Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Stuttrboy on <09-21-16/1417:59>
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It's a beautiful day in the Barrens today. Well beautiful for the Barrens anyway. For instance, it's not raining and the sun actually peeks through the ever present cloud layer on occasion. The screams, wailing and gunfire seem further away today as well. You take solace in the slightly withered garden that you struggle with on a daily basis, even though you use good soil and purified water the lack of sunlight tends to take its toll. Weeds aren't so much of a problem as the cigarette butts, inhalant ampules and other various trash that your, not so nature conscious, neighbors toss into it. The garden takes up the better part of your section of roof but the adjoined rooftops of the run down brownstones that dominate the landscape of this particular part of the neighborhood makes it impossible to keep them out of it.
The pop of gunfire from nearby jolts you out of your moment of revelry as you see your neighbor Carter taking pot shoots at one of the terrier sized rats poking around a dumpster. He winks at you and tsk's Damn, think I winged it at least.
Is this all you really want from life, you think to yourself? A crow caws as if in answer.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
~Beats being in a ditch somewhere, Cuervo.~ Sky looks at the sun, pointing between the clouds. She sighs with a small shake of her head. *But no, of course not it isn't. You're just too afraid to start something real and loose it.* she looks at her attempt of a garden, a bit depressed *With a better place, I could get artificial lights. And I could ask a spirit of Plant to help me, whereas is, it's best to avoid it...* she snorts at her own thoughts *But all this requires money. And the only ways you could get money, are illegal. Or just plain stupid. Often both.*
Sky smiles at her neighbour "Hombre, I hope for your sake you never have to depend on your skills with this gun to eat."
~No Cuervo, it's not all I want from this life. But could I get more and still be myself?~
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As you muse to yourself you hear the sound of thunder in the distance. So much for the lack or rain. The raucous cawing of crows directs your attention to the sudden appearance of an entire murder of them. Their motions and flow make interesting geometric shapes and the cawing becomes rhythmic, together the effect is hypnotic and you find yourself a bit woozy. For a moment everything seems to stand still, become quiet, then the flock takes on the shape of a giant raven and they caw as one in unison with a peal of thunder. In an instant you find yourself astrally projecting.
Your totem floats before you and gestures towards the sea where you see a great maelstrom brewing. You barely catch a glimpse of a shape within it before snapping back to your body. You come out of it with Carter holding your head looking down at you with concern and that sort of hopefully lustful look you have come to expect from most men. He seems to be asking if you are okay but your ears are still ringing with the message you heard quite plainly without spoken words. "A storm is coming. Prepare yourself."
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Sky doesn't move for a moment, gazing into space. Absent-mindedly, she removes her head from Carter's hands with a whisper "Mierda." She slowly shakes her head, and, a bit more focused, says "You should get back in Carter, it's going to rain soon."
No waiting for an answer, she does just that...only to get back out a few minutes later, with her jacket - in which she stuffed her Cobra. Like often, when she doesn't know what to do of something, she goes to Isac's clinic. Maybe clinic is a strong word. Anyway, while Isac doesn't understand anything about magic, he's a good listener. Maybe because he doesn't really listen, focused on whatever medical task he is performing at the moment. But it always helps her to make sense of things. Or well, not always always, but often enough. She could go to Cayenne, she understands magic. But they are not close enough for this kind of drek. Plus, Isac's down-to-earth attitude might be what she needs right now.
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Saying it's going to rain in Seattle is kind of like saying the sun will rise and set but the thunder you had heard and any tell tale signs of rain seem to have evaporated and you wonder if part of that may have been in your head or from the "vision" you received. That is all you can think that it was. Raven had never taken that specific or direct of an interest in you even while you were following her across the Americas it was never that direct, more like gut feelings and intuition. No this was something different. The trip to Isac's clinic, if you can really call it that, is uneventful. When you go in you see Isac through the reception window he sets the box he's lugging on a rolling chain puffing a bit before he notices you. Oh! Hey Sky, come on back.
When you enter the back room Isac has the box open and you is pulling a bag of eyes out and transferring them to a freezer unit he has locked into a corner of the office. You don't appear hurt, I'm happy to say, you here to chat or business?
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Sky laughs "Nah I'm fine. No putting your hands on me. I had a weird... I don't know. A kinda vision, entendes?" she shakes her head, hopping on the table. "Cuervo told me a Storm is coming. That's weird ombré, it's the first time since I got here that it told me something like that, so directly so... I can't really say clearly since it wasn't clear at all. But before that it was only...gut feelings, you know. Intuition. Whereas here..."
She groans "I don't know, it's weird. And when weird is a qualifier applied to magic, to tends to be dangerous..." she stays silent for maybe a second, then asks "And whatever the frag are you doing with so many eyes? You're afraid your two won't be enough?"
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Isac raises an eyebrow at you No hands got it. Is that some kind of Colombian saying? I'm not sure I understand the reference.
I'm assuming this storm is some kind of metaphor, he says still unpacking things from the box. a cornucopia of organs follows the eyes. Heart, lungs, kidneys and others you can't place. Maybe less so than the intuitions you got before but something similar? I don't really know much about magic, but it seems to me if vision was more specific than usual it was maybe more important?
He glances down at the organs he's been transferring. These? Just got in a restock, I do a fairly brisk business in replacement parts, you know how often people lose an eye around here? You'd be amazed. Had some type-o's fall off a truck.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Sky chuckles "Yeah, I'd bet. Good for business then." She sighs then "I know it's a metaphor. And I know it must be important. That's not the problem." she grunts "When a real storm comes, you stay at home and make sure your lightning rod is in place, or you take a good coat if you have to go out. But here? What am I supposed to do?"
She shakes her head dejectedly "For all I know, the Barrens will be shaken upside down, Seattle will become Chicago 2.0 or... How can I prepare for something I don't understand? If I move, I'm likely to end up worse than if I stay home..." she grunts.
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Isac stops what he's doing, realizing this is more than just a normal visit. He takes a seat in his swivel chair and puts on his let's talk biz face and steeples his fingers. Let's start from the beginning. Tell me everything...
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Sky sighs "There's not much more than that to say really." With a small shake of her head, Sky tells him about her 'vision' of earlier. Once done, she lets a few seconds pass, then adds "So as you see, nothing much, and nothing concrete at all." she snorts "If everything goes to hell I'll be able to say 'Yep, I knew it', but that won't help much..."
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So how does one metaphorically set out the lightning rod and batten down the hatches as a magic user? It was be prepared, not fight it, not run, just be prepared. I mean that's just all around good advice isn't it? I'm doing this to be prepared for my customers. There seems to be some urgency involved, maybe it was just a warning against complacency. Is there anything you've been putting off, perhaps something you regret that you feel you need to make up for?
I'm just spitballing here. I wish I could be more help but other than understanding metaphor I don't really get how the whole magic thing works. I mean Ravens a trickster like Coyote in the native american lore I'm aware of, you don't think she just might be having a go at you?
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Automatically, without even saying about it, Sky answers with a "Anything is possible." After a small pause, she adds "But I don't think it is. Problem is, you know how to prepare, and what to prepare against. Or for."
She grunts "It would be the same thing if I told you to be careful. You would ask of what. I'd answer 'just be careful'. And it wouldn't help you one bit. In fact, it would probably hurt you more than anything else, since you would second guess everything you're doing."
She frowns, pensive. After a couple of seconds, she adds "I don't regret anything, or anything I've done anyway. But... Well, maybe that because I've pretty much not done anything of note since I'm in Seattle. One might say I'm already second guessing myself at every step I take since I'm here anyway. It could be a way to tell me to move, to do something." Grunting, she concludes "It would a messed up and pretty convoluted way of saying that though... Plus what could I do? I mean seriously, who would want to recruit me for anything more than the odd job here and there?"
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It sounded like a warning. Maybe it's just because you've been second guessing yourself and you need to make a plan and stick to it. Maybe it doesn't matter what you do exactly as long as you are trying to do something. Maybe she thinks you know what to do but just don't realize it?
You know if it was really a vision maybe there are clues in the imagery...maybe you should try to find someone who knows about divination, there could be symbolism they might recognize that we have no idea about.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Sky sighs "Maybe it is all that." After a moment, she shrugs "Problem is, I don't know what t o do. Sure, I could go see Cayenne. Not sure she knows what to make of this, but she might know someone who does. But maybe I should just just choose by myself you know? I ended up here in Seattle by following Cuervo, and I pretty much didn't take one single important decision since I left what was left of my home behind. Maybe it's time I did. Decide what I want to do with my life, stick to that decision and make it work..."
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Do you know what that might be?
Your comlink takes that moment to beep. It's Gunderson. I got a job for you. I know you like to turn me down but this one you were requested by name. Guy by the name of Pierre StJermaine. So you dont take this gig, dont expect any more work from me. Its just a pick up and delivery. He has a package out in the boonies. Come by here and I'll let.you borrow a dirt bike to get out there. He's paying two grand for this little trip. You want more you negotiate with him when you get there.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Sky opens her mouth to answer Isac, but is interrupted by her 'link's beep. There should have been more than one, but on this old thing... Taking out her meta-link, she looks at the message for a moment. With a grumble, she says as an answer to Isac "Might be that..." she jumps from the table she was sitting on, and waves at Isac "Nice talking, I owe you a drink. Take care, hombre."
On the way to gunderson, she replies to Gunderson "Hey there, don't put your panties in a twist Gund (did I use that right?), I'm on my way. And you hurt me, saying I like to turn you down. That was so mean I might even cry, especially with the ultimatum. You know, I think I'll have to do something about that."
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Yeah yeah, I hurt your feelings. I'm so sorry... You Colombians do get what sarcasm is right?
The Next Round is hopping you see two other people here besides the fixtures. You walk up to Gunderson's table and he slides over a set of keys. Don't break it or you and Scout will have words, Gunderson says thumbing over at the girl with the red beret. She smiles and wiggles her fingers at you in a wave. It's terrifying.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
>>That's exactly what I was practicing!<<
Sky catches the key, and tries to shudder at the sight of Scout's wave. "Sí señor." Turning back to Gunderson, she asks "So, how do I find this Pierre Whatever in the Boonies now?"
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StJermaine, he acted like you knew each other. The co-ordinates are loaded into the bikes nav system. It should get you within a dozen meters or so. If you had a better link I would have sent them to you directly. I am holding your payment until the payout is authorized by the client. Any more questions?
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
"Hey, don't insult my 'link, you'll make it mad at me!" she frowns pensive, then shrugs "I'm pretty sure I don't know a StJermaine. But err... Don't repeat that to him in case, you know, I do know him..." she smiles to Gunderson, then waves "But no, no other question. Though later, who knows?" After that, she waves at Gunderson "See ya."
Once she has found the bike, she checks the nav' system works as intented and gets on her way. Before she gets there though, she pulls over for a few seconds to summon a Guardian. You never know...
[spoiler]
Summon Guardian [4] (Summon, resist, drain) (http://orokos.com/roll/439160): 12d6t5 1 4d6t5 0 10d6t5 2 Ok, might not be too bad... But... a glitch on the drain resist... 7 ones on 10 dice, seriously...
[/spoiler]
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Toodles. Gunderson says completely straight faced.
You drive out of Seattle proper into a wooded area. At the point where the bike wants to turn right there is no road at all and it seems to follow the flow of a creek. You decide to summon your spirit here and while you had just barely summoned it it slips away at the very end and you hear it's booming laugh echoing through the trees. A tinge of embarrassment colors your cheeks.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Sky grunts "Hey, come back, cretino!"
Grumbling, Sky, attempts to summon another Guardian. Not the same one. She won't summon the same one for a while now... It had been a long time since it happened last, and she didn't miss the feeling at all...
[spoiler]
Summon Guardian [4] (Summon, resist, drain) (http://orokos.com/roll/439162): 12d6t5 1 4d6t5 2 10d6t5 2 Seriously, you've got to be kidding...
Summon Guardian [4] (Summon, resist, drain) (http://orokos.com/roll/439163): 12d6t5 5 4d6t5 1 10d6t5 5 At last...
3 services and 2S for my trouble...
[/spoiler]
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You travel further until you get to a fork in the stream. You should be pretty close to the spot, but you don't see anyone about,
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Sky grumbles for a moment, turning on herself to check if she sees anyone. After a few seconds, she switches to astral perception. Maybe that will make things easier. She's really beginning to wonder what the hell is going on though. And not really pleased. Sure, she likes jokes. When she's the one making them, not so much the other way around...
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Pretty much everything is alive out here making your astral perception more or less useless but after a few moments you do see something that might be a matahuman of some kind across water at the fork. Something about water and the layout reminds you of something.
[spoiler]Make a Magic theory check (2) at a negative 2 dice pool modifier to remember.[/spoiler]
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Frowning, not yet moving, Sky looks at the Metahuman's aura for a moment, trying to find out what it is...and what it reminds her of...
[spoiler]
I really hope Sky didn't spend a full month in astral perception before she caught anything ^^
Magical Theory (-2d) (http://orokos.com/roll/439165): 6d6t5 2
I thought I should add an Assense (Aura Reading) in there too, so:
Assense (Aura reading) (http://orokos.com/roll/439166): 9d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
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[spoiler]That was a typo, as you can see I changed it to moments not months =P[/spoiler]
Nothing special about the aura, but water and crossroads are potent symbology in Voodoo, This is likely the domicile of a Houngan or Mamba. Switching back to regular sight it's actually easier to make the guy out. He just stands there though. He doesn't move or look around...or blink. Okay this is starting to get creepy.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
*Yerk, I hate voodoo.* shaking her head, Sky calls out in the direction of the...guy... "I'm looking for Señor StJermaine. Would you happen to know where I can find him?"
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The guy does not so much as look your direction. This guy is likely a zombie, he certainly acts like one. It appears you will need to cross the creek it isn't deep, probably not more than a foot at the most. You could ride across or have the spirit take you without getting wet.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
With force grumbles and muttered insults, Sky gets down from her bike. She considers the stream for a moment, but not wanting to drench her boats, just levitates above the creek.
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As you reach the far side of the creek you see that he is standing at the mouth of a cave. Ivy and reeds hang down in a sort of natural camouflage and astral ward. As you approach the cave the man moves to block your entrance you can see that his focus has shifted but he seems to be looking through, instead of at you. A voice comes from inside the cave dripping with a Caribbean accent.
Ah, so you have come. Welcome to my hounfour. Please make youself at home, we have tings to speak of you and I.
The zombie backs off and resumes his vigil.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - Unknown Date - The Barrens]
Sky looks at the entrance of the cave dubiously. Not really eager to enter, she says "Of course I am here, I was told you had something for me to bring somewhere."
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Yes, dat be true, but we have much to discuss you and I. De money is only part of your compensation. Tell me did something strange 'appen to you today?
[spoiler]Okay I'm tired of the "unknown date" pick something early autumn-ish and we'll go with that.[/spoiler]
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
"Much to discuss?" Sky frowns "Do you want to stay in your cave to hold a conversation?"
[spoiler]
Done ^^
[/spoiler]
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I assure you the amenities here are much nicer than one would suspect. Please do come in...After all, a storm is coming yes?
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky grunts "So it would seem." Seeing no real reasons to stay out, and a bit curious too, Sky enters the cave.
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The inside of the cavern is lit with kerosene lamps and a space heater keep the chill out .The walls are decorated with painted spirals and swirls and an altar with waxen figures and candles take up one whole wall while the other half of the cavern seems to function as an office or study, bookshelves with actual books, various and sundry talismans and fetishes share equal space among the shelves. In front of the books is a push recliner with a large black man. His head is shaved and he has white and red paint on his face in a ghoulish mask. His eyes are milky white with thick cataracts but he seems to be able to see you. He nods at you with a warm smile and motions to the other heavy chair opposite him. It appears you have interrupted him in some reading but there are no words on the pages on the great tome before him.
Ah Sky, should I call you Sky? Your spirit is more radiant than I had imagined. Would you like some tea, or coffee perhaps? You are famous you know. Raven speaks very highly of you.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky snorts "I doubt it. Cuervo is probably more pissed at me than anything." She looks around a bit, then nods "If it's real coffee, I'll take it. Otherwise, tea will have to do."
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It's real coffee. Just how I like my women. Hot, black and hand picked from a third world country. he laughs. Ah, forgive me for my pathetic joke. he picks up a couple of cups from his shelves and grabs a percolator from in front of the space heater. He deftly pours two cups but you can see from the way he holds cups and pours that he is indeed blind, It appears he relies on his astral sight which is imperfect when dealing with ceramic cups but he doesn't seem to let it effect him.
So I imagine you have questions. Please tell me of your vision and I will see what I can help wit'. In exchange for dis help and the 2000 dollars you were promised, I ask that you transport a spirit I have bound to the mausoleum di franchesca in the cemetary behind de 2nd national neo-catholic church on Baker street, De one in your neighborhood. He places a black waxen figure posed cross-legged, places it in a satin lined box and sets it on the table.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky frowns, but doesn't hesitate for long. It's not as if this vision was anything particularly secret. Still... "I will tell you, if you agree to share your analysis. In full. After that, we will talk about this delivery." Once he has indeed agreed, she tells him what she saw as it happened.
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As zis is part of de payment for delivery it would not be appropriate to give you this for free. If you are concerned for de spirit don't be, bargains have been made and he understood his commitment. He is not 'appy now but 'e will be, der are people who will give him offerings once he is in place. T'is a simple delivery, Raven believes it is well within your capabilities.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky snorts "Yeah well, I think a child could bring a box to a church without too much trouble." She frowns, then shrugs. Right now, information is more important to her than nuyens, and since she will be able to pay her next rent anyway, it doesn't matter too much. "Fine."
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We might have gleaned more information if you knew what to look for in the shapes the crows were makin'. You know that raven crows and magpies are all part of de same genus and are often considered interchangeable in the lore? Crows are more associated with the city than dere cousins though so dat could be significant or it could just be that's what Raven had available. Divination isn't an exact science you know. You described a procession of seven geometric shapes, dis is most assuredly significant. There is an old divination rhyme associated with Raven. "One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy, five for silver six for gold, seven for a secret never to be told". If you could remember what shapes they used dat might have given us more information. De rest of it is about a danger from the sea, or possibly one of the islands in that direction.
Based on what you saw and and my own experiences I would say dat an ancient menace from de sea is stirring. Ancient horrors from de fourt Age have stirred mens dreams for millennia. I would be especially wary of Dagon, his cultists are blood mages and the occasional toxic shaman and he is de most closely associated with de sea.. You may be called upon to do battle wit dese abominations.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky grunts "Battle? I don't do battle! I'm not that kind of Mage. And who is that Dagon exactly? Blood mages and toxic shamans? Just that? I may not exactly be a beginner at this Magic Thing, but I'm certainly not able to face all of that, it's crazy!"
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Dagon is an ancient god worshipped by the caananites and other ancient civilizations. I believe he is a powerful being left over from a previous age. He is technically a guess based on the information I have heard and you have given me.
You may not be that kind of Mage yet but you must prepare yourself. Gather allies grow as a mage. Raven sees dis for you. You will be involved in some way. I know you would rather run I want to run too, but failure to heed the call is dangerous. Perhaps more dan heedin' it
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky grunts "Wonderful. I should have stayed in bed this morning." She sighs, visibly depressed "I suppose I should deliver your package and do whatever it is I can do to prepare for whatever it is that is coming then. Like buying a life jacket, at least I won't drown if the sea comes here..."
She shakes her head then, standing up, grabs the box. "Gunderson has my money?"
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Cheer up. At least da spirits like you.
Yes he does...and don't let that one talk you into letting him out before you get to the cemetary. He's a tricky one. He says pointing to the case.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
"I'll stuff it in the bag behind." she shakes her head "I don't need to know anything about your deal." she sighs "Well, see you around I suppose..."
With a wave and a last shake of her head, Sky leaves the cave and once again crosses the stream by levitating above it. Once back at the bike, she stuffs the box in once of the bags behind her and gets on her way to the church where she is supposed to deliver the package.
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Pierre waves back at you and the zombie doesn't so much as flinch as you brush past him. On the other side of the bank you pack up the box and head out. you don't get more than a hundred yards before you start hearing squeaks and rattling coming from the back of the box. you stop the bike to make sure the box is secure when you hear the muffled cry of a child. Did it say help me? Maybe if you crack the lid you might hear it better.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky grunts "I'm sure this was a bad idea..." Louder, she says "Nope, I'm not hearing anything. Just the wind in...in my hair. Yep. That's all."
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You turn to begin driving again but your heart leaps into throat as you hear a bit more clearly, Mommy is that you? Don't let him hurt me any more, please mommy! That is definitely the voice of a child.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky swears "Madré de Dios, I swear I'll rip you a new one Pierre." After a moment spent reviewing her best native insults, she yells at the box "Come on, I know you're a spirit, stop this shit. I won't open the fragging box! You had a deal with Pierre, don't try to get out from it on my watch!"
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You drive for a while the box doesn't say anything for a while but you hear some sobbing every once in a while. After you reach, what you guess to be, the halfway mark you pause a moment to check the navigation on the bike and the box says Please, you seem nice. I'm really scared.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky grumbles "Yeah well, maybe I'm not." After a minute or so, she adds "And there's nothing to be scared of, come on! You're a spirit not a child!"
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That mean old man tricked me. Please? Please let me out.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky shakes her head "No way. You struck a deal, you have to hold to it. Plus, he warned me not to open that box. Which I won't do. You'll just have to convince whoever it is you're going to. Not me, I don't want any problem thank you very much."
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Dusk comes and goes and your guardian spirit leaves you free from his service. The sobbing continues until you are about three quarters of the way back and enter into the barrens when it becomes a screech. Let me out! Let me out! LET ME OUT! The box jumps hard enough a few times that you almost lose control of the bike.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Profusely swearing now, Sky stops to yell at the box. She may look like a crazy woman, but she doesn't care too much at the moment. "For frag sake's shut up! I swear to god I'll make sure whatever it is you're going to do at this church will be even more miserable than it should be if you don't shut the frag up! Madré dé Dios, don't ever pull that drek again! And if that's your goal, I won't disrupt you even if you piss me off. You won't be freed by my hand, and i'll find some other way to make you pay!"
Grumbling, and quite pissed off, Sky summons a new Guardian. She doesn't want to be caught defenceless in here by night. If the box is silent now, she gets back on her box, hoping to be able to reach the church without incidents now.
[spoiler]
Summon Guardian [4] (Summon, resist, drain) (http://orokos.com/roll/440380): 12d6t5 7 4d6t5 2 10d6t5 4
2 services, no drain
[/spoiler]
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A thick fog begins rolling in as you finally near your destination. A few minutes later and the cemetery gates stand open with foggy fingers sliding through the wrought iron fencing. It backs up to church and the only structures you can make out that would be large enough for a mausoleum are closest to the church. as you pass through the gates the fog swallows you up.
You putter around a bit until you have to abandon the bike and trek through the grounds searching for the Di Franchesca tomb. You begin to become frustrated when you see a flickering light burning away the fog coming from the next tomb. As you approach your comlink buzzes, it's Gunderson.
Pierre says to put him on the altar, pour him a drink and light a cigar for him and payment will be authorized.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
>>This is creepy as all hell Gund, I swear if I'm cursed, I'll share it with you! And where in a cemetery am I supposed to find a cigar and alcohol exactly?<<
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Cemetary at night is all it takes to creep you out? Do you feint at the sight of blood too?
I'm just passing the message along, if it's a voodoo shrine I'd be surprised if there wasn't booze cigars and who knows what else there already.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
>>Yeah well, you're not the one carrying a box that spends its time talking to you as if there were a child in there. Disturbing the dead is bad you know.<<
Grumbling, Sky sets the box on the altar. She looks on the shrine, looking for a cigar and a glass of alcohol. When she finds that, she mutters a small prayer and proceeds to light the cigar and pour the alcohol, as required.
-
As you approach the tomb you see the door open leading to a marble, at the end of which an altar with dozens of lit candles, incense, a bottle of rum and a box of cigars as well as a number of children's toys, pictures and a rosary. In the center is a pedestal the idol is apparently supposed to sit on. You lay the box on it light a cigar and poor some rum into a shot glass.
As you begin to leave you hear the box speak up again. Wait! You're supposed to let me out so I can play with my things. The voice is still that of a child but it sounds a little more...sophisticated. Sorry about the trouble, that...that's part of the deal. It's like a test... but you did great! You stuck to your deal but you weren't so heartless that you only just ignored me.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Had she been Chinese, Sky would probably have vowed to inflict death by a thousand cuts to both Pierre and Gunderson. Since she's not, she can only swear profusely. With a grunt, she says "Makes sense I suppose. Fine. Don't try anything though, I have a friend with me."
Sky opens the box.
-
You take out the waxen figure and set him on the pedestal, once in place the idol comes to life. You see, it stands and stretches this is a figure of a young boy. It hops down from it's perch and happily begins to play with a toy car. As it plays fog spills off of him and the form a young boy materializes, takes the cigar and rum and looks at you thoughtfully.
Thanks. Raven was right about you. I think you'll do nicely. Your money should be available to you now. He looks down at his feet and hops back and forth a little like he's struggling with what he wants to say. Would...Would you mind coming back to visit me sometimes? I...I get lonely. He looks away quickly, clearly a bit bashful.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky looks at the spirit for a moment, then shrugs "I suppose I can when I'm around."
-
The spirit looks up at you with a huge grin. Thanks! Do you, uh prefer Sky or Zyanya?
After your talk with the spirit you stifle a yawn. Realizing the time, you can't decide if you want to get your money or go to bed first.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky frowns "Zyanya died a few years ago, at the same time as all her town." she sighs, clearly not happy to be reminded of such events.
After only a few seconds of reflection, the choice is made easily: Gunderson has her money, and It won't go.bad in the night. Plus, it will allow her to...discuss...some things with him fresh and not completely tired. And since she doesn't need the money right this instant, it can wait for a few hours.
-
The ride home doesn't take long. You fall asleep reviewing everything you had heard throughout the day. It's almost enough to keep you from sleep but it comes eventually. Your dreams are filled with waxen children, impassive men and vast shapes in deep waters and violent winds, You wake feeling mostly refreshed and you putter about a bit after waking when you notice a message on your comm.
Scout would like her bike back. You know it wasn't a gift right?
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky seems surprised "What!? But you said it was part of my payment!" She lets a few seconds pass, the adds "I'll bring it back in an hour, I was too tired when I finished to do it then."
Sky takes a shower, checks the meteo and dresses appropriately. After that, she takes the bike back to Gunderson and Scout. As she parks the bike however, she casts a Phantasm on it, to make it appear like she crashed a few times, half drowned it in the mud. Oh and there are bullets holes here and there...
Chuckling lightly, she then enters the bar to give her keys to Scout. With a stern face, she says "Thanks, it saved my life. Sorry I scratched the paint."
[spoiler]
Phantasm [5] (Cast, drain) (http://orokos.com/roll/442083): 10d6t5 3 10d6t5 1
Three successes, not too bad, but one drain. *Grumble, Grumble*
Con (http://orokos.com/roll/442089): 10d6t5 5
A completely useless roll, for a bad and completely useless joke, and I get five successes...
[/spoiler]
-
You think you sell your joke to scout but she makes no overt reaction other than fixing you with a blank stare and then strolling out to check on her bike. You take a seat with Gunderson and he transfers payment to you. The client was very impressed and he tacked on a bonus for you.
You check the account and a total of 2500 nuyen has been transferred. While checking your balance you feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up and hear a whisper Oh, it is so on.
You jump a bit and see that Scout has returned to her post and is whispering to the troll. She isn't looking at you but you can tell the grin on her face is directed at you and you wonder if you haven't made a terrible mistake.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Frowning, Sky lifts her illusion, then turns back to Gunderson. "Good." she pauses for a minute, then adds "By the way, if you have other...jobs...let me know. I may not wait as much as before before I take another one."
-
Sure...You okay? You seem less...mordacious. If yer worried about scout she's not vindictive. I mean she's gonna make you freak your shit but your life isn't in danger or anything. Hell who knows you two cat fight enough ya might even become friends. Or was it Pierre? he looks at you closely then nods his head. Yeah that guy seems to know way too much about things around here and I've never heard of him. You think he's a threat? Should I be wary of him? Are you in some kind of trouble?
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky shakes her head "Yeah I'm okay, dont worry. If she's too bothersome I'll make sure she drowns herself in a puddle or something. As for Pierre..." She pauses, considering the question for a minute "It didn't feel like he's a threat. I think. But as far as troubles go..." she frowns, then shrugs "Looks like it. Even if I don't know yet what kind of trouble." With a tone dripping with irony, she concludes with "I'm supposed to prepare for it you see."
-
So did he know you? He sure acted like he did. I'm confused he isn't a threat but he threatened you? He didn't tell you why or anything?
Okay, so more jobs then, you were real particular before. Is there somethings you feel more suited for?
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
"Uh what?" Sky seems a bit lost "Oh yeah no. He's not the one threatening me. No one is threatening me. No it's just..." she shrugs "Looks like there's a storm coming our way, that's all." She snorts "No, not that kind of storm. More like... I don't really know, but I suppose we will soon have lots of problems."
She shakes her head and sighs. After a sip, she adds "As for jobs... As long as it's not combat or technical" she shows her 'link as a reminder "I'm not sure what kind of jobs you have so I can't really say but spirits and magic open quite a bit of possibilies."
-
Well there are some new people who are making waves. They aren't breaking any of the letter of the rules...that we know of, but it's clear they don't understand the spirit. Then again everyone breaks the rules a little can't really call yourself an anarchist and not break rules, you just can't get caught.
I have three locations that could use some astral recon. I need you to assess the magical defenses and wards there. The more thorough the more the payoff. You think you can pull that off?
-
[Noëmie "Nyx" d'Orville - January 12th, 2076 - Gates Casino, Bellevue, Seattle]
"Astral recon?" Sky cocks an eyebrow "Sure. What are you looking for? Numbers, awakened, astral defences? Is stealth a requirement?"
-
Yeah all that. The first rule of spying is not letting people know you are spying on them...so yeah stealth is important. Are you okay? You seem distracted. I don't want you doing this if you are distracted.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky snorts "Yeah well, some visions tend to have that kind of effect. I'll be okay, don't worry. Where are those three locations?"
-
Gunderson stares at you for a bit then makes a swiping motion toward you and your com beeps with the locations listed. You really gotta get a better link. That thing barely works around here. Don't get caught, I'd rather have less info and them ignorant, understand?
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky grumbles "Yeah, yeah, better 'link." She smiles "They don't grow on trees you know, and evven if they did, given the number of trees in the vicinity, they would still be quite rare. So, how much are you gonna pay for that recon?"
-
It's hard to quantify these things. If you half ass it and give me a cursory report of the three I don't think I'd pay more than 500 for that, but if you can get me some decent intel, without getting caught, we are talking more like 6 grand. I will have to assess your report to give a more accurate accounting. You get caught, I don't know you for a while.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky chuckles "You know these things are really expensive, what with all the required options you just have to get." she smiles, amused "I'm sure decent intel without getting caught would be worth ten grands. With that, promise I'll get a decent 'link."
[spoiler]
Bargaining (http://orokos.com/roll/446654): 8d6t5 5
I think Sky will base all future negotiations on comlinks...
[/spoiler]
-
It's a little early for negotiation but sure if it's extra special I could see my way to 8 grand possibly. Come back when you actually have something to dicker over.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 12th - The Barrens]
Sky laughs lightly "Sí señor, I live to please." At that, she gets up, and goes to another table, where she studies the map for a moment, to make sure she'll be able to find the spots in the Astral. Then, she projects into the astral, and proceeds to make a first run at the three spots from afar. She won't see much now, but she'll get a first idea of the surroundings, and will be able to plan how she wants to go from there.
-
Kids these days, you Gunderson grumble from behind you. You have a seat and check your map. You zip out to the first building there doesn't appear to be any obvious magical security , but the vents are pumping out toxic fumes that are making their presence known even on the astral. No alot but it's certainly contributing to the bad mana around here. The second you find a number of watchers about half a mile out doing what they do best. They seem to have made a perimeter around the place, you can't tell if these are watching for others or the people inside. As you continue around the perimeter you number them at 56 but can't see any other magic security. After that it's the third office. There is obvious magical security the walls of the building seem to be living barriers. Patrols with spirits are common. Do you wish to continue looking or return to your body to assess the situation?
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
For now, Sky will focus on the first place. Not a place she likes much, but at least there, there are less risks of detection. In the two other places, she will stay out of the way, in a building with a broken window for example, so as to not attract the attention of anyone, while still allowing her to keep an eye on things. There, she will try to count the number of spirits, their types, etc. She will also take the time to study their aura, to determine how many different mages are responsible for their presence.
-
The place with the massess of spirits you count a number of them having the same summoner it's hard to keep track but you estimate there are about 30-35 different summoners. The place with obvious magic security has patrols with alternating schedules and overlap with 2-3 teams in the field at all times. [spoiler] I can give you more info but I need to know what exactly you are doing at the first place and how long you are going to take observing the other two buildings while your meat is resting at The Next Round.[/spoiler]
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
In the first place, Sky flies into the buildings, careful to take advantage of the walls and other structures that would make any detection less likely. There, she tries to find how many people there are, their metatypes and implants loadout as well as the presence of Awakened or not. She's especially careful to not draw the attention of possible critters in there.
[spoiler]Assense (Aura reading) (http://orokos.com/roll/448072): 9d6t5 4[/spoiler]
-
You pass through through the wall near the front ntrance and peek through. There are four metahumans at the table with varying amounts of cyber based on location and your assensing you would guess they are your typical muscle. Past them is a hallway. A room off to the side has a few more sitting at what you imagine are some kind of electronics. Probably a guard room, Down the hallway is a set of stairs that ends in a force 5 ward that you cannot seem to bypass without alerting the mage who erected it.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Once she has reached the ward, Sky gets back to her meat. Since the main point of this scouting is to stay stealthy, she doesn't want to alert anyone. There, she gets up to take a beer, wondering about what she should do now. After a while though, she decides to play it safe and to stop here for now. No matter what she tried, she would probably have to take too many risks, and would almost certainly be seen.
She waits for Gunderson to be alone, and available for a talk, then joins him to his table "I got some results. Please don't tell me what this is all about, it's probably much more troubles than I want." She shakes her head "The first place has no overt magical defences, a team of four security goons with some cyber. There's a room in the basement, but its entrance is blocked by a ward. In the second locations, there are a lot of low level spirits patrolling the ground. And when I say the lot, I mean a frakking lot, almost sixty of them. I estimate at least thirty to thirty-five summoners. The spirits are patrolling in a half-mile radius of the place. In the third one, there are two to three patrols in the field at all times, and I'm pretty sure the office is protected by a ward."
She takes a mouthful of beer, then concludes "I could try to learn more, but I don't have what would be needed to allow me to be as sure as possible that I wouldn't be spotted. So..." She shrugs.
-
You zip through the astral mentally preparing your report. You return to The Next Round and prepare to settle back into your body when you realize it is no longer there! You glance around the room but every things is otherwise normal.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky looks around for a second, trying to make sure she didn't make any mistake, and didn't remember at which table she is. Then, realising what must have happened, she quickly starts to panic. She summons a spirit to help her search for her body, vowing the first thing she'll do once back in her body is to murder the bitch.
[spoiler]
Summon Guardian [4] (Summon, resist, drain) (http://orokos.com/roll/455369): 12d6t5 5 4d6t5 2 10d6t5 3 Two services due to limit, 1S drain
Assensse (Guardian) (http://orokos.com/roll/455370): 8d6t5 5
Assensse (+2 Guardian) (http://orokos.com/roll/455371): 9d6t5 4, for the Assenssing + Intuition (1 hour) extended test to find her body, threshold depending on how far the body is, and how well protected it is.
[/spoiler]
-
You draw on the energy of your spirit and together you expand your senses to the limit searching for your body. You've only been gone a short time, not even two hours you have plenty of time. At least, that's what you keep telling yourself as you feel the panic rise up in you. After an hour of searching you have a general idea of the direction your body is in, but it will take more time to get a better idea.
I moved your meat for you. You are so absorbed in your search you did not notice that Scout is standing just behind you. You really shouldn't just leave that lying around just anywhere you know. People could do all sorts of things.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The astral]
Sky answers with a snarl, not stopping for one moment "I'll kill you. I'll fragging end you, bitch."
[spoiler]
Assensse (Guardian) (http://orokos.com/roll/455417): 7d6t5 0
Assense (http://orokos.com/roll/455418): 6d6t5 2[/spoiler]
-
I doubt it. Besides I did you a favor. You have learned a valuable lesson about leaving important things lying about.
She glances over toward Gunderson and says, Oh chill out you cranky old fart. She doesn't want my help anyway. Do you Sky? Do you want my help?
Yeah, yeah, she says over her shoulder.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The astral]
Sky doesn't answer while she continues to look for her body.
[spoiler]
Assense (Guardian) (http://orokos.com/roll/455423): 6d6t5 4
Assensse (+2 Guardian) (http://orokos.com/roll/455424): 7d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
-
You have it! You grab onto the tether that connects you to your body and zip along heading through the astral headlong. You hear Scout's cheers for you as you speed away.
You come to a familiar building and a familiar room and find your body laying in a familiar bed. You settle back into your body and see that Scout has even tucked you in to your own bed in your apartment.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky jumps out of her bed. She looks around for a moment, then, apparently deciding on something, starts to pack what little she has in a backpack. Then, backpack on her back, she starts to pedal, heading towards Isac's clinic. After a kilometre or so, she stops, and sends a message to Gunderson.
>>You know why I chose to do your recon from that table? That's simple: it was just in front of you. You didn't even have to turn your head to see me, and I thought 'Hey, I'm doing Gunderson's job, surely he'll make sure nothing happens. Plus, I trust him.'. Yeah...<< She laughs curtly >>How naive of me, of course, I see that now. I should have remembered gringos can't be trusted. I could have died with that drek, thanks. I've changed my mind: don't bother asking me for jobs, I don't want them. In fact, you know what? Just forget about me.<<
With the message sent, she starts a format of the 'link and drops it in the wayside. Then, already feeling lighter, she goes all the way to Isac.
-
You arrive at Isac's around noon and catch him as he was leaving the clinic. Hey Sky. I was just about to grab lunch. You hurt, or do you want to join me?
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky shrugs "Nothing that you can heal. Where to?"
-
I was just going to the Stuffer Shack. Are you okay you seem...I don't know, frazzled. Let's get out of here and get some real food and sit down. Once in the car he starts driving and continues. Okay, spill it. What happened, you seem resolved yesterday...now you look the opposite of it.
Isac's Com pings at him but he ignores it. He's looking at you expectantly.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky laughs harshly "Oh no, I'm still decided. But I suppose you're right too, in speaking about opposites. I'm leaving. Here at least, probably Seattle too. I came say goodbye."
-
Running from your problems again? Were you just saying you were needed here?
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky shrugs "Not really. Yes there's a storm coming, but you know what is the best way to weather a storm? It's to be some place else. Plus, the one I'm mostly working for let someone pull a delicious prank on me that involved almost killing me, while I was working for him, in front of him, and did nothing. I don't need people like that in my life. And leaving is better than killing her, which I would if I met her again. So..."
-
That client betrayed you? Gunderson usually does a better job vetting his clients. Who tried to kill you?
His com beeps again, he looks at it, shakes his head and ignores it again.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky snorts "Maybe it thought he was a good joke, I don't care. Name's Scout, but I think Bitch matches better myself." waving at Isac's 'link, she adds "You should answer if it's someone who needs you help."
-
Isac pulls into The Redmond Phoenix house, a Japanese-American restaurant, practically posh...for the Barrens. He turns to look at you, disbelief clear in his eyes, Scout tried to kill you...and you're still alive. Come on.
You follow him inside and you are seated, the waiter takes your drink orders and Isac continues, Maybe you should start from the beginning.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky shrugs "She thought moving my body while I was in the Astral would be a good joke I suppose. Turns out, it's the worst thing you can do to a Mage in the astral, short of killing her outright. And since it can very well end up being fatal... So next time I see her, I'll kill her. Or try to, and she'll kill me. Since that option is not really to my taste, and murder being bad for the soul... But worst of all I think, is that she did it with Gunderson's blessing, while I was in front of him, working for him. No way I'll work for him again. Do you think I could stay around here and not work for him, one way or another?" She snorts, making clear how she would answer to that question.
-
That doesn't sound like the Gunderson I know and that explains the links I've gotten from him. Here you should see this. Isac hands over his link there's a text message and a link to a video file.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky takes the 'link but dowent yet look at it "So what if it doesn't sound like him? What does it matter if it's business as usual for him or just something he does from time to time?"
-
Do you think he needs you? That he can't replace a runner? If he approved this, which I don't believe for a second, why would he reach out to your known associates to make amends? Then again, I didn't think you would judge someone without even letting them explain either, so who knows maybe I'm just a shitty judge of character.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky snorts "He could just have said no. And I'm far from irreaplaceable, and you know it. He has other Mages on his payroll. As for why he would want to keep me around, it's pretty easy, he's about to have a turf war to deal with I think, or something like that. Which means the more bodies he has to put between himself and whoever wants a piece of this place, the better he'll feel."
She shakes her head, and continues in a bitter tone "Looks like you're pretty eager to judge though. I thought better of you..." she shrugs "Since it seems true the other way too, I'd guess that makes us even... Strange how you can spend time with people and never know them, no?"
She sighs, and reads the text.
-
A message on the tiny display just says "tell her I tried to stop he and I'm sorry" just above the video link. It begins to play and the tinny voice of Gunderson becomes clear with the footage of The Next Round. Scout has picked up your body and Gunderson is yelling.
What do you think you are doing!
Shut it old man, this has nothing to do with you.
Salizar assured me you would not mess with any of my people, leave her alone.
He said not to hurt any of your people and I'm not going to, besides she started this.
Scout puts your body on her shoulder and heads for the door. Gunderson is quick to get in front of her but she just pushes him aside like he's not even there, though he towers over her.
Scout! God damn it! He storms up to the stairs and bellows out Salizar!
The Troll stands in his way. You know I can't let you past Gunderson. I'll link him
Dammit Jacob get out of my, Salizar assured me his people wouldn't interfere.
He says come on up, he's already getting a hold of Scout.
The video ends here.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky stays silent for a minute once the video has played. In the end, she sends back a message >>I suppose I can accept your apologies. Not sure it changes things though. I may have judged you too quickly, but it doesn't change the fact that I'd still want to kill her if I ever see her again.<<
-
Sky?
No, I don't blame you, I feel the same way. Unfortunately I know Scout would hand me my head in short order if I tried. She has however been reassigned to a different area, the bar is neutral ground. Besides I owe you some money right? Take your time. I know you are upset and I never expected that to escalate quite so quickly. Also for future reference I spend a lot of time in AR and VR. The guards are there for everyone's protection but they are Salizars guards first and foremost the do not answer to me. I would suggest astrally projecting in a safer location from now on.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky snorts >>I thought it was a safe location. I'll avoid the bar period. And who is that Salizars guy? I don't think I want to have anything to do with him either. And for what you wanted: the first place has no overt magical defences, a team of four security goons with some cyber. There's a room in the basement, but its entrance is blocked by a ward. In the second locations, there are a lot of low level spirits patrolling the ground. And when I say the lot, I mean a frakking lot, almost sixty of them. I estimate at least thirty to thirty-five summoners. The spirits are patrolling in a half-mile radius of the place. In the third one, there are two to three patrols in the field at all times, and I'm pretty sure the office is protected by a ward.<<
-
Yeah I never thought Scout would take it that far. I never think to tell the newbies that neutral ground doesn't always mean safe around these parts. I'll pay you three grand for the info but ya gotta come to the bar to get it or tell me who you want to get it for you. If you can't handle the bar then this line of work is probably not for you though.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
>>Maybe, but you didn't answer my question: who is this Salizar guy?<<
-
[spoiler]Just realized this was all matrix chat...don't know where my head is[/spoiler]
He's nobody you need to worry about. He's another player around here and he likes his privacy is all. He's put Scout on his shit details so you won't see her at the bar. The rest is up to you.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky lets a few seconds go by before answering >>Fine.<< After a moment, in a tone that might contain some embarassement, she adds >>Say, you don't happen to know where I can find a reasonably good 'link?<<
-
I have a nice new cleaned Hermes Ikon you can have in lieu of payment if you'd like.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky grumbles >>No idea what's an Hermes Ikon exaclty, but I suppose it'll do. I'll be around sometime later I guess.<<
-
It's a mid range comlink. See you when you get here.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
>>I suppose you will.<<
Sky gives back his 'link to Isac. "Looks like I'll stick around for a while."
-
[spoiler]OOC: Please check in the OOC thread periodically for important information. Like now for instance[/spoiler]
Isac takes his link back and looks at you sheepishly. I'm sorry. I was mean about that. I didn't want you leave and I was being selfish. I hope you will forgive me. Are you uh, you still hungry?
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
For a moment, Sky seems about to retort angrily. When she closes her mouth, she doesn't say anything for a minute, glaring angrily outside. Finally, she grumbles "That's one way to put it I suppose."
After another minute, she adds "I wouldn't mind eating something, yeah."
-
Isac smiles warmly and looks down at his menu. Order whatever you want.
At that point it is almost like a spell being broken. You hear the sizzle of food hitting hot pans. The delicate aroma of fish being seared and the buttery lemon smell of cracked crab becomes overpowering and your mouth fills with saliva in anticipation.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky orders fish, eating in silence for a while. She's been quite disappointed in Isac, but then again, had he reacted differently, who knows how things would have ended.
She sighs, then asks "Do you know anything about some guy called Salizar?"
-
I've patched up a few of his guys. He's an info broker. He does other stuff too but that's what he specializes in. He likes his privacy. That's about it, I guess. You thinking of working for him?
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky snorts "Not at all. It would probably be the opposite in fact." She pauses, then corrects herself "But no, I just want to avoid him and his...business associates."
-
Is he the one holding Scout's reins then? Look, just a little friendly advice: These people are anarchists, try not to judge others for their subordinates actions. They aren't known for keeping an iron grip on their people you scan? It's sort of their method of operation.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
"I don't believe that." Sky shakes her head, and adds "If I have a dog and it bites someone, don't you think I'm the one responsible? Same goes here. The leader of an organisation is responsible for the actions of his subordinates. He can choose to ignore them, but in the end, it reflects on him as a leader."
-
These people are Anarchists with a capital A, allegiances shift. People don't really do the whole leader thing here. You can think what you want but you need to know how things work around here. It's usually a sort of controlled chaos, it's stable enough for us to do business so long as we bend with the winds. I just run a clinic. I would think it's even more important working directly for them.
-
[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky shrugs "Maybe. But it starts with doing business with people you should avoid, then where does it go? You start doing the bad sort of business? Where does it end? Even if I don't believe honour should regulate all aspects of life, it's still a word that one should keep in mind."
-
Don't get me wrong. Scouts crazy and apparently more dangerous that we though, what with her twisted ideas of pranks. But would you rather her be running free? Maybe working for someone dangerous to the community.
I don't know. He shrugs. I guess I'd rather have her on a leash with the people here instead of roaming free. But enough of that, Scout won't bother you at the bar anymore. I would suggest investing in a better lock or 10, though. You are staying so this isn't a good bye dinner it's a the day is saved dinner.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky grumbles "She's an adept. No amount of lock would keep her away. The only place she belongs in is a grave. Or in a ditch somewhere. Maybe a mental institute. I'll have a spirit close-by at all time until it happens, with orders to smoke her no questions asked if she shows up."
-
Isac sighs. Scout has a reputation for being a bit crazy with her stunts, but she's not exactly known for trying to kill people and failing. I know you probably don't want to hear this but hearing the story I think...I think she might actually like you. I'm not sure if I'm not MORE worried about that though.
Isac wipes him mouth and leans back. You want desert?
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky snorts "If that's how she likes people, I don't want to see how she hates them." She shakes her head, then declines the desert: she doesn't really feel like eating at the moment.
"I suppose I'd best go see Gunderson sooner rather than later..."
-
I'll give you a ride, Isac offers.
When you get to The Next Round Jacob is still there but no sign of Scout. Gunderson is in his usual corner. When you have a seat he passes over the com link and ownership automatically registers for you. I have some more work tomorrow 800 hours, a little ritual magic and some tracking if you are interested.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky takes the 'link, and listens, but frowns "I don't know a thing about rituals so I hope you don't plan on me performing the ritual..."
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[spoiler]Check out the OOC page if you want to name your team I'm about to combine groups.[/spoiler]
No. The guy running the spell said he needed 3 other awakened to do whatever he is doing so you're one of them. He will give you the details of the job based on what the ritual discovers.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky shrugs "Alright, I'll negotiate for the other job tomorrow then. How much does participating in the ritual pays?"
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You'll meet the team at 800 hours we can discuss details then.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 13th - The Barrens]
Sky grumbles a bit, then shrugs "Fine. See you tomorrow then." At that, she steps away and exits the bar, not forgetting her new 'link. 'Link she'll spend a few hours configuring as she likes. As much as she can like this piece of plastic anyway, which is not a lot.
-
You get out of the dune-buggy and walk up to the double doors of The Asylum. After a short hallway clearly designed for crowd control you enter a large dance floor and stage with a bar stuck into the corner almost as an after thought. In the corner a spiral stairway leads up to a mezzanine that overlooks it all and provides the only seating in the establishment. An ork bartender is doing inventory but looks up as you come in. He looks at you for a moment, pauses for a beat and cocks and eyebrow up.
Uh, we're closed right now. Something I can help you with?
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 14th - The Barrens]
Sky nods "I hope so. I'm looking for Jack." She frowns "Or Jake?"
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Gunderson sent you then? We were told there would be more of you.
He comes around the bar and motions you over to an elevator set in the wall. He swipes his wristband over it and the door opens. Jacks waiting for you on the roof. Take this to the top, there will be a hallway and some stairs at the end. Don't open any of the doors in the hall. Jack keeps all sorts of dangerous shit up there.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 14th - The Asylum, The Barrens]
Sky shrugs "Sì. The other one told me he had a delivery to make before." She follows, grumbling once the bartender has explained about the dangerous shit "Charming..." She takes the elevator, following the instructions. And refraining - more or less easily - to peak in the astral on the way to Jack.
-
You climb the stairs at the end of the hall and exit out under a canopy that blocks off the drizzle that has been hanging in the air for the last 6 hours or so. An elaborate magic circle has been chalked onto the roof and a pile of polished black and grey stones form a makeshift altar stands in the middle. A man stands in the circle adjusting the stones and looking at the set up then makes adjustments again. He notices you enter and he turns to face you.
Jack looks like a biker more or less. He's wearing a leather jacket combat boots and jeans, when he turns around you see he isn't wearing a shirt underneath. He has shoulder length dark hear and a beard just starting to show a few signs of grey. His eyes are warm and he smiles at you when your eyes meet. Hey there. You must be Sky, he says in a gravely voice, walking up to you and extending his hand. He frowns a bit looking over your shoulder but he's smiling again when he looks back at you. I thought there was supposed to be two of ya? You want a drink or something while he gets here?
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 14th - The Asylum, The Barrens]
Sky nods "Hi, yes, I am. Tea if you have, or anything hot will do. As for the other one..." She shrugs "He said he had a delivery to make before he came here."
-
I got coffee up here, if you want tea I can have Jesus bring you some. I thought Gunderson said this was a rush job, I even hurried it up and got done a whole hour before the estimate I gave him. He touches his ear and you can see an earbud tucked in.
Make yourself at home while we wait, I suppose. Me casa es su casa and all that. He grabs a pair of pruning shears and walks back through the flaps of the canopy on the far side of the canvas shelter.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 14th - The Asylum, The Barrens]
Sky frowns "I got there on time, never met the other one before today, so..."
Sky grumbles. This drek is starting to piss her off, and she has half a mind of simply dropping the job here and there. Next time she'll make damn sure everything is understood right. In the meantime... She takes the elevator back down to find Jesus and get some tea. When you grow in, a region where good coffee was cultivated, that soycaf drek has no appeal at all...
-
Kettle's on...be maybe 10 minutes. Jesus says when you get back downstairs. I can bring it up when it's ready unless you want to wait here.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 14th - The Asylum, The Barrens]
Sky smiles "Thank you. I'll wait here if it's no trouble? I wouldn't know what to do upstairs." she grimaces "And I'd probably be a little jealous, I've been trying to work on a garden for a while now, but here..." She shakes her head "Let's say I only had underwhelming results for my trouble..."
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If you want. I don't know that I'd call it a garden. It's mostly just those fucking bonsai trees. The rest of it is just a handful of poisonous plants like nightshade and belladonna. They're pretty but they creep me out.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 14th - The Asylum, The Barrens]
"Oh." Sky seems almost disappointed "Yeah, I'm not fond of bonsai. Poisonous plants can be quite pretty, especially considering that they're often quite colourful. But..." She shrugs "I'm more interested in a garden that can be seen as a whole, and not only enjoyed for it's independent parts..."
She snorts then "But I guess you don't really care about all that." She pauses, glancing at the kettle, then asks "Is Jack the owner of this place or something?"
-
Jacks got a greenhouse...somewhere. I think it's mostly just foodstuffs though...maybe an herb garden. The kettle begins whistling and Jesus begins filling a press. He puts out a mug and sets the press in front of you as he answers. Yeah Jack owns the place, let's his ex-girlfriend run the joint though so he's not here a lot.
You should let that steep a bit, we've got sugar if you want. No cream though...unless you like it with alcohol.
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[Zyanya "Sky" Rivero - October 14th - The Asylum, The Barrens]
Sky shakes her head "Nah, nothing in my tea, thanks." After a minute, she yawns, bored out of her mind. Sullen, she grabs her new 'link, and starts to look at what she could buy with the money from this job. Though... She probably should look at a new home. A better one, and more importantly, one where the bitch won't be able to get into. Well... Not without much efforts.
She sips her tea as she does, waiting for something, anything, to happen. Calling Gunderson to ask him about Ted, Teddy, whatever, would probably not be the smartest idea of the century however. In other circumstances, she would take a nap but... the events of the last few days sort of removed that possibility. She looks at the clock of her 'link with a sigh.
Maybe she should buy some stuff to improve it. Even, if she always has the impression that buying electronic stuff is kinda wasted... It could still be useful. Maybe, one day, who knows...
-
Jesus goes back to work. [spoiler]If you are just going to wait then we will do Tedds entrance back in Da Bears.[/spoiler]