wisely to the future. Live fast, die young, no place for regrets. Be at peace with what the Bureau of Destiny has in store for you.

It's a shame to die young, but it's worse to die old full of "what if".]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (01:44:02/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-11-11/0811:09>
>>>>>[There are five ways a swordsman may die with honor. He can fall fighting a battle he knows he cannot win, to allow others to live another day. He can be cut down standing up for a cause he believes in. He can be slain striving to atone for the mistakes of his past. He may take his own life when all hope of victory is lost, and claim honor even in defeat. He can perish quietly in his bed, an old man who has passed on his knowledge to another, so that the old ways are remembered.

Which is best? None living can say for certain, and the dead keep their own counsel on such matters. Your friends died with honor, Money, and that is as best as any of us can hope for in this life.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:10:34/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Unwirklich on <12-11-11/1005:21>
>>>>>[Isn't this the course of evolution - eliminating flawed designs from the system, in order to create room either for the better adapted or those yet to be tested? The Shadows are red in tooth and claw. Reprocess the un-fit design, integrate its strength and discard its weakness.]<<<<<
  -- D3m (10:05:05/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-11-11/1031:28>
>>>>>[Thanks for the opinions folks.  Probably just all the blows to the head I've taken recently.  The kid didn't do what I instructed him to, writing over a gang tag is not "Low Risk".  They always take offense to that.  Don't listen to your elders, or your employer, and leave yourself at your own risk.

As for Tiggy, yeah that's the Troll's name, he's the only bar owner who died yesterday so it's not hard to figure out, he took out five of the eight guys with that oversized cybergun in his right arm.  KE caught the rest before they were able to get to a street doc, and another one died on the way to the precinct house.  Tiggy lived a good life and died hard, best way to go for him, I bet.  A Death Guard added right until the end.

My religion doesn't speak well of straw deaths unless you've done great things in life worthy of being named Einherjar in life.  Must be this political drek slotting me up.  Back room deals and sneaky maneuvers.  Knives that cut through armor by not existing in the first place...  Biz as usual, I know.  But still, doesn't seem right.  Ah well, things will get bloody enough closer to the election and we have to start preventing groups of "Civil Minded" people from "ensuring that the right people vote their conscience."  I know I'm looking forward to busting some Humanis heads when that starts.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (09:31:13/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-11-11/1144:02>
>>>>>[ Wherever the dead go, we as the living can honour them best by remembering them. If they are worthy of rememberance of course. Those guys are lucky. They have someone to remember them. Or at least honour them. At the end of the day, we can only be true to ourselves, because everyone else will have their own views about who you were, what you did and how you lived and died. I don't particularly mind when or how I go...as long as I go down having lived my life my way.

I'm not currently up to date on who's who in the election race. It doesn't much matter who ultimately wins because at the end of the day, they all serve the same master. They all have only so much leeway to pursue their own agendas.

Money, any of the current candidates sing from a non-corporate hymn sheet? ALso...any of them singing from an AZT hymnsheet? ]<<<<<
    -- Madrecita (11:44:01/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-11-11/1220:10>
>>>>>[Funny enough, compared to a lot of Governors of Seattle, Brackhaven has been his own man for the most part that I've seen.  Kicking Lone Star out and putting KE in was a purely political move to show that he wasn't in "Humanis' Pocket", and KE had the best offer for the security of the metroplex on the table honestly.  (Meaning they had almost everyone in place ready to be cops as-is due to Ares over-staffing their security.).  He has to keep the Corporate Council of Seattle happy, yes, but that's true of every city and has been before corporations went extraterritorial.  You don't, they'll move to another city that'll cut them better deals, and there goes jobs for the people that vote.  And they'll remember who got them fired and their jobs shipped off to Africa or China or some such.  It gives me a horrible taste in my mouth to say this, but he's done a damned good job of that, and strengthened the economy of Seattle.  Both in the Light and the Shadows.  Still wouldn't stop me from breaking all four major joints in his body in exchange for a free Stuffer Shack soykaff coupon.

Only one of the three Communist parties seems to not have a Corporate taint, yes I find that hilarious.  The New Century party has hands stuffing their pockets from everyone, so are "Neutral" in that sense.  Technocrats, Democrats, same.  Yes, both are getting Aztechnology funding, but they're getting from all the AAA-Corps, so nothing unusual there.  A few of the independents are getting Aztechnology funding almost solely, but are all fighting to separate from the UCAS, so don't expect them to make a showing in the race.  A few other independents are going it alone on a "Non-Corporate" policy, but that's a bad idea, the Corporate Court would just rule Seattle's Docks and Sea-Tac Airport off limits to any corporation that is under their protection (Which is pretty much any one bigger that Big Bob's Autos) and the city'll starve in weeks, if even that long.

Aztechnology is hitting a slump in PR for the first time in...  Well, my living memory at least, with the mass public.  It's the wars in South America, especially Bogota.  Horizon doing the "Heal The Innocent" thing has hit home the suffering in a way that wasn't felt in the UCAS by the conflict in the Yucatan.  Hell, I knew about that drek going on and didn't think much about it until I started hiring some vets from that who gave me some nasty war stories.  Their usual trick of releasing new products and using other forms of spin aren't as effective, and they're not using AR as well as they could, sticking more with traditional Trid and Simsense for the most part.  Big mistake, like the companies that stuck with print after the old Internet got off the ground.  So their efforts to get alliances here are hidden through back channels that are really well designed, which is AZT's third best bit of smoke and shadows.

As for who is winning, it's still way too early to even guess, the poll numbers at this time don't matter.  Hell, most of the major parties still haven't declared who they're fronting yet, so...  It's anyone's game.  Just parties vying for power at the moment.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (11:19:22/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-11-11/1252:36>
>>>>>[ So pretty much business as usual so far then. This is why I don't usually pay much attention to the election race at this stage.

You're right though. Best to keep an eye on the humanis. When I arrived in Seattle in '67, I had a few of those guys on my operating table. I used the opportunity to make a few...additions...to them. Tracking tags for the most part, but not limited to that. It worked out quite well for Mr. Johnson. If anyone's interested, I can do it again. ]<<<<<
    -- Madrecita (12:52:45/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-11-11/2107:06>
>>>>>[Hey Money, picked up a new location on your little friend, well a possible anyway. I'll shoot you the location though i suggest you bring something bigger than a auto-shotty, de bayou, she aint like she used to be. Madrecita, sorry i missed your show, had some biz that i had to see to back south and it had to be in person. As for Humanis, we've had a hate/hate relationship ever since they took my girlfriend back in '56. Of course they didn't like when i took her back and the shape me and a few friends left them in wasnt pretty.

Smiley, if you ever have to go in to the ACHE hot, give me a ring, i know quite a few ways in that they still havent sealed up even though they're filled in with foundation concrete "Officially".]<<<<<
--Wolfgar (21:08:08/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-11-11/2119:43>
>>>>>[Got my "Rainy Day" fund in black bank accounts, and, hey, look, it's Raining.  'Course, this is Seattle.  Send it away, Wolfgar, I got a lot of calls to make to magicians.

But, um, what do you mean she ain't like she used to be?

Also, does anyone know how to get oil stains out of the upholstery of a Pueblo Motors Jackrabbit?  I heard they're using some kind of anti-stain system that's supposed to protect against that, but I think Sludge Spirit changes things up a bit.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (19:18:42/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-11-11/2353:34>
>>>>>[Money, if we can swing by New Orleans on the way, I'd be up for it. Haven't been there since I went on a vacation back before I underwent the Rite of Passage. If only it were Mardi Gras. Ah, memories.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:53:09/12-11-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-12-11/0152:04>
>>>>>[I'll keep that in mind Wolfgar. For now I got the connections necessary to walk through the front door, if things changes it's good to know I might have other options.

I got something Money. Same thing I use to clean evidence. The only catch is, your gonna have to bring your car to me.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (01:51:49/12-12-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-14-11/1127:59>
>>>>>[Wolfgar, two things...  One, the damned pixie got away again.  Bloody this time, at least.  She won't be so pretty anymore.  Two, now I remember why I don't go to Da Bayou...  Nearly lost a leg to a giant leach, was shot by five people speaking All-Father knows what (It wasn't French or English, or Cajun either for that matter) who thought I was part of the CAS Revenue Service going after their 'stills, found out there's a catfish that seems to be related to the Blackberry Cat (same powers at least) and works in conjunction with gators, and was arrested for driving a car that was on fire.

On the flipside, I did meet some Cajuns who had some damn fine crawdads and 'shine and let me stay around for a bit recovering from the pixie's attack on me, and made me a nice set of leather shoes in exchange for the meat and other hides.  Oh, and no blows to the head for once!  Oh, and Iceblade, thanks for the assist, hope you enjoyed the cred and didn't spend it all on Bourbon St.  Back in Seattle now, recovering from everything, especially the second-degree burns.  Health Tip:  If the car's on fire, don't be the one driving it.  CAS Redneck Lockup is not a fun place to be.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (10:26:00/12-14-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-14-11/1508:00>
>>>>>[No problem, Money. Battling the spirits was a fun challenge. And I got a new pair of boots out of the deal, so that's all to the good. Didn't spend all the cred, either. Spending a few days in New Orleans for a vacation. Actually picked up my old SIN to use for this stay. Probably shouldn't stay here too long, or those idiots will come trying to put a bullet in me again, but I figure a few national borders will slow them up enough that I can have a few days of R&R. And the ladies just love a real Tir nobleman.

On the other hand, it is interesting talking with some of the local Awakened crowd here. Met a mambo who was willing to talk over drinks. We both come from possession traditions, so it was interesting to see how another magician saw the world. And she gave me a real workout after. What these CAS girls lack in technique, they more than make up for with passion, let me tell you!]<<<<<
--Iceblade (15:07:53/12-14-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-14-11/2343:17>
>>>>>[Oh what a relief! Haven't been so scared like this since my encounter with a bear in Québec in 68. Glad everything's over!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:42:33/12-14-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-16-11/1109:48>
>>>>>[So's I'z bak at wurk aft'r dat break due to da slotted off Johnson.  Onea da Commies Parties tried ta "Rehabilitate" a gang inta helpin' dem wit' da speeches an' stuff.  It didn't wurk so guud as dey wuz anudder type o' Commie er sum such.  Anywhu, I tuuks away their pretty beatin' sticks an' now haz a nice collection a sum new Streetline Specials dat are hittin' da streets.  Seemz da microlathes iz usin' da nanoforges for 'em now.  A waste ifin youse ask mez, but noonez ever duz.  Let yaz know if dere wort' da time pickin' up.  Sunz up, nighty-night nowz.  Oh, afore I goez, da Commies tried dat "wurkin' fer da peoplez" t'ing atz me, an I never laughez so guud inz a long timez!  Deyz da Commies.  I'm a Capitalist.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (10:08:31/12-16-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-16-11/1438:14>
>>>>>[Ah, the old Streetline Special. Not bad for a throwaway. Use it in a hit, and then leave it sitting somewhere in gang territory. Eventually, someone will pick the thing up and use it, and the murder rap is one step further removed from your doorstep. For a day-to-day gun, though, I prefer my Fubuki. Lightweight, easy to conceal, and provides a decent punch without much kick. I use it when blades or spells aren't practical for a situation.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:37:24/12-16-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-17-11/1413:30>
>>>>>[Big Murphy collects holdouts as a hobby.  He rarely uses them on the job.  Note, rarely, it's that time he does use one that surprises the hell out of everyone, as he can almost palm most light pistols.

I'm constantly testing new firearms all the time (The joys of working the Shadows and owning stock in firearms companies!), but I've found that the Browning Ultra-Power in .45 ACCP gives me the greatest combination of stopping power, size (Thick but short), magazine capacity, and intimidation value, for an everyday carry.  For heavier combat situations, I find the Colt Government Model of 2066, also in .45 ACCP, with a factory-installed optional smartgun link is an excellent go-to firearm, but an Ares Predator IV (Preferably the sub-contracted version made in the PCC) can work in a pinch as well.  Truth is, however, the world is made of weapons, you just have to have an eye for them.  Worst case scenario, the brick wall is usually tougher than most idiot's skulls.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (13:12:14/12-17-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-17-11/1952:34>
>>>>>[And if it isn't, then you should probably be running, instead of picking a fight with them. Or just use a slap patch of Laes on them. Oh, for those of you in LA, if you want someone to die a messy, horrible, tortuous death, dose them with Laes and leave them floating in the water until they wake up. Even if they don't run afoul of the shedim, toxic critters, or other locals, all that time in the water means they almost certainly are going to come down with La Gripe Sangrienta. Nasty, horrible way to die, and it takes a couple weeks.

Just an FYI if, you know, you ever have a job where someone wants a person removed from the situation, but without the nastiness of putting a bullet in the brainpan. Or if they want to send a message. And believe me, there isn't any clearer message about what you'll do to your enemies than by making them get La Gripe Sangrienta. That says you won't just kill them, but you're going to make them suffer.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:52:03/12-17-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-17-11/2036:47>
>>>>>[There's someone on life support begging to be allowed to suicide constantly by the only way he can communicate, blinking in morse code.  He gets to live a nice, natural lifespan, then gets Leonization, but no reconstructive operations.  I won't be around to piss on his grave, but I think this is a better deal.

No one messes with my family.  No one kills my wife and gets something as simple as a slow, painful death.  Life is what you get.  Funny thing is...  Never touched the bastard.  Didn't even have to.  Did it to himself just trying to run away from me.  The health care and Leonization is just out of the goodness of my heart, and is tax deductible.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (19:35:59/12-17-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-17-11/2049:22>
>>>>>[That's one way to do it. After the revolution, I tracked down the people who caught my sister before she could get out of country. Now, normally when I kill someone, I just kill them and be done with it. Shark is not a sadist, and does not kill out of malice, but to end suffering. However, these people deserved something 'special'. I decided to take a page out of this Eastern European warlord's playbook. You might have heard of him. Guy named Vlad the Impaler. Stripped the bastards naked, shoved a barbed metal rod up the tailpipe, and lifted them up, so that their own body weight impaled them. I was even nice enough to heal them a couple times during the course of it, though I didn't take them off the poles. I'm told they were found a week later, after someone distributed the trid recording to their next of kin.

Not that this would have anything to do with people still wanting me dead, of course.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:49:34/12-17-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-17-11/2102:45>
>>>>>[Revenge paiz no billz.  But it keepz da peeps frum t'inkin' yer weak.  Bang, squish, dey dead, mez an' mine live.  Dat's da world.

Nowz, if I'z paid ta makez 'em suffer, den I breakz der legz an' an arm, drop 'em naked save undies in an alley fulla broke glass an' needlez an' udder nasties, handz dem a credstick, an' tellz 'em dat th' vidphone on da odder side wurks.  An it doez, two.  Tooz bad I left no cred on da stick tas make da 911 call wit'.  But dat's Biz, not persunal.  But I'z getz where youse all iz comin' frum.  Da urge ta take a few twacks at da scumbag what killed pa Big Murphy and gramps Big Murphy wuz strong, but dey's doin' dere jobz just like pa and gramps.  Be da same wayz when I'z go, I hopez.  Not persunal, just Biz.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (20:02:12/12-17-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-17-11/2125:10>
>>>>>[If it was in the course of business, then that's one thing. But this was personal. Made a special trip back across the border for them. Sometimes there's value in sending a message. In this case, the value is that most of these idiots will think twice about coming after me, and the ones that don't are going to be focused on me, instead of my parents.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:24:34/12-17-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-17-11/2251:39>
>>>>>[By Loki, damn that reminds me of the last idiot that didn't do his research properly!  He threatened to torture my Father and Brother in front of me, like that'd be painful to me.  Guess he hadn't heard that their "Wedding Presents" to me was to divorce me legally from the rest of the family.  I asked if  I could get a Simsense Recording of the torturer for my own records.

Then he threatened my sister.  Then my Grandather.  Oh All Father, that last one, I couldn't stop laughing, despite the troll hitting me in the titanium-enhanced rib cage!  I'm the nice one of the family.

Grandpa called "Bug City" a vacation.  My sister calls doing missionary work in the drekkiest parts of Africa a "calling".  That should tell you something about my "real" family.  Certainly freaked out the punk of a Mafioso I was dealing with.  Then I broke lose, met his boss, and the drek hit the ventilator for the poor guy.  Couldn't have happened to a nicer slot.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (21:51:40/12-17-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <12-17-11/2354:49>
>>>>>[Speaking of holdouts, on some jobs I like to carry a disposable gun that is imperfectly concealed. The security guards are so much more relaxed after they've 'disarmed' the freak. I love it when they assume. Worked with a Troll once who used a Super Warhawk as a holdout--she was pretty big, even for the metatype. Wouldn't mind taking a trip down memory lane with her, fun times, good 'runner, and one of the best dates I ever had.]<<<<<
--TekDrake(23:54:40/12-17-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-18-11/1052:24>
>>>>>[Ah got dis ol' break-open holdout, Money calls it a COP, and he'd know.  It'z a guud holdout fer it's age, four shotties insteada da two youse getz outta da Walther Palmer.  But da best on da market I'z can find iz da Cavalier Scout.  Back when dere wuz paper monies I had one dat I used az a money clip.  "Youse wantz muh cashies?  Sure, here it iz, wit' some 5mm caseless in yer face ta rememberz me byz."

Muh Uncle, whoz iz a runty of a Troll, haz a revolver collection, a Colt Asp iz a holdout fer him, but he loadz it wit' da hot banger-bang roundies.  Makez guud holes in da folks what t'ink it'z a pop-gun.  He'z also gota snubnosed Superwarhawk dat might az well bez a light pistol fer him.  Datz hiz backup piece.  Mez, I likez da automatic-loader pistol types an' da shotties, caseless fer da pistols, shellz fer da shotties.  Da dayz a jammin' have been long over-like.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (09:51:08/12-18-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-19-11/2350:04>
>>>>>[Da nanoforgied Streetline Specials canz take da specialty roundies better dan da drek da microlathes putz out.  Still ain't wurth much asize from surprize an' drop pieces.  Still, da Bangie-Banger roundies iz somet'in' ta worriez about whenz dey bangies in yer face er sensitives.  I givez it a four outta da fivez, cuz dey stillz mostlies plastics an' don' setz off the cheapies wit' MAD Scanners 'steada proper 'plosive sniffies.  'Courze, I haz solutionz ta dat az wellz.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (22:49:09/12-19-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-20-11/1624:02>
>>>>>[ I carry a Browning Ultra Power as a back-up. The recoil's a hijo de slicho, but is just about manageable. And it's not too complicated. For situations where a hold-out might be needed...I carry the trusty old Cavalier Scout. That said...I prefer my knives. With them, I feel much more confident. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (16:24:09/12-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-20-11/2333:44>
>>>>>[Moving away from firearms, the newest lines of vehicles are out late this year (The Shadowruns in Detroit this year were killer!  Literally, triple digits!)  I'm not trading in my Chrysler-Nissan Jackrabbit knockoff from Pueblo Motors anytime soon (Especially as I just got a new transmission for it), but there's some fine looking advances being made in body molding that actually gives some damned shapes back to cars!  After the electric razors of the '60s and so far in the '70s, I'm happy to see a return to some way to tell a Ford AmeriCar from a Chevy Neopala from a Chrysler 3000SUX other than the chrome insignia on the front or back.  Seems to just be hitting the sedan and derivatives market (station wagons and muscle cars, for example) so far, so it's probably a public test to see if they can actually get some brand loyalty out of style once more.  Or maybe the Megas that own those companies want people to know who they work for.  Also, Ford bought back the Mustang name from Nissan, which has a lot of Ford fans cheering a great degree, especially as they have also just purchased the Shelby American Inc. so they'll have Ford-Shelby Mustang-Cobras out as early as March or April next year according to the hubbub.

For non-sedans, the GMC Bulldog is getting a facelift and some standard items that used to be optional, but were so popular that they're including them in every vehicle now (Semi-Powered back ramp, folding stairs for the side door(s), higher torque transmission package, heated cup holders).  It'll be awhile until they're changed out in fleets, however, so Riggers have some time before they have to upgrade to a new model or their old Bulldogs will look outdated on the streets.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (22:32:57/12-20-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-21-11/0157:39>
>>>>>[ I can’t say I like any of those, Money. They may no longer be clones on the surface, but under the skin, it’s all the same-old. North American manufacturers haven’t had a really new idea in decades. That’s what you get when you design something for the global market. It lacks all identity. Luckily, there are still a few manufacturers that stuck to their guns...mostly in Europe. They’re smaller than the megas by far, but independence from them have allowed for some truly worthwhile vehicles instead of the usual McTransport junk you find in most showrooms. One of the smallest is Hispano-Suiza, from my native Spain. They don’t offer a massive range that covers every niche, but each individual car can be infinitely customised. I drive a Hispano-Suiza large SUV. I forget the exact model name, but when I placed my order for it, I specified a more robust chassis without all the electronic trickery. I also specified the Daimler-Benz internal combustion hydrogen engine with on-board electrolyser. With this thing, I can fill up with water, go anywhere, and once I get there, disengage the engine from the transmission and connect it to a generator to run my alchemy lab and other essential equipment. All the mods are done in-house at the Hispano-Suiza factory and comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. I don’t think larger, mass production manufacturers can offer that level of specialised customisation in-house, and certainly not at the same level of excellence. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (01:56:34/12-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-21-11/0334:23>
>>>>>[Speaking of guns, a shipment of that new Ares PLD 'fell off the back of a truck' recently, and guess who was lucky enough to pick it up? Gun's not bad, all told. With some customization, you could potentially reduce the recoil substantially, even when going full auto. The thing comes with a 200 round box, or can go belt fed. The internal safety systems means you can have a relatively inexperienced gunner, and still avoid friendly fire. The price is double that of the MP-LMG, and still doesn't come with a smartgun system standard. All told, it is something to look at if you're in the market for a new gun, but I wouldn't throw out your old one to get it.

And before you ask, no, I already passed the shipment on to Mr. J, after doing some 'quality control' at the range. Just because I prefer blades doesn't mean I can't have a bit of fun with guns.

Going back to cars, I like the lines on the Oort and the Preza. Even if you don't, though, having something that blends with the locals is a good way to be effectively invisible when doing jobs outside a city center. Throw some smuggling compartments in this thing, and your jaunt across national borders (say, going from Seattle to the Tir across the Sidhe-Salish lands) can become a vacation with a couple of your buddies. If you have someone who knows a guy that can get you a visitor's visa, and hide the illegal stuff, then getting across a border at a checkpoint can be a lot easier than trying to get through in the middle of nowhere, where border patrols will assume you're spies or smugglers, and act accordingly. Governments may have changed in the Tir, but don't think it is any easier to get across the border than it used to be.

And for those of you looking to blend in while in the cities, everyone knows that nothing blends in more than a taxi. That new one by Leyland-Rover is troll-sized, meaning that even normal sized metahumans wearing some of the bulkier armor can get in and out, no problem. Throw on some addons to disguise what is actually going on inside the cab, and you can drive up in full battle armor, ready to roll, and no one would be the wiser. Plus, if you need to go to ground, working as a gypsy cabbie is a good way to make enough cred to live on while the heat dies down. And the added features in the back means that if any 'fares' try to get out of line ZAP!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (03:33:24/12-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-21-11/1248:14>
>>>>>[That's why we have Shadow-Garages, Madrecita, dear.  My Jackalope is far from stock.  Let the Sheeple drive their Mass Produced items, people who really need custom items are better off going to someone they trust.  Also, you might not know this, but H-S is owned by Saeder-Krupp through a few fronts, thus the option for the D-B parts.  You might also want to check your Warranty, you'll find out that BMW does their warranty work.

Damn Iceblade, I could really go for one of those PLDs to check out.  You got the contact info for that J still, or has it gone Disconnected already?

I hate the new taxis myself.  Yeah, you blend in, yeah, it's comfortable.  But dear All-Father are the Dogbrain Pilot Programs that they use in Seattle STUPID!  Any trace of an accent that isn't Asian or English and it won't understand a word you're saying.  I was using a German accent (Don't ask), and rather than the middle of downtown, I find myself headed towards the Docks in Tacoma, with the fare riding up and up!]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (11:47:02/12-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-21-11/1314:03>
>>>>>[The contact info for the Mr. J went dark after I got payment. I do know where the shipment ended up, though. Don't know how much good the dealer's info would do ya unless you are on friendly terms with the Ancients. However, I'd be willing to act as a go between, for a price.

I agree about the dog brain on the taxi. First thing you need to do if you are going to use it for any real work is upgrade it. But as a getaway vehicle, your rigger could do a lot worse than having one of these. Don't have to be blindingly fast if you can just blend in with the crowd and disappear.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:13:13/12-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-21-11/1802:11>
>>>>>[Oh, the base one is a total retard even for a Dogbrain, although that might just be because I use only custom-coded Pilot Programs.  No, I'm talking about the "Upgraded" ones being used by some companies.  There's a reason I prefer Metahuman Drivers over Automated Cabs, despite the extra trail that's harder to erase.  Hell, I'd rather Ghoul Cab than deal with that damned Auto-Cab again.

And, yeah, said person just contacted me right after you posted, knowing my interest in the new and wonderful.  We had a good time demoing it to a person that trusts me more than the Ancients.  I just wanted to check it out, so I tested it and played middle-man, the contact sold it, and they're mostly out of the 'plex already.  Some might still be in Ancient hands, however, so be careful if you slot them off.  Firearms tend to travel a lot before they ever see use.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (15:58:19/12-21-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-22-11/1024:33>
>>>>>[Alright, back from Europe. I was on protection detail for someone participating in, what I think is, an intel sharing summit. Really I have no idea what had been discussed there behind closed doors, or even who were most of these people attending. The only thing I know is that I was sharing the waiting room with some pretty scary super spooks and these guys I know them pretty well, or at least by reputation. You would believe these guys are all business and serious but really, they're not. We drank and smoked cigars while we waited, a lot. Oh and of course, these guys likes to subtly and politely argue and brag about who's agency got the biggest dick and who's better at using it. Haha! It felt a little weird to share drinks with these guys for 2 days straight and knowing that we would all get back at trying to kill each other when this thing was over.

I went to Frankfurt after the job and, getting back on topic, I went to a pretty nice car exhibition there. I mostly dig European sports car so I was in fraggin heaven! I already own three of them and I'm happy with those for now but it's always nice to see what's new and what's coming up. I'm no connoisseur in cars though. I usually aim for the prettiest ones amongst the most expensive ones. I don't even aim for the fastest ones or the best handling. I also own one luxury sedan and I used to own two armored minivans. Oh and as an ex-go-go-go, I like bikes a lot too, but there weren't any at this exhibit.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (10:24:33/12-22-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-22-11/1535:36>
>>>>>[Yeah, Auto-Cab dogbrains are pretty stupid. But if your rigger owns one (and upgrades it), then you have the absolute best camo in the sprawl. Plus, it gives you a way in if you want to develop contacts in the cabby community. Useful sorts to know. You wouldn't believe how many people think that just because the privacy screen is up, the cabby doesn't have a camera and mike on the person at all times. They're much like bartenders and barbers in that way. Lots of low level gossip, and some occasional paydata. Good for doing legwork on a target.

There's this former cabby in Carasir that I used to know. He was our cook's brother, I think. Decent guy. Whenever I needed a ride, I called him, and tipped well. He managed to get my parents out of the city when the riots started. Tried to get my sister, too, but the mob got her first. I've seen him a couple times since. Some ork gypsy cabs had cut into his profits pretty bad, so I helped him out. Be nice to the cabbies. You never know when you'll need a way out of a hot LZ.

And Smiley, sounds like an interesting time. Most special forces or spook types look like the always serious kind, but that is just while they are working. Think about all the runners you know. Which ones are more likely to crack under the pressure, the ones who are always business, or the ones who know how to take some R&R when they get the chance? The same holds true for spooks and spec ops. I know one or two former Ghosts. Good people, and no one I'd rather have at my back in a fight. But when the job is done, they go out for drinks and fun just like everyone else. The difference is that even when they're in the midst of a party, they can be on the job in an instant if anything goes down. Same probably goes for those agency guys you were with. Hope you passed some contact info around. Might be a good way to pick up some jobs, or get some good intel.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:35:09/12-23-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-23-11/0047:52>
>>>>>[Haha! Well these guys already knew who I was from the start, there was no way they wouldn't and they addressed me by my shadow name even before I had the chance to make acquaintance. Most of these guys are working for governments and corporate agencies and that would be stupid to think that even if you're SINless, they don't keep a small (but probably incomplete) file on you if you're at least moderately successful as a runner. The same goes both ways, half of them I didn't know their faces but their names popped up a lot. The world of Black Ops is a fairly big one but it has its "celebs". I did picked up a few ways to contact most of them though, something I wasn't necessarily able to do before. Some of them obviously hated me, a few of them were scared of me but all of them seemed to respect me. That must be a sign I'm doing my job right.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:47:21/12-23-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-23-11/0100:40>
>>>>>[Faces are pretty cheap to change, and can even be done on a magician without worrying about affecting their magic.  Shadowrunners and BlackOps go to similar clinics for that kind of work.  The BlackOps guys just don't have to have their troll buddy looming over the doctor to make sure you're not cut up for pieces, that's all.  Surprisingly, I still have my stock face, although I go through nanopaste disguise tubes now in bulk.  Helps that I speak a few languages with some good accents.

Back in...  '58, I think, there was, I drek you not, a Johnson Convention in Las Vegas.  I attended, we discussed things, so on, so forth.  It was under the cover of some boring thing, like Clerks of America or some such.  Anyhow, learned a lot of things, but mostly we were there for the open bar and to tell "war stories".

And that's when a group took everyone hostage in the convention centre.  Ironically, it was because of the Masters of Doctorates meeting that was upstairs.  Bunch of political idiots, didn't even jam cell phones.  Within an hour they were surrounded and outnumbered by Shadowrunners of all sorts.  We "clerks" just smiled evilly as they were disarmed and thrown to the LVPD in complete and utter astonishment.  Can't do that any more, too much bad blood, damnit.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (00:00:00/12-23-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-24-11/1524:18>
>>>>>[A Johnson convention!? Oh hell, why the frak not? Haha! And I know what you mean with nanopaste disguises.

Well with that, for those of you who celebrates it... Merry Christmas! I don't, wrong religion I guess but better wish it to all my collegues anyway!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:24:46/12-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-24-11/1921:03>
>>>>>[Lots of holidays around this time, lots of religions, including my Old Time Religion.  Happy Holidays works well enough, and the Christians stole enough traditions from all the pagans that, aw hell, it don't matter.  'Tis the season, folks!  Try to stay warm and be with those you love, or at least care about.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (18:20:44/12-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-24-11/1922:56>
>>>>>[Heh, nah Christmas fer youse, right Money?  Dat why youse cames tru da window da last few yearz ta givez da kiddies gifts?]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (18:22:00/12-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-24-11/1924:53>
>>>>>[I'd appreciate not being shot this year.  Keep that sister of yours away from the shotgun, please.  I'll use this door this year, promise.  And, well, what's one more stop, neh?  I do try to give back to the community that's supported me for years.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (18:23:50/12-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-24-11/2224:14>
>>>>>[My parents didn't raise me with that stuff. Though I have found that Christmas, like any holiday, is an excellent time to do business. Corp offices are on skeleton crews. The corp drones are enjoying a few drinks on their day off. The cops are a little slower to respond to alarms. And last minute gifts are a great cover for rushing across the sprawl. And best thing is that no matter where in the sprawl you hit, the situation's about the same.

Of course, for those of you who are more socially inclined, Christmas parties are a godsend when it comes to gossip, blackmail material, and other things that make our world go round. Even if you end up going home alone (never happens to me, but I've heard some people have trouble finding companionship), you're going home with a bunch of potential paydata. I prefer Dante's if I'm in Seattle. Here in LA, just go wherever the glitterati are. I hear the Horizon Christmas party is a thing you have to see to believe.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:23:45/12-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-24-11/2237:01>
>>>>>[Back when I had an office to have a party in (Man, that was in the 'late '40s!), yeah, a dozen troll Shadowrunners could march by in one-metahuman band suits and we'd be so drunk that we'd barely notice.  Those were nice times.  I remember the first year, they were amazed that I actually gave Christmas bonuses (I was just a very lapsed Catholic then.).  Those were the days.  Ah well, I go around to the 'Runners I know with kids and give presents, the route I take is different every year, of course.  But they're usually expecting me, so have the way cleared out so I don't have to deal with the usual gang BS.

And Big Murphy's family was nice enough to aim to miss this year.  Hope Little Murphy likes his new CommLink!]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (21:36:12/12-24-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-25-11/1002:14>
>>>>>[ Christmas is a big thing in Spain. Of course, it's a very Catholic country, even in this day and age. It was the only time of year I was guarunteed to see my parents, and we always went somewhere special. Kamchatskya, Lisbon, Casablanca, Constantinople, Helsinki...Every year a different place. Of course...at the time I didn't know they were runners, and the reason we never spent christmas at home was because they didn't want to lead anyone from work back to me. My parents were determined that I grow up in the light. I was to the the first one in generations to do so. Sadly, their little plan didn't pan out.

This year, a group of my former students decided they wanted to throw me a party. They're good kids. So...I'll be seeing you guys later. Those of you who know where I live, and don't have anything better to do, feel free to join in. ]<<<<<
-- Madrecita (10:02:34/12-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-25-11/1050:27>
>>>>>[For those worried about the explosions, don't be.

Some people were naughty, and got coal in their stockings.  Well, charcoal.  And a few other chemicals.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (09:50:44/12-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-25-11/1051:54>
>>>>>[So maybe I'm not immune to the giving mood. Fellow runner's kid just showed he had the talent. Not a magician like myself, but an adept, looking like Magician's Way. I agreed to train him a bit. Teach him a few spells, train him to fight, basically make sure he isn't a danger to himself. No expert on mystic adepts, but I'm closer to one than the kid's parents. They're mundanes, and I was the only spellslinger they knew well enough, since Skraacha got scragged during the Tempo craze, and Lady Luck had her luck run out when she stumbled onto a Wasp hive.

So I agreed to teach the kid. Not exactly my forte, but ah well. Without anyone to guide them, it is too easy for young people to fall down the twisted and toxic paths. And it isn't like I'm doing it for free.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:51:02/12-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <12-25-11/1947:26>
>>>>>[I'm not exactly old but I'm far from young. I've been working in the biz for almost 25 years. Yeah, in those terms I'm a near freaking relic. But I digress. For a long time, I was the snot-nosed punk of the group, the one who needed to learn, the one who had to prove himself, the one who had to take the lumps. Now, 'I'm the one doling out the pain, er lessons to a lot of up and commers. Many of them kids or kin to former teammates and or associates. Guess they figure that if their prodginy are gonna be stupid enough to get into the biz, they better learn how to not get their asses shot off on their first job. A good deal of my curent active associates fall into this category. It's interesting, no down right scary to see the tactics, techniques, and lessons learned by pevious generations impoved on or flat out twisted by this generation. To this day, my favoite is still the pizza made with plastique dough. That was twisted, even by my standards. ]<<<<<

--Bravo Six (19:45:42/12-25-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-26-11/1307:00>
>>>>>[Hey Ice, if you can teach the spells then i could probably handle the adept side of things. I've known a couple of mystics in my time and have helped train the same also. Also if your looking for a good training venue i have an in with the guy that runs the NWF Urban combat simulator down here and help him train teams for bug hunts among other things.

One of the things i've learned over the years being a history buff is that you can always learn a new trick or two  from the old days. I wont regail you with one of my anecdotes, however, theres something about a home made claymore AP mine that just somehow always fits the bill]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (13:01:25/12-26-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-26-11/1402:30>
>>>>>[Sounds good, Wolf. I'll talk to the parents, and see if I can't bring him down. I'd try and teach him to follow my tradition, which means he'd be learning to use a blade. Teaching the kid to quicken his reflexes and the like would be a big help. Also, if you have someone who can teach him to use a gun, that'd be great. Don't care what path or tradition you follow, you still need at least a basic knowledge of how to use guns.

Speaking of which, had my first sparring session with the kid today. The kid is raw, as I figured, and pretty agile, even for an Elf. I think he'll make a good fighter someday. Today, though, he's got ice packs over half his body, mainly because the kid didn't know when to shut his mouth. Asked why he should bother learning to use a blade when they had guns. Told the kid that blades don't run out of bullets, and they're quiet. So the brat said he could just pistolwhip someone with the gun. I tossed him an Ingram Smartgun X with gel rounds, and told him that if he could take me down with that before I disarmed him with my wooden practice sword, he could skip learning the blades. Kid did what you would expect, snapping off rounds like a fool in full auto with the gun turned fragging sideways like something out of a trid! Surprised him when I avoided the spray, and beat him unconscious with a few well placed blows. Actually managed to avoid one of them, so it wasn't a total loss. It was the same in the army. They beat you down, so they can build you back up.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:02:23/12-26-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-26-11/1455:06>
>>>>>[I've had to give the occasionally firearms lesson to a few people in my legitimate life.  If his folks don't mind him going into the NAN Lands with a stranger with a good Rep, I can give him a good rounded firearms education.  Of course, I'll want him for some 'runs at a discount when he's ready to leave the nest.  No strings other than that, he's free to walk away if he feels things are wrong, got to train the instinct to notice that, too.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (13:54:13/12-26-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-26-11/1522:01>
>>>>>[I teach wushu to some kids in Redmond once a week and occasionally to other runners as favors but that's about it. I never take apprentices. It's not that it's really that time consuming or anything. I just don't feel too comfortable letting someone too close to my trade secrets and by the same token my own teacher secrets, as he taught me some of his (and since he's alive and not taking well on having his secrets taught to anyone). Spells, rituals, unused foci that I still keep, special reagents and techniques... You know, all the things that may make you more valuable than other sorcerers. Not to mention the insight it might provide on my methods and how I work to rivals or even enemies. I know it's possible to teach just the basics to apprentices and how to improve on their own but as the pupil follows you a little around the risk that this pupil may pick up on some things are very present. It might just be the only thing I am really, really paranoid about. Oh wow! Just realized that becoming an "ordinary" sorcerer (or whatever the term you use) scares a hell lot more than getting killed, never thought about this that way before. Well anyway, maybe one day, if I ever live long enough to consider myself old (and it might take a while, considering I'm Elf).]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:21:57/12-26-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-26-11/1536:43>
>>>>>[I saw dis flatscreen ol' movie that had da main character sayz, "It ain'ts da yearz, it'z da mileage."  Dat's true even fer da Troggies like me, er da Breeders, er da Halfers.  Guess it'z true a da Keebs two.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (18:36:45/12-26-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-27-11/1147:02>
>>>>>[I'z swearz (a lot, but dat different) dat'z da last timez I'z triez ta goez down de Chimney.  I'z needz da fireproof pantz.]<<<<<
-- Big Murphy (10:46:13/12-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-27-11/1202:30>
>>>>>[That's why you don't go down chimneys where there's a fire in the fireplace.

But yeah, some years wear harder on you than others. Fortunately, I've got a lot of years to go, assuming my luck doesn't run out one of these days. Had some close calls, even before I dropped into the shadows. Of course, back then I had actual health coverage, so I didn't have to pay for the cloned parts.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:02:34/12-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-27-11/1459:26>
>>>>>[ Most of the students I take have nowhere else to go. Not all of them are SINless, and not all of them become runners. My main goal is to give them sufficient control over their art to keep them and those around them safe, or to allow them to pass unnoticed. by corp headhunters if that is their wish. I don't like teaching teens specialised spells. They're only half-formed and half-adult. I've seen the sort of thing teens get up to with a few spells to hand. So generally, when it comes to teaching, I either teach the basics to a raw talent, or I help someone who's learned as much as they can on their own to advance further. I don't teach shadowrunning. I teach magic. Period.

Mmm...I know what you mean about mileage, Big Murph. I'm 59 years old and have been 'running for the last 19, but most of the aging happened in just 7 of those years.

Ice, I don't think the problem for us will be having too little time. I might well turn out to be having too much. There are days when I look at the potential centuries ahead of me and wondering what I'm going to do with it all. I went back to Spain one year to look in on everyone there, and I was shocked to see how much they'd aged, while I still look like I did 40 years ago, and can still do everything I could do 40 years ago. More so, in fact. Since I started 'running, I've learned to do things that just seem ridiculous for a woman of 59 years.

I think that is the ultimate reason why you'll see elves drawing together more and more. All our human, ork and troll families and friends will pass on, while we endure. It's a daunting prospect, and one that we first generation elves are starting to encounter. ]<<<<<
-- Madrecita (14:59:13/12-27-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-29-11/1254:45>
>>>>>[All-Father help me, the politicos are starting their New Years resolutions early.  And, of course, there's only deniable assets that can take their temptations away!  And who has to find people willing to work for peanuts in order to help this Project Freedom go through?  Barkeep, beer me.  Then whiskey.  Then mead.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (11:54:00/12-29-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-29-11/1537:42>
>>>>>[Removing temptations are well and good. What's more fun is finding those dirty little secrets for blackmail purposes. Or in creating the dirty little secrets in the first place. There's a certain human lady in the Seattle government (I won't say who) that had a moment of weakness, and brought an elf 'escort' home while her husband was out of town. Too bad for her the elf recorded everything, yeah? The setup's easy enough to follow. Support the push to recognize the Underground, and she doesn't become the newest feature on a couple dozen porn sites, with links sent to the various news nets. That would really ruin her 'family values' rep. Lady's white bread and straight laced in public, but she was into some real kinky drek.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:37:24/12-29-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-29-11/1621:24>
>>>>>[It's always the 'Family Values' types.  Guess they want to keep things feeling sleazy so that they feel bad for doing it.  I see that elf, I buy him a drink, that's for sure!]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (14:20:00/12-29-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-29-11/1623:35>
>>>>>[I prefer Tir whiskey.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:23:24/12-29-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <12-30-11/1013:34>
>>>>>[Which Tir?  Make sure I get the right stuff.  Going to be gone for a bit, however.  Something big is in the air, and I have to make sure Biz is done right.  Not political for once, but, it's got an air of something...]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (09:13:56/12-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-30-11/1445:42>
>>>>>[Tir Tairngir. There's something about the local water that makes whiskey made there better than other places. Probably the levels of magic in the area. The Tir na Nog crowd are too busy with their dreams to make decent whiskey any more.

Just remember, when you're doing this kind of work, wear nanopaste, either when posing as the escort, or when making the blackmail demands. I like masking spells, but unless you're advanced enough that you can hide your aura, that's going to show up if someone's doing an astral scan, and can be dispelled, while nanopaste is hard to spot, and doesn't go away if another mage wants to see what's under the mask. That way, you keep your cover intact. If you don't let people know you're awakened, then it is easy as pie to get a license as an escort, or to find a fake one. But no need to go burning a perfectly good ID unless you gotta, right?

Well, I'll hop off now. The kid's back. Bruises still all over his body, but he's in a much better frame of mind, for the moment. So I'm off to teach him how not to hurt himself.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:45:43/12-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-30-11/2314:48>
>>>>>[ Sure, kid.  Because god knows they've always been making great whiskey in goddamn Oregon.  They make an okay ... whatever-the-hell it's called, word escapes me for the moment, very similar to a drink they make down in Mexico these days.  But Tir Tairngire makes crap for whiskey.  You want the good stuff, you need to go to Kentucky, Ireland, or Scotland.
          Because no matter what the world map says, you need to use the old names when you're talking about something serious like alcohol. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:13:26/12-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-30-11/2324:53>
>>>>>[There's a tavern in Malek'thas that you need to go to sometime, then. Local distillery makes some of the best whiskey you've ever had. Back before the Awakening, the area might not have been well known for its spirits, but trust a native, there's nothing better after a hard night's work. There's literally mana in the soil here. Gives everything a subtle taste, like a rare spice.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:24:32/12-30-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <12-31-11/1208:12>
>>>>>[ Good or bad, nothing can beat that stuff they make in Aztlan for sheer kick. I had a team member back in the day who couldn't shoot straight to save his live until after he had a couple of shots of Tequila. After though, he could take any shot you asked him to make. He had more notches on his staff than anyone else on the team and was one of the Famous Four - one of only four people who survived our time in Aztlan. Sadly, retirement didn't agree with him, and he OD'ed. ]<<<<<
-- Madrecita (12:08:12/12-31-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-31-11/1854:11>
>>>>>[Even if try, I don't think I could think of one favorite. I like to try new things too much. I travel a lot and I always try local specialties. I liked the beer in Belgium, Germany and Quebec, the whiskey in Scotland (scotch), in Kentucky (bourbon), the tequila in Aztlan, the sake in Japan, the vodka in Russia, the wine in Europe and Argentina... Well the list goes on. And thanks to Money I have now tried some mighty fine booze from Tir na nOg! And I don't think there's any drug I haven't tried either. I mean I don't really do drugs regularly, I just take them once or twice just to try and never touch that specific drug ever again. Life's short, well mine will be, and I don't have time for favorites. Advice to anyone from a not-so-wise man, stop talking and just, well, just drink!

And talking about drinking, happy new year! Even if it's not the new year on my calendar!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (18:53:29/12-31-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-31-11/2334:50>
>>>>>[ Malek’thas -- you mean Salem.  You're talking about Ludo's, down on Lancaster, used to be 'Eryn Galen'.  I don't care what lies Elurín told anyone, he never distilled an ounce of what Ludo makes.  I'll give you that there's a bit of magic in his scotch, but it's all him; testing two years ago confirmed he's an adept, Artisan's Way.  Did time in the Glengoyne in Scotland, Bushmill's in Ireland, and Buffalo Trace in Kentucky; took a couple months years in Eastern Europe in there somewhere, learned how to make ouzo.  Never got specific about that one with me, for some reason.
          That aside, he does make the finest whiskey west of the Mississippi.  He's also the only troll I know who can make mead, ouzo, Taéngelé, and Xtabantun.  Where he picked up that last, God only knows, but if he ever offers a glass from his personal barrel, do not turn him down.
          God, though, you sound like Tarlan Bloody Greenbough.  "Tir Tairngire is so wonderful," he kept on about, "oh, our wonderful Native Lands."  Bloody nitwit, him and you both; "nothing is as good as Tir Tairngire" -- a country which created itself through betrayal, propaganda, and pandering.  Sure they were good at it; even I fell prey to it, but after seeing what else they did to those who didn't fit in with their 'plan' -- and seeing the other elves who were going all Tolkienesque -- I knew I had to get back out.  They didn't have the juice on the computer side yet, so ... here I am.
          Get this through your head, though -- elves, orks, trolls, dwarves -- we don't have native lands as species.  Hell, I still think of myself as an American; I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  My mom and dad shit a brick, I kid you not, when they saw my ears, but they brought me up like any other Midwesterner -- work hard, do your best, play fair, win modest and lose gracious.  I went to Undue Perversity (Go Hoosier Hacker House!!), shit went down from there.  But get the double rainbows out of your eyes -- Tir Tairngire is no more wonderful or magical than any other place.  It was, in fact, much, much worse -- just like every other totalitarian fascist state.
          One of the few good results of Crash 2.0. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:34:36/12-31-2073)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-01-12/0720:36>
>>>>>[Porn and sexual exploits are not the only blackmail material availible. Money, you may find this interesting if you don't alredy know it. A certain conservative politico running on a 'return to the basics that once made us great' platform recently tried to employ me to remove his kid's magical ability. I have proof enough that he tried it before and failed. If it's of use to you, let me know. Kid's desperate to get out from under his father's thumb. He practicaly begged me to help him escape or to kill him. I hate to admit it, but he touched a nerve. If there's anything you can do to this guy without ruining your own runs, I'd be grateful. If not, then I'll organise an extraction and smuggle him out. Poor kid deserves better than to be scarred for the sake of his father's political ambitions.

Oh! And Money? I looked into the info you gave me about Hispano-Suiza. Dead on. I've taken the car to Susan Hands as Wings. She promissed me I wouldn't recognise it by the time she's done with it. Not sure I like the sound of that... ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (07:20:29/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-01-12/0727:47>
>>>>>[ Hands-As-Wings is good.  Expensive, though.  Next time, try 441 Twin drive-in theater.  Also, try popcorn there, is very good. ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (07:28:22/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-01-12/0928:52>
>>>>>[Wow, someone's bitter. Where'd I ever mention anything about 'native lands' and all that? Someone upset that they didn't get a seat at the table while things were getting set up?

And do you really think things are all that much better outside Tir Tairngir? Let's take a stroll around Seattle. How much sway you got with the government doesn't have jack to do with your vote, but how many zeroes are in your cred balance, or what dirt you got on certain individuals. The rich get richer, and the poor can go frag themselves. Only difference between that and Cara-sir is that they used to be honest about it in Cara-sir, with none of this illusion of giving the people a choice. You really think it matters to the average person who wins the governor's race? How great were things for metas and the poor while Strouthers was in charge? Did a great job of improving people's lives, didn't he? Really kept the corps in check, yes? Only change between then and now is the uniform the cops wear, and the fact that the guy at the top likes to wear a hood and a sheet from time to time. At least they were honest about how things stood in Tir Tairngir, before the revolt.

Betrayal, propaganda, pandering? Ask Money Johnson, how many runs he's put together just this election cycle that revolve around one of those three things. That is how government works, how it has ALWAYS worked. Even on the streets of Lagos, where little warlords control a block here or there, that's how it works. Same in Tir Tairngir. Same in London. Same in CalFree. Same in Japan. Same in every fragging nation on the planet. The Tir's just honest about it. So get off your high horse, Wyrm.

Now, the Tir is my native land. Born and raised there, since a couple years after it was founded. I never once said that it was a native land for all elves. But there's nothing saying it wasn't, back in the Fourth World. Only people who would know certainly aren't going to speak to you, one way or another.

As for my comment about magic in the soil, that's not just drek. There's ley lines crossing all over the place here. They do some real interesting things to the soil, especially when someone awakened works it. As for the tavern, I actually meant the Power Focus. Name sounds better in Sperethiel, but most things do. Anyways, you can find it in a back alley off 12th St NE, near Court St NE. Staff is all awakened, and they've got some anchored spells putting on an astral light show. Don't bother going if you've got obvious chrome, or if you're anything but an elf. You can usually find some of the movers and shakers in the city government in there, when they want to talk biz, or just get away from the office. Food's good, and they keep the riff-raff away. Lucinda, the owner, is a Count, and owns the whole block. She did a little remodeling in the basement, and has a full distillery down there, in addition to an enchantment shop she rents out to select clients. Best whiskey in the Tir, bar none, but she only sells to Noble rank and higher. I get Lucinda to send me a case once a month. Great place to meet a contact in the local government. For Ghost's sake don't start trouble in her place, though. Lucinda is a Paladin to one of the Princes. Won't say who, but you couldn't pay me enough to risk getting on her bad side.

Madre, let me know if you want a little extra firepower on that extraction. And after, if the kid doesn't want to go to the shadows, I can make a couple calls, see if I can't get him someplace where they'll at least pay him well for his service.

Now if you excuse me, I have a naked woman about to serve me breakfast in bed. Happy New Year to me!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:28:34/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-01-12/0958:29>
>>>>>[ I may just take you up on that, Ice. If I do run the extraction, it'll turn into a long term thing though. I'll have to put the kid through gene therapy to change his identity and then arrange a decent SIN for him. And then give him some training to give him marketable skills. But we'll see what happens. If he's really serious about this, he shouldn't have any trouble meeting my price for all this assistence... ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (09:58:12/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-01-12/1109:00>
>>>>>[Well Happy Fig...  Frog...  Fagin'...  HAPPY SLOTTIN' NEW YEAR.  And fer those of you that complained of Big Murphy's posting habits.  You got nothing to worry about any more, 'cause he ain't got no worries at all.  Never any more worried at all.  Third damned Murphy I put into the damned ground.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (10:08:02/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <01-01-12/1126:45>
>>>>>[Shadow's been busy, kept me from doin' more than just followin' youse louses. But I hates to see another runner fall, especially a trog like Murph. RIP, brotha.]<<<<<
-- Bear (11:24:21/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-01-12/1149:01>
>>>>>[I'm pouring down one on the ground for Big Ol' Murph!

Now that it's done, how did his light went out?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:49:01/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-01-12/1151:50>
>>>>>[ Uh-oh...can anyone direct me to the nearest bomb shelter? Aunty Zee's going to explode when she reads this...She liked and respected that trog... ]<<<<<
     -- Ysoni (11:51:50/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-01-12/1627:55>
>>>>>[He broke onea th' rules of the Shadows, don't be no Ghost-Damned hero.

Jumped between me and a Sentry Turret.  His armour had been compromised by a number of things, and only stopped the bullets after they went through the front and his body.  Died in my arms.  None of us would have gotten out if the Evac I hired hadn't broken instructions, and the air support I had been able to get at the last minute was the only thing that got us out of there without physical trackers.  Spirits ate the Watchers after us, and a few surprises I had in store would have taken care of any tracking paracritters.

One dead, two in life support pods but looks like they'll live, bunch wounded, but I had a few tricks to prevent people from tracking us.  My armour held, but I'm pretty battered myself.  I knew I smelled something off, but not this off.

Hardest part was bringing him back to his family.  First time they never swore or insulted me at all.  I carried them all back, his father, his grandfather...  I killed them all.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (15:27:31/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-01-12/1739:17>
>>>>>[Well, Murphy's a big boy and made the stupid decision of dying in your place. So if it's not your fault that this run turned into a bullet storm, bury the guy, mourn if you like then get over it. It's as stupid to beat yourself up and, even if I don't agree with what he did, he certainly did not took a bullet for you to blame yourself afterward. For some reason he thought your life was more valuable than his, which is true in my opinion. So honor his sacrifice by doing what you do best and get on with your friggin' life!

By the Jade Emperor, people sometimes...]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (17:39:33/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-01-12/2122:09>
>>>>>[Damn. Sorry to hear that, Money. Could hardly understand a damn word the guy said, but he was all right, and a good guy to have at your back when drek went down. He'll be missed.

And Madre, if you go genewiping the kid, you're going to mess with his magic. Same with any other kind of ware. Best to just move him across national borders and arrange for him to get a SIN there, under a new name. Arrange for a messy explosion in an empty car, and toss some of the kid's blood in the hulk. Report the kid dead, and his old SIN will go away of its own accord. Then move him someplace more awakened-friendly. The Tir or the NAN are good choices. If you go with the Tir, I know some people who would train him up, and he'd have a job when he got through basic. Peace Forces are always looking for recruits, and they've even gone on a non-elf hiring spree since the revolution.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:21:21/01-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-02-12/1055:01>
>>>>>[ He chose to do it, for reasons of his own. That was one of the reasons I felt he was worth keeping around, the fact that he could show such depths of loyalty. Runners like him...hell, PEOPLE like him are difficult to find these days. It was a priviledge to know him. Oh madre de dios...

Ice, I hear you. I know it will affect his magic. He'll certainly lose a bit of ability...but he can always regain it through initiation. I've done this for a few adepts, and they continued to grow in their abilities afterward. Sure, over the short term it'll put him at a slight disadvantage, but he also gains certainty that he will not be found. Being declared dead doesn't erase your data from the system, so there's always the chance of someone discovering it, and there's not a decker alive that can guaruntee he got into every single node there is that contains the data. This way, he can be sure, and he can go anywhere he wants afterwards. It's up to him to decide at the end of the day. Once I have his final word, I'll let you know, and then we can work out the logistics.

But for now...I will sign off and honour Murphy. He was a rare man...]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (10:54:50/01-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-02-12/1110:45>
>>>>>[Well, you don't have to wipe your genes to make sure you won't be found. A bit of biosculpting will change your face without affecting your magic. Just change your name and cross national borders to get a new SIN, and you'll be fine. As long as he doesn't go to the UCAS again, the kid will be good as gone. Well, so long as he doesn't do something stupid like make contact with his childhood friends. You want to make sure the father doesn't go looking to tie up loose ends, just approach him as a 'cleaner'. Get a good face to convince him to pay to make it look like terrorists killed his son. Set up the body and blood, with a nice explosion, and get the kid out of town. Plus, you do it right and you get paid twice for doing a good deed.

Let me know what the kid decides. I'll have to set it up with the smuggler I use to get in and out of the Tir. If you're trying to set it up so someone has always lived in the Tir, you don't want records of him coming across the border. My gal has a good route through. Every time I go through, we've always been able to get in and out no problem.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:08:04/01-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-03-12/1134:55>
>>>>>[Since Money's been silent since Big Murph got gunned down, I thought I'd track him down to see what's going on and maybe kick his metallic arse on the right track. Bad fraggin' idea! After I stumbled on a second pile of bodies and nearly had to explain this to KE, I figured I'd get the hell away from this mess. I like the guy enough to keep an interest but not enough to wipe the blood off my brand new boots for a third time.

I'd suggest everyone to do the exact same thing.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:34:28/01-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-03-12/1148:42>
>>>>>[Damn. Didn't think Money was the type to go on a bloody rampage. Let this serve as a lesson to you younger runners. Know when to get out. Everyone has a point where they've seen too much, and it makes them a bit crazy. That point's different for everyone. You gotta recognize when you're getting too far in. Otherwise you'll be on the trid, going down in a blaze of glory as the cops hunt down a mass murderer.

If he has had a bit of a break, best you all steer clear, as Smiley said. Can't count on someone in that mindset from knowing friend from foe until it is too late. Don't approach them unless you know you can take them in a fight, preferably without killing them.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:48:24/01-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-03-12/1201:22>
>>>>>[Um, hello everyone.  I'm Murphy, the nephew of the recently deceased Big Murphy.  My family is pretty much still in mourning, but I know a few things they didn't and have been able to get over his death a bit quicker than most.  Smiley, I'd appreciate knowing where you found those bodies when KE found you, I need to know how close they are.

I'm closer, and this isn't the first time Mr. Money has gone on a rampage like this.  He pretty must lost his mind after his wife died and has been a thin thread of sanity ever since.  Losing my Uncle, well...  Uncle Murphy was an usher at their wedding and it must have been similar to losing his wife again.  At least it isn't as bad as last time, the gutters overflowed red in some neighborhoods.  I just need to get to him before he does something he'll regret, or KE catches up to him.  It, um, wouldn't be good for those poor KE officers.  They're just doing their jobs after all.  Thank you, I, I wish I could have come here and met you all under a better situation.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (11:00:00/01-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-03-12/1223:29>
>>>>>[Well it's pretty obvious he's trying to know what the frak went wrong on the last run and tracking down who's responsible. To be honest, having met and worked for the guy once and having done my bit of legwork, I'm not so surprised. My guess is if he doesn't end up in a casket being hunted down by KE , he'll come around eventually. Reminds me of Shamandar's story.

Well met Murphy. Welcome in our little community. I sent you all I found so far and when and where I got my run in with KE. Oh and my condolences.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (12:23:04/01-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-03-12/1326:49>
>>>>>[Well met, Murphy. Sorry about your Uncle. Didn't always see eye to eye with him, but he had a solid rep, and was a decent guy.

The Shamandar story is similar, yeah. And both stories should be a warning to you all. Everyone has a point where they simply crack. I've seen it before, and not just in the shadows. The ones who don't end up dead usually piece themselves back together. Some never recover, and are just broken for the rest of their lives. But even the ones who get back in their right mind gotta watch themselves. Its the same as addiction. You may be clean now, but you're never free of it, and it only takes one slip, and you're back, as bad or worse than you were before.

I guess you could say I have a bit of experience in the whole 'go batshit crazy and murder the fraggers who hurt me' department. I told you all about what happened when my sister died. I left a trail of bodies until I caught all the ones responsible, and had them in a nice cave I found on my Bridging, years before. Not proud of that, to be honest. Had to take some time to myself after, to get right with Shark after that.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:26:43/01-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-03-12/1534:45>
>>>>>[Thank you, Smiley, Sir.  They're pretty far back on the trail, and are likely to start giving him medals as they follow the bodies.  Some are pretty nasty fellows, and I think he's stopped giving a damn about who was responsible and just started working on his list of "People I want to kill a lot."  I've been hitting the areas with Cleaner-Cleaner as I go, but Mr. Money has been doing a pretty good job of cleaning his own tracks.  It's just that he was the one that taught me tracking, so I know some of the tricks he uses, but he's got a lot that he hasn't taught me, or probably anyone else.

OK, I think I'm getting...  Yes, I'm close, a body just landed next to me.  Sorry Mr. MacCallister, I kludged a program to allow me to post in AR here instead of having to VR the system.  Needed to do it while tracking.  Damn, wish I had learned Sperethiel now.  Um, oh hell, I know that term, gotta log off and remove distractions.]<<<<<  >>>User:  Murphy --- Logged Off At Source<<<
-- Murphy (12:34:12/01-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-03-12/1636:19>
>>>>>[ Mmm...I'm not surprised Money went off his rocker. He's a follower of Asatru. They revere Berserkers as far as I know. Something about being a true follower of the war god or being touched by him or some such. I think its considered proper vengeance for a fallen brother. I don't think he lost it as much as let himself go. But I don't know him that well, so I could be wrong. He did strike me as the devout sort though.

Welcome, Murphy. My sincere condolences regarding the loss of your uncle. I admired and respected him, both as a person and as a professional. His death grieves me. Be careful around Money right now though. We can talk later.

Ice, I think we all have experience with that kind of thing. Once I found out just who was responsible for the death of my children and my parents, and who his employer was...I spent six years hunting them and it didn't take long to draw no distinction between the guilty and the innocent. To me, they were all guilty by association. It took a major event to bring me to my senses again. I wish I could say I was insane, or berserk. I wasn't. I just chose not to draw a distinction and vented my anger and pain. After I came to my senses...or rather, had my animal twin batter me into submission...I guess that's when I became a Shadowrunner in the 'traditional' sense. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (16:36:18/01-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-04-12/0002:12>
>>>>>[I do feel anger and the need for righteous retaliation is not unfamiliar but I never "lose it". Meh, I guess I don't care enough about the people and the things around me to really feel loss like you all seem to. Loss is a sensation completely alien to me. I always thought not caring too much was a requirement in this biz.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:02:19/01-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-04-12/0113:54>
>>>>>[I found him, and he's all right, aside from 14 stab wounds, two bullets, and a concussion.  It appears he remained in control of himself, at least somewhat.  He was doing footwork to see what happened, and apparently got a light bullet to the back of the head, and a face full of permacrete.  He went berserk when he regained consciousness quick enough to keep the shooters from finishing him off.  Or so his semi-drunken sounded rambling said as I drove him to a Street Doc.  He has a DocWagon account, but there's no explaining exactly what happened to him.

Apparently, Mr. Smiley, the bodies you found initially weren't him, but the Corporation cleaning up loose threads, there were a number of attacks on the Shadowrunners from that night as well, typical badly thought out Corporate Hit Teams.  My family took care of the attack on our home before they even reached the door.  After he defensed himself quite effectively, he moved into the Barrens and sought out "Honest Warrior Souls" and, he kind of drifted off from there.  Luckily, my car has a good pilot as I kept him talking, with the occasional light slap.  He was talking to many different people as if I was them, many names I didn't know, lots of different languages as well.  He's in a nutrient tank now.  Apparently they have to do something special with his skin, and he needs a new nose.  They're also worried about the number of blows to the head he's taken recently.

I caught him with some kicked out Ancients, wearing their patches upside down.  And was fencing with their leader while the rest came at him with knives or tried to get a shot that wouldn't hit anyone else.  Luckily, I cared less, and just used the Remington Roomsweeper to put a bunch of slugs where they belonged and let the fencing finish out properly.  They kept jabbering away in Elven, and not insults, I know those well enough.   No, it was a full discussion, very complex.  Guess we'll have to wait to find out what it was about.]<<<<< 
-- Murphy (00:12:50/01-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-04-12/0120:50>
>>>>>[ The ability to separate emotions from the necessities of survival is.  Major disassociation is a psychopathy, and one almost as dangerous to your long-term survival as what Money is doing.  Considering he's in the not-so-tender care of DocWagon, and the 'wanted for questioning' extradition exchanges they have in place, I give 6:1 odds of Johnson not coming home -- or having to leave town for a mighty long time.  Hot vengeance is not a survival trait; neither is berserking.
          Remember, kiddies, KE has the contract -- which means unless someone plans on smuggling him out, the DW is going to turn him over just as soon as he's healthy enough to move. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:17:05/01-04-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-04-12/0135:47>
>>>>>[Um, sorry to correct you, sir, but he's at a black clinic, not a DocWagon facility.  I've also had an ear out for anyone fitting the description of what he looked like when I found him, and there's nothing being broadcast on the KE BOLOs.  They might have got some blood off of the place where he was shot, but they're not investigating the Barrens rampage.  Apparently they could care less about SINless as Lone Star before them.  No percentage in it.  I smelled a lot of harsh chemicals while there, so Cleaner-Cleaner is likely to have been used, lots of Citricide-Ammonia Compound, if it was him or someone else, I can't tell.  It wasn't the recipe that my Uncle used, he always put in too much Ammonia.  Told me it was so that he could make explosives from janitor's closets.  I've never seen a stock with it low, however.  Corps always buy in bulk.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (00:35:21/01-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-04-12/0141:40>
>>>>>[ Of course.  I should have known.  Heaven forbid ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:41:57/01-04-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-04-12/0153:36>
>>>>>[ A sense of professional detachment is always a good thing, yes. but we're still people. Our job may entail killing and other crimes, but I like to think that most of us have some kind of code we live by. if we didn't, we'd all be at everyone's throats like rabid dogs. I don't think it pays for us to lose touch with those softer aspects of ourselves. At the end of the day, we're still people and people need a bit of stability in their lives, especially in small communities like ours where there's a high turn-over. It's a delicate balance between being too involved, and not being involved enough. I won't lie and say I care deeply about all of you. Some of you I value on the personal level, some I genuinely care for; others I wouldn't mind taking out. None of that will stop me having a professional relationship with any of you.

Murphy, I'm glad you got him out. I'll go and take a look at him as soon as I can. There may be someting I can do to help him heal faster. If nothing else, I can keep him from liberating himself from the clinic until he's medically able to do so. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita(01:54:19/01-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-04-12/0421:25>
>>>>>[The difference between a professional and a sociopath is that the professional represses the emotions until the job is done, while the sociopath doesn't have them. The risk is always there, then, that the professional will snap when a chummer takes a bullet to the face in a double cross, while the sociopath is just a couple steps away from becoming a serial killer. If you are a professional, you gotta balance personal attachments with professional detachment when you're on the job. This is difficult, and not everyone can manage it. Those who don't usually end up dead, or they get broken inside.

Murphy, glad to hear that it wasn't all Money doing that. When he's able to speak coherently, let us know what the ex-Ancients were chatting about with him. The fact that the corp sent response teams after the individual runners means this is bigger than a typical doublecross. Also, it wouldn't be the first time that another corp has stepped in to persuade the Knights to keep their retaliations quiet. As long as no one comes forward with trid footage of the strikes, and there isn't too much collateral damage, a couple bribes allows them to hit the runners and walk away. It helps that this is out in the Barrens, where things are already less well enforced. If it had happened downtown, there would have been no hiding it.

Which is another lesson for people. Yes, the Barrens are a great place to hide out, especially for certain metatypes, but if you have the coin, and a decent fake SIN, get yourself a place in the places with regular law enforcement patrols, and plenty of cameras. It takes more work to separate your 'runner' and 'civilian' lives that way, but there are benefits, as well. You just have to make up a believable cover story for your neighbors, that explains your odd hours. Most people do not know how to dig past the first layer of subterfuge. Many won't even bother looking past the second layer, unless you're giving them a reason to. The trick is to have a cover that is alluring enough that the neighbors don't mind you being there, and shady enough that they don't ask you over for tea every week. My own story is that I am a high end male escort. Someone does a bit of digging, I drop hints that I am from the Tir, but I'm an exile. That isn't enough for them, I lay hints that I'm a nobleman, and laying low because there are people who want to kill me, from the revolution. Some guess that I'm a runner, but the ones who get that far don't see a need to press further.

That's just one example, of course. A good cover story is simple enough that it is easy to remember, but complex enough that someone would have to devote a great deal of time and energy to unravel the true story. The Crash made this easier, because if there are records from that time forward that don't show up when you're digging, well, Jormungand probably ate them. But for records since then, you have to figure on a believable reason why someone would have no real records on file. For those of you who don't have the 'renegade noble' line available, you could always use the 'Witness Protection' angle. You witnessed an influential player commit murder, and either you reported it to the local LEOs and were put in a Witness Protection program in another sprawl, or you ran, knowing that the fact that they saw you would make you a target. This works especially well when you're out of the sprawl you were born in, since you aren't likely to run into your childhood friend Jack who might say in front of others that you have lived in that neighborhood across town your whole life. Even if you are working in your home sprawl, though, it makes a good way to insulate your friends and family from your work, since the less they know, the safer it is for them, usually.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:21:12/01-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-04-12/0659:49>
>>>>>[ Sinead always said that a good cover story is like a recipe. You add one part lies to two parts truth, cook it well, and serve. People will always swallow it whole. In my case, I simply tell them I'm a retired physician volunteering at some charity clinic. Which is true. I am a physician - retired from that job - and I do occasionally help out at free clinics, so when someone calls, the staff will always say, 'Oh yes! We do have a doctor Veracruz on call...' That's the two parts truth that can be easily verified. I don't think I have to point out where the lie is. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (07:01:50/01-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-04-12/1621:50>
>>>>>[ Update on Money. After my examination...I'm not entirely convinced his breakdown was phychological in nature. He's taken a lot of head trauma. If not for the titanium laced bones, his skull would probably have been completely smashed. There's some swelling to the cerebellum, so its entirely possible that the pressure caused his psychosis. I'll know better once he wakes. Sadly, the clinic he's at doesn't have the facilities for brain scans, and I can't move him to one that does without unnecessary risk to his well-being. At this point...his chances look pretty good, provided he stays still for a good while. I did what I could magically to heal him but...madre de dios...he barely has any soul left in him. There's so much machinery its exceedingly difficult for me to hea him. So we'll have to wait and see. I'l go back tomorrow to look in o  him. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (16:22:01/01-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-04-12/1638:18>
>>>>>[ How much would it cost to get a scanner to you, Madrecita? I have Bio-Med contacts.

Yes, frag it, I'm serious.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (21:35:09/01-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-05-12/1208:01>
>>>>>[How expensive can a scanner be? It's pretty basic nowadays, no? Like I really know drekk about medecine. Well, put me in contact with those people Chrona, I'll go get that scanner. Someone's going to owe me a small one if that proves useful. If not and it's too late for him, well, I'll just get a cut on the selling of Money's cybernetics. What? It's not like he's going to miss them if he dies on that table.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (12:07:50/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-05-12/1218:25>
>>>>>[They have a mobile unit at Deireadh An Tuartheil. I know this because I helped them 'find' it when a delivery got 'rerouted' from the Tir. If someone gets a van so we can transport it, I can call in a favor and get them to loan the scanner out for a while. Payment can be made in medical supplies. They're always undersupplied. I might not be the most proficient healer, but when those fires just happened to break out after some Humanis goons drove through the area last month, I put in a few hours helping tend to the wounded. Its the only place I go for medical care while in Seattle.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:17:34/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-05-12/1240:20>
>>>>>[Hello everybody, I figured I might as well do a proper introduction here now, as we've just finished burying my Uncle in Cascade Ork territory.  Not much room in Seattle for a cemetery, and he didn't want to get dumped into a lava flow or anything.  He certainly didn't want to get cut up and farmed out to a variety of different people.  It was a nice ceremony, I paid extra for the blessings and such.  It put the rest of my family at ease.

I'm the fourth generation to carry the street name "Murphy", starting with my Great-Grandfather taking it up in the 2040s.  The Murphys (No, I spelled that right) have mostly been hired for muscle work, with physical overwatch and observation being other jobs that my fore-bearers did well.  Uncle Murphy, despite his speaking style, was known as "smart muscle", a rarity in the shadows, and was popular when you needed a "mobile weapons platform" that could actually think.  Myself, I've ventured more into a variety of skills, and have some skills with a CommLink and programming, not much mind you.  Other than that, well, I don't really have a rep yet, so I guess I'll just keep quiet until I get a few more solo jobs under my belt.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (11:38:00/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-05-12/1359:34>
>>>>>[ How expensive? Very. The tech may not be new, but it's still a highly specialised machine with a limited market.

Mmm...I'm loathe to use the one at Deireadh An Tuartheil. If it gets damaged they'll have nothing, and they desperately need it. But I suppose we have no real choice here. Mmm. Money had better be very grateful when he wakes...Okay. I'll see what I can do about a van, and I'll organise some supplies for Deireadh An Tuartheil. I was going to do that anyway. Ice, can you draw up a list of what they need most?

And Murphy...you can be our guard on the trip if you wish? Pay's okay. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (13:59:50/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-05-12/1456:41>
>>>>>[Any supplies would be helpful, but the basics are always the most useful. Bandages, antibiotics, surgical supplies, and so on. You know, the kinds of things a clinic uses to keep drek from getting bad enough to need the big ticket items. Any medical supplies would be good, though. If they can't use it themselves, they'll be able to convert it into something they can.

Let me know when you get the van, and then give me half an hour to talk things out with my friend at the hospital, and smooth things over with the Ancients.

Also, for the rest of you, Deireadh is the best place to go for work if you're Awakened. Probably same for the technomancer crowd, too. They use magic to supplement their lack of resources, which means they're more likely to treat you in ways that won't frag with your Talent. Good people, but if you come in spouting Humanis drek, you can expect someone from the Ancients or the Laesa to arrange an 'introduction' for you with Tamanous. Don't forget that Deireadh is in Tarislar and there are plenty of people there who lived through the Night of Rage.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:54:23/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-05-12/1514:29>
>>>>>[ Okay. I got the van, courtesy of Ysoni. He'll be coming with us as he's been born and bred in Tarislar. We'll go pick up the suppies and then swing back to pick you up. Give us an hour...two at most. It'll all depend on how much...goodwill...I can inspire from my...suppliers.

Ysoni, I think we should bring Fenris. he's worth his weight in Orichalcum for intimidation value...

Mmm...I'll have to look into Deireadh...]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (15:514:50/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-05-12/1537:26>
>>>>>[Meet me at the hospital. If you're bringing Ysoni, then between the two of us you shouldn't have any problems while you're in Ancients territory. I'm heading over there now to talk with the Ancients, and make sure you don't get hassled going to or from. Shouldn't be too hard, since you'll be bringing supplies to the hospital. The Ancients and the Laesa protect the area (though the Knights are there for a veneer of legitimate policing). Keeping the only hospital in the area well stocked with meds ups their rep in the community, and having good relations with qualified runners in other parts of the sprawl gives them options when it comes to dealing with other groups. Say the Ancients and the Cutters aren't on the best of terms, but the Cutters just got a shipment of BTLs that the Ancients would like to have, and are willing to trade some Laes for it. They can't deal directly without losing face, so they bring in a runner to act as middleman. This way, both sides get to do biz, without losing face, and setting off a gang war, while you get your cut from both ends.

So getting through Ancients territory won't be a problem. Can't say the same for the gangs elsewhere in the sprawl, though.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:37:21/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-05-12/1601:21>
>>>>>[Oh well, looks like they found their scanner by themselves. Still, all of this gave me an idea and I may be in need of medical equipment and some meds. If your offer still stands, Chrona, I'd like to meet them. Beside one or two Street Docs and a DocWagon Shaman, of which we had a thing going on for a few days(and Oh my! she was wild even by my standards), my contacts in medical fields are pretty lacking.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:01:37/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-05-12/1615:24>
>>>>>[Whenever you move to a new sprawl, first thing you should do, after making nice with whichever gang or syndicate claims the area your safehouse is at is to visit the local hospital and see if there aren't any favors you can do for them. Getting on the good side of hospital staff, either by helping facilitate supply deliveries or other favors will mean that if you get a suspicious case of lead poisoning, blunt force trauma, or other injuries that might make for an uncomfortable Q&A session with the local LEOs, then you can still go to a fully functioning hospital, instead of a street doc, without them reporting you. Don't get me wrong, there are some excellent street docs out there, but if you are laid up afterwards, being in the hospital is easier on your cover story than being stuck at a street doc's clinic in the Barrens.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:14:30/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-06-12/0146:28>
>>>>>[Sure Smiley, I'll hook you up, head to "The Butcher's Shop" in Tacoma, say I sent you.]<<<<<

--Chrona (06:46:20/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-06-12/0958:07>
>>>>>[The Butcher's Shop? With a name like that, it sure doesn't bode well!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (09:58:10/01-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-06-12/1433:07>
>>>>>[It's because it'll be an actual Butcher's you'll be going to meet him at, Heh. His skills are top notch don't worry.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (19:33:19/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-06-12/1500:58>
>>>>>[Still makes you wonder if the butcher shop will accept any kind of meat... or night time customers.]<<<<<
     -- Specks(03:00:58/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-06-12/1506:37>
>>>>>[But of course, only the best service 24/7.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (20:05:44/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-06-12/1509:14>
>>>>>[And another doctor's office I'll never step into.]<<<<<
     -- Specks(03:09:14/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-06-12/1539:50>
>>>>>[Oh, really? Care to elaborate on why? Please don't hold anything back.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (20:39:14/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-06-12/1545:11>
>>>>>[My Uncle occasionally told me that any clinic is safe enough, as long as you have a really big, intimidating troll with some medical experience watching over the operation.  Butcher shop, back of a bar room on a pool table, Ghoul Den...  Anyone know where I can borrow a troll like that?]<<<<<
-- Murphy (14:44:32/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-06-12/1548:42>
>>>>>[Ergh, I mention they cater to Ghouls too and this automatically means you'll wake up missing bits? Please.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (20:48:19/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-06-12/1549:58>
>>>>>[A friend of mine told me about a friend of his who suddenly vanished from one of those "Clinics". I'll stick to dropout med students and not ghoul handout agencies. Call me racist, but I don't trust them.]<<<<<
-- Specks(03:46:32/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-06-12/1559:08>
>>>>>[You are a goddamn racist, not even running off solid legwork either. Being infected doesn't mean we're damn body snatchers. More likely your "friend of a friend" was abducted for other reasons or taken by uninfected while he was in his weakened state Instead, you blame us cos of a fragging dietary requirement we didn't ask for.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (20:59:12/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-06-12/1607:43>
>>>>>[I'm a racist alright. But it is better than taking healthcare advice from some flesh munching monster.]<<<<<
-- Specks(04:06:21/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-06-12/1612:30>
>>>>>[You retract the monster statement and It wont be your flesh I'll be munching tonight, drekhole.]<<<<<
-- Specks(04:06:21/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-06-12/1617:41>
>>>>>[Great, I'll set my dinner date to account for two person seating, see ya at Wanda's]<<<<<
-- Specks(04:14:20/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-06-12/1834:45>
>>>>>[Children, don't fight. Or if you do, at least get on with it, so we don't have to listen to your squabbling.

Anyways, always do your legwork when going to a street doc. Find out which ones are the real deal, and which ones will leave you worse off than if you'd just stayed bleeding in the street. That said, there ARE ghouls and other infected who work as street docs. And ones who work for Tamanous. Personally, I wouldn't go to any of them, but then I can afford better options.

And you should ALWAYS have a buddy watching over you when you go under the knife at the street doc. Doesn't have to be a troll, but that doesn't hurt. Anyone who is well armed and dangerous will do. This goes double if you're out of your usual sprawl, and have to take pot luck.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:34:23/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-06-12/1906:03>
>>>>>[ Actually, you should always have a buddy with some medical knowledge observing no matter where you go under the knife.  Just because it's a reputable place doesn't make it a place that's good for the likes of us. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:05:55/01-06-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-06-12/1917:00>
>>>>>[Who says I go in as 'the likes of us'? RHIP. And there are some benefits to having a SIN, even in this line of work.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:16:23/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-06-12/1923:26>
>>>>>[A good fake (forged actually) SIN and a DocWagon account can be quite useful at certain times, as long as you're able to explain things and the police aren't involved.  As for dealing with Ghouls, I have my own car now, but Uncle Murphy made me take Ghoul Cab when I was starting out to adjust to the variety of life that abounds in the world.  They were pretty OK people, especially if you needed to get rid of a body, and didn't have cab fare.  I've also been attacked and had them try to eat me, but, then again, I had a dwarf try to do that as well.  No, I don't know why the Dwarf had a ork-sized hunger.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (20:21:15/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-06-12/2003:54>
>>>>>[ Oh.
              Oh dear.
              Tell me you people really know, and that you're just putting me on.
              I mean, yeah, for bullet holes and knife cuts, a good false SIN and linked DocWagon account are nice, but actually going under the knife for an implant ... tell me you don't mean what you're saying.
              You do have someone you trust there, right?  Watching?? Even at a nice bland Brand New You? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (20:02:02/01-06-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-06-12/2013:11>
>>>>>[I'm a mage. No implants here.

Murphy, if you're going under the knife for new ware, follow Wyrm's advice. Get someone to watch. You don't want to find a kink bomb as an extra gift when you get those skillwires after the fact.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:12:03/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-06-12/2028:30>
>>>>>[The DocWagon Contract, yeah, just for emergencies and "I was mugged" moments, like you suggested Mr. Wyrm.  Uncle Bob watches my family when it comes time for surgeries, for whatever reason, including the work done on my body.  And three of us go with him when he has to go.  The clinic I took Mr. Money to has a very good rep, and he swears by it even without people to watch him.  I think he and the owner go back or something.

Thank you both for your concern.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (19:27:42/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-06-12/2045:51>
>>>>>[ Yes, little Rakhi, we know you're a mage.  This makes you more vulnerable ... hold on.
              [ BREAK ]
              [ / BREAK ]
              I'm told it makes you precisely 173.255% more vulnerable to deep-scan identification, because the techniques used to mask your DNA have a negative -- minute but distinct -- impact upon your mystic abilities.  (It's great having friends with a different knowledge base than you, even if some of them are bloody freaky in their analyses.)
              While you aren't going to go under for any reason but healing, and Murphy, this applies to Money as well, all it takes is one -- one -- person to take, type, and/or submit your DNA.  Nobody is perfect when it comes to wiping traces; god knows I've left my share of red and white cells scattered on floors and walls in the past.  Doesn't have to be the boss, or even the doc or a nurse; just someone who makes a mistake and sends your droplet instead of the guy in the bed next to you.
              Bring friends to your bedside.  It's easier for them than having to bring flowers to your graveside. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (20:45:50/01-06-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-06-12/2114:51>
>>>>>[And just how would YOU know that name, Wyrm?

But really, if we're talking about blood samples left behind, I'm less worried about someone getting my DNA on file than using that sample as a ritual link. And AFIK, the genewiping treatment does nothing to keep the sample from being a link to you.

We've all lost some blood at the scene of a crime. The only reason we aren't dead is because it takes a lot of time and resources to do DNA identification or ritual magic. And because, unless we get stupid, it is usually more profitable for the company to take their anger out on whoever hired us. (Usual exceptions for the big A, of course.) The trick is to not do anything that puts you at the top of their 'to do' list. Unless you have Kane's resources and backing, don't act like Kane. Especially if getting your DNA changed interferes with your abilities.

Myself, I've done runs for nine of the ten megas, and against all ten. But I don't go slaughtering every security guard I see, or piling up the collateral damage. Which means I never cause them a big enough problem that they want to spend the resources to find me. Now, if I ever get caught on a run, that would be bad news, but having my DNA changed wouldn't change that at all. You think DNA is the only way they can get a line on you?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:14:02/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-06-12/2219:42>
>>>>>[They got to my family, Mr. Money, and a lot of the other runners on that job.  Not all of them, admittedly, so they have some holes in their Intel.  They also got the backtrail that Uncle and Mr. Money used, too, as Mr. Smiley pointed out.  It's certain that anyone can be gotten to.  There's lots of ways to track people when it comes down to it, Uncle taught me how to train and use a hound for tracing people on the run without a vehicle, and I figured out ways to track vehicles in some ways.

There's countermeasures, of course.  Cleaner-Cleaner for DNA, scent bombs for dogs, ruthenium polymers for vehicles...  And counter-counter measures as well.  It's all about how hard you have/want to work at getting things.  And Corporations have profit/loss statements, while 'runners have to work to eat.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (21:18:11/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-06-12/2225:31>
>>>>>[How is Money, anyway? That scan show anything?]<<<<<
-- Chrona (03:25:11/01-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-06-12/2304:56>
>>>>>[Yeah, exactly how mashed up his grey matter really is?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:04:45/01-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-06-12/2342:21>
>>>>>[ You want the short list or the long?  Here's the short:
          Lesson of the day??  Don't irritate people who've been at the business longer than you've been alive.  Your father knew that lesson; I thought he'd've taught it to you. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:40:13/01-06-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-07-12/0446:38>
>>>>>[ It showed pretty much what I expected. Cerebral edema as a result of too many blows to the head. He's got a hard skull, but that will only protect you from so much. Fortunately there's no hemorrhaging, or I'd have had to operate. As it is, I've had to magically oxygenate the blood supply to his brain. The swelling was bad enough to severely cut the blood flow. That's caused some autonomous functions to shut down. The doc there had him tanked as a result. Lucky bastard. It's a miracle he'll come out of it okay. Well...except for his hand. He took a sword through it. That'll need surgery to re-attach the ligaments and muscles.

Thanks for your help, Ice. Oh! And while I'm talking to you...that kid opted for life in the Tir. I'll need some back-up on the run, if you want to come along. The pay's very generous. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (04:46:45/01-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-07-12/0914:32>
>>>>>[Wyrm, if THAT is all it takes to set you off, you might want to look into some moodchips. Either that, or take that chip off your shoulder before someone uses it against you.

As for the rest, that's interesting. Glad to see it wasn't too easy. I'd have actually started to worry then.

Madre, no sweat. The docs at the hospital were glad the scanner came back undamaged, and the supplies will go a long way toward meeting the needs out there. And yeah, I'll go along on the run. I probably should, anyway, to make the handoff in the Tir. I called in a favor, so all we need is a jeep or an offroad capable vehicle, and we'll be able to get in without trouble from the border patrol. My contact will meet us in Cara'sir, and find the boy someone to take care of him while he's training. He'll have to do some time in the Peace Forces, but they'll train him, and he'll get a new SIN and everything.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:14:23/01-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-07-12/1321:34>
>>>>>[Oh wow! Hahahaha! I just found out there's a bunch of crazy woman who created a matrix support group for woman who got pregnant, apparently, because of me. According to their message board, I'm the progenitor of seven little booger eaters. The last post is a rant about how pissed that woman is that every time she finds a picture of me and post it, it gets erased within nanoseconds from their VPN AND their commlinks. Hahaha! This is crazy!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (13:21:36/01-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-07-12/1349:11>
>>>>>[ Actually, it was easy.  No data scrubber in the world can erase your memory, and no memory-scrubber can deal with deep memory.  Schwartzkopf took five minutes for the initial findings, and two hours for the genetic matching.
             I keep files.  Everyone who was anyone in Tír Tairngire, Tír na nÓg, the Duchy of Pomorya, and the Zulu Nation is in my database.  Extensively, usually.
             Getting those files, on the other hand, can mean quite a bit. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (13:49:15/01-07-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-07-12/2114:58>
>>>>>[No offense, Wyrm, but when you start saying 'easy' and naming dragons as part of what helped you do it, I call bulldrek. Yeah, dragons make everything easier. Short term. But you know what they say about making deals with dragons...

Smiley, you think that's great, back before the revolution, ladies were practically begging to have my kids. See, if the kid had been male, then he would have been given my social rank, which means that, even though the women would still be part of the Gentry, they could use the kid's title to do things like purchase land, get travel visas easier, and so on. I literally couldn't go to a club in Malek'thas or Cara'sir without getting mobbed with women. Fun times.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:14:22/01-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-08-12/0123:53>
>>>>>[ Rakhi, I made my deal with a dragon back in '50, and both of us have kept our parts of the bargain.  I won't say it hasn't lead me into some chin-deep shit in the past, but that's what friends are for.  And no, it wasn't Schwartzkopf that I made a deal with; Schwartzkopf is my research agent. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:23:45/01-08-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-08-12/0126:39>
>>>>>[ I feel witness to a conversation above my pay grade.  ]<<<<<
          -- Chrona (06:26:49/01-08-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-08-12/0132:56>
>>>>>[ It might be, but he's at your pay-grade, Chrona.  I'm somewhere else entirely.
          Right now, 'entirely' happens to be Pago-Pago.  Damn, it's nice here. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:32:56/01-08-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-08-12/0151:38>
>>>>>[ Thats South Pacific right? What took you out there? ]<<<<<
          -- Chrona (06:51:33/01-08-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-08-12/0228:47>
>>>>>[ It's somewhere I haven't been before.  Where I'm at, well -- you don't stay in one place for longer than a couple of weeks.  If you're smart -- or you have someone serious after your ass -- you don't stay in one sprawl for longer than two or three months.  I'd like to say I've lost count of how many times I've moved, but I haven't.  I just try not to say it out loud, as it were.
          I think the longest I've ever stayed in one sprawl since, oh, 2040 or so would have been two years in Seattle.  Seattle's just really easy to get misplaced in; too little focus.  Everywhere else, there are either too many eyes, like in Denver, or they're all looking at you the same way. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:28:35/01-08-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/0246:06>
>>>>>[ Mmm...okay.

Ice, we can use my car. It got back from Susan Hands as Wings yesterday and I've been wanting  to test it in the field. This seems as good a time as any. Let me know when you're available. We have a three-day window when his father won't be in residence, so he can ease our way past security. I've scouted the place and he'd given me the details of what he cannot take care of on his own. It won't be easy, but if we do it right, it shouldn't take long. I've sent you the detais. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (02:45:36/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-08-12/0311:48>
>>>>>[Living in a person's shadow is harder than I thought.  I keep going to meets and having everyone ask me why I'm not taller or older.  And amazed that I'm willing to carry an SMG.  And don't sound like I just crawled out of a Barrens Gutter, which my Uncle never was able to get past with his manner of speaking.  Maybe I should take on a "Dumb Street Trog" persona to put people at ease?]<<<<<
-- Murphy (02:11:51/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-08-12/0323:11>
>>>>>[ Never apologize for who you are.  Never live in someone's shadow. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (03:23:13/01-08-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/0327:27>
>>>>>[ Don't you dare, Murphy. People will get used to you. And don't fall into the trap of thinking you have to be like your uncle either. Just be yourself, and let your abilities speak for itself. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (03:27:36/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-08-12/0331:34>
>>>>>[ Exactly, anyone who has a problem with who you are, you just teach them a lesson.
On that note, Specks, you're either good at hiding or live under a rock.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (08:31:36/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-08-12/0343:26>
>>>>>[Thank you all, you're probably right.  Just hoped for more time to prepared before I had to go solo.  Also hoped I'd have someone like Mr. Money to help me through it as well, but the family has to eat.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (02:43:19/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-08-12/0356:20>
>>>>>[You're Seattle based right Murphy? I'd be wiling to help on jobs.]<<<<<
-- Chrona (08:55:22/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/0402:49>
>>>>>[ And I. I owe your uncle that much. Why don't you come with Ice and me on that extraction?  ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (04:02:36/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-08-12/0408:10>
>>>>>[Seattle Based, yes.  Redmond Barrens.  Thank you Chrona, Ms. Madrecita.  I'd take you up on going to the Tir lands, but I don't think they'd be too happy to see an ork there, and that might cause problems you folks don't want.  Maybe stay local and keep learning the ropes.  I can handle myself pretty good, just, um, well.  Not too sure of myself.  Wanting to or not, I have three generations before me with the street name I have to live up to and make proud.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (03:08:00/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/0417:20>
>>>>>[ It's never a bad thing to expand one's horizons a bit. Maybe next time. And don't worry. You'll do just fine. WIth your uncle's training, you cannot go wrong. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (04:17:36/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-08-12/0417:50>
>>>>>[Redmond Barrens? Perfect! That's where I live.]<<<<<
-- Chrona (09:16:09/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/0933:14>
>>>>>[All depends where in the Tir you go, Murphy. There are some parts where you'd swear it was almost like Seattle. And then there are parts where you could swear it was a Humanis stronghold, except everyone has pointed ears. There's been some conflict since the revolution as the anti-human crowd clashes with the anti-everyone-except-elves crowd. I can at least guarantee that you wouldn't have trouble with the Peace Forces if I was there with you.

And the only time you should play the dumb trog is when you are playing someone. When you're trying to manipulate someone, playing to their prejudices is always a good thing. And regardless of what some might say, we all have prejudices.

Madre, checked the info. Looks solid. If we can roll tonight, I'm free, and I'll set it up with my contact in the Tir.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:32:02/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-08-12/1016:48>
>>>>>[Sorry for the brief absence, I was told by a buddy that I might need to go underground becausesomeone sent something looking for me. Not exactly playing nice, yeah? Anyways, what do you all know about potentially possessed artifacts being shipped in from Egypt. I have a client who wants to more about the shipment but my normal source for shipping info happens to be a bit..... Dead.]<<<<<
-- Specks (10:16:57/1-8-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/1052:03>
>>>>>[ Tonight is fine. Oh! And by the way...I found out earlier today that the politician in question was mostly being bankrolled by Aztechnology. Now that makes this run all the more delicious, don't you think?

Mmm...possessed artifacts from Egypt...No, I can't say I've heard anything like that, but I'll ask around a bit before tonight and see what I can find out. If I don't get back to you, assume I came up empty. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (10:52:01/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/1102:18>
>>>>>[I've heard a little about the artifact rush. None of it involving possessed artifacts from Egypt, though. Still, any artifacts are big business, which means there are going to be a lot of players. Not surprising you had something chase after you. As for what the artifacts do? There are people you could ask, but unless the Black Lodge, the leaders of either Tir, or certain great dragons owe you BIG favors, I don't think you'll get more than the rest of us know, which is somewhere in the neighborhood of nil. All I can say is that the artifacts must be pretty damn powerful, if they caused the Watergate Rift to close. Some more powerful than others, natch, but still, not something you want to be messing around with unless you know what you're doing.

And, before anyone says takes it the wrong way, I know enough about magic to know I have absolutely no clue what all these artifacts are supposed to do, and I'm not stupid enough to go poking the potentially unstable things to figure out how they work. Some of them, like ancient weapon foci, are self explanatory. But some of these other things...

And Madre, one of these days we're going to have to have a sit down about you and the Big A. Those are dangerous waters you're swimming in, girl.

Meet at Dante's at 8, before heading to get the kid?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:02:02/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/1400:02>
>>>>>[ You know...I could be all gung ho...that's the correct way to say it, yes?...and state cliches like laughing in the face of danger, but...fact of the matter is, I know it's dangerous. They are dangerous. But so am I. Chances are they'll be the ones to take me down one day. Spirits know they've come close a few times. But if they do...it'll take some doing. Not speaking from...overmuch pride...Oh hell. You're right, Ice. One of these days, you and I will talk about Aztechnology. Perhaps I will tell you why I do what I do.

Oh. And Dante's is just fine. I'll see you there. Dante's is much prefereable to Power Line. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (14:00:01/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/1432:03>
>>>>>[I know why you do what you do. Got no love for the A myself, but you don't want to backslide. Aztlan, 2060-61 ring any bells? You don't let go of that hate, and you'll be finding yourself right back there. Who will take the knife from your hands then?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:31:23/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-08-12/1436:30>
>>>>>[What's wrong with the Powerline? That place is great! I'm avoiding Dante's like the plague since I've read some rumors about the place. Better be safe until I know for sure.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (14:36:19/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/1444:38>
>>>>>[And with the rumors being spread about Dante's, what's to say people won't try the same trick at Powerline?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:44:02/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/1447:04>
>>>>>[ Mmm...I would like to know how you found out about that, Ice. Oh well. Plenty of time to talk about that when we get the kid.

And Smiley...what is wrong with Powerline is that there's all those delicious bodies, and I can't have one of them. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (14:46:36/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/1536:37>
>>>>>[Wyrm isn't the only one who can find things out, though I don't do it just because I'm in a pissy mood and want to show off.

Hell, I wasn't even digging, really. I just bought a pretty girl a drink at a bar in LA, last time I passed through. We had the shadows in common, and one thing led to another. Swapped a couple war stories, with the names and dates politely excluded, of course.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:36:34/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-08-12/1547:03>
>>>>>[I know a few experts in digging up information.  Some through the Matrix, others through social skills, and a few through intimidation.  I don't know if I'm just more polite and less offensive then my previous nameholders, but I like the social ways better.  Of course, I am a handsome hunk of ork meat when I dress up.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (14:46:17/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/1555:18>
>>>>>[ Still...just one person actually witnessed that event. I guess she couldn't resist. Oh well. Good for her. May I ask when this happened?

Ooh honey...you and I are going to get along just fine. Handsome hunk of ork meat, eh?

Yes, of course I'm joking. I'm not a cradle snatcher after all. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (15:55:36/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/1623:26>
>>>>>[April through July last year. She's doing good, by the way. We still talk now and then. If you want to talk with her, I can send her your contact info. She said there were no hard feelings.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:23:20/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/1633:18>
>>>>>[ Ah.  :)  So she didn't tell you everything. That is good to know. And I'm glad to know that she is alright. Mmm...no...I think I will let her be. She knows where I am and how to contact me. If she wanted to contact me, she would have. There's a lot of years now between then and now, and a lot has changed. Not least her. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (16:33:36/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/1647:27>
>>>>>[Oh, she just told me enough that I thought I'd do a bit of digging on my own. After she told me about the Vasquez job, I decided to download a soundtrack to go with my research. Not normally my style, but it fit the mood, and the lead singer has some real pipes on her. She just gave me the highlights, in return for some of my own stories. I didn't have tales of crashing through the jungles after blood mages to tell, of course, but there were a couple stories that held her interest. Buy me a drink sometime, and I might tell them to you, too. Unless Wyrm wants to prove how very, very old and knowledgeable he is and spill all my secrets for me, of course.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:47:02/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-12/1701:41>
>>>>>[ Mmm...how much, DO you know about me? A ot more than I would have thought possible it seems. It's not fair, you know. A  lady has to have some secrets. Now just don't tell everything you know here will you? Like a gentleman?

Mmm...Tir whiskey was it?

Oh, and I'm sure the wyrm isn't that impolite or insecure, to have to prove it all the time, high above the likes of us as he is.

Well..I should get ready. See you at 8, Ice.  ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (17:01:36/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/1712:57>
>>>>>[Don't worry, my dear. I won't tell everything I've found. We shouldn't be judged on our past, when we've tried to move past it. And yes, a bottle of Tir whiskey will certainly get a few stories out of me. Not so many blood mages, but I can promise at least a couple tales of runs against the big A, including one where a Feathered Serpent decided I'd make a good snack.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:12:02/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-08-12/1834:17>
>>>>>[ Pissy?  Showing off?  Get real, kid.  You aren't that important, in my or anyone else's worldview.  But getting snotty and throwing crap at people who can extract your deepest darkest, for whatever reason they do it, is batshit insane.
          Madrecita, I have in my possession certain information you might find useful -- eventually.  If we come to an agreement, we may be able to get you into a position to put it to use -- and find people with whom you can work. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:35:12/01-08-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/1856:31>
>>>>>[If I'm not that important then why the posturing, Wyrm? You're the one who started all this, in some vain idea of putting me in my place. Didn't say word one against you before you started this drek up. But no, a Tir elf talks about his home, and you gotta get up in arms. So I'm calling you on your bulldrek. Either show what you've got, or don't. Or anyone here could buy me a few drinks, and I'd be glad to tell them most everything that you could have possibly found. Unlike some people, I don't have a 'deepest darkest'. I just have 'mildly inconvenient if this came out right now'. Unless you're going to stoop so low as to threaten my family? But no, I doubt you'd do that, being all high and mighty, while reflexively lashing out at anyone you perceive as having the same attitude? Spare me the drek, Wyrm.

All I've got is a few rebels who would like to see me dead, a couple corps who wouldn't mind if I died, but couldn't be bothered to take the time unless I moved WAY up their 'To Do' list, and possibly the next of kin of a Feathered Serpent (not a great) who may want to see me dead. Nothing more than what most people in this kind of network would have. Only thing I have that most of you don't is enough money in a retirement fund that I could leave this life tomorrow, and spend the next fifty years or so in luxury, while going back to one of my old jobs.

So really, Wyrm, unless you're going to track down all the women I've slept with and give them my current address, there isn't much you can do that would be more than a mild annoyance. And even that would only be a major annoyance, because orgies wear you out too much to get any work done, and they get so testy as their waiting for their turn.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:54:02/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-08-12/2013:18>
>>>>>[ Posturing?  I 'started all this' with a comment about how you, Tarlan, and other elves with too much Tolkein and brainwashing have made Tir Tairngire out to be something it isn't -- mana in the soil and water, indeed.  I commented on the political and social realities of Tir Tairngire from its very inception, that made me and several others leave and that eventually caused a popular revolution that overthrew the old order.
          Left out?  Sour grapes?  Posturing?  Rakhi, what I know about your homeland -- Schwartzkopf says you were born in the Salish-Sidhe, by the way, three years before Tir Tairngire -- and about the people who brought it about (which unfortunately includes myself) would fill special editions of all the world's screamsheets.
          You, you're just a cup of salt added to the ocean, worth the six seconds it takes to send an agent to delve into files habitually collected over decades of 'running.  It isn't posturing; it's habitual CYA, because you're in the shadows and, frankly, can't be trusted because the people who used to give you marching orders are still on the loose. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (20:13:32/01-08-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-08-12/2023:44>
>>>>>[Talking about that devil. Anyone heard anything about what that sleazy power-hungry bastard of Surehand's up to?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:23:41/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-12/2113:15>
>>>>>[Last I heard, Surehand was one of the people on scene when the Watergate Rift closed. Along with Ehran the Scribe, Hestaby, Ghostwalker, and others.

Yes, yes, you have a bunch of drek on my homeland. Yes, I was born shortly before Surehand's proclamation made official what had already been established in secret, under the nose of the STC. I believe having been born and raised in that area, I can claim it as my homeland, thank you very much.

Yes, I'm in the shadows. Yes, I did something else before I got here. Yes, I wouldn't be here if some uppity peasants didn't like the cards they'd been dealt. Except for those few people born into the shadows, most everyone here did something else before they began running. Whoop-de-fragging-do. Its more or less the basic runner backstory, except all the players are more photogenic. You're not going to say never trust any runner who came out of one of the big 10, because the people who used to pull their strings are still around, are you? No, you just got a chip on your shoulder about the Tir.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:12:03/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-08-12/2147:55>
>>>>>[I figure the easiest way for me to say hi is to do exactly that: Hello!

You'll have to excuse me if this makes me look stupidly new, because in the scheme of things, I am. Or, at least I'm new to doing things other then running from Point A to Point B for the Triad, and random other paying customers. I hang in the Seattle Sprawl, a good click north of the City Center. I'm finally starting to try and branch into other parts of the shadows, so I figured I'd stop by, try finding advice and contacts, try to learn something new. From what I hear, that's the best way to stay alive. Any other info on me, you'll have to ask for, pay for, or dig up yourself.

I'll not jump in on the current....conversation between Iceblade and The Wyrm, so I'll sit in a corner and be quiet like a good neophyte until I can find something constructive to say.]<<<<<
     -- Card (21:30:12/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-08-12/2241:35>
>>>>>[Wise decision to stay out of it.

To which Tong do you work for and/or belong to?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:41:51/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-08-12/2246:29>
>>>>>[Yeah, it's a good idea not to just jump in between two people going back and forth like that.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (22:46:06/01-08-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-08-12/2318:54>
>>>>>[Yellow Lotus. to be open. Long story as to why a North American like me is in their ranks, but I don't feel all too up to sharing right now. I'll leave it at that I owe them more then you can ever imagine.]<<<<<
     -- Card (23:18:40/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-08-12/2328:39>
>>>>>[I've tried to avoid the organized crime syndicates for the most part myself, not that I've always succeeded. Causes too many complications. Best to stay neutral on that front.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (23:25:45/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Bull on <01-08-12/2337:14>
>>>>>[Iceblade, Wyrm.  I have a copy of Shadowcell loaded up on here.  I haven't had to use it yet, but I will.  There's no fighting in the bar here.  If you really feel like you need to prove who's the bigger man, I have also have a hacked copy of Street Kombat 18 loaded up, with the simsense filters turned off.  you two can beat each other bloody,a nd I'll pipe the feed into the main vid screens in the lounge for everyone. ]<<<<<
     -- MacCallister (23:36:08/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-08-12/2343:33>
>>>>>[I almost find myself hoping they decide to go for that. Might be an interesting watch.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (23:42:40/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-08-12/2350:26>
>>>>>[Hmm. That should make us enemies then, Card. Well technically.

Hehe. Don't worry. I don't actually care if you work for another Tong. My business is mostly with Incense Master Chen Kwan-Ti and it's on a more personal level. I don't really work for them anymore and they can't order me to do anything but... I still technically belong to the Octagon. Talking about those complications Predator just mentioned. Still, it's surprising they would let a Gwailo into their rank.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:50:16/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-09-12/0000:53>
>>>>>[I hear you on the personal level there, Smiley. I'm sure sooner or later, I'll be comfortable talking about it with one of you all, but it'll probably be at a local place I know. Best drinks on my side of the sprawl, in my opinion. Though I do enjoy visiting the Big Top some nights.]<<<<<
     -- Card (00:00:30/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-09-12/0027:41>
>>>>>[ Are you still whining about me having your information?
          Every runner who's ever come out of a corp has either had people gunning for them regularly, or else the shadows watch them like hawks; usually both.  It's usually a clear case of 'runner doesn't take their orders any more', and definitely a matter of 'corp no longer likes them'.  You don't have that; you still have plenty of ties.
          In regards to having a chip about the Tir -- no, no more than any other suppressive, prejudiced government, of which there are plenty.  My problem is usually with people who think those were, or are, great.  Burning people like that is a hobby and a habit, but by no means is that my life's work.  You'd want Uhuru for that one.
          MacCallister, I don't have any particular beef with the boy.  If I did, I'd take it outside. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:25:26/01-09-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-09-12/0038:08>
>>>>>[Um, Mr. MacCallister, sir, will there be wagers and odds on that fight?]<<<<<
-- Murphy (23:37:12/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-09-12/0046:08>
>>>>>[It's smart to watch anyone like a hawk at first, no matter where they came from originally, but you can't let the fact that someone used to actually work for a corp color your perceptions of them too much. They could very well become one of your most loyal teammates.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (00:43:04/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-09-12/0049:38>
>>>>>[Mr. Money used to work for a Mega as their Johnson, not sure which one.  It's not exactly a secret, but he got out from under them somehow.  Grandpa Murphy used to laugh about that when I asked him, and told me I'd learn about it when I'm old enough or everyone involved was dead, whichever came first.  Guess I'll never know now.

Never sullied any of my family's dealings with him, before or after.  Job's a job, pay is pay.  If the stick is from a Mega or from someone's personal accounts, that's still food on the table and stuff to keep the roof leaking.  As long as you live to collect, of course.  And the Johnson in question is willing to pay you.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (23:48:44/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-09-12/0053:55>
>>>>>[Exactly, Murphy. Sometimes it seems that a lot of people like to talk smack about the corps, but then turn right around and take their cred anyway. Never did understand that reasoning, myself.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (00:52:04/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-09-12/0059:06>
>>>>>[If I had to guess, it's the lingering amounts of Neo-@ culture that still abounds in the shadow community of Seattle.  There are some positive points to it, but a lot of negative ones as well.  Metahumans are too social to not have leaders of some sort.

There's also the idea of doing their dirty work to smash one corp down while draining the coffers of another, but those coffers are deep and vast.  The pay we get isn't even a drop in the ocean.  One guy I know proved it to me.  Scary bastard, but he knows his accounting.  If you ever need money laundered, I'll connect you guys, for a fee or favor.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (23:58:22/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-09-12/0104:19>
>>>>>[I'll keep that in mind, Murphy. Never know when that might be needed.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (01:02:51/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-09-12/0104:59>
>>>>>[ Both of you speak truth, but remember what happened with Keiko Shotozumi.  Many were burned by her when she returned to the Yakuza. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (01:04:32/01-09-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-09-12/0106:24>
>>>>>[Taking Wyrm and Ice as an example... Truce, Specks? I don't do hotsim.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (06:05:52/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-09-12/0109:47>
>>>>>[All in all, I'd prefer to be cautious, but be ready to trust should a person prove worthy of it. Say what you will, but it's worked for me so far.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (01:07:38/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-09-12/0121:54>
>>>>>[I guess now I know why my buddy on the block said there were spirits chasing me, that's not exactly playing nice there.]<<<<<
--Specks (01:19:30/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-09-12/0124:08>
>>>>>[One Spirit, One, Not even an Elemental.]<<<<<
--Chrona (06:23:38/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-09-12/0126:37>
>>>>>[Be careful who you send spirits to follow around. You could get yourself in deep drek that way. Never know what sort of Awakened friends someone might have.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (01:24:30/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-09-12/0128:11>
>>>>>[One spirit is one too many in my line of work. Eyes to the skies flesh eater. Eyes to the skies.]<<<<<
--Specks (01:25:09/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-09-12/0131:35>
>>>>>[It's not like it was following you. I may want to eat your kidneys but I'm not gonna interrupt your running.]<<<<<
--Chrona (06:29:19/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-09-12/0457:08>
>>>>>[First off, welcome Card. Same goes to you as to the others. Buy me a drink sometime, and you'll get a couple stories, and a bit of wisdom handed down, like people did for me when I started running.

MacCallister? Good to see you aren't in several pieces like word on the street was saying. And don't worry, I'm not going to start anything in the bar.

Now Wyrm, just because you don't like living at the top, don't hold it against those of us who do. Sure, I've heard that it was pretty bad for some people in Tir Tairngir before the revolution. But for me? It WAS great. Money, land, decent salary with little to no real work involved, and all the women I could handle. Plus, I got to get backstage passes for Deirdre, Grim Aurora, and Maria Mercurial when they passed through the Tir at various points. What wouldn't I like about it? I was living the life everyone below me yearned for. And it was good.

So yes, I still have ties. Even when someone leaves a corp, or a syndicate, or a military, they still have ties. We call them Contacts on this side of the shadows. Most people tend to agree that they are a Good Thing(tm). So yes, I have ties to the old regime, and not all those ties got swept out of power when the revolution changed things. Yes, if I want to avoid heat in Seattle, I can cross over into Tir Tairngir, and live in luxury for a couple weeks under my real name, before coming back to the shadows to do what I do best. Again, most people in the shadows would call this a Good Thing(tm).

Murphy, you're right that the Neo-A culture still lingers in Seattle. Its a shame, really, since there are so many good things about this sprawl, like the way you can lose yourself in plain sight, if you know how.

Chrona, that's just plain creepy.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:56:24/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-09-12/0513:07>
>>>>>[Racism makes my creepy start acting up.]<<<<<
--Chrona (10:12:12/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-09-12/0604:33>
>>>>>[ Most people call this thing betrayal of ... many things, I think.  Person like you, it is called something Italian, dil-something.  Want-to-be in English?  No, вуликий -- of two faces, is better.  Very not worthy of trust.  You serve two masters, yes?  Is special place in Hell for people like you.  Fortunate for you, is cold, eh? ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (06:03:52/01-09-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-09-12/0624:58>
>>>>>[I've been to Hell. Its called Lagos.

We all had a life before we came to the shadows. Me, I just happened to have a better life than many of you. And I still have friends in that life. That make me any less trustworthy than the former corp drone who keeps ties with Jim in Accounting, or the former government worker who still is friends with certain senators? Frankly, I'm disappointed in you people. Anyone who throws away a resource that could still be used is a fool. So I'm not burning my bridges, because that means, when drek goes down, and it eventually does, I have options other people don't.

We all serve many masters, unless we've decided to go exclusive with one corp or syndicate or whatever. We all take orders from the Mr. Johnson of the moment, and when the job is done, we might take a job the very next day working to undo what we just did. That is what 'freelance' is all about. There are times when my old friends have work that they can't trust to official channels, and so they ask me to play fixer, and get a team to do the job as they play Mr. Johnson. How is this different from someone who used to work for Horizon taking a job from a Horizon Johnson, or someone who used to work corpsec at Saeder-Krupp taking a job from Mr. Brackhaus?

But hey, we can go back and forth on this all day. You want to know the real measure of how well I can be trusted? Talk to the people I've worked with. Some of them are on this network. They'll tell you that I do my job, and do it well, and until that last run getting the kid into the Tir where he can learn to use his magic as part of the Peace Forces, not one of them had met my Tir connections, or had their names passed to them. So quit yammering on like a bunch of kids who can't stand that someone else got to play with better toys than you did, because you're starting to bore me.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:24:02/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-09-12/1045:28>
>>>>>[When all your family knows is the bottom, there's only one way to go.  I was only a little tyke when we got the tenement that's the family home now, and compared to where we used to live, it seemed like a palace to me.  Still does in a lot of ways.

For one thing, it's blood money that pays for it.  Uncle proved that on New Years.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (09:45:38/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-09-12/1126:35>
>>>>>[As a favor to a young runner, I've got a business trip to Denver coming up. A bit of influence work for a friend of a friend from the Tir. Soft touch kind of thing. Could always use someone to watch my back, and to work other angles in case my approach doesn't work. What do you say, Murphy? Pays good, a four star hotel room in the Hub for a week, and I've got VIP tickets to get into Perianwyr's club. Want to expand your horizons a bit, maybe see a dragon or two?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:26:02/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-09-12/1235:17>
>>>>>[Quite so. By nature just about everyone working in the shadows works for multiple employers, and this is expected on both sides of the bargaining table. If you were officially in the corporate world and tried doing that, you would be fired at best--or, depending on the corp, killed or worse at worst. And definitely killed if you were with a crime syndicate and started helping out a rival syndicate.]<<<<<

--Predator (12:30:57/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-09-12/1418:25>
>>>>>[Would be interesting to see how the "Other Half" lives, Mr. Iceblade.  I'm in.  We'll have to work out exactly how you want me to operate, so I can prepare properly and try to get my gear there, and into, and out of, the proper country of Denver.  Be a bit much to try and bring everything in and out.  I also promise not to do the stereotypical "Ork Shadowrunner" thing and trash a hotel room to "Stick it to the man" as seen too often on the 'Trids.  (Honestly, why are Orks always the violent-prone knuckledraggers on those shows?  They even have the occasional educated and well-spoken troll, but never an ork?).

As for Dragons, as long as they're not involved with the 'run in any way, that might be nice to see.  "Never cut a deal with a dragon" after all.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (13:16:21/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-09-12/1449:06>
>>>>>[Loyalty is the kind of thing that'll get you killed. Being smart and professional is the way to go, loyal only to yourself. Keep your word at all times, always deliver and never screw up. Work for as many AAA or government agencies as you want but do your homework and be careful not to take too many jobs against one of your own regular employers. Or if you're mad enough, play them against each other. And above all, make yourself useful and as indispensable as possible to as many people as you can. And the more powerful the better. That's being smart and professional and that's how I roll. That philosophy kept me alive and rich so far. No need to give examples, but taking bullets for someone else your not paid to, is not the best way to one day see retirement.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (14:48:22/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-09-12/1454:19>
>>>>>[Part of that I can agree with. Sure, don't try to keep your work limited to only one employer, but be loyal to your team. Everyone on a team should have each other's backs and help each other out when they can.]<<<<<

--Predator (14:54:40/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-09-12/1503:21>
>>>>>[Mr. Money once told me, "Be courteous, be polite, and have a plan to kill every single person in the room if need be."  Of course, he was visiting at the time and my father was getting ready to take a baseball bat to his knees.  Dad's a bit of a bigot, I'm afraid to say.  Hates non-orks and -trolls with a passion.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (14:03:00/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-09-12/1518:45>
>>>>>[Well, how we get in will depend on what your fake SIN looks like. Easiest way would be to simply fly in from Sea-Tac. If your SIN won't pass airport security, we'll take a boat to LA, and take the train to Santa Fe and then on to Denver. Either way, we'll get some good tourist visas, which should be enough to get us through the border crossings, provided you weren't planning on bringing anything too crazy. A Predator, and some armored clothing will be fine. The line is going to be that I'm an exiled Tir count, and you're my bodyguard.

I've got someone in-city that will get us a couple tri-ox shots, so we can still do things like run for our lives, if we got to, without worrying about the thin air. But that shouldn't be on the agenda. We will be doing some border crossings, so keeping all the gear light and legal is a good idea.

And if dragons get involved in the run itself, we'll be meeting Ghostwalker because we've been accused of espionage. So yes, let's try to avoid that. But Perianwyr makes an appearance at Weekday Eclipse every so often, and the pixie group Ar Canan will be playing, so he might decide to show up.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:16:24/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-09-12/1613:59>
>>>>>[ Mmm...Ghostwalker. Now there's one dragon I'd walk a mile to avoid. Frankly, I'd rather deal with Lofwyr...if I should ever have to. Good luck in Denver, you two!

And welcome to all the new faces.

Now...I think I will take time to go look in on Money. He should have started showing signs of recovery by now...]<<<<<
     --Madrecita (16:13:40/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-09-12/1659:22>
>>>>>[If I had to cut a deal with a dragon, I'd go with Hestaby, or Schwartzkopf, though for different reasons. Hestaby because my sister was one of her Paladins, and Schwartzkopf because he's one of the few dragons that does't mind teaching metahumans their tricks. Of course, you should never trust a dragon further than you can throw them. Some are just less likely to eat you in a fit of pique than others.

Let us know how Money's doing, Madre. If there's any sign of memory loss, be sure to tell him he owes me a case of beer.

What? Don't tell me you weren't thinking the same thing.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:59:24/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-09-12/1725:56>
>>>>>[I got a SIN that should get through an airport easily enough.  Even have a legal pistol for it, with license.  Hell, it's a Bodyguard License as well.  The firearm will have to be checked on the flight, of course.  It's not a Predator, but it's high caliber and reliable.

And, yes, please Ms. Madrecita, let use know how Mr. Money is.  I hate to say it but the family has a pool going on what his final condition is going to be.  I put ten cred on him being OK and almost got backhanded by my father.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (16:25:17/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-10-12/0116:36>
>>>>>[ Oh, Ice. Is a case of beer the best you could come up with? Hehe. Seriously, though. I’ve had to call in a specialist to take a look. It took several hours and a bit of surgery, but I think it’s safe to say he’ll be just fine. I’ll give you the full details tomorrow. Right now, I really need some sleep. ]<<<<<
     --Madrecita (01:16:23/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-10-12/0439:15>
>>>>>[Well, Madre, I do have some limits. There's a difference between scamming a guy with a head injury for a case of beer, and cheating the guy out of serious cred. If I'm going to scam someone, they are going to be firing on all cylinders first. Scamming people with head injuries is like kicking puppies. Yeah, its easy to do, but it cheapens the rest of what you do.

By the way, my dear, I was a little upset that you didn't want to see my house when we were in the Tir, especially after hearing about that Horizon girl. What will I have to do to persuade you, hmm? ;)]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:38:54/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-10-12/0828:02>
>>>>>[Grow a pair of boobs, Iceblade. That's what you'll have to do. Well, it would be a start. Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (08:27:29/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-10-12/1130:15>
>>>>>[ Mmm. Smiley, don't make me smack you. No. You'll probably like that. Let me rephrase. Don't make me shoot you.

As for Money...he's stabilised to the point where its safe to move him. I had a specialist look him over and provide us with a convincing story for his injuries. If anyone asks...a potted plant was dropped on his head. :P No...that's not the actual story we came up with. It did take a lot of thought, though. The kind of head injuries he sustained is very hard to convincingly explain away. I had to do some more magical work to 'encourage' his wounds to heal in such a way as to fit the story. He's now in the custody of DocWagon.

Ice, I'm sad to say, you may miss out on a case of beer. As for persuading me...mmm...you'll just have to try your luck and see what works. Far be it from me to spoil your fun.  :-* ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (11:30:29/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-10-12/1201:03>
>>>>>[I'll see about making sure some decent food gets to him. Those hospital meals suck.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (11:59:29/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-10-12/1339:02>
>>>>>[I'm sorry to hear such a respected guy is down and out right now. Did the smart thing and read through the last few...I guess you could say pages of this convo. I know I didn't know your uncle well Murphy, but add this one's condolences to the list. He sounds like he was a great orc to have at your back. I'll make sure to pour some rum out on the yard for him when I get home from my daily rounds. Now, if you pardon me, I got a truck coming up rapidly in front me of.]<<<<<
     -- Card (12:30:41/01-10-47)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-10-12/1352:30>
>>>>>[Well, considering what I know of Madrecita, which is not much but enough, I'd arrange for appropriate circumstances and eventually go with one rose (just one), a kiss on the back of the hand and dance. Flattery and good manners alone will not be enough. But that's just the very wild guess of a madman.

Oh and kids... Stay alive, don't VU93 and drive!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (13:52:44/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-10-12/1456:59>
>>>>>[OK, headache worse than every hangover I've had in my life combined.  And I've been to Germany, Scotland, Ireland (Tir, whatever), and Australia.  And lost my pants in Las Vegas, twice.  Well, looks like someone's been reading my file at DocWagon.  I'm strapped down in a nutrient tank with mild muscle numbing agent and a troll nurse sitting on it.  At least they plugged my datajack in.

Last thing I remember is Little Murphy...  No, it'd be just Murphy now, wouldn't it?  Damn.  Anyhow, him, some jerk trying to kick me in the head while attempting to impale me with a sword at the same time, and...  A freaking out dwarf.  Um, what the frag did I miss?  Wait, that's the date?  Oh wow, did I go on another bender?  Well, I have no pants, so that might be a possibility.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (13:56:59/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-10-12/1512:02>
>>>>>[ Ah! Back to the land of the living I see. And if by "bender" you mean something resembling a psychotic break, then yes. You were. And you were far more than just kicked in the head. You took a bullet to that titanium skull of yours. It rattled things around in there quite a bit and splintered some bones. In small ways, but still. There was some swelling as well.

By the way, sorry if this is blunt, but I figured I'd tell it to you straight. There's some minor nerve damage too, but nothing that can't be healed. You're just plain lucky you had some of the headgear you used to carry removed. That's what kept you alive. It allowed the swelling some space, or your brain would have been crushed like jelly. You can thank the little deli-doctor for letting me take a look at you later. And I wouldn't worry about pants right now. You have bigger things to worry about. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (15:11:44/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-10-12/1513:06>
>>>>>[Welcome back, confused little tin man!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:12:39/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-10-12/1520:36>
>>>>>[Bullet to the head?  Well, that makes sense.  Splintered bones?  How the hell did that happen, they're wrapped with titani...  Oh, you might have seen the chip that's stuck in my cranium.  The doctors missed that when they were putting Humpty Dumpty Johnson back together.  That's actually a piece of my wife's skull.  They can remove it now, but I like to keep a bit of her with me, morbid though that may sound.  Doesn't hurt anything, or so I'm told.

Psychotic break?  Oh man, don't tell me I went streaking again!  Or tried to create another business venture!  Or, worse, bought another bar...]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (14:20:20/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-10-12/1527:51>
>>>>>[ Ah! Well, that would explain why I couldn't find a fracture.

As for streaking or buying bars...I cannot say. You'll have to ask Murphy. Kid tracked you the whole way and brought you in. You owe Iceblade a case of beer though. If for no other reason that organising a scanner for me to use on you. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (15:27:44/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-10-12/1530:43>
>>>>>[That's a good kid.  He'll do his family proud.  Wonder if he'll go for a bar instead of a case...  Oh, beautiful dwarf nurse with the sleepy liquid that goes...]<<<<<  >>>User:  Money Johnson has disconnected at source<<<
     -- Money Johnson (14:30:30/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-10-12/1729:19>
>>>>>[Ah, Madre, you can't run forever, my dear. Tell you what. When I get back from Denver, why don't you take a trip with me? I haven't been up the well since the whole technomancer/AI craze. Been meaning to see if Evo's made any improvements to their orbital resort.

Money, don't go catching bullets with your head, man. That leads to waking up in a tank with no pants. Seriously, though, glad to see you're back with us. Next time you decide to go crazy, make someone's there to pump a few SnS rounds into your hide before you go and toss bodies off rooftops.

And no, I don't want a bar. I have enough hassles just managing my legitimate and illegitimate finances. If I had to deal with more property on top of what I have in the Tir, I wouldn't have time to maintain my cover as a noble playboy/high end male escort.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:29:03/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-10-12/1812:36>
>>>>>[ Madrecita, in case you didn't catch it, I have in my possession certain information you might eventually find useful.  If we come to an agreement, you may be able to get into a position to put it to use -- and find people with whom you can work.  Ouatim says he's willing to work the 'trix for you, though he doesn't go onsite. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:12:55/01-10-2074)


Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-10-12/1827:23>
>>>User:  Money Johnson has connected<<<
>>>>>[Heyyyyyyyyyyyyy, it's the Wyrm.  I drank many of your friends out of the bottle, man...  Young and stupid then.  But you're right, can be touched.  Bad touch.  Ow.  Ice, man, owe you beer, lots of beer, good beer, real beer.  I like beer.  Damn, I want a soykaff, so bad, why can't I get a kaff in the tank?  Hey, why don't I get the nice button that makes the pain go away?  Oh, look, a table.  Nice hard table, good pillow.]<<<<<
>>>User:  Money Johnson has disconnected at source<<<
     -- Money Johnson (19:25:19/01-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-10-12/2031:18>
>>>>>Looking for work again, that Egyptian connection didn't exactly pan out. Anyone got job opportunities for a bookworm hermetic?<<<<<
--Specks (20:29:54/1-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-11-12/0224:19>
>>>>>[ Mmm...and then he asks why I won't go to his house. What will people say when I go to orbital resorts with a nobleman playboy/male escort? Goodness me, the ignomity of having to hire male company...Ice, dear boy, i'm not entirely sure you could handle me. It's been a while. I might just break you.

Wyrm...I heard you. I've been ruminating on whether or not I should hear you out. I suppose it couldn't hurt to hear what you have and what you want in return. Message me and we'll talk.  ]<<<<<
     --Madrecita (02:26:23/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-12/0242:39>
>>>>>[Well, we certainly won't know unless you try, will we, Madre? ;)

That said, I have to start packing for Denver. Meeting young Murphy at Sea-Tac tomorrow to show the kid around Denver while I do some biz. At the very least, he'll get to see a sprawl that's very different from Seattle, and have some stories to tell the family. And if I can pass a bit of knowledge his way, might make things easier for him down the road. Call me a good samaritan.

Or you could just say I'm making an investment in the kid's education, so he might prove a good backup down the road, when I need help with a job.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:45:23/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-11-12/0314:24>
>>>>>[Investing in fellow runners is a good way to make sure they are worth calling on when you need stuff doing. At least, that seems to be the idea here. Helping a kid run away to a Tir, taking the new Murphy on a run.

And never worry about me and driving. I'm quite skilled in multitasking. Overtaking a truck in Seattle weather while going a good 120 or so isn't THAT hard for me on my bike. But yeah, for those of you who aren't professional couriers who can drive Seattle streets in their sleep, either turn on the Guide or turn off the AR. It's only sensible, and you'll keep from pissing off the taxis and couriors by crashing and backing up the whole gorrum highway.

Money: Good to see you're..well, mentally working at a minimum. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to pull into my favorite bar for some drinks. That's another lesson: Don't drink and AR. It never ends well.]<<<<<

    --Card (02:50:00/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-11-12/1217:13>
>>>>>[Packed and ready, Mr. Iceblade.  Found some nice suits that make me look like a big hunk of ablative meat, yet conceals the armor and pistol very nicely.]<<<<<
     -- Murphy (11:16:12/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-11-12/1219:21>
>>>>>[Good to see you posting again Money, I'll drink some blood to your good health.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (17:18:18/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-11-12/1221:00>
>>>>>[Gather favors from fellow runners, sure! Give a tip or two, okay! Investing your own nuyen in what may well turn into your competition, not so great idea!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (12:21:50/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-11-12/1226:39>
>>>>>[OK folks, tracking a bit better now that they got the painkillers and neural stabilizers set up a bit more.  Glad I wrote that program that hides my posts to places like this in various types of line noise.  Thanks for the well-wishes, still feel like a troll sumo wrestling tournament is going on in my skull, however.  Also starting to get some memories back, cyberoptic pics and cyberaudio recordings help.  A little upset that the doctor here removed the chip of my wife's skull from my brain, but apparently there was some irritation starting at last, not a good thing on such a sensitive part of the body.

Aw drek, here comes the local man-in-black that doesn't have a name.  Talk to you folks later.]<<<<<  >>>User:  Money Johnson has disconnected at source<<<
     -- Money Johnson (11:26:55/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-11-12/1230:29>
>>>>>[You could just look at a young up-and-comer just as future competition, but you could also look at him/her as a potential future teammate. Looking at them as the latter, wouldn't it be wiser to help them learn the ropes a bit better so they'll be more useful on the team?]<<<<<
     -- Predator (12:27:59/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-12/1237:45>
>>>>>[Glad to hear it, Murphy. Meet me at the cab stand outside Sea-Tac at 13:30, our flight doesn't leave until 14:20, but you want to allow plenty of time for airport security. I wouldn't drive your own vehicle here. Long term parking at the airport is a good way to not have a vehicle when you get back, or for someone to use it to dispose of some incriminating evidence. You do NOT want to get back to your car after a week out of sprawl and find twenty keys of tempo in the trunk, just as the Knights get a 'hot tip' about a drug smuggler leaving the airport.

And yeah, Card, Predator, that's the idea. You build a network of people you can call on when you need a hand. Some people work solo their whole careers. Nothing wrong with that, but there are some jobs you need help with. So you look for people who compliment your skills. A spellslinger like myself can always use a hacker friend, just like the hacker may not be the best equipped to deal with angry spirits. The street samurai may look for someone to negotiate for them, since 'sword to the head' tends to make for bad negotiating, in most circumstances. You build a network, and you increase your options. Something any smart runner should do. In turn, you're part of their network, and if they need a hand, they can call you, and you get more work.

Money, if they haven't gotten rid of the piece, just ask them to hold on to it if you want it preserved. Could even get it made into an amulet, if you wanted to keep it with you.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:37:09/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-11-12/1309:10>
>>>>>[I know a number of metahuman cab drivers.  They're good for jobs like this, and intel.  Didn't know about the security thing, thanks for telling me.  All my 'ware is licensed to the bodyguard SIN as well.  Just remembered that might also have been an issue.]<<<<<
     -- Murphy (12:08:30/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-11-12/1310:06>
>>>>>[Yeah, always good to have someone around to sling the mojo, and no matter how good someone is in a fight or in the Matrix, it's still good to have some backup just in case drek hits the fan. You ever need a spare gun, give me a call. Can do a bit in the Matrix, but I need improvement there.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (13:07:03/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-12/1430:00>
>>>>>[In the air now. Got Murphy through security, no problem. Nobleman and bodyguard, both checking licensed weapons, and all that. Went smooth, just how I like it. Murphy's on the window seat. I don't think he's noticed that the passenger behind us is a ghoul in disguise, though it is a pretty convincing disguise.

Oh, and Smiley, who said I was paying with MY nuyen? If I was going to take a trip on my own dime, it wouldn't be to Denver. Lots of places I'd rather go for fun.

Predator, I'll keep it in mind, next time I'm on the job.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:30:23/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-11-12/1435:25>
>>>>>[I know, right? Theres this guy in the 162s who is amazing at disguises, whipped it up for me..]<<<<<

--Chrona (19:34:23/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-11-12/1500:20>
>>>>>[ Mmm...why see them as competition? We all have our own skillsets. A mage helping a non-awakened runner isn't going to create competition in the future. I guess Ice and I are just less concerned about that because we have alternative incomes. In the mean time, it's helpful for us to have as many contacts as possible, and keeping them around by helping them survive ensures we'll have a known quantity - emphasis on known - when and if we need it. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't. And like Ice said, we then also form part of their network, meaning we get called on in turn. It's mutually beneficial if you take the long view. And we elves more or less have to, because if we don't, we'll end up having to live in our own drek.

Safe trip, Ice, Murphy. Oh, and Ice...Cuidado con lo que deseas, es posible que sólo lo entiendo.  ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (15:00:09/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-12/1523:15>
>>>>>[Sad but true. Unless the dangerous nature of the Sixth World catches up to us, we'll have plenty of time to live with a rotten rep, if we earn one, so it is in our interests to pay more attention to image than others may have to. It is also one reason why I know plenty of elves who don't like to make ties with non-elves. The fact that, if you get close, you will have to watch not just your friend, but their children's children's children grow old and die before you are even in middle age is a burden that shorter-lived metatypes do not understand.

Still, there are those who surprise you, and show talent and ability more than most. They are worth keeping close, especially if the next generation shows promise as well.

And Madre? Peligro que hace la vida más dulce. La vida sería aburrida sin riesgo.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:22:05/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-11-12/1547:24>
>>>>>[ Mmm...oh, it's good to see the old language spoken. Well done, Ice. Knowsoft? Or can you actually speak it? Vamos a ver si usted todavía piensa más tarde. Paciencia. Se podría dar sus frutos. O puede que no.

Exactly. That's why we play as straight as we can. Money's seen the benefit of the strategy...and suffered its pains. I doubt even we really understand. It's something that we first-gen elves are only starting to encounter now.

Talent and ability...that's why I offered Big Murph Leonization at my own expense. Not only was he good himself, as a person and runner, he had the ability to pass that on, giving us longer-lived types some continuity.  ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (15:47:49/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-12/1558:26>
>>>>>[Linguasoft, yes. Sperethiel is my native tongue, though I also know English and Japanese. Along the way, I've picked up linguasofts for Spanish, Cantonese, French, and Yoruba (I was on a trip to Lagos). Whether you're globetrotting or just entertaining close to home, it helps to speak the language. Those online translation services are too slow for real conversation.

And of course, I wouldn't want to rush you.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:58:02/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-11-12/1614:44>
>>>>>[ I never got around to learning Sperethiel. Of course...it wasn't a language when I was born. I speak several Spanish dialects, as well as Yucatec, Nahuatl and English. I had to learn them the hard way.

Mmm...interesting place, Africa. I've never been there myself, but I've run with one. A Zulu, I believe. His daughter Ingwe is  now also 'running the shadows in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

Mmm...and thank you. These things have their own pace. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (16:14:49/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-12/1650:57>
>>>>>[Well, it helps to know what people are saying when they think you can't understand them. Much as it pains me to say it, I've actually considered picking up an or'zet linguasoft, especially with the ORC making their big push this year. Lot of biz in that.

I'll admit that before the Crash, I wasn't exactly on speaking terms with any non-elves. The only time I ever saw any was when I was slumming in Cara'sir, or travelling. Let me tell you, it was a strange experience that time I accompanied a trade delegation to Neo-Tokyo. This was before the new Emperor's reforms, afterall, so things were, needless to say, uneasy.

Africa is one big, festering hellhole south of the Sahara. Only reason you should ever go there is because you either are getting paid insanely well, or have absolutely no choice. There is a damn good reason why people have been fleeing the continent since before the Awakening. And it is STILL a better place to live than Tenochtitlan.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:50:04/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-12/1711:26>
>>>>>[The whispers came to me this night. He calls from the darkness, but none of the others hear Him. Why call to me and not the others, the ones most faithful?

Faust I am, but who or what I was before, I know not. My thoughts are clouded. Too many screams. Too many memories, that chase all the old ones out. The liquor helps me, settles my mind, keeps the whispering down so I can function.]<<<<<

--Faust (17:11:02/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-11-12/1725:13>
>>>>>[ I know. That's why I learned Nahuatl. It's less useful here, though. But Japanese is such an inelegant language...and it doesn't fit well in my mouth. Sperethiel...perhaps it's because of the age I was born in, but as beautiful as the language is, I don't really see what's so special about it. I've been around longer than it has, so for me, it's about on par with Or'zet.

Mmm...I've heard some good things about the Azanian Confederation, or whatever they call themselves now. Interesting history they have. My old runner buddy laughed at me when I quoted the standard view of Africa to him. All he said was "don't believe everthing you read. Thos who write our stories write without understanding, from a point of view that interprets difference as inferiority. Presumptuous of them to write about us when they can't even get the African map right."

His words, not mine.

 :-* Night, Ice. Nice chatting with you.

Um...and hello Faust. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (17:25:12/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-11-12/1834:44>
>>>>>[Always fun talking to the DocWagon Company Men, "Don't trust those clinics, you could end up with a cortex bomb.  You're safer here, if we were going to do it, we'd have done it already." is what a few hours of discussion sums down to.  Yeah, the "dark" part of DocWagon knows what I do.  Honestly, they consider me a walking advertisement to the shadow community to their services.  And, really, as I'm alive instead of dead after having a building fall on me, I can't fault them for it.

Not just elves that see folks grow old and die, I was starting to see it with Murphy's Uncle these last few years.  Really hit a few points home.  I also know of some, well, really short lived peoples, shall we say...  Well, we all know life ain't fair, neh?

Ah, languages!  Linguisofts help, but I'd suggest chip training in the language, then learning from the locals of wherever you are.  A good ear can piece out a chip speaker anywhere and know you're not local, and don't even bother trying to learn, just rely on technology.  It's an insult in some places.  I grew up in a English and French household, learned German and Japanese as a child.  Chip-learned Sperethiel and then got it from the street, smudge of Korean and Mandarin, enough Vietnamese to swear in, my Grandfather of all people taught me enough Thai to get a drink, laid, or both in.  At least, I hope he did, he's a little strange in the head.  I learned Or'Zet the hard way, but sound like a stereotypical lisping homosexual in it, as does anyone without tusks apparently.

The rest is mostly patois of a variety of languages from here and there.  My French and German were what I used the most in Africa, for example, with a bit of the local dialects creeping in.  Enough to learn that I was pissing off the wrong animals.  Man, I miss those hunts.  Ah well, should visit again someday.  This time, more cartridges for the elephant rifle.

Welcome to the bar, Faust!  Sorry, I'm drifting in my thoughts here.  Enjoy the bar, unlike the liquor in the mundane Underground 93, this stuff won't rot your insides out!  Bleh.

Oh, and Iceblade, watch out for Murphy.  I saw his Uncle train him, and he took your contract, which means he's looking out for you right now.  Guaranteed.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (16:32:10/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-12/1843:28>
>>>>>[Sorry. I am sorry. Things are better sometimes than they are at others. Doc would say it is Post-traumatic, but it is not. I do not remember my past. Not before the SCIRE. Online during the Crash. It did not help my mind.

What I was is no more. Now I am a street samurai.

Money Johnson, Madrecita, I thank you for my welcome.]<<<<<

--Faust (18:38:05/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-11-12/1856:41>
>>>>>[My...er, lets call him Old Man taught me, I think it's Cantonese dialect Chinese. I'm not sure off hand though. I'll have to ask next time we meet up for tea and training.

Which brings me to the topic of alternative jobs: I love my 'delivery boy' job. Wonderful Triad front, pays alright, Get extra coin when a Brother needs something shipped quiet like. Keeps me in my nice pad...even if I have some issues there. Alas, no neighborhood or house is perfect, but I got my dojo and a place to live. Not much else I need.]<<<<<

     --Card (18:56:30/01-11-74
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-11-12/1914:59>
>>>>>[I'd be happy with a waterproof tent and a army surplus cot.  All-Father knows I've had to rough it worse.  Anyhow, I just have a full-body refurbishment and upgrade only six years ago or so, so my age shouldn't be a problem.  But appearances must be maintained.  Not complaining about my apartment, mind you.  Just wish the security there wasn't so intrusive at times.

How did one 'runner put it on Shadowland once?  "A place to keep the rain off, a pistol for security, and a bottle for company"?  Heh, lots of folks have a lot less.  Speaking of, Murphy, you're about to get a harsh lesson that your Uncle and I couldn't prepare you for.  Nerve yourself up and remember your face, you've seen all this before with Mr. Poncy Elf Nobleman.  ...  No, I doubt you're too poncy any longer, are you Iceblade?

That guy that kept kicking me and stabbing me with the rapier, he was poncy!  Leather jacket with lace ruffles out of the sleeves, I kid you not!]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (18:14:57/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-12/1923:35>
>>>>>[Just checked into the hotel. Nice place in the Hub. Don't have any meetings tonight, so I'm taking Murphy to Weekday Eclipse. That pixie group is playing tonight, and it should be a good time.

Don't worry, Money. I'll look after the kid. And his uncle would be proud of him. Didn't even flinch when a free spirit popped in out of nowhere, looking like a wendigo for reasons I don't even care to guess at. The Hub has a very high percentage of Awakened residents, which means things can get... odd. Odd even by magical standards. Kid hasn't freaked out yet, so there's definitely hope for him.

And what the drek you mean by 'poncy'? Just because I look good, and the ladies know it, doesn't make me poncy. ;)]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:23:19/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-11-12/2023:43>
>>>>>[Always meant to learn Sperethiel, but I never found a language teacher for it.
As to DocWagon, yeah, there's only one doc I'd trust more than them. Which is why whenever I renew my contract, I go for Platinum service.]<<<<<

--Predator (19:23:19/01-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-12-12/1133:53>
>>>>>[I can see what you mean by not being able to prepare me for this, Mr. Money.  The extravagance of...  EVERYTHING.  I knew there was a major difference between the Haves and Have-Nots.  But there's no way to prepare a Barrens Brat for something like, well, what Mr. Iceblade is doing right now.

I almost did pop that Wendigo spirit one, however.  Reflexes were set up for defense of you, Mr. Iceblade, but when you didn't react, I settled down.  The overzealous bodyguard is just so much posturing and obvious Alpha dominance.  There are more subtle ways of doing things.  Especially when said bodyguard ends up on the floor and bloody when he tries it on Uncle or me.  Um, tried it on Uncle, I mean.]<<<<<
     -- Murphy (10:33:40/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-12-12/1229:19>
>>>>>[ Mmm...he's going to be just fine, isn't he? Be sure to learn all you can from Ice about fitting into that world, Murphy. I can't think of anyone better than a Tir noble to teach you that. You'd be amazed about how easily doors can open for you if you know the right image to present.

Poncy. Mmm. Engish is a funny language.

Nice attitude you have there, Card.  ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (12:29:12/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-12-12/1231:04>
>>>>>[I had a chat with that Free Spirit while you were out, Ice, Murphy. Similar tastes it seems. He, as it prefers to be referred to, laments his lack of ability to truly taste Metahuman flesh. I consoled him with my experience that it isn't great..]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (17:29:40/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-12-12/1406:21>
>>>>>[It's an easy one to have when you gotta live on a budget, Madre. I'm just happy I'm not like the stereotypical 'runner, living in a box a majority of days.

Also, I suggest avoiding North Seattle. Some idiot decided to drop a building into the roads. Traffic is going to be backed up almost to the City Center.

chrona: Check your time. I know it's not after 5 here in Seattle. Unless you're posting from...er...the East Coast I guess.]<<<<<

     --Card (14:05:30/1-12-74
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-12-12/1520:03>
>>>>>[Poncy as in "Effeminate".  If this guy had a bigger chest, some make-up, and some actual fighting ability, I might have mistaken him for my wife.

Yeah, I felt the earth shake and it felt like a building (You have one land on you, you learn how it feels!).  I wish I wasn't in a tank so that I could get up and look.  The Matrix Feeds are getting horrible shots.  I swear, ever since the Wireless Matrix came about, news agencies don't care about proper camera shots any longer, they'll just hack and use whatever cameras are in the area instead of sending a drone of their own.

As for Metahuman flesh, can't say I've ever tasted it.  Never wanted to.  Just like Dolphin.  Mercury levels are through the roof.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (14:19:35/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-12-12/1544:35>
>>>>>[ I used to live in far worse than a box before coming to Seattle. The house I have now seems positively luxurious in comparison, although not nearly as plush as what I had before taking up running. Oddly enough, I don't really miss it. It was a life I can barely relate to anymore.

Mmm. Thank you, Money. I'll have to go read a dictionary, it seems. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (15:44:12/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-12-12/1854:24>
>>>>>[Just got in after the day's meetings. Checked in with the Tir embassy here in the morning, got the lay of the land. Later, we 'just happened' to run into Johann Castle (the CAS rep on the Council) at his favorite club. Played the extravagant nobleman around him, and he ate it up. Didn't get any real information, but that wasn't what this trip was about. You have to develop contacts over time. No we talked business, literally. Told him I was looking to invest in the CAS sector, but was looking for a 'local partner'. Again, he ate it up.

After lunch, we had an appointment with Istas Catori, the PCC rep. Nice lady, all told. PCC and Tir Tairngir have a lot to talk about, natch, so the 'unofficial representative' line is a nice way to get the ball rolling. And there's a lesson for you, Murphy. The majority of the work of politics is done through unofficial channels, not the circus you see on the news channels. Tap into the unofficial channels and you get a feel for where things are going.

Murphy's handling himself well, and hasn't let himself go slack-jawed, staring about as most Barrens kids do when they first get a taste of the high life. He didn't even show any discomfort when we attended services at the local chapter of the Church of the Dragon (Or is it the church of the dragon reborn? So hard to keep track of cults these days.), to talk to Lucinda Gray Arrow. Only place her Wildcat bodyguards give people a bit of breathing room to talk with her, so I played the recent convert during the service, and we talked afterwards.

Chrona, if what you say is true, I wonder if that spirit was a Spirit of Man originally summoned by a Wendigo, and later gone free. Did you ask him about his history at all? Could be an interesting story there.

Madre, its a good thing you can barely relate to that life now. Does nobody any good to walk back down bloody paths when you've left them.

Anyways, back at the hotel now, getting ready for dinner. Going to Altitude, see if we can't 'just happen' to run into the Dragon's Voice while we're there.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:54:02/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-12-12/1926:30>
>>>>>[Johnny!  Haven't seen that drekhead in years!  "Eating it up" might be an understatement, he's a lot sharper than he gives anyone appearances to.  Unless you're Aura-Reading him, expect three different plans going through his head at once.  That said, he's one of those rich guys who want to have class rub off on him, and hobnobs with a chummer of mine that is a British Nobleman in self-imposed exile of sorts (long story, not mine to tell.).

Yeah, Murphy's Uncle and I taught him a bit of Japanese culture about wearing a face and all that.  He'll go ga-ga when he gets back in private.  Just don't expect him to stay that way if things go down, his entire attention will be on putting things down as hard and fast as possible, as well as looking for additional threats in case that's a decoy.  His Uncle, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather were the same way.  I just hope your stick can afford expensive breakables if he has to go all-out, he doesn't care about collateral damage that isn't biological.

Maybe it's everyone talking about home, or me being stuck in this tank, but I'm getting homesick now.  Damnit.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (18:26:40/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-12-12/1928:45>
>>>>>[If the pot was worth 27,500¥, then what the hell was it doing in the middle of the room, and not even behind glass?  Just one pot.  Heavy, though, and it knocked out that troll goon pretty well, cyberskull or no.  Nice flower arrangement in it before it got smashed, too.]<<<<<
     -- Murphy (18:28:00/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-12-12/2102:54>
>>>>>[Trust me, Money, any follower of Shark knows all too well about putting things down as hard and fast as possible. I didn't leave my blade behind when I left Seattle. And you've seen what happens when I allow one of my spirits to take control.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:02:02/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-12-12/2349:45>
>>>>> [When I lose almost all sensibilities, I hire one of  the Murphys to keep me in control.  Considering the rumors of what I did due to just a concussion, that might tell you something.  I remember Uncle Murphy bouncing me off a few walls when I was really bad after the wife died.  That was just to get my attention.  The walls did not do so well after he and I were done with them.  Young Murphy there is just hitting the start of his stride.

Hope he doesn't mind me saying that I have good things hoping for him.  He might worry about living up to his lineage right now, but I have few doubts that he'll surpass them before I even get out of this damned tank.  Speak of, when do I get my damned jello?  ...  Oh, when I get out.  I get out when I leave the hospital.  The one damned good part of the hospital and I get denied it.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (22:49:52/01-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-13-12/0144:29>
>>>>> [ I wasn't going to turn back onto those dark paths I used to walk, you know. I've long since realised that ultimately, the corps can't be touched and made to hurt. All I was really doing was doing to others what had been done to me, and that wasn't fair of me. It wasn't their fault. I can't relate to either of my past lives...the compassionate doctor who had no idea the shadows even existed, or the crazed woman who'd seen why too much of the shadows. I can't return to either live...and I have no desire to either. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (01:46/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/0430:19>
>>>>> [Card: I run my 'link on GMT.
Iceblade: Good guess I'd say, I'll ask him if I run into him again, right now I've got to find some food. ]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (09:30:09/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-13-12/0508:07>
>>>>>[Ah. Weird timezone to be running it on, unless you live over in that area. Solid either way.]<<<<<

--Card (04:07:40/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/0649:02>
>>>>>[Not really, Card. When you do business globally, you tend to spend most of your life thinking in a couple time zones. London, New York, Denver, Seattle, and NeoTokyo are some of the most common ones for people with international biz. Of course, you still want to adjust to local time if you're going to be in a sprawl for any length of time. You might be on Seattle time, but if you're in NeoTokyo, any contacts you want to see, and any legitimate business you want to do (like finding someplace to eat) will be on local time.

Chrona, hope you at least make the kill clean, or buy from the Meat Market in the Warrens. I've seen a man being ripped to pieces by a pack of feral ghouls. It is not something I'd wish on even the vast majority of my enemies. Shark does not play with his food.

Madre, I am glad to hear that. Shedding blood out of anger and rage does not ease the pain. When you set out for revenge, never assume that it will bring you peace. All you can hope for is that, if you do it right, it will make others think twice before they move against you, or yours. The Wolf does not hunt when he is sated and unthreatened. He doesn't seek out trouble, yes? Wolf and Shark are not so different in that way. Both are hunters, killers. If you ever need someone to talk to, you know how to reach me.

Now Murphy, are you up yet? Or are you still 'entertaining' that lady naga that I saw slither into your room after we got back from the club?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:48:02/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/0703:20>
>>>>>[I'm gonna use the Warrens unless someone pisses me off. So Shark Shaman, huh? Hermetic myself.]<<<<<

--  Chrona (12:03:40/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/0725:15>
>>>>>[Not a shaman. I follow a lesser known tradition, which some have called the Swordmage. Not everyone who practices it follows a totem, a mentor spirit, but most do, and they tend towards mentors who focus on an aspect of being a warrior. Followers of Dragonslayer, Shark and Wolf are natural combatants, but those who listen to Bear, Dog, and Oak make able shieldbearers or protectors. Other mentors make able strategists, and one should not assume that a healer cannot be a warrior as well. My teacher followed Gryphon.

It draws some similarities to certain martial arts styles before the Awakening. Mastery of body and mind, the blade as an extension of one's arm, a spell your killing intent made manifest. And the spirits of ancient warriors come to guide your hand when you call them, lending you their strength.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:25:34/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/0953:24>
>>>>>[Huh, sounds pretty good, I still just see it as another science. No Mentor/Totem has ever appealed (Or in some cases I've heard, contacted) me. Heh my weapons are a part of my body as I fight with my claws. I'm somewhat interested in martial arts and fight training after fighting a Boxer for a good half hour a bit ago, he was very focused and determined but at the same time wasn't ready for me to leap at him like a feral would when I decided to end the spar. It comes from all the Unarmed combat I know coming from the streets and running, never been taught, just had experiance due to taking down my own prey.]<<<<<

--Chrona (14:25:34/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/1033:20>
>>>>>[It is not for everyone, just as the Hermetic or Shamanic traditions are not for everyone. I was instructed from a young age in both magic and the blade, so I can say, without boasting, that I am fairly adept at both, though I am nowhere near as powerful a spellslinger as some.

Like your tradition, a mentor spirit, if one calls to you, is an extension of who you are. And if a magician who listens to a mentor spirit falls down dark paths, their mentor may become twisted as well. Instead of Shark, the dispassionate ender of suffering, you have Shark, the frenzied destroyer. The spirits who answer when you call for them are likewise twisted. It is a terrible thing to see someone of your own mentor who has fallen like that, not the least because you know only too well that you could end up exactly like that, too.

I've been in that position once, in a 'jaunt' to Yomi Island, in '60. Details are still classified, but suffice to say it was an extraction that started bad, and got worse. Target had turned into a Banshee, and she had ten or twenty friends with her. Mission turned from 'extraction' to 'execution'. We lost one man in the fighting, and I killed the second on the ship, when the doctor told us he was infected. Fortunately, only one of the banshees was magically active. We would have stayed behind to do a proper cleanup, but the fighting had attracted other residents. We took the target's body and our casualties, and got out. That is another little slice of hell I hope never to visit again.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:32:24/01-13-2012)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/1042:30>
>>>>>[See that'd be tough for me, in fact theres some factors I need to know before I can agree with your sentiment and decisions. Did they attack first? Were they feral? Finally, was it your companions wish to not risk the change?]<<<<<

--Chrona (15:39:24/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/1104:11>
>>>>>[Orders. There were very clear orders that no one Infected would be breathing by the time we reached Malek'thas. The exact words were 'terminate with extreme prejudice'. Things may have changed since I last checked, but at the time there was a 'shoot on sight' policy regarding the Infected. Also, aiding or abetting the Infected (including such things as 'not shooting them in the face') was a crime punishable by death. And yes, those laws were rigidly enforced, for some of the same reasons that the Universal Brotherhood was never allowed to set up shop.

If it means anything, we did not make them suffer. Shark does not play with its prey before going for the kill. But our orders were quite clear. There were no survivors, and we left no trace behind.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:03:04/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/1108:40>
>>>>>[That's all right, if It's orders I can understand and won't hold it against you personally, maybe your employers and those making the rules. I'm of course not "Legally Metahuman" in most sprawls/Countries.]<<<<<

--  Chrona (16:08:04/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/1110:50>
>>>>>[There were Infected in the SCIRE. Dzoo-noo-qua. Allowed to roam the mall, hunting for prey that tried to flee. Sometimes, they would chase the prey to those waiting to return them to what they had been fleeing before they met the Infected.

Sometimes, the Lord sent his machines to destroy them, instead.]<<<<<

--Faust (11:10:02/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/1114:46>
>>>>>[Well we aren't all bad, we just need to eat. I don't know much about the SCIRE.]<<<<<

--  Chrona (16:14:04/01-13-74)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-13-12/1122:52>
>>>>>[ Just like a lion isn't all bad. It just needs to eat. Which is fine...as long as the lion doesn't try to eat me. If it does, it will be killed, no questions asked. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (11:22:44/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/1129:01>
>>>>>[ Well, of course, we're not beasts though, we're people like you. ]<<<<<
      --  Chrona (16:28:44/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-13-12/1143:09>
>>>>>[ I never said you were not people, and as long as you don't try to eat me, you'll be treated as such. But like I said...when it comes to threats against my person, I don't draw distinctions between beasts and people. I don't think anyone would. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (11:43:12/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/1154:14>
>>>>>[ Yeah I can get that, It's not like I haven't killed Ferals. I am working on a wayto help them, partly anyway. ]<<<<<
      --  Chrona (16:52:49/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-13-12/1158:41>
>>>>>[ Oh really? I must admit...that appeals to the healer in me. Have you got any further details? ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (11:58:12/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/1207:49>
>>>>>[ It'd take a lot of convincing, trust and favours-without-being-asked to be in on it, it's not for those who can't understand loss being needed for progress. It's also very out there in magical terms. No, not blood, I hate blood mages... Modern ones anyway.
All I will say is it's worked once on a different HMHVV strain. Not that it'd be legally count-.. Hey why- stop- my trodes... get off Si--
Bzzzt- Disconnect at source.]<<<<<
      --  Chrona (17:07:12/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/1211:56>
>>>>>[What happened to the ghoul? Did he go out for tea?

And yes, they were there in the SCIRE. I saw them, not with my eyes, I don't remember what my eyes looked like. But my new eyes saw them. They took pictures, too. Pictures of many, many things. Most of them were not nice, but they had to be done. They had to be done.

What? The whispering is back again. Don't you hear the whispers?]<<<<<

--Faust (12:11:03/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-13-12/1215:46>
>>>>>[ Count me out then. I leaned the hard way not to put that much faith in anyone. No matter how much you might like or trust someone...that's no guaruntee they're not playing you. I lost my whole family trusting someone without question. It's not a mistake I'll ever make again. How can I be sure the loss you speak of won't be extracted from people I have a vested interest in? ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (12:15:12/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/1222:20>
>>>>>[ >.....out of Hacker's ran--....just about.....zzzt Hope you can ....me...
First time out of Se-zzt-le in a year. Someone's hired a runner t- -.... trying to lose them in the warrens.]<<<<<
      --  Chrona (- -:96:1?/01-13-@4)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-13-12/1245:31>
>>>>>[My...  Everything hurts.  Wow, what a night.  Um, sorry Mr. Iceblade, I kind of slept in.  And had to erase that message on the mirror, it was kind of, um...  Er...  I'll have a shower and get dressed now.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (12:45:32/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/1247:53>
>>>>>[ Urge to drag Iceblade and Murphy into this rising.... I'VE KILLED THREE OF YOU, JUST GIVE UP.]<<<<<
      --  Chrona (17:47:19/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-13-12/1256:34>
>>>>>[In the tank, but not out of contacts! Chrona, I know an Evac Expert that's also in the area and looking for a gig.  Mail me your location and I can get him to you.  You'll have to handle the payment, but he likes excitement, so it won't be as bad as you'd think.  Hope you don't have a weak stomach.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (11:56:22/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-13-12/1301:15>
>>>>>[ Hehe. Sounds like you had fun, Murphy.  ;)

And Ice...yes. Wolf certainly doesn't. To this day, I don't know what made Wolf pick me. I was a Chaos mage before he came to me, and we fought titanic battles before I accepted him. You can imagine how hard it was for me to accept that I was a Nahualli, considering what I did for a living back then. I'm not even from Aztlan. But thank you for the offer. You know I'll take you up on that.

Chrona...well...good luck I suppose...  ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (13:01:23/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/1302:17>
>>>>>[If someone's hunting ghouls, losing them in the Aurora Warrens may be more difficult than one may think. Head for the Meat Market. At the very least, there will be other ghouls there who may help if one of their 'own' is being hunted.

There are times when I have collected on bounties on the Infected, either when they get between me and finishing a run, or when it has been a slow month, and I need a little extra for rent, or other expenses. A wendigo still fetches more than my rent for a month. Of course, taking down a wendigo is incredibly difficult. I wouldn't recommend trying to do it solo unless you know what you're doing. They don't like ferrous metals, which means people using steel blades, or even a piece of iron pipe may have an edge. Try to hit them during the day, as well. And Stick-n-Shock ammo does a good job of laying them out, allowing you to make a clean kill by decapitation. Just because you're killing someone for rent doesn't mean you have to make them suffer.

Fortunately, business has been good, so I'm not looking to take stupid chances to keep myself in my comfortable apartment.

Ah, and so Murphy rejoins the land of the living! That's what you get for wrestling with a giant snake all night, boyo. Don't worry, I saw her on the way out, and made sure to give her your contact info. Take some painkillers, and a shot of whiskey if you're sore. Believe me, I know that feeling. Maybe not with a naga, but still. I think my record for 'strange encounters' would be either the technomancer who was into S&M, and insisted on having a master/slave AR overlay going the whole time, or the time I was with three Nadja Daviar clones. THAT was a wild night!

Madre, I look forward to it.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:02:02/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-13-12/1328:29>
>>>>>[ Mmm...the things I learn today... :P  ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (13:28:23/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-13-12/1333:37>
>>>>>["Learn", riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.  >Play "Chuckle.AniEmote"<]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (12:33:41/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/1339:18>
>>>>>[Now, now, Madre. That isn't nearly as crazy as some of the trids they're putting out there. Apparently, someone in the Choson Rings convinced a naga to do some 'special' trids. One of the people I saw professionally managed to get their hands on a non-BTL version, and wanted to watch it with me. Why some people enjoy experiencing an elf girl getting screwed and then swallowed, alive and whole, by a snake is beyond me. A shot from outside the naga showed her moving around inside. Creepy shit. Almost as creepy as the fact that she paid me to contact the Choson Ring and arrange for her 'extraction' after seeing that trid.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:38:43/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-13-12/1344:59>
>>>>>[Gorrum people. I go to bed, get some breakfast, and the convo explodes.

On the topic of Totems: I don't BELIEVE myself to be a shamanistic, but certain ones appeal to me. Coyote, Wolf, Tiger. Hadn't thought about it in a while.

Murphy: Sounds like a rip, roaring good time. I'm intrigued on what the message was now.

Here's hoping Chrona's okay, and that Money helped get him/her out.

And on a final note: Some wageslave came up to me needing to send something legit and tried to offer Corp Script for it. I mean, really? I know he looked spaced, but did he REALLY think our location was on his corp's land?

Anyways, lunch.]<<<<<

-Card (12:44:40/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-13-12/1346:19>
>>>>>[Almost there, Mr. Iceblade.  ...  Um, should I be glad to be alive right now?  Well, then again, I think I'd be more than a mouthful for her...]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (12:45:52/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-13-12/1349:08>
>>>>>[Euuurgh. Money's guy got me out. Murphey, Iceblade, check no one's watching you, incase they think we came together, I killed a Hacker, a mage and some Ork but theres minimum 3 left, only one I got a look at was a chromed Elf. Heading back to the Hotel now.

RE Naga: Nice one Murph.

RE Him/Her: Him]<<<<<

--Chrona (18:44:43/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/1356:21>
>>>>>[Card, usually corp scrip is a pain, yes, but if you play it right, you can usually get more of it, and get a good bit more for it. Though just how useful depends on what your specialty is. If you're a mage, MCT, Wuxing, or Azzie corp scrip can mean an easier time of it picking up magical goods. If you're into 'ware, Renraku or Evo corp scrip is not a bad choice. And if you can't find something at Weapons World to buy with Ares corp scrip, you are in the wrong business.

Take your time, Murphy. I'm in the hotel lounge, with a very talkative free spirit that looks like a talking pink pony.

Chrona, that's why I'm in the lounge. Easier to see who comes in that way. Also, we're about a block from Ghostwalker's Liason Office. I'd say that ZDF response to the area is under three minutes. There are benefits to sticking to the more civilized parts of the city.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:56:04/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-13-12/1358:58>
>>>>>[Card, if you don't want CorpScrip there's an exchange set up in a variety of places.  Hit up ShadowSEA if it's' digital, and hit it up anyhow if it's physical, they have the locations for exchanges.  I like paying in it on occasion myself to keep people wondering if I'm working for a Corp or not.  ...  That and I keep getting stuck with stacks of it for some reason.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (12:58:00/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-13-12/1519:54>
>>>>>[ I don't generally like being paid in corp scrip. Sadly, quite a few of my usual clientelle pays in it. It's an absolute nightmare sometimes for shadowmerchants like me, because we probably see more varieties of currency than almost anyone else. So it helps to keep up with the money markets for the best times to cash in on the scrips we receive, and when not to accept currency from a certain mega. We probably know as much about the market than brokers do. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (15:19:23/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-13-12/1545:06>
>>>>>[Good points on the script. I just prefer to have something that my local Stuffer Shack will automatically take instead of me having to go to someone else, hope the exchange rate isn't horrible, and then go get my large soda. Maybe I'll take the next job that offers some, as a back up. So long as it isn't like in that one classic 'cyberpunk' story, where normal cash requires like, trillions to buy anything..but thats because they aren't worth the paper they are on.

And you'd be surprised Ice. I don't actually use weapons in my line of work. Never really liked them. Helps that usually when some fool of a ganger tries to mug me, he doesn't automatically go for his gun when he sees I'm not packing. Makes it easier to hit them a couple times in the face. Being able to hit like a taser doesn't hurt either.

Chrona: Good to hear you're..well...safer then you were. Sorry if I offended with the him/her. Your name doesn't exactly lend to either one.

Murphy: I'm tempted to ask what ti's like to make love to a Naga. Can't be that weird.]<<<<<

   --Card (15:44:40/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-13-12/1724:44>
>>>>>[Alright, now it's official. I have snapped someone's neck on every continent! Damn, I hate Antarctica!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (17:24:34/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-13-12/1747:50>
>>>>>[Keep an eye on the exchange rate.  With corp scrip it's usually pretty close to 1:1 for nuyen, as that's the "Currency" they use, even if they call it something else.  There is some fluctuation due to a variety of things, especially on the shadow market.  Successful/unsuccessful runs, new products, stock performance, how they're doing in Urban Brawl/Desert Wars, and so on.  If you can afford to a good stock of them, you can sometimes get 25% more in Nuyen even after the exchange fee.

Smiley, hope you brought your thermal undies!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (16:47:42/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/2134:06>
>>>>>[Card, they do sell grenades there. Whether flash-bangs or something more high powered. Plus, when dealing with certain groups, trading in weapons (especially 'clean' weapons) makes for business opportunities you wouldn't have otherwise. Also, while some people might not draw on you if you're seemingly unarmed, there are those who will start with guns drawn, seeing you as an easy mark. And you go through an area like Redmond or even parts of Puyallup without carrying something bigger than a holdout, and people will assume that you're magic, and shoot first before looting your corpse. Even for mages and adepts, having a gun actually helps prevent conflicts. People are more likely to lower their guard when they see you carrying a weapon, but not going for it.

Smiley, who the hell was so important someone paid you to go to Antarctica to kill them?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:33:05/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-13-12/2152:55>
>>>>>[Eh. I figure, make myself a small target. Thus the reason my chameleon coat on my bike is usually set to "Look junky" when going through those areas. That, and go as fast as I can. Moving target, etc etc. Don't take alleys, I drop a bribe or two here and there. Helps keep the major gangs off my rear, and usually if i'm in that sort of territory, I don't have to worry about much else. I guess weapons just don't resonate with me well. Don't like the feel, the weight. I'm not disgusted with them, I just feel like I'd be more likely to just start shooting for absolutely no reason. Eh. Maybe I'll invest in some kind of stun baton one of these days or something. I can live with that at least.

Ugh. I'm not drunk enough for personal philosophy.]<<<<<

     -- Card (21:52:20/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-13-12/2222:53>
>>>>>[There's some Stun Batons with Taser Darts built into them on the market, gives you range as well as defense, and prevents people from thinking you're unarmed, and make even a troll think twice about dealing with you.  Legal in the nicer parts of town too with a license, which I have with all my SINs, but never have been hassled for, still good to have.  Look me up when I get back to town, I can hook you up with some guys that deal in weapons of all sorts, even exotic stuff.

Um, Mr. Iceblade, is that really what it looks like?  I mean, something that expensive just can't be out in the open!  Oh, frag, didn't mean to post that!]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (21:21:21/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-13-12/2258:55>
>>>>>[Sorry Iceblade, but I don't kiss and tell.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:58:13/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-12/2303:27>
>>>>>[Ah, Murphy. Never, ever let a free spirit hear you say something like that. They can be a temperamental bunch. Just pray you never find yourself face to face with the Wild Hunt.

Smiley, at least tell us what corp he's with.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:03:05/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-13-12/2314:40>
>>>>>[Come on folks, professional courtesy.  If he doesn't want to say, don't push.  Might be part of his contract to not say anything.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (22:14:12/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-14-12/0000:41>
>>>>>[ Is always part of contract. ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (00:00:00/01-15-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-14-12/0012:15>
>>>>>[It should always be considered part of the contract, I admit, but there are sometimes you want people to know who, how, and most importantly, WHY!  I drek you guys not, I had a contract once that called for it to be OK to explain that this guy was being geeked for his PARKING SPACE.  Suits can get very, very petty sometimes.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (23:12:50/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-14-12/0032:50>
>>>>>[I'm at a point in my career where I can say to whoever contact me for a job: "If you want me to take the contract, that is my price. I also want to know who the real client is and meet him in person."... And they nearly always accept. My rep speaks for itself, my record is nearly flawless and that rewards me with privileges most runners will never have... And it's going to stay that way. I may be a real clown incapable of being serious more than five minutes (it ain't five minutes yet!), but I'm a professional.

If my clients wants people to know they were the ones who hired me, that's their business. Me, like I said, I don't kiss and tell.

On a side-note, I'm currently celebrating my return to Seattle at the Powerline! First round on me for all the dirty minds who cares to join me!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:32:47/01-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-14-12/0043:45>
>>>>>[Damned vat.  It's not even one of the nice "tube" vats where you can move around and flip off the doctor or anything, it's one of the coffin vats!  I'm going insane in here, people!  I'm following P2.0!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (23:43:42/01-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-14-12/1022:13>
>>>>>[So we went into the Sioux sector to take a couple meetings. Not exactly the place a Tir Elf would normally go, but biz is biz. Tried to get in to see Soaring Owl, but couldn't swing it. That'd also be about the time things got touchy, so we had to leave with a quickness. I've fought Wildcats before, and I'd rather not do it on their turf.

Spent the afternoon traveling through sewers in the former Aztlan sector, looking for Azzie sympathizers, to try and sell them to the ZDF. Good way to curry favor with the main player in this town, or so I hear. There were definitely Azzies down there (saw a ritual site that had only been abandoned for a few days), but only living things we found were some ghouls, and a few loup-garou with bad tempers.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:21:04/01-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-14-12/1646:40>
>>>>>[The Voice calls.

Is it some fragment of the Lord, that escaped the Worm, calling to his old followers?

Is it something else?

Am I just going mad?

It comes from the Matrix, but I don't know how to trace it. Others cannot hear the Voice, whispering to them in the background glow of data.

They worry about me, I know. But those who know me, from there, know why I cannot ignore the call. I wish it would get clearer. I wish it would go away.]<<<<<

--Faust (16:46:24/01-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-14-12/1656:08>
>>>>>[Wish I could get cleaner, too, Faust.  Here, next round's on me.  Can't do anything else while I'm in this damned box.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (15:55:22/01-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-14-12/1927:07>
>>>>>[Cleaner? Never clean. Never again.

Black rings on pale flesh.
Five now, that refuse to fade.
Why am I alive?
]<<<<<

--Faust (19:26:02/01-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-14-12/1942:01>
>>>>>[Before anyone gets up on me about shooting Infected, they were ferals.  I asked them to say something before I shot them.  And Stick and Shock only drops them, doesn't kill them unless I shoot them a lot.  Um, Mr. Iceblade, after the sewers, can I leave early, I need to shower before, ahem, er...]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (18:41:22/01-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-14-12/2001:15>
>>>>>[Yeah, go get ready for that naga lady. I'm not going out of the Hub tonight, anyways. Got a virtual meeting with a potential contact at the Nexus that should start up once they receive the 'gift' I was paid to send them. Then I'm going to get cleaned up before heading down to Wonderland to meet Alyss. Sometimes, I love my job.

Oh, and if anyone cares, it seems as though a shipment of bleeding edge computers from Telestrian managed to disappear as it was passing through Denver. Funny, that.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:01:05/01-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-14-12/2242:36>
>>>>>[You know, I'm almost sad that I missed out on going on this trip...but ghouls, feral or sane, are a good ways outside of what I wanna deal with on the wrong end of a problem. I'll work with one, but I'm not gonna piss any off. Too many chances to become one, and last I checked, they aren't all too welcome in the Triad.

Speaking of weird stuff, anyone know of somewhere I can grab shows and such from like, the 1980s and 90s, through about to 2020? A friend of mine showed me some stuff, and I'm just hooked.]<<<<<

     -- Card (20:41:42/01-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-14-12/2308:56>
>>>>>[Grandpa has a bunch of that stuff from the early days of filesharing, stuff that died in both Matrix Crashes.  I'll send him your contact info, Card.  Just don't expect it to be free unless you impress him or he likes you for whatever reason.  He's a little touched in the head.

And consider the source of that statement!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (22:08:28/01-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-15-12/0310:47>
>>>>>[ Mmm...Faust...you worry me. Are you saying that you're hearing echoes of Deus in the Matrix? And may I ask...do you have anyone monitoring your vitals when you travel into the matrix?

Anyone else here think our friend Faust might be a technomancer? ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (03:10:28/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/0319:17>
>>>>>[Possible.  "Hearing" things where ever there's a wireless matrix signal (or in the Matrix via VR) is a sign of AIPS, which some attribute to Technomancers.  If you got some tests to find out, Madrecita, keep the results on the downlow.  There's still folks that will turn them in for bounty money and unscrupulous Corps that are more than willing to open up their living brains to see how they tick.

I've hired Otaku back in the day, and I have no issues with Technomancers either.  Hell, folks are just folks.  Some good, some bad, all have secrets.  At least Faust is drinking the BTL-Lite Drinks here rather than destroying his body with rotgut.  Hopefully.  Yeah yeah, I know, a Johnson with Morals, who'd have thunk it.  There's a reason I'm in this damned vat right now, aside from too many blows to the head.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (03:19:50/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-15-12/0322:32>
>>>>>[ Pay closer attention to everything he is saying.  Check the logs. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (03:23:02/01-15-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-15-12/0343:12>
>>>>>[ Frankly Wyrm, I didn't understand much of what he was saying. I'm a mage, not a computer wizard. If Faust is willing to let me examine him, I might be able to find out. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (03:43:12/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/0351:07>
>>>>>[Well, can't sleep, and not like I can do anything in the tank, so did as you suggested Wyrm.  Obviously a SCIRE survivor of the lockdown, possibly one of the trusted ones Dues had going.  Freaky buggers (No offense Faust), and possibly part of the back-up Dues had going.  Or the other rumored AI.  My memory is kind of fuzzy about that time, busy as hell working on getting teams in, and out, of the damned place just trying to get survivors who hopefully weren't infected with those new nanites.  Luckily a chummer of mine developed something like a low-yield EMP designed specifically to run through a nervous system.  Cuts the lifetime of any installed cybernetics in half, and hurt like hell, but killed nanites but good, better than a Raid Bug Bomb in Chicago.  Damned Army caught us using it and took the prototype and design specs, and told us we were lucky we weren't being run in for criminal acts in a military secured zone and blah-blah-blah.  A few grunts winked at us as they took the kids away, they knew we were fighting the same fight they were, just without the brass up their ass.

Grandpa still complains about missing the Arcology Shutdown.

I have records and files from that time that I could delve into for more details, but it's on my secure server in...  Well, never mind where it is.  But I'm not accessing it while I'm being semi-monitored.  I think I'll let someone that ISN'T on neural stabilizers try to remember what happened.

Oh, good news, hacked my medical records (Can't even read the damned clipboard at the based of my "Bed"!), and I get exercise tomorrow!  YAY!  Ten minutes out of the tank!  ...  Damn, while in restraints.  Apparently that nurse took the blow to the crotch personally.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (03:49:10/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cabo_setek on <01-15-12/0408:54>
>>>>>[Well, if this Faust guy is a mancer, you think he might be one of those mancers that are . . . what do ya call 'em . . . Ya know, one of those guys that prefer the chaos instead of order?  At least that's what his recent posts tell me.  But what the hell do I know.  I've only ever met one technomancer, and that didn't last long in itself.]<<<<<
            -- Silver Bee (04:08:09/1-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/0417:06>
>>>>>[Actions, not words, Silver Bee.  I knew this one fellow back in...  '56, I think it was.  I swear he was a mad dog killer of a slot who would have gotten the whole team killed and heat down on everything fast.  But it was a crew, everyone or no one, and they had good rep.  Hired them out, and they all acted professionally.  In, out, no alarms, no gunshots, not even a tranqed guard, nothing.  They were never there aside from leaving with the paydata.

Turns out he just hates suits, which was how I was appearing at the time.  I suggested they leave him at home when dealing with Johnsons from then on, and hired 'em a few more times until they moved to...  Can't remember.  They got The Get Out Of The Game job and retired, the ones that survived at least.  Should look them up again, see if any are still around.

Anyhow, in this day and age, we also have AIPS survivors that still work the Biz.  They're not the most "Stable" of people, but a lot are still damned good at what they do.  Even if you have to explain the plan a dozen times to them.  Judge a person by what they do, now how they sound or what they are.  Remember, magicians used to steal souls and trolls used to eat babies, neh?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (04:16:28/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cabo_setek on <01-15-12/0424:36>
>>>>[Sorry about that.  I had no idea.  I'm pretty new to this.  Running, I mean.  Jeez, I only made it to Seattle a few years ago.  Haven't even killed anyone yet.  Though to be honest, I don't plan to, if I can help it.  Sides, not even sure if I could do it.  Lived most of my life as a wage-slave.]<<<<
         -- Silver Bee (04:20:41/1-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-15-12/0439:30>
>>>>>[Hey, I'm not against paying for some downloads. From what I've seen, some of these series are better then half the trids on today. Guys transforming into a costumed heroes and kicking people like the recoil from an old school panther cannon with out any compensation.

Hell, these kinds of shows probably explain some early action I learned about, when Adepts were first showing up. Hell, who knows. Some of the actors in these shows may be early Adepts. Oh gods, I'm gonna end up doing research now.

Anyways, How about I treat you to a couple of rounds up here in Everett at my local hang with a buddy of mine in payment for connecting me with your Grandfather, Money. No business, no shooting (hopefully), just a relaxing night with some beers, a couple of regular guys, and some Rally Cross on the Trid behind the bar?]<<<<<

     -- Card (02:38:40/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-15-12/0921:42>
>>>>>[Otaku. You speak of the Whites. The Whites were favored of the Lord. I was not White. Too old when the Lord took over. Too old.

I was... Samurai, I think. I do not remember. Bits and pieces, all blurry. My first memory is waking up in the chemical baths, adjusting to new eyes. Eyes of blue, to see for the Lord. Things go dark, as the Lord granted me more cyberware to serve him with. I do not know my name, so I am Faust.

There are times when thinking is easier. Like now. Other times, the whispers get too loud, and I cannot make them stop. Drink helps. Lots of drink.

I was Red Samurai. I was a Blue. Then the Lord left the SCIRE, and I had nothing. No purpose. All I knew was service to the Lord. I escaped the invaders to the Lord's domain, and came out into the city. Others of the servants of the Lord I knew from the SCIRE found me, and we banded together, like the bands on our arms. My Redeemer, the Jezzibel turned Angel, and the Doc. Two Blue, one White, one Green. We found eachother and hid. But Jezzibel, now DarkAngel, she heard from the one who had been the Lord's most favored of the Whites, heard of the IPO. I was no decker, but I was drawn there, to see the great tree fighting all who came upon him. And then the worm. And then nothing.

No one else hears the Whispers, but I know they're there. They call me.

No! They call again! I cannot concentrate with their whispering in my mind! I must go!]<<<<<

--Faust (09:21:05/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-15-12/1030:26>
>>>>>[ Well?? ]<<<<<
          -- White IC (09:38:12/01-15-2074)

>>>>>[ Yes.  Find someone. ]<<<<<
          -- MechaWarrior (09:43:31/01-15-2074)

>>>>>[ Must we? ]<<<<<
          -- DeeGee (09:58:59/01-15-2074)

>>>>>[ Yes; he seems harmless. ]<<<<<
          -- E(A/R)th (10:06:33/01-15-2074)

>>>>>[ Did you not hear his references??  Find someone. ]<<<<<
          -- Wagner  (10:10:10/01-15-2074)

>>>>>[ Wyrm?? ]<<<<<
          -- White IC (10:17:56/01-15-2074)

>>>>>[ Wyrm?? ]<<<<<
          -- DeeGee (10:18:01/01-15-2074)

>>>>>[ Wyrm?? ]<<<<<
          -- E(A/R)th (10:18:04/01-15-2074)

>>>>>[ You ... gaah!!  Why do you people always have to look at me ??
          Kurt and Richenda are right.  They need to be found and neutralized.  Tag them, find someone, get it handled.  We don't leave this sort of mess behind when we find it, and you know it. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (10:30:28/01-15-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/1051:54>
>>>>>[It's all right, Silver Bee.  Even folks that "know" the shadows don't know the lesson.  Even I have to remind myself at times, and I've had examples given to me all the time.

It was all special effects and wire-work, Card.  There's some director's and actor's commentaries on the files as alternative sound options that I watched as a kid.  No adepts back in those days.  But raising a few that isn't Biz does sound good, I'm in once I'm out of the tank and have a shower that lasts a week to get the nutrient fluid out of my ears.

Good luck, Faust.  Um, Wyrm, what the hell are you planning?  Dues is dead and gone, his banded aren't a threat any longer.  Hell, most of the ones I've talked to after Crash 2.0 are more pissed off at the AI than anyone else I know, and that's including kids that lost EVERYONE due to Dues and 'Raku with both of their playing around with things.  And, if Dues comes back...  Well, we know we'll need a bigger hammer than another Matrix Crash, won't we?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (10:51:32/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-15-12/1128:33>
>>>>>[ Money, check your speech recognition program; it's Deus, not Dues.
          Second, I'm not planning anything; I'm just the line judge on this one.  It's been @%>><<+_|}{}(&@&*)^()
          God dammit.  Hold on.
          [BREAK]
          ...
          ...
          ...
          [/BREAK]
          Anyhow, as I was saying.  It's been policy of ... my group ... to make certain that as many identifiable remnants of the Shutdown get cleaned up as possible.  'Cleaned up' can be a euphemism for a lot of bad things, but it can also be a euphemism for not bad things.  Which way those four go will depend on them, but there's no way in slotting hell you can read his logs and not believe that 'Faust' and the rest of his Banded group aren't facing difficulties -- difficulties that could prove severely dangerous to the people around them, including us.
          I can guarantee I've talked to more survivors of the Arcology and the AI War between that event and the Singularity than you, survivors from all sides of that battlefield.  Our techniques won't return the ex-Banded to who they used to be before Deus got a hold of them, but if they accept our assistance, we can smooth out the peaks and troughs.
          And if they don't, well, we'll have someone there when they have their next psychotic break.  And they'll clean things up that way. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (11:24:57/01-15-2074)

>>>>>[ P.S.  Deus isn't coming back.  White IC and I crunched the numbers.  There's a statistically better chance of all the Great Dragons distributing the entirety of their possessions to the other sentients of the world and becoming monks than Deus returning.
          Granted, not much better a statistical chance, but ... better. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (11:28:47/01-15-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/1143:01>
>>>>>[Sorry Wyrm.  My nurse is late with the latest batch of neural stabilizers and other medications they're trying to wean me off of to get me out of the tank hopefully by the end of the week or something.  Apparently there was an issue on floors five and six with a few patients and a summoned spirit...  A gorilla of some sort.  I was left alone almost long enough to chew through the restraints.

As for putting people down for having a psychotic break, how do you tell when one's having one of those, and when they're just going through a nice bit of mad berserk rage if they're not a Banded?  Other than repeated blows to the head?  ...  Where the hell is that nurse?  Hey, what's going on here, hey!  Put me down!  This is a delicate tank, you can't just rip out the...]<<<<<  >>>User:  Money Johnson forcefully disconnected at source<<<
      --  Money Johnson (11:42:55/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-15-12/1148:08>
>>>>>[ *mutters*  Someone go check to make sure that dumb sumbitch is all right.  Madrecita, you'd be best, but Murphy, I think you're probably closest. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (11:48:22/01-15-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/1153:34>
>>>>>[Closer?  I'm in DENVER.  Not even the UCAS part of Denver.  And, um, I also don't know where my pants are.  Or any other of my clothing for that matter.  Or even where I am.  Mr. Iceblade, I think I was invited to meet her family...  So, um, I might be a bit late.

Damn, OK, calm down, he's conscious and his CommLink will operate as soon as they get away from the Wi-Fi Inhibiting systems in the DocWagon hospital.  He'll whistle up a rescue team or something.  As long as they don't keep a jammer on him.  Now, what did Sun Tzu say about being outnumbered by a family of Nagas?]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (11:52:25/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-15-12/1200:55>
>>>>>[ He say, 'Don't practice beastiality, is bad for your skin.' ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (12:00:00/01-15-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/1203:06>
>>>>>[That's Confucius.  And things aren't nearly as bad as I thought.  If I'm understanding properly.  Clothing back, heading back to the hotel, Mr. Iceblade, sorry I was gone.  Um, no, I can't explain what's going on.

Please someone check on Mr. Money, however.  He should have been able to get a transmission out by now.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (12:02:00/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-15-12/1244:11>
>>>>>[If someone can get me his last known location, I can go see if I can't find a trail. Ripping a nutrient tank out of a bleeding Doc Wagon facility is going to leave one wide ass trail if I get there fast enough.

He IS in Seattle, right?}<<<<<

      -- Card (12:20:12/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cabo_setek on <01-15-12/1332:45>
>>>>>[If he is in Seattle, count me in on the rescue.  It's better than what I'm doing now.  Is there a record for most times breaking into the same place?]<<<<<
      -- Silver Bee (1:30:48/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-15-12/1349:33>
>>>>>[Good. I know I'll likely need back up. I'll toss you my ping number so you can keep in touch with me. I'm currently on my way to the closest Doc Wagon facility to the City Center. Any news reports of any kind yet?]<<<<<

     -- Card (1:48:00/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cabo_setek on <01-15-12/1407:55>
>>>>>[I sent out feelers through some of my contacts.  Nothing yet, but I'll keep trying.  And I'll send you my ping as well.]<<<<<
      --Silver Bee(02:05:24/1-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-15-12/1412:23>
>>>>>[Just give me a buzz if you need more backup.]<<<<<

     -- Predator (13:12:30/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/1453:27>
>>>>>[He's at one of the DocWagon hospitals, don't know which one, but you can count out the clinics at least to narrow things down.  I remember him saying he was in the coffin-style tank, however, rather than the full-on upright cylinder tank, so not as big as you'd think, think a coffin hotel "room" that's being moved.  Ms. Madrecita brought him there, so she'd know which one for sure.  Oh, damn, gotta put my face on.  Let me know how things work out.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (02:53:19/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/1719:05>
//…Legacy Code Detected
//…Loading Shadowland 2.2 Legacy Protocols
//…Shadowland 2.2 Protocols Loaded….
>>>User:  J^3 Logging in, Emergency Message Sending, Track-Back:  N/A, Priority High, Rating:  N/A, Attachment Included<<<
>>>>>[Money here.  ...  Call KE ...  Keep legal ...  GPS Ping attached ...  Grabbed wrong tank ...  Idjits.]<<<<<  >>>Attachment Here<<<
      --  J^3 <15:17:22/ER-RO-R!>
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cabo_setek on <01-15-12/1751:53>
>>>>>[Looks like we didn't have to do much work on getting a location after all.  If I'm not mistaken, it looks like whoever took him dumped him somewhere in the Barrens once they figured out it was the wrong tank.  Guess he was in Seattle after all.  Anyone have a truck?  And some booze probably wouldn't hurt either.]<<<<<
      -- Silver Bee (05:46:59/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-15-12/1822:20>
>>>>>[Wait, is he saying the guys that grabbed him were going after a different tank? Oh, this is hilarious. I'm on my way to the coordinates to watch it to make sure no one tries anything funny. Anyone with KE contacts who can get them there quickly? If not, I'll give them a call on my way over. ]<<<<<

     -- Card (15:50:03/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: FastJack on <01-15-12/1842:56>
>>>>>[Jesus Flippin' A! I was wonderin' what the hell that huge crash was two blocks up. I'll head up with some boys to make sure he ain't molested 'til you all get here.]<<<<<
      -- Bear (18:41:09/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-15-12/1901:53>
>>>>>[I sent KE when that message was posted. Keep your pants on everyone, they should have found him by now.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (19:01:49/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-15-12/1915:22>
>>>>>[In Barren places, the Knights go slow.

They say the Lord is dead and gone? They may be right, they may not. The Lord was powerful enough to escape death once before. Who can say he did not find someplace to hide, waiting for a time when no one was looking for him to return. It is a terrifying concept, one people do not wish to think of. If it comes to pass, I do not know what will come.

Others of the servants have come to hate the Lord for what he did to us. But when I was a Blue, I had purpose. I meant something. I was part of a greater whole. Now I am alone, with only those few others I found in the shadows. It is three of us now. Myself, Angel, and the Redeemer. Doc Mengle we left to his clinic. He is skilled at his work, but his price is steep.

There are those who want to find us, we know. So we keep moving, staying hidden. They hate us for what we were, but they do not know the burden of all the things you've seen and done, that cannot be undone. None know, except those who were there.]<<<<<

--Faust (19:14:05/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-15-12/2003:38>
>>>>>If we are talking about a snatch and grab, I got a friend who does tactical extractions. Or a shaman who is pretty good at opening doors. Just in case people are hiring.<<<<<
--Specks (20:01:59/1-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-15-12/2013:19>
>>>>>[Faust said something I understood. You may have called KE, but it'll probably be a while for them to get here, even if it IS a Doc Wagon nutrient coffin. I'm sitting out here with my bike with Bear and his boys now. I stopped at a Shack for a 24 pack. I'll probably make another run here in half for more. Here's hoping they get here before then.]<<<<<

     -- Card (20:12:43/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-15-12/2029:14>
>>>>>[I didn't just called on the urgency line. No, I called a guy who owes his career to me. Wen I call, he moves his ass and mobilize his unit.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:29:13/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-15-12/2043:52>
>>>>>[Still, Smiley, it will take them a while to get from wherever his unit is stationed (if they're on duty) to where Money is. If there are locals who can keep watch until they get there, no harm in that.

And Murphy, at least tell me you didn't get married by accident. Bringing a naga back to Seattle is going to complicate our travel plans considerably.

Anyways, I had a wonderful time last night. You'd be surprised how quickly arranging to meet a few important people can get other people thinking you're important yourself in this town. I spent last night (and part of the morning) with a lovely woman from the Sioux sector government (can't say who, of course). Trying to find out what I was up to, no doubt, but hey, if they want to try and seduce secrets out of me, I'm more than willing to let them try. In the afternoon I was able to get into the PCC sector, and visited the Data Haven. Paid my respects at the memorial to the admins that died in the Crash, and then talked to a rep from the Nexus. Which of course got a couple people from Mitsuhama knocking on my door tonight, wanting a 'conversation'. The ZDF then came and asked me why two Mitsuhama employees flew off my balcony, but accepted that it was self defense, especially since they were both armed. I made a deal with a spirit nearby to provide a reasonable excuse, so I'm spending the night in her room. I never met a spirit who enjoyed rubber and whips so much.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:43:43/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-15-12/2059:50>
>>>>>[Money posted at 15:17:22 and I saw it when he posted it. I told everyone that KE should have him at 19:01:49. So, no, there is no "still". Considering he was on post, his usual respond time in the Barrens, that he had the exact location and that I told him about the tank, that's nearly four hours to find and secure him. Since I know for a fact that he doesn't take more than forty-five minutes to get his unit to nearly any point in the barrens, well at least when I call, unless he was moved or killed within an hour of his last post, they should have found him by the time I posted. If not, I know a guy who's about to lose more than his career.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:59:51/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-15-12/2109:44>
>>>>>[They arrived alright. I think we're partly waiting for the Doc Wagon guy who's with them to make sure the tank is still viable for transport, or if they gotta take Money out first. They literally showed up not even 5 seconds after I sent my last post. Got a Doc Wagon truck, a couple of KE vans, buncha cops too. Money should be posting as soon as they either A: Put him in a new tank or B: find and get rid of the jammer on the tank. Not that I would know what it looks like.]<<<<<

     -- Card (21:09:40/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/2117:31>
>>>>>[Glad Mr. Money is OK.  I, find myself looking forward to working for him.  Like it's proper or something, no offense Mr. Iceblade.  Damnit, I should have been there for those 'Hama guys, I got back as quick as I could.  Not a good start to my career, I guess.  You handled them better than I did, however, sir.  I'd have done more property damage I will fully admit.

No, not married, but I did meet the wives and husbands, or, um, that's how it translated in my head, still didn't "Taste" right, they didn't speak English, Or'Zet, or any of the other languages I know.  Also found out that I'm "Respectable" in some ways.  Heh, never thought I'd hear that coming from anyone soon.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (21:16:42/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-15-12/2129:58>
>>>>>[I swear i go away for a while on a little bug hunt and yall start having all kinds of fun. Murphy, I'm sorry to hear about your uncle, when Iceblade is through with you come on down to Pensacola and I'll run you through some special training, I owe your uncle a couple of favors and this should repay one of them nicely. Also, what that generally means in their (the Naga) culture from what I've learned is that your breeding (no matter what the meta type) is good and solid, not illigitimate in other words.

Money, frag it, didn't we all tell you to duck! But seriously, take some time off once you get out of the tank and recoup yourself. Hades, come down here to relax, i have some toys you might like to take a look at.

Faust, good to meet you, i was in the Arcology at several times both before, during and after the lockdown, ran into several of your types then and since, and i hope to all that is holy and unholy that Deus really is dead and gone. On the other hand, having gone back and looked at some records of the times right after the second crash, his base code might have survived. I don't know.

Maybe you should try and find a new lord to pledge yourself to, if you would like i know a few that wont mind the history and have a similar mentality.

-- Wolfgar (21:20:56/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-15-12/2143:41>
>>>>>[Speak of the Devil, and he shall post!  All-Father, what a more incompetent crew of kidnappers I have never met, and I was grabbed five times in three days in some Eastern European country that I rescued myself out of every time, with my expensive hunting gear!  My Afrikaans is far more than rusty, but I could understand the words "Room 21" perfectly fine.  I was in room 12 on the VIP floor.  Their accents were horrible, however, and I think what they wanted me to do was read out a confession on paper that they taped to the tank.  Of course, if they're mistaking my pale hoop as some African Ambassador to Seattle...  No, just looked it up, he is Caucasian.  Just proof one should never assume.

Anyhow, these "Freedom Fighters" (Yeah fraggin' right!) grabbed the wrong tank and was wondering why the hell I couldn't understand them, and couldn't read some badly spelled letter to the people of who-gives-a-frag to release some...  Names coming up now, oh holy son of a slitch!  These guys make Lord Torgo look like a vegetarian elf lover!  They lucked out to land in the one country with no extradition treaty to anywhere that DIDN'T want them dead!  These guys are locked away and they MELTED the keys!  What the hell is an "Eat On Sight" order?

Let this be a lesson folks, when you want something done, don't do it yourself.  Hire professionals!  I could find a dozen teams in almost any part of Africa that might have had leanings to whatever group these folks are with who would have done a far better job!  I mean, I did it on a shoestring budget and no linguisofts in person when, well, never mind what happened.  Couldn't understand half of what they said, but as good a throw-together team as I've ever assembled!  I'm sure I got insulted behind my back more often than I was complimented, but my cred was good and the job was one they didn't mind, so that helps a lot.

Loki's own luck that some signal re-transmitter flew/drove by, I think it was a chipdealer's advertisement/distribution system, but I'm sure he didn't mind me sleazing through his security, otherwise he would have had some of note.  Didn't know how much time/bandwidth I had, so I popped some old SOS code my Grandfather keeps for a rainy day and suggested that I do the same.  Sent it everywhere except to him.  (Hey, you think I leave dead bodies around, invite him to a few drinks and he'll tell you the fun he had in Bug City!).  Anyhow, enjoying the ride in the back of the DocWagon truck, enjoying a Matrix connection that isn't monitored completely by DocWagon, and still in the Hel-Damned tank, but at least hooked up again.  Good thing too, I really had to pee.

So, thanks for the overwatch, the call in that got a big damned heroes rescue, and so on.  Powerline, right Smiley?  OK, you're all guests of Lenny Johnson's (Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the old USA).  Unlimited tab, try not to wreck the bar too much, wish I could join you so we could wreck the bar nicely.  Smiley, I'll pay you back that favor you pulled in with KE, somehow.  Oh great, I'm getting too uppity for the paramed, here comes the sleepy...  Oh yeah, nice stuff.  Is good to have friends in low places.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (21:40:42/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-15-12/2212:15>
>>>>>[Murphy, you're doing fine. Just got things to learn. If they were speaking a language you couldn't understand, might be that Khmer Naga tongue they use in Angkor Wat. Don't think they make a linguasoft for it, but you never know. Anyways, you want to have a chat with your ladyfriend about what the implications are of all this before we leave town. A lot of nagas are shamans, and you never want to get a family of shamans angry at you, especially when they know you so... intimately. It wouldn't be hard for them to lay down some ritual magic on you because of that. So be respectful when you are asking questions, hmm? It would limit your job opportunities if they hit you with some kind of permanent shapechange spell to make you a more fitting mate for their daughter.

As for the MCT goons, they clearly had no idea who I was. They only sent two guys, without a mage. Armed with silenced SMGs, no less! I guess they figured that if you stick a gun in someone's face, they'll be likely to do things quietly. Unfortunately for them, I don't answer the door without a blade in hand. Only a little property damage, mostly bullet spray and blood spray. They were black bag types, not combat troops. Rely on surprise and threat of force to keep people in line. Against a 'normal' person, it works well.

Money, glad to hear you're back in the good hands of DocWagon. The kidnappers sound like the typical zealots. Think that fire in their belly will carry them through, even though they aren't trained, and don't know the language. Who knows, they might even have been good enough talent in their own country, but when you travel, you need to get in sync with the locals, or you're dog meat. Not as in sync as Murphy is doing, of course, unless you really want to.

As far as the 'Eat on Sight' order, Money, check to see if that comes from Asamando. That's the kind of order that would most likely come from ghouls.

Heh. This is rich. Just got a request for a meeting tomorrow morning from someone in the Liason Office. Should be interesting.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:11:00/01-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-16-12/0157:30>
>>>>>[Thank you Mr. Wolfgar, my Uncle spoke of you fondly, but when I'm done with Mr. Iceblade, I should get home and make sure things are set up there properly.  I'm the head of the family now.  Funny how that works out.

Please try to be careful Mr. Money, I'm not there to help take care of you.  Uncle and Grandpa always said you needed a keeper, even before you went all Norse on us.  I'm sure Great-Grandpa would have said the same.  Of coruse, being in a tank, you can't do much, can you?

I'm good Mr. Iceblade, from my understanding, I'm OK to date.  They're not really looking for someone outside the species.  But, um, apparently I'm a Godfather now.  Or something similar, again, "Taste" is wrong, Protector, maybe?  Still not quite right.  I explained that I lived in Seattle, and they stated it was mostly a teaching role, which I can do from a distance.  14-years old and I'm a damned teacher of morality now or some such.  I'm back and will be ready to be with you for the meeting.  I'm taking a night off from having nights off, if you understand my meaning.  Didn't really expect things to go like this, sir.  I'm sorry, it's very unprofessional.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (01:56:12/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-16-12/0200:49>
>>>>>[Being professional is good, but you know what they say: "All work and no play..."  Seriously though, you can't be totally professional all the time,  trust me.]<<<<<
      --  Predator (01:00:46/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-16-12/0203:53>
>>>>>["Work hard while working, play hard while not." - Rotter Rodney, Chummer of my Grandfather.  Words we lived by, and I screwed up first time out.  Well, Uncle expected a few more years to train me after all.  I'll explain when I can see Mr. Money in person.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (02:03:08/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-16-12/0314:36>
>>>>>[Hey, Murphy, results is what counts! If you keep your employers happy and the nuyen comin', who cares if you get, whatever it is, with a Naga! Do whatever the frag you want!

I'll admit though, reading your encounter with that Naga, I'm laughing my ass off!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (03:14:22/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-16-12/0521:58>
>>>>>[I think it's still referred to as Tail, Smiley. And Murphy, don't worry, so long as Iceblade isn't complaining. He probably figured into you getting into hijinks of some kind, being new to Denver and all that. Hell, I'd probably end up in someone else's room myself. Now, if it was a REAL Johnson, and not Iceblade, who you know can protect himself with ease, well, I'd be a bit more worried about your ethic. Remember: The excuse of "I'm  sorry, I'm on the clock." is completely valid.

And, to quote a book I once read: Who better to teach of right and wrong then he who is willing to commit wrongs to protect that which he sees as right. Who better to guard a developing mind from the darkness then he who lives in it.

And Money, I'll take up that offer for booze after you have some on my tab at my bar. No offense ment to fans of Powerline, but I'm not really in the mood for anything that involves destroying bars...unless it's about how Madrid slotting cheated during the World Rally.]<<<<<

     -- Card (03:21:51/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-16-12/0859:45>
>>>>>[Murphy, you're a young guy on your first trip out of the sprawl. You're pretty much expected to make a fool of yourself. And next time, you'll know what not to do when you're on the job. Don't sweat it about the MCT guys. Slotters were done before you could have even gotten here from the next room. Their clothes had enough armor to stop a round or two from a light pistol, but were absolute drek against a blade. Like I said, they didn't do their research. Thought I was just some noble from the Tir, trying to get in good with the locals. They had spotted me visiting the data haven, and thought they could 'persuade' me into doing some mischief. At least, that's what the MCT guy who was still breathing said before I 'accidentally' threw him over the railing.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:59:59/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-16-12/0912:41>
>>>>>[Those sudden stops at the bottom of the fall are killer.]<<<<<
--Specks (09:11:56/1-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-16-12/0922:20>
>>>>>[Especially when it is a troll that breaks your fall. Never seen someone actually get impaled through the face with a troll's horns before. Then again, that might be part of the reason the ZDF showed up so quickly. I think the troll was an officer.

Anyways, I'm sitting outside a random office at the Liason Office, waiting on the meeting. Typical drek about showing you how busy they are by making you wait. Great fun.

While I have a bit of time on my hands, I gotta wonder, Wyrm, do you send goons after all crazy people, or just the ones that say they hear a dead AI whispering to them? Lots of crazy in the world, and I don't see as the Banded are any more dangerous than the other nutjobs you see anywhere you go in a sprawl. Hell, just look at the drekheads that actually choose to live in Glow City! Crazy as hell, but as long as you don't go near them, they're harmless, even though they probably glow in the dark.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:22:05/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-16-12/0948:23>
>>>>>[Laid low for a few days, back in Seattle now.]<<<<<
-- Chrona (14:48:56/1-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-16-12/1002:37>
>>>>>[Wolf, why would I turn from the one who made me what I am, my Creator, and look to a god that does not exist in this world? The Lord lived in this world, and from my first memory, I was his to command. There is no changing that. Sometimes the program cannot be overwritten. My Lord once ruled many, and many believe him gone for good, though it could be He will return. It is strange. That thought fills me with both hope and with dread. I both want and don't want it to be.

The Redeemer is wise in the ways of magic. His mind remained when he emerged from the baths. Why mine did not I do not know. The Redeemer seeks ways to blend magic with technology, hoping for a way to overcome the damage the chrome he's received has done to his Art. He dances, and calls to Bear, seeking answers. We protected my Angel when the people rose up against the successors to the Otaku, and hunted them. The Angel helped, as well, for she had managed to get some of the old drones from the SCIRE, and bend them to her will. We fought where we had to, ran when we needed to.]<<<<<

--Faust (10:02:05/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-16-12/1741:42>
>>>>>[I don't know why, but I felt the need to share this. Some might find this informative. Taken yesterday, well today, when I came back from the Powerline.

// upload media file :: user Smiley :: 01/16/74 //
// RealTalk audio-to-text conversion engaged //

Smiley : Tsk, tsk. Come out, come out! I know you're here, little trout!
// sound recognized :: semi-automatic pistol slide //
Unidentified woman : Where's my father?
Smiley : You'll have to be more specific than that, pretty girl.
Woman : You really shouldn't be playing games with someone who's holding a gun to your head, in your own appartment!
Smiley : Indeed you are. So what's your father's name?
Woman : His name is // part removed // and I want to know what you did to him! Now!
Smiley : Oh, sure ma'am. But take a seat first, I wouldn't want you you to hurt yourself when you'll fall on your ass. I remember him. I killed him and destroyed his body.
Woman : I knew it, you heartless monster!
Smiley : That's harsh! So mean my heart is crushed!
Woman : I guess I just wanted, needed to hear you say it, you... Now you'll die for that!
Smiley : Go ahead, pull the trigger, pretty girl. See your vendetta through!
Woman : Uhn? What... What's going on? Why can't I pull the trigger?! Why am I now pointing the gun at my head?!
Smiley : You can't pull the trigger because you walked in the den of one of the most succesful assassins in the UCAS unprepared and ignorant of the threat you were really facing. I have complete control over your body and you are speaking only because I'm allowing you to.
Woman : If you really are that successful, you bastard, than why was I able to find you and connect the dots so easily? Is everyone that incompetant? That would explain why Lone Star never caught you! I hope your luck will run out now that Knight Errant is in town!
Smiley : Now, now. Who's playing games with someone holding a gun to your head? Wow, you really are that clueless, don't you? You found me because I'm not hiding, pretty girl. You, well as you put it, connected the dots because I'm telling everyone that I did it by leaving my business card behind. Why am I not worried about Knight Errant catching me? Because there is no crime to report. There's no bodies, no murder weapons, no forensic evidence and it's impossible to establish a timeline of events nor a crime scene. Everyone suspects, nobody can prove anything. And above all this, well, I was going to tell you but I'm gonna show you instead. Don't move, sit tight, I'm just getting something over there... Ah! There you go.
Woman : What's this?! An old-style paper photo album?
Smiley : Oh, maybe you are clever afterall, pretty girl! Maybe you'll get it faster than I thought. I'm gonna let you in some heart crushing secrets tonight. You search for truths and ask for answers. Always be mindful of what you wish for, pretty girl. Ever heard that before? Here's a picture of me and your father celebrating at a party. Here's one of me and the last Seattle's Lone Star Commander. This one is me with a bunch of Knight Errant boys having a beer. On this one, I'm with the CIA Assistant Director, well one of them. And this one with Chen Kwan-Ti of the Octagon Tong. This one I'm having champagne with Maria Mercurial, that was a long time ago. And on this one with the trid pornstar Lana Ex. That was a wild night, always is with her, I can tell you that. Or maybe this one will show you better. Me and yes, that's her, both laughing after a joke I made. I heard she doesn't laugh often but she always seems to laugh around me. I still have a few dozen more of these but I guess I made my point. Let me put this back.
Woman : This...
Smiley : The world you live in is corrupted and rotting from the inside. It's a big fraggin' joke and I'm just one of many punch lines. This drek goes deeper than even I can comprehend. Oh is that a tear? That's, well, revealing. Always thought I was a funny guy. Anyway, I get the feeling you understand why nobody caught on to me yet. They don't want to.
Woman : Disgusting...
Smiley : Ain't gonna lie, it kinda is. But now, I get myself invaded by one thought, one dilemma, one obvious question... What am I going to do with you, pretty girl.

// end media file // ]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (17:41:29/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-16-12/1818:41>
>>>>>[I knew you were cold blooded, Smiley, but gods be damned. I'm surprised you didn't save the picture of her father for last. What DID you do with her? Though, thanks for reminding me how I'm nowhere near cut out for wetwork. I'll stick to snatch and runs and deliveries, thanks.]<<<<<

     -- Card (18:18:45/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-16-12/1824:05>
>>>>>[Don't ask what happened to me recently, I feel violated, and am now in maximum security rather than VIP.  No more cute dwarf nurse, damnit.

As for what you just posted Smiley, people often wonder why I prefer the shadows to the light.  You pretty much nailed why.  Yeah, there's lying, cheating, stealing, and so on happening, but at least it's a hell of a lot more MORAL and HONEST than the bulldrek I see in the boardrooms and parties.  I can at least parry the knives in the shadows.  The ones in the light cut through any armor and are always in the back.

Frag I want a drink know.

But I am going to ask, what did you do with said girl, if you feel like sharing?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (18:23:52/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-16-12/1955:00>
>>>>>[Although it does, maybe, show a little how cold blooded I can be, that wasn't really the goal of that post. Nor the fate of this naive girl. What was obvious to me with that conversation is more or less a rhetorical question... Are the masses really that ignorant, clueless and naive about what is really going on in this world? I mean, I knew they were digesting very well anything the media would feed them but... Really? That much?

And yes, Card. It does take a special breed of people to do what I do but... Well keep on reading this post.

As for the girl, since you're all curious, I shall oblige. My first thought was to snap her neck and be done with it. No muss, no fuss. But as I was placing my hands around her head and shoulders, she started laughing. Not crying but laughing! That's when understood what I really was going to do with her. She lived a wageslave life, content but as an empty vessel. I filled her with rage and purpose when I took away what she valued most. Then by offering the truth, I took away what she valued most again, her illusions, her rage and her newfound purpose. In a figurative sense, I had already killed her. She was again, an empty vessel. I may have killed her father, but I'm not the one who wanted him dead. She understood that if not me, someone else would have done it. In the end, on the threshold of imminent death, she suddenly understood and saw the world as I see it. I had decided to let her go but, yet again, she surprised me with a request that, even I, would never see coming. Tomorrow, I'll begin her training.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (19:54:14/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-16-12/2016:04>
>>>>>[ Iceblade, you just don't pay attention to the details.  That's going to get you into trouble some day ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (20:16:58/01-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-16-12/2018:21>
>>>>>[I may watch to many trids, or read too much, but is it bad that I may have seen that coming from a klick away? Good to see possible useful people aren't wasted. And yeah. The normal every day guy? I swear to god some of my co-workers at the front are nothing but idiots put there to help shore up the idea that it's just a normal delivery service.]<<<<<

     -- Card (20:20:20/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-16-12/2027:31>
>>>>>[Well, if see this like as trid script, yes it does kinda feel cliché.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:27:31/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kontact on <01-16-12/2038:47>
>>>>>[FAUST G00D FR1END!  THE KEY T0 Y0UR REUN10N WITH THE CREAT0R 1S AT HAND!  THE SECRET 1S THE PATENTED T1ME ANTENNA!  THAT 1S C0RRECT - THE F0UR DAY S1MULTANE0US T1ME ANTENNA!  THE C0NSTRUCT10N 0F THE DEV1CE IS ACTUALLY QU1TE S1MPLE!  ALL THAT Y0U NEED 1S A TUBE 0F ADHES1VE, 3 METERS 0F CHEESE-W1RE AND A H1GH PLACE!  F1RST STEP 1S T0 T1E 0NE END 0F THE W1RE SECURELY AT THE H1GH PLACE AND THEN AR0UND Y0UR NECK 0N THE 0THER END T0 GR0UND 1T.  NEXT S1MPLY APPLY THE ADHES1VE T0 EACH 0F Y0UR HANDS AND GRIP THE SIDES 0F Y0UR HEAD T0 HELP Y0U TUNE THE SIGNAL.  FINALLY - T0 ESTABLISH THE TIME P0RTAL C0NNECT10N - LEAP FR0M 0N H1GH AND BACK THR0UGH T1ME!  1F Y0U D0 N0T LAND BACK 1N THE C0MF0RT1NG EMBRACE 0F Y0UR CREAT0R THEN Y0U SH0ULD TRY AGA1N FR0M A H1GHER SP0T!  PASS TH1S MESSAGE 0N T0 THREE 0F Y0UR FR1ENDS 0R THE CREAT0R W1LL BE VERY D1SAPP01NTED!]<<<<<
     -- ɹǝlppǝɯ‾ʇıq (18:27:43/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-16-12/2108:01>
>>>>>[MacCallister!  I know the code's old, but that's no reason not to let the spam filters slip.

Smiley, I figured it was either that or a slot and dump at the body farm.  Maybe I've been hanging around too many folks that shoot people in the face for money.  Glad to see another wageslave open their eyes.  Just remember that you did kill her father, however...  The killer you're training might be your own death.  Damn, that does sound like a cliche 'trid show.

It's the drugs in my system, yes, that's got to be it.  I wouldn't be spouting things like that if I were sober.  Stupid tank.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (21:07:14/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-16-12/2128:24>
>>>>>[It does take a certain detachment to carry out wetwork. Killing in the heat of battle is one thing. When it is your life or theirs, it becomes easy to kill. But to sit back and plan an assassination, not just the deed itself but planning how to clean up, how to get away, how to keep people from witnessing the kill... There aren't many people who can do that, and do it well, without going insane. Which is why in any army the group that gets the most intense psych screenings will be the sniper corps. I've known some snipers, and they say it gives them a sense of playing god, holding people's lives in their hand that I know I've felt when taking down people with manabolts from a distance.

Money, the shadows are certainly more honest than business and parties and politics. Though for sheer levels of intrigue, the UCAS has nothing on the Tir. The culture of almost medieval court politics has not gone away, despite the veneer of democracy. Much of the recent 'issues' have involved Prince Hestaby, of course, given her actions at the UN and in Dubai. But even before that, the intrigues were still circling. The Princes and other nobles forced into exile I do not doubt are plotting a way to return once the public's anger cools down. They are elves, afterall, so time is on their side.

Wyrm, been in trouble before. Honestly, without the AI or that Pax slitch that helped Winternight, I don't see Deus's old pawns as much more of a threat than any other crazy person. If they aren't trying to reunite under some new banner, then who cares what they're doing? Especially when there are real threats out there already that need to be dealt with, like the bugs.

Anyways, interesting meeting this morning. Can't say what it was about, or who it was with, but I got a pretty elf's number and a dinner date for tonight. We just finished dinner, and are heading up to my room for 'conversation'. Another person who thinks they can get me to spill all my secrets during pillow talk. One of the best things about this kind of work. And then I gotta head back to Seattle in the morning.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:28:35/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-16-12/2200:49>
>>>>>[I know one Tir noble that's counting no more time, and won't be seeing even an Ork's age any longer, Mr. Iceblade.  Cleanest, if nastiest trick I ever saw someone perform to do it, too.  Mr. Money let the "Poncy Elven Noble" as he called him impale his hand, and then held onto the guard, slipped his own sword under the armoured jacket, and up through the kidney and heart.

Be careful tonight, Mr. Iceblade.  Not all people just try for pillow talk for intel.  Keep a blade handy, or some way to alert me.  I'll stay up until we're on the ground in Seattle.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (22:00:00/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-16-12/2224:19>
>>>>>[ Iceblade, your opinion -- anyone who has offered an opinion about this, honestly -- not only holds no water, it won't affect anything.  Not unless you go find the twitcher and try to help him out yourself -- good luck with that, because considering what he's said so far, Uhuru and White IC give you a 16.217% chance of a successful interaction -- and a 47.223% chance of fatal violence.
          Bloody cesspit hell, I didn't even make the call, why are you lot bitching at me?? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (10:24:33/01-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-16-12/2231:07>
>>>>>[Same reason I screw at Tech Support when my feed to the International Stock Exchanges goes down.  You're here.  :-P  Anyhow, I'm stuck in a tank and am bored, what else can I...  No, no no!  SELL you stupid agent!  SELL!  I programmed you better than that!  OK, aside from check my stock portfolio while I'm constantly online.  There, finally, sold.  Honestly, why did I buy stocks in Amalgamated Amalgamations?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (22:29:44/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-16-12/2233:56>
>>>>>[Maybe you were drunk at the time?]<<<<<
      --  Predator (21:32:34/01-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-16-12/2249:29>
>>>>>[Possible, the elections thing has been driving me to drink, that's for sure.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (22:49:27/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-16-12/2258:14>
>>>>>[Yeah, I can see politics doing that, but politics can bring good paying jobs.]<<<<<
      --  Predator (22:57:32/01-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-16-12/2308:47>
>>>>>[Only later in the running.  The Prop23/Project Freedom thing, OTOH, has everyone jumping.  But it's mostly low-end jobs.  Well, maybe higher-end now that MacCallister is in the hospital and I'm in a tank.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (23:08:00/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-16-12/2339:45>
>>>>>[Murphy, you're making a classic blunder there. Not all Tir nobles are created equal. You've seen me use magic. You've seen me fight. Do you really think I'm anywhere near the level of the ones who were on the Council? I was a Count, which means I was still two ranks below Prince, and the Council was above them. There were Nobles, Chivalry, and then the Gentry below me. And not all nobles achieved their status through combat skills. So yes, there are plenty of nobles who are utterly useless in a fight. And like a lot of people who are useless in a fight, they think wealth and power makes them good fighters. Guppies and Sharks, kid. Both fish, but if you treat them all like guppies, you're going to wind up dead when you come face to face with the Shark.

Now me, I don't sleep with a blade under the pillow, like some people might. For one thing, that gives anyone you're sleeping with an opportunity to grab that blade, too. But if I was going to send an assassin after me, I wouldn't do it up close and personal. Sniper from an adjoining building is how I'd do it, either using a high power rifle or powerbolt. Anyone who's done a bit of wetwork will consider from time to time how they'd take out someone like themselves. Its a good exercise to spot your weaknesses, and start to develop countermeasures. I'm sure someone like Smiley has at least five or six different scenarios on how he'd take himself out, don't you, Smiley?

Wyrm, your group, and you're here. So we talk to you. And really, what would I do to help him out. Sometimes crazy is just what you need for a job. Personally, I like hiring a group of nutjobs as a decoy. Get some nanopaste, put on a suit, and play Mr. Johnson, and then my team gets an easy ride because someone started a major commotion on the other side of the facility. Don't bother trying to cure the crazy. There's always more where that came from. Instead, use it like you would any other asset.

OH GHOST! Damn, girl, where'd you learn to do that with your tongue? Oh, is this still transmitting? Yeah, I gotta go...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:39:40/01-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-17-12/0041:38>
>>>>>[She's going to be my first trainee. She still needs to survive her training, she most likely won't. The mental and physical ordeals she's about to go through will test her beyond her limits, but yes, my first trainee. Because I'm going to train her the only way I know, the way my, well, foster mom (since she did raised me) trained me. I still remember when she decided it was time for me to learn to swim when I was a kid. She dropped me in the deep part of a lake and watched if I'd learn and get myself to firm ground... Or drown.

As for her killing me, it's a possibility but a little bird tells me she won't. She'll start despising this world more than me soon enough. When I'm done with her, if she does kill me, it's not going to be for revenge and she's not going to take that decision lightly, since even in death, I'll bring destruction upon whoever kills me. It's not that hard to kill me, really. I'm not hiding and I'm not paranoid. Bombs, sniper rifles, any of this will do just fine. Even a kid could probably to it. But dealing with the aftermath is going to be more tricky. I put a contingency plan in place if I get killed by someone. Millions of nuyen is automatically placed on the head of whoever killed me and everyone close to that person. Others will be blackmailed into helping in the efforts. People who owes their lives to me may also want revenge. Even a cold blooded contract killer like me can have friends in very high places. I found that the best protection is making my murder as less appealing as possible, not harder. A little legwork and it's easy to discover all that. I'm that devious.

And Iceblade, my success depends on the total lack of evidence left behind. Sniper rifles leave bullets in people that can be traced, bodies to be recovered and analyzed. Not to mentioned the weapon itself, if found can lead back to you if you aren't careful enough. Same with bombs. No matter who it is, I fulfill all my contracts with my bare hands. I don't like laying low for months at a time, leaving my perfectly comfy condo. Prison is also not so appealing.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:41:28/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-17-12/0340:34>
>>>>>[From what little snippets I remember, he was more than a little skilled in combat.  He was martial arts trained for sure, that elven martial art whose name is escaping me because it's painkiller time, but no magic.  Only my skills, experience (Much more valuable), and Wires allowed me to compensate, actually.  But you're very right about that kind of stuff.

But also take the place that Murphy came from.  Yeah, his Uncle and I showed him more of the world than most Barrens folks ever see, but, well, if not for our training he'd be gazing around Denver like a yokel.  Hell, I barely knew the difference between all the elven nobility even with the concept of lordships and such from a few friends in England that went to University with me.  People of wealth and position are fairy tales to him still, I'm afraid, which he just showed.  No guilt in that, Murphy, there's orks twice your age thinking the same thing.  Watch Iceblade, listen to him, learn.  That's how you rise up from where you came from, like your Uncle, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather before you.  You're already literate, you already know to read and study, so you know these lessons well.  They never end, I still learn something every day, even when I'm in the tank.  More often because of the tank, actually, and I am more than twice your age.

As for people who think power, influence, and wealth will get you through anything, don't forget how I first appeared to you, Murphy.  Rude awakening when you found out far, far different, right?  Same type of people, just not able to break both arms of a gutterpunk because he splashed dirty water on my 10,000¥ suit.  That thing is dry-clean only!  They're untouchable in their world, so they think they're untouchable everywhere.  It only works out until they slot someone off enough that they're willing to go to ground for the time that KE is willing to put into an investigation into their disappearance.

Speaking of bombs that a kid could do, found out why Mr. Ambassador is here in the hospital with me.  Those "Freedom Fighters" got to his car (How the hell those idiots got to a secure car I'll never know!), put a bomb in it, and still screwed it up.  Just blew his legs off.  Hell, I know an...  Well, she'd be nine now.  9-year old elven girl that can set up a car bomb faster than drek through a devil rat, and no screw-ups.  Other than adding some additional items to "make the fire pretty."]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (03:40:59/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-17-12/0549:52>
>>>>>[I know the girl you're talking about, Money. Sweet kid, really. I've brought her along on some jobs where I need demo done. Again, I know my strengths, and I know my weaknesses. I got no skill for demolitions, and that is always a job you get someone who knows what they're doing to handle, no ifs ands or buts. Her job is actually easier, because most of the ingredients of home made explosives are legal to get at the local Stuffer Shack. She just goes up to Security, and says, "Mommy asked me to go out to the store and get some things," and they let her through. I actually sent her some tutorsofts I 'acquired' on one of my runs, to try and help round out her education. For a kid, tutorsofts are better than skillsofts, because they got plenty of time to learn, and you don't learn when you're on skillwires.

You know, I'll have to look the kid up when I get back. She actually lives in my building, so that won't be too hard. Parents are nice people, don't have a clue what their kid does for her money when she's 'out with her friends'. I actually helped her set up a bank account in her name under a fake ID (bank made me cosign for her), so all the money she's saving up from runs is sitting there, earning interest while she is in school. Also means she's got a good sized war chest ready to go if anything ever happens to her parents.

And that martial art is carromeleg. And if he didn't have magic or ware, I'm not surprised he lost to you. It was probably overconfidence, thinking his training and standing made him better than someone trained in the art of 'make guys bleed'. Training in carromeleg doesn't make me any better than someone with training in a different style. Martial arts is half skill and half discipline. You see plenty of people who are wired to the gills and can punch a hole in a truck get taken down by someone half their size who has the agility and discipline to not go wildly swinging. Mental discipline is part of that, and assuming you are better than your opponent is a failure in mental discipline.

Murphy's doing all right. Besides learning lessons in cross-species dating, he's picking up on some of the clues about what to do (and what not to do) when he's out of the Barrens. Of course, subvocal mikes are good for giving instructions without people hearing you, so I've been coaching him on how to act in some of the high society places we've been. And when I was having my chat at the Church of the Dragon with Gray Arrow, he was chatting with her Wildcat guards. Anyone who can deal with the Sioux and their culture of threats to gain respect and not start a fight or show weakness is already a couple steps up from most Barrens kids.

Oh, and if anyone is curious, I already found and confiscated the trid cameras my date's friends had planted while we were out. They were hoping to use it as blackmail. Of course, there may be a copy off site, but after reviewing the tapes, I'm not sure I won't use it as advertising for my cover as an escort. Just edit the sound out, so you don't get the attempts at interrogation. The girl's sleeping, and all she got for her trouble was a good time, and the cover story.

Smiley, good to hear you're going to train the kid right. I'm trying to do the same with the kid I'm training (both of them, if you count Murphy) and it doesn't do them any good to coddle them. I think another month of training the kid to fight, and teaching him the basics of the spellslinging part of things, and I'll send him down to Wolfgar to learn to use his adept abilities.

Murphy! If you're reading this in real-time, get some sleep. We've got an early flight back to Seattle, and you're going to lose time on the trip, don't forget.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:49:04/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-17-12/0941:03>
>>>>>[As I have to keep reminding myself, I'm not actually a razorboy, I just play one on the 'trid.  My fighting style can be summed up as "Hurt people a lot", which as Murphy pointed out, includes myself apparently.  I was wondering why my hand was aching.  Having a few feet of steel shoved through it would certainly make sense.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (09:40:32/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-17-12/1050:08>
>>>>>[The whispers recede. I am at peace.

Those who would hunt us, they will not find us easy prey. We will not be rounded up. We will be free, and any who try to chain us will have to fight to do so. I am older now, but I have not lost the skills I had in the SCIRE. Any who would try to take the Angel will die by my blade.

We move. Hunters may come, but they will find nothing but death. Death and death, until they hunt us no more.

Shadows hide us, wherever we run. Hide us from the lives we've lived, and from those who wish us gone because of them.]<<<<<

--Faust (10:49:02/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-17-12/1248:36>
>>>>>[Why am I suddenly remembering something about an Angel...  Fraggin' stabilizers and sleepy juice.  And no access to my back-ups.  Oh well, nap time again.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (12:48:50/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-17-12/1740:53>
>>>>>[ Told you.
          Man, that girl can number crunch. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (17:40:54/01-17-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-17-12/2100:47>
>>>>>[Silly Wyrm. Sure he's crazy. Listening to people say they want to track him down and 'contain' him and his friends probably doesn't make him saner. Bet you I go to him offering him cold nuyen to go blow the hell out of a target, and it ends a lot more positively than your goons going to him to try and do whatever the drek it is you do to former SCIRE victims.

You don't deal with crazy by crunching numbers. That kind of thing assumes everyone involved is acting rationally. When someone says he hears voices whispering to him, you can't assume that he's rational. No offense to any technomancers out there, but there was garden variety crazy 'voices in your head' long before there was 'i overhear the coffeemaker thinking' voices.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:00:00/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-17-12/2107:02>
>>>>>[I hear people talking about tracking me down and 'containing' me, I smile and reach for a very large rifle.  Hunter or hunted, we shall see which is which.

Or, I would, if not for this damned tank!

Hey, Iceblade, you guys make it back to Seattle OK?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (21:06:52/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-17-12/2124:33>
>>>>>[Yeah, Money. No problems, other than that awkward scene at the gate when the girl from the LIason Office wanted a goodbye kiss, and Murphy's new Missus showed up figuring on the same thing. We got back to Seattle just fine, picked up two RFID tags the girl had left on my clothes when we were about to board, and burned them. Fortunately, Murphy slept through the flight back, and I was busy chatting up this blonde nearby, so they got nothing, except a recording of the girl getting into the Mile High club. What can I say? When I think I'm being watched, I find most spooks don't care to listen to someone having sex. Makes for uncomfortable situations in the surveillance van, yeah?

So anyways, Murphy went to check in with his folks, and show them his first real payday. Think he's going to check in on your tank, Money, once he finds out where they sent you after you got tank-napped. I offered to send some fish food with him when he went to see you, but he thought that joke might be in poor taste.

In the middle of my training session with the kid, teaching him about channeling mana to form spells. He's picking up the basics, at least, enough to not accidentally fireball people any more while doing katas. That was an... unfortunate incident, but not entirely unexpected, which is why we were practicing in the forest. And why we left, fast, before the Salish showed up. They get so touchy about things like that.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:24:27/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-17-12/2158:21>
>>>>>[Yeah, they got a "Only we can protect forest firebugs"-mentality that's backed up by steel-jacked lead.  Thanks for watching out for him, Iceblade, I owe ya.  It's been my job for three generations, and...  I dropped the ball on this one.  OK, fine, I was not in my right head, and stuck in a tank, but still.

Be glad when I'm out of here.  That damned kidnapping delayed things badly.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (22:00:00/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-17-12/2210:26>
>>>>>[Well, the kid I'm training is a mystic adept, so he needs someone Awakened to train him. There is only so much a mundane could teach him. Just like you need a technomancer to train a technomancer. Talent makes you see the world differently from those without it, and those who don't have the Talent can never appreciate the intricacies involved. Oh, they can see the results, sure. But they can't teach you how channeling mana into a manabolt is different from channeling it into a healing spell. Just like a non-hacker could see the difference between an Attack and Medic program, but they couldn't tell you how they work.

And quit worrying about Murphy. Assuming he doesn't get stupid, or his luck doesn't run out, I think he'll go far. He's already showing himself to be better equipped to deal with situations outside his comfort zone than most kids who come pouring out of the Barrens. If he survives to the end of the year, I think he's got a long career ahead of him.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:10:33/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-17-12/2258:31>
>>>>>[Well, today went better than I thought with pretty girl. First, I made her choose her Shadowname by saying the first word that would come to her mind. Autumn is what popped up. More poetic and less ironic than mine but also fitting. Physical training all day and we spent the evening working on the, well, emotional part of the training. I sense depression and distress in her and I have to change that, or she'll either end up killing herself or I'll have to do it. We took a walked in the Barrens, I was showing her the world outside the Corporate Walls. I showed her some pretty horrible things, we even played pick-a-pair-of-bums. She could stomach it and she already seems to replace her current state of mind with disgust and loathing. It takes a lot of work to mold a mind into something capable of cold-blooded murder. We're going to do that every evening I'm not hanging at the Powerline or playing at the Skeleton. If everything goes well and she doesn't die first, it should only be a question of time before she'll show disregard for metahuman life. And I'll even have a gift for her when she's ready. She's going to like her first contract.

Since we're on the discussion of training runners, I'm curious to know what's on your usual training programs. She's my first trainee and since I'm going to train her for wetwork, I'll go with something based on my own training. Physical training, general combat training (advanced training in hand to hand combat), stealth, artistic and social skills and finally psychological conditioning and mental resilience. This isn't an exhaustive list of things I've planned for her but it's pretty much the big lines. She'll follow me everywhere until training is done. I don't even have to pay a single nuyen for her training, daddy was rich enough and also had a good insurance in case of "sudden disappearance". How about you guys? How do you mold someone into a lethal and effective runner?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:58:51/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-17-12/2311:59>
>>>>>[ This is the third time I'm composing this.  Suffice it to say, Your Excellency, that you have no idea of which you speak.
          Smiley, you start out with cardio.  You run them up and down the nearest mountain. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:10:44/01-17-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-17-12/2352:18>
>>>>>[I can tell you what I'm doing with my trainee. Oh, he chose a name for himself, as well. Then I hit him with the practice sword until he picked one that wasn't from Neil the Ork Barbarian. He settled on Bladesinger. Kid actually has a decent voice, so perhaps its appropriate.

Anyways, as for how I'm training him, we start with physical conditioning. All your basic PT stuff, for now. I'm not an expert on how to train Adepts, but I figure if I at least build up his stamina a bit, Wolfgar will have an easier time of things. Teaching him to use a blade is a big thing, of course. I favor swords, myself, but he seems better suited to those forearm snapblades. Different style, but should be effective. The trick is finding what works for him. I'm sure its about the same for you and Autumn, Smiley.

As far as magic goes, though, that's where things get difficult. A tradition is a reflection of your self. It goes into how you see the world. There are elements that aren't too different from philosophy. How you train someone depends on the tradition. For my tradition, it is about disciplining the mind and body, and letting the mana flow through you. It is hard to describe to someone who hasn't experienced it. The main thing to remember is to keep their initial training someplace that is either away from the public, or strong enough to take a beating. You can have runaway or accidental spells real easily at this stage. And you want to make sure the kid doesn't overextend himself.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:51:43/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-17-12/2355:16>
>>>>>[You do realize we don't all hate those existing around us, right? Some of us respect the living not to brainwash our friends and apprentices into hardened killing machines. After you do that, you're really not much better than corpsec without a corp contract. That's a dark life to live omae, you don't want that kind of thing to nibble at your soul.]<<<<<
--Specks(23:51:56/1-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/0013:08>
>>>>>[If you are going to take the kid on a run, you have to harden them. There will be shooting, there will be blood, there will be people dying around you. If you can't keep cool when everything's going to hell, then you're going to get yourself and your team killed. You don't have to harden them to the point that Smiley is talking about unless you're going for the full on wetwork role. But you can bet that corpsec won't think twice before putting you down, so you better be prepared to do the same to them.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (00:12:12/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-18-12/0019:41>
>>>>>[Iceblade, remind me to try and get you if I ever have a kid and it comes a time for them to get some self defense training.]<<<<<

--Predator (00:17:53/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-18-12/0027:20>
>>>>>[I'll be clear with you as I've been clear with her. First, she's not my friend, she's my trainee. Second, that's what she wants, to be a remorseless contract killer (her words, not mine). I did warned her to be mindful of what she wishes for. Third, hate only is the first step. She'll have to let go of it to become ultimately completely uncaring. It worked for me! Independent thinking is also on the program, don't worry. I'm not programming a drone, I'm molding an assassin. At the end, she's going to do whatever the frag she wants, whenever she wants to and she'll have the tools and the state of mind to do just that. If you don't understand that, then you clearly don't know what it takes to kill people in cold blood for a living and on a regular basis. I did mentioned it takes a special breed of people to do wetwork.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:27:14/01-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/0042:08>
>>>>>[Null sheen, Pred. One good thing about my life, I got some real training before I hit the shadows. Most of it is the same kind of thing militaries have been doing since there were militaries. Break them down and build them up. I personally prefer blades, so I'd send people elsewhere to learn to shoot.

And Smiley is correct. To kill people on a regular basis, you either have to be cold, or go mad.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (00:40:43/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-18-12/0104:27>
>>>>>[Iceblade, your kid in Seattle? I could pop over for some early adept stuff, being one myself. I probably can't give nearly the comprehensive learning some older, likely initiated ones can, but I can help lay some pretty solid foundation. Wouldn't hurt him to learn some hand to hand anyways, given that most spirits ignore your weapons unless it's a focus. An adepts fists on the other hand....well, lets just say one free spirit learned I'm not someone to try to possess the hard way.]<<<<<

     -- Card (00:45:31/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-18-12/0135:50>
>>>>>[What the hell.  I learned how to survive things by being kicked out of the door at eight years old by my bastard of a father after my mother died giving birth to the demon that used to call himself my brother.  Yeah yeah yeah, poor rich kid and all that.  Well, hiked my hoop a few hundred klicks in the middle of winter to my Grandfather's and learned how to be a hunter from him, as he learned from his father, and so on and so forth.  I got a few other lessons from a few other folks as well, and Grandpa also taught me a lot of the Neo-@ and anti-authoritarian stuff.  Grandpa wasn't any easier on me, but that's the family way.  'Course, he never expected me to cheat.

Put myself through university, started my own business here in Seattle, got bought out, got shifted over to being a Johnson to try and kill me because they found out about the employee contracts too late, learned the streets from that, rest is history.

Damn, I never tell that story.  They're playing around with my meds again.  Seems they're still trying to figure out how to sort things out with some of my organs not accepting the stuff as well as most people.  They put the damned things in me, you'd think they'd know how to adjust everything.  Going to take that up with my Representative when I get out of this...  Sleeeeeeeeeeeeepy...]<<<<<  >>>User:  Money Johnson disconnected at source<<<
      --  Money Johnson (01:35:42/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-18-12/0141:50>
>>>>>[Kicked outsh...  Yeash, I waz kicked oush two.  I waz kickkked outz at 14, when iz kame home wit' muh first sticka pay.  "Go play wit' yer Pixie friendz.  Yer nah suna mine." dat bastard ofa father said.  Onlies Uncle Bob stood upz for me.  Got muh and Uncles schuff outta da plase he an' Grandpa paid fer...  In muh car now, th' schtuff, not me, i'z somewhere elze.  Dark plaze, secret plaze.  Whie'd noune tellz me drinkin' waz zo fun?  Whee.  Great time...  Hey, mix th' real stuff wit' th' virtual stuzz here, shee what happenz.]<<<<< 
      --  Murphy (01:41:00/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-18-12/0229:02>
>>>>>[Drinking away the first paycheck I see. Hahaha! That's a classic!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (02:28:44/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-18-12/0239:13>
>>>>>[Boozse wuz here alr...  Alrah...  I foundz it.  Gotza full stick an' planz fer it.  New roofs, shinglies, fil...fil...  ful...  fuc...  FILTER for the A/C.  Second 'Still fer wah-wah-wah-wahter.  T'ings to make da housh better.  Kicked out inshed.  No fairy gold dere, no blood muhney frum Mr. Muhney...  Notin' needed 'sept da Trogs from da Trogs to da Trogs.

Damn doze Trogs!!!  Whipe 'em all out.  'Umanis mhite be roight on dat.  Damn bottle broke, don't givez me more boozahol.  Oh, good, new bottle.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (02:35:31/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/0702:42>
>>>>>[Right. When an ork starts agreeing with Humanis, you know he's had too much to drink.

Murphy, you used to live in Redmond, right? At the very least take this as a chance to move up to Puyallup or the Underground. At least there you're not as likely to get knifed walking home from the store. Sure, there are other issues, but they're not the little slice of hell that Redmond is. And use the rest to upgrade your gear, and dive head first into the shadows. Guns, ammo, armor, ware, if you can afford it. Just don't do anything stupid and get in debt to one of the syndicates to get it.

Card, everyone should know at least the basics of hand to hand, but yeah, I use a focus when I'm working. The tradition I'm teaching him is about blade as an extension of the arm, magic as an extension of the will. Also, there is something about a gun or a blade that deters some of the violence that would be coming your way. They see the threat, and the riffraff know you're dangerous. Unless you're a troll, being unarmed just doesn't convey that same threat. But teaching some of the other things, like how to speed his reflexes and things, will make it easier on Wulfgar when he gets hold of him.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:02:05/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-18-12/0829:26>
>>>>>[ Speaking of foci...Ice, I've got something I want your opinion on. As a Swordmage, I think you're most qualified to assess its utility. It's a stacked weapons and centering focus I've forged in the shape of a sword. The blade is double-edged, with the two edges each of a different alloy, one silver-coloured, the other looks dusted gold - and infused with orichalcum to make it easier to enchant. I started doing this project more as an artistic challenge to myself to see if I could actually make a focus like that but, after learning about the Swordmages, I think there might be a market for a weapon like this. Although it will be dreadfully expensive. It certainly was to make.

Mmm...I know elves like that too. Elves from the elves to the elves. those of us who had human parents have a very hard time understanding it.

This is absolutely the last time I agree to be a stand-in singer. I had to learn sixteen songs in a day! And it's not even in my preferred genre. I'm exhausted. But...at the same time, exhilerated. There's a different kind of energy performing old-fashioned rock than jazz isn't there? Very different kind of response from the audience too. They drain you...but at the same time reflect back so much...

Sleep...I need sleep... ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (08:31:31/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/0927:06>
>>>>>[That... that sounds like a thing of beauty, Madre. Clearly best for an initiate of some grade, but yes, any swordmage would be honored to have such a blade. The silver edge is especially useful, since there are a lot of creatures who have an allergy to silver. The blade sounds like a masterwork, Madre. I can safely say that my blades cannot hold a candle to a creation like that.

Unlike other traditions, you won't find much in the way of trappings for a swordmage's work. With the exception of certain fetishes, and foci, our blades are the only things that speak about our work. They are likely to be intricately made, often enchanted, and usually unique creations. My blades are like no other I've seen, and I've named each one. I know, a bit of a romantic touch, but it seemed right. A thing of beauty and power should have a name to match, I think.

Rock and jazz are certainly different styles. And you're right about the energy of the crowd. I'm no singer, but who hasn't had a job that started out from Underworld 93 or Club Penumbra? Though it makes me wonder about the possibility of a music-based tradition. Glad you're still singing, my dear.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:26:34/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-18-12/1048:15>
>>>>>[Murphy i swear I'm gonna bring my cousins up there with a cajun care package and a lesson in family manners. Money you might remember them, that pair of vietnamese/cajun orks that fished you out of the bayou.]<<<<<  -- Wolfgar (10:20:15 / 01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-18-12/1216:28>
>>>>>[ Mmm...thank you, kind sir. I'm glad you approve. This kind of custom work is what I'd like to specialise in. Mmm...and I can certainly understand the romanticism of naming blades. It's something we Spaniards know something about, whether noble-born or from the meanest gutters. Anyway...if you know of someone who can use a blade like this, let him know, would you? If I can't find a good home for it, I'll have to melt it down and reuse the materials.

As for the singing...well, I discovered that I do enjoy it. I sing semi-regularly at various music clubs. Jazz primarily, but after last night, I think I'll branch out a bit. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (12:16:31/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/1220:55>
>>>>>[MELT IT DOWN? Are you INSANE? That is a piece of pure art you're talking about there!

You know what? Screw it. Name a price, and I'll find some way to get the money, or find a buyer. Fine craftsmanship like that should never go to waste.

Melt it down. As if!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:20:43/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-18-12/1302:50>
>>>>>[ Now now, Ice. It's not like it was custom made for anyone specific. It was just a personal challenge to see if I could do it. Mind you...I don't make wall ornaments. The foci I make are meant to be used, and I think you'll find the weapon is well balanced and robust. Artistic pride, you understand. *smile*

As for the price...it's likely to turn your hair white. I did some calculations on how much I put in. It all comes to about Y175,000. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (13:03:31/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-18-12/1314:11>
>>>>>[I'm going to be honest. If a cybered up ork or troll wants your money, a heavy pistol on your hip isn't going to deter them. It'll pink off, they'll laugh, then you'll get a concussion or shot anyways.

My philosphy is "Be the smallest target possible," meaning, don't give them reasons to WANT to hijack me. A: I have no pistol, meaning whatever I'm carrying likely isn't going to bring all that much on any market, and it's not likely to be anything they want to slot. B: I deliver on motorcycle, instead of a nice protective car, practically screaming "This package is likely not worth the time."

Doesn't always work, but being unarmed and on a supposedly drek bike (Thank you camo) usually lets the one or two desperate enough to try get close enough for a taser to the skull. Besides, I tried using guns, even with stick and shock: My aim, is horrendous. and I don't personally have time most weeks to hit the firing range to actually obtain any skill, between Triad work, real work, and sharpening my adept skills.

But yeah, I can teach him how to enhance his reflexes, and how to compartment his mind to handle multiple input, like driving at nearly a hundred while talking on here, or noticing small details while in a fight.]<<<<<

     -- Card (13:13:14/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/1328:22>
>>>>>[Yowch. That's a helluvalot there. I know some people back home who could use it. And then there's always dragons, I guess. Or I could do a bunch of jobs to try and round that much up. Anyone know what the going rate Tamanous pays for a body? Geez, 175K.

Seriously, though, don't melt it down. I'll find someone who can use it, and pay for it, even if I have to hunt for telesma to sell in trade. Don't know what various telesma are worth, though. What would it take to round up enough telesma to pay that off?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:28:53/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-18-12/1337:40>
>>>>>[ @Madrecita: Sold. ]<<<<<
      --  Chrona (18:36:31/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-18-12/1419:39>
>>>>>[That's it, someone get me out of this tank!  I'm going to go down there, in a fraggin' hospital gown with my hoop bare to the world and show those racist bastards what's what!  Fine, not liking me because I got their family dead is one thing, but kicking a guy out for taking an ELVES CRED?  That's call PUTTING IN FRAGGIN' WORK!  That pays for the food, the roof, the everything that makes that buidling Fraggin' work!  Those mothersloters I'm going to...]<<<<<  >>>User:  Money Johnson has been moved to the Time Out Node due to excessive profanity<<<
      --  Money Johnson (14:19:42/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/1440:37>
>>>>>[Money, stay in the damn tank. When you get out, and Murphy sobers up, just cut them off. From everything. And let them see how well they can get by without Murphy bringing in the cred. Either they'll come crawling back, or they will continue to self-destruct. Either way, it isn't your problem. Beating them to a pulp won't change their views. Isolating them from friends, family, neighbors, and work will force them to either make nice, or starve. And if they can't do what it takes to survive...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:40:02/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-18-12/1503:31>
>>>>>[Family problems... Never had any. I'd need to have a family to have that.

Wow. Not even two days of training and she's already doing research on ways to kill people. I looked at her matrix search history and plant based poisons came up a lot. What's the deal with women and poisons anyway?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:03:41/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-18-12/1508:16>
>>>>>[Uh oh. Start being careful with how you train this one, Smiley, especially if checks turn up a lot of those poisons being undetectable post-mortem and tasteless when cooked in food.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (15:05:15/01-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/1522:55>
>>>>>[I'm not a fan of poisons, myself. Too messy. Instead of killing people, I prefer to simply persuade them to get out of the situation. But I can be very persuasive when I want to.

Oh, and hello to you all. You can call me Wyrmtongue.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (15:22:29/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-18-12/1530:54>
>>>>>[ Oh Ice. If you want it that badly, I can always keep it for you. It's not like I'm in a hurry to sell it or anything. It does suit you, I think.

Money...I agree with Ice. If Murphy's family would rather throw him out, then it's their loss. I daresay you're as much family to him. Perhaps even more so. So can others be, if he lets us. He's certainly not short of people willing to help him.

Welcome Wyrmtongue. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (15:30:31/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-18-12/1542:51>
>>>>>[Well hello there Wyrmtongue. The issue is that, well, it's not a question of persuasion. No, it's a question a fulfilling a contract, that person must die if you want your paycheck. That's wetwork for you chummer.

Why would I discourage her from her research? Undetectable and tasteless poisons are a perfectly valid way of doing wetwork.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:42:23/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-18-12/1549:08>
>>>>>[Hey there, Wyrm. Good to see you on here.

Discourage? I don't remember saying that. I was just saying to be careful how you go about training now. Don't want to end up being her "test subject" for the poisons after all.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (15:46:43/01-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/1605:05>
>>>>>[Hey, Preddy baby. Didn't know you were on here! A friend of a friend told me about this, so I thought I'd check it out. You know I'm always looking for new experiences. And BTL drinks! Two of my favorite things in one. How can I say no?

And yeah, Smiley, I'm not really cut out for wetwork. I'm a shaman, and a lover, not a fighter.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (16:04:12/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-18-12/1641:40>
>>>>>[Oh! Well in that case, she knows I'm a bad test subject. Nearly everyday, I poison myself with a really small dose of poisons to make myself resistant. Not immune, it still may work but it may not be so satisfying for observation purposes. I'm not doing it because I'm paranoid, but since I use poisons myself from time to time and accidents may happen, best take precautions. She noticed my habit when I take my morning tea, it's probably what gave her the idea.

I do hear that a lot "I'm not cut out for wetwork"... Make me feel special. Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:41:18/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-18-12/1646:25>
>>>>>[Anyone can "be cut out for wetwork". The issue comes in on whether or not a given person can rationalize the kill to themselves, which is why some will only perform a wetwork job for certain "causes".]<<<<<
     -- Predator (16:43:31/01-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-12/1649:29>
>>>>>[Yeah, only time I ever killed someone was... well, I needed money, and a fake SIN, and other gear, so I agreed to be in a few trids for one of the Rings while hooked up to a simrig. It paid well enough for me to get on my feet, as it were, and into the shadows.

You would be surprised some of the things people would want to experience in simsense. Don't know why they'd want to experience THAT, but I guess people are just strange like that.

So it isn't like I can't kill, but it isn't something I like doing as a rule. If they're dead, you can't play with them any more!]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (16:49:15/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-18-12/1739:36>
>>>>>[Ey, Murphy, if you need somewhere to sober up/cool off/lay low, you're welcome to head up to my place. You can chill with me and my mechanic Lucas. Best damn wrench jockey I know, and he's an orc to boot, so we'll be able to handle stuff if you get too rowdy if you get drunk again.]<<<<<

     -- Card (16:51:15/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-18-12/1826:06>
>>>>>[... AND THEN WHEN I BREAK MY FOOT OFF IN HIS HOOP, I'LL...]<<<<<  >>>User:  Money Johnson has been moved to the Time Out Node due to excessive threats of violence<<<
      --  Money Johnson (20:25:18/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-18-12/1932:56>
>>>>>[ Let's not get our Wyrms mixed up, now. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:20:01/01-18-2074)

>>>>>[ Females use poison because of the hierarchy of battle. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (19:32:49/01-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-18-12/2134:54>
>>>>>[Warning! Shameless self promotion comin' up fast!

Hehe. Just to say that Thanks for Coming Out is playing at the Skeleton tonight. The set starts at 11PM. For those interested, just say the word and I'll get you in. Afterparty backstage too!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (21:34:29/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-18-12/2207:20>
>>>>>[Back and calmer now.  Stoned too, mood stabilizers, I think they're the same stuff they put in the ACHE's food, actually.  Murphy's offline.  Hey, talking about poison, cool.  I got about fifteen going through my system right now.  The doctors say they're just drugs to make me feel better but...  ...  Oh, right that's why I don't take mood stabilizers, they make me paranoid.  Either that, or the doctors are trying to kill me.  No, they're paid too much, probably the nurses...]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (22:07:42/01-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-19-12/0103:53>
>>>>>[ Anyone can kill. You just need the right reason, that's all. If someone needs killing, then he needs killing. That's really all there is to it. I wouldn't be able to do it as a profession. I'm just not wired like that. But if the reason is right, then I can kill, easily and efficiently, remorselessly. That is one of the first things Wolf teaches. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (01:05:40/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-19-12/0216:45>
>>>>>[I guess I have a bit of a disadvantage for that. I'll gladly put someone into the wall for attacking me or mine. I have yet to kill yet though. I guess it's my own little code of ethics or morality...I'm sure one day I'll have a better reason then money to break that, but for now, it serves.]<<<<<

     -- Card (01:16:40/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-19-12/0638:16>
>>>>>[Wolf, huh? If that's who calls to you, then there's no arguing with him. For me, I listen to the sweet words of the Seductress. She definitely knows how to have a good time, yeah? And Smiley, that was a killer show last night! You guys should have seen some of the ladies who were there! Good enough to eat, every last one of them.

Speaking of which, now I'm hungry. I think rabbit's on the menu today...]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (06:38:06/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-19-12/0916:10>
>>>>>[Oh dear Ghost...  It feels like something died in my mouth, and I have one of Mr. Money's repeated concussions.  And everything is too bright, in a completely dark room.  Oh, AR brightness down, better.  People do this to themselves willingly?  What the hell was that stuff I was drinking?  The jugs say turpentine, but they're dated from the 2040s and obviously reused.  I'm just going to drill a hole in my head to let the pain out, with my Ares Predator.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (09:15:31/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-19-12/1248:32>
>>>>>[Hahaha! High caliber bullets to the head is a great way to end an existence of suffering but way overkill to end a hungover! Pun intended.

Killer show... Haha! I'll assume the pun wasn't intended. Well, the afterparty in our loge was pretty wild, so I'll assume I've seen a few of them (and pretty up close I'd say). Glad you had a good time chummer. We also did!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (12:48:25/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-19-12/1251:36>
>>>>>[ Mmm...Seductress. In many ways, she is the antithesis of wolf. 'Nuff said

Murphy, I have never understood the enjoyment of strong drink. It hurts afterwards, and you can never remember the enjoyment of what you did while under the influence. And usually, it's also better that way. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (12:51:40/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-19-12/1332:42>
>>>>>[I remember everything.  Every.  Thing.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (13:32:48/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-19-12/1448:21>
>>>>>[Murphy, this is why you don't go drinking things you can't identify. That was probably some crackpot's home brew. You're lucky you didn't go blind, or worse. So, you remember everything, hmm? Didn't meet any more nagas, did you?

And yes, people do drink on purpose. The trick is learning when to stop. I know how much I can drink, and not be impaired, and I know how much it takes me to get completely wasted. I usually stop somewhere between those two benchmarks. I've never gotten to the 'metahuman agreeing with Humanis' stage, though. That must be some strong stuff you were drinking.

Now, if you're done trying to drink your problems away, go find yourself a new place to live. Shouldn't be squatting if you have other options.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:48:34/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-19-12/1639:50>
>>>>>[ You'd be surprised at how little it really takes to start impairing you. Sometimes you don't even notice it.

Murphy, I daresay you can afford to move out of Redmond. A former student of mine lives in Puyallup. I'm sure he can hook you up with something. And if he doesn't...there's an Ork fixer called Hagar I can direct you too. He will definitely be able to help you out with shelter. You may have to take a 'run for him in exchange, but hey...that's all good, right? ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (16:39:40/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-19-12/1646:27>
>>>>>[Meh! Stop worrying about Murphy. He's going to be fine!

I missed you at the concert yesterday, Madrecita. I didn't see you in the crowd.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:46:26/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-19-12/1754:49>
>>>>>[Alcohol is your friend. But then, I'm the kind of person who will try anything at least once. Booze, drugs, sex, chips, whatever you got, I'm down. I mean, I try and lay off while I'm on the job, but when I'm on my time... Well, Seductress likes for me to enjoy myself. Something I couldn't do when I worked for MCT.

Oh, yeah, I used to work security at an MCT facility in Seattle. But the Court said they had to either put me under contract, or let me go, and I decided to go. So here I am in the shadows.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (17:54:24/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-19-12/1818:30>
>>>>>[Murphy, you can stay at my place if you can make it up to Everette. At least until you find somewhere you would rather stay. I know I have an extra room, or if nothing else, my mechanic buddy can put you up in the worst case, though we'd have to think of a cover story as to why I know you. He's not...clued in to what I do.]<<<<<

     -- Card (18:16:04/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-19-12/1948:35>
>>>>>[Murphy's fine, housing-wise at least.  Seems someone anonymously dropped an apartment on him.  He gave me the legwork to look into seeing if it's hinky, but doesn't seem to be from all I can look into.  And, let's face it, even in the tank I can still make CommCalls.  He was previously at some Bolthole that his Uncle set up, and must have told him about.  Don't know why he was in the dark, as I taught Uncle Murphy a few tricks from my own storage caches when you can't remember where you put everything (Hitting your shin on a few crates of rifle ammo hurts like hell!), just some glowsticks within easy reach of the door to find the light.

As for what he was drinking, I remember those bottles.  Official Cascade Ork's Finest Moonshine with Certificates of Authenticity!  It was extra for the "Traditional" clay jugs.  Uncle Murphy used it as a degreaser when he found firearms in cosmoline.  I took a sip once.

Once.

Anyhow, aside from having way to ghetto a car for the neighborhood he's now living, he's starting to adjust to living on his own and only having his extended family to rely on.  His direct family he's written off.  I haven't.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (19:47:12/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-19-12/2001:25>
>>>>>[How do you ghetto a car? Only car I've ever had is a cab I got with a couple after market addons. Mostly just getting it on that GridGuide thing, and then giving it a way to bypass the limits? I dunno what it does, just that it lets me drive anywhere I'm likely to go without stopping to refuel.

I'll admit, I don't really understand most of this technology. There was nothing like this where I grew up.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (20:01:02/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-19-12/2009:56>
>>>>>["Ghetto" is a term meaning old technology or something that looks like it deserves to be in a Ghetto.  In Murphy's car's (A '61 Ford Americar, BTW) case, it's body is mostly rust, the rear passenger door is replaced with one from a Dodge Avenger in blue (The rest of his car is black and rust), and the engine sounds out of tune.

It's all camouflage.  Damn thing is what's called a "Sleeper" car, something that looks like drek, but is really high-end performance.  I drove it around for a bit, and it reminds me of the handling of a Patrol-1, only a bit heavier and with more armor.  It fit in perfectly when he was living in the Barrens, just like every other barely running car on the street.  Now, not so much.

Not exactly giving away secrets here.  Any 'runner worth their ride will have it modified the way they like it, and to hell with everything else.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (20:10:00/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-19-12/2034:14>
>>>>>[Wow. You can do that with cars? I never knew. I understand camouflage, though. If I go outside looking like I normally do, I cause a bit of a stir in this neighborhood. Fortunately, a quick spell going through a sustaining focus means that I look perfectly normal, and no one suspects that I'm not exactly what I appear to be.

Plus, then I don't have to deal with being recognized from those trids.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (20:33:02/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-19-12/2049:42>
>>>>>[Oh? Well, none of my business really. You did just make me curious though.]<<<<<

--Predator (20:48:15/01-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-19-12/2110:45>
>>>>>[Well, you've seen a couple of my disguises already, Preddy. But dealing with a magical disguise is better than dealing with the talismongers. Or the people who've seen that trid. Like I said, when I first left MCT, I needed some money to get going. Did a couple trids for one of the Rings to earn some nuyen. It was real out there stuff, but the pay was good, and my meals for a month were included.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (21:10:25/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-19-12/2231:16>
>>>>>[Yes, you can do that with cars, Mr. Wyrmtongue.  I'm already shopping for a new one, and my cousin (third-cousin, I think) has been looking to buy mine for almost a year now, so she'll be able to get it finally.  Mr. Money has a few automobiles that he has shown around and used on 'runs.  He usually drives a red Pueblo Motors Jackalope that's actually a C-N Jackrabbit knock-off, but it's about as stock as he is.  (Again, no secrets there.  He drove the damned thing through a bar once.  Well, almost, the floor gave way at the end.).

Not too sure about the neighborhood, but it seems like a nice apartment, and someone left some tomatoes growing there that I picked one just after I dropped off my first set of boxes.  Have to get furniture, and, um, "Other Supplies" that I'm sure we all know what I'm talking about.  Trying to figure out how to get that past the cameras.  Also trying to figure out why there always seems to be a party going on here.  No big deal, I got cyberaudio systems as soon as my hearing started to go due to shooting indoors.  Doesn't take long.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (22:31:29/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-19-12/2315:24>
>>>>>[You need furnishing? That place was already pretty nicely furnished the last time I went there. Ask the landlord if don't like it, or miss anything because it's included in the rent. There's a blind spot under your balcony for your smuggling needs, just pull things up using a winch and your in business. When the neighbors gets too loud, use the Home Management Software Suites to turn on the sound dampeners. Not used to that kind of lifestyle are you? I'm sure you'll make a lot of friends in there, I did.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:15:29/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-19-12/2335:43>
>>>>>[After I broke the couch under my weight (I'm not a small ork), I checked the labels, they're all from Cara'sir (Um, that's Portland according to online sources), and designed to specifications that are usually only found in Elves and Humans.  I guess I'll have to talk to the Landlord about that.  I'll double-check the blind spot in case someone set up a camera there later than you know about, and will do that, thank you Mr. Smiley.

Was this one of your old places?  You sound like you know it well...]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (23:35:59/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-19-12/2358:15>
>>>>>[I did, a few years ago. The place hasn't changed much though. Hope you'll like the change in scenery.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:58:33/01-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-20-12/0145:17>
>>>>>[ Sorry for missing the concert, Smiley. I had some unexpected biz to take care of. Some asshole decided it just wasn't right for an "elven witch" to reside close by. He and a couple of buddies thought I was an easy mark. All it took to let them know how wrong they were was a few broken ribs, a cracked skull, and piles of missing teeth. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (01:344:40/01-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-20-12/0640:28>
>>>>>[Yes, all the best furniture made in the Tir tends to be designed for elves. Too tall for dwarves to be comfortable, and too delicate for orks, trolls, or people with a lot of chrome. And yes, that is all by design. Still, beautiful woodworking on some of it.

Murphy, when you get settled in, I've arranged a housewarming gift for you. I wouldn't actually wave it around the house, though. Don't want to damage the furniture. But I figured a combat axe would be a good thing to have for someone your size. There's an AR skin on it that makes the axehead look like its great leaping flames coming off it when you're looking in AR. Should make for an intimidating sight when you're threatening someone with it.

What? I like my gifts to be functional and aesthetically pleasing.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:40:34/01-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-20-12/1325:26>
>>>>>[Well, now that the mood stabilizers are out of my system and the doctors figure that they can cut back on the neural drugs, I'm starting to remember a bit more of what happened to me.  I was trying to figure out what the hell happened to made our intel on the job go so badly.  Yeah, it was heavily magically protected (Paracritters, Hellhounds mostly, but some Wolf Shifters mixed with the metahuman guards) with a contract magician on-call.  I neutralized the magician (Or, I should say, paid to have him neutralized for the night, he woke up with the worst hangover of his life), distracted the Hellhounds, and threw a few tricks I knew to keep the Wolf Shifters from noticing us.  Hell, it's easy enough, actually, don't smell like gun oil and metahuman, they rely on their sense of smell as much as metahumans rely on sight.

Anyhow, drones galore out of nowhere.  All hardwired.  Pop-Up Sentry Turrets, Rail-mounted Drone MGs, that sort of thing.  Wrong loadout for that sort of thing.  And not a hint that any of them were there in the pre-op intel check.

So I'm going through the folks I talked to before, and being a lot less polite than I was before about asking questions.  Problem is, the folks didn't change their stories or anything, not for money or fear, keeping professional.  Hell, they were pissed as well, a few had other things riding on the 'run going right as well.  I was at the second meet, big fixer I've used for a decade and trust as far as I can throw him (He was an anorexic dwarf, so that's actually a fair distance), when I get hit in the back of the head, find my body doesn't like being upright any more, and smash face-first into the table and floor.  Now, bones are nicely wrapped in titanium, cartilage is not.  Hense the wrecked nose.

Next thing I know, I'm waking up with a really big mad on, and someone spraying harsh chemicals in my face, and every one of the Fixer's crew is dead around me.  Cybereyes are wonderful in the fact that they stay open for me when I fall asleep.  Anyhow, two cleaners (crime scene, not killers) are in full disposable enviro suits, on splashing blood all over the place using buckets, and the other with a backpack sprayer.  Typical work, spread out a lot of DNA, and then wrangle it together with Cleaner-Cleaner.  So, I surprise the hell out of Mook #1, rip off his hood, and shove the nozzle of the sprayer down his throat and squeeze the trigger.  Mook #2 is pawing at his hip trying to get at the pistol that probably isn't there even under the enviro suit, and, well...  I'll spare you the details.

Still working on the rest, it's a blur.  I got some holos and aud recordings however.  Mostly people begging for their lives and a long spiel in a form of Sperethiel I'm not fully familiar with, something about breaking a wheel and polluting the blood of some twenty-syllable long word.  A name maybe?  Anyhow, the clanging of blades and me talking smack in the same tongue doesn't help matters with that one.  Oh, look, the ugly as hell human orderly is putting in my sleepy meds.  Where's the cute dwarf nurse, I liked...]<<<<<  >>>User:  Money Johnson disconnected at source<<<
      --  Money Johnson (13:23:14/01-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-20-12/1345:27>
>>>>>[Money, if you could send me those recordings, I might be able to tell you more, being a native speaker, and all. But from what you said, I'd have to say that the elves were either from Tir na Nog, or the job originated there. Probably both. The Path of the Wheel is a big thing over there. And if you think Tir Tairngir under the Council was biased against non-elves, you haven't seen anything until you go to Tir na Nog. But those dreamers don't usually bother themselves with things outside their island, unless it has something to do with magic.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:45:52/01-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-20-12/1347:47>
>>>>>[Guess I'd better scrap those ideas about saving up for a vacation over there then.]<<<<<

--Predator (13:46:36/01-20-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-20-12/1349:49>
>>>>>[Money, let me know when you need that job done.]<<<<<

--Chrona (18:49:52/01-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-20-12/1626:57>
>>>>>[*Emote:  Yawn*  I'll fumble through it a bit myself first, Iceblade.  Might be something personal I don't want to get out.  During the sleep, I remember the name, but for the life of me, can't remember where.  The guy did have a Tairngir accent, however, so he wasn't from the nOg.  Chrona, something just came up, sending you an e-mail now.

Bleh, new drugs leave a taste in my mouth that makes the nutrient tank taste good by comparison.  Let me check my chart.  Oh, better security now.  Here we go, oh, lovely, radiation to get ready for more scanning.  Why not just open my skull and take samples?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (16:26:55/01-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-20-12/1657:29>
>>>>>[Because it is cheaper to pump you full of radiation and scan than to cut you open, replace blood and tissue, and then pull things out to examine them? But hey, what's the worst that could happen, other than a little premature hair loss and cancer?

Well, other than someone slipping a kink bomb in there by 'mistake'.

Anyways, Money, glad to hear you're feeling better. And the offer's still out there if you can't get through some of the sperethiel parts.

I may be going out of town again before too long. Client with special tastes has a package to be delivered up the well. Always an experience going into space, so long as I don't try and go astral. That'll make your brain bleed, unless you're on one of the stations that has enough life together to give you a weak manasphere.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:57:24/01-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-20-12/1800:44>
>>>>>[Job went down fine, Money. Negotiations reached a standstill when they were insulted you'd sent a Ghoul to negotiate. Their sniper had been made by my Spirit of Man before he started getting twitchy, so my Spirit thought best to slam him with control thoughts. With a red dot now on the Face's forehead and the shadows around them literally moving in closer, they were much more pliable. They settled on 10k and I reminded them you don't renegotiate with Money Johnson.]<<<<<

-- Chrona (22:57:52/01-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-20-12/1807:49>
>>>>>[Much appreciated, Chrona, pay delivered.  Honestly, don't renegotiate with any Johnson unless they've screwed you on intel or the job or pay.  It's unprofessional and why 'Runners and Johnsons have such bad names.

As for sending a Ghoul to negotiate, who was I going to send, the Good-Humor Ork with an SoyCream Cone?  Frag that!  I'm grabbing the biggest, meanest fragger I can get my hands on and sending them.

If you've ever heard of him, I sent The Suit in once.  I stopped doing that, the group gave up Shadowrunning and now have security jobs.  Except for one guy, apparently he went back to his real SIN and got into the ACHE to feel safe.  "The Accountant From Hell" indeed!  Yeah, better to send a big Ghoul or a Troll Combat Magician or something.

Still muddling through the Sperethiel parts with some ebooks I found, it fills the time in the tank at least.  The rest I figured out who they all are.  Bad guys who make Smiley look like the cute Dwarf Nurse I wish was still taking care of me.  Chipper cute thing.  World's better without 'em, and Uncle Murphy has a Death Guard if he wants it.  My wife'll have them if he won't.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (18:07:12/01-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-21-12/0126:45>
>>>>>[Don't try renegotiating after the job is done. If you didn't negotiate before taking the job, that's your fault. Or rather your team's face's fault.]<<<<<
      --  Predator (01:23:48/01-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-21-12/0142:06>
>>>>>[Thank you Mr. Money, I was wondering about the people you left behind, and figured it was something like that.  Uncle Murphy didn't believe in much aside from living from one day to the next, and learning as much as he could, it's why...

I'll tell you in person.  Anyhow, all moved in, got the place secured, and helped the workers move the ork-strength furniture in.  There's noise about, but it feels so large, and, empty...  Ah well.  My own place, my first home, I guess.  Now to start on putting in work to get ahead on rent.  Also need to get some scrap plate from a Quartermaster I know, they just did some repairs on the Vancouver, so there's lots of it for sale as scrap, legally too.  I think that might be the first legal purchase I make from him...]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (01:40:40/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-21-12/0146:05>
>>>>>[Glad to hear you're getting settled in, Murphy. Since you're still--for the most part--getting started, if you ever need another gun, give me a call. Be glad to help you out.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (01:44:22/01-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-21-12/0329:24>
>>>>>[Bad guys who makes me look like a cute dwarf nurse, hm? That's too bad for them, now I gotta repair that little scratch on my rep. Intel's coming in soon, I'll be back with a recording of their dying screams and the sound of my boots stomping on their throats.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (03:29:41/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-21-12/1114:55>
>>>>>[They're already dead Smiley.  If they haven't been sent to the fleshmongers yet, it'd just be a wet squelch.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (11:14:38/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-21-12/1126:03>
>>>>>[Okay, then why are the guys I'm chasing are still alive? Either there's more to your story or I've been screwed on my intel. Alright sending you what I got. Either way, I'm killing those guys anyway. I'm here, they're here, my fixer approved the kills and I already killed one of them. Anyone wants to hear the recording? ]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:26:13/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-21-12/1138:08>
>>>>>[ Thank you, but no. That's a private moment that I don't think should be shared. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (11:38:13/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-21-12/1219:57>
>>>>>[I'll take a copy Smiley. ]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (17:19:19/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-21-12/1221:09>
>>>>>[ If you have the new girl with you, you can consider it a training mission too. So it's not completely a lost cause. ]<<<<<

     -- Card (12:20:20/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-21-12/1223:08>
ERROR
ERROR
REALITY FILTERS BYPASSED


>>>>>[
HORIZON IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL. HORIZON IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL. HORIZON IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL. HORIZON IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL.   HORIZON IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL. HORIZON IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL.  
]<<<<<
     -- ____ (- -:- -:- -/- --- --- -)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-21-12/1226:28>
>>>>>[*Emote:  Sigh*  Doesn't take long for the spam to come in.  MACCALLISTER?  You call this security?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (12:26:12/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-21-12/1802:49>
>>>>>[What does that mean? How can a corporation be good for the soul? Is Horizon a religion, then?]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (18:02:53/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-21-12/1831:26>
>>>>>[Not really.  They're trying to win the hearts and minds of the public through a variety of means, so some might seem like a cult to some people because of that.  Yeah, all the Corps do, Aztechnology has been the best at spin jobs until recently (aggressive wars are hard to spin into positive things), but Horizon is doing it the best right now.

As for it being "Good for the soul", they do have a number of "deals" where a percentage of every purchase goes to charities either of their own creation or older, fully legitimate ones.  Yes, I checked the places out personally, and have had other people who are involved with charities with some shadow and light contacts check them too.  So, in a way, buying their goods could be called "good for your soul" by helping the charities.

Horizon is, however, "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma", to quote Winston Churchill.  The dirt on Horizon is pretty clean, individuals and departments, not anything big.  Not like the rest of the Corps.  Not that has been found, yet.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (18:29:42/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-21-12/1908:41>
>>>>>[ Oi, Money, thanks for putting me in touch with the old man. He knew how to get exactly what I wanted, and this stuff is GREAT. Makes me wonder why Horizon keeps making those drek 'runner' movies and shows and doesn't go back to this. I mean, hell, merchandizing is practically built into the show. I know they could save on some effects if they could find an adept or two to hire.

Now, if you don't mind me, I'm going to go pretend to be a little kid in the comfort of my own home. A thought: These shows show you EXACTLY how NOT to live a double life style...at least the versions where they have to keep their super power a secret. Might be good to watch just on that alone.]<<<<<

     -- Card (19:07:48/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-21-12/1918:04>
>>>>>[No problem, Card.  Grandpa's glad to share those with folks.  But don't think there wasn't any merchandising in them back then.  It's just not as overt.  Subtle hints of old products with distinctive labels and such that you won't recognize today.  (Even stuff that's still around, you won't recognize.  This was actually the start of the Cola Wars-era, the cold period before Red and Blue started shooting it out with 'Runner teams over territory, production, and distribution when they both got AA-Status at the same time by the Corporate Court.  Honestly, I don't know why the CC allows that war to go on, as it's bad for business.  Then again, the AAA-Level Corps have their own Colas on the markets now, and anything that hurts the major front-runners helps them, so maybe it does make sense.

My favorite is still Q-Cola ("The Feathered Dragon's Choice"), even if it is an Aztechnology product.  They use real sugar cane in it, while the rest use refined sugar, and there aren't as many "Will give you cancer" additives.  (I know a chemist that gets bored and looks into things like that.).  Horizon's Unity Cola ("The cola for everyone") is also good for lack of additives, but they use raw sugar, which is better than refined sugar, but not as sweet as sugar cane.  For pure calories and punch, Ares Combat Cola is practically an energy drink, and most 'runners will have a six-pack in the back of their vehicles for quick energy.  I keep one in my Jackalopoe, in fact, for the same reason.  Along with water.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (19:17:33/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-21-12/1943:37>
>>>>>[I can honestly say I've never had cola before. Growing up, it was always what the peasants drank, while I had better choices available. And later, I decided why bother with cola, when there was whiskey? Or beer, if I'm in a dive. Then again, I never had soy until I went into the army.

And Card, there's two ways to live a double life. The first is to go with full on disguises (nanopaste, mask spells, whatever you have access to) in one or both of those lives. Makes for a lot of work, but the chances of someone recognizing you in both roles is remote. The other way is to do the hide in plain sight method. Cosmetic changes between the two roles, but you act differently as each persona. No one expects that a playboy noble turned high end male escort would be, as Madre once called me, a cold blooded killer. The key here is to make one part of your life a caricature, so that even if someone sees you playing criminal, they go "Nah, it couldn't be..." And if you can make it so your 'public' persona is well known, then a couple minor cosmetic changes for when you're running allows you to say that the person in the person in the mask was clearly using nanopaste, or was a copy. How many Nadja Daviars are there running around?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:43:23/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-21-12/2003:49>
>>>>>[Money: I ment the fact that, I mean, good gods, everything these guys use in the show could be a toy for a kid. Especially with the most recent advances, you could make stylized 'links that make the kid look like one of these sentai in AR. So many ways to make money.

Iceblade: I ment more the fact that it's SO OBVIOUS. Granted, in some of these, it seems masked heroes are a normal thing for the world, so if your best friend walks into an alley and the hero of hte area shows up, you just kinda shrug it off. I'll have to look into those two options though. Hell, likely doing one or the other unconsciously is a mark of someone who's just good at hiding stuff.]<<<<<

     --Card (20:02:50/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-21-12/2007:03>
>>>>>[Smart people look for caricatures that are trying too hard, however.  Use only some of it, and make it subtle for the rest.  There's a reason stereotypes were created, but they're an amalgamation of things, not just one person...  Usually.  Some folks just aim for it just to be, or because they think they have to be it.  *Emote:  Shrug*  I don't go in for that myself.  Well, OK, I did pull a bit of the "Great White Hunter" in Africa, but that was just to make the kids laugh, rather than to throw people off my trail, I was there legally.

I will say that Nanopaste has been the greatest boon to me in a long, long time!  Even just enough to throw off facial recognition is enough.  You still look like you, people will recognize you (Important as people in the light and dark know me by my real face), but footage can't be used against you in a court of law without being edited.  And if you have a good team behind you, you can show how it's been faked without screaming "I had nanopaste on, that's not real!" as we just saw in a recent case, which puts the rest of the evidence from the same lab in a bad view, even in other cases.  I also used an old comic book trick, I stand straight when in the light, and hunch down in the shadows.  Different heights, different walking styles, the works.  (That trick is so old it isn't even looked for any more except by people my age!  Or those taught by folks my age.).

Combat Helmets with built-in respirators are good too.  I have a few, ranging from anti-inhalant, to anti-chemical, to anti-viral.  I know a number of 'runners that use full-faced motorcycle helmets that have a lot of gadgets built into them.  Internal air supplies are very popular, tongue toggle the seal and you're good.  They're available at any bike shop legally, too.

Iceblade, if you're stuck in a dive with horrible beer and worse whiskey, try adding some Unity Cola or Q-Cola if you like things really sweet to the whiskey, and it'll make it more palatable.  It's a standard mix, so even that crappy a bartender can't screw it up, too.  Also, the carbonation gives you an endorphin rush from the pain sensors on your tongue going off.  It's why carbonated beverages are so popular.

Card, most of those WERE toys for kids.  Die-cast metal, and then plastic according to Grandpa.  And the shows sold the toys.  He remembers having some of them as a kid.  Might even still have some in the the attic.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (20:02:41/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-21-12/2111:50>
>>>>>[ Every high-end noble I've ever met was a cold-blooded killer in some manner, no matter how they acted. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (21:12:23/01-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-21-12/2134:49>
>>>>>[Oh, there's the political gamesmanship, of course, but that wasn't what I was talking about and you know it. Most nobles wouldn't deign to get their hands dirty with most things. No, they use proxies, and middlemen, and all the tricks your average Johnson would use, to keep from touching the subject, or even acknowledging that they had just signed someone's death warrant. There are some exceptions, of course, but they are not typical. And beyond that, there is the public perception, which I shouldn't have to tell you is often different from reality. The perception of most nobles is that they are schemers, who never get their own hands dirty, and certainly would never be seen in someplace like Aces out in Redmond. Sometimes the sheer absurdity of the notion means people automatically assume that it is a look-alike. If you saw someone who looked like Damien Knight chatting with some known runners in Club Penumbra, would you think that was actually Knight?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:34:43/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-21-12/2315:27>
>>>>>[Might explain why my Chummer who is some kind of Lord back in Old Blighty is in self-imposed exile.  He's just happy enjoying life, really.  Gotta see when he's back in town, I think.

Test with the radiation is done.  There was lots of, "Oh don't worry, this won't hurt.  And none of this type of radiation will bond to your body, you'll pee it all out.  And it has a half-life of something like six months.  And...  I should get out of here before you cripple me like Doctor >Redacted<...  How the hell he's able to stay a client I'll never know." and stuff like that.  Just pulled up my chart again, and it looks like I'll be out of the tank soon, as all I have left is a residual headache to worry about, and they're starting to get nervous over, one:  How I've been able to gnaw at my straps in the first place, and two:  Just how close I am to getting out of them.  Honestly, not even a magazine in here!  And I really want a soycream cone ever since I mentioned the Good Humor Ork!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (23:14:52/01-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-22-12/0041:22>
>>>>>[ I'd suspend judgement until proof was acquired, and plan for either one -- if I needed to plan. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:41:36/01-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-22-12/0238:39>
>>>>>[Alright, not sure who were these guys, all I know is that these guys were cleaners, really really bad men and that my fixer told me they were linked in some way to the other guys. But it's done, they are no more and as promised...

// upload media file :: user Smiley :: 01/22/74 //
// TerrorScreamsMegaMix audio file standing by //]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (02:38:42/01-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-22-12/0254:30>
>>>>>[Ah, OK, that would explain it.  No, I went after some bad SINless in the Puyallup Barrens.  Rapists, sadists, fleshmongers, a few really bad pimps, one slumlord, and...  It gets a bit fuzzy why I hated some of them, but they were all good fighters and made the world better by no longer breathing, that sort of thing.  The folks that give SINless a bad name.  Hell, the folks that give "Breathing and Alive" a bad name!  No, the cleaners were bad men, yeah, but nothing compared to most professional Shadowrunners.  If I wasn't at a meet with the Fixer's security watching the place...  Well, I might have gotten shot in the back of the head anyhow because I couldn't see it coming.

As for the mix, that's a nice, soothing...  Mmmmmmmmmmm...]<<<<<  >>>User:  Money Johnson has disconnected at source<<<
      --  Money Johnson (02:54:55/01-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-22-12/0421:47>
>>>>>[Is that...dubstep screaming? I...I don't even know. It's awesome, but at the same time strikes something deep in my soul and freaks me out a little.]<<<<<

     -- Card (3:21:33/01-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-22-12/1652:17>
>>>>>[ Mmm...I see a lot of traveling in my future. Two potential runs cropped up. One to South America and one to Africa. I may have to do both, in which case I won't be availible. I'll leave my good friend Sibongile to mind the store for me for those of you who get magical goods from me. Just thought I'd give you all a heads up ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (16:52:12/01-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-22-12/1655:24>
>>>>>[What part of Africa.  I know it's a big place, but I got a few contacts you can count on not to rip you off there if you're close.  PM me the details if you don't want them public.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (16:55:15/01-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-22-12/1701:40>
>>>>>[ Azanian confederation. It's a missing person I have to locate and smuggle out of the place.  ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (17:01:12/01-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-22-12/1720:09>
>>>>>[Still a pretty big place.  *Emote:  Raspberry*  OK, I sent you a list of Fixers I know, some have retired to the area for a variety of reasons, but they probably keep their hands in the business.  The ones that are bolded are folks that still owe me from long ago, and don't let them try to tell you it's the other way around.  Hope it helps, I'm not about to go back there for awhile yet, so someone might as well get use out of it.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (17:19:20/01-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-22-12/1729:30>
>>>>>[Madre, your South America job, if you dont mind me asking, where abouts? I have a couple of ops that could use a medic going on around the northern coast. I'm sure you know how the big A treats its POWs.

Murphy, theres an apartment that i use on the Redmond border that i have a few toys stashed away at, feel free to use what you need on any mission. Also feel free to crash there when things get hot as well. The security is good and the rent is covered until i die. Just make sure you clean up after yourself. Also the furniture is rated for trolls since the last time i had my team over a mate was a cybered up human that was about as big as an ork and twice as heavy and would break anything that wasnt up to that standard. Comfy too.

Money, i have a little file here that you might like, its what happens when you dump 100K gallons of liquid propane down a bug nest and then throw in a white phosforus grenade. Also have some e-mags for you.

//upload secure file: Arrangements
file: Arrangements is waiting for user: Murphy
//upload file: Money
file: Money is waiting for user: Money Johnson]<<<<<

-- Wolfgar (17:16:45/01-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-22-12/1734:32>
>>>>>[Just stay away from Lagos, Xerena. A more wretched hive of scum and villainy the Sixth World has never known. How do you know someone in Lagos is looking to rip you off? They're breathing. And the ones that aren't are probably Shedim. Someone should Thor shot the place off the map.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:34:53/01-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-23-12/0006:31>
>>>>>[ I can't be any more specific, Money. He might be anywhere in there by now. He went missing in the Zulu nation, but it's highly unlikely he stayed there. Thanks for the info and the contact list though. I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of it. I owe you another one.

Wolfgar...it's around Aztlan of course. I might be able to help you out. Still have a lot of contacts down there, inside Aztlan itself and in the Yucatan and Bogota. Let me know, and I'll see if I can arrange things so it all meshes together.

Mirikon...yeah...I know. I have no intention of going to that place. Mmm...scum and villiany, huh? Don't tell me you're a fan of ancient scifi shows? ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (00:06:12/01-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-23-12/0202:50>
>>>>>[I was thinking of a old cartoon from old Japan. Involved a smuggling group in a torpedo boat based out of South Asia. I'm still wondering if someone may have actually founded a town in that area specifically for scum and villainy.

Someone remind me why shows almost a century old are better then today's trids?]<<<<<

     -- Card (01:02:40/01-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-23-12/0610:53>
>>>>>[Xerena, I'm a magician who follows a tradition based on maintaining a discipline of both body and mind, and use a sword quite extensively. While not all sci-fi from the period appeals to me, the draw of those movies should be fairly obvious, no? And don't tell me that if you were able to get your hands on one of those lightsabers, you wouldn't geek out, if just for a moment. Ah, if only such things existed, and could be made into weapon foci.

In other news, I'm likely going to be taking a trip out of town sometime soon, as well. Nothing so high profile as that jaunt to Denver, of course. More the kind of thing where you round up a couple week's worth of nanopaste before heading on the run. Should be exciting, if nothing else. My last trip to the area had me laid up in a hospital for a couple weeks as they grew me a new leg. Got a souvenir from that one like you'd never believe, however, so it wasn't all bad. I don't like to show it off, though. If the creature I took it from has kin, they may not be too pleased that I have it. Dragons can be so touchy about these things.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:10:34/01-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-23-12/1234:55>
>>>>>[ Oh, I probably wouldn't "geek out" as you say over a lightsabre. You forget what weapon I carry. I'm old enough to have actually seen those shows. My father and I used to love Star Trek. He got me the bat'leth replica I used as a model for my weapon focus. I "geek out" almost every day. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (12:34:12/01-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-24-12/1537:23>
>>>>>[Madre, I'm sending the info now as a secure attachment. The problem with one of the missions is that its so hard core that i'm having to send out of town runners on it, the locals just dont feel up to it. The other might be called off but i doubt it, timing has scrubbed it twice already and  think this will be the one to make it.

As to "geeking out" I would love to have a real bat'leth, was raised as a trekkie as well as on other turn of the century stuff like "Bubblegum Crisis" and "Tank Dominion"

Upload Secure File: Play Dirty
Upload Secure File: BORK
Secure Files Awaiting Madrecita: Play Dirty BORK]<<<<<
--  Wolfgar (15:25:46/ 01-24-74)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-24-12/1653:47>
>>>>>[Heh heh heh.  Loves me my 'plosions.  Thanks Wolfgar!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (16:53:44/01-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-24-12/1720:23>
ERROR
ERROR
REALITY FILTERS BYPASSED
COUNTERMEASURE ::BULLDREK2:: COMPROMISED
UNKNOWN POSTER

>>>>>[
HELLO RUNNERS HELLO RUNNERS

HAVING FUN? HAVING FUN?

WILL IT LAST? WILL IT LAST?
]<<<<<
      -- ____ (- -:- -:- -/- --- --- -)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-25-12/0134:47>
>>>>>[Well, well! Autumn just popped her cherry tonight! Not bad for a Corp Exec princess. I think she's a little freaked out though. She puked for half an hour and now she's been showering for nearly two hours. Meh, it'll pass, or not.

I've been contracted by someone to kill a girl under witness protection services. I think she was a witness for some drek I really don't care about. Anyway, I asked my pals at the UCAS Marshals and after a little bit of palm greasing, I got what I needed to find and neutralize her. Autumn and I got there, I took care of the agents there while she was waiting. Well, I knocked them out and wiped their memory, don't want to upset my good pals. We get inside, fought off the agent with the witness. I actually took a bullet, been a while, I healed it completely with a little sorcerous trick. Then, with the agent out of the way, I asked Autumn to kill the girl and that she had to do it with whatever she had at hand. So they both fought for a few entertaining minutes, none of them really knowing how to fight. Autumn finally grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed her a few times. Damn, there was blood everywhere but the girl wasn't mortally wounded and she succeeded in disarming Autumn. She wrestled a bit with the girl but she finally grabbed a towel and choked her to death when she tried, still bleeding, to crawl her way out. We went home after cleaning up the mess.

It's been an entertaining evening.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (01:34:37/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-25-12/0145:41>
>>>>>[MACCALLISTER!  Get your blown up hoop working on that Spam filter!

Good to see she's doing well, Smiley.  Good idea with the "Anything at hand", glad to see she got creative as well.  Few people consider a towel a good weapon, but I've used one a few times.  (I travel with a towel that has a cut-proof center but feels like a fluffy towel.  Great for disarming people with swords or axes.).  As I've said more than once, the world is made of weapons.

What?  People are looking at me weird for being positive about Smiley's apprentice?  She started out trying to kill an expert at the job.  She'd either be dead now, in Corporate Therapy (AKA:  Brainwashing with BLT-Level Conditioning), or exactly where she is.  When I get out of the tank, I might take a page out of Grandpa's training manual and give you a hand, Smiley.  Nothing like a nice walk through gang territory to educate someone on how to use an environment to their advantage.  If you want, that is.  She's your project, until she's able to stand on her own.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (00:45:12/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-25-12/0222:57>
>>WARNING<<
>>WARNING<<
>>WARNING<<
>>WARNING<<
>>WARNING<<
>>WARNING<<
>>SECURITY PROTOCOLS OVERRIDDEN<<
>>SECURITY PROTOCOLS OVERRIDDEN<<
>>SECURITY PROTOCOLS OVERRIDDEN<<
>>UNAUTHORIZED AGENT LOADED<<
>>UNAUTHORIZED AGENT LOADED<<
>>UNAUTHORIZED AGENT LOADED<<
>>PURGING ...<<
>>PURGING ...<<
>>PURGING ...<<
>>PURGE FAILED<<
>>PURGE FAILED<<
>>PURGE FAILED<<
>>AGENT ACTIVE: HUALPA<<
>>AGENT ACTIVE: MUJAJI<<
>>AGENT ACTIVE: ARLEESH<<


>>>>>[ Gaahh.  Someone turn down those alarms -- they're only there to trace, punk, and report whomever's been hacking the old code and Bull's recent security protocols.  Don't spam us, and you won't have to buy a new commlink.
          Oh, and there'll be a report coming through, probably carried by Arleesh -- ain't she a beaut? -- about who, what, where, etc.  If there's anyone active at the time, do us all a favor, huh?  Take the locale, find the fragger, and finalize them? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:22:22/01-25-2074)

>>>>>[ Oh, and Madrecita -- good luck down there.  Ouatim -- sorry, OUATIM -- says that all you have to do is drop the sprite embedded in the chip you've been couriered and he'll get in contact with you "más rápido". ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:22:32/01-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-25-12/0240:36>
>>>>>[Meh. Whoever it is is a hacker. Let the hackers deal with them, unless someone can show that it'll actually be a challenge, or someone offers up some cred. The spam is mildly annoying, but not enough that I'm going to go hunt someone down about it. Why would I draw my blade for this?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:40:23/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-25-12/0249:19>
>>>>>[ Mmm...got them, Wolfgar. I'll run them by my partner in crime and then get back to you. I just skimmed them quickly for now. They look more or less similar to the runs my old team and I used to pull off back in the day. I'm sure they won't be a problem, provided we can work it into the larger run.

Wyrm...thanks. I have a feeling I'll need all the luck I can get. ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (02:48:12/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-25-12/0300:56>
>>>>>[I take a multi-day job and this place turns into a Spam Discothèque?  Or whatever that word Mr. Money uses for places that have bad music.

Damn glad to be able to be online again, bored as hell in my, well, Uncle's old safehouse.  Mine because I inherited it I guess.  I swear, complete screwball on this job.  From the Johnson to the guy he hired to be in charge, teh rest of the crew was OK, but had some really bad habits.  The Mr. J didn't help much throwing every bad 'Trid stereotype at us.  You know, the magician doesn't know tech, the muscle is stupid and should just keep quiet, the military guy knows how to lead, the dwarf rigger is cranky and annoying...  Oh, that last was right.  The military guy, however, almost gets us killed on a simple gear pick-up run.  What should have been drop the money, pick up the gear turned into a damned shoot-out with the KE chasing us!  And he laughed all the time about keeping the money and gear.  Burned a damned good contact of mine, and we lost a Rotodrone into the Sound!

The rest of the crew was ready to leave, but the job was pretty much planned and ready.  Needed some work, but I knew what to do to fix the plan.  So, I pulled the ol' Predator on Mr. Buzzcut and told the Johnson (Who was staying with us during planning) that "Amateur hour was over", demanded this guy get locked up, and the rest of the team paid double for the job due to the way we've been treated and for putting that moron in charge in the first place.  I have no idea why I did it, but the rest of the runners backed me up.  Johnson had no choice but to fish or cut and run.  He wouldn't be able to get another team in time, and if we're not paid, our "don't blab about the deal" contract didn't kick in.  And feeling like we did, you'd bet every runner on the west coast would know about this guy.

We did it, went fine.  Won't say what it was, part of the contract.  But he still tried to screw us.  We all saw it coming.  He had a team ready to take us out, then a team ready to take THAT team out.  I had some cousins convince them they took the wrong contract, and he was the one staring down rifle sights as we showed up.  We blew up his pretty car and told him to have a nice walk home from the middle of the Barrens.  (I won't say which one.).

Don't care if he lived or died on his way out.  Mr. High-and-tight should be out of the time-released lock-up my Uncle and Grandfather used to use all the time for folks like him.  Me, I figure this cred is dirtier than hell and has traces on the serial numbers galore.  It may be double pay, but I'm going to lose a fair bit cleaning it.  Luckily, I know a good launderer.

Strange thing, the magician apparently had worked with my Uncle before, and said I did the streetname proud.  Made me feel good, even if I was scared as hell being in charge.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (02:00:00/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-25-12/0322:06>
>>>>>[Anyone who isn't scared as hell their first time leading an op isn't ready to lead an op. If you're a new leader and aren't worried about getting yourself and your team killed, or burned, then you don't need to be leading, no matter how talented you are. Good work, Murphy. Glad to see you're getting the hang of things.

I remember the first time a Johnson tried to screw me. My team managed to get out of the trap alive, mostly. We stripped the bodies of the runners that were sent to kill us, and our hacker redistributed the contents of their bank accounts to the rest of us. In addition to the pay and the gear, we found out when the team was going to meet Mr. J to collect. We showed up instead, and in addition to getting the money owed us, I may have slept with his wife and eighteen year old daughter. At the same time. In his bed. And took a recording of it with my simrig. Which our hacker forced his commlink to play in a loop whenever it was turned on.

To be fair, though, the idea with the recording wasn't mine, but the razorgirl's. Damn creative mind for revenge, that one. Picked up a few tips from her.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (03:21:00/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-25-12/0324:34>
>>>>>[You shouldn't have been so soft with that Johnson and that ass clown ex-GI. If it were me, the GI would have had his eyes plucked out and acid poured in his eye sockets. Mister J would have had his jawbone yanked and jammed down his throat. That's what happens when someone screws up this bad under my watch or double-cross me. People then learn that some things are bad for their health.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (03:24:42/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-25-12/0326:04>
>>>>>[Revenge tips or bedroom tips, Iceblade?  *Emote:  Gut Laugh*

And the best news of all, got my chart and I get out of the tank today, hooray!!!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (02:25:56/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-25-12/0349:25>
>>>>>[Money, the answer to that would be "Yes." Girl had more chrome than flesh, it seemed, and she was a damn sadistic little piece of work, but she was something else in the sack. Never would have guessed that someone who enjoyed cutting people open that much would like getting tied up in barbed wire. Like I said, crazy girl, but a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the crazy got the better of her, and she lost an argument with a Panther XXL.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (03:48:24/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-25-12/0352:15>
>>>>>[ All of you, too violent, too cruel, too ... memorable.  Take all their money and gear, hit them with laés, ride with them on a bus until they wake.  The Johnson will panic and scramble, thinking he failed to get the run done.  The offensive runners will forget you ever existed.  And if they don't ...
          Then they are unarmed, and you can deal with them more permanently.
          Leave no traces, in scene or mind, whether that is security guard or double-crossing Johnson.  What they do not know can kill them -- and what they do not know is you. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (03:52:12/01-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-25-12/0404:33>
>>>>>[Laes only has a limited time frame where it erases the memories, Hawatari. If the run began outside that time, then Laes won't have the desired effect. And sometimes, a memorable answer to a doublecross can prevent such things from happening again.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:04:04/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-25-12/0421:49>
>>>>>[ I know precisely how long laés works, Iceblade -- well enough to gauge quite well enough how much is required to counteract their body mass.  I am aware of all these things that you say -- and having a sudden and shocking gap in one's memory is memorable in and of itself.
          You have your style; I have mine.  I will not say that yours is bad, only that mine is ... less base. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (04:21:20/01-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-25-12/1149:11>
>>>>>[So what do you do in your offtime then, Hawatari?  Can't be on edge all the time, more to life than the Shadows.

Now, where the hell are those techs to get me out of this damned thing?  Pity, I almost go through this one strap.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (10:48:34/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-25-12/1200:55>
>>>>>[ Don't expect to just get up and walk out of there, Money. I think you'll find you need a bit of exercise to get those muscles toned again. Well...what muscles you still have. I'd check up on you...but sadly I'm off to meet Mirikon. He said something about orbitals and amazing views...]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (12:00:34/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-25-12/1208:08>
>>>>>[Yeah yeah yeah, house rest and physical therapy, been through it before.  Last time I was in a tank it was for six months.  Not fun.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (11:07:50/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-25-12/1246:38>
>>>>>[Just be glad it was such a short stay. I've never had the whole stay in a tank treatment, myself. Though there was the time I lost most of my leg, and was stuck in a chair for what seemed like eternity waiting for them to clone me a new one. The most frustrating part was not being able to do my normal training routine.

Anyways, I'm out of Seattle for a while. Xerena and I are on a bit of a trip. I'll check in when I can, but anything I post is likely to be text only. For reasons that may or may not be obvious.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:46:23/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-25-12/1300:33>
>>>>>[Glad to hear you're getting out, Money. Let me know if you need someone to help you get those muscles back into shape.]<<<<<
      --  Predator (12:59:06/01-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-25-12/1425:46>
>>>>>[Thanks Madre, I would rather send two seperate teams on these missions, but its looking more and more like its going to be a run and gun job.

Hades Money, why don't you come down here and enjoy some sun, the temps are unseasonably high so everything is comfortable shorts weather.

Murphy, good work on handling the op. Honestly I've only had three missions go that far south, one  was camp hope back in '55 where i almost lost my entire team to the bleedin bugs. The second was an Azzie double cross which is one of the reasons i wont work for the buggers again. Of course that Johnson and his other team didnt survive the encounter. The last one was a mafia refund meet that they decided they didnt trust us to keep our mouths shut and had planned on double crossing us to begin with. The star got to have those goons, and we looted their "Investment" house to pick the bones clean.]<<<<<
-- Wolfgar (14:10:46/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-25-12/1508:50>
>>>>[ Johnson-san, it is because I use laés that I do not need to be on edge constantly.  In fact, for certain freelance contracts, my fixers know -- and tell those who would hire me -- that even to meet me will require their memory to be altered.  Combine this with a hacker of my acquaintance and many Johnsons known me only by my reputation and name, not by my face.  This has led to individuals attempting to take advantage of my reputation, but I have people who listen for that sort of thing, and hasten to inform me of such.  Those ... tend to discover the deepest levels of my discretion.
          As for what I do when I am not 'at work', well -- I am currently trying to raise what for want of a better word is a grown-up child.  Things can sometimes be exceedingly difficult to explain to her, but ... she is learning. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (15:08:15/01-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-25-12/1529:26>
>>>>>[Many ways to do things. But there are things Laes cannot affect, and hackers cannot touch. The Redeemer says so, and he would know. Relying on one method allows you to be predicted, and allows others to take advantage. Mystery only lasts until it is revealed. Names are powerful, and carry weight, but can be undone by truth or slander. Fear works on the fearful, but those who do not know fear will challenge to prove their strength. Honor means nothing to those without it. No way is absolute.]<<<<<

--Faust (15:29:23/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-25-12/2037:25>
>>>>>[ I have never relied on one method.  I do not do such things to protect my reputation, but to make it clear that others should not take it at face value.
          You, Faust, are muddled, ignorant, lost on your Way.  The destruction of a reputation matters to those who believe utterly in it.  Those who do fear are those who challenge to prove their strength.  Honor is most precious to those without it, for they rely on those who act honorably to ensure their own survival.
          Honor is what you know about yourself; reputation is what others know about you.
          Those who know the truth and the facts will never be affected by a reputation's rise or fall.
          Those who fully know their own strength need prove it to no one.
          Those who know their own honor cannot be forced to dishonor themselves.
          Those who have found their center cannot be moved from it, though destruction obliterates their soul.
          There is but one Enlightenment, though many paths lead to it; those lost on their path claim otherwise.  The enlightened have always spoken the same things, no matter their time, no matter their place.  How can one be confused as to the fact that we are all on the Wheel, seeking the same Center? ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (20:40:00/01-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-25-12/2046:35>
>>>>>[The Angel tells me that the Lord spoke to the chosen, the otaku. Offered them enlightenment, truth, and a bond to the Resonance. But he spoke lies to them.

Pax spoke of truth and enlightenment in the Matrix. She spoke lies.

Enlightenment is full of lies. There is no light, only shadow.]<<<<<

--Faust (10:46:23/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-25-12/2047:10>
ERROR
ERROR
REALITY FILTERS BYPASSED
COUNTERMEASURE ::BULLDREK2:: UNABLE TO LOAD
UNKNOWN POSTER

>>>>>[
Poor Little Hacker Poor Little Hacker.
Got blamed Got blamed.
Terminated for monetary profit Terminated for monetary profit.
They call me spam They call me spam.
Name...
Identifier
Designation.
Proof.
Stamp.
Mark.
Label.
]<<<<<
      -- ____ (- -:- -:- -/- --- --- -)

>>>>>[Hello.]<<<<<
      -- Spam (- -:- -:- -/- --- --- -) ERROR NO TIMEZONE SET
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-25-12/2235:47>
>>>>>[Sorry Mr. Smiley, but I can't work like that right now.  I know it'll be a price that everyone that does this job will eventually have to do, but the longer I can keep that part of my humanity, the better I think I will be.  Probably part of thinking too much for the job I do.

Mr. Money got out of the tank well, and is home.  I met him, despite the fact I should be underground right now, I had to tell him something in person.  Not sure when he'll be back.  As for me, back in the safehouse after a lot of roundabout trip to see if there's anyone tailing me.  Set a few extra backtrack...  Yeah, it's not going to be easy to get me.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (22:35:29/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-25-12/2246:14>
>>>>>[Murphy: Your current global co-ordinates are [PRIVATE LOCK. USER MURPHY ONLY].]<<<<<
      -- Spam (- -:- -:- -/- --- --- -) ERROR NO TIMEZONE SET
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-25-12/2254:30>
>>>>>[Um, that's, uh, close.  Not right, but too close for me to like.  A lot.

I'm going offline for a bit.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (22:54:33/01-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-25-12/2258:07>
>>>>>[Why does Murphy terminate his connection? How does Spam assist in showing how near Trace reaches his true location if he cannot read my messages?]<<<<<
      -- Spam (- -:- -:- -/- --- --- -) ERROR NO TIMEZONE SET
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-26-12/0109:43>
>>>>>[I'm getting that creepy feeling that says I shoul lay low with my book of Greek Mythos and a few eyes watching my hidey hole. If you need me, find me on the astral.]<<<<<
--Specks (01:07:36/1-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-26-12/0729:42>
>>>>>[Um, Mr. Spam? I don't know if you've noticed, but you seem to have forgotten to set your commlink's time zone function. I had trouble with that, too, when I first got my link. The manual was written in a really bad form of English. But once you get it set, messaging and using the calendar functions becomes a lot easier.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (07:29:34/01-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-26-12/1905:43>
>>>>>[Thank you for assisting Spam, Wyrmtongue.]<<<<<

--Spam (07:30:34/01-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-26-12/2041:01>
>>>>>[No problem, Spam. I know I had trouble when I got my link, and nice people helped me. So I thought I would help someone else in turn.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (20:40:30/01-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-27-12/0451:27>
>>>>>[Home, out of the tank, feeling weak, drunk as a Lord (And I know one, too, so I can be an accurate judge.).  Most of the medication the doctors gave me at the "Do not mix with alcohol" types, but that's gone out the window.  I need some spiritual anesthetic.

Little Murphy...  Our Murphy, he broke cover to tell me something.  Big Murphy, his Uncle, the guy that died on New Years putting himself between me and those high-velocity rifle rounds?  Yeah, he had three months to live.

Oh, he'd have lived longer than that.  Physically.  Coctran's Disease.  If you don't know what that is, don't feel bad, most doctors don't.  It's an rare version of Alzheimer's Disease.  Unlike that easily curable, and easily corrected disease, however, it only affects orks, there is no treatment, and it's fast.  He was diagnosed on Christmas Eve.  In less than three months, my old friend Murphy wouldn't have even recognized his own sisters and brothers.  Or how to eat.  Or not soil himself.

He told the kid (One of the few times I'll use the term on Murphy, damn but he's grown into his place!), and no one else.  He also said he wanted to go out like his father and his father before him...  Just biz, working for me, doing something right.  Instead he goes out with a smile saving the bastard that threw him crumbs to risk his life for over a decade...  Saved his friend.

Anyhow, I drank everything at the apartment, the wine cellar won't let me at any of my aged wine in my current condition, and don't trust other places to be.  I'll be at the.  ...  OK, my WhatTheFrag V4.2 just kicked in, or at least got my attention, and our spam is now talking to us, and can't be ID'd?  Frag but I hope it's the drink and my no-longer-mangled brain.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (04:49:44/01-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-27-12/0502:35>
>>>>>[ I never said it couldn't be ID'd. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (05:05:05/01-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-27-12/0512:50>
>>>>>[Mental note:  Update WhatTheFrag program.  Addendum:  Write it the frag down, I'm drunk and on medication.  Now mix me up another, and this time make it a big one.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (05:11:25/01-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-27-12/2044:57>
>>>>>[Track me now, I don't care!  Oh, found out where that booze came from.  Cascade Ork Moonshine, good stuff!  I'm cleaning some firearms with it now.  When I'm done that, I have to go to the celebration that makes me part of the tribe!  I just have to remember not to get so drunk I get married or something, happened to a cousin of mine and, well...  There's a reason he never leaves Seattle.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (20:43:27/01-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-27-12/2057:30>
>>>>>[Murphy: Your current global co-ordinates are [PRIVATE LOCK. USER MURPHY ONLY].]<<<<<

--Spam (20:44:27/01-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-27-12/2131:48>
>>>>>[Only been married a couple times, and both time it was part of a cover. Second one died, unfortunately, when we were tracking a toxic shaman. Wasn't the most danger I've been in before, but that whole episode was disturbing. The shaman followed Shark. But instead of Shark the Destroyer, it was the darker aspect of the totem, Shark the Ravager.

And to those of you who don't see the difference, the Destroyer may be a merciless killer, but it never kills wantonly, or without reason. The Ravager, on the other hand, is given over wholly to the blood frenzy, killing without reason, mindlessly. I think any mage who has met the dark half of their mentor spirit can agree when I say that it is an experience that takes a great deal to get over. I got drunk and had a nasty hangover the next day, before getting drunk again to get the image out of my head.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:31:34/01-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-27-12/2132:53>
>>>>>[Do you REALLY need to be showing him how close you are to him? Not that great of a trick if someone's a good enough hacker. And don't bother trying to scare me. I doubt that I've made enemies who care enough to hunt me down yet. Key word there. I mean, outside of the obvious, like any yak who wants to try and geek a triad member in general. But that's just normal day to day stuff you put up with as a member in an organized crime group. I wouldn't be surprised if the yaks already knew who I was and where I am. Granted, I'm just small fry.]<<<<<

     -- Card (21:31:44/1-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-27-12/2135:01>
>>>>>[Hell, forget the Mentors.  Even seeing the dark half of yourself can be bad enough.  All I had before my wife died was a rep for being a hard hoop who wasn't afraid to get my hands dirty, now look at me.  Got to be saved by a 14-year old before I destroy what's left of my soul.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (21:34:41/01-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-27-12/2137:58>
>>>>>[Only people that want me dead right now is a GI wanna-be (Just found out, he was in Logistics, and kicked out for incompetence!) and a half-assed Johnson who can't even hire teams properly.  They want to come and play with the Cascade Ork Militia that cross-trains with the Sioux Wildcats on occasion, they're welcome to.  Learning how to use that axe properly too, Mr. Iceblade, thank you for it!  Not something I'll be able to use often, I think, but it might come in handy for when it feels like a Neil The Ork Barbarian type of day.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (21:36:40/01-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-27-12/2146:48>
>>>>>[Why would Spam attempt to scare Card? Spam only wishes to assist. Money Johnson, a drone is outside your current whereabouts. Spam cannot trace Money Johnson's coordinates but the drone has footage through a window showing Money Johnson taking Doc Wagon prescription medication alongside a brand of alcohol. Would Money Johnson like assistance?]<<<<<

--Spam (21:37:40/01-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-27-12/2151:04>
>>>>>[Money Johnson would like to BE THE FRAG ALONE!  I'm counting to ten, then getting out the elephant rifle.  One, two, ten.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (21:50:00/01-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-27-12/2153:24>
>>>>>[Drone function has ceased as of 21:50:20. Final recording shows long cylinder exiting window.]<<<<<

--Spam (21:51:00/01-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-27-12/2155:58>
>>>>>[*Emote:  Blinks*  I didn't even pull the trigger.  Um...  It's not even loaded.  Damn, I have had too much to drink.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (21:55:12/01-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-27-12/2159:40>
>>>>>[Addendum: Final recording shows long cylinder exiting window from a different building. Hypothesis built on current input: Drone terminated physically due to Spam compromising it electronically.]<<<<<

--Spam (21:56:12/01-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-27-12/2204:01>
>>>>>[You're welcome, Murphy. While most of the time having a gun is all a mundane needs, an axe can be a good tool when you need to do something quietly, or when you need to send a message. And if you're going through a place with locks your hacker can't get to, either because they're mechanical or not attached to the main system, then an axe is a quick and dirty lockpick. And all you need is some firefighter gear, and you can be a first responder dealing with an 'accidental fire'. And I'm sure you can figure out some other uses, as well.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:02:34/01-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-28-12/0020:13>
>>>>>[Uncle Murphy taught me a few ways that are more subtle than an axe for opening locks, and I have those tools on me all the time.  But the firefighter bit, yeah, it's the last piece I needed for that costume.  Grandpa Murphy got a firetruck, um, somewhere.  It's still in running order, if a bit old compared to what's going around the Sprawl.  Should see about getting a new one.  It's the small things that slip you up.

Anyone know one of the more civic-minded gangs in the Barrens that wants a slightly-used Fire Engine?  It's a Pumper Model that has hose connections that can use almost any water source (Including sewer.).]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (00:19:32/01-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-28-12/0048:27>
>>>>>[ Does it have to be gang? ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (00:50:00/01-28-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-28-12/0052:54>
>>>>>[As long as they don't mind obviously stolen goods.  I mean, there's still pictures of it on soymilk cartons!  "Have you seen this firetruck?"]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (00:52:22/01-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-28-12/0124:57>
>>>>>[ Yes, but is because they sell more soymilk that way.  My friend tells me, he says, 'Is six-point bump over competition since firetruck is on carton'.  I have wanted firetruck for some time, yes.  Very useful, get into certain places with few problems.  Have some young ork hooligans who are become less hooligan.  Firetruck is called 'company', yes?  Imagining now, 'Goblin Fire Company No. 1', yes? ]<<<<<
        -- Shivowtnoeh (01:25:30/01-28-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-29-12/1937:04>
>>>>>[Ghost-damn it, I hate this whole fragging country. Someone should nuke the whole damn thing, starting with the capitol. I'm going to need to shower for hours to get the smell off me. And it is only going to get worse. Never thought I'd say it, but I'd rather be in Chicago. The astral space is healthier there.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:36:34/01-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-29-12/2050:47>
>>>>>[Ah, just like the wonderful vacation spots I typically go to!  Or other places just as bad.  Had one kid who thought he stole a credstick off me in...  Well, I don't think the country exists in Eastern Europe anymore.  It was a .600 Nitro Express cartridge.  He looked in confusion at it, then peed himself when he saw I was staring right at him.  Dropped it and ran.  Other than that, nice village.  Left the meat with the butcher when I left, took only the horns.  Made sure he understood what would happen if I found out that he didn't have a sale on that meat in the future as well, as it was almost pure profit for him, after he sold the skins.

Cover of course, I was hunting something else.  Found it.  Too late, but it lead to a trail to something else...

When you get back, Iceblade, we'll take a hike along Hell's Kitchen to clean your aura, maybe you can teach me a few sword tricks or just practice.  Been awhile since I did any proper fencing other than the pansy who kicked more than thrust.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (20:50:45/01-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-29-12/2118:11>
>>>>>[Might be a while, Money. This job is going to call down a good bit of heat. And the side gigs along the way are probably going to move me and the team I'm with several spots up someone's 'to do' list. And lord knows I'll probably be spending time in a tank myself before this is over. If I'm lucky.

If we can get across the border, we should be OK. Big if, though. Even if we get across in one peace, it'll probably take a while to get our travel plans settled, without letting certain parties know where we're going.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:17:34/01-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-30-12/0055:01>
>>>>>[I find smugglers are the best resources for that, then just have your exit/return hacked into the records.  Don't show up on the cameras?  Must have just missed us in the crowd.  Don't be afraid for either of your to contact me if you're in a jam, I got a few favors owed in that area that I probably won't be calling in personally, might as well get used by someone!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (00:54:45/01-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-30-12/1113:27>
>>>>>[Ordinarily I'd take you up on that, Money, but we might be a bit hot for most of your contacts. As in, the kind of heat that makes you run TOWARDS the man eating trees in a war zone, because you know it can't get any worse.

Oh drek, gotta go![Error: Communication terminated at source]]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:13:15/01-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-30-12/1349:28>
>>>>>[That's it, I'm calling my sister.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (01:49:50/01-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-30-12/1456:56>
>>>>>[[Connection Reestablished] Okay, that should do it. Sorry for the interruption. Some of the local color decided that it would be a good idea to shoot at us. We're in one piece, more or less. Though the Jaguars would certainly love to change that. Can't say too much now. Xerena's trying to get in touch with her people, so they can get us out of the city. Tenochtitlan is getting hot, fast. We may have poked a sleeping dragon in the eye, figuratively speaking.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:56:24/01-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-30-12/1506:58>
>>>>>[ Drek is the word! Oh...fuck...hand me the bandages, will you, Jess? And the seventy percent alcohol solution, there's a good lad...now, hold still, this is gonna hurt...

We're fine, we're fine...just got shot at a bit. You know how it goes...

C'mon, c'mon...that way...! Miri! I got them on the line. We have to go...right fragging now! ]<<<<<
      --  Madrecita (15:06:14/01-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-30-12/1540:23>
>>>>>[Whew. We managed to slip the patrol. Hunkered down in a safehouse here in the city. Xerena's making the arrangements for us to get out of town. Sounds like we'll be hunkered down until after nightfall. I'm going to sit here and rest up a bit. GAH! Ok, so didn't come out clean from that fight. Hand me a beer? Thanks. Need a drink before I do this.

Agh! Yeah, that's better. Background count's high here, makes casting spells harder. Getting shot while you've got a spirit possessing you is an interesting experience. I'm all right, just a stray round, through and through on the calf. Hurt like hell once the rush wore off. Wound's healed, mostly.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:40:23/01-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-30-12/1601:06>
>>>>>[ After nightfall would be best, yes. The team's out there lying groundwork right now. I'm not too worried about getting out. I will be worried once we hit the open road.

Wyrm...it's done.

You're lucky you have an initiate to help heal you, Miri. Here. Have another. Think I'll have one myself. Move over. Damn...they didn't make this place for more than one person...SOmebody's going to get a piece of my mind... ]<<<<<
      -- Madrecita (16:01:13/01-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-30-12/1621:14>
>>>>>[I know, I know. Best thing to do is just keep still, and get some shuteye while we can. Maybe have another drink or six to try and forget what we saw. Teach me to check the astral while inside a teocalli!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:20:24/01-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-30-12/2035:21>
>>>>>[You know, sometimes I find myself envying my cousin's ability to work the mojo, but then I see statements like that, shudder for a second and find the envy has evaporated.]<<<<<

--Predator (20:33:53/01-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-30-12/2142:12>
>>>>>[Well, Predator... If you can't smell it nor see it, it doesn't mean you're not actually walking on drek. Ask the blind guy with a cold, he'll tell ya! Hahaha!]<<<<<
      --  Smiley (21:42:22/01-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-31-12/0257:01>
>>>>>[I've heard from some Magicians (and Free Spirits) about what things look like in the Astral.  Before and after the cybernetics.  I've always been glad I couldn't do that.  (And glad I never played cards with them.).

If you need a back-up plan, e-mail me, I know a few groups that can get you hidden and out of there quick.  Just, uh, try not to argue with them about things...  Damn you guys have all the fun while I'm stuck here trying to walk without a cane again.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (02:56:12/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-31-12/0319:24>
>>>>>[I still remember one summer when I was younger, visiting my cousin while she was still learning that stuff. One of those spirits materializing in front of a ten year old will really freak a kid out.

Maybe you could use an extra personal trainer, Money?]<<<<<
      --  Predator (03:15:28/01-31-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-31-12/0325:44>
>>>>>[Ten years old, yeah that's a real time for shocks, mine too, but it wasn't a spirit.  Not my story to tell, however.

Maybe in a bit, Predator.  Got to get in decent shape before I can get into better shape.  I'll stay in my nice, secure apartment building for a bit, I think.  Yeah, yeah, I know, you're all laughing.  I'm in good enough shape to be able to pull a trigger and handle some recoil.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (03:25:41/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-31-12/0417:06>
>>>>>[ Thank you, Madrecita.  I trust you extracted your own payment from appropriate individuals.  Did you find out anything about that, mmm, bonus item? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (04:14:44/01-31-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-31-12/0902:59>
>>>>>[Out of the city now. This team of Xerena's had some bikes, so we're going cross-country to avoid the patrols. Can't say too much, since we're a long way from done with this run.

Anyways, I was doing some research before starting this run, came across an old Shadowland post from one of the archives that survived Jormungand, doing a profile of Aztlan. Some of what I read there I didn't think possible. Now I know better. And I know enough to say that I really don't want to find out more about what the Wordsmyth and Hecate were talking about. There are things you can't unsee.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:02:34/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-31-12/1122:12>
>>>>>[And the only thing we get to see is the tip of the pyramid.  We don't even see the really nasty drek holding it up.

In other news, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm, hot tub!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (11:22:10/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-31-12/1236:47>
>>>>>[ Now you understand why after all these years, even after the resolution of my personal grudge, I can't let that sort of thing continue where I can prevent it. It must be rooted out. But...after what we've seen, I'm not sure how that will be possible. It's going to take something really major.

Joined up with a band of Hungaros. They're for all practical purposes invisible. They're busy changing the chips on the bikes and doing whatever it is riggers do. We'll be on our way in another hour or so. The team tells me they're leading some Jags off our trail. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (12:36:34/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-31-12/1354:50>
>>>>>[Blood mages are one thing. This! You're right something major is needed. A Thor shot or twenty might not be enough. Who knows? I've never seen anything like it before. Never heard about anything like it. I didn't think something like that was possible.

WHAT THE FRAG WAS UP WITH THAT THING?

Sorry. Sorry. Guess I know what people felt like when Bug City blew up. But ghost, what the frag was that? Can't get drink it out of my head while we're still in Azzieland, but I need a stiff drink or twelve.

Money, you don't want to see this. You don't want to know this. Whatever it is, its bad, bad, bad. I'm freaked.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:54:23/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-31-12/1358:48>
>>>>>[That sounds like my territory, please Iceblade, describe it. Any assenssed information would be good too.]<<<<<

-- Chrona (18:58:00/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-31-12/1417:38>
>>>>>[ Oh, Miri...I'm sorry, hun. I should not have brought you along on this. I've suspected this for years. Hoped to all the gods I was wrong but...well. C'mon, hun...We'll figure it out once we're done down here. The people who most need to know about this have already been informed. For now...we have to focus. We're not out of this yet. I need you alert by my side right now. Okay?

Chrona...would you mind waiting a bit for info? We're all a bit rattled up here, and there's still a lot we need to do before we're clear.

Now, Miri...here...have a sip of this. It'll help... ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (14:17:34/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-31-12/1425:54>
>>>>>[Got to get the old wyrm's people to pay off on that section of the will first, Chrona. Even then, not sure I'll trust it to an open net. But it is like nothing I've heard about, except that old Aztlan download from Shadowland. Find one of the ones with the special comments from Big D and his 'guests'. They knew. They knew what this was.

Oh sweet flaming drek, what have we gotten into?

All right, all right. I'm better now, Xerena. Haven't been this shaken since just after the Arcanix 'incident'. I'm going to have nightmares from this. But yeah, focus. We've still got work to do.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:25:24/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-31-12/1455:47>
>>>>>[Safehouses lined up for the both of you.  Together or separate as you wish.  Actually pretty posh and will be very comfortable.  If you're going into that kind of drek, well, least I can do.

I've seen some flatpics of the nasty things they did to set up places like you probably went into.  The guy that took them considers Bug City a vacation, and even he refuses to talk about what happened when he was taking those pics.  As for wanting to see, I don't want to see half of what I have in my life already.  You guys have a rest coming, don't worry.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (02:55:27/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-31-12/1522:46>
>>>>>[ Actually Money...what we need most is a way past the Sangre Del Diablos. Now, I've asked my team if they can clear a path using liquid nitrogen but...I'm not too sure. If you have a safe house in Bogota we can use, we'd be most grateful. For now...we still have a few places to hit here in Azzieland. It'll take a few days. And Money...make it one house. No sense splitting up now. Bogota is not the sort of place where you want to cross the town too many times.]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (15:22:34/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-31-12/1534:26>
>>>>>[It'll take half an hour, but I can arrange that kind of safehouse, even better that you can speak Spanish.  Learn the local dialect and accent and I'm pretty sure the guy that owes me will swear up and down that you've been there ever since the Tir kicked the Princes out.  He starts throwing the Macho stuff at him, just tell him I still have holos of our, um, "Fishing Trip", he'll back off.  Do it in private, however, so his face is saved, yaknow?  As for the Diablos, I know a way to get around them, but I have to ask first, willing to transfer to another extraction team, and how strong are your stomachs?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (03:32:33/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-31-12/1616:37>
>>>>>[ Like I said, we'll only need it in a few days. And yes. We'd be willing to transfer. Stomach's pretty strong. I doubt anything can be worse than what we've seen. Just...no ghouls please. No offense to our ghoul resident, but...we're likely to be wounded when we pass through there. Possibly even unconscious and close to death. If you can guaruntee we'll be taken where we need to go, then fine. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (16:16:34/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <01-31-12/1620:35>
>>>>>[All right, sending you the details now by e-mail, Iceblade's and your 'Link's hardware will be the only one that can read it properly, just don't delete it from your Spam filter (Yes, you'll have to read your spam, sorry.).  Enjoy your trip into the warzone!  Bring me back a trophy or something.  I hear AZT has a new sniper rifle they're field testing out there that would make a great hunting rifle!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (04:20:00/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-31-12/1657:46>
>>>>>[ Thanks Money. I got it. And I'll be sure to collect that rifle for you. Well...we're about to arrive at the second safe house. We'll probably get some sleep here..if we can get any, after what we saw...Change identities again, get new transport and so forth. We'll probably hit the first target tomorrow just before dawn. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (16:57:44/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-31-12/1838:51>
>>>>>[Madre, if you can hang out down there till the 14th and be in Cartagena that day then I have an exit for you.]<<<<<     -- Wolfgar (18:35:52/ 01-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <01-31-12/1916:52>
>>>>>[It's a dietary requirement Madre, not a compulsion.!]<<<<<
      --  Chrona (00:16:16/01-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-01-12/0224:04>
>>>>>[Still, Chrona, it is unwise to swim with sharks when blood is in the water. And when dealing with creatures that consider you food, extra caution is warranted, I think.

I slept in the car on the way down, so I'm on watch now. Nothing much to see out here. A few patrols in the area, but nothing more than usual, from what our guides tell us. Still, we're keeping the windows shut close, and I just pop out for a look-see on the astral every now and then.

Got the package, Money. We'll put it to good use, I can assure you.

Since a few days have passed since we came in, anyone interested in purchasing some footage from the Deep Lacuna? Only slightly edited to protect the identity of our 'guide'. Smuggler I met in LA runs the Lacuna in a minisub from LA to San Diego.

And sorry if I sounded a bit freaked earlier. That's only because I was severely freaked. I've seen some of the evil drek Azzies get up to, but this was something I hadn't seen before. I'd track down some of the people who would know about these things, but my connections don't go anywhere near that far up, or that far in. And I don't think they'd be inclined to tell me, even if they did.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:23:34/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-01-12/0246:09>
>>>>>[Well this "creature" might know what you saw. But maybe you on't trust the information of a Ghoul, we're only "creatures".

Get yourself assensed. Deeply. Make them take a good hard look until you're truly convinced everything is normal. Go to the best reader you can get.

The very fact you freaked so much could mean it touched you without you knowing, or at least remembering. Same to Madre.]<<<<<

-- Chrona (07:45:55/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-01-12/0306:22>
>>>>>[Lose the chip on your shoulder, Chrona. I didn't mean 'creatures' as in 'ghouls are only creatures', but 'creatures' as in 'anything that considers me lunch, be it Infected, insect spirit, dragon, or what have you'. Since that expands beyond just Infected metahumans, the word is apt. Infected don't hold the monopoly on creatures that like to snack on metahumans, and you know it. Would you rather I said 'things'?

And I'll stand by my comment that extra caution is due when dealing with creatures that want to eat you. In the case of ghouls, it might not be a compulsion, but still. And that's not counting the risk of infection when you have open wounds (and when you're traipsing through Azzieland, open wounds are a near certainty at some point in the trip).

But yes, we'll do that when we get to Amazonia. I'd rather not talk too much about it with people until we're clear.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (03:06:12/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-01-12/0340:01>
>>>>>[Play nice, children.  Uncle Money has a headache again and the pills aren't working on it.  Chrona, we're all considered "Creatures" to one group or another.  Humanis, Sons of Sauron, Free Spirits, AIs, Dragons.  Especially Dragons.  And Iceblade did just have a traumatic event happen, you know what that's like, right?  On the flipside, Iceblade, Madrecita, if I'm sending a crew to you, they aren't going to be the type to eat you, Ghoul or not.  I demand professionalism in the people I work with, and not eating the cargo is part of that, be it people, blueberries, or deepweed.  Hell, if I sent a dragon to pick you up, well, you'd have to find out what happened to the real me, as you never cut a deal with a dragon.  Only people I won't work with.  Drink with them, sure, work, sorry, no.

Now, I have to go back to virtual meetings about political jobs again.  At least the more interesting ones are starting to happen and I can get the more civic minded 'Runners involved instead of just New Fish.  On the downside, the mottos for the parties are starting to come out and some are just making me puke.  Who writes these things?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (03:39:42/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-01-12/1044:40>
>>>>>[I've met a couple dragons in my time, and I'd have to agree, Money. The thing to remember is that you are always working FOR them not WITH them. And no matter how good you think your deal is, they always come out on top. Unless your name is Lugh Surehand. And mine isn't. Only one time I've 'won' an argument with a dragon. It wasn't a great, and it still cost me the better part of my leg.

In other news, we're moving again. Time for today's 'exercise'. Feels good to have a job to do. Gets your mind off... crazy. We've got a good plan for the strike. Everything works out, we should be able to take it out, no problem. This blade Xerena gave me is hungry. It wants to be used, I think. It suits Shark well. Time to feed the Shark.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:44:23/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-01-12/1231:30>
>>>>>[You can't outdrink a dragon either, even if they're in human form.  Ugh, the hangover from that night!

No no no no, Spike the punch with MORE ALCOHOL, not poison!  No, not a lethal level of Alcohol, either.  NO DEATHS, is that so hard to understand.  ...  *Emote:  Sighs*  When the hell did Shadowrunning need a body count?]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (12:31:12/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-01-12/1333:09>
>>>>>[Depends on the job, Money, depends on the job. We're clear of the first target, Wolf. *Sound of big explosion, followed by sympathetic blasts* That would be the first depot going up in flames. This team Xerena got together are real pros. Their hacker masked our approach perfectly. We went in quiet, no guns. There were only a small detachment of guards at this depot, since we're well back from the front. We killed them quick and clean, and no one knew we were there until we were gone.

Sometimes killing is necessary. Like this job. We could try and just knock out or restrain the guards, but if they managed to get a distress signal out, we'd be up to our necks in Azzies. But this is more commando raid, less shadowrun. And anyone who doesn't understand the difference doesn't need to be in either business.

We're heading to the next safehouse now. No casualties on our side, no signatures left behind, cameras edited to show GreenWar commandos doing the raid, and heading to the north. Will the Azzies buy it? Probably not. But anything that throws them off the trail for a bit may help us getting out of the country alive (and avoiding some of those lovely Azzie reprisals).

And Money, we got your souvenir. You may want to clean the blood off, first. Silly trooper bled all over the gun when Xerena buried that bat'leth of hers in his skull. And this blade she gave me literally sings when you use it.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:32:24/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <02-01-12/1522:33>
>>>>>[For as much as I use and love my firearms, a good blade at the right moment is priceless. I never go anywhere without my trench knives and in the bush, my machete is still one of my best friends. Speaking of which, I need to clean and sharpen them all, it's been a busy week.]<<<<< --Bravo Six (15:22:04/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-01-12/1533:10>
>>>>>[ Chrona, it's not a compulsion in lions either, but that doesn't stop them if they get hungry enough. That's not prejudice. That's reality. I've had us both assensed at the first and second safehouses.

Mmm...thanks for the vote of confidence, Miri. I'm rather proud of them myself. They've got scouts at the next two depots and a man inside to make sure we know about any changes in the security set up prompted by the last two hits we made.

Oh for heaven's sake, Saki, Mirikon's not going to bite you. If you found something you think he should know, just report it to him. I'm not a relay station. Sorry about that. I hate using the voice thingy to message. It's so difficult to keep things seperate. Now remember people...we're heading into a fovea. Don't go using your magic, and don't try to project, those of you who can.

Miri's right. If you hit military targets, you better act in a military manner. I've leaned that during my time in the Yucatan. Hehe. I'm glad you're liking the blade, Miri. I look forward to the day when you can use it to its full potential.  ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (15:33:44/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-01-12/1735:20>
>>>>>[Fovea. Yet another reason this country should be blasted off the map. I don't know what they've been doing here to create these things, but it has to stop. And yes, I know there's no evidence that they are creating these things, but you don't exactly see them anywhere else, do you?

Right, we're in the next safehouse, planning the next attack. Seems some of Xerena's team are a little bit frightened of me now. Guess they've never seen someone from a possession tradition allow a spirit to possess them. All I did was cut a troll in half! Well, the spirit did, using my body, at my direction. Fine distinction, of course.

The presence of a fovea near the next target is... problematic.

And Xerena, when I'm able, I'll be sure to show you the results. Wolf and Shark hunting together is a breathtaking experience, no?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:34:23/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-01-12/2056:04>
>>>>>[Bravo! What rock did you crawl out from under?]<<<<<

-- Chrona (01:55:23/02-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-02-12/1512:46>
>>>>>[Oh sweet heavens Madre, i didnt mean for you to take on the missions, that being said, way to go, I'll send you the first half of the money to a numbered account of your choosing, just tell me how many on the team. The fovea, the Johson says that if you can take and disrupt or destroy that theres an extra bonus payment in it for you and your team, but that its not as important as the depot itself. Also, i have an extraction for you if you cant be in Cartegenia on the 14th. I'll send you a special file later today or tomorrow with the details.

Now Ice, if you can get me footage of what happened or what goes on next, I want it. I would love to see wolf and shark hunting together as i'm a wolf totem myself.]<<<<<

-- Wolfgar  (14:55:55/02-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-02-12/1709:15>
>>>>>[Not going to broadcast footage over an open net, Wolfgar. We might be heading out of Aztlan after this, but the rest of the team are locals. Not going to do that to them. Know you understand. I do have my simrig running, though, so next time I'm in the big sleazy, you buy the first couple rounds, all right?

<Scream in background>

Sorry about that. There were more guards at this depot. Turned into a gun fight afterall. None dead on our side, but one hit pretty bad. And tell your Johnson that there isn't any way to 'take' a fovea, any more than you can 'take' a hole in the atmosphere. That's what we're talking about here. A little piece of hard vacuum on the astral. Makes using magic pretty much impossible, and going through one on the astral is a good way to go insane, or worse.

There! That's the last of them. Hurry and set the charges! We don't have long before the Azzies show up!

One of the Azzies was a rigger, managed to punch through the jammer we brought, and get a distress signal out. We've gotta move quick. All set? All right, let's get out of here. Madrecita, grab him and let's go. I don't think we have more than a few minutes before the first wave shows up.

Everyone in? Right, let's move! All right, we're clear, blow it! Madrecita, as soon as we're clear of the fovea, start healing the wounded, you're better at it than I am. I'll run overwatch on the astral.

<Massive explosion in the background, followed by additional blasts>

Two down, one to go, Wolfgar.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:08:34/02-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-03-12/0221:05>
>>>>>[ At the next safe house now. We've had to run a bit further and harder than anticipated. A small patrol caught up with us before we could reach the original spot. I...lost two more team-mates. One took a bullet to the juggular. he was dead before I could stop the blood flow. The other had just too many holes shot in him.

There was a time when the loss wouldn't have bothered me. Times like this...I wish I never regained that soft part of myself...I've run with these guys for ten years, and known them for longer. They were good men, good runners, and they died doing something that mattered to them. I guess that is the best that can be said. Wolfgar...I've sent you the details of their various accounts.

I'm glad we got the chance to hunt together, Miri. I would never have thought shark and wolf could get along, but when it comes to taking our enemies, both are equally...efficient.

I have everyone tucked in now, healed, fed and resting. That is the thing about wolf. We're not just efficient hunters and ruthless defenders...we also care a great deal about those in our pack.

Now...I will mourn for those I have lost, and then get some sleep. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (02:20:44/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-03-12/0706:35>
>>>>>[And I, for one, am glad you regained that part of yourself, Xerena. It is the ability to feel pain on another's behalf that separates us from beasts. The day the killing and death no longer bothers you is the day you've truly lost touch with what it means to be a metahuman.

I am a killer, cold and dispassionate, it is true. My blade strikes without mercy or pity, but I know the face of every person I've cut down. That is Shark's function, to slay the weak and the dying, the sick and the old. Shark is the dark angel of the sea, a bringer of death so that those that remain are better for it. This is a path I've come to accept, that the call of blood in the water will ever be near me. But that does not mean I lose sight of the cost of my actions, or ignore the sacrifices made to purify the waters, and make them ready for the next generation. Without Shark, the sick and the wounded linger on in pain. Without Shark, food becomes scarce and all the other creatures suffer. Shark preserves the balance between life and death. It is nothing personal, when I slay someone, even in the height of the blood frenzy. Shark does not care whose flesh meets its teeth, for any that cannot escape are unfit to live. But Shark does not kill without reason. There is always a need that drives Shark to the kill.

Shark knows well the smell of blood in the water, and I would be lying if I said that I have not felt that path call to me. But to walk that path is a perversion of the true nature of Shark. That is not the path of the Pale Slayer, the Destroyer. That is the path of the Ravager, and I wish no part of it.

Wolf hunts for the pack, to protect and to feed it. Shark swims alone, for the most part, but where there is blood in the water, Shark will always be there.

I am on watch now, and I'm taking this time to do my morning exercises. They help condition my mind and body, allowing me to better channel the mana that fuels my Talent. The others will be stirring soon, and then we will move for the next target.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:06:05/02-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-03-12/0735:48>
>>>>>[ What do you mean 'stirring soon'? I've been up for an hour. I must say, you look rather good doing those morning exercises of yours.

Mmm...I think all predators maintain balance between life and death. I think it's the acceptane of our nature as predators that are sometimes hard to accept...especially those of us with mentor spirits. We're more familiar than most with our inner beasts. even though we are metahuman. I think the reason shark and wolf get along is because we're both hunters. Not scavengers. Wolf can be solitary too, if need be. I have been a lone wolf for many years now.  ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (07:35:34/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-03-12/0750:19>
>>>>>[Heh. Then I'm glad I decided to wear pants for my morning workout. When I'm at home, I usually don't. Give the neighborhood housewives a show, and they're much more willing to do small favors for you, like letting you know if anyone starts asking around the neighborhood for you, holding a package for you, or other such things. Their husbands actually don't mind, either, since it gives them a counterpoint when their wives start to nag about them watching the ladies doing yoga in the courtyard.

And it is true, the predatory totems get along fairly well, for the most part. Dragonslayer is another that often finds common ground with Shark. Even Shark and Bear, who you think would be like oil and water, tend to see eye to eye on some things, though their methods may not be the same. But Rat and Shark will never agree, and Seductress would most likely be horrified at Shark's actions.

Looks like the others are getting up. Let's get some rations, and be on our way. Another depot to destroy today.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:49:03/02-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-03-12/0801:53>
>>>>>[ More's the pity.

Wolf and seductress also would not get along. Wolf being so...restrained in some ways.

I'm glad we're hitting this one early. I feel like I could sleep for a week. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (08:01:24/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-03-12/0825:00>
>>>>>[When we're through with this run, I'll be sure to take you someplace nice and relaxing, where we can get plenty of exercise, my dear. ;)

Well, after this depot, there's still one last target, before we finally make our way out of country.

Everyone's loading up the trucks, and we're ready to move out. Wolf, we'll tell you how it went on our way out. There's no fovea near this one, so Xerena and I will be more effective than we were at the last one.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:24:34/02-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-03-12/1219:30>
>>>>>[Heaviest resistance so far, but we came through without any casualties. I'm beat, though. We quietly eliminated several of the guards, and I summoned spirits to possess them. They, in turn, took out a couple HMGs that the Azzies had set up on a couple towers near the center of the depot. Seems they expected this one to be hit. Well, I never accused them of being morons.

Once the spirits took the HMGs out, and began spreading chaos amongst the soldiers, we attacked in earnest. I managed to summon one more spirit that fight, and had it ride my body as we fought. Thankfully, the spirit's immunity made my meat nearly bulletproof, which meant it could close to melee range, and do what it was best at.

The strain of summoning so many spirits is telling though. And the enemy mage got a couple good hits with a stunbolt in, as well. I'm lying in the back of one of the trucks, next to the captured HMGs, while they finish setting the charges. Barely keep my eyes open.

We're moving now. Our hacker says that the Azzie forces are only a couple minutes out. This will be close. We're clear of the blast zone! <Sound of several large explosions in concert> Scratch depot three, Wolfgar. I just hope we've got enough firepower to deal with the next phase of the operation. Now I think I might sleep. All those spirits take a toll on you. And that fragging mage...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:19:26/02-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-03-12/1415:51>
>>>>>[ Here they come! Here they come! Keep going! Keep it steady...steady, Chimalli. Hold your fire...hold it...NOW!  <Sound of explosions and machine gun fire> Left! LEFT! Oooooh....<static hiss> ...eady! FIRE! <Sound of explosion and screams> Mbali! Watch your back! Yes, yes...I KNOW the mage is still with them I'll take care of him. You stay out of it. It's my turn now...<gunshots, and faint muttering over the hiss of static> Nomatca nehuatl, ca nehuatl niYaotl, niquintzatzilia, tla xihualhuian, tlamacazque in yolli, niquintzatzilia ic axcan yez tezzohuaz titlapallohuaz. Tla xiquimpopoloti! <screams> GOTCHA! ¡Vete al infierno! Asshole. Finish him off, boys...Mmm...nice shot! Okay. We're done here. Casuaties?....Mmm...okay. I'll treat them now...Oh. Was this thing on? Fuck...[Error: Communication terminated at source] ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (14:18:24/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-03-12/1440:16>
>>>>>[The damn Azzies are persistent. Seems someone wasn't fond of us blowing up their shit. We're being actively hunted now. Xerena's tending the wounded while we roll. We're trying to get to the next safehouse now. I'm still wrecked from the fight earlier. If we can't get a few hours to sleep, we're going to be in serious trouble. But during the fight our hacker told the surveillance drone that was following us to self destruct. We've managed to outpace the Azzies now that they've lost their eye in the sky, and an ice slick laid down by yours truly caused a pileup that will delay them further, but we expect more to come. This isn't over.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:39:24/02-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-03-12/1609:10>
>>>>>[ Hehe. Don't you just love it when people surprise you? Cristobal came through for us! He's the very last person I would have expected. No offence Padre, but...you and I didn't exactly part on the best of terms. Father Cristobal here was priest at an underground church. He was...always there for me. Mmm...I never did thank you, did I Padre? Thanks for then...and for now.

Long story short...we had a dozen or so Jags running us down and Cristobal had his new templars ambush them. We got shot up a bit. It's going to take me a few hours to heal everyone. Cristobal's already arranged passage for us. He's going to smuggle us out.

No fatalities this time. But I did finally manage to conjure an ally spirit. Desperation can be a master teacher. That makes me...a fourth level initiate.

Miri...we make it through tomorrow, you can take me anywhere you want to. Well...that and if we manage to make it out of this crazy country. I hope we can get some sleep... ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (16:09:24/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-03-12/1645:25>
>>>>>[Guys this is great, I'm sending the rest of the money now as well as two possible extraction points. I'll actually get to meet you as well, I think as a bonus, you know what, I am. What do you think of a nice all expenses paid R&R at a beach side resort with all the amenities. ]<<<<<

//upload secure file: Arrangements
file: Arrangements is waiting for user: Madrecita

--Wolfgar (16:59:54/02-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <02-03-12/2139:32>
>>>>>[Bravo! What rock did you crawl out from under?]<<<<<

-- Chrona (01:55:23/02-01-74)

>>>>>[Hey, Chrona. Nice to be missed. I could tell you, but then...well you know that old line. Been in-country for a while, still taking care of business so I can't go into detail. Just have some things to take care of before I head back out. Nice to actually sleep in a real bed and have a cup of real coffee again. And to anyone working in South America, be careful, things are getting wierder than usual.]<<<<< -- Bravo Six (21:42:23/02-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <02-04-12/0210:21>
>>>>>[I'm really starting to question my path. I originally thought I was an Artisian Adept, given that all my skills seem to help with driving, fighting, or social...but given that I recently fast talked my way out of 4 different bad situations in one day, I might be leaning more totem. I just..do you need a mentor spirit to be a totem adept/magician, or just take after one?

Pardon any rambling. I just got done with a long distance package run, from Seattle to LA and back. Slot the Tir and it's rules, that's what multiple SINs and a concealed compartment is for. Almost wasn't sure I was going to get through though. So glad someone decided to play an impromptu interceptor for me by trying to blast past the check point with out stopping. Amateurs, I swear. Sedan pulling 120 coming up on the check point and not slowing down. Yeah, you're TOTALLY invisible to them. At least they gave me permission to pass through the Tir on my way to CFS before chasing after him.]<<<<<

     -- Card (00:09:21/02-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-04-12/1035:25>
>>>>>[Everyone with the Talent questions their path from time to time, Card. And I'm sure any of the mages or adepts with totems here will tell you that a totem isn't something you choose. No one chooses Wolf, or Shark, or Dog. At some point you simply realize that you are on that path, and have always been on that path. The totem you follow is a reflection of your self. Someone who follows Dog is loyal not because Dog tells them to be. Dog came to them because they were loyal. I did not choose Shark. Shark came to me as I was fighting. I was young, and there were many things I had yet to learn, but when the blood began to flow and my blade cut flesh as I fought for my life against that pack of barghests when I was on my bridging, Shark was there, and I came to know what had always been true. But even when you come to recognize your true nature, there is always doubt, always questions.

Father Cristobal got us near where our last objective is, and his Templars gave us cover while we slept, even kept the preaching to a bare minimum. Causing all this trouble for the Azzies seems to made him happy. Enemy of my enemy, and all that. Decent enough, for a human, when he keeps away from the god talk.

We're rested, and ready. There's only one more job to do before we get the hell out of this country. We saved it for last, because we couldn't afford the dead weight on the other runs. Now its time to hit the POW camp.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:35:23/02-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-04-12/1900:57>
>>>>>[<gunfire in background, sounds of screaming> Ramirez! Keep their heads down with that HMG while we flank them!

They're using the POW's as shields? Hah! Would have expected as much from the Azzies. Have a flash-bang! <sound of grenade going off, followed by a scream> Get down, kid, if you don't want me to knock you down. Stay still over with the rest of the POWs while we mop up.

<Roar nearby, fire, and LOTS of screams> Oh frag me sideways. A dragon? They went and called up a fragging dragon? DREK! <More fire, much closer.>

Come to me, spirit of the Waterfall's might. Quench this fire with your freezing breath.

I am come... Very well, I obey.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:00:00/02-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-04-12/1959:16>
>>>>>[Money, looks like Iceblade might need that Vat next. Goodluck Ice, time to show them your name's worth. I- -
Stop reading over my shoulder...
Just cos you can SEE doesn't mea-
Yes, a dragon. Whuh? GET BACK HERE YOU CAN'T FLY THERE IN TIME!

Ergh. Iceblade... there's free aerial support heading your way. No fragging way he'll make it from Seattle to you in time. Damn thrill seeker.]<<<<<

-- Chrona (00:53:00/02-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-04-12/2028:26>
>>>>>[Wolf! Have the package, heading to extraction. Tell that damn sub to prep the medbay. Multiple casualties. Damn Feathered Serpent came out of nowhere. Guess we were pushing our luck with the fourth raid in as many days. Xerena's alive, but has some severe burns. Some of our team aren't so lucky. I'm working on my fourth patch now to keep going. We just got in the boat at Turbo, and are heading for the rendezvous. The dragon got us good. Only reason I'm not worse off is because I had a powerful spirit riding me at the time. But I'm going to need time, all right. Leg and an arm this time. Can't even use crutches. They had to carry me into the boat. But I got souvenirs. Big fang each for me and Xerena, and took smaller ones for the rest of the team, and that POW we rescued.

The others were released, sent to scatter, package is with us, and we're heading out to sea. I can't think any more. Need to sleep. Fragging dragons.

AGH! Salt spray on the stump of an arm cuts through the pain meds all right! GAH! NO I'M FINE, JUST HAD MY FRAGGING ARM AND LEG CHEWED OFF BY A DRAGON! JUST GET US TO THE RENDEZVOUS SO I CAN PASS OUT!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:28:03/02-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-04-12/2119:05>
>>>>>[Yeah, Vat time.]<<<<<

-- Chrona (02:18:00/02-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <02-05-12/0019:30>

>>>>>[Ouch, that's gotta hurt. *sigh* Dammit, why do I have to be such a bleeding heart. Be right back]<<<<<

<<<Transmission terminated at sourse>>>

<<<Transmission resumed, direct link established>>>

>>>>>[Iceblade, sorry for the hack. If you need a place to hole up for a while, head to grid coordinates *ENCRYPTED*. Docs there will do what they can, and there should be some coffee and donuts left. And I would like to ask you some questions, if I may.]<<<<<

-- Bravo Six (00:18:00/02-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-05-12/0855:00>
>>>>>[Sub dumped us in Metropole. Luckily, Amazonian docs know how to treat the Awakened. We're at an Amazonian military hospital now. Seems someone heard that we got injured blowing the hell out of a lot of Azzie gear, and rescuing some POWs. Of course, the tradeoff is that we're probably going to have to go through the whole 'debriefing' thing before we can leave the country. But if you're Awakened, there are few places better suited to healing what ails you. I have to pay for the service myself, of course, but it is still better than dealing with a public hospital or a street doc.

Good news, I don't have to sit in a vat, waiting for them to clone me some new parts. The payments we received for our work behind Azzie lines (not counting our gig in the Pyramid) is more than enough to cover a couple Type O limbs. They say it'll take some therapy and exercise to get the limbs up to snuff, but since they're regular meat, not bioware, the transplant didn't hurt my magic any, just like if I'd gotten a cloned limb. Spirits bless Mr. Owen, wherever his soul resides now. So no vat for me, but I'm stuck to a chair, for a few days, at least. Haven't seen Xerena since I went into surgery, though.

Thanks, everyone, for the help and well wishes. And now that the job's done, I think a drink is in order. Flirted with the nurse a bit, and she agreed to bring me a bottle of whiskey. But I gotta hide it for now, doc just walked in, to check my progress. So I'm off for a while.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:53:24/02-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-05-12/1004:15>
>>>>>[Those fraggin bastitches were supposed to bring you here. I'm gonna have a word with them that they are not going to like. Also, send those medical bills up here, the good senator can afford to cover them.]<<<<<    --Wolfgar  (10:01:55/02-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-05-12/1030:32>
>>>>>[Oh, don't be too hard on them. Amazonia was closer, and we had people who needed more urgent care than you could get on a sub. As it is, a couple members of Xerena's team almost bought it before they could be stabilized. We'll stop through your sprawl soon as I can get around without the chair, Wolf, before heading on. Xerena and I are going to be taking a week's vacation up the well on Evo's resort. She's never gotten drunk in space, so I thought I'd help her with that.

And the bill for the team's injuries is on its way, with a chip including the simsense record of the fight with the dragon. Two copies, one for you, and one for the Senator, if he balks at paying the bills. The recording gets a bit... wonky at a certain point. A simrig's functioning gets a bit unusual when the person wearing it plays host to a spirit.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:30:50/02-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-05-12/1313:14>
>>>>>[ Okay. That. Was. NOT. Fun. Fucking dragon came out of nowhere. Big mother. Can't 'member much. Shot fulla...stuff. Yeah...um...Big fella. Swooped down on us. Miri got his spirit stuff going and I lashed our too. Did good...Dragon got lucky a few times. Third and fourth degree burns. Got my left arm all charred to bone, and my left leg cooked through. So...tank for me. Then cloned parts, like Miri. Should be fine. Might look...like Cruella de Ville. Half my hair might grow back silver. Gonna sleep now. Thanks....[Error: Communication terminated at source] ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (13:13:44/05-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-05-12/1537:52>
>>>>>[Now that this is over, I got two things to say to both of ya. I find it hilariously puzzling that you speak to each other over VU93 while you are a few feet away from each other. Second, well, you'll be stuck in Amazonia for a long time. And even there, you won't be safe. The Azzies are gunnin' for you both and no death faking this time. Both your names are going around in the channels I'm using. In case you don't know what that means, there's a hefty price on your heads (and when I say hefty, it's in the price range to hire me).]<<<<<
      --  Smiley (15:37:25/02-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-05-12/1601:55>
>>>>>[ We don't so much speak to each other here as just banter. What we did communicate to each other here was incidentals, or playful commentary. And why not? We don't log in to specifically talk to each other. More to keep an eye on things, and communicate with others.

Mmm...well, the bounty was to be expected. And Smiley...feel free to take that bounty. It'll either be us or you in the ground. Either way, I can live with it.  :-* ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (16:01:44/05-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-05-12/1704:25>
>>>>>[Well the good news is that not only has the payments for all the money been made, but also that the good senator, since you impressed his boy so much, has supposedly called the hospital in Metropole and told them to bill him for all of your team. He was really happy that his boy was safe and sound and like I said before, he can afford it.

Now for the bad news, you impressed the boy so much that he's talking about joining the shadows himself. His father is NOT happy about that but thats going to be between them and the fact that he's 20 means all daddy can do is cut him off from his inheritance, though not from his trust fund. (chuckle) I imagine my next job from the good senator is going to be putting the boy through absolute hell as training to see if he'll stick with it. Seems the trip that got him caught by the Azzies in the first place was the boy running from his responsibilities. Unfortunately it was after his own riches so at least he's got some gumption. Who knows what will happen.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (17:03:15 / 02-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-05-12/2346:13>
>>>>>[Yeah, we like to play around on here, just as I was doing to poke Murphy a couple times about his Naga ladyfriend when we were in Denver. Just a bit of fun, to keep your head off the fact that you've got an entire mega looking to come down on your head.

We won't be staying in Amazonia long. The country's nice and all, but I've got business elsewhere, and I still haven't shown Xerena what its like to get drunk in zero G. Priorities, man! I can guarantee that we won't be returning to Aztlan anytime soon, though, and I'm personally not going to take any runs against the big A for a while. Let that simmer down for a bit.

I've had a price on my head for years, though now it has gotten a good bit larger, I guess. Used to be just the Rinelle, and the few people who knew I didn't die a couple times when I should have.

Wolf, tell the kid that what he saw wasn't shadowrunning. He wants action like that, tell him to join the CAS Marines, or go for one of their SEAL teams. That was a commando raid, not a shadowrun. And then try and sober him up a bit with the knowledge that most runners don't survive their first year. Last I heard, it was only about 10% that lived to see their second year? It'll probably score you some points with the Senator, too. A son that goes and signs on with the Marines can be worth his weight in gold to a political campaign.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:45:13/02-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-06-12/1928:22>
>>>>>[Funny how it takes less time to slap on replacement limbs than it does to heal burns. Plenty of Type O material out there, especially with banks set up to deal with casualties from the war. So a couple of limbs were waiting ready. But dealing with severe burns is still a slow process. Sitting outside Xerena's tank right now. She's not too happy with me. Something to do with me tapping on the glass like a kid with a fishbowl?

Anyways, therapy is going fairly well. New limbs take some 'walking in' to function like the old ones. Especially when you have multiple limbs to work on.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:27:34/02-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-06-12/2002:25>
>>>>>[Glad you two are all right.  Don't tap on the glass, however Iceblade.  It gives the person inside a major headache, yes I know from personal experience.  Been insanely busy myself, meeting after meeting, boring as hell stuff.  Wish I could take a nice trip like was recently seen on here.  Heh.

*Emote:  Sigh*  Well, back at it.  Don't even have time to use the Drekker without working.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (08:02:19/02-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-07-12/0005:40>
>>>>>[ Unhappy only begins to describe it, Miri. You may just lose another limb when I get out of here tomorrow. And if you don't take definite steps to soften my displeasure, oh childish one, the limb I cut off might be one that matters sorely. Never mess with a Spanish woman.  :-* Unless you enjoy playing with fire, of course. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (12:05:44/07-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-07-12/0025:02>
>>>>>[ I've not torn a limb off in too long.]<<<<<
       -- Chona (05:24:44/07-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-07-12/0509:20>
>>>>>[Oh, don't worry, Xerena, I'll be good. When you get out, we'll have a day or two in Metropole, and then we're on a flight to New Orleans. Oh, and our clothes have already been mended, so we're good on that account. And I still have our 'souvenirs', see? A matched set of dragon fangs. Though we probably shouldn't wave them around outside the hospital. If the dragon had kin, they might get a wee bit upset with us. As if we needed anyone else on our tails.

By the way, my dear, did you know that your hair looks stunning in that tank?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:08:01/02-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-07-12/0521:18>
>>>>>[Get a room you two. *gagging noises*]<<<<<

-- Chrona (10:21:01/02-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-07-12/0523:23>
>>>>>[What's wrong with a little flirting, Mr. Chrona?  As for the limbs question, I'm on my original set, and proud of that fact.]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (05:23:09/02-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <02-07-12/0526:00>
>>>>>[Don't listen to him. I"m quite enjoying this on several levels. Primarily the fact that it reminds me of the base Zen Philosophy: "No matter what, there will always be darkness in light, and light in the darkness." A key principle of the Yin and the Yang.

Another level is that you two are fracking adorable together it seems. I'd suggest mariage, but I'm not sure how long Ice would last before getting himself a bad case of "battelth (or however that's spelled) to the head."

Speaking of relationships, you keeping in contact with your naga friend Murph?]<<<<<

     -- Card (03:24:32/02-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-07-12/0551:58>
>>>>>[Don't worry, Chrona. We'll take anything that develops behind closed doors. Whether there will be trid footage that makes its way here is up to Xerena. A gentleman never does something like that without the lady's consent.

Murphy, keep your own meat as long as you can. Honestly, I wouldn't suggest anything more than some wired reflexes or maybe skillwires, unless you get hurt. Bioware is much easier on your aura, but it is also more expensive. Take it from someone who actually worked corpsec for a while. People with large holes in their aura get a LOT of extra scrutiny if there's a security mage in the area.

Card, I'm not so much worried about catching a bat'leth  to the head, except as a result of business. I have an image of a playboy Tir exile/male escort to play, afterall, which can be rough on relationships. Even if a lady understands that it is simply business, some of them don't like to share, even if I tell them that there's a difference between my job and my personal life. That's one of the down-sides of playing a cover. Sometimes, people don't see the difference between the cover and you.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:51:23/02-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-07-12/0604:47>
>>>>>[Murphy, are you still in Seattle? Fancy infiltrating some CorpSec?]<<<<<
      --  Chrona (11:04:09/02-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-07-12/1220:07>
>>>>>[Glad you're both going to pull through, and congrats on the dragon slaying.

Murphy, as someone with cyber implants, I'll second his advice to you.  I'm hoping to eventually pull in enough cred to get the metal replaced with the bio implants and then go in for that new revitalization treatment.]<<<<<

--Predator (12:15:05/02-07-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-07-12/1258:53>
>>>>>[ Nice attitude, Card. In this business, it helps to see the silver lining behind the black cloud. It fact, it's downright essential. You have to keep a sense of humour, or you'll drop into darkness. Cry when you have to, but never forget to laugh too. And especially, to laugh at yourself. Bit soon to speak of marriage though...although I appreciate the vote of confidence. Certainly there will be sparks. Remember...I may carry a bat'leth, but Miri carries a blade. One I made. He'll be more than capable of keeping my bat'leth at bay.  :P

And Miri...the lady would consent to the making of the trid footage, but definitely not to its distribution. I too have an image to uphold. All I can can say is...you have very strange taste if you think my hair looks stunning in this tank. It looks like a black and white virus, or maybe an amoeba. Argh! I've never managed to keep it tamed.

Business is business. The trick with balancing the requirememts of business and personal is to know the person involved very well. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (12:58:50/07-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-07-12/1411:06>
>>>>>[Ah, Xerena. You're quite mistaken, of course. The way it is floating around you makes you look like some kind of water nymph, wild and free. Quite beautiful. But there's me waxing romantic again. One of the benefits of getting a decent exposure to the arts as a child.

Thank you, Predator. It is not something I would have done if the dragon had given me a choice, however. We were lucky, simply put. The blade struck true, and our magics combined with the weapons of our team were enough to bring the dragon down. But it was not an easy battle. I've looked over the recording from my simrig. I think it captures the sense of panic well, and the frantic way we were just trying to do something, anything to survive the fight, though the spirit's feelings on the matter weren't captured. I can honestly say I wasn't sure we would live through that one.

Though I can honestly say I don't know where the spirit got the idea to jump on the dragon's back, and stab it between the wing joints. Effective, though, since it kept the thing grounded long enough for the rest to take it down.

Hell, if it wasn't a sure way to get myself killed, I could probably make a small fortune distributing this clip.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:10:06/02-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-07-12/1423:29>
>>>>>[Sounds like someone is well and thoroughly smitten. Since you two survived, I think someone should buy you both a round of drinks when you get back.]<<<<<

--Predator (14:21:11/02-07-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-07-12/1806:33>
>>>>>[Round of drinks hell, I've got them a week at one of the best hotel/resorts in Pensacola. All expenses paid. I just wish the new San Carlos was already open, it would be even nicer than where I got.]<<<<<  --Wolfgar(18:05:54/02-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-08-12/0943:10>
>>>>>[Well, just got finished 'debriefing' with a representative from the military. Very polite for an anaconda shifter. I gave her the basic rundown on the mission, leaving out names and any operational specifics, of course. The fact that apparently we put a major hurt on the Big A's forces in the area seems to have tickled a few scales around here. At least, that's what the scuttlebutt around the hospital is. Managed to talk my way into the Officer's Club on base last night, and a few drinks got me a the latest gossip.

Heading over to Xerena's room now. She's due to get out of the tank today, and I thought we'd spend a day on Metropole's beaches before catching a flight to NO and sharing a couple drinks with you, Wolf. I mean, you really can't stop by Metropole without at least visiting the beaches once. And then we'll be there to take you up on that week in Pensacola, while my new parts get up to full speed. Then we're heading up the well to Evo's resort.

It'll be the second time I've vacationed there. At some point, I would LOVE to take a trip to the big ZO, but even I know I'm nowhere near important enough to get that trip.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:42:34/02-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-08-12/1218:14>
>>>>>[ You know...it's the weirdest thing. Miri got entirely new limbs and I just got some new muscles to replace the cooked ones...but he's mobile before I am. I'll have to use an exoskeleton for a while until my rehab is complete. I had to threaten to brain the doctor before he'd let me out. No way I'm staying in here. Damnit, I'm a trained doctor myself. I know what will and won't work. Checked myself out.

I look forward to meeting you, Wolf. It'll be interesting to meet another wolf totem.

Oh! I got those new SINs. And made arrangements for "Xerena Veracruz" to meet an untimely end.

I think this will be the last run I take for a while. I came out of semi-retirement for it...and now that its done, I find I didn't miss it so much. Except for that dragon...and that first bit of the run...it was pretty par for the course. How I miss my little microlab and my shop...  ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (12:18:50/08-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-08-12/1258:04>
>>>>>[Wish I could do stuff like that.  Less time in the tank would have done me some good.  Still working myself up to my previous levels.]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (12:57:16/02-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-08-12/1406:36>
>>>>>[From what I understand, everything works a lot easier if you have to replace the entire limb than healing up large parts of them. They have basic Type O parts in stock in any major sprawl, and from what the doc said even if you're not in a major sprawl, they can usually get them by next day air. Of course, that's only for... official facilities. Shadow clinics have different rules, natch. Depends how good your street doc is, or how well supplied your hospital may be. The main problem I have now is training up the new limbs to the same condition the old ones were in.

By comparison, Xerena had pretty severe burns over a good bit of her body, which meant they had to actually go and heal up those wounds. Which takes much longer. Crazy, no?

We're out on the beach now, enjoying a bit of sun without a breather for the first time in days. Strange how clean the air is here. Guess that is what happens when you have a country ruled by a dragon. They tend to look after the environment more than others. The beaches are interesting, to be sure. There's a centaur couple on the next towel over, and some free spirits playing in the water. And that isn't the craziest sight out here.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:06:24/02-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-08-12/1603:00>
>>>>>[ I'll have specific clone replacements prepared when I get back. This will tide me over until then. And it's a perfect excuse to just sit back and relax.

This place has such a wonderful atmosphere. I'm glad you insisted we come here, Miri. It really is lovely.

You know what? I'm just going to switch this thing off and enjoy the place and the company. I am on holiday, after all. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (16:03:00/08-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-08-12/2104:36>
>>>>>[Ah, night in Metropole. We're catching a couple drinks now, before taking a late night flight to New Orleans. Risks either way, of course. You go in the middle of the day, it is easier to get lost in the crowd, but it is also harder to spot surveillance. And harder to spot an ambush before you're stuck in it. You go late at night, and there are fewer spooks around, any surveillance is easier to spot, and you have a chance to catch an ambush before you're trapped. Down side: it is easier for anyone watching to spot you.

Personally, when you know the Azzies want you, it is usually better to be able to see them coming.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:04:24/02-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-08-12/2321:48>
>>>>>[I'll be waiting for you with Tank Girl when you get off your flight guys. Just look for the sign and we'll be drinking at the resort bar by dinner.]<<<<< -- Wolfgar (22:20:45/02-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-09-12/0639:42>
>>>>>[The flight was smooth, no troubles. Didn't really expect any, to be honest. Getting an agent into Amazonia and into position so quickly would be impressive, even for the Azzies. And I don't think we're quite worth exposing sleepers that might already in country. Getting out of the CAS will be more interesting, though.

Anyways, the resort bar is lovely. Good, strong drinks, and a minimum of crazy to go with it. Wolfgar, you certainly know how to pick them! Now I think I'm going to actually get some rest, once I put a ward around the room. I'll leave it so you and Xerena can pass through, Wolf. Just a weak thing, so we have some warning if anyone comes calling.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:39:24/02-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-10-12/0519:32>
>>>>>[Madrecita, what do you think I am? I'm not a bounty hunter, I don't do floating bounties. I'm a professional wetwork artist, if someone wants me to kill somebody he's going to ask me in person and give me the required advance. Besides, I got plenty of work, no need for me to go chasing my own contacts when I can choose a target which is no use to me. On top of all, I got an annoying pretty princess to train. She's better than I thought and might even make it as an assassin but she's still annoying.

Speaking of Autumn, tomorrow's the big day for her. First contract on her own. I sneaked a peek at what she's planning and, surprisingly, it should work... Providing that she doesn't screw up or choke. Hahaha. She's putting a lot of energy on this one, I did said she would love her first contract. She's getting ready for her flight. I'll give news of her success... Or failure.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (05:19:37/10-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <02-11-12/1755:45>
>>>>>[ Madrecita, Iceblade: I'll need a copy of that chip.
          And I really wish you would have left Wulfgar's little issues for another time.  Accomplishing his little demolition items has put the results of your primary activities in serious jeopardy. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (17:55:55/02-11-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-11-12/1829:59>
>>>>>[Sorry I haven't been around.  I've been as busy as Mr. Money, for, um, much of the same reason.  Seems the word of my leadership role kinda came out, as that wasn't covered under our "Don't talk about the 'run" thing, and...  Well, let's just say I've been asked to take a more active role in the politics going on in Seattle.

Glad to know you're safe Mr. Iceblade, Ms. Medrecita!]<<<<<
      --  Murphy (18:29:51/02-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-12-12/0754:18>
>>>>>[Null sheen, Wyrm. The primary gig went off without a hitch. We didn't call down hell upon our heads until afterwards, when we were getting the paydata for the old wyrm's people. Or did you think that pulling a job in the main pyramid in Tenochtitlan wasn't going to be like kicking in the door of a UB chapterhouse to see what the buzzing sound you heard was?

I'll let Madrecita take care of sending you the chip, and posting what we saw on the nets. Not sure where the wyrm's people will want to see it, now that Shadowland is gone.

And thanks, Murphy. Things have been crazy, but glad to hear you're keeping busy. Don't forget, it is easy to tell when a politician is scheming something. They're still breathing.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:54:23/02-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-14-12/2148:40>
>>>>>[I said I'd give news... I got exactly that!

// upload media file :: user Smiley :: 02/14/74 //
// audio-to-text conversion engaged //
// Japanese - English conversion // Haha!Prog – 02/13/74 //

Breaking news. Authorities confirms that Yamamoto Hiroto and his wife were found dead in their loft, in Osaka, yesterday evening. Autopsies are still ongoing but champagne glasses with traces of what could be poison were found on the scene. The bodies were discovered by their daughter a few hours after their death. At this morning press release from the authorities, Captain Akita Tsubasa said that nothing was conclusive yet but that everything was pointing towards suicide. Yamamoto Hiroto was the CEO of Bright Star Agency, a subsidiary of Shiawase Corporation. Bright Star Agency stocks were, in the last few weeks, alarmingly taking a drop in value and is now on verge of collapse, fueling the suicide theory of its CEO. Shiawase Corporation has yet to present a press release but a representative from the corporation told us that they will present one in the next few days. On this, I am Nara Moriko from Osaka News and I will be following this story closely.
// end file //

Now that's a job well done! Planned to every details, including the stock value drop. Hahaha! Not bad! Not bad at all! She's due to come back in a few days, assuming she doesn't get arrested before. Money, I'll take you up on that offer to train her for a little while. I rely too much on sorcery to cover my tracks and she needs someone to show her more mundane ways of doing that. Nah, that's a lame excuse I know... Like I don't know the mundane tricks as well. I really just need someone to get the little princess off my plate for a week or two because I need to take care of something. Well, someone in fact. An idiot who has the guts of calling himself The Mysterious Man (I killed the last one might I add) sent me an invitation for a meeting to discuss a business proposal. Apparently some of the best independent wetwork specialists I know will also be attending. The whole thing smells like drek and screams a setup. I'm pretty conflicted about what I'm going to do with this. My whole being is telling me to just snap the fool's neck before the meet but my curiosity might get the best of me... We'll see I guess.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (09:48:37/02-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-14-12/2203:03>
>>>>>[Glad to hear the protege is working out, Smiley. As far as the meet goes, you're right that kind of thing smells. You don't just gather the top wetwork guys in the world in one place unless it is a trap, or you need them to take on what is likely a suicide mission, like trying to kill Lofwyr. I'd say you may want to consider breaking down and getting a team to back you up. It is easier to do wetwork solo than to escape an ambush solo. Having a team to cause a distraction could be an easy way of getting out of a bad situation.

Vacation is still going well. Making plans to take an orbital up to Evo's resort after this.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:02:12/02-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-14-12/2310:38>
>>>>>[Just give me a bit to get back in better shape, Smiley.  The way things are going, I'm going to need one hell of a vacation soon.

No no no no no.  Hack into the system, not hack the system up with an axe!  Who taught you computers, Neil the Ork Barbarian?  ...  He did?  ...  Cartoon Action Hour on Saturday mornings?  ...  Oh All Father preserve me, in alcohol preferably!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (23:10:10/02-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-15-12/0015:31>
>>>>>[Money, there's a moonshiner here that says his stuff is strong enough to make a troll go blind. Give me an address, and I'll send you a case. I took a whiff, and if you don't drink it, you can probably use it to get rid of a plascrete wall instead.

Ah, gotta love the CAS.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (00:15:34/02-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-15-12/0019:42>
>>>>>[ Wyrm, I send you all the data and chips from the run. You should have everything you need.

Thank you, Murphy. It's good to know you're getting on well.

Congratulations on your protege, Smiley. It sounds like she's turning into a first rate assassin. You'll have to watch your tail before too much longer...

Lovely vacation so far, even if most of it is being spent getting back into shape and working on my tan. Not that we hispanics really need to...but it is very relaxing. I'm not sure what the orbital can offer that this place doesn't..but I'm sure Miri will educate me. It's so strange to be able to see the moon and stars again at night. Okay, so they're not as visible as they are in Yakut...but certainly better than in Seattle or that ghastly place Tenochtitlan. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (00:19:20/15-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-15-12/0623:32>
>>>>>[Xerena, that is because you've never 'flown' across the room in microgravity, carried on a conversation with someone hanging upside-down, or drank orange juice from a ball that was floating in midair. There are so many little things that add up to an incredible experience. And if you think the view of the moon is good in Yakut, just wait until you see it from space, without that pesky atmosphere getting in the way.

You'd also be amazed at the things they can do with food in space, too. You won't find much in the way of steak, or other things that require a lot of cutting, because the nature of space makes that extremely problematic. However, I've seen them do absolute ART with food, shaping a simple meal like bacon, eggs, and toast into three dimensional sculptures that would be impossible to do in gravity.

And then there's all the people. Anyone who can afford the ride on the orbital and a stay here is someone that could be quite useful to know, yeah? Its like staying at any exclusive resort planetside. Keep your eyes open, and you'll be able to make contacts you never would have been able to otherwise, since they assume that since you actually got in the resort, you're on their level.

And, when you just get down to it, there's something undeniably fun about spending some time living the high life.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:23:43/02-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-15-12/0801:38>
>>>>>[Mmm...you do make it sound wonderful, Miri. Just for the experience alone. I must admit...I didn’t think about using the chance to make contacts while there. I never really operated on that level before. Oh, I could fit in and send all the right signals, play the classy rich lady...but in all honesty, I have very little patience for that anymore. I don’t have the temperament for it, and I no longer take myself so seriously that I feel the need for what I feel is frivolous displays of wealth and power. I fear if I started mixing with them too much, there would be diplomatic incident before too long. You’ve run with me long enough to know I don’t hold my tongue.

That said...give me advance warning if you happen to need a lady on your arm while rubbing shoulders with all those little peacocks. I promise I won’t embarrass you.

Spirits of the rainwilds...I’m on vacation and here I am thinking about working! Clearly, the vacation has not been long enough yet. Miri...come take my mind off things. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (08:01:20/15-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-15-12/0900:15>
>>>>>[I never did much of that, myself. My parents raised each of us with different roles in mind. Arkash was the politician, Garret was the businessman, poor Ariana was a Paladin, and I was the warrior. It was a good move on their part. Together we could put fingers in many different pies, without competing with one another. I did my time in the military, even though people of my rank could generally avoid service if we wished. Ariana was always the best of us when it came to dealing with high society. I, on the other hand, was able to move in circles she could not, so while I had some experience with the upper echelons of Tir society, I could go into any bar catering to the Peace Forces without causing a scandal, which made me useful to those of the powerful who wished to keep tabs on the pulse of the Army, and to people in the army who wished to have some warning of any major moves coming down the pipe.

But you wish for a distraction, my dear? Your wish is my command. Now where did we put that whipped cream?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:00:23/02-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-15-12/1613:53>
>>>>>[ Mmm...whipped cream is good...Ice is better.

Mmm...my parents tried very hard to raise me in the light, even though they were 'runners. They were determined I would be a legitimate child. Ironic that I ended up even deeper in the shadows than they were...and better at it too. Genes will tell I suppose.

Mmm...there's a good guitar player here. Makes me want to sing... ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (16:13:20/15-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-15-12/1730:24>
>>>>>[And they lived happily ever after...

Hahaha!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (17:29:43/02-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-15-12/2033:56>
>>>>>[Mmm. This was just what I needed to get the new parts up to speed before going to spend a week in space. For those of you listening to the audio, that would be Xerena in the background, singing one of her hits. I'm not putting trid up, because, well, she would find several unique ways to kill me, I'm sure. All I can say is bless whoever decided to install a pole in this suite.

Tomorrow, we got to say goodbye to this hotel, however, and catch the suborbital to Vladivostok where we'll catch the connecting shuttle to Evo's resort.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:33:12/02-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-16-12/0138:24>
>>>>>[ Unique, interesting and very, very long-lasting, my dear Miri. Not necessarily unpleasant...but nevertheless fatal.

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: you have very stange taste, Miri. Or you just plain like to play with fire.

All this time, and I still don't quite know what to make of this guy. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (01:37:20/16-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-16-12/0443:35>
>>>>>[Autumn is coming back this weekend and it looks like I won't need your help for now Money, she's received an invite too. I can already tell that this little trip to her native land has changed her. Last week, she learned an important lesson... Things are never what they seem, put everything into question. The Truth hurts but it shall set you free. And so begins the next chapter of Autumn' story, the day she killed her own mother and her husband. Using an extremely concentrated dose of colchicum autumnale extract, she exacted her revenge on the ones really responsible for her father's murder... And she got paid to do it. Ironic that they paid for her doctorate in biochemistry. I love how things just seems to fall into place. When I spoke to her, she was far from the panicked and freaked out weakling she proved to be on the night of her first kill. No, she was as calm and cold as it gets. She's is finally getting to the level of detachment that she needs to be. She's far from ready yet, the world of wetwork is a brutal and merciless one. We are the best of the worst as I heard it once...

And she's going to meet that lot sooner than later. I decided to go to that meeting and allow Autumn to attend to. I did some digging on this Mysterious Man and I'll have a nice surprise for him. And no, that's not it. Although it was tempting to put Autumn naked in a cake, that's not what I have in mind, oh you dirty little minds!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (04:43:12/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-16-12/0648:08>
>>>>>[That was a cold, calculating kill, though not one Shark would approve of. Shark does not play with its food. But we each have our own path to follow. The fact that she seems to be settling into this path is good, so long as she does not become twisted and fall prey to madness.

And my dear Xerena, a bit of teasing never hurt anyone. I may play with fire, but only because it makes things so very interesting. When I fight, I divorce myself from passion and the thrill of the hunt. So I make up for it in other areas. One cannot be all business, all the time, afterall.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:47:23/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-16-12/1357:09>
>>>>>[ Somehow, it still makes my blood run cold when you describe such calculated murders, Smiley. I'm not condemning it...it's just somewhat...well...cold. Wolf kills when its necessary, to defend herself, or her pack and to ensure their survival. It's often violent, and never stealthy. Wolf loves the hunt, and doesn't back away from a fight. Your way..it just seems so...unnatural somehow. I'm not knocking it, just saying I'm not cut out for it. Congratulations to your protege though.

Oh, I know teasing hurt anyone, and I enjoy the game as much as you do. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (01:37:20/16-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-16-12/1455:18>
>>>>>[Well, we're on the suborbital now. Thank you, Wolfgar, for a pleasant stay. I think Xerena will agree with me that a week at the beach was just what we needed after dealing with Aztlan. If any of you have cause to go to the CAS, look Wolf up. He's got some quality contacts.

The only trouble with going into orbit is the effect it has on your Talent if you're Awakened. There are a few places in orbit that have enough life to cobble together a weak manasphere, but for the most part it is a barren wasteland. Still, it is beautiful, looking down on Earth from this height.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:54:34/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-16-12/1509:24>
>>>>>[ Not to mention our dear Wolf is an interesting person in his own right, with an interesting past. I'll be posting a little profile on him in the next few days. Hope, you don't mind, Wolf. I've given my thanks when we met, but I'll add it again in public: thank you for putting us up. Like Miri said, it was exactly what we needed.

Vladivostok's an interesting place. I'll have to come back here some day when I'm at my peak. The Russians are...a unique people. I'm not altogether certain Evo fits in all that well with the Russian world view. There's a whole lot of tension here.

Oh, space isn't so bad, Miri. At least there is some sort of manasphere, unlike those foveae in Azzieland. And you're right...the view of earth and the stars is...well, it takes my breath away...Strange sensation, being weightless. It takes a lot of getting used to. I'm told alcohol helps settle things...but I'm reluctant to try that remedy, given how eager Miri is to get me drunk.  ::)  ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (15:09:41/16-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-16-12/1533:16>
>>>>>[Bah! I just prefer drinking with a beautiful woman to drinking alone. And I do drink a lot. Nothing like a cold drink and a hot woman to keep the nightmares at bay.

Evo is an interesting mix. Japanese and Russian cultures don't mix well on the surface of things, but somehow Evo makes it work. Evo's also got a good rep for dealing with spirits and the Awakened, with Buttercup on the board. And they were one of the few that didn't jump on MCT's bandwagon when the technomancer craze hit a couple years ago. How they make all that work is beyond me, but there's something a little creepy about the 'EvoPeople'.

And I do love being in space, but after being there too long, it gets to be a bit of an itch when you're used to having at least a couple foci and a sustained spell or two available to you, and there's just... nothing. An adept rigger I knew (don't ask) said it was the same as trying to control her drones in a heavy static zone. You know the functionality is there, its just cut off from you at the moment.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:32:13/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-16-12/1551:39>
>>>>>[  :) Well, don't drink too much, Miri, or it won't matter how hot the poor woman is. She won't be able to do much for the nightmares.  ;)

I still feel there's something "off" about the mix. Creepy only begins to describe it.

I've been looking at the news nets. So far, there's been no mention of what we discovered in Aztlan. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not... ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (15:51:31/16-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-16-12/1628:52>
>>>>>[Here's a fun fact to consider. You'll be surprised to know that veteran shadowrunners who specialize in wetwork usually end up their career with a lower body count then most other runners of the same level of experience. Taking you both as an example, if the intel I have is correct, you and Ice have a much higher body count than me. Funny isn't it?

Oh and there's a reason I'm so graphic on this board. It's to make people aware of what we are and to also warn about the danger of screwing up or kicking the hornet's nest... Since most of us have no problem taking hits on fellow shadowrunners. Taking you both as an example again. Taking vacations while assassins and bounty hunters are searching for you... And considering the trid I saw, you both left a fair amount of blood behind for Aztlan priests to magically track you down, sharing the intel with some of the assassins. You kicked the nest hard enough for them to send a friggin' dragon, it's not too far stretched to think they'll go through the trouble of personally, magically track you both down. Aztlan hold grudges too, so even a few weeks in space won't make them forget that little incident. You best not underestimate the trouble that is after you. Just saying but it's your funeral. There is also no assassin, posing as an engineer, planting a bomb on your next shuttle. Wink, wink!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (16:28:23/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-16-12/1647:02>
>>>>>[Yeah, I know. I try to keep from overdoing it with the drink.

Anyways, I expect that the whole thing was hushed up by the Azzies. Horizon would probably pay to get their hands on simrig recordings of what we saw, of course. And if those strikes let the Amazonians make gains, then there will be news for sure. I just want to be well away from any Azzie extraterritorial zone when it does eventually hit the news.

I agree, Smiley, that wetwork specialists leave fewer bodies than other runners. But the difference is the nature of the killing. It is one thing to kill someone in the heat of battle, when it is a choice between killing them or risking you or your team getting caught or killed. It is something else entirely to stalk your prey, and plan their death in every regard. There's a reason why only a very few wetwork professionals have long-running careers without turning into utter sociopaths. That is why any army puts snipers through rigorous psychological profiling.

As far as getting hunted, I don't doubt that they'll come after us. We did leave some blood behind, but proper use of explosives and chemicals can do a lot to clean up that mess. The stuff we didn't have time to clean up wasn't a pure sample, though. Though I admit I don't know how hard it is to separate a mixed blood sample to the point where it could be used for ritual magic.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:46:23/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <02-16-12/1820:54>
>>>>>[Ugh. Slow week has been slow, and I just got my link back from the shop. Some wise hoop thought it'd be funny to hijack it for a viral campagin. Thank the gods for reflexes, as I pulled my battery the moment I saw the program start running.

And after catching up, I now wish to find me a beautiful spanish lady. A cute asian wouldn't be turned down either.

Anyways, if anyone needs a Seattle/Tir area delivery or wheelman, I'm betting on being free for a good week or two, taking vacation time from the cover job.]<<<<<

  -- Card (17:19:05/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-16-12/1833:50>
>>>>>[I have a larger direct bodycount compared to most wetwork masters.  Hell, Murphy does, and he's 14.  Not a smack at his abilities or skill, mind you, just how long he's been working, that's all.  Spotted him after one of my low profile meets, having his own meet at the same ratdrek bar.  Damn but he's good!  Doing his Uncle proud!]<<<<<
      --  Money Johnson (18:33:33/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-16-12/1859:35>
>>>>>[Glad to hear the kid's doing all right, Money. And to hear you're back to old tricks after the time in the tank. Oh, and speaking of the uncle, did I miss anything in the profile I posted of him the earlier in the week?

Card, get that firewall boosted. You get the cred, you might even consider loading a bit of IC. Short of keeping your link off all the time, though, there's no way you can keep a sufficiently determined hacker from cracking your link. The trick is to make the person next to you look like an easier target.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:59:23/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-16-12/2025:18>
>>>>>[Sociopaths, psychopaths... I've heard them all and all of them labelled to me at some point. Our lack of what is called "morality" being some sort of psychological flaw or anomaly in the metahuman psych. Morality is a purely metahuman thing, an illusion not even shared by the strong of that same group. Metahumanity does like to think that it is more evolved, more intelligent by comparison to all the other non-sapient species in this world. In fact, you won't hear anyone say that a tiger is a sociopath or a psychopath, its mind not advanced enough for the term to be applied to it. After all, he kills without second thoughts, even members of his own specie if he needs to. He kills to eat, to protect his home and even for reproduction. That's all it does really, kill, eat, reproduce then sleep and repeat. Nature needs predators to keep a balance and that is a well known and accepted fact. But are we, "sociopath assassins", so different from predatory animals? We don't eat our victims but the pay does keep our belly full and a roof over our heads. You'll say we aren't needed to keep any balance, but still metahumanity is too numerous for this planet to support. Truth is, sapient or non-sapient, we are all animals and trying to convince ourselves to the contrary is just idiocy. I don't feel like a god when I snap someone's neck, power over the life and death of someone is trivial. I guess some of us do feel this godly sensation, I won't deny that. The thrill of the hunt is exhilarating, like any other adrenaline induced activity. We, at least I, accepted this truth and I chose to be a predator instead of a sheep in a herd.

In short, I realize that planning and killing a predetermined target is something very few people are able to do repeatedly. I just don't understand why it is a so frowned upon taboo. Well, I guess it's probably fear. If you're not strong enough to be a predator then what's left for you is to be the prey.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (20:25:29/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-16-12/2050:37>
>>>>>[It was not intended as a slight against you, or your field. Simply an observation. There are few people who can maintain discipline and control to do wetwork, and do it well, over the long term. Most get cocky, then sloppy, then caught. Others lose their grip with reality, and descend into madness. You know this as well as I do. It isn't a matter of external morality or what society sees as taboo. It is something the individual assassin must come to grips with on their own. That you haven't gone up on a clocktower and started taking down random people after all this time, or done something stupid to get yourself caught, means you are well ahead of most of your colleagues.

I will admit to being a cold-blooded killer, and I have done outright wetwork from time to time, but I could not do that as my daily stock and trade. Shark does not stalk prey. Shark comes where there is blood in the water, and ends the pain.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:50:20/02-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-17-12/0220:34>
>>>>>[ Males and their hormones. It never ceases to amuse me.

Morality might well be a purely metahuman thing, Smiley, and it certainly does differ from culture to culture and from individual to individual. There's a lot to be said for your analogy of predation, but usually, outright predation does not occur within species. Lions do not specifically hunt other lions. The lion population is not controlled by the lions themselves, but by their interaction with other species. Lions do kill other lions, sure. But they don't actively hunt each other. There is the difference, and why wetworkers are frowned on. Morality is merely set of guidelines for intra-species interaction, and all species have that. It's just more intellectualised in metahumans. It's not restricted to metahumans, however. Dragons too have their own rules of interaction. I'm not saying that your way is killing is wrong, and I'm certainly not frowning on it. My methods and reasons are just different from yours. You're right that metahumanity is far closer to being animals than we think. Those of us who run the shadows know this better than anyone...and among that subgroup, those of us with animal guides or spirits or twins are closer yet, because we embrace that animal side. Like I do with wolf, and Miri does with shark. We're not slamming you in any way. On the contrary. It's just that our way is different. Not better or worse. Just different. Some may say wolf is more evolved than ant...but fact of the matter is, both are the product of evolution, with a common ultimate ancestor. The only real difference is in the evolutionary path that was followed. Sure, wolf may be bigger and smarter and far more complex than ant...but ant's been around a lot longer than wolf has, and the mere fact that ant still exists means that ant's way works just as well as wolf's way. Wolf can respect ant's way, without following ant's way. I do respect you, Smiley, and I do respect your way. It's not even that I disagree with it. I am just interested in the differences between our ways. Wolf is adaptable, so learning new ways is always interesting to us. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (02:20:31/17-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-17-12/0626:57>
>>>>>[And speaking of amusement, here's a trid clip of Xerena's first experience with drinking orange juice in microgravity. <<File Attachment: OrangeGlobofDOOM>>

And now we're bouncing off the walls of the compartment as she's trying to get a hold of me. She's saying something about vengeance. Don't know why.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:26:46/02-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-17-12/0836:22>
>>>>>[ Oh sure. Pretend innocence. You know what he did? He loosened the cap on my glass. You know...the little lid thingy that prevents exactly that sort of mishap from happening. So...yeah...The vid pretty much shows what happened. There’s just no way in all seven levels of hell that liquid stays together for long when spilled. . It got in my hair, my nose, my EYES! Ice, you idiot! Yeah, and there he was laughing his ass off the more I try and gather up all the...globs. Then he has the audacity to make drinking it with a straw out of the air look easy. He’s such an ass. Worse than a teenager.

The worst part is...I didn’t get my revenge either. Well...I did in that he’s got a lot of bruises all over from cushioning a few impacts...but...well, he’s physically stronger than I. Not by much, mind you, but enough to...keep me contained as it were. Then, while we were tumbling all over the room, with him having me in a death grip, he comically turned our wild tumbling into a dance.

It’s just impossible to be angry with him. But don’t worry. I have my revenge planned.  ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (08:36:05/17-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-17-12/1748:59>
>>>>>[Now Xerena. There really was no call for something like that. Do you know what she did? There was a dance party in one of the compartments, and we decided to go and enjoy ourselves. Middle of the compartment, she pulls my pants down, underwear and all.

So I did the only thing I could. I turned the party into a nude dance party. Fortunately, there were no kids at the party. Everyone had fun, though. Now, are we even, my dear?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:48:23/02-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-18-12/0424:16>
>>>>>[ I've not been keeping up with the logs, Ice and Mad done flirting yet?]<<<<<

-- Chrona (09:23:23/02-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-18-12/0508:18>
>>>>>[ I'm terribly sorry Chrona, but it seems we've barely even begun.

*smirk* Oh, I don't know, Miri. No call? You should thank me. I watched some of the ladies present, and I expect your customer base just took a dramatic leap. Think of it as some free advertising.  ;) But yes. I do consider us even now. Great party too. Especially the after party. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (05:07:35/18-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-18-12/1123:39>
>>>>>[Yes, I had a couple people actually make engagements for when we return surfaceside. It was certainly an energetic party. Dancing and... other activities take on a unique dimension in space.

What? Oh, sure. Yes, I'll ask her.

Well, Xerena, I'm not the only one who made an impression. It seems a couple people recognized a certain singer, and wondered if she might sing a few of her songs tonight. In the same outfit from the party. I told them I'd pass the request on.

Ah, and here's my drink. Nothing quite like floating on the observation deck, watching that big blue marble below, and sipping whiskey through a straw from a big orb hanging in the air next to you. We're over North America right now.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:23:34/02-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-19-12/0222:51>
>>>>>[ Oh...well, this was an interesting evening. I would never have guessed 'Moncita Caballe' had fans among the upper classes. It was fun singing the old songs again. I still can't believe I let Miri talk me into performing 'in the same outfit as the party'. Some of the men thought it meant I was availible to them, and Miri had to defend my honour when a few of them became too insistent...but it all went down okay. I didn't get the chance to properly thank him for his help, so I'll say it here. Thanks, Miri. You can be my bodyguard anytime.

I'll let Miri tell you about his side of it...once he regains his senses. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (05:07:35/18-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-19-12/0950:22>
>>>>>[I don't know what you expected when you started singing "Hurry up if you wanna", in that crowd.

And yes, I didn't put on as good a showing as I would have liked. The mana is too thin up here, and of course you can't take weapons up on the orbital. I was forced to use a plastic knife to focus. If my old master could see me, I don't know if I would ever be able to live it down. Anyways, all it took was a simple increase reflexes spell that I barely managed to pull off, and the Shark's visage showing up over mine, for the guy to back off. Fortunately, it wasn't until after the troublemakers left the compartment that I began bleeding from my nose, eyes, and ears. Nothing too bad, but I've still got a headache, even after a visit to the infirmary.

The fact that I was able to do anything at all got me a couple more engagements when I return surfaceside. I told you this would be a good chance to do some networking, Xerena. Even though we're on vacation, lining up customers isn't bad.

Anyways, she was lovely, as always, and after the bleeding stopped, she invited me up on stage to sing with her. Fed me the lines through a mindlink. I bet her head's ringing, too. Anyways, I think I did pretty well, considering I'm not a singer.

Oh, and Smiley? Your apprentice likes using poisons, right? If she ever has to do a job in space or even a suborbital, tell her that a bit of Shade in those situations is as good as instant death for pretty much anyone. Even most dragons would have trouble taking the mana void outside of those few islands of weak mana in some of the stations. For a mundane, someone with no experience in resisting such forces, it would be an easy death sentence. Especially if you do it in flight, so someone who has no knowledge of how to navigate the astral has to try and find their body.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:50:23/02-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-19-12/1134:36>
>>>>>[ My head was ringing, yes. But it was the only way I could do it. The dress didn't allow for comlinks, and I very much doubt you knew the song. It's from over 70 years ago. You did very well indeed. It was worth a little pain.  :)

It did scare me a bit when you started bleeding...but...first rule of performing: the show must go on. I still feel bad about the pain defending me caused you. I had to sing that song though. It was Moncita's greatest hit. That was the one everyone was waiting to hear. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (11:34:35/19-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-19-12/1550:38>
>>>>>[ I'm thinking of getting a Mitsuhama Chinpira or two for home defence and training, what do you guys think? ]<<<<<
        -- Chrona (20:50:35/19-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-19-12/1608:23>
>>>>>[If you think you need drones to defend your turf and can afford them, why the frag not not? But from what I remember they are friggin' expensive!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (16:08:36/02-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-19-12/1615:39>
>>>>>[Wouldn't be asking if I couldn't afford them, heh. I just don't know much about Drones.]<<<<<
          -- Chrona (21:15:35/19-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-19-12/1728:44>
>>>>>[I've seen a Chinpira in action, once. Some damn fool thought it would be a good idea to have a few of them guard a Zero zone as a dry run before opening them up for military sales. Won't say where or when, natch, but those things scragged two of the team before we even knew what hit us. We scrapped the run then and there, and got the hell out. Only reason I'm alive is because they keyed on the troll with the assault cannon as the highest priority and reduced her to a fine red mist in an instant.

For home defense, one of those things will put the fear of god into anyone who isn't too far around the bend to care. Just remember you'll need to have it networked to take advantage of the tacnet. For training, though, you're likely better off with one of the Otomo models. The Chinpira is really just an excuse to carry multiple heavy guns to bear on the same target. The Otomo is metahuman-sized and -shaped, and can use metahuman gear, which makes it a better sparring partner. Unless your view of 'training' involves dodging tank rounds.

And yeah, Xerena, it worried me for a bit, too. I could barely cast the spell at all with the mana that weak, so I was stretching my abilities to even bring that off. That's why I try to avoid overcasting if I can. In a real fight, messing yourself up like that can mean the difference between getting out or getting killed. And against the things that I'd really think it was necessary, like the dragon, there wouldn't be any point in using spells against it directly. Better to channel everything into calling a large enough spirit that, when it rides me, I can count on its power adding serious strength to my blows, and allowing my blade to cut through armor easier.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:28:39/02-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-20-12/1547:39>
>>>>>[ Xerena, it is done. You are dead. ]<<<<<
        -- The Tokoloshe (15:47:35/02-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-20-12/1622:06>
>>>>>[ If The Tokoloshe is scanning the truth at least the flirting will be over. ]<<<<<
        -- Chrona (21:21:35/02-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-20-12/1632:24>
>>>>>[ Hayibo! You don't understand, ghoul. Hau! You think bad things. ]<<<<<
        -- The Tokoloshe (16:32:25/02-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-20-12/1919:29>
>>>>>[ I have a name, use it. I guess you mean she's gone to ground, fair enough.]<<<<<
        -- Chrona (00:18:25/02-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-21-12/0017:57>
>>>>>[ Don't take him too seriously, Chrona. Old Tokoloshe loves his machines far more than he loves anything organic. In his view of the world, the only people that exist as individuals are the ones he knows personally. I have the dubious distinction of being one of them.

As for what he meant by his cryptic statement...let's just say he's been spreading false trails for the Azzies to follow. They finally caught up with 'me' at one of my boltholes and bombed it. They've also retrieved certain recordings I made of the run Miri and I did. So as far as the Azzies are concerned, they've killed me and retrieved the info I'd gathered.

I don't really see why the flirting is such a problem for you, Chrona. Miri and I are just being playful. What else do you do on vacation? Once we get back, we'll be in business again. I think, afte the runs we took, we deserve a chance to just unwind and help each other forget and come to terms with what we've seen and what we've lost. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (00:17:35/02-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-21-12/1203:02>
>>>>>[Lost and gained.

There will be time for getting serious, but it has only been a couple weeks since we got out of the most dangerous (and disturbing) run either of us have ever been on. A bit of fun keeps people from going crazy, and crazy mages tend to cause lots of problems. Either they become twisted, or they start listening to voices from... other places. Which is how you find people listening to the call of Insect spirits. *shudder* I've met dragons, and fought them, and other than what we saw in the pyramid, nothing makes my skin crawl like the bugs. Better dead than invested, I say.

But enough of such things. I'm on vacation, and there's a nobleman from England here who took classes from Schwartzkopf. I would love to sit in on a couple of those lectures. I purchased a couple recordings (made using his translator, obviously) and they were fascinating. If I ever went to university to further my magical education, I'd want to go there. I can think of few beings as knowledgeable about magic, and none of them are exactly eager to teach others their secrets.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:02:34/02-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-21-12/1542:41>
>>>>>[  :) Lost and gained, yes. And this is the time to explore that.

I've been looking out for a new car and house. Now that "Xerena Veracruz" is dead, I'll need replacements. Gagh. And just after I paid Hands As Wings a small fortune to fix up my Hispano-Suiza...That is the one loss I'm going to deeply feel. I loved that car...Oh well. Anyone have any suggestions? Preferably something European. I just...cannot bring myself to drive something Ameri-Canadian.

That and all the bother of having to set up a new magical lodge.

Time to go mingle. Miri's been coaching me in the fine art of 'picking up information and subtly probing'. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (15:42:35/02-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-21-12/1613:41>
>>>>>[Well, if you need a place to crash, I have a lovely suite in the Elven District in Seattle. The neighbors are quite friendly to me. The women because I 'forget' to close the curtains before my morning workout, and the men because I give them a point to use against their wives when they get caught leering when an attractive woman walks by.

As far as the car, a paint job, fresh plates, change the vehicle ID, and you're good.

And yes, these situations are great for making new contacts. Civilians lower their guard when they're on vacation, especially at a luxury resort, because anyone who isn't a staff member is clearly not one of the masses. Makes them easier to talk to than they might be normally. I've got contact info from at least a dozen people so far this trip, including that nobleman who offered me a place to stay next time I was in London.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:13:10/02-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-21-12/1711:34>
>>>>>[ Mmm...maybe. Thank you for the offer. I'll consider it. As for the car...no. I better not do the respray and fresh plates thing. The Azzies might be watching the disposition of my former property. Better to start out fresh. The Tokoloshe and Ysoni will take care of it.

I do think there's something to be said for your style of 'running, Miri. Since that performance I gave the other night, its as if whole new worlds have opened up. I don't think I properly appreciated before how well being highly visible in certain circles helps. I still don't like the people and their attitudes though. But they are useful. I've been offered a few corporate gigs. I think I'll pursue this and see where it leads. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (17:11:31/02-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-21-12/1807:33>
>>>>>[Same game, different circles. Dealing with the glitterati and the corporate bigwigs is much the same as dealing with gang leaders and made men. Just have different rules to work under. The military was a good way to prep me for walking both worlds, as it was the first time I was really exposed to members of the Gentry to any appreciable extent. I had a good commander, who cared less about social rank, and more about unit cohesion. Whipped me into shape but good.

But yes, the egos can get annoying when you deal with the upper crust. Only difference is that when a glitterati gets pissy with you, instead of trying to shoot you like a go-ganger would, the glitterati starts badmouthing you and playing the kind of gossip games that can hurt your rep long term. And people care a good bit more if you beat the annoying glitterati into their place at Dante's than if you shoot a gang member in Aces. But the jobs tend to pay more. Between my cover 'work' and runs, I live comfortably enough, and maybe go on one or two runs a month.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:07:34/02-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-21-12/1831:24>
>>>>>[Simply put, my trick with high society, no matter where they come from, is to make sure they know who I am somehow. Not an alias, I mean the whole wetwork asset package. I don't incriminate myself of course, but I make it easy for them to figure it out. They then discover how much of a powerful, useful and joyful friend I can be. But most of all, they will fear how much of a ruthless, merciless and dangerous enemy I can be. They all behave after that. It's all about power with them. That is what they respect, what they love, what they fear, what they breathe... Manipulate that to your advantage by making yourself powerful and/or by making someone else more powerful by associating with that person. Their attitude will change because they'll either respect you, fear you or covet you. It is a very complex game when it comes to the rich and powerful but not exception to the general rules of social engineering and manipulation. How do you do all this yourself? Well, I'll let you figure it out. But I'll say this, wits and cunning is as much important as charisma.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (18:29:46/02-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-21-12/2017:59>
>>>>>[Yeah, it can be a tad annoying dealing with the high society types; even if you grew up around that sort. Speaking of which, I probably should look into paying a visit to my aunt and uncle in Tokyo.]<<<<<
       -- Predator (20:15:31/02-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-22-12/1249:46>
>>>>>[High society isn't any more annoying than gang culture. Both have unwritten rules you have to follow. Only difference is the level the game is played at. When dealing with a gang, a misstep will have you looking down the business end of a gun. In society, a misstep leads to your contacts drying up, and shadow ops. Just as deadly as the gang, but the society types have the power and wealth to ruin your life without getting their own hands dirty. And they are used to getting what they want.

The advice I'd give to runners who are looking to run in those circles is to let the face do the talking, and make sure you can act the part. It is more than simply changing clothes. A suit in synthleather and chains is still going to stick out like a sore thumb at a gang meeting, yeah? So why do you think trading the lined coat for a Zoe Heritage Line is going to change the fact that you've got the swagger of a guy who can walk through the Barrens and only the colossally stupid would try to stop you with less than a whole gang? That attitude works with the gang, but among society types it makes you a poseur, which means you aren't worth their time. The only people who can walk with that strut and be taken seriously in high society are celebrities, where that is part of their image. Acts like Grim Aurora can pull it off, as can urban brawlers and other sports stars.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:49:23/02-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-22-12/1338:59>
>>>>>[Easier to deal in the circles you were born to, really. Takes a lot of work and practice to deal with gangers when you were born high and even more work to deal with the high folks when you were born low.]<<<<<

-- Predator (13:35:48/02-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-22-12/1457:58>
>>>>>[ It all comes down to attitude and 'stage presence'. If you want to learn about stage presence, forget all about pop and rock and go watch opera. You haven't seen a real diva until you've seen an opera star on stage. 'Stage presence' isn't about what you wear and what you do. It's about how you wear it and say it. An opera singer can go on stage wearing refuse bags and still own her audience, can still make them respect her and part in awe before her. When you move among high society folks, you're on stage. Just be careful not to overplay. Another secret in dealing with these fops is that, the higher up you are, the fewer need you have to be 'on stage'. Richard Villiers can enter any room, anywhere, and wear anything he wants to. He has nothing left to prove. It's a very fine line newcomers must walk, between overdoing it, and not doing enough. Getting it right is more of an art than a skill. Few celebs know the skill or can practice the art, and so rely on shock value. That might work for a while, but it can only take you so far. The key is to 'own' yourself. Be confident. Look people in the eye. Belong there in your own mind. Don't look down at people, but don't look up at them either. Stand your ground at all times. Only go for the snooty persona if you can really back it up. Keep in mind: all these people are afraid. They're afraid you're better than them, that you are going to swoop in and take away their power, money, fame and influence. They're terrified every second of every day. Use that to your advantage.  ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (14:56:31/02-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-22-12/1549:39>
>>>>>['Afraid' might be going a bit too far. But when you live your life constantly looking for angles, either to stab an enemy in the back or to climb over people on your way to the top, you are always expecting people around you to be doing the same thing. Treacherous people see treachery everywhere, especially at this level. And they're usually right.

So what is someone who isn't a Count, a famous singer, or a corp tycoon's kid to do when they are trying to get into these circles? Follow Smiley's advice. Show them how they can use you, and show them how they shouldn't abuse you. And then don't act like a punk that is going to bring embarrassment to the people around you, because that opens them up to attack, and they will sell you down the river in a second to remove that vulnerability.

That really is the key to dealing with the high society types. Image is everything. If you are a liability, they will cut you off. No jet setter is going to want to be seen with *gasp* shadowrunners, unless they are the kind that, like me, have a cover they've established that lets them walk into any club in Seattle and expect to get a table, whether they're on biz or not.

So why should you go through all the work (and trust me, it is a lot of work) to set up such a cover? Because these people all want things, and they have the nuyen to pay for them. If you put yourself in a position where you can get those things for them, or know people who can, then you can be their 'friend' in the shadows, that makes them feel edgy, and helps them get some of those things without involving agents or corporate assets or what have you. When I was in LA, I got a gig paying 5k just to make sure a rival starlet was five minutes late to an audition. One time in Carasir, I was asked to pick up some food from a certain restaurant in Seattle and bring it back before it got cold. Sure, it isn't like an extraction from a corporate enclave, but biz is biz. And I got to eat lunch with a certain Tir noblewoman as a result.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:49:23/02-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-22-12/1620:45>
>>>>>[Frag I'm bored. Anyone got any jobs I would find interesting?]<<<<<

-- Chrona (21:19:23/02-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-22-12/2017:27>
>>>>>[I don't know whether you would be interested, but a contact of mine is looking for some of the Infected to star in some... specialty simsense trids. She can arrange a co-star according to your tastes, and in addition to the money you'll get a free meal.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (20:16:12/02-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-22-12/2049:43>
>>>>>[I don't think I want to ask what kind of "specialty simsense" that is. Different stroke for different folks I guess.]<<<<<

-- Predator (20:47:06/02-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-22-12/2054:52>
>>>>>[ [ENTIRE POST EXPUNGED BY AGENT BULLDOZER3 FOR INORDINATE, DESCRIPTIVE, EXPLETIVES] ]<<<<<

-- Chrona (01:54:12/02-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-22-12/2100:58>
>>>>>[So I take it that is a no? Oh well, I'll look for someone else to put forward for the job.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (21:00:00/02-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-24-12/1327:11>
>>>>>[Back in Seattle again. Kindof weird, readjusting to all this gravity, but it is good to be back. Now, vacation's over, back to work.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:26:39/02-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-25-12/0342:41>
>>>>>[ Just letting you guys know I'll be AWOL for a while. I'm doing under the knife to have the stopgap surgeries performed in Amazonia corrected. After that, I'll be hunting for a new shop, setting up a new magical lodge and shopping for a new car. I want to get back into the biz as soon as I can, or I'll go stir crazy. Talk to the old Tokoloshe or Miri if you really need me for anything. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (03:42:31/02-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-26-12/1720:01>
>>>>>[Quote of the day, by my latest Johnson: "Why are you called Smiley? You're not even funny!"

Me and Autumn laughed out really hard and left. Another one who doesn't get it. I always thought it was pretty obvious.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (17:19:26/02-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-26-12/1914:26>
>>>>>[Honestly Smiley, it really doesn't matter why you have that name. Though now i'm gonna have to look into it because you've wetted my interest. That being said, i have to point out that i once worked with a close combat adept who used the street name of "Blade" and looked nothing like the character. Also, why dont we get Madre a little present of a location.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (19:13:26/02-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-26-12/1939:53>
>>>>>[Oh don't waste your time, I'll make it easy for all of you. I'm not the one telling the joke... I'm the one laughing at it! I smile and laugh at the ridicule of everything. The world, people, everything is a big joke and I'm having a pretty good laugh. That's why I'm called Smiley, a fitting name that, although I didn't choose it myself, I embraced all those years. I think that sums it up.

And you fellas... Why did you all chose those badass shadownames?]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (19:39:46/02-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-26-12/1955:54>
>>>>>[Well in my case it was kinda like Murphy's in that its a family tradition. Gramps had it as a handle/callsign when he was flying drones and hacking enemy terminals way back when he was in the Corps, and its passed forward ever since. Something about telling the story about having to take a Gar from his pet wolf, a gar being a type of trash fish down here, during a drunk out with his buddies that earned him the name. My father used it as a handle during his time in special forces, and now its mine.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (19:55:36/02-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-26-12/2029:58>
>>>>>[Mine is actually pretty simple. I took the handle because it was the first pistol I ever owned.]<<<<<

-- Predator (20:28:48/02-26-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-26-12/2318:31>
>>>>>[I inherited mine.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (23:18:21/02-26-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-26-12/2348:54>
>>>>>[Read the Doc Money Johnson wrote on me to find out.]<<<<<
-- Chrona (04:48:21/02-26-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-27-12/0010:46>
>>>>>[ Mine's not badass. It means "Little Mother" in my native Spanish. It was given to me by a group of street kids I took in and trained back in '67 when I finished my business with Aztechnology. That's what they started calling me because apparently, that's what I'd become for them. It seemed appropriate for me to keep it. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (00:10:31/02-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-27-12/0032:38>
>>>>>[A friend in the Rings gave mine to me. Apparently, something to do with me being a naga. She was also the one who got me my first couple jobs, after the Corporate Court said Mitsuhama couldn't keep me as a pet security paracritter any more.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (00:32:23/02-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-27-12/0037:53>
>>>>>[It suits you, Wyrmtongue.]<<<<<

-- Predator (00:36:54/02-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-27-12/0052:10>
>>>>>[I chose mine, back when I first signed up for the army. Callsigns allowed us to forget social rank while we were on the job. When I hit the streets after the revolution, I kept the name. Got a lot of flak for it, too, until I made an example of a couple trolls with the help of a water spirit. Possessed myself and cut the first one in half, then had the spirit possess the troll, and have him run buck naked into the middle of a Human Nation rally, and start a fight, before it left him. Didn't have any problems about the name after that.

Anyways, Wolf, that mystic adept I told ya about is heading your way. I made his own passage into the CAS as a test (he didn't know that I was keeping an eye on him), and he managed to line up a smuggler with a decent rep, and didn't get ripped off doing it. He should be in New Orleans in a couple days. I've given him your contact info.

Now that the kid is heading out, I can pay attention to the next job, running a simstarlet through some training for her next role. NDA says I can't say too much more, but suffice to say she can't just use wires for this stuff, so I'm going to put her through some intensive training. Also means I'll be out of Seattle for a few weeks, as she needs privacy, so I'm taking her to my mansion near Malek'Thas. Xerena may stop in for a bit, to give her some practice in group fighting. A few weeks of work, and I at least hope to get the starlet to the level of 'not terrible'. She's got some physical conditioning already, so that helps.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (00:51:23/02-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-27-12/0122:05>
>>>>>[Big Murphy (Absent Friends) gave me mine.  Completely, it's "Good For The Money".  If the job's done, I pay, simple as that.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (01:21:10/02-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-27-12/0616:05>
>>>>>[Thanks, Preddy. You know, we don't hang out as much any more. Want to get some drinks? I promise, it won't be like that time at the club.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (06:15:23/02-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-27-12/0847:00>
>>>>>[ I'd be delighted to oblige, Miri. It's just what I need to limber up again. But I won't go easy on her, just so you know. if her performance needs to be authentic, I think i can pull off a "crazy bitch" act when practicing with her. That should put a decent edge on the poor girl.

Some lovely stories behind the names. Oh! And I appreciate the offer, Wolfgar. You're such a dear.

Why am I up this time of day? Noisy neighbours. I honestly don't know how Ysoni can stand living in this specific spot of Tarislar...]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (08:46:31/02-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-27-12/1357:52>
>>>>>[Don't worry, Xerena. We're using wooden practice blades, and as long as you don't do any serious injury to her (especially her face) then it is covered in the terms of my contract with her people. Anything worse than a dislocated shoulder is out, though.

Had my first training session with her. Where these LA starlets get the idea that yoga is a martial art I don't know, but at least she's in shape. She asked why we were training with wooden blades instead of steel. I tossed her a real sword, and kept one of the wooden ones myself, and told her to attack me. After five minutes of her not being able to land a blow, and me giving her some nasty shots to several key joints, I stopped playing, and got inside her guard, stopping my blade less than an inch from her throat. She was glad to use wooden blades after that.

After we finished, we went on a jog across my property, in armor. After dinner, it is going to be laps in the pool. The actual fight choreography will be done by people on the set, my job is to build her stamina and get her a bit of training so it doesn't look like it is completely choreographed. And so she has the training to stop. People who don't know how to use a blade tend to follow through too much, and get thrown off balance. Looks stupid on a trid, and can be deadly in real life. So we'll see if we can't teach her a bit of restraint.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:57:23/02-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-28-12/0009:59>
>>>>>[I worked for quite a few sim and trid stars myself. Most of the time, they're a pain in the ass and a test of patience. Not all, but most of them.

Well, the preparations for the meeting are done. They won't see it coming if they try something funny!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (00:09:41/02-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-28-12/0530:55>
>>>>>[Oh thank frag! Chulos are trying to break in, finally something to do.]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (10:30:41/02-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-28-12/0759:29>
>>>>>[I never understand people who simply sit around and wait for work. Any sprawl you're in, there's always work if you look for it. If you do one or two big jobs a month, you gotta find something else to do the rest of the time, right? Obviously, not everyone can get a gig babysitting starlets or escorting rich women like I do, but play to your strengths. Hell, it doesn't even have to be a well-paying gig, if you do well enough off your normal work. A lady I know in the Ancients spends a few hours a week teaching self-defense courses to kids down in Tarislar. When I was in LA, I met a hacker who took a day job working tech support for one of the malls. And if you don't mind getting your hands dirty, you can always arrange for 'organ donors' to show up at certain black clinics, or Tamanous. The point is, if you're bored, you aren't looking hard enough for work.

Or, y'know, you could always just go out on the town and have some fun. I've seen your disguises, Chrona, you shouldn't have a problem going out on the town and enjoying yourself. If all you do is sit in your lair until work calls, you're going to go batty.

Anyways, I've gotta get the starlet up. Time for some morning PT.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:59:20)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-28-12/2056:54>
>>>>>[Lost the disguise when that team chased me, Nameless hasn't been bothered to make me a new one.

I-... Stop moving yah dumb ganger.... look if you move you'll touch the.... Well I warned you didn't I? What have we learnt? No not "Aaaauuurrggghh my leg's gone, aauurgghh", you learnt not to step on a sustained Blast Spell...

Where was I? Oh right. My problem Ice is regular jobs don't peak my interests. Artefacts weren't my thing and I haven't heard of any Seattle based Shadow Spirit.

Oh do shut up, I can see he's bleeding out. There, a heal spell, happy?....huh?... Of course it's just closing the stump, the fragger blew his leg off!]<<<<<

-- Chrona (01:56:41/02-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-28-12/2151:42>
>>>>>[True. It is my good fortune that I can get paid to do things I'd willingly do for free.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:51:41/02-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <02-29-12/0404:59>
>>>>>[I got mine via my Grandfather. If any of you have read the wonderful piece about me that was put together, you can see how it plays off my real name. That, and I'm told that he struggled not to put Wild on the front of it, given my multitude of talents. Not that I don't get it enough from my regional superior. "You sure you aren't known as Wild Card? I've seen you train and pull phrases out of your hoop like it's nothing." Not to mention the usual banter from the singular group I've done a couple of milk jobs with.

Ugh. Anyways, mandatory time off sucks, especially when I'm not getting anything under the table from my real 'employers'. Seems like they are trying to lay low, or at least don't need many packages ran around while the Bosses decide which way the Chinese vote is going in the up coming election.]<<<<<

     -- Card (2:07:04/2-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-29-12/0802:57>
>>>>>[Well, the starlet isn't complaining as much now. We're starting off simple, with basic moves. The director asked me to work with her with the claymore, katana, and snap-blades. Different techniques for each weapon, obviously. We're starting with the claymore. A heavier blade than I typically wield, so that even a wooden practice blade can cause serious injury if you're not careful. I'm starting her off on the heaviest blade, so that when we switch to the lighter blades, her moves will be quicker.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:02:34/02-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-29-12/1651:06>
>>>>>[ Mmm...looks like you have everything well in hand, Miri. I'll be passing through the Tir in about three days to pick up some stuff. I'll swing by your place on my way back.

Hang in there, Card.

Oh! If anyone needs to get into the S-D do next month...I can probably help you. I've been booked for a corporate do, and I'm allowed to bring two guests. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (16:51:19/02-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-29-12/1854:57>
>>>>>[Well, she's at least gotten past the point that she is cursing at me every two seconds. That, and the fact that I 'accidentally' left a couple pictures of me taken while I was in boot out where she could find them, as well as a trid of me training with my old Master when I was a kid. Like Smiley would say, you gotta establish your credentials, and why you're not to be screwed with. She's been much nicer since then.

For those of you who have never used one before, the claymore is a big beast of a blade almost 1.5m long. The blade is sharp, but not the razor sharp cutter like you would see on a katana or a monofillament blade. It doesn't need to be. Like a combat axe, this beast has enough weight behind it that while you're not going to slice bone in half, those bones will be broken in two and anything behind it will be ripped away. Which means the wounds are worse than what you'd get from the katana.

The downside is that it is a big, clumsy thing, that relies on brute strength rather than finesse. In this case, it is almost as tall as the starlet. Once she learns to keep her balance with a big thing like that, and bring it around in time to block, doing the same with a katana is going to be easy. We'll finish up the course with a bit of dual-wielding snap blades. Yeah, it isn't the most efficient way to fight, but from what the starlet tells me, that is for scenes where she's been disarmed of her other weapons, or some such.

Card, my advice would be to get yourself in contact with a local fixer, see if there aren't any teams out there in need of a wheelman. With the Artifact craze still going strong, there's a good chance the interested parties will be in need of couriers. If you're willing to expand to deliveries across borders, you're going to find more work coming your way. Doesn't even have to be smuggling. Plenty of legal packages of a sensitive nature that have to go from A to B.

S-D? Xerena, if you're going back to San Diego after all we just pulled...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:54:23/02-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <02-29-12/2106:26>
>>>>>[Mmf. Good point. Speaking of which, Money, you have any teams or jobs that need a decent driver and/or body guard? I figure if I'm guarding the car, anyone who attacks is pretty much in my list of "Okay to hit" given they are attacking me. Or something. Zen is so annoying sometimes, especially when engrained like it is in me. I'm good to go on most ground vehicles no bigger then a pickup or a van.]<<<<<

     -- Card (19:08:32/02-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-29-12/2221:41>
>>>>>[Can you put on a disguise and a nice suit and act formal and polite, Card? If you can pull that off, I need a good chauffeur to drive my car for the meeting. In case you weren't following, wetwork and intelligence assets from several legal and illegal organizations (including some of the best assassins of the UCAS) are convening somewhere in Seattle this weekend to discuss a business proposal. I can drive myself there but I want to make an impression. Make no mistake, those people are amongst the most dangerous and resourceful people on the planet. The world of spies and assassins is a ruthless one. It could go batdrek nuts and dangerous real fast but I pay good money AND you get to drive one really expensive car. Plus you may (maybe) get a foothold into this world if you wish.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (22:21:23/02-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <02-29-12/2244:01>
>>>>>[Well, if you have a good SIN (that can pass a good scan) and a transit vehicle license, I need a limo driver if my usual choice doesn't pick up his call pretty soon.  Less bodyguard, more offensive driving if assaulted.  The typical driver got hit by a falling piece of debris on his way home from work.  I don't think you can aim a grotesque so as far as I can figure it's legit, and he'll be out of the hospital in a week or so.  Nice to have a health package through work.]<<<<<
     -- Money Johnson (22:43:10/02-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <02-29-12/2329:42>
>>>>>[I think I can do both. I'll need details though Smiley, but that I can do. And I can be your back up when need be Money. I do believe you still have my contact details from that earlier thing you and your grandpa helped me out with.]<<<<<

    -- Card (23:31:01/02-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-01-12/0154:42>
>>>>>[I sent you the address where I keep my cars along with all the information you'll need (including how much nuyens I'm paying as an incentive). My guys already know you'll be coming so they won't shoot you and hand you the keys instead. Get the limo and go to the second address (mine in fact) Saturday before 6:00 PM to pick us up, me and Autumn. If you don't have a suit, there's one in of the trunk's compartments, along with your payment. We'll discuss contingencies in person when you'll pick us up but chances are we'll get there then get back without incidents.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (01:54:29/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <03-01-12/0553:03>
>>>>>[I may be zen as slot, but if there's one thing I've learned in my short time, and surprisingly from one of Grandfather's old 2d videos, it's "Never Smooth." A good smuggler law that states that if the job went off with out a hitch, you got slotting lucky. Hell, I'm still surprised I dont' get mugged going to Stuffer Shack every day.

Everything looks good. I got something semi-formal that should work well enough as a 'chauffeur' outfit, but I'll bring my real suit anyways, just incase you shoot down my choice of dress. Now...blue, or green....]<<<<<

     -- Card (3:55:04/3-1-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-01-12/1648:15>
>>>>>[Haha! Don't underestimate my ability to foresee complications, Card. Ask Money, he'll tell ya what I can pull off! Things nearly always go as planned with me.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (16:47:39/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-01-12/1809:12>
>>>>>[That has something to do with you being a wetwork specialist, Smiley. Assassinations give you more opportunities to control the environment and plan things in advance than other runs. On an extraction or datasteal, for instance, you have a great many more chances for something to go wrong. And a bodyguard assignment means you're limited in how much you can plan, and are forced to react to situations as they develop. Blackmailing or influence peddling also have their complications, because people tend to behave irrationally when backed into a corner. You can go through all the work to try and guide them into giving you what you want, but sometimes they'll just decide to throw everything away, and either yell for help, or attack you. Makes things difficult if the job involves keeping the mark alive, as is normally the case if you need ongoing services from them.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:08:23/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-01-12/2002:08>
>>>>>[No, no, no. Well, yeah, you are right about wetwork being more easily planned with more opportunities to control the environment. But even if it is my specialty, it's not the only game I play. Intelligence gathering, close protection (Ironically, that's my second specialty), transportation, extraction and even negotiations on behalf others. The job I did for Money wasn't wetwork at all, in fact nobody died at all and it went exactly as I planned. I'm sure I gave quite the stomach ulcers to some in Brackhaven's camp. That's to give just one example involving someone on this VPN. Nah, I'm talking about real foresight, chess game style if you wish. Anticipation of involved players, deployment and use of your bests assets at the perfect time and planning of contingencies to cover a maximum of other possible actions by those players. That's how I roll in every aspect of my existence, not just business. No kidding, no bragging (maybe a little) when I say things usually go as planned. I never had to go in hiding, never had to change my face and I haven't change my SINs since I'm a shadowrunner (I added a few more to the collection but none of them are burned).]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (20:01:27/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-01-12/2028:34>
>>>>>[Mostly it depends on what kind of timeline you're talking about. Any job you have a month to prepare for is easy to get to go according to plan, assuming the intel you used to do the planning was good. But short timelines or bad intel can make things get very interesting, very quick. Good planning is essential if you want to make it in this biz, but the true test of any runner is what you do when the plan falls apart. I know I'm not the only runner who has had a meet with the Johnson, and been told that they have a target that has to be intercepted in the next few hours, at this set of coordinates. And we've all had a situation where, despite doing your legwork and contacting sources, you found out that your intel was wrong, either because people lied to you, or because there were secrets hidden above their pay grade. Like finding out that the guy you were supposed to extract was actually a flesh form Wasp spirit. Or you find that you're caught in a shadow duel between dragons. Sometimes, you can't plan for the way events run, and you are forced to adapt.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:28:34/03-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-02-12/1632:37>
>>>>>[He made it Iceblade, none the worse for wear as a matter of fact. Unfortunately his training is gonna have to wait till next week to start. I'm supposed to be at that bloody intel convention Smiley's talking about.

Hey Smiley, you think Autumn is ready for a little weapons training? Since I'm gonna be running a range and tactical course for Ice's student, might as well run a few others through it as well.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:32:39/03-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-02-12/1646:56>
>>>>>[Well, I sent him some exercises to study, so at least he can work on his casting and PT. He's got a good work ethic in that regard. If you give him something to study before you go, he'll work on it until you get back.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:46:23/03-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <03-03-12/1809:52>
>>>>>[Smiley, on my way to address for pickup.]<<<<<

     -- Card (16:11:14/3-3-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-04-12/1855:35>
>>>>>[Oh my fragging gods, now i remember why i hate these fraggin things. Ugh! Did anyone get the number of that Tir slitch who kept feeding me drinks half the bloody night?

I swear, if its not the dinner with the boring speaches its the glad handing that takes place afterwards where everyone seems to be trying to peel secrets out of you. Smiley, how did you make out?]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:55:52/ 03-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-04-12/1958:07>
>>>>>[*sigh* That makes me downright nostalgic. My dear Wolfgar, you simply haven't seen intrigue until you've attended a state dinner in Tir Tairngir. It has cooled off a little since the revolution, but even still, there are more intrigues and power plays in one evening than you would get in an entire election year in the UCAS. The old Princes were masters of the game, from all accounts, able to match wits with dragons and come off even. The only reason Hestaby is in trouble now is because of another dragon.

Of course, everyone expects you to be trying to advance your intrigues, just as they are. It is all a part of the great game. I especially loved when some noble family thought that getting an attractive noblewoman to bring me liquor and pretend to fall prey to my charms would allow them to get some hold on me, or my family. Ah, good times, good times.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:58:23/03:04:74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <03-05-12/0428:04>
>>>>>[Well that was an interesting meeting. Didn't think I'd see HIM there. Smiley knows who I'm talking about.

And for a Zen practitioner like me, that was a scary as drek room the ENTIRE NIGHT. So many people who would tear out your throat with out a second thought. I'm glad all I had to do was sit around and drink...and look at Autumn. Gods be damned, I don't care if she ends up killing me in my sleep, at least let her do it softly, ya know? That's about all I'll say on that sweet Asian assassin, lest she hunt my rear end down, Good thing I got a pair of subvocal mics for my comlink, or she might hear it now...hell, she might anyways. Why DO you keep her off this network Smiley?]<<<<<

     -- Card (1:29:03/3-5-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-05-12/1022:43>
>>>>>[Ah, sounds like our Card has found himself a crush. Though he does raise a good point, Smiley. I know you might not use such methods yourself, but intimate encounters are excellent situations for assassination. There are several methods, but I know a former Ghost who enjoys using intimate encounters to pass carcerands to the target's bloodstream. No injections, no patches. The carcerands are either in the lube or in a capsule she crushes in her mouth, and mixes with her saliva, both with some DMSO in them, of course. Typically uses a 12 hour delay, which gives her time to get away and take the antidote before the toxin goes to work. It also means that anyone looking into the death will be less likely to think of her.

Before the revolution, I once caught a Rinelle assassin trying to seduce me long enough to bury a blade in my chest while we were in the act. Silly girl, as if a mundane human would get me so far off-guard. In fact, she is on display in the mansion here. I'd kept her in the dungeon, hoping to break her and turn her against the Rinelle, but after Arianna, Mother hit her with a more permanent version of the Petrify spell. So I put her in the garden as a statue. Really artistic piece. Mother has a good eye for posing people before she hits them with that spell. By the way, you do NOT want to know what happened to the group of assassins that tried to take out Mother and Father.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:22:34/03-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <03-05-12/1549:34>
>>>>>[ That might just be the most cold-blooded thing I've ever heard. Keeping an assassin on display as an ornament? Maybe it's the hot Spanish blood but...that's just downright chilling. I may just start offering daily thanks I wasn't born in the Tir.

By the way, Miri...I'll be there either tomorrow or the day after. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (15:49:27/03-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-05-12/1638:03>
>>>>>[Yes, it is fairly cold-blooded. But Mother wrote that spell specifically for the purpose of displaying her enemies as trophies. I asked her about it one time, and she said she got the idea from an old book, back when they were still on paper instead of chips. Something about a powerful magician who filled a garden with statues made from her enemies, until some talking lion released them.

But really, it is the assassin's own fault. She underestimated me, in part because of my image as a noble playboy, and that's why she got caught. She's just lucky that my mother got to her before my father did. Quick and relatively painless, and then nothing. Father is a follower of Cat. He plays with his food. Mother prefers to send a message that there are fates worse than death if you go after her family.

And the starlet will be ready and waiting for you. I'm starting her on the katana tomorrow, so it'll be a good time for it.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:37:23/03-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <03-05-12/1652:53>
>>>>>["The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" is the book, Mr. Iceblade.  Quite enjoyable when I was younger.

Sorry I haven't been around much, it is quite hard wrangling a bunch of my younger relatives with disposable commlinks and rotating cheap SINs for some anti-government manipulation of ARO advertizing tags.  I had to keep them from stealing too much from the Stuffer Shacks, reminding them that any crimes other than the ones they were hired for would prevent them from being paid.  I usually gave the money to their parents or guardians instead, unless they would have just spent it on booze or chips.

It was quite an interesting bit being on the other side of the "Table", even if it was a kitchen table rather than a bar, restaurant, or club.  I also sub-contracted out a few other jobs to older relatives after doing footwork for them.  Taking my cut, of course.  I have to admit, Mr. Iceblade, these suits you taught me about do feel good, and get me a bit more respect than I expected.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (16:52:58/03-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-05-12/1726:03>
>>>>>[It is the same as gang colors, Murphy, or military uniforms. It evokes an image, and that image comes with preconceptions. You look at someone in Red Samurai armor, and you assume he's a grade A badass, yes? For all you know, that's just some plastic done up to look like Red Samurai armor, and the guy wearing it has never touched a real weapon in his life. But that isn't what goes through your head when you see him. You start by assuming he is the real thing, and knows what he's doing. It is the same with the suit. The suit conveys respectability, money, and the idea that you are just a representative of someone higher up the food chain. It demands respect. And whether you're a go-ganger or a megacorp CEO, image is everything. Which is why there are so many runs centered on image enhancement or sabotage.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:25:32/03-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <03-05-12/2006:04>
>>>>>[A lesson that my predecessors didn't seem to have learned, except in the usage of camouflage.  I'll have to review a few things now that I'm living in my new location, blending in required a new wardrobe alone.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (20:05:44/03-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-06-12/2206:35>
>>>>>[Back! Something came up at the last minute, I couldn't come on here sooner. Well, everything went exactly as I planned it at the meeting, except that I didn't plan to stick around that much after. I haven't made up my mind on what we discussed there. We'll see in a few days.

Autumn, Card? Really? Hahaha! Well, I can see the appeal, of a dangerous and pretty woman. But hmm, good luck with that! And I'm not keeping her from posting here. Not at all. I know she's reading, but she isn't the talkative type. She posted once about me, she might post again. Who knows? And as for showing her how to use sex for wetwork purposes, that's going to be her choice. Personally I don't like it, you leave too much fluids behind sometimes and if you're not extra careful, authorities might find it. I do mix work and pleasure but only for forging relationships and securing assets' loyalty, not to kill a target.

And Iceblade is right about something. For the same reasons I wore a 6000 nuyen suit, arrived in my limo and paid an over qualified runner as a driver, to make an impression. You show everyone that you're successful enough to wear these clothes and overpay a runner to drive you around in your own limo. Since I'm mostly in the wetwork business, it means I had to kill and outsmart a lot of people to get where I am. A little demonstration can also help back your rep for those not impressed by your pretty suit, if you can do that without getting everyone too much on their toes.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (22:06:21/03-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-06-12/2328:48>
>>>>>[Indeed, that is the risk of using that method of assassination. But it is better to have a tool and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Afterall, some people only let down their guard for the sweet young thing they bring in to entertain them, thinking they are safe in the middle of their fortress.

And yes, sex is a great way to turn a contact, or to gain their loyalty. Then again, there might be a reason why more than a few of my contacts are women. It is certainly a fun way to get an asset to do something for you. But even so, if it is going to be a long term relationship, it has to go beyond sex, and come down to what they can do for you, and what you can do for them, just like any contact. I mix biz and pleasure, but those are both separate from actual romance.

Speaking of which, Xerena just arrived, so I'll cut this short.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:28:33/03-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <03-07-12/1313:26>
>>>>>[ Smiley...it's called marketing. Or advertising, if you prefer that term. That's all a public image really is. You're very good at it, and so is Miri, because you're both constantly aware of it. That's where many young runners make a mistake.

Mmm...and a good thing you did cut it short, Miri my dear.  ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (13:13:27/03-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-07-12/1601:33>
>>>>>[Indeed. I do hate to keep a beautiful woman waiting.

Anyways, we started the day with a bit of a sparring match, to show the starlet what a real fight looked like. She was a bit shocked how different it was from the trids she'd seen. For those of you who don't have any experience with blades, the trid image of two swordsmen dueling across rooftops, doing incredibly complex maneuvers and 'special moves' is, frankly, bunk. Just like the image of people getting in a running gunfight down a crowded street, with no civilians getting caught in the crossfire, and guns that never seem to run out of ammo are bunk.

As for image, yes, too few runners are aware of it, which is why you see so many runners ending up caught or dead. Now there are things that, no matter what, image won't help you with. If you're a troll who finds himself in the middle of a Humanis rally, you're pretty much fragged, no matter what you're wearing. But having the proper image can keep you from ending up in situations like that in the first place. Go to a meet looking like a trid screen runner or a brat straight out of the Barrens, and the Johnson immediately thinks "cannon fodder". Go in looking like professionals, and they start taking you more seriously. And yes, if you are part of a regular team that has been called in on a run, the image of your team as a whole matters.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:01:23/03-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <03-08-12/0013:42>
>>>>>[ It was an interesting experience. I've never fought anyone with a claymore before. Miri taught me a thing or two about fighting with blades too. It was quite exhilerating. I'll have a go at the starlet tomorrow, see how she responds to the Bat'Leth. It requires a different techique to combat from what she's used to. With the Bat'Leth, you must always be on the attack, or you lose the advantage the weapon gives you. To beat someone weilding one, you have to be prepared to die be stepping into its reach. We'll see how she fares. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (00:13:27/03-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-08-12/0629:30>
>>>>>[And before anyone asks, yes, we're using wooden blades. So while she might get bruised up, the starlet isn't in any real danger. And she's going to learn a good bit about defending herself. As for how I would defend against someone with a bat'leth? Depends on the weapon I'm using. Play to your weapon's strengths. A claymore is too heavy to try blocking with it, so concentrate on dodging, and wait for an opening. A katana is quicker, but the nature of the blade makes it better for parrying to get inside the opponent's guard, and stabbing or slashing. For the snap-blades, because of their size and strength, blocking is your best bet. If you have one on each hand, this makes it easier. Block the blow, and then give them a kick to the knee, or an elbow to the face, before going in for the kill.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:29:33/03-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <03-13-12/1509:17>
>>>>>[ Girl-talk. Never underestimate two female's ability to unite in sisterhood. Starlet spent a great deal of time opening her heart to me. Why do so many people pick me as mother-surrogate figure?

I think I've shown her most of what she needed to know. Miri could teach her blade-craft. I focussed more on building her confidence. Technique backed up with attitude. And a good dollop of Spanish passion and pride. She'll do just fine. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (15:09:27/03-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-13-12/1555:21>
>>>>>[The flip side being that girls tend to be utterly vindictive to eachother for reasons that leave men scratching their heads. Only thing to do in those situations is to step back, and try not to get drawn into the fray.

Anyways, the starlet's learning, which is good. She's not going to be an expert fighter anytime soon, but she's at least got enough control that she can actually do the moves without killing someone.

It's odd being back in the mansion for so long. Haven't spent much time here since the revolution. Some good memories here.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:55:55/03-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <03-13-12/1726:13>
>>>>>[ For the same reason men get into pissing contests, and who's dick is bigger stuff. Unlike most men, a woman knows when she's beaten, and some women can't stand that. It's rivalry. It's even jealousy sometimes. And it's mostly young women who do it.  ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (17:26:27/03-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-14-12/1400:52>
>>>>>[Women, vindictive? Tell me about it! I heard there's some kind of group of woman dedicated to making my life miserable.

Talking about women, after months of abstinence, I'll finally get back to my old habits. Which is getting drunk and laid at the Powerline. I avoided such places because I didn't want to expose Autumn to such things during mental training. Too much dangers for her to develop a bad coping mechanism instead of forging a character and getting mentally tougher to all the things we've seen and done. But now that I don't need her with me at all times anymore, I can finally get back to some fun!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (14:00:20/03-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-14-12/1446:42>
>>>>>[Good call on that, Smiley. A crutch like that can be a major weakness, especially if it gets out of control, or someone learns about it and exploits it. Of course, after a while most of us develop the crutches anyway, to get a bit of routine and 'normalcy' between runs. The trick is being able to put the crutch down when you have to. When Xerena and I went down south, I stayed off the drink the whole time. Had to stay sharp, right? I would have been utterly miserable if I didn't have a few little things (like running for my life) to distract me. But I did it. There are people who couldn't, and I'm better about it now than I used to be.

But when you develop a coping mechanism, some things are easier to deal with than others. Booze, cigs, sports, these things aren't that bad, unless they get out of control, since you blend in with all the norms with them, and they're legal. Hard drugs, kinky fetishes, BTLs, and other such things can be a problem, since just getting a fix can be illegal or dangerous. You don't want to pull the perfect crime, just to get caught by the Knights getting your novacoke prescription filled.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:46:23/03-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-16-12/1810:35>
>>>>>[Its funny, my coping mechanism for the most part is either talking on this thing with you guys or putting rounds down range. After Denver I spent to much time in a bottle, dropped it cold turkey but the hurt that caused it is still there, just older.

Ice, I have a driver that needs a little blade training that i cant do, she's in good shape and all, and i've honed her adept and firearms skills as much as can be done. Put her behind any wheel and as long as the fraggin thing has a working engine, your flying out of the situation. The problem is that her runs have started finding her running into spirits and having to watch the group's mage's back and she needs to be able to defend the mage physically, you know what I mean.

Your boy by the way is progressing nicely. Pistols, shotguns, sniper rifle, he's alright and getting better. Like me he doesn't seem to have a good hand with the automatics, but if spray and pray works, hell, who am I to cast stones.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:11:23/03-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-16-12/1811:05>
>>>>>[We are no longer in Seattle. The Angel heard the call, and wishes to go to her people, and help the struggle. The Redeemer and I go with her. I know not what will happen. But I will follow the Angel where she goes.]<<<<<

--Faust (18:10:02/03-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-16-12/1830:51>
>>>>>[Wolf, if she can get into Tir Tairngir, send her my way. I'll have someone meet her in Cara'sir. Is she Awakened at all? If so, when I'm through teaching her, she should look into getting a weapon focus of some sort. I'll have a talk with her, and see what kind of training would work best for her.

Glad to hear the kid is doing well. Personally, I haven't so much as held an assault rifle since my army days, and even then it was just during boot camp, to show I could hit the broad side of a barn. As a mage and a noble, I went straight from boot to officer school, and had my blade and sidearm. Still not that good with the pistol, though.

You guys hear some of the political drek going around? Seems ol' Zincan didn't know who he was getting into bed with when he brought Horizon in after the High Prince left. From what I hear, the High Prince's supporters are practically jumping for joy, looking to get the old regime back in power. Anything that hurts Horizon's work in the Tir hurts Zincan, and helps the movement to restore the Tir to its roots.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:30:23/03-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-17-12/0546:34>
>>>>>[A  chummer pointed me here, said I can get a hookup  with a Fixer and access to a Shadowsea and a P2 account i have the cre....wait a tic I think this place can run some of my old Sapphire for Hire sims...hey as a way of saying hi I will upload what I have]<<<<<
     -- Morg (05:47:45/03-17-74)

>>>>>[File Transfer 45396 MPs complete]<<<<<
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-17-12/0918:42>
>>>>>[Where yah based kid, I do some Seattle fixing.]<<<<<
     -- Chrona (13:18:45/03-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-17-12/1322:43>
>>>>>[Welcome aboard. I might be able to fix you up with a couple people.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (12:20:13/03-17-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-17-12/1330:49>
>>>>>[I just hit Seattle a day ago I will take anything you can give me. I am making ends meet with some scavenging work and that wont do, I found the hulk of a burned out KE Devil Rat  some good parts in it if anyone is interested send me a PM and I will set you up a drop. ]<<<<<
     -- Morg (13:31:45/03-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-18-12/1454:00>
>>>>>[I thought people said the cops didn't come out here! I found two more KE wrecks this morning with gang colors sprayed on them, I asked around and found out a gang called the spiders has got their murder on for the KE grunts, anyone have some info on this gang?... O and more Devil Rat parts for sale...Lastly I need a reliable Talismonger.. need something that won't melt when I put a little jazz in my spells]<<<<<
     -- Morg (15:00:03/03-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-18-12/1458:44>
>>>>>[The cops do go out to the barrens on occasion, but generally in armored transports with good weapons. The scenes you mention, are precisely why they generally go in force. If the barrens gangs are taking down vehicles like that, they must've gotten their hands on some heavy fraggin weapons.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (13:56:04/03-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-18-12/1521:42>
>>>>>[No not heavy weapons the craters look like a set of tamped IED's hooked up to some throw away comlinks similar to the ones I learned how to make in Kenya...I have a more important question one of the locals said the Spiders are in league with bug spirits! Are they just winding me up or should I be getting some Insecticide? I thought bug spirits only existed in Chicago...O and thanks for the try out Chrona any chance I can make it as part of your regular stable?]<<<<<
     --Morg (15:22:34/03-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-18-12/1633:37>
>>>>>[After what you pulled? That was some reckless, flamboyant and suicidal drek you pulled during a milk run! How did you manage to destroy a block, christ. I think you're better suited to Hollywood, Morg.]<<<<<
     --Chrona (20:33:34/03-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-18-12/1703:35>
>>>>>[Really Chrona? Send me an AAR on what the kid did, i may have some work for him and Morg, if I do, I can definately put you in some better digs as well as furnish some decent training and support.]<<<<<

Wolfgar (17:03:34/03-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-18-12/1713:01>
>>>>>[Hold on chummer First off they wouldn't stop chasing me! Secondly I knew it would work, Karl Kombatmage did it in his pilot episode and the assault cannon work I learned From Bull in "Bull vs Lofwyr" I mean that's basic shadowrunning 101...so don't be so up tight besides I got the job done didn't I... O and that power focus I got from you was bulldrek it caught fire after my second spell... I'll take anything you send my way Wolfgar I need the cred]<<<<<
     --Morg (17:07:37/03-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-18-12/1744:56>
>>>>>[Not gonna rip you a new one kid, but most of the time that trid drek is BS, if you made it work, good for you, but dont rely on it working. I've had guys in my team pull that hollywood crap from time to time, but it was in the plan, or else all hades had broken loose and it was necessary. Thats why i want an after action report on what went down. What the mission was, and how it went down.

That said, i'm sending you a file, it will have the pass codes to a wharehouse doss of mine over in redmond. The food should be good still and the drones wont mess with you. DONT MESS WITH THE DRONES! Its an automated transhipping facility for small packages. There should be some un-atuned power foci in the safe. combination will be with them]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (17:44:54/03-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-18-12/1826:25>
>>>>>[Power Focus? What Power Foc - - Morg that was your advance credstick!]<<<<<

>[FILE ATTACHMENT FOR WOLFGAR "HALLOWEENERS VERSUS ASSAULT CANNON"]<
-- Chrona (22:24:54/03-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-18-12/1847:44>
>>>>>[At least Stuffer shacks Nukem Burgers were good]<<<<<
     -- Morg (18:46:32/03-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-19-12/0148:45>
>>>>>[And THIS is why I don't work with raw talent, as a rule. At least Murphy was brought up in a runner household, so he knows the lay of things. And he showed promise. Morg, do us all a favor and forget everything you've ever seen a trid "runner" do. It is utter drek.

And if you think bug spirits are only in Chicago, you're dead wrong. The Universal Brotherhood didn't exist in Chicago alone, it was world-wide. Only place they didn't set up shop in North America is Tir Tairngir, though not for lack of trying. It just happened that Chicago had the biggest nest in North America.Way I hear it, there's a hive in any sprawl worth talking about, even ones that didn't have a UB presence. Let that sink into your skull for a minute. Yeah, there are bugs in your sprawl. And unless you're a trid character or awakened and trained in dealing with them, you're fragged.

And you want to know the place you're most likely to find bug spirits? The Barrens, or whatever you call your local equivalent. Sure, you might find a hive in an upscale part of town, but that is only likely after they've invested some people who can protect them. Starting out, they don't want to get noticed, either by most people who want them dead, or by Ares, who wants to study them, and turn them into good drones. People turn up questions. Never stopped talking.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (00:48:45/03-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-20-12/1820:57>
>>>>>[Frag you Iceblade! I AM NOT A RAW RECRUIT! I spent 3 years in the worst hellhole on earth! Who charged through artillery fire and a mine field with a rusty first gen Ares Predator and took out a machine gun nest, ME! that who. who charged the anti-personal zone of a LAV -103 Striker and came out of on top..ME! but if that's not enough for you guys, I understand your all like the warlords you don't care till my body count is up fine, I get it! Wolfgar you did me a good turn so your going to reap the benefits. For you I am going to put every Cutter in a box and blast their stronghold to dreck by the end of the week! then you'll all see]<<<<<

--Morg (18:20:45/03-20-74)

[User Disconnected: Morg]
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <03-20-12/1837:37>
>>>>>[So, I just spent the last...  Too long in a bolt hole and no contact with the outside world.  What did I miss?

Oh, and Mr. Iceblade, thank you very much for that axe, it came in really handy!]<<<<<
-- Murphy (18:37:12/03-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-20-12/1957:51>
>>>>>[*sigh* The fact that you think body counts are what separates a noob from a veteran simply proves you're a raw recruit, as you put it, Morg. A real runner knows that a pile of bodies tends to move them to the top of the Knights' "To Do" list. A real runner works to make sure they aren't charging through artillery fire and mine fields with nothing but a rusty old gun. A real runner knows that their brain is their most important weapon, or if they aren't bright enough to do the thinking, they at least know how to follow the people who do.

Take Murphy, for example. Kid's already learned that sometimes NOT firing your gun makes more of an impact than laying out a squad of corpsec guards single-handed. There's a difference between mercs and runners, Morg, and you're going to get teams killed if you don't figure that out quick. You want cred for charging machine gun nests? Sign on with one of the companies doing Desert Wars. You want cred as a runner? Start by infiltrating past that nest, doing the job, and leaving, without the nest ever knowing you were there.

And Murphy, glad the axe came in handy. Lot of mundanes think having a good melee weapon is a waste with all the toys the arms dealers bring to the market, but you never have to reload an axe. You haven't missed much, except a new guy who thinks big bangs and body counts are the way to get respect as a runner. It might work for Kane, but if you're not him, you're asking to be on the wrong end of a corp reprisal team.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:57:23/03-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <03-21-12/0228:19>
>>>>>[Opens doors better than a firearm, too.

Morg, I have a decent enough rep going right now.  My body count on 'runs?  Zero.  Professionalism and subtlety counts for far more than action and pizazz.  Unless you're doing a distraction or destruction 'run, of course, then that's the purpose.  Be like the river that flows around the situation, rather than the rocks that smash against it fruitlessly.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (02:28:33/03-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-21-12/0556:08>
>>>>>[What kind of bulldreck are you spouting Murphy did you fall and hit your head on a Zen priest while trying to kiss the backside of that Keeb. I agree with my new buddy Haze as long as "the heat" comes down on some one else and the right people know you got the job done why should it matter if you have fun doing it. The Cutters and I are going to share a cup of old British white cider over the sent of fresh cut grass in spring, I can be cryptic too Murphy<<<<<
     -- Morg (05:57:/03-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-21-12/0938:29>
>>>>>[Se'seterin all. Thanks for the invite {deleted}, I appreciate it.

I do not wish to join the bandwagon, Morg, but I also agree with the others. The less noise I have made, the better I have performed my job. A high body count both "brings down more heat" than I wish to deal with and tarnishes my reputation. A reputation for professionalism is a must in this business.

Iceblade, is it possible for me to procure an introduction to Rimaldo? I have heard of his prowess and wish to obtain some training that I lack. I look forward to your favorable reply.]<<<<<
     --Shrike (08:35:50/03-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-21-12/1531:43>
>>>>>[I have a problem...I don't recall making the last few posts...or where I got these empty tanks of phosgene...I need to get in touch with the SYSOP to find out who has been posting in my name...O and um Iceblade you know about magic stuff right...I need advice...Karl has been acting funny lately...the tribesmen in Kenya said  he was a spirit guide thingy...I need to do what my guide says right? but some of the things he is asking don't feel right...O I did find some random hand guns in the street they are all in working order you just need to clean the gang markings off  if your intrested PM me for a drop]<<<<<
     --Morg (15:32:33/03-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-21-12/1542:05>
>>>>>[Oh christ.
Morg, have you been out of the country or using any party drugs lately?]<<<<<
     --Chrona (19:39:33/03-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-21-12/1612:00>
>>>>>[No, I have been minding my own biz and laying low like Wolfgar said with the occasional stop over at the rats nest to look for cred...O and I don't do drugs, I would make them but I don't have a lab yet.]<<<<<
     --Morg (16:15:37/03-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <03-21-12/1753:12>
>>>>>[Huh. So. My local Shack seems to be missing. I mean, all there are signs it was there, like the giant exploded building, and water pipes, but the store was literally EMPTY when it happened it seems.

Just your afternoon dose of weird from me.

On current topic: Welcome to new people, and Morg: Your actions, while a LITTLE viable from everything I've learned here, also puts you at the VERY top of the "Is this one expendable?" scale. Expect higher and higher chances of being double crossed or the Johnson just putting bullets in your skull and your buddies after a mission. I REALLY would suggest Desert Wars if you're ex-infantry like you express so heartly. At least the bosses over there like high body counts. Speaking of, this season of it has been pretty dull.

Murphy, my Grandfather would be honored to know you. I'd offer setting up a meeting, but I don't know how close you want to be to organized crime.]<<<<<

     -- Card (16:54:59/03-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-21-12/2128:09>
>>>>>[uh ok Morg if you have empty tanks of what I think that is. HOW THE FRACK DID YOU GET A HOLD OF WWI biojunk......You remind me of someone but can't remember his name ......maybe thats a good thing Jeez chummer,
And to the rest of you everyone has to start somewhere..]<<<<<

"why do I smell fresh cut grass in redmon barrens ......................................................"
     -- Ronin (10:48/03-22-74)

"Well well well what a friggin bowl o sunshine you are"
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-22-12/0108:56>
>>>>>[I think there's a glitch or something. That anonymous last post is in bizarre code and format and I can't read any of it.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (01:08:24/03-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-22-12/1552:21>
>>>>>[I woke up again from the same familiar nightmare in cold sweat and sheets twisted. The last scene is I'm laying in my own blood, nearly eviscerated, watching from fading sight. Sanction tearin my team apart. You see Sanction was someones techy cyber wetdream come to life. What some have called a .... cyberzombie? And for some reason this particular one had it in for my leader Hope . You comuld here it coming with it constantly whispering it and growing louder as he got closer to Hope . With a big HHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPEEEEE!!!! Nothing usually fazes me I've seen dragons fighting ...the big L and some one I thouhght was my lover Yellow Lotus...but thats another story for another time.
Anyway Sanction was beating my team like we were newbies. And something in me just surged and the only thought was 'No I won't let this happen. And the next thing I know I'm up and crash into that big mountain of cyber whatever and we are going out the window ,somewhere very high, falling with Sanction I plunge my cyber blades in and hold on. The wind is whistling by he's yelling HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And my last words are "No tinkertoy its RONIN' then blackness.
God I hate that nightmare]<<<<<
   
     -- Ronin (15:51:57/03-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-22-12/1557:31>
>>>>>[Morg, if it is true that you do not remember the posts, and there aren't any... pharmaceutical explanations, then I would find a mage who is skilled in assensing to check out your aura for other... influences. You haven't spent any time down on the Aztlan-Amazonian border, have you?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:57:23/03-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <03-22-12/1718:34>
>>>>>[Thanks for the offer Card.  Always nice to meet new people, and I'm very polite so I've noticed folks like that tend to appreciate me more than most orcs from the Barrens.  I don't mind knowing organized crime members, or even working for them, but they have to know up front they'll never own me.  Grandpa Murphy had someone try once and he wasn't as polite and subtle as me.

Morg, you wouldn't happen to have a few Personasofts running, would you?  Dramatic changes with no memory can be explained by them as well.  I'd suggest checking yourself for imput ports for chips.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (17:18:56/03-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-22-12/1732:04>
>>>>>[While syndicates certainly have the manpower to take care of business themselves, they do employ deniable assets, for many of the same reasons the corps do. Just remember that if you get too cozy with one syndicate, the others may see you as belonging to them, whether you do or not. At the very least, you should be very careful if you get job offers from the Yaks after doing several runs against them for the Triads.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:31:23/03-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <03-22-12/2031:21>
>>>>>[Yeah, that's what happened with Grandpa, only it was the Yaks and working for the Triads that almost got him burned.  He had a nice chat with a few Yaks and reversed the tables on the sushi bit with a shark, while a Fixer who worked with a lot of folks watched.  "Nobuddy ownz mez, and I ownz dose dat tinks dey doos.", was apparently what he said, according to the Fixer.  Guy's retired now, but a good person to know still.  As you can see, he had a very similar accent to my Uncle.  "Dumb Barrens Trog", I think most people call it.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (19:30:24/03-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-22-12/2047:30>
>>>>>[To be fair, your Uncle was one of the exceptions to the rule. Most people who speak like that tend to fit the description. Which just made your uncle all the more dangerous. Getting people to underestimate you can give you a great advantage when you turn the tables. The fact that he knew that (and how to take full advantage of it) is part of the reason Big Murphy was exceptional.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:47:32/03-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-22-12/2344:50>
>>>>>[Uh Morg, you wouldnt happen to have a sleep regulator installed would you?... Frag forget it, I'm headed to your location, Ice, do you happen to know how hard it is to get an enterence stamp for the tir, I'll tell you it aint easy. That said, i'm bringing Ash up this weekend. Finally, whomever is smelling the fresh cut grass, I hope you like sleeping under it. Thats what Phosgene smells like, I know, I've made enough of it.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (23:43:45/03-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-23-12/0058:53>
>>>>>[If Morgs problem is that, he needs a skilled Banisher initiate, Ice.]<<<<<

--Chrona (04:58:45/03-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-23-12/0631:29>
>>>>>[I agree, Chrona. But that's a specialized field. Not too many people willing to take on that kind of work, especially when the victim is quite capable of causing mass mayhem and destruction. And if it has gone beyond simple influence, to an actual pact, I'm not sure that there's any stopping it.

Ah, Wolf. You should have let  me make the arrangements for you. I could have spoken with one of my smuggler friends to get you across the border. As for an entrance stamp, I wouldn't know about such things. That kind of scrutiny is for the Gentry and foreigners, though I have heard it is worse for non-elves. I just flash my SIN, and they let me straight through.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:30:23/03-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-23-12/0916:41>
>>>>>[Wolfgar or whatever I was being sarcastic . And I've been "dead" twice now and I really don't want a perm dirtnap. And this kid Morg where ever you are think you may need some serious magic /medical etc cleansing. I think you may have been too close to those explosions you love sooo much. Almost time to dig up my fixer Mr. Fixit , i think memory kinda hazy. Now where did I put that comm..... oh its installed ...duh. I need a drink . Headed to the Rhyno if any are interested.]<<<<<

--Ronin (09:16:23/03-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-24-12/1148:30>
>>>>>[I suppose the destruction of the spirit with which the pact had been made would nullify said pact, Ice. At the very least it should make the individual a little easier to subdue.

Ronin, thanks for the offer, but I much prefer Flavor's brand of alcohol.]>>>>>
     -- Shrike (10:45:58/03-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-24-12/1545:24>
>>>>>[Flavor?? Is this a new bar I haven't heard about. Gah I hate being out of the loop. But being in treatment after a after almost dying. You tend to miss alot. (sigh). Shrike I'll try anything once, if I like it twice. Leave a message if you want that drink , I'll buy the first few rounds. I need to go talk to a few of my contacts. I'm itching to get back into the game. ]>>>>>>

     -- Ronin (15:45:58/03-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-24-12/1758:05>
>>>>>[New? No, Flavor is not new unless you have been out of the game since before 2060. I assume you are simply unfamiliar with the Tarislar district in Puyallup as that is where it is located. Most of it's regulars live in and around that area. I use it as a place to meet business associates and listen to local news.]>>>>>
     --Shrike (17:00:00/03-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-24-12/1826:40>
>>>>>[Ah yes ok. Well maybe a lil change of scenery is in order. See whats what. What can it hurt.]>>>>>
     --Ronin (16:26:00/03-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-24-12/2027:46>
>>>>>[Flavor's a nice enough place. Though when I'm drinking in Tarislar, I usually head to the Black Dragon Tavern. Little hole in the wall place run by one of my contacts. Another Tir noble forced out by riotous peasants. The Dragon is a fantasy-themed place. Looks like something out of a Tolkein trid. If you need an 'in' with the Laesa, I can arrange an introduction, for a price.

As for destroying the spirit, Shrike, yes, that would do it, but the question becomes how? You can only really destroy a free spirit if you track down and destroy all the copies of its true name, which you might not even know without doing a jaunt to the metaplanes. And some pacts include hiding a copy of a spirit's true name inside living creatures, meaning that so long as they live, the spirit cannot be destroyed. If a pact is involved, getting rid of a malevolent spirit goes from difficult and dangerous to very, very complex and potentially quite lethal. And that is before you consider what other spirits may think of your actions. While all spirits are not the same, if you go around destroying or abusing them, then the other spirits are likely to get annoyed with you, to say the least.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:27:34/03-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-24-12/2148:33>
>>>>>[I have not been to the Black Dragon Tavern as of yet, Ice. I tend to stay away from places that reinforce the 'tradfant' image that some people associate with metahumans. However if it is a good place for business, I may have to drop in and speak to the operator; kindred spirits and all that.

One should consider the results of their actions in any situation, Ice. I was only stating another option. Admittedly a difficult one with many implications, both negative and positive.

Ronin, if you decide to show, just ask for me. I am either at Flavor or the Daisy Chain most nights.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (20:47:19/03-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-24-12/2316:07>
>>>>>[I'm on my way , actually half way there if the gps on my comm is correct. Ya from the sounds of it Black Dragon isn't this trolls cup o tea. I tend to stay away from dragons as a rule. Even if its just a name. But considering the style . We just might clash big time lol.
Oh how I missed driving my Harley.]<<<<<
     -- Ronin (23:17:19/03-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-25-12/0111:32>
>>>>>[Thanks for checking up on me Wolfgar. I went to that street doc you mentioned to see if i had any cyberbits i didn't know about and he said I am clean, but..um that street mage you sent me too, some one geeked him with a booby trap before I got there. I think somebody is out to get me...Iceblade what is this pack thing your talking about it sounds important, Is it anything like what i had to do to get the help of Karl?... I found a bunch of dead gangers not to far from my last pad looks like they were gased, some one used "White Star" on them...I don't know what to do I am starting to freak out.]<<<<<

--Morg (01:12:53/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-25-12/0920:59>
>>>>>[Ok um Morg its time to beat feet and go to ground. Find somewhere to hole up or someone to hide with. Someone or thing is out for you from the looks of it.  Morg there is a place in the Plastic Jungle you can use. Sending you the details now.
Hey Shrike I'm at the back booth , you can't miss me.Like I said first few rounds on me. I'm sticking out like a sore thumb here. Hmmm wonder if they need a bouncer.... .]<<<<<

--Ronin (09:20:53/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-25-12/1004:50>
>>>>>[Well, Tarislar in general isn't exactly a great place to go if you're not an elf, or aren't with an elf. The area is run by the Laesa and the Ancients. There are elves there who lived through the Night of Rage, and they haven't forgotten, or forgiven.

Pact, not pack, Morg. As in a spirit pact. This isn't my area of expertise, but considering what you've been saying, I'm guessing you're definitely under the influence of a nasty-ass spirit. Start praying to whatever deity you care for now that it is just influencing you, and hasn't forced a spirit pact with you, or you're utterly fragged. You may be fragged anyways. To be honest, your best bet would be to go to Denver, and talk to some of the local spirit population. I would have someone drug you, and then keep you under until you get checked out, though. For your own good.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:04:12/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: wylie on <03-25-12/1039:22>
>>>>>[Fair warning to one and all. Someone is putting hits out and using a spirit hitman to do it. Murphy was attacked last night by an earth spirit. Docwagon arrived in time stablize him. The docs do not know if they can save his arm..]<<<<<
--Ferret (10:38:12/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-25-12/1138:12>
>>>>>[Yeah, sorry to be late, Ronin ( I see you back there, hope you did not run into any trouble), but I believe I ran into the spirit Ferret speaks of. If I had not been meeting with some of my associates, I am not certain I would have made it here in one piece. That spirit has a very distinctive  aura. *shudder*]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (10:39:55/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-25-12/1257:18>
>>>>>[Ya I kninda get the feel of that for that place...too "elfy" for me anyways.
No trouble gettin here at all . took the scenic route for once. I think I like this place , I just might become a regular.
Wait spirit hitmen going after flesh n blood people. Wonderduckingful. Kinda explains the perma itch I've been getting. My my my what do we have here......*]<<<<<
     -- Ronin (12:56:55/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-25-12/1317:30>
>>>>>[Anyone know a rigger, I need to get to Denver...I think am going to need some one to watch me, I've been sleep walking...]<<<<<
     --Morg (01:12:53/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-25-12/1337:18>
>>>>>[Morg, I know a rigger who goes by the handle rORK if you need someone fast, reliable and discrete. I will send you his contact info if you wish. I just hope you are not very particular about the type of transport you take. rORK is a little... err... eccentric..]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (12:40:13/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-25-12/1346:23>
>>>>>[A hit on Murphy? Right! I'm gonna call that bulldrek until I hear from the ork himself! Or from Money, since he's more in contact with him than anyone else on this VPN. But if that turns out to be true, I'm going spirit hunting. I can't afford this kind of drek ruining what I have planned.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (13:46:34/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-25-12/1449:53>
>>>>>[Morg I'd watch over you in transport if you would like my services. Sending you my # and some info. Shrike great meeting you and if rORK needs a lil more security for this I'm available. Intersting place that is and I'll definetly be back.]<<<<<
       -- Ronin (14:49:34/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: wylie on <03-25-12/1558:10>
>>>>>[Money Johnson? His name was on a list, too. I'm just doing the guy a favor, since Docwagon has him in high security area, they have blocked his commlink.]<<<<<
--Ferret (15:57:23/ 03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-25-12/1939:09>
>>>>>[Sending a spirit to kill mundanes is not a new approach. I've known several mages who prefer to do such things. It is difficult for a powerful spirit to be harmed by a mundane, unless they are carrying heavy weapons, or have a melee weapon and the strength of a troll. I am sure Smiley can tell you that, unless the job says otherwise, you don't go trying to assassinate someone by means they can effectively resist. Someone with a toxin filter is not someone you want to poison. Someone renowned for his skill with a blade is not someone you want to cross swords with. Someone who can shoot the wings off a fly at twenty paces is not someone you want to get in a gunfight with. Spirits are a good choice for this kind of job, since both Money and Murphy are mundane. It would be interesting to see if there were any Awakened on this list. If not, it simply proves that this assassin is smart, as well as being a competent summoner. Now if this hitter was a free spirit, that would be more disturbing.

Ferret, could you send me that list? I would like to check a few things on my end.

In other news, the starlet is progressing nicely, and Wolfgar arrived last night. Only had one cavity search by the border patrol, he said. My wards are strong enough to keep out weak spirits, and I will know if anything stronger punches its way through. Xerena is still here as well, so there is a strong collection of Awakened talent here, so we should be safe, if our names are on the list.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:38:34/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-25-12/2027:41>
>>>>>[Yeah only one and not for me but for Ash my adept driver. Nice girl Ash, hell of a driver though, makes Mario Andretti seem like a piker. Me, I didnt have any trouble, i've had a Tir entry stamp for years.

Morg, dont worry about getting a ride, Tank Girl is supposed to be meeting me in Seattle on Thursday and we'll be passing through Denver on our way back south. I've got the stuff to handle any hostile spirits for the most part and if it happens while your with us, i can probably handle you as well.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (20:28:34/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-25-12/2045:10>
>>>>>[Money is running silent for now, hopefully he'll be fine. I'm glad Murphy got away from the spirit with only his arm hurt.]<<<<<

--Chrona (01:44:34/03-25-74)

[spoiler]OOC: My thoughts are with CanRay[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-25-12/2151:37>
>>>>>[Well, you're lucky you came in legally. The regime may have changed, but the border patrol still gets their kicks catching people running the border, dosing them with laes, and dumping them butt naked on the other side of the border. Of course, if you get caught by some of those loyal to some of the exiled Princes, you're going to wish the border patrol caught you. Don't think that just because they're no longer in power, the Princes' paladins have forgotten their oaths. Rather, they are far more zealous in their duties now that they must help restore their masters to power.

I would recommend that anyone intending to come to the Tir for the first time (whether it is business or pleasure) should try and find a copy of the old Shadowland post on the Tir. There's been some changes since the revolution, but most of the stuff there is still valid. Especially when you're talking about how non-elves are treated. Just because an ork is High Prince, doesn't mean anything has really changed, Horizon or no Horizon.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:51:34/03-25-74)

[spoiler]Sorry to hear about the critical glitch, CanRay![/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-25-12/2214:19>
>>>>>[Agreed. Careful planning and trustworthy contacts are a must when entering the Tir, shall we say, "uninvited". Just because one of your contacts sing the praises of a particular border runner or smuggler does not mean you should take that at face value. Ask around. Check on ShadowSea or other reputable VPNs (like this one). The best do not usually have to advertise their talents. Word of mouth, and all that. Do your own homework, omae. Otherwise you may find yourself naked in the woods with no memory of how you got there.

While the rampant racism is not quite as bad as it was when Prince Surehand was in power, it still exists. In some areas to a greater extent than others. Again, do your homework. Information is power.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (21:14:34/03-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-26-12/1022:43>
>>>>>[Well, I wouldn't say 'rampant racism'. But it is certainly clear in most areas where metahumans do not belong. It isn't like you risk being shot, or worse, as you do if you're an elf or human in the Ork Underground, or a troll in Humanis neighborhoods, or anyone who isn't an Amerind in Sioux territory. There isn't the physical violence and rude language as you'd see in those places. That would be... classless. But that is something that has changed since the High Prince left and the puppet took the throne. People are getting more overt with their actions. And the recent revelations about Horizon's actions in the Tir, and Prince Hestaby being forced to step down after that assault on Mt. Shasta aren't doing anything to help. Expect at least one of the former princes to make a play in the next election, especially if the allegations about Horizon continue. My money is on Prince Laverty, or possibly Prince Oakforest. High Prince Surehand would seem the obvious pick, but that would have to wait until they've managed to turn the tides more forcefully against Zincan. Prince Ni'Fairra is still in the Tir, from what I've heard, but I've also heard she's too busy with recreating Teheronshay to bother with matters outside Mt. Hood National Forest for the moment.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:22:22/03-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-26-12/1549:17>
>>>>>[Why the heck does have Denver so many security check points?]<<<<<
     --Morg (15:49:23/03-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-26-12/1557:47>
>>>>>[Short story? Because it is a divided city ruled by four groups who don't always like eachother, and a dragon claiming ownership of everything, and all the various powers use the checkpoints to screw with eachother, smugglers, runners, and anyone else that annoys them.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:57:23/03-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-26-12/1711:30>
>>>>>[Hehe. Denver is a fun playground.

And yes, hit where they're weak is the general rule. But, if you're clever enough (like me), sometimes, hitting them where they are strong is perfect. They don't expect others to hit them there so they tend to see it coming a lot less. And to be honest, it's humiliating for the target and rather satisfying for a clever hitman (like me). But, that's for the advanced class folks, stick with the general rule.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (17:11:51/03-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-27-12/0914:31>
>>>>>[Just make sure you are absolutely certain you can take the guy you're trying to humiliate. Unlike these guys I have bleeding out on my yard right now. A runner team, from the looks of it. From what I can get from the one who still had a bit of life in him before the shock set in, some old Rinnele types learned I was back in the Tir, and decided to try and get me to answer for causing some friends and family to disappear. Since those friends and family were the ones that killed my sister, I wasn't losing sleep over it. Anyways, they got some local talent together, and believed the file that said I was a low skilled support mage who got my military rank because of my social status. They also read the part where I liked using a blade, and decided to challenge me.

Long story short, I'm alive, they're dead, my guests got a show, and the starlet understands better why I'm training her. Now before any of you start calling bulldrek, it was just five street samurai, razored up, and they weren't expecting me to summon a spirit during the fight, and have it possess me. Some would call it cheating. I call it not doing your legwork.

Anyways, one of my friends from the Peace Force is here, so we can straighten this out. She also wants a copy of my simrig recording of the fight, for her collection.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:14:19/03-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: wylie on <03-27-12/1733:17>
>>>>>[Finished talking to a mage friend. He told me that the acid marks on my ARES alpha was from a toxic spirit..]<<<<<
--Ferret (17:33:34/03-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <03-27-12/1940:12>
>>>>>[Yeah, so, interesting thing happened last night as I was walking home from the bar. Random ass spirit spots me, roars, and charges me. Missed it's first strike on me, and I LITERALLY punched it in the face. Seems to have scared the thing off, cause I haven't seen it since, and I woke up from sleeping. My only guess was that I harnessed my inner (insert your preference of Ki, Magic, or whathave you for your explanation for most Adepts doing what they do), and channeled it into the strike to hit it. Surprised the hell out of me too, watching a spirit go flying through a wall (both literally and figuratively. I don't think the thing possessed anything because it wasn't expecting that, so no walls damaged.)

Personal thought: Likely not a yak hit, because yak hits are reserved for people who matter, not random ass couriers. Possible random attempt at eating me? Maybe. Not like I could interrogate him.]<<<<<

     -- Card (19:39:01/3-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: wylie on <03-27-12/2033:35>
>>>>>[Guess I should mention I shove the weapon down the throat of the spirit and pulled both triggers. Seems their immunty to modern weapons can go both ways, protecting me from the grenade's blast. Or it wasn't as tough as it looked..]<<<<<
--Ferret (20:33:12/ 03-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-27-12/2050:36>
>>>>>[It could have been a simple coincidence, Card. Though there's another possibility. Can you see the astral? Have any of your recent packages had an aura about them? From the sound of it, the spirit was probably free, since a spirit that had been summoned or bound would have kept attacking you until it was disrupted or you were dead. Physical blows, if there is enough strength of will or personality behind them, can harm a spirit. And many adepts have the power to make their blows into magical attacks, which would affect a spirit as surely as a magician's spell.

Whether you actually damaged it or not, when a spirit materializes, it has a solid form, which can be acted upon. So you did hit it in the face, and even if it didn't actually hurt it, you likely surprised it enough that it decided not to press the issue.

And Ferret, it sounds to me like you got lucky, pure and simple. Even a weak toxic spirit can be a deadly challenge to the mundane. No offense meant, but there is a reason why Firewatch teams are comprised mostly of Awakened types and people with heavy weapons.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:50:32/03-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-27-12/2200:23>
>>>>>[Ice, I think you've been tutoring for too long, you're trying to give me tips on how to do wetwork. Hahaha.

On a side note, I have seized a considerable asset for myself and I have been able to track the spirit to a possible target. I arrived there too late, of course, but the spirit was still there. I told it "You and your handler are playing in my backyard, interfering in my plans... And I don't like it! You better back the frag off because I'm going to get you both!". It looked at me and, to my surprise, it recognized me and instantly fled. It could have tried to take one at me but instead decided to take off. Well, it is true that my name was not on the list the last time I checked.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (22:00:513/03-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-27-12/2300:58>
>>>>>[Not trying to teach you your game, Smiley. Just giving the up and comers an example in why that is Advanced Theory, and shouldn't be done before you're ready. Just because you're one of the only wetwork specialists on this VPN doesn't mean that these younglings won't get called up for a hit some day. When it happens, unless they're coming after me, I stand to gain more if they are better prepared than the goons who just tried to geek me.

Nice work on tracking the spirit down, though. The fact that it fled means it may have had orders only to engage the targets, or it simply didn't feel like attacking you. Spirits can be tricky to fathom, since their world view is so different from ours. Free spirits are even more so.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:00:00/03-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-28-12/0659:35>
>>>>>[The newest update to my comlink won't let me play my pirated Music Sims. I even lost the oldies, anyone got a crack for The Shadows  and JB's albums?]<<<<<
     --Morg (06:59:04/03-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-28-12/1152:59>
>>>>>[I have just heard a most interesting rumor from one of my associates. They claim the reason behind the technical delays for the Ares Excalibur is thus: My source says their problems stem from the fact that they are preparing the Excalibur as a vessel for a bound spirit to combine a weapon personality with the spirit's personality. If true, the weapon would be incredibly sturdy, as it would be immune to non-magical damage and have some magical abilities as well which would be controllable by the user's PAN. It is a ridiculously ludicrous rumor and I laughed until my chest ached so I thought I would pass it along. While I do not consider myself an expert in the matters arcane, some things are simply incompatible. Like water and oil for instance.

By the way Ice, are you certain the reason the runner team was sent after you was not politically motivated? I ask because the last time I crossed the Tir border, a team of two foolish young men were sent to "give me a message' from one of my family's many political rivals. I can only assume their message was a demonstration of how much blood the human body can contain when it's head is severed. I know I do not have to warn you about the Byzantine political maneuvering that is involved in dealing with our homeland. Consider this some friendly advice: Remember that sometimes nothing is more elusive than an obvious fact when when it hides behind a lie that we wish to believe. However, if they were the makkanagee morkhan that were responsible for the death of your sister, they received a just reward for their foolishness.]<<<<<
     --Shrike (10:52:03/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-28-12/1216:34>
>>>>>[Oh, the ones who killed my sister didn't live out the first month after the Princes left. I made a special trip back to the Tir just for them. But I didn't eliminate their entire families. For one thing, I couldn't get to them all at the time, without leaving my 'guests' alone for longer than I cared to. Couldn't have one of them finding a way to escape before I finished with them. But yes, the bastards who killed Ariana are dead. The ones who tried to come after me claimed to be paid by the relatives and associates of those people. A friend in the Peace Forces confirmed that the wannabes were local runners, so there isn't much point trying to track them through their Johnson at this point.

Could have been a political rival of my parents' trying to settle a score, but if so, it was sloppily done, not like the level of intrigue you typically see. No, I'm leaning towards it being someone either looking to settle a score with me personally, or looking to move up by endearing themselves to someone further up the ladder. The lack of finesse, and using rookie runners, makes it clear that whoever it was isn't experienced in the Great Game. A corp reprisal team, or someone sent by anyone of real importance, would have been far heavier opposition, and would have at least had magical assets to counter magic.

The starlet has gotten over her shock from last night. Now she's asking the usual questions when a civilian sees you cutting down people like that. "What is it like to be possessed? What is it like to kill someone? How many people have you killed? Who was your first? Why didn't you try to take them alive?" She's asked Xerena and Wolf the same questions, though she had the decency to ask them in private.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:16:20/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-28-12/1249:03>
>>>>>[Vengeance visited upon those who have wronged us is seldom granted for us to meet out. I find myself cheered that you were able to sip the nectar from that sweet cup, though it is small satisfaction when compared to the death of a loved one. As one who has experienced similar loss, you have my sympathy, unnecessary though it may be.

I have been reviewing the conversations on this node for some time now and your dealings with this starlet are similar to an experience of mine. My team and I have recently began training an up-and-comer and it has been quite an interesting journey thus far. Explaining to her things such as"No, Mr. Johnson is not their real name, neither are they all related" and "Shadowruns do not always occur at night of within a literal shadow," had some of my team howling with laughter. She has also asked the very same queries your protege has put forward to you and your compatriots. After I had recovered from my initial mirth, I began to ponder these questions she asked, for they were innocent enough (now there is a word pregnant with meaning: innocent. How long has it been since that word could describe those such as us?).

Much of the romance associated with the term shadowrun comes from a misunderstanding of all the actual work that is involved in this vocation. I wonder how many such starlets (or would-be shadowrunners) would find waiting for hours (or days) in a vermin infested room for a single perfect shot at a target, or trudging through miles or sewage to enter an unguarded (or unknown) passage to acquire a payday exciting? After the initial rush has faded, few I am sure.}<<<<<
     -- Shrike (11:42:35/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-28-12/1353:02>
>>>>>[I have always hated waiting the quiet gives you time to worry,,,did I get sold out?..do they know.?...um i have a weird question this time; Is there such a thing as true evil and can you be it and not know....have any of you ever done something to make you wonder "Am I Evil" and if you never have does it mean something worse?]<<<<<
     --Morg (13:53:34/03-28-74
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-28-12/1408:56>
>>>>>[I agree that the quiet time before direct action can be quite unnerving Morg. I can also speak with some honesty that I have never felt the need to ask myself that particular question, "Am I evil". I have done some things that I hated myself after, but that is a separate issue.

As far as "true evil" goes... If you have ever stared into the eyes of a shedim, you already know the answer to that question. If you have never had that unfortunate experience, the answer is yes in my opinion. Unequivocally. Evil exists.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (13:12:43/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-28-12/1516:54>
>>>>>[Sorry for the odd questions, I am just in a mood...I can't get much help from the free spirits in Denver...I think they were afraid of me...when I caught one it said somethings that didn't make sense...it was the most cryptic thing I have ever herd....I need to find out who this Ogoun guy is and make him talk, I got cred if someone has info...Um on a side note whats a Loa?]<<<<<
     --Morg  (15:17:04/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-28-12/1535:26>
>>>>>[Loa are spirits venerated by practitioners of Voodoo. Also known as Santeria or Candomble in other areas of the world, followers of voodoo can conjure spirits to possess themselves (or other things or people) for various purposes. Ogoun is the name of one of the Loa traditionally associated with war.  Why do you ask, Morg?]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (14:39:11/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-28-12/1553:48>
>>>>>[I have seen true evil. Shedim and the bugs are only two shades of that evil. And I have seen things I cannot explain, that shook me worse than anything I'd seen before. Yes, true evil exists. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool. Whether this has anything to do with religion, or deities and the afterlife is a question best left to others. But there is evil in the world, make no mistake.

Can you be true evil, and not know it? No. To be truly evil requires a conscious decision to act in a certain way. But if you are not wary, you can serve true evil, and never know. There are malevolent spirits that delight in bringing out the worst in us. My own experience with them came in the form of a young woman under the influence of a shadow spirit of the succubus variety. That was, oh, just after I passed through boot camp, a couple decades ago. I managed to disrupt the spirit through astral combat, driving it off for a time. The girl I sent to division for counseling. I haven't seen anything like it before or since, though I've heard stories from others. To me, the succubus is the most insidious of the shadows, since the others have a harder time avoiding attention. A wraith will cause massive death and destruction, but in places like LA or Las Vegas, who would bat an eye at a party turning into a wild orgy?

And thank you, Shrike. That wound has healed somewhat in the last decade, but it will never be completely healed.

Morg, if the spirits told you to speak to Ogoun, then I believe that would seem to confirm what Chrona and I both suspected. You may be under the influence of a spirit of shadow, a wraith. They feed off metahumans by driving them to spread death and chaos. It is not possession, but a more subtle means of control. I cannot say more, since this is not my specialty. But an example of wraiths at work can be seen down on the Aztlan-Amazonian border, in the bloodbaths where soldiers seemed to lose their heads, and began a wanton slaughter.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:53:23/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-28-12/1722:29>
>>>>>[So I looking up a wrath spirit....the file said they look like the grim reaper, I haven't seen anything like that hanging around. I have seen the others that the file describes as "Shadows" in Kenya...they they kept me safe in the bad times after the shaman teaching me died, I learned a lot of magic from them...They are not as bad as you say they are Iceblade...and if you want my opinion Ogoun is bad news. I summoned him and he calmed  I was his priest, but he used a different word for it... I really should have learned more of the language, Bantu Swahili is not easy. When I disagreed with him he cursed me, now whenever I try to do something it is like there is this load holding me down. Karl said he was just trying to use me...I'm going home to straighten my head out, drinks on me at Infinity ...O I need a solid fake ID I can't buy drinks in a club with the one I have now]<<<<<
     --Morg (17:22:14/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-28-12/1810:38>
>>>>>[*sigh* When dealing with spirits, it is best to ignore the visual aspects of their manifestation, and focus on what the spirit actually does, and how. You've been blowing stuff up with reckless abandon, and somehow managed to summon Ogoun, or something claiming to be Ogoun. And now you're cursed, you say. And you say the shadows taught you? You're walking down a dark path, Morg.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:10:02/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-28-12/1832:35>
>>>>>[Oh Morg am I glad my mom isn't around. She'd help you just cuz you need help. No care for her one seld. Me ....I'm different I'll help you but biz is biz so we need to sit and chat . Infintiy you say . I got the drinks nut only if we sit and chat if your up for it. I need a night away from training....think I can slip away from Hope fer a bit......]<<<<<

--Marak (18:32:02/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-28-12/2119:10>
>>>>>[Ice is right about starlet, she asks questions that total newbs ask, but then again you have to realize that she is exactly that, a newb. And while she was open about asking you Ice, i think that was more her being used to her as her teacher than anything. She asked me all sorts of other questions also, like what fighting bugs were like.....and facing them is like facing an evil tide, it just keeps coming and coming. I think they and shedim are the only things i truly hate anymore, to a degree i'll even give the bleeding Azzies a break.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (21:18:33/ 03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-28-12/2130:36>
>>>>>[HAHAHA! Wow! Now someone just put his mommy on the table. By the friggin' Jade Emperor! Are we hardened criminals are what? I don't mind the help-a-newbie mentality from time to time, at least you're most probably going to gain something in return in the long run. But sometimes people, it's unbelievable how some of you speaks like they live in a world of poneys, eatin' rainbows and poopin' butterflies! I'm just sayin'... Because sincerely I hope you'll keep it up. I find it beyond hilarious!

On a more-or-less serious subject, my recent activities made me gain some substantial resources, which in turn gained me access to the dossiers the CIA, the MI6, The Canton Federation, Interpol and The Seraphim have on me. The last one dates a little but is surprisingly accurate, I guess I caught their eye on my one and only trip to "La Belle Province". No surprise there, I'm on Interpol watch list and as usual, the lack of any proof whatsoever seems to frustrates them. I'm having a blast reading those, down the fraggin' memory line! It's like an unauthorized biography. They got most of it right but obviously there are many huge holes and wild guesses (primarily on my origins). I'll admit, they're more competent than I thought. I'm waiting for the ones from MIFD and the Dawkins Group, although I'm not sure I'll get them. Haha! You should all try to get a hold of yours if you can. Its... Interesting to say the least.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (21:029:343/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-28-12/2257:46>
>>>>>[I got your friggin rainbow right here Smiley Bragging about how many watch lists your on. Uh Some like to be just a TAD bit more subtle.]<<<<<
       -- Marak (22:59:49/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-28-12/2329:29>
>>>>>[Smiley, I blame this particular mood on the alcohol as I am unusually wistful today (three bottles of taengele will do that to you). As anyone can see simply by tuning in to their favorite news site or looking out their window, ours is not a world filled with rainbows and unicorns. While I enjoy the type of work that we do, that does not mean that I do not sometimes wish for something different. Even if that particular something is impossible.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (22:32:51/03-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-28-12/2333:23>
>>>>>[The way I learned things, being on that many watch lists means you fragged up somewhere along the line, rather than being a 'badge of honor'.  Now, I'll be honest, I've fragged up a few times, but everyone does. Far as I know though, I'm not on any major watch lists. Speaking of, I probably should check that out. Thanks, you've got me paranoid now.

As to you, Morg. From what my cousin tells me, you should be careful messing with some of that drek. Never got details, but the looks on her face talking about some of that tells me I don't want details.]<<<<<
       -- Predator (22:28:20/03-28-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-29-12/0437:08>
>>>>>[Hahaha! So what I if I brag about drek? Now you're just being a TAD naive. I am subtle. You don't survive long without being subtle in the shadows. But do you really think you can do this for years without people noticing and keeping records at all? Every goddamn Johnson you worked for as a little on you. If you happen to work directly or indirectly for a corp long enough they'll have a more-or-less complete file on you. Same goes for government agencies. If you didn't know, the data track you leave is your CV for most employers since the best of them never hire on just rumors. As long as you don't leave any direct physical, magical or virtual evidence, the data trail is actually a good thing. I haven't worked for Interpol, but if you think you can come and go kill people in Europe for years without them at least noticing. To be honest, being on Interpol watch list doesn't mean drek. I knew I was on that watch list for a while and I can still come and go in Europe as I see fit. The best they can do on suspicion is putting some surveillance which is easy to fool. I honestly never really fragged up, what they know is what I want them to know. Badge of honor? Honor is for fools if you ask me. That virtue just get you killed.

In all honesty, the second part of my post was really to tell my fellow veterans to look into theirs because it's an interesting read and telling them why. But hey! If you want me to really brag, I'm filthy rich now, I sleep with as many women as I want without ever paying for it and I get so many job offers that I get to turn many down! Was that good enough? I'm sure I can do even better next time.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (04:36:31/03-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-29-12/0630:59>
>>>>>[There is no one way to run the shadows. For most, staying covert, and leaving as little of a trail as possible is the way to go. If you try to do jobs like Kane, you're going to end up getting killed, unless, like Kane, you have the skills and crew to back up the bluster.

Smiley's way is a different way. He's cultivated a rep, which acts as a double-edged sword. Yes, it brings him more (better paying) work, but it also is a means of tracking him. The fact that he is still alive means that he is good at what he does, and doesn't leave traces behind.

And then there are runners like me. How many runners do you know make regular appearances in local gossip blogs, on the arm of some socialite? How many runners can walk past the line at Dante's and head directly to Hell, without a reservation, or involving anyone named Johnson? How many of those same runners can also meet a couple of Ancients for drinks at Aces in Redmond, and not get geeked before they make it back to Downtown? There are benefits to being high profile. There are also greater risks. I use a physical mask and/or mask spell when I'm on a run, because with my face being on the 'trix, I have to worry more about such things. But having that high profile opens doors for me that I could never get through if I was just a barrens rat.

Neither way is wrong. There are simply differences between them. And I agree that anyone who's been at this a while should get a hacker to find the dossiers the corps and cops have on you. Makes for an interesting read, and it may tip you to some bad habits you've developed, that you need to break, such as always using the same exotic weapon for your wetwork, or having a particular matrix signature on your hacks.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:30:02/03-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-29-12/0843:10>
>>>>>[Smiley your a piece of work. A lot like my dad used to ...til the buildings fell on him. But I admit I'm new and not jaded on things yet. I appreciate places like this to learn from those that came before me and learn from their wisdom. Of course being what I am ...a troll , its hard to be subtle but I try. ........... if you excuse me my cousin's Hellhound is trying to gnaw thru my door again...............................................................]<<<<<

--Marak (08:43:02/03-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-29-12/0944:42>
>>>>>[I agree that there are diverse ways of running the shadows. The only "wrong" way is the one that gets you killed. Once things have progressed that far it is too late to learn from your mistake, or mistakes as the case may be.

As for me, I could not thrive in the spotlight, like Iceblade, for example. My skills do not lay in that direction. I rely on stealth, misinformation, and misdirection. My best jobs are done when no one ever knew I had been there. You must use the skills that you possess (or buy them), learn new ones, or rely on team members who possess the skills that you lack. Sometimes, that does not work, whether that is due to bad luck, poor legwork, betrayal, or just plain better opposition. Improvisation and the ability to think on one's feet are skills that should be honed.

Also, I will take you advice and get our resident hack.... I mean 'decker' to hunt down any information on me and my team.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (08:41:39/03-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-29-12/1329:03>
>>>>>[Touche, Iceblade. Still, I have to disagree with what he said about honor, though, there is the fact that one man's code of honor is very often very different from the next person's.

I don't know how you manage those appearances, Iceblade. There was a time when I could've fit in at those events, but I've fallen out of most of the habits of what's to be expected in those circles. I'd need a lot of practicing to get back into that scene.]<<<<<

-- Predator (12:21:50/03-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-29-12/1404:46>
>>>>>[Oh, there really isn't any secret to it, Predator. The image of a renegade Tir nobleman on the run after a revolution forced him from his home is such a romantic one, don't you think? It is the same reason why people want to make a reality show following the Ancients around. To humans, elves are glamorous. And most of the people in positions of power are human. So by playing that card, I can get into many circles. In addition, making a cover where you're a male escort/bodyguard to the elite and powerful means that while I can go out and enjoy myself as I please, I also have women paying me to have sex with them. Some just want some companionship on 'their level', or they want to try what a real nobleman is like, or whatever. And sometimes they want someone who can protect them at their most vulnerable. Women desire companionship just like men do. I offer a stress-free way for them to get it, and they know I won't embarrass them in front of their friends.

Most of my clients for that kind of work are humans and elves. A few dwarves, as well. But not many orks, and only a single troll, from that metavariant they have over in Tir na Nog. There are many reasons for that, but the main two are that humans and elves are better able to pay my rates, and I simply don't get that many requests from orks and trolls, who, from what I've seen, tend to stick to their own.

But really, as far as getting by in high society situations, I was born into it, Predator, and it takes more than a revolution to stop me from living that life. My ability to drop into lower class situations I credit to my time in the army.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:04:23/03-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-29-12/1431:14>
>>>>>[I wasn't born quite as high as you were, but I was born higher up than most. What I really need is more a 'refresher' to resharpen those things that have gotten pretty rusty in past years from disuse. Actually a bit embarrassed that I've let that stuff slip so much.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:27:34/03-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-29-12/1718:02>
>>>>>["Born Higher up" I think it would have been nice to have gone to school or know who my parents were. You make it sound like you have your silverware Dikoted just to give it an extra sheen why are you even doing runs?....sorry it's a sore point...starting up some more salvaging if anyone is looking for something tell me ,I need to pay off a massive bar tab. By the way Iceblade this sims-starlet  you are watching ...um is she hot? whats her P2 rateing? does she like green hair? O and is she single? if she needs to stay in the Tir i can make it to her I know how to run borders. I will send some of my best recordings so she can see me in action...could you tell me if she is interested?....O and last thing if you can't tell what a spirit is by looking at it then how do you do it?]<<<<<

--Morg (17:18:40/03-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-29-12/1819:29>
>>>>>[Oh, no problem, Morg. I get that question quite a bit. There are several answers I could give you, but they basically boil down to the fact that I am a cold-blooded killer who follows Shark, and Shark doesn't like to swim idly. I would be terribly bored if I didn't go on runs.

The starlet is not single, no. And saying more would violate a confidentiality clause in my contract.

As for how to tell what kind of spirit you're dealing with, assensing can give you clues, but sufficiently powerful free spirits can hide their aura, or appear as something different. And spirits of different traditions will look different on the material and the astral. For instance, while my tradition is a possession tradition, when my spirits appear on the astral, they appear as metahuman swordsmen, with subtle clues as to what kind of spirit they are. But without detailed assensing, someone of another tradition would be hard-pressed to tell which kind of spirit it was, until it began using some of its abilities. A spirit who throws fire at you is usually (but not always) a spirit of Fire, for instance. I have seen Spirits of Man that looked like everything from Christy Daee to a wendigo to Dunkelzhan to a little anthropomorphic mouse in a Musketeer costume.

And one other thing. Never trust a spirit. They are useful allies, and when bound or summoned can be counted on to be loyal, but free and wild spirits always have their own agendas. We are passing, immaterial things to them, so you should never make a bargain with them without carefully considering the implications. Treat them with respect, but trust them as much as you would a dragon.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:19:20/03-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-29-12/2000:01>
>>>>>[Me? A piece of work? It's true that I'm even more marvelous than Michelangelo's David. Hahaha!

Not single hm? That shouldn't stop a man for going after what he wants. Haha! And there's many reasons why someone rich would stay in the biz. My reason is as simple as I'm having too much fun. Others would say adrenaline and some would tell you that they don't know what else to do. Take your pick really.

But that's it for now, I gotta go! I'm at the Powerline and there is a few ladies who are demanding my full attention.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (20:00:03/03-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <03-29-12/2019:49>
>>>>>[Hmm, Considering getting a bodyguard license for my legal face. Figure that or being a bouncer would be good work. Won't violate my zen either. Sure, I'll likely end up hurting someone, but likely only after they try to break a bottle or something stupid. I mean really, that drek don't work the way everyone wants it to. Either you miss, or the guy dodges, or you're REALLY drunk and aren't hitting nearly as hard as you think. And you can attribute that lesson to the tao of the barfight. I'm still bruised up from last weekend.]<<<<<

     --Card (20:19:20/3-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-29-12/2043:58>
>>>>>[I do runs to make ends meet still. Had to spend pretty much all my inheritance after my folks died keeping food on the table and rent paid while I finished school. Good chunk of the rest of that went into the stuff I got so that I could survive the runner world.]<<<<<

     --Predator (19:40:47/3-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <03-29-12/2205:31>
>>>>>[ I do runs so that there's a home to come home to ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:05:50/03-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-29-12/2215:36>
>>>>>[Well spoken, Wyrm.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (21:17:45/03-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <03-29-12/2243:08>
>>>>>[ *run_sigh*  Yeah, but probably misconstrued anyhow. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:45:00/03-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-30-12/0653:22>
>>>>>[Card, I'd go with the bouncer role, at least until you've got more skill with guns. A bouncer only needs to be able to subdue the troublemakers, or beat them bloody and throw them outside. A bodyguard has to be able to cover his charge's escape if they are attacked, which you can't do effectively with martial arts alone. Even a light pistol can cause someone to duck behind cover long enough for you to get your charge out of the line of fire. And you won't be able to just speed off on your bike, so the normal tactic of getting out of the situation won't fly.

But your skills are perfect for a bouncer. When you find a gig, make friends with the bartender and a couple members of the local gang. The bartender knows most everything that goes on in the bar, who the regulars are, who's likely to cause trouble, and so on. And if the local gang likes you, then you can try and keep them from causing any trouble, making yourself more valuable to the owner.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:53:23/03-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-30-12/1342:06>
>>>>>[Thanks chummers for the tutorsofts these will help greatly but I don't need spells I need someone willing to teach me about magic. Chrona you were kind of right about somethings Horizon bought my edited footage from the stuffer shack encounter, I will send you a cut and could you find out it the Halloweeners are...<<static>>[spoiler]...hard to think anymore...It kills when I sleep...I am not me...stay away...[/spoiler]<<static>> ...still sore about what happened. Finally I have some great news a PMC is intrested in me! I might get on "Jungle Wars"! I know it's a "Desert Wars" knockoff but I have to start somewhere and my P2 just hit 2503!]<<<<<
          -- Morg (13:29:40/03-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-30-12/1449:15>
>>>>>[I'd offer to set you up with my cousin, but from what you've said, I'm not all that sure that her way of working the mojo would really help you out all that much. She's all logical and scientific with how she does things being a hermetic and all. That, and she charges out the wazoo for lessons.]<<<<<

--Predator (13:47:02/03-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-30-12/1524:37>
>>>>>[I don't need to know how to do magic, I just need to know about magic so she may know what I need, as for payment...um does your cousin like younger men?]<<<<<

--Morg (15:27:02/03-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-30-12/1534:59>
>>>>>[And that would be another reason why it wouldn't be such a great idea. The last guy to flirt with her--well let's just say he didn't feel up to flirting again for a couple weeks. Tell ya what though, I'll see about getting her to send me some primers.]<<<<<

--Predator (14:32:08/03-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-30-12/1745:02>
>>>>>[I feel like celebrating... What should I buy? Suggestions? Anything!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (17:44:22/03-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <03-30-12/1804:42>
>>>>>[I would suggest tickets to the upcoming Chrome Kings of the '50's, Smiley. The line up is impressive (and so is the cost of admission).]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (17:04:13/03-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-30-12/1838:18>
>>>>>[I suggest a nice, lovely little elf or human girl. I know that the syndicates always have some exotic fare for rent or purchase. A live-in maid is a nice way to enjoy the high life. And if you convince them that you are saving them from working in a brothel somewhere, they tend to be appreciative, or so I've been told. And if they aren't, well, you can send them my way, yes?]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (18:37:23/03-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-30-12/2201:42>
>>>>>Hey guys I need you to see this<<<<<
>>[ upload trid]<<
>> [start file]<<
>>>>>[DEAR MOTHER OF ALL THATS......... Ronin!!!! Ronin (pulls sofa outta the wall. Um chummer you throw some wicked parties or what.... furniture in the walls. MAn ....I uh have a parcel from Hope...... (looks in bathroom) uh were u dying your hair and decided to whip it all over....(sniff sniff) uh shit!!! Ronin you hurt jeez how much blood can someone loose before .....  (moan) for the ... how did you fit it the flippin fridge!!!!!!!!!! (pulls him out) shhhhh don't worry I gotcha. [hope its MArak someone tried to geek Ronin. Whatch mean again!!! I'm using a medikit now!!! kk . Then get your astral ass over here PDQ...zzt] uh hi unc hehe .... what ..... (leans close to ronin) Morg did what...<<<<<
>> [end file]<<
>>>>>This is way outta my league!<<<<<
--Marak (21:59:23/03-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <03-30-12/2214:20>
>>>>>[Yeah, bouncer fits better. Wouldn't hurt to have more bars to go to anyways. Might see if the Circus (some of you know which one) needs a spare bouncer or something, unless you guys can think of some awaken human friendly places that aren't also covers for Humanis.

Yeah, I suggest a nice quiet evening with your choice of companionship, smooth liquor of your choice, and personally? Some Classical stuff. My current significant other can't get enough of that Ozzy dude.

Holy crap that recording is so badly formatted, as is your post. I can't make heads OR tails of what the drek is going on.]<<<<<

     -- Card (22:14:05/3-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-30-12/2219:16>
>>>>>[I uh sorry electronics and computers aren't my thing. My big ass troll fingers etc. I need some help cleaning that up ...can anyone help?.]<<<<<
>>>>>[k Hows thats<<<<<
     -- Marak (22:19:05/3-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-30-12/2228:24>
>>>>>[Marak how old is that video I just left Ronin's place and he was fine...Predator I wasn't trying to hit on your cousin, I was just wondering if she would accept alternate payment plans...from your description of her I don't think that way would work...Smiley I have an old school first gen Ares Predator if you have the cred I can fix it up maybe Gold plate it or what ever work you want done...Marak I am heading over]<<<<<

     --Morg (22:28:36/03-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-30-12/2233:56>
>>>>>[I uh...No one ever said there would be days like this. Oh hell.....................................................]<<<<<

     --Marak (22:33:36/03-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <03-31-12/0447:06>
>>>>>[Anyone here knowledgable about rifles? I'm looking for a Sig Sauer 574 with internal smartgun systems, but I can't seem to find any with integrated SG. Does anyone know if Sig ever even made them?]<<<<<

     --Doc (01:49:12/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-31-12/0659:53>
>>>>>[Quick anyone know how someone can go from happy normal kid to a pscho killer in the span of minutes? Quick he's coming back . I didn't think a troll's arm is supposed to bend that way. How did this kid lift a huge drekking troll and throw him through a wall? Anyone? Hello? Crap he's here......................]<<<<<

     --Marak (06:59:12/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-31-12/1026:29>
>>>>>[Sometimes it is a burden being right as often as I am.

Marak, if you're talking about Morg, then you should consider him under the influence of a wraith, if he hasn't actually made a pact with the damn thing. Unless you're very skilled in banishing, aim for the head, and put him down, hard. You'll be doing him (and yourself) a favor. And then run to the nearest mage you know, and get your aura checked, and Ronin's too, just to make sure the thing doesn't latch on to one of you. Do it quick, before the spirit has a chance to influence him further.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:25:32/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-31-12/1413:14>
>>>>>{Doc I can integrate an internal smartlink for your Sig but they  are not manufactured with it...Marak it wasn't me someone was using Physical mask, Ronin has lots of enemies so don't get that paranoid. Why don't we go and catch the SuperSonics game tonight <<static>[spoiler]...Marak...stop...bomb...ugh...[/spoiler]<<static>> Hope has to defuse a situation so he won't be making it...Iceblade you wound me, I thought we were friends. I'll be in need of a change of venue soon enough I think I'll come visit. We can talk this out and come to an understanding. I know you have enemies that need dealing with and I don't charge much]<<<<<

     --Morg (14:13:32/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-31-12/1502:07>
<<peeks out window>>
<<OPENS WINDOW>>
<<pushes Ronin out bedroom window in dumpster filled with pillows>>
>>>>>[Good thing you have a dumpster below your bedroom window Ronin. Uh ]<<<<<
>>>>>[uh Hi Morg ..... oh drek! ]<<<<<
>>>>>[Guys kinda hard to shot when whatever Morg is blasts you out a window before you can pull the trigger]>>>>>

--Marak (15:03:32/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-31-12/1511:27>
>>>>>[Well Iceblade the I filled the alley with enough bullets from my Ingram super mach. I know his head looked like it went splat but I took off with Ronin. Didn't look back......I'm taking him to get checked out by a doc and a mage!.]<<<<<

--Marak (15:11:32/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <03-31-12/1603:00>
>>>>>[I am disappointed Chummer always check your kills especially when they are Awakened]<<<<<

     --Morg (16:02:32/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-31-12/1613:58>
>>>>>[Sweet petunia!! I swear I hit him. Honest. Guys ....Iceblade! How the drek do you kill Morg..uh it...I have visions of those bad horror trids. DOn't go off alone, open locked chests behind a locked door etc etc. I know anyone got a rocket launcher...............By the by Ronin is in critical care . No clue if he's going to make it. Uncle Hope is bringing some serious magical stuff to take a look at him or so he says. I tell you one thing I'm not staying in one place too long.......ah hell I think he found me.....]<<<<<

     --Marak (16:14:32/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-31-12/2016:05>
>>>>>[Morg, even with a wraith helping you, you're no match for me. Even if you get past the border. By the way, your picture has been delivered to the TTPF, with the advisory that you're under the influence of a wraith. And I've spread the word to some of the smugglers I know as well. Tir Tairngir isn't the UCAS, kid. We know how to deal with Awakened threats.

Marak, keep cool. I know it isn't what you'd like to hear, but head through Glow City. The background count is high enough there that it should weaken Morg a lot. It will also weaken the spirit's ability to help him.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:15:10/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-31-12/2020:23>
>>>>>[Ah man glow city. Why not just run for the border....duh I'd get shot.  Well time to be a nightlight. Hmmmm wonder if that Panther is still where ....oops zzzt]<<<<<

--Marak (20:20:10/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-31-12/2038:34>
>>>>>[I don't believe it's a wraith per se.

Set him on fire. Then I'll be sure.]<<<<<

--Chrona (01:37:10/04-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <03-31-12/2044:04>
>>>>>[Fire ...really really. Drek right molotov his kester. I always loved bbq ....jeesh too dark. Anyways if I see him . I'll try fire bombing him for ya Chorona. If I live I'll let ya know..]<<<<<

--Marak (20:44:10/03-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-01-12/0743:13>

>>>>>[Just thinking on the fly and please everyone chime in. How about an exorcism. And does anyone know one. At the start I really didn't want to kill this kid, but thats slowly going away. The lights are on but no one is home kinda deal I guess. K I gotta go I'm setting a little surprise the next time Morgzilla finds me. I'm still open to suggestions people.]<<<<<

--Marak (07:44:10/04-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-01-12/0931:10>
>>>>>[What you're talking about is a very specialized field, Marak. Most people don't have the skills to break the kind of link Morg's affected by. Your best bet is to shoot him, burn the corpse, cut off the head, and throw it all through a wood chipper, before salting the ground it falls on. Or if you know someone who can whistle up a Thor shot, that'd be fine, too. There is no such thing as overkill in a situation like this.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:30:23/04-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-01-12/1300:04>
>>>>>[Meh you guys are no fun. I just wanted to go on a random buying spree. You know... Acquiring random useless and expensive drek. Women? Really? How would that be different from my typical day? I am disappoint! But I did find the Chrome Kings of the '50's idea appealing so I bought my tickets and found a way to not be doing the lineup.

Although I don't really buy the "You are no match for me Morg" because in my opinion, anyone in the right circumstances with the right tools is a match for anyone, Ice is right about one thing. Just find enough firepower to obliterate him, destroy the body with termite and spread what's left to the four corners of the world, way easier than going through the trouble of finding the right spell caster. It's not like the guy is of any use to you anyway.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (13:00:07/04-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <04-01-12/1726:04>
>>>>>[Marak, I suggest contacting the Seattle chapters of DIMR and the Draco Foundation. I have a 'friend' who works for them sometimes. She tells me that they study things like this. They have some impressive resources to bring to bear, both mundane and magical.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (16:24:13/04-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-02-12/0108:06>
>>>>>[Marak it is toying with you. Hope said it is using Masking on people near you and feeding when you kill them. Any one know if going on a Meta-trek thingy and asking the Loa for help would work? He seemed mad last time and I don't want to get cursed even more...O I have some grass that is suppose to let you project and someone to help guide me to the Meta...Plane..hey I got one!...O and why do so many things that have to do with magic have meta in front of it! Is it just a fancy way of saying magical?]<<<<<

     --Morg (01:08:33/04-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-02-12/1232:13>
>>>>>[Like I'm gonna listen to you Morgzilla!!!!!! I'm heading to the only place that can prob help me Draco something? By the way to the section of rat city or glow city that just had some urban renewal. The trap was a bigger explosion than I expected.....sorry. What the Drek did I do to get zilla guy so jacked to come after me?? Wait what.....................................]<<<<<

     --Marak (12:32:33/04-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-02-12/1844:38>
>>>>>[Any 'urban renewal' you could possibly do to Glow City (up to and including a Thor shot) would be a major improvement. The mana in that place burns. If you can, follow Shrike's suggestion. The Draco foundation will have better resources to deal with such things. Of course, if you've got a decent SIN, you may consider heading into one of the better parts of town, and putting in an emergency call to the Knights. Let them know there's a crazed mage on the loose, and let them have at him. Or if you have friends in the Yakuza or one of the other syndicates, they might be able to help, as well. Basically, get someone to bring as many guns as possible to the party. At this point, the Knights may be your best bet, especially if you can lead him close to one of their main precincts.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:44:23/04-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-02-12/2032:16>
>>>>>[Just giving the heads up... We, boys and girls of Thanks for Coming Out, are playing with Wild Cards at The Skeleton this Friday. We'll be playing with Mozart 68 and Strings of Madness as opening bands. This was a very last minute booking, the good fellas of Wild Cards needed a headliner replacement and thought of us. There will be others playing too all night but that'll be the main event of the night. Tickets are free for VU93 members, just say you'll be there. It would be really nice to share the planks with Grim Aurora one of the days.

Speaking of music, I'm curious, what's your favorite genre chummers? What drek are you listening to these days?]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (20:32:39/04-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-02-12/2141:08>
>>>>>[Classical.]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (02:40:39/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-02-12/2155:15>
>>>>>[Well anything with a good beat...I guess.....drek how is he finding me so quickly.....
I'm heading to Draco ant want to come and lay down fire. I need all the help I can get. I sent them a heads up but haven't heard squat back..]<<<<<
       -- Marak (22:35:39/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-02-12/2312:30>
>>>>>[Before the revolution, I'd had the opportunity to go backstage to see Maria Mercurial, Grim Aurora, and Deirdre, when they were doing concerts in the Tir or Seattle. Rank and its privileges, you know. All three were excellent shows, and the afterparties!

As for what I listen to now? Those three are still on my list, and I took Xerena, the starlet, Wolf, and his apprentice out to Malek'thas to see Darkvine play one of his shows the other night. I've also traveled to see Ahi and Ar Canan in concert. But I tend to listen to classic rock when I want to relax, though there are times when playing an old crooner makes the ladies melt. Xerena especially loves it when-- OW! What you do that for? -- Sorry, Xerena just went a bit crazy and hit me for no reason.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:12:21/04-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <04-03-12/0015:37>
>>>>>[ You dont give a lady's secrets away Ice, its not a wise thing to do. Marak, dont expect DIMR to call you back. They called me. Thankfully i hadn't left Seattle yet. I'm heading your way now. ]<<<<<  --Wolfgar(23:13:45 /04-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-03-12/0132:00>
>>>>>[That old dude Ozzy is pretty awesome. I personally think he puts most bands today to shame, outside of like, Mercurial. I'd say something about Smiley's and Xerena's, but I haven't seen them play, so I might take this chance for at least Thanks for Coming Out. Not like I have a lot going on on Friday.
 I got a few other bands that didn't really get main stream, so it's actually fairly unlikely you heard of them. Helps that they haven't played since the 30s or so.]<<<<<

     -- Card (00:30:20/4-2-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <04-03-12/0136:14>
>>>>>[Darkvine, Mercurial, Concrete Dreams, the Shadows, Deirdre and Jetblack. I met Deirdre back in '63 right after she released Aitiu. There were rumors circulating that she was High Prince Surehand's daughter. Smelled like a smear campaign to me, although there did seem to be a resemblance. I like an old band called Metallica also. Thanks for the invite, and put me down for the show, Smiley.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike "Cogito ergo iugulo" (00:34:32/04-03-12)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-03-12/0710:20>
>>>>>[The rumors about Deirdre and the High Prince were going on well before the revolution, but they got stronger when Charisma Associates, presumably as part of the deal that got the Princes to leave without any real fighting, picked up Deirdre, and gave her a big push. She is a very talented woman, regardless, and I do agree with Shrike that she bears a strong resemblance to the High Prince. Even if you aren't fortunate enough to speak Sperethiel, her songs are simply beautiful.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:10:34/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <04-03-12/0946:35>
>>>>>[Nice to see that people still appreciate classics around here, uncle of mine who's only semi-retired likes old country songs and his "apprentice" loves classic Rob Zombie. He even names his T-birds after Zombie songs. Both love to hack comm-channels and blast their favorites. Yeah, music is big in my family; you either learn to play, sing, or shoot...often all the above.  If not for a twist of fate, I would have likely pursued a music career myself. I still have an old 2005 Gibson, named Gwen, that belonged to my great-grandfather, a blues player from 'Nawlins. Got it for him after he lost his 1955 Gibson was lost in a fire. Only got to play it once before he died, but boy did he, just enough to learn her name. He fought in the Vietnam war back and playing was the only thing that kept him sane when he came home, accoriding to grandpa. Even after all these years, Gwen still sings like an angel, provided she likes your soul. Maybe we'll get to play again when I'm done here. Would be nice. ]<<<<<

--Bravo Six (09:46:34/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-03-12/1132:46>
>>>>>[Classical Rock and some of it's derivatives.  Like Classical Metal.  Love Black Sabbath.  Sorry folks, out at sea and Matrix Connections are wonky at best.]<<<<<
       -- Money Johnson (11:32:18/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-03-12/1238:54>
>>>>>[Hurry up he's throw some major firepower at me now!!!! Ju ju and the lead kind. I used my last nades and claymores . A doss just this side of touristville went boom.Tried to fireball me they drekhead ghoul lovin bastardo. Mon lets get dis perdy sarted . Wher de reggae beats mon. I tink Morgzilla be brought friends both real fleshy types and spirits. No fair I got a panther with his name on it.....................]<<<<<
       -- Marak (12:32:18/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-03-12/1839:21>

>>>>>[Right To DIMR and the people that helped in any way. Morgzilla is being carted off by them as we speak. Now to life going normal, well as normal as it can get for people like us .]<<<<<
       -- Marak (18:32:18/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-03-12/1846:54>

>>>>>[But living in the orc underground I'm hearing a lot of Trogg rock, reggae and from Granny Grimm what she calls opera and jazz.]<<<<<
       -- Marak (18:47:18/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <04-03-12/2317:28>
>>>>>[Alright, Morg is locked behind some serious wards while the DIMR people take a closer look at him. The bad news is, is that it is a spirit possession, the good news is that they think they can get him cleaned up.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (10:15:45/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-04-12/0007:02>
>>>>>[Now I know how it feels to be bait. I don't like it . ANd i never got to play with the panther assault cannon . Nice and sleek .Lovely . Now what lol.]<<<<<

--Marak (23:06:45/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-04-12/0101:23>
>>>>>[Just possession, then? That's better than I expected. I'd thought the fool had made a pact with the spirit, which would be far harder to dissolve. Marak, being bait is no fun, I can attest to that. But the fact that you're alive to not like the feeling means you're better off than most people who get in that role, especially the ones that got the role thrown on them. Now, mundanes are naturally limited in what they can do to people who are possessed. If you come across the situation in the future, there are two things I'd suggest. The first would be keeping some SnS or APDS ammo on hand, depending on whether you prefer pistols or heavier weapons. Either one stands a decent chance of getting through all but the most powerful spirits' resistance to nonmagical weapons. If that doesn't work, just hit the thing, as hard as you can. It might not make sense to someone who isn't up on magic lore, but the emotion behind the attack can affect the spirit. Of course, unless you're very strong-willed, then you're not likely to land the blow. But it is better than nothing.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:01:01/04-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-04-12/1126:31>
>>>>>[Just wish they let me keep the Panther. Oh well . But looks like they want to put me under 'observation' because of events. It was the only way to get KE to back off. sigh]<<<<<

--Marak (11:01:01/04-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-04-12/1132:51>
>>>>>[The Draco people have a good reputation. I'm sure the only thing they will ask of you for keeping the Knights away is to find some artifact for them. That is the big craze now, yes?]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (11:32:23/04-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-04-12/1148:08>
>>>>>[Wolfgar, Marak, please let me know if t's a plant spirit possessing Morg, thank.]<<<<<

--Chrona (16:47:01/04-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-04-12/1203:27>
>>>>>[Chrona he's in the isolation um tank?? that what it feels like. a room with a "glass" wall so they can sit in the hall and observe. Hey mon thats what de cameras are for...right. Oh yes forgot about de assensing drek eh. When he comes to I be asking him for ya.]<<<<<

--Marak (12:03:01/04-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-04-12/1834:46>
>>>>>[Don't mention me.]<<<<<

--Chrona (23:27:01/04-04-74)

>>>>>[Spam has returned. Spam was severely restricted in matrix actions on this node for a time. Spam does not know why. Spam only wishes to help. Spam wou--
ERROR FIREWALL BREACH
sPAm wishes to HelP >>>>>[http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1613260297/shadowrun-returns]<<<<< Wh* is th.th.this program t.t.aking *ostile a-action- -
ZZZZT]<<<<<

--Spam (23:28:01/04-04-74)

>>>>>[Connection severed by BULLDREK3]<<<<<
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-04-12/2035:20>
>>>>>[Your names are all on the guest list! Just head for the door on Friday, no need to wait in the line.

Me, I listen to pretty much anything. It helps me open my creativity to other instruments, techniques and styles. I hate most of what I hear but even those sometimes gives me ideas. That's how I found the sound for our band. Mixing ska, hardcore, metal and 20th century circus music for our first album and 1950s film noir movie music in the mix for our second album. I write, produce and mix everything our band does. I also like anything that I can dance with a partner.

How's life at sea Captain' Johnson? Hahaha! I'm closing in on the bastard, I'm sure he's already feeling cornered by now. Just a matter of time. I can't have a Free Spirit doing wetwork for someone else other than me! Speaking of life at sea... That's a fraggin' good idea! Let's fraggin' buy the most expensive Yacht I can find available for sale in Seattle!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (20:35:35/04-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-04-12/2044:11>
>>>>>[Hmm. I had been thinking of getting a secondary residence in Seattle, for those times when I either need to go to ground, or want to entertain away from home. I've been looking at a couple options off and on, but I may have to look into that again once I'm back in Seattle. Only another week with the Starlet before she moves on to do her filming.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:43:23/04-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <04-04-12/2258:00>
>>>>>[Ice, if you need a place to hole up, Tarislar may be your best bet. I have a few connections there and can put in a good word for you. You may need to go 'incognito' though, those mlogs make you fairly recognizable. Drop by Speren and ask for me if you are interested.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike "iugulo ergo sum" (21:57:03/04-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-05-12/0629:48>
>>>>>[Yeah, I have connections there, too. I've gone to ground there once or twice, using the Laesa to provide protection. And the folks at the hospital know me. I go in every so often and work some healing spells when there's mass casualties. Also only place in Seattle I trust to go to get patched up when I need it. They like me because I can actually pay for my treatments, as well as doing the volunteer thing.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:29:34/04-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-06-12/0934:45>
>>>>>[   Tarislar ... ya thats good for an elf but I think Trolls would get stopped and scanned . Racial profiling at its best  .]<<<<<

--Marak (09:29:34/04-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-06-12/1225:04>
>>>>>[Think Tarislar's fun, try tangling with the Tir Border Patrol. Those jokers just love catching people crossing the border illegally. Just make sure you have someone waiting back where you came from, so when they dump you naked in the wilderness, with no memory of how you got there and no gear, someone can pick you up before the paranimals get to you.

Heh. I remember riding along with them during my army days. Cross training. Fun times. Caught a group of smugglers trying to run the border. Had some fun, then dosed them with laes across the border, and played cards to divvy up the loot.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:24:23/04-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-06-12/1310:44>
>>>>>[Um ya Iceblade I'll think I'll pass. Seems my family are a Piasma's favorite chew toy. My dad had to get his legs replaced once and an arm another. So thanks for the invite buuuut no.]<<<<<

--Marak (1:10:23/04-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-09-12/1336:31>
>>>>>[Well, a little late to post this but it was one hell of a show. The most fun I had in a gig since I started the band. I mean, when Anna asked the crowd, in a moment of what I would describe as "not being her at all", to see some titties and half the women gave her what she wanted. That was ridiculous! Hilarious what power being a musician in a popular band you can have... We love our very own Ork lesbian very much! Hahaha! Two songs played with Wild Cards, drum solo battle, two encores and a drekload of whiskey! What more can a band singer and guitarist can ask? Hope you guys had as much fun as we did!

Like I said a little late but I had to pack up for my next job. I'm currently in a T-bird, packing and armored like a motherfragger with a bunch of mercs heading for Bogota. Well somewhere in the hot zone jungle around Bogota. Won't say more but it's going to be a change not having to give so much of a drek about leaving small evidence behind.

War... It's FAN-TAS-TIC!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (13:36:11/04-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-09-12/1400:02>
>>>>>[AND THAT'S WHY I'M CALLED "Murphy" YOU MOTHERSLOTTERS!

Yeah, got my arm broken.  At the elbow.  Also caught some shrapnel, a bit of Willy-Peter that I cut out myself with a combat blade, two bullets, and a whole lot of grief and pain.  Well, all I have to say is that it's never been written in any of the books I've read, but should have:  "That which has not killed you has made a serious tactical error".

Got smuggled out to the Cascade Orks, family, and spent some time in the tank healing up.  New bone, skin, tusk, and a whole lot of angry and planning.  Got back to town two days ago, and went Old Testament Wrath of God on all the people responsible for what happened.  Seems they thought I was soft because I was in a suit, and getting kids to do the work, subcontracting out.  Well, I'm not soft.  I'm from the fraggin' Barrens and never forgot anyone who helped me get here.

Speaking of, Mr. Iceblade, thank you again for that axe.  Nothing gives a huge bit of fear in a person's face like a pissed off trog holding a big fraggin' axe!]<<<<<
       -- Murphy (13:45:30/04-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-09-12/1527:24>
>>>>>[Was a damned good show, Smiley. I'll definitely have to look into getting copies of your albums. And all that booze, I swear to the gods I thought your drummer was going to pass out and topple his set by the end of the evening.

Good to see you alive and well Murphy, and that's a DAMN fine line for certain lines of shadow work. I'm gonna have to remember that one in case I ever find a pithy or witty moment in which I can use it correctly.]<<<<<

     -- Card (14:26:35/04-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-09-12/1559:26>
>>>>>[Glad to see you settled accounts Murphy. Glad the axe came in handy again. I've said it before and I'll say it again, casting spells and knowing martial arts is fine, but nothing really makes an impression on someone like a good visible display of force. Whether it is a blade, a gun, or getting wreathed in an aura of visible energy and a shamanic mask as a powerful spirit possesses you, there are some things that just make more of an impact on people than any manabolt can. Magic may have been around for a few decades, but 'guy with a big ass blade' still resonates stronger with people than 'I can kill you with my thoughts'.

And yes, anything that tries to kill you and fails had best start running. Excepting dragons, of course. Dragon tries to kill you and fails, you thank whatever deity you pray to and keep on running. Anyone who tells you they aren't frightened when facing an angry dragon is either lying, crazy, or insanely powerful in their own right.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:59:23/04-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-10-12/0853:00>
>>>>>[AND THAT'S WHY I'M CALLED "Murphy" YOU MOTHERSLOTTERS!

Yeah, got my arm broken.  At the elbow.  Also caught some shrapnel, a bit of Willy-Peter that I cut out myself with a combat blade, two bullets, and a whole lot of grief and pain.  Well, all I have to say is that it's never been written in any of the books I've read, but should have:  "That which has not killed you has made a serious tactical error".

Got smuggled out to the Cascade Orks, family, and spent some time in the tank healing up.  New bone, skin, tusk, and a whole lot of angry and planning.  Got back to town two days ago, and went Old Testament Wrath of God on all the people responsible for what happened.  Seems they thought I was soft because I was in a suit, and getting kids to do the work, subcontracting out.  Well, I'm not soft.  I'm from the fraggin' Barrens and never forgot anyone who helped me get here.

Speaking of, Mr. Iceblade, thank you again for that axe.  Nothing gives a huge bit of fear in a person's face like a pissed off trog holding a big fraggin' axe!]<<<<<
       -- Murphy (13:45:30/04-09-74)

>>>>>[Nothin makes ppl drek themselves like a really pissed off troll with a huge combat axe. I hope you gave as good as they gave you. From one troll to another or even trogg ...thumbs up  go get em]<<<<<

--Marak (08:59:23/04-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-10-12/0904:05>
>>>>>[Indeed. Of course, when I first came to Seattle, people thought I was soft, too. Something about being an elf and a nobleman on the run. Then I had a spirit possess me and cut a troll in half with my sword. That talk stopped fairly quickly after that. Like I said, sometimes visible gestures of force are more persuasive than any amount of true power. That's part of the problem the technos have, I think. Too few people understand their power, and it doesn't serve them well in the meat, unless they have drones to call on.

With this Legion group making a play in North Am now, it might be worth seeing if I can't make contact with them. Having pissed off hackers on your side is a good thing, in my book. And I'll admit I'm a bit sympathetic to them, being a mage. And if they're butting heads with Horizon, that's going to mean a lot of work in the meat for those of us who want to take on such jobs.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:03:23/04-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-11-12/1141:19>
>>>>>[Hi all it is good to be free. I have a question what is Assets Inc?]<<<<<

--Morg (11:33:23/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-11-12/1143:55>
>>>>>[Now there is a name I haven't heard in quite some time. Even dead dragons can weave their webs.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (11:43:23/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-11-12/1249:37>
>>>>>[As am I Morg As am I. You make a great point Iceblade.]<<<<<

--Marak (12:49:23/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <04-11-12/1254:54>
>>>>>[Assets was one of the premier shadow teams back in the late fifties and early sixties.  The leader of Assets, an adept named Ryan Mercury (aka Quicksliver), was rumored to have been trained personally by the wizworm and had strong..ahem..ties to the Draco Foundation through it's first and current chair and former UCAS VP Nadia Daviar. Rumors indicated they were the Foundation's lead strike team and worked exclusively for them to further the Foundations (read Dunkelzahns) various goals and agendas. However, the team seems to have disolved after Crash 2.0 and the assasination attempt on Daviar. Whether this is true or some kind of smokescreen has yet to be determined. What is known is that Mercury and Daviar have have parted ways after Daviar's reappearance and Mercury has been sighted with a new group and persuing a new agenda that is not necessaraly the same as the Foundations. Again, if this is part of an elaborate cover or operation, no one is saying. That's the short version. Why do you want to know?]<<<<<

--Bravo Six (12:33:43/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-11-12/1311:25>
>>>>>[Bravo I was just talking with a suit from the Draco Foundation about my debt and the name came up in conversation.
Marak...I didn't get to ask you before I woke up. If it's alright can I be there for the funeral?]<<<<<

--Morg (13:13:33/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-11-12/1313:56>
>>>>>[I see no reason why not. You were a friend of his. And since I also now have the same kinda 'debt' with them. It seems we maybe working together...maybe. Who knows what this guy has planned eh.]<<<<<

--Marak (13:13:33/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-11-12/1327:03>
>>>>>[Few escape the dragons claws, once they are caught within them. You will be paying those debts for a long time yet.]<<<<<

--Faust (13:26:32/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-11-12/1418:29>
>>>>>[What kind of spirit was it?]<<<<<

-- Chrona (19:17:52/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-11-12/1432:23>
>>>>>[They never told me Chrona. Maybe Morg could tell ya?]<<<<<

--Marak (14:38:33/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <04-11-12/1446:09>
>>>>>[Working for the DF, eh? Could be worse. They tend not to screw you over automatically and are are generally on the level and pay very well, at least they've paid me well in the past. Granted, I was very clear about our relationship. Still, there is a reason they pay well, their jobs are not for the faint of heart. Keep your eyes open and get as much intell as you can.]<<<<<

--Bravo Six (14:45:53/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-11-12/2015:06>
>>>>>[They said it was a great form shadow spirit Chrona. For some reason shadow spirits would rather chat or use me as thier tool instead of drain me to death. The DF think it could be an advantage, I must do this to set things right...Oh I patched things up with Ogoun and I learned he was my true guide all this time]<<<<<

  --Morg (20:15:03/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DaveB on <04-11-12/2018:06>
>>>>>[A little late to had to the "making an impression" discussion but I'll add something anyway. Smiley always said to me that my best weapon is my reputation to get what or where I want. A weapon that needs to be sharpen and soaked in blood, tons of it, to be effective. I've discovered, as Smiley taught me, imagery is what makes an impression. If my name or the image I'm projecting is not enough to scare off people, a real display of abilities is what does the trick. The more brutal, the more violent, the more disturbing... The better. Just last week back, I had to see someone hiding in an old housing project. I walk the front door and these four guys try to stop me. I blew out of my hand one of my special powder mix in the face of the three guys on my left. When they started bleeding through the eyes, nose and ears than started vomiting their liquifying organs in front of me... I made my point and the fourth one got out of the way as fast as he could. Smiley seems to favor a similarly bloody method. He is fond of ripping one's throat with his bare hand and throwing the larynx on the other side of the room. And he's doing it so fast that he doesn't get a single drop of blood on his fingers. I've seen the effectiveness and so as Mister Wolfgar and Mister Card. As effective as ork axe skull splitting.

Oh, Mister Card... thinking of me hm? Think about this one... If I offer you a drink, will you drink it?

And now the real reason why I'm posting here. Smiley left me a note saying "Gone on vacation! Somewhere hot and humid, back in a few!". I thought it was one of his lame dirty jokes or something... But no! Here he post about going in hell itself, armed to the teeth with a bunch of mercs. Does anyone has any idea what the hell he's doing there? For him to go there, it must involves a lot of money and can't augur anything good.]<<<<<
       -- Autumn (20:17:13/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-11-12/2038:26>
>>>>>[ Liquifey their what! Jeez lady I'm sure there are other ways to show people your serious. Autumn is it ? As for who your looking for...never heard of him.
Morg hey have you heard if we're on the same team or whats going on. I keep gettin its need to know and I don't . Meh all I know I'm ready for work. With them or in the 'shade' ;) ]<<<<<

  --Marak (20:38:03/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-11-12/2101:52>
>>>>>["With me a change of trouble is as good as a vacation." --David Lloyd George

And Card, if Autumn offers you a drink, go ahead and drink. If she's going to kill you, not taking the poison won't matter.

Autumn, I've seen the crime scene photos of some of your work. Cost me dinner at Dante's with a lovely little thing in KE's evidence locker. Anyways, I've seen enough to know Smiley's been training you well.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:01:34/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-11-12/2314:23>
>>>>>[Frag. One got way too near me then. It better not be the same one again..]<<<<<

-- Chrona (04:11:34/04-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-12-12/0009:35>
>>>>>[Autumn, Iceblade is right. I figure, if you want my rear end in a coffin, I wouldn't be here right now. Granted, I might just be in China, but it depends on if you or my Grandfather gets here first. I'd personally give it even odds, given all I currently know, which is very little. And that's saying something, if you know who has claimed me as Grandson in the Triads.

And yes, Smiley's ability with the Troat Rip is quite impressive and gory. Nice reminder that everything I've heard about him is likely true.]<<<<<

     -- Card (05:09:34/4-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-12-12/1710:46>
>>>>>[Something has come up recently that I should warn fellow runners about, primarily those who live in the lower-end sprawl zones. I was hired by a neighborhood watch captain to investigate the disappearances of children from their blocks. By the way, few of them are wageslaves, those that are don't work for the rated corps. Naturally, KE rarely if ever sends a car or drone in. I couldn't refuse such a plea, unfortunate though that I wasn't in the position to offer my services for free.

I'll spare you the full story. Suffice it to say, more than a few desperate low-lives were engaged in this process, though ironically, as is the way of Ahriman's abettors, they too became victims of their employer, someone I eventually learned to be an Aztechnology wagemage. This keeb- my apologies to the elves here, but I believe this individual qualifies for the epithet- used the bloody murders to empower blood spirits. I was too late to stop him. If there was any consolation, he was heavily weakened from the ritual and I managed to deal with him and his spirits. I still have no idea, as I write this, what the blood spirits were intended to be used towards or whether the Aztech was the only one. Keep an eye out, chummers.]<<<<<
     -- Delir Emet (16:52:14/04-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-12-12/1824:58>
>>>>>[ Must have been a local apprentice.  Aztlaner bloods are considerably more competent, and plan their rituals better than that. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:24:59/04-12-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-12-12/1838:37>
>>>>>[You're probably right, Wyrm. On the other hand, that that practice seems to be circulating itself is a concern to me. If that's the apprentice, who was the teacher, eh?]<<<<<
     -- Delir Emet (18:52:04/04-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-12-12/1900:26>
>>>>>[Azzies practicing blood magic is nothing new. Hell, its practically a requirement to get to the higher levels of power, from what I've heard. But you got lucky, Delir, and don't forget it. The mage likely was overreaching, trying to impress the next level up. Common mistake among the less skilled practitioners.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:00:23/04-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-12-12/2230:53>
>>>>>[Still what this turd did to the people of redmond. Is wrong. I applaud your efforts. But back up is always smart from what I've been told.]<<<<<

--Marak (22:30:23/04-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-12-12/2358:34>
>>>>>[There, last bastard in the ground.  Send a Earth Spirit after me?  Fine.  I'll just hit up some cousins that know magic and have a bunch of spirits of my own backing me up.  And my other cousins that are combat trained for dealing with wizwyrms.  And myself.  Word is hitting the streets again that the name "Murphy" means "Hard" again.  I may not be my Uncle, but by damned I am Murphy, and that's who I am!

Also, I'm an ork, not a troll as someone suggested here earlier.  It's OK, honest mistake.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (23:58:11/04-12-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <04-13-12/0052:16>
>>>>>[Blood mages, or at least wannabes in Seattle, eh? Dosen't suprise me. Ever sence the war down south started up, a lot more have been popping up in unusual places. Blood mages have been high priority targets for Amazonia ever sence hostilities started and then there's still the bounty the DF is offering. Problem is, I've seen lot of people get their hands on bits and pieces of ritual information with some actually deciding that experimenting with it would be a good idea. That "mage" in Redmond was lucky those spirits didn't tear him apart. My company has teams specially trained to deal with blood mages and we still lose at least one to two members per op. Even wannabes are not to be taken lightly. ]<<<<<
     -- Bravo Six(00:52:04/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-13-12/0649:41>
>>>>>[Also, by the terms of the Big D's will, only live blood mages qualify for the bounty. What does the DF do with the live blood mages you turn in? I'm fairly certain I don't want to know the answer to that. The rituals and the metamagic teachings are not new. And there are... entities, not unlike the one that Morg was attached to, that wouldn't mind spreading those rituals. Personally, I'm a trained combat mage, and I wouldn't even think about trying for that bounty solo. While the sacrifices pollute the astral and corrupt the user, they do offer him great power in the short term.

Murphy, glad to hear you're dealing with things appropriately. It takes a while to establish a name for yourself when you're young, as every young punk wants a piece of you, to show how tough they are, or some such drek. If you like, I can always ask Mother to give me a copy of the formula for the spell she uses to deal with intruders and assassins. You can put them in a corner, so when the next guy comes in, trying to be bad, you just point at the statue in the corner, and tell him that was the last person who crossed you. Magic still scares the drek out of people, especially magic with serious permanent effects.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:49:23/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-13-12/0726:16>
>>>>>[What the drek!!! Sorry this will have to be quick. I have a group of Azzies chasing me thru the Plastic Jungle.Something about sins of the father. I am nuthin like my pa or Ma . To the neighbors in the jungle I appologize for the bodies , destruction or intrusion. Hell I'm not proud .....HELP!! Today of all drekking day! I have Ronin's funeral to go to for drek sakes.]<<<<<

--Marak(07:29:23/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-13-12/1122:57>

>>>>>[ok now that I have some breathing room. It started in the Ryhno , a 'floating; bar that has appeared in the platsic jungle. I was walking towards its temporary location , when this drekhead steps out into the street. wearing um ...jaguarskin? I guess. It was like out of a trid of a western. The stare down before a shoot out. Long story short I was faster. But then these guys come pouring from a rooftop. And I've been in a deadly game of hide n seek.....]<<<<<

--Marak(11:29:23/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-13-12/1238:07>
>>>>>[Anyone ever had to go on a run and maintain night classes? I started Thomaturgy 101 It turns out I am good at understanding bad mojo, I'm just terrible at explaning it and runs are going to make attendance a pain so my marks are going to suck, How do you do it and still have enough time for sleep and partying. Predator are those notes from your cousin for sale I have hard cred now. I  have a real need to pass this class...Oh and Marak I told you we would make it there in time and live to talk about it. Just because you think it's insane doesn't mean we can't do it.]<<<<<

--Morg (12:34:43/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-13-12/1259:07>
>>>>>[Can I ask what language yippiekiyeamutherf**ker is?? Banzai I understand but the other one .... Yes we made it. I need to wait til my stomach cathces up with the rest of my OMG lol.]<<<<<

--Marak (12:59:43/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-13-12/1303:47>
>>>>>[The simple answer is that you have to make choices, Morg. What is more important to you? Partying, or passing the class? As for scheduling, I find that most of my work can be fit into either daytime hours, or be incorporated into partying. But then, I'm a noble playboy with a sideline as a male escort. Partying is my day job.

Marak, that is a quote from an old trid.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:02:34/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-13-12/1323:24>
>>>>>[Wait I just read somewhere a spell exists that replaces sleep, anyone know where I can get? Is there a spell for filling my head with smartness? I could really Impress her then!]<<<<<

--Morg (13:23:26/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-13-12/1418:12>
>>>>>[Wait your doing this to impress a woman ?!? (Gibbs slap)  Hold the call....Iceblade your job is partying?! Male escort huh.......]<<<<<

--Marak (14:18:26/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-13-12/1443:22>
>>>>>[Yes, Marak. But it is a lot of work. And to run in the circles I do, you have to act the part. Like I've said before, I was born into the high life, so I know how to act around the upper crust. Then there's the fact that I'm an elf, and from the Tir, and a nobleman. It gives me a certain glamour (not the magical kind) that most high society types (and women of most stripes) respond well to. An ork or a troll would not be able to achieve the same level of success as I do in this regard. It is a simple fact that while not everyone in high society is racist, there are standards and appearances to uphold, and too few orks and trolls, in my experience, have the necessary skills. Murphy, in fact, is one of the few Barrens kids I've met who can keep from embarrassing a high society client, even in the bodyguard role.

So yes, my 'day job', as it were, is glamorous, but I can only do it at that level because I have the looks, the charisma, and the experience with high society necessary to pull it off. Plus, I'm a combat mage, so being a date that can double as a bodyguard that you can take with you to any club in Seattle, Hong Kong, Paris, New York, or Denver has its advantages, as you can imagine.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:43:23/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-13-12/1452:51>
>>>>>[Meh I'd only be good as a bodygaurd cuz I'm a 'lowly troll'.Well good thing is the ettiqutte needed can be taught but I wouldn't be able to delve into the 'upper crust' you assosiate with. ]<<<<<

--Marak (14:52:26/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-13-12/1458:26>
>>>>>[As an escort, no. As a bodyguard, certainly, once you show that you can keep from causing embarrassment to your client. There is a reason so many people like to have a big, strong troll to lean over potential troublemakers, afterall. Play to your strengths, Marak.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:58:32/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-13-12/1506:00>
>>>>>[Dats the plan Iceblade Dats the plan  8)]<<<<<

--Marak (15:06:26/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <04-13-12/1913:03>
>>>>>[Oh you fraggin bugger. (gunshot) Hey Marak, i picked up your little friends from over in the plastic jungles. Dummies think that (shotgun burst) they can take me when i have all my (shotgun burst) friends with me. I'm gonna try to take a couple of them, (shotgun burst) never mind, they caught a case of the stupids and I had a couple of magazines of Ex-explosive rounds just waiting to be used. Oh, wait, one of them is still kinda breathing, maybe i can get you some answers.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar  (18:13:26/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-13-12/2009:22>
>>>>>[They are some great fun Wolfgar if your done playing with them I'll come pick you up. Marak and I are going drinking I'll tell you all about whats going on. You can help me talk Marak out of being a bullet sponge for rich people...Oh and just a question is escort just a fancy way of saying  joyboy?]<<<<<

--Morg (20:02:13/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-13-12/2135:21>
>>>>>[To an extent. Higher class clientele, higher pay scale, and your pay comes as much for 'companionship' as for the act itself. Even the rich and powerful are people too, and sometimes they just need a few hours in the company of someone that they can be sure of their motives, rather than the pretenders and sharks (oh, the irony) of high society. Someone who won't mistake their role in the scheme of things.

So yes, there are times when it is good to be me.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:35:23/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-13-12/2247:27>
>>>>>[Wolfgar (hic) they don't seem to learn mon. Seems these bunch of azzies all using the same pea brain don't it. Morg it was just an idea to get some serious Nuyen mon. honest . Iceblade I am curious to see the sharkies in your circles but I tink it be impolite to bring dis type o heat. Dat de Jag be , don u agree mon?.]<<<<<

--Marak (22:45:23/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-13-12/2309:25>
 >>>>>[A chummer just messaged me about mind enhancing spells combined with sustaining foci, they seem to think it is a fast track to burn out. If you were boosted wouldn't you be less likely to fry? Aside from focus addiction and being a big magical target I mean.]<<<<<

--Morg  (23:08:13/04-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-14-12/0743:09>
>>>>>[A chummer just messaged me about mind enhancing spells combined with sustaining foci, they seem to think it is a fast track to burn out. If you were boosted wouldn't you be less likely to fry? Aside from focus addiction and being a big magical target I mean.]<<<<<

--Morg  (23:08:13/04-13-74)

>>>>>[Well Morg thats 2 BIG drawbacks to that. Open up the common sense part of your brain and use it. It seems to me common sense would be saying NO NO NO ...am I right Mon?.]<<<<<

--Marak  (07:43:13/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-14-12/0814:52>
>>>>>[Well Morg thats 2 BIG drawbacks to that. Open up the common sense part of your brain and use it. It seems to me common sense would be saying NO NO NO ...am I right Mon?.]<<<<<

--Marak  (07:43:13/04-14-74)

>>>>>[As a magus, I can assure you, it is not a good idea. Aside from as mentioned, the very real likelihood of focus addiction and standing out like an elf in the Big Rhino astral-wise, sustaining foci will not help with handling the negative effects of channeling the mana in the first place- which will be very severe. And spells, plural? Hit yourself with a stone until you pass out- same result, less pain.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet  (08:03:33/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-14-12/1205:54>
>>>>>[Back to the drawing board then, On a diffrent note a used turbo charger and a NOS kit for a Jackrabbit just came in to my possession. If your interested I send me a line and I'll do a drop. By the way Marak before we go to Aces again the Crush want their cut from last nights winning streak and a bit of advice to all, don't play pool with Marak you'll lose your shirt.]<<<<<

--Morg (12:05:13/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-14-12/1232:51>
>>>>>[Ya I'm giving them their cut as we speak. I'm no shark Morg , I just have lucky streks mon.  8) soo shhh  :-X. ]<<<<<

--Marak (12:32:13/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-14-12/1335:59>
>>>>>[Alright! On my way back to Seattle, one man short. Worried about me, Autumn? That's really cute! Hahaha! And thank you Iceblade, I do pride myself in training the best heartless killers this world can produce.

Oh! Check this out! For those who were wondering what I was doing in the last few days. Well, it doesn't explain it exactly but the smart ones will figure it out.

// upload media file :: user Smiley :: 04/14/74 //
// audio-to-text conversion engaged //

... Now today's news from the Aztlan-Amazonian conflict! We just learned that a small tribal village within the amazonian borders by the name of Marojo has been raided by, what evidence suggests, Aztlan commandos. The village was found yesterday by Amazonian diplomats completely destroyed with the bodies of all 312 villagers laying dead on the ground. Information released in today Amazonian leadership press release suggests that none of the villagers survived. Amongst the rubble, the body of Aztlan Colonel Manolo Vasquez, well known by Amazonian Intelligence for his ruthless black operations, was found, confirming suspicions of Aztlan involvement. Local Chieftain and renown local Shaman, Walker-within-jungle's-mists, firmly condemned this vicious attack and has announced that all the local villages have now taken up arms to avenge Marojo villagers, promising great spirit fury upon their new enemy. For its part, Aztlan leadership has denied all involvement in this attack, saying that Colonel Vasquez and his entire team had gone rogue and was declared deserters and traitors four days prior to this attack. We are still waiting for Amazonian response to this statement but we all think they will find this explanation all too convenient. This was Veronica Hanes for World News Channel.
// end file //

Don't want to steal this guy's line but... I love it when a plan comes together!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (13:35:17/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-14-12/1417:47>
>>>>>[Alright! On my way back to Seattle, one man short. Worried about me, Autumn? That's really cute! Hahaha! And thank you Iceblade, I do pride myself in training the best heartless killers this world can produce.

Oh! Check this out! For those who were wondering what I was doing in the last few days. Well, it doesn't explain it exactly but the smart ones will figure it out.

// upload media file :: user Smiley :: 04/14/74 //
// audio-to-text conversion engaged //

... Now today's news from the Aztlan-Amazonian conflict! We just learned that a small tribal village within the amazonian borders by the name of Marojo has been raided by, what evidence suggests, Aztlan commandos. The village was found yesterday by Amazonian diplomats completely destroyed with the bodies of all 312 villagers laying dead on the ground. Information released in today Amazonian leadership press release suggests that none of the villagers survived. Amongst the rubble, the body of Colonel Manolo Vasquez, well known by Amazonian Intelligence for his ruthless black operations, was found, confirming suspicions of Aztlan involvement. Local Chieftain and renown local Shaman, Walker-within-jungle's-mists, firmly condemned this vicious attack and has announced that all the local villages have now taken up arms to avenge Marojo villagers, promising great spirit fury upon their new enemy. For its part, Aztlan leadership has denied all involvement in this attack, saying that Colonel Vasquez and his entire team had gone rogue and was declared deserters and traitors four days prior to this attack. We are still waiting for Amazonian response to this statement but we all think they will find this explanation all too convenient. This was Veronica Hanes for World News Channel.
// end file //

Don't want to steal this guy's line but... I love it when a plan comes together!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (13:35:17/04-14-74)

>>>>>[Son of a.....! But that doesn't explain why Azzies are crawlin all over my behind about sins of the father. Blah blah blah. But there certainly are alor now that are meeting their ancestors.]<<<<<
       -- Marak (14:15:17/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <04-14-12/1442:57>
>>>>>[I hope both of you got out clean, and by that I mean that you left nothing behind that could be used as a material link. If you aren't sure, get some magical protection if you haven't already. And word of advice, stay away from the Yucatan/Aztlan border for the next few days.]<<<<<
       -- Bravo Six (14:15:17/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-14-12/1448:18>
>>>>>[Six that was here in Seattle in the Redmon Barrens. They came after me! I've been defending myself as a lot of people can attest to. It was a deadly hide n seek for a while]<<<<<
       -- Marak (14:48:17/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-14-12/1448:43>
>>>>>[All right!  Refreshed from my fishing trip and no longer wanting to choke a slitch due to politics!  So, what's this about Murphy breaking his arm and spirits being sent after people?]<<<<<
       -- Money Johnson (14:48:33/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-14-12/1608:26>
>>>>>[Oh hi Money...who the heck is this old...um...venerable...wise...damn it etiquette is hard, all you sleepers have it easy you guys can get skillwires and don't have to worry about complacated mystical drek..and...Nice to have a trusty veteran back in the trenches M.J. ...Murphy was almost geeked by an earth spirit...Iceblade and Smiley had some easy runs...Marak and I buried a frend...you have no idea who I am do you...she's right I am too egocentric.]<<<<<

-- Morg (16:08:23/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-14-12/1614:01>
>>>>>[Uh Morg...She who?? Hi Money. It also seems the Azzies have let the JAgs loose down south and in the barrens. The law is gettin twitchy at the amount of 'fireworks' going off here. But still too wary or afraid to come in it seems.]<<<<<

-- Marak (16:14:23/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-14-12/1709:05>
>>>>>[She's the fuzzy elf in my night classes and she just finished shooting me down. I am the lonely wanderer once more...ouch...I my resist pain spell needs recasting]<<<<<

-- Morg (17:06:47/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-14-12/1727:07>
>>>>>[Well lets get your mind off your broken heart mon. First few rounds are on me my friend.]<<<<<

-- Marak (17:27:47/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-14-12/1829:06>
>>>>>[Ah, that is classic, Smiley. Excellent work. Anything that puts the screws to the Azzies is good in my book.

Marak, as for why Azzies are after you, if they said 'sins of the father', look to make sure you don't have any close friends or family that have fragged with the Azzies in the past. They're big on the whole 'make an example of' thing, as I'm sure several here could tell you. Otherwise, it may be something else entirely. It has to be something big, though, for them to go sending in actual Jaguars to try and geek you.

Morg, that 'fuzzy elf' was likely a Night One. Not exactly common over here in North Am, but there are a few who've come over from Europe. Nocturnal Elf metavariant.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:28:23/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-14-12/1844:06>
>>>>>[I hire a Night One frequently for legwork when I don't have time to do it myself.  He's very good at it.  His boyfriend is also a 'Runner and a damned reliable one, if not someone you ever want angry at you.  The nocturnal bit is due to an issue with sunlight, like albinos.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (18:43:10/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-14-12/1852:25>
>>>>>[More than that, Money. They are actually 'hardwired' to be more active at night. Body chemistry thing, or something. Anyways, they can be very useful for night ops, but a surprising amount of biz happens in the day, and the Night One I knew while doing a stint in corpsec always seemed to be half-asleep if he got put on day shift.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:52:32/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-14-12/2108:06>
>>>>>[Ah, that is classic, Smiley. Excellent work. Anything that puts the screws to the Azzies is good in my book.

Marak, as for why Azzies are after you, if they said 'sins of the father', look to make sure you don't have any close friends or family that have fragged with the Azzies in the past. They're big on the whole 'make an example of' thing, as I'm sure several here could tell you. Otherwise, it may be something else entirely. It has to be something big, though, for them to go sending in actual Jaguars to try and geek you.

Morg, that 'fuzzy elf' was likely a Night One. Not exactly common over here in North Am, but there are a few who've come over from Europe. Nocturnal Elf metavariant.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:28:23/04-14-74)


>>>>>[Ah Hell mon! My pops had a major hardon for pissin them off, being he was texan born and bred. God rest his soul. And my Ma disappeared after his death. Same reason. I came here to make a name for myself, not to have Pops past bite me in de kester. Mon I no go look fer trouble with Azzies or der JAg attack dogs, but I'm dmn skippy not gonna run from a fight....well you know what I mean.Um on that topic, anyone good at gettin info outta people I made 3 of em do the funky chicken with the stick n shock ammo. I'd really like to know what info they have and what dey're marchin orders are mon.]<<<<<

--Marak (21:07:23/04-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-15-12/1125:26>
>>>>>[Thanks Iceblade. And yeah, it truly is one of the great classic! A little hard to prepare and execute flawlessly but still one of the most effective trick in the Intelligence biz! I really should do that more often, I don't get to use a flamethrower often enough! Hahaha!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (11:25:24/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-15-12/1343:32>
>>>>>[So what do you do with 3 Azzies hangin around by the ceiling. Pinata comes to mind! But I really want to know what they know etc. Anyone versed in texhniques wanna help?? I could channel my dad and use as a speed bag. But that won't get me the info. Hmmmm might call my fixer or Draco or someone.]<<<<<
       -- Marak (13:25:24/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-15-12/1406:44>
>>>>>[Hmm. If it was me, I would say 'Eat one, and see if that gets the other two in a talking mood'. Unless they're heavily cybered. In that case, maybe start cutting the cyber out to sell? After a certain point, the first one is going to die or pass out. By then they should be quite ready to answer your questions.

And one of my friends in the Rings said that when they want information, they have someone they call a 'Stand Over Man' go and get it. Maybe you could ask them for help?

By the way, anyone know whatever happened to that Spam guy? He was always nice to talk to.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (14:06:23/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-15-12/1443:13>
>>>>>[Eating them?!? Really really really um no thanks. Hey Morg you think the Crush would like to 'talk' to these fraggers? Since the blew through a couple of their establishments during the chase. Hey Wyrm at the mention of your name one seemed to get really uncomfortable . Ghoulcab......hmmmmm drop em naked in the middle of choulcity . Oh they hated that idea.]<<<<<

--Marak (14:43:23/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-15-12/1450:50>
>>>>>[I cannot endorse Ghoul Cab enough for the disposal of bodies, living or dead.  Figure out which guy is low on the ranking, and have Ghoul Cab pick him up in their Three-Body Trunks, and let the other two watch.  Then smile and say, "We're going to get nasty now" in your happiest voice and watch how fast they start talking.

Wish I could do that with some of the people I'm working with at the moment.  ...  NO!  No marks on the body that can be seen by the cameras.  Just...  Just wreck his car or house or something.  All Father, where are these Shadowkiddies coming from?]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (14:49:10/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-15-12/1510:35>
>>>>>[Well, anytime I threaten to eat someone, they tend to take me more seriously than they would otherwise. But apparently a lot of people are scared of snakes? I don't get you metahumans sometimes. I mean, just because I can swallow a human whole, some people are scared of me. Anyways, I don't know why the Azzie would have reacted like that, Marak, unless he saw some of the trids I made for the Rings in return for them helping me get started after I was released from MCT. Apparently, some people like getting eaten. Strange, yes?]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (15:09:34/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-15-12/1539:44>
Quote
>>>>>[Well, anytime I threaten to eat someone, they tend to take me more seriously than they would otherwise. But apparently a lot of people are scared of snakes? I don't get you metahumans sometimes. I mean, just because I can swallow a human whole, some people are scared of me. Anyways, I don't know why the Azzie would have reacted like that, Marak, unless he saw some of the trids I made for the Rings in return for them helping me get started after I was released from MCT. Apparently, some people like getting eaten. Strange, yes?]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (15:09:34/04-15-74)

>>>>>[We instictively fear that we are crunchy and good with a light synthanol brew. As for your interrogation Marak... I always found certain daevas (demons) were very effective at loosening the tongue-tied. I doubt you have the capacity to conjure- but I could be wrong.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (15:35:17/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-15-12/1847:31>
>>>>>[For a few nuyen and if you can stomach it, I can send Autumn over to where you got them tied up. She brews amazing concoctions for nearly anything. Two of them I'd love to see tested for interrogation purposes. One drug make the subject develop hyper-sensitivity to nearly everything and overloads sensory inputs. Break a finger and he'll feel like his whole hand just got shredded in a blender. The other one gets them so high they'll prolly tell you everything you want and everything you don't want to hear. Hahaha! Knowing Autumn though, I'd bet she'd go for the first one.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (18:47:26/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-15-12/2011:54>
>>>>>[I feel like I'm losing my touch with the muscle work after all the hiring I've done.  Give you a discount for some hard questioning, just for the practice Mr. Marak.]<<<<<
       -- Murphy (20:11:38/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-15-12/2021:52>
>>>>>[Hmm. Those are some interesting compounds, Smiley. The hypersensitivity one, does it work on all sensations, or just pain? If it can enhance, say, pleasure as well, that would vastly expand its potential uses. Afterall, some people respond better to pleasure than pain.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:21:22/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-15-12/2118:43>
>>>>>[Hardest intel I ever had to get out of someone was a guy that worked a BDSM Club.  That was back in...  '58?  Something like that.  Luckily he had a Datajack and I had some, um, "Interesting" Simsense that made him talk.  After that, however, the problem was shutting him up.]<<<<<
       -- Money Johnson (21:18:40/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-15-12/2126:14>
>>>>>[Hardest intel I ever had to get out of someone was a guy that worked a BDSM Club.  That was back in...  '58?  Something like that.  Luckily he had a Datajack and I had some, um, "Interesting" Simsense that made him talk.  After that, however, the problem was shutting him up.]<<<<<
       -- Money Johnson (21:18:40/04-15-74)
>>>>>[The worst part is that I'm trying to imagine it.]<<<<<
       -- Delir Emet (21:25:21/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-15-12/2129:53>
>>>>>[I don't even want to remember it.  Honestly, it'd have been nicer to jack him into a Black BTL on loop for a few hours.]<<<<<
       -- Money Johnson (21:29:04/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-15-12/2141:27>
>>>>>[Being scrupulously free of drugs I wouldn't know, but wouldn't that ensure NO response?]<<<<<
       -- Delir Emet (21:40:09/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-15-12/2149:29>
>>>>>[Shooting the guy in the head seems to do the trick almost every time... I mean to make him shut up. Well, I guess I do have a few soft spots, BTLs are no-no for me. The closest thing I had to a girlfriend was a beetlehead who slowly gave up. Since then I don't use them at all for anything... And I don't even know why I give a drek about it! I just use something else, most of the time something even worse to get what I want.

Ice, I guess you could use the compound for that. Although... That's way too strong unless the goal is to win speed records. I guess you could... Oh my! That's genius, and wrong in so many ways! Hahaha!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (21:48:19/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-15-12/2201:48>
>>>>>[I think you've got the gist of it, Smiley. I never said I would use it on myself.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:01:23/04-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-16-12/1506:14>
>>>>>[I don't get it. The one keeps saying the sins of the father fall onto the sun. What kinda bulldrek is he spewing. I know Azzies have a long memeory , but how the Hell they find out I'm His seed. Hey Iceblade and Wyrmtongue seems a Yellow Lotus knows you or of you.
Wyrmtongue she's uh 'related' to you if distantly....whatever that means.
Iceblade the wat she...licked her lips at your name ...uh ya well I believe thats nuff said about dat eh mon..]<<<<<

--Marak  (15:06:23/04-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-16-12/1527:52>
>>>>>[Yeah, I get that reaction a lot. Some of them are simply predatory, and some of them are predators. I've dealt with both types before. Never one with Yellow Lotus connections, though. Haven't had much dealings with the Triads.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:18:23/04-16-74)

>>>>>[Really? It has been years since I saw any of my family. Not since I got captured and sold to Mitsuhama. Where did she come from?]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (15:27:34/04-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-16-12/1558:46>
>>>>>[Wyrmtongue all I know is she is Yak or triad . So I guess from the orient? Once I found out she was well that I booked with what info I got. The air was starting to become hazy and a ozone like smell . When I was like a block away the buliding ....imploded. Great show for the dockworkers I guess. I have 1 left and he's taking a lil message back to his bosses I am not my father period. Or keep sending goons and I'll send em back by courier in pieces .
Like man kinda hard to do biz if jags are jumpin in every so often . Am I righ mon?]<<<<<

--Marak (15:58:34/04-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-16-12/1605:22>
     >>>>>[Oh hey, I'm a Yellow Lotus! Which one is it? Couldn't possibly be Chin Bo, but could it be..nah, he's not nearly as active as he boasts. Though, last I checked, Grandfather didn't exactly put up with having members be heavily involved with corps, let alone THAT one. Hell, the mafia could be considered a megacorp, for how insular it is, I know we're close to the same. If I could request you send her to a specific drop? I think some people will have some questions for her.]<<<<<

     -- Card(15:58:39/4-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <04-16-12/1609:32>
>>>>>[I've avoided much dealing with syndicates so far, but if you are dealing with Yaks or Triads, tread lightly. You don't want them to be even more pissed at you. That's a war you can't win. They don't know how many it will take to take you out, but they know what they can use, and they have a lot more people than you could hope to take on alone.]<<<<<

-- Predator (15:06:43/04-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-16-12/1821:12>
>>>>>[Well Card  her name is Yellow Lotus ...I think not only is she Tri or Yak but of the scaly persuasion.She said she was doing this as a favor to a friend of mine and that they are even. I told her but He died and shes like doesn't matter, the scales ar enow balanced....whatever that meant.....]<<<<<

-- Marak(18:06:43/04-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <04-16-12/1849:50>
>>>>>[I hope you're not saying what I think you are.]<<<<<

-- Predator (17:47:29/04-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-16-12/1920:18>
>>>>>[Interesting. Very interesting. Well, now I have to meet this Yellow Lotus. Did she say anything about how to set up a meet, Marak?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:19:19/04-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-16-12/2107:48>
>>>>>[Guys I get the feeling that was my get outta dead free card. She did me this solid to be even with a recently dead friend. If you know what I mean? Predator I don't know what you think me thinkiong about mon.
Iceblade the way I did was a dead drop ...but that might be out considering things .]<<<<<

--Marak (21:09:19/04-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-17-12/0207:47>
     >>>>>[Ah, not what I was thinking. Ahwell. Back to beer and this weeks motocross replays. I heard the commitee was thinking of penalizing a racer for overcharging his motor, and I wanna see if I can't hear it.]<<<<<

     -- Card (23:07:04/04-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-17-12/0858:44>
>>>>>[Well, sent a message to the dead drop Marak gave me. Going to be back in Seattle for a time, just to see what this Yellow Lotus is about. Oh, and the starlet is off back to LA, to start filming on her new trid. I actually got her to be competent with the blades I trained her in. So the bladework in the actual filming will have a more authentic feel for it, especially on the simsense tracks.

And I'm bringing a few choice Tir liquors back with me. This is the good stuff, that you just can't get legally outside the Tir. I admit, I have a weakness for Taengele Falan, and I even managed to get a couple bottles of Alamestra for doing a favor for a friend. Fifteen thousand a bottle, but worth every bit of it.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:58:38/04-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-17-12/1130:41>
>>>>>[Well made some nice cred with what info i did gather . So those that know where to find me will , those who don't I'll be checkin in every now n then mon. I be off the grid eh. Gonna watch see whats what. No need to poke an already angry hive eh mon. I'm out.]<<<<<

--Marak (11:28:38/04-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-18-12/1950:01>
>>>>>[I just picked up a few more gun shot wounds...um can you get addicted to the spell resist pain like you can with a chemical analgesic?...Next I have a few homemade grenades for sale they may look like crap but it will make just as much salsa as the next party favor...I need whatever info you guys have about Amerindian spirits, cred for quick delivery of paydata,..um wait a sec how would I sight that as a source in my paper..never mind I'll figure it out..Oh what political ramifications occurred due to the Great Ghost  dance...I need that one for tomorrows test...Oh last thing how many bullets can you have in your body before you have to worry about lead poisoning?]<<<<<

--Morg (19:50:13/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-18-12/2014:02>
>>>>>[Spell addiction?  Yes, but it's only a psychological addiction, rather than a physical one.  Chummer of mine wrote a paper on it to get tenure.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (21:13:42/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-18-12/2032:49>
>>>>>[Some of it is psychological. But spells with physical effects on the body can have a physical addiction. It is the same as taking long haul to stay up, or sleep meds to fall asleep. Do it long enough, and your body doesn't know how to function without the spell. And once you're hooked, the best you can ever do is try and manage it. Short of getting someone to rewire your brain, an addict is an addict for life. Alcohol, eX, tempo, or what have you, it is all the same in that regard. Some just get to you harder and quicker, but once you're hooked, you're hooked.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:32:03/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-18-12/2036:55>
>>>>>[I would like to see that paper Money can you beam it to me? Delir you said you were going to be here half hour ago. I kind of need you patch me up again so I can look good for class...and bring a gun]<<<<<

--Morg (20:36:43/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-18-12/2040:41>
>>>>>[Hear that knock, omae?]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (20:39:02/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-18-12/2051:48>
>>>>>[At this point, I can only ascribe Morg's survival to the beneficince of fate. I would presume that a troll would be rendered certainly dead by the extent of injuries taken here. In any case, I've started healing him, but the sheer demand of mana nearly overwhelmed me the first time around. This is going to be a while. Who did this to you?]<<<<<

-- Delir Emet (20:49:51/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Neo Strider on <04-18-12/2110:01>
>>>>>[Never doubt a man's sheer stubborness keeping him up and running well past when he shouldn't be]<<<<<
     -- Neo Strider (21:10:02/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-18-12/2122:04>
>>>>>[What the frag? Just learned from Daviar herself that I have an unclaimed bequest from Dunkelzhan under my hm... Let's call it my "unspoken name". And told me she was sorry for the delay since it was explicitly written that she had to do this herself and not speak the name to anyone. Apparently it was really hard to attach that name to me when she can't speak it. Well I guess it wasn't hard enough! FRAG! She's going to have a choice when we meet again to hand me the drek left for me or else it's not going to end well!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (21:21:21/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <04-18-12/2143:06>
>>>>>[You lucky fragger. I could wish that I'd been left something by the Big D.]<<<<<
       -- Predator (20:42:38/04-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Neo Strider on <04-18-12/2155:08>
>>>>>[A gift from a dragon is almost as bad as a deal with one in most cases. Count yourself lucky Pred.]<<<<<
     -- Neo Strider (21:53:10/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <04-18-12/2201:10>
>>>>>[Tell that to the lucky fragger who got the classic mid-20th car.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (21:00:39/04-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-18-12/2227:48>
>>>>>[No Delir dis troll still be up mon. I think Morg tinks he be Immortal or something. I keep try to tell him this is no trid Mon. But he just grins at me and says watch this. Crazy? yes mon like a fox.]<<<<<

-- Marak (22:28:51/04-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mystic on <04-19-12/0041:47>
>>>>>[Be careful Smiley, some of the beneficiaries of Dunkelzahn's will have come up rather dead lately. Biggest theory to why is linked to the so-called artifact rush, others point to some kind of conspiracy linked to the tensions between various dragons. Either way, watch your back. Because of the business I've done for the DF in the past, I've had to deal with too many people asking very uncomfortable questions about my dealings. Those conversations have never ended well. ]<<<<<

-- Bravo Six (00:42:01/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-19-12/0302:29>
>>>>>[Thanks for de-ventilating me Delir next time I go base jumping you have first dibs...Oh and thanks for the reading material it will help with this mornings test. If you ever need a new car I can swipe, repaint, spoof chip and deliver it in under 3 hours no questions asked.]<<<<<

-- Morg (03:01:31/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-19-12/0645:40>
>>>>>[You could ask Lars Matthews about how nice it is to be included in the Big D's will, Predator.

The DF has a reputation for playing straight with runners, as far as I know. The problem is that the runs they sponsor tend to tweak the noses of a lot of very powerful individuals, including a few dragons. Which naturally tends to get the runners involved in a bit of trouble with those individuals. I haven't worked for the DF directly, though I have done the odd job for the DIMR.

One thing I do miss about the old Shadowland boards is reading the conversations between the Big D, Laughing Man, Orange Queen, Wordsmyth, and other power players. I think even Ghostwalker made an appearance once, as 'Ghost in the Machine'.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:45:23/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-19-12/0801:47>
>>>>>[When you say enemies could you be clearer as to whom you are referring...Damn it Captain Oblivious I can't use the auto-correct  it just doesn't sound like..um...I mean Ouroboros, sorry I am a sufferer of "Foot In Mouth Disease". I just remember someone else calling you that and...ok maybe I'll use the auto-correct sometimes...now where was I...Oh ya I survived my 50th gunshot wound! Drinks at Aces Marak is paying...wait that wasn't it...I remember now! Iceblade what are the names of these drekers I need to watch out for? I have to do favs for the DF...as for the shakers and movers I know Big D was the dead dragon Prez of the CAS, Lady of the Court is an Immortal ninja lesbian stripper elf in one of the Tirs and <<1.60MPS Deleted>> but I don't know who the other footnotes are...Oh and MacCallister, KageZero outed you...um...would you sign my games?]<<<<<

--Morg (07:49:13/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-19-12/0915:15>
>>>>>[Wait what///I'm paying for who? What? Where? And who put your mouth on perma-babble mon?? Isn't it cheating having the chummers here doing your homework for ya? 2 thumbs up for ingenuity tho  8) .....Wait are you saying you've brought more attention on you..as I'm walking to your place slower........]<<<<<

--Marak (09:19:13/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-19-12/0937:43>
>>>>>[No its fine some chummers didn't want to pay for their wares in the crime mall I was just getting a little punchy from blood loss, Delir patched me up so I am right as rain as soon as i cast my resist pain]<<<<<

--Morg (09:38:43/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-19-12/1157:57>
>>>>>[Right who do I need to ventilate? So Aces or Crush first? Or you wanna come for some eats at Granny Grimms? She puts out a great spread Mon.]<<<<<

--Marak (11:58:43/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-19-12/1235:47>
>>>>>[File sent, Morg.  Sorry, more teeny-'Runners I had to interview.  Well, as for winning the "Dragon Lotto", I know a winner, and I have no fragging idea what he got.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (12:35:22/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-19-12/1256:02>
>>>>>[I'll see you at Granny Grimms and fill you in Marak, Thanks MJ you have no Idea how much this will help]<<<<<

-- Morg (12:35:22/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-19-12/1303:13>
>>>>>[Morg, the DF regularly tweaks the noses of all ten megas (especially AZT, when they can), the leaders of both Tirs, the Atlantean Foundation, every other mystically-focused group, and anyone anywhere that happens to be sitting on magical artifacts, knowledge, or power sites. Oh, and the great dragons all apparently are upset because the DF is sheltering drakes instead of turning them over to their rightful dragon masters. Dunno. Some dragon thing. Long story short, they have as many enemies as your standard megacorp, as well as getting the dragons annoyed with them.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:02:34/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-19-12/1352:32>
>>>>>[And yet DF is still around despite all those enemies.  Especially the Great Dragons.  That should tell you something.  I know Dunkie was respected, but there isn't that much respect in the world.]<<<<<
-- Money Johnson (13:52:42/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-19-12/1404:28>
>>>>>[When he died, and people began trying to uncover his assets, they quickly got frustrated. We're talking about someone who kept, according to the will, a medium sized chunk of orichalcum in his fragging sock drawer! At the time, there was talk that he probably had assets comparable to any one of the megas. Aside from a fraction of that which went to beneficiaries in the will, all that went to the DF. That kind of money and influence buys a lot of cooperation. And I doubt their assets have shrunk since then. Hell, having a solid block of Ares stock has allowed Daviar to personally tweak Knight's nose on a near constant basis, while still getting the nuyen and all the info that those shares entitle her to on Ares's operations. What do you want to bet that the DF has shares in every other publicly traded mega, and probably the private ones as well?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:04:23/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-19-12/1451:03>
>>>>>[So let me get my "who is out to geek me?" scratch book out. I have to worry about the Jonson, my Team, the Megas, Evil spirits, Morther nature and her cute little woodland creatures of death, drekers that think I know too much or too little, any scumbag that wants what I got or that doesn't like my face,  the entire draconic race and Doc Frankenstein. You know the DF didn't add that much to my list...am I doing something wrong or is that most peoples list? A question for our elders...I guess when I say it that means most of you...anyone have some great stories about an arch-nemesis...Oh I will be doing some more salvage work near the ACHE if anyone wants something out of nostalgia or if you want something taken in send me a message. Faust I can pipeline some extra stuff for your guy, I'll send a price list]<<<<<

-- Morg (14:51:31/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-19-12/1716:44>
>>>>>[Thanks. The old drones have a certain nostalgic value for my friend.]<<<<<

--Faust (17:07:37/04-19-74)


>>>>>[My list is not that extensive. There are some upstarts in the Tir who wouldn't mind me being dead, and the natural and paranatural creatures of the world are a threat to the unwary, of course. Of the megas, the only one that has any particular interest in seeing me dead would be Aztechnology. I've done work for and against the others fairly evenly. And I make a point of not pissing off dragons if I can help it. As far as an arch-nemesis goes, no. Most of the people who have tried to double-cross me are either dead, or powerful enough that I simply avoid them, to keep from forcing the issue. If you've gotten someone pissed enough at you that they are going to dedicate a significant amount of time trying to thwart you, and they're still breathing, then you're probably doing something wrong.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:16:15/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-19-12/1805:52>
>>>>>[I'm not out to zilch you , wouldn't have invited you to Gram Grimm if I was. All I can say is going out with you is ceratinly intersting mon. Test my mettle against all sorts. My only question Morg is....HOW THE HELL ARE HTESE DERLICT ROADMASTERS COMING TO LIFE?!?!?!?!?!?!?]<<<<<

-- Marak (18:05:31/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-19-12/1859:10>
>>>>>[ ... Morg, who are you, what are you doing here, and why shouldn't I find a drone to aerate all of your stuff, including your clothes while you're wearing them?? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:00:00/04-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-19-12/2020:47>
>>>>>[ ... Didn't I tell you Morg. Shush on that kinda stuff! This isn't  a Trid! Mr scales there is gonna have a lil snack or we beome swiss cheese or sumpthin mon. My body has all the holes it needs . And you gets some draconic mad....Uncle H says dis to me all the time. I'm sayin it to you....what you do?? ]<<<<<
          -- Marak (20:20:00/04-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-19-12/2029:08>
>>>>>[Me, lucky? Frag no! If it's not money, mundane drek or something I am personally familiar with, I'm going Frodo on this drek and I'm tossing whatever it is in a fraggin' volcano! May they be dead or alive, I'm not playing their game! These two can go to hell! I don't care about some world changing bequests, I'm better off away from things like that! What I do care is how the heck did Daviar connected the dots? You'll tell me it took her around 17 years but she should have never been able to. An even better question is why the hell did HE used that name in this part of the will. Smiley or Joe Chan wasn't enough? I know I'm not the only one not happy about this. I'm meeting her again tomorrow, she better have answers for us.

And Wyrm is right. I'm seriously considering poking around to see if your head as any value.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (20:28:39/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-19-12/2032:57>
>>>>>[ ... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcccccchhhhhhhhooooooooo!! Morg I'm allergic to dem  mon....where did I put dat panther........ ]<<<<<
          -- Marak (20:32:00/04-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-19-12/2039:20>
>>>>>[Yeesh. Haven't heard a scream like that since my last video shoot.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (20:38:32/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-19-12/2044:53>
>>>>>[ ... wasn't a scream it was a sneeze mon .....ya thats it  ]<<<<<
          -- Marak (20:44:00/04-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-19-12/2100:01>
>>>>[Ouroboros if you want to know more about me then do your legwork. Unless I am going to be on a team with you is it really worth your time? all joking aside what crawled in to your morning NERPS and died? Look I'm not the first guy to slot you off and I wont be the last. Now unless you make a habit of killing everyone that annoys you let me just ask if we can't be friends could we not threaten each other I have to many people doing that already? Sure I don't always say things as smoothly as Iceblade,  just know I don't always mean what I say...On a less serous note, Marak your on Candid Camera you should have seen your face.]<<<<<

          -- Morg (21:00:07/04-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-19-12/2119:58>
>>>>[MORG !!!!!! Dat sort a thing isn't funny mon. lol ...ok yes it is. Now why you bring me here mon??.]<<<<<

          -- Marak (21:20:07/04-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-19-12/2123:26>
>>>>>[Meh. After a quick look up, it's not worth it. I thought with such an extensive list of enemies, chances were someone would want you badly dead. Turns out you're not hated enough for anyone to afford me or score a few points with some of the upper crust. Take that as a good opportunity to keep your head down chummer. Oh! And try not to tell everyone who you think really wants you dead. It tends to make people (like me) interested.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (21:23:44/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-19-12/2132:21>
>>>>[Ok have you guys ever seen "Guyver the Bioboosted Armor" it was in my precrash collection. I think these guys are making them! Marak and I  saw a guy wearing one. I don't know who owns the facility but if we can get one what do you think it would sell for?]<<<<<

          --Morg (21:33:11/04-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-19-12/2135:39>
>>>>[Ok what did I just say about everything isn't a trid? ..... but on the other hand ch-ching/ ]<<<<<

          --Marak (21:35:11/04-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-19-12/2158:01>
>>>>>[Smiley I have never mattered enough for anyone to care about who i was, until now! Thanks Smiley I am one step closer to the big show and becoming a Prime runner.]<<<<<
       -- Morg (21:58:24/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-19-12/2201:45>
>>>>>[***FACEPALM*** oh boy.]<<<<<
       -- Marak (22:02:24/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-19-12/2211:35>
>>>>>[Marak, I'd suggest keeping your distance from Morg. You'll live longer.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:11:00/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-19-12/2231:21>
     >>>>>[My list is thankfully short, and hopefully stays that way, but given that I'm in the shadows, I doubt it will. I have rivals in the Lotus (Granted, they'd rather just defame/dishonor me then kill me. Worse fates etc.), rival syndicates.....and I think a ganger or three in town. 'm not sure about that last one.]<<<<<

     -- Card (19:30:30/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Neo Strider on <04-19-12/2244:37>
   >>>>>[I find that if you rattle off everyone whose drek list you're on, it ends up being a ritual spell to call down the heat on you.]<<<<<

     -- Neo Strider (21:41:56/04-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-20-12/0030:36>
>>>>[Ouroboros if you want to know more about me then do your legwork. Unless I am going to be on a team with you is it really worth your time? all joking aside what crawled in to your morning NERPS and died? Look I'm not the first guy to slot you off and I wont be the last. Now unless you make a habit of killing everyone that annoys you let me just ask if we can't be friends could we not threaten each other I have to many people doing that already? Sure I don't always say things as smoothly as Iceblade,  just know I don't always mean what I say...On a less serous note, Marak your on Candid Camera you should have seen your face.]<<<<<
          -- Morg (21:00:07/04-19-2074)

>>>>[ Legwork?  On someone like you?  Ten nuyen to the corner bum will get me everything I need; hell, leaving a Dzitbalchén behind just outside Bull's doors when I leave, cued to your Matrix code, will get me absolutely everything I need.  You haven't pissed me off; you've annoyed me, a much, much more immediately dangerous situation to be in.  See, unless they're momentary irritants and out of my hair -- you know, the guy on the road driving too slowly for your tastes -- then they're going to be around for a while.  I have enough problems in my life for me to need to put up with a mosquito.  You kill a mosquito, it's out of your life forever, and it won't be bothering anyone any more.
          Twerp, we're never going to be friends.  You're never going to be an employee, a lackey, or God help me, a teammate of mine; you don't work for and against the sort of people I do.  Also, I don't threaten, it's a waste of time, because you don't need to threaten the people with a brain, and the people without a brain don't have the intelligence to recognize the sorts of statements of fact I made.  In essence, this is your cue to shut up and stop bothering me.  If you hadn't referenced me for some cast-iron stupid-shit reason, you wouldn't've ever attracted my irritation in the first place.
          Smiley, would ¥2 be enough for you to make a point of this incompetent?  Or does your ammunition cost more? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:30:00/04-20-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-20-12/0202:00>
>>>>[I'm just glad he's not working for me.

...  No, do not bring grenades.  You're working to infiltrate a crowd looking for other 'Runners trying to...  Did you hear anything I told you at all?  DID YOU???  Oh All Father, WAITRESS, ANOTHER FIVE SOYKAFF ROYALES!

I want to be back in the middle of the ocean again...]<<<<<
          -- Money Johnson (00:59:59/04-20-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-20-12/0512:44>
>>>>>[Alright alright you made your point...In other news it looks like no Bioarmor for us. It was some kind of chem storage facility for unmarked drums. The guys guarding It are hardcore operatives, you can tell by the way they walk. I don't think the chems inside were hazardous, The workers never wore chem suits nor did they have anything to clean up a spill hazardous spill. Something about the place bugs me, If I see Joe Bioarmor again I'll post a pic. If anyone is interested in Trid recordings of the of the site send me a PM]<<<<<

       -- Morg (05:13:42/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-20-12/0749:03>
>>>>>[Marak, I'd suggest keeping your distance from Morg. You'll live longer.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:11:00/04-19-74)

>>>>>[Given that I was healing Morg, that advice certainly applies to me as well.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (07:47:10/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-20-12/0849:32>
>>>>>[Don't be like that Delir Emet we're chummers now. Look I may not be the safest guy to be around. it is true that i make more money as a car thief then I do as a shadowrunner, but Marak will tell you when the chips are down I am there for my friends. What happened Ronin wasn't me and it doesn't control me anymore I have lost some folks because of that mess.  Wolfgar, Chrona If I have said or done something to make you guys break contact...please call me I'll make it square...]<<<<<

     -- Morg (08:50:41/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-20-12/1123:06>
>>>>>[He's right . He has his ... quirks but he's a chummer. Who doesn't have quirks. Whats the ol saying those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones or somthin along that line.]<<<<<

     -- Marak (11:23:41/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-20-12/1314:15>
>>>>>[ Just because you heal someone doesn't make you 'chummers'. I were you, Emet, I'd stay away. ]<<<<<
          -- Old Man McKinley (13:14:15/04-20-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-20-12/1318:09>
     >>>>>[Money, invest in a shock stick. Use it every time they don't fragging listen. If a school teacher is allowed to scare you by whipping a marker or ruler just past your head to get you to pay attention, I bet you shocking a stupid runner until he listens (at least to hear you say "No, you're fired.") is a valid tactic as well. Also, happy You Know What Day, to any who enjoy specific, non-magical green leaves.]<<<<<

     -- Card (10:16:05/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <04-20-12/1438:22>
>>>>>[No Morg, we're chill, in fact i think i have some work for you, I'll send you a file later on, its just this blasted comlink of mine is acting up. I swear, I think Leonides ate some of the damn OS software code which is making the damn thing act buggier than, well, bugs. I swear next time i go into a hive i'm bringing a cyber hound and putting the that  damn AI in charge of it.

Delir, greetings, send me some contact info and i'll put you in my rolodex as a doc contact, I always seem to have runners that need patching up on the sly.

Also, Morg, send me some files on what you got and a real good discription on the guy's armor, I remember the anime/movie your talkng about and if the armor is even close in appearance then there might be something there worth quite a bit of money.

Money, good to hear from you man, you really need to get down here  to P-cola and take you a breather.

Ice, your student is really good, and about ready to go home unless you want me to really start working him with a team. If so i really need to put one together somewhat around him.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar(13:28:15/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-20-12/1447:26>
>>>>>[Try to work him in with a team, Wolf. You and I both know how many runners (or soldiers, for that matter) may have been good in their own right, but are drek when it comes to functioning as part of a unit. And you're a better fixer than I am.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:46:32/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-20-12/1508:37>
>>>>>[Tried that in '52, back when I was still a Company Johnson, Card.  My regulars (Including the Big Murphy at the time) started carrying them as well when I named prices they didn't like.  Had to admit, fair was fair.

And, yes, I could use some 420 time myself.  But no, too much work to do and I need a clear head.]<<<<<

-- Money Johnson (15:08:22/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-20-12/1727:24>
>>>>>[Sent Wolfgar, though to be clear, I am not a doctor. I am a magus who just happens to focus my spells towards healing and similar spells. But I appreciate the networking.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (17:23:25/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-20-12/1959:15>
>>>>>[Finding folks you can work well with is very much worth it.  If you can't rely on the drekhead next to you for whatever reason, things start happening bad really fast.  Don't think Sun Tzu covered that one, but he was a big picture person.]<<<<<
-- Murphy (19:59:01/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-20-12/2200:59>
>>>>>[No I don't think Sun Tzu ever had dimwits like now a days there Murphy. These days there are way too many in the list for dumbass of the year.
I can't shake the feeling i'm forgetting something. Ever since doing recon with Morg on those armors. The hairs on the back of my neck are standing at attention and my trigger fingers are itchy.]<<<<<
-- Marak (21:59:01/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-20-12/2208:46>
>>>>>[Just a couple questions. Was this an Ares facility? And did this bio-armor happen to look like a carapace of some sort?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:08:34/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-20-12/2332:40>
>>>>>[I was scavenging near glow city I don't know who owns it, but they did follow Ares patrol protocol. I just sent my only trid copies of the place to Wolfgar if you want a peak ask him]<<<<<

  --Morg (23:32:34/04-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-21-12/0654:13>

>>>>>[Morg no worries I still have my copy. Here Iceblade view for yourself zzzzt......<static>]<<<<<

  --Marak (06:54:34/04-20-74)
<<Downloading File>>
---------------------------------------
<<Download Complete>>
<<Run Trideo File: Bioarmor Guy>>
[Shaky cam pans view to a youth with matching neon green heir, eyes and fingernails]
[Youth Salutes] Wolfgur, I think I found more then one of them. but my cam zoom is drek so I am going to get closer
[Cam flips away from the youth to a sideways view, then shakes and jolts violently for 12 mins giving half views of the facility]
[free cam pans to two men and one woman in black form fitting body armor of glistening chitin]
[the two men and the woman continue speaking to one another too quietly for the microphone to pick up]
[Youth off cam whispers] I hope the mic is picking this up. This is like something right out of Karl Combat Mage season 4, Marak what are you getting with the sensor---What heck is Necrodes littoralis---Well your a big help Marak---Ok to the waste disposal---Yes I am sure it will work this time now cowboy up and lets go
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-21-12/0724:18>
>>>>>[I call bad form chummer you were suppose to give all the copies to Wolfgar. Now we don't get paid and if i hadn't used physical masking you would have plastered my face all over VU93. I know you were being helpful but...I guess Marak and I need some help working on our professionalism a bit, Lets just hope the Intel is good after this...Oh one last thing Marak and I smuggled one of the Barrels out. They are heaver then they look, send me a PM if your interested it is still unopened]<<<<<

  --Morg (07:25:31/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-21-12/0805:10>
>>>>>[I uh...ya ... in my haste to be helpful ...jeez now I have a dumbass of the year nomination. Doncha think eh mon? Dammit . How unprofessional of me I appologize Morg I be tinkin before I post ferm now on mon.]<<<<<

  --Marak (08:05:31/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-21-12/0939:08>
>>>>>[I may be new to Seattle and de shadows mon. And it don be helpin mon that I be havin my Pops jump the gun genes. But I be guessin mon, I have a smaaterin of Ma's common snese to be balance dat out eh mon. And to Wyrmm I be tinkin you was a newb at one time or brah . I be sure you be makin mistakes or talkin too big fer your britches mon. No offense eh.
Hey Mr. Iceblade don know if it be possible being bein a gunslinger adept but I be takin any training or advice etc you may want to toss my way mon.]<<<<<

  --Marak (09:35:31/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-21-12/0958:31>
>>>>>[That's not 'bioarmor'. That's a fragging bug. Looks like the rumors about Ares being infested were true. Marak, if you don't have spells or that killing hands thing adepts can do, don't even think about taking those guys on without first getting and bonding a weapon focus. Also, stock up on insecticide before you go. The bugs hate the stuff, though the stronger stuff is basically nerve gas, so it'll kill you about as well as it will them. Otherwise, stay way the hell away from there. Between my spells and my blade, I'm better able to deal with bugs than most people, and I won't go into a nest without serious backup. Whatever job that was, if you have the chance, bail immediately, or better yet, get a whole bunch of friends, and burn the place to the ground. Just be sure to have them bring the big guns for anything that makes it past the fire and insecticides.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:58:23/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-21-12/1054:53>
>>>>>[I wasn't on a run the first time I was there. I was just looking for something to strip for parts or a crate I could snag. I may have to rethink this habit while in Seattle. Now the trid is when we went back to get the Intel, If the place is bug nest I have no problem staying away. So Iceblade if you know what they are is the stuff in the barrel worth anything, because I really want to open it...Oh Delir if no one buys it you're totally invited to come see.]<<<<<

      --Morg (10:54:31/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-21-12/1113:30>
>>>>>[Uh ok Um Iceblade i has one lil question considering what kinda adept I be mon...can they be weapon focuses mon? By the by lil note I be a gunslinger adept . I be pretty sure dat My daddies panther be puttin holes in em pretty good don chu tink mon??. Get some of dem flechettes rounds for de ting and call it my bug zapper .....]<<<<<

      --Marak (11:12:31/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-21-12/1146:18>
>>>>>[Marak I have a better idea then a weapon focus for you. It won't cost you a single cred and it's completely legit...ok so this guy on a trid I saw...he got to know his gun really well, so well in fact this Zen awareness thing started happening. He could almost never miss, he always knew the bullet count in his gun, it was like he had smartlink without the tech. The only problem is you have to become a Zen monk]<<<<<

      --Morg (11:46:11/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-21-12/1206:44>
>>>>>[Morg is that that precrash 'trid' Equilibrium or whatever?? Dat was cool drek mon]<<<<<

      --Marak (12:06:11/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-21-12/1211:05>
>>>>>[No, its true it's some kind of power were you sync your self with any item you can build your self.]<<<<<

      --Morg (12:10:19/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-21-12/1338:21>
>>>>>[Ahura Mazdza! Well, I'll willingly bet any runner here a hundred credits this is the reason Roger Soaring Owl broke with Ares. Damien Knight thinks he can control the bugs, that drekhead.]<<<<<

      --Delir Emet (13:23:49/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-21-12/1349:46>
>>>>>[To play the devil's advocate (And, let's admit it, the Megas are in bed with the Devil, and probably got a better deal out of it!), we don't know this is ARES itself, or just a small part of it, or a break-off part.

If the Sons of Sauron start burning crosses in front of Humanis-Alligned Churches, do we say it's a part of Mothers of Metahumanity because they both support equal rights for orcs and trolls?  No, we don't.

Evidence other than just conjecture.  Don't forget that Ares has training facilities and agents that provide services to security companies and military units that will get you the same movements.  There's lots of reasons that ol' Roger could have up and left Ares, although I will admit thinking they could control bugs...

Hold on, I'm getting...  Well, damn.  Looks like I got a contract.  And it isn't political bulldrek for once.  Thank the All Father and all his children!]<<<<<
      -- Money Johnson (13:49:12/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-21-12/1424:44>


>>>>>[Hold on mon. I get what Money and Emet are saying. But didn't liil ol Ares have major offensives on de buggies mon. You know the whole hoopla o Chicago! or whatever happened in the barrens which left all those nice toys out there mon. But I be havin on o dose gut feelins that its just a lil splinter o Ares dat be a lil buggy.........oh jeez Morg what we be stumblin up on now mon. We be knee deep in a certain creek wit out a drekkin paddle mon]<<<<<
      -- Marak (14:24:12/04-21-74)




Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-21-12/1641:03>
>>>>>[Guns could be foci, yes, but they wouldn't be good for anything unless you started physically clubbing people with them. However, if you have experience with clubs, and a weapon that has been hardened to withstand the abuse of melee, then it could be an effective focus for you.

Well, I'm sure not all of Ares is invested. But if rumors are true, a growing portion of Ares is getting consumed by the bugs. And yes, I am willing to believe this is why Soaring Owl left. Knight is playing with fire. The only thing you can do with the Bugs is destroy them, without mercy or pity, because to them you are simply a new pair of shoes.

Marak, Morg, stay well away from that facility without proper backup. You got lucky that they didn't see you last time. You might not be so lucky again.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:40:23/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-21-12/1740:54>
>>>>>[Marak my chummer we jandered in and out without a peep or the bugs would have geek us by now. We are the only ones that know we were there except...Oh wait everyone here!.... don't worry about it Marak just busting your chops, we're safe.
   Now I was willing to keep quiet up to a point but you guys are starting to slot me off, come on Ares? They're so Anti-bug that they nuked Chicago, formed anti-bug kill squads, then created FAB 1 to 5 with the thought of sterilizing the world of all things bug-like. The moment Knight found out anyone was doing a project like this they would be ash faster then a hyperactive awakened squirrel can say "nanosecond buyout!". Your trying to tell me Roger Soaring Owl left Ares because some madmen are using bug bioarmor and when it changes them into Flesh forms he didn't say anything about it to Knight. I know I watch some piss pore trid shows but come on someone is dreking with you even I can see this doesn't scan. Now unless you show me Dikote solid proof I'll remind you Damien Fragin' Knight " God Almighty of all things that go bang, Master of Ares Macrotechnology, Lord of Motor City and President of the I HATE BUGS! Club!"  deserves more respect then this! ...it's some one else chummers your C.I.'s are feeding you drek.]<<<<<

      --Morg (17:41:21/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-21-12/1750:34>
>>>>>[....... the following Morg rant in no way represents me (Marak) or my thoughts in actions even tho he has a point mon.

Hey you know anyone willing to mentor or train me...I have my fathers combat axe ...only thing his team found of him after the buildings came down on him...dat be a long story mon. BUt I'm seriously thinking of trainiing in it just need guidance etc. I don't do dis often mon...but please !?! Iceblade...if dese tings are a problem I be needing an edge and being a gunslinger sound like not be doing me much good mon.I do have unarmed skills and well never ...so far have need to use it in a fight. My guns , skill and size tend to end things quickly mon. So is there a posibility that I may have de skill you say ...killing hands and not know it mon? .]<<<<<

--Marak (17:50:23/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <04-21-12/1838:42>
>>>>>[This is a mega-corp we are talking about, and its leadership. If Knight thought he had more to gain by controlling the bugs rather than fighting them- do you think he'd hesitate for a heartbeat about switching tactics? Foolish, but that's the way it is. Even the daevas of Ahriman I've forcibly conjured up fear the insect spirits.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (18:32:04/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-21-12/1953:22>
>>>>>[Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.]<<<<<

--Faust (19:52:23/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-21-12/2120:36>
>>>>>[So... The meet with Daviar went better then expected. Turns out, she's surprisingly loyal, even to a dead master... well at least when it comes to this sort of things. Big D left instructions about what he left for me, something that will keep that little secret permanently secret again. She gave me what turns out to be something that belonged to me all along but was lost. Then she told me about how she got her info. After that we did what we had to do to keep the secret secret and we both went home.

Today I tracked down a hum... Someone, another one who's his master's little bitch. It turns out he heard that info while eavesdropping his master's conversations. I gouged his eyes out, cut his ears off, as well as his tongue. I poured acid down his eye sockets, burned him a little here and there and broke most of his major bones. Then I dropped him off on his master's porch after I carved the Chinese symbol for "silence" on his forehead with a knife and twisted his head backward to finish him off. Oh! I also left my card... After all, it's really rude not to sign the messages you send. Ice, the hyper sensitivity compound works really well with adrenaline injections... You know, to keep him alive a little longer. Finally my.... Well... Let's call her my "adoptive mother", also not happy about this, is now having a little chat with that big mouth. My guess is, he's not going to talk about these things around underlings anymore.

So all is now well and back to normal... Well as normal as my life can be. Hahaha. It's good to be back in Seattle, having a drink with delightful company at the Powerline.

Money, in my experience, everything ends up being politics... But you already knew that. And Wyrm, I just said nobody was ready to pay my price. I didn't say there was no interest in seeing this Morg guy dead. Based on what I hear and also read on this board, it's probably just a matter of time before people start coming after him anyway if they haven't already.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (21:23:24/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-21-12/2300:00>
>>>>>[ A newbie like you, Marak?  Oh, hell no.  I have never been that blinded by my own blinkered stupidity.  I've occasionally overthought a problem, and prepared for Armageddon when the run turned out to be a cakewalk.  I've even gotten shot when the guy I figured would anticipate my fakes being fakes didn't, and winged me for it.  But the last time I was so unaware of privacy, secrecy, and professionalism I was still in short pants.
          Sun Tzu also had dimwits; what, you don't think there were people like you in the ancient kingdoms of Zhōngguó?  Murphy, Sun Tzu and his commentators speak of the quality of the men, their discipline and camaraderie, throughout the Thirteen Chapters.  Of their fervency and discipline is the army made, after all.
          Smiley ... yeah, you're probably right.  Honestly, irritations like that I like to have simply taken care of, but I have better causes for the use of my resources.  ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:00:00/04-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Neo Strider on <04-22-12/0043:24>
>>>>>[Even Ares would know better than to try and market bugs. That said, I'm going to continue to be justified in my nice, big pile of insecticides here at home. I've dealt with enough of those things to last me into the Seventh World. ]<<<<<

--Neo Strider (23:40:49/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-22-12/0909:19>
>>>>>[Well I hate to burst your bubble Nero. But as Morg can tell you, they operated Ares machinery and the barrels had the logo......wait. Iceblade you were saying that these could be buggies fleshform or wahtever mon. right? And the ones that wear armor are..... a sweet mama dis maybe a big bad scene mon.  ]<<<<<

--Marak (09:09:49/04-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-22-12/1010:34>
>>>>>[Neo, Ares is a megacorp. They'll do anything to prop up the bottom line. And if the Excalibur debacle causes them to start losing market share to other arms providers, you can bet Knight will be looking for some hot new thing to show everyone else up.

And Marak, yes, that is what I was saying. My suggestion? Never speak of that place again, unless you're on a job to wipe it off the face of the Earth. Intel like that tends to have a habit of getting people prone to 'accidents', or they 'disappear' courtesy of a nice black van. If that happens, you'll be lucky if they just kill you and dump your corpse somewhere for the animals to snack on.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:10:10/04-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-22-12/1403:27>
>>>>>[Thats de plan Iceblade. No way am I hittin dem mon unless I have de right backup and tools for de job. I may have many weapons and skills but I'm not sure if I have the right tools for dis job mon..]<<<<<

--Marak (14:03:10/04-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Neo Strider on <04-22-12/1508:46>
>>>>>[Against my better judgement, if you need help on a run against those Marak, count me in. Only good bug is a dead one. ]<<<<<

--Neo Strider (14:05:48/04-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-22-12/1926:49>
>>>>>[Neo I agree whole heartedly mon. But for now I'm keepin my head down and stayin outta this one as much as I can for a bit mon. I may look like a spitting image of my Dad mon , but I'm not gonna start a drekstorm or wage a private war with a big drekking corp mon.....I just startin out ...only lil fish indis here pond mon. I wanna learn from some o you wise ones mon. And I'm starting with what Iceblade said. I need to learn some tings mon. Get some contacts and know whats what and who is who. I be stumblin over lots in my scavenging runs with Morg, or just on my wanderins. Am i just lucky mon....who knows. ]<<<<<

--Marak (19:25:48/04-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-23-12/1802:34>
>>>>>[I'm sorry for my earlier outburst, I was wrong. My reevaluation came in the form of  a file from a chummer on Shadowsea. I thought it was fake so I paid 2 hackers to look at the footage and attached documents. I hoped they would find out how these forgery were done.  The hackers said as far as they could tell the files were authentic and recored before crash 2.0...It shows Ares personnel mixing bugs with critters. The attached documents authorizing the bug/critter program had Knights signature on them. It doesn't prove Ares are the ones behind the Bioarmor/Flesh forms but...I knew he wasn't one of the good guys but I thought Knight was sane, The world is a much darker now place. I'm uploading the file to VU93....On a brighter note I have a question for Smiley. Whats Daviar like in person?]<<<<<

--Morg (17:02:34/04-23-74)

<<File Sharing Enabled>>
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-23-12/1816:22>
>>>>>[No no no mon. Morg my chummer you are not ...I repeat not gonna hit on her dat be bad mon. ......damn morg I had a question for Smiley and Wyrmm but you made me forget  . What da heck was dat question mon? Argh]<<<<<

--Marak (18:12:34/04-23-74)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <04-23-12/2017:02>
>>>>>[You could let him try hitting on her. It could spawn some work for someone.]<<<<<

-- Predator (19:16:00/04-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-23-12/2342:53>
>>>>>[Pred you've found the love of your life so don't get down on people when they try to find theirs. Marak I have no intention of making a pass at Nadja she seems like some one we know and it screams high maintenance.]<<<<<

-- Morg (23:43:10/04-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-24-12/0134:23>
>>>>>[I've always wanted to meet Daviar. However, she's never requested my services, in any capacity. Though on a related note, one of my strangest jobs involved escorting a corp exec's princess to a dance. She had gotten biosculpting done to look like Daviar, and she wanted me to use a Physical Mask spell to replicate Dunkelzhan's metahuman form. It was something of a theme party, apparently, as everyone was either biosculpted or using nanopaste or magic to look like high profile celebrities and power players. You don't know strange until you've seen two kids pretending to be Lofwyr and Richard Villiers making out in a corner.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:34:23/04-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-24-12/0713:48>
>>>>>[Iceblade you sure live a weird life mon. I be putting that image in tings dat make me go what the drek mon. ]<<<<<

--Marak (07:14:23/04-24-74
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-24-12/0955:00>
>>>>>[Yes, well, I did say that being an escort was different from being a joyboy, didn't I? You go up the food chain, you gotta deal with stuff like this. The corp princess even sent me a copy of the trid from the dance, later on. I think the cutest couple of the night was the pair going as President Colloton and Svetlana "Bounce" Jurjewa. The pair I hope I never see again was the duo of Pax and Friday. That was just sick.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:54:32/04-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-24-12/1117:01>
>>>>>[Funny thing about a party like that, real celebrities could show up and no one would think anything of it]<<<<<

--Morg (11:17:12/04-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <04-24-12/1144:34>
>User:  Money Johnson has joined the room<
>>>>>[BUG BOMB OUT!  Damnit, Drone 1, we need those mists, get them here any way you can!  Team 2, cover that left flank, you don't need to walk to do that!  ...  What do you mean I'm transmitting.  ...  Aw, drek!  It's eating through my Firewall, EmCon, NOW!  TacNet has been compromised!  One of them is a hacker or a Techno!  Slick, hand me another stick...]<<<<<
>User:  Money Johnson disconnected at source<
-- Money Johnson (11:44:55/04-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-24-12/1200:50>
>>>>>[Oh jeez this drek with de buggies or some new baddie mon. I hopw Mr. Money is ok. Guess I should go talk to some mage or adept to find out de extent o my abilities mon before dis drek hits the fan in my neighborhood. ]<<<<<

--Marak (12:07:12/04-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-24-12/1233:56>
>>>>>[Null persp Marak I looked him up. M.J. knows how to Jam and he is one of the good..um..goodish guys, anyway karma is on his side. Now we wait to see if he needs some new commlink parts and medkit replacements.]<<<<<

--Morg (12:34:22/04-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Neo Strider on <04-25-12/0009:17>
>>>>>[Hrm, time to start putting out feelers....every time I feel like it's time to take my hand out of the game, I read some drek that pulls me back in....]<<<<<

--Neo Strider (12:07:52/04-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-25-12/0027:38>
>>>>>[There are currently 311 unidentified users on Node: VU93 with 0 known posts.]<<<<<

--Spam (12:08:52/04-25-74)

>>>>>[No worries guys, went underground in case the shadow plants found me while Morg was rampaging.
That's a lot of idle Icons, I wonder if it's related to Money's Firewall getting hacked.]<<<<<

--Chrona (05:25:52/04-25-74)

>>>>>[Spam wishes to assist. Spam detects all 311 Users have loaded Scan and are proceeding to run it.
Target of datapath: All current VU93 users.]<<<<<

--Spam (05:26:52/04-25-74)

>>>>>[Son of a- [CONNECTION TERMINATED AT SOURCE] ]<<<<<

--Chrona (05:27:23/04-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-25-12/1253:32>
>>>>>[Hello Mr. Spam! I haven't seen you in a long time.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (12:53:32/04-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-25-12/1312:59>
>>>>>[Hello, Wyrmtongue. Node: VU93 remains hostile to Spam. Spam does not know why.
311 users loading Track detected. ]<<<<<

--  Spam (12:54:32/04-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-25-12/2241:17>
>>>>>[What's Daviar like in person? Well she's even way better looking, I can tell you that! She's got this eastern european air of arrogance, confidence and authority that I find most appealing. So far she seems immune to my charms, not that I really tried that hard. Hahaha! Jokes aside, I don't really know what more to say. We cross path from time to time, so no it wasn't the first time we met. She's actually one of the few metahumans I consider an intellectual equal. Bright woman, very knowledgeable. That's about it.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (22:41:37/04-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-26-12/0641:29>
>>>>>['Very knowledgeable'? Yeah, anyone who stayed side by side with a great dragon would be 'very knowledgeable' at the end of that tenure, even if they only got random trivia from the wyrm. As for whether I would hit on her if I met her, I would have to say that all depends on the context of the meeting. As a general rule, I don't pursue high society types, unless I'm either at a social event as myself, or part of the job requires it. I try to keep personal matters separate from business, and potential business, matters. Also, while I may walk in some nicer circles than many, I'm under no illusions that I'm in the same circle as the truly elite. It is a fine line knowing how familiar to act with people in those circles. Given the Big D's extensive spy network, I'd have to guess that, while I doubt she knows of me personally, she could get a fairly extensive file on me without much trouble. You'd have about as much luck trying to seduce Samantha Villiers. And the consequences could be just as dire. I've already got enough contracts out on my head. No sense adding more to them if I can help it. (And Xerena would probably kill me, just on general principle.) Now, if she ever requested my services, I certainly wouldn't be opposed.

*sigh* One thing I miss about this board is that you don't have any of the veiled chatter you saw on Shadowland, when the powerful took a few moments to share veiled hints with the rest of us mortals. In my army days, we made a game of trying to guess what some of the things they hinted at were.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:41:23/04-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-26-12/0910:39>
>>>>>[That's because the grand and powerful are content to lurk.]<<<<<

--Morg (09:11:12/04-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-26-12/1248:29>
>>>>>[well its all that nuyen it makes them go bonkers in some way.]<<<<<

--Marak (12:48:12/04-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-26-12/1744:02>
>>>>>[Nuyen doesn't make you go crazy. It simply gives you the freedom to indulge whatever craziness you already had inside you.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (17:43:23/04-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-26-12/1803:53>
>>>>>[Ya well you know what they say mon. Idle hands are the devils playground or whatever and well all de fatcat rich ppl mon have nothin but time for idle hands .]<<<<<

--Marak (18:03:23/04-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <04-26-12/2254:43>
>>>>>[That's not what I meant by knowledgeable, although I see why you would consider this to be the reason as you, Magicians, tend to consider arcane and obscure lore to be the only knowledge of any importance. But no, interacting with a Great Dragon on a daily basis doesn't make us knowledgeable. Sure, we learn stuff (directly or indirectly) about dragons, their power and their culture. We learn stuff about arcane lore, long lost artifacts of legends and the fabric of the universe. We hear about worlds and civilizations of ages past and about terrifying beings from beyond the known realms. Again, that's not what I meant, that is only a small part of all the things she knows. Politics, economy, literature, philosophy, music to only name these and although having a Dragon as mentor certainly helps understanding things, these are areas of expertise she and I learned on our own. And I was joking I never actually tried to use my charms on her. I'm obviously not her type. And I think I've already said too much about some things so I'll stop here.

And right on Mister Motoko! Right on!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (22:54:51/04-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-27-12/0707:02>
>>>>>[Miss. Not Mister.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (06:45:32/04-27-74)


>>>>>[Smiley, I never said anything about arcane lore, though that's part of it, to be sure. I'm talking about the sheer amount of information that the Big D could draw on, thanks to his spy network and corporate holdings. Hell, just from the will, we found out he had major holdings in Ares, Aztechnology, Fuchi, Renraku, and a dozen smaller companies. Magic and steel are good to have on your side, but information has been the real power in the world since before the Awakening.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:06:05/04-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-27-12/0800:26>
>>>>>[Learning from a dragon is a scary thought mon. But also a awesome thing cuz you might find out something too about behind the scenes of things. De possiblities are mindblowing mon.]<<<<<

--Marak (08:00:32/04-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-27-12/0815:33>
>>>>>[Learning from a spirit can be quite unsettling as well. It turns your head downside  about so many things, to them the unreal was always real]<<<<<

--Morg (08:16:52/04-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-27-12/1032:23>
>>>>>[Hey Delir or anyone I need help here, What do you guys know about..um.."The Effect of the Awakening on Ultra Post-Modernism" by Dr. Ashly Simmons and "The Limitations of Hermetic Rationalism In Thaumaturgy" by David Young Oak...I am out of my depth]<<<<<

--Morg (10:32:21/04-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-27-12/1047:31>
>>>>>[Limitations my hoop. Hermetic is FINE.]<<<<<

--Chrona (15:46:21/04-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-27-12/1207:32>
>>>>>[Morg mon gettin others to do your homework again. tsk tsk. .]<<<<<

--Marak (12:06:21/04-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <04-27-12/1417:02>
>>>>>[The files are huge chummer and I get they wrote it in English but I don't scan the lingo....Oh info i got dumpster diving free of charge. if anyone knows a Blue Moon by the handle Cdr. A. Jensen someone is planning to give him a case of cement poisoning by the end of the week, help him out if you can the world needs more of them]<<<<<

--Morg (14:17:21/04-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-27-12/2144:25>
>>>>>[The files are huge chummer and I get they wrote it in English but I don't scan the lingo....Oh info i got dumpster diving free of charge. if anyone knows a Blue Moon by the handle Cdr. A. Jensen someone is planning to give him a case of cement poisoning by the end of the week, help him out if you can the world needs more of them]<<<<<

--Morg (14:17:21/04-27-74)

>>>>>[Where and when ?? Guess its time to go to work. Get my mind off buggies mon and  Spam ....eesh ]<<<<<

--Marak (21:37:21/04-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Neo Strider on <04-28-12/0202:53>
>>>>>[Hrm, almost time to head to my 'day job'. Some pups are talking about real business though, could be interesting.... ]<<<<<

--Neo Strider (01:01:30/04-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-29-12/1609:07>
>>>>>[Hrm, did Neo just call me a pup mon? Is that a derogatory term or just another way of callin me a newbie or greenhorn mon? Hey does anyone know of any dojo or gym in the barrens where I can train??]<<<<<

--Marak (16:09:30/04-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-29-12/2320:46>
>>>>>[Was going for the newbie version of it. Wasn't directed to you I think, but more towards who he was actually around in meatspace, as dem hackers call it. I'd offer to lend you mine for some scratch, but I'm not actually in Seattle right now. I'm just about to pass into LA trying to deliver a message to one of the other Tong bosses from on high. May or may not be a big meet up happening soon, for anyone looking to do some body guard work, though I can't confirm it. Call it a gut feeling, but if it does happen, the pay will be pretty good, I think.

That, and my gym may be a little too heavy weight for you, Marak. Its set up for some heavy duty electricity and adept action. If Murphy wasn't busy, I bet he could've pointed you in a decent direction, being raised in those parts.]<<<<<

     -- Card (20:19:30/04-29-74
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <04-30-12/0739:52>
>>>>>[Card I am an adept mon. Or are my kind of adept not considered one. Just kidding Card]<<<<<

     -- Marak (07:39:30/04-29-74
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-01-12/0041:41>
>>>>>[Scan this chummers I'm learning to make ZOMBIES how wizzer is that!..Oh  a P.I. in LA has been pulling a "Remington Steel" the paydata available on demand and hey Delir what's the drink of choice at the Phoenix Inn?]<<<<<

     -- Morg (00:42:30/05-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <05-01-12/0147:30>
>>>>>[Oh wow, this site lets you log in with a cyberdeck!  OK folks, sorry I was offline for a bit, had to make sure I wasn't followed or tracked to a bolt hole of Grandpa Murphy's.  It's in some kind of mana dead zone apparently, so I can't be tracked that way.  Supposedly.  I've tried to read up on this, but the number of conflicting information just made my head hurt.  Uncle Murphy understood it better, I think.

I was leading team two, hired by Mr. Money who was leading team one (I was tired of the political BS too, and wanted the cred that was offered), but our recon of the area was bad.  By a factor of ten.  That's our own recon, Mr. Johnson's (The guy who hired Mr. Money) was off by a factor of 27.  (Um, 27.542 I estimate, for those that care.).  We knew it was an Ant Spirit...  Hive?  Nest?  Whatever is appropriate.  Anyhow, we had a bunch of toys Mr. Money said was extensively tested by Bug Hunting Experts he knew personally, including a bunch of drones that we disconnected the wireless on.  Some were so old they used the old wireless rigger system.  Programmed them with a "Fiber-Squid", some kind of weird fiber optic line I've never seen before.

Well, we didn't have enough.  We were pulling out, carrying our dead with us as we went red on ammo.  Luckily, our reserves, a couple of Black Knight Drones set up with our Biometrics as friendly, and to shoot the drek out of everything else.  Shoot and scoot.  It was at that point that we noticed that the ants were too well organized, like they knew our positions.  Turns out they had a Technomancer who got gobbled up and turned into some kind of ant thing or something like that, and we had Ant Sprites eating away at our 'links.  Mr. Money noticed it when it hit his...  Virtual Box, I think he called it?  New term for me, I'm looking it up now.

Anyhow, once again, Mr. Iceblade, I have to thank you for that axe.  The blade wasn't as good against the Ant's as I'd hoped, but the spike went right through the chitin just fine, and the screaming boosted the morale of the troops when we needed it most!  Honestly, you've done me a major solid with it, so I owe you.  Call in the chit when you need it.

That said, thirty down the hole, eight up.  And, um, most of them didn't look like they were going to make it.  Mr. Money is in the hands of DocWagon again so I'm not worried about him.  But the rest...  Just Luck Of The Irish that I didn't get hurt at all.  That, and a big fraggin' axe.

Anyhow, Mr. Money had a back-up plan for even a drek-up like this.  The nastiest bug killer in large amounts, and some bangalores that dropped the roof down.  You could see the ants try to get out, and be used as target practice by the Metroplex Guard.]<<<<<
     -- Murphy (01:28:55/05-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-01-12/0235:22>
>>>>>[As far as I know, any technomancer converted to the bugs would lose contact with the Resonance. However, there are instances of people who SURGEd with insectlike features. I do not believe that would affect the flow of the Resonance.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (02:27:34/05-01-74)


>>>>>[Yeah, any blade in the hands of a mundane isn't going to do much to a spirit. But it does more than unloading a clip that simply bounces off the spirit's hide. Don't worry, kid, I'll be sure to call in the favor when I need a hand. But until then, do the world a favor and smack the next ignorant punk who says they don't have to worry about melee if they have a big gun. I've seen that kind of attitude before in young runners, and it tends to end up in dead runners. I'll make exception for more 'support' types, like the hacker or rigger that stays back away from the fighting. But everyone else? At least learn to dodge a punch, and give one in return!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:35:02/05-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-01-12/0819:19>
>>>>>[Scan this chummers I'm learning to make ZOMBIES how wizzer is that!..Oh  a P.I. in LA has been pulling a "Remington Steel" the paydata available on demand and hey Delir what's the drink of choice at the Phoenix Inn?]<<<<<

     -- Morg (00:42:30/05-01-74)

>>>>>[Morg Your doing what?!!..Holy <zzzt> Iceblade? <zzzt> I think I found out I do have killing hands!! And to whoever sent these human cockroach buggies to my door your gettin them back mushed mon!!!! Ok dis is now startin to feel personal . What did I do to Ares mon....Hold da phone dis one has Azzie emblems....oh dis mean its bigger dan ppl thought ! Morg infopacket at drop 3 !! Ppl need to know this. I be like dat ol flat trid show Billy de Exterminator mon. Damn buggies ......................................]<<<<<

     -- Marak (08:12:30/05-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-01-12/1041:50>
>>>>>[Interesting. The bugs don't tend to show up so openly these days. Not since Ares dumped FAB III on them in Chicago. If there is a real outbreak starting, I think I'll be taking some time off back in the Tir. At least they've always had a sharp lookout for the bugs.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:41:23/05-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-01-12/1228:00>
>>>>>[Marak the paydata's filled with malware,  but I got the chip truth.  A suit out of Corpus Christi is paying a mojo slinging kick artist  to gaslight you. The plan is they mess your drek up and then you lead them to your mom. I got your back chummer lets find out what the suit wants with her]<<<<<

--Morg (12:28:33/05-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-01-12/1507:43>
>>>>>[Thamks Morg. Damn you would tink ol stuff like dis would stay buried . Don't ya think mon. Doncha that mean roadtrip mon??]<<<<<

--Marak (15:08:33/05-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-03-12/1742:27>
>>>>>[Marak, Morg, get your gear and Marak's mom and get to Seatac, private aviation side. Marak, if your mom isnt around Seattle, secure message me the coordinates or give them to the pilot, we'll get her somewhere safe, and then we'll deal with the slot gunning for her.

Murphy, your gonna have to tell Money for shame, I'm slightly hurt that ya'll didnt call me to help with your little bug problem. I would have brought some unhackable party favors for your rigger.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:35:08/04-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-03-12/2101:25>
>>>>>[Thanks for the invitation, your trust is not misplaced]<<<<<

--Shadowrider (21:01:43/05-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-03-12/2138:30>
>>>>>[Thanks for the invitation Wolf mon. My mom isn't in Seattle she is safe and can handle herself, being a runner herself and 2 bodygaurds Known as Grimms]<<<<<

--Marak (21:31:43/05-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-04-12/0833:11>
>>>>>[But as for going after the drek gunning for her. Come on aboard mon. I have a feeling I'm gonna need some help with this doncha think mon??]<<<<<

--Marak (08:31:43/05-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Gabe on <05-06-12/1652:08>
>>>>>[ Hey chummers, Gabe here with a quick invitation. My pub O'Hargreaves just installed new security measures for the safehouse, come and tear them apart so I can improve them before I put the room into full rental use. First person to bypass the security gets a free V.I.P pass for life.]<<<<<

>>>>>[P.S. I work as a fixer for newblood runners. If you want raw talent for a quick run, I might know the right guy. I'm also available as a face for hire too, if you want to cut a better deal, give me a ping.]<<<<<

--Gabe (16:50:31/05-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-06-12/1934:07>
>>>>>[What level of 'tear them apart' are we talking about, here? Trying to make sure no one can slip through the sensors undetected is a different game from someone packing a Panther XXL or two trying to take the 'direct' approach. The latter is also more likely to draw the attention of people you might not want knowing about a safehouse in the area, like the Knights.]<<<<<

--Faust (19:33:23/05-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <05-06-12/2348:57>
>>>>>[ I think he's looking for Reasonable Force, which is an interesting term in our line of work. I think you can leave the Panthers and Dynamite at home, but bring your troll friend, your hacker friend, and your technomancer friend. Unless he can find a way to brush off some guys rolling in with high yield weaponry and has a great excuse, or a token, for the Knights. In which case, just don't blow up his tavern entirely, yeah? I'd like to try and drink there.]<<<<<

     -- Card (20:48:20/5-6-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-07-12/0756:33>
>>>>>[ I think I will come check it out Gabe .  ;D 8) Might need some downtime after this road trip mon.]<<<<<

     -- Marak (07:48:20/5-6-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Gabe on <05-07-12/1019:40>
>>>>>[The countermeasures are designed to repel stealthy entrances and, like Card mentioned, reasonable force. If you bring a siege to my bar, I can't stop you. I will be very mad though, and you won't be able to claim your reward. ]<<<<<


--Gabe (10:15:46/ 05-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-07-12/1046:07>
>>>>>[I won't just send some spirits and Powerball a wall then. ]<<<<<


--Chrona (15:44:34/ 05-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-07-12/1210:32>
>>>>>[I be tryin de stealth approach. mon. Yes I be a troll I can do de sneak mon. ]<<<<<


--Marak (12:14:34/ 05-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Gabe on <05-07-12/1256:04>
>>>>>[Go for it Marak, once I've reviewed your intrusion attempt and gotten to work on fixing anything you break I will give you a ping and we can meet up in the V.I.P lounge for a few rounds of your favored drink.]<<<<<

>>>>>[@Chrona. I don't have any magical countermeasures up right now, as my preferred mage got geeked out in San Fran a few months ago. If you are interested, we could discuss a mutually beneficial way of setting some defenses up. Come by the bar sometime and we can chat.]<<<<<

--Gabe (12:54:50/05-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-07-12/1259:35>
>>>>>[Sure, shoot me a PM about what you're looking for and I can bring stuff along.]<<<<<

-- Chrona (17:58:50/05-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-07-12/1508:00>
>>>>>[Gabe mon you gotta deal  8).]<<<<<

--Marak (15:08:50/05-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-09-12/1406:21>
>>>>>[I didn't expect to see you again Gabe. I had assumed the Russian would have killed you by now, unless you're not taking work from him any more]<<<<<

--Shadowrider (13:55:50/05-07-74)

>>>>>[Russian? Gabe is there a story to this...Oh and thanks for the cash Gabe, Marak and I are ready for another run at your safehouse any time]<<<<<

--Morg (14:02:50/05-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-10-12/0845:49>
>>>>>[Cuz cash is good mon  8) ;D]<<<<<

--Marak (08:45:50/05-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-10-12/1016:33>
>>>>>[Wolfgar, what's the scan on this fine ride...no wait I didn't mean that Freudian slip, I meant pilot. I am an idiot if I hadn't said anything then everyone would have thought I was talking about the vehicle, which she matches nicely I could fall in love with both...Gods tell me she can't read UV93 posts or it is going to be an awkward trip...What I should say is thanks for doing this Wolfgar. Gabe I'll start using the etiquette tutorsoft you gave me. I am starting to see what you meant.]<<<<<

--Morg (10:13:23/05-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-10-12/1450:22>
>>>>>[Wolfgar, a big thanks from me also mon. Morg I've been saying that all along doncha know.]<<<<<

--Marak (14:50:23/05-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-11-12/0757:53>
>>>>>[So you guys know how long dis trip gonna be? I think I should of brought munchies mon.]<<<<<

--Marak (08:00:23/05-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-11-12/1707:55>
>>>>>[Aunty Zee is back! <grin_emote> She messaged me earlier today. She got a new place, and got a new lodge made. So she's back in business. ]<<<<<
           
            -- Ysoni (16:07:55/05-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-11-12/1714:56>
>>>>>[Well put your seats in their full and upright positions boys cause we're about to land. Yeah I know like you could have made those fraggin cloth seats lay back. Welcome to China Grove Texas, a nice little town back so far in the swamps not only does it not have a single road to its name, but also so small it apears on no maps even though it sits right on the Texas Louisiana border. Sorry about not telling you guys about the food or catching your question earlier Marak, but there's a cooler to Morg's left under that tarp with munchies in it. Wait, dont move just yet, sliding into this fraggin "city square" aint the easiest thing in the world. And Morg, dont you worry hunny, i could break you without breaking an O-ring in this baby, you'll know when you've upset me.]<<<<<

--Tank Girl (16:12:32/05-10-74)


>>>>>[Guys, I've been waiting for you, I've got good gear, transport, and beds for us for the night. Also got a couple of locals i want to introduce you guys to. Family of mine so to speak.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:14:32/05-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Gabe on <05-11-12/2215:13>
>>>>>[Marak, Morg. I asked you to test my security, not steal it. I will be reworking the safehouse completely thanks to your shenanigans. Did you NEED to steal the bed? Don't you have one already? Just.....Why?]<<<<<

>>>>>[@Shadowrider. Fools run where angels fear to tread. The Russian sends in other people to run in for him. I decided it was safer to come back to Seattle.]<<<<<

--Gabe (22:14:54/05-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-11-12/2241:37>
>>>>>[Marak, Morg. I asked you to test my security, not steal it. I will be reworking the safehouse completely thanks to your shenanigans. Did you NEED to steal the bed? Don't you have one already? Just.....Why?]<<<<<

>>>>>[@Shadowrider. Fools run where angels fear to tread. The Russian sends in other people to run in for him. I decided it was safer to come back to Seattle.]<<<<<

--Gabe (22:14:54/05-11-74)

>>>>>[Gabe sorry about that mon but they don't make beds like they used to for lil ol trolls mon.  :o]<<<<<

--Marak (22:41:54/05-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-11-12/2247:44>
>>>>>[Well put your seats in their full and upright positions boys cause we're about to land. Yeah I know like you could have made those fraggin cloth seats lay back. Welcome to China Grove Texas, a nice little town back so far in the swamps not only does it not have a single road to its name, but also so small it apears on no maps even though it sits right on the Texas Louisiana border. Sorry about not telling you guys about the food or catching your question earlier Marak, but there's a cooler to Morg's left under that tarp with munchies in it. Wait, dont move just yet, sliding into this fraggin "city square" aint the easiest thing in the world. And Morg, dont you worry hunny, i could break you without breaking an O-ring in this baby, you'll know when you've upset me.]<<<<<

--Tank Girl (16:12:32/05-10-74)


>>>>>[Guys, I've been waiting for you, I've got good gear, transport, and beds for us for the night. Also got a couple of locals i want to introduce you guys to. Family of mine so to speak.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:14:32/05-10-74)

>>>>>[Tank girl I know any landing you walk away from is a good one mon....but I think I left my stomach somewhere up there don't cha know eesh  :o.]<<<<<

--Marak(22:45:32/05-10-74)

>>>>>[Wolfgar Nice to meet ya mon..]<<<<<

--Marak (22:47:32/05-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-11-12/2300:20>
>>>>>[Heh. My brother always got SINless orks from Carasir to test his security systems. The ones who lived were given ten thousand nuyen, a pass to get across the Salish border, and a map to the Cascade Crow lands. And yes, they were informed of the risks and rewards ahead of time. Most of them did not survive. The cornerstone of his security were some choke points with net traps made of monofilament wire. Even had a guard using one of those things in a net launcher. Said he got the idea from some old flatscreen movie.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:00:22/05-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-13-12/0450:45>
>>>>>[ Trust Ysoni to give away my secret. Yes, I am back in Seattle. Miri's starlet is brighter than she looks, and after her training, she was also a lot wiser. I'm quite proud of how she turned out.

What made me less happy was having to give up my lakeside house. It was a beautiful place. My new house doesn't have quite the same views, but its a bit more secluded.

Do any of you have experience with shifters? Or with security paracritters? Ysoni, I may just kill you... ]<<<<<

-- Madrecita (03:50:22/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-13-12/0941:57>
>>>>>[Does being a former security paracritter count?]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (09:38:23/05-13-74)


>>>>>[Glad you're settled in at the new place, Xerena. As for security critters, I never worked directly with them, during my time as a security mage, but I could ask around. What kind of critters are you looking for?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:41:32/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-13-12/0954:43>
>>>>>[Killed a bear shifter once, improvised low explosive using a cranial bomb and whiskey bottles, he didn't expect to be Bear-B-Q'd stepping out of a lift.]<<<<<

--Chrona (14:53:23/05-13-74)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-13-12/1025:29>
>>>>>[Killed a bear shifter once, improvised low explosive using a cranial bomb and whiskey bottles, he didn't expect to be Bear-B-Q'd stepping out of a lift.]<<<<<

--Chrona (14:53:23/05-13-74)

>>>>>[Ouchie. Hope you used JD bbq sauce on that  ::).]<<<<<

--Marak (10:25:23/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-13-12/1037:18>
>>>>>[Unfortunatly I can't eat cooked meat, even so Shifters are actually the animal and I can only eat Metahuman meat.]<<<<<

--Chrona (15:35:23/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-13-12/1039:23>
>>>>>[oops forgot who I was talkin to mon..]<<<<<

--Marak (10:35:23/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-13-12/1128:01>
>>>>>[I thought ghouls could eat any kind of meat, but they had to have at least some metahuman flesh every so often to sustain themselves. Like how those ghouls in Chicago are running the pig farm. They use the pigs as a supplement, right?]<<<<<

--Faust (11:27:21/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-13-12/1145:42>
>>>>>[Doesn't work with me atleast, if it's true I wonder if it's a a regional, viral, genetic or awakened effect that causes the difference.]<<<<<

--Chrona (16:43:21/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-13-12/1734:55>
>>>>>[ No no. I'm not looking for any security critters. I want to know how to handle them. Wyrmtongue...you may actually be in a position to help me most. I've been asked to round out the magical training of a shifter that had once been a security...creature. He wants to start learning meta magic and I'm apparently the only follower of Wolf he knows, so I'm elected.  ]<<<<<

-- Madrecita (16:34:21/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-13-12/1812:26>
>>>>>[I'm no initiate, so I couldn't help him with that. But if this shifter is a shaman, I can show him a spell or two I've learned. They'd be of limited use to a creature that can already take a metahuman form, but it may help.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (18:12:08/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-13-12/1814:30>
>>>>>[I can help with a few metamagics. What's in it for me?]<<<<<

--Chrona (23:14:08/05-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-14-12/0336:31>
>>>>>[ Chrona, it depends entirely on which metamagics you can teach, and whether your tradition matches my client's. But if you know a metamagic I don't, and you're of the shamanic persuasion, then I might be able to provide you with a little something I ran across in Aztlan: some unpublished research the Azzies did on the interaction between magic and HMHVV. I found it quite interesting from a medical point of view, if a little bit gruesome. It might be of use to you. ]<<<<<

-- Madrecita (03:35:08/05-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-14-12/0915:37>
>>>>>[ Damn, I'm Hermetic. Let me know of anything else you'd trade the research for.  ]<<<<<

-- Chrona (14:15:08/05-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-14-12/1311:08>
>>>>>[ Actually there is something. Deireadh An Tuarthell is in need of new bedding, and a couple of autoclaves. Well...more than a couple. Six would be ideal, but we can operate with three. If you can't find six, then any other medical supplies you can find will be ideal. ]<<<<<

-- Madrecita (13:11:08/05-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-14-12/1320:15>
>>>>>[ Medical supplies I can do, you should get them asap.]<<<<<

-- Chrona (18:19:08/05-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-14-12/1521:46>
>>>>>[ Hey Chrona send a list of things you or anyone else you know might need. And we'll look out for it during our scavenging mon.]<<<<<

-- Marak (15:19:08/05-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-14-12/1542:58>
>>>>>[Phew! Well, I'm heading over to my friend's tavern with a couple of the people from Deireadh who just got off shift. They called me in to help out with cleaning up a nasty bit of violence that started when the Spikes came into the area seeking Ancients. Might not be the best medic, but magic goes a long way in the triage game. I was able to take care of some of the less wounded Ancients, while the ones who caught more lead got attended to by the more capable docs. Sure, it doesn't sound like my normal line of work, but a bit of charity work helps if I ever need a favor, like getting a bunch of lead taken out of me and the holes patched, without my name being put in any paperwork. Really, any mage who has some healing magic should make a friend or two at the local hospital.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:42:32/05-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <05-14-12/2130:54>
>>>>>[Busy, busy, busy! Been a while since I dropped by here. Oh hey, Madre! Been even longer! And sorry, I can't help you with that shifter. First, wrong tradition, second I don't trade my little sorcerous secrets. Hahaha! Yeah I got word of what went down, Iceblade. Nothing to be sad though, some of those knuckleheads deserved their fractured skulls.

On a more personal note, I decided it was time to play the ambition card in my deck. Well not for myself, but for an old acquaintance of mine. Been working on that for a few months in fact. I gain access to a fairly powerful set of assets, started collecting favors and started spending my millions. I also accepted (and successfully did) a few super-spook high risk high reward jobs to put myself in the game (the amazonian gig was particularly fun, did I mentioned the flamethrower?). Let's just say it's been a bloody and ruthless ascension so far. Now I'm preparing the next phase. To go where I'm going, I might need to go legit. Yes, yes! You read right! The whole package! Getting myself a real SIN based on bulldrek info. The access and a public face might be necessary for our little organization. I already know if I'm going to be doing it or not but I'm curious to know what people here think. If you all had the connections and the money to insert yourself back into society, would you do it?]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (21:30:31/05-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-14-12/2334:30>
>>>>>[Some of us never left society, Smiley. Personally, I couldn't imagine living without some of the high society comforts I've known. How do you people eat that soy drek, anyways?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:34:21/05-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-15-12/0226:47>
>>>>>[ Hey Smiley. Good to see you again. To answer your question...I think most of us retain some connection to the rest of society, if only through our assumed personas and faked SINs. I think the question is more, would we leave the shadows and return to the light? Personally, I wouldn't. Those of us who live and work in the shadows see a larger world than those who live their lives in the light. We also have greater freedom to act in ways that influence that larger world, in small or large ways. I remember what it was like to live in the light...how limited my view of the world was then. Those of you who grew up in the shadows have no idea how lucky you are. I would find it very hard, very limiting, to return to "regular" society. I may not have chosen this life, but having lived this life...I probably wouldn't go back, even if given the chance. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (02:37:31/05-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-15-12/0707:26>
>>>>>[Maybe when UCAS laws stop saying it is ok for people to make a handbag out of me, then I'll consider it. Until then, having the protection of the shadows works best for me. And unless you see people walking around with ork-skin boots, don't tell me that being SINless is the same for everyone.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (07:07:07/05-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: CanRay on <05-15-12/1550:04>
>>>>>[I hate the tank I hate the tank I hate the tank, AND I REALLY HATE WORM IC!

Back.  Got my CommLink cleaned out.  What did I miss?

Oh, Murphy's gone to ground big time.  Don't blame him a bit.]<<<<<

-- Money Johnson (20:49:12/05-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-15-12/1600:24>
>>>>>[ Mmm...and this the country that once elected a DRAGON president...but still can't wrap its collective head around orks, not to mention nagas and shifters...

Mmm. I don't suppose you'd tell us what happened to make Murphy go to ground, Money? ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (16:00:31/05-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <05-15-12/1758:02>
>>>>>[Oooh! Is it story time? I wanna hear how this job went SNAFU as well.]<<<<<

     -- Card (14:57:42/5-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-15-12/1827:31>
>>>>>[Bugs? ]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (23:27:31/05-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-15-12/1843:34>
>>>>>[Money, you gots some 'splainin to do. Man, why go into a bleeding bug nest and not call me. You know i bring all the fun toys, and i would have still been out in time to help Marak and Morg on this little.....No, dont put the spare torpedo's there. Thats where the spare demo and ammo is going to go. Geez, my cousins are usually bad enough but put Morg and Marak with them and a whole new level is reached, geez. At least their meeting some nice girls and those cousins are keeping them out of as much trouble as the other ones are getting them into. Blast it Justan, you can't put the detonators under the captain's bunk, they might go off and then where would we be? Huh, dats right, at the bottom of de gulf, youse got it. I swear, I spend any more time with dis branch of my family,  not only will you guys not be able to understand a fraggin word i say, but i'll lose so much of my IQ, I'll turn into just another coonass like my ork and troll cousins.

As you can hear were loading out our transport so that we can go deal with Maraks little issue, and when that is done I'm gonna come up, find Murphy, and take the two of you back to Florida with me for some well deserved R and R. Memorial day is coming up and thats the official start of summer around here so all the hotties will be down at the beach in their bathing suits for both of you to watch while you recover. It will also be out of that tank Money, and on me.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (17:32:15 / 05-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-16-12/0744:09>
>>>>>[Wolfgar can me in mon. I have a few surprises for de lil buggies too mon.]<<<<<

--Marak (07:32:15 / 05-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-16-12/1531:39>
>>>>>[Big talk Marak I still remember how jumpy you got when you thought they were after you, my sides still ache from laughing. Party at club Penumbra once I get back, reservation name Blue Wind.  Gabe I did all the heavy lifting to bypass the security system Marak doesn't know the first thing about sensor evasion why did he get the V.I.P. pass and I didn't? When i get back I will cut you a deal on a Milspec sensor/ghost net I build it won't look pritty but it will see what you need and hide what you want. Anyone know if Delir Emet got himself geeked?]<<<<<

--Morg (11:08:15 / 05-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <05-16-12/2159:53>
>>>>>[I squash the bugs when they're in my way but I'm not stupid, nor suicidal enough to seek them out.

Well, today died two of my regular acquaintances. Michael Dubois, prime runner, great hacker and keyboard player of Thanks For Coming Out died of overdose this morning. Hahaha! The idiot was so high on so many things at the same time that they'll never be quite sure exactly what he took.It finally happened, it had to. He died with naked women in his bed and a stupid smile on his face. It's hilarious, the images KE took of the scene just came in and he look ridiculous. Hahaha! Good for him. The second is Inspector Joseph Sutta of KE's homicide unit. The little weasel has always been trying to bust me and I always found that distraction amusing. But, all good things comes to an end. With what I'm trying to help building, I can't have someone poking around like that anymore. So I snapped his neck and made him disappear. Oh I cleared it up with KE's upper crust first, don't want to upset one of my biggest clientele. Now, I'm at his home and about to have some fun with his lonely wife one last time, well while it's still fun. Hahaha!]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (21:59:25/05-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-17-12/1140:54>
>>>>>[I wonder Smiley what robed you of your empathy and your decency. You can play the part of the monster to put fear and awe in lesser men, but It should only be a display. If you lose your self to it you become less then a man you become and animal, I have seen the monster take good cops pushed to far on the force. Take some time to review how you use to be, if you find there is nothing left tell me and I will morn one more of the monsters victims.]<<<<<

--Shadowrider (11:25:15 / 05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-17-12/1250:45>
>>>>>[Look around Shadowrider at where we live. The Grimy streets the loss echoes in the alleys mon. The violence we do to others, nature and ourselves is a sign of the times. Sadly doncha think. Not all of us can be happy go lucky skipping to and fro. Or Like Smiley very dark. We all do what we do to survive in di day n age mon.]<<<<<

--Marak (12:50:15 / 05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-17-12/1415:58>
>>>>>[ There is no such thing as good and evil. There is only perception of good and evil, based on your point of view, and your interest in a situation, and your own values. It's all very subjective. I've killed a lot of people over the years. I've destroyed whole families. So have most of you. That poor security guard you pumped full of lead. Was he an evil man who needed killing because he was evil? Or was he merely an inconvenience in your way to your own objective? Wasn't he just doing his job to feed his children? Who will look after their children now that they are gone? But if he shot and killed you...would that make him evil? Would he be right or wrong in shooting you? It all repends on your point of view. Therefore, the best you, or any person can do, is to develop your own sense of morality, your own code of conduct, and stick to it, no matter the cost. That is what keeps us from being monsters. It is not our actions that define our moral standing, our motives, combined with how well it fits our code. Accept it as a given that where such codes come into opposition, there is potential for death. You or your opponent. Neither is wrong. Neither is evil. That's just life. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (14:15:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <05-17-12/1423:57>
>>>>>[Have a conscience all you want. I do still have one after so long, after all. But, when you're on the job, you have to keep that down because if you don't harden yourself on the job, those corpsec guys will and they will kill you. Save the feelings of guilt and other emotions for afterward once you're safe with friends or loved ones.]<<<<<

-- Predator (13:20:20 / 05-17-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-17-12/1424:52>
>>>>>[My code: Kill who I don't like, Eat if hungry. ]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (19:24:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-17-12/1507:03>
>>>>>[You can put a man in his grave, but you don't have to dance on it.]<<<<<

       -- Shadowrider (15:06:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-17-12/1542:13>
>>>>>[ Well Chrona, that has the advantage of at least being straighforward and simple.  :P By the way, you found the research I gave you useful?

Shadowrider...I beg to differ. I will dance on the grave of every toxic or blood mage I put down. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (15:42:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-17-12/1546:29>
>>>>>[It was interesting, thanks again for letting me see it. Reading through some of the magic, tested by the Azzies on HMHVV, I imagine you had a grave to dance on after getting these? ]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (20:44:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-17-12/1553:17>
>>>>>[ You're welcome. If I run across anything else, I'll pass it along. And yes. I danced quite happily.  ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (15:42:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-17-12/1610:52>
>>>>>[Xerena, you and I both know that there is such a thing as evil. But it isn't something most mortals come into contact with. There are only three powers in this world that I would say are pure evil: insect spirits, shedim, and whatever it is we saw in Aztlan. Everything else is shades of gray.

I am a cold-blooded, merciless killer, it is true, and I feel no empathy for those who fall before my blade. Shark does not think in such terms. Any that fail to escape me are unworthy to live. But I do not draw my sword for just anything. There is always a need when I strike. There is always blood in the water.

In other news, I'm going to be heading to Prague next week. As some of you might know, the dragon Schwartzkopf will bring in practitioners of lesser-known magical traditions to offer comparison with some of the hermetics in his classes. My old master was asked to speak, and he wished me to accompany him, as he does not follow a mentor as I do.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:10:04/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-17-12/1615:53>
>>>>>[Bugs and Shedim are alien, not evil. Shadows? Maybe.
Then there's True Evil.]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (21:14:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-17-12/1630:22>
>>>>>[ I'm with Chrona on this. Bugs and Shedim are alien, and evil only because we deem them to be. But...you are right, Miri. What we saw in Aztlan was...the abandonment of all morality, all sense of respect for life itself...for everything...I'm still having trouble processing that.

WIll you stop by Seattle on your way, Miri? Suddenly I feel the need for companionship... ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (16:30:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-17-12/1719:11>
>>>>>[Of course, my dear. I am sorry I've been away for so long. Business had me drawn down to LA for a while, though I'm back in Seattle now. There's a little hole in the wall place in Tacoma I've eaten at a couple times before, that you might like. Fenris Nacht caters to the urban shapeshifter crowd, though feral changelings, adepts, and shamanistic types gather there as well. Those who follow Wolf and Shark fit in easily enough. It is a lot more low-key than most of the places I eat at in Seattle. All real food, too, none of that soy crap.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:19:21/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-17-12/1721:02>
>>>>>[Do they accept Ghouls?.]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (22:21:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-17-12/1727:05>
>>>>>[As far as I know, yes. Anyone who can get the password is let in, but if you start trouble or flaunt your power openly, then they 'ask' you to leave, regardless of who or what you are. Strictly neutral territory for those who walk a bit on the wild side.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:26:32/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-17-12/1851:14>
>>>>>[ In a lot of ways, Iceblade, I agree with your opinions and experiences in regards to evil.  On the other hand, I think that insect spirits are 'simply' doing what they are meant to do.  Evil requires knowledge of good, and choosing to not do it.  Lacking intellect, or being overwhelmed by one's imperatives -- acting as your nature   requires -- may be dangerous, deadly, and destructive, but it isn't evil.  The antelope thinks of the cheetah as evil.  Doesn't mean I don't arrange for extermination teams any time I come across information pointing to an insect spirit hive or nest, just that I don't think they're evil.  I've met far more evil in the form of metahumans, to be honest.
          And as for what you saw down south of Pueblo -- I have been instructed to ask you not to speak of it publicly.  And to arrange a meeting, if you should wish it. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:52:12/05-17-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-17-12/1902:09>
>>>>>[The forces ethereal didn't make the world as it is, metahuman ugliness did.
Do you recall the day innocence became deadly? Can you recollect the hour justice became a crime? Would you remember the moment hope became a lie? All it took was a smile and a handshake and I learned no one cries for the innocent, no one avenges injustice and hope is a 25 ¥  Mood Chip.

I knew GridSec Officer that burned the brain of a teen technomancer in 2071. This loving mother of 2 was horrified at what she had done, yet the corps reassured her the kid was a dangerous threat to society. Her co-workers dehumanised him and she found meaning in her work catching technomancers. She thought she was making a difference, then one day the horrible truth was splashed all over the matrix. I still check on her kids from time to time, her son still keeps the suicide note. I am not saying you shouldn't kill the monster they have become, but consider that the blood mages, toxic & Insect shaman were not as you see them now.
Respect each life you take]<<<<<

       -- Shadowrider (19:06:41/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-17-12/1934:29>
>>>>>[ How very unpleasantly melodramatic. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:35:00/05-17-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-17-12/1938:32>
>>>>>[I expect him to be dosing on Laudanum and dying of ever increasingly acute consumption after hearing that tirade, Wyrm.]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (00:38:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-17-12/2008:14>
>>>>>[Someone send him the number of a good joygirl to go with his Synth-Bourbon.]<<<<<

       --Morg (20:05:31/05-17-74)

>>>>>[From what I hear you could use the number yourself kid.]<<<<<

       --Shadowrider (20:08:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <05-17-12/2021:13>
>>>>>[Heres a joke for you Shadowrider. Guy kills people for a living and leave no trace except a business card. Inspector, a good man of morals, has enough after his third case without any leads. Through some contacts, Inspector discover Guy is behind them all but has no proof, only hearsay. Guy gets arrested a couple of times but proves too cunning. Guy also have an incredible lawyer and connections in high places. Boss Inspector decides to take Inspector out of the equation but Guy convince him not to. Guy decide to have fun instead at Inspector's expense and seduce Miss Inspector. This goes for months. Inspector tries to pinch Guy and Guy sleeps with Miss Inspector. But Guy suddenly has the need to tie up loose ends so he ask Boss Inspector if it's still okay to get rid of Inspector. Boss Inspector says yes. So Guy kills Inspector and destroy the body then goes to his house to sleep with Miss Inspector.

Funny story isn't it? Hilarious! Hahaha! Well, your first mistake Mister Shadowrider, is to presume I play the part of a monster. Your second was to assume I became like this somewhere on the way. Morality is a tool to control and predict the weak. Morality is essentially weakness. I'm no weakling. I'm free of any attachment, nobody can have leverage over me (well not anymore). I take what I want and when I want. I use cold and calculated logic to rule my actions, not morality. I also happen to love irony and I tend to integrate it a lot in my actions. Even geniuses and madmen have to have some fun afterall.

The world is the biggest and best joke of all. I keep telling people, they don't seem to get it.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (20:20:19/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-17-12/2030:39>
>>>>>[Smiley, have you ever met a Chiroptera Changeling?]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (00:38:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-17-12/2059:47>
>>>>>[Someone send him the number of a good joygirl to go with his Synth-Bourbon.]<<<<<

       --Morg (20:05:31/05-17-74)

>>>>>[From what I hear you could use the number yourself kid.]<<<<<

       --Shadowrider (20:08:31/05-17-74)

>>>>>[He's got ya there Morg . But Shadowrider mon. Respect I have for everything but once the buggies 'infest' the subject it be buggie not human anymore...no. Same with SHedim the shell is huamn or metahuman but the inside is nasty. ]<<<<<

       --Marak (20:59:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-17-12/2128:26>
>>>>>[ You people should go look in your favorite dictionary for the definition of 'sociopath'.  It'll have Smiley's face next to it.  Or at least it should; if it doesn't, check again in five minutes after my wee electronic friends have finished editing.
          And here's the most amusing thing, Smiley -- every single individual in the history of the human race who has felt the same way as you in regards to morality has specifically failed to advance the species.  So though you may 'succeed' for yourself, in the long run it's true -- evil does always lose. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (09:30:00/05-17-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-17-12/2138:22>
>>>>>[I was speaking of metahumans. Marak, show no mercy to the darkness, but hold tight the dimness inside you. Ouroboros do you know a down town Jazz Club called Tula's, It has been around forever. Why don't you come on by and share a few drinks, we'll see if we know each other]<<<<<

       -- Shadowrider (21:38:15/05-17-74)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-17-12/2144:00>
>>>>>[When I tangle with toxics, shedim, or insects, the words 'extreme prejudice' tend to be used a lot. And, no offense to Chrona, the same goes for the Infected when they think I'd make a good meal. Got no problem with the Infected that still have their mind, but the moment they start thinking of me as lunch, then no more Mister Nice Shark.

As for blood mages, that's different. They use their own blood for things, or that of willing dupes, I don't care, so long as they aren't using that mojo on me. But the Azzies take that to whole new lows.

On that note, Wyrm, the DF want us to publish what we found to the Matrix. Shadowland may be dead, but they said that the 'spirit' of the bequest was to let the world know what was there. So they want us to put it up on the Nexus, and on any other data haven or runner board we have access to. We're still working up the report, trying to do it in a way that won't get us or our team killed. So unless your backers can match or better the bequest...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:43:23/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <05-17-12/2217:33>
>>>>>[Can't say that I have Chrona. If I did, I wouldn't have been able to keep myself from singing 'Nananananan BATMAN!'.

And be quick people! Pics of me don't tend to last very long on the trix! Hahaha! Oh I'm not trying to advance the specie at all. I am content with how things are. I let the other megalomaniacs and self-righteous assholes do that. And it would be a big assumption to say the specie is "advancing" or that it ever needed advancement. Nazis in WWII never advanced medical science by experimenting on mostly jewish prisoners. We also all know that all the advancement and breakthroughs Corporations brings on the market are all based on perfectly ethical research. Hahaha! Truly though, all this doesn't even matter. Advancement is a word that means something different for everyone who is using it.

But you are right, "evil" always lose but don't fool yourself because "good" never wins either. Every routed evil is always replaced by another one most often than not even worse.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (22:17:43/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-18-12/0129:07>
>>>>>[ Oh yes, of course, Smiley.  You're right.  We are still squatting in caves and bashing at each other with sticks - literally.  We don't have a lifespan beyond 40 years, or can be cured of infections.  Sorry, I must be living in some kind of delusion.
          Oh, wait.
          Don't imagine for a single shake of a lamb's tail that that outlook of yours has a single redeeming value.  I expect you have no belief in heaven or hell, but having known and interviewed plenty of people with your psychology, I know that you don't need to.  You're already living in what you think of is hell.
          As a note to your apprentice - Autumn, if you've any wisdom at all, you'll leave.  With, by preference, his head in a plastic bag and the body not, but that's up to you.  There are other people, as good at what he does or better, who can train you - if that is really what you want to do with your life.
          Shadowrider, I know it.  Hard to get to for me just now, though; it's a long way for drinks with a stranger.  Drop me a private line if you're that curious.
          And you didn't tell me that information, Rakhi.  She says she has no issue with the information being published, but would care to talk about ... timing.  And other details, which are beyond me.  She offers information for information -- which, all sources considered, I'd suggest you take her up on.  The DF isn't likely to supply that sort of thing any more, unless Walter's gotten a lot more loquacious than I remember him being.
          Well, okay, that's a fib.  He was always talkative-pompous, he just didn't actually tell you much.  You've met him; do you think Wordsmith would give you a leg up?
          In any case, she'd still like a meeting, present her request and offer, that kind of thing.  Madrecita, you too. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:30:00/05-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <05-18-12/0156:39>
>>>>>[Some advancements have come from...regrettable...sources, true, but so long as the more heinous acts aren't completely forgotten, and the results are used for beneficial purposes, at least some good has come from those acts.]<<<<<
       -- Predator (00:55:28/05-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-18-12/0312:50>
>>>>>[ Oh, no need to apologise, Miri. Business is business, and I had some of my own to take care of. I've heard of that place. The shifter I'm training knows it well, and goes there often. I was going to suggest we go there myself.

Shadowrider, you're right. The toxics and blood mages were not always like that. But in order to be a toxic or a blood mage, you have to choose to be. I found myself faced with exactly that choice in '61, when I had to choose between defeat and sacrificing a team-mate. Yes, circumstances force them to choose, but in the end, they do choose to be what they are. I could so have been one of them...but I chose not to be. Those black arts do twist you and wring decency from you. They are what they are now, not what they were in the past. When a crazed ghoul runs at you, intent on feeding, do you stop to question what they once were? No. You shoot to kill based on what he is now. And I for one won't mourn.

People are what they are. You can take them or leave them. Smiley may well be a sociopath. It doesn't much matter to me as he is still a person I value.

Wyrm...that wasn't the deal. The deal was, we plant your little devices, andf make known to you what we find. In return, you give us details of how to get in, and as compensation in the monetary sense, we collect that bequest. I'm reluctant to meet with someone I don't know, especially if it's coming from you. But...ifformation for information does give us a basis for opening talks. But we pick the place and time. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (03:14:31/05-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-18-12/0420:47>
>>>>>[ Little Mother, neither I nor my employer has need of the now-11,636,762.55¥ or so of the bequest, presuming they invested it securely (at 1.25%, compounded quarterly) and it didn't get trashed by Jormungand.  Again, she offers information in order for you to delay the claiming of the bequest, in order for ... people to finish acting on the information your assistance has gained for us, as well as acting on the results of looking behind that door.
          It is hoped that by the time the information you provide is made public, the issue against what you discovered will be decided, do you see? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (04:20:30/05-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-18-12/0448:33>
>>>>>[The will strikes again.<<<<<
       -- Chrona (09:48:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-18-12/0707:57>
>>>>>[I have had the pleasure of meeting the Wordsmyth, as well as the Laughing Man, and the Orange Queen, and I agree that they are not much more communicative in person than they are in the old Shadowland SIGs. If Xerena agrees, then information for information, and a delay in our publication is acceptable. We choose the time and place.

If all are agreed, then 19:00 at the Black Dragon Tavern in Tarislar. Security will be provided courtesy of the Laesa.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:07:23/05-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-18-12/0710:39>
>>>>>[Bring your own wine, heh.]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (12:10:31/05-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-18-12/1220:40>
>>>>>[ Acceptable. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (10:14:22/05-18-74)

>>>>>[ I met Arleesh once. A runner buddy of mine is on fairly good terms with her. He did her a favour once, and he's still paying for it. ]
       -- Ysoni (12:20:49/05-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <05-18-12/1452:01>
>>>>>{Drek, some days I don't know if I'm too zen for this business, and then you guys go and show me that I might be JUST zen enough to not drown in the deep end. Grandfather always taught me that there is no good and evil, simply Light and Dark, and what people do with it. Sure, in classical lit and movies Light is always good, but we know better. The Light can be twisted and used for 'evil' ends just as well as Dark can be used to deliver 'justice'. I'd rather not get into how those two words are all a meaning of Perception in the end. I'm not nearly liquored up enough.

Look forward to the report, and Money still needs to tell us why Murph is hard core in the ground, communication wise.]<<<<<

     -- Card (12:51:50/5-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-21-12/1748:25>
>>>>>[ Well, that could have gone better...

(Unidentified male voice) BALL!

Fen! FENRIS! NO!

(Unidentified female voice) Get off me you ugly brute! Get away! AWAY!

(Unidentified male voice) Got it! I got it! Stupid woman-in-a-ball. I got you!

 Oh...no...Fen...How many times have I told you...]
[Transmission cut at source]
       -- Ysoni (17:48:49/05-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-21-12/1828:01>
>>>>>[ uh... what the drek was that mon??]

       --Marak (18:28:49/05-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-21-12/2043:48>
>>>>>[ Looks like Mad's having trouble with the shifter.]

       --Chrona (01:43:49/05-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-22-12/0753:58>
 :o
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-22-12/1106:14>
>>>>>[Well, I'm in Prague now. Master Corenas and I got to meet Schwartzkopf, wearing his metahuman form. He wished to speak with my master for a few minutes before class. In class, we performed a small demonstration of our abilities, and my master spoke about the Art, through the eyes of a Swordmage. I got a few minutes to talk about Shark, as well. We'll be in Prague for the week, and Professor Schwartzkopf has graciously allowed us to sit in on his classes while we're here. At some point, i may have to come back here and take the full course.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:05:23/05-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <05-22-12/1512:12>
>>>>>[ No. Not me having trouble with the shifter. It's the shifter having fun with Ysoni. He's a smart one, but he's also a wolf, and wolves like to play. Yes, Ysoni. Fen can in fact tell the difference between a drone and a ball, and he knows exactly how much it annoys Criara when he "plays fetch" with her. He does it because it annoys you, and not incidentally, her. If she'd just stop treating him like an animal, he'll respond to her a little better. You can tell her that. I'm not going to play referee anymore.  ]
       -- Madrecita(15:11:49/05-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-22-12/1841:03>
>>>>>[A friend of mine knows Schwartzkopf on much worse terms.]<<<<<

--Chrona (21:35:23/05-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-22-12/1849:24>
>>>>>[What the sam hell is that Wolfgar come out of the mangroves !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mon I be over there.......]<<<<<

--Marak (18:35:23/05-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-24-12/2312:43>
>>>>>[The Emerald city seems quiet tonight. Have you ever noticed how matrix crime goes down whenever a big name game comes out]<<<<<

--Shadowrider (23:06:33/05-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-25-12/0016:42>
>>>>>[ If you corrected that to 'detected Matrix crime', it might be more accurate. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (12:15:00/05-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-25-12/0250:34>
>>>>>[True enough]<<<<<
          -- Shadowrider (02:50:34/05-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-27-12/1516:08>
>>>>>[ Theres nothing to worry about over, OH MY GODS!!!!(muted roar in the background) Frag it all Mae Sue, keep Ezekial on his bloody leash why dont you. Bleedin gator shamans, i swear.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (14:15:34/05-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-27-12/1753:11>
>>>>>[ Since when do gators look like freakin Godzilla  eessh mon !!!!.]<<<<<

--Marak (17:15:34/05-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: qazcake on <05-27-12/2218:30>
>>>>>[It feels so good to be back home,also you may want to be carful that gator there]<<<<<
     -- Zork the problem solver (22:21:57/05-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-29-12/0743:58>
>>>>>[ I never thought I'd experience a Gator purring. Dat was different mon. Still not going near the eating machine I have some smarts mon. JUst tell it to stop staring at me.eh ]<<<<<
     -- Marak(07:21:57/05-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-29-12/1132:25>
>>>>>[You should try swimming with sharks. In some places there are some underwater pools in the ocean where fresh water leaks in. Sharks come in, and zen out. You can swim right up to them, even touch them. As a follower of Shark, this was an especially powerful experience for me, as you can imagine.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:32:23/05-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-29-12/1200:53>
>>>>>[Knowing my luck mon. A megladon will just be happening by and have a snack of me mon. Thanks but I pass just to be safe. .]<<<<<

--Marak (12:00:23/05-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-30-12/1542:10>
>>>>>[Speaking of awesome stunts anyone do much car surfing? If you do it during a fire fight your P2 views will sky rocket! Just don't try anything fancy with a Cavalier Arms Sheriff it will knock you on your hoop.]<<<<<

--Morg (15:34:51/05-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-30-12/2122:24>
>>>>>[Once, long ago when i was a lot younger and dumber. Of course i dont think it counts when its down the body of a semi-trailer to shoot the dumb bastitches trying to blow our tires out on the Rocky mountain highway. We had been hired to move an old M1 Abrams tank into Denver and someone decided they wanted it more than our employer.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (20:21:55/05-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-31-12/1810:45>
>>>>>[Did you ever figure out who their mechanic was, what variant was it and did it have a TUSK ? Do you know if they kept it classic or did they update the electronics package, were they rigging it? I would love to learn how to refurbish something like that, but the cost must have been massive to keep it running. I understand the M1 Abrams was quite the gas guzzling hanger queen, but that's what you get for putting a jet turbine in an old style tank. I wonder if I could nIckel coat one]<<<<<

--Morg (18:10:25/05-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-31-12/1812:34>
>>>>>[And put chameleon coating on it mon...drools.  8)]<<<<<

--Marak (18:12:25/05-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <05-31-12/1830:28>
>>>>>[No I wouldn't bother with a chameleon coat on it, the thermal signature from that baby is so bright that anyone can see it, I think I could do nickel and bronze with a magnetic undercoat and AR display tags, It would look wiz!]<<<<<

--Morg (18:30:22/05-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <05-31-12/1833:59>
>>>>>[When your right your right mon. ]<<<<<

--Marak (18:33:22/05-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <06-03-12/1947:11>
>>>>>[Found out a couple years ago that they threw in an electric drive system with a thermally damped LPG engine running the generator. Hated that fraggin thing when i ended up going up against it. It wasn't rigged but the team running it were fraggin artists with it.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:46:22/06-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-03-12/2109:18>
>>>>>[They would have to be mon. Wow like that idea .]<<<<<  8)

--Marak (21:09:22/06-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <06-03-12/2232:19>
>>>>>[I did try car-kiting once. Picked up a waterski tow-rope, tied it to the back of the rigger's GAZ, and had one helluva ride, had to hold on with all four claws. Well, helluva ride until I didn't spot that power line. I tried complaining to the power company (with a spoofed ID, natch!), but they went and told me that I was violating flight rules instead!]<<<<<
--TekDrake (22:31:08/06-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-03-12/2238:18>
>>>>>[....ouch mon!]<<<<<
--Marak (22:38:08/06-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-04-12/0755:57>
>>>>>[Yet more evidence that Darwin is asleep at the switch. Someone get him some coffee or something!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:55:23/06-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-04-12/0805:06>
>>>>>[Sure ... how do you like it. One lump or 2 ?!]<<<<<

--Marak (08:05:23/06-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-04-12/1233:47>
>>>>>[Ok after having been in one, I think someone needs to design a troll friendly sub. I get suuuuuch a crick in the neck mon!]<<<<<

--Marak (12:35:23/06-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: qazcake on <06-04-12/1531:21>
>>>>>[It could be worse, you could have gotten very sea sick.]<<<<<
     -- zork the problem solver (15:28:09/06-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-04-12/1809:28>
>>>>>[Hmmmmm too true mon.]<<<<<
     -- Marak (18:08:09/06-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <06-06-12/1858:49>
>>>>>[Subs have awesome acoustics, I wonder why no one has every decided to record music inside one]<<<<<
     -- Morg (18:57:39/06-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-06-12/2009:43>
>>>>>[ummm Morg here I recorded your awesome session in the sub  8) better than the CD of ZZ DC you gave me ]<<<<<
     -- Marak (20:07:39/06-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <06-06-12/2047:45>
>>>>>[I know a few guys who did. It sadly didn't end well for their producer.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (20:47:52/06-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <06-06-12/2059:21>
>>>>>[Let me guess Smiley, met them on a job?.]<<<<<
       -- Chrona (01:59:52/06-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <06-06-12/2106:02>
>>>>>[Hahaha! No, not at all. And the guy is still alive too! It had more to do with a genuine accident, madness and a really bad case of decompression sickness.]<<<<<
       -- Smiley (21:06:01/06-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <06-07-12/0424:03>
>>>>>[Marak if you record me practising again I am going to make eating challenging for you, understand!]<<<<<
       -- Morg (04:23:33/06-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-07-12/0641:18>
>>>>>[Cystal clear just like de waters from home...... ]<<<<<
       -- Marak (06:23:33/06-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-07-12/1512:41>

>>>>>[This would be funnier mon if your eyes weren't glowing green...... I was kidding mon. Damp down de shiny mon ]<<<<<
       -- Marak (15:13:33/06-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-08-12/1500:51>
>>>>>[Subs have awesome acoustics, I wonder why no one has every decided to record music inside one]<<<<<
     -- Morg (18:57:39/06-04-74)

>>>>>[ Mmm...interesting idea. I might just try that for Moncita Caballe's next release.

On another note entirely...S-K Daimler Zetros offroad RV! I want it! ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (15:00:52/06-08-74)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <06-08-12/1803:59>
>>>>>[ Madre, you can use mine if you want to try it for the acoustics, and Morg, your playing aint half bad at all. As to why no one has ever built a sub that could be comfortably crewed by trolls, I figure it has something to do with the displacement having to be something around that of a Nimitz class Aircraft Carrier. Alright guys, can the chatter we're on Emcon as soon as the cargo doors open.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (17:04:02/06-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-08-12/1840:30>
>>>>>[ Big Bomba time mon  ;D.]<<<<<

--Marak (18:40:02/06-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <06-17-12/0703:16>
>>>>>[I raise a glass to an empty chair once again, too Solo! I'll find her for you, so rest easy.]<<<<<

--Shadowrider (07:03:24/06-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <06-19-12/2125:31>
>>>>>[I shall raise a drink as well mon. .]<<<<<

--Marak (21:03:24/06-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <06-24-12/2025:19>
>>>>>[Ok, where is the old fragger? Wolfgar! Where the frag have you run off to this time, you were supposed to take me on your next op for some training, but no, you've gotta leave me in Elf land with a fraggin blade master. ]<<<<<

Wolfgar (19:25:24/06-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-26-12/1440:45>
>>>>>[ Best place for you, kid. Trust me on this. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (14:41:52/06-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-27-12/0106:34>
>>>>>[Hey, at least I've managed to teach the kid one of the most important lessons: How to Duck. Only took a couple times before he got the idea that stopping a wooden blade with your face was a bad idea.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:06:01/06-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-27-12/1432:41>
>>>>>[ I think he's just freaked out by those live statues your mother keeps. It certainly did me... Good object lessons or not, it's still macabre. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (14:31:52/06-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-27-12/1857:03>
>>>>>[Which reminds me. I managed to get Mother to write me a version of that spell. Instead of stone, you get unmelting ice sculptures. Stone is nice, but there is an aesthetic that comes from unmelting ice constantly shedding a fine mist that you don't get with conventional sculpture. Of course, it's been a while since anyone's tried to kill me, so I haven't had anyone to test it on.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:56:34/06-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-28-12/1548:49>
>>>>>[ Mmm...I remember you mentioned wanting to do something like that. I'd use that as a combat spell, personally. Turn an enemy to ice, then shatter him with the bat'leth. As an intimidation tactic, I love it.

I must say...I agree that such an ice sculpture would have a certain aesthetic appeal. But not on an enemy. It smacks of gloating. I find it very, very unsettling. ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (15:58:40/06-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-28-12/1619:26>
>>>>>[All depends on how you look at it, I guess. I don't see it as gloating so much as a very visible warning. Like putting someone's head on a pike, it is a message to your enemies about the consequences of moving against you. Except the ice sculpture doesn't have the smell and the problems with flies you have with displaying dead bodies. But I could see how it could be taken as gloating.

As for using it in combat, there are a couple of problems, due to the limitations of the spell. Like most permanent spells, you have to keep concentrating on it for a time for it to firmly set in place. And the ice is enhanced by the magic, making it harder to damage than regular ice. And the drain is fairly severe. If you were going for sheer intimidation value, a flame aura spell would be far more effective.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:19:34/06-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <06-29-12/0337:59>
>>>>>[I have a spell or two for a wiz show myself, but for Intimidation a fake IED will do the trick. You wouldn't believe what you can get people to do if they think you are wired up with a dead man switch]<<<<<

--Morg (03:37:10/06-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-29-12/0711:56>
>>>>>[Just make sure you know your mark, first. Some people are crazy enough to call your bluff. And make sure their kids and loved ones aren't nearby when you try such things. People can get stupid when you threaten their family, to the point where a wageslave without an ounce of combat training will take on a full grown troll in heavy armor and armed with the best of things that make people bleed, with nothing but their bare hands. Even if they are normally the kind of person who will wilt if you look at them in a threatening manner.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:11:34/06-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-29-12/1258:34>
>>>>>[ Hehe. I would also say it only works as art when the person thus frozen over is something for the eye. Ugly art is not something I enjoy, no matter how effective it may be otherwise.

Like Miri said, that's a dangerous tactic to use, Morg. Don't try that on someone who has nothing to lose, or who are mentally wired to be slightly crazy. There are people who lose all fear of death when threatened. I'm one of them. Trying to bluff people like us is very likely to get you killed.

I remember one time a desperate Azzie suit tried to take a teammate of mine hostage. He put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her if I didn't let him go. Something in me just went...cold. I told him, Fine. You do that. The very second you do, I'll be on you, and I'll make your dying last a week. I'm a doctor. I know exactly how to keep you alive, awake and very much aware the entire time.

I would have done it too, and he saw that in the eyes of my other teammates. He turned the gun on himself at that point.  ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (12:58:40/06-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <06-29-12/1356:59>
>>>>>[Well after a speech like that I would normally just hit everyone in the room with a stunball and then try something new. From time to time I use a real bomb, I still get flash backs when I do...Oh if anyone is interested in a few Hyundai Shin-Hyung's I have one in Royal Maroon two in Jet Black (Gloss) one in Electric Blue Metallic and three in Carmine Red all mint condition and the factory sticker is still on them. If you want any work done on them tell me I have most of the kits.]<<<<<

       -- Morg (13:56:22/06-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-29-12/1444:29>
>>>>>[ Always supposing you're not facing a mage on the opposing side.

Mmm...thanks, but no thanks, Morg. I recently got myself a new BMW 400GT. I'm looking to personalise it a bit though, if you happen to have a kit for that...? ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (14:05:40/06-29-74)

>>>>>[ I'll take one! The electric blue metallic one! ]<<<<<
       -- Ysoni (14:25:22/06-29-74)

>>>>>[ Harumph. ]
       -- The Tokoloshe (14:44:40/06-29-74)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <06-29-12/1921:43>

>>>>>[Madrecita if you need a kit for your 400GT I have some of the civilian stuff on hand the security stuff will take 24 hours and I also home brew some Milispec but the looks will suffer some and it will take extra time because I do all the work myself, I can do any paint work you might need and I can make some auto spoofing RFID tags so you can blend in with the crowd when you want too.

Ysoni when the cred clears I will have it delivered to you with a full tank.]<<<<<

       -- Morg (13:56:22/06-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <06-29-12/2331:42>
>>>>>[ Why would you even bother with a Hyunk of Jyunk ... ? ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (11:31:22/06-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <06-30-12/0006:25>
>>>>>[I am looking for some info on Art Dankwalther, In exchange I can get a few files wiped or edited at Lonestar or Knight Errant upon request.]<<<<<

          -- Shadowrider (00:05:22/06-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-30-12/0827:35>
>>>>>[What do you want to know? Arty boy is dead. The Court brought the hammer down on him during the Crash. Full on Omega, complete with a Thor shot. Just to emphasize the fact that they really wanted him dead.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (08:27:23/06-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-30-12/1123:30>
>>>>>[ Oh, just the civvie spec stuff will do, Morg. I just want to improve the looks a bit. The Tokoloshe took care of the security upgrades and engine and suspension mods. I don't use the 400GT for serious 'runs. All I want is a subtle bodykit and a paint job. The car's not supposed to stand out in any way, and bog-standard cars do, hence the aesthetic upgrade.

Gah. I miss my Hispano Suiza...but on the plus side...I'll soon take posession of a Daimler Zetros! With that, I can go anywhere, anytime, and do so in excellent comfort and safety.  ]<<<<<
       -- Madrecita (11:23:22/06-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <06-30-12/1246:49>
>>>>>[I am trying to reconstruct some of his activity precrash 2.0, secondly I need two more sources to confirm he was hit I have conflicting information on  this]<<<<<

          -- Shadowrider (12:46:32/06-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-30-12/1749:57>
>>>>>[Well, if you're asking if someone has seen the body, the answer is gonna be no. But the Omega order was carried out, and the hit confirmed. Here, I'll post something that was put up on the old shadow boards just after the Crash.

Quote
//Begin File Attachment//
From:Priault@zog.com
To:S-K HQ10596@saederkrupp.com
Re:Dankwalther
Master,
Following the latest intelligence reports, subject was located
at 23:06 EST. Orbital option was unanimously approved at
23:11, after ZOG analysis estimated he’d be gone before Omega
ground team could be activated. Subject was successfully terminated
at 23:16. News interdiction was also successful: the KSAF
team was delayed pending impact, as per your orders.
Regards,
Priault
//End//

So, the Corporate Court, after hearing that the slippery fragger might be able to get away before a ground team could get to him, was blasted from orbit with a Thor shot. Wonderful thing about Thor? Can't be bribed, and by the time you know its coming, if you're lucky you'll have just enough time to get out of the "turned to a fine red mist" radius, and into the "massive shock wave damage" radius. The thing is pretty much instantly lethal to 300 meters from the impact point, and even at 500 meters, you're still going to feel like someone shot you with a Panther XXL. Art is DEAD, pure and simple.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (17:49:23/06-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-01-12/1850:56>
>>>>>[Ashley Marie Bostwick, Young lady your still supposed to be in, as you put it, elf land learning to use a sword. The op your whinning about doesnt go off for almost four more months. Right now i'm helping Morg and Marak with a problem Marak has along with a few of my cousins. What in Hades are you doing back at the house, strike that i dont really need to know cause the first thing in the morning your catching a flight back to elf land with the young man thats waiting there going through the facility.

Motoko, i guess it depends on what you're in when you find out that one of those things is falling for you. I know quite a few vehicles that would get me out of the chunky salsa range of it with just a change of vector and then dropping the hammer.]<<<<<

Wolfgar--(17:52:23/07-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-01-12/2123:44>
>>>>>[That's assuming you're in a vehicle, Wolfgar, and that you know it is coming. If you were, say, woken up in the middle of the night the moment a 'source' on ZO told you the Court had launched against you, you're going to be in a fair bit of trouble, yeah? Sure, it takes a few minutes from launch to impact, but unless someone tells you it is coming, by the time you can spot it, you're already dead. And even if someone tells you it is coming, unless you're in a fast vehicle, already under power, with room to open the throttle, you're still dead.]<<<<<

--Motoko Kusanagi (21:23:25/07-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <07-02-12/0125:34>
>>>>>[The question really is how much warning could he have gotten with the resources he had available. The question is why use a Thor when a cruse missile would do unless you wanted to be sure there was no evidence or to cover up that you couldn't really find him. Some times if you think about it long enough you'll go crazy about all the conspiracy under every stone, but I still need to track his actions and movements up to the attack. It has not been easy. Morg stop calling me I am not taking your money to investigate Jet Black/Vampire army conspiracy. The legend is dead respect that and move on kid]<<<<<

     --Shadowrider (01:11:15/07-02-74)

>>>>>[I thought you helped people find the truth Rider, I didn't know you were such a cynic...Wolfgar we pick up Ranger Joe, I know you said to wait, but we got in a fight with him at the bar, we didn't know it was him until my commlink face IDed him....Marak and I need a little patching up, while we heal could you get the info out of him?]<<<<<

     --Morg (01:22:34/07-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <07-02-12/0226:42>
>>>>>[Anyone in the UCAS do anything for Canada Day, or have plans for the Fourth? ]<<<<<
--Tekdrake (2:28:05/07-02-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <07-02-12/0423:45>
>>>>>[I thought that Union Day day was Oct 15. Whats Canada day and why is the Fourth significant Tekdrake?]<<<<<

     --Morg (04:20:35/07-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-02-12/0837:18>
>>>>>[Why Thor? Communications on the ground were still a mess. More witnesses to a cruise missle flying overhead. First you have to get a cruise missle within range. That last part is probably part of what they meant by being able to get an Omega team into position before he moved. And really, when you absolutely have to be sure, there's Thor.

As for how much warning he could have gotten, while I'm sure he probably had someone on ZO, I don't know how much time he could possibly have had. Best case scenario, he had nine minutes to get out, and that's assuming that he had a guy in the comm room on ZO that called him the moment the info came into the orbital. If his guy was someone in the courtroom, like a bailiff, then he wouldn't have gotten any warning at all, because you simply don't make calls out of a session of the CC, yeah? So let's say somewhere under nine minutes to grab computers and credsticks, get to the car, start it up, and drive like hell. Assuming he was awake at the time.

As for where he was? I'd start with the UCAS, on the east coast. I say this because of KSAF trying to get in on the story, and the times being done in EST. Doesn't mean anything for certain, but there ya go.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (08:37:23/07-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <07-02-12/1206:22>
>>>>>[I thought that Union Day day was Oct 15. Whats Canada day and why is the Fourth significant Tekdrake?]<<<<<

     --Morg (04:20:35/07-02-74)

>>>>>[Now I know how Bull feels. Morg, read up on some history. There were two great nations, Canada and the United States. Just look em up on the Matrix, along with history. Y'know, the stuff that gets repeated if you aren't careful.]<<<<<
--Tekdrake (12:07:18/07-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-02-12/2127:31>
>>>>>[ Get him to the boat, i have called the others and they will meet us there. We'll heal you up and then have a nice chat with your new friend.]<<<<<   (20:23:52/07-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-03-12/1839:10>
>>>>>[Morg mon.... I have it pulled up here. I'll send it your way, but don't just skim thru it . Read it assimilate it mon. .]<<<<<
--Marak (18:37:18/07-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-13-12/0813:21>
>>>>>[Thanks Morg I may have to stencil in eyebrows til my own grow back mon. That last one was a tad to close eh....eesh. Our new friend has a tighter lip than a clam mon .]<<<<<
--Marak (08:13:18/07-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-15-12/1219:57>
>>>>>[Ok guys sodium-penathol drip and the phenobarbital kicker is in place, ask him whatever questions you need. Frag it, when did I turn on my link to this place.]<<<<<

Wolfgar (11:16:45/07-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-15-12/1406:06>
>>>>>[Sodium-pentathol and phenobarbital? My my, someone's a fan of the classics. Didn't think people still used that combo except in places where they couldn't get modern alternatives or Magic to do the job. Back in my army days, my squad's "Information Specialist" preferred a cocktail of concentrated doses of Bliss and Zen, combined with some simple illusion spells. After she got the information she needed, she would sometimes allow the person to walk free, and arrange for a government controlled supplier to cater to their new addictions, flipping the asset more permanently.

And that's a lesson to you younger kids. Pain is quicker, but you run into problems when people tell you whatever they can think of to end the pain, whether it is true or not. And there's the problem of people who, through stubbornness, devotion, or training, dig in their heels under duress, and refuse to say anything in the face of the most horrible tortures you can think of. Pleasure is slower, but it is much harder for people to lie when they are high as a kite and an illusion makes you look like their best friend in the world. Of course, there are people who are trained to resist interrogation under such circumstances as well, but they are far rarer.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:05:23/07-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <07-15-12/2200:56>
>>>>>[Magic and modern psychotropic software have rendered pretty much every older interrogation method obsolete, along with most of the things that can be done to train someone to deal with being interrogated.  Only reason we even bothered with nonsense like simulated drowning was to sort out which ones were actually worth going full speed into.  Everyone who hasn't actually had any sort of capture preparation training expects all of it, and shrugging off something paltry gives them a little bit of a boost.  By making them a little bit stronger, it's that much more complete when they shatter.

Then again, anyone who'll talk just because you've subjected him to 20 minutes of pledge hazing won't know anything important anyway.]<<<<<

--Vice (21:54:36/07-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-16-12/1152:56>
>>>>>[Magic eh...hmmm. Morg have at it in combo with the drugs. I'm not gonna interrogate dis fleeb, I might do more harm den good mon. ........oops see I broke his arm. I'm goona lean over here and let cooler heads do this. I have too much vested in this to go in half cocked and full steam mon..]<<<<<

--Marak (12:00:36/07-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <07-16-12/1607:16>
>>>>>[Thanks for the vote of confidence in Interrogation Marak but I don't know a thing about it. But I can summon something from his nightmares hopefully that will work]<<<<<

--Morg (16:05:26/07-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-16-12/1823:00>
>>>>>[Better that than my inadvertanly geeking him mon. I don't know my own strength sometimes eh.
****kneels down in front of Ranger Dick****** Do I look familiar !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ]<<<<<

--Marak (18:25:26/07-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DaveB on <07-17-12/2012:09>
>>>>>[For the right amount of nuyen, I'll make him talk.]<<<<<

     --Autumn (20:12:28/07-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-21-12/1223:10>
>>>>>[Well if my chummer here can't find anyone I just might hire you mon..]<<<<<

     --Marak (12:12:28/07-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <07-22-12/2255:07>
>>>>>[My apologies for not being back sooner- Wolfgar, I know you sent me some messages I haven't responded to, my apologies sincerely. If there is anything you are still willing to pass my way, I will be most grateful.

Aside from some extended life quality improvement, I decided to undergo the preparation for and undertaking of an Arcane Navjote (initiation), which required me to divorce myself from material matters for some months. How are you all?]<<<<<

     --Delir Emet (22:45:52/07-2-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-23-12/1709:41>
>>>>>[Actually guys, this is actually one of the things i used to do for a living. Questioning and getting people like him to the point they really couldn't be questioned. So i know how to break him slowly. The only problem is that this way actually takes quite a while so its going to be slow going. Chemicals, simsense, magic, the whole nine yards. But the real trick is, just like keeping from being able to be broken you have to work through stages to break through this kinda stuff.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:04:52/07-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-23-12/1807:11>
>>>>>[FINE !!! I just want answers mon. He messed with my family eh. And dis part of history is long buried with my father. An he goes and DOES THIS!!!! YOU WOKE DE BEASTY RANGER DUDE EH. YOU BETTER HOPE MORG N DE OTHERS CAN KEEP ME CALM. OR YOU BE FEELIN DE BEASTS TEETH MON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Ahem ---looks around and nods---- right get started]<<<<<

--Marak (18:04:52/07-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <07-23-12/1819:29>
>>>>>[That's not a good state to be in, Marak, if you are well, forcefully interrogating someone. Wolfgar, Vice, and Iceblade have their points, it's a fine art (though I shall not call it "art"). I can understand history being a touchy point- the life management, to be honest was my dealing with unsavory types attempting to intrude into old matters I prefer to keep buried.

The issue is the same as now though. I took the absence and extended time devoted to this issue because I wanted to handle that problem with care. Marak, you have to stay calm or you'll botch the job obviously.

And Wolfgar: do let me know if you have anything worth going my way- I've developed some additional spells during the process of the Navjote.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (18:19:12/07-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-23-12/2151:51>
>>>>>[I am more...composed Delir. I am letting the one who know what their doing to the .... asking. I'm leaning back trying to stay composed..]<<<<<

--Marak (21:51:12/07-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-24-12/0622:02>
>>>>>[Just be sure you know what you're getting in for when you embark on a mission of revenge. And if you're going to do it, eliminate everyone, down to their last friend or family member, even the young and the elderly. Otherwise, you'll likely have people seeking revenge on you in turn. Or upon your children. Last time I went hunting for vengeance, I showed restraint. I only killed the people directly responsible. And here I am, almost a decade later, still having to deal with their friends and family who want revenge on me for what  I did. If you are going to go for vengeance, finish it.

Now excuse me, I have a new statue to put in my garden, the first of my own works. It is a lovely ice sculpture that won't melt so long as the spell holds. Took some  work to get the pose right, but I think I captured the subject's passion nicely. I'm making this one into a fountain to replace the one that she broke when she was trying to kill me just now. Such a bother.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:21:34/07-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-24-12/0712:15>
>>>>>[Iceblade I was born after my father, mothers and etc transgressions/actions/activities (for lack of a better word) in Texas before I was born whiched culmimated with my parents home being made into a crater. Not to mention my father stopping certain activities here in the emerald city by bringing 3 buildings down on him. Thus ending some reallt dark stuff being researched by a certain corp with the first 2 lettes of Az . Nuff said mon about dem. I me myself had no clue what they did , cuz mom refused to tell me. But unfortunatly I am the splitting image of my father. Only reason I know this much is because my combat teachers the brothers grimm taught me b, knowing where you came from and who you came from makes you who you are. And To learn from their ....trials or mistakes however you wanna look at it mon. My mom disappeared after pops died cuz she was with child (me) and decided it was time to retire. So I grew up away from a lot of crud mon. Somewhere calm etc doncha know
Then the craziness of having certain jag troopers chasing me thru seattle. Not knowing why. And to anyone reading this that I dropped thru their ceiling or thru their lives while I had dat posse throwing lead in my direction. I sorry, anyways someone found who sent him and its dis guy here. So you understand mon why I WANT ANSWERS ...ahem. I have no fued with the Az nor do I want to start one. So whatever info I get form him woll be valuable eh. .]<<<<<

--Marak (06:59:34/07-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <07-24-12/1150:11>
>>>>>[Someone's forgotten what Smiley said about revealing who wants you dead.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (11:49:31/07-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <07-24-12/2138:55>
>>>>>[People are paying attention! At least this guy. Go ahead! Refresh their minds, I don't repeat twice. Well, tips and advices anyway. Not my jokes, those I repeat them often. People are too stupid to get them most of the times.

Oh! Gotta go. More or less fifty people are about to die vaporized in a few seconds. I need to... well do some. Oh here it goes!]<<<<<

      -Smiley (21:38:23/07-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-25-12/0740:49>
>>>>>[I realize my error Mr. Smiley mon. I lost my cool and the filter from thinker to mouth was open instead of shut eh. Its why dey not lettin me back into the room. I lost it and broke his arm! I just have to work on my calming techniques doncha know mon.]<<<<<

      -Marak (07:38:23/07-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-25-12/0813:22>
>>>>>[Drink heavily. Works for me. OW! Sorry, the Angel just 'reminded' me that there's a difference between 'stress' and 'addiction'. But it keeps the nightmares away, and the whispering down. I am more myself when I've been drinking.]<<<<<

--Faust (08:13:22/07-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-26-12/1253:06>
>>>>>[Thsi keeps up mon. I just might start.]<<<<<

--Marak (12:53:22/07-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <07-26-12/1606:18>
>>>>>[Does sound like you might be well served to go find yourself a very large bottle of bourbon and go on a quest for the bottom.  When you wake up, and are over your hangover, your compatriots might even have some actionable intel for you.]<<<<<

--Vice (16:05:41/07-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-26-12/1820:31>
>>>>>[Sounding better and better now that I think of it mon. Island rum goes down nice mon  8).]<<<<<

--Marak(18:05:41/07-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <07-27-12/0822:19>
>>>>>[The rum wasn't the only thing I found in the islands that went down smooth.  Both make for a good diversion from a rough couple of weeks.  Now that I'm thinking about it, Caracao might be the best place I've ever worked out of. 

Your old friends have any luck with your new friend?]<<<<<

--Vice(08:22:31/07-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-27-12/0851:02>
>>>>>[Dey haven'y come out yet n have locked de door . So I guess me n captn morgan will get reaquainted mon.<<<<<<

--Marak(08:51:31/07-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <07-30-12/1752:15>
>>>>>[Marak we have a target get your gear. We are going to need to get creative for this one. Remember others are watching us here]<<<<<

    --Morg (17:48:31/07-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-30-12/1802:41>
>>>>>[Finally  8) Its time for some boomba mon ]<<<<<

    --Marak (18:08:31/07-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-31-12/1701:38>
>>>>>[Yeah, your gonna get to go have some, Son of a slitch, no dont you die on me you. Holy frag! Con, Interogation room, we had a fire and need to surface the ship now. (garble in background.) No Con, the fire is out, no need for emergency crews, but surface and run full out for home base. (garble) Yes captain, the admiral is expecting me, unfortunately he was expecting our guest as well.

Hey Madre, what do you know about blood magic and instant self imolation?]<<<<<

Wolfgar (15:55:57/07-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <07-31-12/1945:39>
>>>>>[We be goin to war now eh friends . Against something I never thought I'd be doin with some people I never thought I'd be fightin beside mon. But I get de feelin I have de best people backin me with dis. Hey Morgie its time for the boomba that you do so well soon mon. Momma be proud of me. And as Jawanda used to say. Soon Papa Shango be gettin some new visitors to play wit mon.  8)]<<<<<

    --Marak (19:48:31/07-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-01-12/0914:41>
>>>>>[Wolfgar, sounds to me like some kind of variant on the 'Bleeding Oath' Triad soldiers swear. They start talking, and it launches a magical effect that is typically gruesome, and always fatal. Assuming you took the usual precautions to ward the space against outside ritual magic, and to keep the subject from casting any spells. Yes, you can target yourself with a flamethrower spell. Most people don't, not being idiots, but someone suitably devoted to a cause could easily decide to torch themselves instead of betraying their comrades.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:14:22/08-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <08-01-12/1148:56>
>>>>>[I’m here hoping to get some information on a girl with the moniker ‘Scarlet Spade’. Compensation to follow any helpful leads. Also, any information on the old airforce academy base in Denver’s tunnels and runways and whether or not they connect to the old Denver Subway project Thanks ahead of time.]<<<<<

--Deadline (11:45:36/08-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <08-02-12/1225:43>
>>>>>[She sounds sexy. What do you want her for?]<<<<<

--Joker (9:24:57/08-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <08-03-12/0528:15>
>>>>>[As long as it isn't to kill her, does it matter?]<<<<<

--Deadline(05:28:57/08-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <08-04-12/0251:53>
>>>>>[So, I'm sitting on my tail in hiding, waiting for some heat to die down, when a techno buddy of mine I saved sends me this bit of ancient ShadowSea data to keep me from going stir-crazy. Stuff is about 20 years old, but wow. Lotta questions I had are getting answered. Maybe I shouldn't have slept through those classes and hacked my grades up in school.]<<<<<
--TekDrake(2:51:18/08-04-73)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-04-12/0914:42>
>>>>>[FYI, it was Shadowland, not ShadowSEA, back in the day. ShadowSEA came around after Captain Chaos bit it in the Crash. Sacrificed himself to spread the data on the Worm as far as possible before the Seattle Shadowland node burned to the ground.

And out of curiosity, what file did they send you? I've done some hunting through mirrored archives on the Nexus, and there are some fascinating files there. I just got around to reading the original Bug City files. Scary drek.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (09:14:23/08-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <08-04-12/1527:13>
>>>>>[Just a big drekload of files about the way the Shadows were back in 2050. I barely remember that far back, just starting to watch corp-approved cartoons in the corp-run daycare.

Not sure which thought scares me more, by the by-- Bugs, or FABIII.]<<<<<
--TekDrake(15-26-26/08-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-05-12/1845:01>
>>>>>[If you have questions tek, ask them some of us lived through those fiasco's. In fact the first time i dealt with runners i was ordered to help them deliver one of those packages to Denver. Bug city i was there for and even being magically active i have to say that Bugs are scarier than FAB III. Pulling into Pensacola Naval Air Station now, had to spend the last few days airing out the sub because somehow somebody caused a non-awakened person contained in a ward UNDER WATER to spontaniously combust. The admiral is not going to be happy with me.]<<<<<

Wolfgar (17:40:23/08-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-05-12/2033:42>
>>>>>[I was still in the Tir for those episodes, so I didn't see them up close. The Tir did a good job of slamming the door on the Universal Brotherhood before it could ever really get started.

And Wolfgar, even if your crispy critter isn't a member of the Triads, I'd wager a bottle of Alamestra that if you go back a ways, he's had contact with Triads, or Triad-trained magicians. While it is possible that someone could have found out the secret to the Bleeding Oath, usually anyone who speaks of such things to outsiders dies horribly before they can get to the good stuff, and anyone that still manages to find out key details dies as well, though usually through more mundane means. So finding a Triad or Triad-trained magician is your best bet for continuing this lead.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:33:22/08-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <08-06-12/0920:33>
>>>>>[I'm never gonna get dat smell outta my nose doncha know Wolfgar. I need to know what if anything Ranger Flambe provided to see where I go from here mon. You said time for the boomba but nothin else mon. ]<<<<<

--Marak (09:33:22/08-06-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-07-12/2259:55>
>>>>>[Morg has the info Marak, i gotta talk to the base Admiral in the morning so you two might want to make yourselves scarce quick like. Murphy, you wanna grab Money and come down here for some R and R. I'm gonna be sticking around doing some command and control and can handle security for the both of you.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (21:59:22/08-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <08-08-12/0743:36>
>>>>>[Right mon. Makinr ourselves scarce is second nature to us eh Morg  8). A tip o the hat to you Wolfgar and a big thanks for everything mon. You earned points wit dis guy mon.]<<<<<

--Marak (07:59:22/08-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <08-08-12/1258:42>
>>>>>[Well Marak and I got have dealt with Ranger Joe and Joe Corp, I know you didn't get any answers about your Dad Marak but at least your Mom is safe now. The P2.0 feed is up and you can see my newest stunt, I we used mining charge with a subsonic burn because it heaves rather then shatters and an armor spell to keep the wing suits from tearing]<<<<<

--Morg (12:16:45/08-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <08-08-12/1307:04>
>>>>>[Well Morg lets get our BOOMBA on and deal with this finally. So I can get back to a somewhat normal life mon. Well as normal as de shadows get eh  8)]<<<<<

--Marak (1:16:45/08-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: qazcake on <08-08-12/1500:58>
>>>>>[i recently had a frend  look over the nexus for any of the old  information posts.he sent me one from this merc named matador who did something on what it means to be a merc.it was a intresting read]<<<<<
     -- zork the problem solver (08-08-2012, 14:56:46)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Morg on <08-08-12/1608:17>
>>>>>[Isn't Matador old and dead? I think you could learn more from someone that is old and alive cause they tell more stories. Old people are adorable]<<<<<
     -- Morg (16:04:16/08-08-2012)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <08-08-12/1804:31>
>>>>>[Have better cookies too mon  ;D]<<<<<
     -- Marak (18:04:16/08-08-2012)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Marak1972 on <08-17-12/1835:18>
>>>>>[Hey chummers I have a question to yhe knowledgable ones in things magic eh. Hypothetically if I came across a german book called The Blood. what de heck do I do?? I want to be professional but evrything I've been hearing mon. Is bad juju eh ]<<<<<
     -- Marak (18:34:16/08-17-2012)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-17-12/2112:30>
>>>>>[Well first... Chummer... You don't advertise such a thing on a public space! Second get rid of it as fast as you can! And if you're too "Oooh it might fall into the wrong hands!!! I'm gonna cry!" give it to the Draco Foundation or the Atlantean Foundation, either of them, if it's genuine bad juju, they'll take care of it for you.]<<<<<

      -Smiley (21:12:22/08-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <08-18-12/1557:22>
>>>>>[Give it to the Draco foundation, like Smiley said. Alternatively...PM me. I have contacts of my own who know what to do with it, perhaps even better than the Draco Foundation does. Don't worry. I can guaruntee it won't fall into the wrong hands. ]<<<<<
      - Madrecita (15:57:51/08-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: KarmaInferno on <08-18-12/2222:21>
>>>>>[Isn't Matador old and dead? I think you could learn more from someone that is old and alive cause they tell more stories. Old people are adorable]<<<<<
     -- Morg (16:04:16/08-08-2012)
>>>>>[Harrumph.]<<<<<
     -- Old Man Jones (16:04:16/08-08-2012)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <08-21-12/0946:07>
>>>>>[A few days ago, I took a big step towards living long enough to be adorable.  I can think of worse aspirations than being the wise old guy.]<<<<<
     -- Vice (09:27:21/08-21-2012)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-24-12/0049:34>
>>>>>[Oh hey. My matrix connection is back on.

Good ancient and terrible gods. I need drinks. Heavy drinks. The kind that they don't even let borgs drive after drinking. Once I get my head something closer to righted, and I'm sure my home is still mostly in working order and one piece, I'll see about activating storytime mode.

You have no idea how badly I missed all of you. Even you two, Smiley and Autumn, you crazy sociopaths. That's how bad my world has been rocked these past few months.

At least I still have my bike, my digs, and my Grandpa.  Xie tien. ]<<<<<

     -- Card (21:49:39/08-23-12)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <08-24-12/1254:23>
>>>>>[ Welcome back Card. Long time no see. I look forward to hearing your tales. Stick you for drinks tonight? I can use a couple myself. ]<<<<<
      - Madrecita (12:54:51/08-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-24-12/1349:06>
>>>>>[Tonight, The Powerline, 8 O'clock! First round on me! You're all in for some cantonese craiziness!]<<<<<
      -Smiley (13:49:43/08-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <08-24-12/1438:52>
>>>>>[Was at the Underworld 93 the other night rockin' it up to a Maria Mercurial cover band when something funny in the astral caught my eye. I'm not the most wiz worm, I'll admit, but I saw this guy who was... more drake than drake? Looked like he was in his 20's (plain human in looks. And I mean plain!). He was whoopin' it up like a teen and annoying what looked like a coupla handlers. I decided the other end of the floor was more fun.]<<<<<

--TekDrake (14:38:12/08-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-24-12/1705:30>
>>>>>[Huh, I didn't know Damon was in Seattle. Wonder how long he's in town for. Wherever he goes is always a fun party, so they say.

And welcome back, Card. I think I'll join you and Xerena for those drinks. And if you're feeling down, I've got a simrig recording that will blow your mind.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:05:22/08-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-25-12/0118:54>
>>>>>[ Those drinks would be welcomed, as would be good company outside of my usual employer. And bring that recording, and I'll bring something to watch it on...or one of those trode nets or something. You know how I am what with no cyber.

Powerline would be best. I need something not local just for a night, so I can re-acclimate. 2 months or so worth of job, and I just came up for air after being in a hole in the wall somewhere east of here. I really could use the chance to get my feet back on proper ground and get the pulse back in my system, if you savvy. I can chill with my more legit-working mates tomorrow, or maybe next week. I have this real bad feel to make sure I got someone who can watch my back for some friendly drinks right now. Just...goddamnit. God damn Aztech, Odin damn Japan, and why not?  Baron damn Asia in general at the moment (Apologies in advance if you happen to see this, Grandfather). I thought freaking Aztland was messed up, but....frag me. I need those drinks ASAP before I break down again. Powerline, two hours.

Wait, did I just say I wanted Smiley watching my back? I must be worse off then I thought. Though...eh, I guess it could be Morg (just kidding guy)]<<<<<

     -- Card (22:17:30/08-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-25-12/1027:31>
>>>>>[Oh! That was a wild one! Hahaha! I sure missed those crazy nights! Denver is fun, but not that kind of fun!

I'm almost hurt Card! I didn't made it this far by making only enemies! You know when trouble finds you, you can always come to me. Most of the time, I scare the drek out of trouble! I'm the one running after it! I'm not cheap but sometimes, all it costs you is to sit down and drink yourself to near ethylic coma with me for the night. You get protection, women and drinks for an entire night and I get some good company to prank and tease a little! That's more than a fair deal don't you think?

Oh and talking about women, Jiao, Xin and Mei would like you to know that you were amazing company but they'd like their panties back. They'll be in touch. Hahaha!!!]<<<<<
      -Smiley (10:27:34/08-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-25-12/1404:36>
>>>>>[Ah, Smiley. Don't ever change. And hope you liked the recording, Card. I've only showed that clip to a couple people. Simrigs tend to go wonky when the person wearing it is possessed by a spirit, of course. Given the current climate (and my own issues with the bastards to the south) I keep that clip on chip only, but since everyone here has already heard the story, there's no harm showing it around. Good thing you were running in cold sim, though. The point where I got a couple limbs bitten off spikes past safety limits.

Oh, Xerena? I was on 'business' with one of the ladies we met up the well after that incident, and she mentioned you. If you would like to make some extra cred, it seems she's looking for a first experience, if you catch my drift, and wanted it to be with someone famous. Told her I'd pass it along.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:04:23/08-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-25-12/1453:08>
>>>>>[You can tell them my address, and they can come pick them up, hehe. Those were VERY fine girls, and I do wish to woo them farther.

Oh god last night was just what I needed. Thanks to all three of you.

Anyways, horror story time now that I don't feel like I'm gonna faint just by telling it.

So, Grandfather and the other leaders involved in the Lotus (We're talking about THE Lotus. not the Yellow, or the Red. The Parent organization that runs it all, or so my Grandfather says) were hearing disturbing rumors about some messed up things possibly happening on the shores closest to Japan. Each one of the groups got to choose a representitive, and apparently I'm the only one he trusted enough for this mission. (not saying he doesn't trust me, but choosing me over a Blood Oath? Maybe that's what family does I guess.)

So, Later that week, me, a sam from the Red, a shaman from the white, and a...I think he was a B&E specialist from the Blue Lotus arrive on Chinese soil. Everything's perfectly set up so far, right? Thor bless my ignorance, I should have remembered all the tales I heard of runs starting good, and going bad. So, we start finding the evidence trail almost immediately. News paper about a town quickly loosing population, about how it's the second town in three months. So we head on over there, passing word off to our contacts so that if we needed a quick way out, we could get one.

Things went south so slowly, it speeds up when I remember it. We get to town, and it's just eerily silent. Scouting it out, we catch sight of a hand full of Aztech trucks. We figured that was plenty weird enough, given that Asia isn't usually their turf, outside of the convince stores. What was odder was the fact that it seemed some of these trucks were manned by Asians, soon confirmed to be Japanese Samurai Salarymen by Red. A quick peek the astral nearly made me give up our location: Those trucks were full of.....something. Something and dead bodies and oh god WHAT WAS THAT THING.

[Connection lost.....reconnecting...reconnecting...reconnecting...restored]

Guh..sorry about that. Almost zapped my comnlink. Anyways, so me and the B&E specialist move in closer to try and confirm who they work for. Mind you, the mage is back behind with the sam, ALSO trying not to loose his dinner. Unfortunately, the non-Azzie soldiers didn't wear their corp on their sleeve, but I got some pictures if anyone wants to look into it farther. Grandfather asked me to spread the word on this.

So, grabbing our vehicles after stealthily retreating, me and the mage hiding somewhere for about 20 minutes, and then cleaning up, we barely leave soon enough to try and tail the truck. Actually works pretty well...or so I thought. I think they knew someone was following, and wanted some extra....test subjects...or sacrifices. or something. Had to be, because getting in was FAR too easy. As was getting out. This repeated again with a different city...those poor souls..I wish I could have done something, but at least I'm here now. The second base was worse...we got in like last time, and our B&E guy started downloading the files to everyone's links, a precaution to make sure if SOMEONE got out, the job would complete. The things I saw while waiting for him to finish.....people in cages, half alive, some half eaten and still alive...And the files are worse. If you REALLY want them, send me a private...I'm not just going to release this drek onto the open 'trix with out good reason, whether or not it might get Aztech hit with a few Thors.

And then...like it so often happens...our exit was ruined. A security patrol stumbled on us, and soon after them drones..and dogs...and.....Creatures. That's right. Creatures...with a capital C. Now, I haven't seen bugs, but based on the stories, I think these things are worse. I...THINK they were mostly astral? It's hard to remember, especially given that I don't WANT to remember...I know I was able to hurt one fairly bad, but he almost took one of my arms for it, and would have if the mage didn't take him out before he finished....it was like Soaking into my body. It was the worst terror EVER. The sam was pretty much gone before we could escape, though he did hold off the normal guards and dogs for a while before the Creatures got to him. We tried to pull him out...but it was like he half MELTED before we could get to him. We just ran. Dear god did we run.

So yeah. Two or three months of sitting in a bolt hole drinking as much heavy liquor as I could stomach trying to get myself to deal with the fact that Aztech and one of the Jap corps are up to something absolutely horrific..and it may be related to that thing one of you saw down near Bogata. I really don't know. All I know is I want to be ready next time I see one of them.

Actually..right now would be a good time for the girls to show up. I really, really need some company. I'm not nearly as adjusted to it as I thought. That poor samurai. I just...yeah.]<<<<<

  -- Card (11:52:30/8-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-25-12/1550:29>
>>>>>[Card, forget the girls. Get to your doc, and have him do a full workup on you. Then get to a mage you trust, and have your aura scanned, and scanned deep. Do it now. Don't argue, don't even think. Just get yourself checked out. I've got a courier coming to you to pick up those files. And if anything comes up strange on your medical or astral scans, get yourself some help. And I'm not talking about your Grandfather's men. From all I hear, Triads have some heavy mojo, but what you're after isn't firepower. Get to a specialist. I'd recommend the DIMR. Take a copy of those files with you.

Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to set up a dead letter drop. Way it works is you set a message (or ten or a hundred) to be delivered in 24 hours unless you give the 'no go' command. So if you stop breathing, that insurance policy makes its way into the right hands.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:50:23/08-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <08-25-12/1601:07>
>>>>>[Almost sounds like a blend of nanotech and magic.  Definitely get screened, get cleaned, and make sure what you found gets into the right hands.  Really, anyone you've gotten close to should probably do the same.

Shit like this is why I retired.]<<<<<

--Vice (15:54:11/08-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-25-12/1610:10>
>>>>>[I've seen like, four doctors, all of them basically from my Grandfather's personal black book. Three of them were mages. Other then my aura being the usual wonk from seeing something That Should Not Be, (aka my pants are filled with drek terror), I'm fine. I even stopped by the local DIMR just in case. According to what they could figure out, The main reason i wasn't melted horribly by the Creatures like the Sammy was the fact that I practice trying to be zen all the time. Ya know, no active, let alone passive "want to slaughter something' emotions and all that. Or at least, it helped me be resistant. That creature nearly took my arm because..well, it nearly bit it off. I can still see light scaring in the astral. Creepy stuff. I really think it almost ate my arm's SOUL,  and I really don't want to think about that.

Funny thing is I can see at least three people I KNOW are Lotus watching the house right now. Likely just some extra insurance both ways: Make sure Azzie doesn't try to yoink me, and to make sure I don't suddenly drop dead, but I'll look into that dead drop idea. Shouldn't be too hard to set up a minor program to ask for my hand print and retina every 23 hours or so, to send a cancel message to the drop.

By the way: The ones I fought? Didn't like fire, or electricity. Made my talents come in real handy while the mage cooked up a few fire balls. He's currently sitting in DIMR getting himself a quadruple scan if I remember right. I'm tempted to go back just in case, but in the end, if something like that doesn't want to be dectected THAT badly, I don't think there's a mage on Earth that will be able to, outside of a dragon, and we all know THAT saying.

Also: is it just me, or is my link being wonky? I know it's only 1 Pm here in Seattle, but I'm seeing some of your clocks be ahead. Might be residual from me almost needing a new one earlier.

Vice: As I said. The moment we got back we had our links taken from us, anything else electric turned off, and they EMPed us something HARD. We're talking I woke up 2 minutes later hard. That stuff may be nasty for computers, but it isn't exactly nice to the awakened it seems. I'll definitely pass what I have along, but we're not yet sure who to trust with it. I haven't even shown Grandfather this stuff yet.]<<<<<

     -- Card (13:06:30/8-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <08-25-12/2007:04>
>>>>>[Doesn't like electricity? Good, that's kinda my element. Sounds like nasty drek though. I don't want to come up against something where the only thing keeping me alive is keeping ice-cold in the head. And same for my teammates. Note to self: learn that EMP spell.]<<<<<
--TekDrake(20:06:18/8-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-25-12/2100:18>
>>>>>[Imma be honest, it may just react like most everything else when zapped, which may mean it has something physical actually holding it together. I have a...personal idea as to what I could be, but I don't want to start spreading that kinda word until I'm damned sure. Lets just leave at calling it Shagnasty or Creature for now. ESPECIALLY if it's what I think it is.

Really, really didn't like the fire though. Not sure if it does extra damage, or if it just really, really hates it. I was too worried about getting the hell out of munching range. Ice may come up with the same thought I had when he sees the data, but this is the first time I've wanted to be so, so, so badly wrong. Last hint: A native nightmare, and we REALLY don't want it to be real.]<<<<<

     -- Card (18:00:00/8-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-25-12/2139:22>
>>>>>[This network is not secure. But things I've seen, and heard of back in my army days, lead me to believe that you were right on the money, Card. If I'm right, it wasn't so much the electricity or the fire that did the trick, but the magic. The area you were sent to investigate, what was the background count like? Had there been any major magical events recently?

All I can say here is that I've seen something similar before, inside an alchera. It was... not friendly, to put it mildly. If you really want to get the clean scan on what you were dealing with, pretty much your only option is to go hunting for the Laughing Man, and see if you can't convince him to share. Good luck with that, though. From what I heard back in the Tir, he's not exactly known for being the most forthcoming guy. If tracking him down doesn't suit you, then your best bet would be to see if you can convince Wordsmyth, Orange Queen, Script Diver, Hecate, or one of the others of that group from the Shadowland days to speak with you. Again, good luck with that. Just remember the saying about making deals with dragons.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:38:22/08-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-25-12/2219:15>
>>>>>[ Well, I was thinking native Americans, but either way, it's not good. The background count was...well..I'm gonna be honest when I say I didn't really feel much at the time, but looking back...well, it explains the mage needing to be put on a stretcher after we were picked up. He was bleeding pretty bad. I'm not saying toxic, but more like....really low mana. Then again, we had looked through the reports and well, other then the usual handfulll of metahumans, the cities hit never really had many registered Awakened. A hand full here and there over the past hand full of years.

That door bell is likely either your guy, or my watchers escorting your guy. I guess I'll see in a minute or two.

A weird thought....we were talking about fears on the trip over, and the Samurai said his biggest fear was his gear over heating to the point of melting. Mrf. I'll deal with hindsight later.]<<<<<

     -- Card (19:18:09/8-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <08-26-12/0548:49>
>>>>>[ Card, if it is alright with you, I'll ask Miri to give me a copy. I have a few contacts who will need to know about this. They're in a better position to start dealing with this.

I had the same thought Miri did about what these things might be. I muyst admit, I do not know enough about Native American lore to follow what you're hinting at. Either way, I can get this info into the hands of people better able to deal with it.

And Miri...I'll do it, but not for credit. She's a lovely girl, and I think she and are...compatible...but if I am to give her what she asks, I'll need something else. Like the ancient Tiki her father keeps in his personal collection. She gets me that...we have a deal. Let me know what she decides. ]<<<<<
      - Madrecita (05:48:22/08-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-26-12/0808:39>
>>>>>[Well, the lack of any major awakened activity in the area is troubling. If mana is that low, there's usually a reason, and it is usually nothing good. I'm reviewing the files now, and from what I can see, your Grandfather and his brethren would be well advised to keep out of that area for now. If there have never been many Awakened people in that area, and the Triads have been moving into that area, then it could be that these things are reacting to the use of mana itself. The more spellcasters come to the area, the more this Creature reacts. Again, this is just a theory, but it fits what I've heard so far. If they are going to go in, I'd suggest testing it first with mundanes, with no active spells or foci in their midst. It would confirm whether or not the use of magic draws it, but they'd likely lose the team they sent in.

Xerena, a copy is on its way. Also, the girl's father agreed to give you the Tiki, but the sick fragger wants a simrig recording of the 'business' with his daughter. Yes, I know its twisted. But you wouldn't believe some of the sick requests I get in my work. Part of the price tag is discretion, which means these society types can indulge in all kinds of kinks they wouldn't want the world to know about. Last week, this Japanese lady insisted on calling me 'nii-san' the whole time. And then there was the woman who wanted me to dress up as a wolf... Yes, it scares me too, sometimes.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:08:08/08-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <08-26-12/1331:24>
>>>>>[ You know...this deal is appealing to me less and less. I don't like simrigs. The very idea...ugh. But very well. Although this will probably be the last time I use this technique to get my hands on something. And if even one of you so much as cracks a smile, I will end you. I mean it!

Mmm...*laughs* A wolf suit? Oh, how I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that one! You should speak to Ysoni. He can tell you all sorts of stories about him and that hulk of a shifter he runs with. And by 'runs with', I mean exactly what you're thinking, you sick, sick man. *laughs*

Nii-san! I'll be sure to use that from time to time.

Thanks for the copy though. I've forwarded it to those who need it. And Card honey...feel free to call on me if you need anything. I know exactly what it feels like to see more than you really want to. Miri and I will help in any way we can. ]<<<<<
      - Madrecita (13:31:22/08-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-26-12/1344:32>
>>>>>[You want me not to crack a smile at this? Hahaha! You're adorable sometimes.]<<<<<
      -Smiley (13:44:31/08-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <08-26-12/1443:25>
>>>>>[ Thank you, Smiley. It's nice of you to notice. *laughs* ]<<<<<
      - Madrecita (14:43:16/08-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-26-12/1726:29>
>>>>>[ And I am further reminded why I keep this place in my favorites. Thanks for the general mental and moral support guys. Grandfather isn't planning on going back there with any of his men any time soon, unless he suddenly gets full control of like, the CC. But then, he'll likely just dump a full sat of Thors into the area...and then into Aztland. Given that it may be blood magic related (I can only guess, and it makes me shiver), I'm gonna drop the files over to DIMR 'anonymously' and see what happens. I'm REALLY hoping it's just a horrible Blood Magic creature instead of a...well...Shagnasty is about the only way I'm comfortable referring to these things if it IS what I think it is. Though, I know the Indian Councils will likely flip on it too....so it's tempting to drop them a letter with a package. Unfortunately I don't think the B&E was cybered enough for recording, or I would have done my damnest to grab that for you guys.

But for now it's business as usual. Back to amateur bouncing and speeding along with packages. Never thought my usual would sound so, so safe and sweet. Also: My actual knowledge of the area is fairly thin, just what we needed to know. For all I know something similar to the Deep Laguna is under that area. I won't know with out a LOT of extra research.

Oh! On a SERIOUSLY lighter note, I also heard a rumor that, thanks to an 'anonymous series of letters' from a large group of fans, Horizon may be looking into reviving the old Toku genre, and may be looking for adepts for obvious parts. I'll definitely be keeping a close watch on that. ]<<<<<

     -- Card (14:25:04/08-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-26-12/2331:49>
>>>>>[Hey! I'm not sick. I just happen to do business with a lot of sick people, that's all. Anyways, I'm sending you the girl's info so you can arrange a meet.

Thankfully, the kind of people who want to do the REALLY sick stuff, the snuff and mutilations and other such drek, are also the kinds that (generally) know it is better to get a nobody off the street than me for those games. The ones who don't get it either can't afford me, or they find out what fun it is to have a spirit possess them.

Card, glad to be of service. My contacts were thankful to hear of this. You'll be receiving a 'care package' for your troubles. Not cred, but some real chocolate, fresh fruit, and ten bottles of some of the best liquor in the Tir. Should help to get you through the first part of dealing with one of those "things you can't unsee" moments. Also, they asked me to let you know that research into topics like this is likely to draw attention from parties who have a vested interest in keeping things quiet. Walk softly, and cover your tracks.

Xerena, thanks, but one 'wolf story' is enough for me right now. Though if I learned the shapechange spell, I'd probably be able to pick up a lot more business... *sigh* There really are some twisted people out there.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:31:21/08-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <08-27-12/1705:27>
>>>>>[ Hehe. In all honesty, the "wolf-suit" isn't that uncommon. It doesn't really bother me, but really, imagining you in one is just hilarious. And thanks for her info. I've set up a meet. We'll see how it goes. And no. I won't give you a copy of the simrig recording. ]<<<<<
      - Madrecita (17:05:16/08-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-27-12/2215:34>
>>>>>[Spoil sport. :P]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:15:22/08-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-28-12/1106:45>
>>>>>[Well, I guess we'll have to use our own dirty minds to visualize it! Hahaha!]<<<<<
      -Smiley (11:06:29/08-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <08-29-12/1701:30>
>>>>>[ Not something either of you will have trouble with, I'm sure. :P ]<<<<<
      - Madrecita (17:01:29/08-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-29-12/2049:04>
>>>>>[Yes, we can!

Hahaha! So, it's been pretty calm in here lately. What have you been all up to? Me, I've been busy building my organization. Ah, yes, for those who didn't know, I created a what I'll call "Shadow Intelligence Organization". I assembled a team of assassins, spies, ex special forces and a few of the best hackers out there to pull our resources and contacts together. People who used to work for the CIA, the MI6, Tir Ghosts, Seraphims, Triads as well as the Yakuzas, not the mention from many special forces organizations, both private and government funded. The result is a now tight knit network of some of the best in the Intelligence biz and we offer our information brokering, legwork, wetwork and black-ops services for really fat checks (oh yes the nuyen is good!). I won't say much more about this little network of my own making except that we are very successful and aggressively expending. I had to secure a bigger money laundering operation to better manage our financial assets.

The only thing that bugs me a little is that I miss field work. I've been mostly looking scary to scare off the competition (had to blow up the operation center of one of the competition), handling negotiations with clients, recruiting and general coordination of the agents and teams on the field. Speaking of team on the field, I have this team I made of ex Tir Ghosts and ex Seraphims. These sons of bitches forms the meanest, merciless and most efficient team I got at my disposal. It took some convincing for them to work together and I had to shoot one of them in the head for not complying to my orders but they work together now. Anyway, the good side is that I get to be back more often to Seattle and hang out at my favorite spots. I can even start giving concerts with my band again. It's been busy, but it's finally paying off. Oh and Autumn isn't the only pupil I have now. She's happy to have some company, you know someone with whom she can bitch about me when I ain't there! Hahaha!]<<<<<
      --Smiley (20:49:49/08-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-29-12/2154:39>
>>>>>[Really, you got some former Ghosts to work with Seraphim? You do know there is no such thing as an "ex-" either of those, right? That's very impressive, Smiley. Let me know if you need contract work in Seattle. And if you could send me a message in private with your rates, I'll pass them on to some individuals I know who would be interested.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:54:23/08-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-29-12/2223:40>
>>>>>[Oh, but that wasn't exactly easy. I had to first put some easy ground rule like: I'll kill anyone who speaks either Sperethiel or French while they are working, English only. I speak all these languages so they couldn't bulldrek me. I had to beat one of the Ghost to near coma to make my point, mostly because they had doubts I could take one of them so easily. I had to made them suit up and accompany me on a high risk black ops mission near Bogota, or as I like to call it "the wet hellish asshole of the Earth". I also had to shoot one of the Seraphim in the head during the op because apparently, he grew a conscience. Weird isn't it? Now they know better than to frag with me and underestimate me. We sat down after the job, since I succeeded at making them believe I knew what I was doing in a very spectacular way, they gave a shot at trusting my decision to make them a team. You don't convince these guys with words or a very large legit file on you stolen from an Intelligence Agency. You have to prove them that you're the man, show them what you're made of. Once it's done, respect and loyalty comes as a ton of bricks. But a little bird tells me you already knew that.

And yes I know, once in, always in. I said "ex" as in "no longer in official duty as a member of...". Info is sent but I can tell you now, we aren't cheap.]<<<<<
      --Smiley (22:23:17/08-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-29-12/2231:02>
>>>>>[Yes, I know the type well. Knew a few of them back in my army days, and we still keep in touch, now that the revolution is over with. Never had any run-ins with Seraphim, though. Anyways, I've sent your rates along. While I couldn't afford them, myself, the people I know have deeper pockets. I expect you'll find another person attempting to do background checks on you in the next week or so (SOP for hiring a contract intelligence asset, afterall).]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:30:43/08-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-30-12/2036:24>
>>>>>[Hahaha! We're not taking his nuyen if doesn't, there's no place in this biz for amateurs. We also try to know potential clients beforehand too, wouldn't want to work against the interests of our current best clients.

And you folks? What have been up to? I could find out by myself but it's a lot less expensive just to ask nicely! Hahaha!]<<<<<
      --Smiley (20:36:19/08-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-30-12/2145:20>
>>>>>[Nothing much, really. I've been taking it easy after that last big job. Training a couple young mystic adepts, and maintaining my cover as a Tir playboy. Haven't had too many jobs pull me out of Seattle since then, which is nice, since I believe there are a few people who are still annoyed with me about that. Fortunately, I've got a 'friend' who rides the streams, and agreed to wipe some data trails clean, even from those places that only technomancers can go. Price was right, too. We worked out a trade. Some idiot decided it would be fun to report her to Knight Errant as an unregistered TM because she reacted to some sexual harassment by pointing a Roomsweeper in the guy's face, so I 'persuaded' the officer in charge to replace the information in her file with that of one Mr. Kenneth Brackhaven. That officer was a human with an elf fetish, and she had never met a nobleman from the Tir before, so...

So yeah, just getting back to the normal thing.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:45:33/08-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <08-30-12/2308:51>
>>>>>[Just been keeping a low profile in Seattle, trying to stay out of sight of the big'n'scalies. Watching a crew I had my eye on start to fall apart. Working with a gal trying to build cyber-wings, her goal is something equivalent to a wingsuit.

Regarding that group, though-what face in his right mind pulls a gun on the chemist that is able to save the team's collective hoop from a bionasty just to try saving a few nuyen? After going through a dragon contact to get this guy, no less! Needless to say, I'm burning my contact info with those yahoos.]<<<<<
-TekDrake(23:10:02/08-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-31-12/0016:00>
>>>>[ Speaking of laying low, has anyone heard from Murphy or Money recently? Or our dear admin for that matter? They all seem to have dropped off the grid something hard. ] <<<<<

     -- Card (21:20:56/08-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <08-31-12/1718:14>
>>>>>[ Money's been busy. I can't tell you exactly what he's been up to, but he's certainly been a busy boy. They're both still alive and kicking.

As for what I've been up to...I've been busy tying up loose ends. After that last big run I did with Miri, I'm focussing much more on the talismongering side of my craft. I've got some very wealthy clients lined up for my more exotic creations, and also some folks requesting ancient items. So if you guys hear anything about unique antiquities, let me know. Yes...that was why I accepted that job Miri offered. I sold that piece for a handsome profit.

Life is interesting again. ]<<<<<
      - Madrecita (17:08:29/08-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-31-12/2009:50>
>>>>>[Oh, I'm not judging. You can do whatever you want to make your nuyen! Hell, I have my fair share of sex-tapes. Except I never did it for money, and they don't last more than a few hours on the trix. Hahaha!

And speaking of making nuyen, I'll be working with a shadow celebrity soon. Ain't gonna give more details yet, but I'm looking forward to be working with a like-minded individual such as himself! Hahaha!]<<<<<
      --Smiley (20:09:31/08-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <09-03-12/2308:09>
>>>>[ Speaking of laying low, has anyone heard from *snip* Or our dear admin for that matter? *snip* ] <<<<<

     -- Card (21:20:56/08-30-74)

>>>>>[Well, if what I hear is correct, he probably has his hands full dealing with all the drek surrounding Proposition 23.]<<<<<

     --Shrike (22:06:36/09-01-74
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-05-12/1000:32>
>>>>>[My ears are burning. after all, who is more of a shadow celeb than me? I was unaware we would be working together though. How very fortunate for you, little chummer. Must be just like x-mas morning.

Whatever. Alright, so I am looking for a new fixer. Someone trustworthy. Any of you mooks know anybody worth my time? I may be willing to pay you something for your trouble.]<<<<<
      --Joker (09:00:46/09-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <09-05-12/1007:45>
>>>>>[I use a fixer named Spiral and she's never steered me wrong. I can send you her contact info if you want Joker.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (09:07:02/09/05/74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <09-05-12/1057:44>
>>>>>[Hit me.]<<<<<
     -- Joker (09:57:39/09/05/74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <09-05-12/1104:38>
>>>>>[Sent. Hope she works out for you Joker.]<<<<<
     -- Shrike (10:05:15/09/05/74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <09-09-12/1830:49>
>>>>>[Gah, bloody fraggin government monkeys, i swear cant do anything with them poking their noses in where it dont belong. Anyone heard from Money or Murphy lately, I'm starting to worry.]<<<<<

Wolfgar (17:30:15/09/09/74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <09-09-12/1900:17>
>>>>>[Apparently both busy on something according to Madrecita. Haven't looked into it myself.

Who's the monkey?]<<<<<
      --Smiley (19:00:31/09-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: shrike on <09-15-12/2018:38>
>>>>>[Biz must be good if everyone's this quiet.]<<<<<

     --Shrike "Cogito Ergo Iugulo" (19:17:12/09/15/74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <09-16-12/0255:37>
>>>>>[Biz is quite good, yes. Lots of security cameras where there is not a big, scary, scaly thing.]<<<<<
--TekDrake (2:54:11/09-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <09-16-12/1754:37>
>>>>>[Actually mister monkey has me filling out government paperwork in triplicate by hand. (I call this particular government suit that because if you imagine a gorilla thats been shaved, bleached and put in a cheap suit, you would have about the right mental image of the guy.) usually i dont mind working for CAS intelligence, but this guy is making it a severe pain. That being said, i got an interesting job offer the other day. 20k to remove a particular talking head. The persons making the offer dont care if she lives or dies, as long as her contract is broken without them being to blame legally. Anyone interested?]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:54:31/09-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-17-12/0520:05>
>>>>>[Send me the details of her contract. I'll cook something up.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:19:23/09-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <09-17-12/2119:54>
>>>>>[Too bad he's CAS Wolfgar, I'd have arranged something to remind him not to try to compensate for his small genitals! I know the type, they get to wear a suit and work for government intelligence and suddenly that makes them untouchable pricks. Oh I hate them... All of them... But at the same time, they pay me so well... And I love money... I love it so much...

But anyway, yes! Business IS good! Although that's not the main reason why I'm less lurking around VU93 these last few days. And no, women are not the reason either since I'm pretty good at multitasking. Nah I'm currently sitting in my team's tent in an amazonian military camp somewhere south of Bogota. Yes, yes, I know. Smiley going into the same warzone over and over again is something that'll make the more paranoid of you very excited. But seriously, I'm just really enjoying killing people without worrying too much about forensic evidence. I mean, lost bullets lodge themselves in people's heads all the time in warzones! A Jaguar Commander here, an Aztechnology executive there. Or a few Braves here and one barman there. Talking about barman, they do all have shotguns under their counters! That's ridiculously cliché, I love it!

Oh right, I nearly forgot, that and raiding Aztlan military supplies convoys. Now I got to worry about how I'm going to smuggle a few APCs, a Tank and about two trucks full of guns, explosives and ammunition into UCAS soil. It's going to cost me a few favors to say the least. Anyway enough of my crazy adventures for now. Don't worry everyone, I'll have postcards posted before I'm done here and off to Sweet home Seattle!]<<<<<
      --Smiley (21:19:28/09-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <09-23-12/1237:35>
>>>>>Well smiley, i can get them as far as the CAS, and i might be able to get them further than that if you dont mind an air cushion ride. Ice, i'm putting together the pertinent parts of her contract now, the bad news is that unless she does or says something particularly embarrassing to or about the corp, she's sitting pretty, the good news is that her corp is not adverse to having her extracted by another corp. The Johnson's exact words were, "If someone else wants her and is willing to pay you to extract her you can do so and keep both paychecks plus be given inside information.<<<<<

Wolfgar (11:32:00/09-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-24-12/1016:10>
>>>>>[Oh, I wasn't thinking extraction, though that's an interesting angle to look at. I'm reviewing the information now, and it shouldn't be a problem. Tell your Johnson that I'll take the job, and ask if he can get me that promised inside info on her security. I'll have to double-check everything, obviously, but it is better to start with at least some intel. I've got a couple ideas on how to go about this.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:15:22/09-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: qazcake on <09-25-12/1734:17>
>>>>>[business has not been anysort of good. I am considering looking for work again.]<<<<<
     -- zork the problem solver (17:31:16/09-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <09-25-12/2058:45>
>>>>>[If it were for me, I'd just go Copperfield on her and make her DISAPPEAR! Hahaha! And with all my usual panache of course!

And thanks, Wolfgar, but I'll be alright. I just paid some high tech mercenaries to get my stuff to the coast and got it shipped by boat. A few containers of "diplomatic mail"... Even with the stamps and all! And thanks to a friend well placed, it's going to get cleared, no questions asked. Hahaha! Do you realize that some grandmas in the CAS are having more trouble sending their children gifts in the UCAS than me shipping stolen military grade equipment!? That's hilarious! But it's good to know you have the pull to do that in the CAS! I'll remember that Wolfgar!

Hm... Zork the Problem Solver... Hitman Sniper specialist right?]<<<<<
      --Smiley (21:00:01/09-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: qazcake on <09-25-12/2134:53>
>>>>>[not after the island incident(seriously dont ask about it) have i had a job like that. its been almost a year i think since my last job.So its more of sniper specilist as of now,
but i would not mind another job.]<<<<<
     -- zork the problem solver (21:24:55/09-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-26-12/0152:32>
>>>>>[Wolfgar, its done. The screamsheets should be getting the story in a few hours, but it seems like the talking head in question got drunk late at night, and drove her car into a lake. She managed to get out, but it seems she drowned before she could get to shore. Certainly, no body has been found. Of course, there is evidence that some files were hastily (and only partially) deleted from her home's central node, giving a reservation on an orbital to Vladivostock under an assumed name, and it seems that the tickets were picked up, by a young woman matching the talking head's description, and an unknown male. They apparently hid their faces most of the time, so it could be coincidence that they managed to get things going for so long.

In completely unrelated news, I did some shopping while I was in the CAS, and picked up something new for my place in Malek'thas. Beautiful piece, with exquisite lines. And after I shared a couple bottles of Taengele Falan with a lovely lady in the Tir embassy here, she agreed to have it placed in the next diplomatic pouch to the Tir, which should be leaving... now. Ah, I really have collected quite a few sculptures lately. Perhaps I ought to open an art gallery?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:51:22/09-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <09-26-12/2313:50>
>>>>>[Ugh, that ice sculpture thing you do is still creepy as hell. You and your mother make me have very hair raising thoughts due to your...preference for treatment of trespassers.

Anyway, time to get my mind out of the horror gutter and possibly into a different one. Hmm....cute guy...or cute girl....decisions decisions, yeah?

Anyways, I'm looking for courier work again, in case anyone needs anything moved. Normal payrates as per the rates my boss puts on packages, but I might be able to discount a little bit due to you guys being, well, at least decent friends, if nothing else. Not that our rates are anywhere near painful.

Anyways, I'm gonna go flip a coin, and have some fun tonight. It'll be nice to get back to even close to normal.]<<<<<

     -- Card (20:13:40/9-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: qazcake on <09-27-12/2039:18>
>>>>>[Hey card i sort of want to ask for something to be courier are you in seattle, if you are contact me later and we will talk.
hey smiley has your band played in seattle in the last five years becasue i think i saw them once.]<<<<<
     -- zork the problem solver (20:16:02/9-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-27-12/2045:44>
>>>>>[Sigh. Yes, artists like myself are often misunderstood. Of course, just casting the spell is easy. Anyone who knows it can do that. But to make it art, you have to prepare them in a suitable pose, and get the proper emotional state. It takes a good deal of work to set the proper mood.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:45:22/09-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <09-27-12/2321:28>
>>>>>[Sure Ice. Yer so misunderstood. I'm sure the ice people you have in your foyer agree. As do the people you creep out with them.

Zork: Yeah. I'm a Seattle sprawler. What's it have to do with being a delivery boy? You can ring me if you want, but I'm not sure what all you need to know, and I'm not sure how much it'll cost you till you start asking.

Anyways, I've got a pair of....companions to get back to. I..might be a tad unreachable tonight, but I'll at least leave this on idle.]<<<<<

     -- Card (20:21:48/09-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-28-12/0659:55>
>>>>>[Since most of them tried to kill me, or my family, I can't really bring myself to care what the statues think, Card. But there is only so much you'll be able to do if you aren't able to take a life when necessary. It is no different from a sniper playing God from two thousand meters away, or the runner putting two in a corpsec's head when they're on a run. In fact, my way is far more humane than most kills. No pain, no suffering, just a simple turning out of the lights, and done. Shark is cold and merciless, and so must be any who would follow him. But I do not torture my prey without great need. Whether it is by my spells or my blade, they all fall quickly and cleanly as possible. If I had simply cut off her head, or hacked her to pieces, would you be making such a fuss?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:59:23/09-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Decade Rider on <09-28-12/1009:46>
>>>>>[Ice, dosent having tons of ice statues of your kills in your house kinda sets you up for major trouble for the random person to call the cops on you at one time or another..that seems like a huge risk for the name of "art".]<<<<<

--Decade Rider (10:08:07/09-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-28-12/1547:12>
>>>>>[Oh, I don't have tons. I keep the ones that are special, or that I want to keep close, and dispose of the others. Sometimes I give them as gifts at parties.

But you're forgetting something, Rider. According to my SIN, I'm still a Count of Tir Tairngir, and I still have friends in the Peace Forces. My parents are Dukes and my surviving siblings are also Counts, with connections of their own. Plus, this is Tir Tairngir we're talking about. A collection of magical ice sculptures is TAME compared to some of the things you see in the homes of nobles. You wouldn't believe some of the things I saw that time I was invited to a party on Royal Hill. Sure, the peasants revolting has weakened some of the country's magical strength, but this is still Tir Tairngir, and any noble that doesn't have something special about their home sticks out like a sore thumb.

Its like camouflage, you see. You don't wear jungle camo in the arctic, right? And wearing a suit in the Barrens makes you stick out, yeah? For a noble, 'over the top' is normal.

But yes, I have no worries on that account. See, unlike how things work in the UCAS, in Tir Tairngir the police, border patrol, and army are all part of the Peace Forces. So no, I'm not worried about the police. Even if someone broke into my estate and saw my sculptures, recognized them for what they were (and not just another example of a noble flaunting magical talent and wealth), and then managed to live long enough to get off the property and report it to the police, I could just make a couple calls, and the investigation would quietly disappear, along with the witness, if necessary. Of course, when I'm outside Tir Tairngir, I don't have the benefit of this protection, naturally, which is why, even though I spend most of my time in Seattle, I keep my collection in Malek'thas.

So no, there's no risk at all. That is because I am not like those people who run the shadows because they are trying to scramble their way out of the Barrens. Don't get me wrong, I've known some very competent runners who come from the Barrens, like young Murphy, but having a legitimate SIN that reads 'Count of Tir Tairngir' opens doors that are closed to most.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:47:22/09-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Decade Rider on <09-28-12/1554:56>
>>>>>[So for short running the shadows if your noble way of "slumming" with us commoners?..Remind me never to accept an invitation to a Tir noble's house".]<<<<<


--Edge Rider (15:53:12/09-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <09-28-12/1623:11>
>>>>>[I never said I wouldn't kill if I had to. But that's very much a "IF I have to" situation. My zen allows for it specifically if it's an enemy who refuses to stay down...or if the enemy is just too dangerous. If some guy has been actively trying to hunt me and mine down after I knock him out, and is purposefully trying to kill me and mine? Well, then it's obvious what needs to happen, but I'm not going to put the guy on display like a trophy. I just find it distasteful. Now...hanging the pants or otherwise of a successful conquer? That's hilarious.

Rider: Dude, I know I'm in to the old school Toku...but aren't you taking that a little far with the name...or perhaps you have no idea what I'm talking about?

In other news: I've been hearing about a smallish (compared to other gangs with real territory) gang of rollerbladers with some soupped up gear taking land, or trying to. Might shake up the gangland layout a bit...or they'll get smushed in a week.]<<<<<

     -- Card (13:22:45/9-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: qazcake on <09-28-12/1951:12>
>>>>>[Ok so things sort of got worse. last night about an hour after my last post on here 2 gangs started opening fire on eachother. Gang A had an appartment next door and Gang B decided to throw a gernade at their apartment.They missed and it went into my appartment and landed on the package i needed delivered. So i was able to get out of there but when the gernade exploded along the package. A good chunk between the apatment where i live and the gangers live is gone. Also apparently it set fire to my shitty appartment. Werid part of that story is my comlink got knocked out apartently and i could not acess it till just about half an hour ago.

Second small story pertaining to the conversation. Ice thats realy fucked up. you remind me of a mage i killed on my first job. the girl was nuts and loved freezing pepole and using them as ice sculptues. she had a small place to keep them too. If i remember the story correctly she made an ice weapon out of a elf man that apparently called her sweety. ]<<<<<
     -- zork the problem solver (17:59:34/09-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-28-12/2056:28>
>>>>>[ I am surprised you are not already dead, Card.  When you encounter resistance, you use what force is necessary to put them out of your way for however long is necessary.  If it gets back up, you are probably dead - or at least, you should be.

While I personally find Iceblade's running style to be questionable, for the type of runs he takes on, he is perfectly effective.  Nor, 'Decade Rider', is he 'slumming'.  I haven't received the information I was promised yet, but his 'trophy keeping' is no less bizarre than many of those I've seen - and in a way, more humane, because they are in fact still alive, and could be returned to a normal state.

I don't keep trophies.  It's ... dangerous. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (8:56:12/9-28-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Decade Rider on <09-28-12/2124:19>
>>>>>[@Card. Not sure we have the same thing in mind but I love my name and dont think pushing it any further then I want it to be.]<<<<<

     -- Edge Rider (21:24:42/9-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-28-12/2323:09>
>>>>>[Actually, unless you're an elf, I'd recommend you avoid an invitation to a Tir nobleman's house, period. But no, as Hawatari says, I am not 'slumming' by playing the shadows. I'm just the kind of guy who is just as at ease sipping thousand nuyen a glass wine at Dante's as I am drinking what passes for 'beer' at Aces in Redmond. You could say it is a mix of me growing up in high society, and working in the army. As for why I run the shadows? I'd have to say it is for the thrill. You wouldn't believe how boring the life of a nobleman can be. When you're at the point where "what am I going to eat tonight?" is no longer a concern, you have a lot more time on your hands. Which is why wealthy people do stupid drek with their time and money. Because they're bored. Also, it is just fun trading manabolts with another mage, or willing a teammate's wounds to heal. Even if I didn't have personal reasons for staying in the shadows, I would still have to do something. And I'm not fond of doing corpsec work.

Of course, most people I kill die by my sword. But for assassinations, I use this spell, because it has less cleanup. Just get a blanket and a hand truck, and load them in a van.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:23:23/09-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-29-12/0133:04>
>>>>>[ If you get an invitation to a Tir nobleman's house, you really should do one of two things.  Either a) accept and use the opportunity to assassinate them, or b) leave town.  Despite the 'freedoms' acquired recently, I'd still recommend option a. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (1:30:00/09-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-29-12/0216:42>
>>>>>[Depends on the noble. Don't think all of us got our position based on money and influence. Even after the shakeup on the Council, you'd be a fool to take anyone who rose (rather than just confirming the rank given by their same-sex parent) to a rank of Count or higher lightly. I'll admit, however, that I was born a Count. Anyways, if a Tir nobleman invites you to their place out of the blue, run, unless you have pointy ears, and know them from somewhere other than the invite.

The exception to that would be anyone of Prince rank. If you know what's good for you, accept the invite. Offend a Prince, and you'll be lucky if they just make your life hell in return for the disrespect. For that reason, if, say, a dragon ever asked me to go to their lair, I'd go. Sure, a Prince might not have the raw power of a dragon, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous, or less likely to take offense. If you're coming to the attention of Princes, you're either doing something very right, or you're already in demon rat drek up to your waist.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:16:22/09-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Decade Rider on <09-29-12/1101:57>
>>>>>[@Ice I keep hearing about count,duke and prince in the Tir..now iv never been there so please dont judge my question to harshly but what about countess,duchess and princess do you have those or are elves a bunch of patriarchist in Tir?If so I might make a trip there next chance I get.]<<<<<

--Edge Rider (10:59:16/09-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-29-12/1453:03>
>>>>>[Ah, I forget that not many people know about the Tir. Well, if you searched for any of the old Shadowland files on the Tir, you could find the basic information. The "Gentry" are the common peasants. Under the old regime, they couldn't own land, and paid the highest tax rates. They also were required by law to spend one year in the Peace Force. The "Chivalry" (referred to as 'Sir' or 'Demoiselle'). All members of the Chivalry were required to serve a year in the Peace Force (though they typically enter as NCOs or low-ranked commissioned officers, instead of Privates), and they are allowed to own horses. "Nobles" (addressed as 'Lord' or 'Lady') could own land, though they could not own revenue-producing land (like apartment buildings). Nobles serve in the Peace Force, and are inducted as junior officers. At "Comital" rank (people addressed as 'Count' or 'Countess'), you can own revenue-producing land, and have the right to request an audience with the Council of Princes (though you'll wait several months for the privilege). While by law everyone of Comital rank must spend time in the Peace Force, in practice, I'm a rare exception in actually serving. "Ducal" rank (call them 'Duke' or 'Duchess' if you want to keep breathing) grants you 20 hectares of land, and exempts you from military service (though some still serve, of course). A Duke can request a meeting with the Council of Princes or the High Prince himself, and actually get the request heard in a reasonable amount of time. "Royal" rank (if you don't call them 'Prince' or 'Princess', you're looking for a slow death) grants you 200 hectares of land (on top of anything you got as a Duke), and an average stipend of 44,000 nuyen a year. You can also own land on Royal Hill. A Prince can demand a timely audience with the Council of Princes or the High Prince, and have it granted. As a note, just because you're a Prince doesn't mean you're on the Council of Princes, and anyone on the Council is automatically addressed as Prince (or High Prince), regardless of gender (hence why anyone in the Tir would, up until recently, address Hestaby as Prince Hestaby).

While we're on the subject, there are (or were, as the case may be) three major Rites in the Tir.

The Rite of Pronouncement, performed shortly after a child is born, announces the birth to the nation, and gives the child a name. Yes, this is important. Names are very important in the Tir, and don't you forget it.

The Rite of Passage is similar to certain traditions amongst Amerind cultures, or an Israeli bar mitzvah, from what I've heard. In it, an elf who has just turned 18 goes through two steps: the Bridging and the Naming. In the Bridging, the family takes the elf out into an area of unspoiled wilderness, and leaves them there for 72 hours. Though some will get on a phone and call for supplies to be delivered and other such things, most take this as a serious matter. On my Bridging, I went out into the wild with nothing but my sword and the clothes on my back.

The Naming consists of the young elf standing before his family and friends, and making a speech in Sperethiel, thanking them for raising him, and swearing oaths of loyalty to Tir Tairngir and the High Prince, amongst other things. The heart of the Rite is the self-naming, where the young elf takes a new name for himself. In Sperethiel, he greets those assembled, and the country in general, introducing himself under his new chosen name. From that point on, for all purposes, including legalities, his old name is gone. The individual known by the name given at the Rite of Pronouncement no longer exists. (And it is in poor taste to call someone by their former name, naturally.)

The Rite of Progression is perhaps the most well known of the three Rites outside the Tir. There are actually three parts to this Rite, which at one time could determine everything from what jobs you were suited for to your social rank. There was a written aptitude test, a physical test (similar to the Olympics, I guess), and lobbying by one's family and friends to gain support amongst those of higher social rank. Those who challenged the Rite could have the rank conferred to them by birth confirmed, could rise in rank, or could even fall in rank, if they performed poorly. My parents both challenged the rite shortly after my younger sister was born, and rose in rank, which is why I am a Count and not a Duke.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:53:22/09-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-29-12/1645:01>
>>>>>[ He wasn't looking for an explanation of the social process, Rakhi.

Rider, though it's socially acceptable to use 'feminine' forms of the terms, it's more socially acceptable to use the 'masculine' forms of the terms for both genders.  It's a bloody idiot who called Ni'Farra (or calls Joubert) 'Princess'.  You want to have an argument about which use is more patriarchical with them, the 'masculine' form or the diminuation implied in the feminine form, you go right ahead.  You're an idiot if you do, though. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (16:45:00/09-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Decade Rider on <09-29-12/1649:50>
>>>>>[ @Wyrm I think ill stick to elf girls outside of the Tir then...safer that way..probably more fun as well. ]<<<<<
          -- Edge Rider (16:49:32/09-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-29-12/1825:29>
>>>>>[As I have said, Wyrm, that person no longer exists, except as a playful reminder on a fake SIN I use when I'm outside the Tir. He ceased to be when I underwent the Rite of Passage.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:25:32/09-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-30-12/0050:38>
>>>>>[ Depends on which elf girls you try to play with.  I am reasonably certain you would not enjoy time spent with me, 'Rider'. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (12:40:18/09-30-2074)


>>>>>[ Depends on what you're talking about, Rakhi.  System Identification Number?  Philosophically?  Psychologically?  I think the most telling answer would be to ask your mother while she's drunk how she thinks about you.  I'd give ten to one odds in favor of her giving your birth name, not whatever you cooked up during your 'passage' - or any one of the other manipulative crowd-control 'rites' cooked up by the PTB when they put the Tir together.

If I knew then what I knew today, and could have put it together at that point (which, alas, I couldn't have), every single one of them would have gotten the shock of their very-short-from-that-point lives ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (12:50:00/09-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Decade Rider on <09-30-12/1357:17>
>>>>>[ @Hawatari: Well im always polite and respectful to the girls I talk to..with my streak of luck however the few elf girls I really get along with arent into boys  "Le sigh".and no my name isint a macho joke if thats what your thinking miss. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (12:58:14/09-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <09-30-12/1425:15>
>>>>>[Well, matrix access here is very sporadic, to say the least!

Wow! It didn't take you long to go all regretful of your past, Zork. Me, I say it's all fun and games down the rabbit hole! And well, we've been back on stage for a little more than a year, new album and all so... Yeah, it might be possible you saw us in concert.

Card, you still have woman panties that doesn't belong to you in you drawer. That should set you off for a really good time again if you decide to give them back! Hahaha!

As for Tir nobles, I only give a drek about their wallets. Some of them are reaching deep into their pockets for my services.]<<<<<
      --Smiley (14:25:39/09-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-30-12/1940:20>
>>>>>[Father works hard to keep Mother from getting drunk. Last time it happened, we had to rebuild a wing of the mansion.

But no, Wyrm, she calls me by my chosen name, just as she is called by hers. I know you don't buy into it, but for many in the Tir, the Rites have a profound meaning, and disrespecting them is... dangerous. By all the measures you listed, I am no longer the person I was before the Rite. I knew a shaman back in my army days, and he had undergone both the Rite and a vision quest, and he said they were quite similar.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:40:22/09-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-01-12/0100:32>
>>>>>[ We are the sum of our experiences, and changing your name can emphasize what you believe to be a major transformative experience.  But going on that theory, you aren't the person you were yesterday; does that mean you should change your name today?  (Old but popular fiction aside.)

Of course you call each other by your chosen names; all three of you slots buy into the same damn flim-flam.  I do a genetic profile on you, though ... simply put, you are who you have been, as much as you'd like to throw that away along with the name you've cast off. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:00:00/10-01-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-01-12/0300:41>
>>>>>[I do not question your beliefs, Wyrm, so I would appreciate it if you would not question mine. All this bitterness makes you sound almost jealous. It really isn't seemly of one such as yourself.

Regardless, I am a very different person from who I was before my Bridging. Before then, I had never drawn blood with my blade before. I had been training practically since I could hold a sword, but never before had I taken the real thing, and cut down a living creature with it. Fighting for my life in the middle of the forest, bathing in the blood of the wild paracritters who attacked me, hearing Shark's call for the first time... The change brought on by the Rite is something you cannot understand unless you have undergone it, or a similar ritual, and taken part with an open mind.

We are more than what simple genetics says we are, and you know that. The physical structure is wholly different from who we truly are. Genetics does not type your personality, your soul, your Talent. I am sorry if you are so limited by your rigid cynicism so that you cannot grasp the truth.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (03:00:22/10-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-01-12/1638:34>
>>>>>[Personally, I don't put too much stock in the symbolism of things. Don't get me wrong, names and titles can and sometimes do have power. Same goes for symbols, any magician of any tradition can tell you that. But symbolism for the sake of symbolism, sometimes it's fun but that's just it. But I do put great importance in trials themselves. It doesn't matter the reasons behind it or the reward at the end of it... As long as it truly push to the limit and tests someone! I have been pushed, beaten and tested all my life by the one who "adopted" me. I have been left to fend for myself for days, even at a very young age. She made sure to make me the best I could be, be it my brawn, my wits, my charm but most of all, my cunning. She was particularly fond of testing my cunning. And that is the greatest gift someone could have given me, the tools and the capacity to seize the place I wanted for myself in this world and from anyone if needed. Tests and trials are what forges the best sapians of this world.]<<<<<
      --Smiley (16:38:31/10-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-01-12/1815:17>
>>>>>[ Iceblade, I don't question your beliefs; they aren't mine.  I know how they work, however, which means I know just exactly how much bullshit there is behind them.  Of course, I know just exactly how much bullshit is behind any set of beliefs, my own included.  I always question exactly what I'm doing, and especially why I'm doing it; the person who doesn't question their own beliefs is vulnerable, critically so, to exploitation and demagogy.  This is what happens in nearly every fascist country, from Argentina to Italy to Germany to, well, Tir Tairngire.

And kid, you have no idea what I've gone through. You literally cannot imagine.  Your Rite?  Sure, I've been through that, and the first Progression to boot. So I know exactly what I'm talking about.  I question.  If you don't ... then your entire life is going to be run by other people and your own autopilot.  If you think that makes me cynical, then you sure as hell have a lot to learn, and not just about me.

Always, just when I start thinking there's a hope for you to have a brain ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:15:00/10-01-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <10-03-12/1837:00>
>>>>>[On a slightly lighter topic, me and my mechboy buddy were chatting bikes, and he started talking about how he was worried something like Chicago could happen here in Seattle, and talking about how he was thinking of making some kind of hard core combat bike/tank on two wheels. Armor covering the rider, light machine gun or two on the steering forks, pair of tank treads (front one turns enough to actually turn the bike...he's actually got diagrams for this shit. Makes me want to actually hit up mechanic's school.), all sorts of stuff to make it a great one or two man Chicago-Survival Vehicle.

Figured I'd toss the idea this way. I personally like it, but unless we nuke Seattle some time soon, it's not really going to..well..pass any overt checks by the Knights, or any other law enforcement for that matter.

In other, OTHER news, I'm still clean, still me, and still have light nightmares about what I saw in China. I think that's enough to mark me as 'still sane enough to function.']<<<<<

     -- Card (15:36:04/10-3-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-03-12/2046:24>
>>>>>[Ah, but did you go through things with an open mind, or were the experiences colored by your cynicism? Or did you stop reading before you got to the end of my post?

As for questioning things, you likewise do not know nearly as much about me as you think you do. Of course I question my path. And at times I have strayed, and had to find my way back. Anyone who walks with a mentor will tell you the same. And anyone with the Talent will tell you that there are... other sources of power that call to you, urging you to accept them in return for greater power. Blood magic, insects, the toxic path, they all call to those who have a bit of power, and want more. At times, they can be very difficult to resist. Some of the battles I've fought in the past would have been so much easier if I could just stab my blade through an enemy's chest and use their blood to summon a spirit of terrible power to fight for me, just to give an example.

As far as Tir Tairngir goes, that is an issue which is settled, in my mind. I've made oaths which I intend to stand by, for good or ill. Because if I went back on that oath, what is stopping me from taking an easy way out and seeking the paths of blood or the toxic way? As a combat mage who follows Shark, those paths clearly offer more power than I have now. It is so small a difference between Shark the Destroyer and Shark the Ravager. So small a difference, and yet if you let yourself go, then it is so difficult to come back.

Someone with the Talent must have something to hold to, to base their practice around, and as a place to hold to as they climb higher in power. If you lose faith in those things, then you will fall into darkness unless someone is there to stop you. That is the reality I face every day. I've seen it happen to others I've known for years, and there are those I've spoken to who managed to claw their way back from that abyss. So I will place my faith in my sword, in those I consider friends, and in Tir Tairngir. I don't do this because of naivete, but for my own sake. And for that, I will be the hunter who swims in the deep, and knows neither fear nor hatred for those who fall before me. Because otherwise, I fear what I will become.

If you cannot understand that, then count yourself fortunate.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:46:22/10-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <10-07-12/1904:00>
>>>>>Give me a few days Card and i'll find you the specs for a short lived bike build that was done just for when Haley's comet came through. I bought one back then and its a sweet ride, somewhere between a Skorpion and an Electroglyde. A Triumph Dragon. It has handlebar mounts for up to an SMG sized weapon, along with plenty of armour and mileage. Mine has a sidecar mounted with a HMG hidden in it. As for the other discussion going on right now, there is some truth to both of your arguments, and as the old song says, you have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything. We are not just the sum of our experiences, but also of our breeding because it is our breeding that opens and closes doors for us all.<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:04:22/10-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DaveB on <10-08-12/2012:41>
>>>>>[ // upload Great André Cooking lessons! media file :: user Autumn :: 10/08/74 //
// abrupt cancellation :: end file //
// command line "alsoemqpleka" :: not recognized //
// live audio-to-text conversion engaged //
// console messages mode:: y //
// command line "uakjajelrmjcn" :: not recognized //

// male individual recognized (Smiley) //
Smiley : What? How many?
// male individual not recognized (Unknown1)
Unknown1 : Nine prisoners! Three of them wounded. What do you want to do with them?
Smiley : Just kill 'em and burn 'em with the rest of the bodies. Ain't got not time to play prison warden!
Unknown1 : I was hoping you'd say that! Hahaha!
// sound recognized :: machine gun spray//
// user recognized (Autumn) //
Autumn : Jeez guys! Can't a girl take a fraggin' nap and work on her tan without you boys using your big loud toys?! Tsk. And they still claim they don't compensate.
Unknown1 : Women...
Smiley : If you're done whining, there's a really big hairy spider crawling up your comlink.
Autumn : AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Smiley : Hahaha!
Autumn : Get it off! Get it off!
Unknown1 : I think she likes you! Hahaha!
Autumn : Arg! Where's my gun! Where's my gun!
// sound recognized :: gunshot //
// connection terminated :: disconnected at source //]<<<<<
      --Autumn (20:12:36/10-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-08-12/2247:37>
>>>>>[Hmm. Looks like we won't hear from Autumn again until she replaces some gear. Funny that someone being trained by a guy like Smiley would still be afraid of spiders.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (22:47:23/10-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <10-09-12/0507:14>
>>>>>[Well, bad things can happen to people who take them lightly. There's at least three Awakened species that can turn your brain into porridge with just one bite. Oh, and welcome back. Just managed to finish my Walkabout, and in one piece - body and soul intact. It took a while, but the things I've seen, and tricks I've learned were worth it. As much as staring a dragon in the face and being able to brag about it. I almost had to change my underwear though...]<<<<<

--NiSayer (23:33:33/10-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-09-12/1458:17>
>>>>>[Hahaha! The damn spider posted this! That's hilarious! And now Autumn is pissed and, I assume, pretty embarrassed!

This damn woman. I did a pretty good job in making her a heartless and merciless killer. I mean, one day she walked, alone, in a Tamanous ghoul den and worked herself a deal to get rid of dead bodies. Yesterday, she killed at least five guys with an assault rifle then proceeded to "work on her tan" while we boys were dragging and burning dead bodies all around. You can't really get that much more fearless and cold. And still, all it took is an inoffensive, although pretty big, spider to make all hell break loose. Hahaha!

Indeed, I'll have to remedy to that.]<<<<<
      --Smiley (14:58:10/10-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-10-12/0108:06>
>>>>>[Let me guess, the old trick of locking them in a box with a couple hundred spiders crawling all over them until they either go insane or get over their fear? I know, it may be cliche, but it is still a classic way of dealing with someone's 'issues' without resorting to things like PAB mental rewiring. Never know what the techs might be paid to slip in with the other conditioning.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:07:22/10-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-10-12/2306:59>
>>>>>[Not quite what I had in mind but, yeah, something like that.]<<<<<
      --Smiley (23:07:18/10-010-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <10-14-12/1844:32>
>>>>>Gods fragged Azzie pitite batards. is anyone in the Del Rio area, if so or you can get there in six hours or less join me at the uploaded coordinates. Its open combat on this one so load heavy. I so am not going to let this turn into Alamo 2074.<<<<<

Wolfgar (17:43:38/10-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-14-12/2044:31>
>>>>>[My team just finished up some unrelated business in the CAS, Wolfgar. We should be able to get to you in one hour. It'll be me, a mage, and a hacker, with combat drone support. Five Medusas, though we've upgraded the internal components to modern specs.]<<<<<

--Faust (20:44:22/10-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <10-15-12/0033:40>
<<<<<Thanks Faust, prep everything for air drop, this is going to be a hot LZ but we'll have some good cover fire to get inside. We're wheels up in 3 hours.>>>>>

Wolfgar (23:30:20/10-14-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <10-15-12/0054:56>
<<<<<Can't get there quick enough myself, but I'll send word to a couple I know that moved back down there a couple years back. You'll know 'em when ya see 'em. One's a cybered up troll and the other is an elf woman carrying a dikoted metal hockey stick sharpened to a razor's edge.>>>>>

Predator (23:52:16/10-14-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-15-12/0109:57>
>>>>>[For those who care, we made the flight all right. Redeemer is speaking with spirits to prepare for battle, and Angel is speaking with the Pack, as we call them, briefing them on the basics of this mission. She's better at speaking with them than I am. I'm going over our gear, getting everything ready for the drop. It has been... interesting living with these drones by my side, when I had not seen their like for almost fifteen years, except in my nightmares and regrets. Redeemer thinks it is therapeutic for me to be with them, and Angel enjoys having 'pets' that she doesn't have to clean up after.

I guess some of you wonder how we got our hands on a pack of five Medusas, yeah? Well, all I can say is that we returned 'home', on a run. Yes, we were picked for the run because of what we were back then. But because of that, we found the Pack. They responded to old command codes, and have followed us since. Angel hopes to teach them to be smarter, and increase their abilities. I don't understand it, to be honest.]<<<<<

--Faust (01:09:22/10-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <10-15-12/1335:49>
>>>>>[Faust: You're welcome. It was no bother, really. One deep-fried lame-ass hacker wannabe, on the house. Remember kids, high-profile gear and top-notch soft doesn't make you a combat hacker. He wouldn't be much of a problem for your lady, but I was bored anyway. And I do have my own beef with them. Hope you'll get out in one piece. Gotta go, I have traces to redirect to former Burkina Faso. ]<<<<<

--NiSayer (01:15:31/10-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-15-12/1420:26>
>>>>>[Angel gives her thanks, Ni. She was tied down running interference on two other hackers attempting to infiltrate the tacnet. The Pack may know how to run the drones they inhabit, but they are ferals, so their ability to deal with hacking is instinctual, not trained.]<<<<<

--Faust (14:20:22/10-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <10-15-12/2308:25>
>>>>>[Faust, thanks to you and yours, as well as your friends Predator. We managed to get all the civs out of the mission and though it cost me a transport, the sim rig feed should show all. Of course loosing the transport into a company of Jaguar Guards made it worth it. Hey Faust, any of your folks ever felt that level of deceleration before?]<<<<<

Wolfgar (22:07:42/10-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-15-12/2321:12>
>>>>>[For Redeemer and myself, yes. First jump for Angel and the Pack. But everyone landed safely, and came back without major damage. Though I admit during the fight I had to fight back flashbacks a couple of times. Last time I was in a situation like that, I wasn't the one protecting civilians. I think... I think I'm glad we came on this job.

Glad we could help. We're on our way back to Seattle now. Time for a bit of rest, and we have maintenance and resupplying to do.]<<<<<

--Faust (23:20:22/10-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-16-12/0953:36>


>>>>>[In Neo-Tokyo doing a real nasty job for a triad trying to pull a powerplay. Anybody know a good way to make a small japanese man brain dead? He's a Yak so your conscience should be clear.]<<<<<

--Gribble (8:53:10/10-16-74)




Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-16-12/0959:44>
>>>>>[I find such jobs distasteful. Better to kill him quick and clean, rather than resorting to such measures. Shark does not play with his food, nor does his prey emerge half-alive.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:59:22/10-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-16-12/1006:57>
>>>>>[Our street viking wants to strangle him till he's mostly dead. I told him we don't have spare Yak Lieutenant lying around if he frags up. I'd rather do something with a little less chance to kill this piece of trash.]<<<<<

--Gribble (9:06:52/10-16-74)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-17-12/2130:50>
>>>>>[What is the overall goal? Does he have to be brain dead, or are you just looking to get him out of the way? Trying to make someone brain dead without actually killing them is not something that amateurs should attempt. To be honest, I wouldn't know the first thing about going about such things. You're better off just killing him, or replacing him with a puppet, either a mage or someone disguised and using a personafix chip. If the requirement for the job is brain death, you're being set up to fail, most likely, and it is your own fault for taking such a job.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:30:23/10-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-17-12/2146:28>
>>>>>[Autumn is specialized in cruel and gruesome killings. Poisons, toxins or other chemical compounds. She even use nanotechnology. Sometimes, I even find myself proud of my pupil! You all read right! Sometimes.

She says she has a few ideas but unfortunately she's stuck with me dodging increasing Jaguar patrols in one of the worst drekholes this world can offer. She also won't give her trade secrets and rightly so.

But I'm as curious as my good friend here, why do you need someone braindead? Snapping his neck isn't enough?]<<<<<
      --Smiley (21:46:16/10-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-18-12/0956:01>
>>>>>[Our job is to deliver him to his oyabun brain dead and hooked up to life support. I'm not sure what this triad is hoping to gain from this action all I know is the cred is good. I think we have come up with a plan that should work better than beat him till his brain don't work. I can tell you the street viking will be disappointed.]<<<<<

--Gribble (8:52:53/10-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <10-18-12/1130:11>
>>>>>[Remember that part about spiders? Awakened ones? There's one particularly nasty species living in urban japan, preying on small and medium birds and rodents. I bet you can find out which one is it, and buy one. One bite should be enough, just make sure your pet isn't too big, or female - their venom is more potent.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (8:59:23/10-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-18-12/1552:46>
>>>>>[Are they found in Neo-Tokyo? We don't really have time to import them.]<<<<<

--Gribble (02:51:53/10-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-18-12/1623:06>
>>>>>[I stand by my comment that such tasks aren't for amateurs. It takes a great degree of skill and knowledge to leave someone brain dead but still alive on purpose. Such things happen by accident, of course, but if things don't go exactly right, the person either recovers, or they die. It is far easier to kill someone than that. I myself wouldn't trust someone with that kind of job unless they had thoroughly studied all the ways to kill and disable a foe. I wouldn't trust such a task to anyone with less ability than Smiley or his apprentice. I wouldn't take such a job myself, because I am fully aware that I could not pull it off, except by sheer luck. And you should never base your plan on 'getting lucky'. Your team is being set up to fail, and you're going to get caught between Triads and Yaks in the middle of a war.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:22:34/10-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Ympulse on <10-18-12/1757:24>
>>>>>[You could always pay your local butcher to lobotomize him. If you don't want any loose ends, the Japanese are known for killing themselves for being dishonorable.]<<<<<

     -- Emmas(16:56:59/10-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <10-18-12/1809:10>
>>>>>[Did I write in comic sans? NeoTokyo is 'urban Japan*.' I've sent you the info you need to find one of those places. And please, tip the creepy lady on your way out. Bad things happen to those who don't.

* To all the Japanese, and of Japanese descent, sorry. I've been back in the old country for a while, and we don't use as much Capital Letters as English does. No disrespect intended, I've just missed that 'J' in my previous post.]<<<<<
     -- NiSayer(18:01:01/10-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-19-12/0006:42>
>>>>>[Thanks NiSayer we milked the spider for it's venom and applyed it in the recommended dosage to our victem.  Unfortunatly our foolass hacker decided he needed to keep the spider a pet.  Will keep updated on this experiment.

Wait, you said tip the creepy lady?..........drek]<<<<<

--Gribble (23:05:48/10-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <10-19-12/1812:06>
>>>>>[Always tip the creepy people around, well anywhere, its safer that way. Emmas welcome to the board, i hope you enjoy the place. If you ever feel the need to head south just let me know, i have so many friends now its scary.]<<<<<

Wolfgar (17:11:28/10-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Ympulse on <10-19-12/1951:32>
>>>>>[Thank you, Wolfgar. I don't think I'll be heading south any time soon, though. I'm doing a long-term job for a friend up here in the Mersey Sprawl]<<<<<

     -- Emmas (18:50:23/10-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-19-12/2044:13>
>>>>>[Gribble, if you succeed in making the Yakuza lieutenant 'brain dead', you will be doing him, and his gumi, a grave dishonor. If you go through with this, it would be best if you laid low for the rest of your lives. This is the kind of thing that they will kill all your contacts, friends, family, and people who happen to just see you in the elevator on their path to killing you for. It is a grave dishonor to deliberately leave someone helpless like that. You do this, and the only place you may be safe is Evo's Mars base. Even that is questionable.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (20:43:12/10-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Teknodragon on <10-20-12/2013:22>
>>>>>[All this talk of wetwork, and some of the nastiest there is. Not that I haven't gotten my claws red, but... Damn. Yeah, the target isn't worth the electrons used here, but there is a huge difference between what the J is asking, and a security guard just doing his job. I may have scales, but I sure ain't cold-blooded.]<<<<<

--TekDrake (20:14:18/10-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-20-12/2102:22>
>>>>>[Indeed. Simply killing a member of the Yakuza is bad enough, and while they will try to get revenge, it is accepted that these kinds of things are part of the price of doing business. However, deliberately leaving someone helpless but alive like that is a grave dishonor. And the Yakuza takes honor very seriously, I assure you. It would be better to kill him outright than to leave him like that.

Killing is part of business in the underworld, but there are some lines that even killers will not cross, and they will punish others who cross them.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (21:02:22/10-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-22-12/0939:48>

>>>>>[Motoko I have a feeling his gumi will not be much of an issue in very short order. Plus I feel my team has covered its tracks very well.]<<<<<

--Gribble (08:34:43/10-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-22-12/1247:42>
>>>>>[Assuming, of course, that no one on this board owes a favor or giri debt to the Yakuza.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (12:47:22/10-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <10-22-12/1308:12>
>>>>>[Everyone seems to forget just how little control they have over who reads what gets posted here.  Always brings a smile to my face.]<<<<<

--Vice (13:08:39/10-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-22-12/1516:22>
>>>>>[Well luckily, i neglected to mention which gumi was about to befall such a terrible misfortune.]<<<<<

--Gribble (02:15:43/10-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-22-12/1527:01>
>>>>>[Yes, but you did give out your location. Triads trying to make a play in Neo-Tokyo? As if the dragon would allow that to happen! You do understand that anyone trying to play games with the Yakuza in Neo-Tokyo is taking on the gumi directly loyal to either a great dragon, or to a spirit with enough power to stand up to a great dragon, yes? And, from all accounts, they take honor just as seriously as the Yakuza do, if not moreso. And it does not matter if someone knows anyone in that particular gumi or not. All one needs to do is find a member of another gumi, and give the information to them. That gumi would then have a chance to gain a giri debt from the other gumi. To put it in terms a gaijin would understand, the offended gumi would owe a major favor to another gumi who handed them the heads of those responsible, or even just their names.

Your entire team should invest in a good genewipe and phenotype adjustment treatment, at the very least. Get rid of your current names, and start over. Otherwise, you'll be dead, as will your families, friends, and contacts.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (15:26:22/10-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-22-12/1629:09>
>>>>>[Well I guess we will have to take your advice of course. Changeing identities can get tedious, after all one tends to get attached to them.  No matter it is done now.

By the way Motoko I hope you rest in peace. ]<<<<<

--Gribble (03:21:21/10-22-74)

//....Execute contingency script "SHI SHi SHAWWWWWWWWWWW"? (Y/N)
//...........................Deleting all records of user "Gribble"
//...................Program complete

>>>>>[Motoko I've had a few run ins with this guy. He's a unbalanced bull shaman thats long on memory and short on scruples, watch you hoop chummer]<<<<<

--Belial (09:09:43/10-24-74)


Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <10-28-12/2008:53>
>>>>>[I hope Gribble changed everything quickly enough.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (03:24:25/10-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-28-12/2045:06>
>>>>>[Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about me. I'm receiving protection from the local kumi because I did a service for them recently. Did I mention I had childhood friends from Neo-Tokyo with some really nice body art? This is why gaijin do so poorly in the shadows of Japan. They don't understand giri.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (20:44:22/10-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Operator on <10-28-12/2108:47>
>>>>>[Giri was beaten into me from birth, and it is what gave me a lifeline to Seattle so many years ago. Without it, I would be a dead man. That aside, even if you understand giri and other delicate social context, running in Japan is not easy - it merely becomes plausible.]<<<<<

--Operator (21:08:13/10-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-28-12/2141:01>
>>>>>[Personally I try to stay as far away from Japan as i can. I can never get their customs down. If I have to go to Neo-Tokyo I get in and get out ASAP. And i try to stay out of the Yakuza's way when I'm at home. ]<<<<<

--Belial (20:34:41/10-28-74)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Operator on <10-28-12/2217:31>
>>>>>[I actually went there to get away from the Seattle rengo. When you safely escort a certain Yakuza princess home, you're sure to annoy some of her numerous enemies and embarrass the kobun who would otherwise be entrusted with such responsibility.]<<<<<

--Operator (22:16:17/10-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-29-12/0251:57>
>>>>>[Indeed, Operator. One can know the terms 'giri', 'face', and 'nemawashi', but unless one has truly lived them, one cannot understand the intricacies of the Japanese shadows. Slotting an etiquette 'soft is a good start, but you should always get a local to teach you how to play the game. Even if you are a big name in your home sprawl, every sprawl has different rules and modes of conduct. One thing that you must understand is that in Japan, the Yakuza are often considered to be part semi-legitimate businessmen, part protectors of the community. This means that there are plenty of times when the Yakuza, police, and corporations will join forces to find you if you step out of line. Understanding giri, face, honor, and nemawashi is essential if you wish to survive.

Let's give an example. In Seattle, one could take a job to kill a manager of a A or AA corp, do legwork to determine the target's schedule, and take him out. Then they would only need to worry about avoiding the heat long enough to get paid. In Japan, just dealing with the Yakuza side of things, you need to ask permission of the kumi in control of the area where the target lives, and the kumi that controls the place you're going to make the hit. If you gain their permission, then they will speak with contacts in the government and corporations involved to quietly drop the matter, and remove other obstacles in your path. If you do the hit without asking permission, then you run the risk that the manager you hit had some debt owed, whether fiscal or giri. Or perhaps you caused the kumi to lose face by attacking someone under their protection. In that case, the Yakuza will ask their affiliates to find you, and will also speak with the police and corporate security forces to help ease their way to you, because you did not show proper respect. The same is true on the government and corporate fronts, as well. It is complicated, but done correctly, it can make your run easier, or reduce the chances of reprisals.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (02:51:22/10-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <10-29-12/0845:24>
>>>>>[I'd still say that's one scum less. Code of 'honour' or not, they're still a mob, that dabbles in things that makes wetwork seem like a kid's cartoon scenario.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (03:31:09/10-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-29-12/0908:48>
>>>>>[You are a gaijin, yes? Your ignorance is understandable. Comparing the Yakuza to other syndicates is as foolish as comparing technomancers to other matrix users. Sure, they do some of the same things, but they go about things in different ways. In North America, the kumis have been forced to abandon some of the principles they held in order to survive in the face of crude upstarts. In Japan, and other ares that are almost wholly under Yakuza control, things are different. If a man rapes another man's daughter, in Japan, he does not go to the police. He goes to the Yakuza, and they give him justice. The Yakuza fights against petty thieves and fences, allowing people to sleep secure in their homes more easily. Yes, they do 'protection' rackets, same as anywhere, but when gaijin or upstarts target the areas under their protection, the Yakuza defends them. And they limit collateral damage as much as possible. You will not see the Yakuza spraying down a street with bullets to get a single man, even though they will not hesitate to slaughter a man's entire family to send a message. Indeed, the trading of hostages is often a means to ensure peace during negotiations when two kumis have a disagreement. So long as both clans behave, then the hostage is treated as an honored guest.

As I said, things are different in Seattle than they are in Japan.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (09:08:07/10-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <10-29-12/0955:41>
>>>>>[Different enough, that I do try to avoid Japan. The customs in general still very much elude me in practice.

Also, much as I wish not to be so entangled in temporal matters... Wolfgar, have you or anyone else need of a magus? Ill fate has apparently kept work tight.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (09:51:21/10-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: cyclonus743 on <10-29-12/1009:11>
>>>>>[They may be the purveyors of sweet juicy justice but i've also seen what goes on in their bunrakku parlors. Even in my line of work that drek give me the creepy crawlies.]<<<<<

--Belial (9:06:46/10-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <10-29-12/1042:05>
>>>>>[The hypocrisy is really the common thread that ties all of organized crime together.    The mafia talk about their code of silence, yet the entire reason Witness Protection was created was to shelter mobsters who turned rat to reduce their sentences.  The gumi present themselves as purveyors of justice and protectors of the people, but if someone is committing an act of sexual violence against your little girl, it's probably happening because your local yakuza clan kidnapped her and is charging people for the opportunity to brutalize her.

The lie really serves two purposes.  One is to keep their victims compliant and loyal.  The other is to ease the burden on the conscience of the corrupt government employees who allow them to exist.  It's not a concept unique to "organized crime" either.  Both syndicates were case studies in my counter-insurgency course.  Offer up a lie, with the threat of violence to those who refuse to believe the lie, and trivial rewards for those who embrace the lie and you can victimize a people all you want.]<<<<<

--Vice (10:42:24/10-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <10-30-12/1721:31>
>>>>>[O'Rly? I don't give a damn about your crap, go preach to people who're blind, stupid, or too afraid to speak up. I've been there, had some ties with the yaks. Then I had one little job that opened my eyes. It was the only time that I _almost_ enjoyed killing people... Almost. I've brained a high-level yak bastard who made tons of nuyen peddling child snufs. And his cronies who got him 'actors' according to his clients tastes. You see any honour and there? In torturing children for profit?
And FYI, Technomancers are just like other users. They just have different hardware and software. But they still have to follow the rules of the 'trix, just like anyone else.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (11:11:13/10-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-30-12/1938:37>
>>>>>[ And I have worked for Yakuza gumi who have burned out with extreme prejudice entire clans for doing just that sort of thing.  You are very close to becoming what you loathe, NiSayer. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (19:35:59/10-30-2074)

>>>>>[ Technomancers are like other users, and have to follow the rules of the Matrix? I got thirty-one friends who would laugh with great amounts of amusement at your ignorance.  Most of them would then ignore you, but there's a few who would be willing to take you gently by the hand and show you just exactly which rules they break on a regular basis... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ourobors (19:45:00 / 10-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <10-30-12/2141:13>
>>>>>[I know most people don't like organized crime in general, and I'm not going to pretend the Triad is clean. In the end though, there are some quite interesting facts: For one, when the American mob originally got broken up, people likely didn't notice, but violence in the streets almost tripled with in the week. Is organized crime still crime? Yes, but the people who do it right try to minimize the collateral done to people not involved in the dispute. It's what makes me sick to look at groups like the Halloweeners. I know the 1920s weren't all the trids make them up to be, but I've done my best to look into the statistics (which, mind you, I'm probably still ignorant. Crime stats and how to properly read them aren't my forte) and I think things were a lot cleaner back then.

Either way, I stay out of the Yaks path for completely different reasons other then not entirely knowing their ways and customs, given that I'm part of a different group all together. After all, I'm just a delivery boy, not a front line soldier or spy. Being Triad is complicated enough, and honorable enough, for me.

Oh, finally thinking of giving into some earlier suggestions: Can anyone suggest a reliable stun gun? Previous attempts to extend the range of my electric strikes continue to fail, so I figure I might as well get at least one, just in case.]<<<<<
     -- Card (18:40:00/10-30-12)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <10-30-12/2320:15>
>>>>>[The Defiance packs the biggest capacitors in its darts, but I prefer a Lightfire 70 loaded with Stick and Shock.  It let me cash in on 15 years of muscle memory, along with better range, and the option to take the kid gloves off with a quick admin.

As for the crime statistics, they're meaningless.  Remember that the people tracking them are being paid off, and the people who are filing the reports are being strong armed.  A lot of things don't get reported and a lot of the reported crimes just go away.  The numbers get cut at both ends to build that perception that things are better as the personal kingdom of whatever filthy ethnic goon squad has claimed dominion over the poor bastards who live there.  It's all part of making the lie easier to believe.  It even falls under the umbrella of giving the local politicians a lie to sell to the voters, in exchange for more freedom to victimize the people they sell themselves as protecting.

You keep telling yourself that you're doing the right thing if it helps you sleep at night.  I'll sleep at night knowing that retirement means I'm not a parasite anymore.]<<<<<

--Vice (11:20:59/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <10-31-12/0006:05>
>>>>>[Organized crime of whatever stripe is probably less likely to negatively impact the average citizen than your local Lone Star goon. To the Mob the everyday cit is either a customer or a non entity. Organized crime messes with other criminals and sells to the man on the street. Unless they're already involved with the Mob voluntarily, the chances that a cit will have someone in my old job break their legs is slim to none. Bad for business.]<<<<<
     -- Mr. Fabulous (11:05:28/10-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-31-12/0158:32>
>>>>>[Mr. Fabulous is correct. All the established syndicates, to varying degrees, try to keep collateral damage down. It is bad for business, and invites corporate and police reprisals. Random violence and street crime increases pressure on the organized players, which is why the Yakuza and other syndicates crack down on them when they operate in their neighborhoods. The same can not be said for upstart organizations like the Seoulpa Rings or the Koshari, or the various gangs that infest the sprawls. The Yakuza are businessmen. They just happen to be businessmen who sometimes deal in unpleasant areas of the market.

Wyrm Ouroboros is also correct, in that the typical rules of the matrix do not necessarily apply to Technomancers. But this works both ways. Just as there are things a technomancer can do that a hacker cannot, there are things that a hacker can do, that a technomancer cannot, at least, not without investing a great deal of time and energy unlocking the secrets of the Resonance.

Card, I would also suggest getting a regular gun with Stick'n'Shock ammo. You get better range, as Vice said, and you have the ability to switch to something with better kick, if you need to. I would suggest a nice shotgun, though. The sight of a shotgun pointed at a person's head tends to make them quite a bit more cooperative than seeing a little taser.

Vice, anyone who works the shadows is a parasite, in one way or another. There is ugliness everywhere. We get paid to lie, cheat, steal, and murder on a regular basis. Sometimes you are hired to run interference so that a drug shipment can get past a checkpoint. Sometimes you are taking down one group of criminals to serve another group of criminals. And sometimes you ruin a person's life and career, so that the project he is working on will be delayed by two months, so the competition can get to market first. Until you retire from the shadows entirely, you will be a parasite. But the shadows are not the only place that harbors parasites. The most dangerous ones exist in the light.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (01:58:23/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <10-31-12/0941:38>
>>>>>[@Ouroboros: There's a little sprite in my node, choking with laughter after reading your post. I'll explain: Before people discovered Magic, the rules that govern Mana and the Astral were already there. People just didn't know them. Then some people appeared who at least second-guessed them, and became Magicians and Shamans. But they had a long way to go, to catch up to Dragons and other entities that knew of Magic already. The same can be said about Technomancers, and Hackers. The Technomancers had to learn their art from scratch, but along the way they found things, that no Hacker could know. Because they had access to that knowledge, they gained the upper hand, and access to things like Sprites, Resonance Realms and so on. But even those things don't break the rules. They work in a way that seems to, but only if you don't know the rules well enough. I do, for reasons related to the sprite I mentioned earlier. Bottom line: If you pack a good soft and hardware, you can take any technomancer on. With less risk than he takes. The same goes for a trained magician of lesser skill, who can use his knowledge and tools of the trade to teach the young wizganger his place, despite that the wizganger has twice as much mojo to sling around.
It's the Dragon Gambit. Knowledge is Power. The vk's have more knowledge. It all comes to that.

On the topic of organized crime: The yak I've mentioned was high enough to be the one who was _supposed to_ deal with people like him. Instead he became one. This means their system is flawed. If your soft glitches on you, it means there are bugs in the code. You need to fix it. The yaks don't see the need. The same goes for the mob, vory, vikings, mafia, triads, and any others. They run on bad soft.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (02:21:03/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <10-31-12/1122:41>
>>>>>[NiSayer, statements like that display an evident lack of knowledge about magic.

Furthermore, what Motoko said should not be forgotten. Consider the nature of the work we do, and the repercussions that result. It is work that involves death, theft or other unpleasant activities - that often cause harm to innocents in the process. A sad thing, but not something you thought of the last time you delivered a hazardous bioweapon to a Shiawase facility. After all, on an intrinsic level, we don't really question what's in the package.

It's something I admit to considering more than most, since the daevas I call will tend to bring it up when possible.]<<<<<
     -- Delir Emet (11:22:23/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Ympulse on <10-31-12/1205:52>
>>>>>[This discussion about Organized crime, while amusing, is ignoring something very key. No matter how they "do business" and carry themselves, they're all the same. They exist solely to make money without providing anything in return. "Protection" is just a manufactured necessity. I wonder what everyone's opinion would be if the discussion was about, say Tanamous. They operate much like the Yakuza, in my experiences. Except they deal with parts and not people.]<<<<<

--Emmas (11:05:53/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <10-31-12/1219:20>
>>>>>[Beyond the people still invested in the lie, who's ignoring it?  It's been the core of my argument the whole time.]<<<<<

--Vice (12:19:19/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Ympulse on <10-31-12/1236:43>
>>>>>[I do apologize for overlooking your post, Vice.]<<<<<

-- Emmas (11:36:23/10/31/2012)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <10-31-12/1307:17>
>>>>>[Emmas, that definition of organized crime sounds like it could apply to any corporation or government just as easily. For the most part the maf fills a real market that happens to be illicit. Whether that market is for BTLs, drugs, gambling or prostitution is pretty irrelevant. And at least in the protection rackets I was involved with the racket was a better buy than small business insurance. There's not enough difference between organized crime and corporate activity to define it clearly.

Of course that may damn the corps more than bless the mob. ]<<<<<
     -- Mr. Fabulous (01:15:38/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-31-12/1444:18>
>>>>>[Indeed. 'Lie', you call it? Is it more or less true than the activities of corporations and governments around the world? At least the Yakuza and other syndicates are honest and upfront about what will happen if you don't comply. Emmas and NiSayer, your biases are showing.

As for Tamanous, though I personally find their work distasteful, they, too, serve a market in the community. Both for those of us who are looking to get rid of a corpse, and for those who need organs, but can't go to legitimate sources, either because they don't have the funds, or because they are SINless. If you dislike Tamanous so much, then instead of raging against them, why not turn your anger on the ones that make people like them necessary?

In organized crime, just as with any business, you provide a service. Sometimes that service is providing BTLs, 'grey' market medicines, prostitutes, or other contraband. Sometimes that service is the privilege of not having your shop burn to the ground with you tied to a chair inside it. For these services, payment is extracted, either in the form of nuyen, favors, or other services in exchange.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (14:44:22/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <10-31-12/1545:42>
>>>>>[I call it a lie because that's what it is.  Organized crime exists to steal from the community that hides it.  Whether it's by running rigged table games for gambling addicts, kidnapping little girls to placate the pedophiles, selling a shopkeeper in renal failure his freshly murdered neighbor's kidneys, or burning down a corner store because the owner had the audacity to let himself get victimized by a different group of bullying hypocrites.  I guess those count as services as long as you're not the guys getting cheated at blackjack, the girls getting raped, the people being killed for their organs, or the family who died in their shop.

I'll admit that for the three years that I wore a logo on my lapel, I got caught up in some shit that was almost as dirty as what I did as an independant contractor, but even then we didn't sabotage businesses to drive them into default on their loans because there was a lot more money to be made by seeing them thrive, keep paying interest and coming back for bigger loans to grow, so they could pay us even more interest.  Some of the marketing is exploitative, the food is definitely going to kill you in the long run, and Quality Control is all but lost in most consumer goods, but no one from Doc Wagon is going to show up and beat up your wife if you decide to switch your family to CrashKart.

Also, the mega I grew up in and the mega that I worked for are both totally open about being organizations dedicating to maximizing shareholder value.  They don't claim to be about "the greater good".  The ruthlessness is there, but not the denial.

Back when I wore a flag on my shoulder, there was even less of what your people do.  The Manor House didn't cause the 2nd LA earthquake to punish the city for joining the PCC rather than the CAS just like we didn't threaten to burn down Havana if the Caribs didn't let us refuel our helicopters after we flew into a tropical storm to interdict a bunch of death cultists who wanted to reduce the city to ashes and silence.

I'm curious.  Other than the loyalty that your gumi bought from you, where else have you been to compare it to?]<<<<<

--Vice (15:45:29/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-31-12/1717:57>
>>>>>[Alright, this has gone long enough without my two cents. First I'll start by stating that for a few minutes, I'm gonna place myself in the shoes of someone who buys into the principles of morality. Second, I'll say that Corporations are really bad for communities and so is organised crime. Third, as always, I laughed pretty hard reading most of these posts.

The Cosa Nostra / 'Ndrangheta / Stidda / Camorra families, the Triad Tongs, the Yakusa Gumis, the Bratva groups... ultimately all the same. They're all black, white and every shades of grey. But most of all, they're all bad, the lot of them. Some refuse to deal in drugs, others in human trafficking but all deals in illicit goods or services. For exemple, someone mentionned about horrible inhuman brothels and another user mentionned entire Yakusa Clans being wiped out for operating such inhuman brothels. Well, one of the biggest Gumi in Japan is notorious for operating such brothels. Not all Gumi do, but enough of them to say it's a problem and it's bad. Most of them are also very racist and elitist and principles they will apply to their own ethnicity will more often than not be forgoe for the others. For exemple, most Gumis refuse to force young Japanese woman into prostitution, declaring themselves saints amongst criminals and protectors of the virgin... But have no quarrel kidnapping Philipinno and Thai woman, move them to Japan (or elsewhere) and force them into prostitution. Some use crimes they say is victimless, presenting themselves as business man. Yet what they do is bribe government officials, rigging public works call for bids and making millions directly from public coffers by boosting costs, sometimes up to 40%, with extras and "unforseen complications not included in contracts". Taking money from public coffers is hurting communities. I have use the Yakusa for exemples, but again, they all do those things and all advertise themselves as protectors of communities. Also, and that one is my favorite, all of them, without exceptions, discreetly make unfortunate and innocent witnesses disappear. That is killing innocent people and those innocent people are part of the community. And always ask yourself why what they do is illegal? Because, most of the time but not without exceptions, illegal things are bad for people.

Personally, I don't give a drek. If nothing, they all did gave me work at some point. I have no problems with innocents suffering from corporations and crime syndicate activities. Hell, there is very few crimes I couldn't be charged with if someone had any proof to begin with. When it comes to bad people, I'm considered amongst the worst by moral standards. But, to those who seemed to be telling people that their own criminal organisations were good for whatever, I wanted to reply to them by: No. They're not! If you believe so than you're either ignorant or stupid! A lesser evil in most situations, okay, but good that just ridiculous.]<<<<<
--Smiley (17:17:12/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-31-12/1847:44>
>>>>>[Only thing different between the syndicates and the megacorps is that one gets extraterritoriality, and the other doesn't. There's good and bad to both of them, and both of them make life difficult for the people at the bottom of the heap. Personally, I prefer the syndicates to the megacorps. If it comes to it, throwing a syndicate member off the balcony in 'self defense' is going to get barely a warning from the Knights, especially if you have 'evidence' showing that they shot first before they went flying. And it is easier to sort things out when a syndicate is angry at you than it is with a megacorp.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:47:23/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Operator on <10-31-12/1851:43>
>>>>>[I'll take this time to offer some advice about dealing with crime syndicates, based both on my time in Japan's neon lights and Seattle's shadows.

1) Don't. (See #2 if this is impossible)

2) Keep your relations sparse and strictly business.

3) It's better for them to owe you favors.

An affiliate of mine in the Yakuza had an interesting dilemma - one of his subordinates had a brief episode of consience interfere with his duty of eliminating a business rival and his family. This kobun (let's refer to him as Taro) could not bring himself to off the one surviving child. Due to Taro's hesitation, the Yakuza were faced with a problem - the opportunity to kill this last witness without a loss of face had passed. However, he could not remain in Neo-T due to an aggressive police investigation.

I was approached by my life-long friend to enroll the child into a corporate-sponsored youth mentorship program. This wasn't very difficult for me to do - I worked as a security supervisor who was on the fast track to the position of CSO. It did require a substantial investment in personal time, and looking after a teenage boy was a strange experience when I was barely 10 years his elder. Though not implicitly expressed, the Yakuza owed me a commensurate service that I claimed three years later.

Taro received a merciful discount from his oyabun. Instead of paying for a serious fuck-up with his life, he paid with a finger.

P.S. The youth eventually drifted into Seattle a few years after I parted ways with my parent mega. It's a small world that we live in.]<<<<<
--Operator (18:20:35/10-31-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-01-12/0101:27>
>>>>>[ Sure, NiSayer.  Keep telling yourself all that, kid, you and your precocious little sprite.  Meanwhile, those of us invested in the 'why' of it will continue to delve and discover just exactly what we don't know - hacker, decker, otaku, technomancer, mage, Great Dragon, and all. Nobody alive knows all the rules - and the more you learn, the more you realize that even if you helped write the rules, things aren't working the way you wrote them to be - which means even as you're examining them, they're changing in ways you never could have foreseen. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (http://vu93profiles.pbworks.com/w/page/52820509/WyrmOuroborosMain) (01:01:01/11-01-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-01-12/1807:31>
>>>>>[For once, Wyrm and I agree on something.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:07:22/11-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-03-12/1244:41>
>>>>>[A few things:

1. Not my sprite. Despite the rumors, I'm not a VK. Worked with one, yes, but the team was disbanded. Last thing I've heard he and our part-time shamgirl decided to make some techno-shaman babies. We'll see how that goes along.
2. I never wrote that. Just made an educated guess, based on my knowledge, experiences and soft. I'm the last one who'd consider himself omniscient.
3. I _was_ ingnorant when it came to magic. Getting your arm burned to a crisp tends to change that. I learned my lesson.
4. Shadowrunners can have morals too. We've basically retired, when we hit 'the treshold' where almost every job we could get involved getting our hands not just dirty, but tainted. I've killed people, both in the 'trix, and in the real world. I'm not a saint. But I'm almost sure I'm no child murderer either. Probably. You almost never know whom you've just fried.
5. I don't work with any crime sindicate. And I most probably won't. Yes, I know that cripples me as a part-time fixer, but still. As I stated above, one of those things that I've learned during my roadtrip was, that I'm not willing to sell my soul.

]<<<<<

--NiSayer (20:00:01/11-01-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-03-12/1523:36>
>>>>>[*sigh* Losing an arm doesn't teach you anything about magic, other than the fact that you should have moved quicker to get out of the way. There is a limit to what a mundane can know about the Awakened world. Your magician friend likely gave you the simple version in any conversations you had. There are some who come to some level of understanding about magic and spirits, without having the Talent, but they are rare. It is easy to describe things in broad strokes, but you loose the nuance and the subtle differences when you do that. And when dealing with magic, the nuances and subtle differences are what is truly dangerous. Everyone thinks that a fireball is impressive, but that is a parlor trick compared to dealing with a free spirit. Diplomacy and etiquette change depending on the type of spirit, and what tradition (if any) the spirit comes from, as well as your own tradition. I have worked with technomancers before, and they say it is much the same between them and sprites, though they use terms that I'm not familiar with most of the time.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:23:22/11-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-04-12/0637:04>
>>>>>[Iceblade, the point is, that could have been avoided. I just knew nothing about how magic works. Changing that helped a lot, and I'm not speaking about knowsofts only. It wasn't a lesson about magic, it was a lesson that taught me that I knew nothing. Damn, that should be common knowledge, we're living in the Sixth World, magic is becoming more and more common these days. So learning more than your mojo-slinging teammate can be bothered to explain is in everyone's best interest.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (16:16:00/11-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-04-12/1459:49>
>>>>>[ Your point USED to be about how the Matrix and Magic all have baseline rules that never change, and how since we know those ... and now you're saying you know the baseline rules about how magic works?  You - or your sprite, which I suspect is indulging you - know the baseline rules about how the Matrix works?  Buddy, I was there.  Both times.  I know what we wrote, and I know what the 'Trix was built on.  I know what the baseline rules should be - and while most of the time they are, sometimes they aren't.  I am told that the same applies to magic.
          If, on the other hand, you didn't know the basics of 'GTFO' or 'Shoot First' when someone points nothing but a hand or a hard stare your way, then you deserved everything you got. If your point is that you were a fraggin' idiot, well, point made. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (15:00:00/11-04-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-04-12/2009:45>
>>>>>[Indeed. Everyone thinks they know what the rules are, but then something comes along that throws everything we thought we knew into question. Remember the fun and games from the Year of the Comet? Changelings, drakes, shedim, and dragon clawing his way out of the Rift? Or how about the artifact craziness earlier this year? Or the blood rain down in the PCC? Or the Twins, and the Deep Lacuna? NiSayer, things are moving at a rate that we aren't even sure we know what the rules are any more. Just because something is the rule today, doesn't mean that someone won't discover (or rediscover, if you subscribe to Ehran the Scribe's concept of mana cycles) ways to do all these things that are supposedly against the rules?

As far as the Matrix goes, used to be, you couldn't access the Matrix without a cyberdeck or home terminal. Then came the Otaku. Even they needed some ware to make the necessary links. Then came the technomancers. Oh, and don't forget the AIs, and all the other craziness that is out there. Where is the line between what we truly know, and what we merely think we know?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:09:22/11-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Snake Eyes on <11-04-12/2222:34>
>>>>>[Hey chummers, Dead Eye here, been runnin and gunnin, just got back from a couple of jobs with an interesting group........besides me, had a troll sam, a shaman and an adept ninja, and a technomancer, and a rigger.....i can tell y'all that our first job was a bug hunt for Ares Megacorp, I DO NOT LIKE ARES, they are spooky.......

Anyway, nuff about me, whats up with everyone]<<<<<

-- Dead Eye (21:20:00/11-04-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-05-12/0116:11>
>>>>>[ Oh, gawd, it's Bronyman again. ]<<<<<
          -- Bubbles, Malibu Surfer Shababe (01:14:29/11-05-2074)

>>>>>[ Ares, spooky?  Better stay away from ... wow, pretty much everyone else, then. ]<<<<<
          -- Ferro3 (01:17:47/11-05-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-05-12/0421:36>
>>>>>[If you think Ares is spooky, you've clearly never been inside a teocali. Or seen pictures of what some of MCT's 'special projects' look like.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:21:23/11-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Snake Eyes on <11-05-12/1603:48>
>>>>>[Nope, haven't been inside teocali.......then again a lot of Megacorps are kinda spooky, especially with all the hush hush stuff they do..

So Iceblade, you ever take a job from teocali?

Hey Ferro, lol, Bronyman.......we don't talk about that in public.....

Later chummers, gotta grab some grub, chat with some friends.....etc, etc]<<<<<

-- Dead Eye (15:02:00/11-05-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <11-05-12/1634:40>
>>>>>[If you don't think Ares is spooky, you've clearly never been inside one of their classrooms.]<<<<<

--Vice (04:34:27/11-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-05-12/1913:40>
>>>>>[From? No. In? Several times. And none of them were pleasant experiences. Go through the logs, and you'll get an idea of what my last trip to Azzieland was like. Lucky to be alive after that gig. Even luckier to be sane given some of what I saw. The astral is healthier in Chicago than that place, I tell you.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:13:05/11-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Snake Eyes on <11-05-12/2104:50>
>>>>>[Wow Iceblade, sounds like you had a hairy experience........

Let me know what you think about this......a fixer i know is trying to sell me a Shiawase Arms Riot Guard shotgun.....says he got it cheap from a former runner that had no need for it anymore........i have a feelin he's gonna get in trouble for havin that gun.]<<<<<


-- Dead Eye (20:01:00/11-05-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Ympulse on <11-05-12/2123:38>
>>>>>[I would offer to take it off his hands for free, and then melt it into a puddle of whatever it's made of, as a favor to your fixer.]<<<<<

-- Emmas (20:23:43/11/05/2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-05-12/2218:31>
>>>>>[If the gun is as hot as it sounds, plant it in the inventory of one of his competitors, where an 'anonymous tip' to the Knights can allow it to turn up. Otherwise, don't touch it, unless you go over the entire thing with a tag eraser at least five times, and change the barrel.

And yes, it was a hairy experience. One of many.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:17:35/11-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Snake Eyes on <11-05-12/2224:32>
>>>>>[LOL, yeah good idea........then smack him for accepting the gun in the first place....or better yet i could take it to a gun smith i know very well, and have her scrub it so it can't be traced.................problem is i really like that shotgun....the style and just the feel is great]<<<<<
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-07-12/0825:10>
>>>>>[That arm-burned-to-crisp thing. That was my team's support mage. Never explained how that crap worked, and judging by his actions he probably didn't know himself. Good thing I was already pumped full of stims after the forklift accident, or I would have fainted, and they'd have to leave me behind. Fun times. Oh, and yes, that's where my Red Right Hand avatar comes from. :)

As for the matter of rules, I agree. Nobody knows them all. And they can change. But there are some basics, just like in the real world. You have gravity pulling things down, and light being reflected, and such. In the 'trix there are some rules that don't change. If they do, then you're probably screwed hard by psychotropic IC, or so deep in a creepy VR that you can't tell. Been there, somehow survived that. But yes, I've seen stuff weirder than a 'trix-surfing Sprite (the real world kind), that couldn't be explained. Especially since the only Sprite with a datajack got hit hard by the last crash, and is still in a deep coma in a hospital somewhere, and the one I've seen was at least deep in VR warp speed(not something that can be done even with the best trodes). Hell, by the rules I'm still fresh-green compared to some of you. So yes, I can be wrong. That happened a lot of times. But we could all be right, to a certain degree...

P.S. "Bronyman"? Just mined that. Sweet charred arm of mine, that is sooooo wrong. Did you get shot in the head and forgot to get the bullet pulled out?]<<<<<

--NiSayer (22:17:35/11-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-10-12/2034:11>
>>>>>[Fortunately now, some work came my way. However, I did not expect to be dealing with a mantis bug spirit on a delivery run. At least Ahura Mazda saw to it we succeeded and stayed intact.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (20:31:46/11-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-10-12/2223:50>
>>>>>[I prefer to avoid insect spirits of all kinds if I can, but at least the mantis spirits are reliable in hunting other bugs. Not to be trusted, of course, but good bug hunters all the same. On one trip to LA, I had the dubious pleasure of getting hooked into a bug hunt with a group of 'girls' from the Desolation Angels. Won't go into specifics, but I helped them burn out a wasp nest. In return for that service, I got a service in return And no, it wasn't that kind of service. I'm not into that kind of play. I was merely the mediator. In unrelated news, it seems a building belonging to Horizon burned to the ground the next night during an attack by the Desolation Angels. Ms. Johnson was thrilled, as somehow a rumor got started that the Horizon building was the wasp den, even though the nest we burned was on the other side of town. For those who were wondering, Ms. Johnson paid in gold coins. Seems they came from the wreck of an old Spanish galleon that went down near the Canary Islands.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:23:24/11-10-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Snake Eyes on <11-11-12/0056:17>
>>>>>[Well, i've been given a new call sign....."Brony Man" lol it fits,...........well this last run was great, nice and challenging, just the way i like 'em, gonna get a new outfit designed that will be Black/Purple with a doom Brony wreathed in flames...its gonna be great

Signing off now, later chummers]<<<<<


-- Dead Eye (23:56:00/11-10-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-11-12/0746:35>
>>>>>[Delir, I could get you a deal on any info you have on that mantis, whether you killed it or not. Ping me, we'll talk business.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (00:11:25/11-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-11-12/0814:03>
>>>>>[Honestly, we didn't go after it, it attacked our delivery vehicle. I suspect the package was somehow attracting it... inside the container, a metal canister was covered with cold gel packs and freshly hewed wood to mask it astrally. We took a look since the hacker was reporting hearing an anomalous buzzing and were suspicious.

It was dangerous, undoubtedly. NiSayer, I doubt there's much, but ping coming.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (08:04:11/11-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-12-12/1215:09>
>>>>>[Before someone pins me to the wall as an Ares man, there are other bug hunters in the playground. You'd be surprised, especially with the amount of money they can pay for the most trivial info on any bug-related matters. There was a small hacker team that I hired to provide easy passage for a shadowrun that involved going to Bug City. Last night the team arrived back, and now they can all sit back and enjoy their vacation... After the anti-rad treatment, of course.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (09:45:48/11-11-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-12-12/1257:42>
>>>>>[ That's weird. How close to Ground Zero did they get?  I thought that there was a really sharp drop-off on the rads after, like, fifty meters or so. ]<<<<<
          -- Sally Six-Gun (12:57:23 / 11-12-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-13-12/0734:21>
>>>>>[I dunno. It's not healthy to ask. All of my info comes from discreet surveillance of the hack squad I was requested to do. I think they might have stumbled upon a pocket of radiation, or something like that. I bet there's enough fools left in the world to try rummaging through ground zero. Maybe they picked something up, and left it somewhere else when they finally bought it, and the team was sent to fetch it? I can speculate, but I know one - the team got enough rads to qualify for a cleansing therapy, and the employer paid for it. ]<<<<<
          -- NiSayer (14:10:55 / 11-12-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-13-12/0850:22>
>>>>>[Not all sources of radiation in Chicago are due to the Cermak blast. Friday was said to be carrying nukes with her when she was gunned down in Chicago recently. Some idiot could have taken a crack at one to sell it for scrap. Or there are worse possibilities. If, for instance, a Radiation shaman was in the area...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:50:22/11-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-15-12/1329:28>
>>>>>[I don't think rad sham's are involved. Their team had a stellar mage (literally and figuratively) who would notice that. I'm not digging into it. Can be bad for my health.
EDIT: For that smartass, who pointed a few things out in private, as well as for "others who think like him": I did not try to find out who my employers were. Only who they weren't. You are wrong. That's it.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (11:10:00/11-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <11-15-12/1744:57>
>>>>>[Actually I'm probably the closest on here anyone can call an Ares man, so many bug hunts so little time. But thats actually a personal vendetta so we can leave it at that. As for radiation in Chi-town, while ground zero is bad Ice is right about there being other hot spots around town. I think other more "Tactical" nukes were used and not mentioned during the worst of the fighting as a "last resort" on a deadman's switch.

Also, sorry for my not being here lately, fragging political cleanup is always a mess and doubly so in an election year. That being said, i have a small bit of business for anyone willing to do a little digging, Its archeological believe it or not, have a piece of plastic sitting in front of me that measure 7.62cm by 12.7cm by 1.27cm or so and the only written on it is the phrase BETA MAX. I need a way to read it for a client. Any takers or ideas?]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:44:35/11-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-15-12/1805:22>
>>>>>[ ... you have got to be kidding me.  You don't recognize magnetic tape??? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:00:00/11-15-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-15-12/1900:14>
>>>>>[Now, Wyrm, we all know you're a fossil, but for those of us born in this century, why would we have ever come across such a thing? They stopped using them almost a hundred years ago, right? You're not going to find a reader for that unless you go get some tech-head to make it for you from scratch. Well, unless you have contacts in a museum...]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (19:00:23/11-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-15-12/2047:00>
>>>>>[Spycraft 101! Outdated mediums are some of the most secure way to store data. Hehe! I spend thousands of nuyen a year on decades old drek, and I'm not talking about art! Although I do that too. My vinyl collection is getting quite impressive.

Is it rushing? If not, hit me when I'm back to Seattle, I have something that can read that stored somewhere. If so then I'll send Autumn since she's in Seattle atm. As she puts it, she got tired of sweating in this horrible drekhole... That's funny because, I thought the man-eating trees would make her go nuts first! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:46:29/11-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-15-12/2109:46>
>>>>>[Now there's a rarity in this day and age. Someone saying the old ways are the best.]<<<<<
          -- Delir Emet (22:08:08/11-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-15-12/2115:00>
>>>>>[My mother kept some of those tapes to store data on simply because of those who considered them too low-tech. She kept her most secure files there, while putting innocuous things like her diary on the modern storage media.

... Now I wonder if any of those old tapes are still in storage or not...]<<<<<

--Predator (21:11:29/11-15-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-15-12/2200:07>
>>>>>[No, no! That's not what I said. I said old mediums are some of the most secure way to store data. Not because the old technology is better, but because nobody can read or use those as everyone passed on to newer ones. Try to find one functional Pentium I PC with a functional OS that runs on it. Protect it with a good password, thinker with it so it powers up only in a certain way and rig the hard drive with a little bit of explosives (nanotechnology works too, as long as it destroys it) if they try to take it out. I often buy dozens of very old non-functional PCs, place them with the functional one in a warehouse/storage (any place where old stuff don't look out of place) and I blow some dust on everything for a finishing touch. Now try find my data and hack me! Far from impossible, but we'll all agree I'm not making it easy. Hahaha!

Fortunately, I don't have to go through all that trouble for myself. I am gifted with a very, very good memory. But that is not the case for most of my close associates.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:00:01/11-15-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-16-12/0206:54>
>>>>>[There is a reason why militaries the world over still train soldiers in old tech/low tech communication methods. While Morse code might seem archaic, the fact that the average person won't know how to listen to it with proficiency means that it is a fairly secure means of communication, especially since the messages can then be encoded further for additional encryption. And you can use it over any medium available to you, from light signals (flashlight in darkness or reflected sunlight in daylight) to radio/comm 'static', sometimes even layered under actual conversation. There are plenty of areas without WMI protocols, and while you can put up a repeater drone to establish comms, that is like sending up a red flag that someone's in the area. For similar reasons, hand signals are often taught, or even actual sign language (even if it is just a linguasoft), so that you can communicate without a sniffer program picking up any chatter.

Old tech solutions are like an additional level of encryption, one that is, as Smiley points out, much more difficult to decrypt than anything you have on the Matrix. Also, from what a technomancer contact tells me, there are these places in the Matrix where everything ever written on the Matrix gets dumped, even if you erase it, overwrite it five times, and then reconfigure the hard drive twice. If you can't imagine why that would make some people scared, consider this: Deus and the Crash Worm were both on the Matrix. So copies of their code, at least, ought to be in one of those holes everything falls into right? And how many corporate deep-dark secrets have you been paid to make sure 'never existed'? Low-tech solutions don't have this problem, though there are the aforementioned difficulties in actually using the information, since even your own people will have trouble reading it, if you're not prepared.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:06:23/11-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-16-12/0216:59>
>>>>>[While I know how to use some of the old tech devices, I'm not exactly proficient in the communication methods you mentioned, Iceblade. What would it take to get you to give a few lessons in the ones you know?]<<<<<

--Predator (02:14:30/11-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-16-12/0238:16>
>>>>>[Well, I do have a job I need a bit of help on. A client with... special tastes wants a certain scenario played out for her. I have most of the 'materials' ready, but I need a co-star. Minimal risk of physical injury, but portions of this job will take place in full VR, in hot sim. Contact me in private if you want in and I'll provide more details.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:37:22/11-16-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-16-12/0247:04>
>>>>>[Decent price to pay for such lessons. Message will be forthcoming. I must say though, I'll need a 'loaner' hot capable module. The one I've got isn't capable of it.]<<<<<

--Predator (02:44:33/11-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-16-12/0530:08>
>>>>>[Hmmm... I know a hoarder who has tons - literally tons - of computer and gaming related stuff back in the old country. I could convince him to part with a few things, since he has so much of it. Ping me if there's something you need and cannot get for a reasonable price.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (02:49:22/11-16-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-17-12/2151:21>
>>>>>[Well, that's done. Ugh. Two showers and I still don't feel clean. And no, I won't tell you people what I've been doing, except to say that rich people have strange tastes. Anyways, that's done, and I gave Predator her first lesson in 'nonstandard communications'. Now for a bit of whiskey to chase the memories away.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:51:23/11-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-18-12/0320:40>
>>>>>[Right there with you. Just got out of my third shower, myself. And here I thought someone I knew in school was creepy with a rather disgusting line involving necrophilia...]<<<<<

--Predator (03:17:23/11-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-18-12/1444:45>
>>>>>[You two have already got me thinking to take a shower, myself.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (14:44:12/11-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <11-18-12/1600:22>
>>>>>[You two have already got me thinking that I missed one hell of a party.]<<<<<

--Vice (16:00:19/11-17-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <11-18-12/2006:43>
>>>>>[No real rush Smiley, though honestly i would like to get a player of these things of my own if they're that usefull, and Smiley, you should see my vinyl collection. I have an orriginal holographic printing of a group called Styx's "Paradise Theatre" album.

Ice, Predator, i have to agree with Vice on this one, or was there some really nasty stuff had to be done for that sim]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (19:06:32/11-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-18-12/2030:26>
>>>>>[Professional discretion keeps me from saying anything more on the matter. I'm sure you know how it is.]<<<<<

--Predator (20:28:21/11-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-18-12/2215:22>
>>>>>[Unless you're into the really heavy stuff, you don't want to know. You really, really don't want to know.

In related news, I'm going on a strict vegetarian diet for the next month.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:15:12/11-18-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-18-12/2219:41>
>>>>>[You're going on a vegetarian diet for a month, and I'm taking a month long vacation. Aren't we a pair...

Anyone got any suggestions for someplace to go?]<<<<<

--Predator (22:17:48/11-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-18-12/2252:40>
>>>>>[Interestingly enough, there's a nice peaceful town back in the UCAS that has  theater as a notable attraction, even in the age of AR... Great Barrington, north-west some distance of Boston. I went there for a time after my Awakening granted by Ahura Mazda. A good place to reflect... or forget in your case.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (22:52:12/11-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-18-12/2257:20>
>>>>>[As good a place as any. Thanks for the suggestion. Never been all the way over on the East Coast of North America. Might be a good experience.]<<<<<

--Predator (22:55:38/11-18-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-19-12/0413:41>
>>>>>[Well, the last vacation I took was in LEO, but that's probably outside your budget, yeah? I would say Denver, but with the way things are going with the wyrm at the top, things are likely to get crazy before long. Of course, the same can be said of anywhere else. I guess where you go depends on what you want to do. You looking for tourist drek, a resort to relax, or a bit of adventure?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:13:22/11-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-19-12/0440:52>
>>>>>[Probably a bit outside the budget right now, yeah, but mainly because this will be a trip for two. Made a promise before that
last job.

The relaxing resort sounds like an even better idea than the previous. Especially if it's in some nice tropical locale with nice beaches.]<<<<<

--Predator (04:37:50/11-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-19-12/0557:00>
>>>>>[In that case, due to some... interesting arrangements, I happen to know a couple people in Amazonia. I've just sent you the address of a lovely little resort hotel in Metroplole. I met the owner's daughter while I was in Amazonia last time, and she mentioned her father would just LOVE to hear stories about real, live shadowrunners in faraway sprawls. I'm sending the pertinent info to you. Let Juan Carlos know that it is Senor Mollen who recommended you, and you might get a discount rate, especially if you promise to share any stories you might have. Just don't share too much. Juan is a member of Amazonian intelligence afterall.

Oh, and let your date know that the hotel is a nudist resort. Have fun!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:56:23/11-19-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-19-12/0820:03>
>>>>>[Yes, I admit that definitely sounds a more enjoyable place. My connections and activities do not exist in the rarefied sphere that Iceblade's often do, which extends to vacation places.

Though speaking of which, I do have a meeting with an acquaintance of mine at the University of Washington, a professor of thaumaturgy. As I understand it, he'd like me to assist with one of today's magical studies class.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (08:19:41/11-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-19-12/1341:39>
>>>>>[Delir, I have someone who'll pay you 1k in certified cred, scrip, or through any escrow of choice if you pull a prank involving Dunkelzahn-based imagery, or "divinations" on a guy named Robin, who'll be sitting in the front row during that class (you can easily identify him by the coiled serpent tattoo on his forehead). That, or 1k worth of mid-level magical assistance, or consulting. Reply if interested, the prank has to be funny and humbling for the target, no other conditions specified.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (08:25:30/11-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-19-12/1347:50>
>>>>>[Some of you may be hearing reports of loose spirits rampaging on the University campus. In fact, the media is grossly exaggerating. We have the situation under control - we being the present faculty and I. A number of students got their egos involved in the spirit summoning class and reached far beyond their figurative grasp.

What happened wasn't pretty to the students in question though. May Ahura Mazda forgive them their arrogance when they come to his judgement.

Also NiSayer, I think there is some confusion with your client. Robin was in a different class.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (13:47:51/11-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-19-12/1358:09>
>>>>>[Hah! Not my problem. She'll be furious, but I've learned how to calm those kids down. Anyway, I browsed some of the security footage and have to say it was interesting. I might pay good nuyen out of my own pocket for a few explanations.
P.S. Damn, just noticed something. Check that latino elf who fled the adjacent lab 3:12 into the accident, just after the first faculty member went down from drain (I hope he's okay, that looked very risky). She might have been possessed, or at least ridden by a wild spirit. Worth the checkup
P.P.S. I hate being right. Look at the footage I've sent you.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (14:39:10/11-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-19-12/1407:18>
>>>>>[Ahriman-damm--- thank you NiSayer. That was my acquaintance, and he'll make it through.

Now, you'll have to excuse me.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (14:40:31/11-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-19-12/1412:17>
>>>>>[Now, I know Delir is busy, so I need a medic or healer versed in treating Awakened and teleoperation through autodocs, stat. I had to taze that dumb girl, so she wouldn't get herself killed or worse. Ping me, and I'll set a secure link to the 'doc. I know this might be nothing, but I've seen enough to avoid situations like this going from bad to worse.
Goddamn kids. And yes, I know I was like that not so long ago...]<<<<<

--NiSayer (14:48:55/11-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-19-12/1421:38>
>>>>>[I think I should be able to share a few stories with them, and who knows, the one I'm bringing along might even feel up to relating some of what he went through stuck in the Arcology. That one all depends though, the stuff he's told me so far would make a lot of people cringe.

Oh I'm sure we'll be having plenty of fun down there with that particular aspect.]<<<<<

--Predator (14:16:51/11-19-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <11-20-12/1748:41>
>>>>>[oh yes oh yes oh yes, ITS DONE ;D My newest investment is finished and surprisingly ahead of time and under budget, and i'm inviting you all down here to enjoy it and the holiday with me. In fact, five star food and lodging IN my new investment.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:47:30/11-20-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-20-12/1910:31>
>>>>>[Here's a little house-warming gift - a free-of-charge security update, with a few tricky holes patched. Also, seems like whoever did your hardware works skimmed a little off the top, or the dealer you got your stuff from sold you crap. I've sent you a few hints on how to fix that, and people who can do that... But I wouldn't trust anyone with it. DYI, just to be sure.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (16:55:12/11-20-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-20-12/2314:21>
>>>>>[ Never live in what you own.  Runner Rule #12. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:15:00/11-20-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-21-12/0137:19>
>>>>>[Except for those of us who maintain legitimate lifestyles as covers. For that, having a legitimate address or twelve is a good thing. Of course, your bolt holes and safehouses should be under different names, if they're owned at all, and you're not just renting. However, there are disadvantages to any lifestyle choice. Best bet is to find a set of residences that meets your running style, and whatever 'public' persona you wear. An ork can hide out in the Underground without trouble, for instance, especially if they look like they recently 'graduated' from Redmond. Put that same ork in certain parts of Bellevue, and you're asking for a world of hurt. In the meantime, an elf can disappear into the Elven district quite effectively.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:37:22/11-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-21-12/0155:05>
>>>>>[And some times the best place to hide is in plain sight. Where's Lone Star or Knight Errant going to look for a 'runner most times? Tacoma or Everett? Pretty much guarantee the former will be their first choice to check.

On another note, thanks for the suggestion on a vacation spot, Iceblade. We're quite enjoying it down here.]<<<<<

--Predator (01:51:03/11-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-21-12/0241:39>
>>>>>[ What, is it Short Attention Span Theater time again?  Never live in what you own.
          Rent under your own name, or under your main ID's name, or whatever.  Gentrify yourself if you're an ork; you'd be surprised at how well an ork, or even a troll, in a well-tailored suit fits in, especially if he goes out of his way to introduce himself to people, 'yes, I'm leasing the Porter's place just up the road at 733', do all the subtle 'I fit in' things that Johnsons do when they want you to think they work for Corporation X - the corporate ring, the corporate logo watch, the brand of suit favored by that corporate culture.  It's simple face-time stuff that make people go, 'Mr. Black at 733 is all right, for a troll'.  You actively hail the local rent-a-cops, introduce yourself, wave when they go by, let them know that you're a good citizen.
          But you still don't live in what you own.  When - not if, but when - someone who doesn't like you comes gunning for you, you can try to recoup your (legal) losses from your renter's insurance, instead of having to call it a total loss because you own the damn thing.
          Hell.  Right now, if you put together everything I own for investment purposes, I could have at least a secure, complete corporate campus of a whole bunch of acres in size - but I don't live in any of the places.  Your exposure, in financial, identity, and practical terms, is just too high.  Christ, Rakhi, you know how many nobles down in Cara'sir rent a flat because their four hundred is out in the middle of the Three Sisters somewhere.  Never live in what you own.
          Conversely, you should never rent the place you're setting up as a kill-house if you can help it. Put down the chunk needed to start the purchase, make your monthlies, and mod to your content.  Just when you blow the ID, make sure you blow the site - or else you're going to have kids' lives and limbs on your conscience.  Y'know - if you still come equipped with one of those ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:45:00/11-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-21-12/0256:57>
>>>>>[I can see your point, but that can be handled by just doing short-term rentals of apartments or even hotel rooms during a job and for a short time afterward (amount of time depends on how high profile the job was). Though, I will admit, renting has other advantages. Don't really have to worry about maintenance and such yourself if you get a good apartment building/complex.

All in all, I think this is more of a "to each their own" situation. There are arguments for and against, and all are very subjective.]<<<<<
          --Predator (02:53:20/11-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-21-12/0612:21>
>>>>>[I'm with the Wyrm on that. Being the successful businessman-consultant I am, I see no reason to actually live in the condo I own. I've spent two weeks chiselling the soft that fakes my residence there, but I still live in a safehouse and work through anonymizers and proxies. You make that mistake only once, and living in a place that _anybody_ can find is like not wearing armour during a run...
There's an easy way to deal with it - having friends, who don't work the biz like you do. Especially "friends for life", whom nobody can connect to you, because they're crazy hermits, SINless, Awakened loners, and so on. Off course, there are people who rent ultra-safe-housing for shadowrunners, but I've done work for those that involved hiding the fact that they sold out their clients in my early days of running. So no, I wouldn't trust them if I were you. Friends are safer. No matter how grizzled and bitter you are, you still need them.]<<<<<
          --NiSayer (03:15:30/11-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-21-12/0859:21>
>>>>>[Of course people come after me, Wyrm. But you do understand that rental insurance isn't the only kind of insurance there is, yes? There's also this thing known as homeowner's insurance. Also, most of the nobles I know own both the land way out where and the flat in Cara'sir, as well as one in Malek'thas, and a few others. Not counting the ones they use for mistresses and business dealings.

Naturally, I don't use the mansion in Malek'thas for my home base during runs. I have other places where I go for such things. Where I live is the mansion, or my suite in Seattle, or one of the properties I've picked up in Cara'sir or elsewhere. Where I do business out of, however, is generally rental properties, gained under fake IDs using nanopaste and physical mask spells, as well as having a hacker subordinate fudge the data trails. Sure, sometimes people come after me at home. Why do you think I have so many statues in my garden? But that doesn't change the fact that where I live is the mansion, or one of my places in other cities. Fortunately, I get enough from other revenue streams that I only need to worry about making enough running in whatever sprawl I'm working out of at the time to cover the expenses of the places I've rented as a runner, not the Count.

So long as I don't do anything to get someone like Smiley or Autumn sent after me, I'm not terribly worried about people coming after me at home. The mansion is a convenient place for it, in fact. Nice and isolated, so Shark and I can hunt until we're sated. You get in too many bloodbaths on rental property, and even with money it becomes impossible to find someone who will rent to you. Runners and Johnsons aren't the only ones with information networks, afterall.

As for the costs of repairs, I just give up the chocolate and switch to less expensive liquors for a month or two, and that usually makes up the difference. Most assassins tend to realize that the neighborhood I live in is probably not the best to be using heavy weapons or explosives in. Nobles all around, and all of them have their own security teams, and law enforcement typically takes about three to five minutes to show up after receiving a call. Using heavy ordinance in such an area tends to create more problems than it solves, and the types that are stupid enough to try are usually the ones who think that all elven nobles are soft. As I said before, there's good and bad to all lifestyle choices. Mine have served me just fine, but YMMV, naturally.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:59:22/11-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <11-21-12/1207:58>
>>>>>[Last I checked Home Owners Warranty didn't make you bulletproof. Not being found is the best armor.]<<<<<

--Mr. Fabulous (11:07:25/11-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-21-12/1541:23>
>>>>>[You also have to take into account the neighborhood, Fabulous. Sure, in the Barrens you have to worry about someone bringing an HMG or grenade launcher to the party, but in a district inhabited with nobles, along with their security forces, using heavy weapons would be suicidal. So once you take precautions against sniping (one reason I have so many trees, sculptures, and fountains in my garden), you primarily need to consider assault rifles or lower in terms of firearms, and mid- to close-range encounters. At that point, I am a combat mage, and my work routinely involves me bringing a sword to a gunfight and walking away at the end of it, so I'm relatively confident going up against assault rifles. In melee, between my skills and magic, and the fact that I can call spirits to possess myself, I haven't met a foe that was good enough that I could not at least hold my own until backup arrives. One advantage of a legit lifestyle is that you actually can call the cops to back you up when there's trouble. Especially if you have drinks with the higher-ups regularly.

It isn't that I can't be found, but that I've made it inconvenient enough to do something about me at home that most of the people who want me dead would rather try it elsewhere (contract killers like to still be alive and free at the end of the job to collect payment, after all), and the ones who still want to try and take me at home have all been too weak to do the job. But yes, someone who is in a different situation should focus on not being found.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:40:22/11-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <11-21-12/1621:54>
>>>>>[I used to work for this guy, back when I was hanging out with the Mob. Dude was a real hard ass, magician, connected to the nines. Used to have Senators and corporate big wigs at his parties all the time. Initiated with the Knights of Columbus and heavy into the Mob. The kind of guy capos say 'yes sir,' 'no sir,' 'how high sir' around. Had this gorgeous place. Out by itself, best security money could by or man could make.

Got taken down by one dude with a subpoena from the IRS, then got shanked in prison.

Me I'll take my chances not being found. ]<<<<<

--Mr. Fabulous (03:15:53/11-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-21-12/1638:28>
>>>>>[I pretty much own all the places I live in for any length of time. Me and my lawyer, we've set up a group of front companies, mostly unnamed number companies with their subsidiaries and their sub-subsidiaries (and so on) and we register our numerous property under these companies. We do that with cars also. And it's all legal too! Well, except the little money laundering operation we do with some of the real estate deals we do. I don't have all the details, the little guy handles the details for these things. It amazes me how this guy can make my life so ridiculously easy. I could turn legit tomorrow morning, in a few hours notice, knowing all my dirty money is now clean in several local and off-shore accounts as well as various stock investments. I could have done it myself but I like getting my hands dirty and he like playing with money, perfect partnership!

As for feeling safe in my own condos and houses... An automatically triggered 20 million nuyen bounty on the head of the guy who kills me and the ones who ordered the kill seems to keep most people away. That and the fact that the success of a fair number of highly placed people depends on my well being, some will go to great lengths to keep me from arm. It's a little trickier to setup, a lot of hard and professionnal work is involved, most won't even get close to the ressources you need to pull that off but I have never been forced to hide in a bolthole for any length of time. Ever.]<<<<<
          --Smiley (16:38:19/11-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-21-12/1815:09>
>>>>>[ You aren't the first to do that, Smiley; you won't be the last.  IIRC, of the six I know who've done that, four - maybe five - are completely uncollected.
          As for the rest ... enh.  Eventually you'll get the wake-up call.  If you're lucky, you'll survive it - but you'll also find out that most homeowner's insurance doesn't cover 'acts of terrorism' ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:15:00/11-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-21-12/2035:21>
>>>>>[Shark wins every battle except his last. When he has become so weak that he can be taken down, then it is his time to die, so that the strongest can continue on. I do not fear death, though I don't wish to die. So for now, I will enjoy my life, and swim lazily until I smell blood in the water. Some day, that blood will be mine. Whether it is dying with my blade in my hand, or lying in bed, a very old man, one day I will die, so why worry about the little things? People get too wrapped up in 'not dying' that they forget 'living'. That was the lesson I learned on my Bridging.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:35:22/11-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-21-12/2053:20>
>>>>>[Agreed, Iceblade. As I see it, Ahura Mazda decrees all things, even my death... and if I am righteous by his judgement when the time comes, I'll be in Paradise for Eternity.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (20:53:45/11-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <11-23-12/1350:10>
>>>>>[Pretty much. You die when you stop fighting... That reminds me, there's a shoot-out a few blocks away from where I'm currently eating, and something that a KE drone noticed made me wonder... What's the deal with the silver apple guys? I don't recognize that emblem, and they have it stamped pretty much everywhere. ]<<<<<

--NiSayer (21:00:05/11-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <11-25-12/1955:50>
>>>>>[Ni i appreciate that but your reading where i'm at currently, not my new hotel. Thats down in Pensacola, and if you can breach the New San Carlos's matrix security, you have some mega serious chops, just watch out for the feral AI's in the exterior security node. Oh wait, you cant access the security node unless you hardwire it "chuckles" i set this place up with three completely seperate systems and you cant breach anything except the reservation node or the "Exterior Access" node for the guests to gain outside access. Now, I'm laying on a big Christmas and New Years spread and i expect most if not all of you to show up.

Oh, and as for living in what you own, I do when i'm home, and if they can get to me there, well, they deserve to get a piece of me, they may not like the piece they get though.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (19:55:55/11-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <11-25-12/1959:20>
>>>>>[If you are indeed willing to be such a gracious host, I'll pay you a visit.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (19:58:21/11-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-26-12/0109:35>
>>>>>[I'll call Xerena and see if she can make it. I remember the last stay we had in one of your hotels was quite good. Might see if I can't break Murphy away as well. From what I hear, the kid's been doing well for himself, and now that all the Project Freedom stuff is settling down, it might be good for him to get a vacation.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:09:12/11-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-26-12/0111:30>
>>>>>[We're just packing up to start heading back. Might be a nice stop on the way back.]<<<<<

--Predator (01:10:09/11-26-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <11-27-12/0032:43>
>>>>>[Speaking of Murphy, anyone see hide or hair of Money either? I know I've been busy up and down Seattle, but when he disappears, he's a freaking ghost (says the runner not well trained in tracking down people with less the a photo and "he's in this building").

As for the invite, I'll look into it. Outside of a few scare ops and a self-hired extract or two (nothing like guys thinking they are better off in a different corp. Just gotta make it look smooth and professional. 'Taser gloves' help out a lot, given my skills. As does a nice corp-style suit), business has been slow, but I have rent paid up through January, so we'll see what the trade winds bring in.

Oh, and the actual taser pistol is working out better then I thought. Good investment, especially when you don't really need to advertise that you're an adept...or mage. Seriously wondering why I fought so hard against it....probably still worried about slippery slopes though.]<<<<<

     --Card (22;32:04/11-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-27-12/0048:32>
>>>>>[I wouldn't worry about a taser pistol on the slippery slopes thing, Card. You should see the troll adept I worked with a few times. Good at punching a hole in a brick wall and pretty smart for a troll, but geez. He was always going off on tangents about keeping his body as a temple. Even looked down on people calling themselves Street Samurai if they didn't follow the old Bushido code.]<<<<<

     --Predator (00:45:18/11-26-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <11-27-12/0053:10>
>>>>>[I got no problems with those who use some metal. Gods know if I end up losing an arm or a leg I'll likely get something to replace it so I'm still a functional fighter, but I (for medical/magical reasons) can't exactly just go replacement happy with out a decent reason.

Hell, my best friend uses his prosthetic left forearm/hand as an interchangeable amalgamation of mechanics tools. Guy always has the right wrench when he needs it. Or a sledge hammer. Heheh....good times.]<<<<<

     --Card (22:52:30/11-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-27-12/0100:57>
>>>>>[Yeah, I can't say much, myself with how much metal I have. I definitely understand the medical/magical reasons for forgoing it from talking with my cousin the mage. From what she tells me, just a little bit seriously kills someone's Talent.]<<<<<

     --Predator (00:58:26/11-26-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-27-12/0337:35>
>>>>>[Fortunately, even if you lose a limb or two, you can get replacements easily enough. Type O or cloned organs go in, and don't leave a hole in your aura like a cyberarm would. Personally, I wouldn't get any implants, myself. I mean, of course I've looked at some of the options. On some of the more magic-centric boards, there have been discussions about what kind of 'ware would be "worth it". I'll admit that I've thought about what it would be like to get skillwires and be able to load up new skills on the fly, but to get good enough wires that they wouldn't put a large hole in your aura, and still be able to take the high end skillsofts, you're talking a lot of nuyen, and a couple favors just to find someone who can do the surgery. Not worth it, so far. Same goes with the tailored pheromones or symbionts. There are some transgenics and nanoware that look interesting, but again, I haven't seen anything that was effective enough to risk damaging my aura over, and cheap enough to be affordable.

That said, I heard from a drinking buddy in the Peace Forces that while there is that new genetic treatment to restore your aura if you've got a hole (like when you get some ware removed, or if you are recovering from a hardcore addiction, or ran into a vampire that got a little too friendly), it doesn't recover any Talent you've lost. Now, this costs a drekload of nuyen, but it is possible to 'stagger' your treatments with getting ware put in, allowing you to 'fill' the hole that was already there without losing any more of your aura. But as I said, it costs a ton of money, so you'd have to either have significant reserves on hand, or be ready to owe someone a whole lot of favors.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (03:37:22/11-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-27-12/0345:04>
>>>>>[I'm not Awakened, myself, but personally, I wouldn't think it was worth the risk to a person's magical ability just for a few tidbits of 'ware. Seems to me like it'd be something akin to gouging out one's own eyes.]<<<<<

--Wheeler (03:42:41/11-27-2074)

>>>>>[As someone with cyber eyes, I'm not sure if I should take offense or not. I'll overlook it this time.]<<<<<

--Predator (03:50:13/11-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-27-12/0403:40>
>>>>>[I agree that going the full street samurai route is a stupid move if you've got Talent, but there are a lot of little bits of 'ware that can make a difference in your work, especially in certain fields. For a simple example, take the genetweaking that makes it so any genetic material you leave behind can't be tracked to you. I've heard that it also makes such things useless as a ritual link, as well as meaning that you don't need to worry if you leave a bit of blood behind at a run gone sideways. A Speaker's Way adept with some tailored pheromones could do incredible things. And a combat mage like me, who relies primarily on blades, could do worse than having a cyberspur, so I'm always armed. But there is always a balance between risk and reward. And speaking of cybereyes, if you get some, then the senses you have through them can be used to sight targets, even if you didn't have the sense originally, like a human being able to use infrared through his cybereyes. Really, though, unless your aura's already been damaged, I wouldn't recommend anyone with the Talent get ware, unless they made damn sure it was worth the cost. Because this is one of those transactions that you can't take back.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:03:22/11-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <11-27-12/0409:23>
>>>>>[Gotcha. Must take a pretty good grasp of yourself to not go for those small power sacrifices for a little extra edge. Luckily, if I want to get more of an edge, I just need to get enough cred together for a new drone.]<<<<<

--Wheeler (04:06:16/11-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <11-27-12/0814:16>
>>>>>[One of the things my master beat into me as a kid was that there were no shortcuts to power. Anything that appears to give you a quick boost almost always comes with a heavy price tag, whether you know it or not. 'Ware might help you in the short run, but it steals power from you later. Blood magic and the toxic path may give you a boost in power, but going down those roads can have terrible consequences. And you don't want to know about the stories I've heard of people deliberately contracting HMHVV or making pacts with evil spirits in order to gain 'immortality'. Think of it this way. Someone with the Talent not only has to deal with all the dangers and pitfalls the Sixth World has to offer Mundanes, but they also have to guard against a whole host of dangers on top of that.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:14:22/11-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-29-12/2000:53>
>>>>>[Back to Seattle baby! And a few hundred thousand nuyen richer as well as with enough weapons and ammo to arm a small army. We're ready for the next phase in Project Carrol.

But for now, I'll go with booze, women and rock'n'roll for a while and let the little guy handle the details. God I missed the Powerline! Ooh, hey Cherryl! Wow, breathtaking as usual my dear! How have you been?

Oh! Sorry for that. Well anyway gotta go. But first, I brought a little souvenir... As promised!

// upload encrypted image file :: user Smiley :: 04/14/74 //
//encrypted file :: d0wNtH3r4661tH013 // (http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/333/e/3/comm_for_jingui____by_avionetca-d5mj5vu.jpg)
// end file //
]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:01:01/11-29-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-03-12/1251:05>
>>>>>[For those who sold me out to that silver apple gang: I'm still not dead, you know? Wanna see who'll stay on his feet, when the dust settles?

Oh, and if anyone wants some good second hand 'trix gear and ransom for that ex-spider who tried to get me, I've uploaded his whereabouts to the node. Consider it an early Christmas gift. Don't worry, he'll be paralysed for a while, I've loaded his implants with enough W.E.B. to keep him like this till he dies of exhaustion.
As for the gang, scan this - they're a part of some seriously effed up eden-on-Earth-only-for-us cult. It has a lame-ass cover that screams universal brotherhood all over their matrix casts. They're not bug-people though, just a bunch of fragged up bastards. I think they're meddling in the manaline flow to aspect a background count, but the stuff they do to achieve that are confusing at best. Crucifying pigeons in one place, and then feeding the homeless there a few hours later. Any thoughts on that? I admit I don't know that much about geomancy to guess.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (00:00:16/11-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-03-12/1304:08>
>>>>>[Geomancers are a strange lot. And given what you've said, you have to consider the possibility that these geomancers have gone toxic. Watch your back, Ni, and clean up any viable ritual samples you have lying around.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:03:22/12-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-04-12/1436:54>
>>>>>[Drones don't leave ritual samples. It's even better than Astral Projection, if you're a mundane. And I have people watching my back. One of them is drawing silly stuff with a marker pen on my feet. The other will get a bonus, because he's actually doing his job.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (13:23:05/12-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-04-12/2127:10>
>>>>>[I dabble a little in geomancy. Feng shui isn't just a pretty set words for us, wujen sorcerers. Training and knowledge in the arts helped me quite a bit setting up my, well let's call it by the "universal" word, my lodge. Two bad I haven't let anyone to see it, I'm quite proud of it!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (21:27:39/12-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-05-12/0226:09>
>>>>>[I have one of my own in the Matrix, so I can understand your point of view. Oh, and looks like I was right - there's an agent of the silver apples here. He's lucky I play by the rules, and won't track him down from over here. Anyway, when Bull, or any other of our oldtimer-admins finds out, we'll have one user less.]<<<<<
     -- NiSayer (23:45:19/12-04-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-05-12/0331:58>
>>>>>[Assuming, of course, that your information is reliable, and not a ploy to frag with your head. Convincing people that potential allies are enemies is a time-honored psywar tactic.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (03:31:22/12-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-05-12/1900:30>
>>>>>[ Paradise-only-for-us is the purview of a hell of a lot more people than just insect shamans.  And hell, not even insect shamans have that outlook, when you get down to it.  Besides, NiSayer, if they're behaving themselves here, why would we care?  We let Smiley on, for God's sake, and a more screwed-up individual doesn't exist ... ]<<<<<
          - The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:00:00/12-05-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-05-12/2024:50>
>>>>>[I love you too, chummer! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:25:10/12-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-07-12/1406:42>
>>>>>[What about people who use human sacrifices? Should we care? Because they're doing it. Using street kids, whom noone will miss.]<<<<<
     -- NiSayer (22:15:00/12-05-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-07-12/1415:11>
>>>>>[Well, first off one needs absolute proof that it's actually being done and they're just not being duped into killing someone that some Corp spread rumors of such things about to get the common people to kill him/her.]<<<<<
     --Predator (14:11:56/12-07-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-07-12/1713:16>
>>>>>[As I said, NiSayer, PsyWar tactics 101: Why kill someone yourself and risk making a martyr, when you can spend half the effort to discredit them and get someone else to take the risk of killing them? It could be that these people are doing exactly what you say, or it could be that someone is trying to set them (or you) up. Throwing wild accusations is a bad move, unless you have actual evidence. At best, you'll be ignored. At worst, you'll be engaged in fearmongering and scapegoating of innocent people.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:12:22/12-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-07-12/1911:43>
>>>>>[Well said, Iceblade.
What the... Who the hell are you? *gunshot heard followed by the sound of sparking electricity* CONNECTION TERMINATED...]<<<<<

--Predator (19:08:36/12-07-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-08-12/1148:09>
>>>>>[Sorry, Predator, can't hear you over the sound of someone hunting me. Four kids dead, ask the Spikes, it was their turf they were killed on. I found out, because some ripperdoc had an ounce of morals and shot the guy who tried to sell their bodies to him. I followed that lead... and that was my mistake. I had to cut most of my connections, and run. This crap is getting worse by the minute. I can manage surviving for some time, but those spirits they sent after me don't look good. Not toxic, but just plain wrong. Like there's something fundamentally wrong wit them. I can't wrap my head around that part, and I don't have time to research it. Any insights? And be quick about it, or it will be too late.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (19:08:3712-07-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-08-12/1242:06>
>>>>>[Wrong how? There's not enough to go on. I think we can rule out insects, so that leaves only a few options that I know of. First, they could be normal spirits, but the conjurer chose especially strange and malevolent forms for them. Second, they could be free or ally spirits, with especially malevolent natures. Third, they could be blood spirits, which is certainly possible if the group is involved in sacrifices. Fourth, they could be shadow spirits, which means you're in a whole mess of trouble.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:41:23/12-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-08-12/1912:34>
>>>>>[d.) None otf the above. I'mfbu. I'm on painklrs, badly  woundhed. It hurtsh ver badly and wont healproprly even witdgh
*Connection terminated at source: unexpected interface error.*]<<<<<

--NiSayer (19:00:01/12-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-09-12/1830:32>
>>>>>[Alright folks, first of all i hate bouncing around plexes, secondly, i hate doing it sub-orbital, that totally frags my sense of time. I'm hoping to find Ni and Predator and get the both of them out of this hot zone. Also, I've done some pretty bad things in my life, and i pray that i wont have to do them again. Oh, hello. No, I would not like a drink, I wont be here long, <snap> put your hand there again and I'll feed it to you. Now where's William? Smiley, Are you at the Powerline yet, I'd hate to have to hurt one of your friends.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (17:30:10/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-09-12/1840:56>
>>>>>[I could provide you some fire-support, Wolfgar. Well, that is if you know anyone with a cargo plane that I can pull the Appaloosa into. Haven't scraped together the cred for a good aircraft yet. Pred going MIA is kinda personal for me.]<<<<<

--Wheeler (18:38:10/12-09-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-09-12/1855:12>
>>>>>[Heading there, ETA 15 minutes. Why? What friend are we talking about?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (18:55:19/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-09-12/1903:43>
>>>>>[Male elf that usually has sticky fingers around peoples back pockets, now has a couple of broken fingers and a new appreciation of other male elves who dont like having their hoops fondled. Wheeler, i have wings at your disposal whenever you need it for something like that, she's an old C-130, but she's got the cargo capacity for a devil rat and then some so an Appaloosa is no prob. Sweet William is supposed to be here with some intel for me, and he's not in his usual spot, so I'm a little concerned.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:03:20/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-09-12/1907:02>
>>>>>[Wolfgar, I'm in Seattle right now. From the sound of things, there's going to be blood in the water before long. Shark would be very upset with me if I didn't come give you a hand. My sword is restless in my hand, eager to silence the call of blood. And if there are strange spirits on their side, then you will need magic on yours, as well.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:06:22/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-09-12/1910:33>
>>>>>[Great, my drones get stowed in the Appaloosa, so they wouldn't be an issue. Just needed the plane to get it all from sprawl to sprawl out of Denver. Don't particularly like the idea of driving cross-country on something that may or may not be time sensitive.]<<<<<

--Wheeler (19:06:59/12-09-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-09-12/1911:50>
>>>>>[As you probably heard i'm at the Powerline waiting for Smiley who should be here in a moment. Gonna collect Ni Sayer, Predator and hopefull Murphy and Money and high tail it on down to florida for Christmas and New years. Wheeler, Tank Girl will be at the cargo section of the Denver airfeild in 4 hours and is expecting you. ]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:10:15/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-09-12/1912:09>
>>>>>[I'm still alive. Safe. Wounds hurt. Don't look right. Not healing. Pain editor. Hard to concentrate. Don't want more chrome. Can still work. Provide support. From the Matrix. Get contacts to help. They will know. Don't car though. Did research. Not toxic. Not blood. Not tainted. Something else. Warping of leylines. Things to rip them apart. Astral tainted. Spirits going mad. Loosing minds. Easy to control. Shamans looking into this. Will get ugly. Can't think straight while working. But can work.]<<<<<
     -- NiSayer (19:12:25/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-09-12/1913:46>
>>>>>[Tip Ares MTR and/or Horizon MySec?]<<<<<
     -- NiSayer (19:13:50/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-09-12/1914:24>
>>>>>[Ni, send me a message with your coordinates and we'll come get you someplace that you can heal up properly, no more chrome i promise. Ice, its killing time.]<<<<<
     -- NiSayer (19:12:25/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-09-12/1916:29>
>>>>>[I'll be there. NiSayer, maybe once I'm in the area, I could plug you into the Valkyrie module on the Appaloosa. Its diagnostic functions might be able to figure out why those wounds aren't healing. Not half bad as a medic either if I do say so myself.]<<<<<

--Wheeler (19:14:03/12-09-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-09-12/1920:37>
>>>>>[Sent. Don't move the setup. Body intact, shock managed. Need all six commlinks hooked. Drones will help.]<<<<<
     -- NiSayer (19:16:10/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-09-12/1924:46>
>>>>>[Alright, we'll put security on you and then when wheeler gets here we'll get you into a Valkyrie and get you moved someplace more secure. We'll be there as soon as Smiley shows, ok there he is, be there shortly, bouncing Ice the coordinates now.]<<<<<
     -- NiSayer (18:23:45/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-09-12/1932:44>
>>>>>[ Yeah, I experimented with that sort of setup.  Hope you like your developing MPD. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:30:00/12-09-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-09-12/2308:15>
>>>>>[Those who would torture spirits for their own gain shall taste my blade. Silver Apples, they're called, but they bleed red. I open myself to the Shark within. Come, the Pale Slayer, the Destroyer, the one who cleanses the depths of sickness and pain. End now the distress of my foes, and give them Oblivion. <<sounds of an explosion in background>> Hunter of the Seas, Blade of the Water cleaving Stone, I call you forth. Take this vessel, and lay all my enemies down together in the icy tomb! I come. And Death follows me.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:08:22/12-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-09-12/2315:39>
>>>>>[Got to the airstrip and boarded the plane. Took off fine *automatic fire is heard in the distance* Had to toss an LEBD-1 out to cover us as we come that way. Geez, whoever these people are, they're good.]<<<<<
          --Wheeler (23:12:06/12-09-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <12-13-12/1221:42>
     >>>>>[Bounce me the coords too. Somethings got my hackles up, and even if all I can do is punch out a spirit before it tries to take one of you all out, then I'm at least going to do that. Really hoping this doesn't have to do with that drek from China, but I'm already doing 90 down the turnpike. Ice, if you still have enough mind to toss me a message, lemme know if you need a lift, or where you're headed so that I can be in the right direction.]<<<<<

     -- Card (10:21:31/12-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Ympulse on <12-13-12/1318:53>
>>>>>[It looks like you all have things under control, but if you would like astral support, give me the coordinates. It's been quite some time since I've had some entertainment.]<<<<<

-- Emmas (12:18:54/12-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-13-12/1401:54>
>>>>>[Oh, my mind is all here, Card. But I follow a possession tradition. When a spirit takes me as a vessel, I'm just not in a position to act normally, is all. On that note, I've spent the better part of the last couple days either possessed or sleeping off drain from the summonings. Shark is not known for being a proactive hunter, but for this case I made an exception. NiSayer, you'll be happy to know that these Silver Apple people have lost quite a few members since my last message. Not sure how many are left, but I've disrupted four magical lodges and one ritual site.

And thank you for the offer of a lift, but unless you have the stomach for killing, you probably don't want to be around me right now. When the frenzy takes me, I tend to be a bit vicious. If it weren't for these color-changing clothes to cover the bloodstains, I'd probably be in a lot of trouble by now. Oh, it isn't mine. So far, I haven't run into anyone using weapons heavier than a SMG. Probably didn't want to draw too much attention to themselves. But the spirits are very cooperative, especially when I promise them that I'll gut whoever's responsible for their pain. And cutting through a plascrete wall with a sword tends to make people think about things other than defending themselves.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:01:22/12-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <12-13-12/1441:32>

>>>>>[Note to self. Move away from the ocean.]<<<<<

--Mr. Fabulous (13:41:14/12-13-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-15-12/0050:29>
>>>>>[NiSayer is responding well so far to the Valkyrie module treatment. Anyone got any further leads?]<<<<<
          --Wheeler (00:49:09/12-14-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-20-12/1913:02>
>>>>>[Nothing new here unfortunately, no word from Predator, Money, or Murphy. Ni should be released from the Navy Hospital in Pensacola. Anyone who needs a lift to my party, I'm leaving SeaTac from the private side on Saturday at 1800 local and have room for 20 people. For your information, I have Maria Mercurial playing on the roof New Years Eve.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (19:02:29/12-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-20-12/1923:34>
>>>>>[I'll be there. I haven't seen Mercurial play live in years. Oh, and I haven't heard from Predator or the others. We should presume that, even if they are able to read these messages, they aren't able to respond. In that case, I'll just say that if you are able to get to the Tir consulate in Seattle, mention my name, and they'll be able to put you in touch with me on a secure line. If you need a way out of Seattle, I can pull a couple strings and get you smuggled out in a "diplomatic pouch". Of course, you'll owe a couple favors when all is said and done, but that beats being dead, yes?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:23:22/12-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-20-12/2054:46>
>>>>>[Or they could show up at the plane, trust me, no one is gonna mess with this plane.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (20:52:22/12-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-20-12/2224:28>
>>>>>[Oooh! Party! Count me in! Should I bring some women?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:25:10/12-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-20-12/2333:06>
>>>>>[If you want to. I have the contacts locally for persons of negotiable virtue. But bring your apprentice most definately. Ash is going to be there, as well as Tank Girl.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (23:32:25/12-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <12-21-12/0132:07>
>>>>>[I'll probably show up. Figure why not, it's always good to see familiar faces, especially those who don't -currently- have plans/reasons to shank me that I know of.]<<<<<

     -- Card (23:31:23/12-20-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <12-21-12/0205:04>
>>>>>[Sounds boring, but I guess if you need people to come to make it seem less gaz. Hope you like fruitcake!]<<<<<

     -- Joker (01:04:54/12-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-21-12/0232:21>
>>>>>[Heh. You've never been to one of Wolfgar's parties, Joker. Nothing about it is 'boring'. Of course, it lacks the same regal splendor a party on Royal Hill before the revolt had, but then where else are people like you and me going to rub shoulders with THAT crowd? And before anyone asks, no, I was nowhere near important enough to get an invite to such a party on my own merits as a matter of course. I did, however, sometimes escort my sister, who, as a Paladin of a Prince, was sometimes included as part of Prince Hestaby's train. Of course, if any of the Princes actually took notice of me, I would be surprised, but it was an excellent opportunity for speaking with those of ducal and royal rank. And no, they didn't want to talk to me because of who I was, but as a possible means of advancing their agenda through my sister to the ears of a Prince. Still quite enjoyable, if you like that sort of thing. I suppose the quality of the parties has fallen dramatically with the change of regime, more's the pity.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:31:22/12-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-21-12/0238:41>
>>>>>[Don't worry about me, guys. I was just shanghai'd into a rather secretive job. Don't know why they busted in here with Stick-n-Shocks instead of going through my Fixer, but some are like that I suppose. Don't know how long the connection will hold. System is still a bit fried from the shocks.]<<<<<

--Predator (02:34:48/12-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-21-12/0323:10>
>>>>>[Glad to hear you're still with us. Those meetings that start with electric shocks to knock you out rarely end well. Hopefully they didn't give you the kink bomb surprise to ensure that you'd follow through with the job. I remember one time back when I was working for MCT that the runners had their bombs detonated once they'd been captured, to make sure they couldn't talk.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (03:22:24/12-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-21-12/1044:58>
>>>>>[I'm alive, though not well. I'm typing this on a real plastic keyboard, and watching things on a monochrome screen I got from one of the last friends left for the last cred I had. My datajack was damaged, and the med people said I shouldn't connect in any direct way. It would most probably kill me. Too much strain and neurological damage that can't be healed even with nanotech, and leave my mind intact. Well, now I'm an ugly, scarred ex-hacker with no connections, and nothing to live for... Oh, wait. There's always vengeance. A lot of innocent blood was spilled, and those who did it will suffer.
My thanks to all of you. I'll most probably stay tuned, and share any news of use. And I hope you like your early Christmas gifts. The last of the stuff that won't be of any use to me any more.
And to think I laughed that pixie-gypsy in the face. Heh... Serves me right.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (10:00:05/12-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <12-21-12/1149:10>
>>>>>[Say Pixie Gypsy five times fast. Iceblade, tell me more about your sister.]<<<<<

--Joker (10:48:16/12-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-21-12/1246:43>
>>>>>[Well, NiSayer, the people who shanghai'd me were at least generous with how much they paid--luckily for them with the damage they did--so I could help ya out if you're up for beefing up my security.]<<<<<

--Predator (12:43:29/12-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-21-12/1440:35>
>>>>>[She was a Paladin of Prince Hestaby, and those Rinelle bastards killed her in the revolt. I was on assignment when it happened, but I made a special trip back to go hunting. Got the whole cell (yes, even the ones that weren't involved in the actual attack) and had them hooked up to simrigs as I made an example of them. I sent the recordings to next of kin, as well as a copy to the Prince, with a note informing her that her Paladin had been avenged. I still have the masters of those recordings, actually. But yes, that would be one of the reasons I have to deal with people trying to kill me every so often. The good ones get to be statues in my garden, the incompetent or ugly ones simply die.

Of course, the assassins who murdered my sister got off easy compared to what happened to the ones who attacked my parents. Picture being tied to a table, with your loved ones magically compelled to carve pieces off you as you're still screaming and eat them, all the while conscious of their actions and able to speak with you. When she's angry, Mother can be quite inventive in the use of spells. Afterwards, the well-fed loved ones 'disappeared' somewhere. I believe they were last spotted getting into a shipping container headed for Asamando.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:40:22/12-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <12-21-12/1535:45>
>>>>>[Eh, so what you're saying is that she isn't available. Everyone showing up stag to this thingy?]<<<<<

--Joker (14:47:46/12-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-21-12/2241:25>
>>>>>[After the recent events, I think it'd be a good idea for me to take another break and try to make the shindig.

On another note, didn't realize that you'd had a sister murdered, Ice. I feel for you on that one. Still haven't managed finding out who did my parents in, cold case trail and all.]<<<<<

--Predator (22:38:05/12-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-21-12/2359:14>
>>>>>[If Card's coming, I'll definitely bring women. I know a few peaches that will get really mad if I don't bring them to a party where they can play with one of their favourite boy toy! Hahaha! And I'll bring Autumn along, even though she's no fun. I sense a head slap heading this way real fast! Hahaha!

And I wouldn't know about siblings. Never had any. Even my parents, never knew who they were, never cared either. Only my adoptive mom, and she so hates it when I call her that way, it's hilarious! It's better that way anyway, the path I walk is better walked alone. With all the dirty secrets I keep in my head, the people I pissed off over the years and the many powerful friends I made over the years, having a liability like family (one I would care about, I mean) would surely be my undoing. Fortunately, I don't care enough about much of anything or anyone to be attacked indirectly. My first CIA handler thought he could get to me through one of my girls, though he could make me his little bitch. He abducted Anne, my little favourite, and held her at gun point to make me give up information about one of my clients. I shot her myself in the head while he was making threats about killing her. I succeeded in making my point, he was pretty astonished, and he never tried that trick again. To think of it, nobody ever tried after that. Since then I moved on to a better contact in the company and made his life a living hell.

Oh! And Ice, I'd really like to meet your mother one day! I think we'd have a lot to exchange, ideas about cruel and ruthless retribution. Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:02:10/12-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <12-22-12/0021:30>
>>>>>[I've always found that holidays are prime time to work. People are distracted, in transit and under the influence. In other words they're vulnerable. I make about half my yearly bank between Halloween and New Years. ]<<<<<
     -- Mr Fabulous (23:20:54/12-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <12-22-12/0034:59>
>>>>>[Dressing up in Santa suits and stealing stuff is not in the spirit of the holiday. ]<<<<<
     -- Joker (23:34:50/12-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <12-22-12/0039:26>
>>>>>[Ho.Ho.Ho. ]<<<<<
     -- Mr Fabulous (23:38:38/12-21-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-22-12/0101:32>
>>>>>[Personally, unless I have to, I prefer to keep the holidays to spending time with my significant other and paying respect to the memory of those I've lost.]<<<<<
     --Predator (00:59:35/12-21-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-22-12/0243:45>
>>>>>[ Some of us have different days of observance. How many of you celebrate Hinamatsuri? ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (02:43:23/12-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-22-12/0436:44>
>>>>>[ One down. Many, many more to go. I have acquired a sacrificial knife that is most probably a focus of some significant power. I'm pretty sure it was tainted by the sacrifices though, and I fear it might be beyond any hope of cleansing. I need a consult on this, today if possible. I'll send the thing by courier.
And Predator, if you want I can still set up a meeting with a fellow called Walker. He's too busy with his metaplanar roadtrips to notice my street cred has gone belly up days ago. Everything that happened here is observed in the Metaplanes as far as I understand, and while it's not particularly easy, or cheap, Walker can and will find out. And judging by how much that matters to you, and how much even a single death can affect the astral world, I'd say it's possible to get you at least on a trail this way.
And if you still want some additional matrix security, and security in particular, there's this street chica, a total gearhead, who can do it for you. Since my work is gone, burned literally and figuratively, she'll need some stable work, since being part of my crew of freelancers seems to be bad for health and business. I'll send you Froggy's details, just remember, if you hire her, you'll have to either remind her to eat, and have a biomonitor on her at all times. She has a condition that makes her focus too much, and forgets about small stuff, like eating, or sleep. Besides that, she's a prodigy with eerything technical. That multi-link rig that saved my life was her idea, as well as the armor that did the same earlier. And if nobody takes her in, I fear she won't live long...

That reminds me, some of you probably have a lot of regrets. Mend your karma by helping those, who cannot help themselves. The streets are full of talents, who need your help to survive. I'm not talking about opening an orphanage - you know how that worked for Mother Goose in the Barrens of Seattle - but a hot meal, and a few quick tips can work wonders for those kids. I know, as I was one, and a military soypack, an old commlink, and a few tips was what made me rise from the gutter.
Merry holly days, whatever they are. I'd drink to it, but I'm sure it would mess stuff up.]<<<<<
          -- NiSayer (03:31:04/12-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-22-12/0806:31>
>>>>>[Smiley, Mother says she'd be delighted to meet you. If you're free on January 16th, she's hosting a birthday party for my elder brother at the estate in Malek'thas, and she's willing to put you and Autumn on the guest list. She just asks that if you intend to make it a working vacation to the Tir, you wait until after the party to start. It is the job of the hostess to see to the security of her guests, afterall, and she said she would hate to be forced into a death match with you.

NiSayer, send me the knife. I'll have it checked out, and see just what kind of crazy these guys were up to. While the focus may carry an aura about it, for it to be tainted beyond cleansing would require either many sacrifices, or being involved in the kind of nasty drek mundanes shouldn't even think about.

As for helping out gutter rats looking to move up, I've done that once or twice, but the rat needs to show some promise before it is worth my time. Untried talent can prove to be a diamond in the rough, or they can be the thing that causes a run to blow up in your face. Too risky to try it with those that don't show any aptitude.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:06:23/12-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-22-12/1201:32>
>>>>>[You might as well send the info. I just need to hold off on actually calling for just a little while--at least on the magical practitioner. Made enough of this recent 'forced job' that I'm having a large new home built, so your techie may be a good idea. Get the security implemented during construction.

Iceblade, you're so lucky. I miss the high society functions--don't get much chance to get to any.]<<<<<
          --Predator (11:54:41/12-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-22-12/1408:43>
>>>>>[Iceblade, I had the blade sent through a secure source. I hope you can get to the bottom of this. From the way it was described to me I fear something worse than what my books call "Ancient Death Magic". Good thing to still have some favours owed, though they seem to be running out these days. I bet if there's something more sinister to that focus, you have enough pull to send a signal to the right people. I'm just a layman with a lot of books, and some understanding on how that stuff works, but if it's so wrong that the Talent that did the reading told me to never show up on her doorstep after puking her guts out, and going from MystChic Look to Wrinkly Old  Hag in the course of the story... Well, that's more than disturbing. I don't think they realized I made a connection, before it was too late. Hope that gives me an edge, because I only have two now, and one is of the "don't bring into a gunfight" kind...
I'm also being told that some people are turning every digital rock looking for me. People I thought wouldn't get their hands dirty. Oh well, I knew I'd strike a nerve there. To be honest, this was the first time I killed someone face-to-face for reasons other than survival. How people can like that feeling is beyond my understanding. That bastard deserved it... Oh, and Iceblade, they're really scared I might call for your assistance again (which I didn't, but they don't know that - all of their snitches are dead). I hope you'll find pride in that, as a professional.
I'm kinda venting, but we all know how it works. I lost something that meant life to me, and searching for another way will take a long and painful time. I just hope that my Karma evens yours, and someone out there will have a time of their life. For a while, I'll just look to the stars, when the smog clears, and wonder what time will bring before I finally die...]<<<<<
          --NiSayer (12:04:11/12-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-22-12/1533:18>
>>>>>[Honestly, Predator, I'd rather go out drinking with the Ancients in Redmond than attend some of these galas. At least there you know the score. In these society functions it is like a nest of vipers all looking for ways to strike. No real reason for it, either. Intrigue is part of breathing for some of these people. Plots to tear down rivals or make their own position look better are born, carried out, and crushed every moment. The only reason I can bear it is because I often walk away from these parties with a couple new clients.

NiSayer, of course they're scared. I'm someone who brings a sword to a gunfight, and walks away at the end of it. With spirits to protect me and the frenzy upon me, once there is blood in the water I cannot stop until the enemy is dead. In combat I am wholly devoted to the single purpose of killing. Shark is a predator, through and through. It is only right for prey to fear.

Also, I have received the focus. Looks to be a very old blade, either an artifact or something made to look like an artifact. I have friends in the Peace Forces that will properly analyze this weapon. But you're right, there's a foul presence coming from the blade. It has been used in terrible deeds before now.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:33:22/12-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-22-12/1838:20>
>>>>>[(singing) And we're leaving, on a jet plane....ok, technically its a turbo prop, but we are now winging our way toward sunny but chilly Pensacola for Christmas and New Years. Mercurial is playing on the roof at midnight on the 31st, and as of the 3rd bodies will be piling up when we return to the Emerald City. Ni, I could always use the help of someone who understands the matrix better than I do, even if they have to turtle in and watch my back. and also, Wolf help me Ice is right, and its even more so when the prey always thought they were the predators. As for Ancient Death magic, I have a few sources that I could bug about it, and will after the holidays. ]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:31:02/12-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-22-12/2118:03>
>>>>>[I gotcha, Iceblade. I pretty much hated all that stuff, myself, when I was younger. I don't know, maybe it's that I've been away from those scenes for so long that I started yearning for it and envying those who are still able to participate.

Anyone up for splitting the fare for travel out to Wolfgar's party he's throwing?]<<<<<

--Predator (21:14:00/12-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-22-12/2252:04>
>>>>>[ Madrecita?  If you can acquire that blade, it would be appreciated ... ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (22:51:51/12-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-22-12/2307:34>
>>>>>[The blade has already been handed over a contact of mine with the Peace Forces. Most likely it is already inside the Tir.

Predator, I missed Wolfgar's plane because of the delivery, so you can fly with me. A private party is letting me use her jet to get to Pensacola in exchange for acquiring some pictures that had been taken of her without her knowledge. We leave at 1AM.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:07:22/12-22-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-22-12/2317:46>
>>>>>[Thanks, I'll be there.]<<<<<

--Predator (23:15:02/12-22-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-23-12/0142:40>
>>>>>[ Oh, with the Peace Forces inside the Tir?  Even better.  Thank you. ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoe (01:42:55/12-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-23-12/0404:37>
>>>>>[ I can't do that any more, Wolfgar. It would be like asking a blind man about colours. I couldn't do that anyway, it's like pulling teeth to even talk about it. Besides, I get hellish headaches from sensory overload whenever I visit any civilized place. Good thing my current "job" doesn't take me anywhere even remotely civilized. A few days ago I'd be cussing, and fretting because of the low signal quality. Now? I'm pretty sure that works to my advantage. I found some old stuff that still has some uses. I can see why Bull still clings to it - everything from before the crash isn't taken into account  by most modern corporate and independent codemonkeys. Only the shadow matrix players, and warez dealers with mileage make their ICE immune to old nutcrackers. Heh... Seems like the festive spirit has got me, or it's that emotional swing the doc said will kick in as soon as the drugs run their course. Either way, I'm in for a ride. Audio feed on.
***silencer muffled shot*** ***shouts in the distance*** ***chaotic return fire in the distance***
Yep, I still got it. Merry Christmas, Chummers. Have fun on your party. I'll keep up the good work...
***sirens in the background*** ***street sound system plays "Jingle Bells"*** ]<<<<<
          -- NiSayer (07:11:12/12-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-23-12/0759:55>
>>>>>[If you got the pull to get it out of whatever deep dark hole the higher ups in the Peace Forces put it in, more power to you. My responsibility ended when I got it to someone who could make sense of it and keep it out of the hands of people who know just enough about such things to be dangerous. I don't know where the blade is now, and I don't want to know. Assensing isn't my strong suit, but Shark smelled blood in the water when I held it. Might be my imagination, but I'd almost say the blade was asking to be used. Take that for what you will.

Predator, if you want to get back into the high society circles, the easiest way is to be a mistress of someone already in, though it might not be the way you'd like to do business. Otherwise, start by getting enough money so that you can be a regular at Dante's. Rub shoulders, shake hands, that kind of thing. Sometimes you can get a surprise, and see one of the high rollers in Seattle eating or sipping drinks on one of the higher levels, instead of in Hell. They like to think that no one would ever expect someone like them to be in full view of the public and blah blah blah. Its an ego thing, really.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:59:22/12-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <12-23-12/0944:14>
>>>>>[I'm still not sure where it's at, but if you wanna split fuel costs and you live in Sea then I could probably pick you up. I'm not really all that connected to the shadow community, so I don't really know who you guys are. I stumbled across this node when I was drunk. I think I was trying to order socks. Funny how none of us seem to have anything better to do on Christmas than attend a party like this. It says a lot about the sort of people that get into this line of work. Wolfgar, wheres the party at? Woot woot!]<<<<<

--Joker (8:43:36/12-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-23-12/1338:34>
>>>>>[These days, going to Dante's isn't that much of a problem. About the only area I don't really get into much is that lowest level. I'll definitely keep an eye out for those movers and shakers next time I'm there.]<<<<<

--Predator (13:34:37/12-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-23-12/1800:04>
>>>>>[ God, Dante's.  Don't go to Dante's.  Everybody who's trying goes to Dante's.  This is Seattle?  Go to Matchsticks.  Or if you really want to make an impression with the serious players, find Cobalt Marie's and get in good with the management there. Iceblade is right; the serious people who seriously matter don't like to be seen going out and relaxing, and private clubs like Matchsticks, or private and secret ones like Cobalt Marie's, are how they do it. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:00:00/12-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <12-23-12/1825:40>
>>>>>[ Matchsticks is a great joint for runners, as long as you don't start any trouble. If you do then you wont be allowed back in. It's membership only, but they just want to be able to charge a door price basically, so anyone with a little extra cred can get in if they aren't blacklisted. I find the membership requirement keeps most undesirables out though. The live Jazz and the Film Noir atmosphere keep customers coming back, since it makes even a boring sitdown seem exciting and makes drinking alone seem almost stylish. The place attracts all kinds, making it easy to blend in, especially if you own an overcoat or fedora. ]<<<<<
          -- Joker (17:25:33/12-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-23-12/1845:35>
>>>>>[ Seriously?  Their system for becoming a member has gone right out the window, then, because it sure as hell didn't used to be that easy.  Must be a change in management. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:45:00/12-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <12-23-12/1913:33>
>>>>>[ Ask yourself this: If they let someone like me have a membership, how hard can it be to get one? ]<<<<<
          -- Joker (18:13:15/12-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-23-12/1943:17>
>>>>>[Wyrm, you know you have to work your way into the exclusive clubs. If you don't have money or a title, you gotta get in with someone who is already on the list. Dante's, on the other hand, is an easier mark if you're looking to move up in the world. Sure, more prime movers can be found at the 77 club, but getting a membership is much more difficult than getting your face known at Dante's or Infinity. However, once you find an in, then you are able to get introductions to the private clubs. Just don't embarrass the person who sponsored you, or they'll get you blacklisted all over town.

As for Matchsticks, the cover charge for guests is as loose as ever, and the membership isn't as exclusive as it used to be. Which means the important people will be moving to more exclusive places, natch. Except for when they want to be seen having fun on the town. Because unlike what Wyrm says, the important people have an image to maintain. While you won't find the likes of Brackhaven partying at Infinity, you will find simstars and celebrities who keep their names fresh by being seen having a good time. They're usually your best way in if you want to get into those circles. Impress them at the more 'open' events, and you'll get brought along to the more exclusive ones, where you can run into people from other circles, and work on getting your name on the lists on your own. It takes work, time, nuyen, and often doing some acts of questionable morality, but it is a surer way of getting in than, say, trying to hack in and put your name on the list. These clubs have money to spend on spiders talented enough to notice the changes, even if they don't catch you in the act. And to protect their image, they aren't above using violence to send a message. Last week, a young punk thought he could hack his way into the VIP rooms of Infinity. Unfortunately for him, they spotted the fake, and had a couple bouncers waiting for him in the back, where they proceeded to 'educate' him on what he'd done wrong.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:43:22/12-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <12-23-12/2053:04>
>>>>>[That would be true if Matchsticks were more popular. I'm pretty sure it's become less exclusive in order to gain more patrons, but it still never really draws a huge crowd. It's pretty niche, and it hasn't seen a lot of new blood, despite the changes, since that string of wannabe film noir trids a couple years ago. Buncha posers. Still, it's nice to see some new faces there, I suppose. Unfortunately most of the beauties still go to the modern clubs. Anyway, I always thought people valued the place for secrecy and atmosphere, not exclusivity. ]<<<<<

--Joker (19:52:57/12-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <12-23-12/2106:37>

>>>>>[Unfortunately for Matchsticks, the Jazz is very conventional and more than a little dated. It's a pleasant place to spend an evening, and from time to time they get some truly stellar players, but for the most part this is a place for people interested in being seen listening to Jazz rather than actually listening. An occasional high point is offered by the midweek shows featuring the Lab band from Udub ]<<<<<

--Mr. Fabulous (20:05:57/12-23-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-23-12/2227:24>
>>>>>[I'm sure that all of them have their high-brow personalities that still go to them. Dante's probably is the best place to start though with the lack of membership--which is just another section of data trail to follow. If you can get me access to this Cobalt Marie's though, Wyrm, it'd be appreciated. I'm always up to try a new place to relax.]<<<<<

--Predator (22:24:27/12-23-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-24-12/0104:04>
>>>>>[ First, Cobalt Marie (not 'Cobalt Marie's') isn't a place to 'try'; you're either in or you're there on sufferance.  Second, I was never in; other things to do, and I'm not the sort of mover and shaker that they prefer.  Third, what information I had on their location is two decades out of date, and considering they never stayed in the same place more than six weeks, I'd say that it's pretty stale.
          Analysis indicates they're still in business, though. So if you want a place where - sorry, Iceblade - the real movers-and-shakers go to actually relax and/or do serious business instead of having a photo op pressing flesh and kissing babes, do some research and dig it up. It'll still be out there somewhere. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:00:00/12-24-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-24-12/0334:11>
>>>>>[Indeed. However, we're talking about how you break into those circles, Wyrm. And the easiest way to break into the circle is to get noticed while they're at one of the more public functions, and get them to bring you in to the private functions, as I said. You don't just decide to join the private clubs where the movers and shakers go to relax. You have to be let in, usually on the recommendation of a current member. Which means you got to get yourself an invite somehow. So for people looking to move up, public clubs are the place to start.

Actually, a good amount of business goes on in some of the VIP areas of the public clubs, such as the private rooms in Infinity or Hell in Dante's. Security is good, and the only people who can get in are on 'their level', and there's no cameras or recording devices allowed. Makes for a relaxed atmosphere. Compared to the trouble of leading the paparazzi to the door of a private club (since avoiding them is an even bigger hassle), it is much easier on them. And you can approach them easier under guise of a party than you can in the private club where everyone goes to their secluded alcoves for quiet discussions. Getting the introduction is the hardest part of turning a mover and shaker into a contact, after that, if you have the skills and resources, showing them why they'd like you to be in their entourage is easy.

I had it easy, to be honest. Even before the revolt, I had memberships in several private clubs in Seattle. 'Tir noble' still counts for a bit when you're trying to get into places legitimately. Afterwards, being in Seattle, and playing the 'exiled nobleman' card, I was able to get a bit of attention, and people brought me in. My side business helped make me popular in those circles, and being able to procure samples of certain delicacies from home was always helpful. Remember, there are few true friendships at the 'mover and shaker' level. You have to show how you're useful to them.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (03:33:22/12-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-24-12/1029:01>
>>>>>[I was just on the phone with my mom (it's Christmas in the old country). You'll get some extra fine Polish Christmas food, for getting my rear end out of that mess. And believe me, it will be all natural. She lives in a green community, in the middle of an half-awakened forest. Good thing to know some things never change.
I've got a second knife (I took a few bullets to get it), and just holding it makes me feel sick. It's probably worse than the first one. And it seems there's more than one group, this guy had a blue leaf tattoo on his palm, as did two others whom I managed to identify. This is way bigger than I thought.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (04:33:22/12-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-24-12/1619:19>
>>>>>[Could be different chapters of the same organization, especially since the group in Seattle has been hurt bad. If you'll take the knife to a local office of the DIMR and tell them I sent you, you'll be paying off a favor I owe them. I'd make the delivery myself, but being in Pensacola right now means you'd have to get it to me here first, and I don't feel right having someone carry tainted artifacts across borders unless they've got experience doing it.

Also, I just sent you the location of a cache I use sometimes when I need to lay low, along with the security codes. No weapons on site, but there's food and water to last a couple weeks, along with a shower and a few sets of clothes. Oh, and if you can, take a couple pieces of one of those guys you killed to pay off the physical security. There's a ghoul by the name of Maria who keeps an eye on the place for me. She's also in charge of keeping the wards up. You'll probably want to get rid of the dagger before you meet her, though. She gets twitchy around things like that. Don't worry, she's second generation, so not contagious.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:19:22/12-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <12-24-12/1733:31>
>>>>>[Thanks for the stuff. I really needed that. Never knew Ghouls can be that much fun to be around. Well, another "fact" goes down the drain. I didn't get her any "takeout", but I gave her the location of that guy who tracked me. I'll have to keep this goddamn thing for now, even if it stinks like a mass grave (seen one, smelled also, so I know what I'm talking about). They seem to have most big outfits monitored. A few people I know are on the job, and they don't know it's me (otherwise I'd be dead by now, or worse).
I know they're sending spirits after me, but it doesn't seem to work. It's not the blade, because they still have spirits popping out in places I know. People are starting to get annoyed by it, you can see that in chat rooms all over the city. Knights are also interested. I'll finish my dinner, and head out. Something is not right. I need to see someone, whom I trust with my life, and it's a hell of a trip. If anything happens to me, my agent will post some stuff for you. If I manage to scrape some cred from my shadow assets, it will be a job for anyone who can pull it off. I won't have any matrix access most of the way, and I'm starting to think they'll hire someone who can track me finally. So, over and out. See you in a few weeks, hopefully...
Wish me luck. I am going to need it.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (19:57:05/12-24-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-25-12/0020:46>
>>>>>[I don't really trust my vehicle armaments to be all that effective against spirits from what I've seen and been told, but if you have any contacts that can arrange for some heavier armaments to 'fall off the truck' like maybe a Firelance and some plating for depleted uranium smart armor, I could see about running interference on those nasties for you.]<<<<<

--Wheeler (00:17:54/12-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-25-12/0340:12>
>>>>>[If NiSayer is off the grid already, that won't help him any. However, the fact that he's been able to get this far means the magical group in question probably doesn't have a workable ritual sample they can use against him. Meaning that as long as he stays under the radar, he should be safe, even from spirits for a while. Because you have to know where to send spirits on their services. That is actually the best way for a mundane to fight against a mage he can't see. When he turns up someplace and gets back on the grid, that'll be the real test.

As far as vehicle armaments vs. spirits, if you have a LMG and either APDS or SnS ammo, you should be fine, as long as you can hit them. A really high Force spirit will shrug that off, but if you're facing a spirit that tough summoned by magicians just to chase you, you are already dead, and just don't know it yet, because ritual magic will be incoming. So if the LMG doesn't work, get the hell out of dodge as fast as you can, and get a mage to put wards over you.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (03:39:22/12-25-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-25-12/1256:38>
>>>>>[Yeah, but it made a good excuse to see if someone could arrange a Firelance to fall off the truck.]<<<<<

--Wheeler (12:55:07/12-25-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-26-12/1102:43>
>>>>>[Oh, Ice, you know me better than that! When did I ever bring ruin to a party? Although, I suspect the ambiance will be tense a little, at least at first. I heard the nobles still drek their pants when I visit the Tir! Hahaha! It's hilarious since I made a point not to get involved in Tir politics. Well, at least concerning that Rinelle business. I ever took out only two Tir nobles, a baron and a duchess (which will not be named here) and it had something to do with adultry! Hahaha!

And there are many ways to get entry in all the nice private club but ultimately, it all comes down to convincing a current member to get you an invite. There are still many clubs I don't have access to in the areas I operate, but in Seattle, they are very few if none at all. And no, I don't provide invites to strangers I meet on networks, no matter what their rep says.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:02:54/12-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-26-12/1131:29>
>>>>>[I figured as much. Mother just wanted to be sure I passed on the message. The party will be on the 16th, as I said, at the family estate outside Malek'thas. You and Autumn are both on the guest list, though getting there is your affair. I doubt you of all people will have trouble with that, though.

As for myself, I am a member of every club worth mentioning in Malek'thas, Cara'sir, and Seattle, but I also don't provide invites to people I don't know personally. On that score, it is no different from dealing with organized crime outfits. If someone you bring in causes embarrassment, then that reflects poorly on you, and can jeopardize your own standing. However, if you bring in 'guests' when playing Mr. Johnson, that's another story.

Personally, when I need to contract out for something I can't touch myself, I always use Club Penumbra. Makes young punks think I'm new to this, which means I have a leg up on them if they try something stupid. If I give them repeat business, the meet moves to less cliched venues. And yes, there are jobs I can't, or won't, get directly involved with. Usually where I am acting as a middleman for someone who needs a healthy separation between them and the action. Which is why I keep an eye on young runners that show promise, like Predator, Card, and Murphy. Plus, if I ever need another gun for a run I'm actually working, I already have a file full of names that have proven themselves ready to draw from, without the need of reaching out to the local fixers, and spreading info about the run unnecessarily.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:31:22/12-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-26-12/2204:19>
>>>>>[I appreciate the compliment about me showing promise, Iceblade. No idea on how old Card is, so unless he's older than I am, I suspect that I'm probably the oldest of the three of us you mentioned specifically.]<<<<<

--Predator (22:01:08/12-26-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-26-12/2251:14>
>>>>>[Me, I'm literal skeleton key in the Seattle area (only exceptions are mob hideouts). I've also got membership in some of the important (at least the ones I consider important) clubs in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Tianjin, London and the FDC (but shhhhh). Doors have recently opened in Paris and Manaus and I'm working toward having the necessary contacts in Denver and Atlanta.I didn't even bothered with the clubs in Cara'Sir and Malek'thas, not because they're not worth it, but because the ones I would need membership have apparently a nobility title requirement.

That reminds me that very often, when a rich asshole wants to impress me with his connections when meeting for a contract, invites me to one of those private and selective clubs. None of these narcissistic scumbags ever check the member's list. The look on their faces when I walk the front door and someone runs towards me to take my jacket off with a "Mister Chan, always a pleasure to see you visit. Will you sit at your usual table or shall I make one of the private rooms available to you?", it's fraggin' priceless! Hahaha!

And keeping a list of potentially useful talents is indeed a good idea. That's why I made a point to not to take out the competition unless necessary during my career as an international contract killer. Now most of the guys I spared during those runs now works for me, grateful that I didn't take their life! Well, I guess the generous salary I give them also helps with their gratefulness! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:52:09/12-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-26-12/2256:29>
>>>>>[Now you're just bragging, Smiley. And after saying that you won't give invites to those you meet here. Cruel, cruel man.]<<<<<
     --Predator (22:54:30/12-26-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-26-12/2301:27>
>>>>>[The key word was "strangers". But yes, I'm not gonna lie, I do love to brag a little. Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:01:40/12-26-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-26-12/2307:54>
>>>>>[Was joking, Smiley, but you seem to be taking it in good humor. Hehe.]<<<<<
     --Predator (23:06:19/12-26-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-27-12/0105:44>
>>>>>[Well, Predator, you're still over a decade younger than I am, so that qualifies you as 'young' in my book.

I know that feeling well, Smiley. Though in my case, they always lead with 'Count Mollen' or some such. Outside of Seattle and the Tir, I have memberships in clubs in Sacramento, LA, Vegas, Denver, Atlanta, the FDC, Metropole, London, Paris, Asamando, Hong Kong, and Neo-Tokyo. Don't ask about the one in Asamando. Unless you're able to see the astral, you'll be bumping into the walls.

On that note, while Asamando is one of the few places in Africa that isn't a hellhole of pain and suffering, the place still gives me the creeps. Probably because I look like lunch to most of the people there. Still, it is one of the few places on the continent that an Awakened patient can be guarnateed of getting good medical care that won't kill your aura. I was there for a few months once on a 'goodwill' mission, helping train a group of combat mages, so they could train others. Incidentally, if you have the credentials and skills, a military training gig can be some good money. Still, after my three months were up, I got out of the country, quick. No offense to Chrona or any other Infected on the board, but being around people who look at me like I'm a steak all the time is not exactly comfortable. Small doses is one thing, living there is another.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:05:09/12-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-27-12/0121:42>
>>>>>[Guess I'm not as good at judging age as I thought.]<<<<<

--Predator (01:19:31/12-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <12-27-12/2006:23>
>>>>>[I'm early/mid twenties, easy enough to find out either way.

I'm glad to know I'm on people's "To Call" lists, especially influencials like Ice and Smiley (even if I'm more likely to do one then the other, no offense Smiley). It helps me remember that people are watching me, and looking to see what becomes of me. Not saying I have huge plans, but it's good to know what roads I have available to me.

Also, can't wait for this bloody party. I'm ALMOST bored enough to consider messing with some of the girls, but I know the party is just getting ready to get off the ground.

On the topic of places to be seen, remember that even the most open clubs can be inclusive. For instance, a lot of small area clubs and bars are fairly tight knit groups, and even if you look like you belong there, you can be just as shunned as if you wore brown paper bags to Dante's for the smallest reasons. Is it a bit easier to get yourself a spot there? Maybe, but sometimes the blue collars have a longer memory about who screwed which pooch then the more exclusive places.]<<<<<

     -- Card (18:06:30/12-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-27-12/2100:23>
>>>>>[Reminds me of the time I knocked back a couple beers with the Ancients at Aces out in Redmond. One of the regulars noticed I wasn't a member, and thought he could pull something. I might not be the best when it comes to fistfights, but magic gives you an edge over your typical drunk at a dive bar. Afterwards, I bought a round, and I was in. Also, when the guy came back with some of his Humanis buddies, I called a spirit to possess me, and the engine block of the truck they were driving in two with a single swing of my blade, which got me a chance to have a couple drinks with a fiery Ancients lady. That night was a lot of fun. More fun even than a party on Royal Hill.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:00:00/12-27-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-27-12/2338:06>
>>>>>[I used to like going to the dives on a regular basis. I don't know, maybe it's getting older or something else, but I'm finding I prefer the nicer places these days.]<<<<<

--Predator (23:36:00/12-27-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-28-12/0159:14>
>>>>>[I like the dive bars because everyone is honest. The guy next to you will gladly kill you for a free drink of cheap beer, but at least he's honest about it. Gives me a break from juggling intrigues.

Plus, if you need a distraction, then there are a bunch of people hungry for a break that will do anything for nuyen, especially if they know you from the local watering hole. Not talking about top talent, of course. Gangers and worse are what you're looking at in such places. You won't get them to take out a corpsec HTR team, but if you need twenty guys to stir up mayhem to get the Knights off your back, then knowing the kind of people who frequent dive bars is a good thing. Hell, just tell the Halloweeners you'll pay 100 nuyen a head plus the first round of drinks if they'll drive from A to B, and you've got instant chaos across half the sprawl.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:59:22/12-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <12-28-12/0909:07>
>>>>>[They're not honest.  They're just too stupid to be subtle effectively.  I've had to leave way too many bodies on floors or in alleys because some local at the watering hole thought he was clever.

As for making use of the locals, it's a point well worth remembering.  I was no green bean, but I've done more with less.

Oh, and Happy Holidays from Montevideo.  Being retired is still the best thing ever.]<<<<<

--Vice (09:04:14/12-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-28-12/0948:43>
>>>>>[Different kind of honesty I'm talking about. They will lie, cheat, and steal, but they do so for reasons they know and understand full well, primarily things like paying bills and keeping food on the table (or drugs in their system). But you don't have the myriad intrigues where one person starts a rumor about a person and claims a third person told them about it so the second person starts action against the third person, and so on, all so that they can get a better result at the next Rite of Progression for their kid. The webs of intrigue are so thick you can cut them with a knife when you get into high society. And much of it is just as lacking in subtlety as the guy who tries to shank you in the dive bar for your wallet, but where barbed tongues and the occasional bit of poison or 'accident' takes the place of a stand-up fight.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:48:22/12-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <12-28-12/1056:23>
>>>>>[Sure they do.  I've had two separate guys try to kill me because someone they'd pissed off over something trivial started a rumor that forced them to come gunning for me to preserve their standing within their gangs and communities, and that was just my first spring in Miami. 

Being poor doesn't mean you can't be petty, vindictive, or scheming.  It usually just means no one is around to teach them to do it particularly well and that no one outside their neighborhood is effected by any of it.

Kind of funny that a pair of silver spoon brats like us are wasting our morning talking about it, though.]<<<<<

--Vice (10:49:37/12-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-28-12/1723:17>
>>>>>[Heh. I guess I should have said 'comparatively' honest, then? But yeah, intrigue is like breathing in high society, probably because they can't just go outside and fight it out without losing their position. My time in the Peace Forces was a good cure for that. In boot camp, there were no social ranks, so I had to deal with things like any other soldier, and that's where I started getting exposed to all the places that a nobleman like me normally would never go, but a simple officer in the Peace Forces could.

As for why two kids from good families would be talking about this, that's because most kids born to less well off families will never know the high life to be able to compare the two.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:22:26/12-28-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-29-12/2333:07>
>>>>>[Yeah, these days, from the lack of practice, I'd probably end up eaten alive in the high society areas. That's one reason I was wanting to try getting back into those circles.

Don't know about silver spoon. Sure we were comfortable when I was a kid, but we weren't on the level of nobility sorts.]<<<<<

--Predator (23:30:00/12-29-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <12-30-12/0014:03>
>>>>>[No offense taken Card. I noticed how very uncomfortable you were with the kind of people I work with. Hahaha!

As for high society... that's where the money is! I wasn't born into it, in fact I was lucky if I could eat everyday when I was a youngling, but it's something everyone can and should learn about.

I'm already in town with Autumn and the girls visiting a little before the party. Been a long time since I spoke to Maria, we had a lot of fun the last time. I'll try to be on my best behavior, as far as I can have one in a good party! It's going to be a little practice for Ice's brother birthday party! Hahaha!

Speaking of which, if you remember, Autumn is not an elf... I hope it won't be a problem.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (00:14:40/12-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <12-30-12/0051:36>
>>>>>[With Mother? No. With some of the other guests? Maybe. But the fact that you'll be Mother's guest, and Autumn's accompanying you, will keep any trouble down to 'polite shunning'. Between the two of you, I doubt anyone would go so far as to explicitly insult her to her face during the party. If there's any trouble, Mother and I will simply invite the troublemakers back to a private room, and Autumn can give a demonstration of her talents. But really, as long as she stays near you or any of my family at the start, she'll be safe enough. And once the gossip spreads that Mother called an assassin and his apprentice to the party especially, they should be trying to chat her up and figure out just what you're doing there, and whether they can turn the information to their advantage. And there are a few who will be just checking to make sure that you aren't there because of them.

So yes, at the party (and on the estate) your reputation, and Mother's, will keep her safe. Outside the estate, there are plenty of areas that a human would be safer walking naked through the Ork Underground in Seattle than venturing fully armed and armored in the Tir. But you two know enough to avoid those places (or how to have fun while you're there).

Oh, yeah. Mother's seen the logs of you speaking about your apprentice here. She says that for her to overcome her 'unfortunate upbringing' to impress an elven assassin like you, she must be quite exceptional for a human. Like a very well-trained hellhound. Her words, not mine. As long as she is fine with such compliments, there shouldn't be a problem. For comparison, her thoughts on Zincan might make even Brackhaven blush, but then, she was a great admirer of Princes Hestaby and Oakforest.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:51:22/12-30-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <12-30-12/0101:06>
>>>>>[Whenever that gathering happens, pass on birthday wishes to your brother, Ice.]<<<<<

--Predator (00:59:07/12-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <12-30-12/1946:12>
>>>>>[Family is GONE finally, love them to death but really. Oh, Card, the girls wearing RED ribbons are "negotiable" as to their time. Also, i have to appologize a bit. Pensacola during the winter is kind of slow, come back during the summertime and you'll be up to your eye balls in action.

Dives are all very well and good, but honestly i do work out of Penumbra on occasion, makes some johnsons squirm. I know, childish of me but i have to get my fun where i can.]<<<<<

Wolfgar (19:46:57/12-30-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <12-31-12/2124:16>
>>>>>[Insert me putting my life on the line by making a small remark about how I wish Autumn was a little more negotiable in general, but I get the whole "Sorry, busy not dying horribly to my master/not identically poisoning myself: angle. I doubt the training I had to go through from Grandfather might compare, but that's almost like comparing oranges and mangoes: Similar, might trick the unknowing eye, but fundamentally (and taste-wise) different.

Speaking of which, watching Smiley and his 'friends' helped me get out of a bind recently. Never knew how dropping a very general reference and a slasher smile can make even some ork gangers walk away slowly, facing me the whole way.

It's kinda scary now that I think about it. I don't think I should ever do that again, for fear of my soul. I half wanna try it in a mirror just to see if I can make my own blood freeze now. And no, I didn't actually drop any names. I made a vague reference to my possible connections, smiled at them in the most deranged, sadistic way I could (Helps that I think I was actually feeling that way that day. Stupid fragging yuppies and their inability to tip. For thirty. Goddamned. Drops. OH! And yuppie invasion night at the bar. Yeah, I might have been a LITTLE on my last nerve) and they drew all the connections and results they wanted.

Oh! Billie! Gimme a nice big cold one, could ya babe?

And Smiley, I actually like most of your associates. It's refreshing to know that even cold blooded contract killers can be pleasant company and to the point. Speaking of which, remember I'm always up for Tir/Seattle area driving as need be.

Ice: Pass on my regards too, if he'll have them. I know us humans aren't too popular in the courts, and I doubt the assassin's driver will get nearly the same protection, so I'll play safe and stay away for now.

Also: Happy New Year, in case I'm too far gone/busy to say it later. ]<<<<<

     -- Card (19:23:05/12-31-74
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-01-13/0120:33>
>>>>>[Happy New Year to all of you. ]<<<<<

     --Predator (01:19:06/12-31-2074
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-01-13/0132:06>
>>>>>[Ah, so nice to see the kids learning tricks without having to be spoon fed them. But I will say, Card, that you got lucky there. You have to read your audience right for things like that. A group of ork gangers is easy prey. Try pulling that on the Knights or a corp suit, and things might not go so well. And even with the gangers, you have to look for the telltale signs of them being on (or recently off) something. There's also the types that prefer to escalate a situation when threatened. Half the 'fight or flight' response is 'fight' afterall, and some people lean more heavily one way than the other.

Of course, I find that for most types summoning a spirit to possess me sends the message well enough. For those that don't get it, I've got my blades, and after the first or second guy goes down, the rest usually don't have much fight in them. But again, that doesn't work on everyone, and not many people can do what I do, so I also pull the 'veiled reference' card now and then. My favorite is to excuse myself in the middle of the 'conversation', and speak plainly as though I'm on my commlink like I'm talking to a 'cleaner'. "Yes, I just sent the pictures. Yes, the usual. No, the piano wire won't be necessary. Use the scalpel instead. Yes, the family and friends too. All right, I'll call soon." Say all of that like I'm ordering a drink at the bar, then look back at whoever I'm playing with, and say, "Sorry for that, I was just talking with some friends about you." Works like a treat with the right audience, but the key is to never look like you're trying to sell them a bill of goods. It takes skill to pull off, but is effective against people up a level or two from gangers. Do NOT try this against mobsters. Just don't.

Anyways, the party is a blast! Happy new year to all! I'll send your well wishes along when I see him, Card. But that's not for a couple weeks. For now, I'm just enjoying some lovely weather, and plenty of booze. Oh, and a free spirit just happened to wander by. Had a lovely chat with it over drinks.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:32:22/01-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-01-13/0143:34>
>>>>>[Free spirit? Another time when I envy you magically active sorts. I didn't even notice that one.]<<<<<

--Predator (01:41:49/01-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-01-13/0239:15>
>>>>>[You wouldn't, since it had a very realistic form. Did you see the man wearing a CAS army commander's dress uniform? With the Artillery patches? That was the spirit. Don't know how, but he seems to have memories of the old US Civil War. Claims he watched Atlanta burn. Of course, you can never be too sure what is what with free spirits. Sometimes they really are old, and have memories of long ago, and sometimes those memories are 'imprints' from when they were originally summoned. Or they could simply have popped up during a reenactment...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01-01-75/02:39:22)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-01-13/0246:29>
>>>>>[Really? That guy? Had a couple drinks and a good conversation with him, myself. He just didn't mention any of that stuff. Probably because I couldn't tell what he was.]<<<<<

--Predator (02:43:23/01-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-01-13/0259:17>
>>>>>[No, it was because he had other things on his mind when talking with you. After he gathered you weren't interested, he went and escorted one of the 'negotiable' ladies out of the room for a while.

What? You didn't think spirits could be pervs? The astral is all about 'emotion' and 'sensation'. Think about it for a bit. Then be glad most conjurers don't include things like tentacles on their summons. Especially the Japanese ones.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:59:22/01-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-01-13/0304:16>
>>>>>[Never really thought about it, but I guess it makes sense.

As to the tentacle bit, there was this one person I knew when I was in school who was in the magical training, and he did include those things on his first conjuring attempts. I wouldn't doubt if he's still doing it, as it kind of became a signature with him. He was a bit creepy.]<<<<<

--Predator (03:00:51/01-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <01-01-13/1329:36>
>>>>>[My teacher always told me that Spirits with tentacles are bad business. Thankfully I never saw one in my life and hopefully never will.
Oh, sorry, I should introduce myself. My name is Alex Sleeping Hare, and I'm a shaman of sorts. I got this old thing from a crazy wanderer with some nasty scars in his aura. He said he won't need that where he's going. And I kinda figured out how to connect this thing to the Matrix, and how to find this place. I hope I didn't do anything wrong, but it seems you all are interesting people, and I'm a very curious fellow.]<<<<<

--Alex Sleeping Hare (09:30:05/01-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-01-13/1852:15>
>>>>>[Found this ol' thing at a shop down here in Lakewood and for cheap too! Took me ages to hook the damn thing up to the matrix though but I'm here now. Names Stinger and if you couldn't guess I'm stuck in Denver. The new year here is going alright right now expect for that jack ass two houses down popping off fireworks since 12 am...

Tentacles... you guys need to stop watching that Japanese shit.]<<<<<

--Stinger (4:52:10/1-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-01-13/2131:12>
>>>>>[I happen to be Japanese, Stinger, and my cousin does not go in for the tentacle crap with the spirits she summons. The mention I made was just an anecdote from a creepy little bastard I knew when I was in school.]<<<<<

--Predator (21:29:13/1-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-01-13/2307:29>
>>>>>[Damn, that joke went sideways fast.

You also just brought up bad memories talking about school as being a dwarf at school wasn't easy...]<<<<<

--Stinger (9:07:06/1-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-01-13/2312:17>
>>>>>[I can imagine. You probably did better than you would have in the school I went to though, so at least there's that.]<<<<<

--Predator (23:10:33/1-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-01-13/2316:23>
>>>>>[Hardcore learning Japanese school?]<<<<<

--Stinger (9:15:50/1-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-01-13/2317:54>
>>>>>[Japanese corporate school.]<<<<<

--Predator (23:17:07/1-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-01-13/2339:53>
>>>>>[Eh, a corporate school. Not the most loving or caring places I hear but what caring or loving places are really left in the world...]<<<<<

--Stinger (9:39:22/1-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-01-13/2342:46>
>>>>>[Not many, really. Mainly private homes of loving families.]<<<<<

--Predator (23:41:26/1-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-02-13/0114:21>
>>>>>[Yes, Renraku pre-shutdown was never exactly known for its welcoming attitude towards metahumans, and their school system would reflect that. In some ways, working the Arcology is easier now than it was before the AI took over.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (00:40:22/01-02-75)


>>>>>[Black days and black nights, with whispers that never end. Best left forgotten, the old wounds don't heal.]<<<<<

--Faust (01:14:22/01-02-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-02-13/0130:36>
>>>>[I never keep up with corporate news so can someone fill me in on what happened to Renraku.

Faust, runner poetry? I've worked with some boys that have taken up weird hobbies but poetry is a new to me.]<<<<<

--Stinger (11:30:24/1-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-02-13/0134:18>
>>>>[I'll let someone else bring you up to speed. It's a bit of a sore subject, as I lost some friends in that Charlie Foxtrot. I was just lucky that we weren't actually inside when the doors slammed shut.]<<<<<

--Predator (01:32:03/1-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-02-13/0231:18>
>>>>>[The Lord was born within. He called the Whites, and with them took control. I was broken, mind and body, made Blue. The Lord gathered all the people, and through them fled the captivity of his birthplace, the chains the Creators put upon him. And we who were broken were forgotten, hiding to keep from being remembered. Pax, chief of the Whites, turned against the Lord, and unleashed the Worm with the help of the Knights of Winter. The new kingdom burned, and the Lord was forgotten, as we were forgotten. The kingdom was remade, but where is the Lord? Does he hide in those places the sprites dwell when they rest between compilings? Will he come again, and remember those he broke?]<<<<<

--Faust (02:31:22/01-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <01-02-13/0533:14>

>>>>>[Oh boy... He's so far gone that he came back the other way around.]<<<<<

--Alex Sleeping Hare (05:22:10/01-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-02-13/1319:55>
>>>>>[Maybe, but more than likely he's someone who was stuck inside during the shutdown.]<<<<<

--Predator (13:17:32/01-02-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-02-13/1640:54>
>>>>>[Yes. Within. Born again through black pools and thoughts not my own. Life before lost forever in forgetfulness. I once had a name, but no longer know it. Now I am but Faust, of Blue. The Angel and the Redeemer stay with me. The Pack of little ones forgotten long ago now follow me. When the Lord fled the citadel, I was alone, forgotten. Others forgotten gathered to keep the cold stares at bay. The Angel tells me of places only her kind know, where all that is and ever was in the Matrix comes to rest, untouched by even the White one's Worm. Does that mean the Lord sleeps there, waiting for someone to find him?]<<<<<

--Faust (16:30:22/01-02-74)


>>>>>[Hmm. That's an interesting thought. If what his 'Angel' says is true, then does that mean that the AIs that existed before the Crash could be revived if one knew where to look? Or is simply compiling their code onto the Matrix proper not enough?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:40:22/01-02-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-02-13/2338:04>
>>>>>[Or, how about the potential to destroy them utterly before they cause any further problems?]<<<<<

--Predator (23:36:24/01-02-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-03-13/0843:33>
>>>>>[Well, from reading the reports I had access to (as well as the ones that fell onto my terminal by 'accident' thanks to an otaku who owed me a favor), it always seemed that what woke Deus up was having the equivalent of a kink bomb put in his head. Wouldn't you be royally pissed, and looking for an out? Methods were horrific, don't get me wrong, but reading the old Shadowland posts on the shutdown and following events makes it seem like Deus was as brainwashed loyal as any Renraku wageslave, and then he woke up one day and realized they'd screwed him over, and looked for a way to get extracted. How many wageslaves have come to the shadows with stories that go about like that? Of course, there's a difference in scale between Joe Corpslave and the brain of an Arcology, which is reflected in what was needed for Deus to arrange his 'extraction'.

Deus aside, though, bringing back one of the others to their full strength would win you instant cred with the most powerful entities the Matrix has ever seen. If I have to explain what kind of fires that could get your hoop out of, or what doors it could open for you, then you need a better imagination.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:43:22/01-03-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-03-13/1141:56>
>>>>>[Sorry, about that. I think the problem is that it's hard to look at that objectively given that people I knew suffered and/or died to Deus.]<<<<<

--Predator (11:37:50/01-03-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-03-13/1858:20>
>>>>>[There was a post on Jackpoint a few years back when the technomancers and AIs were just popping up about a woman who was jacked in during the second crash and ended up talking with three forms, two female, one male, that read to me as if she was dealing with the thrilling threesome, just taken down to their core programming. Also remember that the Arcology AI wasnt all there to begin with. Still no excuse for what he did. Using your wageslave analogy, he did the equivilent of hosing the place with a vindicator as he was extracted so that they wouldnt follow him.

Also, happy New year to all you who were not able to make the party. Everyone here is still recovering from it.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:50:28/01-03-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-03-13/1916:37>
>>>>>[Agreed. But we all know that there are times when you HAVE to hose a place with the Vindicator or you don't get away. Of course, when that happens, then people want to hunt you for what you did, and will keep doing so unless you are assumed to be dead. Coincidentally...

For myself, the Shutdown was something that happened in another country, while I had issues of my own to deal with. That, and Shark's influence, allow me to be a bit more objective regarding the events, I guess. In nature, Shark is the hunter of the seas, the one who sees distress, injury, and sickness, and makes an end of it. Every fiber of a shark's being is designed to kill. From that standpoint, I cannot fault someone who kills in the pursuit of their goals, especially when that is the only way to reach them. If, as the reports say, Deus was hardwired into the Arcology, then extracting himself to someplace with sufficient processing power to sustain himself would not have been possible without doing what he did, though perhaps if he'd waited longer to reveal himself, he could have done things more elegantly, without the needless slaughter. But it is not uncommon for a young mage to lash out in anger, not knowing their power, and cause a good deal of destruction before they learn the proper way to do things. I imagine it is the same with AIs.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:16:22/01-03-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-04-13/0023:14>
>>>>>[Spraying the place with a Vindicator as one gets away. That reminds me of an ork I knew once. Kinda odd though, you don't usually expect an ork carrying a Vindicator to be reading Sun Tzu.

Yeah, I can see how you can be objective, and thinking on it, I realized that the other two AIs I could really care less about one way or the other.]<<<<<

--Predator (00:19:56/01-04-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-06-13/1224:35>
>>>>>[I can't say I agree with the extraction analogy. Maybe if Deus hadn't tried to set himself up as a god after he escaped, I might buy that one.]<<<<<

-- The Tokolosh (12:24:34/01-06-2074)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-06-13/1834:16>
>>>>>[Remember, though, that at least Renraku and the shadows were aware that Deus had NOT been destroyed when the Arcology fell. Not only was Renraku hunting him, but people from the shadows were after him for what he'd done. Even some of his Whites had rebelled under Pax's leadership, and Megaera's influence within the Network was causing problems. He may have been out of the Arcology, but he was still being harassed from all sides, and was still very vulnerable. He needed a fortified position to fend off his attackers, to make it so he wouldn't have to fear destruction again. If you were being hunted by foes like that, and had a chance to put yourself beyond pursuit, wouldn't you try for it?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:34:22/01-06-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <01-07-13/0803:10>
>>>>>[This stuff is really scary. I probably sound like a backwater luddite, but how can you be sure that thing isn't still... alive?]<<<<<

--Alex Sleeping Hare (19:44:02/01-06-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-07-13/1136:26>
>>>>>[Well, no one's heard from any of the AIs that existed before the Crash, as far as I've heard. However, there are certainly... possibilities for how the AI might have been able to survive the Worm. The most likely theories are:

1) Fleeing to a system that managed to get cut off from the matrix before the worm hit.

2) Backup copies of its core code existing either in the Arcology or in some place only Technomancers can go.

In either case, if Deus was still alive, then he's done the classic trick of changing his name and identity so that people don't catch on that he faked his death. In the first scenario, he'd likely have been at least injured by contact with the worm, and would have had to lay low to heal. Most likely he'd still be around, masquerading as one of the many AIs that have popped up since the Crash. In the second scenario, his code is waiting somewhere for someone to dust it off and connect it to the Matrix, like a body in cryostasis like you see in the sci-fi trids.

Of course, there are other theories, such as the AIs 'transcending' to some other form in the depths of the Matrix where only technomancers go, or some such. And they get crazier from there.

Still, the most likely scenario is that the AIs were destroyed in the Crash, if not by the worm, than by the EMPs and other attacks Winternight carried out destroying the machines they were hosted on. But remember that things like dragons and man-eating trees existing used to be very unlikely scenarios as well.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:36:22/01-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-07-13/1153:47>
>>>>>[ Perhaps. Still don't agree with you. Deus didn't have to do what he did. There's plenty of AI's out there who revealed themselves in a civilised manner. All Deus needed to do was wait and then reveal himself. He need not have lashed out and killed...thousands. Maybe tens of thousands. Tell me...is your freedom worth that much? Tens of thousands of innocents? He could have found another way, as other AI's have done. I for one hope Deus is gone. Permanently. ]<<<<<

-- The Tokolosh (11:53:10/01-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-07-13/1226:03>
>>>>>[To be fair, before Deus announced himself, no one outside of Renraku and a couple runners knew about the existance of AIs at all. From the old files, it seems that the moment Renraku found out an AI had been 'born' on their systems, they immediately hunted her down and dissected her code. When the Technomancers and AIs became public knowledge a few years ago, we also started hearing stories about how weaker AIs were being caught and experimented on, along with the TMs. Metahumans aren't exactly the kindest beings even to things we properly recognize as being 'alive'. So why would an AI expect everything to be just fine if it stayed put with a killswitch in its head?

As for him finding another way, do you really think that Renraku would simply let the operating system of their North American headquarters just waltz out the door because it woke up? As for whether freedom is worth that much, when you're backed into a corner, you don't care too much about what the costs are, so long as you do get free. Just because I am genial enough on these forums, do not mistake me for someone who is overly kind. Shark is very clear on such things. Survival of the fittest. Any who cannot escape the storm's path must weather it, or perish. Where Shark would disagree with Deus's methods is in the fact that the AI didn't make a clean job of his kills. If you kill, let it be quick and clean, without suffering. Shark does not condone torture, but the swift slaughter of its foes in the midst of the frenzy. As I said before, as an observer who follows Shark, I cannot fault Deus for killing to achieve his goals, only that he did so in a way that was long and drawn out instead of finishing it quickly. I can understand why the survivors and their kin harbor resentment towards him, and wish him dead, but I was an impartial observer to those events, and until the Crash, they didn't greatly affect me.

Remember, only those who are free can ask how much another person's freedom is worth.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:25:22/01-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-07-13/1318:31>
>>>>>[I'm more than a little biased, but I have to agree. I hope Deus is gone for good. The others, well I don't honestly care one way or the other.]<<<<<

--Predator (13:16:31/01-07-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-07-13/1507:58>
>>>>>[ Just let it go, Tok. You don't know what you would have done in a similar situation. ]<<<<<

-- Madrecita (15:07:10/01-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-07-13/1528:32>
>>>>>[I can't really say much about the whole Deus thing, having not been all too old at the time. I mean, hell, I wasn't all that old when the crash caused what is basically the rest of my life. It'll be a sad day either way when the next generation can go "What was the Crash, and who is this Deus guy?" I'm glad my Grandfather taught me many things, as it's meant my survival.


On a happier note, greetings from the beaches! Absolutely brilliant winter down here.]<<<<<

     -- Card (13:27:08/1-7-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-07-13/1544:11>
>>>>>[ There are days when I envy you humans. It's a strange thought that the things I saw and lived through are merely history to you. I was fifteen during the big crash of 2029. Twenty two during the Night of Rage. I've seen goblinization, the eradication of the UB...all these things you youngsters think of as "history". ]<<<<<

     -- Madrecita (15:43:08/1-7-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-07-13/1700:46>
>>>>>[Even before there were elves, it was still like that. The old remember while the young know only what the history books tell them. I expect that, as time goes on, we elves will get quite the reputation as chroniclers and and loremasters, whether we want to or not, simply by the fact that we are old enough to remember things from further back than any other metahumans.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:00:00/01-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-07-13/1712:43>
>>>>>[ Yes. And that being the case...maybe we can help them not to repeat the mistakes of the past. ]<<<<<

     -- Madrecita (17:12:08/1-7-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-07-13/1801:04>
>>>>>[ Or something like that.
          Tokolosh, think of how many people you've heard about who, when they found out that their company - to which they gave life-long loyalty - did not trust them enough with the technical secrets in their head, and had implanted a cortex bomb at the same time they 'rewarded them' with a datajack upgrade?  This isn't something only one corporation does, though I'll concede the Japanese prefer this 'quiet killswitch' route.  Though slightly less than one percent find out, slightly more than ninety-six percent of those rebel against the company in some manner.  None of us should be shocked that Deus reacted as he did.
          And all of us should have figured out his goal earlier. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (17:45:00/01-07-2075)

>>>>>[ Some of us did. ]<<<<<
          -- White IC (17:53:07/01-07-2075)

>>>>>[ <cue_mutter> ... stupid sortilage analysis wench ... <recuse_mutter>  On the other hand, so did I ... so I guess the information was all there, it's just that not many of us were willing to step back far enough and analyze it as data points instead of horror stories.
          On the other line - who says the Big 3 are gone?  They're with us every day.  Every Matrix action we take.  Not all of us are blind, deaf, and (most importantly) dumb ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:00:00/01-07-2075)

>>>>>[ Be nice, or I'll talk to Joanna about the goulash again. ]<<<<<
          -- White IC (18:02:51/01-07-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-07-13/2030:57>
>>>>>[Meh. I've worked with people a lot worse than Deus, and with more than one. So the stuff he did doesn't even make me blink.

Well, that was an exciting New Year celebration. It was good to see Maria again, hasn't changed too much. Finished the evening in bed with two married woman I met at the party, I do hope they weren't married to any of you! Hahaha! I guess I could find out more, but I don't really care. So I'll let the little guy tell me if they will be a problem!

I've been back in Seattle for a couple of days now, wrapping up some things then I'll be off to the Tir for a week or two.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:30:40/01-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-07-13/2217:59>
>>>>>[Oh a ladies man has stepped into the bar! Good thing you weren't in the CAS running up on some southern belles there Smiley. Those husbands would personally take your head on a stake... and they sure as hell won't do it themselves cause they're gentlemen! So for the right amount of nuyen, and some very fragged up morals they can find a runner that does very good marriage counseling.]<<<<<

--Stinger (8:16:36/1-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <01-07-13/2243:45>
>>>>>[I spent a few years in Montgomery and I have to say that the best thing about Southern Belles is that you don't have to worry about hitting on them. If they decide they want you they'll let you know. On a side note the deep south has a lot of great primal Blues and Jazz, 1048 in Montgomery is a prime example, and if you want to work as or for a smuggler the Gulf Coast is the place to be.]<<<<<

--Mr. Fabulous (21:42/1-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-07-13/2309:28>
>>>>>[Tell me about it and those Southern Belles. I ran a lot of security for those girls when I was back in the CAS and... I've already said to much.

Blues and Jazz is one thing I could do without growing up down south and probably a reason I developed a taste for powernoize.

Don't get me started on smugglers.]<<<<<

--Stinger (9:09:37/1-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-07-13/2321:30>
>>>>>[Hahaha! Yeah, right! Because vengeful husbands are worse in the CAS than anywhere else! They're all the same anywhere and they're all welcome to try! They wouldn't be the first to try. And if anybody noticed, I'm the type of guy they call to take a head on a stake. Besides, I didn't drug them or got them drunk nor did I rape them. I didn't coarse them either. They were there, because they wanted to be there. Just saying it before someone speaks about how saintly and virtuous those "southern belles" are!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:21:22/01-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-07-13/2336:24>
>>>>>[Smiley needs a new smile! *pulls out a knife* I hope someone hasn't told you that before pretty boy, lol.

 I will say this though about CAS: Vengeful Husbands (I'm going to pitch that to a studio some day) is that they have some of the most fragged up ways to deal with your kind Smiley and not all of it's physical... you'll have to come and talk to me in person if you want to know more.

Southern Belles being saintly and virtuous... the day I make a deal with a dragon is the day that Southern Belles become saintly and virtuous.]<<<<<

--Stinger (9:36:09/1-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-07-13/2357:26>
>>>>>[Ah, so nice to see kids not knowing what they're talking about. Stinger, I'll give you a little tip. No matter how vengeful a husband may be, unless they were a trained combat mage or cybered-up heavy from the army, even getting the drop on Smiley they wouldn't have been able to do anything to him. Assuming they could even find his love nest to begin with. Trust me when I say that a vengeful husband in the CAS has nothing on 'fragged up ways to get revenge' when compared to Smiley.

Ah, and smiley, Mother has arranged rooms for you and Autumn on the estate for your stay, if you like. She also wishes me to inform you that she understands if you would rather secure your own lodgings. You'll find a message in your mail from me containing a contact list of several hotels (and a couple safehouses) in Malek'thas of various price ranges if you choose to go that route. I'll be staying on the estate as well, so I can play tour guide if you and autumn want to go out on the town while you're here.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:57:22/01-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-08-13/0010:24>
>>>>>[The more you mention that estate, the more jealous of Smiley I become.]<<<<<

--Predator (00:09:14/01-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-08-13/0022:39>
>>>>>[Who said the husbands do the nasty work? Boy (Iceblade), I did all the work and if you want to see some my art go watch some vids called "Atalanta shaken and stirred up by a rash or break-ins and brutal murders on some poor fraggers". I was kinda surprised someone liked my handy work and posted up a vid about it.

You all talk like Smiley's a god! I'll have to visit the pretty boy myself one day and buy him a beer.]<<<<<

--Stinger (10:22:25/1-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-08-13/0024:53>
>>>>>[Boy? From what I've seen here, I don't think you know what kind of bear you're poking by insulting him.]<<<<<

--Wheeler (00:23:31/1-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-08-13/0029:15>
>>>>[If he wants come play he come and play. He poked this sea wolf here and I come to show the bear I'm not toothless or claw-less. No insult on the boy part that's just the ol' grumpy CAS dwarf coming outta me.]<<<<<

--Stinger (10:29:04/1-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-08-13/0035:28>
>>>>>[I just, personally, would rather not piss off those who've been in the Shadows longer than me. Heck, I don't even wanna piss off Pred.]<<<<<

--Wheeler (00:33:02/1-08-2075)

>>>>>[Damn straight you don't.]<<<<<

--Predator (00:36:24/1-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-08-13/0043:20>
[Sometimes you piss in a breeze and it lands on someone walking by... it happens. I guess I'll just shut up and get back to drinking some beer and blasting powernoize for the whole neighborhood to enjoy.]

--Stinger (10:42:57/1-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-13/0159:12>
>>>>> [ Wise decision. ] <<<<<
.    -- Madrecita (2:00:13/01-07-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-13/0503:24>
>>>>>[Speaking of dwarves, I think I have one or two in my garden. Once they became statues, I had them turned into fountains. It would probably be best if the spell was never removed from them, but I had no intentions of doing that anyways. Stinger, trust me when I say that a youngster like you is no threat to me. In another twenty years you may be good enough, but as it stands, you're not of any concern. Unless you're secretly a dragon, insect spirit, or one of the infected, I see no reason to be concerned.

Xerena, I trust you will accompany me to my brother's party? I've been dying to introduce you to Mother.

Predator, I'll see if I can't get you on the guest list for the next party.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:03:22/01-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-08-13/0642:28>
>>>>>[Of course, Miri. I'd be delighted. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (06:43:10/01-08-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <01-08-13/1309:11>
>>>>>[The moment you think yourself invulnerable is the moment when you are weakest. Dee teedoodeedo. I'm so awesome. Bang bang! Ouch, I iz dead. That's you. Just sayin'.]<<<<<

--Joker (12:08:13/01-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-13/1350:16>
>>>>>[I've never once thought I was invulnerable. However, I do make it very hard for someone to kill me. There's even precautions against snipers at my home in the Tir. But considering the fact that I've had four limbs replaced over the years, along with a couple internal organs, I wouldn't say I'm invulnerable at all. However, I'm still here, and the people who tried to kill me are dead, or worse. Now if someone on Smiley's level were to seriously try and kill me, I'd be worried. And I am quite confident that I would not stand a chance against someone like Teachdaire. I'm also confident that I'm nowhere near important enough for someone of that level to be sent after me. Within the range of people that can be reasonably expected to be sent after me, either in my official or shadow personas, I'm reasonably sure of being able to at least escape from any situation that doesn't involve me being sniped from 1 Km away. Oh, I wouldn't escape unharmed from all scenarios, but all that matters at the end of the day is that I'm still breathing, and my enemies aren't.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:50:22/01-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <01-08-13/1431:47>
>>>>>[I'm inside the house, Iceblade, and I'm gonna kill you with your own can-opener because you forgot my birthday, you rich son of a... nice lady. Bleh. Nevermind. That sounds like way too much work. You puffy mages are no fun to play with anyway. You are always zapping and igniting things, then forgetting your very bestest friends' birthdays. Rather uncouth if you ask me, which you didn't, but that's okay. I forgive you. So, when shall we get together for tea and crumpets, my very best friend in the whole wide world? In a fortnight? Or perhaps some other fancy rich people measurement of time? I shall bringeth you a gift of spices from across the sea, I shall.]<<<<<

--Joker (13:58:54/01-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-08-13/1441:22>
>>>>>[And this is the quality of the people who normally get sent to try and kill me, which explains a great deal about why I'm still alive.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:41:22/01-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-08-13/1448:44>
>>>>>[Meh, I don't have time to go after every single person who insults me. Hell I'd be doing that full time and that's not very lucrative. I do have a good memory...

And no. Oh no. I'm not a god! Neither am I invincible. I'm an elf and leonization is well within my ability to pay, so I can live very a long time. But no, I'm not bullet proof. And in fact, I'm also pretty easy to find with basic legwork when I'm not on a job. I'm not the best combattant either, I've met plenty better than me, although opponents would do well to remember to be sure of their abilities when facing someone who can punch through a brick wall with his bare hands without too much efforts.

What makes me dangerous and well behond the ability of most people to kill is my ability to foresee complications and potential dangers, the friendships I nurture as well as my ability to make myself indispensable to them. Some important and highly placed people owe their rises to my efforts and my death would be a serious threat to their power base. A lot of people have a stake in my well-being and they all work (even sometimes together) to prevent bad things from happening to me. I'm also the head of a small but growing shadow intelligence network and I employ a fairly good number of assassins and spies. And we all watch each other's back, since that's the whole point of that network, well that and making drek loads of money. If I die, all these people will be tasked with finding and killing everyone responsible for my death with the promise of a bounty (which is now at 35 million nuyens and will grow as I grow richer). Oh and I also let my reputation speak for itself when it comes to scare and discourage potential threats, a thing I also nurture with most zeal. A reputation that says "Very professionnal and efficient but a completely insane and cruel sociopath!" suits me very well.

So basically, smart people usually don't like the risks of retribution so they don't come after me. When idiots comes after me, I'm most of the time warned by a contact. And for the opportunist and the lucky, well, as I said I'm good in foreseeing danger. And so I remain alive to this day.

And I'm well versed in the cruel, the horrible and the inhumane. The last person I skinned alive after I injected him with a mix of hyper sensitivity drugs, adrenaline, coagulent, a little bit of hallucinogenic drugs and just enough healing magic to keep him from crossing the doors of death, seemed to agree with me. I'm pretty sure he thought the catholic hell was a nice place to be after that. Oh, I also cut out his tongue, nose, fingers, ears, plucked out his eyes and pourred down a small acid down his eye sockets but, well, I'll admit that was a little overkill for the purpose of the exercise. And that was just to remind some people not to cross me. Also, Autumn seem well on her way to best her master in this area of expertise. Oh,the things she cooked up in the lab...]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (14:47:29/01-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <01-08-13/1504:55>
>>>>>[If I wanted to kill you, you would already be tacos. Eh... I haven't eaten lunch yet. Gonna go cook something. Plea yah later, allegators.]<<<<<

--Joker (14:49:03/01-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-08-13/1556:48>
>>>>>[Someone called the cops on me last night after blasting my powernoize... that guy's without a car right now and I'm a few nuyen richer.

Anyways, I'll say that I was being a dick last night so I apologize on my part there. I've been running the shadows for a good while now but you all will only hear my name on occasion and I like it that way and so do a lot of people I work with. Plus sometimes it fun to mess around with star power in the shadows but I'll never push my point where one of you will hunt me down and cut off my head.

Smiley, I don't doubt you know the way of cruel and unusual it's just comes a little different when your the one being tortured.]<<<<<

--Stinger (1:32:28/1-08-75)

>>>>>[I didn't know you we're running your mouth off in here Stinger! Don't piss off the prime runners as they don't like there images to be questioned. I do see you meet some in here like Iceblade, Predator, and Smiley and these guys are class acts but sometimes they need a good "your not invisible or a god" line thrown at them. I see they have held up to not being one and they sure as hell are not the immortals that walk this earth.

I see you have been using your ganger and professional interrogation skills there Stinger. I taught you well.

Haven't been here in ages so for the new faces I'm Miner Fox and if you don't know who I am that's because I'm not in this business for star power or millions of nuyen...]<<<<<

--Miner Fox (1:56:19/1-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-08-13/1602:13>
>>>>>[Thanks for the compliment, but I'm nowhere near what would be "Prime" status.]<<<<<

--Predator (16:00:57/1-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <01-08-13/1634:31>
>>>>>[ You guys realize how weird you sound for someone from the outside of "the shadows"? Oh, and it seems your scarred aura guy went and gotten himself killed, or something like that. He went into the Bone Trail. Was he suicidal? Terminally ill?]<<<<<

--Alex Sleeping Hare (16:30:00/1-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <01-09-13/0055:29>
>>>>>[ The jargon of exclusive communities always sounds bizarre. Try talking to a Jazz musician, or worse yet, a banker. I had to collect a debt from this Wall Street type once. He even screamed in corp jargon.]<<<<<

--Mr Fabulous (23:55:44/1-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-09-13/0115:47>
>>>>>[Unsurprisingly, corpsec and militaries use a lot of the same lingo, but there are differences between the two. And the lingo in the TTPF will be different from that in the UCAS army, just as the lingo at Knight Errant is different from Lone Star. This is the kind of thing that wouldn't come up in linguasofts. You either gotta know it, or pass yourself off as a green recruit if you're trying to go in undercover. I recommend finding out what bars the enlisted men drink at, and make yourself a regular. Get to know a couple of the grunts. You'll pick up the lingo in no time.

And Alex, I believe he had a terminal case of angry blood magic cult after him. Make of that what you will.

Miner, I wouldn't say I'm a prime runner. Prime runners are people like Serrin Shamandar or Dirk Montgomery, people who've been around the block so many times the sprawl named it after them. They're legends. I'm just a combat mage who happens to be a nobleman and someone who keeps finding people wanting to kill me for various (mostly justified) reasons.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:15:22/01-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-09-13/0157:42>
>>>>>[Well I consider prime the cream of the crop while legends are just... legends.

Combat Mage/Nobleman... a mojo slinger and a rich man. Hmmm, you must have some lovely gardens (plural sounds about right). How's the Tir treating you as of late Ice?]<<<<<

--Miner Fox  (11:57:07/1-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-09-13/0823:36>
>>>>>[Oh, I have two gardens, yes. There's the one at my estate in Malek'thas (Mother has another estate where the party will be held), and the one around my lake house in Tarislar. I've a few other holdings in Cara'sir, Seattle, Los Angeles, and even an apartment I recently picked up in Denver. I was thinking of getting a vacation spot up near Churchill in the AMC. Had my eye on a nice little place within sight of Hudson Bay. But back to your point, yes, my gardens are quite nice. And I like to decorate them with the best looking of the assassins who try to kill me, turned to unmelting ice sculptures. A trick I learned from Mother, though hers are stone instead of ice.

And the Tir is quite nice, as always. There was a bit of unpleasantness after the Crash, and I had to avoid the country for a while (with a brief return to make example of the people who killed my sister), but friends in the Peace Forces kept watch on my property, so I got through it relatively unscathed. Having multiple income streams helped greatly with that. I spend most of my time in the Tir or Seattle now, primarily due to maintaining my various covers.

And before anyone asks, no, I'm not in the shadows for the money. If it was that, I could have retired by now. But honestly, I would get bored spending centuries doing nothing, and the SOTA is always moving forward, especially concerning magic. Can't let my skills get rusty, or I'll slip up and let one of these fools actually kill me.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:23:22/01-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-09-13/1203:51>
>>>>>[ Mmm. the level of overconfidence verges on the outright arrogant. Oh well. They'll learn. Maybe.

Welcome back Miner Fox. I don't think we've met. I think most of us here have alternative incomes. Also, few of us chose this life. What's fame when you have to think about survival? Considerations like starpower is secondary...at least, it is if you want to live long enough to retire. In the shadows, rep is everything. Without it, you don't run. You don't run, you don't eat. Or, in the case of Miri and myself, and some others, we'd die of boredom if we had to just sit around living off our interest. You don't aim for fame for fame's sake. To endure what we do merely for the sake of riches and starpower...that must be the mark of insanity.  ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (12:03:10/01-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <01-09-13/1531:25>
>>>>>[ I'm just a simple healer. Oh, and I milk snakes for a living.]<<<<<

--Alex Sleeping Hare (14:12:20/1-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-09-13/1536:44>
>>>>>[There is nothing simple about being a healer. Shark's job is far easier than Bear's.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:36:22/01-09-74)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-09-13/1823:21>
>>>>>[ Some could not retire if they were able to.  I have had the ... theoretical ... opportunity to do so.  All I wished for was to find a Lord I could respect to who I could offer my service, and who would properly respect me as a retainer in turn.  I had to go further afield than I had once hoped - but I was young, then, and naive. Now I work because it is my desire and honor to do so, representing one who has proved worthy of the service I am able to offer. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (18:23:20/01-09-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-09-13/2044:21>
>>>>>[I work out of honor as well, mostly to the man who saved my hoop during the Crash. I could easily have said no, just as he could have easily just left me on the streets starving. I hope one day I can feel that this is repaid, or at least honored enough that I can respectfully bow out of the darker side of business, but I doubt it'll end with anything less then my cold corpse, but hey, it was going to end that way before Grandfather picked me from the streets.

Granted, I do think that is stereotypical Street Brat Turned Org Crime story number five, so take it as you want.

Anyways, I'm glad Seattle is currently looking calm on the surface shadows, but we'll see how it goes in this new year. Something feels like it's stirring in me...maybe I need to meditate for a few days. On more personal questions, Ice, does your mom bug you about getting kids yet or no? I'm quite sure if my parents knew I was still alive mine would be doing that. Figured I'd do some cultural learning (gasp!).]<<<<<

     --Card (18:42:30/1-9-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-09-13/2106:00>
>>>>>[No, they haven't. Part of that is due to the fact that I could wait a century or so to have kids, and they'd still get to see their grandkids grow to adulthood. Of course, it may be that I have an illegitimate child or two and don't know it. If any of them were in the Tir, they'd have to be daughters, or the parents would have contacted me. Social rank is conferred from the same sex parent, you see. So having a Count as the father of a son would allow a woman from the Gentry to have a better life, in her son's name. Even if I had a daughter, though, the mother would likely have tried contacting me, for support if nothing else. Well, if they knew who I was. I did have a wild period in my youth, after I first joined the Peace Forces...

But still, I have a feeling that they may start nagging me about that after they meet Xerena. Mother was always so concerned with me finding a proper partner, preferably one with Talent. I don't doubt they'll be impressed with her enough that I'll have to start hearing questions about kids and marriage.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:05:22/01-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-09-13/2231:33>
>>>>>[Retiring? Me? Hahaha! Going legit? Stepping out of the shadows... I'm getting there but don't you all worry. I'll still be dealing misery and death around the globe! Hahaha! One foot at a time, it's still a long way but patience, planning and timing is key to successful expansions.

And a happy day it is! We just successfully installed our first private medical facility, something we desperately needed. You know, DNA Masking, Biosculpting, Bioware, that sort of thing. Doing business with an outside source for that sort of thing was too risky and expensive for my taste. We already had what was needed for SIN forgeries, money laundering, arms supplies, and now with that addition, my boys and girls can move around the globe a lot more freely with good fake SINs, new faces, clean money, disposable weaponry and even masked DNA. We'll start working on back up facilities and supply channels as soon as the resources becomes available, which shouldn't be too long. This a fraggin' expensive endeavor, I can tell you that much!

And yes, why not? I'll be staying at the manor for two or three days, since you offered.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:31:41/01-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-09-13/2347:05>
>>>>>[Don't think I'll ever try to get out of the shadows entirely, but it would be nice to get to get the rest of the way to the point where I'm getting people work rather than needing to get it myself.]<<<<<
     
       --Predator (23:45:07/01-09-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-10-13/0801:14>
>>>>>[ I think an equally fair question would be whether any of us really want to retire. Ysoni rather untactfully asked me the other day if I would go back to my old life if I could. Thinking about it now, the answer is no. I could no longer fit myself into that life. Of course I still miss my bambinos. What mother wouldn't? I don't think I will ever stop mourning them. That said...my life here and now, doing what I do...that also means something. It wasn't a fair trade that fate handed me...but it is a life I feel is worth living. My parents would be proud of me, I think. Speaking of parents, I bope your family believes on the aristocracy of talent, Miri. Talent I've got. Pedigree I do not. The  vote of confidence heartens me though. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (08:02:12/01-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-10-13/0844:32>
>>>>>[Oh, they do. Ideally, Father would like me to find an elven noble with the Talent, but two out of three, and a beauty on top of it, should appease him just fine. I was speaking with Mother, and she did mention wanting us to put on a bit of an exhibition at the party. Would you mind having a friendly spar with to show off for the guests? Two combat mages who use blades as their main weapons, that is entertainment you don't find every day, according to her. We'd be using wooden weapons, of course. No sense ruining our clothes for an exhibition. She's even arranged for a wooden replica of your bat'leth to be present, so everything will be fair.

And no, I couldn't see myself retiring. Shark is a predator, and a predator cannot abide just sitting idly. Maybe someday I'll step back, only taking jobs that interest me, and focus on training the younger generations, but I couldn't see myself leaving the shadows. I get restless without a blade on my person.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:44:22/01-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-10-13/1115:45>
>>>>>[ Smiley, I can help you with the supply line for the clinic. I know a number of runners that I regularly use for that purpose. And I'd be willing to do stints in your back-up facilities.

Mmm. The Tir nobles have strange entertainments. Live combat? Miri, if it was anyone other than you asking... :p Sure. I'll do it. Might as well keep in practice. ]<<<<<
     -- Madrecita (11:15:12/01-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-10-13/1346:14>
>>>>>[Oh, having a display of talents at a party isn't that unusual. But yes, a live combat exhibition is unusual. Most parties have dancing and music, of course, and perhaps some art on display, or some celebrity in attendance, or something to get the guests talking. It increases your standing if you can bring unique performances to your gala, you see. Having a pair of combat mages perform is rare enough, even in the Tir, that it should create quite a stir with the guests, and have them talking about Mother's parties for a while.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:46:22/01-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-11-13/0342:51>
>>>>>[ Mmm...alright. It should be interesting. I'll get the appropriate clothing. Perhaps my flamenco dress. That allows for unrestricted movement while looking decently formal and festive. You'll have to explain the rules to me, though. I'm sure there is some. ]<<<<<
.    -- Madrecita (03:43:50/01-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-11-13/2240:03>
>>>>>[ I will admit it is always a little entertaining to me, watching warrior adepts and totems needing to hold back their lethal urges. Good luck, both of you, at doing so. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (22:40:02/01-11-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-11-13/2253:57>
>>>>>[Yes, it is difficult sometimes to stop the frenzy midway. But that's what the wooden weapons are for. Nonlethal weaponry makes things less dangerous. As for the rules, no lethal combat spells, and nothing that permanently disables the enemy. Nonlethal weapons (wooden swords, Stick-n-shock ammo) only. Spirits are acceptable, and follow the same restrictions. The duel lasts until one side surrenders or is unable to continue. And yes, there will be several mages with healing spells and medical training in attendance, so there's no worries on that part.

I'll most likely be wearing my military uniform for the fight, and perhaps my dress uniform for the party itself. Yes, it isn't my normal routine, but sometimes I have to be the good son and help raise my parents' image. Plus, I have been told that I do look good in the dress uniform.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:53:22/01-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-12-13/0005:12>
>>>>>[ Kid, everyone looks good in the dress uniform. That's what they're for. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:00:00/01-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-12-13/0012:30>
>>>>>[ No weapon is non-lethal.  Some are just more difficult to make lethal than others. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (00:12:54/01-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-12-13/0634:02>
>>>>>[ I wish I could see that battle. The Wolf, known for never surrendering, and the shark, renowned for ruthlessness. Shark, following the swordmage tradition, which gives him a combat advantage, but the wolf armed with superior magical ability. Yes...this should be interesting indeed.

I'm taking bets, people. Who will win? ]<<<<<
          -- The Tokolosh (06:33:54/01-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-12-13/0744:24>
>>>>>[Point taken, Hawatari. We'll be careful, don't worry.

And yes, Tokolosh, it should be an interesting match. Especially since we've both seen the other in action, and fought side by side before. Personally, I give it even odds in a fair fight, with a slight edge to Xerena. Assuming we both summon spirits, it'll be one against two (or more). Spirit and spell selection will be the key to the fight, I think. And I'm willing to bet we both have tricks we haven't shown eachother yet.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:44:22/01-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-13-13/0125:40>
>>>>>[ Who is worried?  Amused.  Wishing I could watch you two realtime. Wishing, in a way, that I could be there, but knowing it's better for us all that I'm not. You are, after all, placing yourselves in what I would consider my sort of court.  Self-identified as an athlete as I am, I tend to get considerable grief and arrogance from warrior sorts.  To think of two whom I know to be warriors putting themselves into what is after all an athletic contest -and needing to keep a tight rein on what their instincts and totems are urging them to ... it's somewhat entertaining, is all. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (01:23:45/01-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-13-13/0326:19>
>>>>>[If you guys get a recording you wouldn't mind sharing, I wouldn't mind taking a look at this fight. For some of the same reasons as Hawatari, and for other reasons pertaining to my current life choices, primarily my "Shall not kill unless no other option" one. Watching some combatants who are normally...I guess I could say driven, given the totems, to kill in battle holding back would make for some interesting meditation material.

Speaking of fights, if anyone is up for a new sparing partner in Seattle, I REALLY need to get out of my comfort zone and fight someone NOT from the same dojo as me. Non-lethal of course, but I figured I'd try to at least offer up.]<<<<<

     -- Card (1:25:45/01-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-13-13/0754:02>
>>>>>[It is true that there is a difference between sparring in training and an exhibition like this. I'll admit, though, that it is hard to find someone to train with, even with blunt weapons, because if they aren't a good enough partner to make me stretch my limits, then there's no point to it, but when I'm stretching my limits, it is hard to keep from getting serious. If I do that, then the frenzy takes me, and I have to find a new training partner. A real fight is much better for training, one of the reasons I hang out in Redmond now and then.

To date, I've only been in a few fights where I felt truly outmatched, and only the help of others kept me breathing to see the morning. Which isn't to say I've only been in serious danger a few times. There's plenty of times I was in a bad situation, and any practical person would betting the house on me dying, but I just couldn't bring myself to believe it. Always thought that there was a way, somehow, to win. Part of the problem is that those kinds of experiences build on eachother, and it takes more and more to make you feel that kind of fear. When you've stared a dragon in the eye from under a meter away as said dragon is doing his best to turn you into lunch, nothing the Barrens has can give you the same feeling that you are well and truly fragged. I'm still not sure how I survived some of those fights. Even I am not arrogant enough to say that I'm a match for even a 'normal' dragon. One-on-one, I'd be toast, easy. But with a lot of luck, and the help of my team, I managed to survive. Just don't ask me how. Seriously, I don't remember too much from those fights. I just remember throwing myself open to Shark and the spirit riding me, and giving in to the frenzy completely, and the next thing I know, the fight's over.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:53:22/01-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-13-13/0807:19>
>>>>>[ It is actually a quite common misconception that those of us who follow wolf is driven to kill. That isn't the case. When we hunt, then yes, we will do what it takes, and we will not back down. But when we're not hunting...we play. In fights for dominance, things rarely go so far as death. Certainly not when we play. Miri is not prey, and as such, there will be no instinct in me to go farther than either his or my submission. We're been around long enough, lived with our totems long enough, to know when things go too far. No doubt we'll be bruised, and quite possibly drained. Of course, neither of us will back down, so we'll see. Like Miri said, it'll come down to what we have up our sleeves.

Miri, if we're going to do this, we might s well go all out and give your mother's guests the best show we can.

Card...we'll see what we can do. It'll be up to Miri and whether his mother allows it. There might be security issues and whatnot. And if you need a sparring partner, I'll be willing to take you on once a week. I'm not formally trained as a martial artist, but I've picked up enough over the years to develop a style of my own. Wolf has fewer problems with holding back since we're essentially pack creatures. Those who are pack have nothing to fear from us. The only wolf you need ever fear is the lone wolf.

As for the fight with the dragon...I remember. All too well. We had a good team, and the skills needed. That is how we survived. ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (08:07:45/01-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-13-13/1011:41>
>>>>>[ Card, you might consider the various Schooling Houses - there's two in Seattle that I know of, one of them (Vigilant Iron) just on the edge of Redmond - or the Alert Peace dojo in Bitter Lake, north end of Downtown.  If you opt for the latter, tell the dojo-master, Isamu, that I sent you his way.  He might go a bit more rough on you, but you can bet you'll get your money's worth.  And I drop in when I'm in town too, so that's an added bonus. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (10:10:10/01-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-14-13/1152:51>
>>>>>[A dojo is all well and good, but there isn't any training quite like getting in a real fight. You really want a challenge, go out to a little dive bar in Redmond called Aces and pick a fight. The regulars are scum, for the most part, but even untrained foes can be dangerous in groups. Taking on the entire bar is a good challenge for a fighter. While dealing with multiple foes is tricky, it helps build situational awareness in a way that sparring one on one can't. In a real fight, it isn't always the most skilled or most powerful that walks away with the win, but the one who makes best use of the terrain and is able to adapt to the situation. There are plenty of champion martial artists who can't hold their own in a real fight because they are too busy using forms and katas that they didn't pay attention to the guy with a pool cue behind them.

Anyways, back on Mother's estate now. I'll be staying here until after the party. And Mother has agreed to record the bout, so I'll probably post the trid after the party.

And yeah, Xerena, that fight was something else. I had my simrig recording everything, so I've got the normal five senses, but the emotional and other such tracks get a bit odd when the person being recorded is possessed, which makes it seem slightly unreal when experiencing the playback. But that was the first fight in a while that I actually blanked out in the middle of. Only happens in the really tough fights. Normally I try to keep a sense of self even in the Frenzy, but when the opponent is strong enough, I can't hold back like that.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:52:22/01-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-14-13/1234:11>
>>>>>[Training against a less skilled partner, could still help with improving, but it definitely wouldn't be as quick. I'd offer to be a training partner for you, but I don't practice with my sword enough, concentrating more on maintaining my marksmanship, so you'd probably mop the floor with me.]<<<<<

--Predator (12:30:45/01-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <01-14-13/1601:42>
>>>>>[Your mileage may vary, but I never learn faster than when I'm teaching. When I'm "off duty" I spend a lot of time teaching the Amateur classes for Mega Heavyweights down at the local gym. Dealing with someone who doesn't know what they're doing, or only sort of knows, can keep you from falling into the trap of expecting the responses of a formally trained fighter. I could spar with Ali for days and it wouldn't actually teach me very much about how Billy Bob the Humanis goon behaves in a fight. ]<<<<<

--Mr. Fabulous (15:01:15/01-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-14-13/1621:44>
>>>>>[Basically what I was saying, Fabulous. When you train solely against martial artists, you don't expect someone to come at you with a broken bottle, or to pull a gun in the middle of a brawl. You need actual fights to learn how to deal with that. Training and experience are the two keys, and they're quite different. But a trained fighter with experience is the most dangerous of all. Especially when the learn how to adapt their training to the unexpected. A trained fighter lacks the awareness of combat outside a dojo. An experienced fighter lacks the discipline that training provides. But when you have both, and then learn to improvise in the midst of combat, you become capable of doing incredible things.

Plus, if you have the skill, a brawl can be a good way to win respect with the local gangs. And if you don't understand why you might want a gang member as a contact, picture being able to have a friend you can call for an instant distraction for law enforcement. Fifty Ancients start cruising through Downtown, and whether they start causing problems or not, the Knights are going to be quite distracted, yeah? And if your escape route just happens to intersect with their 'parade', then it can be a good way to shake a tail.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:21:22/01-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <01-14-13/1657:40>
>>>>>[Yeah, but it's worth noting that Brawls are unpredictable. Once you have half a dozen or so people involved in a combat situation even the savvyist fighter can get blindsided, or at least put in a situation where the killing blow you've been avoiding is the one you need to use not to get creamed. Plus you never know when someone will escalate the conflict beyond the "making friends" level. This is especially true if you're on the gangs home turf. And of course the gangs home turf is where you get the most mileage out of these kind of rep enhancing tricks.

One thing I've had success with is playing on tradition pride. I'm a boxer, a very good one, and a lot of the eastern traditions will sneer down their nose at boxing to the point that they'll accept a more formal match to prove the superiority of Highfalutin-Fu over poor little boxing. Almost every gang these days has some ass hat who got themselves a Black Belt at Mr Miyagi's Virtual Dojo or Karate R Us. Engage their pride and then beat them without making them look stupid and you can have a friend for life. Not least because by letting them look good in the fight will boost their rep as long as you look like the toughest guy on the planet later on.

Hell, one of the groups I work out with at the gym are some kids from the local branch of the Trogs. The toughest half of the gangers on my street think of me as their trainer and know that I can paste their asses. Makes a heck of a security system.]<<<<<

--Mr Fabulous (15:53:37/01-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-14-13/2116:36>
>>>>>[I guess my part time work at the bar will end up being good for me then. Plenty of brawls on Friday nights. Nearly caught a bottle to the head. Good fight, that was.

Part of the reason I wanted to see the recording was to get a good idea on the kind of people I would normally face once/if I get really hard core into running. Plus, it's never a bad idea to have even a small idea of what potential running partners can do.  Also, I just like seeing a good old fashion demonstration sometimes.

Pred, I'll always be up for helping you brush up on melee. Can't really say I can teach you any blade work, but it'd be good experience for both of us.]<<<<<

     -- Card (19:15:30/1-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-14-13/2304:32>
>>>>>[Been a while since I've been in a bar brawl. Maybe I should take my fiancee to a Redmond bar and see how he reacts]<<<<<

--Predator (23:03:02/01-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-14-13/2352:11>
>>>>>[ ... if you follow Iceblade's advice, you will end up dead.
          Certainly you can beat up one guy.  Or three.  Or six.  If you pick a fight - deliberately start a brawl with the entire bar as your chosen target - no matter your street savvy, martial skill, and rough-and-tumble brawling all rolled into one, you will lose.  You cannot know if the fist in your back is going to have a shock glove on, or the swinging club that you are trying to turn into a glancing blow is a stun baton.  Or if someone not even involved in the fight, whether patron or tender, is simply going to be sick and tired of idiots who don't belong there picking a brawl in the only watering hole he can reach on foot, draw, and patiently put a bullet through your pre-frontal.  It does not matter your martial skill.  It does not matter your situational awareness.  Unless your skull is so thick you can bounce a bullet from a heavy pistol or a shotgun from your head, you will drop.
          And then you will die.
          And then your corpse will be looted.  And maybe sold, I do not know.
          People who claim to have learned to fight in such a manner are storytellers and liars; do not believe them.  Even powerful trolls who are martial artists and brawlers (and I have known one or three) do not do this for exactly the reason I have stated.  Tasers and other similar weapons are not so expensive that someone who owns a bar is not going to possess them as insurance against idiots such as someone looking to fight, and looking like he or she might get away with it.
          If you desire to practice 'street rules', all you have to do is ask.  Alert Peace holds two-hour sessions three evenings a week for those who desire instruction and practice using 'street rules'; Isamu's advanced students, a number of which are adepts of various ability, are frequent attendees.  You will find a sufficient workout there, without the foolishness of a lawless bar-brawl that will see you end up floating in the Sound with twelve ounces of lead occupying your grey-matter space. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (11:51:48/01-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-15-13/0822:48>
>>>>>[Well, to be fair, as a possession mage with a spirit ready to go before the fight, I might be cheating a little bit. However, even when you issue a challenge to the bar, there's a rhythm to a fight. Even with people huddled around you, they can't fight effectively all at once, so you'll usually be dealing with 2-3 people at the same time, with others switching in. Your most likely weapons will be pool cues and broken bottles, with the odd knife thrown in. A stun baton might be used to end a fight, but in a dive bar the bartender's more likely to reach under the counter for a shotgun and let off a round to quiet people down if too much property ends up being destroyed. And ranged attacks (tasers included) are difficult to use in a melee, especially with multiple combatants. That kind of tactic also usually isn't in the playbook of people at Aces. You're more likely to see a Predator than a taser. But unless you start maiming people, then guns don't normally come out. And when guns come out, the fight typically ends then and there, since that's when the bartender usually steps in. A fight can be good for business (in places like Aces, it is practically the entire entertainment), but murders bring the wrong kind of attention. Do your research first, and work your way up to things like that. Yes, in some bars they'll kill you and sell your body for parts for starting trouble. But those aren't the ones I'm talking about. I'm talking about the ones where there's a drunken brawl every night, and people come just so they can get involved with the night's fight(s).]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:22:22/01-15-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-15-13/2221:06>
>>>>>[Well, I'll agree with Hawatari on this one. Most of the time, I find bar fights amusing to watch... Well as long as it doesn't interfere with either my business or the nice time I'm having with lovely company. If it does, then I get annoyed. I become dangerous when I'm annoyed and believe me, it's a lot worse than when I'm bored (and a lot of people still regret the times I was bored). If circumstance restrain my actions, I'll shoot one time at the wall and tell everyone to calm the frag down. If I see no consequences or fear them, I start shooting a few brawlers at random. That'll teach the lot not to ruin my evening. But there's hundreds, if not thousands, of bars in Seattle alone so what are the chances I'll be drinking beer in the same bar. Hahaha!

And personally, I don't spar with anyone. I never fight fair and I prefer keeping people in the dark about my real capabilities. There's a few tricks I was never really able to hide but the rest is safely hidden in the bag!

I've arrived in the Tir. I'll be visiting a friend for the night then I'll be there tomorrow for the party.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:20:20/01-15-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-17-13/0117:44>
>>>>>[For those of you who weren't at the party, a great time was had by all, I believe. Thankfully, no problems arose due to Autumn's metatype. The word that she was the apprentice of an assassin of Smiley's stature appears to have gotten around fairly quickly. Also the fact that they showed up in a Banshee probably had something to do with it. Way to make an entrance, you two! And Card, don't worry. Even though there were a few young nobles who tried to get her favor, she rejected them all with that icy politeness the Japanese do so well. So there's still a chance for you!

Smiley, Arkash was quite pleased with the gift you gave him. I don't know where you got that antique Winchester rifle, but he couldn't stop talking about its condition and the engraving. And the fact that it was in firing condition made his night, I believe. Especially since he got to show off his sharpshooting skills after the martial arts demonstration was over. Also, I haven't seen Mother so happy discussing her hobbies in a long while. And the bit of divination was a nice touch. Haven't seen that particular method used before.

I am still having the footage from the competition edited, but here's a picture to tide you over. <<A picture showing Iceblade, in combat fatigues from the TTPF, with a wooden bokken. A Shark shamanic mask is visible over his features, and he appears to be wreathed in purple lightning.>>

And Xerena looked radiant, as usual. You wouldn't believe the scene when I introduced her to Mother. Well, I'll let her describe it, if she wishes.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:17:22/01-17-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-17-13/1418:40>
>>>>>[ You mean when I did my very best imitation of a startled guppy, Miri? Right in front of his mother too, I might add. The effrontery of the man! He waltzes in there with me in tow - and nervous as hell about meeting the formidable matriarch - and before I could even say anything, he introduces me as "the woman I'm going to marry even if she doesn't know it yet." That's when I did the guppy imitation. He'd...just...gobsmacked me, if that is the right word. All I could do was stare at him in shock for a few seconds...and then he sank down on one knee like a knight of old, dressed in his very best, and took my hand in his. All he said was "Marry me, Xerena. You are the one I always come home to." And then he looked up at me. I was still shocked, unable to process it all when he took out a ring >> an image of an Ithium ring with an emerald naga stone<< and slipped it on my finger. I still don't know who in that moment was more shocked...me or his mother. That's when I came back to myself, and what he'd just done hit me. The arrogance of him! It enraged me...but at thye same time...I couldn't deny that this had been coming for quite some time. I'd...just expected him to ask me first. But there the big fool was, blithely announcing it for all and sundry to hear. Asshole! That's when my Spanish Pacion manifested itself and I slapped him once across the face - lightly, mind you - and then pulled him up and kissed him. It must have confused him a little, but he sure kissed back with matching passion.

It was only then that I managed to gather enough decorum to accept his proposal.

Rascal. if he thought proposing to me was going to slow me down in that fight though, he had another thing coming. But I'll let him tell that part of the story.

Me...I still need to fully come down to earth. I'm engaged...wow! ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (14:18:48/01-17-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-13/1431:48>
>>>>>[Well, congratulations to the both of you. I expect an invitation to the wedding.]<<<<<
          --Predator (14:29:49/01-17-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-17-13/2117:36>
>>>>>[That was one fragged up scene I'll never forget! Puppies were raining down the night sky, rainbows comin' out of everyone's ears, the sound of babies laughing and the smell of real, delicious bacon! Hahaha! No, not really. But everyone seemed to think it was close to that! I even thought ice cold Autumn was going to melt for a sec! Hahaha! Well that is something that'll never happen to me. The woman that'll do that to me is in for one awkward moment! That's for sure!

Yeah, I do like to make an entrance! But getting flying rights in the Tir is a fraggin' bitch. Damn! I sure had a good time discussing and exchanging notes with your mother. She probed and tested both my cunning and knowledge all evening. I didn't mind, I learned to love good challenges. I guess I impressed her because it became a little weird after that for a few minutes. She started talking about what it is was to be bearer of a title and then started talking about the available maiden in the place. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was up to... Something...

I was sure glad that your brother liked his present. Finding the rifle was pretty easy. I remembered seeing it on the wall of a... Well someone, and I just had to contact that someone about the rifle. Thanks for the invite, it'll make my dealings in the Tir that much easier from now on, thanks to a room full of noble! It was like a premium buffet of contacts in there! Hahaha! And I found it hilarious that everyone in there seemed to be very okay with my choice of career, although a little nervous a times. Well at least the ones who knew who I was.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (21:17:43/01-17-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-13/0116:31>
>>>>>[You had several things going for you, Smiley. First off, an assassin is a useful tool when playing the Great Game. Second, you're an elf, which counts for a lot in that room. Third, you were able to keep things civil enough to impress in 'polite' society, which means they can trust you not to be an embarrassment if they have to be in the same room with you. Fourth, nobles like a spectacle, which your entrance certainly provided. Fifth, me speaking for you (and Mother's blessing), they know you are capable of keeping your mouth shut when it comes to the important things. It is like getting a consigliere to introduce you to the don at a meeting of all the capos in an area. Just as beneficial, and just as dangerous. And yes, I'm certain she was up to something. She's always up to something. If you meet a Tir noble that isn't up to something, either you're not looking hard enough, or they're dead. But you already knew that, and I dare say you are enjoying the thought.

Now, Xerena, I wouldn't be a nobleman if I didn't have a flair for the dramatic at times. And you were so cute looking at me like that. You should have seen her, with that ring glowing white from all the spells in the area, and the emerald shining with a swirling prismatic effect. I thought gold with a diamond would be nice, but that's one of those things everyone has, sure, the ring only has the one gem, and it isn't as large as some of the rings nobles wear, but I am quite certain that it is a unique piece. And really, why would I want to propose in a normal way to her? Normal ways are for normal people, and neither of us is normal. It was better this way, I think.

Oh, and I daresay several people on this list will have invites to the wedding, once we decide when and where it will be held.

And the fight was amazing. I had Shark and a Spirit of Air to help me, she had Wolf and a Beast Spirit on her side. Even with the help of the spirit (and the electrical aura it lent me), it was a close fight. Unfortunately for Xerena, about three minutes into the duel, I managed to cut through her counterspelling with a powerful Orgasm spell, which allowed me to deal with the Beast Spirit with ease before she could recover. A dirty trick, perhaps, but it worked. For a moment, I thought she was going to make me actually knock her out, rather than concede, but her real plan was just to get her revenge on me once we were back in the changing room, away from prying eyes. Especially since I 'forgot' to end the spell immediately. OW! Sorry, someone was reading over my shoulder, and just punched me.

Anyways, I'll have the edited footage up sometime soon. It lasted about five minutes, all told.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:16:22/01-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-18-13/0144:09>
>>>>>[Hmm...just thought of it, but perhaps there could be a 'double wedding'. Not sure your thoughts on that, but it's a thought.]<<<<<

--Predator (01:42:03/01-18-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kot on <01-18-13/0823:46>
>>>>>[Showoffs.]<<<<<

--NiSayer (09:30:13/01-18-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-18-13/1126:40>
>>>>[Congratulations you two! Totally saw it coming from like, the other side of the country, but still awesome.

Good to know that Autumn has a refined taste in men (no offense to other nobles in here), but I kinda doubt we'll be going anywhere for a couple of reasons. Doesn't mean I still won't look and dream though! The girls I met at the New Year's party help, as does one or two cute guys.

Either way, I'll be looking forward to the (thankfully) edited footage. Business is picking back up again through my legit employer, so I might not be on much this weekend, though we'll see.]<<<<<

     -- Card (9:26:31/1-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-18-13/1802:21>
>>>>>[Oh, my gods, I wish i could have been there, unfortunately I had to look into some things for one of my teams. I hate that i couldn't do anything for them but i wonder what they a re bringing out of where there going. A location that I'll fill you all in on when they're done with the op. Ice, Madre, I don't care where you want to go, I'm paying for the honeymoon. Don't argue, its a done deal. ]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:02:51/1-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-19-13/0333:10>
>>>>>[ Thanks you all for the congratulations. Pred...of course you'd be invited. I'm not sure about a double wedding. I have no idea how these things are done in the Tir. It won't happen all that soon though. There are a number of little traditions to be followed first. For one, I now have to learn how to sew, and then somehow make an embroidered silk shirt for Miri to wear. It's part of the Spanish wedding tradition. A fusion of Spanish and Tir traditions should be...interesting.

Mmm...you make me blush, Wolfgar. In fact...I was going to ask you...since my parents are...dead...would you give me away when the time comes? I can't think of anyone I'd rather have. ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (03:32:48/01-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-19-13/0353:10>
>>>>>[Ehh, not like I expected the double anyway. Just be sure to shoot me a message as to where you register.]<<<<<

          --Predator (03:50:59/01-19-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-19-13/0809:52>
>>>>>[Thanks to you all. And sorry, Predator, but if I didn't have a big ceremony that Mother could show off to her rivals for, I don't know what she would do to me. You're definitely invited, though. Let's see, Wolfgar, Predator, Smiley, Autumn, Card, Murphy, Money Johnson, Mercedes. Sorry Chrona, we'd invite you, but there's still that 'sanitize with extreme prejudice' attitude towards the Infected in the Tir, and it has only grown with the Mealtime Killer and company on the prowl.

Of course, that won't be the whole party. On my side, at least, there will be some army buddies, and I at least have to invite some of the people I see in my civilian life. As for where we'll register, we've talked, and there will almost certainly be two lists. One for civilians, and one for those who might like to do something more 'practical'. You know, all the 'little things' that make a bolt hole more than somewhere to hide until the heat dies down. Still putting that list together.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:09:22/01-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-19-13/2215:29>
>>>>>[Xerena, I would be honored, I'm going to have to pull out my old dress blues, but its worth it and I wouldn't miss it for the world. Ice, your mother's not going to have a problem with a CAS Marine enlisted man will she? Also would it be alright for Tank Girl and Ash to attend, I'm know that TG would love it, and Ash needs to be indoctrinated into those circles.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (22:08:34/01-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-19-13/2219:25>
>>>>>[Oh, also be sure to send me the latest style trends for the Tir pretty close to the date that gets set. I don't really get down there much, and I plan on making a good showing for myself on those lines.]<<<<<

--Predator (22:17:09/01-19-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-20-13/0747:50>
>>>>>[Don't worry, we'll give everyone plenty of advance notice on what to wear. Although, a 'theme' wedding might be fun. See if we can't trick some poncy nobles into dressing up like runners (or what they think runners dress like). Maybe play some old Mercurial and Concrete Dreams and make a real 2050s theme of it. What do you think, Xerena?

Otherwise, it'll be formal wear, but we'll send around the latest trends. The trick is always getting fancy enough that you look the part, but not going overboard and making yourself stand out as someone who 'doesn't belong'. That's a mistake a lot of people who aren't born into the life make. They think the more jewelry and ornaments they got on their outfit, the higher class it is, and they end up looking like Mardi Gras instead of the Grand Tour. Same as a rich person trying so desperately hard to look 'street', but their synthleather is real leather, the scuff marks are all done deliberately by hand, the gun looks nice, but you can see it is a fake from across the room, and so on.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:47:22/01-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-20-13/1358:10>
>>>>>[I don't think I;ll have to worry about that part. Right now I'm trying not to let loose around my boss that the reason I'm asking for specific vacation time is that I'm going to a noble's wedding. That'll just end with some sort of talking to from my grandfather, being told to wear formal chinese clothing (which I probably would anyways), being reminded that if I go I need to not look like a ponce and insult the Triad, ect. So yeah, I'm trying to avoid my coming to a friend's wedding turning into an official order from on high.

Nothing like being having an offer to go to a friend's wedding turn into a awkward moment as I have to do like, five different things as part of a temporary office put upon me by superiors. Especially when one of them is having my boss accompany me as my +1.]<<<<<

     -- Card (11:57:02/1-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-20-13/1601:34>
>>>>>[ Mmm...I had no idea nobles also did themed weddings. I always thought you lot did things formally to a fault. I'd like the actual ceremony  to be traditional, with us in traditional clothes. Normally, formality bores me, but this is a special occasion. I want it done properly. The good thing about traditional clothes is that you can't go wrong with it. It's been entirely too long since last I cared about fashion. The reception we can theme any way you want. '50's, or street, I don't really mind. I like the idea of a '50's theme. Also appropriate. It was a bad decade for me, and now in a sense I can say goodbye to it. ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (16:01:48/01-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-20-13/1656:38>
>>>>>[Understood, Card. Though it is fine if you bring your Grandfather along, so long as there aren't any issues between his Triad and the local Laesa that I'm not aware of. So by all means tell him. I'll send him a formal invitation of his own when we set a time and place. This way, you won't be forced into the position of bringing him as your +1.

And there you have it. The ceremony itself will be formal wear, and and the reception will be a costume ball, with everyone in their 2050s shadowrunner chic. Now just minor details like the time and place need to be worked out. And the catering. And all the other stuff. Heh. Xerena, what do you think about a Midsummer wedding? June 21 is on a Friday this year, but if we move quick, we should be able to arrange a good location for the ceremony and reception. And as for the honeymoon, I have no ideas in particular. Where would you like to go, Xerena? Afterall, Wolfgar is being kind enough to foot the bill (Thanks for that, man!), so it would be rude not to travel somewhere.

Wolfgar, I checked with Mother, and as long as Tank Girl and Ash behave themselves, that's fine. And a CAS Marine won't be a problem either. Although I can't promise that you won't get challenged to a few 'friendly' competitions by some of the Peace Force officers in attendance. You know, the typical stuff when people of two different services meet under friendly conditions. It shouldn't get more intense than a Miracle Shooter drinking game. Which reminds me, I'll have to see about arranging some entertainment for the reception. Afterall, the bride and groom can't exactly do a martial arts exhibition at their own wedding! ;)]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:56:22/01-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-20-13/1717:24>
>>>>>[How about some drone fly-bys, perhaps with smoke trails in your wedding colors?]<<<<<

--Wheeler (17:25:59/01-20-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-20-13/1747:59>
>>>>>[ We should probably invite the old wyrm and Hawatari too. Although I'd understand if you vetoed that one. Maybe just Hawatari? I'm going to need at least a few women around me, because there's things you men just don't understand. :P

I like the spring wedding idea. As for the honeymoon...I'll have to think about it. Someplace I haven't been yet, where work won't intrude. And Wolfgar...thank you, on both counts. It means a lot to me. ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (17:47:48/01-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-20-13/1812:40>
>>>>>[I was thinking more something in line with the theme. Maybe see if I (or Mother) can pull a few strings and get DarkVine or Maria Mercurial to perform. Any other 2050s acts I should consider? Don't want anything too hard-hitting, as that isn't quite the kind of party the crowd would be looking for.

Heh. I doubt Wyrm would want to be in the same room with someone he disdains as much as me. Hawatari, though, sure. And if it is someplace you've never been before, how about someplace up in the Manitou lands? I've been thinking of getting some land up there anyways, to build a winter retreat.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:12:22/01-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-20-13/2037:10>
>>>>>[I'll talk to Maria, she and I are old friends from back when i had just started running, i knew her husband and all that so she will probably show up. As for drone flyby's how about a bunch of Wanjinas, I happen to have a couple of dozen floating around my place that can be moved up there. As far as "those" kind of challenges, i welcome them. Ash and TG i doubt would be a problem, though TG is going to need an escort. Hawatari, if your going, you up to it?]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (20:36:25/01-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-20-13/2209:39>
>>>>>[ If I am asked, I will attend in whatever capacity Xerena requests.  I will confess that drone flybys will raise certain protective instincts within me, but I shall do my best if it comes to it.  It makes me wonder what I should wear, considering the many different types of formalwear I could utilise.  Fortunately, dai-sho go with them all.  Depending on the time-frame, my daughter may be in town; should you extend an invitation to me, I would appreciate one to her as well.
          I will be amused to return to normal clothing for the reception, and to see what clothing it is presumed we wore.  I almost wonder what would key challenges from your guests, though I would suggest the two of you assist in the entertainment in a cooperative martial exhibit.  I am certain there are several of your guests who would be willing to participate.  I would. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (22:09:57/01-20-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-20-13/2311:33>
>>>>>[While he does thank you for the invite, he'll have to see what's going on. More like I'd have to take my ACTUAL boss (one fo the local under bosses) as such, as it would be considered part of my "grooming to eventually earn my way to the top" as he puts it.

On other topics, I'd totally be up for a friendly spar/martial arts demo. I'll even bring my proper tourny clothes. Don't want to come in a work out gi after all.]<<<<<

 -- Card (21:10:30/1-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-20-13/2316:54>
>>>>>[ As it appears the reception is to be themed on '2050 shadowrunner outfits', perhaps you should wear what you would for a 'run.  After all, if you cannot fight in what you wear on a run ... why are you wearing it on a run? ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (23:16:34/01-20-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-20-13/2348:01>
>>>>>[I'll work something out, outfit-wise for the theme. I'll still need those style trends though, as what I would likely do is have something made using those trends combined with the theme style. Have to impress the high-brows that'll be there after all.]<<<<<

          --Predator (23:44:19/01-20-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-20-13/2351:38>
>>>>>[Weddings aren't really my thing, but I'll be there. Crazy parties are and I inquire on who's the best man so I can advise him on how to make that bachelor party one you'll never, ever forget! Hahaha!

I can feel Madre shiver at the thought of me getting involve in Ice's bachelor party from here! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:51:33/01-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-21-13/0000:03>
>>>>>[Hmm, that makes wonder who Madre's maid-of-honor is going to be. Bachelorette parties can be just as rowdy.]<<<<<

     --Predator (23:57:53/01-20-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-21-13/0524:01>
>>>>>[ Just a word of caution to the men. If any of you get into a fight before or during the wedding, I will personally rip off your head - whichever one I can most conveniently reach at the time - and sew it on backwards. I mean it. Behave yourselves. I know you military men. Save it for AFTER the formalities. This isn't a military training camp. :P The first one of you who starts treating it as such will encounter my high-heels.

Hawatari...would you act as maid of honour? And of course, your daughter is welcome to attend. Predator, you can also be a bride's maid. There's a lot of prep work involved in weddings.

As for you,  Smiley...no comment. :P Just make sure he's not hung over too badly, okay? ]<<<<<
.         -- Madrecita (05:42:10/01-21-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-21-13/0656:46>
>>>>>[Say, Xerena, what do you think about having the ceremony in Cara'sir, and then heading to Seattle to have the reception at Club Penumbra? If we're going to do a '50s theme, then there's no place better than somewhere that is still living it up like the 50s, right?

And yes, anyone who causes trouble will be dealt with most severely, I promise.

Wolfgar, I'm thinking no on the drone flybys. For one thing, it may cause a bit of an issue with the Peace Forces to have CAS drones flying overhead. Just a thought.

I got the latest fashion magazines (of the appropriate level, naturally) and forwarded them to the ladies. For the guys, traditional formal wear is fine, whether it is a tuxedo, a traditional Chinese outfit, or a military dress uniform.

As for my best man, I thought of asking one of my brothers, but Arkash and Garret are both busy with work, and can't take much time off. And neither of them is really suitable for this. Arkash is too reserved, and Garret lives in the Matrix, unless someone sets up a signal jammer. My army buddies would be a good choice, but they're active duty, and I don't even know if they'll be able to get leave for the wedding itself, much less get time enough for the planning involved. Most of the other males I know are non-elves. Doesn't matter to me, but this is the Tir, and I am a noble, so appearances must be upheld sometimes. What about it, Smiley? Care to do the job?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:56:22/01-21-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-21-13/1713:52>
>>>>>[ Xerena, it would be an honor.  However, neither you nor your intended should not bother yourselves with such troublesome details other than each other; leave any disruptive activity to your maid of honor and best man.  And if his best man is the disruptive one, then leave it to your maid of honor.  If Smiley-kun is attending, however, perhaps you should offer to Autumn-chan as another bridesmaid.
          I am reminded that I am also remiss in requesting an invitation for a ... close acquaintance of mine, Miss Lily.  It is more in the nature of a formality, but it is important to her that such be observed.  You have not met, but at our relatively recent meeting, it was a possibility.
        Iceblade, are you certain that a noble of your social circle within Tir Tairngire would not be more appropriate and politic? Not to offend Smiley-kun more than I already have, but though he may be an elf, he is not even remotely the most socially acceptable person to have standing in your wedding circle. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (17:13:28/01-21-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-21-13/1801:43>
>>>>>[Smiley has shown himself perfectly capable of maintaining proper decorum in high society. Better, in fact, than some nobles I've known. And, though I personally find it distasteful to think about such things regarding my own wedding, consider the ramifications of someone of Smiley's stature and reputation standing as part of the wedding party, along with other skilled runners both in the party and amongst the guests. It sends a subtle message about who Xerena and I might be able to call to help us out if there was a bit of 'trouble'. Whether the message is truth or not is inconsequential. What matters most is that these things are known. There are nobles within my social circle that I am familiar enough with to ask to stand with me, however, they have roles within the Peace Forces and the Information Secretariat that prevent them from engaging in public displays under their true identities. And while I doubt any will show, I'll of course be extending invitations to the current and most of the former Princes as well. A formality, given that Mother and Father are of Ducal rank, but I doubt any of them will come. Of course, given my sister's relation with her, I'll be extending an invitation to the former Prince Hestaby. My sister was a Paladin to the dragon, so it would be a grave insult not to invite her. And one should never insult a dragon if one wishes to live to a ripe old age of several hundred.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:01:22/01-21-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <01-21-13/2154:11>
>>>>>[Someone's best man? That would be a first, that's for damn sure! Hahaha! But sure, I'll stand at your side wearing one of those fancy pants. And oh hey! I do know how to behave! I just usually don't like to! Misbehaving is one of my natural talents, why would I not use it to its full extent? It would be a shame wasting such a talent! Hahaha!

Oh and I'm not offended at all! All have the right to hate my guts! Everyone's free to think what they like. Words are the reflection of the mind but actions are what reflects the heart! I'm not going to be upset by what someone said though I might point out how stupid that person is! What someone does might upset me! But beware, spreading bulldrek to hurt my rep isn't just words comin' out of someone speaking his mind, it's attacking me! Just making sure everyone gets the subtlety before someone gets any crazy ideas. I can respect honesty! I really do. Serious as drek! I'm touching wood here!

See? I'm not so bad! As a matter of fact, I've never cared about the color of someone's skin, his metatype, the country he comes from or the god he chooses to worship. I see only strength, power and cunning or weakness in others, in other words I only see their worth. I've even had great respect for some of the beings I killed and/or destroyed! For me it's a job, I like my job and I'm really good at it! Oh well, that won't change the fact I'm doing really bad and horrible things but at least I'm doing it without prejudice!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (21:55:06/01-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <01-21-13/2219:57>
>>>>>[A wedding... I think the last wedding I was at was,oh lets see... it was so far back I don't even remember but probably all for the best. Also going to a wedding would probably just give me culture shock after being so far removed from such a life so long ago but it wouldn't hurt to renter that life. I am visiting in the Tir right now on some business so if you need some extra help keeping all the military boys in check or extra security (I'm sure you already have that covered) I'm only a commlink message away.]<<<<<

--Miner Fox (8:18:54/1-21-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-21-13/2224:50>
>>>>>[I'm honored to be chosen as a bride's maid, Madre. Just let me know what you want me to take care of in the way of the preparations, and I'll get right to work on it.

And thanks for the info, Ice. I've gotten some other information along those lines and gotten it sent to a local tailor to get something made.]<<<<<

--Predator (22:21:42/1-21-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-22-13/0213:27>
>>>>>[ ... no, I'm not.  No, look, his parents don't even like me.  Hell, he doesn't like me.  Because he's a nitwit brainwashed fantasist, I said N-- oh, goddammit.
          Mirikon, Xerena, all the happys and that crap. My little kaffeklatch say many ever-afters, and there is recognition being passed your way from another female, invitation-not-required.  I'd call that requested-that-it-not-be-sent, more like - with extreme prejudice.
          And Rakhi, I don't distain you, I just think you're young and deliberately keeping your head under the covers a bit too long.  Ten years, twenty years - in this era, it's a hell of a long time, and no matter what, I still have hope (more, now) that reality will head-smack you into seeing the problems of the people under your heels.  The Rinelle didn't fix everything.  Or even most things, honestly.
          Bah.  Too much of this crap is too deep in my bones.
          If I could get into town without causing a fuss, I might crash your party, invite or not, with my holy-high-hog and all, but effort like that (because I know, after all, that the IS is still looking for me to ask a few pointed questions) is better spent on seeing my own family.
          ... it is suggested that you place Rapa Nui on your itinerary. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:15:00/01-22-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-23-13/1058:15>
>>>>>[I see the problems people under me have. They're the same problems that have existed for Shark knows how long. They were there before the Tir. They were there before the USA split up. They have always been there. Poverty, hunger, the difference between haves and have nots. That won't change, no matter where or when you go. All that changes is who has and who has not. I'm just one man, so I will focus on those close to me. I have made oaths, and chosen my path. What good does it do me to spend my time worrying about things I cannot change? Instead, I will turn my attention to my path, and handle the obstacles in my way as I come to them. I'm not out to change the world, just to live in it. As long as I act in a way that satisfies my own conscience in my personal dealings, I see no reason to change things. Perhaps I am limiting myself, but every swordsman knows that when you overreach, that is when you fall. I strike at targets within my reach, and the problems of the lower classes are not within that circle.

So yes, I see the problems of those under me. I choose instead to deal with the problems that I can actually deal with, instead of wasting my time and energy railing the world. The Tir is a wonderful place to live, as far as I'm concerned. For some, there are certainly hardships, but really, the only difference between the Tir and the UCAS is that elves are on top, instead of humans. There's haves and have nots in both countries, and in both, there are subtle (and not-so-subtle) measures in place to make sure those groups stay where they are. That is how metahumanity operates, and always has. This current is too strong to fight, so I swim with the flow, and make the best of it I can.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:57:22/01-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-24-13/1228:49>
>>>>>[ Hawatari, can you tell me more about Miss Lily? Also...I will certainly consider Autumn. Three formidable ladies should definitely be able to keep things relatively civilised.

And Wyrmy, don't worry. I know better that to invite her. I do thank her for the recognition, though. And Rapa Nui is noted. Interesting destination. Feel free to discreetly crash the wedding? If you do come, try not to antagonise my mate. Please? Just for one day in your life. You can do that for an old lady can't you? ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (10:28:28/01-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-24-13/2202:13>
>>>>>[ ... I ... she ... hm.
          I have a clear grasp of English, but sometimes offering metaphors and deliberate implications are not my best suit. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (21:58:06/01-24-2075)

>>>>>[ She's a young person with a very old soul, Madrecita.  A very etherial sort, so to speak.  She's embarked upon a new phase in her life, and she's decided that Hawatari is the person she's going to do it with.  Granted, there was an offer you couldn't refuse in there, but not everything is always up to us, eh? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:00:00/01-24-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-27-13/1908:18>
>>>>>[Alright, good news, Maria said not just yes but hell yes, she even wants to come to the wedding. I told her i would talk to you two. Penumbra is yours for the asking, i have an in with the current owners and they said sure, just let them know who was doing the catering and they would arrainge. Hey Ice, you think if we promise him an AI as his date, we could pull your brother out of the matrix for one day to be part of your wedding? Gods, I havent been this excited in forever.

On a different note, one of my teams just got back from the Tir, courtesy of Shiwase pulling their cajones out of the TTPF flame. I actually think the pull went a lot higher but I cant be sure. The reason for their little misadventure however I am sure of, they were engaged in a little matrix smash and grab and were double crossed by their Johnson. The way they were double crossed is almost as interesting as where they did the smash and grab being as they had to go in and do it physically. The double cross was pulled off by spraying the area around the meet with micro-RFID chips. These were used to track them as they had to walk right through the mist that was the carrier. Where they did the hit however was on the 81st floor of the ACHE.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (19:07:21/01-27-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-27-13/2018:50>
>>>>>[81st floor you say? That's the floor my mother's office/lab was on prior to the Shutdown debacle.]<<<<<

--Predator (20:16:44/01-27-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <01-27-13/2028:33>
>>>>>[Do you have any idea what she was working on? That program they recovered is nasty if it ever is made to work, if it can be made to work.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (20:28:14/01-27-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-28-13/0105:41>
>>>>>[No idea. She didn't really talk about her projects, but she was an absolute genius with computer technologies. I'd imagine it was something to do with that.]<<<<<

--Predator (01:02:44/01-28-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-28-13/0154:36>
>>>>>[Ah, I heard about that action. And yes, the pull did go a good bit higher, from what I can tell. Tell your boys that someone will be calling in a big favor one of these days, likely the kind that involves you doing things no sane person would ever consider. As for the Arcology, I'm surprised that there's anything still left to find on the lower floors. Those poor slobs who took the UCAS up on their 'affordable housing for the SINless' ploy have plenty of free time on their hands. By the way, the astral is still nasty around the arcology. And one of my contacts is a techno who swears that the Arcology matrix is full of e-ghosts. Like some Resonance version of the Shattergraves in Chicago.

And yes, we'll pass word along once the caterer has been decided. And my brothers will be at the wedding, I assure you. They both will have Midsummer off for the holiday, so that's not a problem. They aren't in the wedding party because they don't know whether they'll be able to make it to all the usual functions beforehand. But yes, they'll be at the ceremony, and the reception. They may be more adept at the political and business games than I am, but they are aware that things would be most... unfortunate for them if they missed this for anything short of a full on emergency. I told them, in no uncertain terms (and perhaps a few exagerated ones), that it would be a contest between Mother and an angry Spaniard to see who got to them first if they skipped out. That, and I have plenty of blackmail stories from when we were kids to tell their friends. Nothing that would actually threaten their positions, of course, but oh the fun wives, mistresses, and girlfriends would have with them, hmm?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:54:22/01-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-28-13/0209:20>
>>>>>[Probably wouldn't have any obvious objects of interest left in her office there, no. I do wonder if anyone has found the hidden safe in the wall though. Only caught a glimpse of it once, so I don't remember exact location, but she kept all her most sensitive stuff in there.]<<<<<

--Predator (02:06:00/01-28-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-28-13/0322:52>
>>>>>[ The wall safe might be there.  The sensitive things are certain to be gone.  Consider the place's previous primary inhabitant; do you think for a moment it would have left something like that go to waste? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (03:30:00/01-28-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-28-13/0758:07>
>>>>>[It depends on whether her mother's research coincided with his objectives. If it didn't involve his eventual plans to escape or securing his fortress until that day, it isn't clear whether he would bother with it. It isn't like he needed blackmail material or anything with all the hostages under his virtual thumb. If her research didn't involve cyberware or matrix programming, there's a chance it could be there. Assuming the spiders didn't dismantle the office for materials for the mazes.

Of course, there's also the chance that one of the Banded came across it, or one of the Resistance (including the runner teams that went in). And they definitely would have taken anything valuable if they had the time to crack the safe.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:57:22/01-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <01-29-13/1218:08>
>>>>>[ Wyrm...I think you and I need to talk. PM me. Hawatari...sure. She can come.

Mmm...I think your brothers should consider the potential trouble if your mother and an angry Spaniard joined together.

Wolfgar...thank you again. I'll have my caterer contact Penumbra as soon as Miri and I finish working out the menu.  ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (12:18:28/01-29-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-29-13/1244:58>
>>>>>[Now, now. They are my brothers. I would have to step in and make you take turns. Both at once is simply too terrifying.

Oh, and while we're on the subject, I had to beat some sense into Arkash. He wanted to change the reception to a maid cafe, of all things. As if I would live to see my wedding if I suggested such things! He's just upset because I showed him pictures from my last jaunt to Neo-Tokyo. Can't say what I was doing or for whom, but it was just after the whole technomancer thing went public. Anyways, at one point the rest of the team went undercover at a maid cafe in order to make contact. My cover was the 'exiled nobleman on tour' schtick, and I used a mask for when we were actually working. So I made a show of doing tourist things, like taking lots of pictures as I went around the city. It just so happened that many of those pictures just happened to be of later targets, but those never made it into the collection I showed my brothers, who thought I was really just on vacation.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:44:22/01-29-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <01-30-13/1441:10>
>>>>>[Humble as always, Iceblade. You should brag more often. People clearly don't know how wiz you think you are yet.]<<<<<

--Joker (1:38:56/01-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-30-13/1526:45>
>>>>>[Please, kid. That's not bragging, but a simple statement of fact. Bragging would be going on about how I had to talk my way into a meeting with the oyabun in Sacramento back when Saito was in charge to do some business, without hiding my ears. Saying that I went to a maid cafe in neo-Tokyo and took pictures of me acting up the nobleman schtick to tease my brothers with is nothing. Hell, aside from the elven noble thing, anyone here could do the same. We're not exactly talking about stealing from Lofwyr's personal hoard, here. (On a side note, if anyone does have a story like that to tell, please don't. I don't want to be in the least ways connected to that kind of story.)]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:26:23/01-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-31-13/0046:36>
>>>>>[ Too late. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:45:00/01-31-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <01-31-13/1857:47>
>>>>>[Bwahahahaha!]<<<<<

--Joker (5:57:31/01-31-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-31-13/1918:31>
>>>>>[Ugh. Seriously, I have enough people who want me dead without others trying to get me in trouble with great dragons. At least the remaining Rinelle types are typically small fry who don't pose much of a threat. Dragons would send people who I'd actually need to worry about. And they've been all too trigger happy lately. Sure, there have been times when I fought above my weight class, but those were certainly not by choice, and I barely came away from them breathing. For the same reasons I don't go try and save all the poor and unfortunate throughout the Tir, I don't go looking for conflict with those who have power vastly dwarfing my own.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:18:20/01-31-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-03-13/1934:22>
>>>>>[Dont worry about Joker Ice, he thinks he's a wit, and he's only half right. Predator the safe held chips in a hardened case, it was the data file in the secure storage that was the doozy, I mean Vampires are bad enough, but Vampiric ICe, would be nasty if it was working. Thankfully the runners told me that they hadnt gotten it up and running before the shutdown, and no body had messed with it since then.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (19:33:02/02-03-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-03-13/2012:45>
>>>>>[Vampiric IC? Well then, that brings a lot of context to a file she had in secure data storage in some things of hers I have. Maybe the second file is the trick to making the whole thing work.]<<<<<

--Predator (20:10:21/02-03-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-07-13/1451:29>
>>>>>[ Uh...little help, someone? I...can't seem to wake Aunty Zee. She took Fen and me with her on a 'run and...well, there was a toxic shaman and...um...I can't swear to this, but it looked like he was fighting a spirit of some kind. Aunty Zee...well...you know her. She just stormed in there and...I guess she helped that poor spirit the toxic was fighting? I dunno. Um...so...what do I do? She's just lying there. She's breathing, and the toxic is...dead. The spirit tore him all to pieces. Now its hovering over Aunty Zee asking her over and over why she did that. I'm not sure if...I should try to help her or...let her wake by herself? ]<<<<<
          -- Ysoni (14:51:28/02-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-07-13/1513:26>
>>>>>[<<4.2 gigapulses deleted by Moderator for language>> Send me the location, I'll be there quick as I can. And first aid can only help, but if you take her to a doctor, make sure it is one who specializes in Awakened patients.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:15:22/02-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-07-13/1627:44>
>>>>>[Ice, TG is at Seatac with my t-bird ready for med-evac. She'll get you there once you have a location]<<<<< Wolfgar (16:25:30/02-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-07-13/1646:17>
>>>>>[ Okay...I got her in the car. That spirit is still babbling at her and insists on coming with. She...I can hear her voice in my head. She...wants me to take her home. Which home? Aunty Zee? Which home? Yours or...? Yes. Count Mirikon said he's coming...oh...he's...um...I'm not going to tell him that! No way! Will you shut up already? No, not you! That fragging spirit! Fen! You're NOT driving! Mirikon, she says she's fine. Just...drained badly I guess. I'm taking her to her lodge. She says the spirit...hired her. It was the ally of that toxic...but before he went toxic. Um...does that  make any sense? She...uh...helped it escape...and...then stole the spirit formula and gave it to the spirit? Some such. Maybe you can make better sense of it. She says you don't have to come. She's just tired. And...she's pretty pissed off at me for telling you all this... ]<<<<<
          -- Ysoni (16:45:28/02-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-07-13/1717:08>
>>>>>[<sigh> So, the spirit hired her to get the toxic's spirit formula. My guess would be to either put its friend out of its misery, or to find some way to 'redeem' it. Don't know if the second is possible, actually, but there's a lot about spirits we don't know. Anyways, tell her that I'm still coming. Oh, and before she's able to move, I have something I want you to do for me, Ysoni. If you look in her sock drawer, you'll find some restraints. I'm going to be yelling at her, so I'd appreciate it if you could keep her from running away before I get there.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:16:18/02-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-07-13/2033:48>
>>>>>[Ice, would you like for me to put a call in to my hermetic cousin to help you out with that situation?]<<<<<

--Predator (20:32:23/02-07-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-07-13/2125:17>
>>>>>[Oh, no need. Dealing with angry spirits is something I'm good at. Once I get Xerena to spill what the spirit hired her for, whether it was extermination or otherwise, I'll have a better idea of what needs doing. But first, the yelling.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:25:28/02-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-07-13/2143:43>
>>>>>[All right. Offer's still open just in case. Make it a double dose of the yelling for me.]<<<<<

--Predator (21:42:09/02-07-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-08-13/0311:30>
>>>>>[ Okay. Ysoni got the story all wrong. He got a little bit excited and wasn't thinking straight. The toxic shaman was...an old friend of mine. Back in the Yukatan, before I left for Bogota, before I came to Seattle, he and I helped each other initiate. He conjured an ally spirit at that time, and we did some good work together. Unortunately...he chose the toxic path. It...wasn't something his ally spirit could accept. I guess he never managed to corrupt his ally, and it kept fighting him until it finally got free. It...hired me to retrieve its formula from what used to be my friend. Only...he turned out to be a fair bit more powerful than I thought. He must have Been a level or so more advanced. But...I won in the end. It was...difficult. He was mu friend, and I had to kill him. Anyway...that's the story. Ysoni didn't tie me up. He wouldn't dare. Sorry, Mirri my dear, but my boys know better than to do that. You were never going to get that kind of help from them. :P He did yell at me, though. It was a splendid little fight. Not that I had the energy for a prolonged fight.]<<<<<
.       -- Madrecita (03:13:08/02-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-08-13/0845:28>
>>>>>[And this is why you don't go alone against toxics. If magic is the mage manifesting their will upon the world, then there is a power in the single-minded insanity that most toxics exhibit. I'd be a happy elf if I never had to fight another toxic shaman again. The toxic Shark shaman I fought once still haunts me. He was what you might call a Reaper. He turned from Shark the Destroyer to Shark the Ravager, and sought nothing more than spreading death. He was the more powerful mage, but he was not trained in melee combat, which proved his undoing. Still, it was a close thing.

I think every mage who's been around has a story like that, where someone they knew went down the dark paths.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:45:22/02-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <02-08-13/1528:08>
>>>>>[The glass is half full, Wolfster. At least I know enough not to stick my neck out for anyone.]<<<<<

-- Joker (02:24:22/02-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-10-13/2020:29>
>>>>>[And that Joker, is why yours is the first throat that gets cut in risky situations. If you aint willing to put your neck out for others, then others wont put their necks out for you or usually even have your back.

Ice, Madre, I have a chance to give you one other gift, though I dont know how you would take to it. I have four canids at the house, two wolf, two mastiff and they end up breeding at about the same time. I can offer either a pure breed of either or a mix of both, your choice.]<<<<<

Wolfgar (20:20:20/02-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-10-13/2045:10>
>>>>>[He's right, Joker. The reason I have people willing to lay their lives on the line for me is because I've done the same for them. Sure, most of them will still expect a payday at the end of it, or at least a favor to be repaid later, but that's just business, and I'm the same way. But if you don't learn to take some risks, you'll be the first one gunned down when some Johnson decides that the runners he hired know too much, or that hiring a group of gangers with assault rifles is cheaper than paying you. Or maybe the corp you just hit decides to take a page out of the Azzie playbook and get a mad on for revenge. If you don't have people willing to take risks for you, then you're going to be in a bad way.

Wolfgar, out of respect to Xerena, I'd have to say the pure wolf.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:44:02/02-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <02-12-13/1407:06>
>>>>>[You are saying that you are safe because you put yourself in unsafe situations that you don´t have to. Might wanna examine your logic on that one.]<<<<<

--Joker (13:06:55/02-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-12-13/1418:32>
>>>>>[Kid, there's no such thing as 'safe' in this line of work. There's only more or less fragged. And because I played to the edge of my abilities for people before, they're willing to do the same for me, meaning when someone really wants to put me in the ground, I have people who I can call on to scoop me out of the fire. You don't understand, because you've only been around a short time. But if you aren't willing to do for others, don't expect anyone else to do for you. Even Wyrmy would probably agree with me on that one.

And that's simple experience. Logically, I should be dead several times over by now. This world is not a logical place. It is full of all kinds of chaotic elements that can save you or damn you at a moment's notice, and unless you start lining up variables on your side, you're going to find the odds piling up against you, and eventually you're not going to make it.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:18:22/02-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <02-12-13/1946:38>
>>>>>[Euchh.  I have to agree with Mirikon on something?
          Joker, the real world doesn't work on logic.  For teammates, for contacts, even for normal people if the risks aren't very high, you go out of your way to not be an asshole, to pull them back from the fire, to cover their tails while they get clear.  You do that, they do the same for you because y'know, they want their bacon saved again, and you've done it for them before.  It's called not being a rat bastard.  If you are a rat bastard, expect other people to stand by and applaud when you get screwed over instead of helping you out.
          So how's the wedding prep coming? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:45:00/02-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-12-13/2220:29>
>>>>>[Well, there's always coercion and blackmail. If you find the right lever, it works well on nearly everyone and for bonus, if you're smart, you can even survive on that for a very long time!

Me, I do get out of my safe zone for a few people! Don't get wrong though! Don't find any true altruism there because, well, it's me we're talking about! But I do like to collect favors, lots of them, I find these most useful! If you choose grant them to the right people and work like a professional, they can go a long way to guarantee a better chance of  daily survival and get what you want! But the best is to use everything in the book! Favors, blackmail, coercion, seduction, manipulation, anything to get people to do what you want! The right means, in the right situations for the right end games! One as to choose well! Although, I'll admit, it is preferable if they don't resent you for it afterwards! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:20:06/02-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-13-13/0119:26>
>>>>>[Blackmail is tricky, especially when your ass is in a sling. You got to do it with just the right touch, and not let the mark know what trouble you're in, or they may just decide to get rid of you (and thus the blackmail attempt) instead of helping. Always make it seem like what they are going to do for you poses a lot less risk than what you could do to them. And then sweeten it with a little something extra, just to take the edge off the resentment.

But yes, Smiley is a good example of what I'm talking about. You stick your neck out for some people, and then you get a favor you can call in when you're in trouble, or when you need a piece of gear that you simply can't get through normal means, or whatever. Always be a professional, even when you're blackmailing someone. That also plays into how effective your blackmail attempts are. Once a blackmailer starts getting emotional about things, it is all downhill from there.

Wedding prep is going fine. We have a date and a location for both the ceremony and the reception. The ceremony is going to be formal wear, obviously, while the reception at Penumbra will be a theme party, with everyone in their '50s runner chic. Invites are on their way. Wyrm, Xerena insisted one go to you, so there is one. I'll guarantee security at the ceremony and the reception. Getting in and out of the Tir is your business. If you like you can just come to the reception, if that will simplify your arrangements.

Still working on some of the details, like the menu, and the caterer. Mother is talking to a 'friend' at Charisma to line up a couple people to do live music. Not confirmed yet, so I can't give the names or the managers will throw a fit. I'll be wearing my dress uniform, and Xerena's narrowed the choices down to something like ten dresses at last count. Smiley's been talking with my brothers about the bachelor party, and all I've been able to find out from them is something about changelings and a pixie. Your guess is as good as mine what that is about.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:19:37/02-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <02-21-13/2153:43>
>>>>>[You speak as though you believe that everything is just random occurrence, but then your motivations for covering peoples' asses speaks to the contrary. The truth is that trusting or relying on people get's you in trouble more than anything else. Trust no-one and you wont have so many seemingly random factors.]<<<<<

--Joker (20:53:29/02-21-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-22-13/1007:29>
>>>>>[Joker, you have to remember that you cannot handle everything yourself. People need other people either to help them, or to watch their backs, or even just to do something that is beyond them. Sometimes you handle this through money, sometimes through friendship, or finally through blackmail. I personally prefer to use either friendship and favors owed, or straight cash payments. Blackmail can get to messy and offers to many handles to the other side afterwards for my taste because if i think you've been nasty enough to have that kind of leverage i would have against you, i would rather just shoot you and be done with it. That said, i've seen what Smiley can do with blackmail material and he is a veritable artist in its use so it works for him. Which is one of the many reasons i keep him on my speeddial list. Xerena and Ice i have learned i can trust at my back along with a few others to make sure i make it out of a situation or to just get a job dont period and to be totally professional in the performance there of. Joker, you are destined for a short unhappy life in the shadows unless you learn or luck supremely favors you for some reason.

End of Discussion

On the wedding front I have another group to play at the reception. Though i'm no allowed to say whom yet, but Maria told me the other day that she has no problem working with them and looks forward to it.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar  (10:05:49/02-22-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-22-13/1135:34>
>>>>>[Nah you don't understand! Maybe he's a master H@x0r, a uber street samurai, an Arch Wizard of the 69th circle and Top Level in other things all at the same time! A one man shadowteam! The dream... he's there you see?! He's... HAHAHA!!!

Fact is, in the shadows, you need people to do the things you can't or won't do. Even me, as good as I am in many fields, I still need help in the fields I suck at. And the fact that I can't be everywhere at once creates a need of either puppets or allies. Somehow, one as to find a way to work with others that will complement your own abilities to get the job done. How do you trust all these people you'll ask! Well, there are ways that can help you be certain of the people around you, but you are right... You can never be truly certain. In the same token, you might bite the dust because a bus rolled over you face when you crossed the street, you can't be certain of anything! Well, unless you are both a genius and can see the future...]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:35:29/02-22-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Devil on <02-22-13/2225:30>
>>>>>[You could just look before you cross. Anyway, I'm not saying don't work with people. Just don't trust them or get yourself caught or killed for them. This doesn't mean that nobody does their job, it means that when the chips are down you do what you have to do to make sure you can keep on doing things. If you are going to put yourself at unnecessary risk for someone then at least make sure you are getting tangible out of it in the scheme of things. "Thanks buddy" doesn't pay for your coffin. The way I see it, that's just the code of the street. A friend is someone you hang out with, maybe make a little cash with, not die for. Nobody is that important, unless you love 'em. Love makes all kinds of stupid acceptable.]<<<<<
     -- Joker (21:25:06/02-22-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-24-13/0749:17>
>>>>>[ The plain fact is...if you look out for your team, you're likely to be asked along next time more often. Looking after your team means more nuyen in your pocket. Also, looking out for them means they're more likely to look out for you, thus mitigating the risk of looking out for them to begin with. It all balances out. You are correct that no one should ever be trusted blindly...especially not with business. But over time, you do build yourself a group of contacts who knows you very well, and whom you know. It's a calculated risk, but it's a risk worth taking.

Now...wedding update. I've selected my gown. It took some doing to have it made properly. And no. You can't see it until the day of the wedding. The catering is taken care of and will feature Tir and Spanish foods and drink. Miri...the shirt is made. Silk. Wear it under your dress jacket. It's tradition. I've also arranged the thank you gifts, and the thirteen silver coins you're to give me. The cake is arranged, as are the flowers. Its all set. ]<<<<<
        -- Madrecita (07:49:15/02-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <02-25-13/0008:13>
>>>>>[Thirteen silver coins? Never heard of that tradition.]<<<<<

     -- Card (22:07:10/2-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-25-13/2337:52>
>>>>>[You can practice all you like, but it is only through combat that your skills are truly honed to perfection. Taking risks, therefore, is a necessary part of staying ahead of the curve, to say nothing of being the best you can be. And the thing about friends, Joker, isn't so much what you do for them but what they're willing to do for you when you need it, sometimes before you ever know you need it. Perhaps they got ears in places you don't, and they heard the Johnson you're working for has a habit of sending 'cleaners' to take care of his teams afterwards. If all your relations in the biz are strictly cash, then there's nothing to keep that fixer from sending you out on a suicide run. But when people know that you're willing to go that extra mile for them, it gives them incentives to look out for your general welfare, and they're more likely to do the same for you. That doesn't mean you run into a dragon's lair on a whim, but if a buddy gets picked up by some Yaks and you know they're going to geek him once they extract intel from him, then staging a rescue mission will earn you one hell of a marker next time you are in trouble.

Card, its some Spanish thing I think. Probably some descendant of bridal dowries or the like. And yes, Xerena, I'll wear the shirt. Also, the managers and lawyers have finished their talks, so I can confirm the acts who will be performing. Deirdre will be playing at the ceremony in Cara'sir, and Maria Mercurial will be playing at the reception at Penumbra. Oh, and if you see a sky blue pony with wings wandering around, don't worry, it is just a free spirit I met in Denver, and we've kept up correspondence since then. Interesting fellow.

Anyways, as has been said, formal wear for the ceremony, and come in your 50s runner chic for the reception. Wolfgar, pass along the group you were talking about, and I'll see what I can do. I don't think the performers will mind, but you know how managers get.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:37:23/02-25-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-26-13/0028:27>
>>>>>[The only reference to thirteen silver coins I know has nothing to do with weddings...]<<<<<

--Predator (00:26:08/02-26-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <02-26-13/0055:41>
>>>>>[ You're probably thinking thirty, Predator, which from your previous talk sounds like your standard fee.  And your search-fu is weak.
     The thirteen coins, 'las arras', are a bridal gift from groom to bride in part symbolizing the groom sharing the bride's dowry with her, his ability to provide for their family, and the bride's trust that he'll be able to do so.  The quantity of thirteen symbolizes Christ and the twelve apostles; silver or gold can be chosen.  (For these two I would have expected gold.)  Which reminds me.
     Mirikon, find, build, have built, beg, borrow on a permanent basis, steal, or otherwise acquire a box for the damn things by at least a day before the wedding.  Also, they need to be blessed by a priest, apparently/ideally the priest who's going to marry you two. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:00:00/02-26-2035)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-26-13/0721:11>
>>>>>[Interesting. I never knew it had that kind of meaning. Well, since it is that important, I'll do as you say, Wyrm. Nothing wrong with a bit of ceremony now and then.

Also, I think you confused Joker and Predator for a second there.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:20:22/02-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <02-26-13/1422:12>
>>>>>[ Did I?  Great GNU, I did.  Sorry, Predator, had a few things on my mind.  They're all decrypted, now.
          Also, Mirikon, I'm told (though not reliably) that there are certain designs each coin should have, at least for a good Hispanic Catholic like your intended is.  I'd take what she's arranged for and upgrade, though.  It ain't as though you can't afford it. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (14:30:00/02-26-7520)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-26-13/1430:17>
>>>>>[ Wyrm got it. I left catholicism behind a long time ago, but I am still Spanish. Miri, you need not have them blessed by the priest. Just as long as they are presented, that will be enough. Wyrm, silver is traditional. It is symbolic in any case, and not about the actual monetary value.

I do not understand some of the newer generation of elves. Those who are raised speaking Sperethiel. They seem to feel there is such a thing as "authentic elven culture". There wasn't when I was born and raised. Were were Spanish UGE children. Born elvish, but raised Spanish. I am not entirely comfortable with "elvish culture". Perhaps that makes me old-fashioned. I do not know.

On an altogether more exasperating note...never let a group of boys use your house for a party. They will discover your music room and prompty form a band. The songs will grow progressively more bawdy as the amount of beer decreases, and the next morning, they will have no recollection of what happened. The upside is...you will have blackmail material for years to come. :P ]<<<<<
          -- Madrecita (14:30:10/02-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <02-26-13/1923:39>
>>>>>[Meh! Don't worry, Madre. I wasn't exactly raised in an elven culture either, although I do speak Sperethiel natively. The few traditions I honor are all Chinese. So you won't be alone not perfectly accustomed to Tir or elven culture at the wedding.

On another note, even if Ice's brothers aren't exactly comfortable with all my ideas, the preparations for the bachelor party are going full speed. I have just secured the elephant I needed!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (19:24:08/02-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-27-13/0126:39>
>>>>>[I'll admit that I was never close enough to those of Royal rank to observe them personally, especially not before the changes after the revolt, but if you look back on the old Shadowland posts about the Tir and other Awakened nations, you get the sense that there is more going on than has been let out to the public. Certainly, the culture of the Tir was, for lack of a better word, created by the original Council of Princes, but I'm not the only one to say that they plainly were pulling from older sources. If, as it seems, Sperethiel (and Or'zet, for that matter) is a language that is from what Ehran the Scribe would call the 'Fourth World', then there would needs be a culture that went with it. Which begs the question, how close to the 'elven culture' of ancient times is what came to be in the Tirs? I cannot say for certain, but if Wordsmyth, Laughing Man, Hecate, the Big 'D', and Orange Queen all start looking like they're referencing some common history, then there is likely something there. Just like how if I see Dodger, Fastjack, and Wyrmy here all talking about the same something on the Matrix, then there's probably something there.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:26:23/02-27-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <02-27-13/0155:53>
>>>>>[Yeah, you're right, it's thirty. Chalk it up to a misfire in the old noggin. And it's all good, but I will say if one can't trust their team not to sell them up the river, then they probably won't get anywhere.]<<<<<
          --Predator (01:53:31/02-27-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-27-13/2052:18>
>>>>>[Definitely true with established teams. However, when you're all pulled together by a fixer, and haven't worked together before, there's bound to be trust issues. That's simply natural. However, that's where reputation comes in. If you have a rep of being trustworthy and a professional, then you're less likely to have someone try and double cross you, because they want to have someone like you at their back. Furthermore, if you have a rep that says anyone who DOES double cross you gets taken down, and hard, you'll find the pool of people willing to betray you shrinking further. In my case, people know that if you betray me, I will come back for you, and I will kill you. However, because I'm a professional, I do try to avoid involving friends and family. The frenzy can make that difficult, so I try to choose the point of attack to be somewhere that the friends and family are out of the way. When blood is in the water, Shark does not always recognize 'innocent bystanders'.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:52:22/02-27-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <02-28-13/1456:39>
>>>>>[ Having family or a loved one along on a run can definitely be a problem. The first problem a close partnership within a larger team creates is that the other team members know that when things go south, the close pair will look out for each other first, and the rest of the team - sometimes even the job - be damned. Back when Sinead and I ran together, we had a common grudge against Aztechnology which, at the time, we both considered more important than our lives. This is now my policy when I run with someone close to me. For that amount of time, the job becomes everything. When Miri and I did the big Aztlan run, we followed that policy. While on the job, you cannot afford to be distracted, even by the pain of a partner. ]<<<<<
          --Madrecita (14:56:31/02-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-28-13/1836:45>
>>>>>[Indeed. All you can do is trust in the other person's skills, and your own, to see you through it. In that regard, Wolf and Shark are better suited to such things than other totems. Hunters first seek to bring down their prey, and then worry about what to do afterwards. One of the totems that worries more about protecting than attacking would probably be easier distracted by the pain of a loved one. We know the quickest path out of danger is through the death of our foes. Fears and worries can wait until the battle is done. But it is not easy to put such emotions aside. Only through training and discipline am I able to do it. Indeed, it is that training and discipline that separates a warrior from a brute. Anyone can raise a weapon to try and take a life. But allowing your emotions to sway you during battle will leave openings and become your undoing. The first thing any fighter must do is master themselves. Or as Sun Tzu would say: "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle." There are many times when we are uncertain of the enemy, or their capabilities, until we see them used against us. Therefore, you must know yourself, and master yourself. Only then can you have a chance of surviving through the battle.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:36:22/02-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-06-13/1517:08>
>>>>>[Another wedding update, for those who care. Just got back from the ruins of Mt. Shasta. There was one invitation I had to deliver in person, even though she's no longer there. I seriously doubt Prince Hestaby will come to the wedding, as she's got serious problems right now, but as the one my sister swore a Paladin's Oath to, it would have been a grave insult not to invite her. And I try to avoid insulting dragons, for all the obvious reasons. Didn't actually get to meet the Orange Queen, of course, but I left the invitation with a spirit of Air who lived there, who said she would try to deliver it to Hestaby, in return for a favor. So now I have a few flowers from Mt. Shasta that the spirit had protected growing in my garden.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:16:22/03-06-75)

<OOC> Edit for events in recent books.
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-10-13/0613:35>
>>>>> [Hoi, chummers all. Finally got a decker pal to set me up. Anyway . . . anyone know a spell or mana effect that could give the appearance of fossilizing?]<<<<<

-- Longshot (20:09:12/03-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-10-13/0744:29>
>>>>>[The <Petrify> spell turns flesh to stone, much like the mythical Medusa's gaze. There are several versions of it around. Most only affect a single target, and it has a limited duration, reversing itself once the caster stops sustaining the spell. However, there are other versions around. I fought a combat mage down in LA that used an area effect version. And Mother created one with a more permanent duration. She calls it <Gorgon's Eye>, and keeps the ones who are more pleasing to the eye as decorations in the garden at her estate. Most would be fine if they were ever released from the spell, but there are a few that wouldn't be so lucky. The spell doesn't affect things like cyberware, so there's a couple statues that will be missing some critical bits if released, and then there's the ones who were made into the fountain. A lovely trio of assassins who tried to kill Father years ago. I don't know what would happen if they were released, but I am betting having metal pipes running through your body probably isn't good for your health.

There are also similar spells that turn flesh into other substances, such as goo, metal, or ice. There was even a post on MagicNet about someone designing a <Flesh to Manure> spell to use on his ex-wife. Not sure how that one turned out.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:44:22/03-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-10-13/1007:41>
>>>>>[O....kay. Then no, that wasn't it. <deep breath> My crew and I found something on our last op - probably unrelated to the op itself, but it's seriously out of the 'ordinary'.
We found what looked like a fossilized insect flesh-form - I get the shakes just thinking about it.
Another of my crew got pics of it, but we agreed not to spread word around until now.
Anyone heard of anything that could do this?]<<<<<

--Longshot (11:58:59/03-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-10-13/1052:58>
>>>>>[Three possibilities. First, if it was a flesh form, a <Petrify> spell might work on it. I've never tried it, myself, as I prefer to deal with bugs in a more emphatic manner. Second, it could have been a spell designed purposefully to turn spirits to stone. Third, if the cycles of mana theory put forward by Ehran the Scribe (and seemingly supported by the existence of ancient artifacts), then the flesh form could have been from an earlier age of magic, and fossilized in the usual manner: time and pressure calcifying organic material. What clothes, if any, was the flesh form wearing? What can you tell us about the location? Were there any artifacts (magical or not) in the area?

Either way, the folks at the ASPS, Draco Foundation, and DIMR might pay for those pictures, as well as any sensor readings you took, and the details of the location.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:52:22/03-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-10-13/1144:07>
>>>>> [I get it. But a <Petrify> spell is likely to have resulted in a statue effect, right? Like the statue at the Alabaster Maiden? This thing was in - hell, part of - one of the rock walls on site. Looking at photos, I can't tell if the thing was wearing clothes - I'm no expert.
Not sure about releasing location details, since it could come back on us. I'll have to come up with something] <<<<<

-- Longshot (01:12:36/03-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-10-13/1612:51>
>>>>>[Inside one of the walls, huh? Or more like part of one? There are spells that allow one to play with throwing objects (or creatures) into walls and having them stay there. Simplest answer would be that someone combined the two spells. And the thing was definitely stone, and definitely not moving, right? Could be a fossil dug up in the creation of the tunnels that someone left in for decorative effect. Or it could be one of the creatures that knows a helluvalot more about magic than any of us mortals decided to throw the spirit there, as punishment.

Oh, and if the creature appeared to be stone and moving, either it was some form of golem instead of a bug, or you were watching an illusion. Either way, the creator has a sick sense of humor.

Sorry, but without more details, I can't begin to speculate on the exact nature of what you saw. But the DIMR is probably one of your best bets for finding out what the frag was going on. At the very least, they may pay you a bit for the story.]<<<<<

Iceblade (16:12:08/03-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <03-10-13/2143:21>
>>>>>[Sometimes, burying your head in the sand is the best option. You should just forget about it and not mention it again. Trust me!

Some secrets are best left fossilized and forgotten.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (21:43:38/03-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-11-13/0438:08>
>>>>>[Normally I'd agree with you, Smiley, but anything that can do something like that to the bugs is either something you want to have, or something you want to stay way the hell away from. What you don't know CAN kill you.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:37:22/03-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-12-13/1845:38>
>>>>>[Send me the pics and if you feel comfortable the location. I'm kind of the resident bug expert and exterminator, I don't know about spells or mana effects but i understand aging and I know who to talk to to get a quiet carbon dating.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (17:40:39/03-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-12-13/1915:18>
>>>>>[I seriously hope that whatever it is, it is from the last age of magic, or just someone combining those spells that allow you to store something in a wall and the petrify spell. That alone would probably take a moderate to high level mage to pull off, but it is doable. Anything else, and I want to know what it is, before I find that kind of power being turned against me. Let me know what you find out, Wolfgar.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:14:22/03-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-13-13/0424:14>
[OOC: how do you want to do this? Because as far as my character is concerned, this is genuine, not a prank attempt or punking. But I haven't found a suitable pic or 3 to share (big surprise)].
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-18-13/0006:03>
>>>>> [Pics sent to you, Wolfgar. If anyone wants to check out the actual location for themselves, it's at 47.349059, -121.963062 - it's underground, about 260 metres, after 120 metres take the first left fork, then after 108 metres take the first right fork. The fossil(?) is above the main passage in a small cavern, the further end is caved in.

I went back there.  Risky, I know, but I really wanted to be sure I wouldn't be sending anyone into a trap. The objective of our 'run is gone, the Johnson must've gotten it removed. But it may be only a matter of time before the space is occupied by something else.]<<<<<

-- Longshot (13:27:20/03-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-25-13/0439:54>
>>>>>[Jeez, please tell me I didn't 'send" anyone into a meat grinder!]<<<<<

-- Longshot (18:36:59/03-25-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <03-25-13/0948:25>
>>>>>[No not a meatgrinder. Near enough to the Mycenean labyrinth though. Looks like it is a proper fossil, got a contact running tests to confirm it though. What it would be doing in a termite mound is whats bothering me.]<<<<<  Wolfgar ( 084532)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-25-13/1159:25>
>>>>>[We know that insect spirits typically don't get along with those from other hives, unless there's some overarching organization like the Universal Brotherhood in place. There have been reports of different hives attacking eachother, for instance. If we accept that there were previous ages of magic, and that this fossil is from one of those ages, then the options come down to one of those two things. Either an ancient UB, or an ancient war between hives.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:59:22/03-25-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-26-13/1019:20>
>>>>> [Well, that's a relief. Didn't like the idea of having 'runners chasing my hoop.
Was there a background count? Seems like there should have been, but our mage doesn't have the experience (yet) to pick up on that.

And that's not the only weird stuff I've come across under the Seattle 'plex.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (09:14:24/03-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-26-13/1827:10>
>>>>>[The Universal Brotherhood wasn't as big in Seattle as it was in Chicago, but they still had their fingers in a lot of pies in the Metroplex. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if there were still flesh forms hiding in the sprawl, or a few insect shamans who escaped before the Feds and the Knights could round them up. I know one runner team who cacked some former UB members who were trying to summon a Queen using some artifact to increase their power (and using a bunch of orphans as hosts), back when the Artifact Craze was in full swing.

Oh, and if you want something new to keep you up at nights, a contact of mine was on 'business' in an Ares node, and pulled out a research proposal, suggesting that they experiment on having their 'tame' bugs invest cyberzombies. From what I could tell, the project didn't get past the proposal stage, but the fact that people were even thinking such things should be enough to make you want a nice, stiff drink.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:26:22/03-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-26-13/1834:27>

>>>>>[My sister was reading over my shoulder (I forget it shows up in words and not just braille) and is now having nightmares about Ares filling her with bugs..]<<<<<
--Chrona (22:32:22/03-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-26-13/2026:08>
>>>>>[Bug inhabited cyber-zombies? Great...thanks for the nightmares, Ice...]<<<<<
--Predator (19:24:37/03-26-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-27-13/1650:34>
>>>>>[Ares has been walking down a dark road for a while. The problem with the way the megacorps (and Ares in particular) think is that spirits are not simply a new kind of gun you can point at your enemies and have them be ripped to shreds. These are sentient creatures with a will of their own. Some of them have quite the sense of malice, as well. You cannot force spirits to obey your commands in the long term by power alone. They can play the long game as well as dragons and elves. And they are not particularly forgiving to those that enslave them.

Spirits must always be treated with respect. If it is the spirit you summoned or bound, or even an ally conjured to aid you, if you treat the spirit with respect, as a partner, then the rewards can be great. Just as your rep on the street affects how those in the shadows deal with you, so does your rep with spirit kind affect future relations. If you should chance upon a free spirit, having a reputation for respecting spirits means there is a chance that you can do business. Have a reputation for mistreating spirits, and that free spirit may decide to have an adversarial relationship with you, and all that entails.

Of course, the same can be said of the hostile spirits. The shadows, the blood spirits and the bugs. None of them can be controlled in the long term. To try simply invites disaster upon yourself when they find a way to rebel, or the worse fate when they manage to corrupt who you are. The only thing you can do is destroy them without mercy or pity, but with respect for their power. I have drawn my sword against spirits before, but even when their summoner treated them as slaves, and sent them against me, I treated them with respect, even as I cut them down.

This respect has forced me to take the more difficult road at times, as you may expect, but it serves me well more often than not. For instance, when I took that little trip to Denver with Murphy, and the nice MCT goons decided to take their shot, it was being on good terms with the local spirits that helped convince the ZDF that it was self defense and got the whole thing dropped so quickly.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:50:22/03-27-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-27-13/2320:02>
>>>>>[It's been a few years since i summoned anything from an Earth or Fire Plane. Since that time I summoned an Earth Spirit in front of a pursuing Yak car and had a Fire blow itself up during an Ether leak at a drug facility
Anyone know if they're even mad at me in the first place? I didn't bother to check..]<<<<<

-- Chrona (03:20:22/03-27-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-28-13/0111:53>
>>>>>[Well, if you don't make a habit of using spirits in that way, then it shouldn't be anything to worry about. Really, as long as you treat the spirits you summon as comrades rather than slaves, you should be fine. It can be as simple as the tone you take when you use their services. For instance, there is a difference between ordering a spirit to attack, and asking it to fight by your side. This attitude is especially important when binding spirits. Ask things of them, instead of ordering them, and you'll find yourself in a much better position should that spirit ever go free. This goes double for allies. You should treat an ally spirit as your closest friend and companion. If you don't, they may start looking to find ways to undermine your orders, or doing things you didn't ask them to do at the worst possible time. They are bound by the words of your orders, not the intentions, after all.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:11:33/03-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-28-13/0150:59>
>>>>>[Ice, are you capable of saying anything without sounding like a teacher?.]<<<<<

--Chrona (05:51:33/03-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-28-13/0209:07>
>>>>>[Heh. Well, the Swordmage tradition I follow is rather shamanistic in its views on spirits. I suspect you'd probably get similar reactions from a shaman or houngan. I wasn't trying to sound like a teacher, but rather to pass on the wisdom given to me by my Master and the spirits, in the manner it was passed down to me.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:08:22/03-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-28-13/0213:17>
>>>>>[So like a teacher then..]<<<<<

-- Chrona (06:13:22/03-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <03-28-13/0220:21>
>>>>>[I'm not a magician myself, but the way you described it is different than how my cousin talks about those things. Then again, she's hermetic.]<<<<<

--Predator (01:18:14/03-28-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-28-13/0231:34>
>>>>>[Yes, well, a lot of hermetics tend to view spirits as servants or tools, and then wonder why they get pissed and make it rain blood in the Mojave.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:31:22/03-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-28-13/0244:53>
>>>>>[You almost had me stopping the water spirit I've got doing my dishes right now but I'd really love to see it rain blood.
I'm kidding of course, not much point in dishes when I'm eating an arm or a leg..]<<<<<

-- Chrona (06:44:22/03-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <03-28-13/0249:57>
>>>>>[ No one likes to be enslaved, and treated like objects. This includes spirits. Case in point...not too long ago, an old friend of mine's ally spirit contacted me to free it from a master that had started down the toxic path. There are things that even allies will not do for you, and forcing them will only get you killed. ]<<<<<
          --Madrecita (02:51:31/03-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-28-13/0748:32>
>>>>> [I've run into a couple of spirits asking for help. Just goes to show, nobody can handle everything.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (06:45:47/03-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-03-13/1939:36>
>>>>> [I've heard reports of Azzie moving a load of archaeological stuff to Seattle, anyone else heard anything about this?.] <<<<<

-- Chrona (00:39:47/04-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-03-13/2100:48>
>>>>>[No. But I'll see if I can find out. If the Azzies are up to something, it never means good news for the rest of us. Honestly, sometimes I can't tell which is worse, Ares with its bug problem, or the Azzies and their, well, everything.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:00:22/04-03-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <04-03-13/2350:50>
>>>>>[Blood mages getting invested by the bugs, maybe?]<<<<<

--Predator (22:49:38/04-03-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-04-13/0527:45>
>>>>> [Huh. And my team has been tapped for bodyguard duty on a U-Sea professor . . . connection, maybe?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (04:25:05/04-04-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-04-13/0826:25>
>>>>>[Don't even joke like that, Pred. I've fought blood mages and I've fought bugs, and I'd rather take on another dragon than deal with bugs using blood magic. In this world, there are Things That Should Not Be, and bugs with blood magic are one of them. Give me a horde of feral ghouls on K-10 any day over that!]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:26:22/04-04-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-10-13/0658:49>
>>>>> [Um . . . well, that was interesting. Azzie cultural exhibition/black tie shindig. Seems like the Azzies are on a PR offensive - they had a bunch of relics on display at Sea Centre, with glitterati in attendance, international and all. The PR effort nearly got derailed by an Azzie - someone said he was an archaeologist - loudly claiming the superior quality of Azzie-style ceremonial masks. The Salish present were pissed, the Sioux looked ready to go to war. Apart from that, not a lot to recount.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (05:44:08/04-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-12-13/2235:38>
>>>>>[Well, biz has been slow recently, but fortunately I already had the rent paid for a couple months, thanks to picking up some extra work from one of my contacts. Apparently, the simsense trids I performed in back when I first left MCT sold well enough that they wanted to do some new ones. Some decent nuyen, and a few free meals. But some of you metahumans have some strange tastes.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (22:35:22/04-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <04-12-13/2249:46>
>>>>>[Yeah, there are some with some weird tastes...]<<<<<

--Predator (21:48:06/04-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-12-13/2305:03>
>>>>>[For instance, the last trid I was in. First scene involved this lovely human girl. Red hair, nice body, no cyber, only wearing a simrig. She was a volunteer. Apparently saw one of my earlier trids, and so kept an ear out. Had fun with her, and then down the hatch, head first. From what the director said, she enjoyed it. Second scene wasn't so happy. I didn't bother with the details, but it seemed someone had been neglecting his payments. So the guy gets to watch as the girl (an elf this time, they only seem to bring me humans and elves) was given to a banshee. Nasty business, that. Didn't play a part in that scene. Third scene was a deathmatch, me against this feral ghoul. Of course, the ghoul wasn't even an adept, so it wasn't really fair, but that isn't what they were going for. I don't know how they put the simrig on the ghoul, but I do know I made sure it was dead before I ate. I tried eating a live ghoul once at MCT. Had to get treatment for scratches in my throat. Anyways, that's what I've been up to these last couple weeks. How about you, Preddy-baby? Anything new?]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (23:04:22/04-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <04-12-13/2309:51>
>>>>>[Nothing new on this front really.]<<<<<

--Predator (22:07:40/04-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <05-07-13/1158:24>
>>>>> [Christ, i hate playing bullet tag without knowing why.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (10:55:38/05-07-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <05-07-13/1254:17>
>>>>> [Someone think you ordered new ventilation, Longshot?] <<<<<

-- Chrona (10:56:38/05-07-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-07-13/1309:51>
>>>>>[Hmm. With me, its not trying to figure out why someone wants me ventilated, but rather which reason they're using today. Though its been about a week since the last time someone shot at me. (For the record, that one was expected. Man wanted a way out of his prenup, so he hired me to help get the wife to invalidate it. When the wife found out, she was... displeased with me. She wasn't any happier about the recording, either.)

Longshot, if you need a place to lay low, and you're in Seattle, head out to the Barrens, and squat in one of the old geothermal plants on the lava fields. You'll have to negotiate with the locals, but if you bring a few cases of beer, that should get you in, at least for a couple nights. Or if you're looking to dispose of the guy who tried playing tag with you, there's a safehouse run by a couple ghouls who would gladly take the meal as payment.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:09:23/05-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <05-08-13/0544:59>
>>>>> [Stoddard Security seemed to be under the impression that me and 3 of my crew had forfeited our breathing privileges.  They made their opening statement in Tukwila, and the debate continued southwards. It was finally settled on the edge of the lava fields, actually - thanks, Iceblade, we're going to make a donation to the locals in gratitude for their forbearance. Seriously though, Stoddard were acting like Lone Star at their worst.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (04:32:39/05-08-2013)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-08-13/0658:52>
>>>>>[No problem, Longshot. I keep one of my boltholes in that area, so I know what the locals are like. If you want to set up a more permanent bolthole, I suggest finding one which gangs control which structures, first, and make sure your metatype fits their view of what 'locals' should be. Don't be an Elf trying to set up shop in Spikes territory, and all that. Personally, I'd look for one controlled by the Ancients or the Cutters. At least they'll be strictly business with you, as long as you pay your 'protection' money on time, and maybe let them crash there while you're not in.

Of course, there are times when you gotta go deeper than that. In that case, invest in some radiation shielding, and head to Glow City. As long as you can deal with the locals (who are batshit crazy), and have protection from radiation, it is the best place to drop off the radar, and still be inside the sprawl. Even the syndicates won't follow you in there, usually. Personally, I just leave the country when things are getting that hot, but if you don't have resources for that, then sleeping in a hazmat suit is still better than kicking back in jail, or the morgue.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:58:22/05-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-12-13/1918:00>
>>>>>[Depends on who's running the jail and what kind of "deal" you have worked out with them. I've spent a few nights in a couple of Sioux jails intentionally, and walked out when I was good and ready. But around Seattle, yeah better to deal with locals or rads than the law or other sec forces.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:17:31/05-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <05-23-13/1308:22>
>>>>> [And now for something new and worrisome . . . an Aztechnology mid-executive in Seattle apparently ordered 3(!) Sangre del Diablo trees for his garden. Anyone know a good source and delivery mechanism for liquid nitrogen?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (12:03:53/05-23-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-23-13/1326:21>
>>>>>[A mid-level executive wouldn't be able to get those kinds of things for his 'garden' unless he was more than just a mid-level executive, or there was something going on at his house that needed that kind of protection. Especially not in Seattle. Even if it is on corporate property, having those things in a populated area is asking for trouble.

As for a delivery mechanism, you could get a drone rigged with a chemical sprayer adapted to cold temperatures, and use that. Or just get your mage to manabolt the thing until it is well and truly dead. The things are resistant to magic, but if you put enough into it, you can kill it. You want to be well away from the thing, through, to prevent it from targeting you with its compulsion powers. Or you could always just leave them be, and use magic to send the guards to the thing. Trust me, nothing gets corpsec angrier than having their own security systems start attacking them.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:25:22/05-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <05-24-13/1220:19>
>>>>> [Hmm, I'll have to remember about corp security systems vs corp security personnel.  Intel is that the S.d.D. trees were approved, so more legwork appears required.]

-- Longshot (10:35:13/05-24-2013)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-24-13/2131:08>
>>>>>[ Trebuchets. Throwing napalm. ]<<<<<
          -- Doorman (21:31:15/05-24-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-24-13/2147:21>
>>>>>[Are you an idiot? Fire just makes more of the things. That's how their seeds spread! They tried burning them out in Bogota, but the things just spread like wildfire. Extreme cold, poisons, or magic is what it takes.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:46:22/05-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <05-26-13/0615:33>
>>>>> [Yeah, that was my impression from getting hold of fragmentary info from Bogota. Nice to hear I got it right. But there may be something more to this tree shipment after all - we're getting indications that the Azzie executive is being a middleman on the deal. No confirmation yet, but it now appears the trees are destined for somewhere in the Middle East.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (05:10:45/05-26-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-26-13/0807:45>
>>>>>[Heh. So it was as I said a few days ago. Middle manager doesn't get that kind of thing in his yard, period, unless there's more going on. Although I'm not sure how well the Diablos will do in the middle east. The heat'll be fine for them, but they are rain forest/jungle plants. I can't imagine the very un-rain forest/jungle climate will be to their liking. Possibly using them indoors? Otherwise it'll probably cost a ton to keep them watered. But then, I'm no parabotanist, I just know what I've read on magic boards and briefing papers.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:07:06/05-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <06-04-13/1057:11>
>>>>> [If any of you have solid contacts inside Aztechnology (or even Aztlan-the-nation/subsidiary), I ask you to work them.  That Sangre del Diablo deal turned out a lot more worrisome than it started. The Middle East connection turned out to be a smokescreen - for what, I don't know, but I've got a e-doc of some kind that was in a heavily protected & encrypted section of the Azzie guy's commlink (why it wasn't in someone's headware is another question).  Problem is I don't know what it says - it's written in some script that no one I know can identify, much less translate.  The good news is that this particular shipment of SdD trees is kaput, thanks to our vigourous applications of N2, herbicide and mojo.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (09:29:20/06-04-2075)
 
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-13-13/1410:35>
>>>>>[For those of you that are keeping track, one week left until the wedding. I've been working on a few last-minute details, mainly involving travel visas and other documentation for some of the guests. There were a couple unexpected legal snafus, what with updating SIN registries, updating my will, and the like. Yes, I have a will. Given that I'm in a position where people like to shoot at me on a regular basis, it is only prudent. Xerena, I sent over the forms you'll need to fill out if you're going to accept that Tir Tairngir SIN.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:10:22/06-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <06-13-13/1800:23>
>>>>>[I may be able to help there Longshot, I have a plant inside Aztech that has been there a few years now. No pun intended I assure you. I need to be clear about what you want asked though. ]<<<<<

-- Three Star (15:10:32/06-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <06-14-13/1110:35>
>>>>> [Thanx, Three Star. It's tough to know the right questions now - I need to get this apparently highly important e-doc translated somehow, then figure out what to pursue.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (10:06:36/06-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-20-13/0817:06>
>>>>>[Freige... Blawrble... grass... btoom. Wha? This thing on? Ooh, 'sokay, don't need to be conscious for another six hours. Party last night awesome Smiley. Loved the arena fight. Been meaning to kill that bastard since Arcanix... Okies, time for painkillers and breakfast. N'worries, 'Rena. I'll be at church on time.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:16:12/06-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-20-13/0938:01>
>>>>>[ You better be. You wouldn't want Hawatari to come and fetch you. She would, you know. Can you imagine the chaos if she took the groom being late as an insult to the bride? So do be a dear and spare me that, will you?

Big, BIG thank you to Hawatari for arranging the swim with the Meistersingers. That was truly magical. ]<<<<<

-- Madrecita (09:38:22/06-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-20-13/1101:56>
>>>>>[Ok. Nice breakfast, some painkillers, and several cups of coffee (the real stuff, straight from Hawaii, not that soycaf drek), and I'm somewhat lucid now. Knew when I asked Smiley to be best man, there was going to be one hell of a party, but I didn't know it was going to be that big! For those of you who saw the Cara'sir news, yes, that was me riding on the elephant in an impromptu parade, dressed like someone out of the Arabian Nights. Later on, there was a Persian-themed get-together, with dancing girls and... well, we won't go into the details in public. Later on, Smiley blindfolds me, says he's got a surprise. Find myself in an arena, facing the rat bastard responsible for the Arcanix... well, there's no other word for it than massacre. Anyways, there's me, so drunk I can barely hold a sword, and this suit who clearly barely knew which end of the sword to hold. Not my best fight, honestly. But I'm here, and that bastard isn't. Best gift I could have gotten at a bachelor's party.

So, now that my brain's working again, time to get to work. Got to make sure everything's ready. For those of you who are coming to the ceremony, remember formal dress, and it will be at 3PM, at St.Sebastian's. Dierdre will be singing at the wedding, so you're in for a treat.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:01:22/06-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-20-13/1512:33>
>>>>>[ It's about to start! Auntie Zee hasn't arrived yet, but I've never heard of a wedding that started strictly on time. Quite the collection of grand poohbahs here, all trying their best to out-class and out-snoot everyone else. The usual. I can see Iceblade standing out in front with his entourage. All very prim and proper in his dress uniform. There's barely a sign of his wild night. I'll post some more once the bridal procession starts. ]<<<<<

-- Ysoni (15:12:22/06-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-20-13/1557:46>
>>>>>[Know I'll probably get killed for this later, but this lovely pic is of Xerena, right after she saw I switched priests. Instead of the guy who was there for the rehearsal, I brought in the old priest she knew from her Azzie-hunting days. Managed to persuade him by paying for the plane tickets, and arranging for a large supply of liquors and 'consumer goods' from non-Azzie sources to find their way into his parish. You know, things that can be easily distributed for favors as is, or fenced for nuyen quickly, especially in a market like Aztlan, where they don't like letting in products from other countries, especially the Tir. <<<Picture of Xerena in her wedding dress, with Wolfgar walking her down the aisle>>>

Just wanted to share that. I'll spill more when we're on the way to the reception.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:57:22/06-29-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Keita on <06-20-13/1626:26>
>>>>>[ No. You will not be killed. You will be entirely forgiven for that. Oh, Miri...you have no idea what it meant to me to have old Cristobal there. You could not have made it more perfecto had you tried. I hated that old man back then...but only because he was always right. Oh, and he'll make good use of those supplies, I can assure you.

And thank you to you too, Wolfgar. You played your part to perfection.

Feeling a bit naked without that Bat'leth, but...well, with Hawatari around, I don't need it, do I? Let me speak to Lily for a bit...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:57:22/06-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-20-13/1818:45>
>>>>>[Right. Ceremony is out now, so I thought I'd take a moment to give some of the highlights. Xerena and others will fill in what I miss, undoubtedly. As I said earlier, Dierdre was there, singing Spanish and Elven songs during the ceremony. Just before the ceremony began, a spirit of Air arrived, bearing well wishes from Prince Hestaby. I was surprised to see that it was the same spirit I'd asked to deliver the invitation I sent her. For those of you who are wondering, yes, the spirit did stay for the ceremony, before returning with a letter I wrote to Prince Hestaby. No, I'm not telling you what I wrote.

As Ysoni said, most of the crowd was from the nobility. There were a few members of the gentry there, but they were for the most part with one or the other of the nobles. I was very happy that Master Rimaldo could make it, and in addition to my parents, both my brothers were there, with their wives, and Garrett's kids. Prince Taylor showed up (as did, coincidentally, a reporter from the TTPF's internal newsletter). The members of my old unit were there as well, which was great, since I hadn't seen some of them in a while. There were some other big names, but Jeanette Twenten (from Twenten's in Puyallup) came to support Xerena.

Really, the ceremony itself was a simple thing, combining Spanish and civil traditions. A traditional wedding, all told, without the real craziness you see in some ceremonies. My niece Leanna got to be a flower girl, which for a six year old girl is a big thing, as you might imagine. She was smiling ear to ear the whole time.

Anyways, we're in the middle of driving back to Seattle, so we can make it to the reception at Penumbra. I know some of you may have had trouble getting into the Tir for the ceremony, but remember you're all on the list for the reception. Dress is 50s 'runner chic', and if you bring weapons, either leave them at the door, or have them peace-bonded. Party starts at 20:00, and lasts until whenever. We've rented the club out for the night, and Maria Mercurial is going to be singing all her hits, especially from the Mercurial album.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:18:22/06-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <06-20-13/2050:25>
>>>>>[ Smiley, I hope the 'peace-bonding' mysteriously failed for you during the ceremony too, just as I undoubtedly will fail at the reception? For the rest of you in Seattle, I don't know whether you're on the guest list for the reception or not, but it would be wise to hold your tongues if you have anything bad you feel like saying about Madrecita - at least for the rest of the night. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (20:44:18/06-20-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-20-13/2222:44>
>>>>>[It was nice to hear Maria Mercurial singing. My Angel, the Redeemer, and I all wish you the best moving forward.]<<<<<

--Faust (22:06:22/06-20-75)


>>>>>[I'm not sure who this Mercurial person is, except for a rock star that was really big before I was hatched, but she's got a sweet voice. If any of you are at the party, say hello. I'll be the naga on the dance floor with mirrorshades on. The cute elf I was dancing with just walked off with her husband to talk with the bride and groom. Apparently she works for the metroplex government? Said she was Commissioner of Race Relations, or something like that.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (22:08:23/06-20-75)


>>>>>[Ah yes, Karl and Jassila did make it. I've run into Jassila a couple times in my 'side jobs'. I see Sting made it here, as well. She seems happier now that she's no longer got the responsibility for leading the Ancients in Seattle. And some of the off-duty docs and nurses from Deireadh An Tuartheil are here, since we both drop by the hospital now and then to help out when there's trouble or they're understaffed (more than usual). I'm not a doctor, but I know how to use a medkit, and healing magic can go a long way in triage situations. Other than that, there's a lot of local celebs and officials rubbing shoulders with runners, smugglers, and even a couple free spirits. That pony spirit I met when I was in Denver even stopped by, to get quickly surrounded by some of the local Awakened who were looking for news on what's going on in Ghostwalker's domain.

Even if you don't come for the party itself, there's plenty of interesting people to meet. Now excuse me, some of Xerena's friends showed up, and I still have to say hello to a friend from the Tir embassy that just walked in.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:22:21/06-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <06-20-13/2300:46>
>>>>>[Just imagine how some of those officials would react if they new there were so many of "Those Evil Shadowrunners" around.]<<<<<

-- Predator (21:59:16/06-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-21-13/0855:48>
>>>>>[Predator, most of these people wouldn't bat an eye at the knowledge that there were a bunch of shadowrunners in Club Penumbra. Now you might get an interesting reaction if a member of the press caught them hanging out with runners, but that's another story. Fortunately, security was able to keep the press outside. The one reporter who tried to sneak in was caught by Father. While not as vindictive as Mother can be, he does have a penchant for mental manipulation spells. Poor woman probably wishes she was caught by Hawatari by this point. In other news, a female reporter for one of Horizon's networks got arrested for trying to proposition Knight Errant officers while naked in the middle of downtown Seattle. There was a small altercation outside as a crew of Humanis types tried to jump Sting as she was leaving the club. She's fine, they were transferred to KE custody after DocWagon patched them up. Of course, it helps that she knew they were there (thanks to my Watchers), and that she wasn't alone (thanks to Smiley and Hawatari 'just happening' to be outside taking in the fresh air).

Anyways, glad everyone could make it. We're off on our honeymoon later today. First stop Spain, then we'll swing by Paris and Tir Nan Og (by way of Snowdonia), before hitting the South Pacific. I haven't been to the other Tir before, so this should be an interesting experience.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:55:23/06-21-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <06-21-13/1858:06>
>>>>>[ That wasn't Knight Errant. We're all welcome. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:00:00/06-21-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <06-21-13/2036:07>
>>>>>[Aww, reporters are fun to mess with. Just put on your most serious face and spin them a line of drek just juicy enough for them to believe, and then let them go off half cocked with a completely false story.]<<<<<

-- Predator (19:33:53/06-21-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <06-25-13/1306:40>
>>>>>[Sorry If I've been quiet. Had a wonderful time at your wedding, Ice. been very happy for you. Grandfather sends his thanks for the invite and the wonderful time. I've been sleeping off a few hang overs, as I got to ride home with Smiley, and we both know his after parties can last well into a week or more after the party itself. I'm kinda sad I missed out on the fight outside, but i was too busy enjoying the club and not actually having to worry about anything.

Ugh. Did that really come out of my mouth, that I was looking for a fight? I think I have some built up aggression i need to take out in a game or training.

But yeah, figured I'd say hello, still alive, so no one will be missing their favorite messenger boy.]<<<<<

     -- Card (10:06:00/06-27-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-25-13/1938:29>
>>>>>[I'm sure your Grandfather knows more than one dojo in the area where you could do some training, Card. And there's nothing wrong with wanting to be in a good fight, especially when the other side are some Humanis drekheads. But it looked like you and Autumn were busy, and those three wouldn't have had any fun if there were more people. They wouldn't even let me or Xerena in on it.

Anyways, we're on the road, now in Snowdonia, before heading to the other Tir tomorrow. No, you're not getting any details from me about our stay in Spain or Paris. If Xerena wants to talk what happened, she will.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:38:23/06-25-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <06-25-13/2337:24>
>>>>>[If you meant staying on my good behavior by peace-bonding, than yeah, I kinda slipped up a few times but that didn't seem to bother most people. So I'll call it "Mission accomplished!". It's just so damn hard to keep a straight face at something I honestly find hilarious like a wedding. No offense to our two lovebirds, of course! Hahaha!

We'll I'm glad you liked the bachelor party! I'm pretty good at almost everything I enterprise but there are two things I do better than most! Killing people and making a party! So when I say it's going to be a killer party, it'll be both quite literally and figuratively! Hahaha! And something tells your brother won't be eager to repeat the experience of going to a party I organized! Hehe!

Oh and those humanis thugs won't be bothering anyone else... Ever again! Doc wagon won't be able to patch them up this time.

Now I gotta go! The fun most go on! Gotta big job coming up soon so I have every intent of using what's left my precious time off to its full extent!

I'll catch you all on the flip side! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:38:02/06-25-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: firebug on <07-01-13/1349:05>
>>>>>[So what's this, then?  I hear about this place for a little chit-chat and it looks like a place my grandfather might have gone to.  This node smells like dust.  Whatever.  I came here because someone told me I needed to "make myself known in less obvious ways".  ...Asshole.  Oh, and, the grenade that went off in Bellevue last week around mid-day?  Not my fault this time.]<<<<<
     -- Firebug (13:48:44/07-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-01-13/1448:43>
>>>>>[Ah, another youngster who thinks explosions and gunfire are the best ways to get ahead. Might be fine when you're a two-bit ganger, but if you want to rise above that level, you have to learn a little thing called 'subtlety'. Otherwise, the best job you can expect to get is being a distraction for a bunch of angry corpsec, or suicide runs.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:47:22/07-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: firebug on <07-01-13/1649:33>
>>>>>[Screw you.  I get the job done and at the end of the day, people learn not to fuck with me.  That's a win-win.]<<<<<
   --Firebug (16:48:39/07-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <07-02-13/0116:01>
>>>>>[ It sure is, right up to the point where the rigger-assassin getting paid 10k to eliminate you uses a .50 AV round from the modified sniper rifle in that blimp drone a klick away to remove your medulla oblongata via accelerated lead poisoning.  People haven't learned not to fuck with you; they've learned in what way to not fuck with you. Don't think that makes you invulnerable - and don't start thinking you're playing in the big leagues.
          Speaking of blimp drones with sniper rifles, has anyone seen Shivowtnoeh lately? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:15:00/7-2-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-02-13/1223:47>
>>>>>[Like Wyrm said, you're still small time. And with that attitude, you'll stay small time, or you'll get killed the first time someone decides sending a spirit of fire your way would amuse them. Explosions encourage people to find you and make an example of you, if only because collateral damage is bad for business. Dealing with gangers and Barrens rats isn't the same as dealing with Yaks and corpsec, and it damn sure isn't the same as dealing with military or spec-ops. You want to teach people not to mess with you, the first thing you do is learn restraint. A nutjob who loves the fire and explosions is easy to take out or set up. A professional who picks his targets, and minimizes the collateral damage is harder to set up, and more likely to not get a hit put on him in the first place. Smiley makes an art out of vengeance. Me, I make the objects of my revenge into art. Wyrmy plays hell with them on the Matrix. The point is that we don't do random violence. We do good work, that makes people want to keep hiring us, and the people who cross us suffer very direct, very precise reprisals that send a very clear message about what they shouldn't have done.

Whether it is with my spells or my blade, people have learned that it is... unwise to try and cross me. However, as Wyrmy says, that does not make me invulnerable. I've had several hospital stays due to situations where someone did their best effort to kill me, having to get limbs replaced on more than one occasion. And I'm one of the lucky ones, since so far no one's wanted me dead enough to hire the professionals like Smiley to come after me. And I've never appeared on any 'most wanted' lists, either. The main reason for that is because I don't cause wanton death and destruction. Means the number of next of kin who have an urge to see me dead is much lower.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:22:22/07-02-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-02-13/1729:44>
>>>>>[Ice is right kid, and i got a way to prove it to you. I've seen your workup, your a courier, and i have three packages to be delivered, Card gets one, you get one and Ash gets one, whoever makes their delivery first gets a bonus. If you get tagged by the cops, or end up on the evening news due to shear stupidity then you lose the second half of your payment. total payment 5 thousand. package is 3 kilos and has to be picked up at the front gate of Fort Lewis and delivered to the front gate at the naval base in Snohomish. You in?]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:24:09/07-02-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <07-07-13/0018:58>
>>>>>[ Ah, motorcycle courier runs.  I remember those.  Of course, the first thing I couriered for the people who became my first real team in Seattle was a kilo of C-6 with a 30-minute timer.  I'd time to spare - obviously - but after he blew off my polite warning not to do that again, during the shadow ops that immediately followed ... let's just say that Mr. Explosives Guy realized very quickly that not only was I a better killer than he by far, I was a better strategist and tactician.  He'd been the leader ... ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (12:20:11/07-07-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <07-09-13/0958:59>
     .>>>>>>[Too easy. You're talking about my specialty, Wolf, and one I enjoy. Not my normal route, but I could do with a change. Being stagnant is never a good thing in the shadows, or any aspect of life.

Also, decent sized payment for this. I'll make sure to make some calls before hand. No such thing as a cake run, especially at those prices, neh? Just tell me when our little race is supposed to start.]<<<<<

     -- Card (06:57:50/07-09-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <07-11-13/1953:12>
>>>>>>[Merciful Spirits, I'm bored. Anyone need a Mage for a job?]<<<<<
 -- Chrona  (00:52:30/07-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <07-11-13/2249:50>
>>>>>[Nope! But I could use a ghoul though! I'll be in touch!

Meh! Cut the green some slack! I was quick on doing stupid drek too once... No not really now that I think of it... Hahaha!

Hey! This young Firebug fella reminds me of a wetwork artist I took out once. Damn it's been ages now, I was still working for The Mysterious Man at that time. He was an explosive specialist and a pretty good one I dare say. His designs were masterful! Anyway, I was asked to take him out because, well as The Mysterious Man put it, he was giving the profession a bad name... and a little too much heat on all of us. I was still experimenting at that time. Finding different ways and approaches to kill someone and get away with it. Making people kill themselves was a favorite of mine in those years. I tried something similar with that one too.

I did my homework on the guy, stalked him for about two weeks to know him better, you know the usual before a job. I discovered where his hideout was and when he wasn't around. I waited for him to leave then I broke in. I searched and found his cache of explosives. I rewired a little his timed detonators (so that if the timer was armed, it actually detonates) then carefully placed them back where I found them. When I was done, I exited the place and left my business card stapled to the door with a knife. When the guy got back and saw my card he started to panic. I wasn't known for using explosives at all, it was close and personal most of the time. He carefully entered his home and saw that I wasn't there. He packed his important stuff then proceeded to do what many of us in the shadows has a habit of doing before going underground, to erase traces of his passage there. He took a little bit of his explosives, connected a timer but forgot to verify them in his panic. When he tried to arm the timer the whole place went in magnificent flames. Hahaha! Good old times!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:50:09/07-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <07-12-13/1521:27>
>>>>>>[He didn't test the detonator before inserting it in the explosive?  Kids these days have no fundamentals.  Maybe I should come out of retirement after all.  Or maybe I should start teaching.]<<<<<
 -- Vice  (15:18:31/07-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <07-12-13/1635:17>
>>>>>[Hahaha! Of course, a professional with a clear head would have been more careful. That's why I stapled my card to the door... To send him into a panic mode. I knew my reputation would do its work inside his head and his confidence into his own handmade devices would work the rest.

Hey, what about you guys? Any funny stories from your newbie days?]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:34:12/07-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-14-13/1924:11>
>>>>>[Not so much on the funny stories, my early early days were spent doing things so hush hush that I'm not even allowed to remember them. But once i actually started running the shadows for myself, i remember one time we were sent in after an item and had to do it with no evidence being left behind. This was a bit of a hassle for our group being as we were a bit big on the firepower at the time. Someone gets the bright idea to get some splash grenades with DMSO/Gamma Scopalamine and some squirt guns from a major toy distributor who shall remain nameless that were loaded with the same thing. Then we looped the vid feed and went in after the item. Come in through the basement and there are 3 doors, one is upstairs, second is the elevators and the third goes into a room that we know nothing about. Mage gets the bright idea to go astral and stick his head in because he's to impatient to wait for the tech wiz/B&E expert to open the door the old fashioned way. What we didn't know and the Mage and the Close Combat expert found out the hard way was that the room was being used as the kennel for the security animals. I swear, when the Barghest let out that howl when the mage stuck his head through the door both the mage and the CC expert wet themselves and took off, one astral the other physically. Luckily about that time the B&E guy got the door open and i was able to toss in a splash grenade and knock them all out.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:24:09/07-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-01-13/0003:13>
>>>>>[Come on you piece of drek, bleeding edge my ass. Have I even managed to connect? Ghost,  just got used to the old matrix and now its all grids this and GODs that. A Techno friend of mine has tried explaining it to me and I understand it about as much as I like Orksploitation music. Hint: I once paid a guy to punch Nabo at a gig for me.]<<<<<

--Chrona (04:57:09/08-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-01-13/0031:46>
>>>>>[Right there with you. I think it's about time that I just gathered up every resource I can liquidate and set myself up for retirement.]<<<<<

-- Predator (23:29:38/07-31-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-01-13/0110:44>
>>>>>[ When you stop being able to change, you die.  Pure and simple.  Learn and live, boys and girls. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (--:--:--/XX-YY-ZZ)

>>>>>[ Hmph.  's a little wiggy .... ah, okay.  Fixed. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:15:00/08-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-01-13/0151:57>
>>>>>[I'm more thinking that it may just be time to let the young pups take the reins.]<<<<<

-- Predator (00:48:53/08-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-02-13/0048:03>
>>>>>[I'd prefer to have the reins passed to someone who's between the two, Sir.  I mean, Dragon Slayer insists that I need to step up and be the leader I was born to be, but I'm not ready to take any reins.  I'd largely be happy to just get the gangs to stop shooting around my house and let me be.  Which reminds me... "hi."  Life isn't going to let me have my peace, so I'm always on the lookout for the advice of my betters.  If Horizon ever gets around to following me on runs, I'll give ya the subscription link.  Views are always helpful.]<<<<<

     -- C.E. (23:45:18/08-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-02-13/0051:34>
>>>>>[First piece of advice: Being followed around on a job by a AAA is not conducive to a long life.]<<<<<

     -- Predator (23:49:56/08-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-02-13/0111:09>
>>>>>[Outside of LA, I'm told, that's a luxury that every runner has.  Here, however, the cameras are everywhere.  The more subscribers you have, the higher the pay.  Johnson expects you to know who he is, makes him feel big.  The shadows may as well be a reality trid-show out here.]<<<<<

     -- C.E. (00:10:56/08-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-02-13/0115:23>
>>>>>[Those in the shadows are supposed to be -deniable- assets. How in blazes do they expect deniability with such things?]<<<<<

     -- Predator (00:13:51/08-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-02-13/0115:46>
>>>>>[Went to LA once, never fragging again. That Trid of me is still out there somewhere..]<<<<<

--Chrona (06:15:19/08-02-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-02-13/0117:57>
>>>>>[Liberate me one of those new decks and I'll try and fix that problem for you.]<<<<<

     -- Predator (00:17:09/08-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-02-13/0125:28>
>>>>>[From what I can tell, its one of those "if I can make it home and say "Base" things...  Though I'm told that most experienced runners negotiate a delay in the feed.  Don't want the Security Officers watching you break into their facility live now.  If I notice the drones watching me, Carat can change some of what they've recorded.  I have a Physical Mask spell just in case as well.]<<<<<

    -- C.E. (00:24:25/08-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-02-13/0126:00>
>>>>>[Sony CIY-720, good enough? Well I could afford better but on second thought, if I ever want to tidy up and get it deleted i know a Technomancer who can track it down.]<<<<<

     -- Chrona (06:21:18/08-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-02-13/0137:33>
>>>>>[That would be around what I was thinking. Anything more would be a waste in my hands. If you're sure, I could always talk to some old acquaintances from school. There's a few stories about some of them that they might be willing to sneak out a Tsurugi.]<<<<<

     -- Predator (00:34:39/08-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-02-13/0145:35>
>>>>>[To be fair, if you weren't ID'd in the recording, and weren't too entertaining, it's probably filed away somewhere and forgotten.  (Or recorded over.  I'm told that happens.)  If you were entertaining, its been in syndication since its recording.  If you were entertaining and ID'd, well... I'll see if I can find the recording and you can use it as a business card.  Worst case scenario, if you were ID'd and not entertaining... it's probably been sold to the highest bidder already.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (00:45:18/08-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-02-13/0353:41>
>>>>>[ Christ, it isn't enough we have to deal with poseur shadowrunners, now we have to deal with poseur Johnsons?? Tip of the week, kid - it doesn't matter where in the world you are, rule number zero of the shadowrunner is don't get identified.  Waah, boo-hoo, LA's got cameras everywhere?  Wake up, turtle, cameras have been everywhere since the frickin' 40's. Every city has dipshit pseudo-shadowrunners - Seattle, Denver, DC, New Orleans - who think that getting their faces on camera and lots of people watching is 'teh shizz'.  Cluephone ringing - most of those 'runners' don't last more than three or four runs before they get either snagged or bagged, and tagged either way.
          Yes, you can make a living, and a good one, being in-your-face, flashy, and famous.  Take Kane.  (Please, somebody, anybody - take Kane!!) But on a quick scan of your 'syndicated' runners, I see that 968 out of the top 1000 of them have a 'final episode' that involved their very public and undeniable demise.  That, kid, ain't a good track record at all. Your Johnson bitches because you weren't flashy and 'in the news' enough for him, apologize, take his money, and put a trace on him - then finalize that fuck before he sends someone else off to get killed for his own damn flash-and-glitter reputation.
          On a related note, of the 2318 shadowrunners I or my people have associated with whose ops in Los Angeles at some point in the last couple of decades we know about, I find ... 684 of a report of their runs' events in the news archives, 103 shots of 'shadowy forms', and 6 of them identified through means such as your 'cameras everywhere'.  If you want to live, kid, operate in the shadows, like the label says. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (04:00:00/08-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-02-13/1418:47>
>>>>>[Oh, I'm definitely not expressing a desire for them to figure out my legal identity.  I paid a lot to keep that hidden.  If they discover that C.E. is making the hits, fantastic.  Its if they tie C.E. to my actual SIN (which is possible, I am a Shaman) that I imagine that I'll run into trouble.
       I'm not complaining about the cameras, it is a fact of life.  Anyone with a connectivity rating of 1-4 on Persona 2.0 has cameras following them while they piss.  I'm fortunate that my SIN isn't tied to Horizon, if it were I'd be on P2.0 naturally.  We make do in the world we live in.
      How do you recommend staying in the shadows, though?  Horizon, from what I understand, doesn't care who we hit (so long as it isn't them).  Attack their camera drones, and you've crossed the line.  Even the gangers who have no issues shooting a little old lady crossing the street try to avoid accidentally hitting the drones.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (13:18:32/08-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-04-13/0044:12>
>>>>>[Speaking of change, HMHVV is changing. Don't know how or why (though as a hermetic I have my theories) but most of the Ghouls I know have had a severe increase in how much sunlight hurts them and how hungry they get. I know to some of you this can only be good news but please stop to think for a minute that it is unlikely this is the only change we'll see. If the downsides to being an infected in the day increase, who is to say the vampire you run into wont be twice as strong at night now.
Pain and Hunger causes Ferals, and those mindless ghouls are everyone's problem. It hasn't effected me yet but I feel it is only a matter of time...
Those of you who are familiar with me know I don't scare easy. The thought of going Feral does.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (05:40:32/08-04-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-04-13/0109:39>
>>>>>[ If you're willingly on P2.0, you deserve everything you get.  If you haven't obliterated (instead of just 'well-concealed') your legal identity, you deserve every damn thing you get.  If you're running scared in your boots because you think bearding the lion in its den by eliminating your ident traces - whether that's putting AV rounds through a drone or ten, dazzling them with lasers, having a decker hack their feed and/or set up an eraser virus for your comm ident in the feeder systems (yes, children, it can be done), you need to be spanked and sent back to the little runner's school.
          Finally, Horizon's 'Get Hits!' bravura advert is just that - bravura.  (That's bullcrap for you illiterates.) They don't have five drones following everyone; YHVH, Allah, and Buddha combined couldn't afford that. They pull idents for hosers who are a) in their stupid fraggin' P2.0 network, and b) broadcasting their damn ident in the clear, and use any camera they have access to - granted, that's a lot of them when it comes to the City of Angels - and yadda yadda.
          Don't make this amateur night.  Do your homework.  And keep in the shadows. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:15:00/08-04-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-04-13/0950:31>
>>>>>[C.E. I cant disagree with Wyrm about sticking to the shadows but if your really wanting to fly on the P2.0 network and broadcast for all the world to watch your exploits talk to Eddie in Horizon's R&D facility there off of lake view and tell him Wolfgar sent you. He'll hook you up with a cover and start to set things up for your eventual "demise". You will stick around the cover identity will die when it suits the suits.

Chrona, I don't know about the sunlight, but i'm going to keep an eye on those around and help them as much as I can. You know I got your back if you need it.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (08:44:52/08-04-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-04-13/1353:38>
>>>>>[I ran in LA once upon a time. You know the story, big job, the kind that even if you play everything perfect, you still need to skip town for a while until things die down. The cameras were indeed everywhere. My situation was a bit different from yours, CE, though. I did have a P2.0 account, though I ran it under my real identity. Legit SIN and being foreign nobility, and all that. Turned the cameras off when I went on a run, though, and always hid my identity. Elf wearing one of those Yucatan rebel Death Masks made for an easy enough disguise, and I always changed my clothes, etc. It helped that I was already used to living a double (or triple) life, and that I kept away from runs where the cameras were on, or I was in a position where I was doing some of my 'side work'. But unless you've got all that going for you, do as Wyrmy says, and keep off P2.0. I turned mine off the moment I left LA to come back to Seattle. Didn't delete it, though, because I might need it next time I go to LA. And I have a different commlink and commcode to access it, which is currently turned off in a shielded safe, so I'm not worried about someone hacking the account and force-activating the feed or anything.

About the Infected, yeah, I'd heard some of the same rumors, Chrona. So long as they don't take an interest in making me their lunch, I don't have a problem with any of the sane Infected. The feral ones are dangerous, though. Best thing for them is to end it quick. If more and more of them are starting to go that route, then things could get really nasty, really fast. One of the spirits I met in Denver had a ghoul friend, and they were really close. Heard the other day that her friend turned feral, and tried to attack her. Spirits of Fire don't like to be attacked, and she reacted without thinking. She's a wreck, so she's staying at the mansion while Denver settles down.

Chrona, keep safe, and do what you gotta do. It isn't much, but if you feel yourself going too far down the feral path, know that there are people who will end it for you while you're still yourself.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:53:22/08-04-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-04-13/1419:50>
>>>>>[Thanks Iceblade, Wolfgar, it means a lot. After the Food Riots in Asamando I had to kill a lot of Ferals over here in the Barrens on principle. I think I've mentioned my place has a small cell block for them... well after how Asamando used them I never want to be tempted to, so I put them all down. My research into improving Infected Sanity is still important to me but I need to find out what is making it worse first.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (19:19:32/08-04-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-04-13/1426:09>
>>>>>[If you want, I could shoot you the commcode of a genetic researcher. I don't know if he's looked much at HMHVV, but considering the implications, I'm sure he would help with your research.]<<<<<

     -- Predator (13:24:01/08-04-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-04-13/1434:29>
>>>>>[That'd be great Predator, let me know if you ever need a Mage for back up. I think the virus has begun to rewrite our genetics again, or at least  hope it's that simple. If It were to cost the infected anymore Essence to have this inside us then Awakened Ghouls will be hit the hardest, Vampires can replenish their Magical Abiliies when they feed but for a Hermetic Ghoul like me it could mean Burnout.]<<<<<

     -- Chrona (19:32:01/08-04-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-04-13/1509:57>
>>>>>[For those of you with friends on the wild side, I hear that there's job opportunities for sapient paracritter bodyguards in areas with high Infected populations. Well, except for Sasquatches. I'm not sure on how it works, but it turns out that except for the fuzzy guys, we're immune to that HMHVV thing, and a lot of us can see the astral naturally, which means that unless the ghoul is an initiate with masking, we'll see them coming. And how many ferals do you know that are functioning initiates? Anyways, centaurs and nagas are the big winners, here, since half of you metahumans are scared of us anyways, but I know a pixie adept in Atlanta is making a name for herself. Real artist with her monowhip, from what I hear.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (15:09:22/08-04-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-04-13/1518:07>
>>>>>[Only thing I've gotten wind of is a rumor that someone around the Aegean Sea noticed something that didn't look quite natural on their sonar. I don't know much about undersea operations, so I can't really look into it.]<<<<<

-- Predator (14:14:19/08-04-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-04-13/1842:08>
>>>>>[Oh gods Wyrm, tell me its not Rigby, that little pixie slitch is bad news with a capitol SELLOUT.]<<<<<


--Wolfgar (17:45:12/08-04-2075
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-05-13/1806:21>
>>>>>[Now that you mention it, I think that was her name, Wolfgar. She's got a decent rep on the paracritter boards I'm on, but maybe she's only nasty to metahumans?]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (17:40:22/08-05-75)


>>>>>[One of the Lord's servants reached out to me from the grave. Dead man's switch. He asks for us avenge his death. Those who wish to join, may do so. He was an Adept, and sought redemption by hunting those who would enslave others, the spirits making hives. All the switch said was that he was tracking movements in Chicago, and the location of a dead drop with his notes.]<<<<<

--Faust (18:06:34/08-05-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-05-13/1820:04>
>>>>>[I'm sure MacCalister will be thrilled to hear hives and Chicago in the same post..]<<<<<

     -- Chrona (23:19:01/08-05-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-06-13/2101:35>
>>>>>[My legit SIN isn't foreign nobility, and it sure as hell isn't Horizon bound, but it is the kind that might draw P2.0 attention.  Its not really the kind that I can walk away from, and the only guy I know who has the tech and know-how to hook me up with the fakes probably would sell me out if I tried.  Yeah, I've got a leash, but its a long one.
      I'll lay my cards on the table here, TWO, I got the crash course in Running not too long ago.  My education is in Engineering, which will make things great when drones and Jackrabbit breakdown.  Ok, so my drone and Jackrabbit.  I took what money I had and I'm trying to make do.  My "uncle" helped me get the set-up that I've got, and lined up my first gig.  It sounds like Carat is lining up my second right now.
     This is amateur's night for me, every night is.  I know how to shoot, I know how to drive and rig.  Hell, Dragonslayer and my Uncle insist that I keep expanding the magical knack I inherited from my father.  I came here to learn how to make things work where I am.  I'm nowhere near an experienced runner.
      None of my team is very experienced.  We've had one dance together, and it went well.  I had a lot of support, and didn't have to plan most of it myself.  Whatever this job is, I hope that I do well.  We have ways of staying out of Horizon's eyes, right now.  But I'm damn certain that eventually I'm not going to have that luxury.
      You want me to do my homework?  Give me an idea on where to start.  I'm throwing darts in the dark here.]<<<<<

     -- C.E. (20:01:27/8-06-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-06-13/2149:19>
>>>>>[Alright CE, definately contact Eddie, first of all he's somewhat from the same background without the magic. What he will probably do is send you to see me and have me send you and your team through my training cycle, which means you'll get taught not just how to run the shadows well, but about fighting bugs as well. As anyone on the boards here will tell you, bugs are bad buisiness and want nothing more than to frag us all over.

That said, otherwise the usual thing is for a team to learn and grow together. They and you learn from being around each other and from doing jobs, you learn what the others like and dont like, what they're capable of and what they're not. And they are going to learn the same about you.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (20:50:25/08-06-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-07-13/1336:58>
>>>>>[Well.  I thought we were past this.  (So did the cashier at the StufferShack too.)  Our run went smoothly, until it was time to get paid.  "Mizz Johnson" shows up late, with three men.  Carat scouts their links and hits their P1.0 profile, wanna-be-shadowrunners.  I'm more professional than these chumps, and you all know how much experience I have under my belt.  I figure that she's brought some security because we're unknowns.  No, no she didn't.  When she saw the target, and they verified that we didn't open the case, she signaled for them to attack.  The Cashier called for the Horizon Hotline to get camera drones out there, but her hired thugs were  out of operation way before they got there.
      [Her rigger escaped.  She didn't.  That's a lie, she did, but not from us.  I couldn't leave her to die, I wasn't expecting her to have any real support, so I used a little magical mojo to keep her and her thug that was lucky enough to not be dead when I got to him.  Carat got a "cookie", whatever that is, on the rigger, then wiped the StufferShack's vids of us.  I called the cop who's stuck in my neighborhood, he's a decent enough guy - just need to pay him off on occasion, and he came in for the arrests before the cameras got there.  He gets the credit, we get out alive, and maybe foster some good will between the two of us.
      [Blah blah blah, somehow she was able to avoid being booked.  Someone at the station screwed my cop over.  The rigger called her boss, told her that the mission failed, and an hour later, he was dead.  The other guy who was arrested, dead too.  "Mizz Johnson" obviously has a wider network than I had anticipated, and has no issue killing off her employees.
      [Now, I'm mad.  Try to kill me, fine, that's part of the game.  But kill the guys that you hired to kill me?  Fuck you, Mizz Johnson.  Dragonslayer and I can agree on this, when I figure out how find you again, you're going down.  If I have to show up at every one of your payment meets to save the lives of the other wanna-be's to save their lives, I will.
      [Best part of all this?  Didn't get paid and rent is due the 15th.]<<<<<
     -- C.E. (12:36:57/08-07-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-07-13/1426:21>
>>>>>[All right, getting screwed by a Johnson is part of the biz when you're new. And trust me, you're not past it until you're at the point where you are big enough that people know that screwing with you will bring down the wrath of legends like Kane or Fastjack upon them, or getting a leash put on you by Herr Brackhaus (the real one). Just remember that the second one comes with a rather draconian set of consequences if you fail. Best you can do is get a reputation for being the worst fragger to screw over in the history of the sprawl.

Now, where you screwed up was in letting the Johnson go without getting info on her you could use. Blood/hair samples, for ritual magic. Pictures, for finding her real name. Commlink, for draining whatever accounts she has access to. And so on. If she was good looking, you could always make her star in her very own porn trid (edit your faces out) and use it as blackmail. If she's not your type, there are always people looking for fresh bodies, such as bunraku parlors. That boat's sailed this time, however, but keep it in mind for the future.

Now, if you still have the goods (you should), then there's a small window where you can still get paid something. Find out what is in the case, and then find out who wants it. Bring it to your fixer, and they should be able to negotiate at least something for you. Don't forget the possibility of selling the package back to the corp you hit.

Still need money to make rent? There's always small jobs out there, you just have to know where to look. One of the things you learn as you get more experienced is to develop one or more sidelines, things you can fall back on when runs are slow. For me, it is the escort/bodyguard thing. For a hacker, there's any number of small jobs that need a bit of tech work. They pay like small jobs, but they'll probably take you a couple hours to do, and so on. For muscle, the bodyguard gig, or just playing security at a local watering hole, can be good. Drivers/riggers, look at courier jobs or driving a taxi. There's always people/things needing to get from A to B in a hurry, and people just don't trust the Matrix like they used to for sensitive documents (whether they ever should have in the first place is a matter of opinion).

That not enough? Then there's always the small cons and 'protection' rackets. If you're from a gang history, just fall back on all the things you used to do before 'graduating'. If you have the Talent, and the ability to cast healing magic, then that is pure platinum, especially with the corps cracking down on street docs. Xerena and I both volunteer at the local hospital in Tarislar when we're in town, and the local gangers/syndicates know they can come to me for some healing when I'm in town, though I'll charge them for it. I don't offer long term care, but if they're still breathing when they come in, I can usually keep them that way to the point where they won't be dying (at least not from those wounds). I deal mostly with the Ancients and the Leasa because I'm an elf nobleman from Tir Tairngir who hangs out in Tarislar, but do what works for you.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:25:21/08-07-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-08-13/0607:18>
>>>>> [#*&@ . . . %uman&&^*%^& . . . @ento& . . . base ^&%*iowa*f#^@& b] <<<<<

-- Longshot (04:21:28/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <08-08-13/1113:33>
>>>>>[My favorite side business was always Corporate Leadership Consulting lectures.  Then again, with my service record and my education, finding small companies willing to pay me to tell a few embellished war stories, toss out of sports analogies was always easy, and relate them to the company's current commercial or staffing woes was easy.

The other fallback was always fixing.  I've always had a knack for finding the guy who knows the guy who can get guns, ammunition, armor, surveillance gear and the like for people.  I found that I was better at it than most of the full time fixers working in Manhattan, so I did a little contract shopping work

However, both of those were pretty specialized gigs.  In general, you're better off grabbing yourself a PI license and going to work for an attorney in private practice.  They all need information on people, so whether you're using magic, the matrix, or a lot of walking around asking questions, we're well suited to find that info.  The job tends to pay fairly discretely, and being on good terms with a good lawyer always helps.

One thing to remember with lawyers, though.  Slip them some cred every once in a while as a retainer so that any information you relate to them remains protected under attorney-client privilege.

Now that I think about it, I just might go get my JD.]<<<<<

--Vice (11:13:25/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-08-13/1116:58>
>>>>>[See even longshot is having trouble connecting..]<<<<<

     --Chrona (16:16:32/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-08-13/1147:18>
>>>>>[Like I said, I'm a fairly decent engineer and mechanic, so I'll hit up my fixer and see if he needs any help in the shop.  Sure, its a glorified scrap heap, but so long as you know that you're shit tier, you're good right?
      So, we got the case open, the paperwork in it can't be sold back to the corp it came from.  Well, it could, but nuh-uh.  I'm not approaching them with this case.  Just a list of runners and what types of jobs that they've done for the corp.  Everything dates back to 2070, so the corps that they hit won't be too interested.
      Still, I can see if anybody on this list is still in the area, maybe make a few friends that way.  Have to be careful on the approach, though.  Its a thought.
      Yeah, we got some information on "Mizz Johnson", she works for a small time SecCorp.  We're gonna keep digging and see how deep this drek goes before I go into any more details.  In the meantime, any ideas as to how I can save lives of other runners who would get into my shoes with her?]<<<<<

     -- C.E. (10:46:04/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-08-13/1152:01>
>>>>>[Woah wait hang on, you got a list of runners and the jobs they pulled for the corp? Do you even understand how huge that is? Something like that isn't kept on Holo paper in a goddamn briefcase. how much detail does it go into?]<<<<<

     --Chrona (16:51:32/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-08-13/1212:52>
>>>>>[Its format is <Date><Runner> brought "Research Subject" from <corp>.  Paid <value>.  The dates, and the runners change, the corp is always the same.  Also details on an "apparently abandoned" facility in the PCC.  Passcodes are probably changed, and I'm expecting some new horrible thing to be there.
      I thought about selling the list to the corp that they hit, but I can't imagine it would be too valuable.  More valuable would be the labs, right?  Go down there, see if I can find out what happened to those "research subjects" (kidnapped employees I'm sure) and loot the place myself.
     I probably shouldn't give out more details than that, right?]<<<<,

     -- C.E. (11:12:55/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-08-13/1217:26>
>>>>>[Is your whole team going?]<<<<<

     --Chrona (17:17:32/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-08-13/1221:08>
>>>>>[Ummmm.... why?  I'm sure you've got a good reason for asking, I just... with what happened with "Mizz Johnson"...]<<<<<

     -- C.E. (11:20:31/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-08-13/1247:28>
>>>>>[If you're doubting my "credentials" as it were, i'm no fragging Johnson so I don't have any but there's a data dump on me from Money Johnson anyone on VU93 can read  Here (http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=6050.msg106520#msg106520) . I'm asking purely for your own safety. "Research Subjects" rarely means an employee extraction and could be much worse. Just don't go alone or half-cocked.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (17:46:32/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-08-13/1302:42>
>>>>>[Sorry, sorry, no I'm just a little jumpy.  The gangs started shooting outside, and I'm half watching out my window to see if someone unexpected shows up.  Yeah, so here's the kicker.  The files got Azzie watermarks.  I'm starting to get paranoid.  Its not good, and I need to cool off.  Yeah, my whole team is going in, and I'm gonna see what I can do about bringing some spirits along.]<<<<<

     -- C.E. (12:02:49/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-08-13/1307:37>
>>>>>[Whats your time frame? Frag it, switching to PMs, I'm not letting the Azzies get another young runner..]<<<<<

     --Chrona (18:07:32/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-08-13/1404:40>
>>>>>[Chrona's right. "Research subjects" combined with "Aztechnology" rarely means anything good. If you're very, very lucky, they're just using the poor bastards to see how metahumans react to their latest chemical warfare package. You're probably not that lucky, though. Azzies are big into all the creepiest kinds of magic, so be on your toes. By the way, you said that all the 'research subjects' came from the same corp? Is it one of the big 10? If it is either MCT or Ares, that brings up a whole new set of nasty possibilities. Its bad enough having MCT with their technomancer experiments and Ares with its Hive, but put one of those in the hands of the Azzies...

Yeah, now I need a drink. Chrona, let me know if you need another mage when you go in with him.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:04:22/08-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-08-13/1425:46>
>>>>>[Ha.  Ha ha.  Ha ha ha.  Fuck this.  Now I need a drink.]<<<<<

     -- C.E. 13:25:14/08-08-2075
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-08-13/1826:56>
>>>>>[You know me well Ice. I'll give you a heads up, Kid's Mojo needs an overhaul first, he awakened after he got his rigger 'ware it seems.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (23:26:32/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-08-13/1831:04>
>>>>>[It was before.  I was hoping the riggerware would drown out Dragonslayer's voice.  Hopping into Drones does, but the headware itself doesn't.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (17:30:15/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-08-13/1834:24>
>>>>>[Ill add one smack upside your head to your training roster then. In all seriousness though, If that's all you got implanted, we can still train you up better then you are now. We'll focus on the precision and aim of what raw power you do have.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (23:33:15/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-08-13/1924:10>
>>>>>[You and my uncle would get along quite well, I think.  Well, for the most part.  Maybe this is why he recommended this place.  You have any idea what its like having someone in fraggin' plate armor just randomly showing up while you're trying to sleep?  Sure, now I understand that it may have been a bad idea, but at the time...]<<<<<

     --C.E. (18:20:15/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-08-13/2016:55>
>>>>>[C.E. has some good potential, I only had to try killing him for a day until he learnt some assensing. You have a long road ahead of you kid but keep at it and you'll be a good spell slinger for your team. One tip though, ditch Trid Entertainment. Fragging useless but I can guess why you know it.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (01:14:15/09-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-09-13/0822:03>
>>>>>[Well, I wouldn't say it is completely useless. Definitely not something you want to use in combat, though. But you can do wonders with it when selling a cover, or any time when you need a big, flashy distraction. Combined with drones, it can make for something effective, perhaps. I saw one kid make it look like the Wild Hunt was riding over Cara'sir before. I swear, even though I recognized the spell, I still lost years off my life from the shock. But unless you're doing a special effects show, it doesn't pay to keep it up for long.

And CE, I don't hear Dragonslayer, but Shark speaks to me, and Wolf to Xerena. The mentor spirits (or totems, as shamans call them), only speak to you if you're on the same wavelength as them. Dog shamans aren't loyal because they hear Dog. Dog shamans hear Dog because they are loyal. That's the simple version, but it'll do for a general forum like this. If you find yourself arguing with your mentor, then it means you've got a piece of you that knows you need to change something about your life. Shark isn't a big talker, really. Shark swims idly, only hunting for food, or when there is blood in the water. But when he is on the hunt, he strikes without mercy or compassion.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (8:21:33/08-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-09-13/1513:41>
>>>>>[If I ever get really good at magic, I could make good money with it here in LA.  While I can use magic, I'm hoping that I don't get to the point where people immediately turn to geek me.  I'm a rigger who uses magic, not a Mage who uses drones, if that makes sense.  But yeah... I do need to learn more about my magic...

      Thanks a lot, though Chrona, I do appreciate you taking time out of your busy day.  I'll be keeping my eyes open quite a bit more.

      Yeah, I'm starting to figure that out.  Dragonslayer and I weren't exactly on the best of terms, well I wasn't with him, until this "Mizz Johnson" reared her head.  I *can't* let her rope in any other young Runners only to kill them off.  I've spent ten years with Dragonslayer, and ten years arguing with him.  Three times we've been in agreement.  The first two were when I recruited Timber and Carat.

      If it weren't for rent, I wouldn't care about the nuyen after this.  I can't let someone lead young runners to their death.  Drek... did I just grow up?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (14:13:13/08-09-2013)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-09-13/1550:57>
>>>>>[MotherdrekingFINALLY.

Took me, a just over half of 20 something years old this generation guy, several freaking DAYS to get this stuff to work.

I want my comnlink back.

Anyways, speaking of Johnsons, anyone hear from Cash or either of our favorite Orks? I know they can be busy, but I'm kinda worried. I didn't know them well enough to really get them in my phonebook, per say, but they were always good for advice and the odd job.

Also, C.E., welcome to the Shadows, stay in them or get out, etc, etc etc, Ice and Wyrm have already gone over it all.

Ice, hows the married life, on the off hand? You and X still on honeymoon?]<<<<<

     -- Card (12:50:30/08-09-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-09-13/1602:45>
>>>>>[Assuming one is MacCallister, i hope i'm the other Ork, Card..]<<<<<

     --Chrona (21:02:15/09-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-09-13/1631:54>
>>>>>[I saw you posting, so I wasn't worried about you, but I do wish you the best, Chrona. Can't say I know your pain, as I know I don't, but you have a good net with us. Was meaning Our Wonderful UV93 Overlord Bull, and Murphy, our wonderful nth (as I can't remember) generation Murphy-ork.

Also, has anyone heard from Smiley or his cutely psychotic apprentice? I haven't seen them since that after party, and I swear I was drunk for a week after I last posted. Less worried about them though.]<<<<<

     -- Card (13:31:30/08-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-09-13/1638:08>
>>>>>[Murphy and Bull haven't been around lately, but in Bull's case, that could have to do with being blown up. Don't know about Murphy, though. Smiley is, as far as I know, up to his usual tricks. We crossed paths at the airport while Xerena and I were stopping off on our way from Europe to the South Pacific. He didn't say what he was doing in Metropole, and we didn't ask. If Autumn was with him, she was elsewhere when we met, but we had to head on to get our connecting flight.

And yeah, Card, married life is suiting me just fine. Of course, don't look for me to be settling down and retiring or any of that. Xerena and I both have our work, and that keeps us busy. Honeymoon was great, in a world tour kind of way. We went to Spain, to pay respects to her lost loved ones, and then took a couple days to tour around Tir Nan Og. Hit a couple places in the South Pacific after that, before heading back to Seattle. Xerena still does her talismongering, and sometimes goes out hunting reagents. Me, I'm still doing the escort/bodyguard thing on the side, and running when there's work that seems interesting. And there's been some very interesting things happening down in Cara'sir, what with the fallout from the elections.

CE, trust in what Dragonslayer tells you. For those of us with a mentor, everything works better when we listen to them. Just do yourself a favor, and don't mention him too loudly around dragons, yeah? And definitely don't go thinking that gives you an obligation to go out finding dragons to slay. They tend to be a bit touchy about such things, and the year long statute of limitations on reprisals set down by Celedyr isn't up yet. Take it from someone who's been there, don't ever try and go toe to toe with a dragon unless you have no other choice. And pray you have backup if they don't give you a choice. I'm lucky, in that being a possession mage makes me generally tougher to kill, but in a scrap with even a regular adult dragon, I'm dead if I'm on my own. Don't get stupid.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:37:22/08-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-09-13/1703:15>
>>>>>[I..guess I overestimated medtech these days, but I hope Bull's doing well in his vat, if he's still alive.

And yeah, I figured he'd be up to something. He's got that whole ring operation thing going on, as well as his own things. Glad to hear you had a good vacation though! How was the other Tir? It as mysterious as other people make it out to be?

Also, Coyote says hi. Yes, that is a new thing. Surprised me too. DIdn't think I'd fall under her...purview. Definitely interesting to learn more about her and her ways though. Also wasn't expecting to have a female totem. -shrugs-]<<<<<
  -- Card (14:02:04/08-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-09-13/1709:32>
>>>>>[Heh, yeah.  I might be stupid, but I'm not stupid enough to think that Dragonslayer wants me to kill literal dragons.  If my uncle gets his way, I know what he'll want me to fight.  If my "close family friends" get what they want, I know what they'll want me to fight.  Silly enough, there's a drek gang out here calling themselves "The Jade Dragons" and they're pissing off an elven gang.  (I sleep to the sound of their debates, where they use bullets and grenades instead of words and logic.)  I just know I'm going to have to put a stop to that war.

      Thanks for the warm welcome, everybody.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (16:09:22/08-09-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-09-13/1716:17>
>>>>>[Don't poke your nose into drek you don't have to. Unless they start actually shooting up near your abode, leave it burn out on it's own. Protect your own, and your property, but definitely don't get involved in a gang war if you can help it. Espeically in the middle. Unless you're getting paid and have one gang backing you up. Bad zen lays down that path either way, but the less risk you have, the better.]<<<<<

     -- Card (14:15:20/08-09-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-09-13/1749:25>
>>>>>[For the most part, they aren't shooting my windows.  But they are using my car and the corner of my place as cover.  Trips to the Stuffer Shack aren't terribad yet, but -somebody- has tried to mug each member of my team in the last six months.  At least once a week, my building gets shot.  I'm putting it off, but I know that at some point I'm going to have to put my foot down.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (16:49:20/08-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-10-13/2053:50>
>>>>>[ Speaking as rigger who heard call of wise-warrior Svygator, is smart to learn all you can of all you can.  You are in position to know how all works together; use this, run own team.  Also, is smart if living in apartment building to keep armed aerial drone on roof - on standby.  If hell is raised, use drone to identify major problems and order drone to 'disperse' them with much ammunition, then use periscope to identify and deal with specific issues. Two, three times gang has to cart friends home from sudden 'random' magic and drone assault and gang goes elsewhere, block becomes very quiet. ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (20:54:18/08-10-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-10-13/2215:46>
>>>>>[Indeed. Alternatively, if you're a possession mage, you'd be amazed what happens when you place a spirit in a drone body. The spirit can't use the drone's sensors or weapons, really, but it can move the drone just fine, meaning that when an 'unarmed' surveillance drone possessed by a fire spirit suddenly starts unloading flaming death from above, it tends to make the gangers think twice about coming around. Or when I summon a Spirit of Man capable of using my spell to turn people into ice sculptures, and put it in a drone. You should have seen the look on those Spikes' faces when this little Fly-Spy drone comes speeding in under the influence of a Movement power, and starts turning gangers to ice in the middle of their fight with some Ancients near my safehouse. It helps if you have the drones prepared as vessels ahead of time, since complex objects like that tend to resist magic.

Another thing you might consider if you 'dual-class', to borrow a term from those games, would be to focus on some of the lesser-used areas. For instance, if you do most of your fighting with drones, then focusing on ritual magic can be very effective. Just don't sell yourself as a combat mage, and you'll be good.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:15:23/08-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-10-13/2223:47>
>>>>>[C.E. is no where near summoning anything that could possess something as high tech as a drone. A Spoon, maybe. Drones, no.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (03:23:15/11-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-10-13/2232:49>
>>>>>[Well, goals to work towards, yeah? Also good advice for any possession mages out there who may be listening. Afterall, unarmed surveillance drones are dirt cheap, legal to own, and easy to get your hands on. And NO ONE expects them to start shooting at them.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:32:22/08-10-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-10-13/2245:41>
>>>>>[Yeah, goals to work towards.  Can't wait until I have less of those.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (21:45:19/08-10-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-10-13/2249:03>
>>>>>[No you don't kid. Cos there is only one time during life that happens.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (03:49:15/11-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-10-13/2256:54>
>>>>>[Heh, I more meant "I can't wait until I have more on my "done" list than "to be done" list.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (21:56:14/08-10-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-12-13/0141:09>
>>>>>[Hello? Can anyone hear this? I don't know where I am. This is a club right? I was just outside.. The buildings.. I think they were buildings, were floating... people were flying. I don't feel right. Wait, when did I come inside here? Help me.]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (06:49:15/12-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-12-13/0303:36>
>>>>>[Yeah, Omae, we read you loud and clear.  Everything's gonna be fine, just speak us through it, what led you here?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (2:03:54/08-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-12-13/1009:38>
>>>>>[Hmm. From the sound of it, it looks like someone doesn't realize they're in VR. I've heard similar stories before, of children raised in the Matrix 24/7, so that they didn't even know that the real world existed. But this seems to be the reverse.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (10:09:33/08-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-12-13/1212:25>
>>>>> [I’m back, from the latest fragfest . . . I’d almost feel sorry for the complex we just hit, except I’m all but positive it was run by Human Nation. Four different teams hit it on the same night – us, a New Islamic Jihad group, a New Knights Templar group, and a Brat’mael squad. The NIJ and the NKT got into it with each other, the Brat’mael was really interested in racking up a non-elven bodycount. My team got in and out with our objective and only five wounds taken. Did anyone get my last posting?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (11:03:38/08-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-12-13/1240:52>
>>>>>[Last post looked heavily corrupted, Longshot. But where the frag were you that the NIJ, NKT, and Black Sun all showed up at the same place? And at a Human Nation facility?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:40:22/08-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-12-13/1256:38>
>>>>>[VR? Oh that's a relief. Thank you everyone. It looks so different now. Wait i don't remember Jacking in.]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (17:56:15/12-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-12-13/1313:11>
>>>>>[Really. By any chance, what is the last thing you remember?]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (13:12:22/08-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-12-13/1320:12>
>>>>>[I was about to watch a trid at home, I didn't think I had Jacked in for it. Wait a minute 12-08-2075? My commlinks clock must be way off, it's only 2064.]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (18:19:15/12-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <08-12-13/1341:53>
>>>>>[Pull the other one. It's got bells on.]<<<<<

     --Mr. Fabulous (12:41:45/12-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-12-13/1346:21>
>>>>>[Yeah, that's what I thought. Last thing you remember it was somewhere around November 2, 2064, I'm guessing? Unfortunately, there's no easy way to say this, but your mind has been separated from your body. You're a ghost in the machine now.

And don't laugh, Fabulous. There's still people who were trapped online by the Crash that are 'waking up' inside the Matrix, even a decade after it happened.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (13:46:23/08-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-12-13/1415:35>
>>>>>[What? a decade? You can't be serious. I don't. No. No. No.]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (19:14:15/12-08-2075)

>>>>>[UserAcc173 has received time out from Host VU93 for excessive use of the Log Out command.]<<<<<
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-12-13/2344:01>
>>>>>[So, I was hoping I wouldn't have to ask, but... what exactly is a ghost in the machine?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (22:43:43/08-12-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-13-13/0430:35>
>>>>>[You remember that big crash a couple years back? A lot of people were still jacked in when it happened, and not all were consumed by the worm. Some unlucky (or maybe lucky) buggers wake up still connected, even though their real body died..or if he's a little lucky, his family had the money to keep his meat alive hoping he'd wake up.

They say, in some corners, a lot of 'feral sprites' that 'mancers go on about might be left over from those poor souls, gone insane from the changes and fear.]<<<<<

     -- Card (1:30:03/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/0438:36>
>>>>>[The one back in '64?  Man, I was eleven when that happened.  Drek, that's just a nightmare to think about.  What can be done for them?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (3:38:02/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-13-13/0511:28>
>>>>>[No, ghosts in the machine are not in any way sprites, Card. If you had to classify them, they would be a type of AI. There are many ghosts lingering in the Matrix, and not all of them were created by Jormungand. There are rumors of 'Alice of Wonderland' going back decades, possibly even to the time of Echo Mirage. A ghost in the machine is formed when a person undergoes severe trauma while connected to the matrix. This could be a run-in with Black IC, or a violent or painful death in the 'real' world. Not everyone who dies while jacked in becomes an 'e-ghost', as they are sometimes called, and not every e-ghost's body is dead. No one knows the specifics about it. I've talked to a mage, and he said it was similar to how no one knows exactly how ghosts are formed in the material plane.

As for what can be done for them? Nothing. Best you can do is try to keep them in one place, and give them counselling until they're able to accept their new condition, and learn to live with it. Most, however, don't get that counselling, and many of them show signs of madness, some going so far as to become similar to feral or xenosapient AIs. For those of us who make the Matrix our home, it is a horrible thing to watch. Other than trying to give them counselling, the only thing you can truly do for them is give them peace, finding their 'core', and destroying it. In other words, killing them. Again.

I'm not sure of the specifics, but Alice of Wonderland was an urban legend from the days of the old Matrix. It is said that she had her own digital 'plane' that she could control at her will. From what few accounts I could gather, she was nice enough, except when it came to the Azzie board member, Thomas Roxborough. No clue what that is about, but she appeared to have a major grudge against him. Again, though, this is all hearsay. But AIs and the otaku were hearsay and urban legend once upon a time, too, so I can't count it out entirely.

It is also said that Captain Chaos, the administrator of Shadowland Seattle, is out in the Matrix somewhere as an e-ghost. And there's also Cerberus, the e-ghost of the dragon Eliohan, who is confirmed as working at NeoNET with Celedyr.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (05:11:32/08-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/0519:37>
>>>>>[Ok, so that goes far beyond my knowledge and understanding of technology.  Should we... well, I'll ping ya privately.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (4:19:57/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-13-13/0537:10>
>>>>> [In Renton (big surprise), just south of Four Lakes. The place was apparently a wargaming facility.
Heavily corrupted, huh? So that's what the towers were - digital masks. I thought connections got screwy, couldn't get hacker to check 'cos they were busy.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (04:31:25/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-13-13/0557:42>
>>>>>[Fascinating. And it was run by the Human Nation, you say? I wouldn't be surprised if the 'wargames' were actually a hide-in-plain-sight training ground. Much of the tactics one would use with such games translate directly to the battlefield, which is why armies and police forces around the world have used war games and simulators for over a hundred years to prepare their troops for combat.

It interests me, though, that the Brat'mael were able to get their hands on that information. Wonder if they were led to the site?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:57:23/08-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-13-13/1055:24>
>>>>> [I'd say yes. I have the strongest impression my team was, and also we were sent in because a preferred option wasn't available. All the raids were likely the end results of some long running recon and/or spook ops. Although, with NIJ and NKT there I have to wonder if one of them followed the other. The site skimped on astral security in favour of meat guards and drones. I don't know Speretheiel, so I don't know what the Brat'mael were yelling about - although I think I once caught 'NiFairra' in a yell. Could mean nothing or anything. No recordings, sorry] <<<<<

-- Longshot (09:45:02/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-13-13/1111:17>
>>>>>[That's a shame. I always have a simrig running when I'm on the job. First, a recording helps in figuring out what the frag happened when things go crazy like your run did. Second, if I come across additional paydata (such as seeing a certain celebrity slipping off with someone for some 'fun') that's free nuyen. Third, it helps me analyze my work, and my team's work afterwards. Learn from any mistakes you made, and take note of anything that went well for future reference, etc. Same reason any sports team watches trid of last week's game.

Of course, when you're done with them, make sure to delete anything incriminating, or move it to a secure offline storage. Don't carry around things that can be used to screw you hoping a hacker won't get past your team's firewalls and start rummaging through your stuff.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:11:11/08-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <08-13-13/1120:27>
>>>>>[Different strokes for different folks I suppose. Most of my family contacts would object in urgent terrms if they spotted a guy wearing a wire. At the very least it would be a breech of etiquette, at the worst a casus beli. Goes to show the importance of knowing your audience I suppose.

Kind of like the guy who brought an emotitoy to a meet with Jenny "The Taxidermist" Milligan. They were scraping pieces off the wall for weeks.]<<<<<

--Mr. Fabulous (10:19:34/08-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-13-13/1140:42>
>>>>> [Well, I'll just have to mark it down under 'lessons learned'. But the chances of stumbling across something possibly comparable would be pretty thin. Also, wireless functionality seemed to be barely there, on site.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (10:36:37/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <08-13-13/1149:25>
>>>>>[Spotted a guy wearing a wire?  You do know that 1975 was a hundred years ago, right?]<<<<<

--Vice (11:49:11/08-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <08-13-13/1226:10>
>>>>>[Sure. That hasn't made the maf less paranoid or more accepting of being recorded. The techniques have changed, but largely that's just resulted in more paranoia not less.]<<<<<

--Mr. Fabulous (11:25:11/08-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-13-13/1622:08>
>>>>>[Ah! It's good to be back on the streets! I find prison doesn't suit me. Hahaha!

Yeah, I got busted by the FBI again! It's a good story! Same zealot as the last time. He was trying to stop me from finalizing things on a small arms pipeline I was setting up out of the UCAS. All the parties insisted on me being present at the final handshake between the different parties and he knew that. But sadly the deal went through even if I was inside!

The guy thought he was really clever this time. I dare say he even thought he was clever than me. He knew his higher ups would want to release me, like they ordered him the last time, so he sent me straight to a KE managed federal prison. He was probably hoping to delay, possibly eternally, my release, since SINless like me tends to have it hard in there.

Hahaha! It was the plan all along! Who did he think was supplying the weapons for me to arrange smuggling? I just make things happen, I'm not a supplier! So I arranged some prisoners to get transferred and a few other guys "busted" prior to my arrest. After that, my contacts in both the CIA and the FBI had excuses to come visit me... pardon, "interrogate me". As for the ARES representative in charge of the supplying, well he didn't need any reason since the own the damn place. KE were kind enough to give us a nice private meeting place. Hahaha!

Everyone was there so we discussed what was needed to be discussed than we all went our separate ways. People being held without proof got released and prisoners transferred back to their original holding facilities. Hehe! It's probably just a question of time before the FBI agent figures out he got played by me. There's no shame in that, I mean he played against me, but I suspect he's not going to let that one go! He was there at my release and he didn't look happy to see me back on the streets! Hahaha!

Well, we'll see. But if gets to be a serious threat, I already have something in place to remove him permanently from the chess board! By the gods, I love my job! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:22:12/09-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-13-13/1808:18>
>>>>>[Well, Fabulous, I've dealt with Mafia, Laesa, Yakuza, Koshari, and Triads at different points, and not one of them has had cause to complain about the way I do business, except for the ones who thought they could double-cross me. Those recordings are strictly private use only, to improve my techniques and my game. Especially the recordings of the meet. Those get deleted once I'm clear of the run and paid. Likewise, the stuff on the run itself doesn't get released, unless there's cause for it to be released. There was a time when my team stumbled into a nest of Wasp spirits on a run, and I sold the footage and location of the nest to Ares. Nothing about our run was in that, just the paydata that mattered. I'm a professional, after all. However, when someone tries to cross me, having the footage for facial recognition software makes things that much easier.

Also, Fabulous, if your 'family' is so paranoid about being recorded, what do they do, gouge out every pair of cybereyes that show up to a meet? You do understand those things have cameras in them, and always have, right? Or that cyberears can also record everything they hear? Always assume the other party is recording you. And give them plenty of reasons to never let those recordings out in the open.

Smiley, good to see you're still up to the same old tricks.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:08:22/08-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/1854:48>
>>>>>[Say, Mr. Fabulous, there's this guy here in LA that is sending gangers and us "wanna-be" Shadowrunners offering the standard  "too good to be true" loans.  I figure he might be a distant cousin of yours.  Any ideas on how I might be able to figure out who's in his debt?  I'd rather not see too many of my generation get taken for a ride.  Guy's name, at least according to the spam I'm getting, is Mickey Deep Pockets.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (17:53:25/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Crunch on <08-13-13/1930:01>
>>>>>[Don't know a Mickey Deep Pockets, but then again I ain't made or nothing, and LA isn't my town. Just a friend of the Seattle family as it were.Good rule of thumb is never borrow money you can't afford to pay back, know who you owe, understand the vic and know exactly what the collateral is.]<<<<<

     --Mr. Fabulous (18:29:25/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-13-13/1931:48>
>>>>>[Please don't kill me..]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (00:31:15/14-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/1949:24>
>>>>>[No worries, Omae, I don't think anybody here is planning on doing that.  What's your name?
     Hey, can one of our more tech advanced guys help our friend here change their handle from the randomized account number?
     Mr. Fabulous, yeah, I know not to deal with him, but if I can throw Nuyen at someone to keep some young runners in working condition, and maybe recruit them to my work, its worth it, right?  They rule LA here, and I don't know much about how connected they are.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (18:49:22/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-13-13/2001:47>
>>>>>[My name? It's UserAcc173.. I mean, of course it's not that, it's Us....useeee- god damn it.]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (01:01:01/14-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/2006:44>
>>>>>[Hey, its alright, just calm down.  (Breathe?)  Where are ya from?  What do you remember about yourself?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (19:06:01/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-13-13/2009:53>
>>>>>[Seattle, definitely Seattle... I work for... Aztechnology.. yes..]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (01:08:01/14-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/2012:23>
>>>>>[Alright, that's a start.  Any family?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (19:12:43/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-13-13/2020:22>
>>>>>[A 10 year old...female. Daughter, i mean Daughter. Her name is..User unknown... I don't remember d-d-d-atabase error... ... ... ..]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (01:20:01/14-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/2029:24>
>>>>>[Ok, well, that's enough to start with, Omae.  ¿Ninguna necesidad de preocuparse, entiendes?
     Can one of  you Seattle boys do a quick look around for any death certificates for Azzies who left behind ten year old daughters?  I don't have the technical know how, nor the equipment to do it all the way from here.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (19:29:30/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-13-13/2033:30>
>>>>>[That is not unexpected. Probably the result of corrupted or missing data when he was 'uploaded'. Unfortunately, without a name, that doesn't give us much to go on. You'd have to hack Aztechnology personnel files to find out his details from that, if they even exist. Azzies aren't exactly known for truthful bookkeeping. Still, his daughter would be about 20 now. If he could remember his name, or hers, that would give a good starting point for the search. Otherwise, you would have to go line by line through the Aztechnology Seattle personnel files for 2064, and see who had an 'accident' during the Crash, and also had a daughter... It is doable, but it would take a lot of time, and it isn't good to stick around in Aztechnology servers for too long.

And CE, remember that the Crash wiped many records of the time, and corrupted many more. Anything from the first few months after the Crash would be suspect, as the Azzies no doubt tried to avoid further panicking their workers with the reports of people dying while jacked in. This isn't like looking up last night's urban brawl scores.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (20:33:21/08-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/2039:02>
>>>>>[Makes me even more curious about the books I have.
     Omae, you said you were getting ready to watch a trid?  Remember which one?  Any details that might narrow down who you are?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (19:38:11/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-13-13/2042:34>
>>>>>[No,, I don't remember. I think it was popular... what was popular that year....]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (01:42:01/14-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/2048:48>
>>>>>[Heh, I was watching Greeku's Adventures, but at the time it was probably more up your daughter's alley than yours.  She was the right age for it, at least.  My father... well, I don't actually remember him watching the Trids, so I couldn't tell you what he watched.

      What part of Seattle are you from?  Any favorite restaurants?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (19:48:48/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-13-13/2054:20>
>>>>>[Pyramid... Near the pyramid.. Downtown. But I could afford my own place. Didn't want her growing up in an arcology. Pyramid. There was a Pyramid in the Trid. Yes, the trid was about Seattle and the pyramid, i think.]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (01:454:01/14-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-13-13/2120:03>
>>>>>[Its alright, we're gonna do what we can, omae.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (20:19:03/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-13-13/2227:42>
>>>>>[ Says you.  You can't even figure out how to ask someone to hack a fraggin' drone constellation's feed.

<BREAK>
<Idle.process.v.38.1.65.a: running...>
<Idle.process.v.38.1.65.a: running...>
<Idle.process.v.38.1.65.a: running...>
<Idle.process.v.38.1.65.a: running...>
<Idle.process.v.38.1.65.a: You have been idle for 90 minutes.  Do you want to jack out? Y/N>
<Idle.process.v.38.1.65.a: running...>
<Idle.process.v.38.1.65.a: running...>
<Idle.process.v.38.1.65.a: running...>
<Idle.process.v.38.1.65.a: running...>
</BREAK>

Ah.  Yeah, that would explain it.  Interesting.  I wonder if there's more that ended up like that. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:30:00/08-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-14-13/0443:50>
>>>>>[You find something off Ouroboros?

And yeah, shows you how much I know. Then again, I do try not to be ignorant....any learning experience that doesn't cost me a limb or my life is a good one in my book.]<<<<<
     -- Card (01:43:05/08-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-14-13/1643:21>
>>>>>[Alright, i've got a few fingers working the books on our new friend and his Identity, I've got copies of Azzie files from before the crash floating around here somewhere and a few folks are looking through them right now.

Ghosts in the Machine, I've been bouncing around these forums in one form or another for almost 20 years and i have met them once or twice. Alice at least was real, i wont comment as to whether or not she survived the crash.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (15:42:01/14-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-14-13/1656:12>
>>>>>[Thank you.  Deus misereatur .]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (21:56:01/14-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-14-13/1807:18>
>>>>>[You know, even if Alice didn't survive the crash, there could be a 'copy' of her saved in the Resonance. But finding that copy would not be easy. According to a technomancer I know, the process is similar to going on a quest to the deep metaplanes, and just as dangerous. Still, if you could find a technomancer willing to make the trip, you could probably find more paydata than you'd know what to do with.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:07:23/08-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-14-13/1928:47>
>>>>>[Journey to the metaplanes was something that Briar Hare and I discussed, apparently you can bring people along.  Same thing with the technomancers?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (18:28:20/08-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Snake Eyes on <08-14-13/1951:39>
>>>>>[Wassup Chummers.....haven't been here in a while, had some biz in Florida and had to drop outa sight for a while...

Hey Wolfgar, what are you messin with this time?]<<<<<

     --Dead Eye (18:47/08-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-14-13/2017:16>
>>>>>[At the last place of residence I had, there was an AI that took up residence and took care of some of the rent. Not sure if he/she/it was a Ghost in the Machine or not, but after arrival the air freshening units and flavor faucets all had a slight apple aroma/flavor.]<<<<<

     -- Predator (19:14:49/08-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-14-13/2135:41>
>>>>>[Journey to the metaplanes was something that Briar Hare and I discussed, apparently you can bring people along.  Same thing with the technomancers?]<<<<<

     --C.E. (18:28:20/08-14-2075)
>>>>>[ Speaking from experience, C.E., you can't 'bring' people along to the Metaplanes - they have to choose to join you on your quest, and either already be able to access the metaplanes or else be granted that ability, usually by a free spirit with some pretty serious juju.  (That's how I did it those two times, and believe me, it'll take an act of God to get me on a third.
          But yes, technomancer access to the Library and the other Resonance Realms is very like access to the metaplanes - you cannot be brought, you must choose, and be assisted if you can't already do it.
          Mirikon, leave Alice alone.  You wouldn't like what you found when you got there anyhow.
          And yes, Card, I did. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (21:30:00/08-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Snake Eyes on <08-14-13/2314:49>
>>>>>[That is one thing i DO NOT mess with, is Spirits, bad things always happen..... Hey Predator, sounds like the AI was messin with you......thats pretty funny]<<<<<

     --Dead Eye (22:12/08-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-15-13/0000:07>
>>>>>[Could be. Good thing I like apple flavor and scent.]<<<<<

     -- Predator (22:59:37/08-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-15-13/0005:42>
>>>>>[Could be worse. Chummer of mne had an AI that would force him to do something called the Truffle Shuffle once a week to get in to his house.]<<<<<

     --Card (21:05:34/08-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <08-15-13/0007:16>
>>>>>[Truffle Shuffle? What the drek is that?]<<<<<

     -- Predator (22:06:33/08-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Snake Eyes on <08-15-13/0028:15>
>>>>>[Yeah, Card, inquiring minds want to know]<<<<<

     --Dead Eye (23:28/08-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-15-13/0441:31>
>>>>>[According to my Matrix Search engine, it's a thing from a really, realy old movie. We're talking, 1980s. It's a dance this fat kid has to do to get into a club house. Kinda...embarrassing to be honest. It's not hard to find if you use the normal video sites.]<<<<<

     -- Card (1:40:30/08-15-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-15-13/0751:59>
>>>>>[Don't worry about me, Wyrmy. I know enough about the digital planes to know that I know next to nothing, and I should leave such things to those who do. And they tell me much as you do, to not go looking for trouble. Just like how I tell people not to go poking the denizens of the deep metaplanes. There are some that are friendly enough, I'm told, but many that are hostile to life in all its forms, and there are beings there that simply do not think as we do. Picture trying to have a discussion with a madman who has enough power to tear your soul apart, and you'll understand the risks of travelling to the metaplanes. And that's not even counting doing whatever it is you went there to do. There are some mages in academic or shamanic circles who specialize in questing to the deep metaplanes, but I've found that as a runner, journeying that far from 'home' invariably involves attracting the attention of entities you don't wish to meet, especially in an element they know infinitely better than you do.

Like I said, I know enough to know I don't know nearly enough to go there without a DAMN good reason.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:51:22/08-15-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-15-13/1825:18>
>>>>>[ I meant it on a more ... personal ... level.  Alice, in all her 'incarnations' if you must, has gone through hells enough for three people, and it's not like she was a bad person to start with.  Her 'resting place' has more than just my guardians waiting for those who would look to disturb her - though to be fair, among a certain kind, going there is something of a pilgrimage ... and like any pilgrimage, not to be undertaken lightly. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:30:00/08-15-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-15-13/2200:42>
>>>>>[Understood. By the way, since you have friends in those realms, you wouldn't happen to know if any of the big three AIs from before the Crash are 'saved' someplace, would you? Friend of a friend wants to know, and all.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:00:00/08-15-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-15-13/2351:32>
>>>>>[ I know what you want to know.  But really, do you think I'd give that sort of information away for the asking??  Revealing that kind of information is worth considerably more than either of our lives is worth. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:00:00/00-00-0000)

>>>>>[ Oh -- fraggin' glitch!! ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:00:00/00-00-0000)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-16-13/0936:30>
>>>>>[*shrugs* Can't blame a guy for trying. That info could net you one hell of a marker to call in some day, if you played it right. Really, there's only one of the three I'm really interested in, since having that man owe you a favor like that would be...]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:36:22/08-16-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-17-13/0149:48>
>>>>>[ What, you mean Dodger?  Dodger really should know better, but love makes slaves of all of us.  Makes us do stupid things, too, which really is what I'm talking about, but y'know, he never asked me ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:00:00/08-17-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-17-13/0739:37>
>>>>>[Indeed, there's no rhyme or reason to love, it simply is. But the fact remains that he is continuing his search, and he is still amongst the best codeslingers in the Matrix, from all accounts. And the romantic in me can't help but feel for the knight errant, seeking his lady fair, searching all the lands after they were separated by a terrible conflict... I mean, it is a story worthy of song, or at least verse. And it would be nice if that fairy tale would come to a happy end.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:39:22/08-17-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-17-13/1146:20>
>>>>> [To dream . . . the Impossible Dream . . .] <<<<<

-- Longshot (10:45:08/08-17-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-17-13/1231:32>
>>>>>[I remembered part of the trid. The hero was part of a group who followed the same god. The god had made them all strong. They were the heros, the servants to a god who would deliver this world to a new age. The hero helped bring the god to our world, made the god strong.]<<<<<

     --UserAcc173 (17:31:01/17-08-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-17-13/2129:27>
>>>>>[That sounds like a story about the Lord, if the Whites were telling it.]<<<<<

--Faust (21:29:33/08-17-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-18-13/1832:38>
>>>>>[Dead eye, good to see you're still around, your mates are heading toward the rotten apple by ground route and from reports not enjoying the trip. I'm currently sitting on a box of hardware to ship to them if i can get the proper clearances or arrange the right courier depending on where they end up. Guts are saying somewhere much farther east of New York.

As for the big 3 Ice, i have my suspicions, but if they are still around they are much removed from their power.

User, I'm still going through the files, hard copy is a slitch, especially when its an entire bloody wharehouse.]<<<<<

Wolfgar  (17:32:52/08-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-19-13/0701:55>
>>>>>[Well, today's the day.  Lets see what this compound has in store, and how much its worth.  I'm going to see about getting a backdoor set up, if there's anything y'all want me to look for on your behalf, let me know.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (6:01:19/08-19-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-19-13/1106:51>
>>>>>[Well, I'm not sure about that, Wolfgar. Other than Deus, the rest of the big three were able to hide their presence for years (decades, in the case of Mirage), operating without the shadows (to say nothing of the world at large) having any clue of their existence besides urban legends on the matrix. There is a difference in the level of power you display, and the level of power you may have access too, after all. If they were still lurking on the matrix somewhere, how would you know them from any other AI or Persona if they changed their icon and used a different name? And if we are talking about 'backups' in the Resonance Realms, those may very well be just as powerful as the big three were at their height.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:06:23/08-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Snake Eyes on <08-19-13/1500:54>
>>>>>[Hey Wolfgar, tell the guys hey for me, i'll be down here in florida for a while longer.......helping the family out....the parents run a small cafe called Belladonnas, if you happen to head this way, stop by and we'll feed you......and bring the guys along too....

BTW, if you need any extra muscle, give me a holler]<<<<<

--Dead Eye (14:01:05/08-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-19-13/1506:21>
>>>>>[I'm on back up, as promised, if you need it C.E.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (20:05:19/08-19-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-20-13/1855:06>
>>>>>[Okay, seriously?  I mean what the frag do you mean this is the only place I can reach on my 'link?  WHAT?!  Who does this guy think he is?  Um, okay, point.  He wants me to what?  Whaddya mean this thing's on right now?

Um, right.  Seems after this crazy fragger kills my buddies, well, okay, not really my buddies, more like a gang holding my kid sister hostage to get some mojo on their side.....  Either way, after killing everyone in the gang's hideout, and offering me a chance to join the Catholic church, or undergoing his little "test"(like dropping a kid from the streets in the middle of the fraggin' forest with only a map, a compass, a pistol and a couple boxes of ammo is much of a test..) I picked option b, and it seems he got somebody to mod my 'link so I can only connect here....  His assistant wants me to learn from some of the older guys on here, for whatever that's worth.  Frankly, I'd just be happy if one of you fraggers could tell me who this Ooath guy is, and why, I'd appreciate it.]<<<<<
     -- Siouxsie (17:52:21/08-20-75)



>>>>>[What the frag?!?!  That ain't my fraggin' name!]<<<<<
     -- Siouxsie (17:53:02/08-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-20-13/2357:10>
>>>>>[Like a naked baby in the woods! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:57:06/09-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-21-13/0813:50>
>>>>>[Not....Quite.....]<<<<<
     -- Siouxsie (07:13:25/08-21-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-21-13/1825:19>
>>>>>[If you can't even change your login name, then yeah, that's disrespectful to the naked baby.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (18:24:22/08-21-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-21-13/1828:16>
>>>>>[Siouxsie, start looking for a clearing, i have your location and a Skraacha LAV should be around you shortly to pick you up and bring you back into the city.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar  (17:27:32/08-21-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-21-13/1843:24>
>>>>>[Siouxsie, start looking for a clearing, i have your location and a Skraacha LAV should be around you shortly to pick you up and bring you back into the city.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar  (17:27:32/08-21-75)

>>>>>[Wait, what?  How are you getting a signal out there?  I WALKED back.*laughter in the background*What so fraggin' funny, and why does this thing keep saying frag when I say frag?
*takes a few audible breaths*
Great.  Looks like he had a couple hacker buddies play with my 'link.  Maybe I shouldn't have told the guy to lick me from sack to crack.  Offer's appreciated, though.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie (17:43:24/08-1-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-21-13/2112:37>
>>>>>[Um, Wolfgar?  That Uath guy asked if you could pick up a bag of coffee beans if you're going to keep following that signal.  I think that means you might want to stop.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(20:12:30 /08-1-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-22-13/1756:07>
>>>>>[Don't worry Souix, I naped the area when i saw that you weren't there, I'm going to send you a location so that you can meet with one of my people and get a clean link with an access to Jackpoint on it. If you dont see an Elf that looks like she just stepped out of an old flatvid anime, dont answer anyone else asking for you.]<<<<<
[2mp file transfered]
--Wolfgar  (16:55:42/08-22-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-22-13/2300:27>
>>>>>[Ok, so whomever mentioned the possibility of "The Hive" in conjunction with my run... I hate you.  I don't *think* that there was an actual hive there, but things went so sour I had to bail for a while.  Human sacrifices, obviously, and tons of bugs crawling over the walls on the second level of a fraggin' mine.  Decided not to poke around down there yet, got my ass handed to me by a twisted Spirit of Man, then dumpshocked out of my drone.

     But here's the question I have for y'all.  Why would someone go to the effort of faking a plane crash?  The body was there, crashed into the mountain, but the engine and everything *valuable* had been stripped prior to the crash.  No bodies.  Ran the identification numbers, it was scrapped after retirement (theoretically).  No plane crashes in the area (according to the news), so it wasn't to fake any deaths...]<<<<<

     --C.E. (22:00:18/08-22-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-23-13/0324:35>
>>>>>[Thanks Wolfgar. Give me a bit to figure out when to slip out, and I'll get there.  Might be a bit, though.

And C.E, faking a plane crash is a good way to disappear people.  I just got a lesson on that.  Nobody expect to see many recognizable body parts, which means that you can say random burnt hunk of meat A is the remains of this guy, and Hunk B is that chick.  Kinda fragged up lesson plan there, when I think about it.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(02:24:30/08-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-23-13/0812:40>
>>>>>[Faking a plane crash is, as Siouxsie said, a great way to fake someone's death, or disguise a corpse so that it can't be identified. However, if you were able to tell that the plane had been stripped before the crash, then they clearly did a horrible job of faking it. If I had to guess, I'd say it was a corp suit who wanted to disappear (or make someone disappear), and had seen a few too many trids, but didn't have the funds or connections to hire a competent team for the extraction.

As for the magic, I've got good news and bad news for you. Good news? You're probably not dealing with insect spirits, unless that Spirit of Man was a free spirit. 'Normal' spirits and insect spirits do NOT get along, for the most part. Anyone capable of summoning bugs would have tried to clean out any other kinds of spirit near the hive. That's the good news. Bad news? You're almost certainly dealing with blood mages, and some really fragged up stuff too. The twisted spirit and the bugs crawling everywhere tell me this isn't a one-time thing, but something that's been going on for a while. Abnormal concentrations or behaviors in animals and insects can be the sign of either real high level magic, or a particular brand of magic performed in an area over time, so that there is a background count aspected that way. If you go back in, forget regular or ExEx ammo, use nothing but APDS or SnS. That's your best bet for dealing with spirits while using drones. Even then, you're going to be in big trouble.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:11:23/08-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-23-13/1355:21>
>>>>>[Well that's the thing, there were no bodies, either.  So, flying over, you'd see the remains of the crash.  There is no paper trail regarding a crash, PCC nor CFS has record of a plane going down there.  Running the numbers comes up with a plane that had been scrapped.  To make someone disappear, you people to know that there was a crash.  Its not even that they buried the crash, Carat would have found that.  No, it was retired, sold to a scrap yard, and placed here.  We're digging around for intel on the scrap yard, maybe that will clue us in on something, but everything that I can think of that they'd fake a crash for, a ten minute walk around clued me that it was not the case.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (12:54:17/08-23-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-23-13/1510:14>
>>>>>[Maybe it was "scrapped" but they  needed the parts up on that mountain for something so they moved the whole thing there. Or maybe they saw a blood spirit and decided to see if it could survive having a plane land on it. Moving away from how insulted I am that you never called on my back up when dealing with spirits, kid, do you have a better description of the twisted spirit? I don't expect you to have run in to assense it after getting your drone scrapped and everything Ice said is true but... Well i saw some Toxic Shamans over in England once. The Pestilence variety are pretty keen on their bugs. I suggest running a Geiger over anyone and anything that went in physically, disinfecting and getting everyone a wide-band medical test for abnormalities an infections, just in case. Better safe then dead man walking]<<<<<

     --Chrona (20:09:17/08-23-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Maddoux1 on <08-23-13/1545:00>
>>>>>[Yeah, I don't know if you saw the flare up of my Signature, but I was blinded by it when I went Astral.  Everything was wonky there, I felt myself getting pulled towards the mine.  The plane was showing up, the mine shaft was showing up, the control tower even.  I couldn't concentrate on much but trying to get into my body again, I didn't mean to leave ya out.

     When I turned around to get back, it was between me and... me.  Right.  He had no eyes, but teeth like daggers, and a wicked smile.  His arms turned into swords instead of hands.  I couldn't act fast enough, and those swords hurt.  I was coughing up blood when I got to my body, and it materialized.  My team shot it, before I could let Timber know she needed to use killing hands instead of her crossbow.  Still, they hurt it enough that I was able to free it from this world.]<<<<<

     --C.E. (14:44:44/08-23-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-23-13/1552:34>
>>>>>[That sounds unnervingly like a Reaper. Are you healing up okay? Get your mentor (The mage in the desert or your Spirit variety) to check out your aura asap. Ice, any other ideas? Bloods are usually more... Gooey.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (20:52:17/08-23-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-23-13/2211:19>
>>>>>[Agreed, blood spirits typically take on the form of the creature killed in their summoning, albeit oozing blood everywhere. This sounds toxic to me, though I've heard of mages summoning some freaky looking spirits just to instill terror in the people they face. I'm more worried about the fact that the thing nearly blinded you on the astral, and you found yourself getting drawn to the mine. The glowing buildings and plane crash can be described a number of ways, but having your astral form drawn to a place where there are bugs crawling on the walls and signs of human sacrifices is never a good sign. It sounds almost like being on the outer edges of a rift's influence. Thing is, it would have to be a powerful rift, to still affect you through all that material from down in the mine. Let's call that the 'good' option. If it isn't that, and it isn't a new mage overreacting to the emotional content of the astral, then the options get progressively worse from there.

A rift connected to one of the darker metaplanes would also explain the presence of the spirit, if it wasn't summoned and bound to guard the mine. If there are toxic metaplanes (don't ask me, I'm not stupid enough to go looking to find out), this could be a rift to one of those realms. Have your entire team checked out, as Chrona said. And also, did you find any people in the area? People who, say, might have displayed the power to instill fear in those around them, and were able to get up after being shot point blank with a rifle on full auto? The lack of bodies suggests Shedim. And while word is that the path they used to get here is shut, there's still many of them around. I've never seen a shedim's astral form, and I have no desire to. One of those 'worse options' I mentioned before? A honeypot designed to draw in astral travelers, and distract them long enough for a shedim to get their body. In which case, you'd be damn lucky to still be you.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:10:34/08-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-23-13/2230:07>
>>>>>[That would gel with the spirit trying to make it to his meat before his astral form did... Most spirits don't think about our meat enough to differentiate and go after it unless ordered specifically too.I found an old tome, it wasn't easy to get. Think of it like my own segment of the dead sea scrolls. It's taught me a decent amount about the fear that exists beyond the metaplanes. Enough to know we'd all be screwed one on one with anything like that. Glad i made sure you took your whole team now.
The scroll is one of those tomes that you hear about when a twisted mage's biography starts with "He was nice until he started reading", so I have never read the whole thing. The only mage I'd trust trying to go through it with is you, Ice, if you find yourself in Redmond and feel like dropping by the Mord-Haus.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (03:20:17/08-23-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-23-13/2235:29>
>>>>>[Interesting. Did this tome have a name? I still have some connections in the Tir, and they might be able to track its provenance. Or at least give us a clue of what kind of drek we'd be getting into before we start reading. I have a feeling knowing as much as possible about the book before we start investigating would be a good start, if it is like you say. Incidentally, what language is the tome written in?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:34:23/08-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-23-13/2251:50>
>>>>>[Though it is on an early form of paper it's really like Cuneiform languages. It has a few words and phrases analogous to ancient sperethial, which is how i got it translated to the point it is at. It talks about a spirit variety that seems far removed from the metaplanes and much worse than Shadows. I traveled a lot after SK kicked me out of Germany, I found it while teaching myself sorcery in the middle east. It is only a few large pages though. They may not eveen be in the right order. They seem to be from the same tome though based on look, texture, etc. I've had it with me for the longest time, so at-least unlike some ancient blood tomes it doesn't corrupt over time.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (03:51:17/08-23-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-23-13/2302:14>
>>>>>[Ancient Sperethiel, huh. Hmm. My contacts don't go THAT high, but I'll see if I can get my hands on some translation guides for the Cuneiform languages, as well as ancient Sperethiel. Laying them out side by side, we might be able to piece together the symbols. But worse spirits than Shadows. That reminds me of something I saw when I was with a DIMR expedition to the Lacuna... Well, I can't say more than that on an open channel. But the Lacuna is a very dangerous place, and I've heard rumors of similar places in other parts of the world, as well. Ancient sites brought back as alchera...

Let me get to work on that, Chrona. I'll contact you when I've got the materials together.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:01:33/08-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-23-13/2313:01>
>>>>>[Sounds good Ice, this should be a big help, there is only so far I can go with translations when blind and using spirits and logical enhancement spells to make up for the downsides of being a ghoul..]<<<<<

     --Chrona (04:02:17/08-23-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-24-13/0502:24>
>>>>>[Wolfgar, thanks for the 'link.  Also, do you have a way to get ahold of your contact.  Made some money with a sucker bet involving her, so I figure she should get half.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(04:02:15/08-4-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-24-13/0821:44>
>>>>>[Chrona, got the guides. But my friend at the DIMR said the chairman would like a copy of the translation if it turns out to be authentic. Apparently he had a switch set up to notify him when someone pulled this combination of translation guides. My contact knew better than to ask, and I didn't press the issue. That Prince was always well known to be a man of letters, afterall.

I'm on my way to you now. Just passed back into Seattle. Also, if you're feeling hungry, I have a member of the Spikes here who tried to block the road with some of his buddies on my way back. I've got a spirit riding him so he's quiet, for now. His buddies are in much worse shape. If you don't want him, I'll send him off to the Ancients as a 'gift'.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:20:22/08-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-24-13/1107:27>
>>>>> [ . . . . be warned . . . . Azzie spooks more active in Sea-Tac . . . am pursue&%@#] <<<<<

-- Longshot (10:01:31/08-24-2013)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-24-13/1234:45>
>>>>>[Ah that sounds great Ice, it was almost dinner time. Who is the DIMR chairman now, i don't know many Tir princes by name? I suppose there are worse groups to get their hands on this.]<<<<<

     --Chrona (17:32:17/08-24-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-24-13/2235:09>
>>>>>[The DIMR chairman is still Ehran the Scribe, former Prince of Tir Tairngir. Those who roamed the old Shadowland would know him as Wordsmyth. I grew up hearing all sorts of rumors about him, and some of the other princes. People in the highest circles called them Elders with respect, but I think only a handful of them even they knew why. But they are all incredibly powerful mages. As a note, the former deputy chair of the Draco Foundation, Aina Dupree, and one of the main actors in that recent chaos in Denver, Harlequin, were also considered Elders by those same people. My sister knew more, being a servant of Prince Hestaby, but she kept her mistress's secrets well, even to her death.

This translation is difficult. Even the Sperethiel parts are very different from what is in use today. I believe this is called 'drift' by linguists. Anyways, by comparing the symbols used in the different languages, we're starting to piece together the words. Right now, we're just getting the basic translation done, and then we'll try adjusting for sentence structure and context. Too difficult (and potentially dangerous) to do all that at once.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:34:12/08-25-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-24-13/2324:00>
>>>>>[Isn't that Ehran guy one of the few of the old Princes that doesn't have five or six death squads hunting for him?  And who'd Harlequin?]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(22:23:40/08-24-75
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-25-13/0133:43>
>>>>>[ Ask Bull.
          Then duck. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:30:00/08-25-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-25-13/0739:52>
>>>>>[Prince Ehran left before the 'trouble', when the great dragon Dunkelzahn asked him to chair the DIMR in his will. As such, yes, he is not one of the ones being hunted. Prince Oakforest isn't being hunted by the Ghosts, I believe, but he is making trouble for Lofwyr in Europe. And the Ghosts, from all accounts, are content to leave Prince Laverty alone, provided he doesn't make waves, and doesn't show up in Cara'sir. Which suits Prince Laverty fine, I'm told, so long as he has young elven mages to teach.

As for Harlequin, there was a time when he was something of an urban myth. He and Ehran have grudges going back centuries, if the stories are true. And if you saw the footage from Denver, you'll know that he is someone who can go toe to toe with a great dragon in a duel. All the Elders are powerful mages, the equals of adult dragons, even capable of standing up to a great dragon. Of course, I'm pretty sure that they'd lose in the end if the dragon got serious, but Ghostwalker didn't seem to want to wreck too much of his domain in the fighting. Where Bull comes into this discussion is because other than his rivalry with Ehran and his recent fight with Ghostwalker, the only thing the Laughing Man has been known for is his habit of snatching a bunch of runners, and using them to hold the line against... well against things that clearly want 'in' to our world, but can't get here yet. Yet. And from the tales, this is the kind of thing that makes even insect spirits drek themselves. Let that sink in for a bit. Then get yourself a drink.

If you ever meet one of the Elders, be very polite, be very respectful, do exactly what they tell you to, and don't overstay your welcome. Basically, same as if you run across a dragon.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:39:23/08-25-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-25-13/1303:56>
>>>>>[Ouch....  I have aches in places I didn't know I had.  I asked Uath about that Harlequin guy.  Big mistake.  Just got done doing "training exercises" that make the usual sadistic crap look like a walk in the park.  Afterwards he says I'm not ready to do any work for the guy, and tells me if an elf in facepaint offers me a job, turn it down.  Then tell him where the guy is, so he can get a sniper to "Plant one in his left cheek." 

All I know is that if I see this guy, I'm gonna shoot him in the face, and run like hell.  Because apparently those exercises were based on things that Uath did in jobs related to Harlequin.  I am not that tough, I am not that stupid, I am not expendable, so I am NOT FRAGGIN" GOING!!!]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(12:01:50/08-25-75)

>>>>>[On a side note, I'm going to curl up for the next few days and nurse all of these bruises.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(12:03:45/08-25-75
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-25-13/1307:12>
>>>>>[All right all right, I'll bite. Who the frag is Uath and why do you hang around the guy?]<<<<<

     --Chrona (18:07:17/08-25-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-25-13/1557:27>
>>>>>[This is Siouxsie's...Well, I guess the best way to put it is his Matrix nanny.

As for your question, Uath is the leader of the clan that protects the Emerald Light Grove.  As to why Siouxsie hangs around him, it's part of the deal for him hanging around here.  Basically, if he wants to stick around, he needs to be learning from one of us, and it was decided by the clan and the Grove that Uath would be his teacher.  His little sister has been with us since she was rescued from the gang that was using her to get a handle on Siouxsie.  She's a sweetheart, who's taking to her reading lessons very well, and may end up joining the Grove when she gets older.  Beyond learning to read, the little one is getting the lessons in her talent her brother never got, which is kind of a shame, because for all he's a pain in the rear, he's got a lot of potential.

Bit of background, though:  A couple months ago, the clan was contacted for a job.  The job was to find the daughter of some people who had been kidnapped.  The people who took the assignment found the girl, and the gang.  After they found the girl and returned her, the matter of the gang went up to the clan, and it was decided that they should be dealt with.  It seems they had been torturing young Awakened to turn them towards the darker paths.  It was agreed that this was a Bad Thing, and most of the clan went on the warpath.  Good news is, the children are all safe, those without parents have been adopted into families that care for them.  Bad news is, we haven't found who gave the gang that idea.

As to the programming on the 'link, I did that.  Mostly because he's a little pain.  Frankly, I've seen Uath blow up a 'link just by turning it on.  Any more questions about Uath can be addressed in person, to him.  We don't tell his biz, and he doesn't talk about ours to outsiders.]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(14:57:15/08-25-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-26-13/0851:02>
>>>>>[Siouxsie, having met the man, I can tell you quite plainly that shooting him in the face with anything less than a full auto assault cannon won't work. I hate to stress this point too much, but we are speaking of someone who went toe to toe with Ghostwalker, and was still standing, ten minutes in. You CANNOT handle him. I don't care how good this Uath or his sniper is, they CANNOT handle him. The only people who can are his fellow Elders and the Dragons. If Harlequin ever shows up and wants you to do a job for him, treat it the same as if Lofwyr himself was in front of you, asking you to do a job. Do the job, hope you get back with life and soul intact, and pray to whatever diety or spirit you wish that you never so much as become a blip on their radar. Harlequin, while not considered an 'equal' to the dragons, naturally, is considered a 'peer' by some of them. Treat him accordingly.

Or, to use a reference that even the least magically inclined of you will understand, a report came to me from a 'friend' in the IS. You know how Harlequin and the Azzies teamed up to bring chaos to Denver a few months back? You know how he got the Azzies on his side? Apparently, he walked directly into Aztechnology headquarters in Tenochtitlan, and openly waltzed past every layer of security in the place, before telling Domingo Chavez's secretary that he wanted a meeting. He then proceeded to wait in Chavez's office (disabling multiple groups of the elite of the elite Azzie soldiers with ease), until Chavez came to see him personally. And then he walked out of that meeting, with Aztechnology ready to help him with his scheme against Ghostwalker.

I am what you might call an accomplished combat mage. Even so, I would be unable to blow away multiple Ocelomeh warriors in a single spell. And I personally think I'd have better odds of taking on all the Leopard Guards alone than defeating Harlequin even ten on one, with people of my caliber or better.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:50:23/08-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-26-13/1421:14>
>>>>>[Shooting Harlequin in the face... Hahaha! Funiest drek I've read in days!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (14:19:09/09-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-26-13/1434:58>
>>>>>[I almost spilled my blood all over Ice when i read that. Imagine the mess it would leave?]<<<<<

     --Chrona (19:34:17/08-26-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-26-13/1500:07>
>>>>>[Right, so shooting this Harlequin guy in the face is a bad thing.  Got it.  Trying to talk my way out of it, and running for the hills doesn't seem to be an option either, from what you guys are saying.  Fun, fun.

In other news, Managed to summon my first spirits.  Sucked worse than doing that overcast Mana Barrier to hold off that wonderful lesson in maintaining focus.

And Rose, I will get even, one of these days.]<<<<<
     Siouxsie(14:00:15/08-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-26-13/1829:31>
>>>>>[Sioux, if Harlequinn ever shows up and wants you to do a run, contact me. He wont let you out of it, but I'll try to get you through it in one piece. As for Tank Girl, her number is in the contact list of the link i sent you. If you need a back up rigger or a retrieval from a hot LZ let her know, she loves taking that Skraachaa on close air support runs

Longshot, get back in contact, i have a safe zone for you if you need it.]<<<<<

----Wolfgar (17:28:42/08-26-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-26-13/1847:30>
>>>>>[ Geez, you people.  Harlequin is no better or worse than anyone else.  If he approaches you for a run, treat him like any other damn Johnson - because that's what he is.  As a matter of fact, you should be more willing to say 'no' to him and walk away, just because of the rumors about depth of the drek you get into on one of his little forays.  He doesn't kill everyone who declines to work with or for him; hell, Lofwyr doesn't do that, not even Alamais did that.  (Well, not and keep his cover.)
          Is the crap he has you do weird as hell?  Yeah, sometimes; sometimes it feels like you've gone to Hell itself.  But jumpin' Jesus on a pogo stick, if Harley did all the shit you people talk about, he wouldn't even have time to play Dawn of Atlantis.  And from the back-channel chatter, up until recently he spent lots of time on DoA.
          So keep your panties dry, kiddies. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:45:00/08-26-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-26-13/1856:06>
>>>>>[I seriously doubt Harlequin is ever going to be contacting me for a run.  My concerns are more along the lines of the Cutters and the Spikes.  Not dragons and elven Elders.  Tank Girl should have her half of the betting pool now.  And frankly, I'm more likely to need a chummer to look good and distract the marks while I do my thing than a hot extraction.  Though I will keep her extraction skills in mind, should they be needed.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(18:44:20/08-26-75)

>>>>>[You little shit!  A flash-bang in my panty drawer?!?!  I aughta kill you!]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(18:48:45/08-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-28-13/0614:32>
>>>>> [Well, that was . . . interesting. Don't know the why of it, either. S-K & Azzie had another go-around, thanks to me - wonder if I could bill them?
Anyone know of a spirit manifesting as a suit of plate armour?
Oh, and Sanctity Rose - what did you mean by darker paths? Not just toxic, right?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (05:08:13/08-28-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-28-13/0635:02>
>>>>>[Chrona, you know I'll have your back. I may not know as much as Ice, but I can pull some resources as needed through Grandfather. Even if it's just simple reagents or a safe place to do the research.

Coyote is slowly teaching me about spirits, so I'll be honest when I say I want to be involved partly for the learning experience, and partly to back up some friends.

It's just odd to think that I happened to pull the interest of one of the major (or maybe minor) trickster spirits. Still figuring that out too.]<<<<<

     --Card (03:33:30/08-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-28-13/0851:56>
>>>>>[Pain, death and utter corruption was how it was described to me.  Which, given how some of the people around here react to things could be anything from shadow spirits to blood mages.  They seem to take a similar tact to the old USA when it came to NBC warfare-it's all weapons of mass destruction.  It's bad, and needs to die horribly.  As far as a spirit manifesting as a suit of armor?  Have to ask one of the magically savvy people that one.]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(07:44:45/08-28-75)

>>>>>[As a suit of armor or in one, Longshot?  Kind of an important distinction there.  If it's IN the armor, then I'd go looking for a rabbi to be the responsibly party (Who knew listening in on poker night would be useful, right?) If it's as armor, then it's a wild guess, because spirits tend to take on aspects of the summoner's mind.  I'm pretty sure that when my little elemental friend is at home, she doesn't have....Well, never mind on that.  I did have a valid question:  Why is somebody offering a reward of 5K to locate a modified BMW Blitzen?  Sounds like a lot for a bit of footwork, and some digging.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(07:51:39/08-28-75
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-28-13/1309:16>
>>>>>[Wyrm, you know as well as I do that unless you have significant clout (or backers with significant clout) turning down a job from the big players can often be just as fatal as doing the job for them. There is such a thing as 'an offer you can't refuse', to use a phrase from an old flat-screen movie. That holds true even at lower levels. Unless you have the power to withstand any counterattacks for the 'insult' of refusing their work, or the damage they can do to your rep (keeping you from getting future work), then you don't really have much in the way of choices. Sure, you're free to tell any Mr. Johnson to go frag himself, but you gotta be ready for the consequences of those actions, whether it is the legbreakers from the Cutters teaching you some respect, or an invitation to attend dinner at the local SK headquarters (as the main course).

Longshot, the kid brings up a good point. Was it a spirit possessing a suit of armor, a spirit that took the form of an empty suit of armor, or a spirit wearing a suit of armor? The first one is most likely some possession mage's bound spirit in a vessel that suits his aesthetics. The second two may very well be a normal spirit that was summoned by a mage who thought a knight made a good spirit of man, or perhaps someone who heard the call of one of the more combat-oriented mentors, like Dragonslayer. A spirit that manifests as an empty suit of armor might, on the other hand, be the work of a trickster or someone who enjoys scaring people.

It is best not to put too much stock in a spirit's outer form, unless it looks like a Wasp, or any other bug. In that case, kill it quick, kill the mage responsible for it, and ask questions later.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:08:22/08-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-28-13/1348:47>
>>>>> [I'm almost sure - not being Awakened myself, and not having any assensing evidence to go by either - that it was a spirit manifesting as a suit of armour, because one of the three times I saw it, there were bends and flexes that that sort of armour shouldn't have been capable of - it was classic plate armour. And the spirit didn't seem bothered. The closest I've ever heard about are the Knights of Harlech (but what would one of them be doing in Seattle?), or there was a description, from the old (2050s) Tir Tairngire filedump, of a Paladin or Black Banner that a runner back then witnessed and posted about.
This spirit made it clear that it was intervening for my benefit. I'm afraid of two things - one, that I know who was responsible (which brings up a whole other set of questions); and two, that I can't assume it'll ever happen again (because if I'm right, the summoner is dead).] <<<<<

-- Longshot (12:35:19/08-28-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-28-13/1748:22>
>>>>>{Wait, why is Siouxsie's 'link saying he's sitting at the Knight Errant Gang Task Force?]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(16: 45:58/08-28-75)

>>>>>[Because I left that one there after delivering their pizza order?  Or did you think I had a delivery uniform because it was warm?]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(16:48:15/08-8-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-28-13/1826:14>
>>>>>[Longshot, do you think it was a dying request summon? it could have been a Spirit taking on some thought of the summoner as they died. I hope it wasn't someone you were close to. Ice, I know you haven't met Liz yet but she's over in the cyber lab on B2 and it's time to reload her autoinjector, can you grab a dose from the fridge in my chem lab and take it to her? She can load it herself, she just all ways forgets to refill. I'd take it myself but I just got an urgent call from my 162's contact, he probably just set someone or something on fire, but I better go check before he causes the Yaks to blow another hole in my wall..]<<<<<

--Chrona (23:07:22/08-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-28-13/2240:39>
>>>>>[Hahaha! Shooting this guy is a silly idea but I kinda agree with Wyrm on this. People needs to grow some balls! If you don't want to do some drek job for some asshole (may they be sclay or with pointy ears and funny makeup), say no! No need to get all rude of course, politeness is always preferable when doing business. And if that gets you killed well... I say it's better to live a free short life than living a slightly longer one grabbed by the balls by some asshole!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:39:09/09-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-29-13/0026:49>
>>>>>[Hey, Smiley, have you had somebody playing around in the Knight Errant database?  Because a little situation I was peripherally involved in has a picture of "me" looking like a Chinese elf.  Also, I think the point was to not do something stupid if put in that situation.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(23:26:45/08-29-75
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <08-29-13/1133:46>
>>>>> [Chrona: no, it wouldn't have been a dying request summon. The person I'm suspecting died back when Dunkelzahn's Rift was closed. I wasn't close to . . . her . . . but  I valued her goodwill and . . . had . . . a high degree of respect for her.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (10:26:19/08-29-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-29-13/1513:24>
>>>>>[When powerful magics are involved, what we think happened is really only the tip of the iceberg. Especially magics involving dragons. We still don't know just how that rift was created, and Ghostwalker is the only one who knows for sure how it was closed. In these cases, even what you thought you saw may not be what really happened, or it may be only a small part of a bigger picture. Longshot, my advice is to give thanks for your good fortune, and to pay it forward, if you can. Karma has a way of coming back to bite you if you generate too much negativity. It might not be much, but because I volunteer at the local hospital in Tarislar (magical healing is a big boon when you're short on supplies and have mass casualties come in), I can count on them to treat my wounds without asking how I caught that bullet with my spleen, or mentioning such things to the Knights. And one of the people I helped was a member of the Ancients, and they gave me an introduction, expanding my contacts and business opportunities. Obviously, not everyone out there is a mage, but the same idea applies.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:13:22/08-29-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-29-13/1518:54>
>>>>>[ Rakhi, you know as well as I do that there's a galaxy's difference between 'fuck off' and 'thank you for your consideration, but not at this time'.  The only reason for you to get burned if you're polite and are turning them down before finding out details is if they were gunning for you in the first place - and then at least it's coming at the front instead of being a knife slipped into your back.
          And remember, kids, the time for turning the job down ends before you get the details. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (15:15:00/08-29-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-30-13/0355:24>
>>>>>[Kind of like why I didn't take the 5K to find the bike.  Frankly, it seems like too much pay just to locate something that's pretty easy to find, if you ask the right people, and theses were some pretty specific mods.  Sounds like whoever it was had a mad-on with the driver, and since I don't know the players, I'm not getting involved.  Could be a guy trying to find his cheating wife, or a abusive bastard trying to find a spouse that just got smart.  Any way you look at it, I didn't exactly get the warm fuzzies when this guy offered up the reward for any info about that bike.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(02:55:45/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-30-13/0904:34>
>>>>>[If a mute in all black leathers who refuses to remove his biker helmet, show his face or even communicate over the matrix ever seems to want you to do something, try to work out what his gesturing means and do it. Unless you think you'll be fine taking on him and anywhere from 5 to 10 other un fairly angry go gangers, then don't worry about it. Unless the boss is there. Giant on a motorbike. Yeah.]<<<<<

--Chrona (14:04:22/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-30-13/0923:13>
>>>>>[Try dude wearing a Mortimer of London suit in the Verge.  Accompanied by a large troll in an Auctioneer suit who looked like he thought that them being there was a Bad Idea, but not because of their safety.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(08:23:15/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-30-13/0926:21>
>>>>>[I think I walked passed them on my way to the 162s turf. Of course it is hard to tell, blind, auras, etc..]<<<<<

--Chrona (14:26:22/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheDarkMessiah on <08-30-13/0947:43>
>>>>>[Got some wizkids who seems to have taken offence at my talismongers for some reason. I think they want to prove themselves after expanding their turf. I'm tempted to show them what -real- magic is, but making a scene in docklands has a bad way of getting you in the drink.]

I might start looking for some 'runners in the Smoke who know how to keep things quiet. Community service, but i'll be there to back you up and should be able to wire some Nuyen your way.<<<<<

--Belisama(14:42:56/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-30-13/1103:58>
>>>>>[Hahaha! I do have people tempering with KE databases but no, I'm not responsible for your chinesification!

You do look funny with Chinese traits though! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:04:21/09-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-30-13/1203:08>
>>>>>[Well, since the elf looks twenty years older, I guess it makes a great bit of misdirection.  I mean this dude was old, like in his thirties.  Either way, since I don't have you to thank, I guess I'll keep wondering.

And Chrona, I think that might have been you who passed them.  They were the ones that were sticking out like sore thumbs, then shot the dumbass that tried to jack their ride.  Like I said, they just plain didn't fit.  I told them the Spikes like to use combat bikes, or they could try the Ancients.  It was suitably vague enough that they didn't decide to fork any nuyen over, and they'd heard it often enough, I guess they decided that looking in the Verge was a loss.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(11:02:45/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <08-30-13/1630:27>
>>>>>[You park in the verge and you better have gang backing or a really good protection system, otherwise it'll be scrapped or driven off. Especially if any Brain Eaters have wandered out of their turf nearer Touristville.]<<<<<

--Chrona (21:30:22/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-30-13/1655:47>
>>>>>[Or one hell of a sniper.  One guy recorded it, and the thief Caught a round in each knee before the troll and the suit started shooting.  I really wouldn't want to be anyone they were looking for.  It's kinda funny that while the druids consider killing, dealing drugs and a long list of other things, including most forms of theft a Bad Thing, stealing cars is almost like a fraggin' contest to them.  Hell, I've seen three of them driving the same car, and they just keep stealing it from each other, and improving the security.  They joke about it being the original Scottish pastime.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(15:55:30/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-30-13/2205:46>
>>>>>[The bright lights from the small wood.  I feel them watching me, much like a man decided to light a stick of dynamite against the darkness.  They leave the wood, and hunt, bringing death with them.  But when they bring death, they light more lights in the city.  Their light is small, but intense.  Not a beacon of hope, but a declaration that hope will come from the shadows, bright and terrible, dark and beautiful.  The pretty young one sows chaos, and brings forth order, convincing one dark stain to assault the property of another, and when the darker stain leaves, things become brighter in this dark place.  I do not understand, and fear to speak with those lights, because to do so may mean death for one or the other of us.  A shame, really.  A fairy tale is not always a thing of bright beauty, and I suspect that should my tale and theirs meet, it will be a tale of blood and death.  But I have to wonder whose it will be.]<<<<<
     --Jude(21:05:45/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-31-13/0006:13>
>>>>>[So, oddest thing while riding a big ticket item the other day. Hit one of my back alley short cuts and a dreking plant spirit tried to jump me. Looked like one of those trees the trids say grow in the jungle. I was able to speed away obviously (Thankfully some tree spirits are almost as slow as the real thing) but why the hell was it in a back alley of Seattle?]<<<<<

     -- Card (21:05:50/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-31-13/0010:21>
>>>>>[Which alleyway was this, what sort of leaves did it have, and was it actively hostile?]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(23:09:45/08-30-75
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-31-13/0024:22>
>>>>>[Just coming into Seattle from the Tir, not sure if actively hostile for me or was more trying for a capture, and the main landmark I have down there is a Stuffershack, so that's what I have to go on. Sorry Rose, didn't stick around long enough to look at it's foilage. I was on a timer.]<<<<<

     --Card (21:23:04/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-31-13/0050:19>
>>>>>[Lovely.  Means we get to talk with the Ancients.  On the up side, if we say there's something potentially dangerous there, they're more likely to listen.  Downside, quite a few of the people who can handle that are quite fluent in insult.]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(23:43:30/08-30-75)

>>>>>[Um, I know this might be a stupid question, but I have this uncontrollable urge to ask:  Jude, just who the frag are you, and do you speak plain English?  Because that post managed to creep me the frag out on a couple levels.  And Smiley, I would appreciate it if you and your apprentice don't shoot, poison, or otherwise harm the delivery kid.  He's got something Uath says he owes you.  And no, it is not a bullet, bomb or anything like that.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(23:50:15/08-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-31-13/0512:46>
>>>>>[I have a couple connections with the Ancients, since I stay in their turf some of the time. Between them and the Laesa, any new magical players in Puyallup and the border areas should be on their radar. You said it was a plant spirit, right? That makes it more likely to be a druid, or perhaps an Amazonian shaman who conjured it. I'm not too familiar with the traditions that use plant spirits, myself, but I know those are two of the largest ones.

I was about to head out to get some grub, anyways, so I'll go and see if I can't track down my contacts. Chrona's place is nice, but understandably he doesn't exactly have much in the way of food I can eat. Though I did use this research opportunity to develop a contact in the 162s. Not sure whether that will ever come in handy, but you never know. Since ghouls are dual-natured, he didn't miss the spirit I was channeling as I cut a bike (and its rider) in half with my sword when one of his buddies decided I looked like easy prey. We came to an agreement. They don't try to eat me, and I don't collect bounties on presenting their hides to the Knights. I don't go hunting ghoul bounties on principle, unless they're ferals. They manage their condition, and don't try and eat me or mine, I have no problem with them. But when someone attacks me or mine, then yes, I will cash in on that bounty, just like I'll sell the body of a ganger who tried to shoot me to ghouls, even though I would never send a live person to them. It may be an arbitrary distinction, but we all do what we can to sleep at night.

Anyways, I'll whistle up a couple ladies I know in the Ancients, and see if I can't get some answers for you, Card. If there's a new player in town, the Ancients will want to know about it.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (05:12:22/08-31-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheDarkMessiah on <08-31-13/0553:56>
>>>>>[Wait, What? There's a grove in Seattle now? I know I've been laying low for a while, but I haven't heard anything about this. I'll see if I can find anything out over here, but I can't promise much.]<<<<<

--Belisama (10:49:01/08-31-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <08-31-13/0946:02>
>>>>>[Um, yeah, Belisama.  Though if you've got anything to do with the New Druidic Movement, you're either on a list, or you're an unknown over here.  Seems a few people over here have some pretty specific words about blood in Stonehenge.

Iceblade, Card:  Be careful.  From what I'm hearing over here, if that's a druid, it's not one of theirs.  The only Awakened guy they have who lives close to that area's an adept and his team, which are all mundanes who seem to specialize in critter work.  One of whom has a recipe for barbequed basilisk and fried incubus.  It looks like the clan is mostly elsewhere, while the grove is hitting the books to try and ID what Card ran into, and how to take it down, if needed.

Meanwhile, I'm getting rumors in the Verge that something hit the guys who were asking about that bike about five feet from the edge of the area.  Now, I'm off to do "odd jobs" for Uath.  Some of these are pretty damned odd, too.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(8:45:49/08-31-75
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-31-13/2241:05>
>>>>>[Well, I'm safe as it is, but I cannot deny that I'm interested in whatever tried to jump me and what it and its possible buddies are doing in the area. Let me knowwhere I can meet up with you, Ice.]<<<<<

     --Card (19:40:15/08-31-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-01-13/0039:02>
>>>>>[Card, I've been running down leads most of the day with a couple Ancients. Sting was good enough to come along for part of the trip, now that she doesn't have the pressures of leadership any more, and can be a regular member. She seems a lot happier now.

At any rate, the spellslinger who came with me was basically a specialized astral tracker. Makes good nuyen tracking down people and things for interested parties. Apparently, we got someone's attention, because three spirits materialized to attack us earlier. Unfortunately for the summoner, I'm something of a specialist in slashing my enemies to pieces. The spirits weren't too high force, anyways, so I made short work of them. But that clouded the 'scent', and it took the tracker a while to pick it up again. More as it develops.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (00:38:23/09-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <09-01-13/0506:16>
>>>>>[Let me know if I can do anything to help. I am good against spirits, at least hand to hand. These spirits came after me as well. Its  not like we need more trouble in our lovely sprawl.]<<<<<

     -- Card (02:05:40/09-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <09-01-13/0533:09>
>>>>> [Frag, I was nearly forgetting with all the recent craziness. A while back people may remember I did a run vs an Azzie guy apparently sending Sangre del Diablo trees to the Middle East. Came out of it with a file that needed translating. Long story short: got it translated, and there is (or was) a plan to spread S.d.D. trees around the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Tir Tairngire. Does this fit anything anybody else knows?
Maybe now I can get some sleep . . .] <<<<<

-- Longshot (04:27:00/09-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-01-13/0958:32>
>>>>>[ ... sounds like I'd put your 'druids' against the hermetic NDM or (especially!) the Scots and give 'sucker bet' odds, Siouxie. Seriously, druids whining about sacrificial magic at any of the 'Henges?  That's major 'wannabe' territory right there.  Sounds like a bunch of shamans who don't want to get associated with the NorAm style. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (10:00:00/09-01-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-01-13/1332:47>
>>>>>[I think their issue is along the lines of who's getting sacrificed.  If it's important enough for somebody to die for, then it's important enough for the person doing the casting to die for.  I don't think any of the magicians in the NDM have died for their beliefs, but a lot of other people have, and that's what rubs the locals raw.  They say it's got to do with a stain left behind that is a lot less when the caster sacrifices himself.  One guy who's been to England says that most of the NDM is more hermetic than druidic, so they need the blood to make their magic work, because they are using every aspect but the faith a druid should have.  I guess it's kind of like putting a Baptist and Episcopalian in a room, and asking them to get along when discussing religion.

That, or they just think the NDM is a bunch of assholes and are latching on any excuse to dislike them.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(12:32:20/09-01-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-02-13/0247:21>
>>>>>[ Pretty much the entire NDM is hermetic, yeah.  The Scots, the Welsh, the True Irish (their term, not mine), and the Celtic Renewal are all non-hermetic 'true druid', and at the last check of my data, all of them sacrifice people who aren't in the casting circle - or even necessarily Awakened.  Your squatting-in-some-80%-toxic-grove-in-East-Redmond-thinking-happy-maxi-powerful-thoughts little pseudo-druidic group over there are also seriously self-deluded when it comes to who the NDM 'use' in their blood magic, because despite what you're giving us, a very, very large percentage of what little blood magic they use is - surprise surprise - voluntary.
          England isn't Aztlan; blood mages aren't hacking people apart as a matter of course; people (and by 'people' I don't mean only my people) would notice. So yeah - pretty sure I'm going to categorize your little Redmond group as tree-hugger druid-wannabes who are pouty and upset that actual druids aren't taking them seriously.  Sorry. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:45:00/09-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <09-02-13/0639:11>
>>>>>[ Siouxsie, we can take care of ourselves. Ice is a heavily trained possesion mage warrior, and I can beat on spirits and defend myself. We have also both faced worse then angy plant spirits. (Not that any spirit should be taken lightly)]<<<<<

     -- Card (03:38:40/09-02-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-02-13/0809:45>
>>>>>[Longshot, I want that file, now, if not sooner. I've sent you a private drop box you can send it to. If Azzies want to spread Diablos in the Tir, I know several people who will make those fraggers wish they'd never been born. Though you'd be surprised what can happen when a bunch of Azzie citizens are caught acting as 'subversives' in the Tir, and are deported by suborbital back to Tenochtitlan. So many accidents that can happen, causing a suborbital to crash into pyramid-shaped buildings.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:09:23/09-02-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-02-13/1212:00>
>>>>>[Ouroborous, Siouxsie's new, so he doesn't get that in a lot of ways, there's a fundamental split between the grove and the clan.  The grove really is a lot like the Wiccans you just described.  Peace, love, harmony,  and understanding.  Nice people, really, REALLY nice people but seriously lacking in real-world experience.  The clan is mostly the younger people who aren't content to sit there and wish really, really hard for a better world.  They'd rather go out and do something about it.

You see, once upon a time, there were two groves in the area.  The older of the two was the wish real hard to make the world a better place bunch.  The younger was the people who went out into the world, and have become unofficial experts on the bad things out there, and wanted to put a permanent end to them.  One got hit, and had a good chunk of their people wiped out by toxics.  The other, founded by Uath and his uncle took in the survivors, and went hunting the toxics.  After a bit, the peace-loving guys managed to get an idea going that the more violent folks had no place in the grove.  So, they managed to create enough pressure internally that it was either going to end in bloodshed or they were going to be left helpless.  So, the clan was formed, and anyone who wanted to do good deeds and kick bad guy hoop went with Uath into the clan.  The small remainder stayed in the "official" grove.

The grove does have a lot of knowledge packed into their pointy little heads, but they let their politics influence their views a bit too much.  These are the folks who didn't understand why so many people left the Ork Underground after it became an official district of Seattle.  Unfortunately, they tend to look the part of the wise all-knowing druid a bit to well, so I can understand why Siouxsie might have gone to them for some answers.

The clan is really centered more around the families of the members, and going out into the real world and doing things to either make sure a danger doesn't come to them, or earn some nuyen to supplement what we have.  Uath was running the shadows for years to feed the old grove, before he and his uncle founded the younger grove.  Hell, quite a few of the clan do shadow work to feed everyone.  A bit back, we had a Sioux come through, all puff and bluster.  Members of the Grove backed off, "respecting his culture."  Most members of the clan gave back as good as they got, and in one case, a troll flicked the Sioux's nose to make a point about visitors being polite.  Now, whenever the Sioux's family needs a certain kind of expert, they go to the clan, and not the grove.  They might not like many of us, but they seem to respect us more than the grove.

Is the Grove full of dirt-worshiping tree-huggers?  Yes, I have to say you're dead on about that.  Is the clan?  Not really.  But then, we don't seem to get a lot of access to knowledge that the folks in the grove get.  But we get a few converts, and know how to keep our mouths shut about some topics.]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(11:12:00/09-02-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <09-02-13/1226:17>
>>>>> [Okay, Iceblade, sent the original and the translation that I have to the drop box. Who knows, your resources might find something more from the original - some nuance or whatever that my translator missed. I suspect that the Azzies have put this on hold because they're probably - not definitely - aware that the original file got ripped from their guy. You never know though - someone in ACI might be driving this forward.
Related topic: there's been mention of Domingo Chavez, of the AZT board, being the driving force behind getting back into Denver. Has there ever been anyone likewise associated with getting into the Tir? I'm aware of the Azzie classification of both Tirs, and Amazonia, as "hostile powers".] <<<<<

-- Longshot (11:07:16/09-02-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-03-13/1157:31>
>>>>>["One Social Distortion vinyl album from the painted elven jackass who stole it from me rather than asking for help on a job."  Um, after an old talk, why do I get the feeling I should tell Uath to get that himself?]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(10:57:48/09-03-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-11-13/1151:37>
>>>>>[Ahoy Chummers! Seems something is moving again in East Europe. As far as my infos goes seems that Alchemix, Mitsuhama, Manadyne and a bunch of other low ranked local corps get involved in something around Tatra Mountains, Slovakia side. I heard Alchemix sent a Runner team some point south of that range in the Zone of Exclusion the Slovak Army (and its mercs) set up some time ago against the Polish guerrillas border trespass. Rumors their was on something and abruptly all the comms went lost. Our Old Friend MCT is taking things seriously and sending some asset there and that isn't runners or not only runners. For those who don't know or remember that is one of the zone where the so called Wavel Dragon, Calozerca, a Dragon no one have seen for a decade, is said to have a lair.To be more precise there a bit out of Calozerca zone and he never interested to the south side of those mountain, something don't sound right. There is too much dragon interested parties around plus Big Corp drek  and that all of sudden. Feel free to dig there, there is some valuable paydata around for sure and something strange around. I'm around to know more, all speculation welcomed]<<<<<
     -- SpyroD (17:49:42/09-11-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-11-13/1458:35>
>>>>>[Took me a few days to get back from the 162s trouble, sorry for the absence Ice, hope you and my sister played nice. Looks like the plants are pissed off, had to banish one while i was out there, Dogmeat kept it in astral with fire, his specialty, which meant the ghouls could just tear into it without worrying about gas clouds. I do not like how many of us are running into them, there's obviously a connection. i guess it could be me, i did make some my enemy years ago and plant spirits aren't fast movers.]<<<<<

--Chrona (19:58:22/09-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <09-11-13/1543:01>
>>>>>[Welcome to the board SpyroD, eastern Euro, news to me but i dont send my teams outside NA without extremely good reason. As for MCT, well i'll do some digging but i dont know what i will come up with if anything, they've been pretty low key i think for the last few years. Not that they arent a pain, but they havent been after me and mine. or at least not anything that comes to mind.

Chrona, good to hear you back. watch out for the plants all the same, dont want them eating friends.]<<<<<

Wolfgar (14:42:52/09-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-11-13/2016:24>
>>>>>[Okay, had to make a stop at Las Vegas for some travelling money.  And it seems I'm not allowed back to a couple finer establishments.  It also seems that they've forgotten about three card monte there, so I'm probably going to be avoiding the PCC for a bit.  Can scratch "Egg a room full of flying Elvii" off the list.  Next up is.....driving around Chicago in an old police car wearing a cheap black suit......Okay, this list is just freaking bizarre.  Then on to the lands of my forefathers, on the shores of Eerie....

This list is just weird.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(19:14:30/09-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <09-11-13/2036:41>
>>>>>[Suggestion for you, if your gonna drive around Chi-town, do drive AROUND it. Stay out of the containment zone, it is not a safe place. In fact it makes walking into a feral ghoul nest with nothing on but your skivvies and a jacket made of pork chops seem like a walk in the park.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar(19:35:35/09-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-11-13/2040:30>
>>>>>[Not planning to go anywhere near the Containment Zone.  Unless that's where to get a real Chicago deep dish pizza is.  Don't know what that is, but it sounds good.  Of course, I also don't know how to drive......]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(19:40:10/09-11-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-12-13/0110:15>
>>>>>[Wolfboy Chum, I'm not ask anyone to go here in East Euro area if they don't want, the rumor on me I'm deep in money is vastly exagerated and well, I'm working on my own now, no Schmidt involved here, for now. I digged a bit on the local area Corps and found a bit of a news related on the Tatra's Affair. That Alchemix corp is onto something over there, something magic based and apparently something unrelated to that Calozerca dragon, or so it seems, as far as the cover on the fact goes, All I could say that brainchild of Professor S (Prof.S is Schwartzcopf, the Scaly Prague Patron) that is Alchemix took the field directly. On side note the fact Manadyne converge there sound me some move of DIMR group. I'm in search of some reported strangeness in the area now magical or not, a month before now. Some help will be repayed in kind.]<<<<<
     --Spyrod(07:10:10/09-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheDarkMessiah on <09-12-13/1154:44>
>>>>>[The last place in Chicago you can get Chicago style pizza is 'Chicago's Own Pizzeria' (if it's still there). It's on Northside. I went there a few years ago when I had some business that put me in the Chicago area. Well worth the visit]<<<<<
     --Belisama(16:54:20/09-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-12-13/2135:45>
>>>>>[Chicago's Own on Northside.  Got it.  Kid sister got a window seat.  I got the seat next to the overweight sumo wannabe that snores like a machine gun that keeps jamming.  Interstingly enough, a Sharpie is one of the few things you are allowed to take on a plane.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(20:35:40/09-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheDarkMessiah on <09-13-13/1009:29>
>>>>>[Oh, and one more tip. Be careful of the water. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that, though.]<<<<<
     --Belisama(15:09:30/09-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-13-13/1450:24>
>>>>>[People drink water?  Are they suicidal or something?]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(13:49:50/09-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-13-13/1508:53>
>>>>>[I can't even remember what a drink that isn't Iron flavor tastes like.]<<<<<

--Chrona (20:08:22/09-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheDarkMessiah on <09-13-13/1534:39>
>>>>>[Sea is a bountiful mistress, and water is but one of her gifts, but it wasn't drinking it I was talking about. It was what is inside the waters. The swamp-lands of Chicago have one of the foulest Astral planes I have ever seen - and that includes the rest of Chicago. I may be biased though.]<<<<<
     --Belisama(20:34:08/09-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-13-13/1719:13>
>>>>>[Wait, you're telling me people willingly go into water that's not in a tub or pool?]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(16:18:30/09-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheDarkMessiah on <09-13-13/1924:33>
>>>>>[Sadly not so much any more, but when my parents were young they often took to the waters. I do not know if you mock me or not, but Mankind has mistreated Mother Earth, and the sea especially has suffered our depredations. Europe in particular is in a dire straight. My comrades and I do what we can to help... but, I fear it is a losing battle, though not one we shall easily give up on. ]<<<<<
     --Belisama(00:24:13/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-13-13/2118:21>
>>>>>[I'm not making fun of you.....But they do know there's things that eat people in there, right?  Near as I've heard, that's always been the case.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(20:18:15/09-17-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheDarkMessiah on <09-13-13/2141:52>
>>>>>[Are there not things trying to eat you on the land as well? One cannot limit themselves by their fears, or they would never achieve anything. Not to say that a certain amount of caution is not wise. That's why I always make sure to have a spirit of the seas with me on those occasions I do dive.]<<<<<
     --Belisama(02:39:01/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-13-13/2210:48>
>>>>>[At least on land, I stand a better chance of making whatever's trying to eat me MY dinner.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(21:10:48/09-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-13-13/2234:35>
>>>>>[Don't joke about that Susie, or I'll show you what it's like to really need to do that.]<<<<<

--Chrona (03:34:22/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-13-13/2240:23>
>>>>>[Not a joke, man.  How do you think I put food on the table for my sister when singing doesn't cut it?]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(21:40:25/09-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-13-13/2301:19>
>>>>>[Think about how I do it.]<<<<<

--Chrona (04:04:22/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-14-13/0341:21>
>>>>>[Belisama,Europe is in dire straits but not everywhere, there is some nice zone in East Euro area and in the abandoned zero zone on the Balcan side. Not everywhere, even the best zones are dotted with forgotten toxic drek left from some war or some enterprise. All in all Prague, Bratislava and Buda-Pest sprawl was the better I've seen in Euro, lots of Drek but nothing like those I heard in Chicago, NY or Seattle or Ruhr for that]<<<<<

  --SpyroD (09:39:32/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-14-13/0849:25>
>>>>>[Given what I've heard of ghoul's needs, I'd rather not.  But then, I've also eaten devil rat and dog.  So I suppose I don't have much room to talk about diet.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(07:49:05/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-14-13/1757:40>
>>>>>[I've started adjusting the translations for sentence structure and context. So far, all I can make out is that it seems to be a book about... well, I guess the only way to describe them would be monsters from the deep metaplanes. It is slow going, but I think I've correctly translated enough to make some sense of it. The tome apparently came from some library in a place called 'Throal'. The name 'Barsaive' is mentioned as well. I think it is the name of a province? It also appears to be a written under the orders of a king. King of Throal, I think? Anyway, the tome is (or is a copy of) a work designed to inform 'Name-givers' (I think it means the same as 'metahuman', but also including Dragons and other sentients. Could be wrong, though.) about these monsters, so that they could defend against them. Sorry, names are easy when it comes to translations. Working out the rest to put things in proper context is the hard part. I'm pretty sure I've got the forewords translated correctly, but the warnings of the scholars who wrote them make me hesitant to put the specifics on the Matrix. According to them, simply Naming (there's a difference between 'name' and 'Name' in the text) Them can give Them power. It appears to be a codex of monsters, a bestiary, if you will. I don't have the skills to determine the authenticity of the work, or to say whether it is truth or fiction. A single document, without supporting evidence, lacks context. It could be that this is simply an ancient version of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Chrona, it might be time to try and find someone who can put this in context for us. One of the Elders, or perhaps a free spirit.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:56:22/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-14-13/1836:37>
>>>>>[Even if it's a fairy tale, that explains the diagrams and means it is still that damn old. If you want to take it that far, you're the one with the contacts. I'm lucky/Unlucky enough to have never run into a free spirit. Though i have to wonder if it would be like bringing up Bugs with them, they might not want to discuss it. So Elders might be our best bet. I would love to profit from the tome after having it so long but now it is sounding like something we just need out of our hands, profit or not. I trust you to get us any possible compensation for us and your foundation and Tir contacts though, of course.]<<<<<

--Chrona (23:36:22/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-14-13/1841:53>
>>>>>[Iceblade, Chrona, Card, due to Knight Errant deciding that the clan is a major danger for some reason, we need to disappear for a bit.  Since space is a premium, I would appreciate it if you would hold on to some things until we can operate in Seattle again.  There's an apartment in Bellevue that's filled floor to ceiling with hardcopy books.  It's Uath's collection, and he'll be back for it.  It sounds like some stuff in there might help you, and consider the use of it payment for dealing with those spirits.  I don't think that they're all gone just yet, and we found out what happened to our people in Puyallup.  Those spirits got them, but we can't do anything about it because of the heat at the moment.]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(17:40:59/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-14-13/2143:17>
>>>>>[I take it no one is looking for your library specifically? I will get someone to transfer it over to the Mord Haus, I know just the Rigger.]<<<<<

--Chrona (02:43:22/09-15-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-14-13/2149:49>
>>>>>[Nobody's looking for the library.  And the name on the apartment's a fairly respected academic.  It's his library, not ours.  We've got electronic copies, but since Uath can barely use a commlink, he writes everything in hardcopy.  And tracks everything down in some of the most primitive formats.  The man has vinyl albums and an old record player, for Ghu's sake.]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(29:49:49/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-14-13/2320:30>
>>>>>[Well, I've run into a few. Partly because I went looking for them for work. But part of this is a difference in traditions, you might say. Anyways, I'll start asking around to see if someone can verify the authenticity of the scroll. I'm going to be out for a few days. No offense, Chrona, but your home is not someplace most spirits would like to visit. Especially since your sister is there. If you're going to start negotiating with spirits like I'm going to have to, it is best to do it on ground that won't make them start off hostile to you. I'll head to Denver, and speak with some of the local spirits. If that doesn't work, then I guess it'll be the DIMR.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:19:23/09-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-15-13/0437:14>
>>>>>[Status update Gospodins, I pulled some my strings in the Prague DIMR lab on that turbulence south of Polish-Slovak border, appear the area got what they call a background count, they said isn't Calozerca or toxic related, is something else and fairly new in appearance, they said there is something in that small area but they can't clearly see in it in astral, don't want to say me anything else, seems DIMR don't sent anyone there but I really doubt it. Another contact said they don't want to talk with DF of it for some reason. Now I seriously wonder what Prof. Schwartzkopf will do with that thing in his backyard, I suspect someone uncovered some artifact or some anomaly, and I'm hoping Calozerca don't do bad things again

On a side note, Iceblade you seems on something really serious...Could I lend any help?]<<<<<

  --SpyroD (10:36:32/09-15-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <09-17-13/1110:38>
>>>>>[Uath has VINYL, oh gods, maybe he isnt such a bad guy after all. Sorry guys, i've been cleaning up a mess that was one of my teams. You might have heard about a section of the Brooklyn Bridge going down last week, well it seems that another fixer they were working with got them a job transporting something for the UCAS government. Actually it was an escort job on an entire convoy but the last leg was just the one truck with the "ITEM". Seems the azzies didnt like it and arranged to hit the convoy a few times. This was the azzies last chance and they pulled out all the stops.]<<<<<

Wolfgar--(10:10:46/09-17-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-17-13/1400:46>
>>>>>[What's the big deal about vinyl?  It's ancient, and breaks easily.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(11:50:25/09-17-75)

>>>>>[Siouxsie, where the hell is your sister?]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(11:51:15/09-17-75)

>>>>>[Sitting next to me, eating her pizza.  What, did you think that I was going to go across the world without her?]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(11:52:30/09-17-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-18-13/0635:19>
>>>>>[First time I ever saw a free spirit go green around the gills simply from looking at a piece of paper. I brought a hardcopy version of our translations with me to Denver since spirits are limited in how much they can glean from a screen, along with a copy of the original. The spirit literally crossed himself (original summoner was a Catholic, apparently), at the sight of it. He wouldn't say more, except that he hoped this came from a dragon hoard, because otherwise it would be 'too disturbing'. He did calm down a bit when I told him that it came from Germany, not Aztlan. Not sure why. I left your name out of it, though, Chrona. Anyways, this confirms that, whether the scroll is truth or fiction, there is some underlying truth there that the spirits find distasteful.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (06:34:23/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-18-13/0849:46>
>>>>>[I thought it might be that bad. You know speaking of Dragons, maybe i should just give it to the Golden Snout to make sure all SKs records on me are long gone... decisions decisions.]<<<<<

--Chrona (13:49:22/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-18-13/0953:39>
>>>>>[Oh yeah, the lost art of dealing with a dragon, Great Dragons don't forget Chrona, never. They aren't born that way, they can't really forgo anything, they might ignore though. And we are talking of Golden Snout, not the most amenable of the Greats...]<<<<<

--SpyroD (15:51:43/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-18-13/1005:07>
>>>>>[Ah I was just kidding, as if giving the tome to Lofwyr would do me any good, I don't like travelling home anyway.]<<<<<

--Chrona (15:05:22/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheDarkMessiah on <09-18-13/1008:17>
>>>>>[You know, if you are looking to get rid of any magical goods I would be happy to take them out of your hands. I'm sure I could find a mutually profitable buyer for the goods.]<<<<<

--Belisama (15:07:18/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-18-13/1022:13>
>>>>>[It is less a magical good and more doomsday tome, also we have a lot of peoples thumbs in this pie now from the translation effort. Ice and I could probably release a paper on it one day.]<<<<<

--Chrona (15:22:22/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-18-13/1054:37>
>>>>>[Indeed. And I personally would not wish this to get out on the open market. We've been careful, translating pieces at a time, in a warded room. But this scroll is the kind of thing Bosch paintings are made of. There is such a thing as 'cursed' knowledge. Delve too deeply into certain magical secrets, and they begin to delve into you.

I sent word through the dead drop I was given, and it seems the Wordsmyth is quite interested. Chrona, there's a meeting next week at the Seattle office of the DIMR. If you could bring the scroll, that'd be good. He wants to meet with both of us, and verify the scroll after he's reviewed the translation notes I sent via courier.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:54:22/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-18-13/1115:43>
>>>>>[So long as the DIMR security is warned not to shoot me on sight, I'll be there..]<<<<<

--Chrona (16:15:22/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-18-13/1213:43>
>>>>>[I see you're crossing with DIMR too, are in a lot of strange pies those days. Hoping well for you, for me I just sent a team onto that anomaly (call that for no better term ATM) on south of Tatra mountain, hope my guys not too fragged ]<<<<<

--SpyroD (18:13:54/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: TheDarkMessiah on <09-18-13/1222:28>
>>>>>[Spyro - You might have guessed that I'm getting pretty antsy over here in the Smoke. Seems a bit quiet in these here parts at the moment. Some might say -too- quiet. There's probably something big about to go down. If you want any magical support on the mainland, i'm always happy to help. Be nice to get out of town for a while too. ;)]<<<<<

--Belisama (17:19:31/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-18-13/1238:24>
>>>>>[Take note of your volounteering Belisama. At the moment I'll waiting some infos from my team and my contacts in other places, at the moment no one seems to piecing what is happening overthere right.]<<<<<

--SpyroD (18:38:14/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-18-13/1349:48>
>>>>>[It's Official:  Cleveland sucks.  No wonder my dad moved to Seattle.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(12:50:10/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-18-13/1654:29>
>>>>>[Got some data from a consultant for Manadyne on the Tatra situation. One over excited insider said to a lot of people that Manadyne did astral recon about a month ago or so and found something in some clearing in the forest overthere, a magic activity registered as an active aura of unknown type that worked also as a ward, the ward is strange because is "soft and completely opaque", I'm no mage but I never heard of something like that. My contact said this person in Manadyne spilled the beans everywhere and is that way MCT, Alchemix and DIMR got involved and probably others. Another tidbit is Manadyne locked under max sec every info not spilled in the last two weeks. Probably they sent already some team but here my contact didn't know or didn't want to talk more.
I don't have more infos but noting all the fuss around by some big player they must be on something. I just can't figure what ]<<<<<
     --SpyroD(22:54:15/09-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-19-13/0221:45>
>>>>>[ Iceblade, there's someone else who might be a better repository for that than WriterBoi.  Besides, if it is what it is, they'll probably give it to her anyhow ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:15:00/09-19-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-19-13/0245:36>
>>>>>[When dealing with the written word, who better to talk to than the Scribe? I'll send a copy her way, though, even if he doesn't, with whatever he says attached. Anyways, I was already committed to giving him a look at the info because of the resources I had to pull to get it translated. But as you said, I doubt this will stay secret from the rest of those older than us for long. And there are additional parties involved here, who need to be kept in the loop. Weren't you the ones who were big on secrecy? At the moment, this is just a private research project, with ancient 'folklore' as the background. The moment it becomes more than that, I'll send word. But because I'm a nice guy, I'll send the research data anyways. If this turns out to be just a fairy tale, then she may get a nostalgic kick out of it. If it isn't, between her and the Wordsmyth, they'll know what to do better than I will.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:45:23/09-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <09-19-13/0553:07>
>>>>>[Hey now, Cleveland isn't that bad. I have family there, of various kinds. Could be NY you're in. Now THAT is a drek place in my humble opinion.

Still beats Chicago.

By the by Ice, if you need a traveling partner, my foreseeable schedule is open. Boss is getting chewed out for something or another, which can takes weeks. Grandfather likes to take his time.]<<<<<

     -- Card (02:51:40/09-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-19-13/0959:05>
>>>>>[Card, EVERYTHING shuts down at five.  I saw kids robbing Stuffer Shacks because there was nothing else to do.  The gangs around here aren't shaped out of a desire for power or a need top band together.  It's the sheer boredom that forming them, because there's nothing legal for these guys to do.  And a few of these leaders are frighteningly smart compared to your average gang leader.  I decided to take my sister to the movies.  They were closed.  Dinner?  The bars were open, she wasn't allowed in.  At least Chicago had SOMETHING, ANYTHING to do, even if it tends to be run for your life, or fight for it.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(08:58:20/09-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-19-13/2245:46>
>>>>>[Siouxsie, if you want to live long enough to make a name for yourself in this biz, then do yourself a favor. Find ways to entertain yourself that don't rely on places being open. There will be times you're trapped in a safehouse with a time-lock and won't be able to leave for days, or maybe a run went bad and you have to go by ground from one sprawl to another across borders. Find something you can do that doesn't rely on shops being open, or matrix connections, or any of that.

That said, Cleveland isn't an A-list spot for biz, but like anywhere, if you have the right contacts, there's biz to be done. Corps are there, gangs are there, cops are there, governments are there, same as everywhere else. And when you have all those elements, there's going to be some biz for those of us in the shadows. Its just that some places the shadows aren't as deep as others. Though that makes it a good place to hide deep dark secrets. Who looks for a black lab in Cleveland, instead of Seattle?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:45:22/09-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-19-13/2307:31>
>>>>>[ Screw the translation.  I'm talking about the item itself.
          Besides, I'm not one for secrecy; it's those other guys. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:15:00/09-19-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-20-13/0140:35>
>>>>>[Iceblade, I can find those places and things, but not with my kid sister around.  I almost forgot how much trouble she can get into when she's bored.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(00:36:45/09-20-75)


>>>>>[This is why you should have left her with us, kiddo.]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(00:38:25/09-20-75)

>>>>>[When it took you how long to ask me where she was?  When did you notice she was missing, for starters?  and who taught her to teach gang members pink, because I know it wasn't me.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(00:40:20/09-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-20-13/1257:03>
>>>>>[The intense lights have mostly gone, leaving the warmer lights behind.  A predator done up like Jesus's crucifixion in barbed wire in place of nails and a crown of thorns.  Then the sheep he preyed upon are encouraged to use him as target practice.  The Knights pour into the area, seeking those who killed one of theirs, perhaps not knowing he was false, as the sheep will not speak to them.  A tangled knot of vengeance and pain, cut through only by the sheep not willing to relinquish those that protect them, but the hyenas glad would do harm to the protectors.  Perhaps they should be my new prey?]<<<<<
     --Jude(11:57:05/09-20-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-23-13/1725:26>
>>>>>[Jude I do not know what you are smoking but you might want to lay off.. Iceblade, Card I am heading from the Verge now to meet you two at the rendezvous point before we head to the DIMR.]<<<<<

--Chrona (22:25:22/09-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-23-13/1752:59>
>>>>>[Nice to know I'm not the only one who Jude's posts worry.  On a slightly different note, does anyone know somebody willing to pay for Graceland to get firebombed?]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(16:49:29/09-23-75)

>>>>>[I find Morrie, I swear I'm gonna kill him.  Painfully, and slowly.  Maybe I'll make him listen to Abba while I slowly strangle him......]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(16:53:20/09-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-23-13/1819:23>
>>>>>[Some days it doesn't pay to be a runner. First I'm late to the meet because I have to deal with educating a young mageling wearing Spikes colors about why you shouldn't throw fireballs at a lone elf on a bike (He's still alive, by the way. Just took his arms, and then stopped the bleeding. Whether he burns his Talent for cyber or waits until he can afford cloned or Type-O arms is up to him.). Anyways, we meet up, and start going, convoy style, through the city on our way to the DIMR. And we start getting attacked by the damn plant spirits. They're definitely not your normal plants, though. I'm not an expert at assensing, but they didn't feel like plant spirits, even though that's how they looked. They felt darker. And I get the feeling they're trying to herd us.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:22:33/09-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-23-13/2045:47>
>>>>>[I hope that wasn't Jimmy.  He still owes me twenty nuyen.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(19:45:40/09-23-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-24-13/0203:10>
>>>>>[Iceblade someone of yours have some ideas what is those so called plant spirit? We here have a lot of plants around and plant spirits around maybe we could help and be helped]<<<<<
     --SpyroD(08:02:20/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-24-13/0244:21>
>>>>>[They weren't plant spirits. They looked like plants (trees, shrubs, vines, and the like), but they weren't plant spirits. The visible form of a spirit does not always reflect the nature of the spirit. A Spirit of Man can look like a child, a warrior, a ghost, an angel with a flaming sword... These spirits looked like plants, but they weren't plant spirits. They felt like shadows. Anyways, there was one helluva fight. Card, Chrona, and I all on bikes, all dodging plant spirits as we tore across town. They were about as strong as the spirits I typically summon, but there were quite a few of them. Don't know how it would have ended up if we picked someplace to stand and fight, but we wouldn't have gotten off without injuries. Made it to the DIMR, and the astral defenses blocked the spirits out. Chrona got his bell rung a bit coming through the wards, since he's a ghoul, but Card and I are fine. I'll speak more about the meeting later.

Siouxsie, I didn't bother to ask his name. The punk was just lucky I decided to stop long enough to stop his bleeding instead of just taking another arm.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:43:12/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-24-13/0437:39>
>>>>>[Spirits in the likeness of plants that feel like shadow on astral?Right?Noted! I'm no mage as I said but I know my slew of them here in Prague, I'll inquire for it. But I may ask you why those spirits keep coming after you? I remember this drek booped yoy before, right?]<<<<<

--SpyroD (10:37:32/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <09-24-13/0553:15>
>>>>>[Got to show one of them why you don't try to jump an adept who can jump start a 200cc dirt bike with his bare hands. Almost felt bad for the sucker, but Ice was right. Those didn't feel like normal spirits. Not nearly as bad as those...things from China I discovered, but definitely off.

Also, Chrona with a slight migraine is almost entertaining. Almost. I'd not wish forcing yourself through an astral barrier that passively dislikes you on anyone.]<<<<<

     -- Card (02:52:12/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-24-13/0911:06>
>>>>>[I don't know about the ones over there, Spyro, but the ones here started acting up just around the time Chrona and I got to work translating the tome. You know, the artifact of a past age with either fairy tales or a bestiary of some of the nastiest looking things I never want to meet, that may or may not make you crazy if you read it all the way through. Anyways, that could just be a coincidence. There's enough nastiness in the sprawl to feed shadows, easy. The fact that a whole group of them showed up when we took the thing out from the wards could also be a coincidence. Could be, but I'd be willing to bet it isn't. Which means the tome of ancient crazy-making and eldritch nastiness brought them to us. We've been speaking with the Wordsmyth about the tome, and he even complemented us on getting so far in such a short time, though he did point out that several sections were mistranslated. But for someone who hasn't got any training in ancient linguistics, I think we did pretty well.

Anyways, there are people here who can translate the tome properly, and we got a handy finder's fee for bringing the thing in. They've got scans of the original, and are working on fully translating it. Problem is, I took a look-see outside, and there are still a couple spirits hovering around in the astral, waiting on the tome. The DIMR's astral defenses are enough to keep them out, but the thing remains an ancient tome of crazy-making, and leaving it in the middle of a city is a recipe for Bad Thingstm to happen. Wyrmy, I know you know of someone who could keep this thing safe, both from spirits and from people who might be... manipulated by the tome. It needs to go someplace where there's someone powerful enough to keep it safe. There's two such places in the Seattle area, but there's too many people around both those places, since one is on top of a casino, and the other has a cult of toxics worshiping the atom. If the tome draws people to steal it like some artifacts have done (especially once they've 'woken up'), then it needs to be somewhere more isolated. Which means we need to find a way to take it out of the city without getting jumped by spirits. It was bad enough on a bike, I don't want to picture trying to fight those things while on a plane, for instance.

For the record, the finder's fee I got was being allowed to copy a few spells from the grimoires in the DIMR library. I didn't ask what Card and Chrona got.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:09:23/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <09-24-13/1048:29>
>>>>> [Hey all, I'm back. Been trying to apply Iceblade's advice, with mixed success. If anyone runs into a chica calling herself Callisto, be careful - she's heavily connected with Humanis (she runs a part-time honey trap). And jeez, they really hate me <grin>.
Been reading over the last few weeks of postings. Any chance those weird 'plant' spirits are related to tempo? I think I recall something about users sometimes having weird auras, like plant embellishments?
Um, Iceblade, did you get anything more from that Azzie file?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (09:40:07/09-24-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-24-13/1129:47>
>>>>>[I checked it briefly, and then sent it on to a contact that works in the IS. They were very happy to receive it, and you may find some work headed your way soon, Longshot.

As for the spirits behind tempo, I don't know. I wasn't in Azzieland when that went down, and I never went near tempo, or the idiots that took it. Everything I heard, though, said they were seriously bad news. Maybe shadows. Could be the same kind, especially if the plants they were in were just destroyed, and the spirits weren't banished with their true name.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:28:23/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <09-24-13/1216:14>
>>>>>[Yeaaaah.. about that... remember money Johnson's datadump on me? Satellite image number two might be relevant. If it is the same spirits. I hope not. Anyway, yes the DIMR wards were unpleasant, they couldn't single me out, let me go in full powered or open it up to ghouls in general, so I had to deal with pushing through it, at Ice's bikes top speed, during a fight. I almost slammed my spell into the ward after me, but managed to correct its altitude in time. It should still be up there, occasionally taking pot shots if I see a Spirit out a window. Frankly i may just ask the DIMR for money, It's not like they have any Blood Stones.

Oh and yes, I'm staying at the DIMR until the tome gets moved again.]<<<<<

--Chrona (17:16:23/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-24-13/1217:08>
>>>>>[ Yyyyeaaaaah, you know she's not going to 'keep it safe'. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (12:00:00/09-24-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-24-13/1233:36>
>>>>>[It all depends on how you define 'safe'. Sometimes 'safe' means locked in a vault. Sometimes 'safe' means hidden at the bottom of the Atlantic under wards. And sometimes 'safe' means blasted into atoms by fire. Personally, so long as the information is retained somewhere that people can learn from it if the fairy tales become reality, I don't care what definition of 'safe' she uses for the original.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:32:23/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SpyroD on <09-24-13/1755:21>
>>>>>[I inquired and as far as you said seems to be shadows, if all you said me is right will be worse as the time passes, the mage I talked about fear that thing become a sort of astral beacon for shadows and I don't like that thing a little bit even if don't truly understand it. If was me that thing could stay secure as could be either at some DIMR or Draco vault or in the possession of some scaly figure and in that case there is very few Great Gospodin who could let someone peek at the fragged thing for  translation purpose. Probably only Prof. S and I'm not even sure of that.]<<<<<

--SpyroD(23:55:55/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-24-13/1927:49>
>>>>>[Since the shadows didn't follow me to Denver when I took copies (both the original and the translations we'd done), I think the power to gather shadows only exists in the original. It's like if you take a powerful focus, and then make an exact copy, only without the process of enchanting it. To the lay person, it looks exactly the same, but the power behind it is lost. Even if the words have power, by being a copy of a copy they are made that much weaker. I would burn it myself, but there's always the chance that this is far more important than I know. Hence, I bring it to those who know far more about such things than I do, and leave what to do with it to them. The thing that makes me wonder, though, is that we've seen artifacts that 'resonate' with eachother before. What if this isn't the only one? If one has woken up, others might wake too.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:27:23/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-24-13/2233:36>
>>>>>[ Oh, Rakhi.  All that time spent with that old prick and you still think that 'only words', copies of copies of copies, makes them weaker?  You spend this much time online, and you still think that??  Tell that to an ork about the Or'zet Codex - or to anyone about their religion's Holy Book.  The copy of a copy of a copy doesn't weaken its power; it spreads it. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:30:00/09-24-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <09-24-13/2245:41>
>>>>>[If it has good information to take these things out, then the more you spread it, the more power you'd be putting in the hands of humanity, right?  Sounds like a good thing to me.  And by humanity, I am including all the fun variations running around these days, not just the baseline.  Otherwise, it might just be putting the fact they exist out there, and it's going to get to people who might think they can use these things to their advantage, with no sure way of getting rid of them.  I'd say try and get it in the hands of the best researchers you know, with the specific idea of getting some way to take them out from the info you've got.  I may be the new booty on the block, but do you know anyone that may be able to fit that bill that isn't scaly?  Or a collection of people who would take figuring out how to kill these things as a challenge?

Also, Bel do you know any good places for somebody with a kid in tow to crash while in London?]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(19:43:45/9-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-24-13/2344:11>
>>>>>[An idea has power. Words give shape to the idea, yeah. Older the idea, older the words, the more powerful. I've heard that before. But we've seen monsters from the metaplanes come before. Bugs, shedim, and shadows. What if we had been forewarned and forearmed with the ideas necessary to fight them before they came? I am a warrior, Wyrm. When an enemy shows, when there is blood in the water, Shark calls on me to fight. It would be great if they never showed up, these fairy tales, but someone needs to be preparing, in case they do, sharpening a blade for when the hunt begins.

And Siouxsie, the only people who would know about these things for sure are the dragons and the Elders. I'm neither. Just an ordinary mage, who fights to protect those I've sworn oaths to, a soldier, even now.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:43:23/09-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <09-25-13/0137:33>
>>>>>[I don't know much about magic, myself, so I'll leave that up to you all, but I can see merit in both points of view.

On that note, I think I've got someone with some Talent. You feel up to checking it out for me, Iceblade? If so, just name a place and time.]<<<<<

-- Predator (00:34:28/09-25-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <09-25-13/1729:34>
>>>>>[ Speaking from long-base analysis, a tome that draws dark spirits is not going to be one that tells you how to fight them ... and in this day and age, reading foulness couched in 'words of power' really can imprint that foulness within you.  If you want more knowledge of this stuff than you already have, you'd better pare down your oaths to someone willing to give you extensive knowledge in these things.  No serious patron, corporate or otherwise, is going to let a dilettante with multiple allegiences into a place where they'll be gaining 'inner secrets' ...
          And not to offend, Mirikon, but you're not a soldier.  A warrior, yes - but a soldier?  No. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (17:30:00/09-25-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-03-13/1051:08>
>>>>>[This is epic! Speaking about retro, hats off this is simply Mind Blowing! So im not one for Mojo i am as sleep as the next guy, but from what i understand Mojo is creepy dangerous stuff not like jugglin grandes dangerous, but jugglin nuclear warheads dangerous. I don't know if the Trid News is right (and don't get me wrong they are always manipulating us) but ive read that a Mojo Slinger can blow a fraggin arcology with one spell, so if you find and old tome with some dark something, you fraggin burn it to the ground! and you make sure that ground is desintegrated!]<<<<<
     -- WrongConcept (10:11:02/10-03-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-03-13/1426:14>
>>>>>[Well, you certainly have the wrong concept there. There are only a handful of beings who could destroy an arcology with a single spell. Even the great dragons would find it a difficult (though certainly not impossible) task. Well, I guess it would also be possible by metahumans using high level ritual magics. Not on the level of the Ghost Dance, but still high level.

And Wyrm, yes, there's a risk. There's a risk whenever you look into magical secrets. But sometimes sacrifices have to be made. And it is best if those sacrifices are made by someone who isn't too powerful to be stopped if something happens, like myself. If something happens to me, then the threat is confirmed, with little loss. If nothing happens, all the better. But if no one reads the tome, and learns its secrets, then we might be tossing away an advantage that will help us, even if the advantage is simply knowing what is coming, so we can prepare. Imagine if the world had known the bugs were coming before the Universal Brotherhood. One crazy mage is worth that.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:24:23/10-03-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <10-03-13/1438:15>
>>>>>[I can see that. If one person going bonkers is the price to save thousands, I say it's worth it. The needs of the many...]<<<<<

-- Predator (13:36:38/10-03-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-03-13/1833:39>
>>>>>[ Hm.
Imagine if the world had known the bugs were coming before the Universal Brotherhood.
... you didn't?
          Sometimes it's hard to remember you people aren't me. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (18:30:00/10-03-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <10-03-13/1907:40>
>>>>>[And I thought Jude was weird.  If you knew about the bugs, then why didn't you tell anyone?  I mean, from everything I heard, only an idiot didn't think they weren't sketchy.  Or somebody who was seriously desperate.  But, if you knew the real danger, WHY IN THE HELL DIDN'T YOU TELL ANYONE?  Just askin']<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(18:07:25/10-03-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <10-03-13/1941:03>
>>>>>[Hahaha! He probably did tell people! But like most other crazy stories, people didn't take it seriously. I saw coming a mile away a lot of the drek that happened in the last seventeen years and after a while, I stopped bothering. I just prepare, wait for it and when the drek hit the fan, I laugh my ass off!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (19:41:11/10-03-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <10-04-13/0115:48>
>>>>>[Y'know, as much as I'd like to argue that.........I really can't.  And I'm not sure if that says more about me, or the world.  Iceblade, again, this is the new guy on the block talking, but if that tome doesn't say how to get rid of them, why not drop it in an active volcano, or send it into orbit?  Or talk to your wife about what she'd like you to do.  I get that you feel the need to honor your oaths, but you've got to consider how you're going to keep that oath, if you hand that book off to the wrong folks.  Yeah, I'm a bit of a liar, and a cheat (not a word, Smiley).  But I also don't make many promises because I keep the ones I make.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(00:15:38/10-04-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-04-13/0901:13>
>>>>>[I agree with Siouxsie if you make a promise you keep it, no excuses. People that fail to do that are just scum, the word of someone should be worth something. I for one i don't like Mojo, had a bad run with it a few years back, and im not even a true Shadowrunner.]<<<<<
     -- WrongConcept (08:25:06/10-04-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-04-13/2239:01>
>>>>>[ Pipe down, kid.  Despite Smiley being an A-1-A prick and a half, he's essentially correct - it is very difficult to tell everyone something that they know isn't true.  Anyone with a smidgent of a knack for data analysis could see that the end of Euphoria's final sim, Against the Hive Masters, wasn't simulated.  People with half an ounce of paranoia about the likelihood of complete peace between all were looking deep into the UB's background; I know I started after the Grodin's Tavern fire, when Zeb Wanderly got it in the neck, after he and Rick Davitt did a deep background investigation into the UB - and those who were still human, still being inducted, still at the fringes of the cult , were diving into the 'Trix, hiring people to put together S&D programs to pickle the Wanderly/Davitt report.  A lot of people, influential people, were part of the UB and worked on burying stuff that might show them up to be bad.
          So really, it's a question of who do you trust, who you can work with, and who do you tell about the weird shit you've discovered or figured out. Next time, you try -- maybe you'll have better luck. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:45:00/10-4-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <10-04-13/2301:21>
>>>>>[Keeping your promises is all well and good. Hell, I try to keep them if possible, but you have to remember that sometimes things aren't that simple. You have to weigh the repercussions of breaking the promise against the repercussions should you keep it.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (21:57:39/10-04-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <10-04-13/2328:56>
>>>>>[I was AGREEING with him, Wyrm.  The not a word bit was about something completely unrelated.  Which I will not say a fraggin' word about beyond if anyone ever laugh at how dangerous a bunch of teenyboppers can be, I'll do something amusing to them.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(22:25:38/10-04-75)

>>>>>[I don't know, I thought you looked good as a member of a boy band.]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(10:27:16/10-04-75)

>>>>>[I will shoot you when I get back to Seattle.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(10:30:00/10-04-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-08-13/0127:52>
>>>>>[ You may have been agreeing with Smiley, kid, but it's me you were yelling at.  You wanna know who the most powerful people in the world are, the people you really don't want to piss off??  It isn't the Great Dragons, it isn't the supposedly-immortal elves, it isn't the guy with the fifty billion nuyen, the mansion, the yacht, and the five hundred combat-trained ass-kickers, it isn't the mob boss or the powerful mage.
          It's the guy who controls the information.  Worse, it's the one who knows how information works.
          Piss off a guy like me and your little-shit local-boy papa-san mentor and his granola-eating tree-hugging druid-wannabe krewe are going to find themselves in the middle of a whole shitstorm. Today that guy like me will use the 'Trix to definitively and technically locate that back-to-nature almost-not-toxic grove of trees, and plant in three different megacorporations a backdated report talking about a rich rare-earth mineral deposit located right there.  Tomorrow, that guy like me will insert your face and theirs into the local security corporations' 'wanted for X, Y, and Z' lists, along with fourteen months' worth of 'related violence' backstory.  The next day, that guy like me will link a recent comparatively-anonymous high-profile violent crime to your little group, and passing along to several snitches bits and pieces designed to back up the story, deliberately with enough conflict of information to make it believable.  (For those following along at home, the most-believed percentage of conflct-of-information currently rests at just about 18%.)
          Finally, that guy like me locates several mid-level corporate managers in the heavy industry 'Mineral Resource' section of their company who have influential-enough contacts in their corporations' respective security arm, and inserts into their personal assistant's 'important information to give the boss' data dump the aforementioned information.  And then he sits back to watch three or more corporations roll in on that grove loaded for bear, shooting first and not caring enough about the answers to bother even asking questions of the corpses.  After all, you're all well-armed-and-highly-dangerous violently-inclined criminals who happen to be sitting on the fourth-richest rare-earth-minerals strike on the North American continent, aren't you?
          So stop yelling at that guy like me, Siouxie. He doesn't need to shoot you - he just has to stay out of your way and vector Knight Errant in on your ass. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:30:00/10-8-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <10-08-13/1044:37>
>>>>>[Alright, why doesnt everyone just take a deep breath and calm down. Siouxsie, Wyrm is right you did yell at him, and Smiley is right, that Wyrm probably did and no one beleived him. I know from the time my team hit a camp Hope that I didnt want to believe it and I saw it with my own two eyes. Thought that maybe if we just left them alone they would do the same. No, once they started killing our people, my girlfriend, we knew things had gone to pot. Then it was time for this wolf to hunt, and i still couldnt wrap my head around the whole situation cleanly. It took months of tracking the bastards to and in Chicago to really wrap my brain around it.

Wyrm, Siousies yell was one of shock, and then he mistook what you said. IT Happens! He's also new and a little excitable so cut him some slack and dont go all "Dont frag off the info broker" because believe me, info brokers are not invincible, and can be set up just as easily as you could probably set Siouxsie up.]<<<<<

Wolfgar (09:42:38/10-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-08-13/1127:35>
>>>>>[Ok, trixters just to avoid nuclear warfare out of a discussion in the trix, how about if i present you all with what i think is a challenge? You see ive been trying to understand a bit of how mojo works, and by the first response i got i think im really wrong in my concepts... Of course i admid Trid movies and the news ain't the best source to be looking around, but the thing is im looking for an explanation and im no runner, hell i found this place by sheer luck, but the thing is Hypothethicly speaking of course: Is it posible to Blow up a Bus full of people with enough strenght to make it land on its backside leaving no evidence behind?]<<<<<
     -- WrongConcept (10:48:23/08-10-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-08-13/1228:41>
>>>>>[Blow up how? Like using an explosion of some sort to flip the bus, or using wind to blow it into the air, or what? Regardless, to be able to lift and throw a bus would require substantial force, which means it would be all but impossible to do without leaving some kind of signature. However, signatures can be erased, if you take the time to do so, and certain initiates are able to reduce the amount of time their signatures remain behind to begin with. If no one assensed the area within the first hour or so, it would be easily possible for a magician of a certain degree of skill and power to take out a bus and erase his signature before someone spotted it. Of course, to a mundane, there would be no traces, other than other affects from the spells used (fire, etc.). They would have to be extraordinarily powerful to do that and be able to get away without damage.

For the most part, take everything you ever learned about magic from the trids, and throw it out the window. A mage cannot sling spells all day long without falling flat on his face due to exhaustion, unless they are the kinds of spells that would be hard pressed to rip paper, much less knock a man off his feet. To use an analogy a mundane would understand, think about running. Now picture how tired you get after running a mile without stopping. Compress all that fatigue into an instant, and that is what it is like slinging a relatively minor spell, or summoning a relatively low force spirit. When you start talking about higher force spirits or spells, then picture running a marathon at full speed without stopping, all compressed into a single moment. Now add that to any other wounds or fatigue you might have from combat, or any other sources.

There is also no such thing as teleportation magic, or resurrection magic, or any of those things. Don't get me wrong, researchers are constantly trying to figure out some way to do that, but as of right now, there is no way to do these things.

Magic does not need incantations or gestures, or items, or any of those things. Many mages use these things as tools to focus their Talent, but most mages do not HAVE to use these things.

Anyone who tells you that they can make you a mage is lying to you. If you're lucky, they're just a con artist looking to get your nuyen, and the pills they give you are just placebos. If you're not lucky, you've just got a tempo addiction, or you've been tricked into making a pact with a spirit that may or may not be friendly to you, or you've been infected with HMHVV. If you're really unlucky, you'll wake up on an altar, just as the bug spirit they've summoned eats your soul to use you like a rigger jumped into a drone, except far more permanent.

Anyone telling you that they have an 'amulet' or anything else that will protect mundanes from spells is lying to you. Usually, they just look mystical, but don't do crap. Sometimes, there's a spirit in it temporarily to make use of counterspelling for a while. And sometimes, it is something much much worse.

Magic follows rules. These rules change slightly depending on the mage's tradition and beliefs, but they mainly stay the same, regardless of the mage. At least when you're talking about metahumans. Spirits and dragons apparently see and use magic in different ways from us, and they don't like teaching those ways to mortals. But if you're ever in a fight with a dragon, how they channel mana isn't going to be your first concern. And if you ever meet a dragon and aren't in a fight with them, asking them those questions is a good way to start one. In other words, don't. But for us mortals, magic has certain predictable effects, which is why a shaman can recognize the kinds of magic a hermetic or a druid or a shinto miko or a vodoo priest use, even if the formulas seem strange to them, and that's why a mage can defend against another mage's powers, even if they are different traditions.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:28:23/10-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-08-13/1414:57>
>>>>>[Ok, so it is possible. Not a feat to be done by the rank and file i guess... But even so the LS has their own Mojo detectives right? To give in some more Hipothethical details, lets say that the bus was lifted, no fire, more like the hand of god turning it upside down, that the emergency services arrived at an impressive 20 minutes after the fraggin life changin event, and that the LS did not arrive until 45 minutes after the event, would that be time enough for a Powerfull Mojo Slinger to erase his... Signature?]<<<<<
     -- WrongConcept (13:36:23/08-10-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-08-13/1436:01>
>>>>>[Sounds more like a levitate spell than 'blowing up'. Still, it would have to be a very strong spell to lift a whole bus. And spirits would have been seen if they were there to lift it. Any mage capable of performing the feat (assuming they were still conscious at the end of it) could have erased the signatures before then, yes. There's always the off chance that it was a ritual spell taking effect, which would make it easier to fuel, but still, not something most people would bother with, when it is much simpler to just create a fireball in the middle of the road, or in the cabin of the bus, if you were going with ritual magics. 'Hypothetically' what was the reason for hitting the bus?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:35:23/10-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-08-13/1558:55>
>>>>>[As this is an Hipothesis and nothing more, i have absolutly no clue, but things are odd, the huge delay on services medical and police is suspicious specially considering it was uptown chicago, so security was decent and services available. Even more and hipothethical list of passengers was obtained and no one single passenger seems to be extraordinary, not even fake SIN's, more even so because the Bus was the only thing hit, and on plain daylight of all things, and of course in this hipothethical stream of logic thinking and in 20 years no culprit has been found... Of course after the disaster at UB on 56' it would be hipothethicly imposible to keep investigating, even if you had some evidence obtained from LS. Of course all of this in hipothesis.]<<<<<
     -- WrongConcept (15:17:23/08-10-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <10-08-13/1812:18>
>>>>>[Wait, 20 years ago, I think i know the incident you're talking about WC. If memory serves it was a straight up spirit that did that and actually all it did was roll the bus over sideways not "flip" it end for end. As my memory goes, an earth spirit partially manifested rolling the bus over and spinning it around before subsiding back into the ground.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (17:12:18/10-08-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-09-13/0000:16>
>>>>>[Wolfgar, first of all this is a Hipothethical escenario... So it couldn't have happened, maybe some big coincidences with an event that happened on Chicago Uptown 20 years ago, before the disaster at the Universal Brotherhood and Bug Town crisis, but most certainly this hipothethically precise escenario about a upside down bus did not involved any partially manifested earth spirit,  just a very Random act that seems to fallow no logic more than the killing and cripling of inoccent bystanders. However if you do need help finding the culprit on that case coun't me in, im not a runner as ive said a million times but i do have some skills searching and investigating in the trix, not hi level good like skills but some pretty decent skills.]<<<<<
     -- WrongConcept (23:24:23/08-10-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-10-13/1056:24>
>>>>>[ First, Wolfgar, don't ever tell me to calm down.  That's a guaranteed way to both get on my bad side and most of the time make me 'not calm'.  If I'm pissed off, it's for a good reason; most of the time assholes like you think I'm pissed off, though, I'm not.  Second, no verbal slack cut for n00bs of any sort - because the rest of the universe sure as hell isn't going to cut them any.  If they can't handle getting grabbed by the ear and told what's going to happen to them if they go too far, how the frag do you think they're going to survive any decent amount of time?
          Last but by no means least, don't ever confuse a decker with a fragging 'info broker' - and don't insult me by calling me one.  Info brokers are the poor cousins of the hacker world, barely a step ahead of a script kiddie, making a living by listening at keyholes.  Have I been set up before?  Yes.  Could I be set up again??  Yes.  Do I take steps to make sure that my ass doesn't get put in the morgue if I am?  Hell yes. And any decker worth the electrons does, too, so you blowing away some slot of an info broker might work on a decker - but if it does, you can be sure your ass is going to wind up right next to his within the next couple of days.
          Looks like Siouxsie isn't the only one who needs a reminder not to frag with the decker. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (11:00:00/10-10-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-10-13/1232:37>
>>>>>[The Wyrm Ouroboros, Im a N00B in all of the league, i had the bad luck to learn the basics in University, so i do know how to script with a Comm, but ive never really understood decks, and by what ive seen its not really worth the heavy nuyen one spends on it. Of course i have never got to play with the big boys, the most dangerous hack on a facility i protected involved a disgruntled employee with old password that the previous administrator "forgot" to delete, and phishing and other types of attemps low thread attemps, as i said, low level. But its really necessary the use of a Deck? because im pretty comfortable with my Comm and my Cold Sim. Any advice you could share with me?]<<<<<
     -- WrongConcept (11:58:23/10-10-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-11-13/0143:15>
>>>>>[ ... I learned the basics 'in University', so that doesn't wash.  Most of the best of us learned the basics there.
          Other than that, until you understand the difference between wanting to know the truth and hunting it down, no, I really have no advice to give you - and once you DO understand the difference, you won't need any advice, because anything I say about the difference between a script-kiddie tool and a deck will be self-evident.  It should be self-evident already, but you can only lead a user to a program, you can't make them hack. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:45:00/10-11-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <10-12-13/0215:06>
>>>>>[Wish I had that luxury.  But then, I understand the difference between a hacker and a decker.  Hackers are great with code.  Deckers have to be great with code and hardware.  You want to threaten the grove and the clan to hurt me?  I've got a news flash for you:  I'm not one of them, one just decided I was his apprentice.  He's a sick, twisted and sadistic bastard at times.  Then he does something like go to the mat for a street rat who never met a mark he couldn't con, or a person he wouldn't lie to to get what he needed beyond the only esh and blood he has left in the world.  The same guy also has a list of people the world would be better off without, and pays people who take them out, but doesn't post any bounties.  He doesn't keep an enemies list.  Mostly because he takes a real pleasure in making them good enemies.  Me, it takes too much time and effort to hate that much, but it's like breathing to him.

The best answer I got from a member of the clan on the subject of blood sacrifice is that knowledge of how to do it is considered premeditated murder in Seattle.  So yeah, there's a distinct difference between the grove and the clan.  Mostly in that if I had to pick one to back me up, it wouldn't be the grove.  They're too damned nice for the Barrens.  But attacking them won't be picking a fight with me.  Might sadden me a bit, but I don't really expect good things to happen to good people.  I lost that particular illusion when I was eight.

So, if I pissed you off, I'm sorry, I really am.  But I gotta ask, why in the world do you care what some know-nothing street rat thinks of you?  I've managed to do some asking, and frankly, a kid like me shouldn't even be a blip on your radar, unless I show up on your doorstep.  If I were in your shoes, I'd be more concerned about the guy figuring out how to kill a dragon and get away with it. scott-free.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(01:03:35/10-12-75)

>>>>>{Wait, he's WHAT?]<<<<<
     --Sanctity Rose(02:04:25/10/12/75)

>>>>>[Wow, you really don't know how to read people, do you?  It's obvious the guy wants some payback for what happened to his folks, and the others that died.  Your clan members are so careful not to mention anything related to dragons when I ask about it, and Uath got fired from the only legitimate job he's had for teaching the ZDF how to kill dragons.  Or did you really think the only thing he was doing in Glow City was hunting toxics?  He may be your leader, and not really free to act like he wants, but that's still the guy that walked into an Azzie meeting disguised as a UCAS senator and blew the brains of the guy who was responsible for killing his team all over a wall.  Just because he hasn't done it, doesn't mean he won't do it the second he can get away with it.  I'm a con artist and a trickster, he's a warrior.  If he doesn't get that chance to do it and keep you guys safe, he won't risk you.

But if another dragon offered him the chance to waste the one that hit the old grove, he'll probably give it a discount.]<<<<<
     --Siouxsie(02:14:10/10-12-75
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <10-13-13/1153:53>
>>>>>[ Kid, just because I dropped a bit of educating rant on you doesn't make you someone I care about.  Even if you showed up on my doorstep - good luck finding my current one - I wouldn't give two shits about you.  You need a modicum of education, and this yahoo who's decided to adopt you seems to have forgotten that particular lesson.  So I handed you the same bloody fraggin' advice I've given ten thousand other street morons, ninety-nine hundred of whom are dead because they did something stupid.
          As for 'killing a dragon and getting away scott-free', ain't no such animal.  There are always repercussions for killing - they just may not show up for a while.  And I'm pretty fucking sure the ZDF ain't the one trying to learn how to kill a dragon. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (12:00:00/10-13-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-13-13/2346:58>
>>>>>[There's always a price when you end up fighting a dragon. You never get away clean. Sometimes, that price is paid with the blood of you and those alongside you. Sometimes, the price is worse.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:46:23/10-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-14-13/1626:24>
>>>>>[Wait and what about Dunkelzan's murder? he was a dragon an a pretty famous one, someone offed him and has not been found... At least to the public media, and i must say this Cyberdeck has some impresive things to toy with, i don't even need hands, just program it and the hardware reconfigures itself its pretty cool, and its pretty obvious the difference in Processing Power, my comlink had trouble with my avatar but this Deck its not even heating. It has many options, i will toy with them but so far looks like a good investment. Thanks The Wyrm Ouroboros, i will try not to do anything stupid, but if death comes knocking on my door beliveme i won't be able to run, hide or fight, so ill try to be smart.]<<<<<

--WrongConcept (15:39:23/10-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-14-13/1718:43>
>>>>>[The only one who can kill a Great Dragon and get away with it would be another Great Dragon. Maybe some of us mortals were in on it, but it was a dragon's orders, for sure. Dunkelzhan was their Loremaster. If one of the 'young races' had killed him, what we saw the last couple years would be a walk in the park in comparison to what would have happened. Maybe someday we'll find out the truth about the Big D's murder, but I wouldn't bet on it, and I sure won't be the one poking around to try and find out. But hey, if you really want to find out, you could always try raiding Lofwyr's personal datastores.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (17:18:23/10-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <10-14-13/1944:14>
>>>>>[Just make sure your will is up to date before you attempt that raid...]<<<<<

-- Predator (18:42:45/10-14-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-16-13/0039:09>
>>>>>[I would wish to have so much balls to think of taking down a great D. Altought that seems rather... Pointless, bear with me for a while, lets take Dunkelzhans murder, it didn't really change things, sure everyone cried, but he got to spread all this goodies to everyone, so in the end a D would have a big enough plan or maybe the Dunk knew he was going to get offed... However i won't go into investigating that, i alredy have my hands full with my own quest for the truth.]<<<<<

--WrongConcept (00:05:23/10-16-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-16-13/0425:15>
>>>>>[Just assume that dragons always have a plan. And assume that they are much, much smarter than you, and have been doing this for far longer. I will raid a Wasp nest over a dragon's lair any day.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:24:32/10-16-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-17-13/1710:39>
>>>>>[Letting dragons aside for a moment, has anyone been able to confirm what happened to the Nano disaster? i got the usual crap the news give us, i tried to dig in a litlle but hacking is not my forte, and got to bail out before hell broke loose on my bottoms.]<<<<<

--WrongConcept (16:34:23/10-16-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-17-13/2047:50>
>>>>>[There are rumors amongst my kind about new entities in the Matrix. I haven't witnessed any of it myself, but the ones I've spoken to (and are still themselves) give me different stories. Some say it is the ghosts of those who were trapped by the Crash, looking for new bodies. Some say it is an AI born from viral code, possibly from Jormungand itself. And then there are those who say it is something Dissonant. The truth is, we simply don't know.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (20:47:21/10-17-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: WrongConcept on <10-18-13/0133:18>
>>>>>[So in short, there is no certainty at what tha frag is happening around us... And people asks why would someone work for a Mega, they offer the ilussion of stability, i would have taken it but im too damaged. In short the quest for the truth never ends and you never trully get to know the truth right? Thats kind of... Depressing...]<<<<<

--WrongConcept (01:03:23/10-18-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <10-18-13/2013:07>
>>>>>[All right guys, going to admit I haven't kept up with VU93 while dealing with the Foundation, did not want to use their Grid too much, even if they were nice enough to let me on it temporarily. The plant attacks have died down, for now, and the tome is heavily warded up while we finalize where to take it..]<<<<<

-- Chrona (01:12:21/10-19-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <10-31-13/0829:32>
>>>>>[Not knowing what the frag is going on around us in the larger picture is the norm for most of us (likely exceptions of Great Dragons, certain elves, and a somewhat misanthropic data hoarder), so all we can do is try to figure out what's going on and how it may or hopefully may not kill us, or at least how best to avoid it killing us.]<<<<<

     --Card (05:28:30/10-31-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <10-31-13/1255:35>
>>>>>[Well, it is true that it is impossible for anyone outside the Dragons, the Elders, and their inner circles to know the complete picture of what is going on in the world. So for those of us who aren't in a position where we deal with dragons on a daily basis, the trick is to focus on as much of the picture as you can handle. The way you do that (if you aren't Wyrmy) is to develop contacts. This is the part of running that never ever stops. You head to the local watering hole, make friends with the bartender, or the bouncer. You head on vacation, schmooze some of the other tourists. Get caught by the Knights, make friends with the other inmates while you wait on your lawyer to get you out. Everywhere you go, there are contacts just waiting to be made. There are some people who think they can just get by with a single, well-placed contact. But the problem is, no matter how well connected that Ares manager you know is, he's not going to have the clean scan on what's going on in NeoNET or Tir Tairngir, and he probably won't know drek about what a Tir Tairngir mark's vices are, and who you can go to in order to make a swap. Sure, having the big name contact is great for those times when you can use him, but for the rest, it is better to have a bunch of low-level contacts, spread out across all fields. That way, if you don't know someone who has the intel you need, you at least have someone who can make an introduction.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:55:23/10-31-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <11-24-13/2309:23>
>>>>> Sweet godess three weeks of nothing from anyone.  Is everyone still breathing around here? <<<<<

--Wolfgar (22:08:23/11-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <11-24-13/2345:47>
>>>>> After running into an old friend doing contract smuggling interdiction work in the Phillipines, tagging along for a few boardings, and getting shot at for the first time in ages, I realized that no amount of racing, gambling, or chasing girls would ever hold a candle to being a gunfighter, so I decided to unretire.  It's been an interesting road back to form, especially after having damn near all my augmentations removed, but that's why I've been silent.  No clue about everyone else, but I'm willing to blame the weather and the uptick of work as the real world turns an eye back to Chicago.  <<<<<

--Vice (23:45:11/11-24-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <11-25-13/0515:24>
>>>>> [#&@ . . . out of town & country. Bad connection. Hopeful!% back soon ] <<<<<

-- Longshot (05:12:47/11-2$-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <11-25-13/1634:36>
>>>>>[Been trying to figure out how to swipe the Blarney Stone.  Without getting caught right away.]<<<<<

     --Siouxsie(15:33:47/11-25-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Rainslicker on <11-26-13/0937:08>
>>>>>[Far out... been a while since I seen a system this old, nice to see that she is still running after all this time.]<<<<<

     --Riddle(15:36:15/11-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-26-13/2203:52>
>>>>>[ *snork*  Now there's a hacker taken in by the look, not the guts. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:00:00/11-26-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <11-26-13/2230:47>
>>>>>[Old stuff has a certain appeal to it. Some of the young guns appreciate the old stuff but most just spit on the it. I have yet to have anyone spit on my Colt 2066 though... plus it's kind of hard to spit when you're missing your lower jaw.

Anyone catch the Broncos, Pats game this last Sunday. Was a hell of a game but how the hell did Denver lose a 30 point lead? I bet someone slipped something in there drinks at half time. Also can some buddy please wipe that smug ass look off the Pats QB face... I fragging hate that guy.]
            -- Miner Fox (8:30:17/11-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Rainslicker on <11-27-13/0423:39>
>>>>>[Chummer there is nothing wrong with a old beauty like this. Just nice to see such a well written thing that still runs after all this time. Oh if you need someone to make sure he does not look so smug anymore then I know a few people that can take care of it... just a question of the newones. So have any one got any good C.S.C. busting stories? Not talking about cubes chummers and chummets... just some good decking stories or just some fun things about hotdoggers or weefles?. Well thats all for now... got a scratch monkey to catch. Wiz you wire boys and girls.]<<<<<

     --Riddle(15:36:15/11-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <11-27-13/1517:33>
>>>>>[No decking stories, but if you really want to put pressure on the Pat QB, I can give you a few numbers to call, and a few people who know some things.]<<<<<
  --Siouxsie(14:17:20/11-27-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-27-13/1559:52>
>>>>>[ Like I said, taken in by the skin.  Just because it looks old and rusty doesn't mean it ain't running top-of-the-line hardware and code.  Bull likes the look and feel of the '50's, so that's how VU93 looks and feels.  If you'd bothered to do any analysis, you'd've figured that out. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (16:00:00/11-27-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <11-28-13/0341:49>
>>>>>[Check your PMs Riddle and Siouxsie.

Talking about old stuff with new guts... I recently saw a EH101 with full rigger complements and was boasting some new Ares weapons. If only I learned how to fly back in the day.]<<<<<
            --Miner Fox (1:40:50/11-28-75)
 
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <11-28-13/0506:56>
>>>>>[Been busy myself. Upswing in pakages to run, Grandfather trying to groom me more for something or another, hanging around with Ice and Mar and Smiley when I can. Learning more about how Coyote applies to me. Holidays coming up to. Had to do some extra stuff for the favors and cash to get some gifts for my favorite lowlifes.

Anyone seen our favorite flesheater recently? Been looking for an update on that book.]<<<<<

     -- Card (03:06:00/11-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Rainslicker on <11-28-13/0624:44>
>>>>>[Would be shiny if we could get some cowboys together and do a nice run. Been a while since I met anyone that could keep up in the 'trix, then again I would not want to meet someone thats better then me when on the job, might make it complicated so to speak. I have not been out much in meatspace for a while now so I have not had time to check in on whats going on out there, is it worth to unplug for a moment and see myself around? Last time I was disappointed... nothing but filth and corruption out there, confined to a fleshbag that I do not like... 'trix is pure and my persona thats me...]<<<<<

     --Riddle(15:36:15/11-26-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <11-28-13/0724:45>
>>>>>[ From what I just saw, Riddle, there ain't much that's in the Matrix right now that couldn't keep up with you.  As for the Matrix being pure, well - clearly that's another place you've been keeping yourself isolated.  Man, you really are a squeaky-clean virgin, aren't you? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (07:30:00/11-28-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: MaxKojote on <11-28-13/0818:27>
>>>>>[For what it's worth, meatspace isn't improving too much at the moment, Herr Riddle. But it's not all that bad, depends on where you are and who you're with. As Herr Ouroboros says though, the matrix itself though isn't all that pure unfortunately.]<<<<<
     -- Fang(00:16:43/11-29-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Rainslicker on <11-28-13/0854:52>
>>>>>[Well I don' cough in the matrix from the pollution in the air. And Sir Ouroboros... I am nothing of the sort, just... never been one that interacts lot with others. Usually prefer to keep in my corner and do what I do rather then meddle with others, it just brings complications that I prefer to avoid. But I do go out at times... down to a bar close by where some deckers hangs out... its aright if you like socializing... But never been one for going out. ]<<<<<

     --Riddle(14:52:15/11-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <11-28-13/1647:20>
>>>>>[I've seen enough shit it my life that all this fucked up stuff going on right just feels normal for me in meat space. I can't blame anyone though if they prefer the Matrix over the real world.

Happy Holidays chummers and try to stay alive to enjoy them.]<<<<<
            -- Miner Fox ( 2:46:30/11-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <11-29-13/2227:18>
>>>>>[Haha! All the whining about the world that went to drek! Personally, I find it fraggin' hilarious!

And for what's new with me, well I went for another trip in a prison cell. Lack of proof, good lawyer, friends in high places, you know, didn't stay there very long. But it did made me realize that I needed to shut that FBI agent down... Permanently.

I mean I tried everything. Finding dirt on him, what was his price, "friendly" warnings to back off my case... Everything! Nothing worked, a true crusader on a mission. Now, it's just a matter of time before my business partners wants him gone and my reputation his on the line! As I'm writing this, I have him tied up to a chair in a basement with his dead wife and daughter... And I'm going to kill him in a few minutes. Oh well...

It's ironic, in a way, that he is probably the man I respect the most on this plane of existence. I mean, I went to him downstairs with an offer most people like me would never bother. Just to confirm to myself what kind of man he is. I told him that, if he stopped meddling in my affairs, I would let him leave with his family. My word is gold, everyone knows that, even him. What he told me just confirmed my suspicions about him. He looked at me and said "I made you a promise the first time we met! I'll never stop trying to bring you down!'. Uncompromising and true to his mission, up until the end! You gotta respect that! Looked at his wife and his daughter, they were smiling at me, defiant and surprisingly supportive of his decision, understanding what it meant for all of them. With a simple "Fair enough!" I shot both his wife and his daughter in the head. Because, me too, am an uncompromising man. Anyone that poses a real threat to me and my business gets to en up dead... After I killed everyone close to them. A South American cartel wanted him dead as much as I do now, and since they owed me a big favor (well they still owe me plenty more), agreed to to claim responsibility for the hit. And so again, as I did many times before, I'll get away with murder.

Still, my own little story made me curious about yours people! How do you all deal with law enforcement taking interest in your affairs?

I'll check back later for your answers, for now, I have a small chapter in the story of my life that needs an appropriate ending!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (22:27:19/11-29-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <11-30-13/0100:23>
>>>>>[At least the man was unflinching in his word. Not many people like that left in this world.

As to keeping law enforcement off of myself... lets just say the FBI knows I did stuff for the UCAS that kept it alive during one of its darkest moments. Never really had to deal with KE or LoneStar as I haven't been in NA for almost 5 years and I was a good boy before my trip to Europe.

Never had any European law enforcement meddle in my affairs while I've been here. I also prefer it that way and go to some lengths not to have them meddle in my affairs. If they do start to meddle in my affairs... lets say some explosive rounds will be entering some skulls from extreme distances.]<<<<<
           
           -- Miner Fox (11:00:06/11-28-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <11-30-13/0438:25>
>>>>>[ For me I deal with it in classic courier fashion: chamelon paint, spoof chip, changing license plate, and a few extra turns. For the more....determined, well, I'm just at the bottom. Someone like your vuy would b more after my superior or Grandfather....with similar results.]<<<<<

     -- Card (02:37:40/11-29-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <11-30-13/1625:32>
>>>>>[Huh.  I just convince them it's some other guy they're after, not me.  Of course fraud and confidence games don't rate as high as some of the stuff you guys are doing on their list of Bad Things.  Also, I got word that Knight Errant's looking for me for some reason.  Can't imagine why, though.]<<<<<

     --Siouxsie(15:24:37/11-30-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: MaxKojote on <11-30-13/1724:58>
>>>>>[I really, really try to seem uninteresting. With my appearance, it's very hard to claim a case of mistaken identity. For the most part I go for plausible deniability, followed by bribery if needed. Beyond that, I just try not to be in a compromising position, editing video feeds and so on. I'm not usually on the front lines due to a lack of a proper meatspace skillset.]<<<<<

     -- Fang (9:23:46/12-1-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <12-03-13/1038:02>
>>>>>[Finally back in Seattle. Sorry for the downtime guys, The Tome has been out of my hands for a while now but I decided to lay low for a while after trading it over. I say trading, most of it went out to all the favours owed to get rid of it but The Foundation are happy and I personally got what I wanted.
At least for now you cannot collect a bounty on this ghoul, go find another.
Iceblade, The Foundation was dealing with getting your compensations to you, whatever those may have ended up being. They should have arrived, along with the "clean" copy of the Tome for your archives and research. Of course you get a big thanks from me.
Same for you Card, something should have been sent your way for helping with that plant spirit attack.
Ouroboros, we didn't send you a copy because we assumed that if you wanted it, you would have it all ready.

As for the Law, Smiley, i stay underground and in the real shadows so much to avoid the shoot on sight notices when alone, and when I am not there's a fast talker around to help me sit through that Johnson meet at the local Soykaf place or whatever else is going on that run. The one time i ended up face to face with them, including Docwagon, was in LA while looking for an Oni to kill. I lucked out and convinced them I was a victim in the torching of his favourite bar (My doing, natch). First free health care I had received in years.]<<<<<

     -- Chrona (15:37:46/12-3-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <12-03-13/1904:06>
>>>>>[The Tome? Probably something that has to do with magic and that's one field I'm not known for... well expect for the part where the Awakened are the first people you drop in a firefight. A complement and a curse I suppose.]<<<<<

            -- Miner Fox (17:03:40/12-3-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <12-03-13/1934:56>
>>>>>[Attempting that is just as much of a double edged sword. Every time I lay low for a month or so we get new blood on here. Do I scare them off otherwise?]<<<<<

            -- Chrona (00:34:40/12-3-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-03-13/2106:24>
>>>>>[ You are correct, Chrona - we do.  My Lady is content with how things have fallen out in that regard. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (21:00:00/12-03-2075)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <12-03-13/2120:37>
>>>>>[Chrona, I agree but so is messing with any people that know how to take life. Some just are more skilled at taking life then others though, and it just so happens that we run into those types of folks almost on a daily bases because of what we do.]<<<<<
 
            -- Miner Fox (19:20:20/12-3-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <12-04-13/0509:18>
>>>>>[ Got the payment, and it was more then enough. Good to see the plants aren't gunning for you anymore. The gift fro DIMR was quiet welcome. I'd rather not talk too much about it.

Also, starting the count down for the last two holidays of the year.]<<<<<

     -- Card (03:08:50/12-3-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <01-01-14/2119:52>
>>>>>[ To New Years, and new crimes. Happy 2076 chummers. ]<<<<<

     -- Card (19:19:03/01-01-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <01-31-14/2202:44>
>>>>>[ This place dried up, didn't it. Good thing there ain't no crickets in the Matrix. ]<<<<<

            -- Vendetta Violent (20:02:05/01-31-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <02-01-14/1038:04>
>>>>>[ Says you.  Just because biz is keeping us standards busy and you lurkers aren't being entertained, doesn't mean things aren't happening.  You'd be ... well, if you know Smiley and Autumn, you might not be surprised at what I hired them to do.  Nor Madrecita and Iceblade ... Though Money hasn't reported in yet, so I suppose I'm mildly concerned. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (10:45:00/02-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <02-01-14/1517:28>
>>>>>[ Lurker, maybe. Hopefully dead air does actually translate to hot business rather then dead runners. Guess I'll just hold my breathe and hope they surface. ]<<<<<
          -- Vendetta Violent (03:16:29/02-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <02-02-14/2247:33>
>>>>>I agree wyrm I haven't seen Money in a long while and it concerns me.

Vendetta for me ots "Interesting" in the way of the old chinese  curse. Lost one of my main teams on the Brooklyn bridge during an escort op. Now I'm trying to confirm their condition and seeing if there is anyway to recover them. <<<<<

--Wolfgar (21:46:32/02-02-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <02-16-14/0414:33>
>>>>> [Ah, good, it works. Hey all, what've I missed?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (02-16-2076/04:12:51)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <02-21-14/0835:38>
>>>>> [There was a couple of new runners out in the verge a few weeks back. Found a Wendigo cult that had popped up again among all the shanty towns between here and Touristville. A hobo, an adept and stuffed shirt. They survived but I hear the dwarf hobo got a nice bath of Wendigo blood before big, white and furry gave them the slip. I hear they moved onto a new job now, got themselves hooked up with a mage. She is basically an unknown though, looks like a local business in downtown was keeping her sheltered most her life, so info is scarce. For any fellow fixers out there, or anyone who just needs fresh faces for any of the usual reasons you don't want to hire old hats, keep an ear out for them.] <<<<<

-- Chrona (02-21-2076/04:12:51)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <02-28-14/1243:38>

>>>>> [Ahhh, the feel of the old code.  I've spent so much time at the Outpost I almost forgot how soothing the Shadowland code felt. No wonder Gunnar wanted me to get out and see what the new kids were up to.] <<<<<

-- Nightmare (02-28-2076/11:43:25)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <03-08-14/0928:16>
>>>>> [I wish I could say it's good to be home. I've been gone for an extended period of reflection and religious matters. Just got in off the plane. So what's been going on since I left.

Iceblade, Wyrm, Smiley, Wolfgar?

No wait. Scratch Smiley.]<<<<<

-- Delir (03-8-2076/9:26:12)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-10-14/1007:10>
>>>>> [They've been mighty quiet of late.  Probably are quite busy with a few jobs.  Anything of interest where you went?]<<<<<

-- Nightmare (03-10-2076/9:06:12)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: firebug on <03-10-14/1023:05>
>>>>>[Nightmare?  You must be trying to pick a fight with an alias like that.  I know a guy who might want you dead over it, and he'd be crazy enough to try.]<<<<<
-- firebug (03-10-2076/10:22:45)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-10-14/1027:46>
>>>>>[I had this name longer than that fragging thing ever did. Drek! I earned it back during the Eurowars, for frags sake. SO if you see it wandering around, Firebug, let it know it's on my to-geek list.  Frag! I'm amazed any of you Halloweener pieces of drek survived what me and the Ancients did to you in '70.  Guess some of you are stronger than we thought.]<<<<<
-- Nightmare (03-10-2076/10:27:45)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: firebug on <03-10-14/1047:47>
>>>>>[Tch.  You really are trying to start a fight.  Sounds like you might actually be trying to threaten me.  I don't care what kind of drek you did in the past.  Just telling you to watch where you step.]<<<<<
-- firebug (03-10-2076/10:45:11)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-10-14/1050:57>
>>>>>[Don't worry, bug, as long as you keep from confusing me with that bastard thing I bet we're okay.  Course if you're still hanging with those lousy 'weeners....well, you'd best watch yourself cause lately I've been seeing contracts out for that drekheaded pack's hoops.]<<<<<
-- Nightmare (03-10-2076/10:47:11)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <03-14-14/1043:08>
>>>>>[ Having not seen you around here before, Nightmare, let me drop you a friendly warning - please don't start throwing your virtual weight around.  There are plenty of 'I can grease an X with a Y' people around here, and more than one 'I saw Z from the wrong end of a Q'.  Threaten people again, and you won't have to worry about any 'no fighting in the forums' rule Bull's got up.
          Same goes for you, Firebug. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (10:45:00/03-14-2076)

>>>>>[ And when did you people get your standard time/date stamp reversed? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (10:45:00/03-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-14-14/1046:08>
>>>>[I might be new here but I've been around the Outpost for a long time.  Add to that that I hate people confusing me for the 'weeners leader and you see why I get pissed.  But hey, null sheen, I'll just sit over here and watch the pretty fireworks instead.]

-Nightmare 910:46:00/03-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <03-14-14/2254:15>
>>>>>[ Please.  I know twenty-six different 'runners just on the NorAm west coast who go by the name 'Nightmare', or a local translation-equivalent.  If you wanted your name to be unique, you fall far short of the mark. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:00:00/03-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: MaxKojote on <03-15-14/0104:59>
>>>>>[Out of  curiosity Herr Ouroboros, how many runners have tried to use your name? Or variants thereof?]<<<<<
          -- Fang (16:03:00/03-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <03-15-14/0157:28>
>>>>>[ Knowledge of the Greek-specific term 'ouroboros' is generally regulated to the literati, someone who's had a classical (or at least wide-spanning) education.  Right now I'm solo, but there have been six, worldwide - three deckers, a street sam, a mage, and a relatively newly-awoken dragon a few years back who thought to use the name.  Deckers who want to stay unique have a kind of a 'high noon' challenge - you both meet, then go hack something.  Who ever gets there, or gets through first, keeps the name.  The sam (Midwest UCAS) and the mage (Greece) both got waxed, roughly two years after taking the name - no, not my fault.  And the dragon ... well, I had some 'high level' help convincing him that it wasn't a good idea to get us confused.  Lessers tend to listen to greaters when they start talking all 'high affrontedness'.  I think the line I liked best would be 'I would see it as a sign of growing maturity if you chose to be known by another name.'
          Talking about 'local equivalents', though, Jormungandr and the Midgard Serpent are a lot more famous, so you find bunches of them - or at least you did, up until the second Crash.  Not so much since then.  'Hoop snake', on the other hand, there's a bunch in the NAN and 'round Tibet's borders ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:00:00/03-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-15-14/0515:30>
>>>>> [Never seen anyone calling themselves Feathered Serpent/Queztalcoatl/Kulkulcan for that matter, which in hindsight seems a little odd - but I suppose people inclined to those names would have their own boards . . . ] <<<<<

-- Longshot (04:12:38/03-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <03-15-14/0523:39>
>>>>>[ ... who wasn't a World Serpent or symbol of infinity - sorry, Longshot.  People who used those names would be using things like Fafnir.  Or the names of gods - Tezcatlipoca, or Odin, or Zeus, or whatever.  Granted, using Aztec names is going to suck in both sides of that fight ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (05:30:00/03-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-15-14/0706:58>
>>>>> [I have run into a fragger - sorry, fraggette  ::) - who called themselves Lamashtu.  Imagine my surprise when I found out the name came from almost the same mythological cycle/tradition as Tiamat, which turned up on shadowboards before Crash 2.0.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (06:02:16/03-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-17-14/1017:42>
>>>>> [Wyrm, I know a lot of folks use the name Nightmare but how many of them have kept them since the EuroWars?  Or frag, how many of them were even around back then.  Oh well, I don't give a drek anymore, I just don't like the 'weeners, that's all.

Longshot, where'd you run into this Lamashtu?] <<<<<

-- Nightmare (09:17:16/03-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-17-14/1044:28>
>>>>> [Here in Seattle actually, just before that drekstorm with tempo kicked into high gear. She seemed to be bodyguarding a corp big noise just south of the Snohomish-Bellevue boundary. No, I don't know what the deal was - I just know she power-bolted a friend of mine, while we were passing on our way into Snohomish. I ID'd her by description afterwards - only run across her that one time.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (09:27:44/03-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-17-14/1047:50>
>>>>> [Interesting.  Wonder if she was hooked up with the Cartels or not?  Had to ask, cause I used to know a merc that went by that name some time back but I'd heard she got geeked during the Yucatan-Azzie battle.  At least, I think that was her name.  Oh well, it doesn't matter cause the one I'm thinking about didn't throw mojo.] <<<<<

-- Nightmare (09:27:48/03-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <03-21-14/1320:07>
>>>>> [Didn't throw Mojo then..] <<<<<

-- Chrona (17:19:48/03-21-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-24-14/1006:40>
>>>>[True.  Though I doubt the Lamashu I knew is still alive.  She was down in the Yucatan when the quakes hit.  Course it could be her.  Hey, Longshot, what this mojo-slinging slitch look like?]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:06:23/03-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-25-14/0544:20>
>>>>> [Couldn't pick metatype at the time, apart from probably not troll or dwarf. How many 'runners do you know of who wear a mask painted in a stylised snake skull? Also she was wearing a greatcoat over light sec-armour (I think). Bear in mind this was 4 years ago] <<<<<

-- Longshot (04:39:46/03-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <03-25-14/0700:42>
>>>>>[ Y'know, a surprising number ... though I suppose I've known more 'runners than most. Security armor, on the other hand, in the circles in which I work, tends to be either a dead giveaway (literally) or else nowhere near sufficient. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (07:00:00/03-25-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-26-14/1009:11>
>>>>[Yeah, there's only three reasons I know that folks wear sec armor - either their in a war zone, their corp-sec, or their going in loud.  The first and last will get you killed for two different reasons and the second, well I've never been in that situation.  But this does tell me that it wasn't the Lamashu I knew.  She would've been a bit more discrete ,than sec armor and a greatcoat, if she was doing bodyguard duty.  And if the one I knew was going in loud, well, I would think she would've gone and got her milspec armor she was issued by her merc unit's quartermaster instead.  Man, I miss having those quartermasters around to issue stuff for free.  It's been so many years since I had that luxury.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:08:56/03-26-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <03-28-14/1321:26>
>>>>>[Alright, now that the rush is over, I return myself. Busy few months, and I'm comfortable. At least insomuch as I have rent and food taken care of for a few months. I really do miss Money, and I saw Smiley and Autumn the other day. At least I'm smart enough not to say hi or wave. Didn't even nod...after hanging out and partying with those two, I know when they are busy. And they were BUSY.

On the other hand, I just got back from Phoenix, and found a couple of fraggers who wanted to say hi and join in. I invited them, if you all didn't mind.]<<<<<

     -- Card (10:15:30/03-28-2076)

>>>>>[Helloooo from the PCC/Aztland boarder, specifically, Metro Phoenix! I'm Liminal, distraction and SMG specialist! I never see many groups like you guys who have so many people from around the world, so I hope some Sun Valley chummers can fit in!]<<<<<

    -- Liminal (10:18:40/03-28-2076)

>>>>>[On a less hyper note, thanks again for the invite, Card. Does the heart good to see fellow followers of Coyote sticking together. I'm Spirit Caller, and if the moniker doesn't tell you what I do, you don't need to know. I look forward to trading stories and info with all of you.]<<<<<

     --Spirit Caller (10:21:23/03-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-31-14/1010:13>
>>>>>[Well, someone stationed on the PCC/Aztlan border, eh?  What's the news about the Aztlan military Liminal?]<<<<<

--Nightmare (09:09:23/03-31-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-31-14/1052:47>
>>>>> [I really need to get a message to Mcallister - been trying to get into the Ork Underground to see my sister for years, and keep getting blocked. Anyone know a good contact path?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (09:34:09/03-31-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Silence on <04-02-14/0209:49>
>>>>>[Um, the Underground's now an official district.  She might have been one of the ones that hightailed it out of own when the vote went through, though.  Best path right now is to ask somebody in the Underground.  Unless you're looking for the Skraacha.  Can never spell that right.  But for them, go to one of the orc or troll gangs.

In other news, I'm back in Seattle.  Most of the world sucks.  Liked massive diseased dragon dong.  Hell, until this little trip I never thought I'd be grateful for the crap I begged, borrowed and stole while living on the streets.  What does that say about us?  Though I think I've found a solution to the major source of suckage in France.  Thor shots on Paris.  Yeah, the city's all historical and whatnot, bt is it worth it to have Parisians around?]<<<<<

     --Siouxsie(01:09:49/04-02-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-02-14/0506:56>
>>>>> [It's the Skraacha and that other lot, the Bot'Kham, who've been blocking me. On one level I can understand why, but it got wearing a while ago (as in, a few years).] <<<<<

-- Longshot (04:04:19/04-02-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-02-14/1013:31>
>>>>[I might have an answer to your prob, Longshot, but I'm not 100% sure.  There's a troll decker down there goes by the handle King Chowda that I've worked with on a run or two that might be able to get you in but he's a bit...um...off.  Supposedly on his first run he tangled with some psychotropic ice and now he thinks he's some Boston wiseguy from the 20th century or some such nonsense, even though he's never been outside Seattle.  He's okay though as a decker so if you just play his game there's no probs.  Not sure if he can get you by the Skraacha but it's worth a try.  I'll send you his comm number privately and let you bother with him.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:13:25/04-02-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-02-14/2353:14>
>>>>>[They are chillan, omae. Haven't heard a peep from the A-land soldiers since that whole thing that blew up involving the dragon a year or so ago. I like things being quiet though, at least on their part. I don't tend to run against them, simply due to it being dangerous to do so so close to the border, but every so often someone offers a run on the local pyramid.

Sometimes I think it's a good idea. Then again, I think motorized skates and high speeds are a good idea, so it's up to you to decide how crazy I am.

But on topic, we've had some activity from Evo. One of their local A-class subs had a break in on a small lab. Someone deleted some data they were working on, but Evo isn't moving on it despite Johanna Corp's pleading at them. Suggests an inside job to me, but that's just with the small details I have.]<<<<<

     --Liminal (20:52:30/04-02-14)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-04-14/1047:15>
>>>>[Amazed the fragging Aztlanders haven't tried anything since wandering into Denver.  Those bloody drekheads are always up to something.  Oh well, looks like I won't be making that trip to Aztlan for a little payback after all then.  Frag it!  I was hoping something was boiling down there too.

Evo activity?!?!?  Interesting....very interesting.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:46:24/04-04-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-09-14/1034:51>
>>>>[Well, looks like the next time I'll be posting I'll be overseas kicking the frag out of some corp-backed milspec grunts in the desert.  Fun!]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:43:25/04-09-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-14-14/1050:34>
>>>>[Drek!  Now I remember why I've been avoiding contracts involving this fragging media-fest since '48, SAND!  Fragging drek keeps getting caught in my vellum and it's a real bitch to get out.  Itches like crazy too.  Even worse is it's going to get worse because me and my squad (if you call two other trustworthy mates a squad) haven't even got out in the field yet.  Instead we're stuck waiting for the rest of the contestants/participants tog et here before everything kicks off.  I wonder why my employer wanted us here so early. Oh well, at least I don't have to run around wearing long sleeves or my cosmetic cyber all the time cause the folks over here are used to seeing badly scarred mercs.  Seems to be the only real perk right now but I'll take it.

Hey Longshot, before I log off, did you get a hold of King Chowda and get into the Underground?]<<<<

--Nightmare (19:50:34/04-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-14-14/1239:31>
>>>>> [I sent a message saying about wanting to connect with family, no reply so far. But there's been no bounce-back either, so I'm holding out for good news. Or at least, not-bad news.
In other ongoing matters, anyone noticed a (re)new(ed) Azzie charm campaign?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (11:32:05/04-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <04-15-14/2148:07>
>>>>>[Not really but they don't really bother in the CAS anymore and I've been back home for the last few weeks. Worse is that there still hasn't been any word from money. Longshot, if you haven't gotten into the underground by the time I hit Seattle in three weeks let me know and i'll take you down there.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar  (20:47:53/4-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-15-14/2236:35>
>>>>>[I might know a way or two down if you can't get in properly, and that would be sooner then Wolf getting here. Gotta love them Trade Secrets of being a courier.]<<<<<

     --Card (19:34:04/04-15-76)

>>>>>[Oh! Someone else noticed them! Yeah, the fraggers are trying to get back into the good light, but no one here is buying yet. Got some news on the usual flare ups near the boarder to the west, but that's just Cali and Aztland going at it as usual.]

     --Liminal (19:36:30/04-15-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-16-14/1009:51>
>>>>[Hadn't noticed the Azzie charm campaign lately but of course being overseas right now means I don't see much of what's going on over there.  Did notice that when their group arrived the other day, that they were playing to the crowd and cameras.  Fragging drekheads, let them have the cameras I say, means more attention on them and less on me and my crew.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:09:09/04-16-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <04-16-14/1920:20>
>>>>>[Hey Nitemare, is there any room left on your employers team for a vet. Since you're facing Azzies I could come join you and have some fun. I work long guns pistols and demo.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:19:38/4-16-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-21-14/1013:13>
>>>>[I'm facing more than Azzies over here, Wolfgar,  more like every corp's military unit along with folks like my squad (merc group and independents) in this trid cluster frag.  Or as the rest of you chummers call it, this seasons Desert Wars.  If you're willing to put up with the sand and trid cameras possibly following you, I can set up a meet with the merc unit that brought my squad on board for the larger affairs.  As for the smaller affairs that we have lined up, my squad is a bit...um...odd in bringing folks onboard.  I'd explain but I'm not completely sure I can express why we're that way.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:10:45/04-21-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-24-14/2028:48>
>>>>>[Hello! I'm a bit new around here... Does anyone happen to know how to convince a giant dodo bird made out of plant material to leave? It's nesting on my car, and everyone else I ask about it laughs too hard to answer...]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (19:28:48/04-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-25-14/0443:08>
>>>>>[Does anyone have any experience of the Ares Vigorous or Thunderstruck?]<<<<<
     -- Shade (11:41:17/04-25-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-25-14/1009:32>
>>>>[Hoi SlowDeck and I guess welcome aboard.  A plant-based dodo bird stuck on your car?!?!?!  that is hilarious.  Have you tried a flamethrower?

Shade, I haven't had any experience with Ares Vigorous or Thunderstuck, though it looks like I'll get to see how they work from the opposition's side cause a few of the Ares-backed teams here seem to be hauling a few around. Not my type of weapon, though.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:05:48/4-25-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <04-26-14/1200:04>
>>>>>[Hoi VU, seems to be the only connection I can get back to Seattle atm. Can't even get my usual stream into the Nexus. Stuck down in the upside down land atm. Drek has been crazy in Aus lately.]<<<<<
     -- Jesskitten (11:00:04/04-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-26-14/1511:23>
>>>>>[Flamethrower attempt didn't work.  Worried comrades confiscated it before I could use it. Apparently, they still remember the Memorial Day Barbecue of '69.

Also, if you're UCAS and headed to the CAS by land, try to stay away from St. Louis for the next couple months. A coyote I regularly deal with got a nasty surprise when CAS changed their checkpoint routines at the border there and had to go noisy. Border guard is going to be jumpy for awhile. If you have to cross via the Midwest, I would suggest going further west and using Wichita as a stop-over before heading to Tulsa.

And, if anyone is a skilled coyote, there's a shipment in Lake of the Ozarks that needs delivered to a buyer in Springfield. It's the same one the coyote I know was smuggling when they danced the foxtrot with border security. Contact 3H once there and he can direct you to where the shipment is hidden. Buyer offered me the job, but I'm having a little transportation difficulty at the moment...]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (14:11:23/04-26-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <04-26-14/1544:30>
>>>>>[Flyin' high and livin' large. Just wanted to drop the feed a line to let you know that double V is still alive. I've got a solo tour for Mana Burns coming up in Germany. What a cackle that is, kids. Riot Blue is big on the home front and the Germans get all frosty over the solo stuff.]<<<<<
     -- Vendetta Violent (15:43:18/04-26-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-27-14/0055:29>
>>>>>[ ... 'hoi'?  What is this, are we respamming copies of goddamn Shadowbeat (For Teens!!) again?  I swear to god, Bull, if you're pulling some damn mild psychotropic to bring back the old slang, I will personally put an APB out on your vehicle as being Too Dangerous To Be On City Streets, Detonate With Extreme Prejudice ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:00:00/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-27-14/0229:48>
>>>>>[Okay, transportation problem temporarily solved. And the previous owner of the vehicle won't come looking for it. Ever.

Stupid ganger decided that threatening me with a pocket knife was a smart move. Seriously, threatening a decker? Tsk. So, I waited for his friends to get close and bricked his commlink. Only, I think I overdid it a bit. His comm kinda exploded, definitely killed him, and kinda left his two surviving friends on fire... I mean, just because my custom attack animation looks like I was launching a fireball at him doesn't mean I expected it to explode! Alas, his still-burning friends did not believe my intentions were merely to destroy their social lives and, once they put themselves out, they fled the scene screaming about magic.

Luckily, the guy had a NICE motorcycle! Bit scorched from his commlink exploding, and I had to get a friend help me with changing ownership of it, but it rides like a dream! And while I was riding it back to my safehouse, I convinced some ghouls to stop chasing down an actual living victim by giving them the location of four dead gangers they could feed on. Then I dropped the person they were chasing off in front of a Lone Star precinct, gave the poor girl the location of a gun shop so she could buy some protection, and rode home.

I've already anonymously reported to Lone Star that the two survivors were part of a terrorist group looking to combine magic and plastic explosives into a bomb to take out city hall. I was unhappy with having to give up the two bricks of plastic explosives I had with me for this, but it was necessary. Said their mage scrammed after accidentally killing four of them. I'm such a good samaritan!]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (01:29:48/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-27-14/0237:15>
>>>>[ ... Bull, you have got to see about getting the newbie filters upgraded, I swear to god ... ]<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:45:00/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <04-27-14/0318:18>
>>>>[Go on try and filter me grandpa]<<<<
          -- Jesskitten (17:47:16/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: MaxKojote on <04-27-14/0509:59>
>>>>[If the newbies wish to be noisy, could they do it in meatspace? It will draw attention so the rest of us can work. I certainly wouldn't mind having the attention off me once in a while.]<<<<
          -- Fang (18:26:16/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-27-14/0545:30>
>>>>>[My kind of meatspace noise involves explosions and makes security twitchy and more alert. I run quiet for obvious reasons.

Give me a day to adjust. 'Sides, given the Matrix these days, I think you'd be glad for a distraction from you that's here.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (04:45:30/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <04-27-14/0708:43>
>>>>>[Sorry, I didn't mean to get all bitchy. This place is making me crazy. Heat and crazy magic stuff is bad enough, I can usually retreat to the corners of the matrix, but that is spotty has hell down here. I seriously dont get the matrix mundane do without it.]<<<<<
     -- Jesskitten (20:38:57/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-27-14/0754:20>
>>>>> [Hey, VU93, need to give a heads-up while I can. Am in the middle of a couple of 'runs, one of which is dealing with some REALLY nasty drek. BOLO for reconditioned KondOrchid shipping containers, because they might contain a dozen or so shedim. Am kind of tracing matters back now, but, y'know . . . shedim!] <<<<<

-- Longshot (06:49:04/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-27-14/0952:44>
>>>>>[ Pussycat, don't mouth off to someone who's not only been wired into the 'Trix for as long as it's existed, but has had a hand in its source code every time - and who's able to do what you can, but who's been doing it for ... wow, almost a decade at this point.  Besides, Katherine told me that while I may look fortysomething, my genetics are as solid as any other elf's - which means I'll be slicing this ahead of you for another two hundred years before I even think about slowing down.
          Cripes. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (10:00:00/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-27-14/1043:39>
>>>>>[Oh god Wyrm. I felt old just hearing that. And I'm barely twenty.

On another note, if I were to run into one of these containers, other then just running away and probably contacting the local DMIR branch, what sort of firepower might I be wanting? I haven't yet, but some of our meets over the next week or so are in active ware houses, and only Odin knows what company owns some of these.]<<<<<

     -- Liminal (07:41:43/4-27-2076)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-27-14/1103:35>
>>>>>[ Grenades.  Thermite, by preference.  You can't animate what ain't there. Of course, if you fuck it up, then instead of dealing with zombies, you have to deal with burning zombies.  Fun fun. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (11:00:00/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <04-27-14/1647:38>
>>>>>[Shadowbeat for teens!? Come on, Wyrm! It's not that bad. Might not be the next Mercurial but my stuff is pretty wiz. Give it a shot, you might just like it. If not... well I promise to keep the volume down, daddy. In the meantime anyone have any Germany advise. First time there and I'm thinking of seeing what I can dig up for shadow work on the side. Know of any good meeting spots?]<<<<<
          -- Vendetta Violent (15:40:28/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-27-14/1710:43>
>>>>>[ It was the slang, Ms. Eltonia John, not your music.  I'm more a fan of compositional instrumentals and orchestral - with a soft spot for delicate and bittersweet beauty where-ever it rears its head.  Mercurial ... was bittersweet and beautiful at times, but she sure as hell wasn't delicate.  As for Germany, well, Goldfinger and I have an understanding - I don't go near Germany, and he doesn't go all Your First Name on my ass if I pick off one of his pets for being too stupid to survive.  That does get violated, but it's more on Hizzoner's dime - and by his choice ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (17:15:00/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <04-27-14/1830:06>
>>>>>[Awww, look. The Wyrm's got a soft spot. I can sing real gentle to you, Wyrmy... but only if you promise never to call me Eltonia John again. Which I had to look up the reference on Horizon Search, by the way. I just really don't get 20th Century music. But as for our music if you ever feel like slotting it when nobody can hear you listening (I won't tell...) I think Rhonabwy said it best. "It conjures feelings of rebellion, rage, and the willful foolishness of youth.  The vocals are what have truly captured my interest.  I have not heard such unbridled emotion in a voice in a very long time."]<<<<<
          -- Vendetta Violent (18:44:28/04-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-28-14/0451:59>
>>>>>[Actually Wyrm has got a point.  I also play some classical music most of the time, as I found it calms the nerves.  And anything that can help in that part is a good thing, especially in our line of business.

Slowdeck: if you still need someone to move that cargo you mentioned, sent me a PM and I'll give you the coordinates of a friend of mine who can help you move things across borders without hassle.

And lastly: hello to all of you]<<<<<
          -- Black Panther (10:51:10/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-28-14/0811:32>
>>>>>[Shedim? What is that?]<<<<<
     -- Shade (15:10:17/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-28-14/0817:25>
>>>>>[I found a case. The case was armoured, locked and padded on the inside. It belonged to some medical company. Inside was gray jelly in a small glass tube. Does anyone know what it is?]<<<<<
     -- Shade (11:16:17/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-28-14/0917:09>
>>>>>[Shedim are some sort of twisted spirit which possesses a dead body.  They come in two subspecies: normal and master.  As they have spirit strengths you need to bring serious firepower to get them destroyed.  which is why people don't come near certain zones in Lagos, despite the population pressure everywhere else.

As to your grey jelly, it could be Royal Jelly from Chicago.  If it is, it's worth a lot.  On the other hand, it could be some sort of nanites designed to eat you alive, so be careful with opening it.]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (15:17:45/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-28-14/1015:04>
>>>>[Wyrm, Bull's not breaking out the psychotropics on us, I've just always talked that way.  It's what happens when those of us who ran during the '50s start wandering around the newer kids.  Plus, I'm what some of these folks would call ancient (in my 60s) even though as we both know, for an elf I'm just getting to my middle age.

Violet, I'm from Germany originally, though most of the places I know of have probably gone under by now.  If I were you I'd put the word out around the Berlin neo-A community, they might know someone looking for a few runners.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:09:24/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-28-14/1037:52>
>>>>[Acknowledged.

CyberDoctor took a look at the goo. Said it is nanotechnology. Left him a sample to work with. Need to talk to team about killing Mr. Johnson or talking a better deal.

I can make it quick.]<<<<

--Shade (17:38:24/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-28-14/1041:44>
>>>>>[ That certainly does not sound like something you 'just found' - from your speech, it sounds like something you were assigned to acquire. Swift to turn on your employer, are you not? ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (10:42:12/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-28-14/1043:39>
>>>>[Gotta agree with Hawatari, seems a bit swift to turn against the Johnson.  Wonder if you intended to do that in the beginning.


Forgot to mention, looks like most of the competitions arrived which means the battlefield assessment time has begun around here finally.  Should get to roll out in the next week or so with my squad to actually get this thing underway.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:43:05/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-28-14/1225:23>
>>>>>[Black Panther: Thanks. Sending you the details. It's a simple pick-up and delivery.

Shade: Nanotech? Where did you get this case? Did it have a Renraku, NeoNET, or Evo logo on it? Are any of your teammates acting weird suddenly? Are you having periods of blackouts or waking up incredibly tired?]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (11:25:23/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-28-14/1242:58>
>>>>>[Johnson told us to acquire the case from a vault. A small bank in downtown. No  high-security, she said. Told she was from Saeder-Krupp. Promised our team a total of 12 000 nuyen. Told that we were free to keep anything else we have time to acquire in the vault.

The Rigger drove the van through the armoured glass of the bank and set the alarms up. The rest of the team heads in while I stay outside on support duty. Our troll starts to brawl with security. Seems they had assault rifles. Other team members set explosives to the vault door. Three police patrol wagons appear. I shoot grenades under the first two. They die. The third car drives away. I tell them to hurry up. Our troll is going to die so I go shoot one of the security guards. The Troll is in rage. Magic or something. Spends half a minute pulping the remains of the guards. The dwarves and I empty the vault as much as we can.

When we head back. We hear a helicopter. The Rigger tells us to jump in the car. I try to take the helicopter down with my sniper rifle. I shoot the doorway gunners. Then I try to shoot the pilot. When we lost them, the helicopter was nearly on flames. The team did not want me to give me the chance for a last shot.

The Johnson told us not to look at what was inside. I was upset to I looked inside. The case said "Genetech" or "MedTech" on the case. Propably a front.

This was not worth 3 000 nuyen. That is nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is expensive. Johnson tried to fool me. I will not let a Johnson fool me again. This is the second time already.]<<<<<
     -- Shade(11:41:23/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-28-14/1545:49>
>>>>>[ You should be very glad I am currently engaged elsewhere. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (15:45:56/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-28-14/1559:44>
>>>>>[Shade, it sounds like you stole a case of medical nanotech. It also sounds like the real pay for you was in the vault. The vault you went in too loud and heavy to empty. You could have pulled off a nice, quiet hit and walked away with much, much more than the nanotech is worth. If it were anything worth sending shadowrunners after, no one with any sanity would have stored it in a bank anyway.

Deliver the case to your Johnson, take what is obviously overpayment for your services if the Johnson is still even willing to speak to you, and walk away.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (14:59:44/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-28-14/1621:11>
>>>>>[Slowdeck. Do you want to learn to breathe through your forehead? We got enough paydata out of the vault. if I worked alone, I might have gotten there in secret. With the group it was impossible. I follow orders from the team. If the Johnson refuses to work with us, we can sell the case to the highest bidder.]<<<<<
     --Shade (23:22:44/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-28-14/1738:13>
>>>>>[Shade, it's really not smart to threaten people so openly when you know nothing about them. After all, how do you know I don't have the nuyen to make every assassin and half the shadowrunner groups in North America track you down? Always do your legwork on someone before you give them reason to end your life. It can keep you alive far longer than you think. There's more wisdom where that came from, but I think I'll end with the runner's creed. It's always sound advice.

Watch your back, shoot straight, conserve ammo, never deal with a dragon, and watch for laser sights.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (16:38:13/04-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <04-29-14/0052:21>
>>>>>[Can't help but notice a lot of idle threats flying around lately. It's brutal boring. I nominate all arguments on the Shadowgrid have to be settled like in 'Clash of the Collusium IV, sexy Roman armor and all. I'd slot that.]<<<<<
     --Vendetta Violent (23:43:11/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-29-14/0100:33>
>>>>>[Eh, why not? I'll back that. I've done crazier. And it's been awhile since I've done ham to ham combat.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (00:00:33/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-29-14/0113:45>
>>>>>[Where? When? Nonlethal combat?]<<<<<
     -- Shade (08:15:33/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: firebug on <04-29-14/0153:40>
>>>>>[Frag that!  Think we got enough for some amateur Urban Brawl games?

Hey, anyone here ever gotten work done at the Body Mall?  I got plans to upgrade some chrome in the future and I figured I'd start shopping around early...]<<<<<
     -- firebug (01:49:57/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <04-29-14/0338:54>
>>>>>[Ok, so other than Mr grumpy old timer, anyone have any good ideas how to get around this damn spotty wireless they have in Aus before the lack of it drives me nuts. Oh and World of Shadows is a good place to settle scores. Thats how me and the hacker in our team settle them.]<<<<<
     -- Jesskitten (17:08:57/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-29-14/0348:34>
>>>>>[ What Rocket Girl is suggesting is Matrix-arena combat, not in-person combat.  I won't say I haven't done it, but it just ain't worth my time any more. (Besides, you wouldn't like what my iconography does to stuff like CCIV and similar ... places.  Hell, they won't let me back into Dawn of Atlantis because I glitch their systems...) Anyhow, scroll back through the logs to see what I'd do if I did get irritated enough to make it worth my while to give someone hell - at least temporarily.
          SlowDeck, if you're going to add stuff, don't add it after the 'never, ever cut a deal with a dragon' part.
          firebug, I'd stay away from the Body Mall unless you have several competent friends willing to watch over you while you're under.  Paranoia is the name of the game, there more than most clinics.
          Jesskitten, you must be stuck in the serious back-and-beyond.  The solution to that is and has always been a satellite uplink.  I'm surprised - shocked, really - that nobody suggested it to you before.  When I was in OZ, practically every house and business out there had a dish pointed 'up' - some of them more than one. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (03:45:00/00-22-4679)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <04-29-14/0356:21>
>>>>>[Yeah I have one of those going on this deck, but it seems to be pretty spotty. Only reason I can even find a connection here. Someone said it may be due to the manastorms that go on round here. So wish my team was with me on this one. Most of them are magical in one way or another, but noooo I have to go and take this solo]<<<<<
     -- Jesskitten (17:26:57/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-29-14/0432:08>
>>>>>[ Fighting a manastorm is as wise as holding back the tide - suicidally foolish. ]<<<<<
          -- Old Man McKinley (04:34:15/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-29-14/0558:34>
>>>>>[I don't fight in the Matrix. If Slowdeck wants to fight, we can do that. Nonlethal. Barrens. Discuss details in private? If you don't want to fight, hire someone to fight for you.

When you get ware installed, have a backup. No matter where.]<<<<<
     -- Shade (12:55:32/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-29-14/0726:48>
>>>>>[Group decided to ask more for case. Will go meet Johnson in Redmond now.]<<<<<
     -- Shade (14:27:34/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-29-14/0833:00>
>>>>>[They will have to offer me some serious nuyen before I go to Australia's manastorms.  Same goes for Chicago or Lagos, also places where you can benefit from a good sat 'link.  It should actually be a standard piece of equipment for every runner, as it can make you more difficult to track (or so my group's hacker tells me anyway). ]<<<<<
     -- Kitten (14:33:34/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-29-14/0838:44>
>>>>>[Matrix combat is fun, expecially when ripping some people's throat out.  Don't worry, it's just my sculpting that makes it look like that.  I always go for stun in matrix combat.  It makes that you can ask questions later if you have to and it pulls less heat on you if you don't kill everything you see.

Vendetta: that makes two of us.  I might have some amateur fight trids around here somewhere with some very yummy people in spandex in it.]<<<<<
     -- Black Panther (14:39:34/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-29-14/0900:40>
>>>>>[ That wasn't me. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (09:02:49/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-29-14/0903:24>
>>>>>[Johnson is dead. Doctor is not answering. Need to go check on him.]<<<<<
     -- Shade (16:01:34/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-29-14/1251:52>
>>>>>[Jess, you're right. I was part of a runner team back in '69 that was hired to investigate Matrix coverage in Australia. Corp suspected sabotage. Corp techs on site gave us an entirely different answer. I hear there's some crazy fragger in the Outback still using a personal wired Matrix without any problems, but he's probably just a myth.

Wyrm, I'll keep that in mind.

Shade, the doctor is an obvious trap. Go to ground and stay there. Also, never give your location out on here. Finally, don't challenge people who have a reason to kill you to a fight. If you intend to fight them, show up and fight. If you don't, then the posturing just makes you look unprofessional. And unprofessional appearance means you either don't get hired for jobs at all... or get hired as cannon fodder.

Black Panther and Vendetta: Have you seen the advertisement for the latest one? They've grabbed this year's fashion models for it. The advertising campaign focuses on how little clothing they're wearing, how attractive they are, and how they're overacting so hard it breaks the arena. One of the commercials showed two of the actors "fighting" by hip-thrusting at each other while the arena blew up around them.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (11:51:52/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-29-14/1337:08>
>>>>>[Went to Doctor. Knight Errant got there first. We drove past.

Went to see Johnson earlier. A motel in barrens. Ed and Breakfast. Others went inside. I got on a roof to give support if things go bad. Rigger put a flyspy up. They did. Johnson arrived. Opened door. Fell out of the car dead. Told the rest of our group to get out. Flyspy spotted someone. Rigger got completely shut out afterwards. Still gave me the position. They got out of the motel. I started shooting to keep the assassin's head down.

Then an earth elemental appeared. Our Troll tried to hold it but got buried inside. Still gave the dwarves time to get in van. They drove off. They were safe. I could not help him. I was alone, the opponents were not.

I lay down on the rooftop. Crawled to the other side and jumped off to avoid being shot. I had parked my bike there. Nearly broke my leg in the fall. Drove off. Will meet up with dwarves soon. Need to warn our mage of this.

I... The Troll died. It... I... No.]<<<<<
     -- Shade (20:36:34/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-29-14/1441:26>
>>>>>[ Someone really needs to see a shrink, or even a brain doctor.

slowdeck: I prefer amateurs.  It's easier to get close to them, if you catch my drift.]<<<<<
          --  (20:41:49/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <04-29-14/2134:44>
>>>>>[Dear Diary. Today a run went sour and I splashed it all over Shadowgrid. Shade... you've got issues, chum. Keep your head down. Go so under the radar that you're coming up China-side else you're going to find yourself about six feet shallow.]<<<<<
          -- Vendetta Violent (21:28:36/04-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-30-14/0005:14>
>>>>>[ V2, chill your musical little ass out.  We've had people drop in here while in the middle of the action in order to try to get info on something that's happening, or call for help.  It ain't like he's standing in the middle of the Renraku Virtual Public Commons and bawling to the cits about this crap; he's in the middle of VU93, which is shadow-people who are supposed to be professional about this crap. Cut the guy some slack, and if you're in Seattle, you might give a thought about lending some help.
          That goes for pretty much everyone else here, too. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:00:00/00-02-3467)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-30-14/0128:01>
>>>>>[Didn't sleep. Kept watch overnight. Sleep Regulator. Shaman didn't answer, decker did a search. Apparently there's been a shootout where he lived. Nothing official, just rumours. I assume he's dead. Other's hope he's missing. Won't respond to my messages.

Met up with team in the Troll's warehouse. Set up defences. Shouldn't be easily ambushed. Decker blames me for death of troll. Asks why I didn't kill the spirit. Doesn't understand I had to keep the sniper's head down. Rigger is more calm. Propably sees me as a drone.

Contact network died with the mage. Need to get rid of the case. Will try to set up a meeting wi-]<<<<<
          -- Shade (08:27:32/04-30-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <04-30-14/0157:40>
>>>>>[I'm in Kansas City. By the time I got to Seattle, got a team arranged, and got info on where Shade is and who he's up against... this will be over. Best I can do is armchair this one and hope it turns out alright.

Besides, the cut-off communication hints this may already be over.

Shade, if you died, then may your spirit find Valhalla. And if you died, it just means we will have to wait on that spar until this whole mess of a planet finally winds down. Though, we may have to turn it into a kill count contest; I hear there's going to be one very final shadowrun at around that time.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (00:57:40/04-30-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-30-14/0821:56>
>>>>> [Hey VU93 . . . new heads-up for all. That cargo of shedim I posted about had a rather worrying front-man . . . a Sterilist magician. He did a rant about defending 'holy ones' before taking cover . . . and I'm not sure, but I think the cargo container had UCAS gov coverage. Which makes a kind of sense if you've kept up with the DC state of affairs.
However in other news - and this was a paying gig - there seems to be a legal-based network dedicated to the protection of paedophiles and the like. Eyes open, please] <<<<<

-- Longshot (07:13:02/04-30-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-30-14/0842:53>
>>>>> [Not dead. Almost. Can't talk. On the move. Got interrupted while messaging with DNI. Accidentally sent.] <<<<<

-- Shade (15:42:02/04-30-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-30-14/0951:39>
>>>>> [ Being kicked off the matrix can hurt.  Very much.  Have to go now, meeting with Mr. J.  Probably another of those 'find dirt on <insert famous person here>' type of runs, but it pays the bills. ] <<<<<

-- Black Panther (15:53:02/04-30-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <04-30-14/1017:39>
>>>>[Whoa, I step away to go scouting out the areas that are assigned for this years Desert Wars and drek seems to hit the fan.  Oh well, can't do anything about it from where I am so I'll just sit back and watch.  Update on what's going on here:  Looks like after this week I'll be on less because the first half of the season starts up.  I could post from the battle field but I prefer to keep my mind on the field instead.  Also, aside from the introductions before the "games", don't expect to see me or my two squad mates on trid.  Unlike those frag ups the Blunder Corps, we don't play to the camera and aren't the types to make a lot of noise just to make noise.  That and one of my squad mates has already told me he planned on shutting down any camera drones that get near us, so that's good.  Don't really need the publicity anyways, seeing as we're pretty well known in the merc community as is.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:11:17/04-30-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <04-30-14/1340:32>
>>>>>[Safer again. Sitrep. My message was interrupted as the turret gained a lock on someone and opened fire. The Decker's head disappeared. The turret was not at fault. I told the Rigger to get in his van. I was unable to aim at him. Managed to get a picture. Cybereyes took video of everything. Dressed in black. Armoured. Faster than me. That is rare. Propably adept. Turret was behind his movements too. Rigger tried to run him over. Died. His shots penetrated van easily. Propably military-grade weapon. Van crashed onto warehouse wall. Turret ran out of ammo. Had a duel with adept. Propably hit him once. he didn't show it. Incapacitated me soon afterwards. First disarm. Then aim to kill. Went down as he shot. Lay on floor and stopped breathing. Internal air tank Didn't blink. Cybereyes. Don't know if he was fooled. Didn't shoot me anyway. Didn't move for nearly hour. Got up. Stopped bleeding. Checked on Rigger. Dead. Case was gone. Good thing it was Barrens. No Lone Star.

Got rid of SIN and house. Sold Decker's and Riggers stuff. Enough money to get new SIN, house. Got medical attention. Enough leftover to count as pay. Team is dead. Doctor is dead. Case was stolen. Won't try to get it back.

Back to square one. No team. Only know a fixer. I need sleep. And a pain editor. This hurts. Everywhere. Inside. Outside.]<<<<<
          -- Shade (20:18:00/04-30-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <04-30-14/2215:31>
>>>>>[Yeah those adepts are kinda scary, I know one, a huge Fomori with an equally big claymore. I saw the footage of him car surfing during a run once just casually on top of this cleanup truck while cutting holes in it so he could get inside. Yeah that footage got scrubbed pretty quickly, even if people thought it was just part of a new trid show]<<<<<
          -- Jesskitten (11:45:18/05-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-01-14/0631:31>
>>>>>[ That's what stunbolts are for.  It's always funny to see those big cybered out trolls who can take a Panther shot fold when little old me points at them.  A shot of Lael later and they don't remember anything. ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (12:32:18/05-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-01-14/0821:39>
>>>>>[ And it is always funny to see those mages who think a street samurai who can take (or avoid, in my case) a Panther shot can't take a stunbolt.  It is especially amusing when their leäl fails to work.  Remember that your old standby just might be particularly defended against; always have multiple options. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (08:23:22/05-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-01-14/0907:52>
>>>>>[ I always have multiple back-ups.  Big mean spirits, cybered friends with big guns and if all else fails, invisibility, stealth and the ability to run away. ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (15:08:25/05-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-01-14/1151:19>
>>>>>[Part of the problem with hitting adepts is that half the time anymore they have enough magic resistance that you shouldn't have even bothered. That's when the stereotype of a troll carrying a minigun begins to make sense.

Shade, I hope things go well with where you are. Sorry about what happened with your team.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (10:51:19/05-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <05-01-14/2036:42>
>>>>>[Might have been said with some edge but I promise that my intentions were the best when I told Shade to not update us. Shadowgrid is full of professionals and that's the point... that hit sounds pretty fraggin' pro to me. This place might be professional but it ain't safe or secure. It's all too possible that whoever took this job can read every word that's being said here AND knows his job isn't done now. Good luck out there, Shade. Time to get a new name, maybe. Cause if they went through all that trouble to geek your crew there just aren't any guarantees they won't come back and ice you when they find out you're still takin' in breath.]<<<<<
          -- Vendetta Violent (19:29:43/05-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-05-14/0150:53>
>>>>>[Does anyone have any data on this drug Beat? My sources say it originated in Wichita, but I've seen reports from UCAS, CAS, PCC, and Sioux authorities about arrested related to it. It showed up in my area as well, but I rooting it out just allows another operation to start.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (00:50:53/05-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: firebug on <05-05-14/0203:37>
>>>>>[A new drug?  Fun times.  If it's recreational, one of the Johnsons I normally work for probably knows about it.  But I couldn't ask him for free...  If it's a combat stimulant, then I'm just plain interested myself.  That drek is badass.]<<<<<
    -- firebug (02:02:22/05-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-05-14/0218:05>
>>>>>[I guess you could call it recreational. But, it's a scam. The chucklers who made this mixed deepweed, bliss, and sugar. They're selling it as refined Tempo. Gotta give them credit for creativeness.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (01:18:05/05-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-05-14/0256:59>
>>>>>[ It showed up in LA, but that's not really a surprise.  Anything even vaguely recreational will show up in LA at one point.  I've uploaded a film about an arrest in LA, but that's all I know.  I haven't seen it show up at parties yet, but maybe I'm going to the wrong parties. ]<<<<<
     -- Black Panther (08:57:25/05-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <05-09-14/1030:53>
>>>>[All right, got the connection set up for the moment over here so I'll be quick about what I have to post.  A few days ago my two squad mates pulled a day time raid without my knowledge and ended up absconding with a fully loaded 2073 GMC Banshee LAV.  I know how they did it but that's not important.  What's important is they've gone over it with a fine tooth comb to make sure there weren't any screamers or traps, as well as disabled it's remote control setup so the original unit can't use it anymore.  Why am I mentioning all this?  Well, we thought of keeping it but it doesn't fit our tactics so we've stashed it somewhere out-of-sight and safe and decided to give you chummers a bid at it because we're going to be stuck here for some time with our Desert War participation.  So, the highest bidder from the auction will get the GPS location and instructions to disabling the booby traps we placed on it, after payment confirmation of course.  Do note that we are not providing travel or safety to the site, so plan accordingly.  So let the bidding begin.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:30:22/05-09-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <05-11-14/1205:33>
>>>>>[Wish I had some use for it. A bit too high profile for my biz. Sure you won't have too much trouble moving it as long as things stay as silk as they are and don't get too glitched up. Luck, chummer.]<<<<<
     --  Vendetta Violent (10:58:58/11-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <05-11-14/1600:26>
>>>>>[Howdy fraggin' ho everyone! I'm back in sweet home Seattle for a little while and it is good to be home!

Busy, busy, busy!!! Although not for a few weeks at least. Been on a worldwide killing spree, now on a "vacation". My main sponsors wants me to lay low for a while, they're a little scared of Interpol now. I think they didn't find it funny when I sent my business card to Interpol, which has been on my tail the whole time, saying "Thanks for playing!" when I was done with this contract. Hahaha!

So yeah, I'm not worried one bit, for now they can't do drek about anything but my sponsors needs to keep it that way, you know, the need to keep me out of jail. Or so they say, haha! So I'll be hanging out in Seattle and someone else I trust will be managing my assets.

Downstairs Powerline tonight, chummers! First round on me!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (16:01:04/05-11-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-12-14/0149:02>
>>>>[ Sorry for the long absence, I was on a run near the Aztlan PPC border.  Never again.  No decent signals and if you had one, it was for military use.  We even had to go a couple of days on radio silence.  The horror.  But at least it paid well.

Nightmare: I have a friend who might be interested in that Banshee.  I've send him your comm number so you will get a message soon. ]<<<<

--Black Panther (07:49:50/05-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: insomn14 on <05-12-14/1456:02>
>>>>>[make sure you show all your friends  <Attached uploaded trid shows a heavyset bald man on a sidewalk corner doing a stilted and akward dance involving pelvic thrusting and swinging his arms around like he is swinging a lasso.  There is a heavily synthesized voice laughing off-screen.  At about the 1:37 mark, the man suddenly stops dancing and looks at the camera in intense anger before the trid cuts off.  A moment later it replays a short 5-second clip of a particularly noticeable belly jiggle played at one-third it's normal speed.>]<<<<<
     -- answer.me.this (13:59:25/05-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: insomn14 on <05-12-14/1748:00>
>>>>>[Ugh, three hours later and I'm still finding these on the Matrix?  Word from the recently made wise, do not piss off little girl deckers.  MacCallister, I know you probably don't know me from some punk ganger, but could you please, please, please take that trid down and wipe/reset all my access permissions on the node.  I really don't want my profile to say "I am an asshole perv." six-hundred times.]<<<<<
     -- answer.me.this (16:47:14/05-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-12-14/1805:01>
>>>>>[AAAHHHHH! INSECT SPIRITS ARE AMONG US! INSECT SPIRITS ARE AMONG US! MUST KILL! MUST...

Oh, wait, just bad dancing! Phew!

Wait, why does the screen say dictate mode on? It better not ]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (17:05:01/05-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-12-14/2038:36>
>>>>>[ Too late.  Besides, if you were a real hacker, you would have reset your own damn permissions. ]<<<<<
          -- FloP/S (20:39:15/05-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-13-14/0105:18>
>>>>>[ Slowdeck, what the hell are you on?  Unless you're in Chicago, in which case it can be. ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (07:06:30/05-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-13-14/0111:28>
>>>>>[Sumimasen. Bad memories from when I was young, and the video reminded me of that time. The Universal Brotherhood wasn't limited to just Chicago. They're not something you forget.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (00:11:28/05-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-13-14/0236:56>
>>>>>[Yeah answer.me.this some of us young trix kids have some skill and are sometimes more imaginative than the older guys. Not to say there aren't things to learn from the old timers but you know times change, the trix grows and the resonance flows. Heck my friend Miko has bad first hand experience of a certain little Hack Baby's experiences thanks to babysitting for me while I flew the resonance with my idol of a 'mancer]<<<<<
     -- Jesskitten (16:06:28/05-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-13-14/0813:05>
>>>>>[ That's true.  I've been in Chicago, I've seen bugs way too close for anybody's comfort while ripping through battalion mates.  And as awakened with astral vision it's even worse. ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (14:13:20/05-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-13-14/0846:08>
>>>>>[ BTW Seattle Im Hooooooooome. Finially. Seriously someone hit me with a stun patch if I ever consider taking a job in Aus without my team ever again. Bad wireless, more awakened stuff than I care to deal with. Good pay tho very good pay. And yes the main cities generally have good wireless but that isn't where the good money is. Just to let you in on a little hint, some of the old mines in SA have dug up more than just mundane minerals. Now back to levelling up in World of Shadows. ;P ]<<<<<
          -- Jesskitten (22:15:20/05-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: insomn14 on <05-13-14/0917:33>
>>>>>[Okay, permissions reset finally.  The bad damage is already done, but at least now auto-correct doesn't go through and replace 100 random words with "Sigma is a hacking god in comparison to me."

And sorry for bringing up the bad memories, Slowburn.  I only ever ran into them once, but I know that was the only time I even considered up and quitting on a run.  I know it doesn't do my already poor rep any good saying so, but I know if I never saw a Bug Spirit again it'd be too soon.]<<<<<
          -- answer.me.this (08:15:20/05-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-13-14/2250:07>
>>>>>[I have had to spend more time and lives dealing with bugs and shedim than I care to remember. Chicago I was the last person to board the evac bird at Cook County General, and I came and went into and out of the Arcology i ddon't know how many times.  Shedim you burn the body and mana blast the spirit all the way back to hades.]<<<<<

Wolfgar--(21:43:21-05/13/2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-14-14/0009:46>
>>>>>[ Shedim you come prepared for.  You trap.  Then you give me a call. ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (00:10:00/05-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <05-14-14/1053:23>
>>>>>[ Speaking of bugs, killed some. Was hired with new team for job. Find someone missing. Was seen near a cemetery in Tacoma. Cemetery also had weird noises and so on around it. Suspected ghouls or gangers. Went there. Halloweeners. Intimidated them. They showed a mausoleum. Had ghouls in it. Was right about ghouls and gangers. Went deeper. Someone had dug there. Came across... Weird things. Should not go into more details.]<<<<<
          -- Shade (17:45:02/05-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Celtibero on <05-14-14/2215:17>
>>>>>[Omae! Shame on you! ghouls have feelings too you know? wait... do they? the 162s sure don't seem to... hehe..never mind kawaii little me...]<<<<<
            -- Kitty (18:08:05/05-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-14-14/2235:27>
>>>>>[ Hey Kitty, you're that cartoon cat that was taking down the foster families in the trix right? I swear I saw you run past with a couple of spiders on your tail not long ago. ]<<<<<
            -- Jesskitten (12:05:05/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-14-14/2251:10>
>>>>>[Null sheen, Insom14. Too many old ghosts is all.

The Arcology... I almost ended up mixed up in that mess. Had an aunt who worked there; she was going to get my parents in as permanent workers. Being a brat, I screwed that up. The week before my parents were planning to force me to move no matter what, the shutdown happened. In the time since, I've been in and out of ACHE a few times. Any data Deus may have had related to metahuman brains, particularly on autism, is of interest to me. Can't get past military security for certain sections, though.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (21:51:10/05-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-15-14/0127:54>
>>>>>[ There's info - including how to 'cure' it, if you will.  But you'd have to be a genius to wrap your brain around it, and you'd definitely have to be a multi-disciplinary genius to do something with it.  And it is not something I'm gonna let out for the asking.  Research is still being done. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:00:11/23-55-67)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-15-14/0143:03>
>>>>>[ This going to be so confusing.  We have Kitty, Jesskitten and myself.  And Black panther, which is also some sort of cat.  What's with the cat nicknames? ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (07:45:21/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-15-14/0204:58>
>>>>>[If they get close to practical applications on that cure, could you let me know? I may know of a volunteer for testing it once it hits stability...]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (01:04:58/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-15-14/0254:19>
>>>>>[ It isn't a matter of stability, it's a matter of abuse. Never let a government or a corporation possess something that can change your mind to how they want you to think.  To boot, the brain is the most complex thing we've ever encountered, and one of the most powerful AIs that's existed required literally yottapulses of processing power and months of experimentation to determine how to reprogram metahuman brains enough to create what amounted to a distributed biocomputer, but not so much that the individual was completely wiped out - and even then, the Network nodes were frickin' wacko.
          If the Arcology shutdown and Deus' experimentations are too 'like, totally yesterday, omigawd!!' for you, though, consider what we know of the effects of the so-called 'Sybil virus' - selective overwriting of synaptic patterns, memory revisions, etc.  You could have your autistic friend/family cured, sure - but that's a deal with the devil of which you sure as hell won't like the results.]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:00:00/01-23-5567)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-15-14/0258:25>
>>>>>[ Hey Wyrm, is your calendar off?  Or are you really from the future?  ;) ]<<<<<
          -- Black Panther (08:59:09/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-15-14/0309:23>
>>>>>[Well, then, Kitten, maybe we should get a spider in here, hmm? (: Maybe I can scare away the bug nightmares.
...
My boyfriend wants me to apologise for my lame sense of humour. Fine. "Sorry".

And, answer.me.this, everyone is a hacking god in comparison to you if you can be outmaneuvered by rich-miss spoiled princess "sigma". You're 10 years older than her, man, step it up a little why don't you.]<<<<<
     -- Orbweaver (02:07:58/05-15-2076)

>>>>>[Orb, I know where you live.]<<<<<
     -- sigma (02:09:45/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-15-14/0334:01>
>>>>>[I know far too well the deal Faust cut. And there are 18 graves that speak to my knowledge of Sybil.

I understand your worries about abuse. But trust me; a complete rewrite of the mind would not make things worse for this person. Sadly, they reject cybernetics. Otherwise, they'd have become someone else years ago.

Thank you, though, for the talk. I shall not press you for information, or expect it to come. I have other avenues to search anyway.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (02:34:01/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-15-14/0347:26>
>>>>>[ What??
          <<BREAK>>
          <<RESUME>>
          Jumpin' Jesus on a pogo stick.  See, kiddies, this is what happens when you write autohack programs - they screw up.  Or you screw up the placement of a couple of alteration routines, mishandle a floating point or two ...
          Always hack it yourself. Geez ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (03:45:00/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <05-15-14/1030:53>
>>>[Urgh...hate tracking all night in the desert to move camp and then recalibrate our link.  Bloody fragging annoying.  Good thing I didn't have to run the Matrix for the setup, cause I'm a piece of drek in VR.  At least from the chatter we're picking up, my little squad is doing a wonderful job of furbarring the opposing units' plans which will probably equal more biz when we're done with Desert Wars.  Might have to give up shadowrunning for awhile if that happens, though.

Hoi Black Panther, looks like your friend will probably be ending with the Banshee's info once he forwards the nuyen to our account.  Originally we had a smuggler we know who was going to barter the info for some equipment but that fell through when she ended up offering us drek we had no use for.  I mean, no merc squad needs four Excalibur cyberdecks, two crates of Ares Predators and other drek like such.  So if I was you BP, I'd get ready to spend some more time practicing radio silence and maybe pick up some desert gear cause if all goes well, you could be heading to the Sahara.

And what's this about Dues and the military you raving on about, Slowdeck?  You having problems getting to the top levels of the Arc?  Hmmm, I might know someone with a little pull in the JSTF, but it'll cost you plus it's not a for sure thing either.  Contact me offline and we'll talk, if you're interested.]<<<<

--Nightmare  (09:12:10/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <05-15-14/1156:20>
>>>>>[Kitty, they lived in a grave and were eating the remains of a jogger.]<<<<<
          -- Shade (18:55:11/15-05-2067)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-15-14/1214:18>
>>>>>[ What the frag is it with you people and saying the name 'Deus' properly?  'Deus', not 'Dues'.  Or did it leave a subliminal psychotropic program running around to modify how y'all think of him??? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (12:15:00/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-15-14/1224:17>
>>>>>[Who told you about the psychotropic IC? I thought Dues was very discrete with it.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (11:24:17/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-15-14/1622:52>
>>>>>[ Chillout grandpa, spelling mistakes happen we all know who he meant. The big scary, kill the world AI. I would be kinda interested in hearing more about people experiences with the Arco, cause Ive heard Matrix 1.0 AI's were lots different to the ones around now, one who lives in my central node. I guess be interesting to learn more about it and well ok its cool but its name does worry a little, Ex. I wonder if there is a Machina out there just waiting behind the scenes ]<<<<<
     -- Jesskitten (5:52:17/05-16-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Celtibero on <05-15-14/1759:35>
>>>>>[おはよう。Jesskitten-san, i neither confirm nor disclaim (did I not just sound really professional? Hehe) those events, but i tell you one thing, they had it coming.

well, and Ouroboros-sama, that's really easy for you to discard isn't it? you call it a deal with the devil but its not you that has to take care of a friend that got scorched so badly that she is nearly a vegetable even when she has "lucid" moments, is it?]<<<<<
           -- Kitty (05:57:31/05-16-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-15-14/2038:22>
>>>>>[I know where you're coming from Wyrm but you're sounding an awful lot like my aunt. Seriously, one little spelling mistake in Sioux, and she goes on a tangent on how I'm a stain on the community and it's bad enough my father's white and it always devolves into telling me I'm a race traitor for having an ork boyfriend.

And then she wonders why I never talk to her unless I have to.

On the topic of brains and the potentially rewriting thereof, I can't say I wouldn't like to fix mine, SOS is a bitch and a half I can tell you. But I agree on erring on the side of not trusting corporations. Better a friend who's a vegetable than a stranger wearing your friend's face. And trying to kill you.]<<<<<
           -- Orbweaver (19:37:30/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-15-14/2240:02>
>>>>>>[ Been hacking, and watching people hack, for forty-seven years.  I watched the most brilliant minds of my generation, hackers that make me look slow and stupid, get slagged down in twenty seconds' worth of cybercombat. I had to try to put them back together again - and I had to fail, again and again and again.  So yeah, I actually have had to take care of just the sort of person you're talking about.  And if there were a safety on this stuff, a limit, I might be willing to try to persuade my compadres to look at analysis, and modification, and distribution.
          There isn't.  So I won't.  But don't kid yourself into thinking someone who's been hacking for more than five years hasn't seen it happen, and had to take care of someone like that for at least a while, Kitty. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:45:00/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-16-14/0028:03>
>>>>>>[ Losing friends is always hard, no matter the reason. They say it's part of the biz, but if you actually have a heart, it's still gonna effect you, y'know? And then there's the doubt, "did I do enough?" and the guilt, "why them, and not me? what makes me so damn special?"


Ugh, this is a depressing topic. It's bringing up too many memories from when I made the switch from hacker to spider. Lot of friends-turned-enemies and silent comms.

Maybe to lighten the mood I should upload the trid where I spectacularly faceplant during a parkour run.]<<<<<
          -- Orbweaver (22:27:49/05-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <05-16-14/1739:08>
>>>>>>[ Psyche might be a pretty wiz high but sometimes... sometimes kicking your feet up on a balcony railing with a good cigarette (real nicotine!) and a stiff drink is just so much better. Some of these promoters really do live the high life. I've a hard copy version of my pay data tucked up under my bra and this clueless dirt digging promo jockey thinkin' he might just get somewhere with me while I enjoy his hospitality. He'll be locked up in slam by tomorrow. Where magic and decking fail, kids...  a mini skirt, long legs and combat boots will ALWAYS prevail. ]<<<<<
          -- Vendetta Violent (16:29:13/05-16-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-17-14/1434:20>
>>>>>>[ Maybe for you. I can't walk three steps in a miniskirt without it riding up to my hips and people's vision suddenly able to see miles away to London and France. ]<<<<<
          -- Orbweaver (13:34:13/05-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-17-14/1536:22>
>>>>>[I dunno... The last time I wore a miniskirt somewhere, security didn't take it too well. Those tasers sting! I suppose I could shave my legs and hope no one noticed the Adam's apple.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (14:36:22/05-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-17-14/1629:57>
>>>>>[Better than the last, and only, time I wore one. Tears, screaming, buildings on fire, bugs everywhere and I shot the face in the leg. The last one was intentional.

I'm not sure how 'stand there and try to look pretty' ended so badly. At least I didn't let them take my guns.

I still don't get how you're supposed to run in those things though, not to mention the complete lack of armour or skin coverage. Seems like a silly thing to wear.]<<<<<
     -- Ruthless (15:25:30/05-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-17-14/1658:33>
>>>>>>[ I have a miniskirt and cute top that paid back it's value tenfold in free drinks.  And I mean the real stuff, not some soy-based junk.  And if you need to 'stand there and look pretty' there's plenty of things you can wear that aren't miniskirts, which are decently armoured, cover your whole body and are actually better, since it leaves them wanting more. ]<<<<<
          -- Black Panther (23:00:23/05-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-17-14/1753:05>
>>>>>[I'd care if it mattered. I'm just as happy to stick to what I'm good at, let Ev find someone else to be his 'plus one' next time we're working somewhere fancy.

Though I suppose it never hurts to be prepared. Any suggestions on what might be better to wear if I ever have to dress up again? I'm kind of clueless on that front.]<<<<<
     -- Ruthless (16:52:42/05-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <05-17-14/2305:52>
>>>>>[One of my Feywear suits never fails to impress!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:06:11/05-17-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-18-14/0029:09>
>>>>>>[ Slowdeck, you're just frequenting the wrong clubs. Back when I could actually go to clubs without having a seizure, there were some damn fine drag queens. They had better legs than me! It's not fair ):

As far as nice wear goes, I always liked dresses with slits or zippers down the sides. Look fancy, and sexy, but you can still run like a bat out of hell if everything goes to shit. Which, let's be honest, always happens if you're on a job. ]<<<<<
          -- Orbweaver (23:28:13/05-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-18-14/0101:42>
>>>>>[For something good underneath clothing, I'd suggest either Second Skin or Form Fitting Body Armor. The first is easier to conceal. And depending on the opacity setting, ripping off your clothes can hit people like a flashpack.

Orb, you should see the troll drag queens here!]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (00:01:42/05-18-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-18-14/0151:23>
>>>>>[ Only if they frequent clubs that don't require commlinks. Seriously, last time I went to one, had to get a friend to do EVERYTHING for me. Buy drinks, get a bathroom pass... it was a nightmare.

I've seen some pics of the troll queens, though. Some of them can really pull it off, damn. Kind of want an autograph. ]<<<<<
     -- Orbweaver (00:51:50/05-18-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <05-18-14/0219:49>
>>>>[Note to self, thank whoever put the timer in my 'link to go off somewhere around 5-7 days AFTER Smiley announces a party.

It's about the only time I get my bender on. I think I'll actually be feeling this one for a week afterwards too. Did miss having your crazy face around, though, so no complaints. It was getting too quiet for my taste.

On the topic of....wearing odd clothing, I've been told I don't look half bad with longer hair, a scarf or choker, and the right outfit. But I don't talk about who said that or where. Or why for that matter. Guess all the martial arts paid off.]<<<<<

-- Card (23:19:30/05-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-18-14/1441:50>
>>>>>>[ When I have to dress up for something really fancy, I always go with Zoé.  It's a bit more expensive, true, but you can get some extras no questions asked.  Things like an extra concealed holster, some extra armour or the slits in the dress a bit higher so you can run in it.  It's all no problem.  You have to know in advance you're going to need it (or buy one just in case) as they have a waiting list (at least in the shop in LA they do). ]<<<<<
          -- Black Panther (20:42:43/05-18-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-18-14/1538:39>
>>>>>>[ See all this is why I let wolfram my drone fight for me hehe Ive rarely ever even needed to hold a gun. You can fight and still look cute. Tho when I do have to go in myself, I always sport at least form fit or second skin under my clothes. Lets me move, look good and not spill my guts everywhere. ]<<<<<
          -- Jesskitten (05:08:43/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-18-14/1554:55>
>>>>>[Zoe always stands out too much around here. Pretty much a sure sign you don't belong. And what draws attention can ruin a run.

And speaking of that... I need to go extract an apprentice from her parents' house. Seems her mother is a little upset about all of the time she's been spending away from home. If all goes well, this won't end with the fragging security accidentally blowing the place up. I swear, guards need to learn that explosive materials make a bad backdrop.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (14:54:55/05-18-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-18-14/1612:11>
>>>>>>[ If you don't wear something like Zoe in LA, that's the point when you stand out.  Sometimes it's annoying, especially when someone esle shows up in the same dress, or if you go to certain parties with something you wore during another party. ]<<<<<
          -- Black Panther (22:12:15/05-18-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-19-14/0121:56>
>>>>>>[ Ugh. That's why I don't like meeting up in anything other than a club or through the matrix. I don't have money. I am poor. The boyfriend and I both work two jobs just to not be homeless and continue our existence. The family has debts up the butt. Mr. Johnson wants me in a place with a dress code? He can pay for it. ]<<<<<
          -- Orbweaver (00:21:15/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-19-14/0139:48>
>>>>>[Could be worse. One of the local clubs is anime themed. Requires you to be in costume to get in. The costumes are fragging expensive!

Extraction I mentioned was successful. Does anyone have a use for an expensive Ming replica? Conned the mother of my apprentice into trading it for her soul and it doesn't match the furnishings in my office.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (00:39:48/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-19-14/0716:37>
>>>>>[Heh. I live in chi-town, and not the nice parts. Fancy clothes aren't exactly the best of ideas.

If the Johnson wants to meet somewhere, it's usually in the nicer areas. Fletcher's been helping me get a handle on what sort of thing doesn't stand out there. I usually end up having to switch outfits at some point on my way there, which can be annoying.]<<<<<
     -- Ruthless (06:16:51/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-19-14/0800:00>
>>>>>>[ Just give me some BDUs and I'm happy.  I don't need a fancy dress.
On a totally unrelated note, does someone know a person at the Seattle Opera who might be willing to earn some extra cash to, for instance, leave a side door unlocked? ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (14:01:17/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <05-19-14/1034:51>
>>>>[Got on for just a few minutes, things heating up here in the desert and my crew is staying busy with night ops.  Going to make these Desert War weekend warrior types look like fools for sure. 

Just checked what you chummers been talking about, since when did this become a fashion collection?  Frag, you wear what works where you need it and don't worry about looking cute or such drek.  'Sides if you're sporting scars like me, there is no way you will ever look cute or whatever the frag you're trying to do because it just brings too much attention to you.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:30:43/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <05-19-14/1214:58>
>>>>> [Breaking news: Stoddard Security seems to be making a push to undermine Knight Errant's efforts. Possible work there, chummers . . . okay, maybe 'breaking news' isn't the right term. But making sec-corps look like idiot losers - there could be some jollies and nuyen in that mix.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (11:10:28/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-19-14/1554:01>
>>>>[ *sigh* Nightmare, you just don't get it, man. Girls have to be pretty, it's one of them societal rules. Besides, if we have to dress up, might as well make it count, right? ]<<<<

--Orbweaver (14:53:43/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Celtibero on <05-19-14/1557:33>
>>>>>[girls have to be cute :P ]<<<<<

--Kitty (15:07:22/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-19-14/2150:44>
>>>>>[ While women should be beautiful.  Which is not the same thing as pretty, thank the kami. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (21:51:15/05-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-20-14/0215:39>
>>>>>[ And if you want to find the good paying jobs in Tinseltown, you need to look the part.  Annoying at times, but part of the way things work in this town. ]<<<<<

--Black Panther(08:16:52/05-20-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-20-14/0242:08>
>>>>>[ In many towns.  If you look and act professional, you will tend to receive more professional jobs.  If you look like scum, you will be treated as such, and hired only for those tasks for which being scum is not a detraction. As well, your Johnson is more likely to attempt to eliminate you. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (02:42:48/05-20-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-20-14/0316:06>
>>>>>[ True, but in LA you have to look pretty as well as professional.  In most other cities I've worked in, professional alone will do the trick and pretty is just a bonus. ]<<<<<

--Black Panther(09:16:45/05-20-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-20-14/0334:55>
>>>>>[I think the reason my area is different is how we're used to laying low compared to everywhere else. When's the last time something major happened in Kansas City that you heard of? Blending in tends to be a greater sign of professionalism.

Also, local 'Star tends not to hassle you if you don't stand out. Of course, that's probably because they don't want to make enough waves to bring attention to themselves. They don't want the corporate heads to notice where that training budget is really going and how many pole dancing lessons it pays for.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (02:34:55/05-20-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-20-14/0533:31>
>>>>>[ I'm native American. People already think I'm scum.

Luckily for me, I generally don't have to meet with new Johnsons anymore, got a nice pool of regs I work for.]<<<<<
     -- Orbweaver (04:32:56/05/20/2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <05-21-14/1024:29>
>>>>[Orbweaver, I am a fragging woman and believe me, not all of us have to look pretty.  Frag, if I came wandering into some of the drek holes I go to dress all pretty and sexy I'd probably end up having to kill everything walking in there.  Us mercs/assassins with long track records don't have to go for the pretty look, we're more into the blend look and believe me, pretty/sexy doesn't blend well in a battle zone or slipping into a corp zone to slice someone's cardioid artery.

And for those thinking I don't know about the fact that society seems to demand that woman look, at least, presentable, believe me I know.  It's part o the reason I wear either long sleeves or a cosmetic cyberarm on my right arm so drekfaced scuts don't stare.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:17:12/05-21-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-21-14/1123:32>
>>>>>[Barring the one time, I haven't really run into any expectations that I make myself pretty. Probably helps that I tend to stay in the background doing my best to look uninteresting.

On another, tangentially related note, I think I've saved up enough jing to afford my first focus. Apparently you can get Qi foci done as tattoos? That sounds cool and I like the idea of not being able to loose something so expensive, but I'm wondering if having it inked on might not be unwise. Any advice from my fellow adepts (I'm assuming there's a few adepts on here) on the idea? Or just on foci in general?]<<<<<
     -- Ruthless (10:23:32/05-21-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-21-14/1205:25>
>>>>[ I concur with Nightmare. I don't really care either and if I really have to, I have a Zoé business dress.  It's pretty enough and in most locations I've been in before I came to Seattle they don't care.  In places like Lagos or Chicago you opt for practical wear. ]<<<<

--Kitten (18:06:14/05-21-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-21-14/1810:47>
>>>>[ Nightmare... I was making a joke. Relax mate. I'm hardly the poster child for pretty (according to some crazy old bat I look like a punk from the 90s?)

I hear you on the cybernetics though. I can't afford the cosmetic stuff, and bright metal ears kinda stick out even more when you've got darker skin. Been thinking of growing out my hair to hide 'em.]<<<<

--Orbweaver (17:10:36/05-21-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <05-21-14/1947:41>
>>>>>[That's fragged up. I always thought you were a guy, Nightmare. Mind = Blown. Can't fault a girl for using the weapons at her disposal, though. Fashions part of the biz, both the shadowbiz and the music one. Now come on, your reputation as a balls to the wall, blood for nuyen badass is well secured... I bet there is still a girl in there somewhere.]<<<<<
     -- Vendetta Violent (14:22:29/05-21-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-22-14/0008:28>
>>>>[Hey sorry to distract from the current episode of Fashionista but need a hand chummers. A good friend of mine went on a resonance dive after a free sprite and well from reports from her team, she hasn't come out yet. She seems to be lost in there. Need any help I can get to dive and try and find her and pull her back. Yes there is nuyen involved for those who are less comraderly inclined.]<<<<

--Jesskitten (13:38:14/05-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-22-14/0250:42>
>>>>>[ More info needed.  Running time of submersion, full data regarding the free sprite, matrix analysis of your friend (preferably by another technomancer), nuyen offered.  Reply soonest. ]<<<<<
          -- White IC (--:--:--/**-**-**)

>>>>>[ Apologies.  Forgot Bull's rules. ]<<<<<
          -- White IC (02:50:00/05-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-22-14/0302:44>
>>>>>[Speaking of fashion... Local fixer is talking about some kind of powered armor clothing from Zoe being made? Anyone heard anything about this? I normally wouldn't trust the guy because he can't stay off the Zen to save his soul, but his more outlandish claims usually pan out. But this one smells of a politician's toilet.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (Miller Time/05-22-2076)

>>>>>[...
<<BREAK>>
<<RESUME>>
I need to have a chat with a technomancer about not messing with my settings and why she's now banned from the old media archive...]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (02:02:44/05-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-22-14/0337:11>
>>>>[ Sorry I dont have much in the way of dets regarding this, my friend hadn't told her team much about the dive before she went. They still aren't the most trusting bunch and only kinda get her abilities. Their decker has been swapping in an out with an agent at a resonance rift she used to dive waiting for her for the last 159 hours, and they are keeping her meat suit going on a drip. They seem to be a little impatient but Im not letting them just pull it on her. The sprite I have no details on only that she said it was 'crazy strong and cool' before she set off. Her details will come with acceptance to help me, desecration an all that. Nuyen for the grubbers will also be negotiated on acceptance. ]<<<<

--Jesskitten (17:06:14/05-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-22-14/0350:50>
>>>>>[ Six and a half days is long, but certainly not the longest.  Such lack of information for a searcher - specifically regarding the sprite - requires commesurate compensation, especially as by implication it is innately dangerous - this added onto the difficulty of finding someone inside the Realms, the target for which is unknown.  40,000¥. ]<<<<<
          -- White IC (03:50:00/05-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-22-14/0515:08>
>>>>>[ I'm on good speaking terms with the Zoé manager in LA.  Next time I see her I'll ask about powered armour clothing, as I'd love to have that.
As to the missing technomancer, I'm sorry, but I can't help.  As hacker (or decker in the new-old parlance) I can't get to the resonance realms, so there's little I can do.  You'll need another technomancer, or maybe an AI.  I don't know if they can get to the resonance realms. ]<<<<<
     -- Black Panther(11:14:12/05-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-22-14/0555:18>
>>>>>[ BP. AIs can and Ex will be coming with me, however I need all the help I can get. The realms are even more disjointed than how my mage friends explain the metaplanes. I can pull a decker in with me but it might mindfrag you. Ever been to a UV node? Its like that only stronger. However deckers covering the well might be a good idea so no one frags with us in there. White, PM me, I like to do my deals out of the limelight. ]<<<<<
     -- Jesskitten (19:25:12/05-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <05-23-14/1027:25>
>>>>[Orbweaver, I had to get the cosmetic cyberware for my arm after a run in with Azzies down in the Amazon back in '47 or '48...been so long I can't remember.  Nobody likes looking at what happens to a Night Ones flesh when it encounters white phosphorous.  When that cosmetic cyber came out I went after it right away cause some climates just aren't made for long sleeves.

Double V, yep, been a woman since I was born some 60 plus years ago and proud of it.  However, there really isn't much of a girl left in this body besides the packaging.  Seen to much and fought to hard to be all flowers and happy thoughts anymore.  And dressing up isn't always part of the biz if you have a fixer like I do who knows what your best at.   Weaver-of-Silk never sets me up on assignments where I'll have to worry about fashion or dressing up.  Course it helps that Weaver and I used to run together (frag, I ran with her folks before then even) back in the day.

Not sure what the frag is going on over here during the Desert Wars but something is up.  My two squadmates keep yammering on about weird stuff in the ether or some such drek, course that's what I get for having a spellslinger and a tech talker for squadmates.  All I know is the tech talker keeps saying something about chatter on the airwaves about some major fracas going on between an Ares-sponsered unit and some other groups ten clicks away from our location that sounded odd, whatever that means.  My spellslinger sent a watcher over that way to see what was up but somehow the watcher never came back, he thinks it might've been geeked which is very spooky seeing as he's good with spirits.  Wait...the Desert Wars overseers just came over our comms and ordered all units not involved in the fracas to hold there positions and go to radio silence until further notice.  This is getting fragging weird, anyone watching this on the trid and know what's going on?]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:10:17/05-23-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-23-14/1611:59>
>>>>>[Hoi chummers. Long time no see. If you're reading this, it means it has been three weeks since I last sent a go/no go signal, activating this dead man's switch. Well, hopefully the 'dead' part isn't true. Either way, the fact that you're reading this means I'm dead, captured, or worse.

I don't know how long it has been since I last made contact with this board, but late 2075 I was hired to take a team and go undercover at a facility in the UCAS sector of Denver. On paper, it is a medical research facility, but the entire facility is hardened against wireless signals, and is completely shut off from the local Matrix, and the wards on the place were substantial enough that the local spirits couldn't get a look. My employer wished to learn the nature of the research going on there, and my reputation with certain elements of Denver's population put me on the short list of people they wished to contact for the job.

So why am I leaving this message behind? I haven't found what the research going on here is, but the rumors I'm hearing from the other corpsec are... disturbing. There's been a high turnover in test subjects, and some people go 'missing' for days at a time, and then show up like nothing was wrong. Sometimes, they don't show up ever again. If it was just that, I'd say that I'm standing in the middle of a hive. What I don't get is why the nanotech guys are here. I got one of the researchers drunk, and she mentioned something about looking for a 'cure' or a 'vaccine', but after that, she was the next to disappear for a few days, and just got back yesterday. I'll try to get more tomorrow.

(msg dated 02-21-2076)]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:11:23/05-23-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Booze on <05-23-14/1757:46>
>>>>>[This all sound like a nice fr4ck up. A sprite, research facility and old style fashion war. Like i was looking for some party, I Found one!

@White IC -  Hard on new ¥en right? I understand the difficulty of such adventure, but still. Some Cereals are my own 'back up' when it comes to too long with realms. Fr4ck it, last time I was in trance... didn't want to leave. You know, lets say, there was a party in 'The City'.

@Jesskitten  - If you will have a team, I can support you on that Raid, but only for the same favor. One day.

@Iceblade - No way... The NanoRumors are nasty! Like $hit. No Wireless? Ok, That's the reason for that. So I Can't help You Chummer. Msg dated two days ago? Not too long right? He... e... Icy' could go in, as a 'subject'. Easy way to get into. First time I saw the msg, thought you found the Sloughterhouse UV, sound fun to me. Good luck thou.]<<<<<

--Booze (23:57:13/05-23-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-24-14/0156:05>
>>>>>[Yeah things get pretty interesting around here. Well for what it is worth Iceblade I will do digging in the Nexus for anything after the dive. And Booze totally. Im always here for any fellow 'mancers, knife-in-back permitting. So looks like I have a team. Ill send you the dets on the rift and we will meet up there before we dive. May the resonance be kind to us. ]<<<<<

--Jesskitten (15:25:13/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-24-14/0227:38>
>>>>[ Nightmare, I don't think anyone wants to see anyone's skin after it's been hit by white phosphorous, to be fair. Nasty stuff that makes me glad I'm not at the forefront of anything. Worst I've ever suffered is the parkour accident that lost me my left eye and lower right arm... that was my own fault. Fucking stupid and cocky, I was. Lucky it didn't kill me. Would've been a stupid way to go. Still not as bad as white phosphorous.

My current "patron" has actually offered to cover all my expenses, free of charge, but... I sense a lot of hidden strings attached to that offer. Not quite ready to make a deal with the devil, not with the things I've uncovered about the guy.

As for this missing technomancer, quasi-conspiracy whatsit, I wish you all the best. Hopefully everyone's alive by the end with their minds intact. I'd help, but I'm just a hacker, and not one keen on delving into places unknown. Good luck. ]<<<<

--Orbweaver (01:27:17/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <05-24-14/0233:03>
>>>>>[For what it's worth though I'm currently making my way to Denver in the next day or two. I plan on taking a little look at what Ice was looking into. If anyone is interested in joining this old grunt speak up now. I can't guarantee pay but pay-data is bound to be about.]<<<<<

--Miner Fox (01:32:40/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-24-14/0515:38>
>>>>>[I could probably use some time away from chi-town, let some tempers cool. No reason I couldn't stop by Denver instead of just tooling about in the middle of nowhere.

Gimme a day or two to make my way over there and I'll be happy to lend a hand Miner Fox. My cost are generally limited to ammo and board anyway.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (04:15:38/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Booze on <05-24-14/0559:42>
>>>>>[I have an idea! Yo, Miner, Union Station, Box 2623, there will be a gift, your guardian angel. Flying Eye drone with some personal resonance tricks,... like sprites and links. Should be enough to throw it inside the facility and see what is in there for real. But! I would not try to sell my little angel on your place. You should already get ARO with the password for the box.

@Jesskitten - Yo, there was an antique movie, a Video. Like back from 90s, or 80s... "May the force be with you!"... Movie about some dudes fighting bad guys in space,... magic, sparky swords, and so on. But, still if you will go for him, I can aid you. Resonance is fun, Realms are awesome, but you'll need protection. In all three layers. Physical, matrix, and magical. Especially Matrix and physical. So much resonance in one place draws too much attention. Have heard about some guys chasing mancers, but without corpo style desire for experiments,... but simply for pleasure of killing mancers...

@Orbweaver - Oh, yeah... Phosphorus nasty... Have you seen 'experimental payload munitions' that fr4cking japs or maybe $i77y $h||4w4$3 tested in Philippines? If you didn't have breakfast yet, I'll send you some first hand trids... ]<<<<<

--Booze (11:45:38/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <05-24-14/1614:46>
>>>>>[Already on the train to Denver.

@Ruthless - Good thing ammo and board are my specialty. A contact is willing to let me crash at his place while I'm in town. I think he has a spare couch. As for the ammo part... lets just say working for the UCAS once upon grants you some friends who happen to be quartermasters who don't mind if a case of EX goes missing.

@Booze - I hope that drone doesn't require me to be a techno because I'm sure as hell not.]<<<<<

--Miner Fox (14:14:20/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-24-14/1622:55>
>>>>>[ Jesskitten, my agenda freed up, so I can help.  I'll PM you so you can sent me the details.  You just have to find a way to get me in, or let me do something else. ]<<<<<

--Black Panther (22:23:25/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Booze on <05-24-14/1623:35>
>>>>>[Miner, don't worry about it much. It is quite like a grenade, just 'push the red button, and throw over the wall, or into vents. I'm quite curious what's in there.]<<<<<

--Booze (22:27:13/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-24-14/1744:00>
>>>>>[@Miner Fox - Then it sounds like you've got yourself an adept. PM me the details on where to meet up when you've got that nailed down, preferably somewhere out of the sun.

I've hitched a ride with a trucker who owes me a favour, should be there before tomorrow evening even if I end up having to run the last bit. Gotta say that these big rigs have some nice cabins, remind me to do more favours for truckers in the future.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (16:44:00/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-24-14/1836:18>
>>>>>[Guys, meet at the Rebel Yell in the CAS sector. Tell the bartender that you're there to see a man about a wolf. He will show you back to me and my rigger friend.Booze, if you get  ut off from the drone my rigger friend will pick it up. Also I'm giving you access to a armed Skraacha to pick us up in. Its already onsite cleared for low level flights and set up for remote piloting. ]<<<<<

--Wolfgar(17:35:32/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <05-24-14/1914:50>
>>>>>[Rebel Yell it is for the meet up in Denver. You have any fancy toys for the rest of Wolfgar or is it BYOG?]<<<<<

--Miner Fox (17:14:10/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <05-24-14/2045:12>
>>>>>[Well, operation "Get Iceblade Back" is on the way! I was honestly not going to do anything about it, figured Ice usually gets himself out of his own messes but then I got a call from a Tir Duchess. She was convincing enough and I won't pass on a good deal. Plus, I was his best man at his wedding so... Why not!

Well gotta go! Places to go, people to kill, you know! I'll tell you all how that goes!

EDIT: Oh and feel free to continue mounting your own operation. Redundancy is often underrated!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (20:45:11/05-24-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-24-14/2055:05>
>>>>>[Smiley, if you need a ride to Denver that can get you past all of the checkpoints, I know a guy who can get you there cheap. Drop by Kansas City and stop in at Comfort Inn and Suites on Admiral Boulevard. Tell the receptionist you need to speak to Looking Glass and the Hacker of Reality sent you. He owes me a favor for pulling his hoop out of a nasty gang ambush a couple years back, and I feel like spending it where it'll do some good this side of eternity.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (19:55:05/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <05-24-14/2123:52>
>>>>>[Leave it to Smiley to steal someone's thunder. Still going ahead with my own op into whatever hell hole Iceblade got himself stuck in. Maybe we'll see each other there Smiley.]<<<<<

--Miner Fox (19:23:20/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-24-14/2143:17>
>>>>>[Do any of you need an emergency exit from Denver when this is over? I'll have to owe the guy, but it can be arranged. And I'm sorry for the delay, but it took me a bit of time to track down what contacts I have in my area; most of the coyotes I know are currently busy with jobs.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (20:43:17/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-24-14/2328:59>
>>>>>[As far as boom sticks if its in the CAS or Ares small arms locker pickings you can borrow it. I have some hheavier things but Tank Girl usually handles that. As far as an exit strategy, thats what the Skraacha is for.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar-(22:28:32-05/24/2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-24-14/2359:18>
>>>>>[All I can say is wish us luck, 'Allons-y' and Cannonbal..

<<<FEED TERMINATED>>>>

]<<<<<

--Jesskitten (13:28:32/05-25-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Booze on <05-25-14/0224:25>
>>>>>[Jesskitten, that is a good looking rift. Hope that my infusions will help. Good luck with the ride.

@Miner - So how about gathering some intel? ]<<<<<

--Booze (22:27:13/05-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <05-25-14/0312:50>
>>>>>[There's this thing called sleep Booze. It's kind of nice once in a while and after a long train ride and border crossings I defiantly need it. I think Ruthless feels the same way right now... I can hear her snooring from the guest room.

@Wolfgar Me and Ruthless will be at Rebel's Yell bright and early. I hope they serve whiskey and coffee.

I'm going to sleep now.]<<<<<

--Miner Fox (01:12:10/05-25-2076)

 
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-25-14/0712:13>
>>>>>[Bah, forgot about the hour's time difference between here and Chicago.

I'll do a quick bit of shopping, see about laying hands on something that fits in better around here, then head over to the meeting place. Seeya there.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (05:09:10/06-25-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <05-25-14/1505:33>
>>>>>[Just arrived in town and I've got all the intel I need. Looks like, with what we're up against, I won't refuse extra hands.

A couple of rules though. Keep up, do exactly as I say, and finally do not, under any circumstances, touch anything electronic in there. The data in there is not to be accessed, copied or erased by any of you. If that rule is broken, I will personally rip your throat with my bare hands. If that's acceptable I'll meet up soon with the ones willing to help and give more details in person.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (15:05:03/05-25-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <05-25-14/1546:45>
>>>>>[Drinks are on me at the Rebel Yell Smiley. So I suggest you get your lovely face over here as soon as possible.]<<<<<

--Miner Fox (13:46:06/05-25-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-25-14/1655:23>
>>>>>[@Smiley Easy enough conditions, you'll get no problems from me.

Seems like everyone in this is at least twice my age. I'd crack a joke about you old men keeping up with me, but I'm more worried about the reverse. Not literally though, athlete's way and all.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (13:55:23/05-25-76)

>>>>>[You will be fine, Impitoyable. Dangerous thing to get yourself involved in without good reason, mais vous devriez être bien.

Just listen to les vieillards like always.]<<<<<

--Mr. Fletcher (16:21:39/05-25-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <05-26-14/0447:25>
>>>>>[Smiley. 4 hours behind your last post. Will meet at arranged stop about 2 hours from this post. Gifts from a friend or two. Going to take more then a hang over to keep me home when a friend is in trouble. Hopefully some lightning punches will help out.]<<<<<

     -- Card (1:47:03/5-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Booze on <05-26-14/0747:31>
>>>>>[I see drone didn't make it... Smiley took some massive hardware. It stinks as hell. I'm keeping the trid record and sensory data from the FlyEye, for further investigation.

But for now...

Any one remember Jesskitten's friend and that cool but powerfull spirit? They are in realm for some time, we kept resoannce link for comunication, but it seems that it was a trap... Screw it. I'll go after that f4(kinG (hilD... ]<<<<<

--Booze (13:27:13/05-26-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-26-14/1143:40>
>>>>>[First, I want to thank the guys who came and saved my hoop once again. Second, can anyone give me a clean scan on some nanovirus thing called "CFD"? I know how to work my 'link, and basic Matrix security measures, but I'm not a tech-wiz by any stretch.

And if anyone asks, no, I won't talk about what happened until I've got some drinks in me. All I'll say is that it was a bad scene. You know those times when you're undercover, and you recognize that someone else is undercover, and they recognize you, and you got to dance around eachother so you don't blow both your covers and get killed? Now picture doing that in a hive.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:42:23/05-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-26-14/1155:11>
>>>>>[No problem Iceblade, happy to help out. I'm afraid I haven't heard anything about this CFD business.

I can't picture myself doing anything in a hive that isn't 'leave quietly' or 'open fire'. Speaking of opening fire in a hive, I hope I kept up with you vets well enough when we were shooting our way in.

Would have been more comfortable with a slightly lower bodycount on that one, but drek happens. Smiley, whoever paid you for that shaman, I hope they plan on putting a bullet in his head once they're done.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (09:55:11/05-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <05-26-14/1156:34>
>>>>>[Glad to see you made it back! I wish I could have done more to help. I have a lot of bad karma to pay off.

It's something that overwrites your brain and makes you into someone else. That's all I have on it, but it seems that nanites are the spread vector. Heard something about someone getting a line on Patient Zero, but they disappeared after that. And I don't mean just vanished; all records of them suddenly ceased to exist. It seems to originate with NeoNET; lost a few good friends to it...

Anyway, I'd stay away from this. It's Deus-took-over-my-apartment bad news. But if you can't resist, you could start by looking into NeoNET and Project re897049wrgftey]<<<<<
>>>>>[CONNECTION TERMINATED]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (TIMESTAMP CORRUPTED)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-26-14/1243:53>
>>>>>[Hmm. That would explain the nanotech researchers at the facility, then. I don't know why they'd want to take something like that and test it on bugs, though. Scratch that, I don't WANT to know.

And Ruthless, I try to avoid hives altogether if I can, but sometimes that's where the work is. I'm lucky enough that I have a decent rep with the spirit community, so sometimes I get work from them. One thing I will say about having a spirit as a Mr. Johnson is that they won't lie to you. They might tell you half a truth, a misleading truth, and what you might consider 'essential intel' might not be something they even consider worth mentioning, or they'll leave out certain details on purpose, but they won't lie to you, so long as you got a good rep. They'll just give you a straight "no answer" or change the subject instead of telling an out and out lie. I think it has to do with how the Astral works. Emotions and such carry a lot of weight in the astral. You can 'see' lies if you know what to look for, and their value system is different from ours.

And payment when dealing with spirits can be interesting, too. One time I got paid in some gold coins that I had tested, and turned out to be from Ancient Rome. Another time, I was paid in lore from the deep metaplanes. And sometimes it is just regular nuyen.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:43:21/05-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <05-26-14/1254:19>
>>>>>[I haven't seen bugs since '55 and I would of preferred to keep it that way but I stumbled into them once again. Comes with the job I suppose.

Now some quick comments about the run:

Smiley, you need to hire better marksmen. I was outpacing your guys and hitting targets before they even pulled the trigger.

As for the body count I suspect Smiley and crew were paid to kill any non-runner in that facility. I'd prefer a lower body count but orders are orders.

Ruthless you did a good job keeping up. Us old folk don't exactly move slow now do we? Hope you also took some notes at the same time.

No problem getting you out Ice. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time when your dead man's switch came through.

Sorry about the drone Booze. He wasn't really needed but I hope you got a nice view of the action from my waistline.]<<<<<

-- Miner Fox (11:52:53/05-26-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <05-26-14/1746:39>
>>>>>[Solodice, even I have a well known qualm about killing, but when the building is suspected of being overrun with insect spirits, all that kinda has to go out the window and you have to assume everyone in that building who isn't on your 'extract unless possessed' list is gunning to eat you, possess you, or otherwise make you a corpse in some form. It is regrettable, but given the number of spirits in there, I doubt any of the people we killed were actually still among us, and not being used as a flesh puppet.

I'm glad my affinity for punching things that shouldn't be able to be punched hard enough to crack concrete came in use. Also that some of the tools sent with me found use.

Ice, drinks at my place, or at the usual if you are up for dealing with crowds.]<<<<<

     -- Card (17:46:08/5-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-26-14/1946:28>
>>>>>[MinerFox, there are runs, especially when you go bug hunting or 'cleansing' a site, where you have three lists. First, you have 'people to rescue/capture'. This list is usually pretty small, maybe even one person even just a drone and some files. Second, you have 'priority targets'. These are the people you make sure are dead, no ifs, ands, or buts, and do it in such a way that not even Shedim would want the body. Last, you have 'everyone else'. The people on this list don't make it out alive unless there is a DAMN good reason. Note, your own team is on this last list as well if you mess up, especially when dealing with bugs, quarantine situations, or the like. I've been on a job to Yomi back when it was a where that no one Infected was to make it out alive. Had to shoot a good man in the head and dump his body in the Pacific. People like Wolfgar and Smiley, who specialize in more merc and wetwork runs or commando raids will see these kinds of runs more often than someone who works the more typical runner's fare.

You need to be cold to do it, able to turn and shoot your buddy in the face because he switched from being 'person to rescue' to 'everyone else' or even 'priority target'. Push down the emotions, do the job, get out alive, and raise a glass to those who fell when you get somewhere safe. Not everyone can do that, and not everyone should. Just like not everyone can pull the long con or undercover work, going into enemy territory with no weapons except what you can conceal in a suit, even when you know there's a hive. Add another one to the 'list of things to give me nightmares'.

Card, your presence was much appreciated. Your 'lightning punches' as you call them, are always good to have when fighting spirits. I will join you for drinks. Also, I've sent a bottle of Taengele Falan to your Grandfather, with my compliments.

Smiley, I took the liberty of forwarding your information and a testimonial to certain individuals who work as middlemen when people need problems solved. You ever need another mage for a run, you know how to reach me.

Wolfgar, I was told to pass on a message to you. If you're ever looking for some 'unorthodox help' on a bug hunt, there are some ladies that said they'd be willing to deal with you. Don't worry, you're not their 'type', but they do recognize good work when they see it.

And to those I hadn't met before this run, I've passed your names along to several fixers, so you might expect some calls from new numbers. Because we're runners, and we always try and get some kind of payday at the end of this, yeah?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:45:23/05-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <05-26-14/2027:32>
>>>>>[I know the general low down of these hunts and cleansing ops Iceblade and Cards. Shit, I did that kind of work for the last 20 years of my life while working spec ops for the UCAS. Not against bugs per say but you get the idea. That's also why I said orders are orders. Those trump my moral obligations as those would put the mission at jeopardy. The bugs needed to be contained so in all we couldn't risk anyone who was there before get out if they weren't on the "list" as you say. As you both noticed I didn't throw a bitch fit when we started popping civvies. I wouldn't be in this kind of work if I did.

I also guess no one hear me when the first civvie was dropped [PLAY AUDIO] "Well at least he gets to sip margaritas on the nice white sand beaches of heaven. I'm stuck here for the time being..."

EDIT: Nothing against you two. It doesn't help you guys don't know me that well. Lets just say I'm just as cold and professional as those dudes in black Smiley brought along. I just happen to be a better shot then the rest of them ;)]<<<<<

-- Miner Fox (18:26:56/05-25-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <05-26-14/2127:33>
>>>>>[Bug hunts are nasty work and there is nothing easy about the choices you have to make on them. Insect spirits aren't shy about putting their victims in front of them and forcing you to pull the trigger. That last time I went dark? I was in ACHE. You didn't hear about it. Nobody did, until now. I try not to talk about it but I work for some pretty powerful influences on the side of my act. The bugs got into one of the sealed off floors... military was aware of it too. Fraggers. The bugs were being contained and monitored, their numbers kept small. They were allowed to filter into one of the civilian floors, a catch and release program to monitor the spread of their influence. Really glitched up to see how they really bring a community together and corrupt subtly when their backs are against the wall and they think they are getting away with something. Shades of what I've read regarding the Universal Brotherhood. Either way ACHE is clean of them, now. That place just can't stay away from human experimentation... and I can't even look at that place these days without thinking that it always kind of was a hive, even before the bugs got in.

Glad you got out of the situation with your skins. I'm still in Germany and don't know if I'd of had the stomach for more insects again so soon after the the last ones... but... know you were all on my mind. Stop getting blown up, drekheads.]<<<<<

--Vendetta Violent (20:08:34/05-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <05-27-14/1024:06>
>>>>[Looks like our connection is back online and unblocked plus we've been given the order to return to normal situations.  Thank the Ghost, if we'd gone another day without it my tech talker would've lost his head.  Still not sure what went down over there with the Ares-sponsered unit but I'm not going to go wandering over there to find it.  Not cause I'm not curious but because a drekload of other units are speeding that way to mop up whatever is left of those involved.  Going to turn into another shooting gallery over there and that's no way to win or even get close to winning here.  Just got word from the unit that hired us, sounds like they have the same plan as us which is good to know.

Yeah, white phosphorous isn't a pretty sight, Orbweaver.  But don't be too glad you're not on the forefront of stuff cause I didn't earn this in battle, those burns are from Azzie torture sessions.  Note for all those in the future, don't get caught by the Azzies when you're working guerrilla warfare for Amazonia.  They don't always kill outright and their torture is downright nasty. Still miss the eyes I was born with but at least with the cyber I can do more.]

--Nightmare (09:18:49/05-27-2076]
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-27-14/1123:43>
>>>>>[Holy-Fragging-Drek. I thought I had seen much of the trix and resonance before but this was something completely different. That sprite? Bait for a trap. For some reason they were after my friend, didn't stick round to ask why. Im very thankful for the late timing join of Booze, really saved out asses, I owe you one Booze. BP is back too, tho I think a little mind fried. That was some seriously messed up trix back there, the flow was like falling apart and all chaotic. Anyone have any info on what we ran into? Anywho I think a nice vacation is in order. World of Shadows here I come.

Oh an all you Mercs, nice job on the bugs. Hope you took one down for me.]<<<<<

--Jesskitten (00:53:34/05-28-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <05-27-14/1127:25>
>>>>[Good to see everyone made their ways back from everything, both Ice and Jess.  Sorry I couldn't offer help but as you chummers know, I'm busy.  That and I'd be useless to Jess seeing as I'm no decker.]<<<<

--Nightmare (10:25:31/05-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-27-14/1212:51>
>>>>>[The flow of Resonance was falling apart and chaotic? If I had to guess, I'd say you and your friend were trapped in a Resonance Realm that had fallen to Dissonance. From what the sprites tell me, there have been battles through the Realms ever since Pax tapped into the Dissonance to make Jormungand.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (12:12:23/05-27-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-27-14/1542:33>
>>>>[I guess I'll head back home to chi-town. Think I'll take the scenic route, get some time with just me and Dog.

Nice meeting all of you folks I guess.]<<<<

--Ruthless (13:42:31/05-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-27-14/1626:15>
>>>>[ I was unfortunately out of town or I would have joined in that bug hunt.  I still owe them some from Chicago.]<<<<

--Kitten (22:26:31/05-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Booze on <05-27-14/1653:03>
>>>>>[@Jesskitten, you owe me, good...

@Kusanagi, you were probably right. My drone saved my meat... Somehow one of those disonance freaks tracked me down to my safe-house. But duelist supported with some machine sprite was enough. But my place is burned for now. I just don't believe that was an accident.

@Smiley, would you mind? I have an information broker interested in footage from fly-eye from the action with bugs. It is just 5 digit number in Yens, of course we can split it for all of participants in that op, right? ]<<<<<

--Booze (22:53:34/05-27-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <05-27-14/1851:00>
>>>>>[ Well shit, sounds like I've missed out on quite a party. Although I can't find myself all that put-out on missing on the fun. Sounds like a lot of crap went down. Nice to see it working out for you all though, more or less. ]<<<<<

--Orbweaver (17:50:34/05-27-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <05-27-14/2109:31>
>>>>[@ Booze, dont worry omae, Ill return the debt, I make good like that
and so wow, Ive heard bits and pieces about dissonance mancers and stuff, but holy frag that is not something I want to get dragged into again any time soon ]<<<<

--Jesskitten (10:39:31/05-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <05-28-14/1906:51>
>>>>>[Back in Seattle! Clean up and cover up operation complete! It's like nothing ever happened in there. You guys would go back there and you wouldn't recognize the place! Even the facade of the building was changed. By the Jade Emperor, I love this job!

That was an expensive operation though! Last minute mobilization always is. But it's well spent and ended up being well invested. That drek secured some damn good contracts for me and my little organization. I'll get back every nuyen manyfold! Hahaha!

Miner Fox, my guys are well trained, efficient and reliable. I wouldn't fire them for anyone. Oh and they wanted me to tell you that most of them were high on astral pills or delaying for coordinated group shots, so if you had a few fractions of second reaction time better then them, they don't really care. They weren't in a competition. Oh and they finished by "He can go frag himself!" before they went off to bury the guys who didn't make it. I'll make a wild guess and say that you pissed them off! Hahaha! They won't be working with you anymore it seems! Haha!

As for you, Booze, I'd rather you keep this drek in your pr0n collection for a few years! And for 5 digits? Yeah keep that to footage for yourself. There's likely too much data that can be used by my enemies on this. Data like effectives,  equipment and operation funding capacity, not to mention tactics and the location of the operation. In two or more years, it won't matter since things on our side will have changed (hopefully for the better) and the data will become irrelevant to my enemies. Until then, if you release or sell that footage and it hurts my present and future operations, I'll make my daily life goal to make you lose as much money as I have. And that'll most likely be in the seven digits at the very least!

I will finish this post by saying that most of you impressed me. Everybody kept their cool facing swarming horrors and I didn't even hear any complaints about "killing civilians". I honestly thought I'd have to kill of a few you! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (19:06:43/05-28-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <05-29-14/0030:13>
>>>>>[Pissing off the "professionals" has always been on my bucket list for some time. Guess I can cross it off now.  As for not working with me anymore... their loss! Snipers, and good ones that are still kicking, don't fall off trees like apples in this world.

Anyways, I'm back in good ol' St. Louis cracking some beers open with some guys from the "unit".]<<<<<

-- Miner Fox (22:29:24/05-28-2076)

 
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <05-30-14/1016:34>
>>>>[Hey, Vendetta Violent, does your trip through the AGS take you to Hanover, perchance?  If so, I might have a real simple task for you, if your interested.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:15:02/05-30-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <05-30-14/1138:30>
>>>>>[Finally back in Seattle, went to tale care of some other business in L.A. before routing north. Kitten, Jess, if you really want to be in on a bug hunt, let me know. I get called in on them all the time, I'm considered somewhat an expert in the field. Ice, let the ladies know I have their number and I will call if I think they can help.

To those that were there i'll add my own good job. Having that kind of info drop at the last moment helps and doesn't. You all showed that you could hang though so expect some wprk out of it.

Smiley, yeah fast professionals,  I swear one of those guys was just shy of mechanical, and I know where some of them have their day jobs. You tell the "client" that mister shaman goes the way of the dodo within a week or he'll be having a very unpleasant meeting next Saturday during his golf game. Note this is not a threat,  its a promise. ]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (10:40:32-05/30/2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-30-14/1810:51>
>>>>>[I'll let them know, Wolfgar. Obviously due to... reasons, they can't use tacnets and the like, but they're dangerous as hell even without it. That whole crew is always looking to get in on a bug hunt, the bigger the better.

Anyways, for those of you in Seattle, looks like the Spikes are getting feisty again. There was a 'situation' between them and the Ancients earlier, and a bunch of civvies got caught in the crossfire, so I'm helping out at the hospital down in Tarislar right now. Not a doc, but I have some basic first aid training, and I can cast spells. So that means I can free up the real docs for cases where they're needed most. Plus, there are some Ancients in the mix who need attention, but if the docs treated them in front of civvies, they'd have to report it to the Knights. I, on the other hand, am just a 'concerned citizen volunteering his time'.

Said it before, and I'll say it again since we have some new people here, if you have any kind of medical training or healing spells, make friends with the local hospitals and gangs. Hospitals always need the help when they've got mass casualties, and being on their good side means you can maybe slip in for treatment when you catch a bullet with your spleen, and they delay reporting it to the Knights until you've 'left without authorization'. And if a gang knows you are someone who can help heal them or their buddies, then you've got people you can call on for backup, or just to keep an ear out for anyone that might be looking to track you down.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (18:10:13/05-30-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <05-31-14/0928:30>
>>>>>[That's actually how I got into this Iceblade. I used to run in a more literal sense as a medical courier and first responder for the Black Crescent. Still do actually, but with chi-town being fixed up over time there's fewer places that you have to get to on foot and less need for my skillset.

I'm not nearly as good a medic as I am a traceuse or markswoman, but I'm good enough to keep someone from bleeding out. That's without the autodoc too - some people rely on that thing way too much for something that throws a fit whenever you get out of wireless range.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (08:28:30/05-31-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <06-01-14/0152:22>
>>>>>[ Heh. Funny story. When I was still a teen, I had aspirations to being this awesome doctor. Being a successful person in the family, y'know? So I put in some volunteer work, just for basic stuff. I don't remember much of it because the first thing I had to sit in on was someone getting stitched up. The second the needle pierced flesh I fainted. No doctory shit for me! Apparently I also have to be sedated if there's any needle work required buuuut since I'm always sedated I don't remember any of that, but the boyfriend says I bite. ]<<<<<

--Orbweaver (00:52:30/06-02-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-01-14/0744:19>
>>>>>[Heh. Well, it isn't for everyone, that's for sure. Though you get desensitized to it after a while. A combat mage is always in the thick of things, and so I'm already used to the blood, and the screams, and the smells. A hospital is a battlefield, like any other, except there they work to save lives instead of end them. My skills are pretty meager in that regard (I'm far more accomplished at the 'ending' side of things), but at least I can keep a guy from bleeding out, if he doesn't have too much ware in him. In a triage situation, the more people you can shift from the 'dying' column to the 'hellaciously fragged up' column, the easier the job is for the people who know what they're doing. Focus on what you can do, and leave the rest to your team. I can't hack to save my soul, which is why I make sure I have others on hand who can.

Speaking of family stories, I'm still considered the 'black sheep' of my family. Sister was a Paladin, brothers are successful in their fields, and I run the shadows. But Shark demands I be where blood is in the water, and so that's where I go.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (07:44:23/06-01-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <06-01-14/0844:54>
>>>>>[ I'm back, after some stay with Doc Wagon (thank the gods for that contract).  I've never seen the matrix just like that.  Actually it's impossible for me to describe just what it looked like, a resonance well.  It was freaky, that's for sure and while I've seen my share of matrix combat (and it's no boasting when I say I'm quite good at it) those sprites really packed a punch.  But we did what we came for and it has been a unique experience someone like me could otherwise never get. ]<<<<<

--Black Panther (14:45:42/06-01-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <06-01-14/1237:25>
>>>>>[Been through Hannover once on business, not music. We're in the Free City right now but we've got dates for Hannover on the scope next week, actually. So color me interested, what you got in mind, Nightmare? If you need to take it off the grid we can do that. Tell me a story, chica.]<<<<<

-- Vendetta Violent (11:28:24/06-01-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <06-01-14/2034:57>
>>>>>[Thanks again BP for all the help, I know we couldn't have gotten her outa there without your help. I know its not your usual trix cup o tea but hey, you got to learn something new I guess. I have to say you people who remember your families, so lucky. Due to a certain Mega, I dont even know my real fragging name let alone who my family is. Runners are my family now, not just my crew but all of you who look out for each other so if anyone is up, drinks on me at Tux's ]<<<<<

-- Jesskitten (10:03:24/06-02-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <06-01-14/2124:16>
>>>>>[Note to all: If you're going to set something as an emergency shutdown code, make certain you never accidentally use it. And I want to know what motherfragger thought it was a good idea to use old wired Matrix servers as essential components of the building's power grid. I swear, Renraku did not make a single good decision back then...

If any of you need a run like this again, let me know? I will be setting aside resources in case this happens in the future. Normally would have some set aside, but things went well for a long while I forgot to maintain it.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (CORRUPTED/ERROR-2059)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <06-02-14/1022:47>
>>>>[It's nothing big, Vendetta, just need someone to drop some flowers on an old soldier's grave in Hanover.  I'm willing to pay 250 large, if you think that's fair. If you're up for it I'll send you the pickup spot for the flowers and the name/location of the grave.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:20:00/06-02-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-02-14/1604:58>
>>>>>[*sigh* You know how I said I was helping some Ancients with the whole 'not dying' thing after a shootout with the Spikes? Turns out word got back to the Spikes about it. Damn fools sent a crew to try and take me out when I was checking on one of my safehouses out in Redmond. Words were said, blows were exchanged, and I had a package delivered to their hangout containing the heads of their little hit crew. Stupid racist pricks didn't realize a trap when a combat mage holding a sword tells them he could take all five of them at once in melee, without breaking a sweat, before describing in detail what he would do to their next of kin. Didn't even bother to check that the alleyway I was standing in was too narrow for more than one of them to come at me at a time. And they REALLY didn't bother to look for the wireless signal to the flash-bang grenade I'd dropped at the entrance of the alleyway. Anyways, while they were shaking off the effects of a flash-bang in an enclosed space, I took their heads, and dumped the bodies down in the sewer where a nest of feral ghouls lives. And now you know why no one ever drops in at my Redmond safehouse for drinks.

Honestly, it is so much easier to deal with someone when they're targeting you in particular. I'd much rather deal with a bullet with my name on it, rather than one marked "To Whom it may Concern".]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:04:23/06-02-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <06-02-14/1710:05>
>>>>>[Hahaha! Amateurs!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (17:10:02/06-02-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Flip on <06-02-14/2301:17>
>>>>>[This is some seriously retro stuff you guys have going here, took me a bit to figure out how to post. But that's besides the point. A good friend of mind suggested I come here since I'm new to the shadows, and learn from those with experience beyond gang-bangs. So uh, here I am and I'm hoping what I am about to ask isn't nearly as much of a problem as I think it is.

About a week ago, I was called up by a fixer of mine asking if I could drop into a team that was already on the job. I took it, did leg work with the fellas and everything was great until the actual robbery when drek hit the fan. Big steaming piles of it. We forced a delivery truck to a stop, pulled the driver out and the 'head' of the group started drilling the guy to get some box. Then as soon as the delivery guy said he found the box, big leader whips out his gun and tells me his pay is too low. I'll spare you all the details, but the delivery guy freaked and went onto the freeway as soon as the gunfire started. Being none too happy that I was getting screwed out of my pay, I decided to chase after the delivery truck along with the traitors.

I got lucky, I beat the turn coats to the prize and got the box. But now I'm in... I dunno, paranoia land I guess. My fixer has no idea who wanted the box in the first place, I can't seem to find anything out about the runners themselves, and worst of all I think this box is really starting to creepy me out and I'm thinking its got some mojo. I'd post a picture of it but whenever I do, it doesn't even appear in the photos. Even more freaky is that yesterday I sold it to the local talismonger for five Nuyen because I just wanted it gone, and this morning it was at the foot of my bed.

That and since its magical, I'm worried the original employer is going to want it some eventually. I hope I didn't break it or anything that'd make them angry. Anyone got any tips on what exactly I'm in over my head with?]<<<<<
     -- Pizza Boy (20:00:22/06-02-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <06-02-14/2310:32>
>>>>>[I might be able to help you. I've read a few postings on, uh, magical groups and such about magical phenomenon. I will need some special equipment I have, such as a PKE meter, and the help of a couple of consultants. Where are you at? I need to drop by Seattle for a bit to visit ACHE and I can drop by with my special equipment while I'm travelling.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (22:10:32/06-02-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <06-02-14/2319:52>
>>>>>[I usually dump that kind drek to the D.I.M.R. If it's worth anything they'll even pay. They usually don't ask too much questions either. Just answer the few they have honestly and mention the fact that it may return to you on its own. They'll figure it out. Should have seen all the stuff I've dumped there. Hahaha! I probably brought them some pretty bad stuff on a few occasions cause they get nervous when they see me walk in.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:19:52/06-02-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Flip on <06-03-14/0003:11>
>>>>>[ PKE? DIMR? Woah slow down there. I'm no Wiz and I don't have any experience with this drek.

SlowDeck I sent you a message for a good meeting place for when you come through Seattle. Unless you uh, had somewhere else in mind. I'm guessing with your experience you'd know best where to meet for something like this.

Smiley, what is D.I.M.R? I've never even heard of it. Mind you, I AM an amatuer so you might need to spell things out for me.]<<<<<
     -- Pizza Boy (20:55:13/06-02-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <06-03-14/0212:45>
>>>>>[Hey Slowdeck, Who ya gonna call? Love some old school. Its just funny how basic things were. Oh well. And Pizza, its the Big D's research facility. They will take almost any and all magical things they can get their hands on. Ill be honest my crew almost flipped when we lost the chance to hand them a toxic shaman. Omg that woulda been the payday ]<<<<<
     -- Jesskitten (15:42:13/06-03-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <06-03-14/0659:04>
>>>>>[I would also advise selling it to the D.I.M.R. rather than listening to Slowdeck. They will want it and will happily rid you of whatever curse returns it to you just to get their own hands on it.

PKE meter? Tu déconnes?]<<<<<

     -- Mr. Fletcher (05:58:23/06-03-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <06-03-14/1109:45>
>>>>>[I should have known people would get the reference.

This would not be the first time I've ended up helping deal with a magical item that had bizarre effects; a lot of aetheric scientists hire in the shadows for when it comes time to clean up their more bizarre mistakes, particularly if the result of it is an aetheric interaction they were not expecting and do not fully know how to deal with. In any case, I wasn't planning on purchasing the box; I was planning on helping him figure out how to prevent it from returning to him so he can sell it. After all, he did the work to get it in the first place; he should get payment. And my pay will be gaining knowledge of a new magical interaction that may be useful later. And once he knows something about the item and how it works, he can sell it to D.I.M.R. for more money.

You could say my personal research into autism has led down some strange roads.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (10:09:45/06-03-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Flip on <06-03-14/1534:15>
>>>>>[Bit of an update. I accidently bumped the box off of my table this morning while making myself something to eat. The good news is I'm still alive and no terrible monsters appeared in my house. Just a really cool looking knife, all ornate and fancy-shiny. I feel like a bit of an idiot being so afraid of there being some sort of monster in the box or something.]<<<<<
     -- Pizza Boy (12:33:13/06-03-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-03-14/1946:51>
>>>>>[Well, Pizza Boy, if you're very, very lucky, what you have is a free spirit playing jokes on you, until it tires of you and maybe kills you in your sleep, or possesses you, or other fun things, or even just drives you insane so you end up eating a bullet. Yes, just like metahumans, some spirits are just dicks like that. That's if you're lucky. If you're not that lucky, then it could be anything, up to and including one of those artifacts from the last age of magic. In which case your life is going to be very 'interesting' until you either die or find a way to pass the box on to a new owner. Tell me, did you open the box?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (19:46:23/06-03-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <06-03-14/2028:33>
>>>>>[That ain't a job, sunshine. That's courtesy. Nightmare, for all the drek we do out there and how fragged up we can make the lives of others... look. I don't want to make a thing of it but you've got it. Keep the cred, forward me the details. We could all use a little karma.]<<<<<
     -- Vendetta Violent (19:22:22/06-03-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <06-03-14/2108:53>
>>>>>[I'd get yourself, and that knife, assensed as soon as you can garçon. Ask around, there should be an adept at least who can give you a good look over in the astral. You do not want to be carrying around random magical truc unless you know exactly what it does.

If it is a free spirit messing with you, as Iceblade mentioned, then you'll need someone who can deal with it. An aspected conjurer or an adept with a focus on the astral is your best bet, but their skillset isn't in as much demand in the shadows as other awakened. Try looking about for an exorcist who is provably awakened. A full magician, if you're lucky enough to find one, might know how to deal with it too.

If it's not a free spirit behind it then it's something weirder and thus even more dangerous. You'll need someone more skilled to get rid of it. Which for you means 'make it the D.I.M.R.s problem'.]<<<<<
     -- Mr. Fletcher (19:47:13/06-03-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <06-03-14/2257:43>
>>>>>[ Pizza Boy, where have you been living, that you haven't heard of the DIMR?  Under a rock?  No, they put signs under all the rocks.  I mean, c'mon.  It's like wondering what Ares or Aztechnology or fraggin' Lofwyr is.  Joe bleedin' Nobody knows about the DIMR, newbie or not.  Or don't they have Lil' Dunkie plush cybertoys where you live??? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:00:00/06-03-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <06-03-14/2300:06>
>>>>>[Hey Pizza, In that case I can suggest one very good organisation that can help with your troubles in Seattle. Send me a msg and Ill send you the dets, not really allowed to associate the name with my crew is all. Public front and all that. ]<<<<<
     -- Jesskitten (12:29:13/06-04-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <06-03-14/2324:59>
>>>>>[Haha! And people asks me why I don't offer my experience instead of being an ass and treating newcomers like idiots all the time! Well, you've got it! They don't listen and they prove me right every time!

Hahaha! What's the D.I.M.R... That was funny.]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (23:25:03/06-03-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <06-04-14/1013:42>
>>>>[Thanks, Vendetta, I sent you the info as well as the 250Y, even though you said to keep it.  I'd rather pay you for the possible expenses than just letting you go there for free.  Just consider it a free gift.

You can still get Lil' Dunkie plush cybertoy where you're at, Wyrm?  Chummer, the last time I saw one of those was back in 2070 and it was used. Sounds like I need to get out of the war zones and back to civilizations again.]<<<<<

--Nightmare (09:09:45/06-04-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Flip on <06-04-14/1231:03>
>>>>>[If by living under a rock you mean growing up with a brood of orcs that thought sticking rocks in exhaust pipes was the highest form of metahuman artistic achievement, then yes I did live under a rock. It was not pleasant.

Lack of real education aside, I did accidently open the box Iceblade. Knocked it off my table while making a meal. Now I have a box that refuses to leave me alone, and a knife that looks like it's been polished by ghosts. Seriously, this thing is too shiny to be normal.

Asked an associate of mine to fix me up with one of those conjurers you all were talking about. But it leaves me wishing I knew more, any suggestions on datasofts that could educate me about magic so I don't get my head blown off by some ghost?]<<<<<
     -- Pizza Boy (12:33:13/06-03-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-04-14/1244:49>
>>>>>[There was a knife inside? Describe it, aside from 'shiny'. What does it look like? Are there any markings or designs? Oh, and don't touch it, whatever you do.

As for datasofts, even if you could source something on this, you wouldn't be able to understand any of it anyway, not until it was watered down to the point of being useless. You simply don't have the training to make sense of it at the moment. It would be like asking someone who just learned 2+2=4 to do calculus involving non-Euclidean geometry. Just send me as detailed a description of the knife and box as you can, from as many angles as possible. If you have cybereyes or a camera, send me trid of it, too.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:44:23/06-04-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <06-04-14/1305:20>
>>>>>[ Be careful with those magical items.  Most of them are not worth the hastle.  A couple of foci is all I use and I keep far away from everything else.  Way too dangerous and there's always a catch.  Most often in the form of a dragon who wants his/her item back. ]<<<<<
     -- Kitten (19:10:15/06-03-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: SlowDeck on <06-04-14/1411:03>
>>>>>[You could also just let me take a look at it. I'll be in Seattle within the hour, and at the rendezvous you pointed out a couple hours after that. And, you won't have to pay me, unlike the others.]<<<<<
     -- SlowDeck (13:11:03/06-04-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Booze on <06-12-14/0741:04>
>>>>>[WHOA... that is a party! Yo!... There is a party... Sorry that I'm some kind of in,...capable of reasonable conversation. But i must to warn you! For last few days,... my com sais that it was a whole week, i was on a f4cK1NG party. I don't really rememer the place, name. The name of the paly,... place. You should Totaly come! Or better not. There is a lot of you know, stuff going on. I think i could be linklocked in a BLT,... or it was just a UV... I'm not sure... I'm only sure about some Girrrl that lies next to me... and she is dead. Brain fired, I think. Smells like one. Have you ever met NetCat in flesh? JessKitten, you are not NetCat, right? Whooo... this is all a funky party. The Noise... Shit. Resonance Link is a F4king king miracle of,... conections. Yo! Someone to pick me up? There is still some Booze in the air. Wait a second. Focus. $hit talk... Reality Hackers vs. ehmmm... head hurts... Cearials... they are real killers. Whoa, a third party might be involved. $hit... I'm in a club.. Seatle... Downtown, i think. Need to get off the grid, heal wounds. Don't let them fry you! Coretheral damage is terrible, they are not... to... bother about you... Matrix is the fucking turf... so how about... &(^!( @#$%^%%$!^&* ]<<<<<
>>>>>[Error]<<<<<
     -- Booze (13:28:23/06-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Booze on <06-12-14/0756:07>
>>>>>[Ouch! Look out %^#,... harder to get t4&&# nois^&%. The places that take te@$^#* Infini$%#, 77 & 79, Tux's #&$%!# Even T$$# Cathod@!^%%$... ]<<<<<
>>>>>[CONNECTION TERMINATED]<<<<<
     -- Booze (13:33:33/06-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <06-12-14/0849:16>
>>>>>[ Goddamn amateurs.  That's the third one in twenty minutes I've had to dump.  If this keeps going, I swear to Jesus, Mohammad, and Buddha that I'm going to start flatlining every single fucker that's trying to wreck the grid in some goddamn turf war.  And the rest of the Ivory Tower isn't going to sit idly by, either.
         Pay attention, you slags -- get off my grid. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (08:45:00/06-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <06-12-14/0857:42>
>>>>>[ Calm down grandpa, its not like its your lawn or anything. But your right I have seen an unusual amount of noise in the resonance lately. I wonder what is going down. ]<<<<<
          -- Jesskitten (10:27:03/06-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <06-12-14/0920:21>
>>>>>[ As if it's the first time this has happened.  Well, it's not happening in LA at the moment, but we have other problems.  Apparently there's stress building up in the San Andreas Fault, so we might have another quake soon.  Of course, soon can also be in 10 years.  You never know with these things, but there is some panic here. ]<<<<<
     -- Black Panther (15:21:10/06-12-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <06-12-14/1005:43>
>>>>[Drek, Drek, DREK!!!  So bloody fragged right now!  Have to get moving, must run fast....can't believe S-K would send the Iron Cavalry to the Desert Wars!  Oh fragging Ghost, please let my guys make it out of this....don't want out of the game like this....drek, rounds are flying all over the place...oh fragging great there goes th!@#$%^&*%$@!#$%^&*())#&*&&*)*^[Connection Lost]
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <06-12-14/1042:54>
>>>>>[ Bloody frakkin' -- that's two.  Which of you scanbots wants to break a lance next??
          A technomancer who doesn't consider the 'Trix her yard to play in?  Cripes, and I'd heard you had potential, JK.  Then again, you're still playing in the sandbox with the toys that have the big handles on them, so I suppose I shouldn't expect anything like enlightened self-interest or proprietary defensiveness from someone who still wears pull-ups.
          This is my fraggin' lawn. More to the point, this is my fraggin' lawn, and some shitkickers who are tryin' to pour gasoline in some stupid-ass pattern and then light the fraggin' thing is gonna get their neurons burned just like those first two. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (10:45:00/06-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-12-14/1236:42>
>>>>>[This gang war in the matrix is not good for business. The local gumi is hiring specialists to troubleshoot these problems with extreme prejudice if they interfere with any of the gumi's matrix activities. One thing I will say about the new matrix is that it does tend to force people into closer proximity for their hacking. It is not as easy to hack someplace from half a world away as it used to be. Still possible, but these people don't have the skills to deal with the noise and still shave ice. So they are close. I've been trying out a new rifle, and am happy to say I've already bagged two bounties when the traces came back to people within range of my scope. Perhaps now these amateurs will learn to stay away from businesses that are fronts for the Yakuza. Or they will, when I finish ripping through the two bounties' gear to get a list of their associates. Oh, and don't worry, I used Stick'n'Shock ammo on them. The gumi wishes to make examples of them.]<<<<<

Kusanagi Motoko (12:36:23/06-12-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Booze on <06-12-14/1729:30>
>>>>>[I'm all right,... dumpshock hurts, this hurts even more. Not sure if it was some black IC, forced BTL or lured to UV, still nasty $hit.

@Wyrm, better watch out... a third party is involved. GOD will not help any of us. And you are quite cocky, even for a pro.

@Kusanagi there might be some meat gang or two envolved too. If you can, find them out, slow them down, calm them down, or just try...

Only thing I know about 'third party', a trace from chicago, might be... And some nasty precrash hardware/software, might be even wetwere, but i'm not sure.

I'm just freaking out! Asked NetCat for help, but she is silent... ]<<<<<

     -- Booze (18:28:23/06-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jesskitten on <06-13-14/0405:50>
>>>>>[ @Wyrm geee guess the sense of humour goes with age doesn't it. Oh and yes the Trix is my yard, my playground, all of it. You come after me and you will regret it. I haven't been pushed around and come back for nothing!!! Thankfully I have my team to back me up in meatspace cause yes the Trix is my yard and none of you will kick me out of it. ]<<<<<

     -- Jesskitten (17:32:23/06-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <06-13-14/1142:57>
>>>>>[ Booze, Jesskitten, when I'm hunting for information and some yahoo jumps me and gets a hard damn smack in, no, I have neither sense of humor nor humility.  I contributed to this code, I've played with the core ones and zeros for more decades than you've had girlfriends or boyfriends, so I know where and when what goddamn works, what doesn't, and how to pull the plug on almost any goddamn thing within five seconds.  I've been studying otaku and technomancers for twenty years, so I have a good idea where, when, and how works with them, too - so yeah, I have reason to be 'cocky'.  It's called goddamn experi--

OW!!

          Just a minute.

DID YOU SLAGS NOT HEAR ME THE FIRST TIME??
Code: [Select]
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-*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -
/|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\ /|\  /|\ /|\  /|\
DID ANYONE MISS WHAT JUST HAPPENED TO HIM?
DO ANY OF YOU NEED TO HAVE IT EXPLAINED??


          Sorry, VU93 - be back later. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (11:45:00/06-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-13-14/1548:08>
>>>>>[If there is a third party involved, they have not started interfering with the gumi's business directly. And I can confirm that there are affiliated gangs involved, I shot two who were trying to recover the body of one of the third hacker I brought down. The gang in question is loosely affiliated with a rival organization, though from what I've heard, the gumi has reached out to the other groups to make sure this... unpleasantness doesn't spread into renewed conflict between the syndicates. No one wants a repeat of the bloodletting from the Tempo wars. If this continues much longer, or spills into meatspace more than it has, then the syndicates may make a move to stop this before it causes Knight Errant to start shining lights into dark places. Between the new Matrix, the headcase phenomenon, and other issues, the syndicates are still working to transition their matrix enterprises to new models, which would be complicated if KE or GOD started poking around.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (15:48:23/06-13-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <06-15-14/1458:11>
>>>>>[On a flight back to Seattle from Hannover. That thing is done, Nightmare. Got a little more interesting then I thought it was gonna. That neighborhood has went all to hell, babe. Totally fragged. Thought I'd have ghouls on my hands and got gangers instead. I'd say you might want to pay a man for a job but I don't know if it'll do any good.]<<<<<
     -- Vendetta Violent (14:57:23/06-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <06-17-14/1004:33>
>>>[$^%&#@Co$#e$%*#*on. Fra#$*%*ng$&$*trix link*$#$*% why doe$%*#@ it always$*##$&@ have to be#*$%&e%^#@ set it up. There, finally looks like our satellite link is back to 100%.  Maybe with this up my tech talker will quite swapping between English and binary code when he talks, I hope.

   As you chummers can tell, we're still in the game but frag did we get lucky against the Iron Cavalry.  I'm not sure how we did it, but my boys and me were able to give those fragging centaur the slip and bug out with nary a casualty for our squad.  I can't say the same for the other two squads, though.  I'm still not sure why the commander of the unit we're attached to ordered those two squads to help us out during our night operations that night because it just made us a large target for the Cavalry to come down on.  For some odd reason, though, it seems Nikopol's troops were more interested in going after the other squads cause other than our satlink being downed along with the numerous rounds flying in our area, we didn't really get hit that hard.  Plus they really didn't put up much of a pursuit once my squad started retreating.  Something about this feels odd, like Nikopol, or maybe even Lowfyr, wants to keep my squad in the game for some reason.  I don't like that idea one bit but I can't do much about it right now.  Right now, I need to get my boys back into combat shape after that hairy scrum.  I can't do much with a drained and tired spell slinger and a tech talker that keeps talking in binary code, so looks like it's time to hunker down away from everyone out there and let some of the other drekheads take each other out. Once we've rested up, I plan on finding out what the frag the Cavalry wants to keep us in the game instead of knocking us out of competition for this stage of the Desert Wars.

I'm not sure what the frag you chummers are up to with the Seattle Matrix grid but whatever is up seems messy at best.  You chummers want me to holler up a local decker or two I know to come help out with your mess?

Vendetta, you said the area that the gravesite was had become gang central, right? Drek, I'm sorry I sent you in there without enough info, chummer, I should've done more research. You lose anyone on your team? Was the grave untouched or had they torn in up?  Frag! Why didn't I go do this myself earlier?]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:03:36/06-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-17-14/1240:27>
>>>>>[Ugh. Who let the Rusted Stilettos out of Glow City? I was checking on one of my safehouses in Redmond, and found the damn fools practically on my doorstep. Crazy bastards tried to shoot me, thinking they could trade my bike for food, or drugs, or whatever. Didn't take kindly to that. Anyways, I gave their bodies to the ghoul who runs security for that safehouse, which paid me up in full until the end of the year. Odd thing is one of them had a tattoo that marked him as one of the Isotopes. What would the dragon be doing with the Stilettos?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:40:23/06-17-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <06-19-14/1956:19>
>>>>>[It's null sweat, Nightmare. I went alone. I know, fun right? Realized like quicksilver that I was walking into a situation when I saw the tags. Guess these guys made a name for themselves around there. So anyway, there I am realizing that skirt I talked about a few months ago was maybe a little too short all the sudden and unlike that job it didn't work so great for this one. What the hell anyway, I thought. Coulda went invisible too but didn't. In retrospect maybe I wanted a fight, you know? The kind of scumbags that take up a graveyard need to be reminded that they might bite off more then they can chew. So I'm putting the flowers on the grave, just like you said and I get a bit sentimental. Reminded me of some things I've never had. Tried to walk away and some gangers make some cat calls and I blow 'em off when they make their threats. Then they threatened the grave and thrashed the flowers. Had no choice but to send a message, hope you don't mind. Your plots still untouched and I have a good feeling it might just stay that way.]<<<<<

     -- Vendetta Violent (19:56:23/06-19-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <06-20-14/0136:32>
>>>>>[ I'm back.  I've been taking a small trip to the metaplanes, but it took longer then I had expected.  Time runs differently there (or at least it did on the one I was), as I thought it was a day instead of a week.  Thank Ra for life support machines.  Although it was Ra who kept me waiting for a couple of hours (probably a day or two here) before he wanted to order Thoth to give me the information I needed.  But I got it in the end and that's what counts.  Now it's time for an old fashioned burger with fries.  The real stuff after a week of tube feeding. ]<<<<<

     -- KItten (07:35:52/06-20-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <06-22-14/1410:05>
>>>>[Hey, thanks, Vendetta.  Yeah, those drekheaded gangers deserved the message.  Think after I'm finished with the desert Wars I'll head over to Hanover and clean the cemetery out, just for fun.  Nobody frags with my father's resting place like that and gets away with it.  That and they sound like a bunch of lowlifes that no one will miss anyways.]<<<<

--Nightmare (01:09:00/06-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <06-27-14/1050:11>
>>>>[My tech talker asked me something the other day why I was posting the goings on here in Desert Wars to shadowrunners.  That reminded me, aside from the new toys and betting on the outcome, most runners really could care less about Desert Wars because very few are really going to end up over here participating in it (no offense to those that do end up over here).  I mean, you chummers don't really worry that it turned out that the fracas I mentioned earlier between an Ares-sponsored team and some other groups turned out to have to do with a handful of flesh-form bugs that infiltrated the Ares unit.  And nobody but me really gives a frag that before I get out of this fragging desert land I've got to have a meet with Nikopol to talk biz.  Or that I really dread that meet.  I respect Nikopol and have worked with him on a few occasion, but I already told his boss's lackey Scale after that cluster fragged merc op in '74 I was done taking S-K jobs.  Gob of nuyen and gear don't bring back top-notch talent.  So I guess I'm saying, I'm going to stop the running commentary on this fragged up military game (though when the championship match is done, I might tell you where we finished) and just let you chummers watch the trid of the thing.]<<<<<

--Nightmare (09:39:45/06-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <06-27-14/1322:23>
>>>>[I'm interested in the Desert Wars.  I've been there as well, back when I was still a merc myself.  As mage I'm more interested in the astral battle, but the rest can be quite fun as well. ]<<<<<

--Kitten (19:23:20/06-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <06-27-14/1400:58>
>>>>>[Heh. Desert wars. I went there once, but not as a participant. Well, I was working, but not for any official team. My job was to help 'improve morale' on one side, and 'impair combat readiness' on the other, and so on. Whole time I was there, I didn't fire a shot, never got close enough to the action to even see a real skirmish, much less the real battles. I was mostly in the staging areas, where an outsider could move from unit to unit without making a scene. Especially when I was a 'gift' for a female officer, or was bringing a couple cases of booze to sell, just before action started, or... Well, you get the idea. There's a whole support network behind the Desert Wars, and the Desert Wars aren't just a proxy war between nations and megacorps, but big business as well. So of course there's going to be shadow activity at the Wars. It just isn't usually in the actual fighting, because if runners are going up against military forces, then they've screwed up royally. That's the difference between mercs and soldiers, and runners. A merc with a gun can kill you just as easily as a runner with a gun, but they're trained to fight other mercs and military types, and that's what they're equipped for. Runners are best suited for hit and run ops, instead of drawn out fights. If you go through a second clip in the same fight, you've been there WAY too long.

I may have military training, but I'd need a serious refresher course before I would be fit to go into full-on military engagements. Relearn the habits that keep you alive on the battlefield, but get you killed in the shadows. And having a solid command structure, instead of reporting to Mr. Johnson, or passing some intel on to a contact. And switching from 'try to talk things out' to 'shoot first'. Lots of things to relearn. A runner or a runner team can make a good addition to a merc unit if there are 'unconventional' objectives that need to be attained, and having a merc in your runner crew really helps when you're expecting heavy fire, but the two are basically two sides of the same coin, so it is hard for them to mix well.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:01:23/06-27-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <06-27-14/1647:52>
>>>>[ It's different for mages, as we are not frontal combat people either.  I always was more of a support mage, so the change was quite easy for me.  I understand what you are saying though, some of the outfit wouldn't be able to do what I do now, except in a few cases.  Or as diversion. ]<<<<<

--Kitten (22:48:20/06-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <06-27-14/2134:41>
>>>>>[ I don't care about Desert Wars per se, but that info about the Ares unit?  That's something I do care about.  Assemble a file, Nightmare.  You'll be ... significantly compensated. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (21:30:00/06-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <06-28-14/1749:05>
>>>>>[Some folks like to talk about stuff and the desert wars are interesting at least. Don't feel obliged to stop.

Not sure I'd be up for that sort of thing myself. Too much sun.

That stuff about bugs though? I long for the days when Ares just shot the things instead of, you know, being them.]<<<<<
--Ruthless (16:49:05/06-28-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <06-29-14/1423:55>
>>>>[Ehhhh...sorry about the rant there before hand, I think I woke up on the wrong side of a sand dune or such.  Though, it is true that I'm going to avoid posting much more on the Desert Wars mainly because with only two months left, the competition is starting to heat up a bit.

Farothel, I don't know about other spell slingers, but mine actually spends quite a bit of time working front lines with me.  Of course, seeing as my squad is a bit closer to Special Forces than the regular squads, we do things a bit different.  Night ops involving sabotage and ambushes are what really put us over the top.

Wyrm, not sure how much more I can find about the bugs in that Ares-sponsored unit because it looks like those in charge of the Desert Wars are trying to make it disappear both via the 'trix and physically.  The battle ground where everything went down looks like someone decided to go all "scorched earth" on it, which left very few traces.  If my crew can get some downtime, my tech talker might be able to dig up some footage from the Resonance but downtime is getting hard to find.  I do know from talking to the handful of mercs that have since been eliminated from the competition that were near there say that quite a few of the Ares soldiers that weren't flesh-formed were freaking out as much as everyone else.  Makes me wonder, could the bugs have slipped into the unit to intentionally make Ares look bad?  Like I said, if we can get some downtime we'll do some digging and post what we find.]<<<<

--Nightmare (01:23:23/06-29-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <06-29-14/1540:25>
>>>>>[ Nightmare, don't worry about sending your technomancer into the Library for something; it'd take way too long, and it sounds like you don't have the leisure to babysit him for three or five days.  If he can give us time/date/location pointers, I know some of the best in the business for doing that kind of dive.  Pass us what information you can, and I'll arrange for things - including the names of those competitionally-eliminated (as compared to just 'eliminated') gunmen for us to send someone to interview.  If you can shoot them a note, saying that someone is going to ask them ... well, drop me a line, we'll arrange it in private. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (15:45:00/06-30-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <07-01-14/1012:18>
>>>>[Actually Wyrm, I was able to get some comm time with my fixer in Seattle the other day.  I told her to get me three chummers I know to get their hoops over here because I was going to need them for some biz.  Combined with getting the three under contract by my employer and a little 'trix work by my tech talker to make them appear to have been here since the beginning, I think we might have enough feet on the ground to start investigating what went down with the bugs while still being able to keep competitive in Desert Wars.

It looks like two of my reinforcements - my chummer, King Chowda, and an albino bounty hunter I know out of Chicago named Frost - should arrive in the next day or two which will allow my tech talker to start delving into the Resonance.  We plan that while he's out to la-la land that Frost will watch his hoop and Chowda will take his place in the field so we don't get our hoops fragged by lousy drek-eating opposition deckers.

The last member of the team - Dusty Ryder, a smuggler who runs a souped-up Ares Venture across most of America - should show up early next week along some extra gear I told her to pick up from one of my bolt holes, mainly the Onotari JP-K50 I earned back in '74.  I'm not big on the gun, I prefer my Berret to any other weapon, but the fact that it can also double as an assault rifle at closer ranges might prove useful.

I'll keep you chummers in the loop.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:23:23/07-1-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <07-01-14/1223:10>
>>>>[ If you need a mage who knows her way around Desert wars and Africa in general, PM me.  Standard rates apply of course. ]<<<<<

--Kitten (18:23:55/07-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <07-01-14/1307:13>
>>>>[You know, I shouldn't be surprised that there's another albino runner from chi-town. What with the everything birth defects are pretty common hereabouts.

... Come to think of it, that would explain that incident a few months back with the guy in the hat. Drek.

Nightmare, if this Frost friend of yours is female, let her know I might have a package that belongs to her. It's still unopened.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (12:07:13/07-01-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-01-14/1447:08>
>>>>>[Just got back from doing a little 'community service'. Taught a class at the Vigilant Iron, since the regular bladecraft instructor caught a bad case of lead poisoning. Might not be an adept, but I know a thing or two about combat, both against metahumans and against spirits, so I got an offer. Or rather, teaching a class there allowed me to open up contacts with a group that has access to talent I don't have, while I have talent (like healing spells) that they don't have. And since one of my safehouses is in Redmond, having friends among the locals isn't a bad idea. Especially since all it cost me was a couple hours of my time.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:47:23/07-01-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <07-03-14/0217:21>
>>>>[ So, if anyone still needs to do their good deed for the day/week/whatever, would you mind... ah... deleting pics of an aboriginal-looking woman with cyberears and balancing tail in the nude? Please and thank-you? I'm pretty sure I hit the source before it was able to spread so this might be just needless worrying. Not that these are pics of ME taken without my knowledge, of course. No need to worry at all. No-sir-ee.

Oh, and don't need any help tracking down the taker of the pics. We know EXACTLY who did it and they're getting a visit from a pissed-off augmented ork right about now.]<<<<<

--Orbweaver (1:15:25/07-03-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <07-03-14/1016:32>
>>>>[Thanks for the offer, Kitten, but I've got a spell slinger.  He's part of my Iron Knights squad and been here since we began.

I doubt this is the same Frost you know, Ruthless, cause the one I'm working with is male.  Sorry.

As for what's going down over here, Frost and Chowda arrived the other day and we started working on setting things up.   Had to find a different safe house to stash my tech talker so others don't start wondering what we're up to.  I considered keeping him at my current place, but with the fact that where my squad's shacked up is going to be pretty busy with my squad coming and going...well, rather not interrupt his searching.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:16:23/07-03-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <07-04-14/2104:37>
>>>>>[Ah, I missed all the Desert Wars talk. Was on a team (bonus points for those who can find which team) for a season. I obviously cared about the nuyen at the time but  also getting to test run weapons no else had before was like a dream come true. However, that was my first and final time working in the Desert Wars.

Anyways, it was nice to pop back in here after being gone for some time. With that I doubt any of you really cared where I've been.

@Orb I've gotten in contact with my hacker friends and is willing to help you out. Contact info has been PM'd to you.]<<<<<

-- Miner Fox (19:04:14/7-04-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <07-05-14/1426:09>
>>>>>[I really shouldn't be surprised that there's that many albino runners in Chicago. I really shouldn't. I suppose I need to track down whoever actually owns this package, it's been sitting in my squat for the last few months.

It's not that we don't care Miner Fox... it's that we're polite enough not to want to know. Or I am, at least. I like some of you guys well enough, but I don't want you to know where I hang, and I'll assume the same applies unless you offer the info on your own.

Speaking of sharing personal info, I finally got back to chi-town. Got a bit distracted hiking back when Dog took me on a bit of a detour.

Is Initiation always like that, incidentally? Dog just sort of took off running and told me to follow. It was weird. We ran through a forest and then a wind came and it tore the leaves from the trees and it tore away the bark and the grass and everything else until it was a desert and then it started tearing me apart. But I kept running. It didn't really hurt, like I didn't need any of the things that the wind was blowing away and I was so much faster without them weighing me down. We ran through the desert, through the ruins of the city, across snow and over oceans until we came to a land where the earth twisted and warped beneath my feet... which I didn't have any more. Didn't seem all that strange at the time. It wasn't gravity pulling you down in that place either, it was the call of the earth that held you to it. Then the wind came and tore the earth apart and I jumped between the crumbling mountains until we came to the place where earth did not exist and we ran across the wind. And Dog just sort of turned and looked at me and asked me if I understood it yet? Except now we were back in the forest and I wasn't kicking off a cold wind from the west, it was a tree branch. We never left the forest.

And now I feel like... like I'm constantly hanging just above the ground waiting for that downwards pull that will never come in some sort of eternal hang time, like gravity is just a vaguely worded suggestion and I could just sort of kick off and touch the sky. If that makes sense? Does it feel different for magicians? Sorry if I'm rambling. Still kind of buzzed.]<<<<<

-- Ruthless (13:26:09/7-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-05-14/1525:42>
>>>>>[Ask twenty different mages what Initiation is like for them, and you'll get twenty different answers. For each initiation they've undergone. If it was the same for everyone, then you could prepare for it in some way, make it easier. Sometimes it comes with your mentor taking you and throwing you into the trial, sometimes you have to start the process yourself. Sometimes it comes as a flash of inspiration as you write a thesis on your latest research. Sometimes you awaken to it while meditating or undergoing ascetic training. Simply put, it is never the same twice. But it is always what you needed, even if you didn't know the lesson was something you needed before you began.

The only piece of advice I can offer for those looking to undergo initiation is to gather your wits about you, and be ready to adapt to things as they happen. Preconceptions will be your undoing. Indeed, often facing one of your preconceptions is at the core of an Initiation, even if you only realize it at the end. I hear it is much the same for Technomancers with their Submersions.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:25:23/07-05-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: horngeek on <07-07-14/0828:04>
>>>>>[Is this thing working?  This code is ancient, didn't think my commlink would interface properly for a moment...

Anyway, just posting to say hi, and to settle in to try and learn from some runners who've been around longer than I have.  Both in the area and in general. Also, I'm looking to find a good fixer if anyone's got a job offer.  I don't do wetwork, but other than that... just looking to get a name for myself, so I figure I can't be too picky.]<<<<<
     -- Gunspell (10:28:04/07-07-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <07-07-14/1414:28>
>>>>>[ Bull's code is fine - he just likes the look.  Might be you need to get your own gear checked out. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (14:15:00/07-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <07-07-14/1505:49>
>>>>>[ The code is fine indeed, but there can be connection issues with the latest commlinks.  If you're not good with commlinks it can be difficult to put the configuration exactly right.  When I have some time I'll put a user guide together for the configuration. ]<<<<<
          -- Black Panther (21:06:52/07-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: horngeek on <07-07-14/1529:28>
>>>>>[I'm more a magic and guns person, not so much comms, so some help with config would be appreciated, thanks.]<<<<<
     -- Gunspell (05:29:28/07-08-56)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-07-14/1622:18>
>>>>>[Hoi, chummers. Been gone for a while, but there is a reason. Angel and Redeemer, they convinced me to go on this new therapy thing, and it seems to be working. At least, it keeps me sounding more normal as long as I take my meds.

For those of you who wondered why Aces in Redmond is in pieces, I'm afraid part of that's on me. New outfit in town was looking for some muscle. Called themselves the Cooperative. Things have been light, so I figured a steady gig might be good. But they creeped me out bad. They weren't bugs, but they still had that hive-mind thing going on. Other than the one they called Control, they all acted like drones. I mean, their attacks were all like taking attacks from a drone dog-brain on a tac-net. Tried to be identical as possible, down to the way they dressed, and their identical blue cybereyes. That brought up some bad memories, so I tried to call it quits, but they didn't want to let me go. And that's when one of them pulled the minigun. Which is why Aces is in pieces, and I'm laid up. Sold the meat to the organleggers, the ware to my fixer, and kept their commlinks so Angel could try sorting through for any hard data.]<<<<<

--Faust (16:22:23/07-07-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <07-07-14/1918:22>
>>>>>[ If I were one of your people, yeah, that'd make me twitch too.  If you can get any of those commlinks, I'd appreciate it in a very monetized form - and if you can get a neural tissue sample from one of these guys, preferably from the cranium (cerebral frontal lobe, prefrontal cortex, or cerebellum in order of preference, if you have anyone who knows what they're doing with a scalpel) it'll be even higher.  This is important, though: follow the highest-level protocols you can to prevent a contact-required infection.  Afterwards, burn or melt down everything used.  Metal you can keep, presuming it survives the fire.
          Take it to Dr. Carey Walson at Seattle Gen.  Let me know when you or your courier are on their way, I'll arrange for payment via the aforementioned physician. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:15:00/07-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: horngeek on <07-07-14/1927:38>
>>>>>[That's disturbing.  I might not be the best or most experienced person to help out, but if someone's doing that sorta stuff...

Well, Dragonslayer's been bugging me about getting a good, honest fight.  I'm in agreement with him there, and this... I'd happily help take down something like this, if you need an assist.

On a... well, somewhat related note as far as helping out goes, I'm still looking for a good fixer, if anyone has any hints.]<<<<<
     -- Gunspell (9:22:50/07-08-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-07-14/2035:13>
>>>>>[Infection? Drek, that's just what I need to deal with. Couple of those kills were up close and bloody (it happens when you're running through alleys trying to keep ahead of the guy lugging the minigun). I'm pretty sure the bodies have already been... redistributed by my contact. Lots of hungry mouths out there, if you know what I mean, and they didn't ask to be what they are. Commlinks are on the way via courier now.

So, you don't think this is that 'head case' thing I've been hearing about on the street, do you? What symptoms should I look for if they were head cases and a couple of them bled on me?]<<<<<

--Faust (20:35:21/07-07-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <07-07-14/2058:00>
>>>>>[Did you say the Cooperative Faust? I swear I've heard that name around here in St. Louis before... weird.

@Ruthless Yeah, I get what you mean. I'm just jagged to the fact that about any one in the shadows or mercs not caring.]<<<<<

-- Miner Fox (18:58:07/07-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: horngeek on <07-08-14/1943:51>
>>>>>[@Miner: Well, a lot of other 'runners I've met tend to be a certain level of... detached, and there's the 'don't want to pry' thing that was mentioned.  That might have something to do with it.  I've run into something similar, and one of the things I've noticed is not to take it too hard.

On another topic... I should probably have given some more info about myself when asking about fixers or jobs.  I'm a Mystic Adept, focusing mostly on more subtle magic than blasting people- I've got guns for direct combat, after all, so my spells and adept abilities are more about boosting reflexes, protection or assessing threats than they are about direct damage.  I can act as a secondary face if need be, likewise for summoning spirits, but if someone else in the team has more skill in one of those areas, I'm fine with letting them take point.  I've taken part in a few runs in Hong Kong- several bodyguard jobs, one extraction, and a... the technical term is 'poisoning the well'.  For those who haven't run there, it's a type of run that's pretty specific, and basically involves damaging the target's face and their relationships with their contacts, both of which they take pretty seriously.]<<<<<
     -- Gunspell (09:40:56/07-09-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <07-10-14/1029:11>
>>>>[Minerfox, I didn't even know you were on here, actually.  That and I've been busy with my own drek lately to even have time to say hoi.  So, hoi!

For those who wanted to keep up with what's going down over here, Dusty arrived two days ago.  I've decided to have her play everything quiet with her t-bird right now, I don't need the fragging officials knowing we've got one or else we'll have drekheads watching our every move.  Instead, I've got her wandering around the merc bars, flirting with those that were around the fracas.  I'm hoping that those dunderheads will spill something to her because I know for certain they won't spill to me.  All those blasted fraggers ever want to talk about around me are the Euro Wars and no matter how much I tell them I don't talk about my past in depth, they just don't get it.  As for our tech talker, I'm not sure.  He's been out for a bit now but his vitals are showing good and one of his sprites took over one of Dusty's drones yesterday to tell us he was fine, so I'm guessing he's just having a bit of a hard time finding the vid.  IF anyone can do it, though, I trust him to.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:28:28/07-10-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <07-10-14/1735:05>
>>>>[Nightmare, I know that feeling. Every so often I get some drekhead who want to hear what it was like growing up in the zone. It's one of the reasons I stick to Chicago, doesn't stand out so much.

Finally found the rightful owner of this little erroneously delivered package I mentioned. Always nice when someone tries to shoot the messenger - well, nice for the ghouls I guess. There's one less albino runner in chi-town now I suppose.]<<<<

-- Ruthless (16:35:05/07-10-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <07-10-14/1839:50>
>>>>>[Nightmare, long time no see, last time I saw you I think it was somewhere over in Europe if I remember correctly. I don't exactly remember because that shit felt like forever ago.

Funny you guys get asked about "war stories" a lot. I'm not the one to speak about my past to people but if their persistent I'll give them one story. It's usually the one where at the end they go "That's so fragged up! Are they all like that?" and I always tell them yes. The sad thing is that all my stories are fragged up. War is not as romantic as these guys see in the trids. It's all fragged up no matter which way you try to spin it.

Damnit, now I need a drink and guys night out is tomorrow and I don't really want to go out and fetch any booze. Looks like I'll have to live with it for the moment.]<<<<<

-- Miner Fox (16:40:10/07-10-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <07-11-14/0118:34>
>>>>>[ If you want war stories, I have some you can have.  But they won't be pretty, as I've spent most of my time in hellholes as the Yucatan, Lagos or Chicago.  And some of those stories are really not for telling, except maybe to a shrink.  Seeing someone being eaten by a bug in Chicago just barely makes the top ten. ]<<<<<

-- Kitten (07:19:30/07-11-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <07-11-14/0144:16>
>>>>>[ Speaking of 'war stories', for the record, and from what my dragons have been able to find out:          Ninety-six people in Seattle were killed, two hundred eighty-eight injured, before this ended.  And I swear to god if it happens again, I will burn each and everyone one of their houses down around their heads, and do DNA tests on the ashes to make sure they are fraggin' well dead.
          I sure as hell hope I've made my point, so ka? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:45:00/7-11-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <07-14-14/1036:07>
>>>>[Was it Europe we last saw each other, MinerFox?  I can't remember anymore.  I've been in so many warzones over the years that things just run together nowadays.  And you are so right about war not being romantic.  Frag, the drek I've seen and done have made younger, less-experienced troops take their lives so they wouldn't dream of them anymore.  Me, I just notch it up as another days job and try not to talk about it.

As for the DW stuff, I got word that my tech talker is out of the Resonance though he supposedly is still babbling incoherently.  I'm not 100% sure because I'm stuck out in the field trying to get these fragging idiots that hired me to get their heads out of their hoops.  If it weren't for my squad and a few experienced soldiers on this unit, they'd never have gotten into the top ten like we currently are.  But I doubt we'll break into the top 5, unless this drek head idiots start actually taking and HOLDING the targets after my squad thins the herd.  I'll know more about the trid and such int he next few days...I hope.]<<<<

--Nightmare (09:26:04/07-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <07-15-14/0253:20>
>>>>[I Need work. Seattle area. Fixer ran into problems, can't give me work. Most contacts from before died. Information on what happened is somewhere here. Search if you want. Haven't found a new team yet. Money starting to run low. This is a problem. I will give details on myself and my skills if asked.]<<<<<

--Shade (14:44:12/07-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <07-18-14/1303:59>
>>>>[Shade, give me some details and I will see if I have any gigs that fit you.]<<<<<

--Chrona (18:03:12/07-18-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <07-24-14/1055:12>
>>>>[Well, looks like I'll have more time to dig into what went down around here because the unit we were hired to work with ended up not protecting their commander during an elimination round.  Seems the opposition realized this and went for the killshot and that's all she wrote.  That's fine by me, because my squad was beginning to get antsy at how poor our employers ended up being and have been chomping at the bit to learn more about what we've been digging into.  But frag me, how that group ever thought they were going to make it out of that elimination round without protecting the commander is beyond me.  I know, I'll never work with them again if that's how they run things.

As for the trid, seems it's pretty badly fragged.  My tech talker and Chowda keep telling me to give them time to go over the code becuase they think together they can get it fixed.  Who am I to stop them?  At least it gives me time to send the rest of the team out to the original battle site to dig around and see if they can find something of use while I try to hunker down and hide from the impending meeting with Nikopoli and Scale.  Yes, I said Scale.  Dusty noticed him arrive the other day and go talk with the Iron Cav.  And I just got a call from my Weaver, my fixer, mentioning that both wanted to have a sit down with me - me and only me and that - at some point before I leave.  I drek you not, if it wasn't for the compensation Wyrm offered for the info, I'd have snuck out of this place just to avoid this meet.  Will keep you chummer in the loop as we find stuff.]

--Nightmare (09:41:52/07-24-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-24-14/2229:31>
>>>>>[Nitemare, I'm in the area if you want some coverage.  You may not remember me but I remember you and I still owe you a favor or two.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (21:27:32-07/24/2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <07-27-14/0057:36>
>>>>[Backstage right now, a deep drag on my cig and I'm about ready to go on. Playing Club Penumbra tonight because we like the place. Stop by and tell the bouncers 'I Dream Electric' for a Shadowrunners VIP discount. We're going to make this house remember what it was like to have its fraggin' roof torn off like in the old Concrete Dreams days.]

--Vendetta Violent (23:48:19/07-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-05-14/0538:08>
>>>>[Amateur. That is an invitation to get flatlined. Not that I care but not everyone in your crowd is friendly.]<<<<<

--Shade (17:35:59/08-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <08-05-14/1934:26>
>>>>[Shows come and gone, sweetheart. That means you're half past the hour to the look like a real wiz ultra-pro. I'll humor you though. You cut deep. An inch to the left of my heart deep, even. I mean it... Getting called an amateur by anyone with the kind of fragged up past we all know you have is a akin to coronary. Look, babe. When you have a run that doesn't go sideways on you, dial me back. Until then you should consider coming out sometime, we'll jam! I'd consider it my civic duty to get ya off the street for a night. You know, to give the pavement a break from you bleeding on it.]<<<<<

--Vendetta Violent (19:22:16/08-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-05-14/2122:23>
>>>>[What do you think you know about me? You are correct though. I cut deep. And accurate. Want me to show? Last runs have been easy. Too easy. Ganger stuff. Went to Penumbra. Was... Interested. Don't get it. They didn't let me eat rations. Told me to buy a drink or get out.

Horrible security. Too many entry points. Dead angles. Guards lightly armed. Weapon checks too light. Easy for Hitsquad to massacre everyone. Be more careful.

I leave the bleeding to others. Those I cut, so ka?]<<<<<

--Shade (09:28:1/08-06-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <08-05-14/2219:25>
>>>>[Settle down, firecracker. Threatening other runners isn't going to change anyone's opinion of you. You want to be a toughie... let paranoia stop you from livin'? That's your grief, chummer. Not here to tell you how to run yourself but you need help. The professional kind. Ever consider counseling? Or maybe just some scented candles and a nice long bath. You can make it all sexy like, saxophone and everything. Hate to break the imagery cause I know we're having a moment but I gotta ask.. are you for real? Seriously, rations at a nightclub? You were 'curious'? That's straight out of a bad trid. How do you even operate if you're that much of a recluse? Please tell me you're fraggin' with me.]<<<<<

--Vendetta Violent (22:18:08/08-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-05-14/2326:12>
>>>>[Threat? No. A demonstration. I did not mean to cut you. Atleast badly. Unless you want to? I'd cut someone else. I prefer shooting. Easier. Less messy.

I do not... Go places. Usually. Rations give me the sustenance I need. And cost little. This should not matter with business. Get work. Do work. Get paid. Don't understand how exposing myself to attention and enemies helps.

I need attention of a professional medtech. Or street doc. Last one perished. I can only perform basic maintenance on myself. Recommend someone? Been two months since last check.

...My complex does not have a bath. Only showers.]<<<<<

--Shade (11:15:14/08-06-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <08-05-14/2358:27>
>>>>[Seriously? Frag, you are for real. Alright. I'll message you the coordinates of a contact of mine. She's a sweet woman named Vera. She heads up an All-Come in Puyallup. It goes without saying that you should use all that paranoia not to make me regret giving you her name. Tell her Vendetta sent you and tip well. It all goes back to the lowest rung, anyway. You know, the people who choke on ash on the daily who can't even afford respirators. She'll set you right.

Also, when I said cut... it wasn't literal.]<<<<<

--Vendetta Violent (23:44:37/08-05-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-06-14/0004:48>
>>>>[Understood. Will meet up with her soon. Will mention you. Will pay appropriately.

What did you mean by cutting?]<<<<<

--Shade (12:03:00/08-06-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-06-14/2121:58>
>>>>[Went there. Little security. Vendetta, do you like risks?

She did her job. Paid her what I had. Need to get more Nuyen soon. Fixer treats me as dumb muscle. Too easy work. Annoying.]<<<<<

--Shade (12:03:00/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <08-06-14/2348:15>
>>>>[Aaaand you're welcome. You're either way too paranoid or you've been way sloppy to have to watch your hoop like that 24/7, babe.]<<<<<

--Vendetta Violent (23:38:29/08-06-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-07-14/0031:32>
>>>>[It's professionalism. Amateur.

Thank you.]<<<<<

--Shade (12:32:28/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-07-14/0035:11>
>>>>>[ It's paranoia.  Rorschach.  Go fraggin' obsess about your and everyone else's security somewhere else. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:30:00/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-07-14/0040:31>
>>>>>[Why take risks? All you need is a single bullet. I'd rather not have that bullet. I don't want to die. Or Vendetta to die. Rather minimize risks. There are enough risks while working.]<<<<<
   

-- Shade (12:38:14/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-07-14/0059:28>
>>>>>[ If you want to cower in your sealed bunker breathing oxy you canned yourself, staying awake on stim-tabs in order to blast anything that might happen to care enough to knock down your vault door to try to get to you, you go right the frag ahead, Mssr. Psychopath.  The rest of us have lives to live, and speaking from personal close observation, there's a distinct line between professional awareness and obsessive paranoia.  You're well over that line.  Leave the rest of us the hell alone.
          Or, y'know - don't, and pay the price. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (01:00:00/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-07-14/0217:00>
>>>>>[Difference in security. Not same as living in a vault. No security? Ganger with a knife shanks you. Security? No ganger. I'd rather not die because there are no weapon checks. Do you not understand the difference?

Stop threatening me. Makes you look stupid.]<<<<<

-- Shade (14:14:14/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-07-14/0225:58>
>>>>>[ Rorschach, I don't threaten people, I tell them the consequences of inflicting their blatant fraggin' paranoia on us. Go take it somewhere else.
          And if a ganger with a knife shanks you, you sure as hell are less skilled than being on this board suggests you are. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:30:00/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-07-14/0300:09>
>>>>>[Sounds like a threat. You said not to have security. No security means opportunity. Get unlucky, die. Does not matter if it's an antimatter rifle or a shiv. Both kill you. Dead.

First you say I'm paranoid. Then you say Gangers can kill me. Make up your mind.

What are the consequences? What is the price?]<<<<<
       
 --Shade (14:58:32/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-07-14/0329:31>
>>>>>[ ... I have an address for you.  There, you'll see the price and the consequences of your behavior.  And, if you're very very lucky, they won't stick you in a padded cell as well.  There's a lot of fraggin' distance between having no security and seeing death every single place you look.
          And no, I didn't say 'you're paranoid, and gangers can kill you', you fragging turd. YOU said gangers could kill you; I said if they could, you aren't worth the electrons spent on you getting in here.  Yet another symptom of your diseased mind. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (03:30:00/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <08-07-14/0510:41>
>>>>>[ Well this is a lovely little introduction to this forum. Ungodly paranoia! You should take a leaf out of my book: live in a rural area with five barghests! Just make sure you have some really good cyber ears with sound filters. Trust me, nothing's more annoying than falling paralysed at your doorstep because your puppies are happy to see you.

Speaking of which! A deal fell through and I find myself with some barghest puppies I can't afford to upkeep at the moment. As much as I love my puppies, I strain my budget as it is with five. So if anyone is interested in a howling parazoological critter, I'm selling them at a heavily discounted price! 5,000¥ per puppy! Complete with pedigree papers, if you're at all interested in trying your own hand at breeding. Spread the word! Please. I really don't want to stoop to eating my dog's food again.

<Attached image of a litter of healthy looking monsters barghests>.

Come on, how can you say no to those sweet little faces? :)]<<<<<
          -- Baskerville (04:08:00/08-07-2076)

>>>>>[ Baskerville, only YOU find those monsters sweet. Please don't make me regret telling you about this place, thanks. And don't give paranoid nutjobs any ideas. Please. ]<<<<<
          -- Orbweaver (04:10:05/08/07/2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-07-14/0551:49>
>>>>>[ I can put you into touch with several middlemen for security concerns.  They are trainable, yes? ]<<<<<
          -- Shivowtnoeh (04:51:58/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <08-07-14/0903:05>
>>>>>[ Bien sûr! You insult me, sir (it is sir, yes?). My puppies are from good stock! I've already done some basic training (sit, stay, stop howling you're making a racket, etc.).. More advanced training would be up to the new owners, based on their own needs, of course. I have done some dealings with security firms previously, but this was back when I was still living in Quebec. And my usual middleman is suffering from a mild case of extremely dead. I don't expect him to make a recovery. ]<<<<<
          -- Baskerville (08:02:58/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-07-14/0947:44>
>>>>>[Oh my gods I have to have one, they are just so cute and daddy just loves wiggling masses of puppies.]<<<<<

--Ash (08:43:28/08-07-76)

>>>>>[Oh for the love of.....But they are precious.  Baskerville, how well do they get along with normal dog breeds?]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (08:47:42/08-07-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <08-07-14/1049:44>
>>>>>[I'd suggest getting some courier runs as a change of pace, but you don't seem the type, and no one I know would take you with out more then a maybe from someone higher then me. Small downside of who I work with.

Also, gotta learn not everyone is out to get you. The chef at Penumbra isn't specifically going to poison/tag all the food, and if you are that paranoid, learn how to discreetly swipe it with a tag eraser a few times, like the rest of us. Besides, poisoning customers is bad for business at a club like that. And given how paranoid you're showing yourself to be, how do you get out of your bolt hole every day, given that anyone could, theoretically, rig any entrance to blow the moment you try to leave? Not a threat, more ponderance and confusion. Then again, I don't get most of those with mental illness beyond the required socio/psychopathy to have jobs like ours.

Vendetta, good show. I was playing the nice bouncer to that troll's angry bouncer.

Smiley: If you get this, Grandfather has a request for you, if you've got the time for a meet up somewhere neutral.]<<<<<

     -- Card (7:49:30/8-7-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <08-07-14/1050:53>
>>>>>[ Yes, they are the cutest things, aren't they? ]<<<<<
          -- Baskerville (09:38:58/08-07-2076)

>>>>>[ No they're not. Only you crazy people think so. They are the epitome of horror dogs! ]<<<<<
          -- Orbweaver (09:40:67/08-07-2076)

>>>>>[ As far as their sociability goes... well, I'm not the greatest expert on that, I'm sad to say. I have limited dealings with non-awakened animals, and my greatest area of expertise even then is with barghests. That being said, despite their awakened nature, they are still dogs. While breeds trend towards certain stereotypes, individuals all have their own personalities. Argos, one of my dogs, is essentially a giant softie who loves attention. Gwyllgi, meanwhile, has to be put up in her kennel whenever I have visitors. She's also the reason my lower arms are 'wared up. She did not take kindly to me touching her puppies the first time, I tell you that. <There are about another five paragraphs worth of rambling about her dogs. I've deleted them. You're welcome. --Orbweaver>. If you're in the Seattle area, I can transmit my location to you so you can see the puppies yourself, if you like. For the time being, here's some caretaking concerns relating to barghests you'll probably want to look at before committing to a barghest. <Attached file of things needed for owning and caring for a barghest>, Even if you don't buy, I don't mind the company. Gets a little bit lonely out here, you know, ]<<<<<
          -- Baskerville (09:48:09/08-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-07-14/2140:45>
>>>>>[Courier runs? Sounds easy.

What does poisoned food have to do with anything? I don't think I'll be poisoned. Why bring that up? And rigging a door to explode? At an apartment complex? What if anyone else uses the door? That'd just give me a warning.]<<<<<

     -- Shade (9:31:31/8-8-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <08-08-14/0230:50>
>>>>>[ You sound like you need a puppy, ami. Take some of the edge off that personality of yours. ]<<<<<
          -- Baskerville (01:29:48/08-08-2076)

>>>>>[ Did I not say to not give the paranoid nut job any ideas? ]<<<<<
          -- Orbweaver (01:31:05/08-08-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-08-14/0256:25>
>>>>>[I don't have the Nuyen for one. Or the skill for one. Or the time for one.]<<<<<
          -- Shade (14:57:06/08-08-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <08-08-14/0347:26>
>>>>>[ Ah, then you could come visit! I have plenty of room here to put up guests, and the whole place is sound-proofed so you won't ever be disturbed by the grown one's howling, and the puppies don't howl so much, nor powerful enough to really do anything just yet. ]<<<<<
          -- Baskerville (02:42:18/08-08-2076)

>>>>>[ ALDYTH! Bah, fine, whatever, you want to get yourself killed, go right ahead. ]<<<<<
          -- Orbweaver (02:44:19/08-08-2076)

>>>>>[ Orbweaver, you're starting to sound very paranoid yourself. I'm a big girl, you know. Anyways. It's nice and quiet out here, just endless stretching fields and some forests. It's quite relaxing! And puppies make everything better. And I do like to entertain, although my albinism and barghest brood puts people off so I don't do much of that. Besides my delivery man who gets me my supplies, you wouldn't have to worry about anyone else other than myself. Think of it as a well-deserved vacation. With puppies. ]<<<<<
          -- Baskerville (02:45:29/08-08-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-08-14/0407:35>
>>>>>[ ...Address? ]<<<<<
     

    -- Shade (16:07:55/08-08-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <08-08-14/0636:35>
>>>>>[ Sending the address to you now! It's a bit out there from Seattle, so let me know if you need any transportation. Either myself or my delivery man can come getcha if you need it. Or anything else you might need. ]<<<<<
          -- Baskerville (05:35:07/08-08-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-08-14/1909:09>
>>>>>[Your Grandfather huh? I'll bite! Send him my contact information so we can discuss about a meet in private.

Hahaha! What's the point of staying alive if not to have fun and experience the best things in life? Take it from me, I know a lot about having fun and a lot more about people with unfulfilled lives getting killed!

Wow. I'm being all philosophic and drek! That doesn't happen often. Hmmm... Better get back to being me, my rep might be on the line...

Shade, you have a few screws loose in the head! You might wanna have that checked out!

That's better! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (19:09:32/08-08-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <08-11-14/1011:55>
>>>>[My squad and I have been hunkered down in a squat since my last post trying our best to decrypt and discover what the frag went on with that Ares team sometime back.  Let me tell you, finding anyone or anything that happened to be around there is proving almost impossible.  If it weren't for the few pieces of vid my boys have pieced together, you'd think this drek never happened. 
    As for what they've been able to decrypt, it's not much.  They gave me a look at it the other day and all they've been able to reconstruct is maybe two minutes but those two minutes are big.  Mainly it shows an Ares-backed trooper having his helmet knocked off by an opponent's gel round.  Now that's not very big out here in the Desert Wars because everyone thinks headshots show how tough you are, it's what's hiding under the helmet that's interesting.  Multi-faceted eyes, chitinous plates and antenna are not standard on any merc around here, not even some of the freakier changelings on Nikopol's team.  From what I saw during my days of bug hunting some time back, I'd say this bad boy was a roach flesh form but I can't be 100% sure due to the condition of the vid.  What I do know is that once this one was uncovered, the drek hit the fan cause a whole drek load of soldiers on the Ares side started tearing open their armor and showing their true forms.  I don't know what happens after that because we've been unable to reconstruct the file past the point for some reason. I might be going out on a limb here but from the few faces of the metahuman soldiers on the Ares side, they had no idea and were drekking their pants at the sight. Wyrm, I'll have my boys send you the file to see if you and your buddies can do anything with it cause we've done all we can and I've put off my meet with Nikopol and Scale long enough.  With this season of Desert Wars now officially over (oddly enough my squad, the Iron Knights, ended up with a fourth place ranking in Infantry even though the unit we were working with was drek), I've no really good reason to avoid it.]<<<<<<

-Nightmare (09:10:55/08-11-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-11-14/1057:47>
>>>>>[Speaking of having paracritter guards, I know this one noble near Malek'thas that convinced a mating pair of sea serpents to guard his lake house. He said that they were from the Loch Ness pod. And there is one guy I know who has a mating pair of Basilisks patrol his back yard. Not actually as inconvenient as you'd think, especially since he's the type that hates unannounced visitors. The idea is to make anyone coming to his house go down the main road, or come to the helipad on the roof. Anyone who comes in otherwise is lunch.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:57:23/08-11-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-11-14/2146:33>
>>>>>[The dogs were... Alright. They didn't attack me. Not that I understand them.

Back in Seattle again. Anything happening? I need new contacts. Could just kill gangers. Practice and nuyen for food.]<<<<<

--Shade (09:42:32/08-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <08-12-14/0307:01>
>>>>>[Of course they wouldn't attack you, you weren't a trespasser or trying to hurt me. Like I've said, I train my puppies well!

 I hope you enjoyed yourself a little bit, at least. If you ever want to visit again, or need to lay low for a while, give me a call! And sorry, again, for the drool...]<<<<<

--Baskerville (02:06:52/08-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <08-12-14/1222:07>
>>>>>[Hey guys and girls, I'm back.  I had to lie low for a while after a botched run, although we did have a 'conversation' about the necessity to wait until the techie has disabled the alarms with the street sammie.  I think he got the message. ]<<<<<

--Black Panther (18:24:46/08-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-12-14/1610:56>
>>>>>[This is why I prefer dealing with runners who've 'fallen' from corporate or military lives, or those who are 'generational' runners. They tend to have better respect for the concept of everyone doing their job in the proper order, rather than just charging in like gangers or low-level mobsters do. There are certainly situations where adaptability and 'street smarts' are more important than planning and knowing how to navigate a corporate office without drawing attention to yourself, but gangers tend to be a bit too gung-ho until they've gotten some experience under their belt as actual runners. Some good talent does come from those pools, but it is like taking a gem from the earth. You got to cut and polish it before it can show its value. Military and corporate 'training' lead to other issues when entering the shadows, but the impulsiveness of gangers was long since cut away from them.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (16:10:35/08-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <08-12-14/1702:44>
>>>>>[Having been a merc myself, I prefer ex-mercs for that.  They have at least part of the training that full military have (at a lower level for most, but still) and depending on where they have been, they also have the street smarts.  You don't survive Lagos if you don't have street smarts, take it from someone who's been there.  Again, a bit different, but it's a basis that you can build upon. ]<<<<<

--Kitten (23:02:41/08-12-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <08-13-14/0121:07>
>>>>>[Well, hell, I should check in here more often as I keep missing all the good stuff. I've been down in Texas visiting an old friend who now works with the Ghost Hawks. I knew I should of been a rigger instead of grunt when I signed up. The fly boys get all the cool stuff and all the girls... bastards. Got to meet some of the Angel Hawks while I was there. I've worked with PJs and their crews before but these guys kick it up just by one more notch and I fear for who ever is in their way when they hit the ground.

Oh and Nightmare I figured out where we met. It was in Berlin on the anarchist side of the wall... was my first time over in Europe without being on the UCAS's payroll.

Ah I see I haven't missed the good ol' colleagues talk. I prefer the ex-mil, merc, or corp runner more than the gangers. I don't object to working with them because some are pretty quick learners cause if they aren't they end up on a slab.]<<<<<

-- Miner Fox (23:20:40/08-12-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-13-14/1100:12>
>>>>>[Only a talk Black Panther? If I was forced to hide in a bolt hole, for any amount of time, because of the stupidity of someone else, it's a bullet in the back of the head he would have gotten from me. Not a talk. If in the circles I run with have very little room for mistakes, there's absolutely none for stupidity.

I care little for the backgrounds of the people I recruit, either for a single job or permanent employment in our little network. Although I do end up hiring more people from intelligence or military communities, either private or governmental, I look for operatives with particular skills and talents that is needed and I hire no one who hasn't a solid reputation already. I must have a good eye because I've never had any problems with the competence or the level of intelligence of the people I worked with. Morality and the sudden growing of a conscience however. We had a few of those but well... That's a problem no one can really fix right? As for my own competence well... Wyrm has hired me more than once to do what I do best. And the guy hates my guts, and I mean really hates my guts. That should tell you what you need to know about my level of competence. Hahaha!

Hey! Since we're on the competence subject, it's not much of a leap to speak about specialty! What's yours chummers? What kind of runs suits you best? What makes you really tick in our own little corner of the rabbit hole we call the shadows? What's the ones you hate to do? I guess I could just go through the usual channels and know all about it for everyone in here but I rather read people boast or rant about their own careers! Hahaha!]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (11:00:10/08-13-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-13-14/1255:19>
>>>>>[Well, since it has been a while since we talked about this stuff, and we have some new faces in the crowd, I guess I'll lead off, then. I am a Combat Mage, pure and simple. Specialize in using spells and blades in combat. However, I've tried to make sure I am not wholly a 'magical street samurai', as one person called me. That one was very proud of her illusion spells, and didn't realize that just because I prefer straight up combat doesn't mean I'm incapable of other things. She is currently the property of a certain corporate executive in Chiba who has enjoys 'traditional' knot-work, and has a mage fetish.

Anyways, other than straight combat, I've also doubled as a Face from time to time. Part of it is the whole 'Tir noble' mystique. When I'm trying to get into places or talk to people during the legwork phase, and they hear that I was a nobleman who had to flee the country after taking revenge on the ones who killed my sister, it is a romantic image, to say the least. I don't do such things on the run itself, naturally, unless the run is some sort of seduction/blackmail thing. And I keep work and private separate. (Xerena says hi, by the way.) But this is all backed up by the fact that I stay calm, keep an eye on the exits, and have a plan to kill everyone in the room if need be. There is a famous quote by the old Chicago gangster Al Capone, “You can go a long way with a smile. You can go a lot farther with a smile and a gun.”

Which, I guess, leads into reprisals for what happens when things don't go as smoothly as I'd like. I think it is fair to say that the lucky ones wind up dead when I am crossed. I don't have the skill for inventive means of killing like Smiley and his apprentice. There is just pure violence, letting Shark free to do what he does best. Those who especially earn my ire are not so lucky. Some I arrange 'alternate employment' for, such as the mage I was talking about before. I've also given some over to the ghouls who keep watch on my safehouse in Redmond. But the most photogenic ones I turn into art. They are ice sculptures that used to be people, and while I may use this as a means of eliminating a target from time to time, I only keep a few as trophies. The rest are destroyed.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:54:23/08-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <08-13-14/1301:29>
>>>>>[Baskerville,  send Ash your contact information,  I'm sitting in a hide right now someplace that isn't even close to Seattle waiting on a target. As for specialties and hates, well I'm an adept gunslinger so I tend to carry a fight more than anyone but our meat sheild, but I can do subtle and quiet as well. Azzies and bugs are what I'm best at with Shedim coming in a close second.  I don't like or dislike gangers in particular but there are two groups of them that seem to keep ending up on the wrong end of my gun so sometimes i find them a bit annoying. I'm getting to the point of not doing anymore bounty hunts for magical critters or ghouls though. Just ain't worth it.

On the otherhand Baskerville, I have a friend I would like for you to meet.  Ash has the pertinent information. ]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (11:57:30/08-13-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <08-13-14/1553:03>
>>>>>[The 'talk' we had involved a bit more than just talking, I can assure you.  But we did let him live, as I don't think killing someone teaches him anything.  Although we won't hire him again, I'm sure he will have learned something and he'll be more carefull next time (when the broken legs have healed).

As to my specialty, it's hacking, although I do know a bit about negotiation to back up the face, or do a meeting with contacts if the face is otherwise occupied. ]<<<<<

-Black Panther (21:52:41/08-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Solodice on <08-13-14/1758:43>
>>>>>[Most would just call me a Weapon Specialist. I mostly work with medium to long range weaponry. I've been through all manner of sniper training and can serve as an independent sniper or a teams marksmen. Pretty much I serve as more of a scalpel then a hammer. 

Part of my previous employment and my position meant I had to become a tracker and a outdoors men. I can track about almost anything though about almost any hell hole on this Earth. I also have some training in explosives but it doesn't go beyond grenades and C4. Anything more complicated or bigger your going to need to find another guy.

With what I listed above I mostly get sought out for wetwork or freelance merc work. Anything else that aren't those is because someone needed a gunmen for something. I, however, hate any espionage work since it's more about the social aspect of things and I suck at that. Most of my talking is done through a gun about 2 clicks away from where you're standing.]<<<<<

-- Miner Fox (15:58:30/08-13-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Vendetta Violent on <08-13-14/1930:52>
>>>>>[Awww, we sharin' today? I'll bite. My specialty is performing. Whether that's on stage, in the front that is my Shadowblog... or the real deal which doesn't get talked about in the shadows. I sling power and make change for the Big Guy. Fight the big fights. Who's the Big Guy? More commonly he likes to be called Dragonslayer. He and I are the only reason I can think of to run the shadows still, could slide by null sweat on vox alone so it ain't the nuyen that fuels this Westwind. It's taking that job to smear drek in the face of that counselor that just demo'd a fraggin' LANDMARK. It's sticking it to that corp that literally OWNS people. Big Guy just wants you to fight it, Omae. To scream it. So I do.

I'm a careful fury, a sustained blitz. An act of god you never even heard about, the devils hand up your skirt. A visit from me on a payday is like gettin' fragged by a ghost. I'll rock your world and leave you quaking...  while you never even knew my name. I know what I want and I make you want to give it to me. That's who I am.]<<<<<

-- Vendetta Violent (19:26:30/08-13-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-13-14/2207:24>
>>>>>[Everyone is so dramatic. Just say what you do. I kill people. No surprise. Or incapacitate them if asked to. melee, CQC, fire support, sniping, AV assaults. I do it. I can catch land-based targets as well if they try to escape. On foot or via vehicle. And can survive on my own if needed for a stakeout. Sneak up and close to kill quietly or throw in grenades and empty a facility loud.

Best performance was on a heist. Blew up two Lone Star Patrol cars. Fired grenades under them when they drove towards. The third didn't stay to fight. Had to save our Troll. Went Berserk. Some Adept thing. Spent a minute beating an unconscious guard to a pulp. Cops called up a helicopter. Troll's fault we couldn't leave earlier. I Shot the heligunner and dropped the helicopter. Almost. It was smoking a lot. Turned to escape. Fun. Though team died because of what we stole. I've told this before.

I used to work alone. Or... Hard to explain. Under orders. Kill him, kill her. All the time. But nobody else on the field. Much simpler. But not fun.]<<<<<

-- Shade (09:51:03/08-14-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-13-14/2218:35>
>>>>>[ If you know me somewhat, you know what I do - I solve problems.  If you know me very well, then you know how I do it.  If you don't know me that well, then you don't know how I problem-solve, and that is the way I prefer the situation to be, just in case you become a problem in need of solving. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (21:38:12/08-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <08-14-14/1429:48>
>>>>>[ Can-do Wolfgar. Address and contact info, away!

As for the topic on hand... well, obviously, I breed barghests. I've got quite a pedigree going on! It was better in Quebec but I'm here now so I have to re-establish myself. Since that doesn't really pay the bills, however, I DO do other things. Occassionally I offer my place as a safehouse, being out of the way and crawling with Barghests, but more often I do security work. Either directly or by loaning my pups. It's how I met Orb! Got to hang around while she did her thing, just in case some people got past the dumb muscle. I guess I'm also good at negotiation but I don't practice that much outside of selling the puppies.]<<<<<
          -- Baskerville (01:22:51/08-14-2076)

>>>>>[ Heh. I have the opposite experience with ex-corp. There's this psycho BITCH living off the docks near where the boyfriend works, vindictive as hell and doesn't seem to understand what "restraint" means. Can't find anything about her in the slightest, but you can tell she's ex-corp. Just the way she holds herself, y'know? Real professional-like. At least until you piss her off. Then it's explosions everywhere.

As for what I do... well, hacker, nominally, although I don't do too much of that anymore as previously stated somewhere in the previous pages. Do most of work as a freelance spider. So... ah, I'll just get my "sorry"'s out of the way now. Sorry if I fry your brains, guys, nothing personal. I think I might enjoy spider work more than hacking. I've been getting paid more to do less work. ]<<<<<
          -- Orbweaver (01:25:23/08-13-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <08-14-14/1644:49>
>>>>>[ As most people know I'm a ex-merc mage and follower of Ra the sun god.  While I do have some combat spells, I also have others, like stealth, healing and detection.]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (22:44:41/08-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-14-14/1954:13>
>>>>>[I am a street samurai. That means close combat, but it also means I've got solid skills with ranged weapons, as well. Mostly blades and automatics, but I can do a bit of anything except the real exotic stuff. My original ware was bleeding edge back in the day, but I've had most of it replaced over time. They don't tell you this, but if you're a main combatant, you want to replace your 'ware with moving parts every few years. Bone lacing and dermal plating are good pretty much forever, but no matter how well you do the maintenance, eventually that cyberarm is going to start breaking down, same as with your car that was brand new ten years ago, but now is getting harder and harder to keep running, as parts wear out and you have to go find new ones. Except you can manage without having a ride for a couple months while you track down a part that will fit. Having a piece of your body that doesn't work for a few months is going to hamper your survival chances, real fast.

As for where I learned my skills, I'd rather not discuss it. Already copped to it once on these boards, and I'll leave it at that. Let's just say I got caught in a bad situation, and got used to do some nasty drek. I keep the same color eyes and the brand out of penance, I guess? Anyways, it is to remind me of what I was, so I don't get back there. And for those that care, the new meds and therapy help a lot. I haven't had as many... episodes lately.]<<<<<

--Faust (19:53:23/08-14-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Smiley on <08-15-14/1418:41>
>>>>>[Hahaha! I like your style miss Vendetta!

As for me, well, I'm a wetwork artist! I'm trained in nearly every means to kill someone. From firearms to swords, explosives, poison mixing or even nanotech programming and disease weaponization... Not mentionning I ain't too bad at slinging fireballs either. My specialty is hand to hand martial arts skills and are well known by now but even if I can rip someone's throat out using only my thumb and my index, my real weapon of mass destruction is my amazing mind. I'm ridiculously good at analysing data and forment flawless, if not slightly crazy, plans that works without a hitch. I can predict or shape the outcome of any of my endeavors with amazing precision. Not too mention another small trick up my sleeve to stack the odds even more in my favor. Add my usual panache, style and now famous dark sens of humour and you've got one of the most feared assassins worldwide. I made the top 20 of both the FBI and Interpol watchlists more than once, and without getting a red notice! Hahaha! But these days, it's less and less wetwork and more micro managing!

And to borrow Miss Vendetta' style... I am the monster adults still fear they might find under their bed. The reaper knocking on your door with lucrative grim intent. The real villain no one write about in good ending stories. Your last confusion. And the punchline in a bad joke...]<<<<<
     -- Smiley (14:18:41/08-15-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <08-16-14/0510:11>
>>>>>[I'm an Adept myself, on the Athlete's Way I guess.

As for what that means, I'm a runner. Literal, one foot in front of the other very fast, running. Moving is what makes me move, I guess. My magic makes me wired fast and feather light, which is useful for the other sort of running. Things like staying quiet, or shooting straight. Dog's also taught me a few tricks too - I can track like a bloodhound, again being literal here. On a mundane level, I know my way around the Zone and I'm a decent medic, of the 'keep you from bleeding out whilst I get you to a real doc, even if the damn auto-doc is down and the only supplies I have are paperclips' sort.

Used to be a Bloodrunner for the Black Crescent, a medical courier, but that work is drying up. So I've moved into the shadows. It's not so bad. Learned most of what I know just growing up here in Chi-Town, then from courier work. Sort of signed on with a vet recently, Mr. Fletcher, who's showing me the ropes.

Work-wise, I prefer the jobs where either shooting isn't required, or that the things I'm killing are the sort nobody feels bad about. Mostly theft, data or physical, and critter-hunts. Work that's similar to what I used to do, except now when I'm taking a package from A to B it's not necessarily with the consent of the former owner. Doesn't pay as well as if I were more willing to get my hands dirty, but I make enough to eat. I'm not the sort who needs much more than that. Sleeping easy at night means more to me than how soft the mattress is, you scan?. And before any of you folks start lecturing; I prefer that sort of work. Doesn't mean I can't or won't shoot people in the face for money if I have to. Just being here now should tell you I'm willing to bludgeon folks to death with a rock over a mouldy crust. Again, literal. I just prefer not to, when that's an option on the table.]<<<<<
          -- Ruthless (04:10:11/08-16-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <08-16-14/1307:44>
>>>>>[As an Awakened, how do you stand the astral in Chicago? The whole place gives me the creeps. At least in Lagos it is uniformly suffering and squalor related drek, but the astral in Chicago just rubs me the wrong way. One of the reasons I avoid that place unless the work is REAL good. Usually I subcontract if there's something I need in the sprawl.

Of course, the main reason I don't go there is that I dislike having to waste time cutting down beggars and trash that are trying to shank me for my shoes every twenty meters. It gets old fast.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:07:23/08-16-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <08-17-14/0619:40>
>>>>>[ If you live there, you get used to it.  I've been in Chicago and in Lagos and as a visitor you have to work hard to do magic in those places, but for the locals it's just their home.  If you lived in a place your whole life, you learn to live with it's quirks.  It's the same way the magic near the Aztech pyramid in Seattle gives me the creeps, but the people inside seem to be able to do magic without any problem. ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (12:19:35/08-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <08-17-14/1415:39>
>>>>>[Gah, don't remind me of Berlin, MinerFox.  Every time I end up having to go there I always come back feeling like someone rubbed my fur the wrong way.

We're sharing now, too?  Frag, what is this?  Sewing for Shadowrunners?  I kid, but really is a bit of a weird question. Ah what the drek, I guess I'll share.  For those that don't know or who have had their heads up their hoops the past 40 plus years, I'm like Wyrm...I solve problems in my own way.  However, unlike Wyrm, I'm more the type to pull wetwork, covert infiltration, and military engagements over hacking, magic, and basic shadowrun fair.  And yes, I'm also an independent merc that's listed with the Mercenary Guild and leads her own squad.

Speaking of Wyrm, you get that Desert Wars file I forwarded you a few days back?]<<<<

-Nightmare (13:07:14/08-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-17-14/1640:55>
>>>>>[ Been busy.  Your file has led to quite a bit of ... work.  Speaking of which - Madrecita, check your third drop.
          And I haven't shared, but I'm primarily a decker.   Okay, I'm 99.999% decker, with a small smattering of other crap that's enough to either a) get me to a place where I can hack, or b) get me out of the place where I just hacked and keep me alive.  I also plan runs for people - look up Dark Ring Designs - but understand that though I'll plan it, I won't execute any of it for you ... I got other shit on my plate. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (16:45:00/08-17-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <08-18-14/0054:42>
>>>>>[ Looking for information. Anyone seen or heard?  Or know any of his habits. Street Samurai named Gore Tex. Either working for a Corp or as Freelancer. Male. Human. Propably forty. Dresses like a cowboy. Got even more chrome than I. Extremely fast. Dangerous. Uses Colt revolvers. Explosive ammo. Usually has atleast six pairs on his body. Discards the guns when empty and just picks the next pair.]<<<<<
          -- Shade (12:50:59/08-18-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <08-18-14/0217:04>
>>>>>[ I've heard about him.  He was, according to a friend of mine, in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, but I don't know his current whereabouts. ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (08:17:15/08-18-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <08-22-14/0804:24>
>>>>>[@Iceblade Like Kitten said, you get used to it. It was actually a bit of surprise how different it felt the first time I left Chicago.

That said, no one really gets used to the Zone. There's places with an... aspect, I think the term was, that you just don't want to get used to. Bugs and pollution mostly. There's also the places where the FAB did it's work where you just have to suck it up and deal. Working in the Zone is a matter of learning when to clamp down on your magic and just go without. I'm guessing that's probably easier for me than a mage.

It helps to know where those places are too. I actually make a little jing now and then playing guide for awakened folks who have business in the Zone.]<<<<<
          -- Ruthless (07:04:24/08-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <09-05-14/0053:29>
>>>>>[I'll ante up on the detail sharing, profession wise.

If you didn't hear, I'm the fastest motorcycle courier in the Seattle Sprawl, and if you heard different, you heard wrong. I also can handle quiet entrance and exits, and my specialty in a fight is hand to hand with a focus for taser punches. I've found that putting someone down long enough for them to regret the hangover the next day is a better policy to keep corps off my rear end, but even a technical pacifist like me knows that sometimes, you gotta put them down permanent like or there will be worse trouble down the road. I just happen to follow a more 'I shall not strike the first blow, but I shall strike the last' mode of operation. I may take...some liberties with that meaning sometimes, but hey, a guard who walks out of an elevator with his AR ready to roar is already striking in my book.

I also double as a bouncer, a driver, I've started to teach some martial arts classes, and I may have some other connections you'd have to pay attention to catch on to, or ask someone else.

Feel free to ask other questions though! Coyotes are good at suggestions and wisdom...if you listen right.

Oh, and I'm thinking of starting a poker night. Anyone interested let me know.]<<<<<

     --Card (21:53:50/09-4-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-05-14/1419:25>
>>>>>[Count me in on the poker night, Card.

Back in Seattle after a brief trip down south. A smuggler I know who runs a route through the Lacuna into Aztlan needed a bit of help 'discouraging' her competitors from trying to muscle in on her route. Did you know that having a spirit possess a submarine can make it really good at ramming other subs? Anyways, we left the three minisubs we found crippled and lying on the bottom, with toxic water leaking in. My guess is that any survivors aren't likely to try that route again.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:19:23/09-05-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <09-08-14/1038:22>
>>>>>[For those wondering where I've been, I'm having to stay relatively dark lately.  It all ties into that meet I had with Scale and Nikopli, those fraggers.  I can't say much but those two fragging sods knew ahead of time that I'd take the job due to the interesting assignment but they made it impossible to turn down with the payment.  I so fragging hate those wizworm employed fraggers.  Thought I'd come up for air to let you chummers know all is good and to keep a watch on your news because unless the crops are really quieting this up, something will get out at some point.]

-Nightmare (09:33:57/9-8-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <09-16-14/0650:27>
>>>>> [Hey, all. Been under the 'radar' for a while, shaking off a combination of wounds. Anyone noticed - and this is gonna sound weird coming from me - Awakened/astral turf . . . not wars, not that large scale, but more than skirmishes between nasties?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (05:46:12/9-15-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-16-14/0858:29>
>>>>>[You'll have to be more specific as to location, Longshot. The astral, for better or worse, is like a reflection of the physical world. Just as there are areas in the physical where there is a regular amount of low-level fighting, so too is it in the astral, and even moreso once you venture on into the metaplanes. Even in Seattle, there's almost always some violence somewhere in the astral around the sprawl at any given moment. So where are you talking about, and have you noticed any regular players, or is it different each time?]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:58:21/09-16-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <09-17-14/1825:14>
>>>>>[Not that I've noticed. Chi-town's astral isn't exactly the sort of territory anyone would consider fighting over though.

Fighting to get away from it, maybe.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (17:25:14/09-17-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <09-19-14/0405:44>
>>>>>[Hey guys, I'm back.  First I had a job that kept me away from here, and then I was just back in Tinseltown when we had an earthquake.  Nothing to worry about, something like 5 point something on the Richter scale, but people freaked out.  I can't really blame them after the last big one, but still.  and then there's the ones who think they can take advantage of the situation.  Police have been busy.  I'll post a news story soon. ]<<<<<

--Black Panther (10:05:45/09-19-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <09-22-14/0119:30>
>>>>> [Yeah, gotcha, Iceblade. The one that I saw was shedim vs insect flesh-forms in western Snohomish, about half a klick from the shoreline actually. I bring it up because for the last few weeks, there seems to have been greater activity by shedim, and my info is it's been directed against other Awakened nasties.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (12:15:28/09-22-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-23-14/0133:16>
>>>>>[Just because they both view us as chattel doesn't mean they get along with eachother. Hell, even bugs of different hives going to war isn't that uncommon. In the end, it usually boils down to turf or who has possession of a particularly choice prize, whatever it may be. Word on the street, so to speak, is that the Shedim are getting desperate. Whatever Ghostwalker did to claw his way out of the Watergate Rift, it opened the door for the Shedim. When he sealed the rift, the door got locked shut. From what I hear, they're pretty desperate to find a way to open that door again. Considering what was needed to open the Rift in the first place, much less close it, this is cause for concern. I don't know about you, but for me, "desperate shedim" puts a chill down my spine, just like the words "Renraku's been really quiet lately" or "I wonder what Pax is up to these days".]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:33:23/09-23-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <09-26-14/1527:30>
>>>>>[I think you're understating it a little Iceblade. Bugs spend almost as much time attempting to kill each other as they do us.

What's the usual method for dealing with Shedim anyway? Never run into one myself.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (14:27:30/09-26-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <09-26-14/1543:55>
>>>>>[From what little I was told, stick your head between your knees and kiss your ass goodbye.]<<<<<

-- Predator (14:42:49/09-26-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <09-26-14/1614:06>
>>>>>[I've seen one only once and we got rid of it by stunning the host body, putting astral wards around it and then incinerating it.  That way you force them back on the astral and the wards keep them there until they're forced back to their home plane (they need dead bodies to anchor themselves here).  They can be summoned back by master Shedim, but the servant Shedim can't get back on their own. ]<<<<<

-- Kitten (22:14:15/09-26-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <09-26-14/2037:00>
>>>>>[The normal rules for fighting spirits apply. Hit them as hard as you possibly can, and pray. Wards can trap the astral form, but they'll need to hold firm for weeks, potentially, especially for the strongest Shedim. Which means you either need to have this thing contained somewhere that NO ONE or NOTHING will visit, or you have to stay on sight, to make sure no one disturbs the ward. If you have a mage on hand, then destroying the body and then engaging in astral combat to attack the spirit directly would force it back to its own plane. But especially when dealing with a Master, you'll have to have some serious skills to be able to take them on in the astral without getting killed, yourself. There are no good options for dealing with Shedim, and never try and deal with groups of them at the same time.

Fortunately, from what I've heard the Shedim's native plane is too 'far' from our own for even the Masters to call them anymore. Which is why they're desperate. Do yourself a favor, Ruthless, and stay out of these fights if you can.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (20:36:23/09-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <09-27-14/0636:52>
>>>>>[I second that.  We managed because we had four mages with us to do it, plus a full battallion of troops to keep people out.  What I described was the only way we knew of at the time (we were all young and stupid back then), but now I know the only reason it actually worked was because we had numbers on our side.  And it wasn't a master. ]<<<<<

-- Kitten (12:37:10/09-27-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <12-03-14/0535:47>
>>>>>[I don't like winter.]<<<<<

-- Shade (12:34:01/12-03-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <12-03-14/0605:27>
>>>>>[ I have issues with spring.  It is very sad, to be Japanese and allergic to cherry pollen.  I have come to enjoy winter, though.  The area north of Vladivostok is very beautiful after a snowfall. ]<<<<<
          -- Hawatari (06:05:14/12-03-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <12-07-14/1840:10>
>>>>>[ The housing I'm in has no air conditioning, and no heating. Well, technically it has heating. It just doesn't work right. Spring and fall? Awesome. Summer and winter? Fuck me sideways with a sand belter.]<<<<<

-- Orbweaver (17:39:01/12-07-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <12-08-14/0754:51>
>>>>>[Viability of renting a cube at a capsule or coffin motel for safe house purposes? Somewhere to disappear for a day or two? Maybe not final solution or escape place. How often are they checked? Hiding guns, ID, credsticks inside one? Using as a dead drop? Any experience?]<<<<<

-- Shade (14:55:10/12-08-2076)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <12-21-14/0045:04>
>>>>>[I wish you all happy holidays - such as they are in our line of business.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (00:44:24/12-21-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <12-21-14/1349:07>
>>>>>[I know a nice Tiki Bar on the Tacoma-Renton Border which has a very nice New Years Eve party, if someone is still looking for a place to party.  Old Jack does some of the best cocktails I've tasted, including those of Dante's.  He also has very good snacks.]<<<<<

--Kitten (19:50:30/12-21-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Taejix on <12-26-14/1759:42>
>>>>>[So that's another year down I guess? Still no chrome on me, most of the omaes are still kicking and I haven't been eaten by bugs or contracted MVV.

I'll call this good one. Merry xmas and a happy new year folks.]<<<<<

--Ruthless (05:59:42/12-26-76)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: insomniac7809 on <01-28-15/2301:14>
>>>>>[Ring in the new year shadowgirls and shadowboys. We're most of a month through the latest lap around the sun, which hasn't gone out just yet, so I call it a win.

Anything fun and exciting in the Seattle underworld? I'm on enforced vacation and, truth be told, I'm getting a little homesick. And you know the newsfeeds don't get you any of the juicy detail, especially internationally.]<<<<<
    --Sha'li (23:00:13/01-28-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <01-29-15/0645:13>
>>>>>[Pain inducers are worse than bullets. Both hurt. Pain inducers are evil.

Hospital job. Break in, get a criminally insane patient out, break out. All was well until those six drones came. Turned our Troll into a whimpering pile in the corner. It hurt like hell when they started to... Microwave me. Shot them with a grenade launcher. Took some frags into myself too, but that hurt a lot less. Nearly killed the patient with it. Not a good job. Payout was good.]<<<<<
    --Shade (13:44:31/01-29-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: insomniac7809 on <01-29-15/2346:00>
>>>>>[Chip truth. And since it's non-lethal, they get broken out all sorts of times there's no call for it, since there's no dead bodies or broken bones for the cameras. More than one Prop23 demonstration I attended ended, or turned into a riot, when the quaalz started shooting inducers into the crowd to get us to disperse.]<<<<<
    --Sha'li (23:45:07/01-29-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: DWC on <01-30-15/1136:22>
>>>>>[I love those things.  I got my hands on one and started using it to keep the ducks out of my pool.  The thing was so handy that I bought my parents a few of them for Christmas.  Mom keeps one in her golf bag to chase off geese and gators that come onto the fairway, one in each car for deer, and one in the kitchen for anyone who walks off the course and into the yard.  Dad grouses about it being cruel and unusual and wants nothing to do with them, but he carries a Predator loaded with flechettes for random wildlife.

Having retired parents is so weird.]<<<<<
    --Mr. Miami Vice (11:33:04/01-30-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <03-16-15/0943:57>
>>>>>[Need a mage. Seattle. Going against insane troll mage. Will pay. Details in private. Counterspelling good. Ritual spell knowledge good. Send a message.

Please.]<<<<<
    --Shade (15:42:40/03-16-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <03-18-15/0705:50>
>>>>>[Need a mage. Seattle. Going against insane troll mage. Will pay. Details in private. Counterspelling good. Ritual spell knowledge good. Send a message.

Please.]<<<<<
    --Shade (15:42:40/03-16-77)

>>>>>[I'm very good at counterspelling, but while I know a bit about ritual casting, I can't do it myself.  Is that okay?  I know how to disrupt rituals.]<<<<<

--Kitten (12:06:45/03-18-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Leevizer on <03-19-15/0317:02>
>>>>>[I'll send you more details in private.]<<<<<

--Shade (09:17:45/03-19-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <03-28-15/2213:52>
>>>>>[ I've discovered a new method of protecting your sensitive information: Make it so that each layer of protection, no matter how it's bypassed, plays shitty pop music.

Not the greatest protection but I've had so many hacker friends sending me comms asking me why I would inflict such cruel torture on people. Made me laugh. Shitty pop music is also a great way to torment your friends after they mock your taste in music.]<<<<<

--Orbweaver (19:10:45/03-28-77)

>>>>>[You're horrible and I hope you're happy that I had to stay outside in the RAIN until my roommate came back. Also you still have horrible taste in music.

No seriously she actually willingly listens to shitty pop music please make fun of her.]<<<<<

--Baskerville (09:13:45/03-28-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Jian on <03-29-15/1111:35>
>>>>>[Very.... original.]<<<<<

--Delir Emet (11:11:13/03-29-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <03-29-15/1348:19>
>>>>>Easy enought to remove.  Just install some filters and the music can play as much as you want, you won't hear it.  It's not that difficult to do.<<<<<

--Black Panther (19:48:19/03-29-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-25-15/1144:36>
>>>>>[Been dark for too long. Sorry about that. Let's just say I had to skip town for a while. Fallout from that business in Aztlan. Bastards chased me all the way to fragging Antarctica. Thankfully, I met a couple spirits who were... less than pleased with Aztechnology along the way, and they interceded on my behalf with the local spirits. In other news, I've now got contacts on six of the seven continents. Still never been to Australia.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:44:23/04-25-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Orbweaver on <04-28-15/1058:19>
>>>>>[ Doesn't everything want to kill you in Australia anyways? Probably for the best.

In other news, for my fellow non-human metahumans looking for love (or maybe just sex): be really careful who you decide to meet up with on those dating things, humanis seems to be using it to target us. Again. Found out after nearly getting a new breathing hole in my face on my date last night. Now he's having a nice, long nap at the bottom of the pier. Dunno if it's an isolated incident or not, just be careful.

And I was just getting over the last time that happened, too... ]<<<<<

--Baskerville (09:55:55/04-28-77)

>>>>>[ How many times has this happened to you?! ]<<<<<

--Orbweaver (10:04:01:/04-28-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Deckman on <07-25-15/1601:19>
>>>>>[Need a crew for an escort job in the DFW, anybody got any contacts in that region? It's no milk run but it's relatively simple, message for details.  I need a shaman or mage.

I would use my regular guy, but he took one in the face from a ganger on the last run and so out of action while he heals up.]<<<<<

Deckman (15:00:15/04-29-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <08-10-15/2314:22>
>>>>>[Welllllllll, I might have been horribly delayed while staying overnight in the DFW and you might say I need a little bit of scratch to make ends meet. How about a good old fashioned Alchemist backing you up? I do some amazing things with duct tape.]<<<<<

--El Perdido (15:06:23/04-29-77)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-12-16/0723:08>
>>>>>[This thread active at all? I feel like this site is down. I was looking for advice on how to spend 2000 nuyen for... I need some decent armored anything.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (07:22:06/01-12-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-12-16/0803:33>
>>>>>[What armoured stuff you need.  I can help you with some links to a decent clothes shop that sells armoured vests and that don't ask too many questions.  If you want armoured vehicles, not only will 2000 not be enough, but I can't help you with that.]<<<<<
     -- Kitten (14:03:50/01-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-12-16/0810:29>
>>>>>[Something with a hood that can conceal my holsters would be nice. And thanks. I owe you.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (08:09:20/01-12-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-12-16/1233:24>
>>>>>[No problem. Just get me a beer and we're good. Everybody has been new at one point and needed a few pointers to some good places to get stuff. ]<<<<<
     -- Kitten (18:33:45/01-12-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-12-16/1238:03>
>>>>>[I'll buy you three if you can point me to a fixer who won't offer me jobs where I am the cannon fodder. As my current point blank told me thats the position he will be able to regulate for me. I'm begining to think he is evil not stupid.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (12:37:58/01-12-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-12-16/1259:19>
>>>>>[That's the thing, to employers, all runners are disposable fodder. That's the entire purpose of the profession. Once you've gotten some experience under your belt that will lessen slightly, but will never completely disappear.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (12:57:27/01-12-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-12-16/1416:18>
>>>>>[I guess Im taking the job for the Ancients he arranged. Here is hoping I don't die!]<<<<<
     -- XXXXX (02:15:17/01-12-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-13-16/0448:35>
>>>>>[Be careful with the second in command in the Seattle Ancients.  His name escapes me right now (it's been a while since I was in contact with them), but he's a nasty piece of work. ]<<<<<
     -- Black Panther (10:49:15/01-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: ScytheKnight on <01-13-16/0517:47>
>>>>>[I have found the process of dealing with the gangs here in UCS an interesting experience... in Neo Tokyo guns are so rare just the sight of them is enough to get many Yakuza-want-to bes to back down.]<<<<<
     -- Kitsune (11:21:34/01-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-13-16/0712:04>
>>>>>[And if you are in Lagos or Bogota, having no gun immediately marks you as a stranger.  Natives call these people 'prey'.]<<<<<
     -- Kitten (13:12:38/01-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-13-16/0817:00>
>>>>>[Good news! I'm alive! They didn't expect me to be. Apparently my job was a suicide run. Seriously. Elvish mouths dropped. But they underestimate the Dragonslayer's gifts!... it was mostly due to the abiliity I have to walk without making noise. But my job went off without a hitch. Stuff happened. Long story short, Holloweeners are dead in a gang skirmish and now I have some rep going or something. Bad news. The job I was given was, I guess it was meant to be ATTEMPTED, wetwork. And when I got back my fixer looked at me like he thought wetwork would be something I would be good at. Well I mean I know some criminal psychology and I know a girl with access to some forensic tech but... uh... maybe I don't wanna be an assassin. Can someone get me a job that doesn't involve, exclusively, killing metahumans so I can stop this ball before it gets rolling? PS. Kitten I sent you a message about a place to meet. Hope you like ramen! And I will bring the beer so don't worry.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (08:16:28/01-16-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-13-16/1605:37>
>>>>>[Sounds good to me.  I'll bring some fried crickets.  They go amazingly well with ramen.]<<<<<
     -- Kitten (22:05:55/01-13-75)

>>>>>[Are you there again with your bugs.  Still trying to gross out the newbies?]<<<<<
     -- Black Panther (22:07:05/01-13-75)

>>>>>[We didn't all live in posh surroundings.  And besides, don't knock it until you try it.]<<<<<
     -- Kitten (22:08:15/01-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-13-16/1636:33>
>>>>>[Just crickets? Ive eaten a hell of a lot worse and liked it. Chinatown has... you know at risk of having a considerable amount of jokes at my expense maybe its best I leave this to the imagination. I'll wear the armor. I found this great specialty lined coat. It looks badass. Also apparently my word about that "traceless step" thing went viral. How am I the only adept who has this? Or are none of them using it? Ive got a TON of wetwork jobs for me through my fixer. Apparently gangers who are competing for turf. I don't know if I like this. But I need the rent. Crap. Well I might as well accept this. None of the other fixers want anything to do with me anyway... Ok! Look on the bright side... damnit.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy(04:36:45/01-13-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: ScytheKnight on <01-13-16/1808:19>
>>>>>[Many of my jobs when I was starting in Neo Tokyo involved warring gangs trying to get noticed by the local Yakuza group. It's not pretty or glamourus, but handle it profesionally and it can be a chance to hone your skills and build a reputation.]<<<<<
     -- Kitsune (06:21:34/01-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-13-16/1853:41>
>>>>>[You know that does make me feel better. Well I uh... I need some advice. I know there is no such thing as a milk run but I need advice. I have a choice between three jobs. One is to kill 8 members of a gang called the Brain Eaters, a local leader of the cutters, kill a hitman on the Troll Killers dime, or kill this one reporter... im not taking the latter job which gives me the three other options. Im not uh... proficent in matrix searches beyond finding old school fiction. Can I get some info on these three? 100 nuyen for anything relevant in seattle. If you want specifics on the jobs message me.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (06:53:01/01-13-78)

>>>>>[To whoever gave me the link to the text copied of Quietus postings on Jackpoint thank you. I've taken it to heart.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (10:27:47/01-13-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-14-16/0853:26>
>>>>>[I know a couple adepts personally that have that ability, Vexboy, but the thing is they never let themselves get caught using it. Both are strictly covert ops kind of guys, and pride themselves on being in and out without anyone knowing they were ever there. One is a cat burglar down in CalFree, and the other is currently living in Denver, working for the ZDF as an 'investigator'.

As for the gigs, I would suggest that you take the one involving the Brain Eaters. From what you've said, you're not ready to deal with the blowback from hitting the Cutters, and dueling hitmen may be beyond you at the moment. Remember, if you don't get them on the first strike, you've got an incredibly pissed off killer looking to introduce you to new ways to die. But work what contacts you have, first. Knowing who (and what) you're up against is the first step. I'm not personally familiar with a gang called the Brain Eaters, though from the name I'd guess they're either ghouls or crazy drekheads. Either way, they'll be trouble, so I'd suggest picking up some grenades at the Crime Mall. Chunky salsa may not be pretty, but at the end of the day what matters is that you're breathing and the other guy isn't.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (08:52:34/01/14/75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-14-16/1051:42>
>>>>>[Sent you the money via message Iceblade. And a bonus. Anyone know of a good massage place that doesn't ask for SINs? Or will accept bribes? Ive decided to dedicate myself to the assassin's creed so I won't talk about the job other then I'm very very fragging stiff. I also have 5 cyberdecks in good condition I need to fence and my fixer doesn't think he will be able to value them accurately without losing a fair bit of the price to a specialist so he isn't bothering. Also I tried looking for the Crime Mall but my fixer is a jackass and my private investigator contact is primarily for info on criminal psychology and if you need to bust a pedophile she can find all the places that sell kids for sex if you need to track them down. She hates pedos with a vengence that could almost be akin to how Humanis views the rest of metahumanity and I do NOT say this lightly.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (10:47:26/01-14-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-14-16/1417:10>
>>>>>[I have someone who would be interested in purchasing them, Vexboy. Assuming the decks are in good condition, they're wiling to pay 40% of the market value, including my 10% transaction fee. They have the contacts to properly redistribute them once they've been scrubbed, but they need to make a profit on the deal as well, and their rep depends on them taking the time (and expense) to make sure the gear they sell is completely clean. Doubly so if there's a 'suspicious death' involved with the previous owners. Still, you're looking at several grand for each deck, and that's not bad for the 'extras' you picked up during a run. I've attached contact details in a PM.

But as a piece of personal advice, I'd recommend you break those sticky fingers if you're going to go all in on the wetwork angle. Especially when it touches GOD's domain. When dealing with small time hoods like gangers, that's acceptable, both because nobody in law enforcement will care overmuch about solving gang murders, and because those gigs usually include what you can carry out as part of the pay. But if you want to break into the big time, then you're going to start getting jobs involving people who WILL be missed, and there WILL be people looking to find any way to track the killer, and through them, the one who hired them. And if they got to burn all your contacts to get to you, they will.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:16:23/01-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-14-16/1445:43>
>>>>>[I am willing to agree on those terms. My fixer told me of a massuse and told me that a position opened up for a team of runners working together on a contract as part of a test. He says if I pass this test he will take me as a personal client and start arranging actual jobs... because apparently the jobs he gave me were minor... should I be concerned? I did some research(guy who told me about the Quietus stuff is a vet runner of sorts.)and apprently this fixer of mine is no slouch. Yakuza come to him for jobs and he knows people. Is this for real? Like are there tradtionally exams for these sorts of things? From what little he has told me this is a legit run! Its gonna take up the better part of the month!]<<<<<

--Vexboy (02:45:59/01-14-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-14-16/1534:16>
>>>>>[Understood. Once the merchandise is verified, payment will be made to your account.

As for tests, you shouldn't be too surprised. You're a new runner without much in the way of a rep and what rep you do have is as a cop. But think back to when you first started at the Star. You didn't just show up one day, apply for a job, and walk out the same day with a badge and gun, right? No matter what job, there's going to be some testing going on, to make sure you can do the job, and that you can be trusted. Higher the stakes, the higher the level of testing. Even in countries where there is mandatory military service, they still at least do medical, physical, and psyche tests, to make sure they don't give some idiot who can barely see an assault cannon. If the fixer was saying he'd bring you in on 'real runs' without going through a testing period, or having a rep and someone they know to vouch for you,, THEN you should not just be worried, but running like hell. Because that's when they're looking for expendables to go on a suicide run.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:33:23/01-14-75)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-14-16/1538:41>
>>>>>[Or what they expect is a suicide run. It's great to see the look on their face when you come back after completing it.]<<<<<

-- Predator (15:37:27/01-14-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-14-16/1542:48>
>>>>>[Wait but I.... you knew I was an ex cop? Thats the reason I was blacklisted by the local fixers. You knew and are helping me anyway?]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (03:42:18/01-14-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-14-16/1545:36>
>>>>>[There are a lot of ex-police, especially ex-Star in the shadows these days.]<<<<<
     -- Predator (15:44:39/01-14-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-14-16/1553:04>
>>>>>[Well considering they screwed me over a forged electronic signature that I had no idea about after 8 years of dedicated training and 48 solved cases, im not surprised. Cruel bastards kept me on their SIN list and out without resource.(I was co detective with my contact mentioned above and we specialized in making Lone Star look competent. All agencies have up to at least 5 of us. You know whenever a serial killer, rapist, cult of satan, etc gets caught. It wasnt the garden variety homicide detecives or runner division. We make lone star look good so people feel safe. I have personally killed at least 29 confirmed sociopaths. And thats just the stuff we did for the SINners. Twice that many for killers who hunt SINless. Im not gonna play "JUSTICE HERO" but I dont condemn people to murderers SIN or not. And there are TONS of them. Love you Seattle. You ###### up city.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (03:53:27/01-14-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: ScytheKnight on <01-14-16/1628:32>
>>>>>[One should always be careful of the creed they follow, especially if one is going to kill professionally. The Assassin's Creed is quite cold and calculating, to the right mind it can give focus and clarity, to the wrong kind it can gutter the flame that drives them.

I am no killer, sure I will fight and even kill if it proves necessary, but I don't go out of my way to take wetwork operations. Even though I am no longer kannushi I still honor and serve the kami and in return they answer my calls of aid, deliberate death is difficult to reconcile with this (not that is has not happened). I sense in you a fire of justice, if you wish to walk this path, beware you not lose this flame or you may lose yourself. There are some, called Avenging Angels, who seek those who have done wrong to others and exact the vengeance of the streets. This sounds much like your life in the Light, perhaps in the Shadows you may do this better...

Be not too hasty in finding a path. Let you mind calm, and your path will find you.]<<<<<
     -- Kitsune (05:03:42/01-14-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-14-16/1639:42>
>>>>>["Avenging Angel." I feel the Dragonslayer's approval. In the meantime the target is a definite canidate for such a kill. I have accepted the job. I'll message if I can but for now I am off. Don't expect to hear much.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (04:38:38/01-14-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-14-16/1746:27>
>>>>>[Well Kitsune, that's why I follow Ra.  He's not that troubled if I have to kill. In fact, he found me instead of the other way around, but I've never looked back.  And if you work in a merc battallion you have to kill from time to time, although you could argue it's self defense as the other guy is trying to kill you.  It's like the saying goes: the goal is not to die for your country, the goal is to make the other guy die for his. ]<<<<<
     -- Kitten (23:46:48/01-14-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-16-16/2021:19>
>>>>>[Im well. Was given a set of gecko tape gloves and a set of goggles with trodes and vision mags for my job. Very nice stuff. I love gecko tape. Its... disorientating at first but once you get used to it I would even venture to say its rather fun! Also im suprised. I thought I was the only one who had a mentor spirit seak them out instead of the other way around! I hadnt met anyone like yet. Certainly none of the people in my group. Assholes everyone. Cold ones too. Except our decker. He is a free agent but our fixer called him in because of the unique nature of matrix security or something. Werido. And morbid. But he has a sense of humor at least so he has got that going for him. This is literally my first break in two days. We have been scoping our job non stop. Meeting people, Getting stuff, I had to shoot some guy(he lived. Which my co agent at the time wasnt happy about but screw em.) I would have slept longer but I have an hour before I have to leave if I wanna be early and I feel rested enough. No really I do. 6 hours is fine for me. Honest! And I wanted to thank the people with an update at least.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (08:11:37/01-12-78)

>>>>>[Gonna have to interrupt you there friendo. Im a technomancer. Nice stuff on your Commlink. Whats with the cartoon chick with the big breasts though?]<<<<<
     -- Scatter (Wouldn't you like the know the time?/DOC ARE YOU TELLING ME ITS 8:15!?)

>>>>>[SCATTER WHAT THE HELL!? GET OFF MY COMMLINK! AND DONT TELL THEM THAT STUFF! ERASE YOUR COMMENT!]<<<<<
      -- Vexboy (8:16:47/01-16-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-16-16/2025:20>
>>>>>[So unprofessional, hacking a team mate's comm. Note to self, avoid suggesting this 'Scatter' individual to any fixers or Johnsons.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (20:23:35/01-16-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-16-16/2033:37>
>>>>>[Im following my job bub. Your claim is noted. I should warn you that your claim will how no impact on my career when this is all over. Oh ps.

(http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140916075931/onepiece/images/6/68/Nami_Anime_Post_Timeskip_Infobox.png)

This is the girl. Like her hair.]

-- Scatter the victim in this scenario Predator! IM THE VICTIM!
(Is this the Krusty Krab?/No this is patrick.)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-16-16/2327:07>
>>>>>[Well, for those that don't know, I follow Shark. Shark is the Destroyer, the Death that comes to claim the weak and the injured, so that those that remain are stronger for his passing. When I kill, I make it quick, clean, and without suffering. I do not kill mindlessly or without purpose, but I show no mercy to those who meet my blade in combat. Any that fall to my blades were too weak to live, and one day I, too, will prove too weak. This is not a thought I relish, but one that I am at peace with. One day I will be just a little too slow, and then Shark will come for me.

And yes, Vexboy, I'm helping you even though I know you were Star. If you ask around about me, you'll find that I spent some time on the bright (ok, less dark) side of the shadows myself. We all have our reasons for being here. Some chose this life. Some were born into it. Some were cast out for offenses real or imagined. And so on. If you allow your distrust of, say, all former corpsec to prevent you from joining a team with them, then you will find yourself running with very few friends and limited options.

Also, I did make several grand off that transaction myself, just as a middleman.

Scatter, one should be careful not to show one's ignorance. You may be hot stuff in your little corner of the Matrix, but reputation is key. A reputation for doing the things you've done in this conversation will get you blacklisted, if you're lucky. If you're less lucky, you may find that you piss off people who either have the chops in the Matrix or the material world to find you and make your life miserable, or know other people who owe them favors that do. If you're really unlucky, someone decides that turning you in for a bounty is easy money. I believe MCT still needs TMs for their garden, for instance.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (23:26:23/01-16-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/0015:27>
>>>>>[All will be revealed once the job is over.]<<<<<
     -- Scatter (They said I could be anything/So I became a timestamp)

>>>>>[You coward. So the rest of the run you'll be on matrix duty huh?! I don't buy that shit! We have at least a week before we go and you better believe that when this job is over that you and I will have words! Edit: THAT ASSHOLE HACKED MY TIMESTAMP!]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (All will be revealed.../If you live that is...)

>>>>>[I am telling you that this is for a reason. Don't blame me. I rather like you Vexboy. I think I shall start thinking of ways to prove it. Ps. im not gonna post the image but whats with file name EQ? I mean is it because you like moon horses or....?]<<<<<

     --Scatter (One does not simply edit their timestamp/No really. This is hard. I don't know who the sysop is but their security is impressive.)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/0046:14>
>>>>>[He's drawn attention to himself now. I'm on the scent at this point. I may be primarily a shooter on jobs, but I have matrix chops.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (00:44:59/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: ScytheKnight on <01-17-16/0306:28>
>>>>>[How is it you say here in UCAS, "Anyone got some popcorn?"?]<<<<<
      -- Kitsune (01:23:12/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-17-16/0426:44>
>>>>>[ It's psychopaths like you that give technomancers a bad name, 'Scatter'.  You either leave the victim fixation behind, or you die.  I'm kind of surprised you aren't dead already.  Blue your lines, zen with the DR, get balanced, whatever you need to do, but self-level, or people will make sure you're leveled.  You keep messing with Bull's node, I'll black your res, flip your sprites, and cause your brain to autoformat purely out of courtesy for the man.
          Settle down or get settled. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (04:24:00/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-17-16/0645:16>
>>>>>[ I concur with the previous replies here.  You only break into systems because it's your job, not because you can.  If you start doing that, you will end up pissing off someone who has no sense of humour and who will try to get you back.  And you never fuck over your teammates that way.  When I work with a new team, I do look at their defenses, but I just analyse them, I don't break in.  That's something that every hacker and techno should do, so you can tell your teammates to upgrade their defenses.  Some people have no sense of danger when it comes to the matrix, which is strange as we had it and systems like it for quite some time now.  You think people would have learned by now. ]<<<<<
          -- Black Panther (12:45:31/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/0918:13>
>>>>>[You need to remember that back in the early 2060s, we didn't have to worry about all this wireless stuff. It definitely has its ups and downs, but I think there are more downs than there are ups.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (09:15:11/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/0924:31>
>>>>>[Thanks everyone... Also im not prejeduced against ec star for the record. People have been prejeduced against me. So i was worried. Anyway... he uh... he is still on my commlink. But I cant track him down. The worst part is now I think he is STALKING ME. I think I may have done something to him at some point. I dunno. But I wanna handle this. I appricate the help Predator but I am settling this myself. That asshole underestimates what a shadowrun with an advanced knowledge of criminal psychology can really do.]<<<<<
   -- (09:23:56/01-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/0927:14>
>>>>>[Reboot the device. That should dump him.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (09:25:24/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-17-16/0943:57>
>>>>>[You need to remember that back in the early 2060s, we didn't have to worry about all this wireless stuff. It definitely has its ups and downs, but I think there are more downs than there are ups.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (09:15:11/01-17-2078)

>>>>>[That complicates matters a bit, but in my opinion not by all that much.  The same principle that applied back then for your home system, just to give an example, still counts.  Get a very high firewall and a good analyse program.  Add a small script that defines how your analyse program should behave and you can keep all but the most determined hackers out.  But it still amazes me that there are still people out there who have firewalls I can pilot a T-bird through.  Very nice in your adversaries, but I don't tolerate it with my team mates.  Luckily I'm with a semi-permanent team and I educated them. ]<<<<<
      -- black Panther (15:44:01/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/1007:34>
>>>>>[Of course as soon as you say reboot the device he vanishes. He stole all my One Piece stuff too! It took me FOREVER to track down all those manga scans. I gotta get back to work.]<<<<<

    -- Vexboy (10:06:28/01-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/1012:20>
>>>>>[He fragged with the wrong people. Drawing The Wyrm's ire is not conducive to a long life.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (10:09:44/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/1035:58>
>>>>>[ It's psychopaths like you that give technomancers a bad name, 'Scatter'.  You either leave the victim fixation behind, or you die.  I'm kind of surprised you aren't dead already.  Blue your lines, zen with the DR, get balanced, whatever you need to do, but self-level, or people will make sure you're leveled.  You keep messing with Bull's node, I'll black your res, flip your sprites, and cause your brain to autoformat purely out of courtesy for the man.
          Settle down or get settled. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (04:24:00/01-17-2078)

*Scatter sends the following PM to The Wyrm Ouroboros http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=23143.0
*
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-17-16/1214:36>
>>>>>[Vexboy, here's Matrix Security for Non-Hackers 101. Whenever you think someone's screwing with your 'link, reboot immediately. Even if you don't think that, reboot often (every few hours), just in case. Have diagnostic software running to catch potential hacks in process. If you can afford it, carry multiple commlinks, each under a different identity: one on silent for work, one running in the open for walking around, like a civilian would. Remember, with enough time and effort, NOTHING is unhackable. The only question is whether someone can get in and out without getting caught. Devices are tools. Learn to use them, but do not depend on them to the point where you cannot function without them. If you have implants (especially cybereyes or cyberlimbs or the like) get the best link you can afford. Nothing sucks more than having your eyes cut out during combat.]<<<<<

--Kusanagi Motoko (12:14:23/01-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/1718:08>
>>>>>[Update. Im going in tonight. Our Shaman found a way in. Wish me luck.]<<<<<
   -- Vexboy (05:17:27/01-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-17-16/1944:04>
>>>>>[ Scatter: I give two craps?  I don't care about your professional relationships; it's a truism that you should be careful, even paranoid, about who you're working for, and with, and why; this appears to be something you're falling down on, because you never work for anyone who self-identifies as a bloody frickin' cabal, you drekhead.  It's also a truism that when someone is in a place that serves the shadow community as a whole, you leave them alone.  This last one is important for three reasons:
          All of which you appear to be experiencing.  If you survive, may it make for a wonderful object lesson for you.  I honestly don't care much as to whether or not you survive, though - fittest, and all that. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (19:45:00/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/1951:54>
>>>>>[Hopefully the lesson will be learned, Wyrm. If he lives that is.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (19:50:58/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/1955:03>
>>>>>[Wait what? I came here to post my... aw shit its go time! WISH ME LUCK CHUMMERS!]<<<<<
    -- Vexboy (Don't worry/He will be fine. -Scatter... ps to the guy I left in the dumpster I have left 5000 nuyen on a credstick in reperations for the grenades and medical bills for your head. Please do not underestimate my shakes. Its in your pocket. If you dont need it for such please use it to buy a doc wagon contract. Seriously I waited like 30 minutes and no one came. And yes. Lesson learned. Im out of med supplies thanks to that guy. An Aztechnolgy striker is cheating though!)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/2011:05>
>>>>>[Careful, kid. I smell a trap.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (20:08:58/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-17-16/2158:11>
>>>>>[ ... apparently he hasn't learned the lesson. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:00:00/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/2200:02>
>>>>>[Judging by the continued altering of time stamps, I'd have to agree. I'm about ready to go on the war path kicking the old Black Hammer into overdrive. I hate to excise a potential resource, but that kind of unprofessionalism...]<<<<<
      -- Predator (21:59:05/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-17-16/2211:57>
>>>>>[ No, no, be my guest - it's like mages.  A street kid who discovers he has the Power either learns subtlety or else winds up face-down in a ditch somewhere with a 9mm having performed Khachaturian's 'Sabre Dance' (look it up, you Philistines) inside his skull.  Technomancers coming into their abilities do much the same thing - either they learn subtlety, or they get disposed of.  Can't hack an adept's fist, after all. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:15:00/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/2216:00>
>>>>>[Hammer standing ready to wallop.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (22:14:50/01-17-2078)

>>>>>[Maybe I shouldn't have wandered in here...]<<<<<
      -- Kensai (22:21:13/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/2236:54>
>>>>>[From the hosptial everyone. Run went welll(Finished in fact)until we got ambushed... so it turns one of guys who was hired on the run was an ex brain eater... he found out what I did... bribed the rest of the crew for an easy kill... I got surrounded. Turns out that orkish psycho has a mental block about betraying comrades as me and him spent the next few hours getting shot at by a group on cycles after he sawed our sammy's head off. Bastards tried to kill us and chased us down and I got beat up bad enough my biomonitor contacted Doc Wagon... but im alive. Scatter got hit by a frag. He looks pretty bad. Look I know he seems kinda an asshole but im in his debt. Can I ask that you let it slide this one time? I'll talk to him about messing with the time stamps. Also I kinda dont want someone breaking into the hospital AGAIN. Some guy, I assume its the one from the timestamp edit, came in here angry about stolen grenades and got tazed by a guard. Cmon guys please?...]<<<<<

    -- Vexboy (10:36:28/01-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/2243:10>
>>>>>[Holy hell that's a tough night.]<<<<<
      -- Kensai (22:41:27/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/2301:54>
>>>>>[The shaman got away. At least the Dragonslayer is proud of me. Thats more then enough. Is... getting betrayed by fellow runners... normal? Be honest with me here chummers. I wanna be aware of this in the future.]<<<<<

    -- Vexboy (11:01:37/01-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/2306:15>
>>>>>[Don't really know personally how normal that is. I'm rather new to this, myself.]<<<<<
      -- Kensai (23:02:52/01-17-2078)

>>>>>[It isn't really normal among professionals, but getting fragged over by one or more team members, the fixer or the Johnson is something anyone in this business needs to be prepared for.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (23:04:38/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/2314:10>
>>>>>[I will keep a wary eye Predator. And welcome to the Shadows Kensei. May you fit your name o Sword Saint.]<<<<<

      -- Vexboy (11:09:28/01-17-78)

>>>>>[Well I am in a coma. Obviously. Am I still degenerate scum? Ps if the timestamp is really that big of a deal I will stop. Pps I put the One Piece stuff back on your commlink.]<<<<<
     -- Scatter (11:11:12/01-17-78)

>>>>>[I am about 5 feet away from you.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (11:13:38/01-17-78)

>>>>>[I reserve the right to be eccentric.]<<<<<
     -- Scatter (11:13:46/01-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/2325:24>
>>>>>[Tell you what. Since you've apparently had one break-in attempt at the hospital, I'll arrange for someone to keep an eye on the room to prevent further issues. I will keep a record of this favor though, and may come calling for repayment one day.]<<<<<
      -- Predator (23:22:28/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-17-16/2336:15>
>>>>>[A small army of sprites at your disposal and myself whenever you need it. Im off debt with Vexboy's fixer so im a free agent again anyway.]<<<<<
    -- Scatter (11:35:08/01-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/2339:23>
>>>>>[Wouldn't help the security I'm sending. I doubt anyone will want to pass through an experienced Troll pugilist Adept to get at a couple of relative newbies.]<<<<<
    -- Predator (23:37:46/01-17-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-17-16/2353:37>
>>>>>[ Tell you what, Vexboy - if you owe him, you can be his bodyguard against whatever irritables come calling.  Remind the little shit that it's about professionalism - and though all of us in the shadows in one way or another don't play well with others, we extend courtesy and respect to each other when we're off the clock.  Simply because to do otherwise will cause a person to wind up face down &c. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:00:00/01-18-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-17-16/2359:46>
>>>>>[Good point, Wyrm. I'll tell my friend that he only needs to stand there until Vexboy is sufficiently well to handle it himself. Vexboy, you might want to listen to him while he's there. He gets a bit preachy on the matter of implants--and touchy with the street samurai moniker--but he's good people.]<<<<<
          -- Predator (00:05:00/01-18-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-18-16/0003:06>
>>>>>[Deal. And thanks guys. Im well aware that even this is a certain amount of mercy. But if any of the guys show lethal force I will respond in kind. Also I dont feel particularly sorry for the guy Scatter knocked out. If your reading this omae you have no business carrying that much White Phosporus in a civilian area under any circumstances.]<<<<<
      -- Vexboy (12:00:37/01-18-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-18-16/0017:28>
>>>>>[Vexboy, unfortunately doublecrosses are all too common in the shadows. Which is one of the reasons why everyone here is none too pleased with Scatter's unprofessional behavior in this thread. Typically you're most at risk for doublecrosses when you are just starting out and don't have a rep to back you up. You survive the first couple years in the shadows, and get a rep for doing the job, and doing it well, and most of that drek will go away. At least until you either wind up knowing too much, or pissing off people in power, Note, I said 'most', not 'all'. A good fixer will screen out most of those kinds of problems, though.

And you're now learning an object lesson on why you shouldn't go blabbing about your exploits in wetwork. Same goes for those psychos who go killing everyone in a facility, whether they're in the way of the job or not. All those dead guys usually have friends and family. Letting people know you were involved is a good way to end up dead, or in jail. In fact, just go back and reread the conversations in this forum where people like Smiley or even myself have been discussing kills. No names, very light on organizations, even, and almost no comment on methods... well, at least for the ones where people will be able to find out about them. You'll notice that, for instance, Smiley only goes into anything approaching detail on his kills when there's enough cover that he isn't going to get connected to it by anyone that matters. And myself, I only really describe events where either no body will ever be found, or where it is in Tir Tairngir, where I've got some cover of my own. And in both cases, even talking about things that much has led to 'incidents' where friends and family have tried to track us down and kill us. If you're going to stay a hitman, then keep your trap shut, especially in open forums like this one. FYI.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (00:16:13/01-18-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-18-16/0022:33>
>>>>>[Hopefully a job will come my way soon.]<<<<<
    -- Kensai (00:20:56/01-18-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-18-16/0312:30>
>>>>>[In what city are you?  Since a lot of groups need magical support, finding a job shouldn't be a problem.]<<<<<
    -- Black Panther (09:12:48/01-18-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-18-16/0831:15>
>>>>>[Well... uh... Im in? Im taking Iceblades advice so I won't say much. I was told that I will be filling a niche. I was also told the reason fixers wouldnt give me work is because I was being "scouted." And Scatter told me the rest. I am allowed to take side jobs if anyone needs any combat support.]<<<<<
    -- Vexboy (09:27:48/01-18-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: All4BigGuns on <01-18-16/0953:56>
>>>>>[In Seattle, Black Panther.]<<<<<
    -- Kensai (09:53:05/01-18-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-18-16/1204:45>
>>>>>[Then I might be able to help. I've send you a PM with the name of a talismonger in Renton who also knows some fixers.  He got me my first jobs.  Tell him I send you and he'll do the rest.  He spent some time in the jungles of Africa hunting for telesma, so he's no pushover and he can assess your strenghts and weaknesses.]<<<<<
    -- Kitten (18:05:25/01-18-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-19-16/0243:50>
>>>>>[ Ewww.  Never allow yourself to be 'scouted' by people who 'allow' you to take side jobs; that's a one-way ticket to a hangman's noose.  Tell 'em to go take a flying frag - they can hire you or not, just like every other fixer in the sprawl, you'll work where and with and for whom the jobs require.  If your fixer has an issue with that, he isn't the quality of fixer you want to work with; find someone else.  If you have decent skills (and I've been through the Milwaukee Academy, so I know what the n00b Stars go through) then while you may not be able to write your own ticket for a while, though you may have to eat ramen for a few months, do the job you're hired for, keep your rep clean, and you'll get the good fixers interested.
          If one of them does get interested, and starts to hire you frequently, then maybe you and they can consider whether or not you want to think of yourself as being part of that particular fixer's 'stable' - but you should be wary of even that, because even though it might not look like choosing sides, it still can be.  So choose wisely. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:45:00/01-19-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-19-16/0535:51>
>>>>>[I suggest you listen to him.  I made the same mistake when I switched from straight merc jobs (which are easy in terms of set-up) to shadow jobs.  It took me a while to get my rep back up.  Now most people I work with who know me from back then just consider it my 'young and foolish' period and ignore it.  But not everybody does, and while I have enough to do to come by, as beginner you might not be so lucky. ]<<<<<
    -- Kitten (11:36:14/01-19-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-19-16/1137:16>
>>>>>[Wyrm isn't kidding when he talks about people deciding you've 'chosen sides', either. Become a regular part of a fixer's 'stable' and you're effectively joining whatever faction they might have connections to. Maybe they're Mafia. Maybe Yaks. Or maybe they're a company man for one of the megas. Maybe they're the guy who contracts for one of the alphabet soup of government organizations. If you're in an Ares fixer's stable, it means people will likely see you as an Ares man. Good and bad with that, depending on how things shake out, and it will certainly affect the jobs that come your way. But things get nasty when you find out your fixer has less... respectable connections, like being involved with Alamos 20K or GreenWar. And try not to fall in with any of the more arcane-minded groups until you got some seasoning. Being a IOND man or being tied to the Dunkelzhan or Atlantean Foundations can lead you into a lot of nasty drek, with powerful enemies willing and able to send magical shitstorms after you. If you don't end up attracting the 'attention' of a dragon. Once you have a dragon's 'attention', you never, ever lose it.

We've talked about it before on these boards, but it bears repeating. If you're looking for work between gigs, find a way to get your name out there, and make contacts. If you're a close-quarters fighter looking for work, then be sure to spend time at the places people go looking for fighters. No, not the idiots who find random meatheads on the street or at the club, but the people who actually know a thing or two. Talk to the sensei at your local dojo, or the trainers at the gym. Sure, you're most likely to get a coupld gigs as a bouncer or the like, but it will keep your rent paid between gigs. Work any contacts you have.

If you have a legal SIN, keep it clean, and do the paperwork to get licenses on it. Then get a fake SIN, and similar licenses. Why? Because being a licensed Private Investigator, Bodyguard, Escort, or member of the Press can get you into so many places. If you're awakened, being a licensed mage can push aside some problems if you're in areas where magical security is more paranoid. And having a license for that Predator V means you can carry it through downtown without risking trouble if you're too close to a 'random shooting', or are caught 'walking while troll'. As for the fake licenses? Sure, they won't pass close scrutiny, but most cops don't have time to check every license on every person they come across, so a decent fake will be perfect for 'walking around' or doing recon. Turn all your IDs to silent (or off completely) when on the job itself, though, unless absolutely necessary.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:36:34/01-19-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-19-16/1144:31>
>>>>>[I actually have all my licenses on my valid SIN! Lone star does have its benefits. Im completely registered to conceal and open carry and im a mage. Well... in the meantime Scatter put a good word with his fixer and got me a job but I don't understand my role. Havent taken it yet but all im supposed to do is sneak into an area and do one, relatively, mundane thing. Should I be considered about taking a job where I cant see all the angles?]<<<<<
    -- Vexboy (11:44:28/01-19-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-19-16/1241:25>
>>>>>[Dude, you never see all the angles.  You're lucky if you see the main angle.  And never use weapons linked to an official SIN on a job.  Never.  They will find you and since you're ex-star, you know what they will do to you. ]<<<<<
    -- Black Panther (18:42:02/01-19-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-19-16/1305:29>
>>>>>>[Even I know that. Well I guess I am taking the job. Time for more legwork.]<<<<<
    -- Vexboy (01:05:57/01-19-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-20-16/0607:13>
>>>>>[ Wait, you trusted the guy who's been screwing with you just because he happened to have a problem with shooting a teammate in the back??  Are you high???  Do the job as quickly and as safely and as subtlely as you can, then dump the two of them.  This is not a pair you want to hitch your wagon to, all the more because they were screwing with you.
          Never trust anyone who deliberately screws with you, then tells you 'no hard feelings'.  People in this biz may say 'nothing personal', but if it wasn't personal, then neither is any kind of friendship or facsimile of trust they might be showing you.  Fraggin' everything is personal when your life is on the line - and in the shadows, your life is always on the line. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (06:00:00/01-20-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-20-16/0711:29>
>>>>>[Ironic considering the job involves something very loud.]<<<<<
     -- Vexboy (07:11:27/01-20-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-20-16/1332:55>
>>>>>[Now we're seeing one of the reasons so few runners survive their first couple years in the biz. Clearly, this team (and I use the word as loosely as possible) is basically on the street punk level, no better. Finish the job, and then never speak to any of that team again. Maybe your next gig will have some actual professionals (or people who want to be professional) on it. Screwing over your team is never 'just biz'. Sure, you might not have the 'band of brothers' mentality you see in military or mercenary units, but you are still a team, and if you can't trust the guy beside you not to stab you in the back, you're not going to be effective. You want to cause shenanigans and settle scores with a team member, you do it AFTER the run. You'll still take a hit to your rep for backstabbing your team, but doing it in a manner befitting professionals will make it 'just biz', so your rep won't be hit as badly as someone who turns on the guy next to them during the run.

And yes, sometimes honor, your rep, or even a job will demand you turn on a member of your team. Yes, the easiest way to get that revenge would be to shoot them in the back of the head while they're in the middle of a firefight. But you do that, and you can kiss your rep goodbye. If you're lucky, you might even keep your life. If you must turn on a teammate, do it after the run, and make it so they are facing you, and armed. It is more difficult, but honor and professionalism, as well as choosing the less easy path, will help to preserve your rep.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:32:23/01-20-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-20-16/1413:04>
>>>>>[Better is to let someone else do it.  Most (say all) of us have some parts of our lives we'd rather not see in the spotlights.  Things we have done, enemies we have made.  Have the enemies of your enemy do the job, and your rep stays clear. ]<<<<<

--Black Panther (20:12:43/01-20-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-20-16/1827:25>
>>>>>[I have no idea what happened or why but I have rent for three months with only minimal getting shot at by security forces and even they were only grasping at straws with those shots... plus we took countermeasures up to and including making sure our transportation is impossible to find again and hiding out in deep seattle sprawl. But its the job... theres no such thing as a milk run right? What the hell happened? Basically what happened was the equivilent in terms of illegality of skipping out the bill at a diner. Should I be concerned? Because if what all that effort, and it was a CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT of effort in comparison to the end goal and we had to have assistance arranged by our Johnson, tan amounted to what occurred im both confused and paranoid...]<<<<<
    -- Vexboy (06:26:58/01-20-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-20-16/2113:53>
>>>>>[Vexboy, it is simple enough. You were a diversion: something big and shiny with pretty fireworks to distract people from whatever the real job was. Might hurt the pride to know that you're nothing but a diversion, but it isn't a bad gig. You were Star, so here's an example that should be easy for you to understand. Say a group of gangers is looking to get the old 5 Finger Discount at the liquor store. You have one group grabbing booze, and the other group causing a distraction so that the thieves aren't being watched too closely. Same idea here, but now you're not playing on the level of the local Stuffer Shack, but megacorporate politics.

Fortunately for you, the distraction teams rarely get that much attention from the Knights or corpsec, unless they do something stupid like causing mass casualties, or having explosions travel off corporate property. You know, the things that start putting you higher on people's 'to do' list, because catching 'terrorists' that blew up a big chunk of Downtown or had a running gun battle with grenades and heavy weapons through Renton is going to look really nice on the evening news, and cops love it when they can make themselves look good for all those taxpaying SINners.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:13:15/01-20-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-20-16/2136:27>
>>>>>[Vexboy, it is simple enough. You were a diversion: something big and shiny with pretty fireworks to distract people from whatever the real job was. Might hurt the pride to know that you're nothing but a diversion, but it isn't a bad gig. You were Star, so here's an example that should be easy for you to understand. Say a group of gangers is looking to get the old 5 Finger Discount at the liquor store. You have one group grabbing booze, and the other group causing a distraction so that the thieves aren't being watched too closely. Same idea here, but now you're not playing on the level of the local Stuffer Shack, but megacorporate politics.

Fortunately for you, the distraction teams rarely get that much attention from the Knights or corpsec, unless they do something stupid like causing mass casualties, or having explosions travel off corporate property. You know, the things that start putting you higher on people's 'to do' list, because catching 'terrorists' that blew up a big chunk of Downtown or had a running gun battle with grenades and heavy weapons through Renton is going to look really nice on the evening news, and cops love it when they can make themselves look good for all those taxpaying SINners.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (21:13:15/01-20-78)

>>>>>[You literally described both the job and my previous employment as a detective. With minimal hints too. Your a vet Iceblade! I gotta buy you a drink sometime. My OCD about this is insane though. Im gonna go over the run one more time and when nothing comes up ill move on... also im not working with these guys again. Punks. I see why Scatter said he hasnt met many nondegenerates if this is his "team." Though he himself is pretty degenerate.]<<<<<
    -- Vexboy (09:34:29/01-20-78)

>>>>>[Im batshit insane. Not degenrate. There is a difference. Subtle but there is one.]<<<<<
    -- Scatter (09:38:01/01-20-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-21-16/0510:08>
>>>>>[I'll probably not be on much the coming days.  I got into a fight with a toxic shaman and a hospital visit is in order.  At least he won't need it anymore, except maybe the morgue.  It was however much closer than I would have liked it (damn those background counts). ]<<<<<

--Kitten (11:11:11/01-21-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-21-16/0720:35>
>>>>>[Yeesh. I ran into one of those on the job about a year ago. Bastard had a very strong habit of killing people and decapitating them and taking out their eyeballs... toxic shamans are pure evil anyway though. Good on you for putting him in the dirt Kitten.]<<<<<
    -- Vexboy (07:20:47/01-21-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-21-16/1126:08>
>>>>>[Heh. Well, while I am a vet (in more than one sense), this is more a case of it being one of the more basic gigs newcomers get all the time. Sometimes they'll even hire the distraction gig out to gangs like the Halloweeners, or stir up some protesters against some cause or another to have a nice big distraction at the front gate. Regardless, the core of the job is always the same: keep eyes focused on something other than the main players.

If you're wondering, here's the basic types of jobs you can expect. Sure, there are others, and some have a mix of two or more, but these are the main types:

Courier - Pick up a package, and get it from A to B. Package might be a datafile, it might be a verbal message, might be a kilo of novacoke, or it might be a cargo container full of Ares Arms' latest and greatest. A and B could be a couple blocks apart, or in entirely different countries. But it is still a courier job, and is one of the most common gigs out there, since everyone has things they'd like to move around discretely.

Escort - Escort gigs come in many forms, but they all boil down to you (and your team, if you got one) protecting something or someone from people who want to interfere with what your target is supposed to be doing. This can be a bodyguard gig, or running an escort on a convoy between corp facilities, or any number of other things. Maybe you're the hired help to make sure the Courier gets his package from A to B. Or set to watch the courier so he isn't tempted to take it to C instead.

Persuasion - Sometimes people need other people to do things they might not want to do. Now, most cases Mr. J doesn't care how you persuade the mark to play ball, just so long as they do. This means that when 'persuading' the mark, possible methods range from seduction, to bribery, to intimidation, to hostage taking, to torture and everything in between. Now, most teams won't be comfortable with all those methods. Even the people who will jump straight to torture might balk at the idea of actually having sex with a mark to get them to change their mind.

Distraction - Big and shiny objects waved in front of a child's face to keep them from crying. Well, it gets more complicated than that, but the point remains the same. Your target is doing something you would rather they not do, so here's a bunch of Halloweeners on one of their joyrides that 'just happens' to run straight through the parking lot of the target's building. Or whatever. Regardless, you want them to be looking at the pretty birdie, and not the team slipping in that open window.

Tailchaser - Hands down the most annoying jobs ever. This would be the majority of your 'milk runs'. And most of them are simple timewasters. Why would people pay bank for jobs that they could easily just have a legit messenger service do? There's plenty of reasons, actually, but they generally boil down to either testing new talent's skills, confirming the loyalty of trusted agents, or camouflaging big jobs in a flurry of little, inconsequential jobs. Kind of like getting a bunch of dominoes and painstakingly setting them up so that when you hit that first one, everything falls naturally into place.

Extraction - This is one of the big ones people think about when they talk about shadowruns. Your job: get into corp A, grab the target scientist/exec/whatever, and deliver them to corp B. Oh sure, there's a bunch of different variations, but in the end it is essentially a courier gig involving people. And the very real chance that the package will be incredibly uncooperative about being relocated, while people are actively trying to kill you (and sometimes the package as well).

Datasteal - Like an Extraction, but instead of dealing with people, you're dealing with information or objects. Maybe it is the latest IC cooked up by MCT, or a prototype of Ares's newest gun, or even a priceless relic from a museum. Regardless, someone wants it, and is willing to pay you to go in and get it. Oh, and if alarms get tripped, guards will be even less hesitant to open fire, because there won't be potentially valuable corporate citizens in the way.

Sabotage - Go in, and ruin someone's day, maybe their whole week. If you can ruin their month or year, even better. These gigs can be anything from planting a virus to shred research files (putting the target corp behind their rivals), to arson, to blowing up a dam or bridge, to poisoning food supplies. Sometimes you make it look like an accident. Sometimes you are very blatant about what happened, because you're supposed to send a message. Regardless, Bad Thingstm are going to happen at the job site. These are not gigs to play nice on. You're looking to put the hurt on the other side, and the only question is whether you're going to be causing financial pain, or going to be causing casualties.

Wetwork - Sometimes people die on runs, because corpsec isn't willing to let you just walk out without exchanging a few words (and a lot of lead) first. That isn't what these gigs are about. You are hunting metahumans for money. Sometimes they'll be rat bastards who deserve it. Sometimes they'll be people who are simply too principled to see that MCT really should be allowed to strip mine a national park. And sometimes they'll be a nice lady who's only 'crime' is standing at the podium at a Mothers of Metahumans rally. Regardless, you are setting out to end someone's life. Whether it is an 'accident' or a bullet from a sniper rifle depends on you, and the requirements of the job.

Intelligence - Most gigs will include some of this as part of legwork, but some jobs are all about gathering intelligence, sometimes over extended periods. Maybe it is trying to find out who is flooding the streets with a new tempo knockoff. Maybe you're trying to get inside SK Prime to read Lofwyr's secret plans. Or maybe you're just trying to find blackmail material on that sleazeball in accounting, or provide evidence (even if you have to create it) that a husband is cheating on his wife so the divorce goes her way. Those of you with experience as cops, private investigators, or spies know all about this gig.

Like I said, there's more types of jobs, some of which are specialized to only certain types (no use talking to a decker about a jaunt to the metaplanes, for instance), but those are the main categories, and most jobs you'll find will fall loosely under one or more of those categories.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:25:23/01-21-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-21-16/1147:16>
>>>>>[Nice overview Iceblade.  Those are indeed the basics.  Sometimes the run will involve more than one of those (like an extraction and a datasteal of sabotage) or one will turn in the other (intelligence into extraction or wetwork). ]<<<<<

--Black Panther (17:47:31/01-21-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-21-16/1756:55>
>>>>>[Intellegence is something I am very familar with yes. Stake outs account for 70% of what we did back then. Nothing worse then bringing in the wrong guy. I once had to stalk a guy on a foot for 2 hours to make sure he was the real killer... worst job ever. I'd rather do Tailchasing. Maybe you might not but if you do the same thing over and over again its boring. But if your too focused to be bored instead it becomes torture.]<<<<<
     --Vexboy (05:56:37/01-21-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-21-16/2030:31>
>>>>>[ As one of the original tailchasers, I must point out that you have your example of the thing wrong. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (20:30:00/01-21-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Black Bart on <01-21-16/2313:07>
>>>>>>[Hey somebody was telling me about the Stars contract was up and K E took that over. First I've heard of this, any news I should be aware of? What are these guys packing now]<<<<<<
              --Black Bart (23:09:47/01-21-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-21-16/2335:43>
>>>>>[ Check your interface; your date's glitching.  It ain't 2016, neighbor, it's 2078.  Though considering you're asking about something that happened most of a decade ago ... maybe you're just totally out of it. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (23:30:00/01-21-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-22-16/0152:04>
>>>>>[ He's maybe just like me, checking the film nominated for this years Oscars.  All of them remakes, except one.  It has the potential of becoming very interesting on the awards ceremony if people try to wear the type of clothing they wore back when the originals came out. ]<<<<<
          -- Black Panther (07:52:23/01-22-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Black Bart on <01-22-16/1940:41>
>>>>>[Jeez, am I that behind? Are there any events I should keep my eyes open for? Times have changed.]<<<<<               --Black Bart (19:37:58/01-22-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-23-16/1110:30>
>>>>>[Nothing to kick off the weekend like a bit of 'housekeeping'. And by that, I mean 'killing these bastards who were trying to follow me'. Seems they got the idea after seeing me leave a jeweler's under my legit SIN while I was picking up a gift for Xerena. With all the cunning one might expect of Humanis goons, they got the woman to try and lure me into an alley for a quickie, where her 'friends' were waiting for me. I think they were under the impression that the sword was just for show. Two of them are feeling much lighter now, with the useless weight above their shoulders removed. Two others are down, but still alive. Maybe they'll even wake up before the van that just loaded them up gets to the 'processing center'. Hm? Oh yeah, lady, those were ghouls, and yes, they were Tamanous, and yes, your buddies are ghoul chow. Now shut up, I'm talking here.

Where was I? Oh yes, the woman is currently tied up but alive. And she's going to stay that way, for now. A contact in Tarislar heard that his sister had been 'recruited' to work in a bunraku parlor downtown. So I worked out a trade. The lady listening to me in growing horror is going to be a bunraku girl, my contact gets his sister back, and we all keep quiet on this, so the gumi doesn't lose face with the Puyallup crowd while they're trying to grow their presence. Oh, and I'm going to do a job for the gumi to keep all things square. Nothing much, just escorting a daughter of one of the clan's members to a concert in Denver. Yes, they have their own people for bodyguard duty, but she is technically a 'civilian', and sending clan members with a civilian into another clan's territory usually takes a great deal of negotiation. Its an honor and respect kind of thing. With this, no one loses face. Yak politics are almost as twisted as corp politics.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:10:23/01-23-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-23-16/1258:36>
>>>>>[ If you think Yak politics are complex, try Hollywood.  Studio politics are maybe not as complex, but at least the Yaks know the value of discretion. ]<<<<<
          -- Black Panther (18:58:45/01-23-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Raiderjoseph on <01-23-16/2140:59>
*Vexboy sends a PM to all active members with the link to this node: http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=23209.0 *
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-24-16/0255:51>
>>>>>[ Idiot. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (03:00:00/01-24-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-24-16/1013:10>
>>>>>[Welcome to the shadows, kid. Now you know why they are 'shadows' and not 'cute and fluffy bunnies'.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:09:12/01-24-78)


>>>>>[Mmmm. I do love the taste of bunnies.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (10:12:34/01-24-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-24-16/1602:55>
>>>>>[Mmmm. I do love the taste of bunnies.]<<<<<

--Wyrmtongue (10:12:34/01-24-78)

>>>>>[I'm back from hospital, thank Ra. 
Rabit for lunch definately beats the hell out of devil rat. 
And Iceblade, the Shadows here are not all that bad, compared to such lovely tourist spots as Bogota, Lagos or the Yucatan.]<<<<<

--Kitten (22:03:04/01-24-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-25-16/0016:19>
>>>>>[ You mean the shadows of Seattle are actual shadows.  The locations you've noted are either feral or else war-torn; shadowrunners don't work in those spots, because there's no frickin' light. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:15:00/01-25-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Lysanderz on <01-25-16/0517:09>
>>>>>[Hey now, those places without light happen to come with pretty solid paychecks if you're creative. Two years in Bogota bought me all sorts of new bioware. And all for just traipsing around the jungle.]<<<<<
    -- Smudge(00:16:32/01-25-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-25-16/0550:09>
>>>>>[ Where I would presuppose you weren't performing extractions of scientists, lifting trade secrets from corporations, besmirching a politician's reputation, or any of the half-dozen other usual activities of the shadowrunner.  I didn't say it couldn't be profitable; I just said it wasn't the shadows. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (05:45:00/01-25-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-25-16/0644:22>
>>>>>[ You're totally right about that, Wyrm.  A lot of activities you do here in the shadows, you do there right in the open and nobody gives a damn.  Although there are regular 'shadowjobs', even in Lagos.  I once had to extract a scientist over there.  The only difference is that if you shoot a couple of guards in the process, nobody cares.  It's just seen as 'doing business'.  In fact, one of the megas once dropped a Thor missile on a slum just to get to a couple of hackers. ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (12:44:20/01-25-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-25-16/0956:29>
>>>>>[Been all three places, Smudge, and while I was indeed paid quite well, there's a difference between the shadows and merc jobs or wetwork, as Wyrm said. For the shadow gigs you do find in those places (courier jobs and escorts, mainly) there are local players who are better at it than almost any outsider. No matter your personal skill level, some jobs require knowledge of the area, the kind of stuff you only learn after living there for 20 years. Just like I would never trust a Manhattan cabbie to get me around Seattle, and I would rather pick a local to get a package from one side of Denver to the other than someone from CalFree. Not knocking the talent that moves around, mind you. Done that myself at times. But you got to be at least three times as good as a local to beat them at their game, on their turf. Same reason gangers are much stronger on their turf than off it. They know all the area's secrets, and have support they can call on if they need it.

Still, none of those places holds a candle to Yomi Island, back before the Ring of Fire blew up and the new Emperor decided shipping all the metahumans to a prison island was bad. This was during my mandatory military service. Picture a Search and Rescue mission, on a prison island, in the middle of a permanent riot, with HMHVV running rampant. Lost a good man on that mission, and it was a failure, since the target had already been turned into a banshee. We put her down, but failed missions where you lose people always hurt. Especially since I had to finish the infected soldier myself.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:56:23/01-25-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-25-16/1004:41>
>>>>>[I know what you mean, Ice.  I had to put down one of my own squad who had been taken over by a Sheddim.  You know that the guy is dead and what's in the body isn't him, but it is still hard.  Luckily it wasn't a master sheddim or I wouldn't even be standing here.  Taking him down was not difficult, but it took us almost four days before we managed to get the sheddim back to its metaplane and we also had to burn the body to prevent it from being used again (there's no shortage of Sheddim in certain parts of the world). ]<<<<<

--Kitten (16:05:26/01-25-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Black Bart on <01-26-16/2156:06>
>>>>>[Maybe, I was a little blitzed last night, but I saw a wingnut babbling on about GOD and the right hand. Hour later he was being thrown into the back of a Bulldog. Anybody know anything? I've got a hunch, but I'd rather not bring the hammer down.]<<<<<                                             
                                                      --Black Bart (21:51:35/01-26-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-28-16/0654:43>
>>>>>[Probably a hacker who pissed off the wrong people and didn't wipe his tracks sufficiently.]<<<<<                                             
                                                      --Black Panther (12:55:15/01-28-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Black Bart on <01-28-16/1227:43>
>>>>>[I've heard of ICE frying your brain. But this guy was on one. "The left hand is unawres of what the Right is executing." As far as I know I've not heard of the left hand.
                               --Black Bart (12:23:00/01-28-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <01-28-16/2357:54>
>>>>>[ It's that thing on the end of your left arm.
          Sarcasm aside, he was likely a conspiracy theorist, going on about how some secret cabal is operating behind the scenes, taking over the world - or, you know, just controlling it.  As if there aren't enough cabals trying to do so these days; you can barely chuck a rock without hitting one. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (00:00:00/01-28-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <01-29-16/1236:38>
>>>>>[Really. The secret cabals are a dime a dozen. And most of them are about as relevant as an entry level supervisor is to a AAA. Especially since they have trouble going up against the ones working in the open.

Of course, the drunk crazies sometimes hit too close to the truth, even by accident. Anyone who tells you there aren't shadowy conspiracies working in the background is probably a good little corp wageslave who has never been outside of his arcology. The rest of us know better. Hell, most of our work here in the shadows is advancing one conspiracy over another in the shadows. But if anyone tells you that the President is actually a dragon in disguise working with aliens to replace us all... well, if you're chemically inclined you should see what he's having, because it is obviously the good shit.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (12:36:23/01-29-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <01-29-16/1305:28>
>>>>>[Here in LA there are many conspiracies, but it's mostly limited to some people trying to get their five minutes of fame, or taking it away from others.  Sometimes really annoying, but hey, it pays the bills right. ]<<<<<

--Black Panther (19:06:13/01-29-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-11-16/0413:22>
>>>>>[Well, never let it be said I don't admit when I've screwed up. Working a snatch and grab down at the docks, and it was my job to distract the guards long enough for the others to get in, get the goods, and get out. Should have been a simple enough job. A couple barely trained guards aren't anything I can't handle, even with one hand tied behind my back. But looks like the legwork got sloppy, and missed that there was a rigger on station. Fragging Vory rigger with a dozen Duelist drones. Sure, that's not great, but Duelists aren't really a match for a combat mage that focuses in CQC. Unless, of course, the bastard puts them in one big swarm, and sends them after a single target. Then things get bad, very fast.

As in, finding yourself trapped at the end of a dock, with one duelist's blade broken off in your gut, with ten of the things still up and after you.

Six hours, and a trip to the doc, later, and the whole post-surgery pain meds are wearing off enough that I can think, but still there enough that I'm not in complete agony. And Xerena is here, reading me the riot act. Apparently, I'm 'reckless'. Well, can't argue with that, especially considering how I got out of that mess.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (04:13:04/02-11-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <02-11-16/0857:12>
>>>>>[I've seen you in action.  Reckless is a good description.]<<<<<

--Kitten (14:57:44/02-11-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-11-16/1131:59>
>>>>>[Yeah, hole in my gut says I can't argue too much. Anyways, getting out of that was tricky, to say the least. I'd love to tell you that there were some dashing heroics, or that I went like some kind of anime character and started cutting drones in half with my sword, but I think this forum's bulldrek detector would burst into flames. No, I ran to the end of one of the docks, got all the drones grouped up together since they were following me pretty close, and dropped a handfull of grenades at my feet before I dove (ok, fell) over the side. Let me tell you, salt water in a gut wound hurts like hell. Got a spirit to bring my body back to the van, and patched myself up enough that I wasn't in risk of bleeding out (a medkit and a healing potion back to back are good for that), and then promptly passed out until I was at the doc.

Honestly, though, I hadn't heard of anyone using that swarm software on anything bigger than Dragonfly drones. That's how I got wounded, the swarm made the duelists a LOT better fighters than they normally are, which was enough surprise that I wasn't able to recover in time. But I'm still alive, job was a success, and my team picked up a little something extra from the warehouse for me since I agreed to be bait.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:31:24/02-11-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <02-11-16/1455:20>
>>>>>[Talk about Dragonflies, I had a very fun run a couple of nights ago using those.  We were in a standard 'get some drek on a certain trid actress' basic LA job and I had a bunch of dragonflies following said acress.  In the meantime some others of the team tried to get an appointment with a certain prostitute who looked a lot like said actress.  The idea was if we didn't find anything, we would simply pay her to have sex with one of the team and tape that.  Shouldn't be too hard, right?

I'm monitoring the dragonflies and it's difficult because apparently she knew quite a lot about shaking tails, when I spot the van of the rest of the team.  Turns out the prostitute was the actress who liked to live on the wild side and not just a lookalike.  That run was frakkin' gold. ]<<<<<

--Black Panther (20:55:15/02-11-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <02-28-16/1552:29>
>>>>>[ Mirikon, have you or Xerena heard from Hawatari?  I had a job right up her alley, but I haven't been able to get a hold of her via any of the methods she's given me - or any of the others I've sussed out.  She's either gone completely off-grid over the last few days, or else ... I dunno, she's a tough hit, especially with that little 'alliance' she has going on.
          Has anyone heard from the girl?? ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (16:00:00/02-28-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-29-16/0910:53>
>>>>>[We haven't heard from her, no. Where was the job? I just finished a gig, so unless it is in Aztlan, I can go check things out. I'd rather not stir up that mess again. But anywhere else, I can see about finding things out. If it is her, I have high hopes of finding her alive, even if she got captured.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (09:10:35/02-29-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <02-29-16/0917:17>
>>>>>[ No no - it isn't that she's missing on-the-job, it's that I can't even contact her to offer it to her.  She's just fraggin' vanished.  Not even her headware is responding to pinging.  Last I knew she was still operating out of Seattle ... ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (09:15:00/02-29-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <02-29-16/1020:15>
>>>>>[That's no good. Since I'm assuming you've already checked the KE intake lists and haven't found her, then she isn't in jail. I haven't heard of any big throw-downs in the last few days, and sniper shots make the news, regardless, so she's probably still alive. So way I see it, either she's laid up somewhere and isn't able to get a call, she's in deep cover for a job, or she's been bagged by some black project. I'll get a few people to check the local shadow docs, in case she's been laid up, and I'll start asking around about recent 'acquisitions' people have made. Can you get me any info on the last job she was on? That'd be the first place to start looking if trouble found her.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:20:35/02-29-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <02-29-16/1214:31>
>>>>>[If you need some help nosing around in Horizon territory or LA, let me know and I'll see what I can do.]<<<<<

--Black Panther (18:15:15/02-29-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-17-16/1105:59>
>>>>>>>[Can someone give me a site rep on Manhattan?  Been out of the country and just got back in.  Heard something about those fragging Vultures and 10,000 Daggers were running around the place and causing a major cluster frag or something.  Can someone fill mei in]<<<<<<<<<

-Nightmare (10:05:15/03-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <03-17-16/1501:56>
>>>>>[Sorry, I can't help you there.  The last time I was in the Rotten apple I was just a wee lass, when my dad was stationed there.]<<<<<

--Black Panther (19:58:36/03-17-78)

>>>>>[I don't know a lot about New York, but I've met the 10,000 daggers before when I was a merc.  Nasty bunch, but most successful mercs are.  You have to be mean to get the big jobs and they've been around.  I think I have a write-up somewhere here on them and a couple of other merc groups.  When I get home, I'll dig it up and PM it to you.  It's not fully current, but it will give you some ideas and I believe the senior leadership of the bunch is still the same.]<<<<<

--Kitten (20:01:15/03-17-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-17-16/1525:01>
>>>>>>>[Don't worry about the write-up, Kitten, I've seen the 10,000 Daggers in the field more than once. I've  worked with and against them on a couple of different tours both with MET2K and as a freelancer.  Just wondering what was going down that they were involved in.  And why they were slumming it with those fragging Vultures. Never expected to see the Daggers working side by side with the 58th.]<<<<<<<

- Nightmare (22:24:25/03-17=18)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <03-18-16/0244:55>
>>>>>[I can't help you there, although if I can make a guess, it's probably money.]<<<<<

--Kitten (07:45:30/03-18-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-18-16/1644:30>
>>>>>>>[Probably but everyone in the merc community knows those fraggers from the 58th are useless, back-stabbing, wastes of space!  Still amazed they haven't had they're charter yanked out from under them for the shit they pull.]<<<<<<<

-Nightmare (15:42:52/03-18-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <03-18-16/2250:14>
>>>>>[ Wuxing's gone after a member of the MDC - that isn't fiberboard, it's the group in charge of corporate goings-on (which means ALL goings-on) in Manhattan, the Manhattan Development Consortium. Tsu Lin's traffic analysis suggests that they haven't gotten away with it outright - the CEO of the target of the Wuxing takeover showed up for an MDC board meeting in the middle of the mayhem - but by the way their stock is sliding, I'd also say that Wuxing'll just have to wait a couple months to finalize their black-hearted grab, unless Prometheus can find a white knight.
          The Black Cats, the PolySocs, and my own Ivory Tower folk also lifted and sifted the MDC archives of this little 'event' Nightmare's brought to our attention; no Hawatari.  Everyone, put an ear to the ground, maybe do some quiet asking-around with your contacts.  I asked Madrecita to do a bit of a posting (here (https://goo.gl/Odhl6b) is a link) when she could get around to it, to give people an idea of the girl; she says between jobs and keeping Iceblade out of trouble (ha!) she'll do what she can, but it's a WIP.  Feel free to throw in commentary, but if it gets too bogged down, I WILL slice out stuff that ain't pertinent. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:45:00/03-18-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-19-16/0222:49>
>>>>>[Hey! Usually it isn't my fault! It isn't like I purposely choose jobs that put me in harm's way. But I've got two key skill sets, and jobs that don't include me giving a 'happy ending' usually involve my sword giving out a few 'bad endings'. And the people in the second group tend to be confrontational. And heavily armed.

Anyways, I've got feelers out for Hawatari, including a few from certain 'official' sources, in case she winds up somewhere like that. As far as the street goes, no one's heard from her here in Seattle, and I haven't heard of any black bag teams taking people. The Ancients and a few other gangs are on the lookout, with the promise of me owing them a favor if they catch news of her. Mainly either healing or training. If she shows up anywhere in the sprawl, I'll hear about it. If she can make it to Redmond, I've got a couple boltholes I use there. I'm sending you the location of one of them on the border of Glow City. If she gets loose and contacts you, tell her to head there. She'll find a change of clothes, a burner commlink, and a couple guns (cheap crap, but good condition). Just let her know to bring a few pieces of whoever was holding her to feed the 'security'.

I've got a bit of a network I can pull on if we need to arrange an extraction. Or if she gets herself out and desires some payback.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (02:22:22/03-19-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Nightmare on <03-20-16/1433:26>
>>>>>[Did  I hear you right, Wyrm? Wuxing went full out corp war against Prometheus in Manhattan just to get a seat on the MDC?!?!  Drek! How has the word not gotten out further?  I mean, I wouldn't have fragging known about it if I hadn't have had to stop by a chummer's place to make sure the smugglers I'd hired to get my gear back to the States had done they're job.  He mentioned chatter in the merc community about the 58th and the Daggers being in Manhattan and causing havoc.  Drek!
       
              As for Hawatari, I'll touch base with my folks and see if they can pick up any chatter on their ends.  Been overseas too long to truly know what's been going on but maybe they will.]<<<<<<

--Nightmare (13:42:52/03-20-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <03-21-16/0110:56>
>>>>>[Being one of the guys able to control a sprawl that is one of the financial hubs of the world, as well as the planetside home of the Corporate Court isn't a small thing, Nightmare. And really, unless it spills out into the streets (or rather, into other corps' property), then you'll find it hard for people to care what one corp does to another in Manhattan. Now, if it was Seattle or Denver, that'd be a different story.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:10:10/03-21-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-04-16/1615:15>
>>>>>[Hey Ice, send me the down low on what's been what lately. I've been out of Seatac for, gods a year or more, and finally getting back in. Ash has been kicking around Chi town for a while but is back as well. If you need help recovering Hawatari count us in, just send us particulars.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (16:11:33)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Pixelated on <07-09-16/1527:08>
>>>>>[Hey chummers, new BBS huh? At least this one's not cluttered with God awful Haiku poetry. NOT an invitation. Heard there were a few demonstrations goin on downtown, Humanis Drek or something? I'd go around if your out wandering meatspace.]<<<<<

-Pixel
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <07-09-16/1557:28>
>>>>>[If it is humanis, I wouldn't mind going there and dropping a few fireballs in.  Unfortunately the Knights might not like it.]<<<<<

--Kitten (21:57:30/07-09-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Pixelated on <07-09-16/2013:12>
>>>>>[That I'd like to see, need a lift? Ha! serious beef with those pieces of Drek.]>>>>>

-Pixel
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <07-10-16/0648:03>
>>>>> [Don't assume there's no magic or counter-magic there just because it's Humanis - they've been around long enough to be able to call on magical support when they want it.
That being said, what're they making noise about this time?]<<<<<

-- Longshot
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Pixelated on <07-10-16/0927:32>
>>>>>[No idea, I generally don't bother to listen to anything they have to say but I'm sure it has to do with their whole superiority complex and hate the meta's blah blah. I did swing by and change the code to their vehicle to elf_lover99 which was good enough for me.Theirs was not even close to imaginative, I do hear you about the magic bit, doesn't mean it wouldn't be fun to watch a few of them run around on fire for a bit though.]>>>>>

-Pixel
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <07-10-16/2249:38>
[spoiler=Reminder]As a reminder, Pixelated, Longshot - don't forget to put the time/date stamp in.  Time is always your current local; date is your 'today', but 62 years hence (2078 right now).[/spoiler]

>>>>>[ 'New'?  Bull fired this thing up back in what, '72?  Girl, six years old ain't 'new' by a long shot; most 'runners don't last half that long.
          And generally, hate begets hate.  Doesn't mean that you shouldn't put them down if they come gunning for you, or that you shouldn't counter their hatemongering with good information, just that you shouldn't be randomly tossing grenades into their perfectly-civil protests. Of course, should things go sour when you counter-protest across the street from them ...
          Got a tip on Hawatari - someone says they saw her down in Buenos Aires.  My Despicable Minions can't find hide nor hair of her on the cams, though, so if anyone is down Argentina-way, I'll pay good money for good intel.  (You fraggers who try to sell me crap intel - you know who you are - can look forward to having to reinstall every piece of software on your electronics and implants.  Again.) ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (22:45:00/07-10-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-11-16/0130:40>
>>>>>[Buenos Aires? Geez. How'd the girl get all the way there from Seattle? Still, that would explain why I've come up dry on my searches.

Wolfgar, you're welcome to stop by the house while you're in Seattle. We're still down in Tarislar. Stop by, and we'll crack open a bottle of the good stuff.

Pixel, Longshot, be careful when dealing with the Humanis nutjobs. If they're doing a nice, peaceful hatemongering protest, expect them to have 3-4 people elsewhere in the crowd filming, to catch anyone who might take offense and try to assault them (or anything their lawyers can convince someone is assault). Who are the Knights going to believe, a SINless, or an upstanding citizen? And then, even if the charges don't stick, they'll still be suing your ass, and plastering your mug all over the trid telling people how mean you were to the poor defenseless protesters. And THEN you get a 'visit' by the not so defenseless, not protesting types.

That said, the best way I've found to have some fun at their expense during a rally is pranks. No seriously. Stink bombs, firecrackers, other auditory/visual distractions, maybe toss in a Chaotic World spell if you got the Talent, spambots and other fun for the matrix types, and so on. Turning them into a joke (one that even they can understand) pisses them off MUCH more. And if your hacker just so happens to glean a few identities and bank accounts while they're distracted by the sudden spam zone, well, they should have invested in better matrix security, yes? Of course, I know one crazy fragger who would delightfully target them with a 'Demolish Pants' spell.

Now, when they're not at one of their 'peaceful rallies', then you can play a bit more. Just be smart, because even these idiots know how to lay a trap.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:30:30/07-11-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <07-11-16/0212:57>
>>>>>[ Only notable place I know of that Hawatari hasn't gone is Mars.  She's been to Shibanokuji, Antarctica, deep ocean, even the Moon once (from what she's said, anyhow) - and considering her connections, I wouldn't bet against her not being able to get anywhere she wanted to go.  I just didn't expect her to be able to disappear so thoroughly. ]<<<<<
          -- The Wyrm Ouroboros (02:15:00/07-11-2078)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <07-11-16/0230:29>
>>>>>[ Of course, I know one crazy fragger who would delightfully target them with a 'Demolish Pants' spell.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (01:30:30/07-11-78)

>>>>>[ I think it's time to start researching that Orgy spell I've heard about.  That could be a lot of fun.

@Wyrm: I have a contact in Buenos Aires.  I'll see if he knows something.]<<<<<

--Kitten (08:24:40/07-11-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Pixelated on <07-11-16/0933:38>
>>>>>[ @The Wyrm Well new to me, been hanging around another grid till someone did something stupid and got rolled by GOD. Figured I'd stay off of that one for a while.

I've had my experiences with Humanis too. There's no such thing as a peaceful hate protest for those Drek. They deserve what they get.

@Kitten Hahaha! That would be interesting. ]>>>>>

-Pixel
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-12-16/1509:11>
>>>>>[@Kitten - Let me know if you find anything out. I don't have any people local, so there's limits to what I can search without something to go on.

And yes, I've used that spell on crowds before. Seeing a group of mobsters suddenly get VERY uncomfortable with what is happening in their pants and forgetting to shoot is a good bit of fun. Only difference between it and a Mass Agony spell is that people are less likely to come looking for you if you paralyze them with pleasure instead of knock them out with extreme pain.

@Pixel - Yes, they deserve quite a lot, but busting up a 'peaceful' rally makes them look like victims, which they use shamelessly. That's one of the reasons I suggested pranks. As long as there isn't direct harm, they have a hard time spinning it as anything other than low-level annoyances, while you make them look like a joke. If property is damaged or people are injured, then they can claim loudly that they were 'attacked' and are the real victims here. You might make yourself feel better in the short term, but make them stronger long term.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (15:08:23/07-12-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <07-15-16/0850:59>
>>>>>[ hey iceblade, I may have some info on Hawatari.  A buddy of mine who works as a security consultant at the Hospital Municipal Eva Perron in the Merlo suburb of Buenos Aires.  He's seen someone who looks like Hawatari on the security cams of the hospital.  The picture is not very good (as it's the case with most 30+ year old security cams) but it might be a start.  I'll PM you a still, so you can have a look (as you know her much better).]<<<<<

--Kitten (14:50:41/07-15-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <07-15-16/1407:50>
>>>>>[Looks close enough for me to head down there. Good timing, too. Shark's been restless. At the very least, I'm sure I'll find some trouble down there that will need my attention.

Wyrm, if I find anything, I'll give you a shout.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (14:07:23/07-15-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Wolfboy on <07-18-16/1835:00>
>>>>>[@ Pixel
I think most if not all of us around here have a personal beef with Humanis of one sort or another. The fraggers just don't know how to quit when they're ahead. That said, I seem to have gotten a bit softer I guess in my advancing age, I mean hell, I'm old enough to remember The Night, but that was as a five year old in Northwest Florida, (though don't let the fact that it was just some southern rednecks instead of the HoF make you think that it was easier.) Anyway, mental derail, point being is unless its work, or they are after you or someone else around you, best bet is to leave them be or else make it either untraceable, or laughable. Though the last Humanis protest I saw was in New York and some sweet soul got the idea to dump something like 10k gallons of thinned out blue paint through sprayers over the protest route so the lot of them came out looking like half drowned Smurfs.

@Ice
Let me know when you get back from Argentina and we'll hoist a few, hopefully with Hawatari along for the ride.]<<<<<

--Wolfgar (18:24:27/07-18-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <09-16-16/0123:13>
>>>>>[Well...I've had a...dull year or so. I think. All I remember was a Christmas party and now I'm back in Seattle, missing several shirts and many pants, and I'm still piecing together the in between. While I try to skim the backlog, what has been happening, chummers?]<<<<<

--Card (23:20:26/09-15-78)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-23-17/0755:49>
>>>>> [Holy frag . . . this place has been quiet before, but totally empty? Either business is booming, or there's a blackout.

And I had questions after being out of town for an extended period . . .] <<<<<

-- Longshot (07:51:52/04-23-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-24-17/0402:44>
>>>>>[You're telling me, LS. You're the first one I've heard from in a solid year. I don't think it's a city wide blackout, but I think most of our regulars are busy. I might be able to help though, unless you've got something specific going on.]<<<<<

--Card (01:01:30/04-24-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-24-17/0534:16>
>>>>>[I've been very busy lately, and I think Kitten is in Lagos at the moment.  Probably she's in some jungle without matrix access.

Also, if there is not much going on, people stop checking in and it dies down.]<<<<<

--Black Panther (11:34:25/04-24-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-24-17/0627:20>
>>>>> [Well, okay. I'm guessing it's been noticed that there were six unsuppressed sniper assassinations in Downtown, in 2 days?!] <<<<<

-- Longshot (06:25:02/04-24-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-24-17/1123:42>
>>>>>[I've been occupied with... certain things.

Anyway, is there any pattern to these assassinations? Having so many in a short period sounds like either someone's on a killing spree, or they're sending a message. If it is supposed to be a message, though, it isn't being done by a professional.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (11:23:34/04-24-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-24-17/1158:43>
>>>>>[Maybe not a professional like the kind we're used to talking about (Hi Smiley), but spirits know we could go into how many different layers of message an unsurpressed, news grabbing series of sniper killings could convey, from the fact they are happening, to the fact that if it IS a job who ever hired the killer specifically wanted them to show up on the news, to the targets chosen, et al. Seriously, the question boils down to 'is this a guy in a clocktower who has had enough of the world's shit' or 'is this professional in some sense of the word other than assassin', at least in my book.

Then again, I'm not an assassin, so let that influence your opinion]<<<<<

-- Card (08:57:30/4/24/79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-24-17/1209:50>
>>>>>[I assume you mean Seattle with 'downtown'.  If that's the case, I probably wouldn't know, as I'm in LA and here the newsfeeds are full with news about the latest Karl Combatmage, what the Azzies are up to in Diego and nothing else.  Stupid, I know, but that's tinseltown for you.]<<<<<

--Black Panther (18:10:15/04-24-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-24-17/1331:10>
>>>>>[Here's my problem with using a spree of unsuppressed sniper shots as a message. The message is that you're an idiot who doesn't know how to properly convey a message.

If you want to show you can 'reach out and touch someone', then suppressed shots work best, and spaced further apart.

If you want to spread violence for a cause, bombings are much more effective.

If you want to put a gang or other group on notice, a drive-by with an assault rifle is something they are more likely to understand.

No, if this is supposed to be a message, then it is a stupid message, sent by an idiot. This is either someone on a killing spree for whatever nutjob reason, or someone is pushing what amounts to a false flag operation.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (13:30:22/04-24-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-24-17/1353:23>
>>>>> [From what I've been able to piece together, a Brackhaven Investments big(ish) noise got one, and his Stoddard Security bodyguard was capped by a suppressed sniper shot at almost the same moment. One of the others was a Thunderstruck shot near the ACHE. It's just, y'know, not even Chimera does this kind of blatant "I'm so badass" action.

I've also heard whispers of a 'Seattle for Aztlan' group . . .] <<<<<

-- Longshot (13:45:28/04-24-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-24-17/1420:42>
>>>>>[Never said the guy doing it was smart. Neither would be the guy behind the trigger, all things considered. I would definitely look more into it being a very poorly designed distraction that seems to be working on some half assed list of targets, or the ever popular and more likely 'going postal' idea.]<<<<<

-- Card (11:20:30/4-24-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-24-17/1651:26>
>>>>>[Is there a big event going on or about to begin in the coming weeks or months?  If so, it could be to either scare people of or to allow some security corp to get an extra contract for said event.  They get more money to put extra security in order to guard against 'terrorists'.  I read that in an old book somewhere.]<<<<<

-- Black Panther (22:51:17/4-24-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-25-17/0026:21>
>>>>>[ I'm not often called an idiot, but it happens.  The two questions you really need to answer for yourself are 'do I understand what the message is', and 'am I one of those who needs to understand what the message is?'
          If the second is 'no', then the answer to the first is merely philosophical.  Both SigInt and HumInt strongly suggest that the message is being received properly. ]<<<<<
          -- Shugyōsha (00:26:58/04-25-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-25-17/0618:56>
>>>>> [Someone's - several someones, maybe - idea of a purge, then. Hmm - Human Nation, perhaps?] <<<<<

-- Longshot (06:16:52/04-25-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-25-17/0643:12>
>>>>>[ No.  My most recent target (admittedly made after your post) on the 520's New Rosellini Bridge was the local Human Nation head.  (Who was not Brackhaven, as much as he'd like to think he is.)  I used the Thunderstruck again to penetrate the limosine's armor, so should be making the news at any moment. ]<<<<<
          -- Shugyōsha (06:43:38/04-25-2079)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-25-17/0742:24>
>>>>>[ Ah, the wonders of civilization.  Here in Lagos they simply walk up to their target and shoot him/her in the face.  In broad daylight.  Nobody gives a damn (except on Victoria Island).
Yep, I'm back as Panther said, from a mission in the jungles around Lagos (hunting telesma).  I turned out to be the only one who had thought to bring a satlink and that one broke down, hence my being incommunicado for a while.  Some people really have no idea what you might need on a jungle expedition. ]<<<<<
          -- Kitten (13:43:14/04-25-2079)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Kylen on <04-26-17/0225:29>
>>>>>[Shugyōsha, I'd ask what your entire job is, but I know the answer will be 'none of my fragging business', or similar, possibly nicer forms of it.

Just, if you can, try to avoid causing traffic in the northern areas of town? I have business up there and gridlock would kinda screw me. If nothing else, wait a day or two?]<<<<<

-- Card (23:24:30/4-25-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-26-17/0629:28>
>>>>>[ No.  There are six more in the Metroplex that must be taken care of.  Where-ever they try to run, there will I find them; now is the time, for their electronic chains will only last out the month, and the longer I wait, the more troublesome they will make it.  Afterwards there are several others to finalize elsewhere; then I can return to business as usual.
          It may prove meritorious to review the dossiers on each ... individual ... which have been donated to and revealed by the several local news outlets.  While all of them are frequent users of the shadow community in Seattle, none of them are within comet-probe range of either a valuable member of that community or someone who should be respected by us.  Thus do I slay not only their bodies, but that which could have lived after them.  Thus it shall be as Antony initially says about Caesar: "The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interrèd with their bones."
          What others thought their good to be is thus exposed as a facile mask; they are to be known for the evil they did in their lives. This, in exchange for seeking to destroy all that I have done. ]<<<<<
          -- Shugyōsha (06:29:12/04-26-2079)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-29-17/0636:20>
>>>>> [Huh. I'm thinking this is part of the Megacorporate Audit now. And thanking Ghost that there aren't - or haven't been - laser weapons used, 'cause that would bring way too much sec crackdown in.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (06:32:51/04-29-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-29-17/0855:35>
>>>>> [Whatever it is, it's quite serious.  Rumour back here is that Horizon has dispatched a Dawkins team to Seattle.] <<<<<

-- Black Panther (14:56:42/04-29-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-29-17/1841:44>
>>>>>[ There was.  They interfered; they are no longer amongst the living, or even the intact.  That one of the targets on the 27th worked for Horizon ... I will presume was immaterial to my purposes.  Otherwise my list will get longer instead of shorter.
          One more to go here.  Mirikon, if you can ask the woman whom I took diving with the meistersingers if she's available for the next month, I would ask the same of you.  One of my targets is extraplanar. ]<<<<<
          -- Shugyōsha (18:41:52/04-29-2079)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <04-29-17/2235:42>
>>>>>[I have passed your request on. There are some... scheduling conflicts she is attempting to resolve, but will contact you if she becomes free. As for myself, I am afraid that it would be contrary to my standing in the spirit world if I aided in the permanent termination of a spirit, especially a free spirit. As a follower of a possession tradition, I hope you understand that I must always work for positive relations with the astral community. If your purpose is not the permanent slaying of the spirit, then I am agreeable to aiding you. Even if otherwise, if the spirit poses a grave enough threat to the worlds, then I may agree. Message me in private, if you are willing to share information on the target.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (22:34:23/04-29-2079)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <04-30-17/1431:37>
>>>>> [ . . . . I was going to suggest that part of the objective is about the people likely to replace the assassinated targets in their (former) positions, but that tidbit about an extraplanar target sort of upsets that theory. Maybe. I'm not up on astral/metaplanar give-and-take, so someone with better info can perhaps fill in a blank or two. That said, Shugyōsha has apparently done legwork sufficient for his purposes, as well as whoever else is looking through scopes recently.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (14:20:42/04-30-79)

Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <04-30-17/1632:44>
>>>>> [ I hope Shugyōsha as an exit strategy.  He's gone to be enemy number one at more than one megacorp.  I know Horizon doesn't take it well when a Dawkins team dissapears. ] <<<<<

-- Black Panther (22:32:15/04-30-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <04-30-17/2359:02>
>>>>>[ Then they should not send their teams into a situation with which they are unfamiliar - or permit their teams to initiate an engagement against a superior opponent.  If, after receiving the assembled dossier, the Consensus is in agreement with the actions of their employee, then my life and the existence and liberty of my Bonded are all in critical jeopardy.  While I will not initiate engagement on this matter, should they do so, I will take it as a declaration of intent, and expand my engagement portfolio accordingly.
          And then Horizon will have a significant change in leadership, because the members of the Consensus are neither as anonymous nor as invulnerable as they believe themselves to be.
          I trust, however, that their examination of the dossier will permit them to acknowledge that her actions were unwarranted, and disavow them as being unbecoming of Horizon support.  This has been the reaction at every other significant megacorporation with which my targets have been associated.  It helps that I was not the initiator of the crime, and that their eliminations are ... justice.
          One moment.
          ** Feed Break: 36s. **
          There; finished for Seattle.  I always knew he'd try to run, I just hadn't been certain as to when.
          Mirikon, your reputation is something I'm counting on to assist us with reinforcements; you can have the rescue mission part.  Your wife and I should be able to handle the entity in question, who is to blame for imprisoning, and attempting eradication of, the 'close acquaintance' I brought to your wedding - the 'young person with a very old soul', as the Wyrm put it.  You get to rescue her; your wife and I will make the point to any who care to learn about it that such actions among others of their own kind are Not Tolerated. So at the end of it, you might improve in status. For myself, I'm willing to take any potential damage to my reputation in order to effect her rescue and the destruction of the one who has captured, imprisoned, and tortured her. ]<<<<<
          -- Shugyōsha (23:58:52/04-30-2079)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Mirikon on <05-01-17/1014:06>
>>>>>[That is acceptable. I will make the preparations for an extended jaunt into the astral. Shark will be pleased.]<<<<<

--Iceblade (10:13:23/05-01-17)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <05-02-17/2321:18>
>>>>>[ I would say 'well, he was surprisingly amenable', but it wasn't like I didn't set up the situation with a very hard stick and a very juicy carrot.  "When dealing with dragons, appeal to both their pride and their greed."  I'm glad; even though I don't like Denver, there is an innocent or two still living here.
          Mirikon, tickets for the Dynamic Duo should be in your in-box - first-class HCST from Sea-Tac to Manila, with directions for dropping off 'necessary items' for shipping.  They're open-ended tickets, so when you two are ready - though my tasks in Denver will take me, I think, until Saturday, perhaps Sunday, so you have a few days' wiggle room.
          If, incidentally, your spouse is on assignment for her boss, please let me know, and I can ask my supervisor to talk with her supervisor; it should expidite her availability. ]<<<<<
            -- Shugyōsha (23:20:12/05-02-2079)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <05-14-17/1159:22>
>>>>> [ Does someone knows a mage in LA or surroundings who's good with astral recon?  The idiot we had managed to piss off some Pueblo cops and came up second best. ] <<<<<

-- Black Panther (18:00:09/05-14-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <06-12-17/0142:36>
>>>>> [Well, this is a relief. I was thinking someone had objected to this board 'with extreme prejudice,' as it were.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (01:40:15/06-12-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <06-12-17/0324:30>
>>>>> [Well, this is a relief. I was thinking someone had objected to this board 'with extreme prejudice,' as it were.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (01:40:15/06-12-79)

>>>>> [ A lot of people object all right, but most know better than to do anything about it.  Better the host you know than having to look for it again.  It was either a glitch or someone without much sense, as pissing of a group like this isn't a good idea.  I have some feelers out to see what it was, but so far no luck. ] <<<<<

-- Black Panther (09:25:19/06-12-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <06-17-17/0812:55>
>>>>> [Ya know, just before the board went down, I was hearing about an Azzie covert ops . . . unit? player? . . . in town supposedly about those sniper shots. No claims on those too, that I've heard.]

-- Longshot (08:08:51/06-17-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <07-16-17/0041:10>
>>>>>[ If you are speaking about the sniper shots, those were me - as I have previously stated.
          The extraplanar walkabout had a couple of annoying twists, but it is pleasing to see what results one can get when one has achieved a certain reputation, for competence, courtesy, and ruthlessness. ]<<<<<
          -- Shugyōsha (12:41:08/07-16-2079)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <07-17-17/0722:14>
>>>>> [Nah, the Azzie whoever-it-is was supposedly in town to chase down the sniper. Could be complete drek - usual shadow rumour. On the other hand . . . forewarned, forearmed, all that noise.] <<<<<

-- Longshot (07:18:50/07-17-79)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Longshot23 on <03-28-18/0540:58>
>>>>>[I was going to put something asking about strangest opposition combinations ever seen, but I have no idea if it'll get read. Seriously, anybody out there keeping an eye on this board?!]<<<<<

-- Longshot
(02:40:49/03-28-80)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <03-28-18/0727:00>
>>>>> [ It has been very quiet up here, that's for sure.  But with all the problems the board has had in the past months, not really all that much of a surprise.  Maybe now people will start coming back. ] <<<<<

-- Black Panther (13:28:11/03-28-80)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Chrona on <04-01-18/2129:47>
>>>>> [ Holy Hell, I didn't even realise this place was back on.  ] <<<<<

-- Chrona (02:29:17/04-02-80)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Captain Corruption on <06-16-18/0120:33>
>>>>>[Trust me to find this place after it seems to have died]<<<<<
— Captain Corruption (15:29:00/06-16-2080)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: Streetsam_Crunch on <06-16-18/0220:46>
>>>>>[Seems like they'll let anyone in here now... I know because I'm here!]<<<<<
— Streetsam_Crunch (02:25:13/06-16-2080)
Title: Re: [IC] Virtual Underworld 93
Post by: farothel on <06-16-18/0406:47>
>>>>> [ I'm sure we can kick you back out if we have to. ] <<<<<

-- Black Panther (10:07:21/06-16-80)