Shadowrun

Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Aria on <08-14-15/1216:33>

Title: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <08-14-15/1216:33>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Fre∑dom Host, Puyallup]

Outside the winter rain slammed into the abandoned and derelict mall, finding its way down through rusting girders and broken ferrocrete to splash insistently against the walls of the insulated trailer unit buried on the second level basement.  Inside the trailer itself silence reigned, apart from the low hiss of the ventilator that maintained Prospero’s withered and moribund form in the nutrient vat.  Two others of the Fre∑dom tribe reclined in Valkyrie units whilst their minds wandered the matrix alongside Prospero. A waiting Evo 7000 medical drone blinked quietly in a corner, impassively watching its charges…

Inside the host was a very different environment and Prospero smiled benevolently at the other tribals basking in the tropical sunshine.  He briefly regretted that he wasn’t able to feel the resonance as some here could, knowing that the presence of the Well made this host feel as real, if not more so, than the real world.  Even the cranked SIM levels of his deck couldn’t match the experience they described.  Still, that would distract him from his duties as their guardian…they, and the other secrets here, needed to be isolated from the world at large…

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mechanical’s Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

NikNak straightened, rubbing the small of her back as she popped out her earbuds and dropped them into the charging cradle on her belt.  Flinging her tools into the carrier she headed back up the companionway with the promise of food forefront on her mind.  Using her AR gloves she scribbled out a quick message

<<@Control [NN]: Turbine 3 should be good to go… I’m knocking off now but yell if the damn thing goes down again, bloody thing is older than my Grandma’s tits!>>

She scrabbled across the courtyard, ducking against the ash laden rain, grateful for the respirator keeping her face from freezing in the sleety muck.  The canteen was a haven of warmth and laughter.  Despite the setbacks the tribe had faced recently this place was a new start and now that the hydroponics were up and running down in the town there was even something appetising on the menu!

[Friday December 13th, 2075; The Perimeter, Orting, Puyallup]

Cam slunk along in the lee of a crumbling wall, alert for the sounds of his watch as they patrolled in the crappy weather.  The norms were tucked up safe and sound, at least for now, and he was the thing keeping them safe, as it had always been…just that now he had the virus coursing through his blood…and the hunger that came with it.  His tongue flicked unconsciously across the sharpened fangs, tasting the gritty water that ran down from his greying scalp.  His pale cybereyes flicked back and forth hunting for movement, any sign of life other than their own…

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <08-14-15/1245:41>

Thorn hated this. Since the move his commute had become a real pain in the ass. He loved riding the Yamaha through the rough terrain, but the icy rain made that even more dangerous than the ill-maintained and garbage strewn streets already were.
Yet he wasn't going to give up this bouncer-gig. For one the pay at Red Lace was quite decent and the girls gave him a discount - as long as he kept the mask on.
Few of them could stand the look of his acid-scarred face - a little souvenir of an especially dissatisfied customer. Thorn had made it a habit to stop by and spit into the gully where he had dumped his body.

He knew he could earn more if he'd put the hours in, but in the battle between going to work and going to work out the latter usually won. But the gym was closed for the day and so he was driving back to the tribe.
Damn, he was hungry. Beating sand sacks and blank johns gave you an appetite. At least the canteen would still be open now.
Thorn opened up the throttle and sped up a bit more as his destination came into view. It didn't do to appear a cowardly driver - and the thrill was after all exactly what he liked so much about riding a bike...

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <08-14-15/1446:05>

*thunk* "Ah, dammit!" came the cry from under the hood of the vintage 2032 Ford F-155E. Bent stood up from having been hunched over the engine block, rubbing the back of his head where he'd hit it on the hood on the way up. This old truck will be the death of me. His fingers traced the beginnings of a small bump just starting to swell as he walked around the truck to put away his tools. He pulled his fingers back and looked at them, finding no blood at least. But there was still plenty of grease. He grabbed a cloth and wiped off his hands, barely making a difference on the black-stained skin. He clicked off the heater and the lights before locking up and heading out. The rain was freezing, but the thick fibers of his jumpsuit kept it at bay for a few moments at least. Still, his thinning, salt & pepper hair did nothing to keep his head warm or dry, and chilling rivulets ran down his stubbly, sunken cheeks and dripped from his chin. More water found its way down the back of his suit or stung around his eyes as he pushed into soggy streets. It was moments like this that he most wished he could get that truck working, but old Bit had been adamant about him doing this one on his own. Repair work was a lot tougher than guard duty, and did more to foul up his mood than let him blow off some steam. All the same, he was glad he didn't have to be walking around outside in this for any longer than a few hundred meters. As he made for the Canteen he turned his comm off of silent and went over his missed messages. As usual, nothing. Maybe it was his history, or his way with people, but Bent just didn't have many friends, even amongst the tribe. But at least Bit could be counted on to bother him about how the truck should have been running weeks ago. Maybe he'd run into him later so he could tell him just how impossible the job really was.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <08-14-15/1549:31>

The mist began to clear a little and cog shuffled uncomfortably to peer through the scope once again, checking for signs of activity around the den. A flicker of tail shot across his Crosshands and he snapped into action, tracking and leading the target as he inhaled and held it. The rifle kicked hard into his shoulder and the wild dog hit the ground with a spurt of pink as the round exited it's flank.
He let the breath out as the empty case clanged down the stairway to his side.
His pulse steadied and he checked the opening of the den once more; no activity.
Springing to his feet, he drew his knife and took the rifle down to the ground floor, slinging it before Hopping onto his bike and driving the 500 yards or so to the kill.
His torso ached from laying prone for so long and it was a relief to get moving again. The wild dog was an adult, female. Probably had pups in the den. Fuck.
Ah well, couldn't let a good bit of meat go to waste.
He strapped the corpse onto the rigging over the back wheel and headed back to base.
The ride would be long, he'd had to head further afield since the wideheads expanded out of their usual hunting grounds, but the chance to catch up on some music on the ride home was well anticipated

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <08-14-15/1955:45>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mechanical’s Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

The room was small and slightly cramped, but for Ratchet's talents that made it perfect. The room was setup as a clinic and surgery, the one oddity was the candles. They where burning not only for the sweet scent, but as reagents she used for the spell to sterilize the room. This was why the small room was perfect as even with her limited talents she could sterilize the entire room.

Her arms where steady as she worked on the stitches, one a dusky brown, the other an artifact of brassed chrome and exposed tubing and joints. While most preferred the sleekness of fully plated limbs the Mechanicals appreciated the beauty of function, not just form. The orc tribal grinted slightly as another stitch was place, looking at the dwarf working on him, her face almost completely hidden behind a set of goggles and a respirator, the former enhancing her vision and the later more to prevent her breathing any bacteria or other contaminants onto the wound than filter the air she's breathing in.

The last stitch in place she sprays the wound with an antiseptic and places a bandage over it, a minor healing spell finishing the procedure to speed the body's natural healing along. Osha might be the community's healer, but also the community's leader. Ratchet, although not as trained often dealt with the minor injuries, both to continue her training and let Osha focus on more important matters.

The orc grunts and gives a tusked smile "Thanks Ratchet, feeling better already.". The procedure finished Ratchet reached up to lift the googles and lower her respirator. The features revealed show just how mixed her bloodline is, her dark skin showing her African American heritage while her face shows a mixture of Asian and Native American influences. "Null sweat, just take it easy. I don't want to have to do this all over again because you've pulled all the stitching out."

She grunts a little, knuckling her back from being bent over for so long, the wound was minor yes, but she was still learning so it took time for her to get things right. Fishing into a pocket she looked at the time on her comlink and grunts. Time to get something to eat. her mechanized hand reaching out to pinch the flames of the candles out, there was still a few drams worth of power left in them, no sense letting it go to waste. That reminds me, I'm practically out, need to talk to that damned snake about getting some more. Wicca reagents aren't the most common out there. She leaves her small clinic behind and reaches into her pocket to fetch a packet of cigarettes, popping one out in a long practiced motion and settling it between her lip, the hand of her cyberarm lifting as she brings her thumb to the cigarette tip. The tip folding back with a tiny spark as a flame ignites the tip before it closes again.

She takes a long drag of the cigarette, holding it in her cybernetic hand as she exhales with a weary sigh and starts walking to the cafeteria.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <08-15-15/1027:43>

Gunther Raddick muttered uncomfortably as he walked through the rain, he was a cold-blooded creature after the SURGE, and the lowered tempature the rain's were causing was making him sluggish. Not majorly so, but it was still annoying. He had just gotten done doing rounds with each of the tribes, selling his wares. Being a free agent was dangerous, but in some ways better than affiliation. He didn't enjoy the protection of anybody, but he didn't really get any emnity for it, and most everybody owed him for something. Next up was the Mechanicals. He felt approval from his mental spirit, not any actual astral discussion, just a quick flash of agreement. The Fire-Bringer liked the mechanicals, because of their tinkering and creating, etc., etc. They were decent people, and if he ever did have to affiliate himself with a tribe, they would be high up on the list.

It was a short walk, and one which had the changleing on the edge the entire way. The one problem with their mechanicals was how dangerous the neighborhood they had chosen was. One hand was on the hilt of Predator V, the other ready to throw a Fireball at whoever popped up their head. Every noise, every glimpse of movement, it set the changeling on edge. He almost spreinted to the Castle when it came into sight. He went to the front door and pounded on it with one gloved hand. "It's Raddick. I'm here to offer my services, yess?" he said. Curse the blasted SURGE for changing his vocal cords to the point where he drew-out his S' and felt compelled to put the word yes at the end of everything!

The response from inside was quick, and thankfully not telling him to feth off. The door opened and a Mechanical with a rifle gestured for him to come in. The changeling came on in, and the change in tempature was immediate. "Nobody to meet with you at the moment, probably be a couple of hours. Just go wait in the cafeteria until you're done." Gunther nodded in thanks, and then walked to the cafeteria.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-15-15/1343:51>

"Alright...just a little more...wiz!  AHahahah, you were a slippery little bastard, weren't ya!"  Straightening up from his stooped position, a middle-aged man used one hand to lift up the goggles from his eyes, the other wiping the sweat from his brow that was mixing with the frigid rain coming down.  The air coming from the respirator over his face formed a small mist before him as he wiped excess rain from his slicked back hair, his back cracking a bit from the stretch.  Reaching down again, he picked up his prize: an old abandoned I/O processing unit, pried from the clutches from a long derelict water regulation pump...or was it a power conduit?  Regardless, it's useful.  Alrighty, would you look at the time.. 

Shrugging off the excess water from his coat, Pinion looked up to the sky with a small smile as he blinked twice, pulling up a quick message to go out to his teenage daughter, who as far as he knew was at home wrapping up studies.

<<"Quitting time, Mel.  Dinner at the Canteen tonight.  I'll see you there?">>

After a quick reply of affirmation, the man gave a physical nod, even though he was the only one around.  Opening his bag, he popped the processer inside with the other knicknacks he managed to recover...most of it was junk, but he did intend to work on it, possibly get something together that would be worth selling off.  But that was by the by...it was a long day, Pinion was hungry, and the promise of decent food today was too good to be distracted from.  Lumbering from the scrap heaps, the man made his way through the Castle to the Canteen.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <08-17-15/0042:47>

[Friday December 13 2075; Mechanicals' territory northern boundary; Orting, Puyallup]

Scrapheap wiped the ashen rain from his goggles, keeping his eyes trained on the three gangers sporting Dire Wolves colors approaching the gate of the junkyard he was crouched inside of.  The defense call had come in half an hour ago, and the maimed ork was far past tired of feeling the chill seep into his bones even through the insulation of his armored long coat. A thought brought up the dedicated comms channel his 'link was hooked into.

< Any others comin', Eyes? > 

< None that I can see, boss.  They shot out the two working lights at the ends of the block, but that's all. >

< Good, dis should be quick, den. Burner, Slag: gimme covering cross fire if they do anythin' dumb. > 

Scrapheap barely waited for the acknowledging answers of the other two members of the team he was leading before racking the slide of the shotgun gripped in his hands and stepping out from behind the stack of flattened sedans he had been watching from.  "Dis is Mechanicals turf, get da fuck out!"

To their credit, only one of the three go-gangers started at his appearance;  the other two reached for pistols at their sides.  The sharp crack of automatic rifles sounded before either of them could clear the weapons from their makeshift holsters;  one dropped to the ground dead, the other fell clutching the ruin of his arm.  The remaining ganger threw his hands in the air, and even through the rain Scrapheap could smell the tang of urine.

"Throw your gun on da ground, slowly, an' I won't blast ya.  Twitch, an' yer dead, scan?"  The ganger complied, tossing it to the side several meters from him.  "Now, go back an' tell Howler dat she don't want war wif da Mechanicals."

A shudder ran through to boy at the mention of the gang boss' name, and a mask of defiance slipped over his face.  "You can't hold this turf forever, trog.  We're gonna take it, and it's gonna be s–" The roar of the Remington cut him off, and he slid bonelessly to the ground.  Scrapheap glared at the corpse for a second, then stomped over to the ganger holding his arm and moaning.

"Yer boy dere didn't lissen, so now it's yer job.  You hear me?"

"Go...go fuck yourse–"  The ganger screamed, then vomited on himself as Scrapheap wound up and kicked him where the bullets had shattered the bones in his forearm.

"Last chance, shit-for-brains.  You gonna take da message back, or 'm I gonna cut yer heart out and feed it to ya?"  The ganger nodded, tears flowing down his ash-smeared face.  "Good.  Get runnin', den."  The ork stepped back, holding the badly wounded ganger squarely in the sights of his shotgun.  He kept him there until he tottered out of sight several blocks down.

< Eyes, anythin'? >

< Nope, he's still going...wait.  He just fell over.  Don't think that message is getting through, boss. >

< Sorry, Scrap.  The rain screwed up my aim, I was trying to hit his hand. >

< Meh, Howler'll get it either way.  An' stop wif da damn trick shots, Burner, dis ain't no fuckin' trid.  Dumptruck's gonna have yer ass  an' mine fer breakfast if ya keep it up, neh? >

< Yeah, boss, I get you. We takin' their bikes as salvage? >

< Yup.  If yer dumb enough to fuck wit' us, yer gear's ours fer da takin' after.  Eyes, send a call to Scavenge Control, tell 'em to bring a truck around.  We'll ride back wif 'em, no way I'm walkin' in dis shit. Keep an eye out tho', we're still on da clock. >

It took twenty minutes for the flatbed to roll up through the back of the junkyard, and another half an hour to get the twenty-year-old Rapiers up onto it and secured, with an uneventful ride back.  By the time Scrapheap tromped into the canteen he was more than ready for a hot meal.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-17-15/1718:35>

Al stalked along the two hundred meters of completed wall, admiring his crew’s handiwork.  He was soaked to the skin, and he had to keep his Lucky Strike cupped in his palm for it to stay lit. Somehow, as usual, the fine grit of volcanic ash had found its way into his left Doc, the grit squelching around between his toes as he moved tenaciously through the gray muck.

Most of his crew were gone - the mortar they were using to fuse the collection of scrap materials they’d gathered wouldn’t set in rain like this, so he had them in their makeshift warehouse pre-fabbing some of the gates.

At the end of his own stretch, he came to the makeshift barrier some geniuses had thrown up before Bit had tapped him for this job. They’d stacked old stripped-out cars four and five high, which was a great idea except that they’d soon run out of dead cars, and without knowing what they were doing it had turned into a giant, deadly game of Jenga, with slippages endangering passers-by.

Loathe to have the effort wasted, however, he now had some guys securing the structure in such a way that a couple of well-place charges would tip it over onto any attacking force.  Yeah, he envisioned little surprises like that all along the wall.

Jumping up onto an old ’42 Jackrabbit, he peered into the rain. Couldn’t see shit. No, was that a bit of movement in that line of houses to the northeast? He hefted his hunting rifle and peered through the scope. There was Cam, leading a squad of Greys on patrol.

He’d never really taken to Cam. Bit of a girly-man in Al’s book, and all hoity-toity with that non-smoking crap. But what had happened to him that night...Al and Spike had done their part, took out the freaks’ leader, but they couldn’t be everywhere at once. Lot of good folks had died that night, folks Al had known. And then some had done worse than die. Time was, Al would have no truck with ghouls whatsoever. Knowing a few put a whole new light on things, he had to allow.

If the hippies knew who had sent the CHUDs their way, they hadn’t shared with Al. There was actually a lot they wouldn’t talk about with him, not actually being a member of any of the urban tribes in their little alliance. But they’d put him up when he’d needed to lay low, and done more for him since. So when the attack convinced them to move deeper - much deeper - into the worst of the Barrens, he’d volunteered to go along and help out for a while.

And besides, he’d figured out the the wise guys were closing in on him. Sure, he’d finally gotten them to leave his Khmer pals alone, but now they were more peeved than ever at him. He couldn’t stay out of their sight forever, so he’d reckoned he’d best get out of their reach.

So now here he was, rain pelting his uneven features in a suburb-cum-moonscape. At least the rain kept the dust down. The dust meant a mask. To protect your lungs. And he hadn’t yet rigged up a mask he could smoke through.

Thinking about not being able to smoke made him think of the cafeteria. Which reminded him he was hungry. He thought of stopping at his place to get some dry clothes, but hell, they’d just get wet too. Pulling his ancient brown leather jacket tighter around his skinny frame, he set out on the short walk, water and ash pushing between the toes of his left foot with every step.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <08-17-15/2259:20>

"To go? Why?" said the cook at the Mechanics cafeteria. "Please, you do not want a fussss, yesss?" said Gunther "Then Pleasse jsut make it to go. I have a skin condition. I don't want to ssscare anybody." The cook gave the changeling the evil eye, but while muttering stuffed a bag with the food that Gunther had ordered. "It's not going to be hot." The cook said, and sighing, Gunther muttered "Oh, don't I know it." He would love some piping hot food for his cold blood, but reheating it at his aprtment would have to do. Taking the food, Gunther checked his comn. Hopefully somebody would be avaliable to meet with him about a deal soon. The changleing went over to a nearby table where he sat down, looking weird even among the Mechanicals with the layers of coats, fedora, and gas-mask with tinted lenses. Anything to keep people from identifying him as a changeling. Down here that could sometimes be considered as bad as being a ghoul, and Humanis would be sure to mark his location for if they ever went into the tribal areas in force. He spotted a mechanical that he did recognize as she walked into the cafeteria. It would have been weird if he hadn't the two of them being in the same trade, and he walked towards Ratchet as she entered.

"Ratchett, you don't know where I can find Osssha, do you." Gunther asked, trying to keep his distance and his tongue deferential. He had no doubts about his status as a non-member of the tribe. "Or someone else I can deal with, yess? If I can't make a deal here I need to get on the road before I run out of daylight. I'm not so good at nightss." He needed the nyuen, but he couldn't afford to just sit at the Mechanicals all-day. Besides, staying in one place too long, it wasn't something he liked doing unless it was his apartment.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <08-18-15/0827:48>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mechanical’s Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

The canteen, a repurposed machine hall, echoes with the loud laughter of people who have escaped the rain and bitter cold.  The cavernous space is full, most of the tribals having dragged themselves up the sharp incline to the Castle.  Although the big move is now more or less complete there still isn’t a sufficiently large space down in the town below where everyone can gather…and after the events of the summer the gathering feels all the more important, to remember those missing and share the giddy relief at their own survival.  The smells of cooking mix with the slightly rank odours of a mass of unwashed metahumanity but nobody cares…

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <08-18-15/0909:39>

Thorn didn't particularly care about what he found on his plate. It was hot and plenty, which counted more than anything else for him right now.
He had found a place on one of the few relatively intact tables. Normally he avoided eating with others since he had to remove his mask - usually that made people lose their appetite. But he was cold and hungry and today had no time for the sensibilities of others. The Tomahawks he carried stuck out slightly above his shoulders and made it awkward for him to lean back, so he sat hunched forward, staring down and shoveling his meal into the scarred mass of his face.
After finishing his meal in record time he wiped his mouth and put the mask back on. Only now did he make eye contact with the others on his table. Stuffed and content he did something he usually never did: Engaging in small talk:
"Damn cold outside. Getting into downtown is a damn chore nowadays. But at least the devil rats don't come out in this shite weather..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <08-18-15/1150:18>

Bent sat with the ugly ork and tried not to look up. The guy's face could make dinner reverse direction, so it was better to just pretend he wasn't there. But the great thing about this guy, Thorn, was that nobody liked to sit too close to him, and the ork himself didn't try to start stupid conversations.

Quote from: Jack_Spade on <08-18-15/0909:39>

"Damn cold outside. Getting into downtown is a damn chore nowadays. But at least the devil rats don't come out in this shite weather..."

...most of the time.

"Devil rats is just target practice." Bent replied simply while still avoiding eye contact. The truth was, Bent liked company. But whenever he opened his mouth around these tribals, he always seemed to regret it. So anyone who would hang around without talking too much was alright in his book. Hopefully this guy with the melted face wouldn't get too pissed at whatever foul-up inevitably came from Bent's own mouth. He'd picked up the informal slang of the tribe well enough over the course of a few years, though it still felt a bit like he was mocking them. Maybe they felt it too, and that's why they didn't get along so well. Oh, they were nice enough to him, and they worked with him perfectly fine, but outside of work hours, everyone seemed overly busy with anything that didn't involve him. Just as well though, he was a damn fine professional for breaking into locked and potentially dangerous buildings, walking a patrol, and soon, fixing cars. So at least he knew they'd be cornered into being polite to him for the foreseeable future.

He chewed and swallowed a bite before making a gun-shape with his thumb and index finger. "One shot." He added with a *click* of his tongue, returning his hand and mouth to the task of eating.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-18-15/1855:53>

Al finished his smoke and then had another one before going in, standing half sheltered under the dripping eave of an outbuilding. He could understand if it was a church or something, but banning cigarettes in the damned cafeteria?

Stamping the filterless Lucky Strike out in the mud, he considered that Cam’s new condition meant he wouldn’t be there...why not...no, some other self-righteous flower child was bound to start whining, and his useful-guest status didn’t leave him much grounds for complaining.

He went in, watching his step on the cement floor, slick with the water dripped in by dozens of other soaked workers. Locked his rifle in a rack by the door. Loaded his tray with soy-curry on top of a bed of starch curdled into the shape of rice grains. But he had to hand it to the hippies, the carrots and potatoes were real. Damned earthens had got the hydroponics up in no time, a miracle made doubly impressive by the fact that several of their tanks had been mysteriously destroyed in the ghoul attack.

Swinging a short leg over the bench at one of the less crowded trestle tables, he caught the end of an exchange about killing devil rats. That one’s name was Bent. Al knew a lot of the Mechanicals by name at this point, though he didn’t mix much when not working. This one had always struck him as smart, but a little off - something about him didn’t mesh with the hippy vibe of the place.

Some of the others at the table he also recognized, some not. The ork in the mask was a bit creepy - the empty plate in front of him suggested that Al had just missed a peak at whatever it concealed.

He nodded at those nearest and got to eating.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <08-19-15/1222:44>

[Friday December 13 2075; canteen inside Mechanicals' Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

Scrapheap remembered to set his icon to < ON DUTY > a couple steps into the canteen after seeing the weapons lockers, but not quick enough to avoid getting a scowl from a couple of the more prissy tribals at the sight of the shotgun slung behind his shoulder. Like we'd be here wifout all da guns we have. Shitkickers.  Besides, the brass-chased stock and red-and-gold-enameled dragon maw surrounding the barrel of the Remington were as much a part of what he did within the tribe as the drip controls they used in the hydroponic setups. 

Two members of another fireteam made room for him in line, muttering darkly about the recent incursions into the tribal territory in between complaints about how slow the press of metahumanity was moving.  Scrapheap commented occasionally but for the most part just kept an eye out for a place to sit and eat his meal, right up until the plate of pungent soy and vegetables was put into his hands.  Spotting a strangely empty table in the throng of tribals and visitors, Scrap made his way none-too-gently to it and dropped onto the bench.  Seeing who he shared the table with, he understood the availability of the seats.

"Dunno why you keep dat mask on, Thorn.  Dese fucks have 'ad plenty a'time seein' my ugly face wifout gettin' sick...well, most of 'em anyways."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <08-19-15/1241:19>

Little Cog waved at the guards up on the wall and scooted around the ganger's corpses as he headed for the main gate.
Skirmishes were common enough but the Mech's didn't need a war on their hands. He called ahead to have the gates open and dropped the bike a gear to deal with the steep hill.
The engine squawked at a rev it wasn't quite comfortable in and the uneven load strapped to the rear rigging didn't help much either.
He nodded at a few guys as they headed in for dinner and cog realised his kill had arrived too late to make it in time for dinner as his nose picked up the scent of chow on the wind.
Parking his bike up under the knocked-together roof, he hauled the stiffening carcass off the rigging and headed for the service entrance to the kitchen.
Giving the door a good shove he dumped the dog on the steel kitchen units and shouted to Chef.
Oi, Chef! got a fresh one for ya pal.
He half-turned to see who was disturbing his cooking and smiled as he saw little cog, proud as punch with his kill. It'd been a while since he'd brought anything larger than a hare in and this would go some way to keeping up the strength of the tribe and provide some welcome relief from veggies and soy.
Ey omae, good job! Leave it on there, i'll get cracking on it after this service. Get round the other side and grab some chow while there's still some left. He turned to a large steaming pot and whatever tune he was whistling as Cog headed round to the hall, picking up a half-clean bowl and joining the line at the servery. It was busy and full of life, everyone swapping stories, checking in with friends and shooting the breeze.
The move had been a good one and the improvement work was coming on well. It was a long way from finished but the security situation was better than ever and most of the hydroponics were in place and starting to produce useable quantities of food.
He nodded in deference to Osha at the top table as he took his bowl of stew and joined a half-full table.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <08-19-15/1253:01>

Thorn just shrugged: "Just trying to be polite and not to traumatize the little fraggers. Although come to think of it, the little ones usually laugh when soup dribbles out through the hole in my cheek.
Believe you me, I know how hideous I look compared to your mug. It's a small blessing that there grows no longer any beard hair - I'd get a heart attack someday if I'd had to face myself in the mirror every morning."
He looked over to Bent:
"Ey Bent, wanna see a trick?" He took of the mask again and pulled a half smoked cigar from a slim case in his breast pocket and lighted it. He took a drag and blew a perfect smoke ring out of his cheek followed by another puff that went right through the ring. "Tammy at Red Lace showed me how that's done... only she doesn't use her mouth."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-19-15/1554:18>

Al sprayed soy curry all over his plate, and possibly some tablemates. Not at Thorn's trick, but his comment on where he'd learned it.

Count your blessings, he thought to himself, looking down at hands that matched the ork's complexion perfectly. Al had an amazing collection of scars, but this guy made him realize how blessed he was that none had marred his movie star looks. Sure, his nose had been busted a few times, but everyone knew that just added character.

Then, mirth subsided and self-congratulation temporarily abated, he realized that Thorn was smoking. And the people had not - yet - risen up to expunge the heretic. He glanced around furtively, then discreetly took out a smoke of his own and lit it up.

The suspense was unbearable.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <08-19-15/1801:09>

While waiting for Ratchett's reply, Gunther saw Thorn's trick, and recoiled a little at the Ork's appearance. Although if he took his own mask off, he was more likely to get attention. At the same time, he noticed that not only had the orc started smoking, but other's all around the cafeteria had started as well. It was a good thing that his gas mask was fully functional. Weren't they supposed to be banned inside this place anyway?

Either way, time was being wasted, as another glance at his comn proved, and he turned to Ratchett again. He'd wait for her reply for just a little while longer, but if he still didn't get a straight answer, he'd take his services elsewhere. He may not be the most courageous or daring person, and the Mechanicals were good customers, but he had his limits to how long he would be ignored.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <08-19-15/1855:29>

Ratchet puffed away slowly as she walked to the cafeteria, nodding and exchanging a few words with the other tribe members. At the weapon's locker she plucked the dainty holdout revolver from its slide and placed it in the box, a barely audible sigh of reilief and relaxing of the shoulders. Even the holdout she didn't like carrying around, the big iron was locked safely inher room unless she needed it.

I hate having to carry those things around... I'm a healer, not a warrior.

Just as the den mother must fight to protect her cubs, sometimes you must fight to protect your kith.

Ratchet takes the finishes cigarette and crushes it slowly between the fingers of her cyberarm, unable to suppress a slight grimace.

Yeah, and look what that, and you, got me. I'm no longer whole because I charged at those gangers like some Halloweener on Kamakazi.

A den mother who's cubs are threatened with take on anything to protect them, you have inherited that from me, as well as your gift at healing magics. Yes you have lost your arm, but you have stayed true to who you are, it is a machine of healing, not of death. What you have lost of my magic, you have gained in the technology of your world to heal.

The dwarf sighs and stops trying to argue, Bear was right of course. But violence was something she always tried to avoid except as a last resort, and she hated it when Bear filled her vision with the red mist of rage. She was just glad that it only came with a need to protect, by whatever means necessary.

Waiting in line she collected her meal and walked towards a mostly empty table, seeing who was there it wasn't a great surprise why. On the way she found herself stopped by a masked figure, racking her brain slightly she recognizes one of the traders and troubleshooters that passes through from time to time. She nods to the head of the main table "Hello again Gunther, Osha is at the head table, but it's getting late. Probably best you stay the night then talk in the morning, we shouldn't have any trouble finding you a doss for the night." now indicating to the half empty table "Why don't you join us to eat?"

Walking to the table she takes a seat with a relieved sigh, glad to be off her feet. She gives some polite nods and starts eating. While she does her eyes glance over Al's scarred, almost melted hands and grimaces that there's nothing she can do for him about the old wounds. Her eating is stopped at Thorns little trick. "Thorn, what have we said about smoking in the cafeteria?" her eyes quickly cut to Al "And you Al, don't even think about it." her tone is scolding, but in a motherly sort of way with a half-smile in her lips.

She takes a few more bites of her meal. "Al, could you talk to the work crews about keeping their armor on while working? I know it can get in the way but I just spent the last hour and a half cleaning and stitching Flywheel's arm back up after he sliced it open on some jagged piece of junk."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-19-15/1914:38>

Just...as...he'd...been....about...to...take...the...first.....drag.

He shot Thorn a betrayed look, as if it had been his fault.

"Yeah, sure thing doc," he muttered, stubbing it out on the table. Hippies. "As fer the other thing, well, they gen'rally does what ol' Al tells 'em, but not always how I tells 'em, me not bein' ganged up an' all."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <08-19-15/1920:54>

Gunther checked his comn, and was forced to agree, yes, it was too late to start heading out. unless eh wanted to have to fend off a bunch of gangers on the way home. "Yesss, it probably isss for the bessst." he releuctanctly agreed. As much as he hated staying the night at a place not his own, he didn't have a choice.

Why this fear of them? You have done good trade with them in the past, and they are fellow craftsmen as well.

How many times must I explain this? My condition makes me a freak among them. To several of them I would be only slightly more trustworthy than a ghoul, because at least I don't eat the dead.

The Mountain was still curious, but thankfully chose to remain silent. It could not seem to understand the concept of racisim or of prejudice, no matter how often Gunther had tried to tell him. In the astral excahnge, he almost missed Ratchett's offer to sit with them.

"To talk yesss, to eat no. That I will do in my room later. I have a codnition that I am afraid ssseveral of your people would find more frightening than even that Orc'sss" he said pointing to Thorn. He joined her at the table, and smirked inside his mask at the scoding of the two Mechanicals over their smoking. The smirk was replaced by confusion at Al's statment however. "What? That Ssstatement, how doesss it even make sssenssse? What and how are mutually exclusssive. You can't sssay they do what but not how."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-19-15/2102:30>

The Canteen.  The Sixth World tribal equivalent to a Viking feast hall if there ever was one.  By the time Pinion had successfully made his way through the front door, the clamor and hubbub of the tribesmen taking their meals was already well underway.  Scraping his boots at the threshold and shaking as much water from his coat and hair as possible, the middle-aged man removed his goggles and respirator, catching the whiff of the evening's grub.  Soy fillets again, a slight sauce...oh, vegetables?  The hydroponics yielded fast then.  Wonderful  Grinning, the man gazed over the room as he entered the hall proper, reaching into his coat and pulling out his SMG for depositing into the locker.  Shortly after, his eyes fell on the skinny young teen girl seated at a corner, idly flipping through some screens on her commlink, the occasional Mech triber greeting her as the moniker "Sprocket".  Without hesitation, Pinion stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, much to her dismay at the feeling of damp and cold around her.

"Go get some food, we're sitting with the tribe today" the man chided to the shy teen as he let go of her, getting in line and serving himself the night's repast.  The man was all smiles: despite his graying head and slightly lined face, Pinion's voice carried a youthful mirth to it and a friendly demeanor, speaking his salutations to every one in turn.  And there was the marvel: without hesitation, Pinion greeted each tribesman and known guest by name, a nod and pat on the shoulder for each of them.

Plate in hand, the man found a suitable table, speaking cheerily with a lilt that almost sounded like one belonging to a salesman.  Almost.  "Evening, chummers.  Al, Bent, Cog, Ratchet (how's the arm?), Scrapheap, Thorn, and...well, I'll be damned, didn't expect you around for another week, Gunther.  Buying or selling this time, hm?"  It was more than clear that Pinion had just missed a big joke, but still joined the merriment all the same.  "Really coming down today.  Not like '73, but it's close.  Any luck, it'll wash away our refuse piles down a district, eh?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <08-19-15/2200:01>

"Ssselling Pinion. Needed to make more roundsss anyway thessse days. Hard to keep enough customers to pay the billssss asss isss. Asss for the rain, yesss, defintely more than usssual. Hope it doesn't wasssh away thossss pilesss however, I need thossse." Gunther said to the old man. Gunther shifted his gaze curiously to the young teen who sat down at the table. He had never seen her before, and was curious as to why such a young girl would sit down at this part of the canteen. The teen seemed uncomfortable, and he realized that the gas mask with the blacked out lenses was probably freaking her out. "Sssorry to ssstare, But I don't believe I've met you before. What'sss your name?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <08-20-15/0059:20>

Sheepishly, Thorn took out the cigar and extinguished it carefully on the heel of his boot: "Sorry, Ratchet - I wasn't smoking, you see? It was just supposed to be a funny trick." The cigar again vanished in the slim case and he gave an apologetic shrug to Al. Without a reason to expose his face, the mask was back on as fast as it had come off.
He perked up as Pinion made his way to them: "Ey, Pinion, nice to see you again. How's the business going?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <08-20-15/0249:14>

The dusky skinned dwarf smiles "I know Thorn, but you remember the last time we had a fire in here?" she looks up slightly surprised at the clasp of her artificial shoulder.
"It's behaving itself, unlike some people." she gives Thorn and Al another amused scolding look. "Been dry inside thankfully, well except for blood from orcs who want to work in ash filled rain around jagged metal without wearing armor." She snorts softly and shakes her head, raising her cyberhand, the fingers stating to extend, bending around at odd angles via the multiple, omnidirectional joints "Hopefully someone can get the need or armor through their heads and I won't have to use these to dig bits of rusty metal out of them."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-20-15/0515:26>

Always happy to talk shop, Al responded to the science-fictioney-lookin' guy with the black goggles. He wore his gas mask indoors, and talked like a snake. Well, to each his own. Took all kinds to make a hippy commune. "Well, what I mean by that is, they do what I tell 'em as far as the wall goes, but they personal work habits I ain't got much say in. Reckon I'll keep remindin' 'em," he promised Ratchet, "but they's grown-ups, an' if they was the sorts wanted some health & safety type lordin' it over 'em, well, doubt they'd be roughin' it out here instead o' towin' the corp line up north in Comfortville."

He picked all the real veggies from his plate, and pushed the rest of the soy slop away from himself. "Tell ya what I can do, is start bringin' my kit out to the site, take care o' what I can out there. Keeps 'em onna job, an' outta your hair. Win-win."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <08-20-15/0524:00>

The dwarven doctor visibly winces at this. "And likely give them an infection, my clinic is at least sterilized." She tries to relax a bit and gives a half smile, she knows Al is just trying to help. "Besides, it's my role here anyway. It how we tribes work, we each contribute to the community with what our skills are, and mine is healing. Sure Osha deals with the more badly wounded, and I take care of the lesser injuries to they're not being bothered every time someone needs a cut cleaned and a couple of stitches put in."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <08-20-15/0855:38>

Cog looked up out of his stew as sprocket headed over to the table, greeting the assorted bunch sat around it.
Alright Pin'. how's it hanging? Did y'see what happened wi' them gangers earlier?

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <08-20-15/1148:51>

[Friday December 13 2075; canteen inside Mechanicals' Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

Scrapheap grunted around a mouthful of food and raised his chin in the universal 'sup gesture to Pinion's greeting, making a mental note of perhaps paying Tammy a visit and seeing her version of Thorn's trick.  His eyes narrowed a touch at Cog's mention of gangers.

"Which gangers, term?  The Dire Wolves, or the Kr'...Kerchy..."  Scrap gave up on trying to pronounce the Sperethiel name. "...Aw, fuck it, dose poncy elf motherfuckers in yellow?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <08-20-15/1153:18>

Dunno...The dead fuckers I nearly drove over on the way back in
Looked like they'd not had chance to put up much of a fight.
Just need to know who to avoid. gotta scout further afield and don't wanna lose our shit if i step on anyone's toes.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-20-15/1159:45>

Al shrugged at Ratchet. "Suit yerself." He was actually glad - that kit was kind of heavy.

Hell, right now his clothes were kind of heavy. With all these drenched people in here at the same time, it was so humid he wasn't drying out at all. He felt so wet he was afraid his tats would wash off.

And there was another thing besides cigarettes that the cafeteria did not have on offer. All the more reason for a side trip home before heading back to the site. Wasn't as though he was on any clock anyway. What would they do, fire him?

He listened with interest to the talk of gang skirmishes going on beside him. But he wasn't on that detail, at least not actively anyway. This Scrapheap feller seemed to have it well under control anyway. And his mouth was getting dry.

He stood. "Bit wet in here fer my tastes. An', at the same time," he added philosophically, "too dry. Anyone wants a little liquid dessert can come 'long ta Chez Al if'n ya got the time or the thirst fer it."

And without further ado he bussed his tray and headed for the abandoned auto shop he'd commandeered at the base of the hill.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <08-20-15/1206:12>

[Friday December 13 2075; canteen inside Mechanicals' Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

"If you came in from dah nort', dose were Dire Wolves who t'ought dey wouldn't be seen scoutin' our turf.  Told 'em to beat it, dey tried pullin' steel and got dropped.  Dumb fucks."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <08-20-15/1231:08>

"Gangers, huh? Do we need to saddle up and cave some heads in? I'm all healed up from last time - ready for round two."

To Al he said: "You got some beer? Don't have to drive tonight so, I wouldn't mind a little refreshment."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <08-20-15/1233:46>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mechanical’s Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

For those monitoring it, the AR jobs board flashes up a couple of new opportunities for the more adventurous minded

<<

Volunteers wanted for a fetch and carry from Mayday station out in Hells Kitchen.  The weather is shit and the terrain is worse but we really need that tech. Bit has the details if you are interested!

>>

<<

Volunteers wanted for escort duty for a couple of our techs out to some friends on the far side of Fort Lewis.  It might involve getting your feet wet so don’t waste our time if you’re afraid of a bit of water!  Nimbus has the details

>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <08-20-15/1257:52>

"Scratch that. Seems like there'll be some action after all. Maybe even a workout if the stuff is heavy that Bit wants"
He activated his commlink and send a short text to Bit: <<Yo Bit, Thorn here. What's that about that fetch'n carry?>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-20-15/1403:50>

"Hell, I could go fer a ride. An' not ta worry," he said to Thorn, "gotta swing by my place ta get the truck anyway, an' that's where the beer is!"

Al congratulated himself on his unfailing efficiency of action.

"Anyone else?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <08-20-15/1750:52>

Cog wrapped up the last of his soy-bread into a scoop and dredged the bottom of the bowl with it, wiping a mucky sleeve across his face and clearing his throat to speak.
Nah, you guys take the fetch and carry, probably enough volunteers for that one. I'll go for the escort run. always preferred the wilds to the barrens myself..
He mentally dictated a message to nimbus as he took his bowl over to the cleaning station and set to work.
//Nimbus, its cog. I hear yer looking for volunteers for a wet run. put me down as interested pal.//

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <08-20-15/1814:41>

Ratchet was thinking of giving things a miss, but as the conversation started to spread about jobs she dropped her goggles down to read the AR feeds. The fetch and carry didn't particularly interest her. But then she read about the escort mission and she could feel Bear getting all den mother on her.

Really?

They would not need an escort if there wasn't any danger, even discounting those being protected your kith will need to protect each other. They're going a long way from any medical help if they get hurt.

The dwarven medic sighs and fishes out her comlink to type out a message <<Nimbus, it's Ratchet here. If your boys are going out that far you're going to need a medic so I'll be coming along.>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <08-20-15/1937:41>

"One more" Gunther said to Al. This seemed like a nice oppurtunity to get some goodwill from the Mechanicals, and it sounded less dangerous than the escort duty. A nice cheap, safe way to get a favor.  For an independent tradesman, a gold mine. "Jussst give me a chance to get sssome gear put together firssst. Won't take me long, I jussst need sssome time to cook a few thingsss up." Gunther said, and then he asked Ratchett "Isss there a place where i can do sssome quick alchemy?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <08-21-15/0009:26>

[Friday December 13 2075; canteen inside Mechanicals' Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

Scrapheap glanced at the AR scroll, then went back to finishing the last bits of his dinner. Not my problem, already on shift...  The thought was short lived, as his comm chirped with an incoming message.

<< @ DUMPTRUCK: You're helpin' wit the babysittin', chummer.  Already switched ya on the duty sheet.  Keep da body count down dis time,  yeah? >>

For a heartbeat he considered arguing with his boss about the duty change, then just shook his head.  What was dat sayin' from dat trid I watched last week?  "Once more inta da breach!"

<< @SCRAPHEAP: Yeah, yeah.  Tell Nimbus I might be late, gotta swap gear if I'm gonna get shot at out dere. >>

He stood up and cracked his knuckles.  "Looks like I'm gonna be keepin' da techies safe on dere field trip, mebbe I'll see some of ya later."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-21-15/1843:31>

Pinion was all smiles at the responses as he sat to eat, nodding first to Gunther on his intent to sell goods to the tribe.  "Well isn't that wiz.  I'll get in touch with a couple of the others to see what they need.  Maybe we scratch each others back, no?  Ah..."  The teen girl gave a little shift at being identified by the outsider, the older man not missing a beat as he pulled her in from the side to sit next to him.  "Gunther, this is my daughter Sprocket.  I was out late today, so I couldn't bring dinner home.  Work life and all that.."  The teen gave a meek attempt to smile as she lifted a hand to wave slightly, squirming out of her pop's embrace, picking at her bowl idly.

The mention of the gangers gave pause, but Pinion said nothing on the matter.  Fortunate that I took the east end to scav today then.  Got enough to worry about without guns bearing down on me, heh...  Fortunately, it seemed like he wouldn't have to add to that topic, as at that point the AR job board blipped up in his vision, the messages playing by on repeat until he dismissed them.  And then the conversation shifted to who was doing what, at which point the older man finished his food and gave a little clear of his throat.

<<"Bit, it's Pinion here.  You know me, if there's a chance that tech might need cracked, you'll want me on that fetch.  I'm available and ready.>>

"Tech salvaging for me it is.  Got room for one more, Al?"  The man stood and gave a smile, seeing a win win for the opportunity of a lucrative job...and free beer as a bonus.  That particular detail was definitely not missed by the silent Sprocket, who had crossed her arms and had a glare on her face that could pierce a troll's hide, to which the man held his hands up defensively.  "Nothing like that, sweetie.  Just a job.  Go on home, I won't be too long, okay?"  Rolling her eyes, the girl got up, practically throwing her bowl in the cleaning station before curtly departing the Canteen for home in the rain.

Heaving a sigh, Pinion rubbed the bridge of his nose before turning to the others.  "Well...now I'm definitely ready.  Shall we?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <08-21-15/1906:45>

Bent sighed as the table that was supposed to be empty began to fill up with random tribals and even a couple of outsiders. He drilled holes right through his plate with a stare meant to avoid any uninvited conversation. He nodded and gave a half-smile when addressed, but tried to make sure his mouth was full at all times as an excuse to not respond. This was meal time after all, right? These people used their mouths for anything but food, as demonstrated by Thorn.

When the jobs came in, Bent put away a yet-untouched mug of something pretending to be coffee and stood up, wiping his mouth on his grease-stained jumpsuit. "Let me get my gear. I'm with B team. Escort." He stopped to tap Ratchet on the shoulder in an awkward attempt to initiate a conversation. "Hey. Can you fix this bump?" he said, turning to show the knot on the back of his head from the hood of the Ford he'd been working on that day.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-21-15/1952:29>

"Sure thing, Pinion," Al replied. It would be good to have at least one other round-ear on board. "We'll make 'er work. I was thinkin' on throwin' Thorn's Growler inna back o' the Gaz with mine, but she only seats three up front. So Thorn rides inna rain an' the dust, or we change off ridin' inna truck bed. Latter option shouldn't be too bad - take ol' Al about five minutes to throw up a little canopy or somethin' back there."

"I think Thorn's gittin' the details outta Bit." He tapped the ork on the shoulder to get his attention, then held up four fingers, nodding toward Pinion and Gunther, to let him know how many they would be as he communicated with the topkick dwarf.

"So soon as he's got the particulars, reckon we kin hit the road."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <08-21-15/2009:26>

Ratchet smiles softly and giggles softly. "Honestly Bent, are you really that clumsy around that clapped out of thing, or are you trying to flirt with me with these lumps?" she giggles a little louder as Bent stiffens, the laughter isn't mocking, more of an older sibling teasing before she brushes the flesh fingers of her left hand against the knot, a whisp of magic flowing from them to help the body along. "Relax Bent, I'm just teasing. Just watch my back on this escort job OK?"

She sighs tiredly and stands. "Speaking of which, I need to go get the rest of my gear, I'll see you guys on the road, and hope someone has a working ride."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <08-23-15/2012:39>

Bent heaves a sigh, but when the woman's magic does its work, he relaxes visibly. He touches the spot on his head, no longer swollen or tender, and looks at his fingers instinctively again. "Thanks." he grunts before rushing to turn in his plate and grab his gear from his sleep-locker.

"Staff C34" was the entire designation etched into the name plate below the wide slit-window of ballistic glass. The entire C block of staff closets was originally meant for security, so the doors were of more solid construction than A block or B block, though only D block had smaller rooms. When the plant was still operational, the staff closets would have been used to hold work uniforms, personal effects, and job equipment, such as body armor and firearms for C block. They also served as changing rooms and individual break areas--a common replacement for group break areas in institutions concerned about organized labor. But since the Mechanicals had moved in, several of the more serviceable closets had been converted into sleep-lockers, amounting to little more than a bed with shelves mounted above. Bent had been lucky enough to find a closet with the uniform hanger still around, and had put it to good use.

Emerging from his sleep-locker a few minutes later, Bent was a different sight altogether. Creased slacks and an always-well-pressed mandarin-collar jacket clashed somewhat with the man's thin, stubbly face, as well as his cracked synth-leather combat boots. He checked the holsters in his jacket, hidden from plain sight but angled for easy access, then pulled up the hidden hood from under the back of the collar. With the touch of a contact near the cuff of his sleeve, the entire suit took on a vivid green color. He half-zipped the magnetic zipper to keep his jacket together but leave his guns accessible, then jogged lightly for the loading dock, where hopefully the rest of Nimbus' team was almost prepared to depart.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <08-26-15/0846:54>

Quote from: Jack_Spade on <08-20-15/1257:52>

"Scratch that. Seems like there'll be some action after all. Maybe even a workout if the stuff is heavy that Bit wants"
He activated his commlink and send a short text to Bit: <<Yo Bit, Thorn here. What's that about that fetch'n carry?>>

Thorn shook his commlink impatiently. Bad connection or something. <<Bit, are you receiving? Already got a small crew here interested in that fetch and carry.>>

Thorn was silent for a few seconds then he turned to the Pinion, Gunther and Al:
"Ok, Bit says we are to go to Mayday Field, some kind of smuggling airport up in Hell's Kitchen. If we haven't got some kind of super offroad, he says we should get one of those tracked flatbed drones. Seems like a delivery has arrived. Sent me also a picture of the airport. Look here."

He drew out the tiny screen of his commlink and also opened an AR image:

[spoiler](http://i62.tinypic.com/11sh2t1.png)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-26-15/1816:10>

Al whistled, long and low. "Affirmatory, amigo. Ol' Al spent a couple weeks last summer seein' what the Gaz could do out Hell's Kitchen way. An' when she wouldn't go no further, unstrapped the Growler an' took it deeper. Some good stuff ta be found in there, ya know what yer after. But that route out ta Mayday, nope, even the Growler had trouble - an' that were the dry season. Now with winter comin' on, looks like we's hoofin' 'er."

Al looked at Gas-mask & Goggles Gunther, wondering if the guy was up for that sort of walk.

"So if they's sendin' the flatbed, that mean this package is heavy, or what?" He shrugged. "Either way, means we can carry more beer."

He unlocked his rifle from the rack.

"How much time'd you say ya needed, there, kemo sabe," he asked Gunther, "to cook up whatever it was ya wanted ta cook? I could take ya down ta my place, you could git started. Maybe Pin pick up the drone? Ya mind, Pinion? Seein' as how yer the only one of us actually in with the Mechs an' all."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <08-27-15/0729:46>

Cog stood up and washed his bowl up, dumping it back into the communal processor at the far side of the hall before logging into the comms channel set up by bit for the mission.
//Gonna kit-up and head to the gate. Got a spare seat on the back if anyone needs a ride//
The evening air was cool as he stepped through the large reinforced doors back out into the night air, grabbing his rifle and day-kit from the lockers and headed down the large ramp he'd hauled the carcass up not that long ago. He pootled the bike back to his ramshackle home on the outskirts of the settlement (still much work to do on it) and unlocked the heavy metal padlock with a satisfying clunk. The previous occupiers had left it in a reasonable state, only small holes in the roof had needed patching up and most of the damp and mildew had started to retreat now it had semi-working heat and was waterproof once more.
The furniture was another story though, a few tired fabric chairs dotted what had been claimed as the living room and the bed was far from comfy but the one thing that mattered was the soyprocessor. Intact they were worth a few nuyen and it had been a great find, only requiring a bit of TLC to get it back into working condition. He punched up a soycaf and made up a thermos flask and pseudo-ham sandwich, not knowing what the night would bring.
A quick wash and change into his heavier gear and he was good to go, slinging his shotgun and kit bag over his shoulder and filling his spare clips with ammo ready for anything the night may bring.
The lock shut with just as much of a satisfying thud as it had opened with and he strapped the rifle down to the racks on the back of his bike with the kit-bag before heading to the gate for the meet.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <08-27-15/0811:26>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mechanical’s Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

As interest is registered in the available work some additional information is pushed out to the relative ‘links

<<@Tech fetch [Bit]: The Mule is prepped and in the north courtyard.  The cargo is a large scale hydrogen fuel cell, it should be fairly inert but don’t shoot it for frag’s sake! We need it to back up the turbines in seven, and needless to say it’s the kind of tech the authorities don’t want in civvie hands.  The smuggler Freebird has brought it in from the NAN and has just confirmed arrival so we’d like pickup soonest.

It’s nasty out there so if you need any survival kit then go and talk to stores and they’ll rustle something up for you.>>

<<@Escort [Nimbus]: Excellent, thanks for volunteering.  This is a favour for an old friend of Fre∑dom so I appreciate you Mechanicals stepping up.  One of your hydro techs, Clock, has agreed to help with some faulty kit.  Problem is the rendezvous is just off Anderson Island.  I don’t want to spoil any surprises but we’ve arranged for a boat at the mouth of Sequalitchew Creek in northern Fort Lewis.  Let me know if you’ve got any questions and I’ll answer what I can.>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-27-15/0817:23>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mechanical’s Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

Al shot back a quick text: <<@Bit[Al]Will we be carrying any sort of payment, or has that already been handled?>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <08-27-15/2112:43>

As the group gathered, Pinion had already retrieved his SMG from the weapons locker, storing it securely in its holster underneath his coat, right next to the spare clips he carried.  Nodding to Al, the older man gave a smile.  "That's fair.  I've done a little bit of work with rigs like that, and less questions will be asked.  Sound thinking.  I'll go ahead and meet you guys at the gate, then.  Bring the beer"  The man gave a wink as he pulled his coat around his person, instinctively glancing over his shoulder to make sure a certain daughter did not hear him.  It would ward off the chill.  It's a smart choice  Nodding to Thorn, Al, and Gunther, he tipped an imaginary hat before departing from the Canteen into the rain, making his way for the north courtyard.

Upon arrival, the Mech tending to the rig hopped down from his working stance, sizing up the man approaching. "You the one on the Tech Fetch?  Bit said someone was coming.  She's all good to go, just a bit of pull on the right side from before the move, but that can't be helped."  He lifted up his goggles as Pinion gave an affirming nod, clasping the mechanic's hand appreciatively.  "We've managed with worse, haven't we?  A big thanks from myself and the rest of the team, omae"  Hopping into the rig, the man pulled up the AR controls for the flatbed with a simple flexing of his mind, the engine revving into life after two attempts.  Rolling it out of the garage bay, he made his way to the gate, taking his time to allow their masked companion Gunther time to make his 'preparations'.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <08-28-15/1737:26>

"Sure thing, Pin baby, see ya there," Al replied. "Alrighty, then," he said to the others, "Ol' Al's off fer beer an' gear. Come one an' all, as ya will. Mi casa, su casa, as they say in Germany."

Venturing back out into the rain, the little man made his way back down into the abandoned/reclaimed neighborhood to the old auto shop he'd moved into. Bad as it looked on the outside, it looked worse in the living area on one side. But all he did there was drop his rifle on the ratty sofa before venturing out into the work area, which appeared remarkably well equipped - he'd brought the automotive gear back into a usable state, and cleared out one of the bays for an impressively arrayed fabrication area. Entering the space he was bowled over by a great streak of blackness, which turned out to be a giant dog once it came to rest on Al's gaunt, supine frame, nearly drowning the unshaven man in slobber.

Once he'd wrestled the beast off of himself, he introduced it as Spike to his guests and set about gathering some things - a respirator soon hung around his neck by a strap, his Remington 950 hunting rifle was reslung, joined by a shotgun of the same make. Three other big satchels were piled onto the kitchen table - it was a crazy load for such a small man, but he just had to make it to the gate and the drone would take the weight after that.

"There," said, brushing the dust from his still-filthy hands, "that'll cover a contingency or two. Now fer the absolute necessities." He took a rucksack over to the rusting refrigerator and loaded it half up with self-heating soyritos and half with beer, after which he put half the soyritos back and added more beer.

Then he plopped onto the sofa, put the trid on some Japanese anime with no subtitles, and said, "Ready when you all are. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em, it's mighty wet an' dark out there."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <08-28-15/1943:18>

As everyone started to disperse to collect their kit, Ratchet gathered her holdout revolver from the canteena weapons locker and started back to her quarters. They where hardly spacious, but they where relatively clean and the front door could be locked if she needed her Lodge undisturbed. Moving around the room efficiently the dwarf checks the supplies in her cyberarm's medkit, replacing a couple of packets that where out-dated. Satisfied that her medical supplies where in order she goes her maglocked safe and punches in the code.

Inside is a variety of gear she doesn't need in her day-to-day life, but can come in handy for times like this where she needs to leave the compound as a medic. The first thing she takes is a heavy chromed revolver, a Ruger Superwarhawk sitting in a quickdraw holster. She holds the holstered weapon for a long moment, feeling the heavy weight of the brutal revolver with a grimace of distaste before slipping her arm into the harness and buckling it in place with a resigned sigh. She hated violence, but she knew occasionally there was no other option to protect others.

Next she reaches in and opens up a box, swearing at the lack of contents... she was completely out of reagents. I'll just have to make do without, need to be careful with my magic. Replacing that she reaches for another, smaller box, this one locked by a biometric thumbprint. Unlocking it she looks inside at her small stash of drugs, most of it is Zen for when she needs assistance with deep trances. But that is not all, she takes one of only a small few dosses of Hecate's Blessing she has on hand, a somewhat rare awakened drug that eases the drain of using magic. She very rarely uses it since the drop lowers her magical abilities even more for a while, but it can be useful in emergencies. The other item she takes is a Loco speedball, Psyche and Red Mescaline mixed together and ready for ingestion... she had a few of these already mixed and bagged to combination improved her mental abilities and allowed her to easily sustain multiple spells even if it did leave her body a bit sluggish. It would take an hour to kick in and the crash was bad, but the effects last for nine hours on her.

Speedballing is often a dangerous endeavor as drugs tend to react badly to each other. But the interesting thing about Loco was how well the two drugs complement each other, smoothing each other out so that there's never any complications. The small bag was placed next to the Hecate's Blessing, even though if she took it now it would likely last long enough, she wanted to know more about the run before taking it, no sense wasting her small stash.

She then starts taking the rest of her kit, speedloaders for the Ruger with a variety of ammo, as well as some small boxes of extra ammo in case she nneds to top up her speedloaders, as well as explosive loaded speedloaders for the Colt. Some patches for trauma care, broad spectrum antidotes and emergency stimulants. All this collected she locks the safe again and shrugs on her armored duster, the long coat hiding the presence of the Ruger from any but careful eyes and making the Colt in its arm slide practically invisible.

Her kit assembled she heads back into the hall and locks her room. It's not that she didn't trust the rest of the tribe, more to protect them from hurting themselves. She sets her goggles in place to keep an eye out for any further messages and start moving through the compound towards the gate.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <08-30-15/0017:00>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mechanical’s Castle, Hells Kitchen/Orting, Puyallup]

As he stomped back to his doss within the castle, Scrapheap fired a message back to Nimbus.  < @Nimbus: Any intel on gangs or synd'cates who might make trouble for us? >  He followed that with a quick message to his "cuz" Zippo. < @Zippo: 'Sup, puto.  You 'or da Firebreathers got any beefs goin' wif any cabrones between dis shithole we lives in and da Fort?  Gotta run an errand, any ideas 'bout who's bein' bitches'll help. >.

The room he had earned from his field promotions to fireteam lead wasn't much, but compared to the cot and footlocker behind a curtain he'd started with back in '72 it was luxurious. Gonna be a rough ride, and dese tings never go easy.  Load fer bear den, don't have da team behind me on dis one.  The scarred ork popped the padlocks on the twin heavy gear lockers he'd liberated from an old paint factory in the last year on a scavenge run, wincing at the angry metal-on-metal screech of the left door.  He propped the shotgun in the slot he'd had cut for it, then fished the ancient commlink from the longcoat's pocket before hanging the insulated armor in it's spot.  He looked at the MetaLink, his brain itching momentarily for another BTL fix, then he grunted and put it away.  Too much to do, no time for it.

Scrapheap shrugged the armored jacket over his heavily muscled shoulders, snapping the clasps into place with practiced ease.  The forearm guards that matched the dull gray color of the jacket followed, and then he turned back to the weapons section.  Two tomahawks dropped into the frogs stitched to the back hips of his pants, followed by the scabbard for the blacked-out and carefully-maintained machete he'd been carrying for most of his life.  He picked the newer Kalashnikov from it's slot, taking the two loaded magazines with it.  One of the curved boxes snapped into the assault rifle's receiver, the other into the cargo pocket of his pants.  A trauma patch and a clear plastic bag with two Long Haul pills slipped into one forearm guard compartment, two stim patches into the other.  His newest acquisition was rooted out from underneath a pile of shirts at the bottom of the right locker the box hidden: an Erika Elite commlink received in barter with a Fre∑domer for a "message" delivered to a romantic rival about why he should find another chica to pursue.  The 'link chirped once as it booted, then synchronized automatically with the earbuds Scrap slipped into place, his goggles, the assault rifle, and lastly his wired reflexes.  He slipped his respirator around his neck , picked the brain-bucket helmet up from it's shelf, and locked back up.  He grabbed the keys for his Triumph as he walked out the door and towards the rendezvous point for the escort team.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <09-01-15/1817:51>

Gunther got to work as soon as he reached Al’s room. First, he tried mixing together several liquids together, muttering whatever felt right under his breath as he tried to focus his energies into the liquid. Unfortunately his fickle art almost ended up blowing up in his face. The liquids remained inert and without magic despite his best efforts, although at least he managed to avoid losing any energy, and still had quite the magic power to go further on. hesitantly he started working on a second one, and was much better rewarded this time as the magic melded with the liquid, forming the desired liquid. The third one, however, refused to cooperate, and Gunther cursed his luck as the third preparation refused to form. What was going on today with his alchemy? He was usually much better at it than this. When his fourth attempt, this time trying to enchant magic of the shadows into a small totem, failed, Gunther gave up. He had planned on trying to summon a spirit as well, but something about this place must be throwing him off. Or he was having a bad day. Or he could be losing his abilities, the thought of which did not help the Changelings already meagre confidence. Either way, given that the last attempt had drained some vitality out of him, he didn’t want to try again. Dejected, the Alchemist went out to join Al’s waiting group. “I’m ready” he said, and refused to elaborate any further than that. He was already carrying his kit from his home, and he didn't really think he would need anything else.



[spoiler=OOC]1st attempt at a heal spell Hits: 0 Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322139 Drain Resist vs 4 Drain: 4 hits, no drain taken Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322140 Forgot the extra dice from Mountain for this, don’t think it would have mattered to much, so I’m not going to reroll.
2nd Attempt for a Heal Spell Alchemy: Capped at 6 hits Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322144 Spell Ressistance: 2 hits Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322145 Drain Resistance: 5 hits, no drain Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322146
3rd Attempt at Heal Spell Alchemy: 2 hits Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322149 Spell Resistance: 2 hits Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322150 Drain Resistance: Drain Negated Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322153
Force 6 Shadow Preparation Attempt Alchemy: 3 hits Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322151 Spell Resistance: 3 Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322152 Drain Resistance: 2 hits, 2 drain suffered Link: http://orokos.com/roll/322155

Total Gains: 1 Potency 4  Force 6 Heal Touch Preparation. Wow Orokos must hate me. At least it didn’t completely blow up on me for the Drain Rolls.

Current Stun Track: 9/11[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-01-15/1913:37>

Reluctantly, Al turned off Oni Gyaru Chugakko, which although having eschewed subtitles a few months ago he was pretty sure meant Goblin Girl Middle School. There was a lot he didn't catch, but what he did know was that little Hikari was about to make her transformation into Blue Oni, which of course meant a stop-motion costume change in seizure-inducing psychedelics. Still, work was work, and with that Gunther guy that wore his gas mask indoors done making a mess of his kitchen, it was time to move out.

He put the big rattler he'd been stroking back into its terrarium, barked a couple of words in a strange language at his giant dog, hefted the two long guns, the beer-dedicated ruck, and the three big satchels, lost his footing only for a second, and led off for the gate where Pinion had said he'd meet them.

It was still raining, still dark, and everything was still covered with ash. But none of that mattered once he'd reached the gate and dumped his copious load-out atop the mule drone. Now with only the hunting rifle slung, he felt light as a feather and ready for what he figured would be an eight-hour round-trip hike. Opening the ruck sitting on the drone, he tossed beers to everyone, popped one for himself, and set off into the starless Hell's Kitchen night.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-02-15/0802:46>

Thorn was waiting with the drone. His load out consisted of the small backpack he always carried as well as the knife belt. It wasn't the first time that he felt tempted to learn how to use a gun, but the few times he had tried, he'd soon lost interest. Besides, he worked in the city where the fuzz patrolled. Being an ass ugly ork was bad enough - he didn't need the hassle of having a gun in his possession. The two tomahawks at least counted as tools although he'd be hard pressed to use one as anything else but a throwing weapon.

The pouring rain didn't faze him - if anything walking in it was a lot more comfortable than riding his bike through it.
"I hope they made the package waterproof." He sniffed "Acid proof wouldn't hurt either."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-02-15/1535:09>

Slogging through the rain into the ash wastes, gray mud sucked at Al's Docs with every step, and enough water found its way around the collar of his ancient brown bomber jacket to thoroughly soak him through to his skivvies.

None of that bothered him too much. What bothered him was that he was bored.

"Say, any o' y'all got any thoughts on why Bit couldn't wait till dawn fer this little outing?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-03-15/2129:11>

Pinion was waiting patiently whilst sitting atop the drone, finding a bit of an overhang to stave off the oncoming downpour as the blade-happy ork he knew as Thorn arrived.  Waving him over, the older man was all smiles and greetings, but quickly realized it would turn to a silent wait for the other half of the team.  Luckily, they didn't seem to have to wait long as Al rode up with the masked Gunther in his truck.  Hopping off, Pinion arched his back, making it pop once before helping the others load the extra gear onto the mule.  Pinion seemed to be traveling light...a survival pack and his SMG were all he needed, seeing how his mind was his main tool, and he did not often forget that...

Grabbing the beer offered, Pinion wasted no time in partaking of the beverage, the Dr. Feelgood to stave off the chill and the damp as they headed out on their trek.  At Al's question, the older man gave a cough and cupped his hands to his mouth, taking a sip before answering, directing the drone to swerve from a particularly nasty pothole.

"Only thing I can think of isn't settling.  Someone else knows about this cell and may be wanting it too.  Bit probably figured whoever they were wouldn't be crazy enough to schlepp out here in these conditions...lucky us, huh?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-04-15/0359:23>

"Well, that sounds about right. Guess we'd best keep our eyes open then, leastways onna road back."

Al cursed under his breath as the rain extinguished another cigarette.

"Course, could jist be ol' Bit wants his toys when he wants 'em. Long as it's us'n what's out inna rain."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-04-15/0413:01>

"Well, Bit pays us to do a dirty job. Nothing wrong with that.
But it's been a while since I hiked through this mud. Anyone got some fancy toys to navigate us through on the fastest possible path?"
asked Thorn

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <09-04-15/0512:35>

{Escort}
Cog kicked the starter and the bike breathed into life. With his kit safely stowed on the rear racks he rode out of the camp and set out in the pouring rain towards the rendevous with the boat.
The bike's AR node linked in with the image link in his helmet  as he pulled the visor down to keep the rain out of his eyes. The sodden ground made riding hard work, his traction control system flashed and flickered in the AR node displaying just how often it kicked in on days like this.
The atmosphere sensor didn't show much hope of it lifting either and there was no sign of a breakage in the cloud cover. Cog was glad he'd had the foresight to pack the thermos, he'd be glad of a warm brew when he finally arrived

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-04-15/0623:55>

[Tech Fetch]

"Only fancy toys we need is right here," Al chuckled, tapping the side of his head. "Ol' Al's been out ta Mayday an' all through Hell's Kitchen here. Reckon' I won't steer us wrong."

He crumpled his empty beer can and tossed it aside. "Ain't none o' the ways is easy, though." He shrugged. "Like it says inna Good Book, more'n one way ta skin a cat...but ya still got ta skin a cat."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <09-04-15/0811:08>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

It’s bloody treacherous out here and several times you have had to skirt terrain that your Mule’s sensors indicate is far less solid than it appears.  At least it’s fractionally warmer out here, the dimly felt heat emanating from the glass like rock underfoot.  According to the GPS data Bit provided, and Al’s unerring sense of direction, Mayday field should be just ahead…

@Escort
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Dupont, Fort Lewis]

All quiet so far, having avoided the odd roving gang, rabid squatters and the Metroplex guard patrols you are feeling confident about your route and task.  Clock has been silent for most of the journey, slipping in and out of VR as he does whatever the hell it is he needs to do to prepare for whatever the hell you are all doing this far from home.  Nimbus hasn’t been forthcoming with much info and you haven’t asked, but your destination is within spitting distance as you drive past the NeoNet data farm on your right.

The terrain is not ideal for vehicles around here, the roads petering out before you reach the coast, but then you’ve driven through the barrens and this is nothing by comparison, decidedly civilised… the Sound is visible ahead of you, grey waters dimly reflecting the lights of the city to the north through the grey overcast…

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-04-15/0832:39>

Tech Fetch

One step after the other - that was the whole trick. And not straying from the group. Thorn was pretty certain that that was all it took to get from point A to point B

[spoiler]
Supporting Survival (http://orokos.com/roll/322914): 4d6t5 1
+1 limit +1 die from me

Fatigue Damage Soak:
Fatigue test (http://orokos.com/roll/322915): 12d6t5 3 [12d6t5=4, 2, 5, 4, 3, 2, 4, 6, 1, 4, 2, 5]
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-04-15/0837:44>

[Tech Fetch]

It had been a bitch of a hike. Up until a few months ago, Al wouldn't have made it. Now - recently and finally on the mend from a nasty bout with VITAS five years back - he just barely had enough juice left to maintain his sunny disposition. He congratulated himself on his preternatural resilience in the face of hardship and suffering.

Now, with the field not far off, he ventured, "So seein' as how we's pickin' this thing up from smugglers, which I reckon is a subcategorization of, well, criminals...not ta judge my neighbor or anthin'...ya reckon we oughta send someone ahead, scope things out? Or else ol' Al could set up with my Remington on those rocks yonder, keep an eye on y'all..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <09-04-15/0916:52>

{Escort}
Cog pulled to a halt as he stared over the smooth descent down to the coast and mentally dictated a message to Nimbus;
//I'm at the sound now, not far out from the co-ords. What kinda craft we looking for here? Who's the contact?//.
The grey waters of the sound were vast and filled a huge chunk of his vision, the wind and rain turned it into a dismal sight though, the chop of the waves wasn't going to make for a comfortable boat ride.
He dialled up the image enhancement in his contacts and scoured the visible coast for a craft.
[spoiler]perception test (including -1 for rain)
(dwarf;thermal vision as well if helps) (10d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4862434/)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-15/0412:37>

[Tech Fetch]

"Well, since I'm very bad at fire support, I wouldn't mind taking point if you others got my back. But fair warning - I don't do pretty talk. So if one of you things he's a better diplomat - he is most likely right", Thorn clarified.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <09-06-15/1125:13>

[Tech Fetch]

"Maybe one or two of usss at bessst ssshould approach them. The othersss can hang back and keep an eye on the sssmugglers. Worssst cassse ssscenario, sssomeonesss going to get a little ssshot-up. But I have sssomething that can help with that." Gunther said. The alchemist hoped that he would be chosen for the support role. Some may call it cowardly, but it had kep his skin ontact over the years, and he wanted that skin intact for several more.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <09-06-15/1618:25>

{Escort}
The reply from Bit came through swiftly
//<<Bit>>Its a samuvani, Nothing else in the sector so don't worry about stepping on anyone's toes. Good luck out there.//
Seeing the rest of the sound empty as far as his vision mods could pierce the sheets of rain, he flashed the boat several times with the headlight of his bike and headed down the treacherous slope to the beach where it was moored.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <09-06-15/2323:00>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Dupont, Ft. Lewis] {Escort team}

Scrapheap swore viciously as the back end of the Triumph slewed hard to the right as he rounded a corner trying to keep Cog in his sight.  The heavy bodied hog didn't handle as well out here as the offroad bike his teammate rode, but Scrap had enough experience riding through the ash-choked wastes of Puyallup to mostly compensate for the difference.  He caught up when Cog pulled to a stop before the descent to the Sound and the waiting Samuvani, then kept as close as comfort allowed down to the beach.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <09-07-15/1833:00>

{Escort}

The good side of a medical cyberarm and only using pistols is the lack of needing a heavy pack. The bad side is, it can sometimes result in being treated like one.

Ratchet approached the gate where the rest of the escort team was gathering. She was glad for the goggles to keep the ash laden rain out of her eyes and the respirator to keep it out of her mouth as she slogged through the soggy courtyard. She didn't see many vehicles, just a few bikes. She was contemplating what to do next when Little Cog, a fellow dwarf and one of the tribe's scouts, unceremoniously hauled her onto the back of his modified growler and told her to hold on.

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Dupont, Fort Lewis]

Ratchet clung on miserably to the back of the dirt bike, her only real soles was that it was modified for dwarves making it reasonably comfortable. When they stopped overlooking the sound she spent a moment to look around, making sure everyone was there and getting a lay of the land. She also tried to ignore the rain seeping into her clothing, the duster was good protection and great at hiding things, but wasn't the best protection from rain like this.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-07-15/1937:17>

[Tech Fetch]

Al nodded thoughtfully at Gunther's suggestion.

"Shee-it, kids, don't look to ol' Al ta decide nothin'. Comes to a dust-up, they ain't no ace inna hole like a good rifle on high ground. Then again, with jist the four of us, ain't no damn good can come o' splittin' up."

He'd been trying to get a smoke lit as they stood in the rain, but gave it up in disgust, tossing the soaked cigarette to to ground here in the world's largest open air ashtray.

"Been a few months since I's been here. S'posed ta be a pretty functional outpost, place where folk can do biz, cuz no one gon' come trade if they hear deals go sour. So maybe we all jist go in an' find who we's lookin' for. Might even be able to make a deal fer somethin' hot ta drink. Plus side there is, we ain't carryin' they payment, so they got no reason ta bushwhack us." He shrugged. "Other side of it is, ol' Al never did put much trust in this whole criminal utopia crap, where ever'thin' stays all peaceful cuz they's all rational actors an' know which side they damn bread's buttered on. That only works amongst folks with a lick or two o' good sense, an' that ain' exactly how I'd describe a bunch o' layabout barrens rats don't know how ta work fer a livin'. So maybe me an' Gunther climbs yonder rocks an' watches y'all's asses, leastways till ya give us a thumbs up."

He turned away to go take a piss. "Cozy inna tent hands 'round a warm cuppa, or lyin' inna puddle o'fash mud squintin' through a scope, all in a day's work, I reckon."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <09-08-15/1230:53>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

Mayday field is a bright spot of colour against the drab and oppressive ash waste around you.  Despite, or perhaps because of, the lateness of the hour the place is busy, with two Tbirds arriving in the space of time you are deliberating your approach.  You manage to pick out the bird of your smuggler, the Flying Dutchman is off to one side of the military wreck that serves as the central hub of Mayday field…

@Escort
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Dupont, Fort Lewis]

As you approach the Otter a rather disgruntled looking orc waves you in and shouts over the noise of the rain

“Crappy weather for a ride, you sure you wanna go out in this?  I’m Feathers, Nimbus said to expect you”

With some distaste you wade out to the craft, thankfully it’s a shallow draft and moored quite close to the shore but it’s no joke wading up to your privates (or higher for some) in the choppy waters of the Sound.  It is going to be a colder and wetter ride out to the mysterious rendezvous than you had appreciated.  At least Feathers is gracious enough to pass round a flask of something warming and intensely alcoholic to take the edge off.

A short and bouncy ride of twenty minutes or so, twenty painful minutes where you try not to lose your last meal over the side, and Feathers reduces power to the outboards and the Otter comes a stop, more or less

“This is it, GPS puts us within thirty meters of the rendezvous point, guess we just wait…”

Whilst you may suspect the nature of your meeting, nothing prepares you for the sudden loss of noise as the silence envelopes you, or the behemoth that rises from the grey waters cloaked in that absolute silence.  The conning tower dwarfs your vessel and the barely seen hump of the hull stretches many meters in either direction.  A hatch opens and an ARO hails you in the absence of speech

<<Come on board!>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-08-15/1233:41>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]
Thorn sighed. There was only one direction and that was forward. Without anymore hesitation he went across the field directly toward their contacts T-bird.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-08-15/1305:20>

Al breathed a secret sigh of relief. For all his big talk, he vastly preferred the maybe-find-a-mmoment's-shelter option to the lying-in-the-mud option. Decision made, he fell in behind thorn.

He was getting way too old for all this walking around stuff anyway.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <09-08-15/1440:11>

Cog does his best to steady his rifle long enough to gaze down its scope but lost the battle and instead tried to keep his lunch down. His clothes retained a good amount of heat thanks to their insulation but being immersed didn't really help his cause for warm dry legs.
The deafening silence was pleasant, it was one of the things he enjoyed most about the wilderness; no hum of air processors, traffic noise or aircraft screaming overhead. He stared down the scope of the rifle, diligently keeping an eye out for any approaching trouble and the breakwater as the sub surfaced jolted him from his concentration.
shit the Fucking bed! Think that goes down as entrance of the year!
Slinging his rifle, he grabs his kit bag and drags it out of the stowage and helps the others with theirs

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <09-08-15/1800:50>

Gunther quickly pressed the healing and shadow preparations into Al's hands before he walked off. He pointed at the healing preparation. "Thisss one, if you get hurt, unssstop it and drink. The other one, if you need cover, ssmasssh it agaissssnt the ground." With that the changeling looked for a position from which he could see the exchange as it happened and and have a modicum of cover.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <09-08-15/2031:47>

{Escort}

Ratchet sighed when she saw the boat sitting out in the water. Why couldn't they just got something that let us board from land? Likely because they are trying not to leave traces. the mixed race dwarf grimaces and sighs, Bear was of course right I know, doesn't mean I have to like it.. Without much else for it she easily wades out to the boat, even as the water comes up to her chest at times leaving her partly wading and partly swimming.

Hauling herself up onto the boat she takes some time checking her supplies, making sure none had been fouled by the water, thankfully she'd taken the precaution of putting everything in sealed plastic bags due to the weather and everything was fine. Shivering slightly she gladly accepted a swig of the drink, grimacing slightly at the burning down her throat.

As the boat traveling out into the chop the dwarf found an out of the way spot to kneel and meditate. It was difficult at first, but as her breathing slowed she attuned more to the boat and the water it traveled on. As her body stated to adjust automatically to the choppy movements of the boat her mind and spirit steadied, almost unconsciously she opened her mind to the Astral. The astral had always been a bewildering spectacle to her, even to the point of relying on magic to work out magical auras.

The astral turbulence of the water didn't help matters, but she could feel how her relaxed body was adapting to its movements. In a moment of insight she relaxed her mind as well, rather than trying to understand, she let understanding come to her, just as she was letting her body compensate rather than trying to move to compensate. As she did she could feel the astral currents of the water, how it rose and fell much like the waves. Turning her attention to her companions she could see the black scarring of augmentations on their aruas, the disturbance of the seasickness.

Again, she didn't try to understand, she simply let the understanding come to her.

In her state, she had a few moments forewarning, she could feel the disturbance in the astral, she could feel the weaving of magic as the submersible surfaced in complete silence. Her body, mind and spirit calm she closed down her astral sight and opened her physical eyes again, murmuring a quiet prayer of thanks to the Goddess for the new insight.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-08-15/2044:57>

"Two and two...probably for the best.  Once the exchange goes down, if we want to hole up for some warmth and supplies, let me know.  I'm sure I can work something out here"   The older man gave a grin and a thumbs up as he and Gunther waved off Thorn and Al, the human joining the masked figure to find a vantage point.

Once they set up shop, Pinion nestled in behind some cover, nodding to the other.  "Let me have a look...people like tech, so we may yet know if they're walking into something..."  Going limp, the man stretched his consciousness out into the virtual word of the Matrix, taking a sweep around the meetup area for what icons populated it, his clockwork persona hovering about under what seemed to be personal helicopter blades.

[spoiler]Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/324026): 9d6t5 5[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-09-15/0334:13>

[Tech Fetch]

Al's eyebrows rose in surprise at the unexpected bottles shoved into his hands, along with Gunther's hissed explanation. Magic potions now? Damn, whenever he thought he'd seen it all...this must be what the guy was cooking up in his kitchen. Seemed a bit sketchy, especially the idea of drinking one, but he reckoned if Bit trusted the guy enough to read him in on this job, that was good enough for Al.

"Muchos gracias, amigo," was all that Al had the chance to mutter before the gas-masked fellow headed off for a rock outcropping, closely followed by Pinion. So they were going to have an overwatch, good, though he pitied the poor fellows stuck out in the rain.

Once they were out of sight, Al pinged them with a commcheck, making sure they had his commcode. <<Y'all see anything, yer as close as ol' Al's earbud,>> he spoke into his microtransceiver, which he kept linked to his comm, which in turn would send voice or convert to text, depending on the receiver's configuration. <<An' Pin, you gon' keep runnin' this mule, or else ya got a manual remote for us?>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <09-09-15/1629:34>

[Friday December 13, 2075; Dupont, Ft. Lewis] {Escort Team}

Scrapheap scowled as he waded into the cold water of the Sound, holding his commlink and assault rifle over his head to keep them dry.  It didn't take long to get to the boat, but he knew the ride out to wherever they were headed would be miserable in seawater-soaked clothing.  He was right, and by the time the submersible's tower broke the surface his jaw ached from gritting his teeth against the numbing chill in his legs.  Need ta remember ta thump Nimbus upside da head f'r dis.  Who sends a team inta da damn Sound in Dec'mber?

A few choice curses slipped out into the unnatural silence of the submarine's arrival, and it took a second to regain his composure (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4865275/) at the unexpected surfacing. Scrap took the Kalashnikov gladly when Cog handed it to him, slinging it back over his shoulder and frowning at the AR hovering over the hatch.  "First a cold bath, 'den a ride in a tin can.  Dis is jus' gettin' better 'n better."  He pulled himself onto the hull of the sub and headed up the ladder towards whoever Nimbus had sent them to meet.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <09-14-15/0817:16>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mayday Field, Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

As you clear the notional border of Mayday field the few nonchalant looking guards perk up and take an interest in you, although nobody approaches you…it is assumed that if you are here you are here on business, and the less others know about that business the better for everybody!

You make your way out of the ash towards the Flying Dutchman.  It’s an older T-bird but for those with an eye for such things it is well maintained with just the right amount of customisation.  A fuelling bowser is pumping liquid gold, in the form of high performance jet fuel, into the short stubby craft.

The smuggler greats you with a wave and nods approvingly at the mule drone  “you’re gonna need that, she’s a heavy bastard and no mistake!”

Huddled down against the rising wind Gunther and Pinion can only watch wistfully as Al and Thorn approach a heated location…

@Escort
[Friday December 13th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

The Otter is tied off against the side of the conning tower, bumping gently against the side of the leviathan like a calf with its mother.  The sub, seen up close, is clearly old, perhaps pushing thirty years.  It’s a giant Maersk cargo sub, perhaps two hundred meters long and twenty five or so across the beam, gods only knows how deep she goes beneath you.  It is slightly surreal seeing the waves slap against its flanks and yet hear nothing…

A hatch opens in front of the tower and a figure emerges, battling against the wind and spray, to throw out a rope ladder to the bobbing boat.  The five of you, barring any sudden change of heart, cling on and hoist yourself up the side of the vessel and towards the waiting figure.  A quick scramble down a ladder and you are at least in to the dry and out of that pernicious wind driven spray that was making life so uncomfortable.

A couple of kids streak by you in the companionway, clearly chattering animatedly to each other, but without any sound, ARO communications seem to be the way to go here, and they are clearly used to it…

You’re welcome committee consists of one shortish human woman of indeterminate middle age dressed in loose fatigues

<<Welcome on board the Stillwater.  I am Helen, which of you is Clock?  Right, hydro is down there, they will be glad to see you, follow the AROs and you can’t go wrong.  The rest of you, you have the run of the boat except for engineering and medical, have fun.  We should be out of silent running in the next hour and then things will be a bit more comfortable.  Any questions give me a shout or ask whoever is about.  Thanks for bringing Clock out here, he will hopefully be able to sort our systems out and we can get you all back to dry land!>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-14-15/1844:22>

[Tech Fetch]

Mayday Field.

Sure it was a den of thieves and cutthroats. But watching the flurry of efficient activity swirling about the place, Al was reminded of why smugglers were his favorite kind of lawbreaker. Hell, he'd run a few borders himself, back in his London days, and had slept just fine at night. The smell of jet fuel, the splash of forklifts shifting cargo across ash puddles, the hum of productive activity all stood in stark contrast to the lazy degeneracy of places like the Crime Mall just a few clicks up north. That place was about exploiting the weak to feed the appetites of the depraved, with half the goods ill-gotten from the hardworking, and the other half designed to help pillage them some more. Everyone in that pit was about doing all they could to skate by for nothing. But here, these folks knew how to do a day's work. Of course he had no illusions about completely victimless cargoes, but mostly these people were filling a market need created by artificial rules and strictures designed to keep the fatcats and their cronies rich and the bureaucratic bean counters busy.

Of course, most would still rob him blind if he gave them half a chance.

So once the pleasantries were exchanged, he turned down invitations to go eat and dry off until the cell was loaded onto their drone, watching every step of the process. Jacking them here would be messy, and costly to reps. But the last thing he needed was some jackass to slap an RFID on their rig, track them back through Hell's Kitchen, and hit them when they were isolated out there. Only when it was loaded did he think about grabbing some coffee, and then he was quick, thinking of his companions out on the rocks.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <09-14-15/2133:51>

"Remind me next time I work with you people, to never take the cold jobssss." Gunther said as he shivered, although at least he had managed to only have drawn-out S with that sentence. "How cold can thisss dump of a town get anyway. Ssseemsss asss sssoon asss it heatsss up another ssstorm comesss in." He said to Pinion. He was just trying to make small talk as he was forced to watch Al and Thorn enjoy the heat while his more cold-blooed body had to endure the freezing winds. Could be worse, at least he didn't live in London or some other place north.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-15-15/0323:20>

Thorn helped to unload and secure their cargo - he even got warmed up a bit thanks to the hot air flowing from the idling vent of the T-bird.
He had lost Al from sight only for a minute but could smell the coffee when he came back.
"Oy, any chance you brought enough for all of us?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-15-15/0423:14>

"Daniel inna lions' den, boy, if'n ya think ol' Al's the sort ta leave his cold compadres hangin', then ya got some catchin' up ta do." The short man hauled a big thermos out from under his brown bomber jacket, where he'd been carrying it in an attempt to get a bit warmer. "Coffee were cheap. The thermos? Not so much - cost me our last three beers an' a pack o' Luckies ta boot."

He walked around the mule drone, examining the stowage.

"We ready ta vamanos? Sooner we leave, sooner we git back."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-15-15/0511:13>

"Ah, good man. Jupp, as far as I'm concerned that thing won't budge even if the whole rig should fall of a cliff. Not that there should be a lot of cliffs on the way back." Thorn patted the taunt tension cord.
"Let's move back. No need to advertise we even were here."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-15-15/0928:35>

Al didn't know this Thorn guy well, but he liked the way he thought.

As they started guiding the big drone back the way they'd come, he asked, "So I hear yer knockin' heads over ta that Red Place whorehouse back inna world. That a good gig, all that tail flouncin' 'round?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-15-15/0940:58>

"You bet. Wouldn't still drive for almost an hour if it weren't for those sweet ladies. That and I kinda like knocking perverts, drunks and drunk perverts on their asses. Having those ladies around also is a real perk.
So what did bring you here to crash at our lot? Trouble overseas?"
Thorn rolled his shoulders to lose the tension after the strenuous pulling. It really seemed as if this gig would be really easy money...

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-15-15/1144:57>

Thorn's query elicited an ironic chuckle from Al. "Yeah, I'll allow as Sicily counts fer overseas, an' Arturo Gianelli probably does still have a few drops o' the old blood in 'im after generations o' cousin-lovin'."

The unshaven man's voice pierced the sound of the rain like the death throes of an oil-starved gearbox.

"But the trouble, well, that all went down right here inna Emerald City. Ol' Al seems to have innocently stumbled into a labor dispute onna downtown docks, incurred the undeserved wrath o' certain cosa nostra also-rans, ended up goin' ta ground with these here Mechanicals hippies at they last commune. I paid 'em some, scratched they backs a little, an' they done more'n right by me. So when they decided ta make the move down here, well, I din't have nowhere else in particular ta hang my hat, an' the eye-ties was showin' fresh interest in skinnin' me alive, so movin' down here with 'em seemed like a win-win."

He drained the last of the hot coffee from the polystyrene cup in his hand and tossed it carelessly aside. "So that's my excuse. What about you? If this bordello gig is such a sweet deal, why make the drive down into no-man's-land at all?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-15-15/2202:28>

Quote from: saithor on <09-14-15/2133:51>

"Remind me next time I work with you people, to never take the cold jobssss." Gunther said as he shivered, although at least he had managed to only have drawn-out S with that sentence. "How cold can thisss dump of a town get anyway. Ssseemsss asss sssoon asss it heatsss up another ssstorm comesss in." He said to Pinion. He was just trying to make small talk as he was forced to watch Al and Thorn enjoy the heat while his more cold-blooed body had to endure the freezing winds. Could be worse, at least he didn't live in London or some other place north.

Pinion could only grin a little at the gripes of the masked figure sitting next to him out in the rain, the two of them in close proximity to preserve what warmth they had, their breath misting the air in front of them before the rain dashed it to the ground.  "Maybe consider a change of locales? I hear Dallas is good on work lately...huu...."  Cupping his hands, he puffed some air into them for quick fleeting warmth before taking a peek at the exchange, using the mule's camera as a visual point.  "...okay, they got what we're after, we should be heading out soon.  Thorn and Al are looking pretty chummy, and...good spirits almighty, they're drinking hot soycaf?!"  Clapping his hands to his head, he gave a sigh.  "If they come back without any of that drek, we get the beers.  Enough said..."  Grumbling, he sent a message off to the other duo.

<<@Team: 'Trix space showing clear skies from you to us.  What's the plan?>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-16-15/0919:55>

Quote from: adamu on <09-15-15/1144:57>

He drained the last of the hot coffee from the polystyrene cup in his hand and tossed it carelessly aside. "So that's my excuse. What about you? If this bordello gig is such a sweet deal, why make the drive down into no-man's-land at all?"

"The tribe's family. And you don't just get up and leave them for some gig. Besides all my friends are there and if the meat meets the metal it's always good to have them at your back.
Also I really love to ride my bike."

When the message came he answered: <<Dunno. Trudging back I guess. We can take turns riding on the thing.>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-16-15/1850:17>

<<Yeah, I'm thinkin' onna way back we try west-by-northwest fer about four klicks, then shift northwest to slip between a coupla likely trouble spots, hit what's left o' Pioneer Way fer a little easier goin' onna last leg. No guarantees out here, but seems like the best route ta ol' Al.>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <09-16-15/1907:58>

{Escort}

Ratchet would be lying if she said she wasn't impressed by the huge sub, she'd also be lying if she said she knew much about it. She climbed the ladder easily and settled into the still somewhat cramped confines of the sub. Great size or no, space was still at a premium.

The dwarf gladly removed the respirator but found herself needing to keep the goggles on, with the silent running order everything was done via a bewildering Image Link network. Looking around she seemed at a loss, she was no engineer and so the sub in general didn't really fascinate her much. Instead she found herself wondering why they where being told to stay out of the medical area, frowning a little she digs out her comlink and taps out a message to their guide.

<<I am curious why you want to keep us out of the medbay. Is there some kind of medical problem on board? If so, I am a medic, I may be able to help.>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <09-16-15/1949:49>

Gunther hissed in agreed annoyance as he heard that the others were drinking hot soycaffe. After waiting a while he decided to merely post his assent to Al's suggestion in the comb chat, and stand waiting out in the cold. The sooner they came to a plan, the sooner they could leave.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-17-15/0537:56>

Once the four trekkers had linked back up, Al produced the hot thermos from under his jacket, sorry to part with the warmth.

"There ya are, gentlemen - don't say ol' Al never gave ya nothin'."

He passed out the polystyrene cups he'd brought.

"Nothin' now but homeward bound. All downhill from here, right?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <09-17-15/0724:45>

{escort}
Cog smiled and looked around, chatting in reply to the warm welcome they received.
Aside from our techie here, we've come along as an escort. Just wondering where you want us deployed and when you want us to start. If you could give us a brief on what you're expecting that'd be great.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <09-21-15/1019:38>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mayday Field, Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]
 
As you trudge back through the sodden ash the rain peters out and eventually there is a highly unusual break in the clouds to allow the limpid moon to shine upon you.  It transforms the landscape from a monotonous field of grey into a serene and stark beauty.  Steam venting over to your left catches the moonbeams and scatters them in a way no laser light show could match.
 
You’re about two thirds of the way home and the tension of being watched by the smugglers is beginning to fade, not that you are getting complacent, but the imminent risk of someone wanting to take what you have is lessoning…
 
A dull rumble gives you a moment of forewarning and then the mule lurches as the biggest fragging rock wyrm you’ve ever heard of erupts from under its tracks…instead of the normal girth of about thirty centimeters this one a troll would struggle to wrap his arms around, although the chemical stink of its breath would suggest that was unwise…it might even rival one of the fabled sand wyrms from the Mojave…
 
@Escort
[Friday December 13th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]
 

Quote from: ScytheKnight on <09-16-15/1907:58>

<<I am curious why you want to keep us out of the medbay. Is there some kind of medical problem on board? If so, I am a medic, I may be able to help.>>

<<Nothing like that…medical is used by the seekers…by all means stick your head around the door but don’t disturb anyone in there please>>
 

Quote from: Csjarrat on <09-17-15/0724:45>

Aside from our techie here, we've come along as an escort. Just wondering where you want us deployed and when you want us to start. If you could give us a brief on what you're expecting that'd be great.

<<As I said, you’ve the run of the boat, take a load off and relax for a while.  Fixing the hydroponics will take as long as it takes and then we can arrange a new rendezvous with your rides.  We’ll hopefully be out of the Sound by then so we’ll run you back in the chopper, hope nobody is afraid of flying?>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-21-15/1338:49>

"HOLY SHIT!" Thorn instinctively jumped back two meters, almost landing flat on is back. Only his MA training kicked in and he managed to turn it into a roll and land in a crouch.
His free hand automatically found one of the tomahawks, ready to let fly at the worm.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <09-21-15/1541:50>

escort
sure thing. Where's best to get my kit dry? And grab a warm drink?
He hauled his kit bag down the corridor as directed and hung his wet coveralls on the drying rack before heading to the cafeteria. Punching the request for a hot soy-choc into the dispenser he dictated a message to the escort team;
<<escort team>>yo, you need a hand with those hydroponics?

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-21-15/1751:56>

"David doin' Bathsheba!" Al whispered in shock.

He'd heard these things were - well, vegetarian wouldn't quite be right, would it? Geotarian? Seditarian? He settled on rockatarian. But the way this thing was acting, he wasn't going to bet the farm on it. Besides, they couldn't have it making a meal of their mule drone.

And then he was taking a step back as he unslung his rifle, muttering random names of voodoo gods as he brought the barrel up and squeezed the trigger.

The thing was huge. He was confident his APDS rounds would punch through its hide, but how many high-velocity rounds it might take was another question entirely.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <09-21-15/2152:38>

Gunther let loose a hiss of shock, surprise, and fear as the thing emerged from the ground. He dove out of the mule as instinct took over. He turned, hands put together, voive hissing out a calming chant as he collected magic energy. The energy amnifested itself as streamers of fire that shot out, exploding on contact with the Wyrm, ripping into it's flank. He backed off as his pyrotechnics engulfed the beast.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <09-22-15/1407:15>

During the boat ride, Bent hugged himself tightly and kept his head down, not caring to speak to anyone on the lurching ride out. Once they reached the sub, the silence hardly made a difference for him as he climbed aboard and went down. He read the AR, but didn't care to respond. He kept his hands firmly tucked under his arms until it seemed everyone was done with their conversations. Then he walked off with a long string of silent and therefore unsatisfying cursing about the cold, the boat, the sub, the water, and the whole world going to hell. He immediately set out to find a radiator or furnace to warm himself up and dry out his frozen clothes. The bright green of his clothes stood in stark contrast to his mood, but also helped remind him of his self-appointed hero persona. He tried to suck it up and look tough. That was about all he could do in this oversized tin can. There probably wouldn't be anything to shoot anyway.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-22-15/1436:39>

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mayday Field, Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]
[spoiler]
Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/327851): 12+2d6 17

Draw Flash Bang
Throw: Throw Grenade Flash Bang (http://orokos.com/roll/327854): 11d6t5 4 [11d6t5=4, 5, 6, 3, 4, 3, 5, 6, 3, 3, 1]

[/spoiler]

Thorn saw that his knives and axes wouldn't achieve anything with that hard shell. Instead he grabbed one of the Flash Bang grenades.

"Fire in the hole!"

And with a pretty precise throw he landed the grenade just in front of the creatures snout.
"Piss off and get your spice somewhere else!"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <09-22-15/2220:42>

Pinion actually thought the return trip was going to go well.  His recent balking at Al's and Thorn's partaking of hot soycaf without himself and Gunther was repaid from the presentation of the thermos and a replanning of their return route.  Renewed vigor in his step and warmth in his belly, the human 'mancer took hold of the mule drone's "reins", following suit and letting Al lead the way.

And then the worm hit.

Seeing the others around him returning fire at this monstrosity, Pinion gave a nod and followed suit, his Colt Cobra SMG out, loaded, and firing off a rapporting burst of fire at the rockwyrm, the man backing away in the event of trouble.  "Well...maybe it sees us as too much of a hassle now?" was his only reply as he saw the bang of the grenade, the fireball, and the rife bullet that accompanied his.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <09-26-15/0156:43>

{Escort}

Ratchet feels a bit cut adrift from everything on board the sub, unsure what to do she makes her way to the medical area hoping that even if she's unable to help in some way, she might at least learn something.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <09-28-15/0837:54>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Mayday Field, Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

Wreathed in fire and smoke the wyrm gobs a gout of sticky saliva towards Gunther and the mule before collapsing back onto the ground where it continues to writhe backwards and forwards, its bulk threatening to crush the drone into the ash and rock beneath…and then the more perceptive of you see that the casing of the cell has begun to smoke where it was contacted by the goo…

@Escort
[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

It is quite strange feeling the vibrations through the deck plating but hearing nothing around you…the loss of sound is really beginning to grate on your nerves now as you come to realise how vital it is to your sense of surroundings.  The inhabitants seem to be largely unaffected by it, at least as far as you can tell, and they continue clearly animated conversations through the various AR interfaces they are using…

When Ratchet sticks her head into medical she begins to get an inkling of what these Seekers are… an array of six Valkyrie modules around some kind of computer hub.  The occupants clearly in deep VR and being monitored by attendant techs and medical drones

***

It takes about an hour and then sound suddenly comes flooding back in a painful rush…

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-28-15/0945:33>

"Shit, get the drone away from that hole. We need to wash off the acid - quickly or you'll get a second impression of my face."
Thorn ran towards the platform to add his considerable body mass as a counter weight. At the same time he fumbled for his canteen to dilute the acid.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <09-28-15/2237:56>

ESCORT
It didn't take long for Bent to feel useless. It didn't take much longer for vertigo to set in. The movement of the sub, the dull, silent hum in his chest, all blanketed, muffled by a thick, palpable silence that was starting to feel oppressive. For a bit, he felt like he couldn't breathe. Like maybe the silence came from a pure vacuum that he'd willingly stepped into and aboard. He stumbled off in search of Ratchet.

When the sound came back, Bent clapped his hands over his ears and shouted "Drek!" He cracked a smile in spite of himself, realizing he could swear again. But he was still stuck in a tin can and felt a little like throwing up, so he comforted himself by reviving his sour expression and practicing a litany of curses as he strolled the hall looking for that witch doctor with the metal arm. "Ratchet... load some narc into that ruger and shoot me. In the head." he moaned. "I hate this place. I should be in bed."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <09-29-15/0440:18>

[Tech Fetch]

Al wasn't sure if the thing was down for the count, but it was clear that if the damned fuel cell went up they were all done for.

Thorn was trying to keep the mule out of the widening hole and grab his canteen at the same time - fighting the instinct to run for safe distance, Al rushed over and took the canteen from the struggling ork and started splashing water onto where part of the acid spray meant for Gunther had found its way onto the cell. If he could dilute it or rinse it away quickly enough, it might not penetrate the casing.

The trick was keeping his footing as the worm's thrashing agony threatened to rip the very rock out from under his Docs.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <09-29-15/1144:46>

[Tech Fetch]

Gunther cursed as he dodged the blast of acid by the barest of margins, and seeing the on-fire MULE started looking around for water to help Al with.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <09-29-15/1232:18>

[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

Scrapheap spent the first few minutes in the sub trying to acclimate to the smothering silence and failed miserably.  The frustration of constantly barking his shins and whacking his forehead against the confines of the sub added on top of it pushed his temper to near it's breaking point.  He finally found a corner free of anything that looked important and wedged himself in, glaring balefully at the ship denizens going about their duties; the fact that they largely ignored him only served to aggravate him more, like a sharp pebble stuck under your heel.  Minutes dragged into an hour, and his thoughts drifted longingly to the modded Metalink sitting in his lockers.  There were a couple of new chips that Enrique had found him that he'd not experienced yet just waiting there.  The itch in the back of his brain started again, and he quashed it savagely.  Fuckin' Dumptruck, stickin' me wif dese damn pencil-dicks, coulda been home doin' somefin' useful 'nstead of sittin' in some fuckin' can under da damn Sound.  Fuck dis place.  Fuck dis job.

The sudden crash of sound made him yelp involuntarily.  Motherfucker.  Now what's goin' on?  He stood up, flexing muscles that protested at being held in place for too long and watching any of the ship's inhabitants for signs that anything was amiss. 

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <10-02-15/0842:06>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

As you desperately try to dilute the acid eating into your rather explosive fuel cell the wyrm finally expires with the last of the flames from the fireball flickering over its chitinous hide.  Slamming down with an audible crash into the ash flow the fragging thing then begins to glow from within and suddenly reignites with an overpowering chemical stink…the segmented bands are wreathed in little flames that push out from within like a strange series of gas burners…whatever, it can’t be good right?

@Escort
[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

The crew seem unperturbed by the sudden onrush of sound and life returns to a chaotic and very noisy norm as the sound of multiple voices bounce off the insides of the tin can you are ensconced in.  You settle in for a dull trip, striking up idle conversation with curious children that throng around you now that they can hear what you are saying.  As far as you can tell it’s the people that are the cargo in this giant boat…the holds have been converted into living quarters and rec spaces…which is why, at first, you are curious about the audible and AR message that flashes out in the early hours, three or so since you boarded

<<Attention. Vessel on intercept course, get to your quarters and bolt the doors people…>>

Followed by a slightly more panicked, although still professional

<<Subs in the water, sound general quarters>>

Frag!

A rather harassed looking Helen seeks you out… “Look, I’m sorry about this, we’ve been dogged by pirates in the past, and sometimes the authorities…don’t know which this is but either way, not good news.  We can stow you with the kids if you want, or you can help repel borders?  Sounds melodramatic I know but it might come to that, it has in the past!  What do you say?” 

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-02-15/0855:06>

"Oh come on, now you are gonna explode on us?" Thorn cried exasperated.
"Get this damn drone in reverse, while I climb up. I've got another reserve to dilute the acid."

Agile and fast he climbed up on the cell, undid his fly and began pissing down on the steaming spots.
"That was a damn good soy caf - glad I drunk so much."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <10-02-15/0913:21>

 "Now that ain't natural," Al rasped, though it was hard to tell whether he was referring to the worm's imminent combustion or Thorn's ongoing elimination. His canteen empty, he took a step back to avoid the spatter, and added, "Anyone know what minimum safe distance is on a damned exploding monster maggot?"

Unwilling to run while Thorn was still dealing with the acid from atop the mule, he moved away as fast as the drone did while scooping up more water from a rain puddle to douse the cell further. He thought of keeping the drone between himself and the worm as some sort of makeshift cover, but realized it was pointless - if the drone got hit, the cell would get fried, and then they'd all be toast.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <10-02-15/1401:46>

Gunther started running as fast as he could directly away from he mule, trying to put as much distance and terrain between the about to combust worm ad himself as possible. These weren't his people, he didn't owe them anything, and he really didn't want to die on a Friday.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <10-02-15/1407:26>

Escort
With the alaram blaring for general quarters, cog unslung his shotgun and checked chamber, testing the action was smooth ahead of any potential need.
Point me to where they're likely to come from and open a comm channel. I'll do my best to hold em back

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Shamie on <10-02-15/1409:33>

FoxCap wasn't in his best day, nor that he has many of those. He was dressed in a light grey coat over 2 shirts as he usually did. Though this time he wasn't wearing his usual cap and handkerchief as the first time he bump his head on the sub taught him the importance of a clear field of vision. His brown hair was slick to the back so as to not disturb him

He walked toward Helen, the woman who seem on charge here or at least he though she might. Fox had being emptying his guts the whole trip but now there seems to be something to keep his mind occupied.

In a raspy voice, his throat still sore from the vomit, he said

"Helen wasn't it? You said we got incoming fragger, how many? What can i do?" he asked not sure whether he could hack something underwater, this was definitely not his usual turf.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <10-02-15/1817:11>

As he clambered over the rocky terrain alongside the drone, Al looked up at Thorn, pointing over at the worm as the masked man put his junk away. "That critter there's gon' do somethin' good an' unpleasant afore we can git this cell half as far away as I'd like. But look where it is - those rocks won't take much more weight - they go, and Senor Worm there heads back down ta whatever hell he crawled out of."

Al stopped, unslung his rifle, quickly rechambered explosive rounds, and started shooting at what looked like the weakest spots on the crumbling rock ledge. It probably wouldn't be enough, but hopefully the others would follow his lead.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-03-15/0154:53>

"AL, AL. STOP SHOOTING. If that thing really explodes, the last thing we want is it to be in an enclosed space, that might even be filled with mine gas. Have you ever seen the difference a cherry bomb makes popping on a toilette seat and one you have flushed down?"
Thorn jumped down and came up in a roll: "That could become a real shit show."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-05-15/1143:27>

Tech Fetch

Backed away, Pinion set his jaw as he nodded to the others, letting them deal with the worm as he focused on the one thing he could be useful for: moving that mule drone.  Pulling up the ARO control settings, he engaged the piloting system, regretting that he never really learned how to drive a car himself at this point.

The mule kicked into gear, attempting to ride through the terrain, but instead seemed to be finding some difficulty.  "Oh come on....frag, this could be bad..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <10-05-15/1621:16>

{Escort}
Happy with the action, Cog slid the cartridge back into the breech and headed via the ARO points to the frontmost hatch, clambering up ladders and through narrow doorways as best he could. He was no mariner, but his "reduced" bulk gave him an agility in the cramped quarters that his human co-sailors lacked.
He widened off the choke settings to medium spread, synced the smartgun to his link and tucked into a doorway overlooking the entry point.
[spoiler]Ini: Initiative (11+1d6=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4881581/)
Perception test (audio) int 4, percept 5, audio enhance 2, spat recogn +2 (13d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4881583/)
Listening for boats/engines/footsteps etc that indicated they're boarding near the hatch he's guarding[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ChromeZephyr on <10-06-15/1112:11>

[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

A somewhat feral grin spilt Scrapheap's ugly features, and he slid the AK-97 down into his grip.  " 'S why I'm here, neh?  Just tell me where in da sub you want me, 'n I 'll put holes in da people who ain't s'pposed to be here."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: saithor on <10-06-15/1349:16>

Gunther stopped, running, at a distance he considered safe, behind whatever cover he could find. Seeing the mule struggling to make it's way through the terrain he yelled "Wouldit help if I got in the back and pussshed?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <10-06-15/1451:48>

@Tech Fetch

[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

As Al's shots embed themselves into the ash to then explode with a puff of smoke you can see that your plan appears to be working as the wyrm's, decreasingly powerful, movement further undermines the unstable ground...you have a moment of panic as the mule begins to slip into the sink hole but finally Pinion manages to pilot it clear and you are able to scramble away from the sludge that the creature's innards are creating.  With a final resounding crash it disappears back underground in a massive cloud of venting steam...well, not what you were expecting for your trip home that was for certain!  Pity you couldn't have retrieved any of the body, somebody somewhere would have paid good nuyen for it!  Still, the footage might be interesting for some...?  Of course if there are more of those things out here...?

Turning your weary steps back to your interrupted journey you once more head towards home... 

@Escort

[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

Helen half pays attention to you and half to the unheard comm chatter she is clearly receiving via AR...

Quote from: Shamie on <10-02-15/1409:33>

"Helen wasn't it? You said we got incoming fragger, how many? What can i do?"

"There are two subs, minis by the sonar profile but they could still be large enough for a sizable force.  They haven't answered hails on the long wave or sound fone but comms are difficult underwater at the best of times!  We've sent an astral scout, they should be able to give us more shortly.  In the meantime there are two main hatches, one fore and one aft where they might reasonable expect to board us..."

Quote from: Csjarrat on <10-02-15/1407:26>

Point me to where they're likely to come from and open a comm channel. I'll do my best to hold em back

"Here, this is the ARO to link in to the security chatter, I'll let them know you are joining so they don't suspect a breach.  I suggest you all stick together, you know each other and I'd prefer to know where you are, in case...this is a big boat, it will be all too easy to get lost if things go south.  I'll upload a deck plan to your 'links but there have been some mods that won't show up there..."

Quote from: ChromeZephyr on <10-06-15/1112:11>

" 'S why I'm here, neh?  Just tell me where in da sub you want me, 'n I 'll put holes in da people who ain't s'pposed to be here."

   

"I hope you're not thinking of using any penetrator rounds?  Any of you?  Just bear in mind where you are!  Stray shots can damage essential systems all too easily and we do not want to spring a leak down here!"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-06-15/1547:07>

When the immediate danger had passed, Thorn spoke up: "So... did I understand that right, this piece of hardware is already filled up with fuel? I'm no expert - but that seems to me like an unnecessary risk - not to mention its making this thing a lot heavier. Don't you all think we should drain the tank?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: ScytheKnight on <10-07-15/0313:07>

{Escort}
[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

Ratchet was somewhat taken aback by the medbay, not in revulsion, she was just simply surprised to see so many autodocs in working order on board. That said, they made her acutely aware of her own mechanized healing arm, fascination warring with discomfort as she carefully examines the autodocs, being careful not to disturb them.

The dwarf magician had a split second's warning as she felt the ebb of the mana flows before the silencing spell stopped, leading to a cacophonous racket to fill the sub once again. She gives her fellow tribe members a sympathetic pat with her mechanized arm as they're taken completely by surprised from the loud noise returning to the sub. Before she can return her attention to the autodocs the warning messages start to come through.

When their guide arrives and lays out the situation Ractchet's mixed facial features tighten in a grimace, once again despite wanting to heal she was being thrust into a violent situation. She didn't know what to do, but she could feel Bear int he back of her mind.

They have children on board.

I know, but would they even be under threat?

Does it even matter? If they aren't you can help keep them calm, if they are...

The sentence isn't finished with words, but a hint of red creeps into the edge of her vision, the rage of a den mother who's cubs are threatened.

Her face firm as she makes her decision and turns to their guide. "Helen, I'm no fighter, I'm a healer... I try to avoid violence, both exposure to it, and committing it. If you can tell me where the kids are I can try to help in keeping them calm. And if they're threatened..." She paused the draw the heavy revolver from her coat, checking to make sure it's loaded with gel rounds before snapping the chamber back in place. "Then I'll show them why it's unwise to stick your head in a bear's den."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <10-07-15/1741:37>

{Escort}

Bent had just seated himself on some kind of table. There were a few papers on it, but they looked old, and nobody was around. He stroked his chin, the dry skin of his fingers catching on his whiskers.
"Time for a shave maybe."
"Or should I grow it out?"
"Nah, it would probably just get all greasy working on that Ford."
"Then again, the ladies love a good beard."
His thoughts went back to Sophia and he sighed heavily, burying his face in his hands.
"Shaving it."

When the AR lit up with news of possible boarders, Bent bolted upright. He moved for the hatch nearest himself and swapped out his ammunition for gel rounds. Not being an expert on bullets in submarines, he was pretty sure he didn't want a lot of metal bouncing around in the glorified biscuit tube they currently called home. He stood down the hall from the hatch, prepared to duck behind a corner in case grenades came through before people. He held his Savalette at the ready with his Steyr in his off-hand and keyed his suit into camouflage mode.
"They won't get through this way." He said over his transceiver.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Shamie on <10-08-15/1657:42>

Fox took a deep bread as he mentally ordered the Ares Predators he was holding in his hand to eject the clip it had inside, immediately he put a new put a clip of gel rounds.

A cold drop of sweat fell through the side of his face, his heart was pumping in anticipation for the violence and danger and the waiting was making it worse as he took cover behind a wall looking at the hatchet.

He knew that underwater signals were spotty at best but nevertheless he ordered his deck to run an scan on hidden objects to see if the enemy submarines were near.

(OOC: Doing a Matrix perception in AR. Do i get any bonuses or penalties)

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <10-13-15/1236:05>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

It has been a long trek but home is a spitting distance away, in fact you can see the steam emanating from the coolant towers into the cold night air.  The wind and rain has finally dropped off and the air is unusually still and clear with just a hint of the descending moon peeking out from the ever present cloud cover washing the landscape in stark shadows.

Looking forward to some hot food before the morning stampede on the canteen you wend your way towards the castle when something troubling nags at your attention… movement out beyond the perimeter of Orting, furtive movement!
 
@Escort
[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

The clang of the mini subs limpeting on to the hull reverberates through the boat like the hammers of doom. There is chatter on the comm about hacking attempts…given the number of people Ratchet saw in full VR emersion a short while ago you suspect they won’t get far in penetrating the boat’s network, although that’s not to say that Fox shouldn’t get in on the action of repelling the digital boarders…

Moments later you hear the sounds you’ve secretly been dreading…cutting tools going to work above your heads…

<<All hands, prepare to surface, we’ll have to take our chances with them topside, we can’t risk a hull breach>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-13-15/1328:13>

"Oy, have you seen this? Someone's skulking around there."

[spoiler]
Risk taker:
Composure (http://orokos.com/roll/333257): 7d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

"Maybe we should call the tribe - anyone know who has watch tonight? Anyway, I think I'll go over there and have a little looksee."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <10-13-15/1449:20>

When Thorn took off, handed the two vials Gunther had given him earlier back to the gasmasked man. "Plum fergot I had these. Much obliged fer yer trust, but you'll know better how ta use 'em, now we's reunited an' all."

He rechecked that all the gear he had on the mule was tied down properly alongside the cell, then adjusted the hunting rifle on his back. "Reckon ol' Al's gon' make fer them rocks over yonder, keep an eye on our impetuous amigo. Ya wanna call in some cavalry, well, personally I'd like ta know a little more about what I'm callin' 'em about afore I start raisin' alarms. But yer call."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Shamie on <10-13-15/2146:42>

Drek....... Fox curses as he moves to a near room. The others were on over-watch on the soon to be holes but he wanted to keep the enemy deckers at bay to buy some breathing room to the crew on VR.

Should he find a room, he grab his deck with his favorite configuration and kick-started the thing as he submerged in VR, FoxCap could almost feel the extra coprocesor in his deck buzzing as he entered the Matrix.

(OOC: Enters Hot-SIM. Config AT6//SL3//DP5//FW5. Programs: Hammer, Mugger and Shell

Initiative: DP5 + INT5 +5d6 = 25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4887064/) )

He opens his eyes to see the situation.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <10-14-15/1852:39>

[Tech Fetch]

Al had found himself a sweet perch between a couple of rock formations offering good cover and concealment overlooking Thorn's approach and the target area. Scanning with his scope, he couldn't make anything out in much detail, but there were enough flashes of movement to confirm that someone or something was definitely foxing around down there.

<<Thorn, baby, ya sure as hell got a brass pair on ya. I got yer hinky movement at half a klick out, an' I'm good an' dialled in. Anything gives ya trouble, jist find some cover an' let ol' Al do the heavy liftin'.>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-15-15/0111:41>

Sticking with the mule for now, Pinion glanced over at Gunther as the two tore off, checking out the movement between them and their homecoming...and resultantly, their paycheck for the night.  Wiping his rain-soaked brow, the older man frowned a bit at their current setup. "I'm gonna take a look at em from a different view, seeing if what we got goin' is like to give us some trouble.  I'll also let our boys at home know we're near...maybe they know something we don't..."

Leaning up against the mule drone with its precious cargo, the 'mancer managed to prop himself up as he opened his mind to the Matrix, taking in the view as he probed over the location where their unknown entities were milling about, checking for icons that might divine what sort of beings these were...if they had tech, at least.  Multitasking, he also opened up a connection with the Castle sentry positions.

<<"Hoi, this is Pinion with a few others hauling back some tech.  You got eyes on the east end?  We're seeing a number of movements going on, wondering if it's one of ours.  Copy?">>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <10-15-15/1205:50>

Cog panicked a little when he heard the cutting, if he was in a submerged section of the boat when the hull was breached, he'd be getting pretty bloody wet. beating a hasty retreat back to the nearest bulkhead, he took up position behind the heavy steel plating and clicked the safety to off and set the choke to medium. Flechettes wouldn't penetrate anything meaningful, but ricocheting down the narrow walkways would cause havock for the boarders. He dialled up his flare compensation and attached his respirator, preparing for the inevitable flashbangs or sleeping gas grenades through the breach.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <10-20-15/0823:38>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

Thorn’s scramble down the incline towards the river is precipitous but at least the broken tree stumps stop it becoming a head over heels plunge to the murky waters below.  Al switches back and forth between watching for his companion’s safe arrival below and the movement in the ruins beyond the river…there, one of the movements turns into an outline of a figure for just a moment…and armed figure judging by the distinctive AK profile dimly seen against the background…

Quote from: SgtBoomCloud on <10-15-15/0111:41>

<<"Hoi, this is Pinion with a few others hauling back some tech.  You got eyes on the west end?  We're seeing a number of movements going on, wondering if it's one of ours.  Copy?">>

<<@Pinion [Nimbus]: Negative, we haven’t got a patrol out that way, I’ll retask one of the roving sensors that way for a look see…want me to alert Cam and get some of his freaks to take a look?>>
 
@Escort
[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

The hiss of the cutters is replaced with the resounding noise of the deck hatch giving way and then the anticipated plink plink of two small spheres dropping into the breach…the concussion wave is compressed by the deck plating and channelled viciously past your waiting locations but the bulkheads afford you some protection as you are outside the initial blast radius…blinking the after effects of the flash away you peer out to see a wall of water barrelling down the corridor towards you

[spoiler]Manifested water elemental force 4[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <10-20-15/1044:36>

[Tech Fetch]

Eye glued to the scope, Al spoke into his lapel mic: <<Bogies is bein' good an' sneaky, still no clear visual. But confirm multiple contacts, and at least one assault weapon. Watch yerself, Thorny baby.>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-20-15/1110:33>

If Thorn was good at something, it was movement. Urban running was no problem for him. Rural running was a bit more challenging, but his natural nightvision as well as his conditioning helped him navigate down the slope, turning stumbles into jumps and falls into controlled rolls. The important thing - he had to forcibly remind him - was to break line of sight as fast as possible and close in quickly into range of his throwing knifes.
Despite all this, he tried not to make more noise than absolutely necessary.

[spoiler]
Gymnastics (http://orokos.com/roll/335536): 11d6t5 6
Sneaking (http://orokos.com/roll/335537): 10d6t5 1 [10d6t5=6, 4, 4, 1, 3, 2, 4, 1, 4, 2]
Well at least I can take almost any modifier and still have one success... ;)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <10-21-15/1401:11>

[Escort]

Bent was quite alarmed at the hull breach and the sudden rush of water. "I thought we were going to surface!" he complains at the imminent prospect of drowning.

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/335961) 26 [3d6=3, 6, 6][/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <10-21-15/1642:26>

Cog pokes his head out from around the bulkhead, steadying his nerve and taking aim at the approaching tsunami-come-to-life.
He desperately hoped bullets could hurt it, he really didn't have any other means of stopping it.
[spoiler]
Actions: free, take aim
Simple, fire SA burst
Simple, take cover (bulkhead)

Attack roll;
attack after taking aim (http://orokos.com/roll/335989): 11d6h5 2 shit roll so lets do some edge!
edge to re-roll failures:
 (http://orokos.com/roll/335990): 9d6h5 7 9 total hits but limit is 7 (acc 4 + smartgun 2 +personalised grip 1)

Semi auto burst with flechettes on medium choke; final calculation after range/spread etc = DAM 12, AP +3
-5 to elemental's defense roll for medium spread + semi-auto burst.
phew.
hope this works!!
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: SgtBoomCloud on <10-27-15/2326:33>

[Tech Fetch]

Pinion linked himself to the visual feeds of Thorn and Al, noting the views and linking them to his connection to the Castle...namely, Nimbus by the look of it.  Pinching his brow, he ran his thoughts through a quick process before replying.

<<@Team: I got in touch with Nimbus, they're sending a sensor drone over our position for a look.  Asking if we need Cam's patrol to take a look.  Given the weapons, gonna ask em to be alert and standby.  I would hate this to turn ugly if we don't need it, you hear?>>

<<@Nimbus: Copy that.  Tell Cam to be alert and ready, but Thorn is getting in close.  Confirmed this unknown is armed, we'll update when more develops.>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <10-29-15/0932:13>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

@Thorn: Your precipitous scramble ends up in a rather unpleasant soaking as you wade through Puyallup river, keeping your firearms dry natch, but feeling the turgid waters washing around your nethers is not something you want to repeat in a hurry…and when you emerge and the wind bights into your sodden clothes the effect is magnified!

@Al (& Thorn): Watching the far bank you can see that the furtive movement has continued as dimly seen figures pass through the rubble left behind from the initial clearance around Orting.  They don’t appear to be particularly combat trained, frequently skylining themselves for Thorn, but they are armed and moving in decidedly the wrong direction… 

@Pinion & Gunther: With your colleagues choosing to hang around in the crappy weather it seems prudent to make a beeline for the safety of the castle that looms out of the murk in the distance.  Venting steam gives it an ethereal quality while the jagged rusting structures clawing at the sky look like some primeval beast digging its way out of the ash…
 
@Escort
[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

@Defenders:  Cog’s shotgun blast is shockingly loud even after the impact of the concussion grenades and the roaring of the elemental as it surges down the companionway…the flechettes should in theory do little to a being made of water but you’re not about to debate the metaphysics as the damn thing crashes to the floor grating as its life force is sent back to whatever place spawned it…

…in the wake of its disappearance return fire tears through area where you are all crouched, winging two of the Stillwater defenders that have joined you to man the breech…one young woman collapses at Cog’s feet, the inevitable expression of surprise in the face of death marring her pretty face…

From the muzzle flashes there are at least three attackers who have dropped down into the boat, making the most of their smartgun tech to stay as out of sight as the limited confines allow…

@Fox: Choices choices… acting on the rather limited public grid available this far underwater is paying hell with your matrix senses even with noise limiters cranked to full… the boat’s host, a serene leviathan cruising through dappled waters, looms above you, and quite possibly the attackers have personas acting there to attack the ship…or you can face the attackers on the public grid with you…time to gird those loins and take the fight to the enemy!

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-29-15/1526:47>

Thorn scrambled through the water. He hated the cold - but that just meant he'd need to exercise a bit to stay warm.
With a tomahawk in his hand he scrambled up the far side of the bank. 'Lucky I'm not packing any guns. Would probably take ages to get those clean again.'

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <10-29-15/1820:18>

Al was mostly focused on covering Thorn, but his situational awareness was good enough to note Pinion and Gunther making a break to complete the final leg of their journey with the fuel cell. Smart play to move now - if these lousy sodomites they were watching made a play, Al and Thorn would be in a position to intervene - best to go now while the going was good.

He kept his scope on the bandits Thorn was approaching, but spared an eye for checks on the other pair's progress every three seconds or so.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Shamie on <10-29-15/1829:34>

@Escort

Fox persona is a electric blue skinned men with no feature only a black t-shirt with a Neo-Anarchist symbol. He sees the closest of the attacking Deckers and unleash a test for the attackers.

(OOC: Uses complex action to "Data Spike" one of the deckers.

Dice roll = 9 (Cybercombat + Log + 2 for hotsim - 2 for public grid) DV 8 (6 + 2 for hammer program)

Are the deckers in a public grid? or i just roll that?)


@Foxing around
A whistle of vapor woke Fox as he was sleeping in the bolthole he called a quarter in geothermal plant Fre∑dom called home. The pipe that expelled vapor over his head serve that serve as a wake up alarm to FoxCap was dying down its hot expulsion of vapor.

He woke up as he twisted a little, the "mattress" he had acquire was barely a plastic line separating him from the cold metal floor which made his back and neck muscle hurt. He grabbed his charging deck as he put a "clean" shirt and his coat and exit his room and went looking for his boss. Today was "getting drek done" day and he was in a hurry to find out if they would giving him null-sweat on his idea for expanding the grid to more of the barrens as he walked he touched the Neo-anarchist bandana that he use as mask.

Free Grid and Freedom of information, thats what had kept him on Fre∑dom through the flu and ghouls attack.
 

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <10-30-15/0008:29>

[@Escort]
Bent's adrenaline kicks in and he whirls into motion, spraying rapid bursts from his TMP to hopefully distract the attackers and wing any too stupid to get out of the way. However, he isn't as good with his left and ends up making a meaningless gesture and wasting ammunition.
[spoiler]Adrenaline Surge, +6 Initiative for 32 total
automatics, suppressive fire (http://orokos.com/roll/338360) 0 [8d6t5=2, 1, 3, 4, 3, 1, 2, 3] nailed it[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <11-03-15/1453:33>

@Tech Fetch
[Saturday December 14th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

@Al (& Thorn): Well it's not the 13th any more, things are bound to be better now, right?!?  You think there are probably ten hostiles or so, given the terrain it will be hard to tell without being on top of them, and they are clearly heading for Orting.  The perimeter sensors will have marked them by now so if someone at Control bothers to think about letting you know it should be only a few moments before you get ARO locations neatly projected over their heads... except all you're getting is static from the comms, surely they aren't advanced enough to have a jammer?  The glimpse you got of that AK looked like it was held together with spit and string...not to say they aren't dangerous but they clearly aren't well equipped...

@Pinion & Gunther: Won't be long now...it's not exactly a picnic scrambling along the top of the ridge, balancing the risk of a landslide against the possibilities of getting sucked under the ash the further from the escarpment you get...perhaps you'll need to suggest that the patrol routes get some more permanent form of surface put down...
 
@Escort
[Saturday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

@Defenders:  The chatter and whine of the TMP accentuates the shotgun roar but seems to do little to stem the tide of fire pouring out of the breech [spoiler]Suppressive fire coming your way...anything other than cowering behind a bulkhead risks taking a bullet[/spoiler]

@Fox: Your Spike slams into the decker's pirate persona and for a moment you take the time to be appalled at their lack of originality...these are clearly not true console cowboys!

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <11-03-15/1520:32>

[@Escort, 1/2]
Bent takes cover as the bullets start flying back. He focuses on his own body for a moment, remembering what Mutation had taught him about the flexible flesh. He then plucks a grenade from an inside pocket and displays a wicked grin beneath his dark-tinted glasses.
[spoiler]hit the dirt for -5 init, 7 remaining for 3rd & last pass
AGI boost (http://orokos.com/roll/339878) 3 [6d6t5=1, 5, 6, 3, 5, 1][/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-03-15/1523:58>

[spoiler]
Sneak test (http://orokos.com/roll/339877): 10d6t5 3

[/spoiler]
Thorn kept going, but this time he took care to move slower and much more silently.
Tomahawk in hand he tried to get into position behind the AK wielder, ready to let fly should he be discovered.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <11-03-15/1716:22>

Thorn was getting closer, almost within spitting distance.

Al had to quit watching the fuel cell - eye glued to the scope, he was ready to drop anyone that moved on his companion.

They'd never know what hit them, or where it came from.

The terrain made sightlines hard, though. Knowing they'd passed the sensor line, he dialled up his image link - it made him want to puke, but Thorn was taking the chances, Al reckoned he'd could suck up a bit of nausea.

He got only static, though.

Well, he'd been sorely tempted to just start shooting, but had held back because these people might not be hostile. Jamming like this, though...

But Thorn was on site, it was his call.

Al simply waited, taking a deep breath and starting his chant.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: BrutusAurelius on <11-09-15/1735:01>

At the Castle

Daniel "The Kid" Torres was bored. He had been short on work in the Seattle sprawl lately, so he had reached out to the smugglers he played guard for, seeing if they had work for him, or knew where he could get some. Turns out some people south of the sprawl could use some hired muscle. Well, with trolls, you always got muscle, and plenty of it. He had his customized Colt M23 rifle in his hands, just in case trouble decided to rear its head. Some of the locals were worried, partly because of the large troll in their base, and partly because of the wonky sensor net. Piece of junk had probably been fixed more times than some gangers had bullets pulled out of them, which was usually a lot. The troll looked out over the palisade, wondering what was putting the locals on edge.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Shamie on <11-09-15/1931:01>

@Escort

Fox seeing the deckers were small potatoes decides on a plan as he analyses in which grid the enemy sub is in.

(Matrix Perception= 9 dices/7 if the sub is in another grid. Without taking account on how much noise)

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <11-12-15/1234:45>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

@Torres:
The Castle is set high on the ridge overlooking the town, very medieval… it gives you a good vantage, despite the nasty weather and looming dark.  You watch a patrol moving out from the town towards where the disturbance has been reported and you shudder a little as you realise that their heat signatures make them ghouls… hard to understand why these nice people would allow that lot to stay with them in such close proximity…but you have to admit, they make damn fine guards in these conditions.  Somewhere out there beyond the town there’s a fight brewing!

You can now also see the rather unusual sight of a limping mule drone and two figures proceeding towards you wearily trudging through the remains of the ash waste at the foot of the walls…

@Thorn (& Al):
With a clearer vantage point you mentally downgrade the threat level…that AK looks like it hasn’t been fired in years and the hand holding it isn’t old enough to drive let alone fire a weapon like that…looks like they might all be like that, scavs and chancers out to see what they can pick up from the outskirts of the new settlement before scuttling back to whatever hole they crawled out of…
 

@Escort
[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

@Defenders:  Before any grenades can be lobbed in the tight confines of the companionway there is an inarticulate roar from the attackers and a figure charges towards you.  His snarling features are distorted by the plastex riot shield but the jutting tusks are picked out by the overhead lighting glinting off the steel inserts…

@Fox: You know it’s out there somewhere and it doesn’t take long to locate the silent running icon of the sub on the public grid and the overlapping persona of the rigger controlling it, even if the noise is appalling due to this sub’s hull and the surrounding sea water…

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <11-12-15/1324:46>

[Tech Fetch]

Well shee-it, they's jist kids, Al thought, as they moved into better view. Then again, in the anime he'd watched last week, a bunch of filthy (but very cute) street kids had turned into a pack of angst-filled (and scantily clad) vampires, and wiped out half of a village.

He kept his eye on his scope - as long as Thorn was out there alone, he'd back him up.

Though at least he could go back to sparing Gunther and Pinion an odd glance as well.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: BrutusAurelius on <11-12-15/1934:34>

At the Castle
It looked kinda nice from here. Daniel could see the tribal settlement, at the foot of the hill, watched over by the Castle. It was like one of those medieval trids, like Neil the Ork Barbarian. And here he was, thinking all those knights were noble. Turns out they must have been like him, people doing drek jobs to put food on the table.

The troll watched the ghoul guards as they made their way towards the disturbance. His goggles zoomed in on them, tagging them automatically with an ARO, showing their location. The ghouls might have been on his side, but they still sent a bit of a chill up his spine. Seriously, how can these tribals let fragging ghouls work with them? The damn things eat people!  Daniel forced his thoughts away from the ghoul squad, and more to what they were investigating. Before he could get a good look, however, the troll noticed movement coming towards the wall. He pointed his rifle, more out of habit than anything else, and tried to get a good look at the newcomers. There were a couple of them followed by a mule drone. He wasn't sure who it was, but he had been told to expect a runner team returning some time today, so he motioned over another sentry, just to make sure he wasn't about to geek the wrong guys.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-13-15/0711:49>

Thorn relayed that new information to the team and the base defense: <<I've got visual confirmation. Seems like some band of kids out to scavenge what they can. I'll try to warn them off. Al be ready to do a little trick shot if I give you the signal.>>

With only 10m distance to the last of the group, Thorn gave up his crouched movement and called out:
"Oy, you little ducklings. A few more steps and you'll be in for a world of hurt. This is tribe territory. Lower your weapons and have a look at that old tree over there."
Thorn pointed at a dead tree about 20m in front of the group, looking in Al's direction and nodding.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <11-13-15/1751:18>

The moment he heard Thorn's communication, Al started his chant.

Half a kilometer downrange, Thorn and the others watching the tree heard a shot ring out from the ridgeline. Nothing much happened.

Then another. Was that a wood chip or two?

A third shot.

Then silence.

The young man with the decrepit AK raised an unimpressed eyebrow at Thorn.

Then the towering old tree creaked ominously and toppled, crashing to the earth in a cloud of ash dust. 

Its crown missed the young man by inches.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <11-13-15/1806:15>

Escort
Cog sprung to action, loosing another burst at the charging nutjob
[spoiler]I'll use my delayed action now then!
 (http://orokos.com/roll/343553): 10d6t5 4 SA burst with flechettes, imposes -5 dicepool mod for his defense
Base damage is 13P +4AP inclusive of flechette rules
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <11-13-15/2321:31>

[@Escort, 1/3]
With the chromed up shield guy coming in fast, Bent had to change plans quickly. He dropped the grenade by his TMP and leveled his Guardian at the oncoming threat. His amped-up coordination helped his already solid aim, and the gel rounds went right where the guy probably didn't want them to. All the same, this guy looked tough; Bent started reconsidering his choice of gel rounds against this kind of opponent.
[spoiler]Fire short burst, take cover. -2 to opposing defense test, DV 8S AP 0
Pistols (limit 7) (http://orokos.com/roll/343619) 7 [18d6t5=6, 2, 6, 1, 5, 3, 2, 5, 1, 4, 2, 5, 2, 6, 6, 2, 6, 2][/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-16-15/0530:01>

[Tech Fetch]
Thorn nodded with satisfaction as the old tree toppled.
"Where that came from is a lot more. So do yourselves a favor and get lost unless you have official business with the tribe. And if you do use a fucking commlink to make an appointment.
You got me?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <11-19-15/0842:07>

@Tech Fetch
[Friday December 13th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

It’s almost too predictable…when a dark figure accosts you out of the shadows making threats…should you run and hide?  Probably…but whatever chems these kids have been smoking make them choose the fight part of the fight or flight equation and suddenly the night is lit up with sporadic and rather undirected rounds…of course even those can kill you if you get unlucky!
 

@Escort
[Friday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

Cog and Bent’s combined fire fracture the plas-shield and send the charging nutter down to his knees…of course that just makes it easier for the fraggers following him to target you more specifically and the whistle of incoming fire is uncomfortably close!

[spoiler]
@Cog: Ingram Smartgun X [A4(6), 8P, 0AP, BF/FA, R2] short burst (-2def), I presume good cover, 3 hits
@Bent: Same but 4 hits!
 [/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <11-19-15/1128:42>

[Tech Fetch]

Idiots.

Probably on drugs.

Drugs were bad.

Hippies took drugs.

Al put his finger on the trigger and quickly scanned for anyone definitely shooting at Thorn.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-19-15/1539:00>

[spoiler]
Ini 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/345247): 12+2d6 19
Jiao Di Charge against the boy with the AK
AGI 5 + Skill 8 + Charge 2
Jiao Di Charge (http://orokos.com/roll/345248): 15d6t5 5 [15d6t5=5, 4, 2, 5, 3, 2, 3, 4, 2, 5, 6, 3, 3, 3, 6]

10 P + Successes

If the opponent is still conscious he now has -3 to attack with his rifle thanks to being in melee.

Remaining Ini is spent on going Pre-Emptive Dodge and Full Defense interrupt

[/spoiler]

Thorn didn't hesitate, despite still carrying the Tomahawk he instead charged the guy who might be the leader of the gang intending to ram him his fists into his his rotten teeth, followed by a quick roll over the shoulder and some zig-zagging to avoid any gun fire aimed at him.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <11-19-15/1558:23>

[@Escort, 2/1]
By this time, Bent was no stranger to bullets. But he much preferred sending them away then taking them back, and right now it looked like he was on his least favorite end of the bullets. He ducked out of the way with impressive speed, but the fragger had burst fired and one round winged his shoulder, leaving a solid bruise. Bent was too irate to settle on just one curse word, so he drew his breath, focused, picked up the grenade, and tossed it down the hall. The grenade clattered to the ground perfectly in the midst of the group of attackers.
[spoiler]Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/345273) 3 [16d6t5=4, 1, 6, 3, 6, 1, 4, 2, 4, 3, 1, 4, 6, 2, 1, 6]
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/345278) 7 [18d6t5=3, 5, 1, 5, 2, 4, 5, 6, 4, 6, 4, 2, 1, 2, 6, 1, 4, 6]
Resist Drain (adrenaline boost) (http://orokos.com/roll/345276) 4 [9d6t5=3, 5, 2, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, 3] no drain
Round 2 initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/345277) 19 [3d6=2, 4, 2] +6 adrenaline boost = 25
Throwing grenade (http://orokos.com/roll/345285) 1 [6d6t5=3, 2, 4, 3, 6, 6]
Scatter (http://orokos.com/roll/345286) forward, right [2d6=6, 2] 1-1 = 0 meters [1d6=1] exact hit[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <11-19-15/1823:38>

ESCORT
The rounds thwack into the ceramic plating in Cog's clothing, dissipating their energy and rattling him about as the plates held true and did their job.

[spoiler]rea 7 ini 4 -2 (http://orokos.com/roll/345329): 9d6t5 0
erm... think i'll spend my last edge point to re-roll that!!
 (http://orokos.com/roll/345330): 9d6t5 3
Results in a grazing hit, no damage done[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Shamie on <11-23-15/1255:36>

Fox muttered

"Cheap drekheads" under his breath as the sub being in public grid force him to be on public grid and that was slow as drek. If they had nuyen to afford a sub they should have nuyen for a damn grid subscription.

(OOC: He uses his last IP (5) to do hack on the fly on the enemy sub.

Thats 9 dices + 3 for edge. And if it get any damage it gets +2DV for hammer)

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <11-25-15/0841:31>

@Tech Fetch / Border Defence
[Saturday December 14th, 2075; Hells Kitchen, Puyallup]

Thorn’s tomahawk lodges firmly above the breastbone of the rather surprised looking ganger wannabees while Al’s precision shot ends the hopes of one of the other rather ragged attackers.  On the walls of the Castle it is like the ant hill has been kicked and Torres witnesses this place on an alert footing as people scramble for weapons and gear.  Damn raiders have to be taught time and time again…this is not a place to be messed with!

The fire coming back towards Thorn is woefully inaccurate and you are able to avoid it with comparative ease...still it only takes one stray round to ruin your day!
 

@Escort
[Saturday December 14th, 2075; The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

The grenade blast back flows along the companionway with distressing speed but at least the gunfire has gone silent…

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-25-15/1245:59>

[spoiler]
Round 2

Ini: Ini round 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/347087): 12+2d6 20
Full defense Ini -10
Jiao Di Charge the next target with a gun (keep them tied up in melee so it's harder for them to shoot me)
Jiao Di Charge (http://orokos.com/roll/347089): 15d6t5 5 [15d6t5=5, 1, 5, 2, 2, 3, 4, 1, 5, 6, 3, 1, 1, 4, 5]

10 P + Successes
[/spoiler]

Thorn didn't wait for his target to fall to the ground. Instead he redirected his momentum to charge the next would be ganger with a jump, a roll and an upper cut that had all the strength of his legs behind it.
Despite the rain, the mud and the flying bullets he felt elated. This was where life showed itself - right on the edge.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <11-25-15/1748:30>

Thorn was really mixing it up with these yahoos. There were quite a few of them, though. Least Al could do was help out.

They were half a klick out, and the visibility was not the best. His scope was a big help, as were his nifty eyes. But he soon found he was hardly really using either. The more he muttered his odes to the voodoo gods, the more his targets just seemed to line themselves up in his crosshairs as he pulled the trigger again and again.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Aria on <11-26-15/1606:06>

@Tech Fetch / Border Defence
[Saturday December 14th, 2075; Outskirts of Orting, Puyallup]

Between Thorn and Al the carnage is bloody and vicious, precise and almost clinical...and then like a tide the ghouls are there, leaping and diving, their grey forms barely seen in either the visual or thermal spectrums...only the screams of the would be attackers really attests to their presence...attackers who had already begun to run away when the infected washed over them.  For a moment you get to see the true nature of these beasts that have been welcomed back in to the tribe...


@Escort
[Saturday December 14th, 2075; Stillwater sub, The Sound, somewhere off the Seattle shoreline]

The white mist claws at your throats even though you are out of its direct spread, but it is being drawn away by the recirc system and you briefly hope that the scrubbers will do their work before it gets spat out in some other part of the sub.  The silence is eerie, no gunfire echoing in the confined space, even the groaning of the pirates is muted as they claw at their eyes and throats...looks like you are going to earn your pay tonight!

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-26-15/1624:59>

Tech Fetch
It had been only a short brawl, but Thorn was drenched with sweat all of a sudden. The cavalry had arrived and he was more than content to let them handle the rest.
With a lot more care than before, he descended to the small river and got back up to Al's position. After the adrenaline rush he felt the exhaustion coming. A slight tremor in his fingers made it hard to scramble up the last meters.
"Puh. That could've become nasty. Time to catch up with the others, before they flog the cell without us, eh?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <11-26-15/1922:07>

Tech Fetch

Al watched through his scope as Cam and his cadaverous cadre did their work and got paid at the same time. Watching that feller tear through the flesh of his fallen foes, he reflected on what a long way his descent had plunged him from the girly-man cigarette cop that had annoyed Al so much just a few months earlier.

A fall from humanity into something at once below an animal, and perhaps greater than human.

Just as this whole so-called Sixth World had clearly fallen from favor with God. Even when it needed HIm most.

It took Thorn a while to make his way up to where Al was, and he used the time to top up his magazine, smoke, and reflect on the undead. The way their thirst for human flesh drove most to feral savagery was, to him, testament to the supernal nobility of those with the strength to control those urges. A strength to which Thorn owed his life.

And then the tomahawk-wielding bordello guard was there, talking about catching up with the mule.

"Amen ta that, brother. Wouldn't want them two ta take all the credit. Much less beat us to the hot chow."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-01-15/1342:24>

Tech Fetch

The drudge back had been just as miserable for Thorn as the way to the smuggler outpost and the last kilometer was no different. But being able to see the destination actually growing closer was great for his moral. If he could have, he'd have whistled. Instead he hummed content to himself. A hot meal and some sleep sounded quite delicious right now.
Once they had passed the fence and caught up with the other two and the fuel cell he asked: "You know, that whole business could have gone worse. Are you guys up for a beer after we deliver this piece? Nothing against your delicious brew Al, but I'd like to have it cold while I myself are warm inside a bar."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-01-15/1700:06>

Tech Fetch

"Do I want a beer? Shee-it, amigo, does Damien Knight wipe his ass with hunnerd nuyen notes? Do communists drink the blood o' Christians? Does Sukie Redflower go ta sleep ever' night dreamin' of ol' Al? Hell yes, I want a beer."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: pistolgrip on <12-07-15/1136:51>

[@Escort]

Bent swapped in some regular ammunition into his Guardian and put away his TMP. It took him longer than he would have liked, with his eyes itching and his glasses a bit fogged. He tossed some plastic restraints to Cog. "Tie them up. If they try anything, I'll shoot them."
Maybe it was just the time of year, but Bent was apparently feeling especially merciful. Normally someone started drek with him, he finished it with a hot lead "frag you". But these guys barely seemed committed. Still, Bent didn't like thinking he'd gone soft. He checked his spare magazines and mentally tallied ammunition count. "That's all it is. Conserving ammo." He concluded with a smile. He wasn't soft, just prudent.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Csjarrat on <12-07-15/1508:24>

{Escort}
Cog took a second to catch his breath and rammed a fresh clip of ammo home before grabbing the restraints that landed next to his ankle.
[colour=red]Alright, cover me[/colour]
He advanced down the walkway slowly, weapon raised and trained on the supine and prone forms of his enemies, finger hovering itchily over the trigger

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: BrutusAurelius on <12-07-15/1629:39>

Castle Defense


The Kid watched as the people around him scrambled to defensive positions and the yells of raiders reached his ears. He scanned the terrain with his goggles, which started highlighting things for him. The two runners who had returned had dealt with the threat so quickly, aside from some help from a few of the tribal ghouls, that the fight was over before the troll could line up a single shot.

"Hot damn. Those guys are the real deal", the troll muttered under his breath.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-12-15/1634:38>

Once they were within the compound's perimeter, Bit's efficient crew wasted no time in relieving the exhausted quartet of their precious cargo.

There were back slaps and congratulations, but Thorn was the only one that had mentioned beer, and that was all the thanks Al was interested in.

"Alrighty, amigo, believe you said somethin' 'bout some proper refreshment...Al's knows a few spots up north, but sounded like ya had some place in mind..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-12-15/1701:45>

Thorn grinned behind his mask: "Yes actually. I generally get a discount at the Red Velvet - also the servers tend to be easy on the eyes, so that is a plus. Nothing better to warm us up. And since you have a truck with a closed cab I don't even mind the drive down there..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-12-15/1722:04>

Al gave what he thought would look like a courtier's bow and a majestic sweep of his arm in the general direction of his house, the tip of his cigarette tracing an ark of sparks through the drizzly dawn drear.

"Well, then, mi boon compadre, your carriage awaits, just past yonder ash mud flat." He stood up, glanced at their two  companions and the assortment of techs and guards (as if there was much of a distinction among these technohippy tribals), and announced their destination. "Anyone cares to squeeze in or on, best git a move. Ol' Al's got a thirst won't wait fer man nor beast."

And he led the way toward his Gaz.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-15-15/1640:25>

The rain was heavy again and the wiper blades were struggling against the downpour.

The headlights were working even harder, trying to stay ahead of the watery gloom. Al knew it was past sun-up, at least according to some almanac somewhere, but the black storm clouds crowding the heavens above were having none of it. It might as well have been midnight.

Al's eyes made up for the futility of the lights. He could see enough to drive, just. But only because he knew the mud track well. And the suspension on the four-wheel-drive pick-up truck was pretty forgiving, swinging the chassis across ash-flooded potholes with as much grace as could be hoped.

The heater was blasting, and Al's clothes were drying out. The blow of the hot air blended with the beating of the rain, creating the kind of noise that could send a body to sleep as it slipped from being heard to being felt to being forgotten. No one was speaking so the white sound felt like silence.

Beside him in the dark cab was a big masked ork called Thorn. Al figured him for another peripheral sort, not a full-blown hippy like most of the others back at what he'd started calling Kibbutz Orting. Feller had a job, and that counted for a lot in Al's estimation. And he'd sure as hell accounted for himself through the past night. Which reminded Al of a question he wanted answered enough to break the quiet.

"Say there feller, been meanin' ta ask ya, an' no criticism intended, reckon ya done well 'nuff fer yerself, an' ain't fer ol' Al ta judge nohow, nosirree, Good Book's clear on that, but been ticklin' at the old noodle since I done noticed yer packin' a fair array o' cutlery there on yer person, an' when ya done went ta town on them rapscallions ya shore 'nuff had one o' them injun tommy-hawks in her hand, but ya din't cut none of 'em. Jist pugilized 'em was all. An' right well, I'll be the first ta add. "Ceptin' it got me thinkin', jist so's we know where we stand, ya ain't no damned humanitarian or peacenik are ye?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-16-15/0506:24>

Thorn grinned and took off the mask from his melted face. "To be honest, I never learned how to cut with those things properly. If I tried, I'd probably injure myself, so I usually just throw them away as fast as possible.
And no, I certainly am no pacifist. There is however enough lead shot in this gloves to pacify about anyone who gives me lip at the club.
The thing is - you see - I'm a registered one. Jepp. Full citizen including SIN and the right to vote. So I avoid having guns on my person. KE would love nothing better than to shoot my ugly mug full of bullets if they spotted one on me.
Sports helped me keep my nose clean - or as clean as the Seattle air allows in any case. Except of course if the Tribe needs help. But since we always try to keep out of the way of the powers that be it's worked out so far.

But why are you with us these days? I know you've been around for a while and the globe, there've been some stories about you doing stuff in Europe. So what's the story of Al?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-16-15/0611:11>

Al wasn't so polite he didn't take a good look at the ork's unmasked face. No use being coy about it.

Easy to see why he covered it up.

But he was a citizen. Go figure. Liked the gloves, though. He held up his own brass knuckles with a wink when Thorn mentioned them.

"Heh heh. Yeah, reckon ol' Al's been 'round some. An' Europe, well, that were a good spell back. Late fifties, as best I recollect. Did some stevedorin' in London, bit o' smugglin', bounty huntin' toxics, ended up doin' divin' an' such fer an outfit called Proteus, slummin' the poetry scene onna Left Bank in my spare moments. Busy coupla years." He lit a cigarette and took a contemplative drag. "Younger then, had a mite more energy."

He offered the pack to Thorn.

"As fer my current domicile, well, unintentionally an' through no fault o' my own, I seem ta have aroused the ire of an' Eye-talian or two a few months back, an' Oyl's been good about lettin' me lay low with y'all. Done tried ta mend my fences with those gentlemen, but they do seem ta carry a grudge, so when y'all moved south, reckoned I'd tag along. Ya ain't got too much, um, family action at this place we's goin', do ya? Ol' Al'd hate ta sour yer deal there by havin' ta kill any spaghetti eaters onna premises."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-19-15/1256:20>

"Thanks." Thorn took the cigarette and lit it.
"Well, I don't think that you'll get problems with the Mafia. Red Velvet is private owned - if they pay protection I don't know, but sure as hell if anyone makes trouble or hurts the girls, they do have a very neat sewer access in the cellar. And the ghouls down there don't ask questions.
But just in case I'll ask Moma Chau if we have any guests of that particularity with us this evening. Cold as a snake that one, doesn't take lip from anyone. But she's fair and pays on time."
Thorn lapsed into silence for a moment before returning to the conversation: "All clear for the moment at least. Could change in the course of the night, but honestly, I'd just chalk any Italian altercation up as entertainment."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-19-15/1321:51>

"Well, sounds we's all systems go fer a proper hootenanny, then."

Water roared up on each side of them, splashing messily over the cab's windows as he pushed the Gaz through something more like a sinkhole than a puddle.

"So you's some sorta ath-a-lete, then? Sports kept yer nose clean? What'd ya play?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-19-15/1352:40>

"MMA for the most part - Pentjak Silat especially, but only empty hand techniques.
For a young orkling its usually either gym or jail out here. Lucked out in that my dear Pap was a sports nut himself - worked construction til they lynched him in 67'. That was one of the reasons that did make me refocus myself from Rugby to Martial Arts and self defense.
The other was that I was good on the field, but than I got myself a bit of magic - really only the bare minimum. A quack tested me and said I was awakened about the same level as those glow fungi or whatever they use in those mage cuffs. But it was enough to get me banned from any official leagues - unless I wanted to go into that Aztec game - and I really didn't want to.
So you could say I'm just a washed up wanna be that beats up strangers out of frustration. But I have to admit its way more fun - get's the adrenaline going and I'm kind of addicted to the stuff. So now - as long as I get paid - I jump into the fray with both fists swinging.

And you? You look like you lived through more scraps than I had warm meals." replied Thorn.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-19-15/1743:02>

Without thinking, Al shot a glance at the deformed ork when he mentioned his father's lynching. Where Al had come from, like everywhere else, it had a history. Lynch Creek had earned its name over a century before Al was born. But some things stayed the same even as others changed. There hadn't been many metas in their mountains when Al was growing up, and what few did turn up in their community had not been warmly welcomed. Al's father had preached over his pulpit that all should be included, but not all the brethren had felt that way. Al's own conscience was clean, but he knew that not all the disappearances were simply people moving on of their own accord.

It wasn't something he wanted to talk about, and he doubted Thorn did either.
 
So he just answered the question.

"Heh heh. Yessir, reckon ol' Al's seen his fair share. I'll allow as I was a bit of a hothead in the tenderness o' my youth. First coupla years off'n the farm, so ta speak, worked in a cannery down New Orleans way. Well we'd go out drinkin' most ever' night, an' damned if I warn't inna fight goin' on twice a week. At least. Gen'rally got my ass whupped first thirty times or so. Warn't a real big feller. But reckon I got better. Hell, eventually became a problem. Got so's when I'd hit a body they'd go down an' sometimes not get back up. Now that was rarely my intention, and did become a source o' much consternation onna part o' yours truly, not ta mention the local constabulary."

He set his half-spent cigarette in the ashtray in the armrest, blew his nose into the space between thumb and forefinger, wiped his fingers on his jeans, and put the cigarette back in his mouth, where it danced around as he spoke.

"Now I knew I din't have no magic in me, cuz that were of the devil - no offense - an' I was jist gittin' acquanted with the voodoo gods at that time, so it warn't their doin' neither. But I had to suss out the cause, an' so I figured, an' subsequently confirmed without a doubt, that I was jist some sorta savant at beatin' folk ta death. An' that, lemme tell ya, that were a cruel cross ta bear. Cuz if'n ya can't get drunk off yer ass an' let off a little steam, well, what ya got left, really, if ya think about it? Fortunately, I come across Grandmaster Ryder's teachin's whilst watchin' the trid late one night. That's one o' the benefits o' watchin' the trid, the way it helps ya stay on top o' the imporant doin's in this fallen an' benighted world we's in. Now I don't know too much about this MMA o' yours - that's where they mix up kickin' an' wrasslin', right? - an' nothin' about no penta-whatsit - but I'm tellin' ya now onna stack o' Bibles and a Koran or two ta boot that I'd never be the man I am today without havin' taken up Dragon-Phoenix Death Style killer karate. Danged irony of it all was, most folk, they buy the chips ta learn, you know, the secret death-point strikes. Me, I already was takin' lives - I bought the course ta learn how ta control my gift, keep things friendly an' all. An' I'll be a damned monkey's uncle if I ain't kept on practicin' every' week or two ever since. Hell, sometimes much as fifteen minutes at a stretch. But that's the sorta discipline it takes, ya know, that's what it takes if'n ya wanna be great like ol' Al here."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-22-15/1810:01>

Thorn couldn't help himself he had to grin - showing his perforated cheek in all its gory glory: "Gods Al, you really got to show me that technique. Maybe even that grueling training regime.
I like to spend time in the gym. Once you get into the flow you can just stop thinking and let the body do the work. No more care in the world - and you sleep sound without nightmares. Important that.
Which reminds me, did you actually kill any of those wanna-be gangers? I was a bit preoccupied myself. Fraggers didn't know when to quit - I mean I'm a bit crazy when it comes to risks myself, but after realizing you are in the scopes... Those teens were to stupid to live."

Thorns tone at these last words  betrayed the emotions the fresh memory stirred in him. And he hadn't even mentioned the ghouls. 

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-22-15/1840:31>

"Hell yes, I killed 'em. I'll allow I was usin' a bolt action, slowed me down some. But yeah, fast as I could pull the trigger. You was down there, ol' Al said he'd back ya, End o' damned story. An' I rarely see much point in shootin' ta do anything but kill. Cuz if'n they's still alive, they's still a threat." He sensed there was something else going on in the young ork's mind, wondered if maybe he'd lost some some compadres recently, a wound fresher than the loss of his father. But was Al was no telepath, and tended to leave things like empathy and caring to the fairer sex. Kid wanted to talk about something, best to give him the space and time to do it on his own terms.

"Anyway, considerin' what come next, quick round through the skull were a gift."

The road had smoothed out some - they were getting far enough north that there was some actual working infrastructure. Up ahead he actually saw a street light on, like a lonely sentinel of the monstrous metroplex that lay beyond.

"As fer showin' ya my moves, well, we's talkin' Dragon-Phoenix Death Style here - ain't hardly somethin' can be taught over drinks. Not ta mention issues with passin' on copyrighted ancient Eastern wisdom. Anyhoo, reckon ol' Al's to the level where I'm jist a natural weapon. Hell, I done internalized an' then blended Grandmaster Ryder's teachin's ta the point where I'd be hard pressed ta actually recall any one particalar technique. Ya might say empty-hand death-strike killin's somethin' like, well, like breathin' fer me. Never paid fer none o' the rank tests, but reckon if I had I'd be say, eleventh, maybe twelfth-degree black belt. How 'bout you? Ya got ranks an' so forth in that pentax system o' yours?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-23-15/0310:28>

"I see. Oh well, I recon we did enough fighting for one night... The next one right. It's always better to park behind the club and with the front towards the street - just in case. We'll use the back entrance - no pun intended.
Rocky's on duty tonight. He's a nice guy but he likes to pose with his Troll-Jugalo style to mess with guests. One of these days Moma will cut of his horns for that.  Don't tell him, but I hate clowns and especially clown makeup - and mimes. Creepy fraggers",
said Thorn

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-23-15/0607:26>

Al grinned at Thorn's "not intended" pun and hung a right as directed. Then made his way around through the main parking area to the rear of the place, backed in. Twisted the rearview mirror so he could see himself, spat on his hand, and flattened out a cowlick in his sandy collar-length hair. Might as well make a good impression - there'd be ladies present, even if they were fallen women.

He opened the driver's side door on the cab and jumped down onto the wet asphalt. Locked up once Thorn was out.

"Lead on, boon companion. Your friend Rocky awaits. An' ol' Al's gittin' thirstier by the minute."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-23-15/0629:47>

"Sure. You know what? They have this great Hot-Tub down in the cellar. We all could use a rinse before we encounter the lovelies. But beer first - to be precise: A shower beer. Shower hot, Beer cold. There are few better things."
Thorn led the way to a discreet side door next to a dumpster and tapped in a code.
"Now remember, best behavior unless you are provoked - than give me a signal and I'll make sure to be your reliable witness."
Inside the employee entrance it looked remarkably like a normal office environment. Desks, motivational calendar, water cooler and food processor and even a black board with schedules, lost and found as well as invitations to several school plays.

Thorn nodded towards a petite black woman in her 20s with large friendly eyes behind the desk: "Evening Molly. Got back from a job and need to freshen up. That's Al, he's with me."
"Are you again giving your salary straight back?"
"Eh, what's the point of earning a living if you don't live now and again. Anyone I should know about?"
"Na, just the regulars. Don't forget to put your mask on. I'll go on duty in half an hour. You want me to come over to you?"
"Sure, sounds great."

Thorn led Al onwards to a small cold room stocked with booze: "Any particular brew?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-23-15/0811:39>

"Heh heh. Anything American'll do jist fine. None o' that craft crap, though. I done tried that a few times, an' couldn't find nothin' special about it but a funny taste an' a big price tag." His voice was like a hydraulic stone-cutter taking its first bite into a slab of rough granite.

It was clear this Thorn fellow knew how to throw a party. A hot shower and soak sounded like heaven after a night spent slogging through the mud in the rain.

Al accepted a cold bottle, popped the top and drained it in one pull. Held out his hand for another. "I do thank ye kindly, good sir. But listen, grateful fer the hospitality, but if they's takin' this outta yer wages, well, ol' Al can pay his own way."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-23-15/1306:39>

"Not to worry. Part of the perks - management knows that I spend my salary back on the girls if I'm liqueured up enough. Just as long as I don't drink on duty.
Showers are over there. Just grab a towel. I'll just nip off a second to make sure the hot tub is clear."
Thorn gave Al another bottle and took a sip from his own beer - much slower and enjoying the taste before walking up some stairs. "Or do you want to meet Moma Chau?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-23-15/1723:48>

What Al wanted to do was get started on the shower and soak thing. Hopefully with naked women present. But meeting the madam seemed like the polite response, and she sounded like someone in Puyallup it couldn't hurt to know.

And the hot tub wasn't going anywhere.

"Sure, hell, be an honor. Sounds like a nice old bird. Jist gimme a sec." He cupped his hand over his face, blew, and winced at what he smelled. Looked around, saw a vase with some flowers in it. Gave them a sniff, nodded to himself, and upended the vase, pouring some of the water into his mouth. Swished it around, spat it back into the vase, and wiped his face with the back of a scarred hand. "There we go, ready ta be presented."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-24-15/0531:17>

Thorn just shook his head smiling at that, declining to comment about the quality of one week old water to get rid of unwanted halitosis.

Upstairs was just a nondescript corridor as it could have been in any commercial hotel around the world. Moma Chau's office door was open and the madam set behind her desk, browsing through unseen AR-windows. When Thorn showed his face and softly knocked on door frame she looked up:
"Thorn. You aren't on duty today. What do you want?"
"Pardon ma'am, got back from a job for the tribe and brought a friend along to show off our établissement. I thought you would be interested in meeting Al."
"I'm very busy,  but for a new customer I always have time, off course."
Thorn made way for Al to present himself. And although the face of Moma didn't change at all, Al could sense her taxing him, dismissing him as a rich client but registering him as a hard man and also disapproving of the state of both of them.
"I'd advice you both to hit the showers before you talk to the girls. We do have standards here.
Besides that, I welcome you here at the Red Velvet Mr. Al."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-24-15/0607:51>

"Heh heh. You can drop the 'mister,' sister. Just plain old Al's good 'nuff fer this Southern boy, ma'am. An' I am humbly at yer service. real nice place ya got here, what Thorn done shown me so far, an' I am deeply appreciative of yer legendary hospitality."

But even as he laid it on thick, Al's body language was putting him halfway back out the door - social duty done, he was good and ready to comply with the lady's wish that he take a shower.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-24-15/1041:13>

Thorn led Al down again: "You are in luck, she seems to like you. Very sunny disposition - to much of it and you go blind and get cancer."
The showers were not the lavish affair one could have expected from a brothel but instead very utilitarian. The towels at least where fluffy.
Thorn peeled himself out of his armor and stood it up against the wall
"That will take a while to wash out," he said and vanished into a stall with his beer. Seconds later hot steam began fog outwards and a content sounding rumble - not unlike a cross between a cat and a small garden tractor could be heard.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-24-15/2136:14>

Al stripped off as well, hanging his heavy brown leather bomber jacket where he could see it from the stall. Not that he didn't trust Thorn's people, but it had his Fairlight in it. And his credsticks. And the jacket itself was probably worth more than his truck. None of which was particularly important to him. But it had belonged to his pa, given to him the day he left home.

Beside it he hung his jeans, making sure to slip them over the hook from the back, so the weight of his big survival knife didn't drag them down. Everything else went on the floor and he entered the earthly paradise of a clean, hot shower. And smiled as he remembered it was a mere prelude to a beer-drenched soak in a tub.

The satisfied sounds emanating from the neighboring stall reminded him of nothing so much as the purring of some great jungle predator.

He soaped himself down and rinsed. Then realizing if he got out first he'd have no idea where to go next, he simply luxuriated under the invigorating stream until he heard Thorn's water stop.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-25-15/0616:36>

It took a lot longer than Al expected and when the ork finally appeared it became clear that his skin wasn't usually the dark tone, but rather pink.
Winding a towel around his loins he said. "That was really necessary. I think I might have clocked the drains with all that sludge. Also I found out that the river has leaches again.

So, get your stuff, we can use my locker to secure it."
Thorn led Al to a row of lockers and opened one with a thumb print.

Afterwards it went down a flight of stairs through a small door into a mix of spa and bar.
"Welcome to the reason I don't give up this job." Al noticed that Thorn had covered his face with a OP-mask, concealing nearly all the melted parts.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-25-15/0648:41>

Al fished his Luckies and Zippo from a pocket before locking everything away with Thorn's stuff.

Followed the ork's lead with the towel around the waist, which in a whorehouse/spa sort of felt like rubbing alcohol on a doomed convict's arm before they gave him the lethal injection. But when in Rome....

The bar was a welcome sight as they worked their way to the hot tub, though as far as Al was concerned it could just as well have been a cooler filled with brews and it would have been just as useful. But of course he took the opportunity to avail himself of yet another two bottles.

Beers in one hand smokes in the other, he said, "Supplies laid in, kemo sabe. Where's the tub?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-25-15/0739:10>

"Follow me." And indeed, hidden behind some privacy screens was a large tub with bubbling water and a wine cooler.
"Just let me get another cool blond for you."
And indeed only two minutes later Thorn had brought back two girl. One was a tall, thin blond girl with a remarkable muscle definition, the other one was Molly. Both wore kimonos and sandals.
"May I introduce to you: That's Katja, Molly you know. They just started their shift, so I recommend you also let Katja give you one of her famous massages."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-25-15/0821:24>

"Well ladies, I'd take may hat off, but I ain't exactly wearin' one. But pleased ta make yer acquaintance nonetheless." He crossed around the pool to where there was a bench, lit up a cigarette and laid the smokes and lighter down on it. "Alouicious Harlan Guthrie, esquire, at yer service."

Unwilling to take his eyes off the kimono-clad lovelies, he removed his towel, reached back behind him to hang it on a hook, and stepped down onto the tub's first step. He was a very short man, five-three in his boots, and gaunt. Not quite emaciated, but certainly wiry. His chest was covered with hair, so it was the only part of his body not littered with tattoos. No sleeves, just various individual pieces. The most prominent, as he faced them, was a huge African elephant's head that stretched across his pelvis. Intricately inked using only black, it's expressive eyes gazed out from just below his beltline, its ears flared out around his hips, majestic horns traced down his thighs, and of course, hanging in the center, was its trunk. Rather shorter than it really should have been. A jagged, poorly healed scar marred the work across the animal's forehead, just below Al's navel.

Al was certainly not above securing the services of ladies such as Molly and Katja, though he had never needed to make a habit of it. In any case, they'd certainly make pleasant company, not to mention something to keep his eyes busy. And after walking all night, a massage would be just what the doctor ordered. He sat down on the pool's edge, looked at the blond and patted the cedar deck behind him. The girl smiled as if there was nothing she'd like more - she knew her job - and moved around behind him, reaching for the tie on her robe. But once she was behind him, he heard her take a sharp breath.

On his back was the most spellbinding piece of body art she had ever seen. Though rendered in vivid color, it was more a masterpiece of scarification than tattoo. At first glance it was the Holy Trinity, three haloed individuals, one large and prominent in the center, flanked below by two smaller figures around where Al's kidneys would be. But the three halos hovered above portraits of dogs - big, large-headed hounds of indeterminate breed, each with a distinct visage and expression: regal; bellicose; jocular. They were as much carved into his back as inked, and the brilliant texturing made them leap off the surface in three dimensions.

Al scooted off the edge of the pool and lowered his ass down to the ledge below the waterline. took a pull of his beer without taking the cigarette from the corner of his mouth, and waited for the girl to get started, his eyes never leaving Molly on the other side of the room.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-25-15/0855:27>

Thorn was obviously impressed by Al's body art. His body could best be described as a slab of wood with hair. He had neither well defined muscles nor a particular well shaved exterior - no wonder he had clogged the drain. Certain associations with a brown bear wouldn't have been far off the mark. And just as Molly began to ruffle the hair and skin on the back of his neck, he again gave that rumbling noise from him.
"You know, that's something I don't like to admit, but if someone managed to sneak up on me to give me a nape massage, they could keep me paralyzed no matter what else happens. God that feels good."
"By the way Thorn how about that waxing job - I've told you before there is no reason a man should have hair on his back. Yours is thick enough I could shear you and knit a pullover."
"Same answer as always Molly: I'm a little pussy when it comes getting my hair ripped off my body, that's why."

Katja had meanwhile recovered and began to massage Al's shoulders. Her strong fingers were at first very gentle, tracing the small man's anatomies.
Thorn couldn't but grin - he had experienced her himself before - and he knew what came next.
There was a sound like an old brittle branch breaking as she began her acupressure in earnest.
"Don't seize up Al, you'll feel amazing when the pain goes away."
And with that he and Molly slid into the water laughing.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-25-15/1253:28>

Al grinned patronizingly at the idea that this little girl could cause him any pain, and then something happened to a nerve in his shoulder and his mouth formed an O of surpised agony. The other three laughed, and he was glad Thorn had warned him so he was able to avoid an untoward response.

"Sheee-IT, girllie, what'cha done did ta ol' Al back there?" His cigarette had fallen into the water, and he fished it out, tossed it onto the deck. "Touch me like that again, yer gon' have ta marry me. Leastways hand me a new smoke if yer gon' continue."

He shifted his gaze, which he realized had been riveted on Molly's shamelessly naked form, to Thorn. "You say that's gon' feel good after? Well, I done seen some cockeyed things in this world, so I'm gon' take that on faith....but it's gon' take a whole lot o' faith."

Al's consternation had done nothing to stop the deep - well, no other word for it - purring once again emanating from his host. "Yeah, I can see why ya keep this gig. But ol' Al sees somethin' too good ta be true, he gen'rally assumes it is. Must be a downside ta all this happy happy joy joy somewhere...."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-25-15/1615:07>

Thorn nodded at the last remark: "Yeah, well. To be honest - we don't talk about that much here. It's too depressing. As I said Moma is fair and this gig here is one of the better ones for a young lady, but... well selling your body and soul's never pleasant. I only get to kick out people who won't pay or at least severely bruise a girl. Heavens know I'd like to take out a lot more. Words can cut like knives too..."
At that remark Al's observation of Molly revealed a quick glimpse of absolute sadness and humiliation on her face before she regained her composure.
"We can talk later if you are interested in the details. For the moment just enjoy and be kind to your companion..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-25-15/1742:27>

Thorn's words, and Molly's expression, reminded Al of the real reason he didn't make a habit of this sort of thing. He told himself it was because he didn't need to, and of course his magnetic pull on the opposite sex was tantamount to legend on three continents.

And with so much time spent on the high seas, well, he'd come to an understanding with the man upstairs for those times when sheer charisma wasn't enough. But he'd been brought up a different way, and his pa's teachings on the correct way to treat womenfolk had been clear. And they hadn't included buying a woman's virtue.

And it seemed like he could recall the Good Book took a dim view of whoremongers as well.

But all that had been in the abstract. The look on Molly's face had not.

So you could keep people from hurting their bodies.

But they were still selling their souls with each trick.

He looked at his beer. Apparently, the alcohol and the fatigue were making him sentimental. There sure was nothing wrong with getting a massage. If he could survive it. The way this girl's fingers were working, he reckoned she could teach him a thing or two about death point strikes.

So he made a decision about where the day was going. Or rather not going. And sat back to enjoy the soak.

Hopefully the day would pass peacefully.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-26-15/1412:08>

"Cheer up", said Molly. "It's not always bad. We need the money and it doesn't become a better job if only amoral scumbags visit us. Come on Thorn. Al needs to lie down now if the massage is to have any effect."
Not even Thorn could discern if that was her honest opinion, a lie to not get into trouble with management or maybe a lie she had to tell herself. But he did follow her out of the tub and towards one of the adjoined rooms further down the hall.
He managed to call out: "See you later upstairs at the bar..." before the door closed.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-26-15/1639:28>

Al tried to throw Thorn a salute, but found his arm virtually incapacitated by Katja's ministrations.Resigned to his fate, he let himself go slack and was just getting relaxed when she slapped him on the shoulder and said, "All right hon, up on the massage table."

But the water felt too good. "Toots, gon' take more'n you an' an army o' lovelies ta get ol' Al outta this here tub. What say we jist chill right here?"

"Sorry, sweetie, but if I stop halfway through you'll be left all stiff. And you've got to lie face down for this next part. Just a few minutes. Then I'll warm you up any way you like."

Al turned to face her. It was the first time he'd seen her since she'd stepped around behind him, and now instead of the kimono she was wearing exactly nothing at all. Not even a strand of hair below her eyelashes, and the steam condensed on her milky flesh gave it a sheen that could have melted the heart of a monk. And Al was no monk. This wasn't going to be as easy as he'd thought.

"Tell ya what, toots, I'll just assume the position right here inna pool. An' when I can't hold my breath no more, we'll head up ta yer little table there."

"You can hold your breath for five minutes?"

"Considerable longer'n that hon. Used ta be a diver by trade. You jist to yer Japanese-y muscle an' nerve thing, an' leave the breath holdin' ta ol' Al."

And with that he laid himself out face down on the water, spreading his arms just right to stay afloat. Of course, the air in his tank provided the ballast needed to hold position - he grinned as he added 'impressing gullible whores' to the long list of uses he'd found for his internal air system.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-26-15/1815:00>

After a few more minutes of muscle torture, Katja tentatively tapped Al on the shoulder, half afraid he'd simply passed out.

But he rolled over onto his back like an otter, clearly an accomplished swimmer, and gave her a grin. Damn she looked good.

"So when's the payoff?" he asked, and she reached for him, and he added, "Thorn said that there barbarity y'all call a mass-age is all worth it in the end. So? When's that?"

She stopped her forward motion and smiled, gesturing him out of the pool. They stood on the deck naked and steaming as she ran him through a quick sequence of stretches and gyrations, and damned if he didn't feel ten times better and half an inch taller.

"Girl, ya done good work. Reckon I'd better give ya somethin' in return."

She nodded in acknowledgement and knelt in front of him, at which point he said, "Y'all got any cards? I always carry a pack, but they's all locked up with Thorny's stuff."

The girl was a bit taken aback. Al couldn't tell if she was offended, relieved, or just confused. "Yeah, I have some up in my room. We could go there. I only know how to play rummy, though."

"Well, heh heh, strip poker's clearly beside the point now, ain't it? Naw, been workin' on this thing Erdnase called the Invisible Flight. An' I think ol' Al's finally ready fer an audience."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-26-15/2055:57>

Al had been astonishing and amazing Katja for something over an hour when his clothes arrived with a discreet knock at her door.

He was delighted that the Invisible Flight had gone off without a hitch, and had moved on to some other sleights and manipulations he'd been playing around with. Stuff he wasn't really ready for yet, but when he screwed up she laughed, and the effect of that on her bosoms was downright mystical. However noble he had decided to be for the evening, he'd made no suggestion they get dressed. He was Christian, not stupid.

But the clothes seemed like a nice way of saying her time was no longer his, and after checking everything was where it should be he pulled on his tatty boxers, yellowing T-shirt, mud-soaked khaki fatigue trousers, freshly dried wool socks, black Docs, and his pa's jacket.

Katja put on a purple thong and matching brassiere and took his arm. She never said anything about what had or hadn't happened. He hoped she got paid the same either way. And he doubted he was unique or that she was particulary impressed. There was no shortage of deluded fools that figured one night of restraint would somehow win them the undying off-site love of some nubile young thing way out of his league. And that was probably what she thought he was. He could live with that.

At the top of the stairs, she just said, "Thank you for a wonderful time," drenched with an unspoken plea for him to return soon, laden with the implication that he was somehow one of a kind. She said it so well he knew she'd rehearsed it, polished it, made it a part of her. A half dozen times a shift. And he could live with that, too. Had to respect anyone that good at what they did.

He disengaged his arm, said, "Reckon I can find my way from here, toots," and head down to the bar.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-27-15/0747:51>

Thorn reappeared about an hour later. He somehow had found a clean training outfit and had a bottle of cold water in his hands.
"I hope you had a relaxing time. Sorry to put a damper on your mood like that. Molly chewed me out for that. Doesn't do any good for the moral around here." He waved away the barkeeper, shaking his head: "Thanks Garry, but I'll stick to water for the rest of the evening. Got to be fit in the morning."
"Anyway, at the very least you get my employee discount...

And don't turn now, but I think there just entered two gentleman who have a distinct Italian look about them..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-28-15/0501:13>

Al didn't turn around. "Well, less'n they's workin' fer a partickalar guy, probably not an issue. They's this one asshole named Arty got a mad-on fer ol' Al, but it's personal at this point. Rest of the family stayin' out of it."

But the mirror behind the bar showed two familiar faces approaching. Both wore magenta silk neckties. As luck would have it.

He knew from experience what pussies they were, so a clear view of his back might prove too much temptation for them. He swivelled 180 degrees on his stool to greet them.

"Gentlemen! What's it been, two, three months? And we never had a celebratory drink at the conclusion of our little peace talks."

They pulled up short when he turned, flinching just slightly. Eager as they'd been, the prospect of a straight fight was apparently less appealing. They said nothing as they tried to think of what they should do next.

Al took the opportunity to continue. "Shame Arty hisself ain't here, as I'm sure he'd love ta wet his whistle with us as well. Seal our deal, so ta speak."

That provoked it. "We heard you was alive, Guthrie, so there ain't no fuckin' deal."

Al motioned for more drinks. A new bottle of water for Thorn, another beer for himself, and some Roy Rogers for the Twins.

"Ya ever watch old Westerns? Ya ever hear the judge sentence some cattle rustler ta 'hang by the neck until dead'? Well there's a reason they come ta say that. Seems they used ta just sentence 'em ta hang. Then some clever feller's would starve theyselves before the execution date, an' they necks wouldn't snap, nor would they be heavy enough ta choke. So they had ta let 'em go. Judges smartened up some, an' added the 'till dead' clause." He studied their faces. "Are ya puttin' two an' two together on this? Well, I ain't makin' it no easier'n that. Enjoy yer drinks, say hello ta Arty, an' don't think o' further disturbin' the tranquility o' this place. These folks is my friends, an' this here be neutral ground."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-28-15/1748:06>

The smarter one of the two looked towards the door where they just had passed a 250kg heavy troll in black and white clown make-up.

"You are going down Guthrie. This whorehouse won't stand a chance if we call in Arthy and the boys. And if you try to slip away... well we now know you have friends here..."

That was as far as he got, because Thorn had grabbed the bottle of water and lobbed it with remarkable accuracy at the talkers head.
"Now you are in for the drain boys..."

[spoiler]
I suggest we each control each others opponent.

Professional Rating 1 Lieutenants should suffice for this exercise:
B A R S W L I C ESS
4 4 3 4 3 2 3 3 6
Initiative 8 + 1D6
Condition Monitor 10
Limits Physical 6, Mental 4, Social 5
Armor 12
Skills Blades 3, Etiquette (Street) 4 (+2),
Intimidation 4, Leadership 1, Pistols (Semi-
Automatics) 3 (+2), Thrown Weapons 2,
Unarmed Combat (Cyberimplants) 3 (+2)
Qualities Toughness
Augmentations Retractable spur [Acc 6, DV 7P, AP –2]
Gear Armor jacket [12]
Browning Ultra-Power [Heavy Pistol, Acc 5
(6), DV 8P, AP –1, SA, RC —, 10 (c)]
Knife [Blade, Acc 5, Reach —, DV 5P, AP –1]
Sony Emperor commlink (Device Rating 2)
1 dose of cram or jazz (p. 411)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-28-15/1829:50>

Much as Al had wanted to clean these guys' clocks, he'd dutifully kept things civil out of respect for his hosts. But apparently the threat to the establishment's employees crossed a line for Thorn.

And once his new friend opened that door, Al was all too happy to waltz through it.

The little man threw himself off his barstool towards the other mafioso, a wild haymaker leading the way.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-28-15/1854:36>

Thorn didn't waste any time: Like a compressed spring he catapulted himself away from the bar and towards the guy he just had flung a full 1 l glass bottle of Ireland's best spring water at. He aimed low for the guys crotch - mainly because he was unarmored and didn't even carry his gloves, so a bit more punch was what he needed now.

Al's opponent tried to dodge the small man's attack - unsuccessfully. But although the hit connected with textbook precision, the larger man only staggered two steps back, a wild grin on his face as he suddenly extended a cyber spur from his forearm and lunged at Al.
The strike only managed to tear a rip into Al's clothing, but now the game had changed.
Deadly weapons were drawn and now it was time for Thunderdome...

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-28-15/1923:05>

Al was pretty annoyed - he'd planned to milk that shirt for another month or so of life.

He breathed the names of Ghede and Samedi and drove one brutal punch after another into the punk's gut, even as he watched the other one crumple into a heap after Thorn went for his balls.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-30-15/1322:12>

Thorn gave the man one last kick against the head to make him lie still. He watched Al move and without wanting to distract him or taking fun away from him he said: "Seems to me the perfect time to show of your five-finger-exploding-heart technique after all.

But although Al managed to get a nice combination going, the other man managed to stagger away from the first punch and took the second one to the stomach with rather more grace than Thorn would have expected of him. Still, the man was winded now and Al was in position to hit him again with another volley of strikes.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-30-15/1719:56>

But he didn't.

Pausing to catch his breath, he smiled at Thorn and explained, "'Ceptin' I done sworn only ta use my prodigious powers fer the forces o' justice an' light. An' he don't rate that high."

Then, noting that the man was still standing, spur out and catching his breath, Al picked up the bar stool he'd been sitting on and leaned in to address the fellow, kindness and reason in his voice. "Son, think o' yer friend onna floor there. You git laid out too, these fine folks gon' take ya both down to the incinerator inna basement. Or you can walk outta here now, take him with ya, an' Arty'll give ya a fat bonus fer findin' me. Your call, tough guy."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-30-15/1731:22>

One look into Al's eyes and another one at the troll with full clown make up that had just entered convinced the man to retrieve the spur, grab his friend and to drag him out of the bar as fast as he could manage.
He didn't utter a single word, panting only from pain and exertion, but Al sure could see the hatred in his eyes.

Thorn nodded towards the troll and made a hand gesture that contained "see that they get lost". He also made a second gesture towards the retreating mafioso - that one wasn't nearly as polite.

"Are you ok Al? Seems like we got it all - Wine, women and song - if you can count the wailing sound those to made."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-30-15/1745:47>

Al silently congratulated himself on his magnanimity and mercy towards two men that had tortured him nearly to death barely three months earlier.

But here this young pup had to ask him if he was okay. Age.

"Yeah, this been a hootenanny an' a half. An' ol' Al thanks ya kindly. But would seem I done worn out my welcome. Those two'll be back, an' they won't be alone. Sooner I get outta here, less chance Ms. Chau will have an Eye-talian problem on her hands."

He put the bar stool down and picked up the beer he'd left on the counter. Drained it and smacked the stein down with a glassy clack.

"You stayin', or ya want a ride back?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-31-15/0135:40>

"Time for some shut-eye and all in all I think it's best to stay tonight at the tribe - especially since my bike is still back there.
So let's ride."
Thorn picked up the bottle or what was left of it and dumped it into the trash. After retrieving his gear from the locker he followed Al to his car.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-31-15/0346:29>

Al gave a salute to the bar at large and headed for the door. He'd had quite a bit to drink by now, but that was okay because it made him a better driver.

The troll with the make-up was outside, having watched the Magenta Tie twins take off. Al glanced questioningly at his truck, and the troll shook his head, confirming they hadn't tampered with it in any way.

Turning the Gaz back south into the Barrens, Al thanked Thorn again. "Next party's on ol' Al, that fer damned sure. Now, what's the story with Bozo the Bouncer? He a pro wrassler or somethin'?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-31-15/0434:56>

"Ha, you wished. He just realized that looking scary as a troll is not always enough to deter troublemakers. I offhand told him that a lot of tough guys secretly are afraid of clowns... and it kinda got out of hand with him. He even found a fitting subculture: Troll Jugalows. I suspect he just likes to wear lots of make-up. I don't judge.

But you have to admit, it does give you pause. I sure would hate it if I had to fight clowns.

About the invitation: De nada. It's always good to get a few more contacts. Tomorrow we'll have to do something about your Italian problem. I really don't want them to come back to Red Velvet",
replied Thorn.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-31-15/0501:02>

"Yeah, few months ago I was guardin' a convoy - a circus convoy no less - an' we got jacked by a whole gang o' clowns. I'll allow as it did add a certain creepy factor. But then they was dead." He shrugged.

"So what ya got in mind about the spaghetti-eaters? It's really jist this one cat, Arty, what's got a ragin' hard on for me. An' I couldn't jist kill 'im, cuz there was a whole bunch o' womern an' kids it woulda come back on. But they's off limits now, I done seen ta that, so reckon I can take the gloves off if I want." He shrugged again. "Course, he is part o' the Gianelli family, so a certain level o' prudence might be in order."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-31-15/0506:35>

"Let's see if we can't get some guys from the tribe on board. Maybe we can make it look like an accident. Drug overdose or the like.

Not that I have any experience in that regard, but I really hate it if someone threatens my friends.

So, what else do you know about him, especially where he lives and where he goes."
answered Thorn

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-31-15/0714:57>

"Shee-it, boy, you one o' them shadowrunners?" He used his burn-melted hands to make quote-signs in the air as he said it. "They's real, ya know. Not just onna trid. Wouldn't o' believed it myself if an angel had come down from heaven an' testified it to me. Not till 'bout a year ago. But they's a thing. Seen 'em with my own two eyes. Done some work for 'em now an' again."

He paused to gauge the ork's reaction, as if he were averring the existence of UFOs and wanted to make sure he was being taken seriously.

"Anyway, I'll be damned if you don't sound jist like 'em. Always with they plannin' an' they research. Not that any o' that's a bad thing, mind. Jist ol' Al ain't hardly got the energy for it. But yeah, I keep track o' the ebbs an' tides of Arty's turf, give an' take with the Vory an' the Yaks. He's mostly all about the Seattle an' Tacoma docks, which shows how little his betters think of 'im cuz the union racket's a low-margin op anymore an' they losin' more of it ta lower-rung outfits with each passin' year. An' yeah, I know some o' the night spots he likes. As fer where he lives, though, ain't hardly given it much thought. Do like the way ya think, though. Accident, huh? Well, that do bring ta mind all sorts o' innerestin' possibilities, now don't it?" 

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-31-15/0815:51>

"I am no runner. But you get to meet all kinds of types if you bounce in a bar. Got tased, threatened with Katanas, fireballs and drones, drugged with Narcoject, mind-dominated, and shot at two occasions. Quite aggressive your average "Shadow Runner". And the Johnsons aren't any better.
I heard that's why they are all called that: 'cause they are renting meat like a John in a whorehouse - only difference is they want other people to get fucked.

Me, I've never worked for any crime syndicates or corporations. What I do for the tribe is a whole other thing, but that doesn't mean I solve all my problems by hitting them with my fists. Sometimes I use my head."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <12-31-15/1032:27>

"Heh heh. An innellectual. I like that. Livin' by the wits the Good Lord done give ya. Ol' Al, he ain't never had much book larnin'. Hell, never set foot inside a school a day in my life." The road was getting bouncy again as they moved south and highway maintenance became something from another world. "Don't git me wrong. My ma had me an' Em Kay - Em Kay, that's one o' my sisters - she had us at the kitchen table one day a week, learnin' our letters. Not much use fer ought else, but ya need yer letters ta read yer Bible. You read yer Bible, Thorn?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-01-16/0647:23>

"The Bible? Depends actually which one you mean. Went to school and Irish services when I was little and my old man was alive. After he went... Well, god will have to do some serious explaining if I ever meet him in person. I might forgive him one day. But if I have a soul it's my business and mine alone.
To be honest, I never really thought about religion and the bible anymore. I keep to instruction manuals that are a bit more up to date on current issues.
To quote a famous shepard: The bible is very specific about things like murder, but it gets fuzzy on the topic of kneecaps."
Thorn paused:
"When's the last time you read the book?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-01-16/0729:34>

"Spoken like the true natural man - someone for whom I'll acknowledge some affinity. But the carnal mind is an enemy ta God, an' don't you fergit it." He was congratulating himself on his evangelistic spirit, when he realized Thorn was still looking the question at him. He shrugged, "Thirty. Thirty-five years. I'm gon' start back up again soon, though. Tomorrow maybe. Or next week. But like the Good Book says, 'Do as I sayeth, not as I doeth.'"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-01-16/0852:40>

"Amen.
Man, that's a long time. I don't think orks even live that long naturally.
Which brings me back to our first topic: We should ask Ratchet or one of the others who is good with machines if they know how to arrange a convincing accident."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-01-16/0915:58>

"Okay, I done read about this. Ya know what you are? Yer prolactive. Look it up. Means ya don't jist react to problems. Ya git out ahead of 'em prolactively. Friend o' mine, name o' Hun, he used ta talk about this stuff all the damned time. Said it made all the difference between bein' a winner an' bein' a loser. An' I gotta say I like the sound of it." They were just pulling into the compound now, and Al drove in amidst the mostly abandoned houses and parked in front of the auto shop he'd reclaimed. It was a small place, but it had once been well equipped to service the various sedans and light trucks that had heavily populated the town before the Ghost Dance had turned it into an ash heap.

"Lemme show ya somethin'," he said, getting out of the truck.

He led Thorn into a kitchen and lounge area it looked like had suffered an explosion of garbage, auto parts, and unidentifiable liquids, and was immediately assaulted by a giant black dog. "Ya met Spike?" Al asked, hurling the dog bodily onto a ratty sofa and screaming at him in a strange guttural language. The dog sat up, hung his tongue out, but stayed on the sofa.

"In here." They entered the work area. It was as filthy as the kitchen, but not in the same sort of disarray. There were two sets of hydraulic jacks, one with an old junker up on it. "Ol' Al's got ever'thin' in good workin' order here, an' brought some o' the software up ta date. But that's jist tools. Ya think we should git creative with Arty's ride, then ever'thin' we need's right up here," he announced, tapping the side of his head.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-02-16/0448:10>

Thorn whistled through his teeth: "Nice workshop. Now if we can get to the guys car, what would you say should we manipulate? Breaks, suspension, tires? Or maybe the locking mechanisms, making the car a trap. Or...
you know the air bag in the steering column. Do you think you could prepare one that has something like a shotgun shell inside?
Little crash, air bag deploys, driver get's killed by fragments inside a counterfeited air bag. Very tragic..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-02-16/0713:12>

"Hot damn, son, was you born a genius or did ya have ta practice?" He turned his head back towards the living area and yelled something that started with Spike and ended with a quick combination of sounds Thorn wasn't sure if he'd be able to repeat. The black dog barrelled into the workshop.

"Spike, this here is a genius. Remember what he smells like in case we ever meet one again. They don't grow on trees." Spike looked up at the two men with wide confused eyes, knowing he was supposed to understand something yet utterly at a loss. Al seemed to be waiting for some sort of breakthrough, and they stood there for a while, until the little man sighed in exasperation and fished something brown and a bit crumbly from a jacket pocket and threw it back through the door onto the sofa. The dog went after it like a shot.

"Shee-it, I was just thinkin' o' riggin' his gas tank ta blow. But that'd attract suspicion, now wouldn't it? Flip side, it burns all the evidence o' tamperin'. But these mokes, hell, if we can give 'em an excuse ta call it an accident, they ain't gon' go all CSI Denver on us fer this guy. Prob'ly be glad ta be rid of 'im. So we play with the brakes or accleration, turn the airbag into a death device...but how we gon' git near his car?" He hawked something up and spit into a rusty oil drum. "Sounds like a lotta work."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-02-16/1615:32>

"No idea, you are the expert. Where does he drive to - any favorite restaurants?"
asked Thorn.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-02-16/1628:50>

Al thought for a second. He was pretty sure he knew this stuff, but...it was going to need more beer. "This is gonna need more beer," he said. They went to the kitchen, took two cold ones out of the refrigerator. He opened his. Took a drink. This was going to take some sitting down. "This gonna need sittin' down some." He dropped himself onto one end of the sofa next to Spike, dislodging a cloud of moldy dust.

He thought.

Resisted the urge to flip on the trid.

"Yep, got it. Restaurants. There's a high-end Italian place on 5th an' Spring, called Mostro's. He likes that place. But it's crawlin' with Family all the time. Then there's a joint called Spiro's Grill, which is mostly a bar he likes to drink at, but he'll eat there too, usually with his boys. That's in Tacoma, I fergit the address, but I can find it if I'm drivin'. We could check that out. Borders right on Vory territory, so even if they think it ain't an accident, they might blame them. No tellin' when he'll be there next, though. Guess we'd have ta stake him out."

Suddenly there was a terrible smell, and Al scolded, "Dammit, Spike, you been eatin' my protein bars again, ain't you? Hidin' the wrappers? Git, you. Git on outta here." The dog was a statue, though, until Al added a quick command in that weird language again, at which point the animal disappeared into the next room.

"Tell ya what, I know exactly what he drives, an' it so happens I have the codes to the anti-theft, unless he's smart enough to've changed 'em after the twins reported back. Which I doubt. Lemme see what I can work up after I git some shut-eye. When I git somethin' done, we can go check it out, see if it looks doable?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-03-16/0508:54>

"As long as he drives himself that shouldn't be a problem. I can spot for you and delay them if necessary. Just be sure to park next to him and have his make and model's airbag prepared."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-04-16/1205:38>

"His model's airbag? Shee-it, yer right again, it should match. But less'n you know any abandoned Caddys hereabouts, that's gotta be ordered. Nah, I can modify the one that's in there jist fine. Just gotta prep the additional components, which would be easy 'cept I wanna make 'em so they pretty much disintegrate after use Heh heh, ain't never plotted a damned murder before. I'll come find ya when it's ready. But now I reckon ol' Al's finally drunk enough ta git some shut-eye."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-05-16/0344:49>

"Agreed. Plotting murder while drunk is never a good idea. Don't be surprised if I come storming in here in the morning with a horrified expression because sober me thinks that this is a stupid idea.

Good night, see you in a while."
Thorn went of to find himself a space somewhere in the communal sleeping room.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-08-16/1810:51>

Al drifted to sleep with the high-pitched chattering of Battlesuit Sexbots ringing in his ears and visions of booby-trapped airbags dancing in his head.

He woke with the familiar taste of dog drool in his mouth and the equally familiar sound of Bit's angry-voice threatening to shatter his hung-over skull.

At least Spike was giving him a little wake-up love.

"Guthrie, you lazy sack of hillbilly shit, one night out buys one day off. It's the next damned day, and your crew's been waiting outside for almost three hours."

Al opened one eye. The hippy (they called themselves "steampunks," whatever that meant) was shouting across the room at him from about ten feet away. That was Spike's line. He'd probably tried to get closer and seen teeth. "Reckon they ain't minded puttin' they feet up some. Told 'em never ta bother me when I'm hung over."

"In other words, just never bother you. Up an' at 'em. We all pull our weight here, half-pint."

Now Al thought that was a helluva thing for a dwarf to say, though it was true that Bit did not exactly have to strain his neck much to catch the human's eye.

Well, so much for making an airbag booby-trap. Ever since shifting so much deeper into the Barrens, these damned free-lovers had got a helluva lot more uptight about work and so forth. He used to just pay for his space with them with cash, but they weren't interested in that anymore. Now it was all wall-this and sewer-that.

He stood up, lit a cigarette, and went to the fridge. Bit was still standing there cursing a blue streak. Al ignored him, staggered to the head, and managed to puff on his cigarette, sip his beer, pee, and scratch his ass all at the same time.

Grabbed his commlink, which had the schematics he'd worked up, and approached his crew of six. Four men, two women. Five humans, one ork. Half were all funky-cybered in what was apparently the steampunk style, the main feature of which seemed to be an utter disregard for functionality. The other half sported token bits of chrome gear, like they were either just buying in, or were just playing along with the fashion end of it to have a place to call home. The remains of a card game lay on a piece of plywood in the mud.

"Well, y'all heard the man. We got a wall ta finish."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-09-16/0825:21>

Thorn's day began a bit later - but instead of a screaming dwarf he only had his own commlink to wake him up. First he went for a little five km run to warm up, than he was off to the gym. A few exercises went by before he activated Sparky, the gym's training drone.
Sparky didn't pose a real challenge in terms of quick movement or strikes, but the thing never tired and didn't relent. Rarely but sometimes nonetheless the drone pilot would display an unexpected move it had learned or probably downloaded recently.
Thorn thoroughly enjoyed the exertion despite the previous nights adventures - keeping the edge had his trainer Marcel called it.

He only stopped when the drone indicated that it had to recharge. Which told Thorn that the previous user had neglected to bring it back to the recharge station.
Just as Thorn had finished plugging in the annoyingly fiddly power cable he heard his commlink chirping:
<<Thorn, Moma wants a word with you about yesternights events. I warn you, she is not in a good mood. So stop punching and start moving. XXX Molly>>

"Shit."
Thorn quickly went under the shower, dressed and made his way over the street to the Red Velvet.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-09-16/1934:28>

All through the workday, which occupied barely half of his brain, he'd been thinking about killer airbags. Amazing what a couple of drunken miscreants could come up with if the hour got late enough. He only had to flex his new hands to remind himself of that.

So what the hell? he thought. Give it a good noodling. Hell, starting with the car was real solid. Louie had loved his old one, and since Al had replaced it for him, he loved it twice as much. Drove himself, now, or so he'd heard. And never anything else. Now it was more than a symbol of success - it was a trophy. A vindication.

Al congratulated himself for his foresight in programming a backdoor into the antitheft before he'd handed it over.

The trade had solved the main problem. Gotten the Khmers off the hook. But now that the goombahs knew Al was still alive, they'd be after him again.

He didn't really mind that so much. He figured they were a grossly overestimated group of individuals, these wise guys. And he knew it was just Art's crew. The rest of them wanted nothing to do with it.

But if he killed Art, they would. They'd all be after him.

If he got caught.

So a bomb? Didn't leave much evidence behind, but too flashy. Plus he'd learned from the trid that even blown up bombs could somehow be traced.

Drunken crash was more plausible. But much less sure. Damned cars were just too safe these days.

And thus Thorn's idea about adding a little something special to the airbag.

But that left something behind. Unless it didn't. So Al had spent the afternoon thinking about cellulose shell casings, and self-burning powder, and then science-fictioney stuff like ice projectiles.

By the time he wandered back home and fended off Spike's advances, he'd simplified his thoughts some - decided to look at using only materials already found in the airbag, just maybe adding more, or taking some away. They were very carefully calibrated devices after all.

He flopped down on the sofa with a soyrito, a protein bar, and four beers. Fished for his link to start drawing something up. Piece of paper fell out. He didn't notice, but Spike did. Started sniffing at it, and Al snatched it up. Held it. It was folded a couple of times, but he didn't open it. Just flopped back into the moldy cushions. Shit. It was just three months ago he'd heard Tony Franciosa'd relocated to London. Maybe she was still there too. That'd be a damned sight better hide-out than this damned flower-child outpost among the ashes.

But no, he wasn't going halfway around the world for Arty Gianelli. Now, maybe if killing the fat fuck did end up bringing the whole Seattle mob down on him, well then he'd have to leave, if only to spare his hippy friends the grief. For now, though, Thorn's little idea sounded like just what the doctor ordered.

He stuffed the dog-eared slip of paper back into his pocket and got to work.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-10-16/0506:19>

A soft knock disturbed Al's cogitations.
Thorn stood at the door, his mask in place, but his body language decrying accurately that the ork wasn't really brimming with good cheer.
"Oy Al, how's it going? Just finished my shift. And I got chewed out by Moma for our little fun yesterday.
A certain organization called her and made some not so subtle threats. So now I am officially charged to to something about that mess before any of the ladies get hurt.
Seems like our drunken murder plot is a go.

But I also thought a bit more. This guy you angered, he is some kind of capo, isn't he? Do you know any of his direct rivals that would benefit from his demise? If yes, we might want to leave some clue that points in their direction, just to make sure this doesn't come back to bite us."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-11-16/1805:22>

"First off, grasshopper, anger is a poison that stems only from the darkness within. Ol' Al may in all innocence have set in motion a chain of causes an' effects that made Arty Gianelli a danger to his own emotional self, but only the fat goombah hisself could make the choice to succumb to the cancer of rancor and spite that lay waitin' to blossom within his breast. There's beers an' soyritos inna fridge. Hell, it was likely a lifetime o' karmically questionable choices that created such a deep wellspring of malaise in his heart, fertile ground fer the vexations an' resentments that followed."

He crumpled a beer can and tossed it at a big across the room, missing with a clatter.

"An' the Vory. I don't much follow which ones. Don't git along much with Russkies. But they's always squabblin' with Arty's crews about this dock or that wharf. Hell, last time I done met dear Arty was in a spot - real lucrative spot, I might add - that he'd recently wrested from their control. Harbor Island Marina. Them Slavs'd love ta have that pretty spot back, sure as the Pope wears a pointy hat."

He cracked another beer as the ork sat down with some dinner. "Now, my masked amigo, whaddaya know 'bout soiid propellants?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-16-16/0904:39>

"Not a thing. Me and explosives is like a bad analogy. I'm more the distraction kind of guy"
Thorn took a bite from a very fresh looking carrot.
"Oh, that's good. But hopefully we don't kick of a gang war that way. That's bad for business all around.
I'll use today to make a little tour around that restaurant. After all, we need to provoke a little accident. I think a block of ice inside a carton should do the trick. Triggers the airbag and will have vanished as crushed ice down the drains.
I just need a good hiding spot to throw it into the street."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-16-16/1927:36>

"Hell, it's ice. Slide it."

He was fiddling with a cheap commlink.

"But that's a hell of an idear. Saves me havin' ta mess with his brakes ta git the crash we need to activate the airbag."

He hit one final spot on his touchscreen with a tobacco-stained index finger.

"There, sent 'er to ya, or if'n ya do that AR thing, well," he used a burn-melted hand to waggle his fingers vaguely in the air, "then it's up there...somewhere. See, I ain't talkin' 'bout blowin' 'im up. Your idear's the best from the git-go. We kill 'im with the bag, an' none gon' be the wiser."

He leaned back, put his boots on the table, and started scratching the giant dog behind the ears.

"Solid propellant - it's rocket fuel, basidally - an' it's in every airbag. That's how they get 'em ta inflate so fast. Stuff burns damned quick, turns into nitrogen, inflates the bag, then all the gas just seeps out holes inna bag, deflates it, an' they ain't a damn thing left behind." As Al narrated, Thorn could see the crude animation he'd drawn up, which included a stick figure with a fat paunch and a crude Dumb Arty label getting hit in the face with the bag. "Thing is, it's gotta be jist fast enough to outrun the impact of a collision, but not so fast it takes her head off. Hell, these things kill kids, old people, an' mostly anyone drivin' with they face too close ta the damn wheel. All I gotta do is up the charge - grab the propellant outta some junker's bag an' add it to Arty's - an' when he hits yer ice block then that there bag gon' push his face into his damn brainpan." The animation ran again, only this time the stick figure's head exploded into a gory red mess when it got hit by the bag, and the label changed from Dumb Arty to Dead Arty. "All we need now is the opportunity - Arty in the restaurant, an' no eyes on the car fer one minute, tops."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-17-16/1624:37>

"Clever. More bang in the airbag. Don't forget to close the hole in the bag with a resin. If I understand you correctly, that should guarantee that he hits his head against a rock hard inflated balloon.

I already have a plan for getting the attention away from you: I'll let my self be run over by some fancy car. I did that last year as a reserve stunt man. It's quite easy if you time it right: Get your feet from the ground and start your roll on the hood of the car. Smarts a bit, but at the speeds people drive on parking lots it should be save.
Just have to remember to stash a ketchup packed in my mouth and bite down at the right moment. Last Halloween I scared a bunch of kids for live with that trick when the ketchup spurted out the side of my face."
Thorn replied

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-18-16/0705:04>

Al laughed out loud. "Smarts a bit, does it? Gittin' yerself hit by a car? Kemo sabe, I do like the way yer head works. Alrighty then, I'm gon' go scavenge the propellant. An' the resin's a nice touch - was jist readin' 'bout this new stuff, hardens on impact like that stuff in the Hardliner gloves, only this stuff oxidizes afterwards. I'll see if our Freedom chummers can git ol' Al a bit onna down-low. They's a secretive bunch, bur reckon I got an in."

His fingers were already at work on his 'link as he spoke.

"How long ya need fer yer scouty-scout? We good ta start watchin' for 'im from late tonight, or ya need a day?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-19-16/1039:56>

"No more than half a day. I'll get busy making that ice bloc. That will take at least a day itself. I'll exchange shifts, so I'll be ready for watch duty. Shouldn't be a problem - after all we are on a mission for Moma too - in some kind anyway."

Thorn nodded to Al and grabbed a large grate that once upon a time had held a small fridge. Now all he had to do was find a large enough freezer.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-19-16/1255:48>

"Stay frosty, baby," Al shouted at Thorn's back as the ork exited with the old piece of junk. He congratulated himself on his keen sense of humor.

He'd requested the resin while they talked, and for once the computer wonks had agreed on cash instead of a favor they could hold over his head for time and all eternity. Now he just needed propellant. The neighborhood was awash with stripped old junkers, and he doubted the scavengers had all be savvy enough to break into the guts of every airbag. Wouldn't be hard to find what he needed.

Which meant time for a nap. He didn't really sleep, but that was par for the course. He'd stay tired, but at least he wouldn't dream.

By oh-dark- thirty, he had everything he needed, and all preconfigured the way he wanted it. Extra tools just in case of something unexpected were stowed in the bed of the truck. And he parked two blocks east and three north of Mostros, waiting for Thorn to link up with him.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-20-16/1306:23>

Thorn returned almost punctual. Instead of his ballistic mask he only wore a respirator. His voice was therefore a bit muffled when he answered:
"Got the layout down. The best place to get the carton in his way will be outside the pizza place on third. They keep this giant trash can outside at all times and right next to it they have cracked open the street for maintenance. No rode workers to be seen. Now hopefully the guy likes to drive himself, because a autopilot will try to slow down at a marked construction site.
I asked Rocky to deliver the ice block. That thing literally weighs half a ton, but the core isn't frozen yet, so it will probably melt fast enough after the collision."

He rolled his shoulders: "And you, how have your airbag experiments worked out?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-20-16/1637:52>

Al opened the cab of his truck to let Thorn in. He'd already killed the dome light. Patted a bag next to him on the bench seat. "All done, jist gotta slip 'er into place. Resin's ready too. Long as he ain't found my backdoor, be in an' out less time than it takes Spike ta eat a steak. An' yeah, lately he always drives hisself. Now, how long we gotta wait fer Rocky ta git here?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-20-16/1719:01>

"Should be in position, but I'll check to be sure." A quick call later Thorn nodded: "Rocky just unloaded the ice and is now eating a pizza with anchovies. Sometimes this guy is just  weird.

I guess this is it then."  Thorn adjusted his jacket and zipped up his biker gloves. "Wish me luck. This is one of those things you have to get right the first time."

He nodded to Al and left the cab to walk over to the parking lot.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-20-16/1734:17>

Al gave him a minute's lead, then grabbed the bag and followed, forcing himself to lose the cigarette.

He found a spot in an alley mouth close to the Nocturne, and on the other side of it from where Thorn had his little stunt planned. Settled deep into the shadows to wait.

Waiting sucked, but who knew when a car would come by at the right speed for what his new buddy had planned. So he waited. Ready to move once his wingman created the opportunity.

And then he realized he was not alone in the alley.

There were sounds coming from behind him. Voices. Not speaking exactly, but definitely human. He turned slowly, his night vision cranked to maximum. The sounds were like, what was it? Like fighting, only sort of quiet. They were coming from behind a pile of old boxes about twenty yards behind him. And the boxes were moving. Just a bit. Sort of a rythmic motion.

Shit, someone was doing the nasty right there in the alley like a couple of mangy cats. Then one of the boxes tipped over and he saw the guy's face - shit, it was Vinnie. The almost smart one.

If Thorn pulled his stunt now and they came out to look, then instead of breaking into Arty's car, Al would be having an impromptu meeting with the mob boss's nephew and his lady love.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-21-16/0413:00>

Oblivious to this complication, Thorn wandered onto the parking lot of the restaurant. Slowly he went towards the menu box to see what they had to offer. He almost sputtered as he saw the prices - no wonder so many armored high class cars were around. He became very conscious of the fact that he didn't fit in here in the slightest. Whatever he did, he would have to do it fast.
So he faked a cough an snuck a little ketchup packed in his mouth before turning around and striding towards the lot as if to retrieve his own car. A silver  Mercedes was navigating around the packed place, heading for the exit.
Not exactly what he would have wanted - for one thing the cars front window would not yield in a collision with him, necessitating him to roll over the complete car and falling down behind it. IF he did it right.
<<Al, are you in position? I've got a likely candidate in about 15 seconds>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-21-16/0422:59>

Al was flustered. It was his first premeditated murder, after all.

He spoke into his mic: <<Negative. Negative... Sex.>> was all he could think to say. He tried to whisper it, but his sandpaper on slate voice sometimes got away from him, and the boxes stopped moving.

"Hey, who's out there?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-21-16/1842:09>

<<Negative. Negative... Sex.>>
That message was so surprising that Isaint almost stumbled by accident into the way of the accelerating Mercedes.
'Damn, now I'm getting attention before the action even starts.'
Quickly he left the parking lot to cross the street back to where Al should be waiting.
<<Al, what's going on?>>

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-21-16/1918:47>

Crouched in the mouth of the alley, Al silently and desperately tried to wave Thorn away, arms flapping frantically while trying to minimize his silhouette.

From deeper in the alley, Thorn heard an angry voice call insistently, "Hey fucktard, I said who's there?" and a female voice whining, "Sheesh honey, not now. Where's my panties?"

And then Al was calling back in the most ridiculous fake voice the ork had ever heard, a pinched, nasal travesty of speech - "Sorry boss, um, didn't know you was there. We're going now. Go back to sleep."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-24-16/1615:03>

Thorn hasted across the street to the alley, slipping on his gloves.
Hearing Al do his super fake impression, Thorn actually stumbled a bit, missing the chance to duck away in time.
"HEY, you, what the fuck do you think..."
Thorn didn't so much think as just act. Grabbing a random bottle from the ground, he spun around and threw it as hard as he could towards the man's face.

[spoiler]
Vitals Shot (Throw) (http://orokos.com/roll/365354): 7d6t5 3

9 S + 3 Successes
defense (http://orokos.com/roll/365356): 8d6t5 5
[/spoiler]
But the man had spotted the motion and ducked just in time to have it smash against the wall.
"Hey, you are that butt faced bouncer..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-25-16/0819:20>

Well, either the Magenta Twins had filled Vinnie in on the details, or he also was a patron of Thorn's little house of pleasures. Either way, they were made now.

He figured they'd never pull this off now without being associated with the deed.

Unless, of course, Vinnie was never heard from again.

The idea of which didn't bother Al at all.

He was worried about the girl, though, in the shadows behind Vinnie bouncing around from one foot to the next as she tried to shimmy her panties back up to where they'd started the evening. She'd have to wait, though.

He fished a ball peen hammer out of his tool bag. He hadn't really needed a hammer for the job at hand, but it was always a useful thing to have handy. He walked toward the mafia lieutenant and said, "Vinnie baby, you can insult me, you can shoot at me, you can even beat me within an' inch o' my life, gouge out my eyes, an' dump me inna sea. But ya don't go badmouthin' my friends."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-25-16/1403:10>

Vinnie looked even more confused: "Al? You fucking retard! Do you have any idea..."

Thorn slammed into the man like a cannon ball, using the same trick he'd demonstrated at the bar: Jumping at the wall, pushing himself off and slamming with his full body weight into the stomach of the mafia guy.
"Don't be cheeky to the butt ugly."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-25-16/1709:08>

With Thorn's not inconsequential weight atop the smaller Italian, Al wasted no time bashing the man in the head repeatedly with his hammer. A lot of blood flew around. And brains. And bits of skull.

Then Al stood up straight, hammer dripping with gore, and offered the ork a hand up.

"Now don't you go nowhere, darlin'," he said to the girl, who was conveniently frozen in place. "This had nothin' ta do with y'all, but reckon we gotta talk now."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/0334:12>

Thorn cursed silently. They had just killed a mob guy in front of his girlfriend. He had no idea, how Al would solve that - because one thing was clear: Thorn wouldn't injure or kill a girl merely because she was inconvenient. Searching desperately for a way out he said:
"You best forget what you've seen here. If you do, the Vory won't have a reason to come after you."
'It's beside the point that they won't have a reason if you you do talk...' he added mentally. 

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-26-16/0726:10>

Al walked up to the disheveled girl, hammer trailing from his right hand and leaving fat drops of blood in his wake.

"Reckon I know you, darlin'. Yer Sally the Bean's cousin Tony's ex-wife. You an' Tony Jr. still sharin' a place with Vera, the hostess at Carluccio's?"

Her eyes went wide at the mention of her child.

"An' ya know who I am, right?"

She nodded. "You're Al Guthrie. You used to do jobs for Vinnie."

"Very good. So you know we had ourselves bit of a fallin' out. Natural I'd find other employ. Vor ain't real thrilled 'bout Arty movin' in onna Harbor Island Marina."

Al congratulated himself on his choice of murder-mates - Thorn was real clever, planting the seed of misinformation even as he enjoined silence.

"So you got two choices," he continued. "You can tell folks what ya saw here, an' then spend the rest o' yer days wonderin' if Tony Jr.'s comin' home from school that day. Or ya can go home, an' if anyone asks ya say Vinnie came with ya, an' then left. End o' story.Cuz they ain't gon' find him in this alley. Now ya know who I am, an' ya know I'm as good as my word. But ya don't have ta trust me. Trust this - here's a credit transfer of ten thousand nuyen. I'm sendin' it to you with a post-date o' one month. Now I can't git it back. But the trick is, I gotta finalize the transfer onna day. So ol' Al's still alive inna month, little Tony goes ta college. Whaddaya say, toots?"

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/0829:39>

"Yes, ok. Please, please, don't hurt my boy."
What else could she say mused Thorn. With his ugliest grin, he shouldered the corps and gave her a wink. He really felt dirty doing that to that poor girl, but all in all it seemed to be lesser of the available evils.
"Please get the car Al.
And you, I'd suggest you go and see a trid-movie or do some work out. We wouldn't want you to get PTSD from this sordid affair. Be safe in the knowledge that there was nothing you could do. It's not your fault."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-26-16/1238:53>

Al threw the hammer back into his bag, scooped it up, and wheezed his way the three blocks back to his truck. As he took off, he saw the woman do the same. He preferred she not tell anyone what had happened, but it was not a huge deal for himself, since he knew the mafia was no match for him. He was, however, worried about Thorn being implicated in the night's events.

Oh well, the whole thing had been the ork's idea anyway.

But then, it was Al that had brought the issue to his doorstep.

Problem for another day!

He spun the Gaz around, whizzed it smoothly to the back side of the alley, and reversed down it, deftly slipping between dumpsters and sleeping transients. They loaded Vinnie's dead weight onto the pick-up's bed and covered it with a handy tarp. Al found a hose near the service entrance to the facing building and sprayed the chunks of skull and brain down the drain. Wouldn't stand up to a forensic investigation, but he knew from the trid that organized crime didn't use those techniques, so they were 100% safe on that front.

Five minutes later, they were back in position and the plan was still a go.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/1421:04>

Thorn was now slightly more nervous than before. And the ice might not be as cold as before, but on the other hand, half a ton of water did take more time to thaw than that.
"Try not to stumble on another mafioso fucking his girlfriend."
With that he moved again across the street, looked to see if Al was in position and strode confidently towards the parking lot as a brand new BMW made his way into the space slightly to fast, relying on his carbon fiber breaks to make an exiting entrance.
The moment came and, Thorn stepped out with a spring in his step to get his feet from the ground.
The next moment he seemed to have been hit by the fist of an angry god...

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-26-16/1642:00>

Ouch!

That really looked like it hurt. But it had the desired effect - Thorn had managed to make an awful ruckus in getting hit, the brakes had been loud, and some passersby started shouting for an ambulance. Everyone in the vicinity started looking that way, some out of concern, some hoping for the worst.

None looking at Arty's Nocturne.

Resisting the urge to see if Thorn was all right, Al ran to the luxury car, squatted down, and used his commlink to key in the backdoor he'd programmed before handing the car over to the mob boss. The door clicked, and he folded his tiny frame inside, ending up upside-down on the driver's seat, legs on the headrest, head next to the acclerator, looking up at the steering wheel. It took him  fourteen seconds to open it up, five to double the propellant, six to apply the resin, and twelve to close the thing up. Less than a minute after he'd keyed the security code, he was back in the alley.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-16/1727:49>

Thorn looked up into a mass of worried faces. He tasted the Ketchup in his mouth and felt it dribbling from his open cheek. A he tried to right himself up, someone pressed him down gently: "Careful man, you might have broken your spine, don't move."
'Shit, I didn't expect those people to be actually helpful'
For a moment he was unsure if he really was hurt - the pain wasn't bad and he felt his feet, that was definitely a good sign.
He opened his mouth to speak but had to spat out the crumpled ketchup packet first.
"Oh my god, bit off his tongue."
"Oh, shut up. I'm fine."
Ignoring the hands, Thorn got up. He was a bit shaky on his feet and his backside hurt like hell, but all in all he had managed to fall exactly right.
The BMW looked a lot more worse for wear than him: The front window was cracked and deep gouges on the roof showed where the heavy ork had tumbled across.
"But your face, you've got... you've got a hole in your cheek."
"Preexisting condition. Damn it, can't a man just get some tomato juice without being run over.
Hey you, I need your name and address, so I can have you as a witness when I sue this ass."

Those words did the trick. Suddenly all the concerned helpers remembered that they had other places to be and Thorn could get up. Only the BMW driver seemed to be interested in him now.
"My car, you stupid oaf, can't you look where you..."
Thorn bumped into the man, sending him sprawling to the ground
"No."
And with that he staggered away from the restaurant

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-27-16/1847:07>

Al cut back to the truck, then scooped Thorn up once the ork was a safe two blocks from the accident scene.

"Hoo-eee, kemo sabe, that were one righteous stunt. Didn't hurt did it?"

He made a left, drove eight blocks, and pulled into a big parking structure. Slotted some cred at the automated gate and went all the way to the top. No one else was up there because earlier in the day they'd strung some old discared crime scene tape across the final ramp up to the roof.

Then the took up their position. It was about a half klick from where they figured the accident would happen, but they could see the ice block clearly. Only because they knew what to look for though, since they'd spray painted the cardboard box it sat in a dark matte black.

Now they just had to hope they'd judged the traffic patterns and Arty's route home correctly. But sure enough, there was the Nocturne, humming along at a good clip, one left turn away from the ice block.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-29-16/0834:02>

Thorn allowed himself a moment of relaxation. He'd probably need a bit more time to heal up than he let on.
Now they were in position, but of Rocky there was no sign.
<<Damn it Rocky, where are you? The T is moving you have about 45 seconds to get ready.>>

Only moments after he had sent the message the massive form of the troll in clown make up came out of the pizza place, trailing toilette paper from his shoe and a half eaten family pizza in his hand. Thorn didn't want to know the sequence of events that led to this particular get up.

And there the car came - slightly above speed limit and no sign that he intended to slow down on the roadwork sign.
<<Now, kick the carton>>

Rocky rolled the rest of his pizza up, threw the casing away and stomped over to the black carton from which a clearly visible puddle had formed. With a mighty kick of steel clad boots he shoved the half ton of water into the road - and immediately started hopping in place as the pain of such an obvious bad idea reached his brain.

Yet the carton moved like a glacier into the street - much to soon at that. The car had ample space to evade and adjusted its course just enough to avoid the obstacle...

... and than some idiot in a SUV from the other direction completely failed to slow down or recognize the other car that had pulled up slightly beyond the divider markings.
With a terrible screech the other car touched the mafia car, it's driver tried to compensate came with one wheel into the open street and managed to aim directly for the pedestrian street light. There was a loud crash and the blaring of the mafia man's horn.

"I think you overdid it slightly with the solid explosive stuff. The whole driver side window is full of blood..."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-29-16/0842:40>

Al shrugged. "Airbag murder's an imprecise science. Let's go collect yer chummer an' go git drunk."

As they maneuvered the truck down towards the parking structure exit, he added, "An' seriously, man, thanks. Whatever comes, that needed doin'. Ol' Al owes ya a big one."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-30-16/1557:41>

"I... thanks I guess. Let's just hope this is the end of our troubles with the mob.
A beer sounds great, but after that I need to sleep this whole thing of.

Besides I'll probably have to cover another shift if Rocky really hurt his foot as bad as it looked. And the tribe will surely have something to do for us also. But if you need help with another heist, just give me a call."

Rocky luckily wasn't hurt much beyond a sprained ankle. Still, the troll wasn't to happy with Thorn's commands:
"Really, "Kick the carton" why did you have to say that."
"For the sixth time, that was just an expression. I didn't mean for you to literally kick it. And we wouldn't have had to hurry so much if you'd been on post and not feeding."
"Very funny, stationing me for hours in front of a pizza place and not expecting me to eat something."
"It was exactly two hours. Normal people can stand that long without having to eat something."
"Do I look like normal people?"
"You... ah, what the hell. Touché."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <01-30-16/1604:03>

Sounded like Thorn had his own life to lead. Hopefully he'd be able to - Al figured they had maybe a fifty-fifty shot of this not coming back on them.

He thanked Rocky copiously for his little contribution and headed back south. He had a truck that needed a lot of work, a scary dwarf that would probably want him to actually do his job in the morning, three snakes and a dog to feed, a fridge full of beer, and a girl to keep trying to forget.

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-06-16/1424:54>

A few weeks went by with Thorn only appearing occasionally at the tribes' base and more specifically at Al's garage.
It was Monday morning when the bouncer woke Al with a really loud and incessant knocking.
"AL, AL, wake up! The drek has hit the fan at about 3000 rpm. A bunch of mafia goons where at Moma's looking for you. They know you and me had something to do with that accident and more specifically with the disappearance of that other guy."

Title: Re: [5e IC] Tribal Beats [2075/6 Game Thread]
Post by: adamu on <02-10-16/1802:41>

About one in four nights Al actually was able to sleep, and this had been one of them.

One more reason to hate the mafia.

He staggered up, swung the door open, then shuffled back to the sofa to find his shorts.

He'd known this day could come. If he was honest with himself maybe he'd hoped it would. He'd even made the necessary preparations.

Looked like he was on his way to London.

He told himself it was because Tony Franciosa had relocated there, though from what he'd heard, that bridge might now be burned before even being crossed. Carl Ryder passed through there quite a bit, giving red belt workshops to double-platinum dojo members, and promoting his chips.

But deep down he knew the real reason why, of the whole world that wasn't Seattle, he'd chosen London.

And he still probably wouldn't call the number.

He poked around in the moldy sofa cushions in search of his first smoke of the day - the only good thing there ever was about waking up in the morning. Pointed at the fridge, and Thorn knew what to do, opening it up,taking out two beers, and tossing one to Al.

"Well, kemo sabe, looks like we done gambled an' lost." He shrugged. "Still, reckon we did pretty good fer our first premeditated murder. Now, though, it ain't jist Arty's pack of imbeciles. He was a made man, an' now they all gotta come after us, with all they bought cops and hackers on tap an' pet Satanists with they rituals. Only thing ta do is beat feet as far an' fast as we can. Now ol' Al, the fucking picture o' prepartion an' foresight, done already arranged a flight fer Frisco, off the books, under the radar, an' flowers in my hair. They's an extra seat if ya want it. And...or...if they's anythin' ya need my help wrappin' up afore leavin', jist say the word amigo. Jist say the word."