Print Page - Umbrae Europae [IC]

Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Jack_Spade on <09-05-16/1001:33>

Title: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-05-16/1001:33>

Chapter 1 - "I've lost my heart... to a Blood Mage"

2076-08-01, 18:15, Cologne, Rhein-Ruhr-Megaplex

It's been an unreasonable warm Summer in the plex. Almost no wind during the day has made the smog almost unbearable thick during the day, muting the daylight and making respirators a necessary fashion item. Since the explosion at Rheinenergie Cologne, brown outs have been occurring outside the arcologies with increasing frequency. Bottled water sellers make a killing in these conditions - literally, since many of those fraggers are refilling their bottles from some very polluted sources.

And now heavy, lead colored clouds have begun to darken the sky, promising the mixed blessings of sour rain and thunderstorms.

It's been a while since you had a paying job. Therefore, when your commlink chimes you are delighted to see it's a message from your Fixer Pankratius.

<<Hey there. Time for you to stop being a lazy drag on society and become an industrious one: I've got a damsel in distress looking for some chivalrous gentleman of leisure to fix a matter of the heart for her. She'll be waiting for you at the Bar Jeder Vernunft at Hohe Straße around 2030h. Ask the Barkeep for Frau Schnee. You are guaranteed your usual fee. Anything extra you'll have to negotiate yourself.>>

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-05-16/1602:32>

Waywalker almost enjoyed the warm summer, it remembered him the summers of Italy. The Matrix was silent about jobs, but this month rent was already payed, thanks to the previous run.
The commlink in his pocket chimed, and a string of text appeared in his field of vision. It was his fixer, and beared good news.
Effortlessly, he wrote the reply without moving a single finger: "Ok, will be there. Stay frosty."
No more than two seconds later, he ordered the Nixdorf Sekretar to search some info about the location, the position in the city and the expected security.
Three seconds later, his deck come to life thanks to the DNI. He ordered the other agent to search the Matrix for info on Frau Scnee, if there was any.
Then he proceeded taking a shower. After all, he was going to meet a Frau.

[spoiler]
I'd make my agent search (Rating 3 on Sekretar and 4 on Deck (A/S/D/F 2/3/4/5, running Browse, Agent and Toolbox.
[/spoiler]
#1

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-05-16/1631:38>

The search for the bar was quickly done: A well liked little place with two floors a small bar and an even smaller dance floor upstairs. Seated about 40 people and was a favored place for students of the local university. No mention of security led you to believe that its location in a B-area and maybe one bouncer was all the place had to offer.

For a Frau Schnee - Mrs. Snow there were no search results - no-one with that name had appeared as runner, Johnson or other shadow figure anywhere in the Plex before.

#2

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: k-sim on <09-05-16/1711:11>

The line at the Lidl was moving so slowly, four of the five selfscan registers were out of order due to the brownouts and only one of the regular registers was manned. Because of the brownouts refrigerated and cooled goods were being sold cheap before they could go bad, and Käse managed to pick up half a kilo of chicken breast and some cauliflower. Inching forward in line Käse noticed why the regular checkout was so slow, the teenage girl behind the register was secretly busy in AR. Her manager probably didn't notice but Käse's sharp eyes picked up on the minute almost rhythmic movement of the girl's eyes. Hm... Must be chatting with her boyfriend of something... I really should get my hands on a deck, then I could brick her comm and this goddamn line would start moving. Käse thought agitated.

10 excruciating minutes went by until Käse was next in line. Several times he had to keep himself from casting a mind control spell on the girl to speed things along Keep calm Freek, Patience is a virtue... Just think of the delicious meal you'll be having soon. It had been ages since Käse last ate real meat and real vegetables in the same meal. The self checkout opened up and Käse rushed his groceries past the scanner, his fingers flying over the AR display. With his groceries in the blue and yellow bag Käse started making his way home through the outskirts of Dortmund. On his way there his matrix search for good chicken recipes was interrupted by a message from his Ork fixer Pankratius:

<<Hey there. Time for you to stop being a lazy drag on society and become an industrious one: I've got a damsel in distress looking for some chivalrous gentleman of leisure to fix a matter of the heart for her. She'll be waiting for you at the Bar Jeder Vernunft at Hohe Straße around 2030h. Ask the Barkeep for Frau Schnee. You are guaranteed your usual fee. Anything extra you'll have to negotiate yourself.>>

Well screw you buddy, I'm out here buying my groceries just like next wage slave, and you're calling me a drag on society... Pff...

<<Hey Pank, I'll be there, but that damn Dwarf Gummi better not be. After what he pulled last time I'm never working with that loose cannon again!>>

Käse picked up the pace, his plans for a leisurely evening in with a couple of lukewarm beers and a real meal had suddenly changed. He fried up his meal and wolfed it down with one of the Bittburgers. So much for taking time to enjoy this real food, it'll probably be weeks until he can afford some real meat. Though the upcoming job might be promising. After dinner with still a little foam in his mustache Käse jumped in his Golf and made his way to the meet.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-05-16/1750:32>

Käse received his reply only a moment later: <<Don't worry, Gummi has left the Plex - at least most of him. New team altogether - all at least as experienced as you. I've vetted them all personally - except for the dog and that one isn't invited to this particular party.>>

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-06-16/0323:40>

Hot weather is not particulary good for people with ... well, with Franck's affliction. Generally, everything seems to make him more "hungry" lately, and apparently, the summer did not helped that at all. So it is the middle of the day, but in the shabby flat Franck is living in, all windows are closed and shut. The cheap AC he has scavenged and hacked together is doing its very best to keep the flat below a somewhat reasonable 25°C. Meanwhile is trying to keep himself rested and calm by trying (and utterly failing to) meditate. The blimping noise of the commlink actually came as a sweet delivery.

"A damsel in distress ?" he grunts to himself, looking at the comm and silently wishing for something he does best: wetwork. Wetwork is his thing. He does not enjoy the killing in itself, but he likes the planning and how everything in a kill can be orderly - if you are doing it right of course. And sometime it does come with a free meal. Gosh, what is wrong with himself ? Franck never think about mark as being "free meal" - he is far too professional for that....

He briefly acknowledges the message and agrees to the meet. While he is dressing up and packing his gear, he also run some matrix search on the client - Frau Schnee (an obvious alias), without any success, and take a look at the bar Jeder Vernunft. Nothing special here, but it takes the time to look at all the entrance (or exit) to be sure to, at least, have an escape plan, if things go South. It would not be the first met that goes South he went too...

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-16/1419:32>

One main entrance, one emergency exit to the back, leading down an alley. The toilet windows have bars as far as you can make out from the bit of grainy footage you find, but probably nothing that would stop a determined or desperate man for long (at least as long as he has his micro welder with him)

#4

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-06-16/1513:40>

Schöner has his feet up with the Trid on while drinking a cold bottle of synthahol. It's hot out today so he's taking it easy inside. Occasionally chatting with various contacts around the 'Plex. Just because the world is a nasty place doesn't mean he needs to be and he can spread the love, for lack of a better term, from the comfort of his couch almost as well as face to face. In person is always better but when circumstances, such as foul weather or a pretty friend visiting or better yet both, dictate the 'trix will make do. As he's making his rounds a message from Pankratius pops up in a preferred list AR window.

<<<@Schöner [Pankratius] Hey there. Time for you to stop being a lazy drag on society and become an industrious one: I've got a damsel in distress looking for some chivalrous gentleman of leisure to fix a matter of the heart for her. She'll be waiting for you at the Bar Jeder Vernunft at Hohe Straße around 2030h. Ask the Barkeep for Frau Schnee. You are guaranteed your usual fee. Anything extra you'll have to negotiate yourself.>>>

Hmph! Lazy drag on society my hoop. Though always interested in helping a damsel, wether she's in distress or not.

He thinks back through his mental list of names and faces. One Mrs Snow doesn't ring any bells, but he's been to Jeder Vernunft a few times.

<<<@Pankratius [Schöner] Thanks for the tip, I'll be there with bells on. Do I know the crew?>>>

While waiting for the fixer's reply he packs his gear and washes the day's grime off. With the impending weather he grabs an umbrella and makes sure his respirator has fresh filters. It would be nice if they were meeting closer to home, but work is work, and he's expensive tastes to maintain.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-06-16/1523:29>

The reply came instantly: <<Don't know who you know, but it's the first time I've put you in contact. Watch out for three other fellows. Two matrix jockeys and a mage. Combined with your talents you should be well suited to solve that particular puzzle. But don't let me influence you unduly. Paint your own picture. Cheerio.>>

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-06-16/1651:22>

#2

After a good shower, Waywalker packed his gear for the meeting. The answer his Agents provided him were satisfactory, but a bit of paranoia never killed anyone. At least, not the one being paranoid.
He loaded one of his Rotodrones in the Armadillo drone rack, ready to go if the meeting would go south, and one of his Fly Spy for reconnaisance. While he let the autosoft drive him to the meeting, he connected his deck to the Matrix for some more info on the bar.

[spoiler]I'd like to connect in VR (hot sim) with A/S/D/F 2/5/3/4 loading encryption, toolbox and agent.
I will look for the host of the bar, if there is one, and enter with hack on the fly to have a look around. [/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-07-16/1613:45>

To his disappointment, Waywalker couldn't find a host for the bar. All there was, was a bunch of AR tags based on RFID chips. And even the number given in the impressum only connected to a boring Renraku Sensei commlink with no data of any interest.

The only really remarkable thing - if it could be called that - were some of the AR designs adoring the walls of the bar that looked a bit like those arcane symbols that Karl Combatmage, the main character of the eponymous trid series, used all the time.

Time moved on and the sun was going down - time to meet the Johnson.

Arriving at the location you noticed two things:
The bar is even tinier than you remembered and there are more people drinking inside than you would have thought physically possible. The ground level was packed with university students - most of them already quite inebriated.

The bar keep tried to keep up with the demand, but looked already quite exhausted.

#6

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-07-16/1729:58>

Even if his Evo Falcon is not the most discreet bike out there, Franck still tries to do a first drive by as casually as possible - just in order to assess the crowd. A cramped bar is actually a good thing for him - it makes it that more easy for him to hide among the people.

Parking his bike a few blocks from the place, he then come back to it as not conspicuously as possible. Hopefully the crowd would be more into ordering and drinking beer, than paying attention to the "strange dude" in a trench coat.

Walking inside the place, Franck also look for other "shaddy" individuel or any signs this could be a trap... Outside of AR, that is to say, as he prefers to let his deck off for now - better have all his reflexes wire into the meatspace...

[spoiler]
Checking for "snipers" or sign of an ambush: (3s) http://orokos.com/roll/434641
Walking in the as bar discreetly as possible: (3s) http://orokos.com/roll/434644
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-07-16/1745:17>

#3
The bar did not have a Host to speak of. On one side, it was a good thing: a thing less to worry about. The AR signs of Karl Kombatmage gave him a smile: he used to watch it when he was a kid.
With a thought, he setted up the Fly - Spy to watch his back, the Sekretar to watch the back of the FlySpy and the Agent on the Deck to look after himself. I'm almost a one man army, I only need a help for mojo.
He walked in the cramped bar, blissfully ignoring the crowd.
At the bar, he waited for the bartender to be free, then politely asked her the specialty of the house, a "Frau Schnee".

[spoiler]I'd like to slave the Fly - Spy to the RCC, running its autosofts (Manouvering, EW, Evasion, Stealth) and Signal Scrub; the Agent in the Deck to look for unauthorized MARKs on Deck and RCC, the Sekretar to do the same on the Sekretar and the Transys Avalon.
I'd also like to have the visual of the Fly-Spy displayed on my field of vision, as it goes around the bar in the adjacents streets.[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-08-16/0507:15>

Circling around the block revealed no worse things than a few drug dealers and a lot of drunk people. Likewise, no remarkable matrix activity could be found.

Getting the attention of the barkeeper turned out to be an exercise in patience. When Waywalker finally was able to make himself heard over the din of the bar, the man just nodded and called back: "UPSTAIRS, GIRL IN WHITE, YOU CAN'T MISS HER"

Making your way through the crowds to the stairs is a slow process, but once you manage to climb the helical staircase it gets better:
The upstairs room is bathed in a light show with a dwarf DJ behind a huge AR Display. The music is a bizarrely mixture of electronic noise and pieces that sound like they were grabbed from classical operas.
No wonder that only a few people are up here - the experimental music is grinding on your nerves.

At a corner seat a young attractive human woman, probably around 25 years old, with long, snow white hair and a fitting white body suit sits and watches the stairs. In front of her is a tall drink that's equally white. Now that you get closer, you notice that even her lipstick has a blue-white tinge.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-08-16/0757:42>

#4
The Fly-Spy reported no suspicious activity. The Agents reported no matrix activity.
Maybe there aren't really dangers here... No, that's how you get screwed really fast.
The bartender was right: Only a blind throwback could miss her.
The music made Waywalker regret that he didn't purchase the bundle for a sound filter when he got the cyberears implanted.
Slowly making his way through the crowd, altough easier than downstairs, he approached the woman with a glaring smile:
"I'm honored to meet you, Frau Schnee. I'm Waywalker, and I think we have a mutual acquaintance. Do you mind if I take a seat?"
Waiting for an affirmative nod, he grabbed a seat and sat down, without losing his smile.
There was a sharp contrast between the white outfit of the woman and his clothing displaying the Vandals logo surroundend by fireworks.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-08-16/0812:19>

Overhearing the barman mentioning something about Frau Schnee, Franck goes to the floor. As he spot the woman, along with the guy sitting at her table, he tooks a minute to assense her before joining the table.

[spoiler]
Assessing the Lady in White (http://orokos.com/roll/434825): 9d6t5 5
(5s ! - drop the masking Lowfyr, I see u :) )
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-08-16/0848:18>

The girl nodded to Waywalker, looking concentrated at his lips.
With a curiously accented voice, missing any trace of melody she replied: "Pleased to meet you. Have a seat. Where are the others? I was told there would be four of you."
Waywalker could barely make out her voice over the "music", also he did get the impression that the girl was forcibly keeping her hands still.

Franck the ghoul had found its way upstairs too. Looking into the astral he was nearly blinded: The walls weren't just decorated with pseudo magical script, they were in fact filled with living, dual natured moss, creating an effective barrier for any purely astral individual. The upstairs room was entirely contained and the magic script all of a sudden seemed to be more than just decoration.

Looking at the girl he knew at once that she was a mage, and a powerful one at that. Classical trained hermetic mage if the bound fire elemental over her shoulder was any indication.
Her aura showed some damage around her head, some kind of sickness or defect, but no missing essence. Otherwise she looked healthy if a bit anxious.

[spoiler]
@belaran
There is a little link under your roll result. If you click on bbcode it generates you a pretty summary + link of your roll, so the result is obvious at a glance

[/spoiler]

#8

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-08-16/0910:07>

"Guten Abend, Frau Schnee - I'm Frank, also an accointance of our ... common friend." - says Franck as he joins the table. "He however was not very explicit around the ... specifics of your predicament... But I guess we will have to wait for our party to be complete."

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-08-16/1542:15>

Another guest made his entrance and sat at their table.
Ms. Snow had no trace of melody in her voice...As it was coming from a speaker or a personafix...
Better not upset our employer right away asking her,thought with a smile Waywalker.
Instead, he looked the other member of the team, gave a mental order to his Agent and introduced himself:
While we wait for our other "comrades", I'm pleased to meet you. My name is Waywalker, I like speed and tosurfthe Matrix. What is your...specialty?

[spoiler]I'd like that my Agent on the cyberdeck performs a Matrix Perception on the new guest, looking for icons on him, eventually running silent.[/spoiler]

#5

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: k-sim on <09-08-16/1550:17>

With a swipe from his cyber limb Käse's car came to life. He ordered grid guide to take him to the Jeder Vernunft bar. He had no need to rush, there was plenty of time to get to the bar, even accounting for traffic. A few simple taps in AR and the driver seat switched from driver to passenger mode, tilting back a little and creating more leg room. To get in to the mood of what ever was coming Käse tuned in to one of his favorite stations: 24/7 D-Tech. A never ending mix of old school, new school and classical death metal, grindcore and speed metal. Guitars howling the car made its way to the Jeder Vernunft bar on Hohe Straße. To not be caught off guard Käse summoned a fairly weak spirit of air and ordered it to scope the place out for him, taking special note of things astral.

About twenty minutes later the spirit reported back. "Master, I have returned with news on that which you ordered me to seek out. A large group of metahumans have gathered in that location, many of which appeared to be under the influence of some sort of spell or potion affecting their auras. There also seemed to be a sort of large plant like entity floating above the large crowd. This awakened plant like entity might very well be the cause of the metahumans affected auras. The plant like entity seemed very strong for I could not assense it. I trust I have informed you to a satisfactory degree master, I shall now take my leave."

Before Käse could reply the spirit had left for it's home plane, leaving only a faint breeze of fresh air. Käse had little difficulty interpretating the spirit's message. The bar was crowded and quite a lot of the patrons were drinking and/or drunk, this was to be expected. What did interest him though was the plant like entity the spirit had seen. It was probably not a ward, these weak spirits weren't the brightest of bulbs but a ward it would probably have recognized. No, this had to be something different. He had heard of people encountering an awakened type bacteria that tries to eat your magic, but the spirit called it a plant like entity, so it probably wasn't that. Maybe it was just that, a plant, maybe the entire second floor was covered in living vines or something. Either way, the second floor was probably where he had to go.

Grid guide gave a sharp beep as it turned the car onto Hohe Straße, indicating Käse had to take the wheel again. He switched his seat back to driver mode and navigated the car down the street, looking for a place to park. Finding none on the street he turned his car into an underground car park and made his way towards the bar. Once inside Käse briefly switched to astral perception, the spirit was right on both accounts. The ground floor was packed with many auras showing the telltale signs of inebriation. But more interestingly, there indeed seemed to be a plant like entity on the second floor. I'll be damned, Gusty was right, it looks like moss or something.... Huh... Weird... Using his elbows and muttering entschuldigung under his breath Käse arrived at the bar and tried to get the barkeeps attention, resisting the urge to use a mind control spell. He ordered four bottles of beer and a glass of white wine, someone called Schnee had to drink white wine, just had to. Hands loaded with drinks Käse made his way upstairs, holding the drinks above his head to keep people from knocking them out of his hands. Because he had his hands full and couldn't use his elbows it took him significantly longer to get to the stairs than it did to get to the bar.

The bizarre music took Käse by surprise, almost dropping the drinks. But taking a moment to actually listen he decided he actually kind of liked it. A glance around the room confirmed his suspicions, some kind of astral moss and ritual markings everywhere. He resisted the urge to switch to astral and inspect the markings. Instead he scanned around looking for some one who might call herself Frau Schnee. Her full white outfit shined brightly in the lightshow. Looking at the two men accompanying the white apparition Käse figured he wasn't the first one to show up to the meet. These two are punctual, good.

With a big grin on his face Käse made his way to the group of three. "Guten abend aller zusammen, wie ghet's?" Käse gave a slight bow and looked around the table and at the drinks in his hands. "It seems I have bought too many drinks, or are we still waiting on one?" He set the drinks down with the white wine facing Frau Schnee and grabbed one of the beers for himself. "I am called Käse, pleased to meet you all."

[spoiler]Summoning spirit of air, force 3 (http://orokos.com/roll/434883): 11d6t5 5
Spirit of air resist (http://orokos.com/roll/434885): 3d6t5 0
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/434886): 11d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-08-16/1617:03>

Frank was about to reply to Waywalker, when the new guy, Käse, jumped in. "Käse ? The guy calls himself "cheese" ?" thought Frank to himself, qui amused by the moniker. "Guten Abend, Fromage. It's nice to meet you", says the ghoul with a soft voice and a thick French accent - which tends to soften the German language. Frank has also has a grin on his face - apparently very amused by the nickname he just gave Käse.

"The name is Frank. Mister Waywalker here just introduced himself to us, stating he likes "speed and surfing the matrix"... He also just ask me what was my.... How did he put it ? Speciality. Hum, probably an accurate description. And it's nice to be ask something more elaborate than "what is your thing, dude ?". Anyway, to reply to him and finish my brief introduction to you, my speciality is to make living things... permanently non living. One way (showing the heavy pistol in his holster) or an other (gesturing toward his datajack)... Oh, and of course, I can also complains about food and wine - but that is more and less a birth defect."

Before any of them can reply anything to that, he turns to Frau Schnee - "Up to your knowledge, do we have to wait for an other person, or can we - as the UCAS citizen like to say, start this party ?".

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-08-16/1716:14>

Frau Schnee shrugged: "There should be one other person. It's not to late yet, so I'd prefer to wait a bit."
Once again she spoke much to silent for the ambient noise and her manner of speaking lacked any rhythm. One by one she looked at the three runners with a focused gaze before she averted her eyes and took a sip from the white drink in front of her. She had acknowledged the glas of white wine from Käse but more than a nodded thanks hadn't come from it.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-09-16/0123:38>

Before the other guest could speak a word, another one arrived at the table. He introduced himself as Kase.
He calls himself Cheese? At least he brought us something to drink.
The smile on Waywalker face did not fade, as he opened a beer for himself.
Then "Frank" proceeded to speak, keeping clear that he was a Muscle, or so Waywalker thought.
"Tipical street samurai? Let's see what pops up with a little search..."
"Do not be hasty, Frank, we should enjoy the company of this Lady for as much as she wants. And thank you, Kase, for the beer. Anyway, as I asked before to Franck, what is your...specialty?"

[spoiler]Matrix Perception on Frank (http://orokos.com/roll/435134): 6d6t5 3
Matrix Perception on Kase (http://orokos.com/roll/435135): 6d6t5 4[/spoiler]

#6

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-09-16/0436:34>

"I'm not hasty, but I'm here for business...". The ghoul then display a large, and somewhat creepy smile, "... and ladies really appreciate my company for that long."

"Oh and by the way, to clarify, I'm not the muscle. I'm an assasin. So don't count me to shout you out of any mess of your own doing. I like my op, like my kill, to be neat, clean and organised."

Pulling out a cheap commlink, a meta-link, Franck continues: "Maybe we can start building a PAN for our devices ? As we wait for the last guest..."

[spoiler]
out of character: building a PAN will allow us to discuss whatever the Schnee Frau tells us - in real time, without hear hearing our comments. And note that I am proposing to PAN one of my burner Commlink, not my cyderbeck ;) - feel free to do the same.

Resisting Matrix Perception (everyware is PAN to my deck): Resist Matrix Perception from Waywalker (http://orokos.com/roll/435158): 10d6t5 2 (@Haywire: how rude !!!)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-09-16/1848:32>

#7

"Mr. Frank, I think we have something in common: the love for things well done. Where everything works together like a symphony... and you go away before drek hits the fan.
I gladly accept your offer of forming a PAN."
Waywalker proceeds to Invite a Mark on his Meta Link to Frank's Meta Link Icon.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-10-16/1417:09>

Realizing he's behind schedule, Schöner sends a command to his Mirage to meet him in front of the building and races out the door grabbing his great coat, glasses, and respirator as he heads out of the building. Not wanting to wait for the elevator he races down the stairwell, his long legs taking them three at a time. He reaches the bottom surprisingly un-winded. The bike barely comes to a stop before he gracefully slides into the saddle and races down the street. As he's weaving through traffic he ponders taking a hit of nova before the meet but decides to hold off.

As he rolls up to the hotel he sees the usual evening crowd starting to gather. The bar is packed to the gills with those looking for an escape, wether from drugs or synthahol or the arms of a stranger. Where others need to use their elbows or knees to cut through the crowd, Schöner is able to do so in half the time his little more than his smile and a friendly word. He makes his way to the bar, and while he still has to wait the bartender skips several others that have been waiting to help the tall dark dryad. He calmly says, "A double of whiskey and a bottle of white at the table of Frau Schnee, bitte." The barkeep nods and points to the stairs in the back and shouts, "They'll be waiting for you at the table. Top of the stairs, fourth on the left, rest of your party is already there." Nodding in appreciation, he heads to the stairs.

Schöner approaches the table and sees that he's late, again. It's a good thing he's as pretty and personable as he is, otherwise folks would get tired of this. "Sorry for my tardiness, I had to make some arrangements for the table." He sees that everyone already has a drink, but figures no one will mind the second. He takes the last seat and addresses the lady, "Schöner, at your service. How can I and my associates assist you this evening?" On cue, his whiskey shows up and a chilled bottle of wine is brought up and set to the side of the table for when the others finish their drink.

[spoiler]
When he comes in, he's going to do a perception check to see what's going on, my post above was from the results of previous posts so I'm assuming he doesn't find anything unusual. If he does, I'll clear that up in a followup post.
Percept (Int 4 + Perception 6 + Visual Spec 2 + Glasses 2 = 14) (http://orokos.com/roll/435478): 14d6t5 7 Mental limit of 4 + 2 for VE means 6 hits kept.
For working through the crowd:
Crowd Control(ish) (Cha 10 + Eti 6 + Glamor 1 + Suit 2 + Pheromones 2 = 21) (http://orokos.com/roll/435479): 21d6t5 7 Social Limit 15, that should move the crowd gently :P
For smoothing the Bartender:
Bartender Attention (Cha 10 + Eti 6 + Glamor 1 + suit 2 + phe 2 = 21) (http://orokos.com/roll/435480): 21d6t5 9 I think he'll take my money :)
For the table (smoothing ruffled feathers for being late and butting into the conversation):
Table Manners (Cha 10 + Eti 6 + Glamor 1 + Suit 2 + Pheromones 2 = 21) (http://orokos.com/roll/435482): 21d6t5 6 Hopefully that will soothe any bruised egos.

At the table Schöner is going to act as if he's familiar with the other runners. He wouldn't want a client to think he or they or that disorganized. He'll spend up to 200¥ on the bottle and his whiskey. (feel free to give any discounts or upgrades based on the roll with the bartender, I don't mind. :P )
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-10-16/1459:21>

The young woman looked unimpressed, but nodded to Schöner to take a seat. With her unmelodious voice she began:
"Now that you are all here, we can begin."
From her handbag she removed a piece of digital paper. On it was the face of a good looking man with Italian features, long black hair bound into a ponytail.
"This is Antonio Vasco. He is a mage and he has a number of blood samples, hidden somewhere in this city. I want you to recover those samples and make sure that he never again will be able to collect them again. He is an accomplished ritualist and combat mage and does occasional work for various criminal organisations. I've asked for specialists of your kind because he might be very well protected in the astral and the real world, but he is not nearly as strong in the matrix."

#10

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-10-16/1646:13>

While talking he searches Frau Schnee for any clues or breaks in her poker face. Her non-melodic voice is almost painful in his ears, but he continues anyway. "Hrm. Interesting. Do you know of any other aliases he may go by, or any specific locations in the city? Rhine-Ruhr isn't exactly small. Do you happen know which particular organizations he tends to work for? Any additional information you could provide will hasten the conclusion of this task."

He looks to his companions and assumes that at least one of them is a decker. It's hard to tell though as the only tell-tale sign is the data jacks visible, but even he has one in his wrist and Ghost knows he's no matrix monkey. For once, he practices patience and lets the others speak up before barreling ahead.

[spoiler]
Looking for anything of note about Mrs Snow. Body language or facial tics. Looking for any more information, is her voice due to cybernetic voice modulation or is she an anthropodic drone or under some type of spell etc etc.
Checking out Mrs Snow (Int 4 + Percep 6 + Vis Spec 2 + Glasses 2 = 14) (http://orokos.com/roll/435510): 14d6t5 5 Limit 6.

Do you want a Negotiation or a Con roll for trying to get more info out of her?
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-10-16/1715:17>

The woman didn't seem to be a drone, under drugs or otherwise influenced, but Schöner noticed that the woman focused entirely on his lips while he spoke. Before she answered she let a pause of about one second happen:
"During his ritual circles he goes by the name of Avascula. As far as I know his latest work was for the Mafia here in Cologne. They have a large brothel - a boat on the Rhine - from where he operated for them. He usually has two or three assistants, but has the ability to do ritual magic by himself. The assistants change regularly, most of them are students at the Cologne University, where he used to teach before he was fired two years ago.
He is a so called aspected mage - he can't create alchemica or call spirits, but he is a highly competent spell caster, anti mage and ritual caster.
He is also a classical Hermetic."

[spoiler]
If you have it, a magical theory knowledge test, as well as an organized crime knowledge test would be appropriate now.

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-11-16/1215:07>

Finally the fourth member of the team arrived. A dryad, and a damn good loking one.
He went right at the tableand had very adequate manners and some whiskey, not a thing widely spread today.
From the way he talks, my bet is that he will be our Face. And we damn need one.
Frau Schnee talked about the run: recover some blood samples from a Mafia mage... really, a walk in the park, only that you are chased by an hungry dragon...
After finishing his beer, Waywalker says: "Frau Schnee, first I'd want an explanation: by "to make sure he never be able to collect them again" you intend that we need to destroy them or that he needs to have a final meeting with afterlife?"

[spoiler]Duisburg Knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/435703): 4d6t5 2
Matrix Perception on Schoner (http://orokos.com/roll/435708): 6d6t5 2
What did my matrix perception on other characthers tell me? [/spoiler]
#8

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-16/1230:20>

"However you want to make it happen - he mustn't collect those samples again. I don't care if you kill him or just install datajacks in his head until he has no magic left."
Frau Schnee took another sip. "Anything else you want to know?"

[spoiler]
Duisburg test: You know the location of the swimming brothel and that the top deck is reserved for VIPs - special invitation to enter only

What you learn about your colleagues is entirely up to them

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-11-16/1502:45>

Looking clearly at Frau Schnee and enunciating clearly, "Thank you for the clarification, we would be happy to oblige your request once we've discussed proper renumeration. We are looking at interfering with the Mafia here so are liable to make a few powerful people fairly unhappy. How much did you say the job was paying?"

[spoiler]
Area Knowledge (Int 4 + AK 4 = 8) (http://orokos.com/roll/435735): 8d6t5 3

And the ubiquitous negotiation roll:
Getting a great deal (Con 10 + Negotiation 6 + Bargaining Spec 2 + Glam 1 + Suit 2 + Phere 2 = 23) (http://orokos.com/roll/435738): 23d6t5 8 Not too shabby ;) Limit is 15, gets to keep all of those hits.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-11-16/1607:49>

[spoiler]
Frau Schnee Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/435748): 10d6t5 1
7 net successes. You get a bonus.
[/spoiler]

"I understand, but I can't pay more than the rates your fixer gave me.
But if you are successful, I can organize a few powerful preparations for you - long lasting ones - that you might find quite useful. But not before the blood samples are destroyed."

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-11-16/1644:11>

(Over the PAN network)
Unless one of you disagree, I think we need to approach this as a kill. I don't think there is any better way to handle this mage. Not in away that ensures he won't collect those sample again.

It does mean we need to 1) assert where the sample are and 2) build a solid plan to get to him. Both requires some serious intel. Way more than "a brothel somewhere".

Also, let's not be the dumb shadowrunner and try to understand what the fuck he is collecting blood samples for and how the mafia is coming into play here. Before jump into a snakes nest, let's at least see it for what it is.

Schöner, if you please, stop haggling as if we were at a freakin' souk in Morocco, and get more intel from her. If she does not know more, who could ?

Waywalker, maybe we could work together, after the meet, to get some intel from the matrix on the brothel and the mafia involvement.

In the meatspace, Frank does not really comment, but do add, grinning: "I know of a brothel on a boat in Berlin. It's called the Loveboat... Pretty fitting don't you think ? Anyhow, do you have the current location of this "loveboat" ?". Except for this silly comment, Frank remains rather silent since Schöner show up - letting the Face do his thing.

But he does immediatly look for a map of the surroundings (using its AR) of the "Loveboat" (if one is provided).

[spoiler]
Haywire, about your matrix perception, just look at my character sheet to figure out you can see. Regarding, I'm suggesting to team work our matrix search - if you have more than 11, please lead.
Matrix Search (to find the location of the Loveboat, if needed, otherwise ignore): Searching for the "Loveboat" location (http://orokos.com/roll/435761): 11d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-11-16/1945:53>

#9

"Frau Schnee, I have another question: excuse my ignorance in this matter, is there any special way to destroy these samples? Like throw them in a fire?"
The dryad who looked like a Face acted as one, obtaining a nice bonus for them. Always good to have one on my side.
Waywalker took a breath as text flooded his field of vision. It was from Franck.
Without moving a single muscle, he answered:
"I know the location of the location of the brothel; there is a top deck for VIPs only. Maybe we could start from there. I'm more than happy to work with you on the 'trix."
Then, he ordered his Agents to team up and dig up some info on this guy, while he switched on his AR.

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/435797): 6d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/435798): 8d6t5 2
Matrix search on Avascula and to find his current assistant (http://orokos.com/roll/435799): 14d6t5 4( I keep them all as my DP is 4+4 from teamwork)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-12-16/0327:25>

"It's not hard to do. Burning works, as well as simply thawing it out and pour it down the drain. It's actually more difficult to keep them viable than to destroy them. They will be most likely kept in some kind of deep freezer. There is no other good way to keep the samples viable for ritual magic."
She replied.
[spoiler]
@Zweiblumen

Sorry, I overlooked your knowledge check:
You know the location of the boat, too. Also, you know a contact that might be able to get you in touch with someone who has access to the VIP area:
Roberto Tzernobo, a local wine and campaign seller, who delivers alcohol to the boat.

[/spoiler]

#14

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-12-16/0504:41>

Frank thinking to himself "a shame I'm not a vampire, I could probably just drink'em... That being said, I could keep them for sauce ? Gosh, what I am thinking ? Need to do more meditation...".

Over the private network: It sounds we have some days to plan our ops, would you guys be against doing a stack out of the boat, getting intel on all the people in there, learn the routine, and so on ? This would give us a way to plan the op properly. Hopefully we might also be able to figure out what the frag a blood mage is doing for the mafia there...

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-12-16/0808:32>

Again looking directly at Frau Schnee and speaking clearly he says, "That is very appreciated Frau Schnee. I'm sure they will come in very handy in the future.
This boat, I think I know it. Perhaps it's the 'Barca d'Amore' on the Rhein? Do you happen to know if he has any particular predilections or privations?"

Lifting his napkin to his mouth to wipe his upper lip he says quietly to the group, "I might know someone that could have access to the boat."
Dropping the napkin to the floor he bends over to pick it up and says, "I'll reach out and see if he knows anything or can help."
Smilling to Frau Schnee once more he says, "Excuse me" to her before turning his head away from her and saying, "In case you hadn't noticed, it appears our host is deaf. Have we negotiated communications amongst ourselves yet?" And then turns back to face her directly once more.

[spoiler]
Want a roll for digging more info? And I just made up a name of the boat, went Italian for the Mafia connection. If it has an actual name and location, I'll ret-conn this post, just let me know the details.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-12-16/0837:14>

"Could be. I've never been there or had actual contact with that place. As for what he prefers: Young women. That I'm pretty sure about.
But don't focus exclusively on the mafia. As I said he has worked for them, but that doesn't mean he still does. He hires out his services. And he is utterly ruthless in disposing off his assistances after he tires of them or thinks they are a danger to him."

Schöner's theory seemed to be true, as the Johnson did not appear to hear his comments.

[spoiler]
No, enough rolls on the spot.
Matrix Search will take 12 hours as a base line with a -4 mod to find anything about him.

[/spoiler]

#15

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: k-sim on <09-12-16/1420:09>

After making his introductions Käse sat down, not really caring what the lady's problem was. He was getting payed and that was all he cared for, the how and the why's he left up to the rest of the team. They were busily digging through the matrix and using their charm to get as much info as they could, Käse just sat back already thinking up plans. When his beer was empty Käse picked up the one he had bought for the fourth member of the team, seeing as the dryad had bought his own drink Käse figuered the smooth talker wouldn't mind. When prompted Käse joined in on the comms to follow the second conversation being held.

When miss Schnee mentions the object of their job would be a mage Käse sends his Talismonger Karin Metzer a comm message: Hey Karin, quick question. Do you know of any hermatic mage that works a lot with the local mob? Focus mostly on ritual magic, switches out assistants a lot? His name is Antonio Vasco and he used to teach at the Cologne uni until he got fired a couple of years ago, though he still gets his assistants from there some how. He uses Avascula as his stage name. Any clue? I'll make it worth your while ;) A token for 100¥ is attached to the message.

When Frank mentions a blood mage Käse feels like it's time to chime in. This fragger is probably not a blood mage, if Goldsnout got wind of one (which he would) it would be mere seconds before the fragger'd be a smear on the pavement. The blood samples Miss Snowflake is talking about are for ritual magic. When you got someone's blood or hair or any other type of biological material you can use rituals to frag with them when ever you want, where ever they are. One moment you're just chilling, enjoying the good life on the costa del sol, fancy cocktail in your hand and everything. Next thing you know your head is the epicenter of a fireball powerful enough to level a city block. Yeah, I get why she wants them destroyed.

With a final chug Käse finishes off his beer and sets it down on the table. Now if mister fancy pants is done pumping Snowflake for information, I suggest we find ourselves a nice quiet spot to start formulating a plan.

[spoiler]Käse has an obvious lower cyber arm (right) and obvious cyber eyes.

The talismonger contact Karin Metzer is loyalty 2 connection 2. Do you want me to roll for her or not?[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-12-16/1454:14>

The reply from Metzger came a few seconds later: <<Hey Käse, yeah, I've heard of that guy. He was sacked because he got a student pregnant and she hanged herself - allegedly. He is still somewhere in Cologne. Buys large quantities of reagents, more than I can reliably provide at any one time. Best you go to the uni and ask at their store. They sell to students at a discount.>>

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-12-16/1716:16>

"Mr Schoner and Mr Kase me and Frank are setting up a PAN with our commlinks. I'd like you two to join it if you don't mind"
While pronouncing this sentences, Waywalker field of vision was flooded with results. Even with the help of my Agents this will take a while...
"Thank you for answering my question, Frau Schnee. Do you know the name of some of this young women with magical talents he has used or uses as assistant?"
His thoughts swiftly formed a text to Franck: "I'm searching the Matrix for some info on our man., but will take some time.When I'm done with this task, would you mind a little run in the 'Trix with me?"

[spoiler]If you don't mind, i'll keep the Agent results from my previous post. I'm focusing my search on his assistants and how to contact him.
Matrix search on Avascula (http://orokos.com/roll/436054): 10d6t5 4[/spoiler]
#10

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-12-16/1740:09>

"I don't know who he currently has in his employ. He prefers female students in their third or fourth semester - he doesn't particularly care about magical talent. He needs them primarily as spotters for his rituals. Beautiful girls have easy access to many places. At least three of them have committed suicide, at least that is what the Sternschutz investigation wrote into their reports. One of those girls was Anita Wagner, a former friend of mine. She died two months ago. But I don't think the dead will be of any help to you in this case. Antonio doesn't waste time with mourning or even thinking about them, and therefore neither should you."

[spoiler]
No problem, you'll get the results after the meeting, unless you all go directly to one of the targets

[/spoiler]

#17

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-12-16/1751:41>

Schöner sends a mental command to his 'link to merge onto the PAN.

<<<@Team [Schöner] Wunderbar! Does anyone have any other questions they'd like me to ask?>>>
And while he's dealing wth AROs and his 'link he sends a quick message to social acquaintance of his that happens to provide libations to the vessel that their target often occupies.
<<<@Roberto Tzernobo [Schöner] I'm looking to have a party for some friends. I know it can be difficult to get into the VIP area on the Barca d'Amore. Think you could help out? I can make it worth your while.>>>

The dark skinned dryad makes pleasant conversation with Frau Schnee and the table to buy a little bit of time for the other's to respond to his query.

[spoiler]
Schöner is ready to move on to the strategizing conversation. He's got some ideas that he doesn't want to discuss in front of the Johnson. He also will want to dig up some more info on her. Knowing more about your Johnson is never a bad thing.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-12-16/1807:50>

"Again, thank you for your answer. Do you happen to have a copy of the investigation? It could help us on how to arrive at him."
" I am satisfied with the answers at the moment. I may have an idea on how to dispose of our man, once we get him. May I suggest that after the meeting we drive to a safe house to plan our next move?"

[spoiler]Do I need to roll or do I know a safehouse near our bar? In case could you roll from me as I'm from mobile? The baseline DP is 9(4+5)[/spoiler]

#11

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-12-16/1816:57>

<<<@Team [Schöner] Ahh, I have a friend that can help us with a safe place to stay.>>>

<<<@Frau Sicherheit [Schöner] Frau, ich brauche fur ein Paar Stunden ein sicher Raum bitte. Können Sie hilfen mir?>>>

[spoiler]
Having not filled out the rest of my background I realized I didn't name my contacts. The SO original name of Frau Sicherheit is my Safehouse Master contact. C4L2

Or we can use the place that Haywire finds for us :P
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-12-16/1854:57>

Frank has been pretty silent, letting the "talky" folks handle the thing. He keeps a straight face, but this meeting is lasting too long, too many people moving around, making noise, too many smells, this is starting to really unhinged him. Just for sake of feeding the discussion, but still having a point he had:

"Third girls commiting suicide and Sternschultz does squat about it ? If they are that bad at their job, why do I even bother to cover my own track... Maybe I should leave a bite mark on my own target's cheek, along with a card with my adress on it. Maybe they would ruled those death as natural causes - heart attack.

No seriously, they can't be that clueless, he must be somehow connected. Maybe through his initiation group if he has any ? Like maybe one of his pal is the working for the magical investigation unit, or something like that ?
"

Taking a short break, he adds : "It'a shame that any of us is a pretty gal, could have been an easy way in... I mean, I can totally pull out a mean mini-skirt, but not sure I'll fit his criteria.", Franck finishes, grinning like a teenager hearing a dirty joke for the first time.

<<<@Team: Assuming she has no more intel to give us, let's move to your secure place, Schöner or the one from Waywalker, anywhere but this cramped place would do fine by me. We have a lot of intel to gather and confirm before getting anywhere near our mark, we need to get at it asap. Maybe we can get our own on the police report for his dead "assistants", but I would recommend caution, it may also tip off whoever is protecting him..

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-13-16/0834:48>

Roberto Tzernobo was the first to reply: <<Hello Schöner, I know what you mean. Not the easiest place to get into. But I tell you what: I have a nice cask of original Chianti sitting around. For 750 it's yours and as an added bonus, I'll send a nice bottle of red to Luca with a little message. Luca is the bouncer on duty from 5 to 7. Just be your charming self and mention the red and he'll let you and your friends in. But do me a favor and behave around the girls. Up their they have their prime product.>>

Next came the reply from Sicherheit: <<No problem. 200 for one day, 100 for each following. As soon as the money's in, you'll get the address and the key code.>>

Haywire thought for a moment, than he remembered that there was a little hotel that always had a "special" conference room on standby + all the soycaf you could stomach. A quick matrix look up told him that it was available for 100.

Schnee replied to Frank: "Vasco has done work for nearly everyone, including Sternschutz. I assume he is in their informant database and therefore pretty much untouchable as long as he isn't caught red handed. And even then I'd imagine he'd pull some strings to have someone else take the fall.
Or did you think I'd hire runners if I could just lodge a complaint with the authorities?

If that is all, here is the number of a secure line. Call me when you've been successful. I have to go now."

She stood up, nodded toward the DJ and made a complicated gesture with her left hand. She shimmered for a moment and was gone - at least on the mundane plane. Frank saw her for a few seconds longer on the astral, before she did something else and her aura changed into that of a mundane person.

The DJ had received the message and changed the music: Now it was current pop-rock and it didn't take more than a minute before other guests started to flood the upstairs. Whatever the purpose of that bizarre performance had been, now it was over

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-13-16/1635:26>

As Schnee stands to leave, Schöner stands as well and takes the contact number. Once she disappears and the music returns to normal he ponders the situation briefly before composing a message to the group.

<<<@Team [Schöner] I've a line on a safehouse that's 200¥ for the first day and 100¥ each day after. If no one has anything better I'll send my contact the deposit.

Also, looks like I've got us a line on the VIP room for the boat. We can discuss the details once we've found a better place to talk, but that'll cost us 750¥ and we get a cask of wine out of the deal to boot.>>>

[spoiler]
Is Waywalker's room per hour or per day? Also mind if I throw a perception check to see if Schöner notices wether the previous music had any effect on listening devices or the like? ZB the player assumes there was some kind of noise canceling, but I'm not sure Schöner would have picked up on it (again, he's not too bright).
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-13-16/1814:02>

#12

Their Johnson diseappeared with a gesture of hand. "At least she gave us a line to call..."
The crowd started swaming up. Waywalker stood up and went downstairs.
His thought got formed as text:
"I know a place that could rent us a conference room, with all the soykaf you can drink for just 100 nuyen a day. It's not far from here, if you need a transport I can give you a ride.
Once we're there we can discuss the details."
While in the crowd he ordered his Armadillo to came and pick him up, and the Fly Spy to do a last reconnaisance and then go in the van.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-14-16/0932:17>

#10

"I'll grab my Falcon and join you guys wherever you want, see you in sec'"

Frank barely finishes his sentence before sneaking out, as fast as he can, of the bar. He would like to be more in control of himself and be able to focus on the job. He does managed to sent his agent on fact finding mission on the boat, the crew, and so on, but expect for that, he is too unhinged by the far too long stay, to his taste, meeting in the crowded bar. Too many people, too hot, too much... fresh flesh around.

Arriving at his Evo Falcon, Frank restore his composure, jumps on the large bike. Once the engine started, he begins a review of the intel mentioned during the briefing - while the GridGuide drives him to the safehouse picked by his new mates. Munching over the data for several minutes, he gets a (bad) feeling in his stomach.

Something in this all picture is just not sitting well with him. Clearly the target is powerful, organized and well connected - and the Johnson (or Schmidt as they call them here in Germany) seems to have a rather simple and honest agenda. It's not difficult to imagine that the samples contains hers - or at least, someones she cares about or work for. Still, it still feels like a piece of the puzzle is missing.

Finally, after a few minutes of reflexion, he decides to share his thoughts with his new partners in crime (literally):

<<<@Team [Schöner] Guys, I think we should discreetly take a look at our emloyer, Frau Schnee. It's an obvious alias, but a deaf mage is not something that common nowdays, so we should be able to id her. I'm not expecting a double cross here, but still I would like to own what her end game is (and see if this end game does not implies us being "missing" at the end of day). If you want, I have agent I can send on a matrix search, but I think it would be a better job for trusted informer.

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade I'm not rolling the Agent Matrix Search, it's more/less a fluff piece just to say that Frank does NOT do nothing. If we need some extra Matrix Search, done I can roll it, but I think we already got more than enough on this side.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-14-16/1006:55>

2076-08-01, 21:15, Cologne, Rhein-Ruhr-Megaplex

The heat of the day had turned into the heat of the night that - thanks to smog and light pollution - didn't show any stars or a moon.
Schöner's safe house turned out to be a small flat somewhere in the western part of Cologne. The furnishings were new and clean but sparse: Four beds with thin, hard synthetic mattresses and even thinner blankets made from the same material, a small table with four chairs made of chromed steel, as well as a new, top of the line food processor. The bathroom contained claustrophobia inducing shower stall, a toilet and a sink under a mirror shined steel plate.
The only window was fitted with milk glass that didn't allow any heat signature through.
The saving grace was the tasteful AR decoration and the free Cologne-Net matrix access.

A quick call to their Fixer got them a bit of info on the Johnson: "Frau Schnee" seemed to be a young doctoral candidate at Cologne-Uni, with only a few months to go before she would have to defend her thesis "Inferences on the homeostatic exchange of flux properties in alchemical preparations". As far as you could find out, she is about to gain a lucrative position as a docent as well.

#19

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-14-16/1717:24>

#13

The trip to the safe house was quick and easy. The Pilot of the Armadillo took care of the drive, while Waywalker stood in his rigger cocoon digging the results of his Agents suggestions.
"That dryad covered the safehouse cost...maybe I'll pay the soypizza later. It seems a guy worth his value in our team."
Once in the safehouse, he said:
"Well, seems that now we have an objective. I suggest that we disclose ourselves our specialties, so we can organize our work. I'll start: as I said with Frau Schnee, I'm a rigger and a decker. I've never worked with you, so if you don't know, my name is Waywalker."
Then, he proceeded:
"As we're speaking, I'm running a search on our target. I think a way to get him could be through his assistants, if he as any in this moment. It will take some time, so I'm helping myself. When it's done I suggest that me and Franck should surf the Matrix for the Loveboat Host, so we can do some reconnaisance this way. My drones will go to the physical location and stream their view to all four of us. What do you think? I'm open to other suggestions."

[spoiler]I'd like to have my 2 Fly Spy slaved to the RCC, with all their autosofts running, and going to the Loveboat, streaming their view in the AR of anyone of other that wants to see it.[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-15-16/0357:02>

#11

Frank arrived just before Waywalker started his little speech, and jumps right in:
"My speciality is execution, or assassination if you will. I'm pretty handy with a gun, but I'm not tank, neither will be the first one going into a firefight. My killing extends to the Matrix. I have some decent hacking skills, most aiming at covering my target with MARKs and then use my biofilter program to data spike'm to death."

Looking at the safehouse and the bar that Waywalker just raided, he turns to Schöner: "Very nice accomodation, thanks. A shame they don't have a bottle of blood, along with the pre chopped liver". Grinning, he hads "Ghoul jokes of poor taste are also my speciality".

Returning to a more serious tone, Frank goes on:

"And I agree, we need intel, a lot of it. If the Loveboat has a host, we probably want to take a look at it, but not right away. We don't want to take the risk of tipping our target of."

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-15-16/0735:01>

Waywalker followed absentmindedly the course of his two flyspys, directing them towards the boat. The AR pop-ups warning him from entering the air space around it he ignored. What he couldn't ignore where the six other drones circling slowly around the mafia boat: Ares Sparrowhawk drones, purpose designed to hunt and destroy smaller spy drones.
Going successfully nearer to their target would need a bit more attention on his part if he didn't want to risk losing his drones.

#20

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-15-16/1118:52>

<<<@Frau Sicherheit [Schöner] Lovely I'll take a spot that can sleep 4 comfortably. You know my preferences. I'll reserve it for 3 nights, if we need it longer I'll let you know, or a new location by that time more likely.
>>>
Attachments>> .funds.520

<<<@Team [Schöner] Here's the location of our new temporary digs for the next three nights. I'm covering the base cost, and each of you (40¥ each if you wouldn't mind). Expect there to be some decent vittles and some space with reasonable security. I've got to run and pick up a few things before meeting you at the safe house. I'll be about 15 min late. Speaking of being late, should I get us that invitation to the VIP room?
>>>
Attachments>>.safe_house.loc

The tall dryad conveys all of this while on his way back to his place to pick up the rest of his gear. He takes a circuitous route to get there and doubles back a few times to check for tails. He may not be the brightest bulb, unless you count his glamor, but he's been around the block enough to know he's got to watch his back. Once home, he grabs his Defiance and Ingram and tosses them in a duffel bag with a few changes of clothes and his overnight bag. He double checks his latest SIN to make sure it has all of the correct licenses just in case he gets pulled over some some odd reason before he gets to the safe house. With everything in order he waters his plants and sets the timers so they'll be alive when he returns in a few days and closes his place up tight.

Once more on the bike with his dreads blowing in the breeze he has the dog brain in the bike take him to the safe house while he reviews what they have so far. The idea of compromising one of the marks assistants seems like a good possibility. Once they profile the target he should be able to worm his way in. They don't have a lot of time, so the social strategy may take too long, but it's a good plan regardless of what else they come up with.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: k-sim on <09-15-16/1224:27>

The change in music and sudden disappearance of his new employer startled Käse to the point he was halfway casting a fireball spell to take out potential threats. Luckily he realized what happened in time to stop him self. Just like his team mates he made his way to his car and ordered the Grid Guide to take him to western Cologne. During the drive Käse took some time to let the bits and pieces of his memory create a picture of what the magical department of the Cologne University looked like and how it operated.

With a bag of gear slung over his shoulder Käse made his way up the stairs to the flat, to find Frank and Waywalker already there. "Phew, couldn't fancy pants get anything on a lower floor? Damn..." He drops his bag in a corner and sits down on one of the beds. "Oomph... I wasn't expecting a four star hotel style bed, but this is a little tough." After trying in vain to fluff up the pillow "Though this might be seen as a motivation to finish this job up quickly." He added with a grin.

"As for introductions, people call me Käse. Not because I smell like cheese or anything. I'm Dutch and people started calling me Käsekopf ages ago, and it stuck, so yeah... Ahem... Anyway, I'm getting the feeling I'm the only magic user among us, or am I mistaken?

Käse takes a moment to assense the rest of the group. Confirming he's the only spell slinger of the party.

But, just because I'm the mage I'm going getting geeked first, I've plenty of skill with pistols to hold my own when spells and spirits aren't a viable option." Käse takes of his jacket to reveal his right arm is shiny chrome from the elbow down.

[spoiler]Knowledge test Rhine-Ruhr-megaplex for info on the magical department of the Cologne University (http://orokos.com/roll/436926): 12d6t5 2

Assensing the party (http://orokos.com/roll/436930): 11d6t5 4[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-15-16/1549:07>

Käse remembered only a few details, he read over a year ago on some party flyers: The magic department of Cologne University is relatively large thanks to the sprawls high population density and an accordingly high number of magically active people. The department is largely independent even though a certain local dragon is donating large amounts to the institute and does have first pick among the graduates.
The courses are rigidly Hermetic and only a few advanced classes are taught by experts of differing philosophies. At the moment a total of ca. 500 magically active students are supposed to be enrolled.
There is also a testing facility where specialists investigate kids who might have magic potential, colloquially called the "Hexenteich" or witch pond.

#21

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-15-16/1750:22>

#14

The Fly Spy were blocked. It seems like the boat is expecting some surveillance... I need to change my tactics.
"My drones were blocked, so I need to do the job in person, from the Matrix. I'll wait to finish the search before adventuring in the Matrix; is it ok for you, Franck?"

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-16-16/1521:53>

#10

Schöner finally shows up at the safe house. As he approaches he noticed that the rest of the team followed good SOP and did not cluster their vehicles in front of the building. Schöner parks his bike a block and a half away before walking the long way around with his duffel bag back to the safe house. Knowing that he's going to be away from his home has already started to make him itch on the inside. It's not even been 30 min and he already wants to be back in the comfort of his neighborhood. Shaking off the pull, he concentrates on the task at hand and unlocks the door to the apartment.

Inside, it's reasonably well appointed. It's not the Wyndham Penthouse, but it'll do for a short stay. The kitchen is stocked with a little bit of actual food, and the soy-processor has a full set of flavor profiles available. And while he trusts Frau Sicherheit to provide a safe place if for no other reason than to maintain her reputation, he asks the two deckers if either of them could give the unit a once over to make sure everything is on the up and up. With all of that finally finished, he sits down with the others.

"As I mentioned earlier, I've an acquaintance that can get us an invite into the VIP room on the boat. It's a little pricey, but we get a really nice cask of Chianti out of the deal in addition to the access. While in the actual VIP room we would need to be on our best behavior, however I think it would be useful for getting access to the target if not a place to actually off the poor bastard."

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-18-16/0717:58>

Before the team committed to any kind of action, they waited for the conclusion of the matrix search.

When the agents reported back, they had found a few meager trails about Vasco:
- A short excerpt from a social media page confirmed the fact that he had been sacked by the university, but that he still was seen around the campus. So he had not been barred from coming back as a visitor. A lot of female users seemed to think it wasn't his fault and expressed sympathy for Vasco.
- A cross referenced add had a 88% likelihood that Vasco had been renting an expensive flat on the Rhine in the south of cologne. As of last week this flat was on the market again.
- Who his current assistants were wasn't clear, but the agents found two girls whose profile matched to about 78%: Both were single, second semester magic students, had recently stopped or severely reduced answering their friends messages and had matching contacts around the uni.
Both were probably part of the Unitas Landshut, a catholic student corps - a non-duelling fraternity/sorority: Elisabeth Maier and Giselle Chasseur.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-18-16/0822:21>

#12

As the matrix search agent have finished their job, Franck finally reply to Waywalker request from earlier:

"Waywalker, if you do want to do some matrix reckon, I'll come with - but we should all be clear on the fact that it might tipped our target off. Also, I personally would rather the use the VIP room for access and reckon to the boat, not the as way in for the actual. I know some shadowrunner like to keep it simple, kick the doors and waltz in - but personaly, I like carefully layout plan. They generally don't survive contact with the enemy, but at least they give you a fair chance to survive afterward."

"That being said, I would propose that pretty face along with Fromage go and and use the VIP room to do some reckon indeed, while Waywalker and I are in boat's host - so we can do some matrix overwatch and maybe "cross-wire" some camera if needed. But we also need to be clear on what we want to learn from this reckon. I assume we will all agree on, first, confirming that Vasco is here, and second assess the amount (and type) of defense in place. Last but not the least, we need to figure where the blood samples are stored. Without those infos, I don't see how we can move forward. Do you see any other information we should try to secure while doing this ?"

Taking a short pause to let the group gather they though, Franck adds to Waywalker:

"Waywalker, for the matrix job, I think we should also do the same - see how many drones or other security devices they may have in place, but also try to get his personal agenda - or something like that. He may spent most of his time on the boat, but there is a chance he has some routine errands to run or simply that we can learn of some upcoming events - on the boat or somewhere else, that we can use to set up our trap..."

Last words, because I have already been talking too much - do you see any actionnable items from the matrix search results ? Maybe we could investigate the disappeared assistant, see if we can find something of use to set up a trap ?". While Franck is suggesting the idea, he does not appear himself convinced about it...

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-18-16/1255:13>

#15

The Matrix search was finally over. He handed the results of his work to the commlinks of his team, so they could see them in AR.
"I think we have some trails we can use: the two girls may know the location of the blood samples or Vasco's. We can ask about them at the university...And maybe if Kase and Schoner talk to the talismonger of the campus could get a hint about the mage, maybe his commcode. I think you two are more suited for this part of the job. If you need, I can arrange a ride and drone surveillance for you.
I'm with Franck here: no shooting in the boat. We have plenty of places where to geek him. Also, Frank, I think that first we could try to go and see if we find something about the girls in the Unitas Landshut records, before we go to the Loveboat host."
"To: Franck: From what I've heard, I assume you like the not so subtle way in the Matrix. I think we can profit from it, using each one our way, so to set up a diversion. What do you think?"
Waywalker stretched his arms and layed on the hard mattress.
"From now on, I'm in the Matrix. If you need to comunicate with me, send me a message."
Then he went limp.

[spoiler]I want to connect to the Matrix in VR, hot sim, running silent.
My deck is configured: A 2/S 5/D 3/F 4(5), running VM, Agent, Encryption, Baby Monitor.[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-18-16/1846:39>

#13

Looking at Waywalker jumping into VR, Frank show again a nasty grin: "I'm so going to draw a little moustache on his face". But apparently, he managed to control the urge, and also start preping to join the hacker.

"By the way, he got a point here, we should look into this girls, see if this can give us a hint on where the blood samples might be. I'll guess Waywalker on I are going to be busy on the matrix side for a little while, but maybe you guys want to look at that ? In any case, see you on the other side !"

Frank jacks in and joins Waywalker in full VR (hot-stim on, of course).

"Waywalker, here I come, and you were right. I used the matrix more as a way to kill, not for data steal or reckon. I'll follow your lead on this one - but I'll have your back... And if not, I'll have the back of whatever hit you !" Franck's persona, looking strangely like him, puts out a knife, and grins...

"So where do we start ?"

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-19-16/0719:56>

#16

The "real" world faded away as the infinite realm of the Matrix appeared upon Waywalker.
He took a moment to enjoy the feelings of returning to his favourite place before doing anything.
In a matter of seconds Franck's persona was with him. Smiling, Waywalker said: "Welcome! I think we should start from the girls's sorority, and take a look on their records."
Waving his hand, two dogs appeared on his side, and started snuffing around.

[spoiler]I run a Matrix Perception to find the Unitas Landshut Host, if they have one.
Agent teamwork (http://orokos.com/roll/437786): 8d6t5 1
Agent (Nixdorf) teamwork (http://orokos.com/roll/437787): 6d6t5 1
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/437788): 12d6t5 4
( I keep them all, as the limit is raised to 5 by teamwork.[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-19-16/0729:48>

The local net was a fair approximation of the RRMP with all the major and minor details of the cities available as virtual constructs. But even here the dominance of S-K Prime was massively visible: Dozens of S-K hosts were somehow a lot more visible than those of any other company.
Cologne's representation spread a lot of carnival atmosphere even though the so called "fifth" season was still months away.

The two matrix jockeys had a few different destinations to choose from:
- The host of Cologne University (R5)
- The host of the Love Boat (R5)
- The host of Unitas Landshut (R3)
- A few virtual clubs, collected into the Cologne Hub Host, frequented by students and docents alike

Selecting the Unitas host he immediately was greeted with their motto: Virtus, Sciencia, Amicita (http://www.landshut-koeln.com/prinzipien/), yet the host was only open for registered students of the organisation. A quick peek told them that the host had a A4S3D5F6 configuration.

Meanwhile, Käse and Schöner found themselves looking at the unmoving bodies of their new chummers. For them the real life versions or the astral were viable legwork options.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Zweiblumen on <09-19-16/1225:28>

#11

"I like that plan. I'll get in touch with the chummer that can get us in and let make the deal. It's pricey though, so pony up boys. 750¥ four ways, I'm fronting for the flat and it's my contact, say 200¥ for each of you. That's giving me a whopping 50¥ discount for having the contact in the first place."

<<<@Roberto Tzernobo [Schöner] Ich danke dir mein freund. Find the funds attached, you know where to send the cask, I'll pick it up in a few days. Please send my regards to Luca.>>>

"Herr Käse, do you need to prepare anything before we leave? I'd bring only a small weapon, and either smuggle it in, or in the worst case have the bouncer find it and hold if for you. But it will keep up appearances either way, no?"

[spoiler]
Hrm, looks like we missed our window with the bouncer (who only works for two hours?!?!?). Will this still work Jack?
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-19-16/1649:06>

#17

In a matter of seconds Waywalker found what he was looking for. While he was studying the host, his brain received the words of their chummers.
"To:Schoner:, you will receive my part of the funds attached (NY 240)."
While arranging the funds tranfer, Waywalker sent a message:
"To: Franck: I'd start with the host of the Landshut, so we can give some info to our chummers in the meatword. If you prefer to stand by, I have no problem going in alone."
The host stood in front of him, a cube floating in the infinite universe of the Matrix. Waywalker's persona started spoofing some credentials, waiting for the host's response.

[spoiler]Hack on the Fly Agent teamwork (http://orokos.com/roll/437962): 6d6t5 2
Hack on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/437964): 15d6t5 5
(I keep them all)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-19-16/1705:08>

[spoiler]
Landshut Host Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/437973): 9d6t5 1 [9d6t5=3, 4, 1, 1, 1, 4, 1, 2, 5]
Pitiful

Also feel free to roll such standard resist actions as well, so you can proceed - that's always ok when I'm giving out the targets stats.

@Zweiblumen
Yeah, the window passed. The guy does work long than that, but not at that exact position where he can let people through without his colleagues noticing. Schöner might still be able to finagle his way through.

[/spoiler]

Tzernobo replied: <<Well met. I'll give him a call right away. He'll have the wine early tomorrow.>>

Meanwhile in the matrix, the simple, civilian host didn't resist much more than a two digit code door, giving Waywalker access.
Inside the sculpting looked like some kind of museum: Lot's of old books, icons (the religious kind) and art adorned the walls. Logged in students studied alone, in pairs or small groups, while a mean looking librarian patrol IC enforced appropriate behavior: Ensuring that no-one entered the data areas marked as off-limits to non-authorized users.

#24

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-19-16/1805:32>

#14

"Waywalker, I'll be right behind you if you need back up...". Following his new partner, Frank configures his deck and start hacking in...

[spoiler]
@Jack_Space: I think you meant Waywalker in your previous post.

Also, team working in the matrix is not really defined, but I assume that my character would still need to gets his own MARKs. So I'm going to get my own and then team work with Waywalker (if you allow it).

Deck Config: A2 S6 D3 F7
Hot Stim (+2d)
Hack on the Fly on Landshut Host (http://orokos.com/roll/437991): 11d6t5 4
Resist Hack on the Fly from Landshut Host (http://orokos.com/roll/437992): 9d6t5 5

... well I guess this will postpone ruling on team work.
[/spoiler]

... however things goes quite wrong for the ghoul. Instead of getting a MARK on the host, he fails and the host gets a MARK on his deck.

"Err, Waywalker, things going wrong on my side, I'll jack out and reboot rather than compromise you.... Sorry buddy."

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-20-16/0259:19>

Insided the host, the Librarian paused for a moment and then resumed his movements, from behind a shelf another construct appeared. This one looked like an old fashioned police man with a taser instead of a handgun - the host had just launched some kind of IC.

[spoiler]
Regarding teamwork: Agents and hackers are fully capable of supporting with teamwork checks they can perform. Only the leader receives Overwatch since he is the only one with an opposed test.
If you want to bring Agents into the host with you, they'll have to hack a mark for themselves too (but they may also receive teamwork bonus dice)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: k-sim on <09-20-16/0533:46>

"My own sources confirm what you have found out Waywalker, the target used to be a professor at Cologne uni until he was fired two years ago because of something with an assistant of his committing suicide. My contact also informed me that he often visits the university grounds, looking for new assistants and to purchase large quantities of reagents from the talismonger there. As for our course of action, I'll send out a spirit to the boat to do some astral recon for us before we go in ourselves."

Käse sat up on the bed, his eyes losing focus. He started mumbling something unintelligible and made some small movements with his hands. A forceful spirit of air appeared beside him in astral space.

Gusty, I wish for you to go to this place and report back to me what you have seen on the astral. Take note of things like watcher spirits, awakened persons and critters, wards, barriers, active spells and patrolling spirits. Käse sends a strong mental image of the boat to the spirit of air. Having understood his orders the spirit shoots away to do his masters bidding.

"Okay, spirit is on his way. Now I'm hungry, anyone else wants something?"

He stands up and walks into the small kitchen to get some food. From behind the counter he continues.

I'd also very much like to pay a visit to the talismonger at the university. They will probably be able to tell us a bit more about our target, his assistants and practices. But we'll do that after we've had some fun in the VIP lounge." He grins at Schöner. "As for preparations, I've got a small Streetline Special I can tuck away wherever, though hiding the small cannon I've got in this bit of chrome might be a bit difficult." He holds up his right arm "But I guess I'll worry about that when we get there. Maybe when we go in one of you 'trix jockeys can spoof their detection devices? Either way, when the drek hits the fan I'll always be ready to sling a fireball or two. I'd like to wait for my spirit to return, when he gets back I'll be ready to go. Shouldn't take very long."

[spoiler]Summoning spirit of air, force 5 (http://orokos.com/roll/438202): 11d6t5 3

Spirit of air resist (http://orokos.com/roll/438203): 5d6t5 2

Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/438204): 11d6t5 4

Knowledge test Rhine-Ruhr-megaplex for creating a mental image of the boat for the spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/438207): 12d6t5 6
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-20-16/0544:22>

The air spirit reported back almost as fast as he has been sent out:
'Master, the boat is protected by a strong mana barrier on the upper deck - both on the astral and the mundane. I also count six strong watchers flying above the ship and deterring intruders.'

#26

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-20-16/1327:04>

#18

Something with Franck went wrong. " Well, shit happens. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not compromised yet.."
Moving as he belonged here, he started to look for a book.

[spoiler]Running silent, I'd like to run a Matrix Perception to find the Icon of the file with the records of students, and to know if it's protected and has Data Bombs on it.
Matrix Perception inside the Host (http://orokos.com/roll/438337): 10d6t5 5
Assuming it's a protected file, I'll spend a Free Action reconfiguring my deck: A 4/S 5/D 3/F 2(3) and unloading my Agent, leaving an open program slot, and then attempt to crack it:
Cracking the file (http://orokos.com/roll/438340): 11d6t5 3
Then, with my second Free Action (Perfect Time) I reconfigure again my deck: A 2/S 3/D 5(6)/F 4(5), and I load Toolbox.
Eventually Disarming Data Bomb (http://orokos.com/roll/438341): 10d6t5 5
To copy it on my deck: Edit File (http://orokos.com/roll/438342): 10d6t5 2
Second Chance on edit file (http://orokos.com/roll/438345): 8d6t5 4
(So 6 successes, I keep all of them)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-21-16/0257:55>

The search for the file was quick and with no more problems done than to crack a mid range commlink.
Barely a minute after he had logged in, Waywalker was done:
Addresses and file of the two girls were safely stored on his deck.

A quick browse through it's contents revealed that they indeed had lodgings within the Landhut building. According to the file they hadn't been home for two days and before that had been absent for four. Before that they had been home practically every evening. A note told you that both had missed several courses and a mid term test. Both had called in sick, but had given no doctors note.
More important both the girls commlink numbers were in the file.

[spoiler]
I'm lazy and it's not that important,
so I'm just buying successes for the defenses and you get your data without problems.

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-21-16/1834:49>

#19

Waywalker swiftly found what he was looking for. He exited the host, leaving the library to its business. Then he switched modes to AR, sent the files to the commlink of his teammates and reboots his deck. He moved a little before jacking in, just to avoid the cramps from VR.
The Matrix surrounded him again. With the pieces of informations in his hand and the dogs by his side, he started looking for a trail to the girls.

[spoiler]I reboot my device after sending a message with the files to my chummers.
My deck is A 2/S 3/D 4/F 5 and VM, Fork and Agent, not running silent.
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/438640): 6d6t5 3
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/438641): 8d6t5 2
Matrix Perception on Girls (http://orokos.com/roll/438642): 17d6t5 6
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-22-16/0320:28>

Scouring the matrix, Waywalker could swiftly identify one of the two commlinks: Elisabeth Maier's Renraku Sensai commlink was online and logged on to the local Cologne net. Her profile had been turned to silent running, but couldn't resist the combined search power of the agents and Waywalker.

[spoiler]
Resist Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/438747): 8d6t5 3 [8d6t5=5, 4, 2, 5, 3, 6, 1, 1]
[/spoiler]

All they had to do now was run a successful trace to get her location...

#28

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-22-16/1832:28>

#20

Waywalker smiled and his icon quirked, as his brain was processing all the new information.
"Chummers, I have good news, but we need to act very quickly in the meatworld. I found the commlink of one girl, and I'm attempting to trace her, but I don't know for how long I will have the trail hot. I think you three can get in my van, along with my drone, and I'll race to her position. Are you ready?"
Waywalker then lit the Armadillo and ordered it to go to their safehouse.
Flexing the muscles of his Persona, Waywalker started slinging code to the commlink.
Now, with the location of the commlink, he ordered his Fly-Spy to go there at full speed.

[spoiler]Now I'm running silent, in VR hot-sim, A 2/S 4(5)/D 5/F 3, running VM, Agent, Stealth.
I'll try to put 2 MARKs in one shot.
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/438859): 6d6t5 2
Hack on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/438860): 13d6t5 4
Edge (second chance) on HoTF (http://orokos.com/roll/439341): 9d6t5 2
Once I have the MARKs, I'll trace her:
Tracking Icon (http://orokos.com/roll/438862): 10d6t5 5[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-23-16/0515:52>

#15

Franck went back in his body for a while, but did not let the other know about it, using the time to meditate a bit, and try to quiet the hunger.

"We are on it, Waywalker, don't worry, keep digging if you can in the meantime"

Opening his eyes, he turns to Käse and Schöner:

"Fromage et Beauté - if you are not already on your way to the Loveboat, maybe we could chase down this lead together ?"

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: k-sim on <09-23-16/0601:35>

Thank you Gusty, you may leave.

"My spirit just informed me that the boat is heavily guarded on the astral, along with the possibility of heavy security I'm beginning to think it might be better for us to tr and catch the target outside of the boat. Schöner, is there a time limit to our access to the VIP lounge? If not, I'm all for tracking down the girl first. Though I'll take my own transport in case we need to split up at a later time.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-23-16/0748:18>

"May I suggest to simply order your vehicle to tag along? Mine is surely faster."
Waywalker responded with a smile.

#21

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-24-16/0752:57>

[spoiler]
Resist HotF (http://orokos.com/roll/439203): 8d6t5 5
You might want to spend some edge on your roll...

Resist Trace (http://orokos.com/roll/439204): 8d6t5 3

[/spoiler]

The commlink proved to be not as easy to trace as expected. Waywalker had to invest a bit more effort...

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-24-16/1822:57>

It took a little push, but finally, the trace came through: The commlink currently resided at Konrad-Adenauer Allee 2 (https://www.google.de/maps/place/K%C3%B6lner+Festungsmuseum/@50.8986357,6.9819868,124m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x47bf241cc480510d:0xe55d96755fbdd1e!2sK%C3%B6lner+Festungsmuseum!3b1!8m2!3d50.8986153!4d6.9825183!3m4!1s0x47bf241cc480510d:0xe55d96755fbdd1e!8m2!3d50.8986153!4d6.9825183), previously the seat of the Cologne fortification museum, now closed for the public due to budget cuts, with a relatively dense forest surrounding it.

#30

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-25-16/1453:53>

#22

"Team, I have it. It's at Konrad-Adenauer Allee 2. I don't know for how long I can keep it traced, so please get in the van and be ready to take her or her commlink. Stay frosty."
Waywalker persona merged in the Icon of his Fly-Spy, pushing it at the maximum speed to get an idea of the surroundings of his target, while the van arrived at the safehouse.

[spoiler] I jump in the drone.
Pilot Aicraft (http://orokos.com/roll/439490): 13d6t5 3[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-25-16/1633:48>

The drone made its way towards the former museum in record time.
The old building only had narrow arrow windows, but after a minute searching, Waywalker found an open one. The commlink signal was slightly muted due to the thick walls and the drone also responded a bit sluggish due to the lag. The rooms contained covered display boxes and empty wall displays. Dust hung heavy in the air and no artificial lights were on.
Carefully moving from room to room, the drone came closer to the source of the signal: A medium sized, empty room with a bare stone floor. A young woman with ash blond hair was in the process of painting intricate patterns on the ground with a piece of red chalk, referring a large book now and then. So deep in concentration she was that she didn't even notice the slight buzzing of the drone.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-26-16/0616:13>

#23

"I like sending commands to my drones and agents to do my bidding. But being it is completely different. Maybe I could talk Franck into getting a control rig...he may like it."
Waywalker's legs and wings (or, at the moment, drone's legs and wings) moved silently to stay on a wall.
"How many people wanted to be a fly on the wall...well, I'm realizing it." He thought with a smile.
Waywalker sent the AR feed of the drone sensors to his teammates; then changed some settings on his deck.
"Mojo chummers, do you recognize what she's doing? I can only tell it's mojo."
While waiting for them to get in the van, Waywalker started looking around in the girl's commlink.
Just to be sure, he ordered one of his Rotodrones to come at the museum and estabilish a line of fire to the girl.

[spoiler]I reconfigure my deck to A 2/S 4/D 4/F 5, running VM, Agent and Baby Monitor.
Having 2 MARKs on it, I'd like to know what files are inside it, and if I can find something relevant to our job (Avascula's contact, their next arranged meet, something that could point us at the location of the samples).
Matrix Perception on the commlink (http://orokos.com/roll/439627): 10d6t5 4
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/439628): 9d6t5 6
Locking the girl (Sensors) (http://orokos.com/roll/439629): 9d6t5 1
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-26-16/0629:15>

The commlink contained the usual stuff: Pictures taken of foodstuff, cute animals and party weekends - a few were protected and probably contained some nudes or other sensitive information.
More important was her contact registry: A.V. had called her two hours before at which point she had immediately gone here, according to her GPS profile.
There were no text messages there from this contact only calls, which had not been recorded.
But there was one other relevant message: Giselle had written to her only four hours earlier <<Eli, I'm sorry I can't help you today, but A. wants me back at the flat. I just hope this time the NJ works before the pig gets all grabby on me.
Oh and can you visit the pharmacy on your way back? We need fresh IV needles.>>

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-26-16/1750:24>

#24

Looking in the commlink looted Waywalker some juicy information. Snooping through the texts, he saw one interesting.
Looking for the nickname she used for her friend, Waywalker commanded the device to send a message:
"Gis, sure, no problem. Could you remember me the address of the flat? My GPS isn't working today...Thank you!"

[spoiler]Control Device (Send Message) (http://orokos.com/roll/439769): 11d6t5 1
Control Device (Send Message) Second Chance (http://orokos.com/roll/439770): 10d6t5 2
What is my current OS score?[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-27-16/0304:17>

[spoiler]
Commlink Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/439897): 8d6t5 5 [8d6t5=2, 5, 1, 5, 3, 6, 6, 6]
You fail

Overwatch Score (http://orokos.com/roll/439899): 4d6 17
Add the current 13 from resistance and you have 30 Overwatch after half an hour.
[/spoiler]

For some reason, the commlink resisted quite effectively the attempt to send this message - maybe it was for the best. Waywalker knew that Giselle's commlink was probably offline at the moment. He even got the feeling that the girls might have been specifically instructed not to turn on their commlink when they went back to their master or rather his lair...

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-27-16/0939:27>

#16[∕rigth]
Frank discreetly leaves the van, to get eyes on the target. Well, at least cybereyes. Trying to be as sneaky, he gets close enough to attempt to assense her aura. Closing his (cyber)eyes, for a few second, to focus on the astral plane, the ghoul gaze into Giselle's aura...

[spoiler]
Discreetly getting closer to Giselle (http://orokos.com/roll/439943): 10d6t5 2
I pre-edged my assensing test as I really want to know "secrets" hidden in her aura, not just basic stuff:
Assensing Test on Giselle (edged) (http://orokos.com/roll/439944): 12d6t5 6
Got 3 "6", so added :
Extra dices from pre-edge on assensing Giselle (http://orokos.com/roll/439945): 4d6t5 1

So total of 7s on the assenssing.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-27-16/0944:33>

To his dismay, Frank found the front door locked with an old school door lock.

[spoiler]
One lock picking test vs. 2 successes (bought)
One sneaking check vs 3 successes (bought)

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-27-16/1007:59>

#17

Muttering some profanities to himself, Frank, pissed off, looks around to see if somebody around could see him work on the locks. No one in particular, but still need to be sneaky about it. Still need to check for camera, switching to AR, and sharing the feed with Waywalker, he start looking for any device that could keep a track of him..

[spoiler]
Frank has no locksmith but an Ares Predator with a silencer - can he just shoot the lock ? Of course before doing so, he will do a perception test to be sure there is nobody just behind the door (unless the feed from Waywalker can tell him that)

Franck try to be discreet (http://orokos.com/roll/439950): 10d6t5 5
Matrix Perception to spot cameras (or whatnot) (http://orokos.com/roll/439952): 10d6t5 4

(and if the shoot the door lock plan appears reasonnable, here is the perception test, to ensure Frank can not hear anything behind the door:)

Listening at the door (http://orokos.com/roll/439953): 7d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-27-16/1027:47>

There was no-one around to see him and no camera or camera icon that he could see. The lock seemed sturdy, but a few shots from an Ares Predator would probably be able to shatter the bolt. The negative of this solutions would be that the occupants certainly would be alerted to the destruction of the lock, if not to the shots themselves - not to mention that there was no way to obfuscate his entrance afterwards.
[spoiler]
You don't notice anyone else inside, no surveillance and no other security.
The lock is massive so you are dealing with Armor 6 Structure 10 (Total) to get the door open (So you need to deal 10 damage vs a soak pool of 16)
The destruction part will certainly be heard inside the rather silent structure of the museum - especially since the doors inside are all open.

[/spoiler]

#35

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-27-16/1052:50>

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade OK, thanks for the reality check - I'm going to pause for the day, and let the other play (or comment) - indeed, I'm a bit tired, and I think it is starting to see if my cognition process...
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-27-16/1322:17>

#25

"Drek hit the fan. Maybe I was too arrogant, or I'm out of my luck today..."
Waywalker swiftly sent a message to his RCC and then switched to AR and rebooted.
"I hope she ignored the warning from her commlink... at least I have a drone on site."
Waywalker ordered his drone to stay there and hide, so it could continue to provide feed to his chummers.

[spoiler]I reboot my deck.
Stealth for Fly Spy (http://orokos.com/roll/439988): 9d6t5 4[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-28-16/0324:56>

The girl finished her drawings and took a step back to examine her work. She looked critically and got back on her knees to redo two sections. When she was satisfied she sighed, put away the chalk in her bag, dusted herself off and turned to leave. Waywalker and Frank both heard her steps moving towards the exit, stopping, followed by the rustle of a key being drawn from a chain and inserted into the lock.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-28-16/0341:41>

#18

Hearing her coming, Frank bolt away from the door, but stay arounds, and sneak if any available shadows. He needs to both hidden, but with a decent line of sight to assense Giselle properly.

>>> Waywire, chance have it this would our target, right ?

Not waiting for the hacker confirmation, Franck prepare his move...

[spoiler]
Franck hides from Giselle sight (http://orokos.com/roll/440344): 10d6t5 4
Assensing Test on Giselle (edged) (http://orokos.com/roll/439944): 12d6t5 6 (resused from above)
~~using edges to re-roll failures~~ I meant "reroll 6s" (sorry): Extra dices from pre-edge on assensing Giselle (http://orokos.com/roll/439945): 4d6t5 1 (reused too)
Total of 7
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-28-16/0423:59>

[spoiler]
Just for your info: You can either pre-edge or post edge, but not both since you can spend only one point of edge per test.

[/spoiler]

The door opened and Eli stepped outside. She blinked for a moment while her eyes adjusted to the bright light of the lantern next to the door.
On the astral, Frank could make out the vivid and vibrant colored aura of an awakened. She was healthy, if a bit tired. Her emotions betrayed frustration, fear and desire all at once - one could also call it jealousy. Her handbag contained quite a large amount of reagents - some kind of powder most likely, since it had bled through at the seems. The girl had one active spell on her that most likely came from the school of detection.
Even more interesting was the Watcher hovering above her shoulder: It was the pale facsimile of Avascula, keeping always in close proximity to the girl.

She must have given a mental command through a trode net, because suddenly a small electro scooter drove up from the street by itself.

#37

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-28-16/0512:07>

#19

Frank switches his perception from astral as quickly as possible to not be noticied by the watcher spirit, But what he saw makes him wonders : "No sign of blood magic on her, nor the Watcher ? Well, I never saw blood magic before, but I somehow I assumed I would be able to spot - if nothing else, thanks to my nature."

>>> Guys, no suprise, we got an awakened one here, but more to the point, she appears to be followed by Watcher from our target. This is not going to make any approach or contact easy. At least, not without notifying our mark. Waywalker, I'm going back to the van, but I assume you have eyes on her and her bike, so we can tail her for now...

Frank goes on but more to himself than anything else:

>>>Hum, this target is cautious. He has a secure facility, backed up by some local criminal, he has eyes on his assistant... It's not going to be easy to build a full-proof smash'n'grab. I also dislike the fact that we are no closer to the location of the blood samples... I guess we can just hpe that tailing the lady is going to somehow pan out... Well, and we still have to execute plan by Schöner on the boat - maybe this will give us something to work with...

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade: sorry I mispoke in my previous test on Assensing, I just roll with pre-edge, and rerolls the 6s.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <09-29-16/1728:40>

#26

"Don't worry Franck, I have more eyes than I can count!"
Waywalker's persona, now online, sent a command to his drone to shadow her by a distance, "Just like an harmless insect..."
The information from his drone helped him find a new target to trail.

[spoiler]Configuration: A 2/S 4/D 5/F 4, running Agent, VM, Baby Monitor.
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/440940): 6d6t5 0
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/440941): 6d6t5 3
Matrix Perception to find the scooter (http://orokos.com/roll/440942): 13d6t5 3
Then I'd like to place two MARKs on it:
Teamwork test from Deck for HotF (http://orokos.com/roll/440943): 6d6t5 3
Hack on the Fly (2 MARKs) (http://orokos.com/roll/440945): 12d6t5 7
Tracking Icon (http://orokos.com/roll/440946): 10d6t5 6 (I keep 5)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-30-16/0448:49>

[spoiler]
I'm buying two resistance hits. You track the scooter
New Overwatchscore is 2

[/spoiler]

The girl drove at moderate speed towards the inner city of Cologne and stopped at a small soycaf bar. The spy drone soon got a stream of her, sitting outside on a table, drinking a tall soy latte and browsing AR news. It looked as if she was killing time.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <09-30-16/0617:14>

#20

>>> Guys, do you feel like me that she is either waiting for someone or have maybe made us and trying to gain sometime ? Let me sneak out of the van and try to assess her aura again, see if I can see her mood.

Frank goes out again of the van, hiding his ugly face with his hat, and wrapping his twisted body in his large coat. He gets as close as he needs to her, trying to not arose any suspision before assessing her aura again.

[spoiler]
Sneak close enough to Eli to assens her again (http://orokos.com/roll/441174): 10d6t5 3
Assensing again Eli (pre-edged) (http://orokos.com/roll/441175): 9d6t5 4
Assensing again Eli (pre-edged) (http://orokos.com/roll/441177): 12d6t5 5
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <09-30-16/1658:02>

Jepp, no doubt. The girl was waiting for something: Her whole aura pulsed with impatience and jealousy. Whatever she was waiting for, she was not happy about it. There is frustration and anxiety plain as day on her face.

Suddenly, this all changes: She calms down and a trace of happiness returns to her - most likely because she is just answering a comm call.
Frank isn't close enough to understand her, but the fact that she is moving her lips at all to talk over DNI, makes it clear that she was very agitated.

Immediately afterwards, she shut off her commlink completely as well as all other electronics on her person.
Leaving her half finished drink behind, she got up and walked quickly away from the coffee bar. Turning around a corner she vanished from view - and from the visual sensors of the spy drone.
Frank had no problems seeing her - with his astral senses she is visible clearly - now with a freshly cast illusion spell around her.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-01-16/1216:03>

"The commcall is a good starting point to track this bastard..."
Waywalker smiled as his dogs sniffed around.

[spoiler]While she is calling A 2/S 4/D 4/F 5, running VM, Agent and Baby Monitor.
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/441651): 6d6t5 1
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/441652): 6d6t5 4
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/441653): 15d6t5 8
Hack on the Fly Agent teamwork (http://orokos.com/roll/441655): 6d6t5 0
Hack on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/441656): 13d6t5 4
Snoop (http://orokos.com/roll/441657): 11d6t5 3

Assuming Snoop is successful, I can hear the conversation, and I'd like to find the Icon of the other Commlink
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/441658): 6d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/441660): 6d6t5 1
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/441661): 14d6t5 7[/spoiler]

#27

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-01-16/1246:56>

#21

"Merde !" Frank mutters to himself, before rushing to tail his target. "Darn, we really can't catch a break with this one... Hopefully, she will be too busy sustaining her spell to notifce me tailing her.

>>> Guys, she just cast an invisibility spells; but I still have eyes on her her. Waywalker maybe able to track her commlink, but if she shuts it down, we are screwed.

[spoiler]
Following discreetly the now invisible Eli (http://orokos.com/roll/441666): 10d6t5 4
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-01-16/1451:37>

[spoiler]
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/441688): 8d6t5 1
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/441689): 8d6t5 1

[/spoiler]

The conversation was short, but Waywalker was able to get the last part: <<...come back, use the backway and the usual precautions.>>
The voice was unfamiliar, but did have a trace of Italian in it. Waywalker noted the comm code, but before he could do anything with it, the device vanished from the matrix. Obviously Avascula did in fact practice what he preached.

Meanwhile Frank followed the invisible girl down the alley and into the warren of old buildings, small one-way streets and badly up-kept back yards. He lost the girl at a door to an old apartment block: The door fell into the lock before Frank could get to it. But at least he could be reasonable sure that he now knew the current hiding place of the mage: A single watcher flew around the building, the 13th level to be precise...

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-01-16/1546:28>

#22

As Eli disappear in the house, and Frank spot the watcher, the ghoul can not hold back a smile : "Finally, we got a break. People says "Follow the Money", but follow the girl pays even more !".

>>> Eureka, guys, it sounds we may have found the hideout of our target. It does not appears to be the boat after all.

Looking around him Frank start looking for a nice spot for a stackout. The target won't be careless enough to simply walk the front door unprotected, but still Frank starts looking for a gunslinger's equivalent of a sniper's nest. "We never know, we might get lucky and it would be a shame to not be able to seize the day if so."

>>> OK, now we need to do some serious reckon. Waywalker, I guess you can set your drone to do that, but maybe we need to send a micro one inside ? We need to have confirmation that our mark is there, but also confirm that the blood samples are also there.

Grinning in a disturbing way, Frank goes on:

>>> The girl is quite cute so he is probably going to be a bit busy in the next hour, maybe the perfect opportunity for us? The "distraction" might allow us to get closer (whether with a drone, or even physcially

[spoiler]
Searching for a good spot for a "sniper nest" (http://orokos.com/roll/441734): 10d6t5 4
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-01-16/1719:05>

It didn't take Frank long to find a cosy spot behind to recycling bins where he could see the exit without being seen.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-02-16/1655:05>

At last it seemed that their trail was succesful.
"Franck, do you confirm the 13th floor? I'll be there with my drones in a hurry."
Waywalker ordered to the Rotodrones to get a reckon on the building, while he jumped in the Fly-Spy to get some more details.

[spoiler]Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/441982): 9d6t5 6 (limit 5)
Rotodrones Perception (EW) (http://orokos.com/roll/441984): 9d6t5 2
Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) (http://orokos.com/roll/441985): 11d6t5 4
Fly Spy Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/441986): 9d6t5 3
Fly Spy Perception (EW) (http://orokos.com/roll/441987): 15d6t5 3[/spoiler]

#28

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-02-16/1740:20>

#23

When he first spot the nice, cosy spot in between a pair of recycle bins, Frank shook his head, and exhales loudly, before muttering to himself: "Of course, it has to be in thrash, smelly garbage, because where else would a ghoul hides, right ? Even the universe is playing dick with me...".

However, the message from Waywalker is stopping his ranting. The ghoul finishes sneaking into his "spot", before replying:

>>> Confirm. Let me know when you are in place. I'll do a discreet Matrix reckon on my side.

Switching to AR, with his deck running silent, Frank try to spot any running devices around the 13th floor...

[spoiler]
Matrix Perception to spot devices around the 13th (-2 as deck is running silent) (http://orokos.com/roll/441999): 8d6t5 5
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-03-16/0444:46>

There were a multitude of devices in this house, but on the 13th floor there was one apartment with a curious lack of any kind of wireless device.
The flyspy found the place without a problem and even a slightly open window where it could enter.

The apartment was a two room-kitchen-bath affair. Eli and Gis were both in the bedroom and in the process of dressing a seemingly unconscious man. From the looks it had to be an exec. Gis just closed his belt when she said: "Ugh, I tell you that Laes stuff is to weak. He had me already on the bed before he went unconscious."
Eli replied: "It's not the Laes. You are just not precise enough with the needle. I really don't see why it's always you who has to go and get the targets."
"Hey, no need to get jealous. Anton knows what he does. If it means we can stop them destroying the nature reservation, a few bruises on my part is a small price to pay. After all, Anton can remove them pretty neatly with his magic hands..."
The next part was only muttered by Eli, but Waywalker thought he recognized a "Slut".
Louder she said: "Alright, I'll just animate his cloths and walk him out of here. Do you have the blood?"
"Do you think I'm dumb? Of course I have it. It's in the fridge in the dewar can."
"I won't answer that. And watch out not to stay in unventilated spaces with the dewar. Nitrogen will suffocate you."
"You keep telling me that every time."
"I wouldn't if you wouldn't always put it in the car with you instead of the trunk."
"Whatever."

In the meantime, Eli had made a little gesture and the man had suddenly stood up - although his head hang still limply to his chest.
"I'll drop him off near his car. See you later."

With that, the girl got up and opened the door to navigate the man into the lift just outside.

#42

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-03-16/0722:56>

#24

Listening to the feed sent by Waywalker drone, Frank tries to process all the information as fast as he can - because the girls are already on the move. At least one of them. "OK, so the Blood Mage is using the girls to do his bidding, which is blackmailing as many execs or powerful people as he can. With the a naive cover story of protecting the nature or whatever. This guy sounds like a sort of Charles Manson... What a prick. It will be a pleasure getting ride of him. I may even have a bite of him. Darn, focus, focus, Frank."

>>> OK, so we know now that the blood sample of this guys is , for now, inside this fridge, but they are most likely to move it. Waywalker, unless you disagree, I think we need to stick with the blood - or more exactly, your drone needs to. I'll follow Eli has soon as she is out, maybe she will lead us to our mark. But we still need to confirm where he keeps his blood samples.

Frank slowly moves out of his improvised sniper's nest - which certainly gave him a nice "hobbo" fragance, and prepare to follow again Eli, using his astral sense...

[spoiler]
Assensing again Eli to follow her (http://orokos.com/roll/442155): 9d6t5 2
Discreetly follow Eli (http://orokos.com/roll/442156): 7d6t5 2

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-03-16/1531:59>

#29

"Roger that, Franck. I'll follow the girl with the blood, you go after Eli. Luckily, my drones are immune to nitrogen asphyxiation." The message was sent by a smiling Waywalker.
While rigged in the drone, he locked her with the sensors.
The rotodrone followed closely.

[spoiler]Fly Spy Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/442252): 9d6t5 3
Fly Spy Perception (EW) (http://orokos.com/roll/442253): 15d6t5 6
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/442255): 9d6t5 3[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-03-16/1557:23>

The team didn't have to wait long:
Eli appeared first - or disappeared since she had again cast an invisibility spell. No problem for Frank to follow especially since the strain to keep up two spells prevented her from noticing him. The watcher, he noticed, had disappeared. Logically that meant that it now was following Giselle.

The unconscious man moved with his clothes like a particularly drunken marionette, but it was effective. Frank followed the pair down the road and to a parking place. Using the man's thumbprint, Eli opened an expensive BMW and set the man behind the driver seat. Fascinated, Frank watched as the girl took out a bottle of strong synthohol, set it on the man's lips and sprayed a bit on him, discarding half the bottle and leaving the rest on the seat beside him.

Meanwhile, Gis exited the building, carrying the Dewar can. The liquid nitrogen left a smoky trail of condensed vapor behind as she moved towards a small and very badly dented Nissan Jackrabbit. Placing the container in the back seat, she got behind the wheel, turned down the windows and started to drive away.
The flyspy found entrance into the car and went along for the ride.

To Waywalker's surprise she drove straight towards the university, stopping in the underground garage.

Eli meanwhile walked back to her scooter and became visible again. She got on it and began to drive - also into the direction of the uni.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-03-16/1726:14>

#25

Frank ponders for a little while on the situation. They did crack wide open the running scam of their target, but they are no closer to get to him, and even less secure the blood samples. However, the still light headed exec waiting in his car, covered with alcohol, does offer an interesting opportunity...

>>>> Waywalker, I may have either a terrible or brilliant idea : what about snatching this guy ? If he never shows up, our mark might be tempted to use the blood sample at his diposale to locate him and discover what happen to him. It is risky, but it may give us a way to lure him out his lair for a trap...

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-04-16/1839:11>

#30

Waywalker receveid Franck's message and answered in a hurry:
"It may be a good idea, but I think it will take too much time, and we will lose our hot trail. I suggest to stick to the girls; maybe I can find something on the cameras of the university."
He ordered his fly Spy to follow the girl stealthily.
"What I'm about to do is a bit less stealthy...this look like a host that could benefit more of a brute force approach."

[spoiler] I switch interface to AR, send the command and then reboot my deck.
My configuration is A 5/S 3/D 2/F 6, running VM, Agent and Baby Monitor.
Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) (http://orokos.com/roll/442581): 9d6t5 2
Fly Spy Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/442582): 9d6t5 3
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/442580): 6d6t5 2
Brute Frce on the Host (http://orokos.com/roll/442584): 15d6t5 3
If I'm successful, I'll run silent and then enter the Host.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-05-16/0347:27>

[spoiler]
Host defense:
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/442699): 12d6t5 5
Your deck takes 2 points of Matrix damage

[/spoiler]

The attack on the host failed - instead its firewall send a nasty package back to Waywalker.

Meanwhile Gis walked through the dark basement and opened a door into the facility. The drone followed her perfectly as she made her way into a maze of old store rooms and disused labs. Finally she entered an abandoned seminar room full of old tables, disused magic props and - after she removed the cover from a n old trunk - a very modern looking freezer. From inside the trunk she removed gloves and a pair of large tweezers and pulled the frozen blood sample from the Dewar, placing it inside the freezer with what looked like over fifty others of its kind.

After she was done she covered up everything, left the room and locked the door again. Walking quickly back towards the garage.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-05-16/0602:09>

#26

Still tailing Eli, Frank smiled to himself when the drone feed reveals the hiding place of the blood samples.

>>> Waywalker, we finally got our break. We know where the samples are, for now at least. Hopefully, all of them are in this fridge. Now remains to see how to handle the blood mage itself. Darn, she drop the invisibility spell, I'll need to be more discreet now...

While manoeuvring his Falcon Ex to stay out of sight of Eli's bike as much as possible, Frank starts brainstorming in his head. With the blood samples located and the intel on the girl, maybe they could lure the blood mage into a trap ? Seizing his blood samples, maybe along with the girl, will certainly force him out. We could pretend to ransom him for either the samples, the girls or both... With Waywalker matrix skillset and his, maybe forcing the mage into a meeting in VR - then link locked him and either kill him or render him inconscious ? Shooking his head, Frank realized a lot of work was still to be done before their mark meets His maker...

[spoiler]
Following Eli on her scooter (http://orokos.com/roll/442723): 7d6t5 2
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-05-16/0734:45>

Waywalker's persona shook as malicious code and brute force fired back.
"At least, they do not know they were under attack..."
The drone feed showed that they hit the jackpot.
"We found it! Franck, I have an idea for a trap. We sneak in the university in a couple of hours, I leave the drone there so we can find the freezer, and then turn it down or somehow destroy the samples. We leave the drone as a spy, and when Anton or his girls come for checking it, we ambush them. Does it sounds like a plan to you? I'll check online if simply turning it off will destroy the samples."

[spoiler]I stop to run silent, and change Baby Monitor with Browse.
I want to find the freezer Icon, if it has one:
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/442743): 8d6t5 4
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/442744): 6d6t5 2
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/442745): 17d6t5 6
I want to know if simply letting blood samples at room temperature will destroy their utility, and in how much time:
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/442746): 8d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/442747): 6d6t5 3
Matrix Search to find about blood samples for ritual magic (http://orokos.com/roll/442748): 17d6t5 7[/spoiler]

#31

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-05-16/0752:59>

[spoiler]
The freezer has no icon, as it's a decades old model.

[/spoiler]

A quick search showed that blood and tissue samples needed to be frozen or they gradually lost their potential for a mystic link as the cells broke down and proteins denature. 24 to 48 hours was the range that they needed to stay at about 20°C to become useless.

Frank had no particular trouble following the girl through the late night with its very light traffic.
Somewhere en route she activated her commlink again. More important, she seemed to call Avascula again.

Gis meanwhile had left the parking garage.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-05-16/2124:14>

#27

As Frank spot the Commlink being activated, he switched his bike from manual piloting to GridGuide one, to be sure to be able to focus on his AR. "Darn, this is bad timing, we really to know what he is going to tell her or order her to do", the ghoul thinks to himself. "Well, time to take some risk, I guess..."

Firing his cyberdeck, Frank decides to brute force the commlink, in order to be able to snoop the communication. Certainly not the most subtle way of doing thing, but situation dictates some bold move.

[spoiler]
Cyberdeck Array (Fixed):
A S D F
7 6 2 3

Brute Force Eli's Commlink (pre-edge) (http://orokos.com/roll/442938): 13d6t5 2
Brute Force Eli's Commlink - reroll one 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/442939): 1d6t5 1
So a total of 3s to Brute Force so Commlink to get a MARK. If so, here is the Snoop communication:
Snoop communication between Eli and Anton (pre-edge) (http://orokos.com/roll/442940): 12d6t5 7
Snoop communication between Eli and Anton (reroll 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/442941): 5d6t5 3
So a total of 10s - limit of [6] does not apply, as the test is edged.

Assuming the Snoop action happens, no more edge for me today...
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-06-16/0236:02>

[spoiler]ResistResist (http://orokos.com/roll/443055): 8d6t5 1
Resist Snoop Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/443056): 8d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Frank was in the conversation within a second:
<<...in the museum. Wait, a warning came just on. Oh my god, someone just hacked my commlink. What should I do?>>
<<Turn it off.>> Click
<<Anton, Anton? Shit.>>
The conversation was over and about a second later the matrix icon vanished.

#46

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-06-16/1352:06>

#32

Waywalker was satisfied with his search result. "Certainly it is not an easy task to move all of the samples from the freezer."
Franck's feed was a joy for him to hear. "There is a time for brute force and one for subtlety, and I think we are in a brute force time. We need to speed up our chase. I suggest to follow the girl, and to ambush Anton. Does it sound good to you?"
Looking for the scooter Matrix Icon, Waywalker tried to MARK and trace it.
Then ordered his Fly Spy to stay there for monitoring the freezer, and called his Rotodrones to follow the girl from a safe distance,

[spoiler] Configuration: A 2/ S 5/ D 4/ F 4,running VM; Agent, Wrapper and Baby Monitor, NOT running silent.
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/443148): 8d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/443149): 6d6t5 1
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/443150): 15d6t5 3
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/443152): 8d6t5 1
Hack on the Fly (2 MARKs) (http://orokos.com/roll/443153): 12d6t5 4
Tracking Icon (http://orokos.com/roll/443154): 12d6t5 1[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-06-16/1525:07>

[spoiler]
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/443167): 8d6t5 3
You have your MARKs

Resist Trace (http://orokos.com/roll/443172): 5d6t5 3
You'll have to try again.
[/spoiler]
Waywalker had no trouble finding the scooter as it was logged into the ALI Grid Guide, but he had trouble pinpointing her location.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-06-16/1810:00>

#33

"You're a tough nut to crack or I'm losing my skills? I hope for the first one."
Waywalker still had his MARKs, so it was only a question of time before he pinpointed her.

[spoiler]Tracking Icon (http://orokos.com/roll/443200): 12d6t5 6 (I keep 4)
Pilot Aircraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/443201): 9d6t5 1[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-06-16/2207:01>

#28

As he reads Waywalker messages, Franck ponders. Part of him wanted to retract, disappear, let the mark get confortable again, and bid the time to strike. But, if he had learn anything as a hired assassin is that one must also know when to seize the moment to act. Especially with such a careful target. Anton will not breaks his habit easily, and finding a weak spot in his routine will certainly be difficult. With the samples located, the girl under observation, everthing is set for a proper ambush.

>>> OK, Waywalker, it's risky, but you are right, we need to seize the opportunity. Let's prepare our ambush. First, we need to decide how we want to tackle him. Our best move would be to strick using our matrix skills, but it is unlikely he will be having his commlink on (but if so, let's do this). So we'll need to have both your drone ready to strike and me hidden in a nice spot to shoot him - ideally from behind or at least a weak side...

As he talked, Frank also pulled the feeds from Waywalker drone, to see if he could already spot a nice "sniper nest". "OK, so he needs to stay in range of my guns, and I need a decent cover... Let's hope this time, it won't be in a middle of pile of garbage". While looking at the feed and keeping an eye on the girl he was following, Frank realized he always getting quite tired. "Hum, not the best time to set an ambush. Let's hope it will do..."

[spoiler]
Searching for a good spot to ambush Anton (http://orokos.com/roll/443234): 10d6t5 3

@Haywire: Franck has no more edge - thus the comment about being tired, so not sure it is wise to ambush Anton right away...
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-08-16/1707:52>

Waywalker thought about his options.
"Eli is on the run now, I could keep her tracked, just to be sure..."
His thoughts formed a message through the Matrix:
"Franck, let's change plans. Head with my van to the university, and turn off the freezer by any means. I'll keep it monitored with my drones. I'm not going in person because i think you're more suited than me for this kind of job.
We then assess the situation and get Anton geeked. Are you in?"

[spoiler]pilot groundcraft (http://orokos.com/roll/443770): 7d6t5 0
I'll jump in before it crashes pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/443772): 13d6t5 7
Matrix Perception for Giselle's car (http://orokos.com/roll/443773): 12d6t5 9
Hack on the Fly (2 MARKs) (http://orokos.com/roll/443774): 17d6t5 6
Tracking Icon (http://orokos.com/roll/443775): 12d6t5 4
I reconfigure my deck: A 5/ S 4/ D 4/ F 2, running VM, Wrapper, Agent and Baby Monitor.
Brute Force on the Host (http://orokos.com/roll/443776): 13d6t5 4[/spoiler]

#34

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-08-16/1727:05>

[spoiler]
You find the car
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/443777): 8d6t5 2
You have 2 MARKs, you Overwatch Score increases by 2

University hostResist (http://orokos.com/roll/443778): 12d6t5 5[12d6t5=1, 5, 1, 4, 4, 4, 6, 5, 2, 6, 6, 2]
Fail
You gain 1 Matrix Damage

[/spoiler]

Giselles car moved south - pretty exactly into the direction where Eli had come from.

The attack on the university host was answered with a nasty heat spike from the bad data feedback - brute force seemed not to be the answer to this problem.

#48

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-08-16/1757:28>

#29

>>> Roger, that. Joining your van right away.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-09-16/1843:45>

"I know a few of the rules of the Matrix, and one that never failed me is: If brute force doesn't work, you're not applying enough."

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/444060): 8d6t5 2
Brute Force on the Host (http://orokos.com/roll/444061): 15d6t5 6
If I have the MARK to enter, I'll start to run silent.[/spoiler]

#35

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-10-16/0422:59>

[spoiler]
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/444221): 12d6t5 4

By the way: Feel free to roll those resistance tests yourself to speed up the game.

Alterted Patrol IC looking for Intruders
Perception check (http://orokos.com/roll/444222): 10d6t5 4
[/spoiler]

The second try worked. Waywalker could enter the host but was immediately confronted with an alerted Patrol IC looking for the brute force hacker.

Meanwhile the signal from Eli and her scooter was heading also towards the south where she had came from.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-10-16/1652:00>

#36

"Another rule of the Matrix that saved my ass more times than I can count is: after throwing the brick, never be caught red-handed."
">>>Franck: Are you in? Give me some feedback, my drone does not see you."

[spoiler]I reconfigure my deck to A 2/S 6/D 3/F 4, running VM, Agent, Wrapper and Baby Monitor.
resist matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/444343): 11d6t5 2
Knowing it spotted me, I reconfigure as a free action: A 5/S 5/D 3/F 2, running VM, Agent, Wrapper and Baby Monitor.
Data Spike on the IC (http://orokos.com/roll/444344): 11d6t5 0
As my next action, I'll exit the host.
What is my current OS?[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-11-16/0326:52>

[spoiler]
Resist Dataspike:Resist Data Spike (http://orokos.com/roll/444468): 12d6t5 4
You get 4 unresisted matrix damage

You are now at 15 total OS

[/spoiler]

The brute force attempt backfired once again. Keeping an eye on the trackers, it became abundant clear, that the girls were both heading for the museum.

#50

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-13-16/0656:09>

#30

>> Darn, Waywalker you've been hit hard on this last round. Let me come to help - or maybe take over I'm going to change direction and head to the safehouse. Probably better to go full VR there than on my bike.

A few minutes later, Frank is back at the safehouse. His bike park downstair, not too far away, if he needs to bolt - one never know when one may triggered GOD, the ghoul set himself into the couch, and get ready to jump in VR... "Hum, this kind of stuff is not my speciality, but you gotta do what you gotta do...".

[spoiler]
@Haywire - I'll take the lead, as discussed, but I'll let you roll your teamwork first.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-13-16/1700:30>

"Roger that, Franck. You can safely go full VR in my van, if you wish to. I'll give you all the help I can, that host is hard."

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/445202): 8d6t5 0
Teamwork test (http://orokos.com/roll/445208): 13d6t5 5[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-14-16/1453:00>

#31

Reading Waywalker offer over the comms, Frank rethinked his plan, and replied to the decker:

>>> The van is a good idea indeed, rather than taking the chance to maybe compromise the safe house. Also, if we managed to get GOD on our ass, it will probably be a good thing to be mobile. And at last, with the van, no issue with noise. OK, I'll take my bike and meet your van and then joining in the matrix.

A few minutes later, the ghoul is all set onboard the van. Jumping into VR - in hot stim this time, the ghoul's Persona, a necromantic version of Humphrey Bogart (from Casablanca), fly through the public grid to connect to the University host, just next to Waywalker and his agent.

>>> Ok, here goes nothing...

[spoiler]
@Haywire, @Jack_Trade: I did not weaved that in the description, as I was not sure if it could fit, but if it can, I would like to have my bike loaded
into the van.

@Jack_Trade: Hot Stim and Public Grid maluses/bonuses are cancelling each other (unless I am mistaken).

Cyberdeck A S D F
Yak Killer 7 6 2 3
Programs loaded: Mugger, Biofeedback

Cybercombat: 5 so I take the 5d given by Waywalker. Limit for the roll is 8 (+1 because of teamwork).

Brute Force on University host (to get a MARK and go inside) (http://orokos.com/roll/445532): 16d6t5 3

So not excellent, but not terrible either... Let's see if I get lucky.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-15-16/0313:06>

[spoiler]
Guys, why are you all brute forcing?
And why aren't you going for a direct connection at the door itself?
You know that the girl has a key, do you?
Also, why are you hacking from the public grid if you could just use Cologne Grid without penalty - even without hacking?
You also have a drone inside that might be able to open a fire door.

Anyway:
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/445688): 12d6t5 5
2 Matrix damage and 5 points Overwatch
[/spoiler]

Frank powered himself up and attempted to hack the host himself. But Generations of computer science students who thought themselves to be hackers must have hardened the host: The matrix constructed rebuffed the attempt with ease, creating quite a bit of distress to Frank's hardware.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-17-16/1831:19>

#32

Matrix attacks failing one after the other, Frank opts to jack out before the situation become even worse.

>>> Waywalker, we need a new plan. Clearly opening the door remotely to access to the fridge is not going to cut it. I've lost tracks of where your drone where at - do you still have one close by the fridge ?

In his head, Frank starts to recap all that they have managed to learn about Anton whereabout and operations. Using some ecofriendly bullshit, and somekind of natural charm - whether magical or not, the blood mage turned two of his student in a very efficient "honeytrap" system. One seduces the target, and the other one helps administrate the drug, plus extract the sample. The man is über paranoid, so it seems he has entirely delegated this to his "female goons", who quite blindly (and stupidly for them) are the only ones actually commiting any crimes.

Now, locations. The first research came up with the first location - the one Frank nicknamed, the Loveboat. Then, there is the flat on the 13th floor, strangely devoted of any electronic devices, where the girl perform the final stunt of the "honeytrap plan". With the lone Watcher spirit patrolling around the flat, Frank recalls he had a strong impression that they may have found the hideout of Anton.And, last but not the least, the last location is this hidden and forgotten part of the Uni, where Anton stashed his fridge. The abandoned seminar room.

As the same time he collects theirs findings in his mind, Frank brings back the footage of the drone following Gis to the fridge, trying to assert if he - a Ghoul hidden in a trench coat and with a cow boy hat, could realisticaly sneaks inside the maze of corridors and abandonned labs. Thanks to Who-The-Frag rules this universe, the access to this section of the Uni is apparently through the garage, so getting there should be rather easy.

However, once there, there will be the matter of the lock. "What was the model of this thing again ?", the ghoul thought to himself, while searching the footage. "It looked remote enough, maybe I can get away this time by shooting the lock - with my silencer on, that is to say..."

Suddenly, Frank realizes he is in fact... yawning. "Well, it's been a long day already... I wish we could somehow postpone our plan. Between the girl noticing their commlink being hacked, Waywalker deck being almost bricked, and me being worn out, I'm not sure pressing on is a good idea".

[spoiler]

@Jack_Trade: the price to pay for play by post is that sometime you kind of forgot where you at and how you came to be there. So I decided to a sort of recap (and went back to read again some of your post). So please, if something in the recap I did sounds wrong, feel free to correct it.

Also, can you confirm (or infirmed) , as you suggested just before my #22 post, that the 13th Floor flat is indeed the hiding place of Anton ? Unless I've missed something there, it sounds strange that he would use his own flat to perform the honeytrapping, but maybe I've misunderstand something....

@Haywire: What do you think about the plan above ? Do I just go there and open the door, one way or an other ? I also think taking a night off, to refresh some edge may be a smart (if not courageous) move...

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-18-16/0315:05>

While Frank was thinking for the first time in a while with concentration he became aware, that until now they really only had found the tracks of the two girls. Anton was smart - that much was clear. He certainly would not associate with the abductions and drugging. Insofar it was probable that he wouldn't tell the girls where he really lived either, in case they were caught.

[spoiler]
Ah, I see how that could point you in the wrong direction:
The apartment on the 13th floor is sparsely furnished and shows no traces of a man living there. Your drones showed in fact that it most likely is only rented for the honey trap. The watcher gave you the impression that it's the mage's flat, but that turned out to be just the watchdog the mage has set up for the girls.

Btw: If you hadn't used Brute Force on the commlink of the girl you might have had a chance to locate Avascula on his link.

You could shoot out the lock, but that would - at a public building - raise an alert that one of the locks has been damaged and bring a security guard in.
What you'd usually do is opening the cover for the lock to get at the universal connector and then just hack the lock itself with a direct connection against 4 defending dice.

And in case I was to subtle about it before: THE GIRLS ARE HEADING TOWARDS THE MUSEUM WHERE ONE OF THEM HAS DRAWN A RITUAL CIRCLE. THIS LIKELY MEANS THAT THEY WILL NOW ENGAGE IN A RITUAL
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-18-16/1037:44>

#33

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade this is not the only thing where I feel a bit confused. Gis went back with the sample to an underground garage and then

Quote

"Gis walked through the dark basement and opened a door into the facility. The drone followed her perfectly as she made her way into a maze of old store rooms and disused labs."

=> This is the location i've named "abandonned seminar room".

From this description, I had the feeling that this is a public but rather abandonned part of the complex. So a muffled shot to a door would not be noticeable. But it sounds this place is far more public than I understood. Maybe I just missed how she went from the garage to the "dark basement".

Also, and I may be wrongn but I understood this was the door we tried to hack (and failed terribly to). The museum door is the public one, I already ran into this one earlier, and I know already that shooting the lock is clearly not an option there.

Also what kind of security exactly is on the door leading to the fridge ? Maglock ? Keypad ?

Sidenote: As for using Brute Force, it's only because my character sucks at Hack on the Fly. I was hoping to get a MARK, roll init and be able to perform a trace before he could disconnect. But that plan did not go well at all :) - to be fair, when I gm, my decker player NEVER use Brute Force, so I'm actually not so familliar with the trapping of it... Live and learn !
[/spoiler]

Still looking through the footage, Frank kept thinking. Clearly, the 13th Floor is just the honeytrap room - no chance for Anton to either be there or live there. That means, they still need to locate him, and the best way for that are the girls. Who are currently on their way back to the Museum the ghoul got stuck in front earlier this day.

Given the preparations that the girls were doing there, they are most likely to go back there to perform a magical ritual. Which means, they could actually be quite vulnerable. "Hum, there might be a chance for us to get to their commlink, if they are distracted enough.

>>> Waywalker, do you think we should keep trying to secure the blood sample or trying to take advantages of whatever ritual the girls are clearly about to do ?

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-18-16/1054:31>

[spoiler]
Yes, but you tried to hack remotely which means the lock gains the protection of the uni host, using its attributes to defend. A direct connection circumvents this protection.

The parking garage is underground and part of the building. The problem is not the noise of the shot, but that the lock is connected to the matrix. It's a standard electronic lock with a deadbolt and a transponder key.
Even if you just knock out the bolt perfectly that holds the door shut without creating inadvertently a short circuit which produces an error message, you'll still open a door that thinks it's locked, while the frame registers it's been opened, leading to an error message which will alert security to take a look at it. Mind you, it's not like they'll send an HTR team or anything, but you will get attention to the break in: A guy with a taser and a flashlight will wander by and take a look at the "malfunctioning" door. But bullet holes will likely get him to call the police.

The museum on the other hand doesn't have a matrix connected lock. That one can be broken. The problem there was just that it was pretty quiet so that even a silenced bullet would make a racket going through the metal.

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-18-16/1944:08>

#34

>>> Waywalker, we need to come to a decision. We can either go fetch the samples, but we'll need your hacking skills on the lock (not sure mine will do it), so you would have to be on site. Or we go and try to take advantage of the girl's ritual. Well, of course, we could also split, but it would very dangerous to say the least. I would rather have one of us as back up for the other. Now, we can be lucky, as, far as I know, a ritual will not happen in a few minutes. So we may be able to meet first to hack the door - hopefully without triggering any alert, retrieve the samples, and then go together to the ritual... What do you think ?

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade: thanks for the added information, really clarify the situation :)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-19-16/0408:44>

#38

Information flood Waywalker's mind as he tried to think clearly.
"Roger that, Franck. I have a drone spy on site to the fridge. If I run the van fast enough, we can go to the Uni, destroy blood samples, and then go to the museum without anyone noticing. Do you like this plan?"
Waywalker switched to AR, loosely moving his legs hurting for the long time in VR, and then went to the van. Positioning himself in the rigger cocoon, he stood still and limp as the sensory input from the van filled his mind.
Opening his eyes (pardon, lights), he warmed up the engine.
"Franck, hold on, I hope you don't suffer some speed!"
Arriving at the Uni parking Waywalker switched again to AR and tried carefully to get his way in the host by a direct connection.
Now, with a MARK on the door and on the Host, Waywalker quietly followed the signal to his drone, arriving at the fridge.
"I don't have seen one of these relics in my life, but I think that if we cut the alimentation, we'll be ok. What do you think, Franck?"
Looking for a power cord of some sort, he studied the fridge to put it out of function.

[spoiler]pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/447132): 13d6t5 7
hardware test (http://orokos.com/roll/447133): 10d6t5 5
Hack on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/447134): 13d6t5 4
lock resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/447135): 4d6t5 1
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-19-16/0422:47>

Very efficient, Waywalker removed the cover of the electronic lock, connected to it and opened the door with just another command.
Disabling the freezer was easy: He just had to unplug the cable. Looking inside he noticed that it was very cold and that a closed lid would draw out the thawing significantly. So just to be sure, he would have to prop the lid open and maybe take the bucket from under the sink beside the old blackboard, fill it with hot water and, speed the process a long. While thinking about it he also realized that he could just take the samples out and put them all in the sink and just keep running the hot water over them to guarantee that they would quickly become useless.

[spoiler]
You are missing a control device roll, but I just assume you are buying hits as well as the lock.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-19-16/1020:43>

#35

Still dizy from the ride - "Gosh, Waywalker drives like a maniac !" (or was it just hunger ?), Frank watches his partner work on the lock, and then the fridge, while keeping watch. Checking the time on AR, he gets calmer: "We're doing good. We may have still time to leverage the ritual to help our plans". As the rigger works on the fridge, Frank snaps a couple of pics of the samples, just in case the M.Johnson wants some proof. "I just hope the bastard has not pushed his paranoia to the point of having a back up fridge...".

As Waywalker packs his stuff, after working on the fridge, Frank pops up a AR window (no need to discuss out loud if we can avoid doing to).

>>>> OK, so now we rush to the ritual. What's the plan there ? Can we send some drone to do reckon ? We also have the issue of the door. I've been thinking, maybe we can try to get a "not so up to date" map of the building and trying to find an other way in ? What do you think ?

Not waiting Waywalker to reply, Frank climb back into the van and get ready to jump into VR...

[spoiler]
I guess we'll have to do a "quick" matrix search - if not maybe even hack a host to get a map, thus I'm not rolling anything yet, as we need to do some teamwork to reduce the search time.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-19-16/1505:46>

It only took a minute to find information on the museum: There is a back entrance to the old bunker that was remodeled to a loading ramp to deliver and cart away exhibits. The bad news was, that this entrance was even nearer to the room where the ritual circle was painted.
The museum otherwise was pretty much impenetrable - although no real expensive art was there: At the moment it housed a modernist exhibition of abstract statues made from reinforced concrete.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-22-16/2127:13>

#36

Quickly looking at the result of his matrix search, the beginning of plan comes to Frank minds...

>>> Waywalker, looking at the plan, an idea came to my mind. There is a door closer to the ritual. If we could create some ruckus there at the same time we shoot the bolt of the "front door", the girls may not hear us getting in. The trick is to produce a commotion big enough to cover us, while NOT making them interrupt their ritual. Maybe there is traffic enough around this door for you to just bring the van around, and make its tires screeches, Nothing to alarm, just sounding like somebody doing a last minute brake on the close by street.

The more he was looking at the facility, the less Frank could see an easy way in. Grasping at straws, Franks looks again and send his last idea to his partner in crime (literaly):

>>> Except for that, the only way in that could be somewhat discreet will by air .... Assuming we can find something to get inside from the rooftop, which looks unlikely. Do you have any way to carry us (or if it comes to that, only me) over ? Could still be nice for a quick evac if needed...

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade: if those suggestions does not matches how you see the entrance layout, can you put a pin on a google map (https://www.google.de/maps/place/K%C3%B6lner+Festungsmuseum/@50.9750307,6.9184009,8599a,20y,138.5h,43.7t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x47bf241cc480510d:0xe55d96755fbdd1e!2sK%C3%B6lner+Festungsmuseum!3b1!8m2!3d50.8986153!4d6.9825183!3m4!1s0x47bf241cc480510d:0xe55d96755fbdd1e!8m2!3d50.8986153!4d6.9825183)to show where the back entrance is ?

@Haywire took me a little while to dug back the link from the forum, so I paste it again for you to NOT have to do the same ;)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-23-16/0708:11>

[spoiler]https://www.google.de/maps/@50.8986802,6.9819264,3a,43.3y,130.64h,83.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s85PqQXsopqlIgeEe0wyiHw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Where the orange cart stands is the loading bay.

Here: https://www.google.de/maps/@50.8988352,6.9822156,3a,30.6y,142.98h,85.24t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sH5YgXbkHavNI7zMJxA1U2A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
is the front entrance.

If you want to go in from the top, you have the same problem as the front entrance.

But another tipp from your friendly GM:

Rituals usually take a few hours: You have the time to try to find a Monofilament Chainsaw, or buy a crowbar which doubles your strength for breaking open something.
Furthermore you can buy a Miniwelder almost everywhere (seriously that thing has availability 2 - just go into a DYI store)

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-23-16/1729:44>

#37

The more he looks at the maps and the pictures and videos available on the matrix the less Frank thinks an approach from the roof could work. The distraction nearby the loading bay could work, the road appears to have enough traffic. He is getting close to the museum, but still time for a last Matrix search..

>>> Waywalker, the distraction may work - or at least be feasible. Also, a quick search tells me that such magical ritual may last for some hours. We may have time to do some shopping to help us open the door discreetly...

[spoiler]

@Jack_Trade thanks for the tip, I expected the ritual to last several hours indeed, but I was not sure if it was common enough knowledge for my character to assume that. Regarding buying gear to help us, I would expect that monofilament or something like that might be difficult to get in such short term (due to Availability), but Frank and Waywalker might be able to find something helpful at the local hardware store.

If it is OK with both you and Haywire I would propose to abstract that and just say that our character stops by such shop buy X nuyens worth of tools to help them open the door as discreetly as possible (giving us Y bonus dice to the roll open it).

(otherwise, I'm going to have to look at some video tutorial on youtube on how to grease and lock pick old doors :) - but that's OK too !)

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-24-16/0326:30>

[spoiler]
Things over 100 Nuyen normally take one day to find - but only if you want them delivered.
A micro welder has an AVA of 2, so you should have no problem picking that one up from a store.
The saw is AVA 8, so you'll need a store a tiny bit more specialized.
The crowbar has AVA - so can be readily bought everywhere.

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-24-16/0713:30>

#39

Looking through the catalog of a Matrix DIY store, Waywalker readily searched for a nice microwielder to open the door stealthily.
"Franck, I think we can do the distraction with my van. I'm not well versed in mojo, but I suspect that a ritual needs concentration...If you like the plan, we could have one of my drones recon the room for us, assess the situation and then decide our course of action. Our striking force is you and my three rotodrones."

[spoiler]Finding microwileder (http://orokos.com/roll/448998): 5d6t5 1
Microvielder avaibility (http://orokos.com/roll/448999): 2d6t5 1[/spoiler]
Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) (http://orokos.com/roll/449000): 9d6t5 1
Stealth for Fly Spy (http://orokos.com/roll/449001): 9d6t5 1

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-24-16/0726:17>

The Fly-Spy made good time towards the museum. The first thing it noticed was that the loading bay had a 7.5-ton transporter parked there, ready to load or unload. According to its sides it was a rental truck. Likewise the Jackrabbit and the Dodge Scoot were parked next to it.

By now it was close to 0300h and whatever else was happening in the sprawl, the site around the museum was quite devoid of any other nightly dwellers.

#58

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-24-16/1722:19>

With the samples destroyed, Waywalker was pretty sure that the easiest part of the job was done.
The recon from the drone did not report anything of interest, so he tried to spice things up by having the drone go unnoticed like last time in the ritual room.

[spoiler]Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/449139): 13d6t5 6
Stealth for Fly Spy (http://orokos.com/roll/449140): 9d6t5 2
Fly Spy Perception (EW) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/449141): 17d6t5 6[/spoiler]

#40

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-24-16/1754:02>

#38

Looking at the search result for a microwelder from Waywire, Frank picked the place the closest to the museum and its current location, but also one with no interaction with a (meta)human vendor was needed. "Not sure StufferShack pays anyone enough to sell stuff to ghouls...". Broadcasting one of his fake SINs, Frank discreetly enters the shop - hiding his face, but not acting too suspiciously, picks up the microwelder and using the available ARO to pays for the transaction before trying to leave the shop as fast as possible...

[spoiler]
Not helped by the dice on this one:

Enters discreetly in the shop to buy a micro-welder (http://orokos.com/roll/449147): 7d6t5 0

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-25-16/0343:48>

The night clerk showed no particular interest in anything beyond his AR game, so buying the micro welder was nothing more than a bit of tension for Frank.

Meanwhile the Fly-Spy tried to enter the ritual room the same way as before. To his dismay the door was locked this time and the key blocked the keyhole. Turning around and flying in from the other side was stopped by black cloth that had been draped over all the small windows. Using the sensors to switch to thermographic vision Waywalker could at least ascertain that there were three heat sources inside one of which was taller than the other two. A low level chanting showed three voices, two female and one male.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-25-16/0352:11>

#39

Ghouls are creatures of the night and Frank guess, they therefore owns it ! Anyway, equipped with his new shiny tool, Frank jumps on his bike and urges back to the museum door...

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade I guess I need a untrained test of Locksmith to open the door ?
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-25-16/0459:34>

[spoiler]
Not at all. You just do 25 damage vs. a soak roll of 18, which as you can see is doomed to fail. It takes you one complex action to open the lock - permanently

And please:

The name is Jack_Spade as in Sam Spade or the Jack of Spades or the Jack who clobbers people to death with a spade ;)

[/spoiler]

With this new tool, opening the front door was no trouble at all. Through the silent halls of the museum the low chanting could be heard like the murmur of waves on the shore. Frank spotted a single watcher making it's ways through the walls like a lost phantom. He was pretty sure that he had not been noticed as the construct didn't change its course.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-25-16/0554:33>

#40

"Time to sneak in discreetly" Frank says to himself. One last look at the feeds from the drone before shutting down the AR (can't have the distraction), and the ghoul move inside the quiet building - with his gun in its hands.

[spoiler]
Sneak into the museum (http://orokos.com/roll/449314): 7d6t5 1
Assenssing anything spot in the museum Astral (if needed) (http://orokos.com/roll/449315): 9d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-25-16/1006:56>

[spoiler]Perception check (http://orokos.com/roll/449349): 8d6t5 3[/spoiler]

Frank got as far as the locked door, when suddenly the watcher reappeared through the wall and came face to face with the ghoul.
The watcher turned and flitted away through the closed door.

Suddenly, heavy steps that sounded like stone on stone could be heard closing in on the door.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-25-16/1223:07>

#41

"Oh oh" Frank mutters to himself - using humor as a defense mechanism. "Clearly, the little spirit has called the big one, now it is time to ... run". Frank jets away from his position trying to remember from the footage a place he could hide. "If the large spirit does not find me when it arrives at my location, I may have a chance..."

>>> Waywalker, I think I've been made by a Watcher spirit and that they sending a bigger on to my position. Do you have eyes on the incoming ?

[spoiler]
Trying to remember a hiding spot - away from the museum door (http://orokos.com/roll/449369): 10d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-25-16/1334:02>

Frank remembered a good hiding place behind a large display case - unfortunately he would have to move fast and silently to reach it.

[spoiler]
Sneak check please ;)

[/spoiler]

#62

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-25-16/1346:55>

#42

Adreline surges helping, Frank manages to move away both quickly, and rather discreetly, to reach the hidding spot he remembers. All that remains to see now is - will this plan works ?

>>> Waywalker, I hope to have find a nice spot to hide, but if it fails I hope you'll be able to send some drone to support me.

"Support me while I flee or at least carry my dead body out of here. At least Waywalker can get the bounty on my ghoul-head as a thank you note. Well, here goes nothing..."

[spoiler]
Hides away from where he was spot (http://orokos.com/roll/449425): 7d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-25-16/1405:17>

[spoiler]
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/449430): 9d6t5 4

Ini time: Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/449431): 9+1d6 15

[/spoiler]

The door opened and a roughly humanoid form stomped out. The smell of recently cured concrete filled the air as the thing moved with surprisingly quick steps in Frank's direction, it's stumpy hands raised into fists.

through the open door Frank was able to see three figures standing inside a circle, marked by candles.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-26-16/0531:52>

#42

[spoiler]
Initiative against the "stumper" coming his way (http://orokos.com/roll/449737): 1d6+9 15

Draw, so my Edge is 3, Reaction is 2 and Coin is Face :)

My weapon is already ready, so I'll use a Simple Action to shoot at it (with silencer on) and an other to Take Cover behind something, like a old piece of furniture.

Frank shoots at Stumper (http://orokos.com/roll/449738): 13d6t5 9

As move around I can also roll my defense test for its attack:
Frank tries to dodge attack from Stumper (http://orokos.com/roll/449739): 9d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Frank jumps to cover and fire one round at the creature...

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-26-16/0728:50>

[spoiler]
Since the thing doesn't have edge, you go first.
The thing doesn't dodge

I assume you have aimed, so your Limit is 8. That leaves us with 8+8 DV AP-2

Normally this would be Reinforced Material, but since it's fresh concrete, we'll go with heavy structural material:
12 Body Armor 20

Your bullet doesn't do enough damage to surpass the remaining Armor 18, so it's stun and therefore ignored.

You literally can't hurt it with your gun unless you go in for a vitals shot, load APDS or spend edge and get really, really lucky.

And for the curious: This is a Force 8 Homunculus, made by a mage with Greater Ritual out of reinforced concrete.

Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/449748): 14d6t5 4[14d6t5=3, 2, 3, 4, 6, 5, 5, 3, 2, 1, 1, 5, 1, 4]
Frank's Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/449746): 9d6t5 4 [9d6t5=1, 1, 5, 5, 5, 1, 3, 2, 6]

[/spoiler]

The shot hit, clear and centered as the thing didn't even attempt to dodge. But for all the damage it did, Frank could have spit at it as well. Unerring and with deceptive speed the thing close in on the ghoul and swung one of its concrete fists at his face. Frank managed to dodge but felt the rough material scrape across his shoulder. This was a fight where the brute force advantage lay overwhelmingly with his opponent.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-26-16/0815:04>

#43

Almost struck by the magical monster, Frank bolts and start running for his life. "I hate spirit and such. I really do". Despite the fact that his gun was more and less useless, Frank keeps it in his hand, but start retreating as quickly as a he can toward the musuem door. "This operation went to shit so fast. We'll need to rethink our plan..."

>>> Waywalker ! I need your support, can you have your drone fire some suppressive fire to stop this thing while I run away ?

[spoiler]
We need to wait for Waywalker to join in, but for now Frank will be retreating and switching to Full Defense.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-27-16/1456:51>

"Roger that Franck! Keep going, air support is arriving!"
While in his rigger cocoon Waywalker went in VR hot-sim using his RCC, then jumped in a Rotodrone and ordered the other two to take aim and fire at will at the vitals of the thing.

[spoiler]Theme Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lxlQITXBAQ
Drone #1 Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/450265): 4d6+6 22
Drone #2 Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/450266): 4d6+6 22
waywalker initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/450267): 5d6+5 20
Drone #1 firing (http://orokos.com/roll/450268): 7d6t5 4
Drone #2 firing (http://orokos.com/roll/450269): 7d6t5 4
Waywalker's shot (http://orokos.com/roll/450270): 13d6t5 4

All shots are called shots

[/spoiler]
#41

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-27-16/1641:22>

[spoiler]
Please feel free in future to complete the attacks
You are entering the fight late, so you start with -10 to your ini, but you are still over the concrete man:

Once again it's not evading your shots:

14 DV AP-2 is below it's modified Armor of 16, all stun and therefore no effect.

On the plus side, it has a new target now: Grabbing a massive piece of art, it throws at the drone:
Throw (untrained) (http://orokos.com/roll/450304): 5d6t5 2
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/450305): 6d6t5 2

Glancing blow.
[/spoiler]

The golem like figure shrugged of the shots from the AK drones, but at least it ignored Frank for the moment. Instead it grabbed an exhibit that looked like a half molten cooking pot and threw it after the left most drone. The piece connected, but the trajectory was to low for it to do more than make the drone wobble for a moment.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-28-16/0408:37>

Waywalker and his drones fired recklessly at the concrete golem.

[spoiler]I shooted 3 hits the last round, does this count for lowering its armor (2 from the drones, 1 from me jumped in)?
Drone #1 firing (http://orokos.com/roll/450461): 7d6t5 1
Drone #2 firing (http://orokos.com/roll/450463): 7d6t5 3
Waywalker's shot (http://orokos.com/roll/450464): 13d6t5 7
All shots are called shots.
[/spoiler]

#42

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-28-16/0954:16>

[spoiler]
I'm afraid, that's not how this works: Soak is not reduced by more attacks.
But Waywalkers shot almost had a chance to do damage: 17 DV AP-2 vs. 20 Armor -2 is missing one point for more damage.

I repeat: You need to use Called Shot: Vitals Shot. This reduces your dice by 4 but you gain +2 DV
Alternatively: explosive ammo or APDS could help you.

So it's 19DV AP-2 vs. 20 Armor

So: Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/450860): 18d6t5 4 [18d6t5=4, 3, 4, 1, 5, 2, 3, 1, 1, 2, 6, 2, 3, 4, 4, 2, 5, 6]
15 DV vs. 14 soak boxes.

RIP
[/spoiler]

The hail of bullets that came down on the golem did nothing but produce ricochets - until Waywalker centered his shots directly at the base of the thing's neck. The head broke off and the thing tumbled to the ground, an iron girder still sticking out.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-29-16/1357:50>

#43

"Franck, the golem is down! We have done a lot of noise, we should try to geek Antonio before he runs away. Go in with my Rotodrones."
Waywalker's Rotodrone scanned the entrance with its sensors to be sure they weren't going in a big, concrete trap.
Waiting for Franck to follow, he sent one of his Rotodrones as vanguard, then entered with the other and the one he was jumped in.

[spoiler]Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/450963): 9d6t5 4
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/450964): 15d6t5 6
Sensors (EW) perception (http://orokos.com/roll/450965): 15d6t5 2
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-29-16/1747:56>

#44

Coming out of cover to follow the drones, Frank was a bit in shock... "Gosh, Waywalker managed to put this thing down, it's pretty incredible - I thought we were utterly fucked, but we may have a chance". As the ghoul still tries to be discreet, more to not be the first target if it comes to that, he follow the drone, his weapon in hand, ready to shoot whoever comes first. "I don't like that though, I think a retreat to think again and design a new plan would have been more my style. Well, that is probably the way of the lone assassin, but I'm in a team now - even if it's a duo...."

>>> Right behind your drones buddy. Thanks for the assist. Hope we can take him down despite the element of surprise, but please bring around the van so that we have an escape plan if all of this goes to shit...

"Here goes nothing" thought the ghoul...

[spoiler]
Following the drones discreetly as they rush into the ritual room (http://orokos.com/roll/451099): 9d6t5 6
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-30-16/0506:59>

Unsurprisingly someone had locked the door again. Frank had to take out his new micro welder again to quickly destroy the lock. When he opened the door he wisely stepped behind it to let the drones through.

But those were greeted by an opaque force field. Through the haze, the drones could see the two girls, both obviously deep in concentration on whatever spells they had woven, while just at this moment a man that had to be Anton had opened the back door of the room and was sprinting away in the direction of the loading ramp.

[spoiler]
Giselle: F6 Physical Barrier (http://orokos.com/roll/451290): 14d6t5 5
Resist drain (http://orokos.com/roll/451291): 10d6t5 2
Takes three Stun.

5 Body 5 Armor barrier, visibility penalty equal to light fog (-1)

Eli: F6 Mana Barrier (http://orokos.com/roll/451292): 14d6t5 6
Resist drain (http://orokos.com/roll/451293): 10d6t5 5
No Drain

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-30-16/1838:38>

#44

Waywalker and Franck hit the jackpot. The two girls stood and covered Anton's exit.
Reacting as quickly as thought, he said to Franck'c commlink:
"The drones will shoot the girls, I'll try to get Anton before we lose him!"
The lead from the drones covered the opaque barrier, while he ran out of the building checking the Fly-Spy feed on the loading bay and rushing with the Rotodrone.

[spoiler]
waywalker initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/451455): 5d6+5 21
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/451456): 13d6t5 5
Drone Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/451454): 4d6+6 20
Drone #1 firing (http://orokos.com/roll/451452): 11d6t5 2
11 DV AP - 2 to the barrier
Drone #2 firing (http://orokos.com/roll/451453): 11d6t5 3
11 DV AP - 2 to Giselle[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-30-16/1908:25>

[spoiler]
You are shooting with a penetrating weapon at the barrier, which means it's taking one point of damage and the rest is transfered to your target behind:
Giselle Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/451467): 8+1d6 10
Giselle tries to evade: Full Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/451465): 13d6t5 3
Full Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/451466): 12d6t5 4
She's done for this round
The barrier took 2 points of damage. 3 more and it's down.

Eli: Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/451469): 8+1d6 11
Casting: Animate object on drone: Animate Object F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/451470): 12d6t5 3
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/451471): 10d6t5 4
1 Point of Stun
Drone resists: Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/451472): 15d6t5 5
Spell fails.

[/spoiler]

With a scream Giselle jumped aside as the two drones started to shoot at her. Her friend tried to cast a spell on the lead drone, but whatever she wanted to achieve it seemed not to work.

The Flyspy reported a man ignoring the truck and instead sprinting over the street, heedless of the minimal traffic at this hour. Two seconds later, the empty truck started up.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-31-16/0540:34>

#45

Rushing toward their now fleeing target, Anton - who courageously leaves his lovers behind him, Frank stops the minute he has a clear line of sight, and shoot...

[spoiler]
Frank initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/451692): 9+1d6 15

If possible Frank move towards Anton (using all his movement so 10m) and stops when he get a clear shot, and Frank spends a Simple Action to Aim. Also with number of modification in his cybereyes, I guess he can waive off any penalties regarding visibility due to the light fog.

Shooting Anton (http://orokos.com/roll/451693): 14d6t5 4 - so 13P

I'm not sure if Frank needs to pass the Phyiscal Barrier, but if he does...

Physical Barrier blocking Frank shot (http://orokos.com/roll/451695): 10d6t5 3

Leaving 10P reaching Anton. (if he can't reach Anton, this bullet goes to the other girl).
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <10-31-16/0701:52>

[spoiler]
Again, penetrating weapon rules, you bullet only loses 1 point of damage
Anton is out of sight before you can target him.

Eli also uses Full Defense:
Full Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/451701): 13d6t5 4
Grazing hit, no effect.

[/spoiler]

Both girls now had to dive for cover since now Frank also started to take pot shots at Eli. Stands of her blond her fell to the floor were his bullet went through her long flowing mane. Both were screaming now, incoherently begging for their lives.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <10-31-16/1637:24>

#45

Waywalker saw the feed of the drones, so sent them a command to spray suppressive fire.
"I do not want the girls dead, maybe they will be reasonable after all..."
Waywalker lined the rifle and shot Anton with a hail of bullets.
In a matter of seconds, a mechanic voice was produced by the two drones, while keeping the area suppressed with bullets:
"We do not want you killed. Surrender and we'll spare you."

[spoiler]Current Initiative: Waywalker 11 - Drones 10
Waywalker's shot to Anton (http://orokos.com/roll/451862): 19d6t5 6
11 DV, AP -2, FA so -6 to defence
Drone #1 suppressive fire (http://orokos.com/roll/451864): 11d6t5 6
11 DV AP - 2, -6 to all actions for the girls
Drone #2 suppressive fire (http://orokos.com/roll/451865): 11d6t5 2
11 DV AP - 2, -2 to all actions for the girls (total -8)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <10-31-16/2044:47>

#46

"But fight and I'll eat you !" add Frank, while showing his ugly face, on top of his gun.

>>> Good call, Waywalker, with Anton on the run, any intel they have might be our best chance to find him and finish. We do need to act quickly, however. If he managed to retreat to any sort of stronghold he may have, our chance to sucess will go down. Where you able to dispatch a drone to follow him ?

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade let us know if we need to teamwork a Cha + Intimidation test for this. We think we are bad ass, but maybe the girls are not going to be that impress :)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-01-16/0654:41>

It takes a few moments of not shooting for the girls to calm down enough so they can raise their hands and cower on the wall. Both had dropped their spells and left the ritual circle, in the middle of which stood a lifelike humanoid statue made from solid metal. As it turned out the ritual to animate this thing had been interrupted just before completion.

Meanwhile in the streets, the drone fired at the retreating figure. The bullets hit its back and for a split second it looked like they had had no effect, but than the person crumbled to the ground and an amazing amount of blood began to pour forth and on the ground.

Meanwhile the transporter had steered itself out of the lot and on the street.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-01-16/0925:54>

#47

Still aiming at the girls, but not firing, Frank looks at the girls: "Good. Stay still now. No funny business, because... well, I am feeling hungry" concludes the ghoul with a nasty grin.

>>> Waywalker, we will be the luckiest bastard in the city if the guy who just went down was Anton - I'm pretty sure he is in the truck moving away. But maybe we can leverage this. Maybe your rotodrones can stick around the corpse, but you fly spying one follow the truck ?

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <11-01-16/1702:34>

#46

"Roger. I'd rather be a dandelion-eater poser than let that truck go away! While you are there, why don't you ask some question to our friends?"
Swiftly jumping from the rotodrone to the Fly-Spy, Waywalker rushed to the truck at maximum speed.

[spoiler]Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/452181): 13d6t5 4
Fly Spy Perception (EW) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/452182): 15d6t5 7
Matrix Perception on Truck (http://orokos.com/roll/452185): 12d6t5 6 (I keep 5)
Stealth for Fly Spy (http://orokos.com/roll/452183): 9d6t5 3[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-01-16/1755:10>

The matrix signal of the truck was clear as day: It's auto pilot was engaged and had linked up with the ALI grid guide. The vehicle was more than happy to proclaim that it was a rental and would be free to rent again within the hour.
The mirrored glass didn't allow the drone to look inside directly and the insulation was to good for IR to penetrate.

The girls had reached the point where they began to cry and shiver - Frank had to remind himself that this weren't enemy shadow runners or corp mages but two second semester students who probably didn't know many more spells than what he had witnessed them do already.

Giselle was the first to get a grip on herself. With a halting, trembling voice she asked: "Wha... what do you want from us?"

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-02-16/0814:30>

#48

Before he got infected, Frank was kind of womenizer - or at least he believes so. Back then, if a girl at his mercy where to ask him what he would have wanted from her would have certainly very different, and coming from below his belly, not from it.... Anyway, as it is no time for lunch, the ghoul carries on:

"Actually, we want nothing from you. We want your boss - if you cooperate, we will both let you go, which is more than the cops would have done for you if they found out about your extra-curricular activity. In short, you messed with many people by playing the honeytrap for Anton, and you should be getting shot right now, and you just got landed a free, get out of jail card. Do take it by telling us anything you know about Anton, and especially where the frag is he running to now..."

>>> Waywalker, do you confirmation on the body outside ? Is it the freaking mage ? Or did he somehow escape us during all this commotion ?

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-02-16/1043:25>

Eli cut in before her friend could speak: "Please, that wasn't... we didn't hurt them. It was only a little bit of blood. Anton only want's to help. Those guys are doing immense harm to the environment..."
She stopped when she saw Frank's displeased facial expression - or maybe it was the hunger that shone through.
"He told us to barricade the door and seal the astral. I don't know were he went. He never took us to his home."
Giselle cut in: "Well, actually..."
Eli turned around, suddenly with a fierce glare of unadulterated jealousy and hatred: "Oh no, you fucking slitch."
Giselle answered mockingly: "You are one to talk. You've been mooning for him since we met him. And for your information, it wasn't that special. Although he really does know how to cast magic fingers..."

#72

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-02-16/1055:02>

Frank barks at the students: "Girls! Hungry ghoul with a gun on time schedule. If you really want to sort this out, I'll be happy to reconvene later to see wrestle in bikinis in a pool of mud!"

Turning to Eli: "...But before going all medieval on your friend face, remember that by being a slitch she may have just save your life."

And now turning to Gis with a big smile: "Giselle is your name right ? So, as you may hear by my silly accent, I am french, so I'm certainly not judging for your double timing behavior. In my book , more sex is better than none. Especially, in your case, where this little happenstance may have just save both your life.... So where did this little Quid Pro Quo happen ?"

Frank finds this a all situation refreshing. It's nice to see that despite BTL, Technomancer, HMHVV and whatnot, there is still some good, old fashion shenanigans happenings... "Kids will be kids, I guess".

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-02-16/1153:28>

"Alright, alright. He made me wear a blind fold. A bit kinky, but you know, I kinda liked it. Had to turn my commlink off also, but... when he was asleep I turned it back on to read my mails. Really bad connection, somewhere underground. Öffgasse 1 Wesseling (https://www.google.de/maps/place/%C3%96ffgasse+1,+50389+Wesseling/@50.83099,6.9755301,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x47bf218eb95f7829:0x3ab87230c7bca563!8m2!3d50.83099!4d6.97748), right next to the Rhine. I think he has boat there."

Meanwhile, Waywalker's drone witnessed as the prone form and the pool of blood it lay in vanished completely.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-02-16/1218:50>

#49

"Blinfold ? Kinky ? Gosh, she is young and inexperienced indeed. This Anton is really a sleaze bag" - Frank disgusts for his mark grows again, while he start looking the place. "The corpse was an illusion, no surprise there, but it is quite excellent Anton has no idea, Gis know where his hideout is."

>>> Waywalker, we have a good chance to mount a proper operation against Anton and surprise him in his hideout. However, I don't think we can let the girls go right now. If he knows they are alive, he may infer they talked and tell us something of value (and then come to suspect his hideout is blown). I am guessing Anton has all he needs to magically track them so we would need to hide them in a safehouse with either ward or a lodge ? Fuck, this is going to be difficult to hide them and make him believe they are dead...

Killing them would sooo much easier, but Frank is not yet such a motherfragger - and of course, this would go completly against his "Assassin Creed of Honor" code.

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade Unless you are not OK with it, I spent 20 points of Karma to raise my edge to 4
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-02-16/1645:27>

[spoiler]
Edge is the one attribute you may raise at any time for any reason

Also, tracking the girls probably isn't Anton's most pressing concern, otherwise he wouldn't have abandoned them. Knocking the girls out will probably be enough to give you an hour's time to do that. If you race directly to the address you might get there before Anton does.
[/spoiler]

Eli piped up: "You've got what you wanted, can we go now, please?"

#74

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <11-02-16/1836:52>

#47

"Franck, I suggest to not bother more with the girls. Simply tell them with your worst face that if they tell anything of tonight or speak to Anton we will ruin their lives. I think that should take care of it. Now, we got an advantage: I've got my drone on the truck and my van can rush us to the hideout. What about a speed race? Hop in the van and hold tight!"

Waywalker ordered his Fly Spy to stay on the truck, the Rotodrones to land on the van, and then jumped in, pulling its engine to its limits.

[spoiler]pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/452698): 13d6t5 3
May I use my Duisburg Knowledge to know something on the zone of the flat?
Duisburg Knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/452699): 8d6t5 2[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-03-16/0540:14>

[spoiler]
No, Duisburg is about an hour's drive away from that address.

But still, it's no problem getting there in time if you move quickly.

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-03-16/1249:16>

#50

Frank does not like the idea of running behind the mage, with no real plans, neither reckons, but clearly the tactical advantage of pushing on right away is great. "This is why I hate shadowrunning and prefer plain and simple assassination: careful planning". So many things could wrong by letting the girls go, they could easily send a spirit or message to Anton, he could track them and figures out one of them may have known and tell about his boat... But, even a jaded monster (literally) like Frank could not resolve to gun down those two somewhat innocent young girls.

"OK, so here is the deal ladies. You are going to stay here for the next two to three hours and play possum. If the magical circle here somehow prevents people to track you in the astral, perfect, if not cast a spell to do so if you can. We will keep eyes on you and have our drones come back and shot you dead if you leave here before we tell you or try to use your commlinks. Once we'll be done with our "chat" with your lover, we will let you go."

Leaving the girls, the ghoul rushes to his motorbike and program the GridGuide to take him there. In the meantime, Frank plans to check out the feeds from the drones that Waywalker sent on site as soon as it arrives... Oh, and maybe also, open the little box hidden in the motorbike compartment with some liver leftover. This all mess has made the ghoul pretty pickish...

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade if you want I can roll Intimidatin or Con, but in both case I'm defaulting (Cha -1) to one dice. However, I would assume we scarred already the shit out of them, which would give me some bonuses to the roll..
[/spoiler]
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-03-16/1312:51>

[spoiler]
That's a fair assumption and I certainly don't want to bog you down when you've just started to gain momentum again ;)

[/spoiler]

The girls nodded, looking nervous towards the small drone hovering under ceiling with the assault rifle pointing in their direction.

The late hour allowed the two runners to move with enough speed to reach their target within 20 minutes.

The address belonged to an old industrial building complex that in part was still active. Looking for a boat they found a small areal that looked like a private lot: behind a chainlink fence a veritable jungle of trees and bushes obscured the house behind. The garage entrance led down a ramp and indicated a larger than usual cellar.

Beside the garage door the only two other access ways were through the water to the small pier and through the door in the chain link fence. Nothing a micro welder couldn't manage, but likely an option, that would arise suspicion if not alert from a home security system.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <11-03-16/1709:25>

#48

The trip to the address was a rush. Waywalker got here in 20 minutes instead of 1 hour.
"Speed limits are for SINners... or runners who don't dare to cross GridGuide."
During the road, he had his RCC reconfigured to use again his Fly-Spy...he checked the feed from the Rotodrone at the Museum, just to be sure the girls did not do anything to jeopardize the run.
Arrived at Anton's place with some advantage, he switched personas from his RCC to his cyberdeck, and looked for some Matrix activity in the boat.

[spoiler]Persona stats: A 2/S 4/D 4/F 5, running silent, with VM, Agent, Wrapper, Toolbox.
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/453063): 6d6t5 1
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/453064): 6d6t5 1
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/453065): 12d6t5 2
Fly Spy Perception (EW) (http://orokos.com/roll/453066): 9d6t5 5

where is the truck? Are any commlink signals from inside it? [/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-03-16/1819:40>

The truck had arrived at the rental agency and showed no signs of moving again.
Anton's commlink was still not active.
The pier was empty.

Five minutes later, the Fly Spy detected a car that got rapidly closer to their position: An old GMC Bulldog without active matrix signal.

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-04-16/0715:07>

#51

Seeing the car on the AR feeds, Frank tries move around to have a decent line of sight of the car, to observe it in the Astral.

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade I guess there is a way from Frank to astrally see the car and just confirms that whoever is inside is magically active (no assenssing, just spoting the aura. Let me know if you want me to roll something for that.
[/spoiler]

>>> Waywalker, assuming this is our target, do we simply try to crash his car ? You might be able to do that with the drone or the van. On my side I'll find a nice spot to shoot him. What do you think ?

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-04-16/0727:45>

[spoiler]
Sorry, auras don't extend outside the car - and the car has wifi disabled

Windows are tinted by default, so no visual detection either.

On the other hand it's after midnight and this is the only piece of traffic at the moment.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-04-16/0819:49>

#52

Looking at the dark, opaque spot moving throught the astral, Frank shrugs "Well, that was worth a try anyway".

>>> Waywalker, I can't confirm the mark is in the car, but I guess we can take the risk. If you are OK with my plan, and are ready to crash the car, I'll find a nice, in range spot to hide and finish him off with some gunslinging when the bastard attempt to get out of wreckage...

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <11-05-16/0802:57>

#49

"Roger! Be ready for a hell of a show!"
Waywalker switched personas with his RCC, then jumped in the van.
Going at a high speed, he aimed for crashing in the side of the Bulldog.
A brief moment before the crash, he jumped out of the van and in the Rotodrone.
[spoiler]
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/453564): 13d6t5 4
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/453565): 9d6t5 1
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/453566): 13d6t5 2
Body 12, Speed 3 (5 with control rig), I aim for the side of the van.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-05-16/1027:32>

[spoiler]
Fun, fun, ram. ;D

First, this is a handling environment not a speed environment. The GMC Armadillo has Body 13 Armor 10
Speed is 4 at 80m/turn therefore Body x2 DV

Your target is a GMC Bulldog BOD 16 Armor 12
Driver goes full defense:
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/453593): 15d6t5 6 But thanks to his handling he can't use more than 3 successes. Tough luck.

One Net Success, 27 DV AP -6
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/453594): 22d6t5 7
20 Damage: Car is totaled.
Driver Damage: Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/453595): 19d6t5 8
Spending Edge to reroll misses:
Soak Rerolls (http://orokos.com/roll/453597): 11d6t5 2
17 DV
Driver is paste

Damage to Ramming Van:
14 DV AP -6
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/453599): 18d6t5 8

6 DV Car is still operational:
Autopilot tries to get car back under control:
Control (http://orokos.com/roll/453600): 7d6t5 4
Car stops and notifies you that it had an accident.
[/spoiler]

The hell of a show went according to plan: The GMC Armadillo accelerated down the short stretch of road, precisely at the right moment as the GMC Bulldog came into sight. The driver tried to avoid the collision, but the heavy van wasn't quite agile enough to avoid being hit just right behind the rear axle. The car suddenly spun like a top before crashing at full speed into a tree, wrapping itself around it like a particular ugly decoration.

The Armadillos right front lights were smashed, but the car still worked and the auto pilot brought it to a stop, signaling that it had just been in a severe accident.

Frank walked over to the destroyed car: The windows had shattered and even though the airbag had deployed it hadn't been enough to safe the driver. Blood was everywhere. Freeing his head from the deflated airbag revealed the severely deformed face of Anton.

#79

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <11-05-16/1431:53>

#50

Witnessing the scene from his privileged point of view up in the air, Waywalker enjoyed the show. The thought that his body was safe in his rigger cocoon while Anton died made him smile.
"Always took the safety options when you buy a new car..." he thought. "It looks like a genuine accident, so I don't think we should have worries from the cops or Anton's friends, or at least I hope so."
Waywalker took some photos with the Fly-Spy to send it to their Johnson to secure the kill.
"Franck, I think we can confirm the kill to the Johnson and then go and collect our rightful payment. Do you think I can recall my drone from the Museum? I'd let the girls go, I don't think they would be a liability."

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-05-16/1825:39>

#53

Frank was still looking at Anton's body, still surprised their plan - as simple as it was, actually worked, when Waywalker message came in.

>>> Yes, we can let's the girls go but I would send them a picture of Anton's body, both to have confirmation and send them a clear message about not trying to double cross us. Don't you fell like me this was, somehow, too easy ? Regarding leaving the body here.... Well, I am french, so you see, I have a hard time, letting err... Letting a good meal go to waste ! Sorry if I put some images in your head.

While chatting with Waywalker, Frank decides also to check out the body in astral. After all, Anton already tried to trick'em with some cheap spells...

[spoiler]
Assensing Anton corpse (http://orokos.com/roll/453691): 9d6t5 5
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-06-16/0332:51>

The astral revealed that a violent death had occured and that the now dead man had had the signature of a magically active awakened. There was no sign of an illusion or veiling.

Unless Anton had had a body double ready that was also an magician, it was pretty certainly his body.

For once the brute force attempt had worked as intended.

#80

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <11-06-16/0853:35>

#51

"Franck, do you see the pattern? If brute force doesn't work, it's because you're not using enough!"
Waywalker's laugh was transmitted by the commlink.
"Also, I do not have any problems with ghouls, so let's do this way: First we confirm the kill to the Johnson, then we let the girl go and I go to the safehouse. What you do after is your decision."
Waywalker jumped out of the drone and was now in the Matrix, then from VR to AR in his body, safely in the rigger cocoon.
Calling the secure line the Johnson put up, he sent the pictures of the blood samples destroyed and of Anton's dead body.
"We have confirmation of your request. Please provide us with our honorary."
While waiting for the Johnson's response, he instructed his Agents to be sure no one was coming to bother them, the Rotodrones to land in the van, and the Fly-Spy to patrol the street just to be extra sure.

[spoiler]I'm specifically looking for cops and/or DocWagon teams
Deck configuration: A 2/S 3/D 6(7)/F 4, running VM, Agent, Toolbox, Wrapper.
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/453884): 6d6t5 4
Matrix Perception (Agent) (http://orokos.com/roll/453885): 12d6t5 7
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/453891): 9d6t5 5
Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) (http://orokos.com/roll/453892): 9d6t5 1
Fly Spy Perception (EW) (http://orokos.com/roll/453894): 9d6t5 2[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-06-16/1340:03>

#53

Smiling at Waywalker quibs about brute force, Frank sent the following message to the girls:

>>> Girls, the deed is done. Before you scatter away I hope you understand that you are only alive because my partner and I are not the biggest assholes in our line of work. With any other runner, you'll be both lying in a pool of your own blood - like your now smashed-faced lover. I hope you get the lesson, and more importantly, remember that you both owe us one.

That being done, Frank send a pic and the following message to their M.Johnson

>>> Evening my Lady. As you can see, your nemesis has made his maker. His stash has also been taken care of, and the small organisation behind the blood-blackmailing stuff is also gone. We wait for the wire transfer, have a good day.

Frank copies over to an other Meta-Link the commlinks number of both their employer and the girls to an other commlinks, and gets ready to soon format again the burner he used for this mission.

>>> Waywalker, this went pretty well don't you think ? What about you leaving you freakin' VR and have a beer ? Oh, and would mind bringing the van around - if it still in one piece ? My meal is getting cold ;)

The ghoul takes a last look at the crash scene and the dead blood mage. Smiling like a 4 years old kid in a candy shop, Frank regrets he does not smoke cigar, as it would have been the perfect addition to what he is about to say - grinning:

"Oh, I just love when a plan comes together..."

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade The "you owe us one" is obviously aiming at turning both Eli & Gis into contact - with the Blackmail qualities if appropriate. And the A-Team quote is an attempt to close this story :) - if, of course, it is indeed over...
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-06-16/1500:31>

The reply came promptly: <<That was quick work. Thank you. The full sum has been sent to the account and you are free to withdraw it. I'll sure remember your and your fixer's number. Good night.>>

From the girls the team only received a <<we understand>>

Then it was time to leave the site of the accident: Somewhere in the distance a siren could be heard - probably still four or five minutes away.

At a leisurely pace the team made their way to their hard earned rest...

[spoiler]
The girls are a contact of C2/L1
Frau Weiß is C4/L2

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <11-06-16/1630:10>

#52

"Sure Franck, let's meet at the safehouse, is still paid! I even think there is soybeer."
Waywalker sent a text to his Mechanic:
"Hi, I've been in an accident and my van need some repairs...could you fix it?"

[spoiler]How much should the repair cost?[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-06-16/1715:32>

[spoiler]
You won't like that:

per R&G p.143
you pay 10% of the cars price per box of damage alone for parts (Armadillo is 22.000, so 6x2.200=13.200)
The mechanic costs (Skill rating x hours x 10) nuyen

Automotive Mechanic + Logic [Mental] (12, 1 hour) Extended Test
Let's assume a DP of 12 (4 Logic, 6 Skill, 2 bonus from tools and stuff)
With bought hits that's 3+2+2+2+2+1= 6 hours of work: 360 nuyen for work

All in all you are looking at 13.560 nuyen repair bills
[/spoiler]

The reply came quickly: <<Sure, let me see a foto...>>
<<Puh, that won't be cheap. You could sooner get a new one, you know.>>

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: belaran on <11-06-16/1937:26>

#54

Loading the body in the van, Frank realises the vehicule has been quite damage in the ramming...

>>> He, Waywalker ! Let me contribute to half of the cost of fixing up this ride. After all, the van did more/less our job...

[spoiler]
I hate odd number so I'm wiring 7k nuyens to Waywalker
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Umbrae Europae [IC]
Post by: Haywire on <11-07-16/0203:42>

"Thank you Franck. I really hope to work with you in the future.

After loading the body, the van headed to the safehouse.
"I'll be back in a couple of hours, enjoy your meal while I take care of the van. And thank you for sharing the expenses."

Leaving the ghoul and the body at the safehouse, Waywalker went to the mechanic.
"Here is it, and the bill is full covered. As usual, half now and half after the work."

In the return, he grabbed a few soybeers to share with Franck.

#53