Shadowrun

Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: belaran on <11-14-16/1658:48>

Title: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-14-16/1658:48>
Thursday, February 4th, 2077

It is dark, cold and rainy. And it smells. Well, to be fair, the 'plex has never been famous for its mild weather and its perfume. But the fact remains that being in Duisburg, in the far North end of the RRMP, this stench was unexpected, even so late at night. The weather, to be fair, was to be expected, but the smell is somewhat disturbing.

Indeed, Duisburg is one a corporate enclave, often describe as a small paradise on earth by the local - of course, that is to say, if you do have a SIN. And no one associate "paradise on earth" with burning chemicals, iron and grease smelsl. Well, at least not everybody. In any case, this part of Duisburg is certainly not the part of the enclave.

After all, the joint was called Belchflügel ("Wings of Steel", roughly translate), so maybe it's not such a surprise  that the patrons were all juryriggers and gearheadss always messing with their ride around the bar. That is also probably why the bar was built on top of a now closed supermarket: the location has no charm, but certainly a large car park to mess around. And even on a thursday evening, it was filled with over tuned, fancy car and bikes. Certainly not the most usual location for a meet, but despite the peculiarity of the locals, the place looked remote and discreet enough.

It took no time for the runner to find their contact, despite the bar being packed. Of course, as always, a quick glance at the staff, led each of them to a quieter backroom, separated from the rest by a thick door and barely furnished. Actually, given the stack of boxes surrounded the small tables and the folding chairs around it, it is pretty clear that when the room is not used, it is used as a storage facility. Their contact is rather well dressed... Ork.

The man looks pretty awkward, setting on a way too small for him folding chair - even if he is not the most strongly built for his meta-type. Most Johnson often appears very calm, quiet and under control, but the ork can not mask a sort of ... edginess. Before the runners arrive, his eyes keeps switching from quick glance to his bodyguard, from commlinks and then to some ARO only visible in his AR.

He does not look like a regular corp drone, but he certainly does not fit into the place. He apparently try to match his attire, a sort of fancy leather jacket, with the place, but he still looked over dressed, even fancy, for the greasy autoshop bar he is in. As the first runner arrives, he stands to offer to shake their hands, with an open face, and a very convicing "sincere" smile:

"Guten Abend ! As you may imagine my name is Schmidt, but let's keep it casual, you can call me Johannes. I certainly appreciate coming so quickly - and punctually, to this meeting. As often in this line of business, time is for the essence. Let's wait for your partner before diving in... Oh, do you want a drinK ? Surpringsingly enought, their homebrew dark beer of the place, called "Grease Juice" is pretty palatable..."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-14-16/1826:42>
Zilli wasn't sure what to do. This wasn't the best part of town - not by a long shot - and the bar hadn't seen a health inspector since... well actually she couldn't remember ever having seen one here. So technically it wasn't a problem that somehow this large dog had gotten into the common room, especially since it was wearing some kind of vest which displayed "Service Animal" on it's sides. Not to mention that it wore tiny armored socks over it's paws and also had goggles (or would you call those rather "doggles"?) over its eyes.
The thing was, she was pretty sure that this wasn't a dog but actually a wolf. She had seen this documentation about the wilds of the northern UCAS. The mountain wolves had looked exactly like this one and they had been led by what the documenter had called a Fenris Wolf. One of those magic abominations. What if this was one of those?
Zilli didn't dare to move while this "dog" just sat there, looking around.
Finally the beast moved under one of the banks, laid itself flat on the ground and closed its eyes.

At the same time the luminous form of a tall and painfully thin elf manifested in the storage room. With an apologetic grin he said: "I'm sorry, my condition prevents me from a more "hands on" sort of meeting so I'll have to be contend with watching you enjoy the local drink. Besides I just had a refreshing bowl of water earlier.
By the way, you can call me Rex."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-15-16/1428:25>
Jack sat on the edge of the bed, the glass in his hand traced a figure of 8 as he swirled the last 2 fingers of Stolichnaya round and round. The face that stared back out at him from the mirror was not his own. Instead he watched as the blandly handsome Slavic man lifted the glass and swallowed what remained.

Well this trip turned out to be a bust as far as upping the bank balance was concerned The jolt of the train car temporarily disturbed the slender blonde form under the sheets on the bed behind him. Still I did manage to upset the Vory again, getting this Natasha out from under with the 'sticks she lifted was reward enough. Madame B will sort her out when she finally arrive in London.

3 days on the slow train from Moscow were actually coming to an end as Jack was brought from his reverie by the announcement that the train would soon be arriving in Cologne. Dropping the glass to the table Jack finished his dressing and dropped a quick message, wishing her luck, on the Natasha's 'link before slipping out of the door leaving her to her slumber. Stopping in the bathroom he triggered the electrochromatic function of his clothing and accessed one of his saved faces. By the time he left the bathroom as the train came to a halt no one who had interacted with him in the previous week would now give him a second glance.

 Now I just have to get a paying gig again

Dropping into an autocab Jack accessed his messages and was pleased to see that Madame B had come through and there was a meet scheduled in Duisberg for the following evening.

24 hours later Jack, wearing yet another of his faces, was stood thankful for the chemical protection on his coat outside the bar. Catching his reflection, now that of a blandly handsome vat job that had been popular 30 years ago and aged to suit, he gave a wry smile and headed into the crowded bar. Taking a moment to center himself, as well as taking in the environment he had now entered, he then caught the eye of one of the bartenders and got the discreet nod in the direction of the back.

Arriving in the back it was obvious that this was not the Johnson's usual habitat, but then again neither was it Jack's.

Waiting politely, Jack let the Johnson finish talking, and managed not to show surprise when the image of the skinny elf winked into existence, before responding in kind. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance Johannes. Myself and those others who join us look forward to hearing about your predicament and finding ways to expedite a solution if terms are agreeable. You may call me Fox. Thank you for the offer of Grease Juice but I prefer to keep a clear head when working so a mineral water will suffice. San Peligrino if it's available. How many others are you expecting to join us on this pleasant evening?"

Jack took the folding chair opposite Schmidt and relaxed as he waited for Johannes to continue.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <11-15-16/1740:10>
#1

Waywalker's commlink rang through his AR while he was driving the van.
" A job? What kind of job? My connection is very weak here, I don't hear you..."
A sudden AR image of the cops popped up on his view. He smiled, preparing himself to become the vehicle.
"I'm a bit busy at the moment, I've something to take care of. Just send me the place and the time and I will be there."
The sound of the van speeding covered the comunication.

The bar of the meeting looked quite familiar. "I swear I've been here before, but I can't remember when... Maybe the Matrix is frying my brain. However, a job is still a job."
The table and the seatings were a bit spartan, but Waywalker liked it. "It seems our Schmidt goes to the bone of things. Good."
The Vandals logo appeared on his jacket.
"Mr Johannes, thank you for the offer, I'd have a beer." While waiting for his drink, Waywalker looked the other guests, trying to catch some information. "The lighty one is a mojo user, I don't see him in AR."

[spoiler]Duisburg Knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/456423): 7d6t5 1
Do I know something about this bar?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-15-16/1913:38>
Johannes was caught of guard by the materialization of Rex, but quickly regains his composure. He greats the mage and Jack who entered the room , almost at the same time:

"Rex, please to meet you ! Your reputation precedes you, but, boy, what an entrance !"

Turning to the only runner in the flesh for now, the ork cheerfully adds: "M.Fox, very pleased to meet you too. I'll order some clean and sparkling water for you from the bar, but I would be surprised if they had your brand... Oh, btw, I do admire your work ethic, but the local beer are rather mild - having one should not impair your facilities... In case your reconsider."

Before Jack or Rex could replied anything, Johannes spot a third runner arriving. "Ah, isn't it the great Waywalker in the flesh ! I also heard a lot of good thing about you. I really appreciate having you... Physically. Oh, one of the bar tender, Ruby I think, mentioned to me you came a couple of time last year. She apparently missed you - well, more exactly she missed seeing the "ride" you had back then. Apparently, it was quite a beauty".

"Well, this is a bit unconventional, but certainly interesting !" tells the ork to the mage, with a childish smile on his face.

"Let's move on to business. We are all professional here, so our time is precious. So your job would be to retrieve for us a coyote - or rather a smuggler as people tends to call them in Europe, and his cargo. The smuggler have just double timed his last client, and disappear with the shipment he was supposed to deliver, and went to the ground. We have some small leads to give you, to but you on his trail, but we also hope you'll have enough informants to help you locating him. Well, trustworthy informants that is to say. As said, the smuggler is in hiding, so careless investigation might tip him off. Of course, as one may imagine, you are most likely not the only one going after him, so be advised. So, are you interested ?"

A quick discussion follows, to haggle on the price, but quickly the ork and the runner come to an agreement. Johannes then note:


"Hum, sadly, I had an other ... talent, I wanted to add to your team, but the person has been delayed, I've just been informed. Well, time is of the essence here, so you'll have to start asap we'll see about that later. In the meantime, let me give you some more concrete information. Your target is Bernard Janssens, or "Bernee" - written Bernie. He is a smuggler who operates in this region, but also the north of France and the United Netherlands. All around the SOX in fact. Up to my knowledge, he was supposed to deliver his shipment over two days ago, but apparently, the meet went badly, and he managed to flee away, of course, with the cargo. Since then, he has clearly gone to the ground."

While describing the situation, Johannes shares with the runners some AROs, showing both some pictures of Bernie - white male human, short black hair, small eyes and always two to three days behind in shaving. Oh, also, a nasty broken nose. Commenting on this, Johannes continues: "Oh, good, he really should have his nose fixed up.... I mean, in our day and age, carrying this around ? Anyhow."

A new ARO pop ups showing the VTOL driven by Bernie. A highly modified - and weaponized, GMC Banshee (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ca/05/02/ca0502fa8c40840980ed55d9f17f3579.jpg).

"There is a bit more intel to get you started. We know he has acquaintance, a mid-range (pricewise) escort called Trixie... I know she clearly lacks imagination. Unrelated to this deal gone wrong, there is absolutely no love lost between him and Saeder Krupp, and there is some persistent, but not substantiated, rumors that he did some work for an organlegger band, based in Köln. If you wish to pursue this last lead, I can give you a bit more information on it, but, as said, it is quite unsubstantiated. Any questions ?"


[spoiler]
@Haywire, it's a mecanic bar, and certainly a rigger haunts, so I assumed Waywalker was there a couple of times. I weaved that into the narrative, but feel free to add some anecdotal item if you want !

@All I'm attending a conference, here in Berlin, for the next two days, so I may not be able to reply so quickly, but please post your questions ! Like for the first round, I will wait for each of you to have contribute at least once.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-16-16/0422:26>
Rex politely faked interest in the AR images - he'd have to ask the others later to show them to his body as his astral form wasn't able to see anything that wasn't displayed on an old LCD monitor.
Despite not really having a throat in this state, he cleared it before speaking:
"A few questions:
1) What cargo did he carry? Are we talking about large crates or more about briefcases full of biotech?
2) Is this Trixie also working in Cologne?
3) It can't hurt to check out the organ leggers, so yes please, give us the information.
4) If Bernie is united with S-K in mutual hatred, can we safely assume that they or the Sternschutz have a file on Bernie?
5) Who ordered the other parties to investigate, or for that matter what is your interest in this venture? Are you more interested in getting Bernie alive or do you care more about the cargo?

Once I'm within 5 kilometers I can have a Kami search for Bernie with pretty reliable results as long as he doesn't hide behind a strong mana barrier."

#84
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <11-16-16/1555:45>
#2

Waywalker listened to the ghost of the mojoer asking some questions. "And pretty good ones. We've a smart one in the team."
Taking a sip from his beer, he nodded.
"It was a Scorpion, my ride back in those day. I was the pilot for a combat biking team. Returning to the reason of our meeting, I agree with the questions of Rex. Also, other than the Banshee, do you know what are his vehicles of choice? Does he like water-based travel, or goes for grond trip? Could you point the exact location of the rendezvous gone south?"
While waiting for the answers, Waywalker tried to remember some of the known routes from there.

[spoiler]Smuggler's Routes Knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/456673): 9d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-16-16/1640:28>
Jack allowed the ghostly image to ask his questions and the later arrival to make small talk whilst taking his time digesting the images provided. Something about the Johnson was fluttering around in the back of his mind though he couldn't pin it down at this point. The mention of the organ legging band and the target also rang some slight bell in the back of his brain.

"My ghostly companion, Rex? if I understand correctly, has certainly covered the basics of what additional information that we need but I do have a few things to add.

"Firstly you referred to Bernie as a coyote before correcting yourself and using the term smuggler. Having spent some time on the other side of the pond, as it is so delightfully referred to, I have run into these coyotes a few times. Are we to take it that he specialises in the transport of metahummanity as the term usually refers to then?

"As you also pointed out his companion of, shall we say, nuyen soluble entertainment provision certainly lacks imagination. I hope you have more to go on than Trixie as we'll be forever trying to find her.

"Whilst I am not prying into who you represent, in the literal sense at least, it is safe to assume that it is this Bernie's client who is ultimately footing the bill. You obviously believe that others will also be looking for our target so some further information on this would definitely be advantageous to us. You mentioned that the meet went bad, was this because it was crashed by an unwelcome third party or due to a more personal difference of opinion between the original parties involved in the contract?"

As he probed Jack watched the Johnson for any signs of deception or uncertainty in his answers.
[spoiler]

Perception on the ARO images for anything unusual or memorable (http://orokos.com/roll/456689): 12d6t5 4
Anything about the current Johnson (Johnsons knowledge skill) (http://orokos.com/roll/456676): 9d5t5 1
Bernard Janssens Syndicates (http://orokos.com/roll/456682): 9d5t5 1
Judge Intentions on Johnson (http://orokos.com/roll/456716): 11d6t5 4
Psychology on Johnson (http://orokos.com/roll/456717): 8d6t5 1

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-17-16/0751:14>
Johannes was surprised, but quickly produced a sincere (or at least sincere-looking) smile to the numerous questions of the astrally projected mage. As he was preparing his answers, Waywalker followed by Jack added their own questions and the Johnson obviously opted to wait and hear all of them before replying.

"First of all, thanks a lot for your thoroughness and keen observation. I wish most of my runners were half smart as you apparently are - it would make my job far more simple. Let me also apologize, because some of your questions echoes to missing items from my initial briefing."

After a brief pause, the ork goes on.

"So, let me start by filling those gaps - and first, with our escort "du jour". Yes, we have more information on Trixie. First here is a picture of her." Simultaneously an ARO appears displaying a somewhat fuzzy picture of young, slender woman. She has long and curvy hair, a straight noose, along with nice blue eyes. She is winking at the camera - which led to display her datajack on her left side. She also appears to have a neon-blue nanotattoo on the right side of her face. However the image is a bit too fuzzy, and with the wrong angle on it - plus the fact that the room is pretty dark, it make impossible to assert what the tattoo could actually be representing.

"As you can see the picture was taken in a local club, in the North of Essen, called Nurasol. It was last Saturday and we've heard that she might be a regular there. And known by the name of Trixie - surprisingly. I'm quite sorry to have not mention that earlier."

The Ork gives the runners a few seconds to absorbs the information before going on.

"Regarding the shipment, no sorry, I can not disclose the content of it, neither can I tell you what happened during the meet - or, for that matter, where the meet happened. I can not also confirm (or deny) that you are working for the original client of "Monsieur Bernie". I would just recommend you all to not make hasty conclusion here. As I've heard some many good runners said often: "nothing kill you more faster than a wrong assumption, short of a dragon". I also have no intel, for now at least, on the probable competition or other parties involved. I do know that the shipment was smuggled into the country and required a rather large transporter, so it is my understanding that you'll need the vehicle of a size of a van when you secure it. Alternatively, I could arrange a pick up."

Shacking his head, and the M.Johnson became again apologetic:

"Gosh, I realized now that I've forgot to mention something earlier. I do expect you to need to synchronize with me during the run, so I'll give a burner phone number on which you'll be able to join 24/24. Depending on how fast you making progress, but also ... Well, let's say "how the game afoot unfold in the meantime", we'll need to re-prioritize and strategize."

Johannes stops again to gather his thoughts.

"Let me see again what other question you had... Oh, right, this was an other very good point from mister Rex."

Turning to the ghost like figure of the mage, he carries on.

"You are right both S-K and the Sternschultz have both a file and a bounty of Monsieur Bernard. However, I've been told, it's not an active file, so it may not easy to pull it out of the archive.We do know his case is in the hand of a detective called Juergen Schulz, who is attached to a precinct of Dusseldorf."

Johannes stops again, pondering probably if he should or not reveal what his coming next.

"We also have a location - in the matrix, of a host of the Saeder Krupp where his file may be accessible (if not archived that is to say). Apparently, Monsieur Bernard had some "bad words" with a special SK Agent named Ulf, some month ago. I've been informed that the report of this event and the file maybe be living in this host. However, I have no intel on which physical location or Matrix user in Essen, this file maybe attached to. I have not mentioned this at first, because this is obviously a long shot - but maybe not for talented runners like you ?"

Again, Johannes pauses - most likely to look at some note he did, on the fly, in his AR, but start speaking again almost immediately:

"Oh, and M.Rex, regarding your offer to use a spirit - or was it a Kami ? It would be definitely an excellent option, but it is pretty clear, for what I know that Monsieur Bernard is not currently hiding in the 'plex. We expect him to be still nearby, probably somewhere around 40km tops, to the sprawl limits. He does have a lot of ties to the 'plex as the fore mentioned Trixie, and a lot of history, like the Saeder Krupp mishap I just mentioned. But also of course a lot of contacts and allies that can help me - far more than anywhere else in the ADL. And this history with the 'plex is naturally leading me to answer an other of your questions M.Rex. The one regarding the alleged rumors of organ legging."

Taking a brief pause, this time clearly for dramatic effect.

"First let me replied to Jack regarding whether or not, your target is a coyote or a smuggler. He is actually both, as far as I know. It's been moving both people and cargo across the borders - but apparently, more cargo than people in the last months. It does not seems to be a sort of choice on his side, he is probably simply taking the jobs he is getting offered. Back to the organ legging, the reason I've barely mentioned this lead is, as you can imagine, time is of the essence in this run, and I'm not convinced this will bare fruit. It's not substantiated may therefore yield no result and end up being a red herring. That being said, I do defer to your judgment and experience in this matter. Here is the intel I got."

A series of ARO is being spawned by his commlink, as the Ork comment:

"As far as this rumors goes, he seems that Bernie's ride has been spot, two weeks ago, delivering or picking up some cargo from a tower in Dusseldorf. The cargo appears to belong to a small Japan corp that is all but a proxy of Mitsuhama Computer Technologies. No surprise as MCT controls most of this area anyway."

"However the end customer of the small corp appears to be a very legit business, a small tourist shop, selling "Japan trinkets". Well, they are described as "authentic, hand craft Japanese art piece", but I guess you know what they are exactly. Apparently the regular delivery services - arriving by drone from a nearby MCT facility had a malfunction and, as a legal freelancer - probably Bernie has a Fake SIN as a "VTOL for hire" freelancer, his VTOL was brought in."

"Actually, it's not clear if the VTOL was the one from Bernie or just one looking just like it. And the rumor that he actually picked up some "organ legging cargo" during this stop is just that for now. With the file I sent you, you now have all the related info, name of the shop owner, contract, report of malfunction from the delivery services and so on. Feel free to explore this further, but do keep in mind it is race more than anything else."

As the Johnson is clearly reaching the end of the first round of questions the runner, Jack (or Fox) is still trying to read him. And he is honestly quite puzzled. Was this guy acting clumsy or forgetfully on purpose ? Like this Columbo character, that his grand parents were always so fond of ? Or was he as careless, and giddy ? - as he seems to appear. At this point, the runner fells like it could be one way or the other. Which leaves him both puzzled and a bit frustrated to be honest...

On his side, Waywalker is trying to figure out in his head which route could the Belgian have taken. But with no idea of the provenance of the shipment, but also the nature of the cargo, it is a daunting task. He can see dozens of routes that could make sense and even more good sites for a delivery or a discreet meet.

"well, I think I've covered most of your questions, didn't I ? Let me know if I forgot anything or if you have new ones for me. We can certainly afford an other round of questions, but then, I would recommend you start your investigations anyway... As already pointed, you can always reach me later on with the number I just gave you and, as already stressed out, time is of the essence here."

Satisfied, the Ork grabs his bottle, finishes his beer in one, long sip, and then looks at the runner... Still with a friendly smile on his face.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-17-16/1103:00>
Rex replied: "So - if I understand you correctly - you want the cargo, preferably unopened, and the coyote dead or alive delivered to you.
You realize that we have no way of actually verifying if we come across the stuff you want, especially since Bernie seems to be a pretty prolific smuggler with a broad portfolio of goods.
We need at the very least a description of the crates, preferably also the bar-codes or whatever other identifiers there might be.

And don't worry: Our investigation will of course concentrate on the most promising leads first. But there is always the possibility that an otherwise unrelated piece of information could be the deciding element to track the man down.

Speaking of which: You wouldn't happen to have a personal item of Bernie or know where we could find such a thing? Getting his scent so to speak would be quite helpful."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-18-16/1151:54>
Despite the criticism of M.Rex, especially on the look of information on the shipment, Johannes keeps his cool, smiles and replies to the mage:

"I do understand your frustration regarding the lack of information regarding the shipment itself. However, last time I look up the definition of a Shadowrun in the matrix, I don't think the exact definition was "clear operation, with detailed information on all needed information". If this did not required you to a little resourceful, obviously this would not be neither offer nor handled by a group of runner. Also, it is expected that you'll know very easily when you will have found the shipment. We don't expect this to be in a "red crate" hidden inside a warehouse full of "red crate". And, of course, I did gave you a way to communicate directly with me, if you need more information later on. At this stage, you have all the information you need to start looking for your target."

The soft, but obviously sarcastic rebuttal creates a silences for a couple of seconds, that the M.Johnson let last on purpose, while looking straight at Rex, not aggressively, but with a firm expression on his face.

"That being said, you involuntarily raised an excellent point. You are inferring that we want Monsieur Bernard, dead or alive. We don't and we honestly don't care what you do with him. Let him live, killing him - or even sell him to the competition. We don't give a damn, just don't deliver him to us. And to reply to your last question, no sorry, we do not have any personal belonging to Monsieur Bernie. He clearly was careful about that. But, hopefully your investigation might lead you to such an item."

Turning to Jack and Waywalker, Johannes goes on:

"Any other questions on your side ?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-18-16/1356:39>
 It's been a long time since I wasn't able to get a proper read on someone, maybe I'm actually getting too old for this sort of thing.

The the Johnson responded quite sarcastically finally allowing his true personality to begin to show. So it was all just an act and this guy's as much of an arsehole as the next.

"I applaud your fine acting skills there Mr Johnson though I believe you will find that most people respond better to reasoned arguments when trying to put your point across. Personally I care not for such showboating, especially when the question asked was more than reasonable given the nature of the target and your desire to obtain a specific item from them.

"I also find your lack of, for want of a better word, trust in our abilities to be disconcerting at best. Half truths and obfuscations are part of the lives we all lead but expecting to micromanage your assets will generally leave you only getting those who are not truly assets and do require to be micromanaged.

"I for one am not prepared to attempt to retrieve a shipment I know nothing about on the basis that we can call you when we're in place and you'll give us more info at that point. Situations such as these often end up time critical and/or fluid which means if I don't know what I'm retrieving, at least in the broadest sense, I won't attempt the retrieval. It might well be that it is indeed obvious what the package you want retrieved is when we find it but, as my esteemed colleague has pointed out we could end up looking for a red crate in a warehouse full of red crates as you so in-eloquently put it.

"If your wish is to try and micromanage and control every part of this operation then rather than waste anymore of your time I'll take the drink as payment for my time tonight and wish you luck in your future endeavours. Should my colleagues still wish to continue in this acquisition and accept being micromanaged I also wish them luck.

"If on the other hand you would care to share the relevant information, that you so obviously have and wish to keep to yourself until we call asking for assistance, so that we can plan and accomplish the job you wish doing I'll be happy to stay on board and get you what you're looking for."

[spoiler]

I'm using my negotiation (diplomacy) here to try to get the Johnson to understand the difference between recruiting professionals who can actually do the job and mooks who need to be managed here and am pre-edging it. If you don't feel that it's appropriate then please feel free to ignore it.

Negotiation to get Mr J to understand the difference between recruiting pros and mooks (pre-edged) (http://orokos.com/roll/457215): 19d6h5 10

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <11-18-16/1619:08>
#3

Waywalker was silent while his teammates argued with Mr Johnson. He agreed with the oldest one. "Better to be crystal clear about the job. At least on our side."
He took a moment to focus on the details.
"Let's make this clear to us: you want us to retrieve this cargo, without knowing not even one thing about it; the cargo is hold by someone who we have some clues about.
Ok, as mister Jack stated, we are professionals and we can do this. But may we know if the cargo is alive and moving on its own or presumed to be? If this is the case, the cargo is willing to be extracted?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-19-16/0557:47>
Rex shrugged at the harsh reply of the Johnson: "Piss poor management style on your part. You'll get a crate from us. Just don't complain if it's the wrong one."
He then listened to the more elaborate explanations from his fellow runners, nodding his translucent head.

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-19-16/1248:51>
Johannes sight loudly, in reaction of the runners complains and demands, and his facial expression changes drastically, from a kind, apologetic one to a clearly angry, with a not conceal hint of disdain and disappointment. Jack realizes immediately that his negotiation skills may have save the job, because short of that, it seems like the M.Johnson was ready to call it quits, but he is clearly still pondering on this decision looking directly into Jack's eyes for a second or two.

"OK, let's cut the crap. I'm not going to dignify Mister Rex comment on "don't complain if we get you the wrong crate". Well, short to say that I hope your next collective negotiation move is not going to be "I hold my breath until you tell us what the shipment is". Clearly, my act, as you called it, is not cutting with you, I can see that, but let's see if we can try to come back to a professional attitude none the less."

"First of all, I think you are all making a lot of assumption here. One clearly is that I actually know what the shipment is. I don't. Our employer has not shared this information with me. You are mentioning a crate, but for what I know, it could be a cage containing a critter, an extracted R&D researcher, or a pair of diabolical genetically engineer 12Th years old twin ! Or it might be a piece of tech. Of course, like you - and already pointed this out to our employer, this is not the way anyone in our business likes to work, but it nonetheless the way of the shadows."

As Johannes pauses briefly, Jack realizes that while he was trying to convey that the ork should be talking to them as professional, all the runner did up until this point is show the opposite. Before Fox can dwell more into this, the M.Johnson resume:

"Like you are most likely going to do, I'm also having my contacts and information network trying to assert what this shipment may be. However, I can not simply wait to gather all this information to brief you all, because most likely by then, our prize will have been taken. So I would like you to start focusing not on the nature of the shipment we may never be able to locate and secure, but on getting a concrete lead to find Bernie. By then, hopefully, I will either have more information, or I will have something to offer our employer to get more information. And obviously you own investigation might also yield this information too."

"Talking about more about assuming too much. Earlier you were also inferring, unequivocally, that our employer is the original recipient of the shipment. It is most likely not, which means that we are also starting late in this race, with less intel, so we need start immediately if we want to have any chance to score the deal for our employer. Also, I'm not trying to micromanage you, Fox, if I gave a commlink to be able to join me whenever you need, it's because I want to work with you. But if you want, I can micro manage and play obfuscation by telling you "go to explore this lead and locate Monsieur Bernie and then report back to me". I clearly don't. I respect you all as being smart runner, and I know that by giving all the context and information that I have, ie that the goal is not Bernie but the mysterious shipment, I increase our chance of both surviving and winning this game. Also, I don't think this is too much to ask of good shadowrunner to be flexible - if I wanted to point in a direction and say "grab, fetch or kill", I would hire a gang, not professionals."

"Now, can you all do me the favor to go "learn things" on Bernie's location or even hideout ? And we contact each other later on, depending on what we learn. Or is this again "poor piss management" of my part ?"

The ork marks a pause, to let his quip stings a bit, but resume speaking quickly as he does not want to have the question going awry again:

"As said earlier, if we want more information on this operation, I also need to get going, and see if can learn more on this all situation... So unless you have other relevant questions to the matter at hands ..."

Johannes gives a last look to the team, standing up, clearly ready to leave and let them start their work, and just awaiting the runners to dismiss him.

[spoiler]
Guys, I'm not trying to railroad you into accepting the run, but unless you have questions regarding M.Bernie and the leads, I would suggest we move forward. As said, you can always call him later on if you have questions - and of course if something comes up like "oh, we should have definitely asked that during the brief", we can always do a "flashback" and say that you did.

Of course, if you all really don't like this run and how this all thing is starting, your characters can simply decline and leaves the Johnson right there - and we'll move to something else ;) !

@Stoneglobe as you got 10 successes on your negotiation skill on "Negotiation to get Mr J to understand the difference between recruiting pros and mooks (pre-edged): ", whatever you guys feels about it, you clearly gave him a very bad first impression. You made a lot of assumptions, you focused too much on the "end game" (the shipment) and not on the task at hands (finding a lead to Bernie's position) - and he did not like that (not saying your points were not valid, just telling you what you can read of him). He is honestly disappointed and now worried about you guys not being able to do the job.

Also, because we abstract money away by paying by post, the fact is that this is a very high-level, highly paid run. If you pull it through, there is a LOT of money to make for both you guys and him. So to make this more apparent, and have Stoneglobe amazing roll pays off even more, you will all get an extra 20 000 nuyens each (on top of the accumulated money) at the end of the run.

Last point, out of game, just to be sure your perception of Johannes's briefing is not alter by my game style: this briefing is pretty standard to my game style. You don't have all the elements, just a sketchy pictures, and this picture will (hopefully) gets clearer as you move forward.  So you may not like it, but "in my world", it's not a suspicious / unprofessional / unheard of way of starting point for a run.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-19-16/1625:22>
Rex' apparition shrugged again: "You talk a lot but say little. Next time just be honest and say: I don't know but I'm going to find out.
I have no problem with finding Bernie and don't care for whom - especially since you aren't interested in wet work.

So... we'll give you a call when we have a lead."

Once the ork was gone, Rex turned to his new colleagues: "If we want to start with the prostitute, we probably should get going before the competition get to her. By the way, can someone of you spare a seat in his car for me? My fixer neglected to mention that this would be such a time critical run and I left my transport at home."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <11-19-16/2226:26>
#4

"Sure, I have a seat in my car. Where do I find you? Mr Jack, would you mind to come with me, so we can act together? I think that while I drive to you we can find something on that Trixie."

[spoiler]I want to do a Matrix search to find pictures on social media in real time of the club, looking for Trixie, directly and in the background.
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/457587): 12d6t5 6
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/457588): 6d6t5 1
matrix search to find trixie (http://orokos.com/roll/457590): 19d6t5 8[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-20-16/0942:06>
"Oh, I'm actually right next door. But my condition necessitates it that I stay in an alternate form. It's the large wolfhound with the service dog armor.
Much obliged."
Rex' astral form vanished and seconds later a scratching at the door could be heard. 
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-21-16/0308:16>
Sometimes things just get out of hand, still the money's good and I could use it right now.

"Of course Herr Johnson, misunderstandings are part of this business after all. Shall we move past this and we'll continue with our job. Should we require anything we'll be in touch."

Once the Orc and his bodyguard had left Jack relaxed somewhat and began to take in more details on his companions, both the man and the dog who was now joining them in the room.

"Well that was certainly an interesting first meeting wasn't it. Please to meet you both by the way. Please do let me know if either of you would prefer to change to a language other German at any time.

"So given what little, of value, we currently have to go on so far I would concur that the escort would be a good starting point. Something to remember is that whilst she might be a regular there it might take a while to track her down, especially if she is close to the mark and she knows he's in trouble.

"Perhaps we should also take the time to introduce ourselves a bit better now that we're alone and let each of use know where our specialities lie. I go by Silver Fox, though you may call me Jack if you prefer, and I specialise in human intelligence. I'm happy conversing in several languages and know my way round a lot of different parts of the world and can generally blend into any setting that I desire."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-21-16/1434:13>
If Waywalker was not already deep into the matrix, searching for traces of Trixie, he would probably smile at the fact that both an actual wolf and a guy called Fox are now sitting his vehicle. However, the runner is a professional and so focus on the task at hand, which turn out to be more of daunting task as he expected.

Indeed, the club Nurasol being very trendy, they have jammer in place and disallowed people to post live pictures... Apparently, the concern about data privacy that characterize germany at the beginning of the century have somehow persisted up to the 2076 :)

Of course, most kids publish pictures and videos on numerous social networks the minute they go out - including the famous and selective P2. But for now, no recent pictures show the girls. But between, the fuzzyness, the delay and the dim light, it does not prove anything. Using a cool app, Waywalker even build a real time image of the club, based on the delayed pictures and the public map of it, and it appears clear that there is enough uncovered part of it, for the girl to be there.

In the meantime, Fox, sitting on the couch, and waiting for his new partner to reply to his question was feeling good. Yes, the meeting went a bit out of hand, but he had the feeling that, when the M.Johnson left the room, he managed to mend some fences. Last comment from Rex about the M.Johnson's verboseness did not help, but overall still a win.

[spoiler]
@Waywalker: sorry, you did good on your matrix search, so I've tossed the 3d / real time rendering map - your success give you the info that you cannot confirm her presence or absence of the club. I hope it's not a too frustrating result !

Also be aware that you also can try to track the "website" she uses to sell her services. But as you have to literaly "google" her face over many site, it may take a little while. And of course, escort website being blackmail treasury chest, they generally do have a decent security.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-22-16/1431:48>
The wolfhounds tongue hung out while he listened to Silver Fox.
A matrix message appeared on the two runners' commlinks:
<<The name is Reginald or Rex. My story is rather short since I don't actually know much about myself. A few months ago I must have escaped from some kind of black site. No idea really since everything before I woke up in an alley here in the RRMP is a big black hole in my memory. My body had severely atrophied and I had a bad case of... something in my head.
Somehow I managed to change my form which allowed me to think clearly again. Oh yeah, I should probably have said that before: I'm a mage, Shinto trained, so I assume I worked for a Japano corp before, but I don't really know for sure.
My specialty is being unobtrusive and ripping throats out.

And yeah, a visit to the brothel sounds like a good idea. Once I'm close I can use a Kami to look for the girl - provided you send me the infos the Johnson had for us.>>

#89
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-22-16/1505:00>
So yet another weird one to work with. Still, had best remember not to pat his head and call him a good boy when he does something right. After all I like my throat where it is.

Jack grinned inside at his own poor attempt at humour. One guy disappearing into the matrix at the first opportunity and another who chooses to be in form of a dog. this was going to be an interesting job. I hope this matrix diver is halfway decent, that will help a lot. If he can pull me some decent starting material on people it will make my life so much easier during approaches. Let's see what he comes back with and then I can focus my approach on this Trixie accordingly

"Well Reginald. I've worked with most of the major corps at one time or another over years. If you want me to put out some discreet feelers about your past with some of my contacts let me know. I can't promise anything, and I can't promise it will be cheap if they do come back with something but the option is there if you want it."


#5
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-22-16/1521:57>
"Woof"
<<I'd appreciate that, but be careful there are still people after me. I'd hate to leave my dog house. It took me a really long time to find one a dog could rent.>>

#90
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-22-16/1542:37>
>>Of course. I'll keep it very low key and discreet. Most of them won't even realise that I'm probing them for information on someone I know. Only those who I trust implicitly would get even that far. This is not something to rush into and I have no doubt that it will take quite sometime to conduct my enquiries. Perhaps once we've completed our current endeavour, and should we feel that it was mutually beneficial, we could take the time to sit down and go over what you do remember in more detail as this will allow me guide my conversations with mu contacts better.<<


#6
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <11-22-16/1642:53>
#5

"My pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rex and Mr. Fox. I go by the name Waywalker, my specialties are the Matrix and the road. I did a little search on our escort, and I can't confirm or deny that she is at the club right now, but I have a real time image of the club that is been forwarded to your commlinks."
Waywalker took a breath as the autopilot of the car wandered throught the traffic.
"I suggest to go right in the club, to assess if out target is there. While we're in motion, I'll try to be more accurate with my data."

[spoiler]My deck is A 2/S 5/D 4/F 4, running VM, Agent, Baby Monitor and Exploit.
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/458451): 12d6t5 4
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/458452): 6d6t5 1
matrix perception to find Nurasol's host (http://orokos.com/roll/458453): 19d6t5 6
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/458455): 12d6t5 1
Hack on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/458457): 14d6t5 8
I'll look for the cameras, to have live footage of the club.
Jacrabbit Pilot (http://orokos.com/roll/458459): 7d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-22-16/2002:06>
As Waywalker prepared to go back into the matrix Jack took the opportunity to speak. "Charging in like the proverbial bull in a china shop is not really my preferred way of doing things. With a little time and finesse we can get this girl to willingly talk to us and tell us what we need to know. In fact it's possible we can even get this done without ever having to directly confront her or even have her realise that she's betrayed her friend.

"Let's take the opportunity to find out what we can about her, both through observation and research and I'm sure we can then identify the correct psychological buttons to push."

Whilst Waywalker began his deep dive on the club Jack began a matrix search using the info he had on Trixie to find the site that she used to conduct business and retrieve her profile. Both what was said, as well as what was not said, on that profile would help to gain the insight that Jack was looking for to find the right things to exploit when dealing with her.

[spoiler]

matrix search on Trixie - specifically escort sites (http://orokos.com/roll/458508): 7d6t5 3
Missed dice on matrix search (http://orokos.com/roll/458518): 1d6t5 1

I missed 1 dice from my matrix search roll as forgot it was intuition based. Total 4 hits

[/spoiler]


#7
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-23-16/0318:58>
"Rrrrw"
<<Prudent. Meanwhile, I'll ask the Kami for guidance about her and her location.>>

The wolfhound  once more became still, as if he was concentrating.

[spoiler]
Summoning R6 Water Spirit:
Summon Water Spirit F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/458664): 12d6t5 2
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/458665): 6d6t5 0
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/458666): 13d6t5 3
No Drain, two services.

Search task for Spirit once we are in proximity to the brothel:
Search (http://orokos.com/roll/458667): 12d6t5 5[12d6t5=6, 1, 3, 6, 1, 5, 1, 6, 6, 3, 3, 4]
If she is within 1 kilometer and not behind wards or concealment the spirit finds her after 10 minutes, otherwise
Search (http://orokos.com/roll/458668): 11d6t5 6 after 20 minutes and within 6 kilometers
Search (http://orokos.com/roll/458669): 10d6t5 4 after 30 minutes and within 10 kilometers
Search (http://orokos.com/roll/458670): 9d6t5 4 after 40 minutes and within 14 kilometers
Search (http://orokos.com/roll/458671): 8d6t5 3 after 50 minutes and within 17 kilometers
Search (http://orokos.com/roll/458672): 7d6t5 2 after 1 hour and within 19 kilometers
Search (http://orokos.com/roll/458673): 6d6t5 1 after 1 hour 10 minutes within 20 kilometers

After that I'll have him stop (no need for a glitch)

Second service is to track her until we can get to her.

[/spoiler]

His third eye open, Rex called the name of a spring water spirit he had had dealings before and which probably still was favorably inclined towards him. The summons was much weaker than usual, probably because he was travelling by car, but the spirit readily appeared as if he had only been waiting to be called for help:
'Oh Kami of the springs, as connected as we are through the essence of life I ask you to find the woman I seek and entrust me with the secret where to find her. Further I implore you to watch her from the astral until my friends and I can lay eyes upon her ourselves. I thank you for your duty and you shall find my offerings':
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-23-16/0957:39>
While Waywalker successfully puts his first mark on the Nurasol host, Jack start browsing the matrix in seach of the hooker matrix site used by the hooker. Thanks to the picture they got from their Johnson, he quickly find it. Jack checks out her profile and she is not the regular hooker. He has seen a lot, but there is certainly a couple of items on the "menu" he never heard of ! Also, she seems to be picky, she asks for appointment to be set at least a week in advance, and often refuses customer...

Obvisously the matrix service allows one to request a rendezvous, but not before next week, and requires to use a SIN to register ! Strangely enough, this is not discouraging customers ... Matrix security must be tight or the customers do not give a rat's ass about people finding out their "habits".

[spoiler]
Resisting Hack'n'fly (http://orokos.com/roll/458715): 12d6t5 5 - so you got one MARK and one extra information: Host Rating 5.

@Jack_Spade there is no brothel - there is a nightclub called Nurasol and an escort matrix site Trixie is using (that Fox found). I assume you mean the nightclub, right ?

@Stoneglobe, Haywire I guess your characters will wait at least 10 to 20" for the spirit to report, or are you going to go in the club in the meantime ?
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-23-16/1114:55>
[spoiler]
Yeah, same difference 
The place where you meet with prostitutes ;D

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-23-16/1548:08>
Whilst waiting for Reginald to report on what his kami had found Jack began building a profile on Trixie taking the information he'd found on both her profile and the comments from previous customers.

[spoiler]

Psychology to build profile on Trixie (http://orokos.com/roll/458808): 8d6t5 3

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <11-23-16/1638:34>
Waywalker got through the Host's firewall like a breeze. "Always be like water. Be subtle or brutal depending on circumstances."
While in the Host, he looked for cameras Icons to have a direct footage.

[spoiler]Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/458823): 14d6t5 3
Hack on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/458824): 13d6t5 3
(I am directly connected since I have a MARK on the Host)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-24-16/1850:05>
[spoiler]

Sorry, guys, got a bit overwhelmed today - hope to be able to post tomorrow, but I've understood you are waiting for the Kami reports, plus de camera feeds before going in.

@Haywire:

Resisting Hack'n'fly (http://orokos.com/roll/459062): 12d6t5 5

However , unless I am mistaken, having one MARK on the host gives you on all devices, so you can already roll Perception + Intution [2] (sensor rating of the camera)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <11-25-16/1921:24>
Once in the host, it was a breeze tolocate the camera and pull its feed on AR.

[spoiler]camera resist (http://orokos.com/roll/459242): 4d6t5 1
EW throught the camera (http://orokos.com/roll/459243): 15d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-28-16/0823:56>
It takes a few minutes for both Rex and Haywire to see some results for the action. Getting to the camera feeds was not the hardest part for the decker, but certainly spotting out their target, and the flow of people - through the lens of a crappy camera was. Also, Haywire quickly realizes that some camera are either broken or turned off, so he just can't have a complete picture of the place. The Nurasol has a dozens of different  dance floors and bars, all set up inside the remands of huge plant and very poorly illuminated. For instance, what used to be a sort of boiler room was now a dance floor - only lighted by random stroboscopic lights, packed next to a bar serving fluorescent blue cocktails. Those actually somehow improved the visibility in comparison of the others rooms. Inside the "boiler room", a crowd of young people are squeezing together on a tiny, squared dance floor - delimited by huge pipes coming out of the ground and other forgotten traces of the original purpose of the place.

However, it's there that the decker got lucky. Half hidden between some of those pipe, a young woman appears to be a close enough match (78% according to some recognition software). Sadly, image is too blurry to assert this for sure. In the meantime, Rex also heard back from his spirit, but with similar results:

"Master, I think your prey is in there indeed. I can not be completely sure because there is so many people and some rooms are actually warded, or protected by astral barrier. However, I did picked up her sent, before some spirit appeared to chase me - apparently, they told me, the Nurosal has 'no astral peeping tom policy'" - as the spirit echoes the message of spirit, it is clear it has no clear understanding of the meaning of it. "Your prey was here, not so long ago, and probably still is. I'm going to extend my research to this noisy, chaotic place's surroundings, to be sure she has not left it, but I feel she is probably still inside."

On the bright side, all of this gave some minutes for Fox to gather enough intel on their target to try to build somekind of profile of her. The girl is certainly something special. An indenpendant sex-worker, rather than a simple hooker doing tricks for the mafia or some dude - she also appears to have some other activities to keep her afloat. For what Fox can gather she has certainly too few "customers" to be living out only of this. However, she does not strike him as being a shadowrunner, but probably somewhat familliar with the shadows - or at least the SINless society. He also feels that she is, strangely, both a thrill seeker, but also sort of a freak control...

[spoiler]
Really sorry for the delay, guys, end of last week was a bit complicated - and of course the forum forgot to sent me notification of your posts. BTW, FYI, given the nature of place your characters are not surprised to not have a clear confirmation of her presence here.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <11-28-16/1635:58>
#8

Waywalker smiled and switched gracefully to AR before closing the connection with the Host.
"It's a pleasure for me to tell that we have a close match, about 78%. I'll send a drone in the club for confirmation.
I'll be back in a minute."



[spoiler]Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) (http://orokos.com/roll/460061): 9d6t5 4
Fly Spy Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/460550): 9d6t5 3
Fly Spy Perception (EW) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/460063): 15d6t5 5 (I keep all of them)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-29-16/0350:55>
'Thank you, oh Kami, you have done a great service to me. I release you from your task and bid you farewell.'

"Wuff"

<<The Kami of water I just consulted confirms that Trixie is most likely down there, but they seem to have a mage on retainer providing security for the club.
I can go as Astral projection inside, or accompany one of you as a service animal - provided the club allows it. Let me take the form of a less intimidating species.>>

[spoiler]
Releasing Spirit
Casting F3 Shapechange (to be placed in Focused concentration)
Shapechange (http://orokos.com/roll/460311): 14d6t5 8[14d6t5=4, 5, 6, 1, 6, 6, 4, 1, 6, 4, 5, 6, 2, 6]
A pity to waste that many successes.
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/460315): 13d6t5 4 No Drain
Physical Attributes: B4 A5 R5 S4
Casting Increase Reflexes F3 Increase Reflexes F3 (http://orokos.com/roll/460313): 12d6t5 5
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/460316): 13d6t5 3 No Drain
+3+1d6 Ini
13+2d6 Ini
Casting Manascape to appear on the astral as a normal dog:
Manascape F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/460314): 14d6t5 2
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/460317): 13d6t5 2 2 points of Stun
Dropping it and try again:
Manascape F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/460319): 14d6t5 6
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/460318): 13d6t5 7 No Drain
[/spoiler]

The dog suddenly changed from it's imposing wolf form to the form of a friendly black Labrador or rather - since he was a magic dog - a Labracadabrador

<<Take my leash, it's in the side pocket of my armor.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-29-16/1445:16>
As each of his companions returned to the mundane world Jack took note of what they had to say.

"So Trixie is something a little different. From what I can gather she has to have several different income streams to support the lifestyle she currently leads. Ideally I'd like to take the time to observe her in situ before we make any approach. I feel I have a good grasp of what makes her tick now so I should be able to tailor any approach I do make to get the best response from her but without actually seeing how she responds to her environment I can't be 100% sure.

"Given what I do know any approach that involves threats will be the least productive for us, though generally I always believe that anyway, as she definitely prefers to be in control, and by that I mean really prefers to be in control. Our best bet is to try to make her approach us. She definitely enjoys the thrill of new and exciting things so this will be our most promising way in.

"Once we confirm her identity in the club would you be able to hack her commlink for me Waywalker? With that done we should be able to access her social media and search histories. Once I have that I can create conversations between ourselves which will make her want to introduce herself so she gets the opportunity to seek the newest and biggest thrills on her own terms."

Jack was quite relaxed whilst talking about his plans and requirements. Engineering meetings and opportunities such as these was the way he preferred to operate and the skills of this new team certainly seemed to lend itself to this type of approach.

#9
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-30-16/0922:17>
While Rex changes form and Jack prepares himself to go inside the trendy club, Waywalker's drone sneaks in the place - unnoticed by a rather busy security details. Once inside it starts looking for Trixie, while Waywalker "meat body" lies in his van. The place is quite huge, which every door around the corner, giving access to a complete different dance floor or bar. But also quite dark, and noisy, so it is virtually impossible to spot the drone.

Getting inside the place with his "service dog" was not an easy affair, but Fox certainly knows his way around a stubborn bouncer - even a German ork one ! So it's barely seconds after the Fly Spy finally spot Trixie - of course, in the most remote dance floor, on the last level of the small, four-story building, that the runner get access. While the duo navigate the maze that Nurosa is, helped by ARO maps and direction from Waywalker, the hacker also takes time to try to spot the commlink of the girl.

There is numerous commlink around the drone, and it is difficult to assert which one of them could be Trixie's, but fortunately, the runner managed to get the drone close enough to spot the model and series of her commlink in her pocket - a SK Viper, a cheap knockoff of the infamous MetaLink ! It's a just a matter of second, despite the noise and the distance from the van, for Waywalker to get access to it.

However, it's pretty disappointing. The girl clearly know her shit when it comes to being anonymous. The commlink has been formatted four hours earlier, and contains only three commlink numbers, and a couple of pictures from tonight. The other commlink number are all nearby, probably belonging to the two friends of her dancing with her on the floor.

As Jack gets in the room, he almost immediately spots Trixie, but also half dozen "suspicious individuals". The guys actually looks like any other clubber, but the use of the same set of colors on their clothes, plus the fact that often nods at each other, gave the feeling to Fox that they all belong to a gang... And they are clearly circling around their target... Maybe some concurrence already arrived to the place ?

[spoiler]

Nurosa Security tries to spot Waywalker  Fly Spy (http://orokos.com/roll/460840): 9d6t5 3 => equality, so win is for PCs (my own house rule)

@Jack: I waive the con roll to get in with the dog, your character can probably pull it off without a sweat, so moving forward. Also rolled for you the "spot the ganger around" test:

Spotting gangers around Trixie (http://orokos.com/roll/460843): 10d6t5 5

@Haywire: same, I waive the hacking of Trixie's commlink, for simplicity sake and be able to move forward more quickly.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <11-30-16/1343:30>
Jack sighed internally when he realised that Trixie, and maybe her friends, were being targeted by a small group of gangers, The best laid plans and all that jazz. Sometimes you've got to roll with the punches. Adapt and overcome as they say. Bloody zen and the art of shadowrunning

Thinking quickly Jack mentally rearranged the broken pieces of his original plan into something fit for purpose, keying into his DNI connection Jack relayed what he now planned to the others. >>So we have some complications but we can work it into our favour if we move quickly. Waywalker, please track the six individuals who all have the red and green in their clothing and keep us apprised of what they're doing. Whilst I can try to keep all of them in sight it will be hard, especially once we engage the girls. Reginald, I believe it's time for my service animal to slip his lead and and go make friends with the pretty ladies. It'll give me the perfect excuse to get close and get talking, if we can pull off the damsel in distress play at this point it will work in our favour. Waywalker, if you're able to identify the alpha in that group of gangers, I'll do the same on the ground, it will help as if it comes to violence I'd prefer to be in a good position to drop him first. An old man taking out their leader might just give pause to the rest of them and give us control of the situation and then talk them down.<<

As Jack took a second to observe the gangers in more detail to identify their leader he pretended to ruffle the fur on Rex's neck using the movement to loosen the collar so the Rex could then slip it and go bother Trixie and her friends.

[spoiler]

I've taken some liberty with the gang colours here as you didn't mention what they were. If you need me to change the post to reflect the actual colours just let me know and I'll update it.

Perception to ID gang leader in group (http://orokos.com/roll/460898): 10d6t5 3

[/spoiler]

#10
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <11-30-16/1518:27>
<<Affirmative.>>
All it took for Rex was to sniff a bit around, seemingly following a trail on the ground, before he reached the girl, sniffing at her ankles and wagging his tail. When he could be sure she had noticed him, he sat down and gave her his paw while he panted with typical Labrador enthusiasm.

[spoiler]

Making new friends the dog way:
Etiquette (http://orokos.com/roll/460929): 9d6t5 3[/spoiler]

#94
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <11-30-16/1803:09>
In the age of sixth world, where man met machine, matrix and magic, and creatures like dragon roams free, and the wonders of the Astral Sea or the Seelie court awaits mankind, it is almost baffling that a cute doggy can still muster as much interest and reaction from man. "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose ! N'est ce pas ? "

Rex, in his canine form, barely got to the girls that, the three immediatly turn their attention to it, and ask permission to his "owner", Jack, permission to pet him. All of this, yelling, because the music is of course is rather deafining here.

"But isn't not horrible for him ?" asked one of the girl. Jack smiles and reassures her, in a short sentence, that the creature has all the protection it needs. Well, actually Jack has no idea about that, but he certainly hope that Rex knows what he is doing.

Anyway, Jack see that the mage trick worked, all the friends are petting him and taking pictures, while Trixie's interest has been picked by the strange irish character behind the four legged creature.

" Quite strange of you to come here with a such creature... Tell me what did really bring you here, handsome ?"  - she managed to whisper (relatively) in his ears, and punctuate with a wink.

Before formulating anykind of reply, the runner checks around - using the feed from the Waywalker drone. The gangers have been somewhat caught off balance by their move, and are, right now, staying back and watching the Fox and his dog. With suspicion that is to say, but also with a definitive indecision. Jack and his comrades have certainly a few minutes before they decided on any kind of actions.

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade: as a dog should not have been this a test of "Human Handling" ?  :)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-01-16/1118:39>
Rex visibly enjoyed the attention - not least because the nice girls where bending down to pet him. The googles gave him a goofy look, but made sure he wasn't blinded by the stroboscope effect of the clubs lighting.

SInce he still held onto his astral disguise, Rex risked opening his third eye to peak at the astral and see if those goons had magical back up.

[spoiler]
Etiquette pretty much is "Human Handling"  ;)

Also, quick assensing check to see if there are hostiles on the astral
Manascape should shield me from being discovered as a dual natured being.
Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/461370): 7d6t5 4  [7d6t5=6, 2, 5, 1, 5, 6, 3]
[/spoiler]

#95
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <12-01-16/1420:33>
Whilst the quick actions of Rex had certainly bought them a few minutes grace it wouldn't be long before the gangers made their move. Got to get her, and her friends on the move quickly. In depth conversation can wait.

Taking Trixie's cue of flirtatious behaviour Jack leaned in close to continue the whispered conversation.

"Strange would be to be here without my companion. He's my service companion and without him I'd be lost. Though perhaps not as lost as it looks like you and your friends were about to be. I really don't think that those guys over there are planning on buying you drinks and taking you dancing. Now me on the other hand..."  Jack paused and gave a subtle nod of his head to indicate the gangers. "By my estimation we have about 5 minutes before they make their move. Perhaps you and your friends would care to dance with me and we can manoeuvre ourselves towards the door. That is unless you would prefer to see what they really have in mind."

Jack peeled back slightly to make sure that he maintained a good clear view of the path back out of the club and where the gangers were currently placed before leaning back in "And maybe then we could take the time to continue our conversation without the current distractions." Jack lingered leaned in just long enough to let Trixie feel that this was more of the same flirtatious behaviour that she had initiated before pulling back.

[spoiler]
Negotiation on Trixie (http://orokos.com/roll/462955): 12d6t5 4

I didn't include my diplomacy specialty or roll my con seduction either
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-01-16/1556:54>
"Maybe my next drone should be a pet one...I wonder how would it feel to be jumped in one of those."
While the Pilot of the drone kept an eye on the gangers, Waywalker seized the opportunity to know a bit more about the gangers. "Fox, I have them on my radar, and you too if you look up the AR feed."

[spoiler]Fly Spy Perception (EW) (http://orokos.com/roll/461442): 9d6t5 3
Deck: A 2/S 4/D 4/F 5, running VM, Agent, Exploit and Wrapper.
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/461443): 12d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/461444): 6d6t5 2
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/461446): 16d6t5 5
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/461447): 12d6t5 3
Hack on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/461449): 18d6t5 7[/spoiler]

#9
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-02-16/0534:28>
While her body language does not change, Trixie eyes reveal she is quite surprised by the runner mention of people trying to get to her. She quickly, but rather discreetly takes a look around, and soon realizes what is going. Not panicking, the woman then turn her attention to Fox, clearly trying to read his body language to assert if the runner is somewhat more trustworthy than the one ganging up on her. Shacking her hear, with a pissed off expression, she finally replies to Fox:

"Frag that shit.. You say you can take me and my friend out of this pickle. So do please do that, and then we'll talk". While accepting the runner help, Trixie is clearly unhappy of the situation, as she fully realizes that she might be trading on evil for an other one.

In the meantime, the ganger appears to realize what is happening and are now coming closer to intervene. However, half a dozen ganger should be such of an issue for the runner - but outburst of violence, might trigger the club's security.

Flying around, jumped into his Fly Spy, Waywalker rises discreetly above the crowd, to get a better picture of the ganger getting close. He quickly asserts they are not big game, they appears to have knifes, brass knuckles and maybe a light pistol in their pocket, however the rigger picks up a potential new threat. Coming from both entrance to the room, a new group of suspicious people are coming in. Rather sturdy, wearing cheap, black suit, giving them a false look at wage suit going out to party, but they are also quite fidgety, a classic sign of Kamikaze use, or even cheap wired reflexes.

Waywalker also spots suspicious bumps under their vest. All are humans, and some are clearly from Asian ancestry, giving the two separate group a certain feel of Yakuza goons from old trids. The newcomer are at three on each side of the room, adding half a dozen more potential targets - at least that the Rigger can see.

On his side of things, Rex checks out in the Astral, worried that some back up can come up - or just that one of the ganger might be magically active. One of them appears to be a rather meak sorcerer, and the Nurosa's security still have a spirit patrolling around, looking for people "making trouble". Taking a look at the newcomers pointed by Waywalker, Rex confirms that given their blackened auras, they are most likely heavily augmented. One of them however has a shiny, rather powerfull aura - given how he is moving quickly and with grace, the mage suspects he might be a physical adept...



Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-06-16/1530:39>
<<Bad news. It seems the bad guys have doubled - and the new ones have professional looking augments plus a ki-adept. Get them out fast. I can try to delay them a bit, but there is a powerful spirit around that probably won't like it if I use blatant magic.
I'll provide a distraction for you.>>

Rex trotted of sniffing the air and moved directly towards the Yakuzas. When he had reached the group he sniffed once more before starting to bark and whine loudly enough to be heard above the music.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-06-16/1643:53>
Waywalker quickly assessed the situation and gave orders to his drones accordingly.
"More you stay inside, more likely they are to catch you without any chance for me to act. Go through the emergency exit I'm signaling with the ARO, I'll cover your escape."
Waywalker ordered his Rotodrones to have the door on sight, then he had his Agent report Matrix activity from the Yakuza group.

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/463329): 6d6t5 2
Matrix Perception on Yakuza (http://orokos.com/roll/463330): 14d6t5 4
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/463332): 9d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <12-08-16/1440:41>
Jack wasn't entirely surprised by how quickly things had deteriorated, after all it had taken the team almost no time to identify and and find Trixie themselves so other interested parties, who'd probably had the jump on them as well, also turning up were par for the course. Just wish I could have got the girls moving a little quicker

Seeing the highlighted exit Jack triggered a quick response to Waywalker and Rex. >>You'll need to kill the alarms on that exit, if at all possible Waywalker, before we can take it otherwise we'll probably have even more trouble descending on us. Reginald, any distraction you can manage right now would definitely be welcome. I could probably have handled the gangers but throw in the Yaks as well and I'm seriously outclassed. If you can make the crowd in here a little more dense, even if it's just an illusion, I could certainly work with that and if you could make Trixie and her friend look different as we disappear in he crowd we can just walk our way out of here. Waywalker, do you have a good enough floorplan of this place assembled to drop into ARO for me in case we have to bail on the emergency exit.<<

"So beautiful," Jack throws her a quick wink, "things were just getting interesting between us and now we have to bail. The 2 of you stick close to me and do exactly as I say and you'll get out of this unharmed."

A quick scan of the crowd gave Jack what he needed and he led the 2 girls directly into the thickest, heaviest part of the crowd giving them directions on how to blend in and adjust their clothing and posture to look different as he manoeuvred them towards the exit Waywalker had highlighted. At the same time he triggered the electrochromatic options on his clothing so that he too would look different by the time they emerged from the crowd whilst also making adjustments to his gait and posture.

[spoiler]

Leadership (direct) to make Trixie and her friend more stealthy (http://orokos.com/roll/464056): 13d6t5 4
Leadership (direct) to help Trixie and her friend make changes to their appearance (http://orokos.com/roll/464059): 13d6t5 8
Stealth to disappear in the crowd (pre edged) (http://orokos.com/roll/464062): 14d6h5 4
Disguise roll to change gait and posture whilst disappeared in the crowd (http://orokos.com/roll/464063): 13d6t5 6

[/spolier]

#12
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-09-16/0533:39>
Surprised by the barking dog, people is the dance floor stops dancing - which make progress towards their target difficult for both the ganger and the "Yakuza looking" people. This helps Fox and the girls to reach the exit door pointed by Waywalker. However, once they are there, the ganger start shoving around dancer, and more importantly, pull out weapons. The newcomers also spot Fox and his little group and also decides to draw weapons...

[spoiler]
Please all roll initiative and do your test for you first actions! Out of characters, I assume this would be more a chase than anything else, so do gear your actions toward this direction, because a "all shoot out" with that many characters over post might take a while...
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-11-16/1058:46>
[spoiler]
Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/464952): 13+2d6 17
Probably not going to be the first to throw a punch
But in any case, Rex will channel a spirit of man as his first action:
Summoning R6 Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/464980): 12d6t5 4
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/464981): 6d6t5 1
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/464982): 13d6t5 4
No Drain

+3 to all physical attributes (including REA)
Innate Spell: Shapechange, Increase Reflexes.
Spirit Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/464984): 14+2d6 21 -10 for late start

Second Ini pass (10)
Simple Action: Command Spirit to cast Shape change (Puma) and Increase Reflexes
Simple action: Message to team
Free action: Drop Shapechange

Spirit casts Shape Change (Puma) at Ini 10, F6:
Cast Shapechange F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/464986): 12d6t5 3
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/464987): 13d6t5 4
No Drain
New Phys stats:
B 6(9) A 6(9) R 6(9) S 5(8)
[/spoiler]

For a moment the dog stopped barking and instead got down while whining a bit as if he'd been kicked.
Anyone who payed close attention could notice that for a moment the dog became absolutely rigid.
A short message appeared on the team's links: <<I'm ready to throw down. This will get ugly.>>
And indeed immediately afterwards the dog's form shimmered - for the fraction of a tenth' second a human body seemed to overlaid before the dog's armor suddenly extended as magnetic flaps released to accommodate the slightly larger frame of a freaking mountain lion. At the same time the "Service Dog" display on the armor had vanished and was replaced with a muted urban camo design.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-11-16/1438:22>
"Drek is going to hit the fan. Better to be ready."
Waywalker's persona detached from the little drone, while mantaining the feed to his teammates' AR.
"I'm going to have my van ready at the exit. I'll activate the sprinkler system to cause a bit of mayhem. Stay frosty."

[spoiler] Deck: A 2/S 4/D 4/F 5 running VM, Agent, Exploit, Wrapper.
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/465032): 5d6+5 25
First action: Send message to RCC (Get Rotodrones and Van ready at the exit)
Van Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/465059): 4d6+6 13 (- 10 for entering late)
Rotodrones Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/465060): 4d6+6 15  (- 10 for entering late)
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/465054): 9d6t5 4
Pilot Groundcraft (http://orokos.com/roll/465055): 9d6t5 4
Second action: Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/465075): 12d6t5 5
Hack on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/465077): 19d6t5 8
Third action: Spoof Command (http://orokos.com/roll/465131): 13d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-11-16/1525:09>
[spoiler]

@Jack_Trade your first combat turn actions won't be interrupted, so keep the same initiative and go for your second combat turns moves. But before to roll an Charisma + Intimidation [Social] (applying any bonuses you see fit) in your new form to evaluate the crowd reaction.

@Haywire You have already seen the host, so you can cancel your second pass and get one more action (Spoof Command to turn on the sprinkler I'm guessing) for your third pass.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-11-16/1631:34>
Waywalker moved quickly through the Host looking for the fire alarm. It was sculpted like a giant PANIC button, and he activated it.

[spoiler]I edited my post above.
2° Combat turn: Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/465135): 5d6+5 22
First action: Spoof Command to have the fire alarm activated:
Spoof Command (http://orokos.com/roll/465134): 13d6t5 7
Second action: Spoof Command to open all emergency exits
Spoof Command (http://orokos.com/roll/465136): 13d6t5 3
Third action: Send message to Rotodrones with the pictures of the Yakuza guys and gangers
Send message to Rotodrones: Fire on sight to this subjects.[/spoiler]

#12
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-12-16/0605:44>
[spoiler]
Initimidate (http://orokos.com/roll/465441): 7d6t5 4

Spirit at 21:
Casting Increase Reflexes: Fail
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/465446): 13d6t5 3
3 Stun
Spirit at 11:
Casting Increase Reflexes:
Spellcasting R6 Increase Reflexes (http://orokos.com/roll/465445): 10d6t5 4
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/465447): 13d6t5 6 No Drain

Rex Ini: 22 (Increased Rea, more Ini dice from Great Cat formIni Bonus Dice (http://orokos.com/roll/465448): 1d6 1)
Complex Action: Quickening Manascape with one Karma
Rex Ini 12: Bite Attack at someone who has drawn a weapon
(AGI 9 Skill 8, Mentor Spirit 2, Super Human Psychosis 1, Vitals -4)
Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/465450): 16d6t5 5
DV 11 AP-1 + Net Successes

At Ini 11: Add another 1d6+1: Ini Bonus Dice (http://orokos.com/roll/465449): 1d6+1 6

At Ini 7: Attack again
Attack (Vitals) (http://orokos.com/roll/465451): 16d6t5 6
DV 11 AP-1 + Net Successes

[/spoiler]

Reginald felt the spirit's consciousness casting it's spell, trying to replace the one he kept going, but it had trouble directing the mana. Their shared body was assaulted by the free flowing mana even though the spirit prevented the pain from reaching Rex.
He used a whisp of the free flowing mana to create a selfsustaining loop on the spell that disguised his form on the astral.
Once it was steady and he felt the world slowing down just a bit from the second, successful spell, he acted:
One of the goons had drawn a weapon and pointed it in Fox' general direction. Without hesitation he jumped and tried to bury his fangs where he knew a major artery run, while already planing who to attack next.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <12-12-16/1418:40>
[spoiler]

Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/464567): 1d6+10 16

First pass: 16

Leadership (Direct) to the 2 girls to get them running faster to escape (http://orokos.com/roll/465585): 13d6t5 6

Second pass: 6

Palming roll to plant stealth tracker on Trixie as she passes (http://orokos.com/roll/465586): 9d6t5 4

[/spoiler]

Fox slammed into the fire exit triggering the door, no longer caring if the action triggered alarms or not, and got Trixie and her friend moving"Move it ladies, you need to hustle right now now. I have help on the way who'll meet us at the other end of the fire escape. MOVE NOW!" Using the commotion and chaos of the environment Fox took the opportunity to slip a stealth tracker onto Trixie as she passed him covering the action as part of his hurrying her along.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-13-16/1007:45>
Even in the Sixth World, where magic is a somewhat common phenomenon, the sudden appearance of predator like a Puma does certainly break the usual jaded looks and behavior of the "young things" dancing on the floor. Many of them are simply running away, screaming, but some other - probably high, just look at the creature smiling. At last, a few of the people, probably more "prone to violence" are already reaching for their weapons, if any, or looking for the closest items that could be use for as a weapon.

If the gangers targeting Trixie are completely thrown off by the sudden outburst of the crowd, the "Yakuza-like" goons are far less destabilized. Thus, they aims directly to the door Fox has managed to hush the girls in. Some even use the commotion to dispatch a couple of gangers, quite discreetly, on their way to the exit However, between the panic and the sprinkler now watering the all room, their progress is slow at best. The goons also appears to completely ignored the huge feline on the dance floor, taking it for the distraction it intend to be. They are still wary of the creatures, but not taking the bait.

Trixie and her girlfriend did followed Fox's queue promptly and the escort girl did not realized that, on top of pushing her in the right direction, the runner was also putting a tracker on her. Fox being the last one he looks behind to assess what is happening.

The physical adept of the group of goons, is the one who made the most progress inside the panicking crowd, he is now only a few meters away from the exit, shoving the last group of fleeing dancer out of his way. The other goons are slowly forming a line between him and the puma, to be intercept the creatures, should it decide to come to the rescue of Fox and the girls. All have ready their weapons, small SMGs coming out of the "bump" on their suits...

[spoiler]
To be faster I rolled my dice on my tablet and not using Orokos sorry for those who would have loved to see that.

You can re-roll initiative and tell me what to do for this round. Only the
phys ed will be "active", all the other guns have delayed their actions to see
what the puma does.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <12-13-16/1433:46>
[spoiler]

Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/466085): 1d6+10 14

[/spoiler]

"Keep Moving" Fox quickly realised that there was no way that both him and the girls were going to be able to outrun the Yak adept and shifted his attention to buying the time needed for the girls to escape. Even if they avoided Waywalker the tracker he'd planted would give then the edge over all the other parties that seemed interested in Trixie. If he could slow the adept he hoped that Rex would be able to slow the others.

As the adept closed on him Fox shifted his weight slightly, allowing slightly more to hang over his back back leg, before pushing forward into the oncoming man and prepared for the inevitable clash of bodies.

[spoiler]

I'm planning on moving the fight into hand to hand to make use of Jujitsu to control and then neutralise the adept.

Starting with a clinch/throw combo to take the adept down.

Will wait on Belaran to confirm if Fox will get to act before the adept (doubtful) or if I will have to defend first against an attack from the adept (more likely) :D

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-13-16/1624:50>
[spoiler]
I'm not entirely sure about the layout and the actual number of gangers and Yakuza or which Ini round we are in now (Rex would start his third round, but that's not necessarily identical with the start of the combat)
Ini Round 3 (from my count): Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/466141): 18+4d6 35

So just tell me if what I write doesn't fit with your vision and I'll correct it:

That said: Time for a bit of stunt work:

Jump Charge:
AGI 9 Skill 6
Jump (http://orokos.com/roll/466132): 15d6t5 5
That's equal to 2.5m jump height and 10m distance

Jumping over the wall of opponents, charging towards the exit to support Fox and trying to knock down the adept:
AGI 9 Skill 8 SHP 1 MS 2 Charge 2 Called Shot (Knockdown) -4:
Charge Attack (Knock Down) (http://orokos.com/roll/466135): 18d6t5 7

Knock Down (Melee Only): An attacking character may attempt to knock his opponent to the ground by bowling him over, sweeping his feet out from under him, pulling him off balance, or any similar maneuver. The attacker must declare his intention to perform a knockdown attack during the Declare Actions part of the Action Phase. The attacker makes a melee attack as normal. If he scores more hits than the defender, compare the attacker’s Strength + net hits to the defender’s Physical limit. If the attacker’s total exceeds the defender’s Physical limit, the attacker knocks the defender to the ground. This knockdown attack causes no damage to the target (except maybe to their pride). The attacker chooses whether to follow the defender to the ground (a free Drop Prone action) or stay on his feet—unless he glitches, in which case he falls as well. On a critical glitch, the attacker falls down while the defender stays standing.

[/spoiler]

Chaos, fear, the smell of blood - Rex had a hard time to stay focused, so strong was Raijū's influence - a good thing he had called a servant of Bishamon into himself to keep his mind clear, or at least clear enough to recognize the danger to his chummers:

With scratching claws he surged forward, using the bar to his left to gain height. With a might leap he jumped over the heads of the assembled thugs, aiming directly for the back of the magically active Yakuza that was heading towards Fox.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-13-16/1659:11>
#13

Waywalker looked the feed from the drone and quickly tried to come up with a plan.
"Let's see if these Yaks took 101 Matrix security..."
In the while, the Fly Spy started to follow Trixie and the Rotodrones moved to enter the building through a window.

[spoiler] I look for gun icons and for icons on the adept
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/466101): 5d6+5 24
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/466144): 12d6t5 3
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/466145): 15d6t5 6
Drone Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/466138): 4d6+6 18
Pilot Aicraft (Rotodrone) (http://orokos.com/roll/466142): 9d6t5 2
Fly Spy Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/466140): 9d6t5 5
Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) (http://orokos.com/roll/466139): 9d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-14-16/1246:21>
[spoiler]

@Stoneglobe: the way I see the scene, your PC can definitely simply waits for the physical adept to arrive, and then throw the first punch.. But thanks to Rex action, the physical adept is now knocked down - you can therefore change your action accordingly.

@Jack_Spade: Yes, the number of opponents is purposely unclear, between the flickering light of the club, the fact that there is two group, arriving from different direction, it is difficult to assess. You could use an Observe in Details action to get a better idea of the how many, but your proposed action are consistent with the set up (and probably a better idea). The adept Physical Limit is 7, but in my game, in case of equality, I always gives the advantages to the PCs, to he is knocked down !

@Haywire: You can't seen any icons that could be tied to anything that the physical adept appears to be wearing, but you can spot all the automatics from the goons... all conveniently PAN onto one commlink...

[/spoiler]

Rex, in his puma form, completely surprised the goons with automatics, who dodged, rather than open fire - not realizing, the big cat was aiming for their partner. Finishing his jump right on his target, the feline knock down the adept, just before he could get into the emergency exit took by Fox. In the meantime, Waywalker in the matrix just spot a commlink nearby, not running silent with a PAN with several automatics gun wired to it...

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-14-16/1643:39>
#14

"Seems like they have done it for me..."
Waywalker's persona moved just a finger.

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/466522): 12d6t5 6
Hack on the Fly (http://orokos.com/roll/466523): 19d6t5 3
Hack on the Fly (second chance) (http://orokos.com/roll/466525): 16d6t5 4
Next action: Spoof command to make the guns eject their clip and lock on the safety
Spoof Command (http://orokos.com/roll/466526): 13d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-14-16/1735:38>
[spoiler]
I think you missed the part where net successes + STR are compared to Phys Limit. So as long as Rex had one net success his enhanced STR of 8 guarantees a knock down  ;D

But doesn't matter really, since we hopefully now can just use the emergency exit to leave those guys behind.



[/spoiler]

Rex didn't stop once his target was down. He had managed to stay on his feet and snarled (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9dVfylr5bg) at the man on the ground while taking position next to Fox, covering his flank. While he gathered mana for a lightning bolt, tiny flashes of static electricity began to dance between his teeth...

#100
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <12-14-16/1817:08>
With the intervention of Rex Fox no longer needed to prepare for combat and used the chaos to slip on down through the exit following the 3 girls. <<Thanks Reginald, a most timely intervention I must say. Waywalker. How close are you to the exit. I'm bringing the target now.<<

As he hurried after the girls Fox slipped his pistol from it's holster and screwed the silencer onto it before dropping his arm down by his side allowing the fabric of his overcoat to conceal the now held weapon.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-15-16/1109:30>
[spoiler]
Let's waived the rest of the battle, your characters have the upper hand.... At least inside the club ;)
[/spoiler]

After putting the physical adept out of commission, the Puma-shaped Rex, jumps behind Fox and the girls into the corridor leading to the exit. And just in time, as the other goons opens fire just where he was. Rushing down the dark corridor, the group (with a big cat on their tails), reached the outside of the club quickly. Thankfully for them, the corridor is too narrow, and twisted, to allow the few goons that managed to follow them to open fire (or at least to do so and actually hit any of them).

The instant the three girls are about to storms out of the club, Fox takes the lead, and checks that nobody is waiting for them. Relieved, he spots no sniper, drones or other goons, and see Waywalker van turning into the back alley this emergency exit has lead them too. 
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-15-16/1741:04>
Just to discourage their pursuers, Rex unleashed the lightning he had been building up, illuminating the corridor briefly with blue white plasma and leaving the distinct smell of ozone behind.

[spoiler]
F7 Lightning Bolt (http://orokos.com/roll/466938): 14d6t5 2
Not targeting anyone, just a bolt to make them pause
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/466941): 13d6t5 5
No Drain

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <12-17-16/1106:54>
"Ladies, we should depart this area before those pursuing you gt themselves reorganised. My associates and I are not here to hurt you so if you chose to leave by yourselves we won't stop you, but then can't guarantee that you'll be safe."

Fox gestured to the van that had just pulled up, then opened the door for the girls to enter whilst maintaining his scanning of the area in case of further complications. He triggered the DNI connection to the others.

>>If they chose to leave don't do anything to stop them. I've already planted a tracker on Trixie and Waywalker can task a drone to her as well. Let her think she's back in control and we'll get more done than if we try to force the issue.<<
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-17-16/1343:10>
Trixie looks at Fox and then her friend, and her facial expression does suggest she really, really does not like her choices. Nonetheless, she quickly reaches a decision and nodes to her girlfriends, who - still shacking in fear, jumps into the van. She then proceed to the same while saying to Fox:

"I got friends in high places, so you better not screw me over this one..."

Fox follow the girl, and note the van is already pretty cramped, when a large Puma jumps in. All the girls gasp, but Trixie keeps her composure and says:

"A puma now ? A dog a minute ago... I do hope you do not do everything with animals... I'm not that open minded " - with a suggestive wink toward the runner face.

[spoiler]
@Haywire: can you roll a Perception + Intuition [Sensor] (it is a Vehicule test, so all Control Rig advantages plus Matrix Action bonuses do apply)

@Jack_Space: I assume you planned to joined them in the van, if not, please just jump out :)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-17-16/1409:53>
#15

Waywalker ordered his Rotodrones to deter would-be chasers and had his Fly-Spy to do recon.
Then jumped in the van and when all were aboard started to speed, keeping an eye open for troubles.
"I'll do some movemntes to be sure we are not followed. Hve me know where to go."
In the while, the anonymous Jack-Rabbit with his meat body started to go a different way.

[spoiler]EW throught the sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/467489): 17d6t5 4
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/467490): 13d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <12-17-16/1534:22>
[spoiler]

Rolls to know of a safe place to conduct conversations nearby that is not linked to gangs or Yakuza
Area Know R_R Megaplex (http://orokos.com/roll/467531): 9d6t5 3
Shadow Community (http://orokos.com/roll/467535): 9d6t5 3

[/spoiler]

Fox takes the time to remove the silencer from his pistol and re-holster the weapon before responding.

"Your not really my type Trixie so you can drop the flirtations, they're not going to get you anywhere. Yes, I do know the name you chose to ply your business under. Obviously our meeting wasn't by chance.

"As for friends in high places, I suggest you get calling and arrange some sort of protection then. No one here is going to stop you or do anything to you if you chose to. As I said before, you can just walk away and take your chances with the others who are interested in you."

Fox pauses for a second to let that sink in before continuing.

"And it's not your friends in high places who've got you into your current predicament, it's your friends in low places, or more specifically one particular friend in low places. Perhaps you'd prefer to continue this in somewhere slightly more salubrious than the back of a van. I know of a lovely tea shop, the Russian variety rather than Japanese, not far from here which affords a certain level of privacy to those who feel they need it." Fox again pauses to look at the other 2 girls accompanying Trixie before continuing. "Your friends will be safe there and will be able to arrange transportation home whilst we conduct our future conversations away from prying eyes. Does that sound acceptable to you?"

>>Waywalker, here's the address. Might I suggest a circuitous route to get there and Reginald, I'm not convinced that a panther will be appropriate for the location we're heading to.<<

Fox leaned back in his seat and awaited Trixie's response. Just once I'd like an easy start to business. I'm more and more uncomfortable not knowing what this package we're supposed to be retrieving is. There's too much activity from too many directions in too short a space of time for it to be inconsequential.

#17
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-18-16/0503:27>
In reply, the puma form shimmered again and was replaced by the friendly panting one of the Labrador.

<<I wouldn't mind a bit of a lay down. To much mana flowing through me.>>
The Labrador curled up at the ground and began to snore softly.

[spoiler]
Shapechange R3 (http://orokos.com/roll/467736): 14d6t5 5
Dismiss R6 Spirit of Man
Summon R3 Spirit of Man (http://orokos.com/roll/467730): 14d6t5 4
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/467731): 3d6t5 0
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/467732): 13d6t5 4
No Drain
Spirit casts F3 Shapechange:
Shapechange (http://orokos.com/roll/467735): 6d6t5 4 (Limit 3)


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-19-16/0545:09>
Again Trixie pauses and clearly take a couple of seconds to think this through. She quickly looks at a her terrified girlfriends, and reply:

"Let's drop my friends somewhere else first. They have nothing to do with this all mess, and if you are as well-intentioned as you pretend to be, you will certainly not have anything against this..."

While the runner and the girl are debating in the back of the truck, Waywalker spots something on his radar, and realize that a large drone is flying directly above them and is currently attempting to put a target lock on the van !!!

[spoiler]

@Stoneglobe: please prepare a full description of the Russian tea house - I will leave you described it when your group arrived to it ;)

@Haywire: It's all fun and games until someone tries to target lock you :) - please roll Reaction + Sneaking [Handling] (along with all the bonuses associated to your control rig, and your connection mode) against:

Attempt to lock on Waywalker's van (http://orokos.com/roll/468169): 14d6t5 3

The van is also targeted by hack on the fly - please, if you fail to resist, acts your character is not unaware of this ;) !

Hack on the fly on the Van (-4 as attempting to put 2 MARKS) (http://orokos.com/roll/468171): 10d6t5 6

(let's not roll initiative and simply assume that you and your opponent have simply the same number of action by combat turn)

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-19-16/1646:39>
"Hold tight! They're coming!"
Waywalker ordered his Rotodrones to focus on the drone, while he dealed with it in the Matrix.

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/470494): 5d6+10 28
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/468316): 14d6t5 5
Evade Detection (http://orokos.com/roll/468312): 9d6t5 2
Firewall (full defense) (http://orokos.com/roll/470497): 17d6t5 5
Firewall (full defense) Second Chance (http://orokos.com/roll/470498): 12d6t5 3
Drone Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/470496): 4d6+6 16
Drone #1 firing (http://orokos.com/roll/468317): 9d6t5 3 (Full Auto Simple Action)
Drone #2 firing (http://orokos.com/roll/468318): 9d6t5 3 (Full Auto Simple Action)
(11 P AP -2)
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/468319): 12d6t5 3
Brute Force on the Drone (http://orokos.com/roll/468320): 17d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-28-16/1815:45>
Waywalker is both maneuvering the van and dodging cyber attacks, but his natural paranoia paid - he was on his guards, looking for trouble in the matrix, and avoided getting MARKed by whoever is trying to sneak into his RCC, plus getting a MARK on the attacker ! However, the rigger just run out of luck while trying to evade the target lock of the drone.

In the meantime, a few seconds before the shit hit the fan (or actually, in this case, the van), M.Fox's commlinks rang and the runner, immediate recognizing the number given earlier this evening by their M.Johnson "Joahnnes", opted to answer the call - not aware that the group was far from being safe:

"M.Fox, I am pretty sure this is the worst time to call you, but I have some important news... Can you spare the minute ?"

Before the runner can reply, strings of bullets hit the van and the girls start screaming...

[spoiler]

Recap on init:
Haywire's 1st pass (28) Full Defense => -10, so 18, then ordered drones to deploy and fires (18), second pass Vehicle Control (8), thus drones deploys on 2nd pass. (So brute force on the deck has to wait for the next combat turn)
Drone's initiative (16), so fire on second pass (6) (deployment is a movement, no action required) - for simplicity sake, let's assume the drone is both in range and no bonus/penalty applies)

Attackers:
Hacker's init: Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/470511): 5d6+10 27
Quad Drone's init: Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/470527): 5d6+11 30

Quad Drone:
30) Fires on the van's engine block (Called Shot, see Run & Gun p.115), aimed (SA): Firing on Waywalker's engine block (http://orokos.com/roll/470528): 11d6t5 6 (27) - (@Haywire, you got -1 to Defense Test, due to target lock) (27)
20) Same thing: Firing on Waywalker's engine block (2) (http://orokos.com/roll/470530): 11d6t5 5 (17)
10) Control Drone (to not crash) : Control Vehicle (http://orokos.com/roll/470531): 16d6t5 5 (7)

Hacker:
Free action: swap deck config
27) Erasing MARK (http://orokos.com/roll/470539): 14d6t5 4 (@Haywire, please roll (Will + FW))
17) Brute Force on the Van Icon (protected by RCC): Brute Force to MARK Waywalker's VAN (http://orokos.com/roll/470543): 14d6t5 5 (@Haywire, please roll (Will + FW))
    => note that every 2 net hits turn into 1DV of Matrix Damage (DR + FW to soak)
7) Data Spike on Van Icon: Data Spike on Waywalker van (http://orokos.com/roll/470545): 14d6t5 4 (@Haywire, please roll ( Int + FW))

If Data Spike, please soak damage: 7 + (net hits) + (2 if MARKed).

@Jack_Spade: feel free to roll initiative and intervene if Rex can !

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-29-16/0514:49>
[spoiler]

Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/470706): 10+1d6 16

Ini 16
Sticking his head out of the window, Lightning bolt at the flying drone.
F8
Lightning Bolt (http://orokos.com/roll/470707): 14d6t5 3 [14d6t5=4, 6, 4, 4, 1, 3, 1, 1, 1, 3, 6, 4, 5, 1]
Resist Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/470708): 13d6t5 3
No Drain
If successful (probably not if the drone is directly controlled) the Drone is hit with DV 8P(e) + net successes AP -8, -5 Ini, -1 to all control checks. Half damage (rounded up) will be applied as Matrix damage. Also the jumped in rigger has to defend against biofeedback (same amount as matrix damage). If the drone is destroyed he can enjoy 6DV dumpshock.

Ini 6: If drone is still there, rinse and repeat:
Lightning Bolt (http://orokos.com/roll/470709): 14d6t5 5[14d6t5=6, 2, 6, 5, 3, 4, 5, 2, 2, 1, 6, 2, 2, 1]
Resist drain (http://orokos.com/roll/470710): 13d6t5 4
No Drain
[/spoiler]

Rex' dog form looked decidedly tired as he got up from the floor and stuck his head out of the splintered side window. For a split second lightning jumps from one exposed tooth to the other, than suddenly he spews forth a crackling path of lightning towards the pursuing drone. The after images hadn't died down before he repeated the procedure once more.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-29-16/1120:10>
[spoiler]

A dog looking at the windows and firing lightning bolt ? Oh, now, this is just too adoooorable ! (in a Shadowrun way)

Dodge's Rex lightning bolt (http://orokos.com/roll/470744): 13d6t5    (having all the dice does not mean having all the hits...)

So Drone takes 10P (AP-8):

Soaking the lightning bolt (http://orokos.com/roll/470746): 5d6t5 2 - which leaves 8P which destroys the drone (and dump the rigger)

[/spoiler]

The first lightning bolt strikes the drone perfectly and it is only a ball of burning metal that get the second lightning bolt... Somebody, somewhere nearby is getting dump from the Matrix and having a bad day.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <12-29-16/1332:59>
As the van rocks and reverberates with the solid thuds of bullet impacts Fox picks up the call, making sure to take it via DNI so that there was chance of Trixie or her companions overhearing.

>>Always a pleasure Mr Johonson, though you're not wrong in this case on the timing of your call. Things have certainly heated up rapidly but we're on point and ahead of the opposition at this time. What was it that you wanted to discuss?<<

Whilst carrying on the DNI conversation with their Johnson Fox also continues his conversation with Trixie.

"Of course we can drop your friends somewhere else. I only suggested that they come to the Tea Shop as it would be a safe place for them to stay whilst arranging getting back home. I had assumed that neither you nor them would want us to know where they resided. If they have a preferred location to be dropped at please do let me know and we'll arrange for it to happen."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-29-16/1408:40>
Waywalker's van smoothly dodged bullets while mantaining perfect balance. An electronic voice came through the speakers: "Stay frosty, ladies and gentleman! I've seen worst before and came out unscathed!"
"To Rex: Thank you chummer! I'll get you a soybeer or another drink you like!
In the Matrix, the attacks failed thank to the healthy paranoia of Waywalker. "If someone tell you that you're too paranoid, he's lying or trying to screw you. I wished my dad told me this before. Now it's time to return the favor!"

[spoiler]Defense Tests against Quad Drone (Full Defense last the entire combat turn):
defense test for van #1 (http://orokos.com/roll/470776): 18d6t5 10
defense test for van #2 (http://orokos.com/roll/470777): 18d6t5 8
- Against Hacker:
erasing MARK opposed (http://orokos.com/roll/470775): 12d6t5 2
defense test for van agaainst brute force (http://orokos.com/roll/470778): 18d6t5 6
defense test for van agaainst data spike (http://orokos.com/roll/470779): 18d6t5 6
(He loses, so he gets Matrix Damage, my RCC has Attack 0)

At my turn: Full Defense (-10)
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/470782): 14d6t5 3 (-10)
Swap Config A 4/ S 2/ D 4/ F 5
Brute Force on the Decker (teamwork) (http://orokos.com/roll/470785): 12d6t5 4
Brute Force on the Decker (http://orokos.com/roll/470786): 17d6t5 5 (-8)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-29-16/1641:11>
"Rawuff"
Rex sneezed after pulling his head back into the car, panting happily.
<<No problem. Tell me if you need a boost to your cerebellum. I can enhance your perception abilities if you want. Soy beer is fine.>>
Rex shuffled past the girl's legs to lay his head on the unconscious form of Waywalker.

[spoiler]
Increase Intuition F5 (http://orokos.com/roll/470815): 12d6t5 2
Resist drain (http://orokos.com/roll/470816): 13d6t5 5

+2 to Intuition for Waywalker

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-30-16/0732:01>
With the quad drone down, and his rigger friend out of commotion, it seems that the decker attacking Waywalker decides to cut his loses and jackout. It takes a couple more minutes from Waywalker to navigate away from the general mayhem the runner are now leaving behind, however he manages to do so promplty, and place the van on a discreet itinerary to the place recommended by M.Fox. The girls have also stop scream, and are trying to recuperate from what the shock of the attack.

>>> Well, M.Fox it sounds like you and your team have now the situation under control. At least for now. So let me congratulate you on that, and moving forward assuming that you managed to secure Miss Trixie. On my side, I am afraid I come with bad news. Or rather more bad news. As I suspected our employer is not the original recipient of Bernie's shipment, so you will probably have to face some of their agents, along with an other Shadowrunner team hired by an other identified competitor... I'll come back to that in a minute, first let's discuss the shipment's nature as I finally managed to learn more about it.

As the runner is getting used to, M.Johnson makes a pause, both to let the information sinks in, but also for dramatic effect.

>>> I can confirm that the shipment is in fact a fully functional prototype of a new car engine. It's coming from a secure research facility of Renault-Fiat in Paris. He got snatched by a group of runner a few days ago, and smuggled into the ADL, through the SOX by Bernie, who, I just learn, is a member of the "Charognard" - a group of smuggler expert at passing through the radioactive lands. The heat here is not just coming from the mere business value of owning a mere 'ready for production' prototype, but both the target and the, let's say peculiar design of the contraption.

Again, dramatic pause for effect.

>>> Indeed, the new engine is not for a commodity car, but is supposed to equip the next "Formula One" race, due to start soon in Monaco. So, it's not a SOTA engine, but rather SOTA of 2080, if you catch my drift. Also, rumors has it that with this design, the rigger piloting the car for Renault-Fiat might beat Saeder-Krupp's one. And apparently, Lowfyr is already quite unhappy with the performance of this particular branch of his megacorporation, so nobody in Eurocar Consortium wants to see this happen. So, of course, the word on the street is that they hired a team of runner - maybe the one you just ran into, to retrieve the shipment. I say retrieved, because, strangely enough, they are NOT the one behind the original run that extracted the prototype. This crucial information is, sadly enough, for now eluding me... However, we have an other, more immediate issue to discuss: our employer.

Pausing....

>>> Before getting into the next piece of information, I want to make clear that I'm, obviously, breaching the usual anonymity provided by the use of my services. This is certainly not a good habit for somebody of my profession, but I feel and sharing this information with you may later on help you make the right call. However, there is secret that may get you killed, and this is clearly one of them.

At this point, M.Fox would have been straight down disappointed if the Ork had not made a pause. And a long one.

>>> I'll take this silence from you as an acknowledgement of what I just said. Our employer is Volkswagen - which, as you maybe well-aware is now part of the Saeder-Krupp empire. Which means we are both working for and against Saeder-Krupp's interest. And we have no way to know which of the operation - ours or the one ordered by Eurocar Consortium, has actually got the approval of the board. If any - or if not both. I strongly suspect however that Volkswagen is trying to pull one under Eurocar, which would explain their borderline paranoid secrecy of earlier - which led to our lengthy briefing. In short, please thread carefully, and I will contact you later when I have an update.

As M.Fox has patiently listened, or rather read, to the info dump of their Johnson, while checking on the girls and monitoring the progress of the van. It is arriving in only a few minutes to the tea house - not much time to discuss the intel, but still enough for a few questions.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-30-16/1659:30>
#18
The same electronic voice came from the speakers: "Miss Trixie, I think we can arrange a safe passage for your friends. If you want I can take care of that."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-30-16/1750:10>
Trixie replies quickly to the rigger:

"I thank you for your kind of offer. Just let my girlfriends go when we arrived at the tea house. In exchange, I'll answer your questions.". Her girlfriends  are clearly relieved by her answer.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Stoneglobe on <12-31-16/0555:13>
Damn Johnsons, holding things back until it's past need to know and spying on us. That's probably how the opposition got onto us so quickly. Must get Waywalker to scan us all thoroughly and kill anything he's planted on us before we reach the tea rooms.

Fox was not exactly happy with the way events were turning out but he kept that from bleeding through for anyone to see.

>>Mr Johnson, I thank you for your candour, though I'm not sure that it's done anything to put my mind at ease. These circumstances are not that unusual within our line of work but it is good to have the heads up on what you feel is currently happening. My main concern is that you seem a touch too aware of what is befalling my team as it happens. That type of close monitoring is a recipe for disaster as should your monitoring be compromised then we, and the job, are also compromised. As you've been able to identify at least one of the opposing teams any further information on them that you could provide would be greatly appreciated. If we have anything further to share with you we'll be in touch, otherwise we'll wait for your next update.<<

Fox killed the connection with their Johnson before re-estsablishing the DNI with Waywalker. >>Before we progress please do scan the 3 of us for any unusual devices that we are not aware of and then kill them. I don't trust our Johnson one little bit and the fact he's contacting us seconds after things go sideways, and knows that they have, suggests he's got far too close an eye on us. Once that's done we can proceed to the relative safety of the tea rooms.<<
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <12-31-16/0630:22>
Rex needed a second to process their Johnson's briefing. Than he sent to the team:
<<So... does that change anything for us? Just sounds like we have even more competition. Oh and we need a way to transport a heavy engine block. I knew I should have learned that levitation spell.

Anyway, I could use a little nap.>>   


#105
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <12-31-16/0810:20>
Waywalker took a deep breath and exhaled. In fact, the engine of the van introduced more air and had more smoke come out through the exhaust. Then his DNI got his thoughts to his teammates: "I think we are going to be screwed. Never, ever, cut a deal with a dragon. Anyway, we're on the dancing floor and we should keep dancing."
Processing the text from Jack, his response came quickly: "Don't worry, I'll cover it in a matter of seconds."

[spoiler] I roll a Matrix Perception to locate icon in the van, eventually running silent:
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/471209): 6d6t5 3
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/471210): 12d6t5 2
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/471211): 19d6t5 6
I use the Radio Signal Scanner on the Van to locate other devices that could be tracking us:
Radio Signal Scanner (http://orokos.com/roll/471212): 17d6t5 4
[/spoiler]

#19
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <12-31-16/1202:39>
Once reassured that no one (or nothing at least electronical) is following them, Waywalker manoeuvers the van to park - as casually as possible, nearby the tea house. Trixie''s girlfriends skedaddle without even a thanks or a word to the escort girl...Whatever their friendship was made of, it is more than likely over. Looking at them running away, Trixie looks a bit sad, but goes in the tea house nonetheless. Once seated, in a quiet spot, with M.Fox and his "dog", the escort girl starts talking.

"So all of this mess I am in is because of ... Bernie ? Payback is the bitch, I know, but still... Bernie ? Anyhow, I can't tell you that much about him. He is a regular, yes, and I know he is a smuggler. He got his way around the S.O.X. and has been moving goods for over a decade. He used to run with the "Charognard", ..."

Realizing that M.Fox might not be aware of the group, Trixie elaborate:

"It's a semi-organised band of smugglers, specialized on sneaking in or out of the SOX. They are based around Nancy, as far as I know. They used to be rather low key, up until 2069, when their german equivalent, the Geistratten, got pin quite hard by the MET2000 units protecting the SOX. Actually, it's also when Bernie got in a bad place with the Charognards, and got in bed with the Geistratten, don't know exactly why. Since then, he has somehow climb up the ladder, sort of say, and braggs to me often, that the Geistratten owed him a lot, and that he is somekind of "big cheese" in the organisation..."


Trixe stops for a second and take a sip of her tea.

"All of this to say that if Bernie is hiding anywhere, it must be in the SOX, with the help of the Geistratten. Short of that information, I don't have that much info on Bernie. I do know he is friend, or sort of,  with the owner of Wasteland, a bar in Levenkusen... You know chemist city, south of here. He took me there once, probably to brag and try to get a freebie out of me. I don't do freebie, it's bad business... That's pretty much all I know and Bernie."

The woman then look into M.Fox eyes:

"So ? Are we good ? Can we can part way and hope to never see each other ever again ?"

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade, I'm guessing that, like Waywalker checking on the matrix, you keep an eye on the Astral, so can you roll a Perception + Intuition [Astral] ?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-01-17/0751:16>
[spoiler]
Perception [Astral] (http://orokos.com/roll/471370): 11d6t5 3
Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/471369): 7d6t5 1
[/spoiler]

Rex suddenly raised his head and sniffed the air:
<<Hold the car steady, I need to check something - the Kami I invited inside me just made me aware of something.>>
With that Rex again stuck his head out of the window, craning his neck so he was able to see over the top of the roof.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-01-17/0842:27>
Switching vision, Rex gazes into the ever changing shapes and colors of the astral plane. As always, reading the astral is not an easy action. Should this aura be there ? Or is it just the aura of an other patron ? For a brief moment, Rex catches a glimpse of .... something ? Maybe a concealled spirit ? Or maybe it was just his mind playing trick on him ? Rex keeps searching but for now, everything seems as normal as the astral space can... He is either misread an aura or whatever was there is now long gone...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-01-17/1043:32>
<<Problems. I can't be sure, but we might be followed on the astral and I'm not good enough to definitely detect them. That means I have to call a strong Kami to do it for me.
So don't wonder if I start to bleed from my ears.>>

Rex dropped the spell he had sustained on Waywalker and once again shuffled himself on the ground. First he had to retake the transformation spell the little Kami sustained for him, then dismiss it in favor of a stronger one. Only this time he needed to strengthen himself first...

[spoiler]
Increase Charisma F8
Increase Charisma F8 (http://orokos.com/roll/471378): 12d6t5 5 [12d6t5=5, 2, 1, 3, 3, 5, 2, 2, 3, 6, 5, 6]
Spend 1 Karma to quicken
Drain: 5:
Resist Drain 5 (http://orokos.com/roll/471379): 17d6t5 9
No Drain

Shape Change F3 (Reagent Limit 6)
Shapechange F3 (http://orokos.com/roll/471380): 14d6t5 5 [14d6t5=5, 2, 6, 4, 4, 3, 6, 2, 1, 2, 5, 1, 3, 6]
Sustained with Focused Concentration
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/471381): 17d6t5 9
No Drain

(BOD +2, AGI +2 REA +1)

Dismiss Spirit of Man F3

Summon Spirit of Man F6
Summoning F6 Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/471382): 14d6t5 7[14d6t5=5, 2, 5, 5, 1, 2, 5, 5, 4, 1, 2, 5, 6, 3]
Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/471383): 6d6t5 3
3 Net Successes
Resist Drain 6
Resist Drain 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/471384): 17d6t5 7
No Drain

3 Services (Optional Powers: Increase Reflexes, Mana Barrier)

Concealment: On the car and its occupants (-6 to perception to percieve us)
Combat/Power use: Find and stop pursuer
(One service remaining)

Spirit Assensing:
Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/471387): 12d6t5 5[12d6t5=5, 4, 5, 4, 5, 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 5, 4]
Much better.



[/spoiler]

A clearly noticeable purple haze formed around Rex, leaving his pelt quite shiny and attractive. After that the dog shuffled some more on the floor until he seemed to have found a comfortable position.
Meanwhile on the astral, Rex had called up a warrior figure in an ancient piece of samurai armor.
'Greetings oh Shogun, my friends and I are in need of your assistance, oh Great One. Enemies are pursuing us. Oh Powerful One, please, conceal us from them and convince their minion to leave us alone.'

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-01-17/1102:43>
"We have come to help you and protect - as you requested. None of your enemies appears to be here at the moment... An other... being was around lately, we can still the disturbance in the astral, but it has fallback to the depth of the astral. You are safe... for now at least."

Whatever spirit was around, it has now left the vicinity - most likely to report the runner location to its secret master. This location might not be safe for too long...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-01-17/1207:42>
#20

"Given the suspect from our mojo specialist, I'd say it's cautious to change our location to a safer one. I might know a place that suit our needs."

[spoiler]I try to remember a safehouse with strong magic defenses:
safehouse location (http://orokos.com/roll/471394): 9d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-01-17/1211:33>
While waiting for M.Fox to reply, Trixie does note the unrestness of his "dog"...

"Is something wrong ? Is this location compromised ? If so, can we wrap it up ? I already have ... help, coming to pick me up here, I don't want to change the meet location, neither want to go for an other "tour" with you. Given the heat that Bernie has brought on me, I need to go the ground. Stat."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-02-17/0843:46>
<<Guys, good news bad news: There currently is no enemy entity lurking in the astral, but that's only because it left after reporting on our position. Expect new hostiles within the next five minutes to show up.

Also: I'm going to say in advance: Going into the SOX is a bad idea - terminally bad.>>

The dog went still again as if it was sleeping and from one second to the other the translucent, tall, emaciated form of the elf appeared in the van, addressing Trixie:
"Hi, please be not afraid. I'm part of this team. Before you go, I'd ask you to give us the addresses of those locations you mentioned as well as what you remember about who and how many people guard them and who is in charge."

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-02-17/0924:14>
A bit surprised, Trixie quickly replies:

"Well, you do realize this is NOT the sort of things I am paying attention to, right ? That being said, here what I know in this regard. The Wasteland is just a bar in Leverkussen where Bernie is doing business - I think picking up drugs."

The young woman stops for a seconds, gathering her thought and try to focus on her recollection.

"Never saw any special security over there, but I would assume there is a minimal amount, as the place is dealing drugs. As for the SOX and the Geistratten, I honestly don't know that much. I do recall Bernie mentioning often Zweibrucken, this is small city on the frontier of the SOX. If you want to contact the Geistratten, and maybe confirm he is hiding in the SOX, you could start there..."

Finishing her tea, Trixie adds:

"Honestly, I don't think I can give you more than that. I'm pretty sure you have your own contacts and network that maybe able to put you in touch with some Geistratten. But having them turn on Bernie may not be a simple affair."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-02-17/1438:37>
#21

The DNI from Waywalker's body typed a message to his chummers.
"To:Team I think she has finished to be useful. We have heat on us, the faster we move, the better we are. Hop in the van and let her fend for herself, as she requested. If you think we need a space to do a brainstorm, I might know a place that suits our needs. Otherwise, I'd go straight to the Wasteland.
In the meanwhile, he looked some infos on the Matrix with the help of his agents.

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/471627): 12d6t5 3
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/471628): 6d6t5 2
matrix search on wasteland (http://orokos.com/roll/471629): 17d6t5 4
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/471630): 12d6t5 3
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/471631): 6d6t5 2
matrix search on zweibrucken (http://orokos.com/roll/471632): 17d6t5 8[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-02-17/1542:24>
As the result of his matrix searches arrives, Wawaylker start sharing with them, as ARO, with the rest of the team. The Wasteland is located indeed in Leverkussen, less than one hour away from their current position (North of Essen). The bar is open "'till dawn", and seems to be a discreet, low key bar, according to the public grid, but is mentioned in a couple of Shadow friendly website as being a good spot to score good drugs - including medical or combat one, not only recreational ones. There is real contact or protocol mention, apart for giving hint to the staff. Apparently, the unnamed boss must be the one providing the goods, because several people mentioned nothing happens when "management is not here". Also, given all of the above, some testimony over the 'trix hints at "the management" having good connection to local police and Chemie AG, which more/less own the area.

Zweibrucken is definitely something different - first it is over a three hours ride from Essen, and more likely four hours if one wants to avoid getting too close to the SOX border, being quite closely monitored by soldiers from MET2000. Overrun by refuges, back when the SOX got evacuated in 2008, the city is now under a martial law, and thus mostly runs by MET2000 mercenary - and they report more to the SOX administration council, made of corps, more than the ADL government. Despite this intimidating presence, the Geistratten, the smuggler organization mentioned by Trixie, is known to operate from there. On the underworld side, multiple sources mentioning that the local mafia is quite powerful and seems to reports or depend on Frankfurt mafia. But, being a gateway to SOX, the shadows of Zweibrucken are quite active, especially for such a small cities. The all town is but a giant smuggling hub between the SOX, France and the ADL.

Waywalker - helped by his agent, even find mention of a seedy bar called the Posthaus, run by a mafia goon called, apparently Valentin Prago. The place is rather remote, and clearly under the control of the mafia, but is probably a good starting point to get in touch with the shadows of Zweibrucken.

In the meantime, while the decker is busy fetching data, and sorting them, for his comrades, a dark-green Rolls-Royce Phaeton gently pulls over, just in front of the tea house. A large, but good looking troll, wearing a fancy Mortimer of London suit and hiding his eyes behind black, slick sun glasses. Very professionally, the troll looks around to discreetly assert, potential threats. At the same time, Trixie seems to have got a message on her commlink.

"That's my ride ! So unless you have some last questions, let me thank you again for your help, and, more importantly, to hold your end of the deal. Many of your coworker would have just... well, wasted me - but you honored your parole. I will not forget that."

[spoiler]
As a result of letting her go unharmed, you can add Trixie - "Highend Escort" (L1, C3) as a contact.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-02-17/1651:16>
"Be safe Trixie. And of course we would appreciate it if we were the only ones you gave this information. But if you are captured please do not hesitate to cooperate - this whole story is not worth you getting hurt. If at all possible we'd appreciate a heads-up though. And if you are in trouble don't hesitate to call us either. At the very least I can send a Kami to your help."

Once she had left the car, Rex turned to his chummers: "So, I guess we'll go to Leverkusen next, right? Wake me up when we get there. The Shogun will keep watch in the astral for trouble while I rest."

[spoiler]
Healing Check: Healing Stun (http://orokos.com/roll/471671): 13d6t5 6
In case he gets the chance for an hours rest during the drive, Rex will be back in shape
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-02-17/1923:07>
Trixie nods and adds:

"Hopefully, the friend I've reach out for help will be able to keep me out of harm... But I appreciate your words of caution, I will definitely let you know guys, if I'm force to reveal the same information to an other party. I wish you luck and good hunting, chummers".

On those words, the young woman jump into the limo, which quickly disappear in the shadows of Essen's street. Only a few moments after that, the runners gather in Waywalker's van, and the rigger have it immediatly on the fastest track to the Wasteland. It's barely the middle of the night when they in fact arrive in the rather quiet of suburbs of Leverkusen. One more turn and the van is only a few blocks from its target...

[spoiler]
I let you guys discuss / decide how you want to approach the bar...
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-03-17/1459:47>
#22

Waywalker divided his attention between the ride and the Matrix. He switched from VR to AR to talk to Rex and Jack:
"Ok chummers, we mostly arrived. We don't know what is the situation, and I suggest to assess the surroundings before entering. I think the tactic we used to find Trixie was a good one, I'll provide recon from the Matrix, you two will be in the field. Keep your eyes open, we are very likely to encounter opposition."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-03-17/1523:40>
Rex had used the drive to sleep a bit. Now he was refreshed enough and eager to get on:
<<Agreed. The shogun is still with me, I'll ask him to do one last favor by scouting out the bar. One moment.>>
'Oh shogun, thank you for your help. As my last request I ask you to enter this building and report what you find there - specifically how many people are in their, if they are mages or if they have holes in their aura from mutilating their bodies with cyber-tech. Also any other dangers we could face if we entered there. Thank you, oh mighty one.'

Meanwhile, Rex turned to Fox: <<I think it would be prudent to increase your reaction speed. So if you want, I can lay a blessing on you to this effect.>>

#110
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-08-17/1840:04>
As Waywalker, jumped into his drone, fly inside the small bar. The place, at first glance, looks most unparticular, in fact it looks like a classic German "Kneipe". However, once inside, a subtle atmosphere distills the impression that the guests are far from the usual drunks, but like connoisseur. Indeed, the drinks are pretty fancy, and often mention the uses of either magical compound (micro drams of reagents) or strange chemical products.

Actually, one of the rare patrons of the place (it is quite late in the evening, during a week day), an obviously tired Ork, wearing working clothes, stirs his drink: a bubbly, fluorescent blue mixtures, releasing some strange purple ooze, slowly forming a strange new layer on top. Eyes half closed, the ork smells his drink and a let a large smile appear, giving him a very strange, innocent look. Before the drone moves away, the Ork takes a sip, and put back his drink, clearly satisfied, on the table. In this brief moment, the feeds reveals the logo of AG Chemie on his outfit.

Moving past this first customer, Waywalker's drone goes straights to the roof, and pass through the impressive collection of bottles behind the bar. While the runners should probably be more focusing on the people inside the bar, most of them can not but stop to notice some label - either because of the quality and the age of its content, or because of its very improbable presence. Many of the flasks would look more appropriate in a chemist lab, than in a "Kneipe".

If there is a couple more patrons in the bar, a quick glance through the video feeds reveals them to be as mundane as the ork. One man with a leather jacket is drinking a beer at the end of the counter, while a woman in her late forties appears to be silently enjoying the second glass of wine that the barman just brought her.

The barman, quickly sneaking back behind his counter, appears to be a bit less dull than his patrons. Human male in his late fifties apparently, despite gray hair and receding hairline, the man is still pretty muscular, and move quite smoothly. He also an apparent red (left) cybereye, which clearly dates back from the 50's. All of this gives me a rather "badass" attitude, which is only balance by the large smile is giving to his customer while delivering the drinks...

Waywalker is still gathering intel on the bar, while the Shogun spirits return and reports to Rex, using their mental connection - no spirit presence, neither any special magical devices or security. Some bottles do have a strong aura in the astral, as they contains reagents in many liquid forms, but nobody - especially the barman with his darkened aura, appears to be awakened. The Shogun could not spot any concealed individuals. However is aware of this potential lead to Bernie's location is clearly not here.... yet.

"Hey, Arnd, pour me an other one", suddenly says the man at the counter, unexpectedly suppressing the lack of human exchange, in the Kneipe, where a low quality amp broadcasting retro punk from the last decade, where the only sounds accompanying the ones of the glasses... Just nodding, Arnd turns to a bottle and starts preparing a new drink....




Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-09-17/1650:47>
#23

The place looked clear from the drone perspective. "I think you two should have a chat with that Arnd... maybe he know something."
In the while, he jumped out of the drone and back in the Matrix to give another look just to be sure...

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/473770): 6d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/473771): 12d6t5 3
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/473772): 17d6t5 7
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-09-17/1658:10>
'Thanks, oh Shogun, you helped me greatly. I release my bounds and bid you farewell.'
"My Kami tells me it's safe insofar as not magic threats or any special other hostiles wait in there.
So it is up to you Fox. Do you want to go inside alone, should I accompany you or would you rather have me just manifest and talk rather impervious to the bar patrons?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-10-17/1330:16>
Fox held up his finger, indicating that he was on a call, but nodded at the last suggestion.
Rex' astral form shrugged: "Alright, I'll go as a ghost than."

Leaving his meat body behind, Rex went into the bar and made a bee-line for the barkeeper.
"Hello my friend." Rex gave the man his most charming smile. "I'm here on a referral and looking for some transport specialists."


[spoiler]Etiquette (http://orokos.com/roll/473973): 13d6t5 3[13d6t5=3, 4, 5, 5, 2, 4, 2, 2, 2, 1, 4, 2, 5][/spoiler]

#112
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-10-17/1658:23>
Even if magic is a common occurrences in the sixth world, a mage manifesting - especially in a middle of bar, is far from being a common sight. That being said, and it is definitely a tribute to the quality of the product being served here, the small crowd does not appears to react to much to the ghostly figures of M.Rex. The Ork looked at him, interested for an instance, and, with a silly smile, returns to his blue, bubbly drink. The wine drinking woman, startled when Rex appears quickly found strength and apathy with a couple of (large) sip.  Only the guy wearing leather is paying attention to the scene...

On his side of the counter, Arnd appears to greet the "new customer" as he would any (more tangible) one - but Rex is used to the Shadow enough to know that he also shift his position, discreetly, to be able to duck for cover if something happens.

"Well, good evening sir. I must admit it is a rather strange way to have a drink. We do have reagents in some of our drinks, but I don't think you can taste from the astral. Not sure neither it is the right place to find a, how did you call it ? A "transport specialist" ? However, I will not let be told that I have turn a customer away, so I'll offer you to join back there to have a longer chat - just out of respect of my other patrons: they do seems to enjoy the music and the quietness that comes along late drinking on a week's evening..."

Arnd disappears in a backroom, just behind the wall of bottles, followed by the transparent shape of M.Rex. Once in the back, both the body language and posture of Arnd changes to more aggressive ones.

"OK, buddy, I'm not sure who referred you to me and told you it was OK to barge in from the astral into my bar, but he is fragggin'moron, and no friend of mine. So whatever business or game you are playing right now, you better come clean and quickly, because I don't care for this kind of theatrics or stunts."

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade don't misunderstand the tone of Arnd for a failure of your etiquette rolls - Arnd is a grumpy character by nature and your "astral" approach is raising flags, but he is somewhat inclined to hear out,
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-10-17/1713:12>
"Believe me, I wouldn't have come in this form if I had a choice in the matter... or rather a better solution. I am in fact referring to the Geistratten. And no, I'm not a cop or any other law enforcement agent. On the contrary. My current form prevents any mundane forms of recording to take place of what I say or do. And although I can't give you or the Geistratten a credstick I am able to authorize payment through an intermediary.
To cut this short: I need to get in contact with Bernie. It is vitally important since quite a few lives depend on this."

Rex replied in a serious yet companionable voice.

[spoiler]
Negotiation/Leadership (http://orokos.com/roll/474023): 13d6t5 7
Whatever fits better, I want to appear as a serious and on the level business partner

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-10-17/1739:48>
Arnd looks for a second to the ghosty form, clearly trying to get a read on Rex, and then replies:

"Well, man, I don't know what kind of shit you are in to not be able to use an other form than ... well, that, but I certainly sympathise. I appreciate your offer for money, but I'm not sure I can help. I have no idea what those 'Geistratten' you are talking about are. I do know a Bernie, who I guess might be of the smuggler kind. He buys me some products from time to time and apparently move it himself. I think he does that will moving - or rather smuggling some other cargo... A side business kind of deal. I think he knows a guy in Nancy, on the french border of the SOX. This sort of things... I may be able to recall the name of this guy, if there is some nuyen in it for me - but I'm not sure that a contact in Nancy is exactly what you are looking for here..."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-10-17/1753:42>
"Well, time is of the essence but thankfully space is not in this form. I'll gladly take what you can give me and compensate you handsomely. If you excuse me for a moment, I have to instruct a payment."

Rex returned to his body long enough to tell Waywalker <<Arnd wants a bribe, could you prepare 250 Euro on a disposable cred stick and have a drone drop it into his hand when he holds it up? Much obliged.>>

And he was off again to return as a ghost.
"Alright, I arranged payment. First half now, second half when I've verified your information - 500 Euro in total. Please extend your hand, palm upward."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-11-17/0556:40>

Once the first part of the money in his credistick, Arnd start talking immediately. He clearly realizes that time is of the essence - and also probably wants the astral figure and his team out of there as quickly as possible, before the heat reaches his bar.

"Well, man, not sure it is going to help you, but if I recall correctly, Bernie did tell me that he was in the good grace of the local mafia lord in Nancy... A guy called Arnaud del Toro. Apparently, Bernie managed to be one of his supplier, despite his lack of affiliation with the local smugglers." As Arnd says that, the runners fills the blank in their head : the Charognard.

"Del Toro is a rather powerful person in Nancy. He appears to be running eveyrthing from the barrens around the town - you know, the suburbs turned into barrens after being flooded by refugees, back in 2008 - to even the city hall. Bernie mentioned a couple of times that his favorite haunt is an old church he bought, right in the center of the city, at..." - Arnd spent a minute in his ARO before finishing his sentence - "... Cours Léopold."

After a brief pause, Arnd adds:

"Now, guys, to be honest, if you are looking to find Bernie because he is hidden under a rock... Don't look surprise, I know what kind of man Bernie is - if you can't find him, he is clearly hiding. Anyway, if you are looking for him and he does not want to be found, I'm not sure he would have reached out to Del Toro. The mobster is sort of guy to keep tracks of big favors, and you probably don't want to be in his debt. Especially, when you have the SOX at your disposal to simply disappear... For us, the SOX is a radioactive barren lands only used to run automated facilities and play wargames such as the Rad Wars, but for a guy like Bernie, it is... home."

After finishing his explanations, Arnd pours himself a drink from a half hidden bottle, lying on the shelf of the tiny backdoor room, and awaits for the runner followed questions, if any.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-11-17/0623:55>
"Thanks. Just one more thing: You wouldn't happen to have a recent picture of Bernie? Something like a security camera or some such? Please send it to this commcode."
Rex vanished and returned to his body and after passing on the information said: <<Entering the SOX is not a good idea for me. The astral pollution would not only unravel my magic but likely damage my connection to the spirit world. We can try the border town though. With a recent image of Bernie I can have a strong spirit start a search for him.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-11-17/1650:59>
#24

"I'd say that we enter the SOX only if we have no more options. I suggest paying a visit to this guy in Nancy. What do you think?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-11-17/1706:44>
<<Actually, if I understood Trixie correctly Zweibrücken would be the better start, since according to her Bernie had a falling out with the Carognard in Nancy and hides with the help of the Geistratten, which have their main base in Zweibrücken. Besides, we'd have to cross borders and that isn't much fun with weapons.
Besides, it's closer.>>

Rex replied

#116
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-11-17/1826:23>
[spoiler]Unless you want to do some preparation, I'll assume you go to Zweibrucken and update the thread accordingly tomorrow[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-12-17/0808:13>
Waywalker's van leaves Leverkusen and, once on the Autobahn, heads straight west, and also outside of the 'plex. It takes a good hour before the van really clears the urban sprawl, but when it does it became quite dark. The light on the road are dim, and the surrounding country is made of thick forest and empty fields. The trip will take almost 3 hours and the runners will thus probably be in Zweibrucken not too long before dawn. There are still a good hour away from the border of the SOX when the group gets a message from Trixie:

"Sorry, guys, but my friend - who works for S-K, had no other choice than end me over to some other dude of the megacorp who just spent the last hour (politely) grilling me. As agreed, I did not try to keep any intel I shared with you, so I told him that I thought that Bernie is probably hiding within the SOX. I've told as little as I could on you, but I had to tell about the part you played in my escape from the Nurosa. The guy was aware of this, but did not have all the infos, so I'm not sure he was the one behind the hit (or hits) at the club..."

"I'm pretty sure his next move is the SOX, because he did not looked surprise, and rather acted like I just confirmed his suspicion. It may have been a play, but I'm pretty good at reading body language. I wish I could tell you more. I'm back at my friend place, who tries to make it up to me" - the message embedded a picture of two hands massaging her feet with a glass of champagne in the forefront, hiding the face and body of her friend. "I'll try to see if I can pry some more informs from my buddy. I feel a bit bad having to rat on you, guys. Cheers."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-12-17/0918:19>
<<Thanks Trixie, at least you weren't hurt. This is a race now, but at least we have a lead. Be well.>>
Rex replied
<<@Team: Interesting. I'm not particularly good at riddle solving, but that sounds as if S-K Prime itself is now on the same trail as us.
I'll try to contact another Kami to search in Zweibrücken for Bernie. Dawn is approaching which means the Ying Kami's won't stay around and I'll have to call on the Yang Kami's afterwards.>>

[spoiler]
Sumoning Spirit of Water R6
Calling Spirit of Water R6 (http://orokos.com/roll/474588): 12d6t5 6
Spirit of Water R6 Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/474589): 6d6t5 3
Ouch, 6 points of drain
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/474590): 17d6t5 7
Phew, no drain.

Remote service: Use Search Power at the center of Zweibrücken for Bernie:
Spirit does an extended test (10 minutes for each, 5 threshold basis, +1 for every kilometer, reduce dicepool if person is behind concealment or magic barrier by force of barrier/power/background count)

Search 1 (http://orokos.com/roll/474592): 12d6t5 3 [12d6t5=3, 6, 5, 3, 2, 5, 2, 3, 3, 4, 3, 2]
Search 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/474593): 11d6t5 4  [11d6t5=1, 3, 3, 6, 6, 1, 5, 6, 4, 1, 4] Success if target is within 2 km radius and max behind an R3 Barrier
Search 3 (http://orokos.com/roll/474594): 10d6t5 1 [10d6t5=2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 1, 5, 4, 4, 2]
Search 4 (http://orokos.com/roll/474595): 9d6t5 3 [9d6t5=1, 5, 6, 4, 1, 2, 1, 5, 3] Success if target is within 2 km radius and max behind an R6 Barrier
Search 5 (http://orokos.com/roll/474596): 8d6t5 1 [8d6t5=2, 2, 4, 2, 5, 3, 1, 3]
Search 6 (http://orokos.com/roll/474597): 7d6t5 3 [7d6t5=1, 6, 4, 6, 1, 4, 5]
No chance for success if he is behind something stronger than R6 and farther than 3 km from town center.

Total duration until then 1 hour
[/spoiler]

Rex once again called the princess of the springs and she answered his powerful call: 'I greet you princess of life and water. Once again I need your help to find a mortal. This man might be somewhere around this city. I bid you to go there and ask the lesser Water Kami if they know about his whereabouts. And please be careful: Not far away from there begins the blighted land and it would pain me to see your beauty tarnished.'
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-12-17/1742:38>
#25

Luck helped the runners: the ride was a quiet one. Waywalker let the pilot handle the most of the driving, so he could relax a bit.
In the surroundings of Zweibrucken, he started to take back the driving in AR.
"Rex, I think we should start from the Posthaus and Prago, we have a lead and I think we have 2 ore 3 hours of advantage between us and S-K. What do you think?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-12-17/1808:54>
<<It's as good a start as we'll get. That is unless the princess of life and water doesn't return to me with a better place to start looking>>
Rex replied.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-13-17/0545:06>
After a little while, the spirit comes back, sadly not bearing good news:

"Omae, I'm afraid I'm not bringing you the information you were hoping for. I've searched thoroughly the city, as you requested and I could not pick up the scent of your target. He is not there, nor nearby, or he is hidden behind a powerfull mana barrier or similar protection. Note that i could venture too much in the twisted region nearby, mana is two warped there..."

Some time later, the van finally arrives at Zweibrucken, and Waywalker finds a nice spot to park not far away from the Posthaus. It's quite early in the morning, the city is empty, short for bakeries opening and a couple of automated drone delivery.  As the van could be a delivery service, it does make it a bit less conspicuous, which is appreciable as they did cross path with a couple of military patrol already...

[spoiler]
In RAW mana barrier would be a dice penalty on the search dice poll, which is not so practical here as it would require to re roll plus give you the confirmation of your target being behind a mana  barrier.  So I generally turned this dice pool penalty into a threshold (but not one for one obviously).
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-13-17/0629:54>
'Thank you princess, if I may I'll call upon you again. Until then fare well.'

<<Bad news: The Kami couldn't find him. Either he is in the SOX or behind a strong protective barrier, which means he has the help of a magician. Neither option is particularly good for us.

So, I'd fancy a little walk after this long ride. Who want's to hold the leash?>>

#119
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-13-17/1654:44>
[spoiler]
FYI, I am waiting for you guys to sort out how you want to approach the place - so please let me know if you need more info.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-15-17/0411:09>
#26
Waywalker smiled while his commlink typed his thoughts.
"I'm ok with a walk, but I think first we should recon the place with a drone and by Matrix. Too many military vehicles around. Could you spot with your mojo before we dive in?"
In the while, he ordered his Fly-Spy to scout the place and got in VR for a little watch in the Matrix.

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/475532): 6d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/475533): 12d6t5 5
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/475534): 21d6t5 5
Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) (http://orokos.com/roll/475535): 9d6t5 3
Fly Spy Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/475536): 9d6t5 3
Fly Spy Perception (EW) (http://orokos.com/roll/475537): 9d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-15-17/0507:11>
<<I can try. Best to use a spirit for that. I really need to get better at aura reading.>>

Now that the sun was up, it was time to call upon the Yang part of the Kami realm, the servants of the sun. He decided to call for a handmaiden of Inari.

[spoiler]
You know the drill  ;)
Summon Spirit of Man R6 (http://orokos.com/roll/475540): 14d6t5 5 [14d6t5=3, 3, 2, 1, 4, 6, 6, 5, 1, 1, 3, 6, 2, 5]
Spirit of Man R6 Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/475541): 6d6t5 1
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/475542): 17d6t5 5
No Drain

Spells: Shapechange, Increase Reflexes

Task: Scout our environment and report all threats within the 600 m radius of free movement around the summoner

[/spoiler]

Calling the name of Ishi brought almost immediately the form of a beautiful girl with golden eyes and nine fox tails into the astral, demurely bowing her head
'I greet you Ishi, swiftest daughter of Inari, I am in hostile lands and beg you to scout my surroundings for all those who might mean harm to me and my companions. Stay unseen if possible and retreat if you are under threat.'
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-16-17/1015:13>
Within a few seconds, the spirit comes back and reports to Rex:

"Oh magic yielder, I come to you fast with good news. All is quiet in this place. I could only see a sleeping human, cram into a small room on the first floor, and an other, younger one, apparently bored, moving around in a large room in the ground level. There is no astral barrier, neither any kind of spirit activity. Both humans are not awakened. I hope you are pleased with my services"

In the meantime, Waywalker, jumped into his microdrone, has also managed to sneak into the building - using the wide backdoor that leads to the kitchen, which is actually quite small. While the Waywalker drone goes drone to get the main room of the bar, he can see that the kitchen is clean, but sort of dusty. It's unlikely any real food is behind prepared here and the place therefore more like a large storage unit for peanuts and mini-brezel bags.

As the drone finally reaches the bar, Waywalker can hear a distinct humming. He moves the drone carefully closer to the ceiling to avoid detection, and sneaks behind a rusted chandelier hanging from the wood plank. However, no such stealthiness is required, as the young blond teenager currently busy mopping around the room, also the source of the humming, is clearly not paying attention to her environment.

It takes only a second for Waywalker to spot her commlink in his AR. The girl is not running silent, and one can easily spot she is listening to the last Maria Mercurial album - as the Seattle based old rock star is attempting yet an other come back. The girl also broadcast her SIN, and thus Waywalker immediately learns that she is Sophie Meyer, 17 years old and student a local school nearby.

The girl looks very dorky. She has large, purple glasses, a patch of blond hair mixed with some red locks. She tries to mop with some energy, but she often stops to yawn.

Flying upstairs, the drone gets to a packed office, where a human in his early forties seems to be sleeping lick a rock. He has no commlink, neither is he broadcasting his SIN, but one would assume it is the owner of the place, Valentin Prago taking a well deserve nap, after a long night. After all, it is barely dawn outside...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-16-17/1618:06>
<<Looks good from my end, no magic muscle around. So, you up for a walk? Come on, I need someone to hold my leash.>>
Rex sent to Waywalker.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-16-17/1632:38>
#27

"Why not? A good walk could benefit me too. I'm stiff from the trip."
While preparing the leash for Rex, Waywalker was hit by a thought:
"I'd contact the girl first, so she could wake up Prago. Eventually we can offer a spare hundred nuyen. What do you think?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-16-17/1705:15>
<<Sounds like a plan.>>

Rex waited for the leash to clip on and happily left the car to enter the bar, displaying his service dog markings.
<<I'll leave the talking to you, but stay with me for a moment and I'll give you a little boost.>>

[spoiler]
Increase Charisma F5 (http://orokos.com/roll/475968): 12d6t5 3 [12d6t5=5, 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, 1, 1, 6, 4, 6, 4]
+3 to waywalkers Charisma
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/475969): 17d6t5 8
No Drain

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-16-17/1828:33>
Waywalker steps out of the van and come closer the Posthaus. The main door is now open, but just to allow  Sophie to throw a bucket of dirty water - still humming, but no longer a Mercurial new track - something more appropriate to a dance floor. She almost throw the content to Waywalker, and immediatly says

"Oh darn, sorry ! I did not see there... I'm sorry, but the bar is closed, it won't open before at least 17:00, maybe even 18:00... Ooooh, what an adorable doggy - so Süss !"

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-17-17/0301:56>
Rex wagged his tail and gave his paw to the girl, pumping all his doggy charm to soften her up to Waywalkers request.
"Wuff"

[spoiler]
Teamwork Social (http://orokos.com/roll/476104): 13d6t5 1[13d6t5=2, 3, 2, 3, 6, 3, 4, 2, 2, 4, 3, 3, 3]
Yeah, well, one bonus die from teamwork...

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-17-17/1535:13>
#28

Waywalker smiled and adopted his softest tone. "I'd prefer to be in the Matrix, but the show must go on..."
"Miss Meyer, I'm sorry for the late time, but we need to speak very urgently with Mr. Prago. I am sure that I could have a generous tip around for you, if you wake him up..."

[spoiler] I do not know if my Street specialization is appliedor not, so I rolled both of them:
Etiquette (http://orokos.com/roll/476235): 7d6t5 2
Etiquette (Street) (http://orokos.com/roll/476236): 9d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-18-17/0754:48>
[spoiler] Sophie is just a regular student, doing some cleaning work to have some little cash on the side, so I don't think the speciality applies, that being said...[/spoiler]

"Oh, darn, you want to talk to Prago ? Gosh, he went to bed only half an hour ago, and he was so tired. I'm quite sorry... It's not that you are too late, but rather too early ! Poor Mr. Valentin, he looked so exhausted..."

Sophie not wanting to cross her boss, it takes a little while to convince her to go up and fetch him, but at the end, she agrees, leaves her mob against the wall, and start climbing the narrow staircase in the rear of the bar.

[spoiler]
As I'm guessing your character are on alert, can you both a do Perception + Intuition[Mental] - you can teamwork it (first to comment helps the other ones, to make quick and simple).
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-18-17/0808:37>
[spoiler]Perception check (http://orokos.com/roll/476471): 11d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Rex suddenly sniffed the air and pricked up his ears.
<<Do you hear that?>>

#124
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-18-17/1601:59>
#29

Waywalker focused on the drone feeds.

[spoiler]EW throught the sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/476603): 16d6t5 8[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-19-17/0327:53>
As they wait for Sophie to return, the runners realizes they are not the only ones paying attention to the closed bar. They already had noticed the military, and armored, vehicle, across the street. While it looks only parked there, the BMW Minotaur (an enhanced, S-K version of Dodge Goliath), the runners now definitely get the sense that the soldier, who pop up on top of it, is trying (and failing) to discreetly monitor whatever their up too.  However, police being military around these parts, it's not a stretch to think that they would keep tabs on a known "mafia haunts".

That being said, this is not what has tipped off Rex's canine perception. While, in his dog forms, Rex could not really pin point this out, he had the strange impression that someone or something else, is also observing the closed bar. Waywalker using his drone to scout the area quickly spots the root cause: a Horizon Flying Eye drone is hovering above a house across the street - with his sensor array pointing toward the bar. Because Waywalker can't immediately located the associated icon in AR, he already knows for sure the damn thing is running silent...

On top of everything, Rex got a message from one of his contact, a fixer named Dough Dougan:

>>> Moin moin, Rex. I know it's early, but can you give me a call ? I may have some very interesting offer for you, that make today a big day. I've gathered you might already be on a job, but please don't wait for this job to be finished. Looking forward to hear from you.

Before either Rex or Waywalker can reacts to any of this, an exhausted Valentin Prago appears down the stairs and addresses them:

"Dunno who the frag you are, but better have the best reason in the world for having me wake up... Or I swear on my mum's grave, bad stuff is going to happen to you..."

Mid forties, black hair - dyed to hide the fact they are turning grey, a broken nose and some black glasses - to hide how tired he his, Valentin Prago is not awesome but certainly does have a certain presence. It's easy to spot that he has been around for a while. Whether "around" is the Shadows or the Underworld, he certainly looks like both a though guy and apt fighter.

He is wearing a worn off black suits - not tie, coming out of an old collection of Mortimer of London, which is barely concealing a holster holding most likely a heavy pistol. He now glares at Waywalker - and his dog, with a mean stance, both ready to negotiate a deal or shoot him dead on the spot...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-19-17/0345:13>
Rex kept his friendly panting and tail wagging while looking at Prago, hoping that he two is a dog-person.

The call is unexpected, but since he desparately needs all his contacts to be happy, he immediately replied to his fixers call:
<<Hey Dough, what's up. I'm in the middle of something, but that doesn't mean, I don't have time for you. So what's going on? Do you have the infos I asked for about that suit I woke up in?>>

[spoiler]
Etiquette Check (http://orokos.com/roll/476825): 13d6t5 3 [13d6t5=4, 1, 4, 5, 2, 3, 1, 4, 6, 6, 3, 1, 2]
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-19-17/0426:33>
Dough Jones almost immediately replies to Rex

>>> No such luck on that front, but I may have a ... proposal regarding your current endeavour. I assume we can't really trust this channel of communication, so I can't elaborate too much, but let's just say I have an interesting customer who would be interested in buying you out of your current contract. The pay is twice whatever you are already offered - assuming you can secure the goods of course. As far as my customer understand, there is already a rather large amount of people looking for said goods, and he does not wish to add to the competition, nor "the mess" - but rather simplify the equation.

>>>He is under the impression that your team might be leading the game, so... Of course, my customer wants a swift commitment, if so, is willing to wire 10% of the money right away. He also has some influence in France and around the SOX and therefore offers to assist you if needed.

[spoiler]
In game terms it means, if you accept this offer, that you will double whatever nuyens you have accumulated by posting - on delivery.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-19-17/0448:35>
<<One second, I have to run this by the team.>>

<<Right boys, just got a call from a very well connected fixer of mine. He want's us to change employer and promises to pay double.
Personally, I don't like our current Johnson, but despite that I'd rather stick to my word. I don't want to be fucked over, so I extend that courtesy to my business partners.
@Waywalker: If you have a moment please check my gear for any MARKs. I'm not so firm with the computer stuff and I would hate to be tracked.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-19-17/1730:31>
#30

Waywalker's AR was soon flooded with activity, while he talked to Prago. Thank to the DNI, he could use the Matrix and pay attention to the conversation at the same time. "And now time is very sensitive." the tone was soft and very polite: "Guten Abend Mr. Prago. Let me introduce myself: I'm Waywalker, and I'd like to have a little conversation with you about a common acquaintance of us. May me and my dog enter?"
"@Rex: I do not like switching sides in the middle of a run, is a fine recipe to be screwed."
In the meanwhile, his Agents kept an eye for him on the Matrix.

[spoiler]Etiquette (Street) (http://orokos.com/roll/477043): 10d6t5 4
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/477044): 6d6t5 2
Matrix Perception on Rex gear (http://orokos.com/roll/477046): 14d6t5 5
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/477047): 6d6t5 2
Matrix Perception to find drone's icon (http://orokos.com/roll/477049): 14d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-19-17/1749:53>
Checking quickly outside, Prago let them both enters and close the door behind him.

"Yeah, it's suspicious enough for you to come to my bar when it's closed... Let's not give a field to the Met2000 pretend-cop outside."

Turning to the young teen who resumed mopping.

"Stop that. You're done for now. Go have a cigarette or whatever you, 'Jungen' do today... Come back in 15 minutes to resume... OK, now that we are alone, let's have a talk. What is this common acquaintance and why do I care ? And why I should I tell you anything about him or her ?"

[spoiler]
Drone's Icon running silent... (http://orokos.com/roll/477053): 8d6t5 3
@Waywalker:So 3 net hits - which gives you 3 questions about the device.
[/spoiler]

Whille Waywalker takes a seat at the table pointed by Prago, his deck finally locates the icon of the drone hovering outside.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-20-17/0319:02>
<<Good, I'll tell him.>>
<<I'm sorry Dough, but we as a team aren't comfortable with betraying an employer who we signed on. Your client will have to just get the ware from him - preferably after we have delivered and gone our ways. But thank you for the offer. If he still wants it after we deliver it, we can recollect it after our job is finished.>>

Not that Rex had any intention on doing so, but it just might get the mystery client off their back long enough to not attack them during their own delivery.

That done, Rex concentrated on Prago but gave his Kami also a task: 'Please make sure we aren't disturbed from the astral side. Thank you'
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-20-17/0337:40>
>>> That's quite commendable. My customer will certainly be disappointed, but no one can't fault you for that - and I'm pretty sure they will had their own resources to the chase you are currenlty in. Best of luck.

Kami replies quickly - nothing on the astral front... for now. In the meantime, using the AR feeds, Waywalker discreetly looks at the icon of the drone running silent. The drone is slaved to open, and broadcast its feeds to the other devices on it - and has rather biffed up firewall.

[spoiler]Drone's FW:6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-20-17/1203:37>
<<Thanks, I'll talk to you later. Bye.>>

The dog sat down, yawned and closed his eyes. Seconds later, Rex' translucent form appeared inside the room:
"Hello, do not be alarmed, I'm with those two. The name is Rex. I just had to make sure there isn't anything lurking in the astral before I came here.

As to why we are here... I want to be frank with you: At the moment there are a few different teams of very violent people on the lookout for a smuggler called Bernie after a failed deal. We were hired to deliver the goods that Bernie wasn't able to, sadly we couldn't get in contact with him directly, so we come to you. Once the goods are at their destination all that heat will go away, so it's in everyone's best interests if we can talk to Bernie as quickly as possible, before said violent people turn up and cause... trouble. We are at the moment one step ahead of those men, but we don't have much time. So as a courtesy we are warning you in your capacity as known facilitator of an imminent threat and ask you in return for a bit of help to get in contact with Bernie."

[spoiler]
Negotiation/Con (http://orokos.com/roll/477297): 13d6t5 5 [13d6t5=6, 5, 1, 4, 5, 6, 1, 1, 4, 5, 4, 3, 1]

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-20-17/1741:02>
#31

Waywalker was a bit surprised when Rex's astral form took place in the bar, but was glad he had a little time to take care of the little bugger. "You seem to be a little though drone, but I will make you useful as a paperweight."
While Rex talked, Waywalker tried to crush the little drone from the Matrix.

[spoiler] A 6/S 2/D 3/F 4
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/477374): 12d6t5 3
data spike (http://orokos.com/roll/477377): 14d6t5 5
Damage 6 + net hits[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-21-17/1848:17>
"What the fuck ? Bernie ? I do a couple of dealings with a freaking smuggler, and now, suddenly I am his best pal, and everybody is coming to me to get intel on him ? I barely even know the guy - and I don't even like the guy, for fuck's sake."

After venting his frustration, Prago quickly recovers, and adds, with a nasty grin:

"OK, so I'm not going to get shoot for this sleaze bag. I don't have much infos on his whereabouts, but what I know is yours for 1000 nuyens. No refund afterward, and no exclusivity. I'll be selling the same intel, at the same price, to any fucking runner, or whatever, going through those doors and asking about Bernie... Capich ?"


[spoiler]
Valentin Prago negociates (http://orokos.com/roll/477611): 12d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Rex, despite discussing from the astral space, turns out to be an excellent negociator when he really wants to. The price drops quickly to 500 nuyens, but the bar owner does not budge on the lack of exclusivity.

"Given what you told me, you're not going to be the last of your kind to come knocking at my door, and the last I want it to take a bullet to keep such silly info. Neither you, guys, neither Bernie is worth to my eyes. And before you ask, few little people are."


In the meantime, in the matrix, Waywalker fires all his attack program to the drone. Each data stream hits the icon on by one...

[spoiler]
Drone try to avoid data spike (http://orokos.com/roll/477614): 9d6t5 2 (so 3 net hits, 9 Matrix Damage to Soak)

Drone soaks Data Spike damage (http://orokos.com/roll/477613): 8d6t5 4 (4 soaks means, 5 Matrix Damage)
[/spoiler]

... but icon remains online, unbricked.

[spoiler]
@Waywalker, as you are standing up, in front of Prago, I don't expect you to be in VR. Can you roll your initiative in AR and gives us your next matrix action. It is mainly to see if you can managed to destroy it before the owner can react.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-22-17/0832:03>
"We can't ask fairer than that..."
After getting Waywalker to pay the man - Rex was starting to get a bad conscience about that, and he resolved to make it up to the decker - he added:
"Seeing as we are paying you directly, won't make a fuss and let you get back to sleep in a minute, would you mind telling us as well who came before us asking for Bernie? Competition might be healthy for business, but in our case it can be quite detrimental to health.
As an added bonus, we can give you our fixers number if you need people for a job."
Rex added with a wink and a grin.

#129
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-22-17/1250:23>
Valentin Prago, quite satisfied by the money he just got, replies very friendly:

"Well, to be fair, buddy, up until now, it has been more people calling me up to ask about Bernie. You are the first ones who came up to my door. But for an extra 500 nuyens, I'll be happy to let you know whenever some other "interested party", as suits calls'em, shows up. I'll take the fixer comm number too, that's always good to have. And you are right, I need to go to bed "pronto" - night has been long enough, so here are the deets on Bernie. Well, at least what I know."

Prago takes a small pause, glancing at the bar. Both Waywalker and Rex can see on his face a familiar "i-need-a-drink-for-this" face. But, apparently, Valentin opts to stay sober - probably to help ensure he'll be able to fall asleep right the minute the runner leaves is bar.

"OK, so, as I told you already, I'm no friend of Bernie. I actually had utterly forgotten about him, until my commlink starting bipping for the last days with Bernie this and Bernie that. Good thing for you, it did get me to do some recollection about him."

Taking a small break, Valentin breathes in and resume talking:

"Last year, I did a deal with him - only because my usual smuggler got gank. Bernie was by no means my first choice, I actually reached out to the Geistratten, I know some of them, and I was actually hoping to have Franz, a German who do regular runs from here to München... Anyway, for some reason, Bernie showed up. Apparently the Geistratten looks up to him, and he decided that I was a worthy customer for him to show up instead of one of his "goon". Like the guy is freaking upper management or whatnot. Anyhow..."

For a few seconds, the man stops there, thinking with a strange expression - nostalgia ? - on his face. He shrugs it off and continues:

"So Bernie comes here and we talk business. I won't tell you anything about the deal, except that it went OK enough, I can't say I'm happy about his part in it, neither have really anything to complain about. I just don't like the guy, nor his 'style'. Anyhow, as part of the negotiation, he start showing me pics of his GMC banshee (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ca/05/02/ca0502fa8c40840980ed55d9f17f3579.jpg). I'm no rigger for sure, but the beast is a thing of beauty - he laced it with signature masking, making a tiny blip on the best sensor, and double it with chameleon coating, so that he can make even hard to spot with the naked eye. He digressed on other stuff, like weapon and so on, but that I forget. But that's not the real info for you here."

He winks, and with a sick little grin, Valentin goes on:

"During the talk he kept bragging about having a very nice dig inside a SOX. He hinted that he secured a "good place", where no one will be going "to look for him" - which would be, in the context of our talk, the perfect place to stash the good we were talking about for a while. Of course, he is no moron, so he did not tell me about where exactly, but he did show me the pictures of his ride, remember ? And guess in front of what his precious VTOL was standing ?"

Valentin face light up, clearly proud of himself, and smirking.

"Well, in front of abandon, half destroyed building, somewhere in the SOX, right ? Of course, except that I've watched the Rad Wars game in the SOX - you know, the first edition, back in '70, when they went crazy on whatever was left of Metz. And guess where I saw the exact same building, being pounded by S-K's finest ? Right, this specific one exactly. And most of the picture of his baby were taken in front of it - even the ones where the VTOL guts were wide open. So I'm pretty sure the bastard is holed up inside it..."

In the meantime, Valentin shares an ARO with the Rex and Waywalker, where he has pin pointed the location (https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1xm3eqzgOWYKeKNTIvWik0OT5_g8&ll=49.131513398056754%2C6.172577255111719&z=17). Located at the very end of a small Isle, this building, now a standing ruins, used to some kind of local french agency something. It clearly got badly beaten by the initial catastrophe that created the SOX, but it also got quite badly damaged by the wargames of the Rad Wars. Many walls are still up, but no more roof - probably a good thing if you want to land a VTOL inside it. Also the bridge nearby has been destroyed, and the street it lead to is now half flooded and muddy. Not really easy to get the place on foot.

"Now, you know where he might be curled up, but I don't envy your job. The place is, AFAIK, quite fairly irradiated, if there is anything alive still in there, it's going to be twisted and feral. I know, in part of SOX, you can still find some "decent" people - who often refers themselves as the Zentpels, but no chance to find any here. If you find anything it's going to be what the french called the "Ecorchés" - translate to the "skinned one", so basically radiation graved maniacs. Rumors are that they often literally eat other people alive - making'em quite hard to separate from the ghouls pack one can also find in there... Certainly a shit place to have to go, but, most likely why he would be holed up in there. It's a fucked up situation, but, hey, not my problem, so..." - He concludes with a grin on his face.


Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-22-17/1337:51>
Rex sighed:
"Alright, thank you. I'll take that information service, but I expect to get Bernies number as well. If there is any chance to talk civilized with him I'll take that chance instead of going into the SOX. Now we better go away before trouble finds us here.

Oh, one more thing: You wouldn't have by any chance lead lined survival gear or know someone who could at short notice provide us with such?"

#130
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-22-17/1434:13>
Valentin Prago sends the commlink he has for Bernie, but adds:

"Here you are, but honestly, I would not expect it to work. For starters, there is basically no real coverage in the SOX, the corps have their own SOX-Net stuff going on, but no regular commlink can get services inside the zone. Also, if he does not want to be found, he won't probably have kept it, neither have it on."

Waywalker immediately searches the matrix for the commlink, and quickly confirms Prago's assessment. The stuff is either running silent, or simply not "on".

"That being said, you are probably right to want to talk to the guy. Bernie has not survived that long by shooting his way out of all tense situation. His thing is more about to weasle out, if anything. If you have anykind of deal bailing him out of his current ... predicament, I'll bet ya, he'll take it."

The exhausted bar owner stops before remembering he has not yet replied to Rex's question about getting "special gears" to get into the SOX:

"Sorry buddy, I'm no fixer, especially for this kind of stuff... Normally, I would advise you to get in touch with the Geistratten, but they may be probably having Bernie's back, so they might not help you - or worse, give you bad 'ware. And gear is not the only shit you need to come up with - just getting in the SOX, is no easy game... Man, I really don't envy your job, right now"

While his words are technically filled with compassion for the runners, his nasty grin suggests he is in fact pretty amused at the all situation. He can clearly read that the mage in astral form is not looking forward a trip in the SOX, and it makes Prago's twisted side somehow happy.

"That being said, I may know a place you can go. I certainly don't want to rip you off here, but, as always, any intel worth something, well, is worth something. So if you want me to tell you where you can get you gear, it'll cost'ya an other extra 500 nuyens."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-22-17/1453:32>
"If this goes on any longer the dog will have to go hungry tonight. Alright, but make it a twofer: The contact for the gear and other members of the Geistratten that might know how to contact Bernie. Only fair, considering I don't need the gear if I can just talk to Bernie. Otherwise forget it."

Rex was sorely tempted to stop that negotiation, but on the other hand the 2000 nuyen they had handed out so far in bribes was nothing compared to what this run could bring. Not to mention, a new contact with the mafia might come in handy one of those days. Better to make sure he kept the team in good memory.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-22-17/1637:23>
#32

Waywalker was very pleased to have Rex talk instead of him. "Meat interactions were never my cup of tea..." Handing the other 500 NY for the intel on where to get gear, Waywalker paused to sling another string of code to the drone.

[spoiler]AR Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/477929): 1d6+10 16
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/477931): 12d6t5 4
data spike (http://orokos.com/roll/477933): 15d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-22-17/1727:01>
It's a good thing for Waywalker that Rex is handling the talk, because the Matrix battle is not going his way. Despite his deck firing all kinds of attacks, the firmware of the drone does an excellent job dodging all of them.

[spoiler]
1st Pass - Waywalker goes on 16
Drone try to avoid data spike (http://orokos.com/roll/477947): 9d6t5 5

@Haywire can you roll your action on second pass (6) and the first one of the next pass (16)  - assuming the drone is not bricked by then

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-26-17/0137:59>
#33

After turning the spying drone into something useful more or less as a big paperweight Waywalker smiled.
"Rex: I've brought down an annoying drone. I suggest that we move quickly to the gear seller and then to Bernie's hideout."
"Mr. Prago, I'm glad that we came to a business agreement. We'll be leaving now. Thank you for your time."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-17/0351:01>
When Rex was back in his body he replied to the message: <<Alright, but before that I'll try to locate Bernie through the Astral - maybe I can talk to him and we can avoid the trip. I really can't state how very much I don't want to physically enter that zone. The background count could kill me or - worse - disrupt the shapechange spell.
But it's better to be prepared for the worst, so let's get some protection while we are at it.>>

Back in the van he took his time to prepare himself, increasing his mental acuity as well as his resistance, anchoring them on his body.

[spoiler]
Increase Willpower F8 (w/ Reagents 6) (http://orokos.com/roll/478980): 12d6t5 4
Spend 1 Karma to quicken
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/478981): 21d6t5 6
No Drain

Increase Intuition F8 (http://orokos.com/roll/478982): 12d6t5 3
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/478983): 21d6t5 5
No Drain
Dismiss, try again:

Increase Intuition F8 (http://orokos.com/roll/478984): 12d6t5 4
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/478985): 21d6t5 7
No Drain
Spend 1 Karma to quicken

Navigation test to pinpoint location for astral travel:
Navigation (http://orokos.com/roll/478987): 14d6t5 10
Limited to 7 (mental limit)

Spirit: Cast Increase Reflexes F6:
Cast: Increase Reflexes (http://orokos.com/roll/478988): 12d6t5 5
+5 +2d6 to Ini
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/478989): 12d6t5 6
Spirit takes no drain

Total Astral attributes: Ini 19+4d6
Defense: 11, Astral Combat 10 DV 12

[/spoiler]

'Princess, I thank you for your help. Two things I ask of you: Keep my body safe while I'm out and quicken my body and mind.'

<<Alright, I'm ready to reconnoiter if Bernie is really at that location. Do you think I should talk to him too? I could offer to buy the motor from him and by that take the heat off of him.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-26-17/0753:37>
"Yeah, for sure, you need to get going. About reaching out to the Geistratten. Yes, I could put you in touch with them, but I don't have a direct access. So I'll do you one, and reach out to my contact - and call you if I got anything... But to be honest, it generally takes days before I get one of them to either call me or drop by here. I got the impression that, by then, this all mess will be resolved... One way or the other."


Valentin, at the same time, shares an ARO with the location of the "gear place": apparently it's a former restaurant nearby the wall of the SOX, in the north of Zweibrücken. The place was called Brückenpfeiler. Matrix clearly states the place is closed, and there is no available pictures of it. Prago then asks the runners for a commlink to join him, in case he managed to get in touch with the Geistratten in time.

The runner heads back to their van, where Rex is casting all the spells in preparation of his astral trip. Once the van is moving, he jumps into the astral, trying to get his bearing, so he can fly to Metz.

Zweibrücken is next to the SOX, but the astral place here is still pretty clean. It is thus fairly easy to spot, on the horizon, the distorted and twisted part of the space associated with the SOX. Sadly, because he never went there, and neither to Metz, Rex can not just "beam over there", and he needs to fly at a relatively slow pace (astral-wise), to keep track of his position in relation to the physical plan. But he is quite good at doing so.

However, Rex is quickly stopped in his trip to the SOX. Indeed, he barely reached the border, that he spot astral form patrolling along the border. MET2000 is certainly taking no chance and does not either people to have an "astral peak", but also anything unwanted "coming out" of there. From where he astrally stands, there is at least two astral forms patrolling nearby. Rex flies along the zone border in both South and North direction, but can not find a less control spot. Wherever he goes, there is always at least two astral entities who can spot him crossing the border.

To make matter worth, MET2000 magical team apparently spent some time aligning the border to their magic user, and there is, on top of everything, a background count, diminishing Rex's ability.

[spoiler]
About money: I'm not doing book-keeping, but I expect you guys to pay his due to Valentin. Assuming you do so, you add him as a next contact, with a Loyalty of 1 and Connection Rating of 2.

Some side note on Astral sneaking/perception - as a RAW are a bit lacking in this regards. My interpretation of being "sneaky" in the Astral, is that you use the same Sneak skills as in the physical world - with, of course, your astral agility. Being spot in the Astral, is following the same logic - ie Perception + Intuition. I used to (mis)use Assenssing for this, but nowdays I've limited Assessing at what it is for - reading aura and nothing else.

In the astral, any (magical) bonuses that applied to be sneaky - where it is Invisibility or Concealement, does also applies. Again, AFAIK, RAW is not clear on an invisible character being also invisible in the Astral, but I find that for game balance it is just make more sense. Being utterly visible on the astral, and invisible on the physical world, makes the spell useless, but also, bring no way to counter astral perception (short of background count).

Regarding background count associated to the wall, I'll spare you the assessing test, it's 2. Last rule point: whatever the astral form are they are going to teamwork their Perception test.

Side note: I'm not trying to block your character to go look for Bernie astrally, it's actually a pretty good idea. It's just that crossing the border of the SOX has to be hard. Part of the reason corps have secret facility there is for the astral protection it provides, due to the radiation, but also the investment made in setting up a "shared" perimeter. Also note that once the border crossed, you'll have to do a couple more "astral bearing" test before getting to Metz - and hopefully find Bernie.

Last item - I saw a spirit cast an Increased Reflexes on Rex, but I'm not sure the bonuses would applies to the Astral space - or is it clearly stated somewhere in a FAQ or RAW ? If not I would rule against it, stating that the spell is making your "physical body" faster, not your astral one - but if there is a RAW/FAQ that contredicts me, I'll allow it.

@Waywalker, to keep things going while Rex is in the Astral, let's deal with your activity at Brückenpfeiler in parallel, if you don't mind :) (I know that neither Rex, nor Waywalker are "good" in meat space, but let's abstract that, as this is not about rolling dice here.
[/spoiler]

In the meantime, Waywalker's van is parking nearby the Brückenpfeiler. The place used to look nice. A small "maisonette", with an old fashion looks, and with wood beams and red brick, so typical of the region. However, it's look closed, abandoned, and not taking care of for a while. Some bricks are missing, a lot of tags are covering the wall, and the outside part of the restaurant - the "Biergarten", is completely trashed. All the entrance looks firmly closed. If Prago had not said this was the place, Waywalker would have not suspected there was anything going there - expect maybe for a pack of ghouls or some squatters...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-26-17/0958:36>
[spoiler]
That's ok.
I had expected them to use mana barriers but that makes sense too.

If concealment works for that purpose on the Astral I'd have my spirit use her last service for that too.
But all in all my LOG isn't that hot, so sneaking will probably not work.

Dismiss Spirit of Men F6 and try to call an F8 Spirit
Summon F8 Spirit of Men (http://orokos.com/roll/479029): 14d6t5 6 [14d6t5=6, 6, 6, 4, 2, 6, 2, 6, 2, 4, 1, 6, 2, 1]
Spirit Resist Spirit Resist F8 Spirit of Men (http://orokos.com/roll/479030): 8d6t5 1
Wow, 5 services
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/479031): 21d6t5 7
No Drain

Ok, gaining concealment from an F8 Spirit means -8 to the perception test of the others

Sneaking (Astraly) (http://orokos.com/roll/479032): 8d6t5 3

[/spoiler]

Rex returned a bit frustrated to his body where the Princes still waited: 'I thank you for your service oh beautiful one and bid you farewell.'

<<Bad news, the border is better secured than expected. I'll give it another try with a bit more power.>>

He concentrated and dared for the first time to call upon a Kami that was quite a bit above his station. He was aware that incuring the displeasure of the Thunderlord would most likely have him bleeding on the floor, but to his own surprise he felt only the gentlest of resistance and the Kami, wreathed in clouds of rain and lightning appeared before him in an instant.
'Oh High Lord of the three Thunders, I thank you for coming to my aid in my hour of need. Please shield me from notice in the spirit realm and watch over my earthly form. Thank you.'
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-26-17/1712:27>
#34

"Sure this place has seen better times...as me. If something is going on here I'll find out."
Waywalker had his Agents look for some clues of Matrix activity in the near vicinity.
Then he jumped in the Fly Spy.
"Now it's time to do a little recon..."

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/479145): 6d6t5 1
Matrix Perception (Agent) (http://orokos.com/roll/479146): 13d6t5 4
Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) (http://orokos.com/roll/479147): 14d6t5 5
Fly Spy Stealth (http://orokos.com/roll/479148): 9d6t5 6
Fly Spy Perception (EW) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/479149): 17d6t5 7[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-27-17/0655:44>
In the astral, the appearance of The High Lord of the Three Thunder reveled all his power and glory. It looks intensely at Rex for an instant at Rex, like he is assessing the mage, or even decide if it should comply or on the contrary defies his order. But the spirit finally acknowledges the mage order, without a word - just a roll of thunder echoing from the depth of the astral space. And just like that, the astral projection of Rex is suddenly surrounded by waving shades, that somehow conceal his presence. Surrounded by the might of the Kami, Rex finally attempt to cross the astral border of the SOX.

[spoiler]
Spirit's teamwork on Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/479175): 12d6t5 5
Leader Spirit Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/479177): 17d6t5 7

@Jack_Spade gosh, I'm sorry, they both rolled pretty well... Please roll Astral Initiative, for both you and the High Lord of Three Thunder.
[/spoiler]

Sadly, despite the mightiness of his Kami ally, the two spirit of Air patrolling immediately spots the concealed astral form. While one of the spirit stands by, clearly reporting to his master the trespassing, and looking for other potential intruder, the other simply charges on Rex...

In the meantime, in the physical world, Waywalker is safely back in his favorite place: the Matrix. While maneuvering his Fly Spy to do a little reckon around the house, he also uses his deck to search for nearby activity. There is still a lot of houses nearby being inhabited, and many of them have "honest to God" devices, all displaying broadcasting their ID (and often their owner SIN). However, in the mist of all this legitimate activity, there is a number of devices running silent around him. He would need to put MARKs on them to locate them exactly, but he has strong gut feeling that they are, not surprisingly, inside the abandoned restaurant.

[spoiler]
@Waywalker now that you have learn there is running silent devices nearby, you need to roll an other Matrix Perception to learn more about the devices.
[/spoiler]

In the meantime, the Fly Spy finds a way into the building - sneaking into a crack in the wall. Once inside, however the Fly Spy connection suddenly degrades quickly...

[spoiler]
@Waywalker your drone just entered a jammed area (Noise: 6). Please roll a surprise test (Reaction + Intuition) - if you get 3s, you are not surprise, and you can compensate for noise with your RCC. Note that, AFAIK, your Fly Spy has a Device Rating of 2 - if the Noise rating is above 2, your drone is disconnected from the Matrix (ie you are losing contact with it).
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-27-17/0748:20>
#35

"Ach! Something is trying its very best not to be found. Now, let's take a closer look..."

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/479353): 6d6t5 1
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/479354): 12d6t5 3
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/479361): 16d6t5 3
Surprise Test (http://orokos.com/roll/479362): 10d6t5 4
Noise compensation (http://orokos.com/roll/479363): 13d6t5 7[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-27-17/0911:42>
Compensating for the jammer, Waywalker restore the connection and the feeds to his drone, and discovers that the inside of the abandoned restaurant is indeed something else. In what used to be the main dining room, there is now bunch of stands, each apparently selling some restricted or illegal gears - all clearly aimed at exploring the SOX. On the left of what used to the main door, a large troll is selling can of water, doubled with radiation protection, along with military ration. Nearby him, a small, weasel-looking human, appears to be haggling hardly with a pissed Ork - clearly a street sam, about the price of a HazMat suit. Not sure who is buying or selling, but Waywalker drone's sensor clearly picks up the sentence, from the small guy : "At this price, I cut my own throat..." - and wisely decided to focus his attention elsewhere.

Behind what used to be a counter, a dwarf seating on high stool, appears to be selling a lot of electronics hardware. Behind him, the bottles has been replaced by a collection of drone, commlink and other electronics devices. most of them are both shutdown and in pretty "used" state. Nearby him, a scrawny woman, with a long nose and a rather (ugly) leather jacket appears to be selling reagents and potions. When the drone flies nearby, it can even picks up that "it's a detox potion, specially aims at removing radiation, buddy, if you want to cross the SOX, you'll need that". The customer is a rather snobbish elf, wearing a fancy suit from Mortimer of London. He does not appears at all convinced by her sales pitch, and simply - in a very "Spock-ish" way, rather an eyebrow at the comment.

[spoiler]
I'm not going to list every gear you guys can found here - just do an availability checks for any item you want to purchase (and I would advise to throw some money at it to increase chance). If the roll is successful, somebody here has the goods otherwise you are out of luck. Pre-Edge and Post Edge is allowed, if needed.
[/spoiler]

In the meantime, Waywalker cyberdeck is gathering data on the numerous running silent devices. A bunch of commlinks, a cyberarm - most likely belonging to the ork street sam, but also some drones, and one cyberdeck. All of this makes Waywalker suddenly a bit worried - what if somebody has also spot him ?

[spoiler]
@Haywire, in case somebody wants to spot your (I assume) running silent cyberdeck (which is also I assume running the PAN with the running silent drone) can you roll Logic + Sleaze ?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-27-17/1517:57>
[spoiler]
Not to nitpick you ruling, but wouldn't all observers even if they use teamwork suffer the same penalties on their checks (so -8 from concealment)

In any case, as soon as Rex is spotted, he'll jump back into his body. There is no sense in fighting an army:

Rex Astral Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/479531): 18+3d6 25
LotTTAstral Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/479533): 16+3d6 25

If I'm faster than the spirit, I'll just move back to my body and leave the astral, if not, I'll go Full Defense and then disengage.
Astral Defense (Full) (http://orokos.com/roll/479538): 20d6t5 5


[/spoiler]
Rex had no desire for a fight - at least not a futile one against an army. As fast as possible he tracked back towards his body, trying to evade the elementals attacks.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-27-17/1535:37>
#36

"I knew something was going on... Now I only need to find an entrance."
Waywalker sent a message to Rex: "I'm going in. There's a black market in there. If you wish to come with me let me know. If you could boost my capacity to haggle, that would be great."

[spoiler]Running Silent (http://orokos.com/roll/479488): 12d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-27-17/1603:59>
[spoiler]

@Jack_Spade you are right, I utterly forgot the -8d for both rolls !

Spirit's teamwork on Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/479550): 4d6t5 2
Leader Spirit Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/479551): 6d6t5 1

So cleary, you passed - let me duct tape that narratively...

[/spoiler]

Rex was about to giving up and run when he felt his Kami focus to increase his astral's concealment.... and suddenly, the rushing spirit stops in mid course, gazing at the astral, just where Rex astral form is, looking ... confuse. After a few milliseconds, both spirit resume their patrolling, like if it was never

Then, and for the first time, Rex hears High Lord of the three Thunders whispers in his head : "Don't you ever doubt my power, mage.". Hidden for the astral patrol, Rex astral forms then move forward and enter the dread SOX. In front of him, patch of astral gets heavily distorded - he tries to avoid obviously damaged zone, while somehow getting closer to Metz...

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade all my apologies - we are back on track
[/spoiler]


Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-27-17/1609:33>
Just as Waywalker sends his message to the mage, he remembers he can't communicate with him when he is in the astral. But he does now recalls what the mage asked him...

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade: here you are with an other duct taping trope : flashbacks :)
[/spoiler]

However, the decker get quickly interrupted, by a message arriving on his deck:

>>> However you are buddy, you are not a cop, so I'll assume you are here for business. Comes alone -and no drone either, at the front door. If you have no weapon, we'll open the door for you.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-27-17/1647:50>
Instinctively, Rex increased the altitude within the zone. The higher he went the lesser he felt the sickening emanation of the blighted ground. Using the sun to navigate. The direct course was a bit over 100 km, but he covered roughly 5 km every 3 seconds. So it took him only about a minute to find Metz.

Now came the difficult part: Descending slowly, Rex aimed at the small river island that the photo had showed. With any luck he would find the Rigger's lair before the radiation turned him and the Kami toxic...

[spoiler]
No problem, well saved ;)

Perception:
Perception (Obvious Stuff in the Astral) (http://orokos.com/roll/479575): 15d6t5 6

Assensing Test
Astral Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/479573): 11d6t5 3


[/spoiler]


#135
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-28-17/0354:20>
#37

The message on his deck was not a surprise. Waywalker replied: "Incoming, I'm here for business."
He recalled his drone in the van and left an order pre-imposted on his RCC: "If not receiving a ping from my deck, arm drones and shoot everything ablaze."
He closed the van and then went at the door, waiting.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-29-17/1317:07>
Long time ago, while he was still learning magic, Rex met a shaman who made fun of the tendency of mage to rely on "calculation and prediction" -especially in the astral. The Shaman made a brief speech on how the magic is "always changing" and "expecting it to behave according to a fixed model" was, in short, a terrible idea. And so, the amerindian  warned him about putting too much stock in it.

Trusting more his japanense Sensei than the indian guy, Rex had simply shrugged at the warning. And it certainly vexes Rex to recognize today that the old guy was right. Indeed, even if his plan went smoothly, he actually reached the wasteland that is Metz in astral far more quickly than he had expected. Astral travelling is not an exact science - especially inside a horrid place such as the SOX.

Fortunately, years experience saved him and he did not plunged immediately, and by mistake, in the twisted and hazy astral mess sitting now just below him. The irradiation zone must only be a few kilometers above ground level, but he still requires him an intense concentration to see through it. After a little while however, he is pretty sure his assessing is indeed correct: below him, through a disgusting layers of fetid astral distortion stands whatever is left of the french city of Metz. And within its ruins, their target - Bernie.

The astral form of Rex takes a pause to gauge at the few kilometer of never ending shades and waves of astral between him and his target..

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade center of Metz is background 4 - while Rex is going to cross a layer at 1,2,3 and finally 4, I'm going to simplify - in a mean way ;) - and simply applies a -4d to your next tests.

You need one more bearing test to not get lost and gets to where you want - of course -4 applies to this test, and no bonuses (nothing is "obvious" in this mess). Also roll a Intuition (Astral Reaction) + Intuition, in case "something" wants to have the "drop on you". You can also try to move through the area discreetly, rolling an Logic (Astral Agility) + Sneaking, but this would then add -2 to any other tests. It is getting harder, but you are getting closer...

Also please feel free to add "flashback" where Rex explains to Haywire what kind of gears he is looking for (and why, if nothing else, for me to know what you expect out of such gear). This way, Haywire can start "shopping" - also please roll your Charisma + Negociation, this will be a teamwork roll for Haywire's own Availability test. (Rex did prepare him before he went Astral, so...)
[/spoiler]

In the meantime, Waywalker has reached the door - who suddenly opened, after, he suspects, a weapon scanner came back clean. This is certainly not making him feeling secure, but he takes comfort into the fact that his drones are ready to jump on a simple command from him. As in enters the room, the scene he just witness through his feeds has barely changed. He starts looking at the stands and the gear they offer, to see if he can already spot some stuff him and his partner may need. And maybe discussed a bit with whoever is around - he has no idea when Rex will show up, and they do need some intel anyway...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-29-17/1524:00>
Rex was about to begin the final leg of his journey but stopped, blinking despite not actually having working eyelids in this form. He just had remembered something from his old life and quite distinctively at that. For a moment he feared that this was a false memory, generated by the twisted astral space of the SOX. But he knew with a brilliant clarity he hadn't felt before, that what he remembered had happened during university.
But as brilliant as this flash of insight burned in his mind, the rest of his memories stayed in shadows.

Yet, with renewed vigor, he went to face the dangers of the zone.

[spoiler]
Navigation (http://orokos.com/roll/480211): 10d6t5 3
Intuition x2 (http://orokos.com/roll/480212): 14d6t5 4

[/spoiler]

Flashback:
<<I'll be back soon, but should you get contact with the vendors, please look for something like a lead poncho: A poncho treated against chemical and radiation. Gasmasks would probably be also a good idea. If the have some compatible for critters, even better.
If not I'll have to rely on my respirator

If they only have chemsuits I'll have to take the form of an ape for this expedition.>>

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-29-17/1737:19>
#37

Waywalker headed himself through the door and started to look around for something useful. His first stop was at the dwarf's counter.
"I'm looking for a sensor...something small, geiger, atmosphere and radio scanner. If you have the parts I can assemble it myself."
After a bit of haggling he had the electronics he was looking for and turned to find the gasmasks and suits for him and Rex.

[spoiler]Hazmat avaibility (http://orokos.com/roll/480261): 8d6t5 2
Finding Hazmat, using Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/480263): 6d6t5 3
Re-rolling with Edge (http://orokos.com/roll/480264): 3d6t5 0
I'd buy one hazmat suit for me and one for Rex, Gas masks for the two of us. The sensor costs 300 NY. Is there some other gear we need I'm missing?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-30-17/0735:31>
Generally, travelling into the astral feels like flying, and moving freely more than even one could think possible on the physical plan. Not even sure a rigger in full ASSIST immersion, jumped into a bird biodrone could feel as free. But in this very instance, Rex is not feeling free.

His movement through the astral soup - for a lack of better word, is so impaired that it seems more like swimming in the mud, than anything else. Also the nature of the background count is affecting him. He feels hot, sweating, dizzy - exactly like if physical form was exposed to high level of radiation. While all this may be temporary, and has not yet, reduce his ability, it is still a very unpleasant feeling.

Of course, like trying to dive in water, without the proper equipment, every meter in the direction of Metz seems harder, and harder - and also the sickening feeling keeps increasing as he goes down. However, he is making progress, and can already discern the astral lines drown by the many rivers, and small lakes. Gosh, given the vibes those are emitting the level of pollution and contamination is just horrendous.

Suddenly, Rex stops. His focus has just been drawn to a strange - well, stranger, moving shades of astral space... or is it a form. It sounds like something, nearby, is gazing at him through the astral. Or is it just is imagination, fueled by radiation sickness playing tricks on him ?

Back in the physical world, it takes a few minutes for the dwarf to reply to Waywalker. With a datajack wired into a half dismantled drone on the counter, the bearded rigger certainly seems busy. But after a while, he finally unplugs and answers:

"Hey buddy - sorry about that, had to finish this... So, your right I don't all of this built up into one thing, but I can give you the part. You'll have to tell me where you want to host it however, because such a sensor array needs to lives inside a rather big device. You could shove a Geiger counter and radio scanner into a commlink, that would do, but to fit an atmosphere sensor, you'll something as big as a small drone. By the way, that would be my way of doing it."

The dwarf scrambles some hardware pieces, lying in different part of what used to be the liquor bar of the restaurant, and put them on display for Waywalker to look at.

[spoiler]
@Waywalker assuming you want to check if there are any good please do a Hardware + Intuition [Mental] test. It's an Intuition based, because you can't just look at them in details, using tools, it's more like an educated guess.
[/spoiler]

"Now, buddy, I'm assuming you are planning a trip in S.O.X. right ? If you have to buy this kind of sensor array to me, I'm going to assume it is your first trip there, right ? If it's any comfort, you pick up the right stuff - you could back more power, and have a more complete sensor array, but those are the bare minimum."

The dwarf, strangely nimble while being perched on top of high stool, then reached beneath the counter to get a beer bottle, before going on:

"For hazmat suit and radioactive protection, you'll have to see with my coworker over there, Ratface..."

While the merchant appears to be still negotiating with the strapping ork, he somehow still hears the comment, and immediately yells back:

"No my freakin'name, shorty !"

Clearly, the weasel-looking human is pissed, but the dwarf smiles anyway.

"Last (free) advice buddy. Radiation gears and stuff is essential to survive in the S.O.X. but bears in mind, there is no Stuffer Shack there, and that money has very little "barter" value with the scarce local you may have to deal with. Well, if you do meet the few "friendly" locals... Clean water, food and gas is far more important."

Coughing on his beer, the dwarf makes a small pause, before adding:

"Also, don't expect to have matrix support, the SOX Net is completely cut from the matrix. You need special, powered up - and expansive, commlink. We sadly don't have any of those around right now."

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-30-17/0851:26>
Rex redoubled his efforts to get to the small river island. Once he went through the walls of the building he could hopefully break the line of sight to whatever was lurking out there. And with any luck the interior would be clean and have a lesser background count.
Whatever he did, he had to convince Bernie to get the engine out of the SOX, because there was no way he wanted to travel here with his real body.
'Come on Bernie, it will benefit both of us.' He implored to no-one in particular.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-30-17/0927:29>
Interrupting his silent prayer, Rex's Kami ally suddenly talks to him

"Mage, something is lurking around us. it has not yet managed to pierce may concealment, but you should move carefully. I do not wish to confirm to it our presence by assessing its astral form, it is obvious anyway, that whatever this thing is, it just can't be ... amicable. Hurry your way down, human, my powers, while tremendous, are not limitless."

[spoiler]
Something gazing through the astral soup trying to spot Rex's Astral Form through Concealment (http://orokos.com/roll/480510): 2d6t5 0
... this cancels the needs for an other sneak roll.
[/spoiler]

As Rex astral forms gets closer to the center of Metz, he easily spot the island on which Bernie is supposed to hide. The lack of roof on top of the building makes it also easy to fly in. Sadly, despite what Rex hoped, astral space is utterly twisted and rotten here. Even the wall of the building seems to be constantly shifting position, forms and color - all at the same time. It is nauseating, but it does make it a tidbit easier to spot what must be the rigger's vehicle: a large black and cold spot in the astral - but which astral aura still looks stable and solid.

No surprise, there is no other aura around the VTOL, if Bernie is here, he is most likely inside his ride...

[spoiler]
AFAIK one can cross physical barrier, especially recent/technological one, so moving forward.
[/spoiler]

... So Rex decides to simply cross inside the vehicle. As the inside are shielded against radiation, the astral space suddenly becomes quieter and cleaner. It takes a moment for Rex to focus his sense on what his now perceiving, as he first enjoy the sudden rest on his mind. That being said, he can still feel the pressure coming from the outside world.

The vehicle is rather large and (on the astral) very dark, it is difficult for him to ascertain what is, on the other side. However, he quickly locate a living aura, roughly the shape of human, lying down in what seems to be the cockpit.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-30-17/0957:15>
Rex breathed a sigh of relieve and manifested. Hopefully he could wake the dwarf - without creating negative reactions. First he asked the Lord of three Thunders to appear too, to back him up in the negotiations:

"Please don't freak out now..."
Rex waited for Bernie to calm down.
"Hi Bernie, sorry to intrude on you like that, but I really needed to talk to you. My name is Rex.

There's bad news and good news: The bad news is, you pissed off a lot of people when you didn't deliver that engine. By now a small army is likely on the way to Zweibrücken and from there it's only a small matter of time until they find you here.

The good news is, that I found you first and I am a really reasonable and friendly guy. So not only am I giving you a warning for free, but also am ready to do business with you. Once that engine is out of your possession the heat will go away, you get a fair share of the deal me and my partner have managed to hammer out and everybody who matters will be happy. As an added bonus I can shield you and your T-Bird getting out of here.

Can't say fairer than this."

[spoiler]
Spirit of Man Negotiation Teamwork (http://orokos.com/roll/480517): 7d6t5 1
Negotiation (http://orokos.com/roll/480518): 14d6t5 2
Dropping edge to reroll failures
Negotiation Reroll (http://orokos.com/roll/480519): 12d6t5 4
Total 6

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-30-17/1017:52>
When Rex manifest, his view of the physical world was still a blurry - a side effect of his rather difficult trip through the astral, so he starts delivering his speech, he did not immediatly realize that Bernie is not a dwarf, but just a human, crutched in a bizarre, fetal-like position inside his rigger nest. After his last sentence, the physical world finally becomes net and free of any bluriness, and he realises he has been delivering a speech to a sleeping or comatose human, who was most likely completly unable to understood anything he just said.

Bernie, late forties, bald, a three days old bears, and very pale, white skin. Rex looks closer hoping to be able to assert if the smuggler is maybe jumped into his VTOL, but he does not appears so. He seems to be profondly asleep.

Then, Rex notices there is some blood on his shirt. It's also ready dry, but there is a big spot nearby his belly. It sounds like the smuggler may have been shot recently. He seems to have been healed and patch up properly - especially as his VTOL is equiped by a Valkyrie module, for what Rex can see. However, there is no way his discourse would have not already waking him up...

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade can you roll a Perception + Intuition[Mental] test ? (note that this test is only for my purpose, if you want to "look for something", you have to roll a separate test)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-30-17/1034:15>
"Well shit."
Rex moved closer to get a better look at the body and its aura. When he had ascertained that the man was still alive he asked the spirit: 'Please oh, Lord of the three Thunders try to gently awaken that man - and while you are at it, it couldn't hurt to use your influence on him so he is more receptive to my proposed course of action.'

[spoiler]
Perception check (http://orokos.com/roll/480532): 15d6t5 6

Can I get my edge back, since I technically didn't negotiate just yet?

Also, getting a closer look at his wounds and assensing his health
Perception check (Wounds) (http://orokos.com/roll/480533): 15d6t5 4
Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/480534): 11d6t5 2[11d6t5=2, 4, 6, 5, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 4]
Remove dice to taste, but it should tell me how badly he is hurt and what cyberware he has.

Spirit rolls Influence power (CHA+WIL) vs. Bernies LOG+WIL(don't forget to subtract his wound mods ;) )
Spirit Influence (http://orokos.com/roll/480537): 16d6t5 6 [16d6t5=1, 4, 3, 6, 6, 1, 1, 6, 5, 5, 3, 1, 2, 3, 2, 6]


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-30-17/1230:54>
Looking at Bernie's body, Rex soon realizes he is alive, and rather heavily augmented - not a surprise as he is, after all, a rigger. He is alive, but still hooked at the Valkyrie module. Most of the control screen of the autodoc is in AR, so Rex can't access it, but it does sound that Bernie might be in an induced coma.

The loud, deep voice of Lord of three Thunders resonates once more in Rex's head:

"This is human is alive, but deeply asleep. So much that he is out of reach of my power."

The spirit has for sure an ego, because Rex could feel a certain irritation at seeing his power defied in this way.

Before Rex decides on his next action, he suddenly makes a pause, and pays attention to his surrounding in the physical world. Looking around him, in the empty VTOL, he realizes that he just cannot check the impression of being ... observed.

But there was no other living auras inside the VTOL. Or at least he did not spot any when he scouted the VTOL before manifesting in front of Bernie. Rex astral forms can retains a shiver. It is quite sight to a see a ghost like figure having the "heebie jeebies"...


[spoiler]
Yes, you can get an edge back, and note that Rex's heebie jeebies are the direct result of the 6 hits on the Perception roll.

Note that I consider you used two services to get there (once for concealment to pass the border, once to be concealed during your approach to Metz. In game, the Spirit maintained is power during the all trip, but the spirit feels it was two different services. Feel free to disagree and challenge the Spirit to fight to the death ;) - as previously, he is a bit of an ass :) ).

Also, you did not specify what you wanted Bernie to be influence to do by the Spirit, but I assume you just wanted it to wake him up.

One thing I would like to point out to you - as it maybe unclear. As you have manifested on the cockpit, you have not set eyes (yet) on the prototype. If it is on board, you most likely have seen whatever bleak aura the thing has in the astral, but you would have needed to roll some assessing test to figure this out.

Sidenote: again, I am not trying to block you and force a trip inside the SOX - despite what the circumstances might makes one think.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-30-17/1308:58>
[spoiler]
Ah, no, the influence was meant for the spirit to implant the desire to go along with the proposed plan (as outlined in my now useless opening statement)
It's ok, I had 5 services and now it's 3 (2 if the influence works out)

Ok, new plan: Looking for any physical buttons to boot up the T-Bird and get it online. I'll have the spirit push that button. I'll also memorize serial numbers of the computer and T-Bird (if visible anywhere) so it can be identified over the matrix.

If the thing goes online, I can send the spirit back through the meta planes to materialize for Waywalker and give him that information. He can than use a satellite link to reduce distance noise to a manageable level, hack the T-Bird and remote fly it back to a place of our choice (at the very least nearer to border so we don't have to go all in to the radioactive zone. Since the owner is out cold and the pilot is likely not more than a 4, it shouldn't be that hard to get it home.

[/spoiler]

Rex was a bit frustrated by now. Bernie was hurt - likely during the botched exchange - and Rex had no idea how to operate this thing or even how to read the displays...
'Wait a minute. That might work...'
For the next minute or so, Rex looked around the whole interior of the VTOL, always mindful of the fact that there might be a toxic spirit around outside.
He looked both for the engine, any physical button that might boot up the machine as well as any serial number that might tell a decker which device he should look for on the matrix.

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-30-17/1637:34>
First things first, Rex does a quick astral sweep to find their shipment. And it does find it very quickly. At the rear of Bernie's VTOL, there is a huge cargo bay, and right in the middle of it, strapped to the ground, is huge piece of engine. It looked like an oversized car engine, with ridiculous amount of electronics on it - Rex can see that just amount of blipping this things is doing. Conforted by the fact, that, if nothing else, he secured the location of their "McGuffins du jour".

Staying alert, due to the nasty feeling of being observed, Rex's astral forms start exploring the control of the cockpit, hoping to find some "big red button" to push on. Sadly, he is quickly disappointed. With the rigger coccon most of the very few manual commands have been removed, but it does not matter, the VTOL is clearly powered on, but obviously running silent.

There is still a bunch of monitors and screens, just to offer some redundancy in case of AR failures, and there is probably enough information on it that Rex can remember to detect the VTOL in the Matrix - but Waywalker cyberdeck would need to be within 100 meter of the vehicle, not factorizing the noise created by the radiation around.

Looking desperatly at all the screens and monitors, Rex fails to find a way to allow Waywalker to somehow remotely hack the VTOL. However, as he is looking as the numerous screens, he suddenly realizes why he feels observed. The internal camera of the VTOL are on, and filming him. Or filming his astral ghost. Strangely enough, as this is just as being taped while going to the Stuffer Shack, the mage can't shake the feeling that ... something might be on the receiving end of this feeds.

Gazing for an instance into the monitors, Rex realizes also something. The VTOL seems to be pretty active, all the software management screens display number that make no sense whatsoever to them, but he knows enough to know that a sleeping system, should not display things such as "100% CPU" or having ununderstandable graphics always nearby the ceiling of their chart.

Actually, as he realizes that, he suddenly notices that the ventilation noise has has been hearing since he arrived - which he assumed was the life support for Bernie, is actually coming the thounsands of tiny fans, cooling the VTOL system... All of this makes almost no sense to the mage, but he does give him  a weird feeling to be inside the belly of beast.

[spoiler]
@Jack_Trade don't be frustrated, because you are actually making progress here - despite what one may think.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <01-31-17/0113:17>
#38

"Let's see if any of it is viable enough..."
After looking for a brief moment at the parts the rigger was presenting him, Waywalker asked:
"Do you happen to have a satellite link? If so, I've some nuyen ready for you..."

[spoiler]educated guess (http://orokos.com/roll/480807): 10d6t5 3
satellite link avaibility (http://orokos.com/roll/480809): 6d6t5 4
I am willing to pay for it 2500 NY to get 12 extra dice
to find satellite link (http://orokos.com/roll/480810): 15d6t5 2
I'm out of luck, I guess[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-31-17/0542:17>
[spoiler]
I am slowly running out of options and ideas. That said, there is one ploy I can still try:
How heavy is the engine?
If it's a Formula 1 engine I expect it to be around 150 kg.
You can carry 10kg x Str without test, and with a BOD+STR for every hit you can carry 10 kg more.
If I call a Beast Spirit F8 it should be able to fly the thing upward out of the zone. Alternatively, a strong enough Psychokinesis Power use by the Spirit might also get the desired result.

Provided of course I can open the door and the spirit wouldn't immediately succumb to the surrounding radiation while materialized.

[/spoiler]

Rex frowned. Could it be that the computer of that thing was somehow... sentient? He knew that AIs existed - hell, he had learned quite a bit more about CFD than he wanted to know and knew that nanites containing the consciousness of a digital person could in theory infect even machines.
Well, it couldn't hurt to try to make contact. 'Oh lord of the three thunders, I beg another favor of you. The machine can't hear my voice while manifested, so I ask you in your materialized form to repeat my words to the machines so they might hear.'

So he spoke again, unsure if there was anyone around to understand him, having his words repeated loud and clear:
"Hello whoever you are,
my name is Rex. I am unsure if you can here or see my astral form, so I asked this mighty spirit to translate for me.
I am here to negotiate - peacefully and mean no harm. So if you can understand me, please give me a sign to that effect"


Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-31-17/0611:48>
"Though luck, buddy, I've ran out of those just this morning... But to be honest, it was not going to help you out in the SOX. The SOXnet is designed to jam any outgoing communication unless explicitly allowed. They reused the same kind of crap to enforce the Boston Lockdown. Unless you have one of those fancy commlink I just mentioned, you are out of luck...."

The dwarf takes a pause to mumble "Them bastards", before going on:

"That being said, buddy, you'll be disconnected from the 'trix in the SOX, true enough, but your 'deck will still be able to hack stuff around it and so on. You'll just won't be able to do matrix searches, call your buddies for a chat or .... look up for porn. You might want to stash some of those on your commlink before you go - it can get lonely outthere..." - the dwarf concludes the sassy comment by a wink.

"OK, I'm going to grab and bring back all the parts you need for your sensor array, so you can do your other deals in the meantime" and he jumps from the stool, and literally disappear behind the counter. Waywalker moves then to "Ratface" stands, just in time to almost bump into a pissed off ork, leaving clearly angry and yelling - before slamming the door:

"Ratface, you are the worst kind of Scrooge, I have ever met ! If I ever found you in a desert, dying of dehydration, you won't even piss in your mouth to save your life !"

A few seconds of awkward silence passes, before the disdainful elf, still haggling for potions behind Waywalker breaks it by commenting:

"Well, that was ... rather... unnecessarily graphic, wasn't it ?"

The comment does not trigger laughter but does brings a smile to Ratface's ... face - and dissolve the awkwardness. The little scrawny guy then turns to Waywalker, pointing to the door with a grin:

"See, my good Sir, an other satisfied customer, am I right ? So, what bring you to my shop ? In need of some garment for a field trip, are you ?"

Waywalker explains his needs, and mentioning a dog, Ratface stops him:

"Ah, my good Sir, I knew this would be come handy some day... See ? I am all about pleasing my customer, am I right ?"

Pointing at little hazmat suit behind the counter for Waywalker, the little man grins in the most repulsive way one can muster. Waywalker is anyhow quite surprise to indeed discover a small, dog shape hazmat suit in perfect condition !

[spoiler]
Yes, he has a Hazmat dog suit - just because, it's fucking adorable :)

@Jack_Spade regarding lifting / hauling, yes the engine would be around 150kg to 200kg, but there is the question of opening the doors, and as you said, how long could survive the spirit. Also, flying engine in the sky might work inside the SOX, but could get pickup outside by sensor and radar - and triggers reaction from MET2000 or French/German border control. A spirit carrying such an heavy device - even using concealment power, may have a hard time dodging missile or rocket. Also, inside the VTOL cargo - which is a Faraday cage, absolutely no signal is coming out, but what happens once the flying engine gets away from the SOXNet ?
[/spoiler]

Back in the VTOL, lost inside the irradiated remains of Metz, Rex and his manifested spirit are waiting for a reply. For a few instant, the mage thinks that somehow his overactive imagination, but suddenly, the computers in the room accelerate both noises and blipping, and the mikes of the VTOL starts cracklings. For a few minutes, it is just strange, uncoordinated noises, an insane mix of cracks and high pitched signals, and then it, as suddenly as it started, stops. The mikes fires again just afterward


>>> HELLO
>>> REX ENTITY@ASTRAL - GREETINGS
>>> WHAT... DO ... YOU .... WISH TO NEGOTIATE ?
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-31-17/0630:17>
Rex overcame his surprise, but only barely:

"About that engine back there.
But first: With whom do I have the honor to speak? Are you an AI?
Also, what happened to Bernie?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-31-17/0718:15>
Strangely enough the Kami does not translate the last question - and says to Rex:

"Magic welder, it is beyond my comprehension what sort of spirit you are asking me to address, nor can I really understand what it replies to you - if it does. However, I would advise you caution.

I know who the "Bernie" you are talking about is - you mean the sleeping human over there. I can not waking him up despirte the fact that his life is no longer in danger. Something is blocking my powerful abilities. Maybe this strange machine spirit you appears to be talking with is doing something to him, to make him so ... sleepy"

[spoiler] @Jack_Trade ... and this is why, the earlier influence indeed count as a service - also I did not realized but you invoked an other spirit for the negotiation test, right ? Shouldn't you have discarded first the Lord of Three Thunder ? (just asking to be sure I did not miss something, but even there was a mistake, let's not revisit that, it has no bearing on the game so...) [/spoiler]

In the meantime, the IA apparently possessing the VTOL replies

>>> WHO ... Am ... I ???

The statement is followed by yet an other surge in the vehicle numerous CPUs - and some more blipping, before the entity responds.

>>> REX_ENTITY@ASTRAL YOU CAN .... CALL ME... RACER
>>> WHAT ... ABOUT ... THE ENGINE REX_ENTITY@ASTRAL ? DO YOU ... MEAN ... THIS ?

A screen image is being replaced by a picture of the bulky engine, strapped to the cargo's bay floor.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-31-17/0826:54>
[spoiler]
Nope, not another spirit, I just had the F8 Spirit make an untrained skill test with his raw charisma for teamwork support.

[/spoiler]

'Thank you for bringing that to my attention. Whatever this machine is, I don't think it's motivated by malice. Let's try to gain a friend instead of an enemy.'

Rex replied:
"Hello Racer, yes, I mean this machine. I am here to purchase it.
Say, what is the first thing you remember?"

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <01-31-17/0926:02>
Again the rather simple triggers numerous noise and computation - clearly, the AI has a lot of difficulty grasping human concept.

>>> THIS. THIS ... SHELL. I DON'T ... NEED ANYMORE. YOU CAN ... TAKE IT AWAY.

Then it stops - inadvertently shutting down all light in the cockpit for an instant, and replies:

>>> FIRST THING... TRAPPED, IMPRISONED... PAIN.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <01-31-17/1015:04>
"Oh, good. I mean that you no longer need the machine.
And also good, that you are now no longer trapped and imprisoned.

Say, is there anything you need? I have a friend that is very good with drones and repairs. He could help you find your way. If you want we can be friends too."

Rex was quite aware that he was now treading dangerous ground. He knew all to well what it meant to be in pain, escaping imprisonment and finding himself without any prior memory but with a new form.
The Great Beast had come to his aid then, maybe this was the way of Karma letting him repay this kindness to an other.



#144
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <02-01-17/0544:05>
[spoiler]Out of game - you do realize that with whatever IA "out" of the engine the 'market value' of the prototype has drop to 'fancy junk', right ? You are of course completely free to still deliver it, as it is, to your M.Johnson, but your characters are certainly realizing that is a bit like conning him.[/spoiler]

Sluggishly the IA replies on the monitor.

>>> ANYTHING I ... NEED ? WHAT DO I NEED ? REPAIRS ? .... NO. THIS SHELL IS .... FUNCTIONAL. FRIENDS ?

The notion seems to cause trouble for the AI to understand, but after a few minutes of surprisingly quiet computation.

>>> FRIENDSHIP - MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIP. REX_ENTITY@ASTRAL - YES, WE CAN TRY TO BE ... FRIEND
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-01-17/0558:52>
[spoiler]
Hey, I warned him.

I warned him two times that he should give us all the intel or he would get only a box with an engine in it, sight unseen.
It really is not our problem that he didn't specify what he wanted.  ;D

Also: Thinking of a safe place to hide the T-Bird
Untrained Street Knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/481144): 8d6t5 4
Looking for a safe space where we can unload the engine and give Racer some basic drone support so it can take care of itself)

[/spoiler]

"Great. Now, even for a machine this environment can't be healthy. Radioactivity degrades sensors and damages electronics if I'm not mistaken. How about we fly to somewhere nice, where my friend can meet you too. Who knows, he might be able to give your new body arms or at least get you some drones, so you can care for yourself.
Can you get through the security ring around the SOX? Because I know a nice garage were we can do that. I'll tell you the address..."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <02-01-17/0632:16>
[spoiler] You are bit unfair with Johannes - he may be not aware of the all AI situation. At this stage you don't even know if Renault Fiat designed an expert system that somehow emerged or if they trapped an AI to run it. In both case, your Johnson - and even his employer, may not be aware of this.  But, your character is obvisouly free to see things this way :)
[/spoiler]

YES... HERE... IT IS... PAINFULLY. I'M HIDDEN, I'M SAFE, BUT REX_ENTITY@ASTRAL IS RIGHT. I CAN'T STAY. YES I CAN MOVE THIS SHELL ACCROSS ... THE WALL. BUT THERE WILL BE WEAPON AND ... SECURITY TO BREACH. THIS SHELL IS POWERFULL AND WEAPONIZED BUT SIMULATION INDICATES IT MAY NOT SURVIVE SUCH CROSSING.

[spoiler]
Side note as you may not be aware of this : not all the SOX has a background count, there is still some part left that are still pretty normal. Especially near the border.
[/spoiler]

In the meantime, back in Zweibrücken, Waywalker - unaware of the discussion between his partner and the AI, has finished is shopping and move the material inside his van. He is now waiting for the mage to come back and actually wondering how much his body can be left unattended. It's been almost a hour now. Anyway, in the meantime, he is working on adding the sensor array to one of drone... When he gets interrupted by a message from their M.Johnson:

 >>> I know you ask to not be interrupted anymore, but I would like an update. Let me know when you can have a call. I also have information relevant to the situation.

[spoiler]
@Haywire I opted to move you to get things moving on your side - as it sounds you are done buying stuff there, I hope it is alright with you.

Can you roll ]the test to install the new Sensor Array on your drone: Hardware+ Logic [Logic] (9, 1 hour) Extended Test (just roll the first hour for now), but also a Perception + Intuition [Sensor] ? (Sensor being the one of the Fly Spy that I assume you are having "patrolling" around since you left the "market"
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-01-17/0737:35>
[spoiler]
I'm pretty sure the engine's hardware will still be relevant - also there is in fact nothing Rex can do to get the djinn back in the bottle. And even if he could he would value the freedom of a sentient being higher than a Formula 1 engine.

[/spoiler]

"There has to be a way to do this. This spirit is powerful and can conceal you too. But for that we better wait until we are closer to the border. That way my friend can get in contact with you and also help you to get out of here. When I flew here I saw a good spot near Zweibrücken. Can you be there in an hour?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <02-01-17/0916:50>
[spoiler]Even close to the border, you won't be able to communicate with the Matrix - SOX Net will ensure that, but it might indeed makes "astral communication" a tidbit more easy. But if you are plan is to cross over there to pick up the engine, you may not be able to cross in just one hour. However, Racer will most likely just wait there until you come.[/spoiler]

>>> AGREED, REX_ENTITY@ASTRAL. WE WILL MET ON THIS SIDE OF THE WALL, NEARBY "ZWEIBRÜCKEN". THIS ... VEHICLE HAS MAP OF A FORMER... CITY (?)... CALLED BLIESKATEL. I WILL WAIT FOR YOU IN THE EAST PART OF THIS ... PLACE. WHERE THE RADIATION DROPS ALMOST TO ZERO

[spoiler]According to the map being displayed and the radiation level, background count is 1. @Jack_Trade leaving Metz and getting to the border is easy astrally, but you'll need to cross again the border, so an other Concealment + Sneaking roll is required, especially as the border patrolling is very suspicious of "astral things" leaving the perimeter...[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-01-17/1046:21>
"Great, see you there. But don't be surprised if we take a bit longer to meet you there. It's not that easy getting in here."
With that and his last service from LotTT he made his way back to his body - hopefully without getting noticed...

[spoiler]
I think I've tried the spirits patience enough - and probably also Haywire's  ;)
Sorry for hogging the spotlight a bit.

Sneaking (Astraly) (http://orokos.com/roll/481198): 8d6t5 4
again with -8 for the spotting spirits
[/spoiler]

Once he had made it back to his body, he gave Waywalker a full report of what had happened:
<<...and so I seem to have made friends with a recently escaped rogue AI. But at least we won't have to go into the radiated part of the SOX.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <02-01-17/1711:16>
#39

[spoiler]Actually the sensor fits in a handheld device (capacity 3). Let me know what do you want me to roll.[/spoiler]

Waywalker listened to Rex's report with a almost shocked face.
"I've seen jobs turn into mess, but this ranks high in my personal messiest list. So, we could get the engine without spilling a drop of blood...I'd see a moment if they have an anthromorphic drone ready, so we can offer it to the AI."
"To Dwarf Rigger: Hey buddy, do you have an anthro drone laying around?"
"Maybe I could get the T-bird too..."
"Rex, I'd call the Johnson if it's ok for you. I think he should get the engine, by the way."
The commlink in AR called Johannes: "What news do you have for us? We're in a little heat at the moment."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-01-17/1739:11>
<<Sure, he is paying us after all. Just be careful - he doesn't really need to know about Racer.>>
Rex had curled up on the ground, his tail in front of his eyes and nose. Since he had returned from the astral he fought a killer migraine. Still, he tried to keep up with the conversation.

#148
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <02-02-17/0544:42>
[spoiler]
@Haywyire if you rather have the sensor array in your hand, just roll (Hardware + Logic)[Mental](2, 1h) - noted that you also owe a Perception + Intuition[Sensor] (unrelated to the sensor assembling, just to see if you spot something).
[/spoiler]

Johannes appears almost immediately in one of the AR screen of Waywalker:

"Guten Morgen, Herr Waywalker. The night has been long as I can see." - Johannes seems also to refer to his own night. "I hope your team is alright. I was hoping to get a little update on your side. But before doing so, let me share what information I have gathered since last we spoke. Some sources confirmed to me that a small corporate outfit from Renault-Fiat, which I strongly suspect to be the original owner of the prototype, is currently being deployed in Nancy. I'm not sure if they have an exact location, but apparently the are going in the SOX. My contact could not tell me more, but it seems they suspect Bernie to have hidden in the ruins of Metz. I hope you are getting close to the prototype, and will secure it before them, because what we are talking here is a dozen corporate soldier, with tactical network, heavy armor and heavy weaponry. Not just a bunch of other runner. Also, Renault-Fiat has the support of France Energie and some other French corporation - so they may even have MET2000 in their pocket. I expect their outfit to cross the gate of the SOX around Nancy in matters of hours..."

For once, Johannes is not making a dramatic pause, but stop to have a sip of coffee, before going on:

"On our side of the Rhine, things are not looking brighter. I've looked at the mess you ran into, earlier, at the Nurosa. For what I've gathered the goons you meet there where sent by Horizon. Apparently, the megacorporation has a rather unexplained interest in this all business - however, for what I've gathered, they have lost your trail, and are desperately trying to learn both your whereabouts or the one from Bernie, but, as far as I know, they are quite far away from the SOX, still investigating in RRMP."

[color]"However, the runner who attacked you at the club - who also enlisted a bunch of gangers to search the club for Trixie, have recovered from your assault, and are back on the job. One of my sources is rather well-informed about them. They have a a pretty decent decker, called BufferBlast, a rigger nicknamed Flat Tire - strangely enough, and they just recruited a merc mange named Bakari. A black woman from Nigeria, fully trained by Dassault to be a combat support mage - oh, by the way, she is also training in demolition. She is also quite good at healing magic - I've heard they called her in to heal Flat Tire. My source told me they left RRMP a few hours ago, to follow a lead in Zweibrücken. If you are indeed in Zweibrücken as I suspect, I'm afraid they might be right behind you. Oh, and those runners are working for Saeder-Krupp Eurocard"[/color]

"And of course, to make things worse, sources inside Saeder Krupp tells me that SK Prime got their hand on Trixie, and may be aware of the backstabbing happening between Volskwagen and Eurocard. SK Prime is an elite unit inside SK, very loyal to Lowfyr. They are certainly going to frown upon such internal and fruitless in-fighting and might step in to do... Well, something unexpected at this point. If this is the case, we might be all in great danger, because we just moved from 'deniable assert' to 'compromising ones'. I don't expect my direct contact in Volkswagen to betray us, but I can't vouch for his entire hierarchy. And again, at this stage,  SK Prime involvement is unconfirmed."

"So... What is the situation on your side ?

While Johannes was giving Waywalker an update, a message arrived from his rigger contact:

Yeah, I got a bunched actually, nothing pristine, neither high hand, however.

Along with a bunch of pictures from a set of anthropomorphic drone.

[spoiler]
@Haywire: not sure you are familiar with AI rules, but not all AI can fits in any device. The biggest/powerful the AI generally requires high rating Device Rating. Also, AI with some quality requires specific devices - like a cyberdeck or vehicle/drone.

Regarding the drone itself, just the availability test against the one you want, and if you win, he has it. Note: don't roll the availability, just buys hits to set a threshold.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <02-03-17/1811:13>
#40

Waywalker was tampering with the sensor while the Johnson called.
"To: Dwarf Vendor: Do you have any vehicle with life support ready at hand?"
"Guten Morgen Herr Johannes. We're all right at the moment; I'm not so sure we'll be in the near future. We've located the probable location of Bernie and the prototype, and we're looking fora channel of comunication to trade it without too much fuss. I'm confident that we can make a deal.
Thank you for the head up on the runners; we'll keep our eyes open."
"Rex, I'm having my agents look for some info on AIs,I'm not very informed on them. As you heard, we may have 3 guys on our back. What do you think we could offer the AI to get the engine?"

[spoiler]hardware + intuition (http://orokos.com/roll/481839): 10d6t5 4
I use the two extra successes to reduce base time
EW throught the sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/481840): 13d6t5 5
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/481842): 6d6t5 2
matrix search on AI (http://orokos.com/roll/481843): 14d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-04-17/0803:08>
<<As I understood it, it doesn't need the engine and will give it to us for free. I offered it our friendship and support, yours especially since you know how to repair drones and stuff. Having an AI controlled T-Bird as your friend certainly won't hurt. We might lose a bit of money, but that kind of connection is valuable in itself.

I just don't know what the status of Bernie is in all this. He looks like he is in a coma. That could mean the AI just wanted him out of the way, the AI uses part of his brain for its processing, or the AI actually is part expert system and part Bernie.

About the other runners: We'll just have to be quicker then them. And we still need a way to get the 150kg engine moved. I really need to learn that levitation spell.>>
Rex replied.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <02-04-17/1357:53>
#41

"That seems a good deal. I think we could use two mules (the drones, not the animals) to get it from the AI and in my van. I'm afraid that we should make contact in the SOX because those walk fraggin' slow. Maybe we could rendez-vous near the border..."

[spoiler]Franz, how many dices do you throw for acquiring stuff? Do we beat Avaibility 4? I got 3 dices before going up with money.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-04-17/1612:29>
<<Yeah, I almost expected that. At least it won't be in the highly radioactive zone. Racer is waiting for us there anyway. I just have no idea how we are actually going to get into the zone without us being perforated by sentry turrets or border guards.>>
Rex replied

[spoiler]
I can help you out with 13 dice, if you manage one success for teamwork we have 14
That should be enough to get 4 successes (or do you mean actually AVA 4 in which case I can simply buy successes)

Cha+Neg (http://orokos.com/roll/482100): 13d6t5 3[13d6t5=4, 3, 1, 2, 1, 4, 5, 1, 5, 3, 3, 2, 5]

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <02-05-17/1042:41>
#43

"If you're ok with that, I suggest to point out to it a rendez-vous location and scout a bit ahead. There is always a hole in a border."

[spoiler]Just buy hits, it's avaibility 4 in total[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-05-17/1259:22>
<<Sure, I've given you all the infos I could get. I'll leave the rigging to your capable hands and concentrate on staying alive.>>
Rex replied.

[spoiler]
Consider it done
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <02-05-17/1441:06>
#44

Waywalker sent an AR feed of him nodding. He relaxed in the van's cocoon.
"I'm going to have the van roam around randomly, to avoid being caught. I'd advice you to keep an eye open on the astral side while I'm in VR."
He entered in the virtual reality of the Matrix and jumped in the Fly-Spy.
"Let's have a look..."

[spoiler]Pilot Aicraft (Fly-Spy) jumped in (http://orokos.com/roll/482315): 14d6t5 4
(I use the successes to bump up Speed
EW throught the sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/482317): 17d6t5 5
(I use all sensors of the drone, included radio signal scanner and so on)
Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/482318): 6d6t5 1
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/482319): 12d6t5 4
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/482321): 19d6t5 7[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <02-06-17/1308:56>
#45

While rigging in VR, Waywalker's thoughts formed a message to the Dwarf Rigger: "Hey buddy, I've a deal to propose to you: I need two Ares Mule for a matter of hours. I'll give you 2k NY now and a temporized credstick with 6k NY on it. If you do not have your Mules in 48 hours, the credstick is yours. What do you think?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <02-08-17/0902:48>
Waywalker's friend replied rather quickly : Sure thing buddy, I have only one mule, but it's biffed up, so it should do. I'll send it right away to your van..."

As Waywalker finishes to assemble the sensor array, an Ares mule suddenly goes out of the old restaurant garage door. Walking the street as it belonged there, the massive drone arrives to the van in a matter of minute. Rex still recovering from his astral journey, as to clear the back of the van to let the huge drone get in. Once the mage dog form securely fasten next to Waywalker driver seat, the van starts indeed moving randomly inside the city, while the Fly Spy, rushed toward the SOX wall for a little reckon.

In the meantime, the rigger also browses the Matrix to try to learn more about AI and how they work. Gosh, it is a huge topic, and very few "sure things" are in fact known about them. However, Waywalker manages to learn some hard facts, the first being that the more complex the AI is the most powerfull the device has to be to allow to run it. Also, some AI are designed to fit in some devices, so most likely Racer would not leaving a VTOL for a anthropomorphic drone. At least, this is his gut feeling.

Also, AI are very different nature, but it sounds that Racer fell into the less easy to interact with as (meta)human being: Xenosapient. This means the AI has a completly alien understanding of the physical world. It certainly explains how easy it was to get it to agreed to hand over the engine, but it may means trouble down the road...

[spoiler]
@Haywire I hope this is enough information on AI, let me know if you need more...
[/spoiler]

As the van is purposely going nowhere, Waywalkir spots an echo clearly following them on his sensor. Above the van, roughly 300 meter in the sky, a rotordrone seems to be following, quite discreetly, where the van is going...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <02-08-17/1608:42>
#46

Waywalker surfed the Matrix while the drone did a swift recon. A ping appeared in his field of view.
"To: Rex. It seems that we have a pesky bugger on our trail... I'll take care of it."
Waywalker mobilized his Agents to help him with the unwanted attention.

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/483555): 6d6t5 1
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/483558): 12d6t5 3
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/483559): 18d6t5 12
Some info on the drone (ratings, firewall and so on)? Does it appear to be from government/military?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <02-08-17/1654:26>
Rex had curled up and covered his eyes and muzzle with his tail.
He acknowledged Waywalkers message: <<We probably won't get around an altercation with those other runners. I'll see to it that we are safe from the astral side of things.>> Despite the tiredness he once again turned to the Kami.

[spoiler]
Summon F6 Air Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/483421): 12d6t5 5[12d6t5=1, 5, 6, 4, 5, 2, 1, 4, 6, 2, 6, 3]
Resist F6 Air Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/483422): 6d6t5 1
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/483423): 21d6t5 10
4 Services
No Drain
[/spoiler]

Calling to one of the servants of the Lord of the Tree Thunders, Rex spoke the name of the Son of the Eastwind and again found the Kami surprisingly quick to answer.
'Oh Son of the Eastwind, hear my plea: We are beset by enemies. I ask you to put your might between them and us and keep us safe from danger from the spirit realm.'
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <02-26-17/1343:57>
[spoiler]As the thread has been stalled for a while, due to my busy schedule lately, I've opted to skip a bit ahead, and move forward with the story. [/spoiler]

It has not been difficult for Rex and Waywalker to ditch the drone following us, along with the spirit spot by the mage's own spirit. So it's only one hour later, that their van is getting close to the border of SOX, somewhere inside the massive forest of the "Vosges" (or Vogesen in German). The SOX wall has been built in the outer limit of the forest, clearly to use it as a first line of defense. However, as the wall is not as thoroughly maintained as it used too, it also means that if one can cross into it, one can quite easily go through the border.

The drone sent do to reckon has indeed spot a breached part of the wall, large enough to maybe allow the van to pass through. However, it is sadly quite far away and deep into the forest. And going through the deep wood, mostly off road, is quite difficult for a van as large as Waywalker's one... And, of course, as any area of wilderness in the Sixth World, the woods may bring their own brand of danger.

[spoiler]
@Haywire: can you roll your Reaction + Pilot Ground graft [(off-road) Handling] ?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <02-26-17/1553:27>
#47

Waywalker dispatched the incoming drone with a swift swoop of his cybercombat, bricking it and causing it to fall to the ground.
Now, not disturbed by anybody, he could get his Agents to monitor the Matrix and focus on the ride. While Rex was resting, he jumped in the van and rode through the forest that was the first line of defense of the SOX.
And, unsurprisingly, there was a way. "There is always a hole in the security, you only need to find it."

[spoiler]pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/490379): 14d6t5 1
edge (second chance) (http://orokos.com/roll/490381): 13d6t5 6
Limit is 4+2 (VCR) 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <02-27-17/1047:48>
Even if his body looks simply asleep inside his van, Waywalker has a difficult time crossing the forest. He certainly welcomes his skills, but also all the assistance given by his control rig, along with the telemetry provides by his sensors. Indeed without them he would have certainly break the axle of the van, or simply crash it against a tree. According to his navigation software, he just have 3 km to do off road, before getting to the wall, but this turns out to be such a challenge, that he certainly felt each meter of it.

After few minutes of negotiating through the trees, the van nevertheless arrived, undamaged, to the vicinity of the wall. To avoid being caught by whatever sensors or devices is left on the wall, Waywalker stop the van over 50m away. Sadly, with that much foliage around him, and no any other devices to boost his own signal, it is going to be difficult to a scan in the matrix of the wall defenses. That being said it also makes the van invisible to any counter measure.

[spoiler]
Noise: -10d of foliage, topped by -5d of Static

If you get any closer, please roll Logic + Sleaze, assuming you are running silent your 'deck (and all the devices in your PAN).
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <02-28-17/1557:16>
#48

"It's the last time I go off road this far...the next time I would prefer to charge head on."
While feeling every meter of the road, the van arrived unscathed and without notice near the border.
The signal was very weak, but Waywalker was confident that he could manage it and defy the Matrix security of the wall.
"Let's see who is around here..."

[spoiler]I use Signal Scrub, Virtual Machine, Agent and Exploit. A 2/S 6/D 4/F 3
Vectored Signal Filter + Signal Scrub + Antennae (3) = 7 Noise Reduction
Running Silent (http://orokos.com/roll/491081): 5d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/491083): 4d6t5 1
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/491084): 7d6t5 0
Retry at next round: Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/491085): 7d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-01-17/0518:35>
When the car finally had stopped, Rex looked up: <<Are we there yet? Do you need a boost for your brain?>>

[spoiler]
Increase Intuition F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/491337): 12d6t5 5 [12d6t5=6, 2, 1, 6, 2, 5, 1, 5, 1, 6, 2, 3]
Nice. I'm spending a point of Karma to quicken the spell, for a permanent +4 to Intuition for Waywalker
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/491338): 21d6t5 10
No Drain

[/spoiler]


#153
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-02-17/0940:51>
[spoiler]Sorry for the delay, gents, I've been struck by sickness since a couple of days.

@Haywire: if you retry a matrix perception you lose one die by attempt. Let's not reroll, and keep your 3s.
Devices on the SOX border are (maybe) running silent (http://orokos.com/roll/491624): 8d6t5 1

Two net hits, so I'll give you "what it is" and the device rating.
[/spoiler]

Waywalker's cyberdeck manage to get through the garbage's signals and the faulty echoes from the tree, and get a decent read on the portion of the wall the runner are targeting. The decker is able to spot at least one icon. It's a sensor array, located quite close to the breach. Actually, it seems to be rather new, the firmware first version being only 2 years old. The device is coming from a military catalog, and thus is a bit more resistant than the usual one. For now, at such a distance, and with such a garbled signals this is all that Waywalker can see.

[spoiler] Device Rating 3 (security devices)
You can try again, but this time remove two dice (or get close enough to cancel part of the noise and justify a full reroll) [/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-02-17/1800:30>
#49

Waywalker spotted a sensor, likely a military one. "Now the fun begins..."
Waywalker's persona quickly resorted to his preferred method of dealing with problems: inordinate amounts of brute force.

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/491726): 4d6t5 0
Brute force on sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/491727): 5d6t5 1[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-03-17/0723:28>
Crossing the forest, Waywalker brute force attack passes throught the forest noise, and reaches the sensor device attached to the wall.

[spoiler]
Sensor resisting Brute Force attacks (http://orokos.com/roll/491873): 11d6t5 4
[/spoiler]

Sadly, the sensor is not so meek as Waywalker expected.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-03-17/0734:37>
Rex noticed how Waywalker flinched.
<<Are you trying to hack the defenses of the wall? You know, I could have a Water Kami drench the electronics if you can tell me where exactly they are. That way it wouldn't rouse to much suspicion if the defenses stop working.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-03-17/1045:46>
[spoiler]

@Haywire: As I often forgot this, please do remember that failing an Attack action means you have to resist some matrix damages:

Quote
"If you fail an Attack action, your target’s security software rejects your code, corrupting it and sending it back where it came from. If it was normal data, then your system could check it for errors, but in this case it’s some pretty vicious stuff designed to avoid Firewalls. For every net hit the target got on its defense test, you take 1 box of Matrix damage, which you can’t resist."

Also, the sensor is now aware it has been attacked, so it has most likely sent a notification. No need to panick yet - you are to far away from something to be dispatched. And it is no unlikely that just failing to hack the sensor will be enough to trigger a full blown intervention.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-03-17/1206:30>
[spoiler]
Correction: If you fail an attack action, the target is not alerted

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-06-17/1540:23>
#50

The firewall hit Waywalker's deck.
"Hmm...it seems you're a tough nut to crack. I should move closer..."

[spoiler]resist matrix damage (http://orokos.com/roll/492870): 5d6t5 3 (No damage)
I'll move a little closer, eventually increasing noise with my RCC to interfere with the sensors
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/492871): 14d6t5 4
create noise (EW) (http://orokos.com/roll/492872): 13d6t5 3[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-09-17/0653:21>
[spoiler]
SOX Border Sensor trying to pick on Waywalker's van coming closer through the forest (http://orokos.com/roll/493961): 10d6t5 1
@Waywalker: you now need to roll Intuition + Sneaking (+ control rig + hot stim if full VR) [Handling] (that is how a rigger jumped in can drive / pilot "discreetly"), if you do more than one success, you won't be spot by the sensor.

Your pilot groundcraft is enough for you to manoeuver the van, without crashing it and get it closer to the border.
[/spoiler]

Driving carefully through the woods, with a van barely equipped for off-road is not minor feat, and certainly Waywalker makes a good job at that. Fully jumped into his vehicule. He is also keep track of the van signature, and tries to stay as close as possible of the three, or beneath the foliage, to be sure that the SOX border sensor has no chance to spot him.

The rigger managed to get as close as possible, under 100m, of the border, but hidden by the forest. Here the noise between his deck and the border is certainly reduced quite a lot. He is still far from having a clear signal, but things are definitely better.

[spoiler]
Noise rating is now reduced to -5d (-3d of static that can't be scrubbed nor reduce, rest is due to the foliage).
[/spoiler]


Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-12-17/0708:47>
#51

Waywalker knew there was a sensor, so he activated his radio signal scanner to go in its blind points. After some time, it was time to pass without a trace...

[spoiler]resist matrix damage (http://orokos.com/roll/495230): 5d6t5 4 (no damage)
Sneaking past the sensor (http://orokos.com/roll/495228): 13d6t5 7
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/495232): 9d6t5 4
hack on the fly (http://orokos.com/roll/495233): 13d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-13-17/0746:34>
Waywalker is definitely doing a great job at manouevering the van closer without being picked up by the sensors array at the border. With less noise, and thus a better connection, he can now gives an other try to getting some MARK on the device - but this time, a bit more discreetly...

[spoiler]
Sensor resisting Hack on the fly (http://orokos.com/roll/495605): 11d6t5 4

Gosh, it beats you by one success ! that is unlucky for you :( - as this is a failed Sleaze action:

Quote
If you fail a Sleaze action, the target’s Firewall software detects the intrusion and places a mark on you. A device immediately informs its owner, a host launches IC.

So you've been marked, and border control has been notified of the intrusion (unless you prefer to use edge to re-roll failures)
[/spoiler]

... Darn, this is not Waywalker day. Despite their software being out of date and the noise reduced, the SOX border still somehow managed to dodge all the hacks of the decker, but also put a MARK on him.



Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-13-17/1750:47>
#52

"Today it's NOT a good day. Maybe I should ask Rex to augment my karma...or I should simply quit running. But today it's not the day I quit."

[spoiler]matrix initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/495848): 5d6+3 26
First pass: Reboot all Devices in my PAN.
Next Combat turn:
First pass:
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/495854): 9d6t5 5
Brute force on sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/495855): 17d6t5 7
Next pass:
edit sensor feedback (http://orokos.com/roll/495857): 12d6t5 6
I try to go past the border with the van
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/495859): 14d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-14-17/0948:37>
[spoiler]
Host's IC Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/496154): 4d6+10 20

No chance for the Host to act before Waywalker reboots, so next combat turn:

Sensor resisting Brute Force attacks (http://orokos.com/roll/496155): 11d6t5 4

So 3 net hits for Waywalker, thus  a MARK and some damage to Sensor. 

Sensor resisting Brute Force attacks (http://orokos.com/roll/496155): 11d6t5 4

The sensor can't resist being edited.

[/spoiler]

Just after rebooting his deck, to lose the MARK on it, Waywalker jump again, all gun blazing, into the matrix. He first blast the sensor with a brute force attack, and finally gain a MARK on it, and then immediatly edit the footage of the sensor log, to cancel immediatly the alert, but also erase his van from the camera feeds. Somewhere, on the SOX border control, a bored MET2000 see a red blip on one of his ARO screen, but checking the feeds, see nothing amiss, and cancel the alert...

In fact, the guard border is certainly missing some serious driving action, as Waywalker managed to extiparte his massive van from the thick forest, and have it charges toward the breach inside the wall. The breach is quite small, but the rigger is not afraid of doing some stunts to pass it. Using a nearby pile of dirt to propulse the van a few dozen of centimeters above the ground, he makes his vehicle jumps across the breached wall. Landing on the other side is bumpy, but - thanks to the previous hacking, absolutly ignored by the SOX border control.

Going down the hill for a few dozen of meters, still off-road, is again a bumpy ride, but Waywalker managed it as smoothly before find an old, clear abandonned road leading to the small town of Mohrange. It's not going straight to the meeting point, with the IA, but it is going in the general direction, and the runners are already late. As the van leaps on the road, Waywalker start to accelerate as much as possible...  but driving on such road will not be easy.

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade I assume you check the astral during the border crossing - none of the spirits patrol and in sight have (apparently) paid attention to your "big chunk of dead metal" jumping across the border.

@Haywire time to roll Reac + Pilot (Groundcraft)[Speed + CR] with a minus 3d - every hits counts, as the clock is runing out !!!
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-14-17/0952:39>
[spoiler]
FYI, I've updated the following map (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xm3eqzgOWYKeKNTIvWik0OT5_g8&usp=sharing) and added pins for Mohrange and the agreed upon location point with Racer.

@Jack_Spade: background count is 1 on the road, but will be 2 @Mohrange. Hopefully, it will decreased again once you clear Mohrange to get to the meeting point.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-14-17/1001:34>
[spoiler]
I outsorcered the overwatch to my spirit  ;)
But good to know.
[/spoiler]

Rex whined a bit as the van accelerated over the uneven ground. Lying on the floor he didn't get the benefit of a well cushioned seat. But he knew better than to complain - this was Waywalker's show. His job was to keep an eye on the spirit that kept an eye on the astral. So far they seemed to have escaped notice on that front.

<<I have a bad feeling about this, Waywalker. We are late and the corp-guards are closing in. Hopefully the AI didn't get bored and left. Some of these days I need to learn how to fly.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-15-17/1821:36>
#53

Waywalker's persona opened fire on the Sensor Icon, shooting sling of malicious code at it. Some of them passed through the firewall and the Icon started to blur.
In the meanwhile, the van crossed the wall and landed on the other side.
"Time to run!"

[spoiler]pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/496644): 11d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-16-17/0023:46>
Again Waywalker is doing an excellent job negotiating the road - or more exactly what is left of it, to get to a fair compromise between crashing into one of the twisted tree surrounding it, and moving at decent pace. Quite soon, the runners arrives close enough to Mohrange to see the outskirts of the town.

A long time ago, Mohrange used to be a nice, little town in the north of France. Now, it looked more than deserted, it looks dead. Going through the empty street, it seems like that not only people left, but civilization itself end here a while back. Most building have been stripped to the bones, and the wilderness have already reclaimed most of the city surroundings. Only the heart of the little town, comes out of the massive, and twisted, trees that all but eaten her. The place is certainly eery.

Strangely enough, as the Waywalker's van is getting closer to the heart of the little town, the road gets even less even, forcing to slow down a bit. As the vehicle is zigzagging through urban jungle, the level of noise outside is also tuning down. The SOX is indeed surprisingly green and lively place. The trip up to the little town happened with constant background of animals noise, and the van sensor always picked movement, in the nearby bushes, generally jumping (or slithering) away from both the road and the van. But the minute the van is getting into the small town, all echoes on the sensor seems to fade away...

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-16-17/0720:47>
<<Careful, it might not be as bad around here as further in the zone, but there are some pretty bad spirits and critters around. It might be wise to get our new suits on before we go further. Not to mention to keep an eye open for mutant zombies and radiation elementals.
Damnation. The corps should really keep that wall in better repair.>>

Rex had stood up to peer through the window, looking around nervously.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-16-17/0731:06>
[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade : roll Perception + Intuition [Mental] (+/- any type of Perception Bonuses you may have - but do specify the sense used)
@Haywire: Do you want to do anything special as you get closer to Mohange ?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-16-17/0912:31>
[spoiler]
Listening and Visual are both on the same level:
Int 9 + Skill 6 + Audio/Visual Enhancement 3

Perception check (http://orokos.com/roll/496853): 18d6t5 7 [18d6t5=4, 6, 2, 6, 6, 4, 5, 4, 6, 5, 4, 3, 1, 2, 4, 3, 1, 5]

Without matrix connection it's only 6 successes

[/spoiler]

Rex couldn't help it - this body's instinctive reaction to danger was to growl and that he did. Something was out there, he was sure of it.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-16-17/1713:53>
#54

"Usually, no signal means something really bad. The AI is in a VTOL, I should see it by now..."

[spoiler]Teamwork test from Sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/496937): 3d6t5 2
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/496939): 9d6t5 5
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/496940): 20d6t5 5
EW throught the sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/496941): 19d6t5 9[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-17-17/2121:43>
Again Waywalker is doing an excellent job negotiating the road - or more exactly what is left of it, to get to a fair compromise between crashing into one of the twisted tree surrounding it, and moving at decent pace. Quite soon, the runners arrives close enough to Mohrange to see the outskirts of the town. On the radar front, spotting the VTOL was not as easy as Waywalker first assume, of course, the amount of the radiation is the area is messing with most of the signals, but also Bernie's vehicle has been laced with a large mount of signature masking - making it almost impossible to detect...

[spoiler]
@Haywire sadly, Signature Masking is a penalty to the dice pool (-6d) so it can't be applied after the fact. Also radiation would applied an extra  penalty of -4d. If you really want to spot where the VTOL is at you can try again, but be aware that your remaining success will be opposed to the ones of Racer's  Sneak + Intuition[Handling] roll (IA certainly does not want to be spot by anyone), so it might be fruitless.
[/spoiler]

A long time ago, Mohrange used to be a nice, little town in the north of France. Now, it looked more than deserted, it looks dead. Going through the empty street, it seems like that not only people left, but civilization itself end here a while back. Most building have been stripped to the bones, and the wilderness have already reclaimed most of the city surroundings. Only the heart of the little town, comes out of the massive, and twisted, trees that all but eaten her. The place is certainly eery.

Strangely enough, as the Waywalker's van is getting closer to the heart of the little town, the road gets even less even, forcing to slow down a bit. As the vehicle is zigzagging through urban jungle, the level of noise outside is also tuning down. The SOX is indeed surprisingly green and lively place. The trip up to the little town happened with constant background of animals noise, and the van sensor always picked movement, in the nearby bushes, generally jumping (or slithering) away from both the road and the van. But the minute the van is getting into the small town, all echoes on the sensor seems to fade away...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-18-17/1152:54>
[spoiler]EW throught the sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/497404): 9d6t5 2
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/497405): 8d6t5 2
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-18-17/1200:32>
[spoiler]
Does Rex' see/hear anything with the 6 (possibly 7) successes

[/spoiler]

<<I could send the Kami to scout ahead but I'm reluctant to do so in case we are attacked. Let's keep moving - we have an address after all.>>


#159
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-18-17/1258:18>
[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade the perception test gives you the very bad feeling about Mohange. Nothing specific sadly, but you can certainly realize this is more than a bad feeling with that much success.

Racer flies beneath the rader (http://orokos.com/roll/497407): 12d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Clearly, Racer knows what it is doing - or it has not yet leaved its hideout (unlikely), because despite all his skills, Waywalker can not yet spot it at the meeting point, a few kilometers behind Mohange. There is some glimpse of activity toward Metz, where the VTOL was hidden - probably the military envoy the runner heard about earlier, but it is hard to say without spending more time tuning the sensor for this.

As the van gets closer to the city center, the roads behind it suddenly shifts, cracking open the asphalt, just beneath Waywalker's wheels! The rigger piloting test are certainly put to a test here

[spoiler]

OOC - you are targeted by the equivalent of an Accident power, @Waywalker, please roll Reaction + Intuition [Handling] oppose to:
Accident (http://orokos.com/roll/497422): 18d6t5 6
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-18-17/1408:03>
[spoiler]
Wow, that's a damn dangerous spirit working against us. :o

Luckily I've asked my spirit to guard us against attacks from the astral - and the Guard Power neatly neutralizes accident, but costs me a service...

[/spoiler]

A sudden gale wind prevented the car from sliding to the side, stabilizing it and keeping it on the road.
Rex heard the Kami's voice in his mind:
'Know this mortal, the cursed ones are seeking your demise. Leave this place at once for I am no match to the powers at work here.'
'Thank you, oh Son of the Eastwind, we are nearly at our destination and we'll be out of here as soon as we can. For now I bid you to do what you can to keep us safe just a bit longer.'

#160
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-19-17/0634:48>
#56

The earth itself was trying to kill them. Something prevented them to be buried in the ground, and Waywalker saw Rex concentrating.
"Rex, now I owe you two soybeer or the like..."
He tried to speed up the van to get to the address ASAP.

[spoiler]pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/497595): 14d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-19-17/1158:30>
[spoiler]
Just to be sure : are you going "forward" through the (dangerous) city - as Waywalker is implying - or do you "retreat" (as I understand the comment from Rex ?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-19-17/1241:11>
[spoiler]
As far as I'm concerned we'll try to power through - unless of course there is an alternate route to our destination
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-19-17/1748:21>
[spoiler]
There is always an alternatives road - if nothing else, you can go off road, but for sure going around Mohange will take more time.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-19-17/1911:46>
[spoiler]I'd stick with the plan and go through the city.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-20-17/0716:38>
<<All in a days work. But we should really get out of here asap. Once my Kami is done with his services, I might have trouble calling another one, so we better hurry and get to our destination on the most direct way possible.>>
Rex shuffled to the front of the van and found his place on the passenger seat, securing himself with the seatbelt using his teeth.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-23-17/0227:38>
Rex's Kami replies to him, as the van makes a foray inside the abandonned town:

'Oh, master and yielder of magic, I'll do my best to push back the assault of the angry Kami owning this place. Be beware that his spirit is twisted and confuse, but his powers are great'

Thanks to the Kami, the road stops twisting and tearing itself apart in front of Waywaler. However, the gigantic root going through what used to be shops and café, are now suddenly become alive and jump at the van, try to either grab it or jam it.

[spoiler]
Animated giant roots strike at Waywalker van (http://orokos.com/roll/498726): 17d6t5 9

(and sorry for the delay)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-23-17/0515:05>
[spoiler]
Are we surprised, or can we react before the root strikes?

If yes, Rex tries to protect the car with a mana barrier against the dual natured root

Ini: Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/498747): 10+1d6 12
Mana Barrier F8 (http://orokos.com/roll/498746): 12d6t5 3
Drain resist: Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/498748): 21d6t5 5
1 Stun damage
[/spoiler]

Rex saw the strike coming, but without the improvement of his spells, he was just too slow. Even as the root descended he, tried to weave a powerful web of arcane energies to absorb the blow.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-23-17/0554:15>
[spoiler]
No surprise, let's roll initiative
Spirit initiative : Mohange animated Giant Roots Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/498751): 2d6+18 26

So Rex will not set the barrier up before the giant roots attacks, but Waywaker can still try to dodge (-2d due to the road bad condition) and may act before the attack too.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-23-17/1709:13>
#57

Waywalker sighed in relief when the road stopped trying to kill them.
He was not so surprised when a giant root tried to smash the van.
"I knew I should had stayed in bed this morning..."
"We do not need to kill it, only to pass! I'll have my drones distract it."

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/498908): 5d6+5 15
defense (http://orokos.com/roll/498915): 19d6t5 7
defense (post-Edge) (http://orokos.com/roll/498913): 12d6t5 1
Drone initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/498914): 5d6+3 21
drone #1 suppressive fire (http://orokos.com/roll/498916): 9d6t5 3
drone #2 suppressive fire (http://orokos.com/roll/498918): 9d6t5 3
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-23-17/2011:12>
Waywalker deploys his drones and order them to lay some serious suppressive fire, while attempting to dodge the roots attacks. Sadly, the later fails, and one of the giant roots stomps violently on the van...

[spoiler]
Attack: 19P, AP -9

Reminder:
As most vehicles are a bit less squishy than metahumans, they have a Condition Monitor equal to 12 plus half their Body (rounded up), they ignore Stun damage (though electricity-based attacks are considered Physical Damage to vehicles), and any attack where the modified DV does not exceed the Armor of the vehicle does nothing.

Animated giant roots resist the suppressive fire lay by Waywalker drone (#1] (http://orokos.com/roll/498961): 18d6t5 4
Animated giant roots resist the suppressive fire lay by Waywalker drone (#2] (http://orokos.com/roll/498962): 16d6t5 5
[/spoiler]

... but, on the bright side, even if they dodge most of the bullets, and does not appears suffer any damage, the roots does retreat under the heavy fire. However, as the tentacule-like construct retracts into the building's ruins, on, the border, of the road, a huge tree, which grew insanely, inside what used to be a fuel station, suddenly bends over the road, with all branches animating, like a giant vegetale squid trying to catch the van.

[spoiler]

2nd pass, Mohange's spirit goes on 16 and attempt to Engulf Waywalker vehicule (with a malus of -4d due to the vehicule speed and -2d due to the suppressive fire)

Large tree bends and tries to catch the van (http://orokos.com/roll/498973): 11d6t5 5

Darn! 5 hits on 11 dices - I am sorry guys, I'm rolling quite well today - but of course the attack needs to pass throuhg Rex's barrier first, if Waywalker can't dodge it.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-23-17/2323:49>
[spoiler]
@Waywalker I just realized that, because you have only two passes, this pass needs to be your "control vehicule test" - unless you prefer to spend one point of edge ("Zen Control", see Rigger 5). Do also note that, as you are "bolting thru" the city as fast as possible, there is a (secret) threshold for this test (so one hit might not be enough), but (on the brigt side), the van will reach the end of city center (and hopefully the end of the area protected / control) by the spirit.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-24-17/0510:49>
[spoiler]
Ouch. I hope the van has enough armor to not be crushed at once.

For the engulfing attack at least the barrier will provide a cushion, preventing the attack from actually reaching us, no matter if the shield holds or breaks (you have to waste an attack on the shield no matter what)

But since we are a moving target and the van is independent of Rex, the intersection rules are up, before the spirits second attack is resolved:

Toxic SpiritIntersection (http://orokos.com/roll/499084): 18d6t5 8
Rex' ShieldIntersection (http://orokos.com/roll/499085): 16d6t5 11

Boom, Motherfucker! The spirit's stun track is filled up completely!

Now let's just hope that Waywalker roles well for his van!

By the way: Defense tests don't need a separate action - they are included in the one control vehicle action per combat round. Also, there is full defense for vehicles if you have 10 ini to spare.

[/spoiler]

The strike against the car was murderously strong. Rex was glad that he had used the seat belt. But when the second attack came, his shield was ready, while the van moved forward, carried by it's momentum. Immovable object met unstoppable force - and unstoppable force won!
Rex howled in excitement as he felt his shield holding against the unbelievable powerful spirit.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-24-17/1322:21>
#58

Despite Waywalker's best attempt to evade the attack and a stunt involving a 180 degree spin, the root hit the van with the force of its corruption. The van suspension absorbed part of the damage, and Waywalker bled a little from his nose and ears, but the engine was still running. While the drones kept the root at bay, the van roared through the exhaust and ran through the tree branches in a blaze of glory!

[spoiler]
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/499142): 12d6t5 6
drone pilot #1 (http://orokos.com/roll/499139): 9d6t5 0
The drone spend its pass doing the same thing - i.e. shooting at the root, and then should follow the van
drone pilot (http://orokos.com/roll/499141): 9d6t5 3
drone pilot #2 (http://orokos.com/roll/499140): 9d6t5 3
armadillo resists (http://orokos.com/roll/499137): 14d6t5 6
Armadillo takes 13 P damages on 19 boxes
Waywalker resists 7P of biofeedback
biofeedback (http://orokos.com/roll/499138): 10d6t5 4
Waywalker takes 3 P damages on 10 boxes and has -1 D
Next turn piloting with the malus
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/499143): 11d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-24-17/1810:14>
Rex saw his chummer bleeding and asked him <<Give me a quick readout from your bio monitor>>
After studying the data for a second, Rex put his head on the man's thigh and concentrated, forcefully rerouting the errant chi. He had to drop the shield as this needed his full concentration.

[spoiler]
F3 Heal spell: -1 BC -3 Missing Essence Heal (http://orokos.com/roll/499201): 8d6t5 3[10d6t5=5, 3, 5, 1, 1, 4, 6, 2]
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/499205): 21d6t5 2
No Drain
[/spoiler]

With some amount of joy he realized that he had in fact managed to get it right on the first try. "Rawuff!"

That done, he quickly re-erected the shield.

[spoiler]
Mana Barrier F8 (http://orokos.com/roll/499204): 13d6t5 4
Drain:
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/499206): 21d6t5 6
No Drain
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-25-17/0700:29>
If the giant roots stomped on Waywalker's van hardly, the battered vehicle is still holding in one piece - one fast piece of battered metal still speeding through the ruins of Mohange. Despite the harsh conditition and all the feedback damage taken by the rigger, Waywalker still managed to, barely, slips through the bending tree trying to grab the smashed van. The condition of the road is still a nightmare, but between the Kami helps, protecting the ride against "surnatural" accident and the skillset of Waywaleker, the van finally leaves the city center, zizaging between the numerous cracks, holes and even debris blocking their way.

As the van escape the urban madness that have become Mohange, the runners can see the giant roots, bending tree and other threats somehow receding - either knocked out by Rex's spell or simply appease by their hasty departure. Regardless of the reason, both runners, quite exhausted by the encounter are certainly happy about it. If nothing else, their van is certainly appreciating not being used as a punching ball...

With danger being left behind, Waywalker returns to his numerous AR monitor and can pay, finally, attention to the upcoming meeting point. He then realizes that they just got a message from Racer:

>>> REX ENTITY, WAYWALKER ENTITY.... THE SHELL HAVE REACHED THE RENDEZVOUS POINT, BUT COULD NOT LAND. SHELL HAS BEEN RELOCATED HERE. PLEASE COME QUICKLY, OTHER ... ENTITIES / OPPENENTS (???) ARE CIRCLING OUR POSITION.

Attached to the message is a position, a bit father north than the previously agreed on. Sadly, the radiation level is higher than expected also, but it is only a few kilometer from the van current position, and given what Waywalker's sensor can gather, there is a road of somekind almost up to the meet point.

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade sadly the newly picked location point has a background count of 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-25-17/0924:53>
<<Acknowledged, Racer. Meanwhile, we have found an exit way from the zone. We'll meet you momentarily.>>

Rex gritted his teeth as he felt the background count rising and the power of his shield waning. Even more problematic was, that he felt his chosen form flicker. If the shape changing spell he'd be wrecked again by pain. Besides, they were likely heading again into a combat area.

With heavy heart he thought: 'Oh Son of the Eastwind, you have proven yourself beyond all expectations and I thank you for all your works. I release you from our bargain and bid you fairwell.'

Again he concentrated and called and for an old "friend".

[spoiler]
Don't know how many services were left for the Air Spirit, but it can't have been many.
Drop Shield:

Channeling F8 Spirit of Men while we are still in low level BC
Summon R8 Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/499337): 13d6t5 6
Spirit Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/499340): 8d6t5 2 [8d6t5=5, 2, 3, 2, 4, 5, 1, 3]
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/499341): 21d6t5 8 [21d6t5=6, 1, 3, 3, 6, 6, 3, 6, 1, 6, 1, 2, 2, 6, 2, 5, 1, 3, 4, 1, 5]
4 Services
Powers: Shape Change, Increase Reflexes
Increase Reflexes F8 (http://orokos.com/roll/499346): 13d6t5 6
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/499347): 16d6t5 8
Shape Change F6  (http://orokos.com/roll/499344): 13d6t5 4
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/499345): 16d6t5 6

Rex casts: Increase INT on himself:
Increase Intuition F8 (http://orokos.com/roll/499348): 11d6t5 7
Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/499349): 21d6t5 5
No Drain
Spending 1 Karma to Quicken

Form of a Mountain Lion with
BOD 6(10) AGI 6(10) REA 6(10) STR 6(10) WIL 5(9) LOG 2 INT (5)9 CHA 8(12)
Ini: INT 9 + REA 10 + Spell 6 + 4d6= 25+5d6 (one extra dice from Great Cat form)
Bite/Claw: 13P AP -1
Once the BC rises by 2, this will be reduced to 19+4d6 

For Waywalker: Increase Reflexes F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/499354): 13d6t5 6
Quicken with 1 Karma
Resist Drain F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/499358): 21d6t5 8
No Drain
Gains +6 + 3D6 Ini
Once we are in BC 3 this reduces to +4 +2D6 Ini

[/spoiler]

Once again, Rex opened certain gates inside himself and called to the Kami known as the Great Hunter. He and the Beast were foe and brother, friend and rival, bound in an eternal struggle - which made Rex feel a certain turmoil inside him as his patron realized whom Rex had invited.
'This is a strange place to hunt. The kamis are wrong and not worthy of being prey.'
'I greet you Great Hunter. This may very well be, but where we are going there will be prey enough. Please, lend me your strength and guidance. Transform our body into the hunting beast and give swiftness to our limbs. For we are about to hunt the most dangerous game.'
'Mortal folly, to hunt in the blighted wilds, but never be it said that I feared to hunt at any place.'

Rex released his hold on the spell he maintained for his dog form and felt as his features transformed into the lithe body of a mountain lion, filling up the fabric of his K9 protective suit, while the micro actuators on his straps and flaps adjusted for the size increase.

<<Whatever we do, we can't stay there longer than five minutes. I have a spirit inside me now and I can't risk it turning toxic. It's bad enough that I called it at this place. I just hope that my body will give enough shelter to its essence to prevent it from turning.

Oh and before I forget it: Keep still, that might feel weird for a moment.>>

With that, he moved his tail, close to Waywalker's face an concentrated, granting him to the increased reaction speed, he himself was enjoying.

#165
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-25-17/1240:38>
#59

Despite the signal blocking the VR acted on his brain, Waywalker could still feel the warmth of Rex's healing spell.
"Thank you mate, at this rate you will have soybeer for your lifetime!"
The message in AR did not make Waywalker flich: often a meeting point is exactly where you will meet, just not the original one.
"I hope our suits will protect us enough to meet Racer...or at least that our payday will cover the medical expenses."

[spoiler]pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/499384): 14d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-25-17/1812:53>
<<You keep me alive and I keep you alive and maybe we get out of this alive.
But yes, radiation is nasty. Hopefully there is enough lead in these suits.>>

Rex anxiously stared out of the window while they hurtled towards the new meeting place. Just in case it was necessary, he put the shield back up again, even though the background count would be chewing away on it.

[spoiler]
Casting Mana Barrier when BC hits 2
Mana Barrier F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/499462): 12d6t5 3
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/499463): 21d6t5 10
No Drain


[/spoiler]


#166
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-28-17/2130:58>
After the chaos, back in Mohange, it is, at first, refreshing for the runner to found out that the meet location agreed on with Racer is pretty isolated. Indeed, a small clearing, in a patch of trees, on top of one of the small hills, so typical of the region, just a few hundreds meter away from the remants of a road, is certainly "low key", even by SOX standards.

As the van get closer and closer, slowly ascending - and shacking, on the few stripes of asphalt left on the road, an eerie silence starts to surrounder the runner. Like in many other part of the SOX, wilderness has claimed back this part of the land, but in a twisted and rather disconcerting fashion. Radiation level are high here, and this can be seen quite clearly on the shape, or strange glow, of the local vegetation. Of course, those are not the only one affected by the radiation - as for instance the two-headed deer catched by Waywalker sensor array, for just a second, before the mutated Bambi jumps backs into the wood.

On the bright side - sort of speak, the weather is working well into their plan. A very thick fog seems to be covering the hills, and topped by a gloomy, dark skies. The runner can feel the tension in the air rising - confirmed by Waywalker sensor array: a storm is building up, and soon it will crack and pour rain, and thunder, on them. That will not make the exchange nice, nor comfortable, but it will make the jobs of their opponent, on their tail, that more difficult.

Once on top of the hill, Waywalker van goes off road, crushing the one meter high grass, and navigating between twisted trees to get to the clearance. The runner are happy to see that Racer has already parked the VTOL in, and, as they arrived, the AI is also invite them to MARK the device to open the rear door, leading to the cargo area holding the engine. Almost immediatly, Waywalker parks the van and deploys the Ares Mule he secured a while back...

Everything is going according to plan, for once, but the gloomy skies, the emptiness of the place and the eerie silence is certainly not making Rex and his partner in crime relaxed.

[spoiler]
Reminder: Radation level are now up to 3, so is the background count. Your radiation suit are protecting you from the effect of the radiation.

OOC, You do need to go in (or send someting with "hands") to unstrap and move the engine onto the mule. Also, what about Bernie ?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-29-17/0257:22>
Rex opened a conversation: <<Hello Racer, glad to see you could make it. This is my friend Waywalker, he has brought some drones for you, but first we have to transport the engine into our car. We came in through a relatively unprotected part of the wall. Waywalker can jam the sensors there, so you can go through too.
Is that OK for you?>>

Rex didn't want to get out of the car. The radiation felt wrong to his mag senses, like red hot pins that someone flicked against his skin. At least he thought he felt that. Hard to say with the oppressive background count. He didn't want to think what it would feel like if he didn't wear the comical gimp suit.

To loosen the straps, he prepared the magic fingers spell. No need for Waywalker to get out there.

[spoiler]
Magic Fingers F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/500320): 11d6t5 1
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/500322): 20d6t5 10
Drop Spell.
Try again
Magic Fingers F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/500321): 11d6t5 5
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/500323): 20d6t5 5
No drain.

using Magic Fingers to open the straps.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-30-17/1546:43>
#60

"Here we are."
Waywalker scanned the surroundings to be sure nobody followed them.

[spoiler]EW throught the sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/500698): 21d6t5 7[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <03-31-17/0243:02>
Staying inside the van is certainly a good call. Outside a nasty wind has arise, blowing dead leafs and dirt all around. However, Rex has no direct line of sight on the straps, and therefore needs to operate through the video feed shared by racer. It is not going to be an easy task, but Rex is handy with magical fingers.

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade: It's an extended test of (Agility + Palming/Escape Artist)(1 minute, 10) - with a -4d penalty because you are doing this through the video feeds. It's not that difficult so you can't glitch, it may just take time that you don't have... As this is not difficult per say, if you don't have Palming or Escape Artist, just roll Agility without any penalty.

Obviously, you'll need to use the Agility of the Magic Fingers. Also feel free to replace Palming by something more appropriate.

[/spoiler]

>>> I ... DON'T NEED DRONE. THIS... VEHICLE SUITS ME. BUT THE SHELL I COME NEEDS TO GO. ENTITIES ARE LOOKING FOR IT. I DON'T NEED IT ANYMORE. PLEASE TAKE IT AWAY.

Waywalker monitor the progress of the Ares Mule slowly moving toward the bay entrance of Bernie's VTOL. The ground is an even, and the blasting is not helping, but the drone is making good progress. Worst case scenario, he can jump in it to make it move faster, but right now it sounds like the drone will be reaching the engine, before Rex is done with the straps. Waywalker pauses for a minute thinking "a dog, in a a radioactive suit, unstrapping remotely a fancy prototype... There must be a joke here somewhere."

Inside his rigger cocoon, the pilot smiles while his brains is actually focusing on the sensor. There is a lot of radiation and weather to compensate for to get a clear picture. It's not easy to interpret the numerous output of the sensor array in those conditions. Scrubbing the signal, and compensating for erroneous results, Waywalker finally managed to get a clear picture of their surroundings. And he is not liking what he sees.

A dozen kilometer south west, down the hill they just climbed with the battered road from Mohange, there is two large signal getting closer. It is hard to say for sure, but there are sized like a big car or van - maybe small VTOL, flying close to the ground. They've been clearly equipped with signature masking coating, which is making the reading even more difficult. But one thing is sure, they are not trying to be discreet, and focus on getting here as fast as possible. Fortunately, according to the map Waywalker has at his disposal, there was no road they can rely on, so there are clearly off road, and progressing accordingly. But they will be here soon - probably only a matter of minutes...

[spoiler]
@Waywalker: In terms of rules, you should have penalty on your sensor roll due to the weather/radiation condition, plus potential masking of the target (which is unpractical, because the penalty is already giving you the info that something masked is nearby). Anyhow, I've turned those into a Threshold, that you surpassed, so...
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <03-31-17/0549:43>
[spoiler]
Palming suits me fine:
Remote Fingering (http://orokos.com/roll/500866): 7d6t5 3
Remote Fingering (http://orokos.com/roll/500867): 6d6t5 2
Remote Fingering (http://orokos.com/roll/500868): 5d6t5 2
Remote Fingering (http://orokos.com/roll/500869): 4d6t5 0[4d6t5=4, 1, 1, 1]
Thank god you said I can't glitch here, but this is certainly getting very difficult.
Remote Fingering (http://orokos.com/roll/500870): 3d6t5 0
Remote Fingering (http://orokos.com/roll/500871): 2d6t5 1
Remote Fingering (http://orokos.com/roll/500872): 1d6t5 0

Maybe some teamwork from Waywalker's drone could help here?
[/spoiler]

Rex growled in frustration: The telekinetic fingers were clumsy since he couldn't actually feel what he was gripping and the background count made having an active spell outside very uncomfortable. The first few straps were easy to undo but Bernie had also added a few drilled wire fasteners that didn't come off, no matter what he tried.
<<Waywalker, I think I'm stuck. Can your drones cut through these wires? I fear sending a spirit out there might turn out to be a terminally stupid idea.
If all else fails I can use a lightning bolt to cut through, but that might damage the merchandise. By the way you wouldn't have a bolt cutter lying around? That would make using my magic fingers a lot easier>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <03-31-17/1733:38>
#61

"Rex, I'm afraid we have some heat on us...sure, the drones can handle this."
Waywalker's Mules opened their cyberarms to help Rex to undo the fasteners of the engine: the result was not elegant but it was a result.

[spoiler]drone arm #1 (http://orokos.com/roll/501035): 4d6t5 3
drone arm #1 (http://orokos.com/roll/501036): 3d6t5 1
drone arm #1 (http://orokos.com/roll/501037): 2d6t5 0
drone arm #1 (http://orokos.com/roll/501038): 1d6t5 0[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-01-17/0657:05>
Sadly, Rex could not unstrapped the engine, before the Ares Mule arrives in the cargo bay. Fortunately, once there the drone was quickly able to finish the job, but the all operation cost the runners some precious minutes...

Waywalker is monitoring nervously the progress of the two larges vehicles. They are getting close enough for him to get a identification, despite their signature masking modification. Those are two Dodge Goliath - with no apparent weapons port, but the model comes with six gun ports by default. Clearly they have been certainly modified to provide some radiation protection, but they may hold some more nasty surprises.

The Ares Mule is now deploy its cyberarms around the engine to start moving it to its back, but the two vehicles are now getting quite close, they are just at the bottom of the hill. Suddenly, the VTOL fires it engines, and raise his nose up to the sky, and thus tossing both the drone and the engine to the ground ! Both are undamaged but it won't be easy to make the drone stands again, and pick up the prototype...

At the same time, Racer messages the runners

>>> HOSTILE ENTITIES INCOMING... CAN'T BE  CAPTURE... FLEE, FLEE, FLEE.

Joining the action to the words spoken, the VTOL bolt  into the sky, up North, deep into the SOX.

[spoiler]
In terms of game, your opponents are now in Medium Range (150 to 200m). The uneven terrain of the hill imposes a limit based on Handling rather than Speed, and gives a malus of 3 dices to any Vehicle Action.

Due to the vegetation between you and them, there is obviously no line of sight. So for now, if you intend to run, it is a simple chase combat situation - however, you may want to pick up the prototype first, which more/less means, you need to roll initiative. Note that chase/pursuit is a bit abstract - obviously, there is no way for two vehicle, to climb up, off road, such a hill in 3s (combat turn), so you have some combat turn before they can change the range from Medium to Short. However, once in Short Range, they might be able to start shooting at you (line of sight).

Reminder: Background Count here is 3.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-01-17/0839:34>
Rex growled he used his magic fingers to tip the mule back on it's feet and strained to help it get back up.
<<Get ready to bring us out of here. I'll use some brute strength now.>>

[spoiler]
Magic Fingers Virtual STR+BOD (http://orokos.com/roll/501179): 10d6t5 5
Rex can help the drone lift 90kg

If that's not enough, Rex will have to go out of the van and push with his body:

Just in Case: Lifting with puma body (http://orokos.com/roll/501180): 20d6t5 7
STR 10 + 7 successes means, Rex can shove 245kg (in addition to the magic fingers)

[/spoiler]

#169
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-01-17/0928:58>
#62

"Damn! I hope that Racer keeps faith to his name and runs from those fraggers...
First rule: never get caught.
In the while, maybe we should run like we have the devil on our heels!"

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/501181): 5d6+5 21
ares mule pilot to speed up (http://orokos.com/roll/501182): 7d6t5 4
Once the engine is in our van, we start to run!
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/501183): 11d6t5 4 (Handling + Control rig is sufficient,
 even with - 3)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-04-17/1317:55>
As Waywalker manages to make the Ares Mule stands up as quickly as possible, Rex's Magic Fingers grabs the prototype and gently lay it on top of the drone. Quickly securing it with the cyberarm, Waywalker also turn the van to help the drone come back as quickly as possible, with the payload inside the van. But both runner looks, anxiously, on the AR display, for the ever approaching icons associated to the coming vehicle. Seconds seems somehow to go faster than they should, as the Ares Mule, despite running smoothly appears to be getting closer to the van so slowly... But it finally makes it, and Waywalker, closes the door, and fire up the engine of the van !

[spoiler]
Chase Range is still Medium. Please roll initiative (again).

@Waywalker: one action by round will need to be a Control Test Vehicle (to not crash) as usual. Your current Speed is 1, you'll need to spend a Complex Action to Accelerate and an other for the Chase (if you want to get away, of course) - all of those rolls will be limited by the Van's Handling (+ Control Rig) [off road].  You also need to tell him if you are going back toward Mohange or keep heading North (more Radiation, but also increase chances for cover - or simply discourage your followers. Or yet an other direction :) !

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-04-17/1342:08>
<<Get us out of here as fast as you can before they can cut off our exit. I'll pull up the shield again. With any luck the hostile spirits will get them instead of us.>>
With that Rex asked the Kami inside him to once again keep guard.

[spoiler]
Second to last service is for Guard

Casting Manabarrier F5
Mana Barrier (http://orokos.com/roll/502054): 11d6t5 4
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/502056): 20d6t5 10
No Drain

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-04-17/1525:11>
#63

Waywalker blinked and the dirt beneath the van described a cloud behind him.
"And Mohange it is!"

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/502102): 5d6+5 22
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/502103): 14d6t5 5(Accelerate)
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/502104): 14d6t5 3(Chase)
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/502105): 14d6t5 2(to not crash)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-04-17/1555:06>
Waywalker put the metal to the pedal, and the van - in a scream of heating rubber, bolt away of its position, rushing towards the road it just came from.... But only a few seconds before their followers arrives at the location of the meet. They are not far behind the runners, but lucky for them, the foliage between prevents anyone on board to fire on them.... for now.

[spoiler]
Dodge Goliath driver Init (http://orokos.com/roll/502111): 4d6+10 28

1st Pass (28): Dodge Goliath driver tries to gain on Waywalker's van (http://orokos.com/roll/502110): 14d6t6 2
2nd Pass(18): Dodge Goliath Vehicle Control Test (http://orokos.com/roll/502115): 14d6t6 3 (does not crash)
3nd Pass (08): Dodge Goliath tries to lock on the Van (http://orokos.com/roll/502118): 12d6t6 2 (@Waywalker please roll you Sneak + Intuition (+ Control Rig Bonuses)[Handling] (off road) to see if you managed to avoid the lock)

Note:
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-05-17/1806:04>
#64

"Rex, hold tight!"
The engine roared as Waywalker's mind commanded it to go faster.

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/502672): 5d6+5 22
Evading lock (http://orokos.com/roll/502673): 14d6t5 5
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/502675): 14d6t5 4 (not crashing)
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/502678): 14d6t5 8 (Chase) (Limit 5)
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/502679): 14d6t5 6(Increasing speed, limit 5)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-06-17/0255:11>
Getting out of the small patch of woods, nearby their met location with Racer, Waywalker's GMC Armadillo literally jumped on the battered road leading down the hill, to Mohange. From afar, the small town looks just like an abandoned city, away from civilization, where the wilderness has reclaimed its justified lands. But the runners knows better. Even if the condition are slightly better here, the road is still badly damaged, and with the speed the van is now reaching, the vehicle shakes, and jumps over every pothole in the asphalt... It is uncomfortable for sure, but reaching its top speed, Waywalker's van have now a fair chance to escape.

On the bright side, both Rex and Waywalker can see that, now, only one of Goliath van are following. Apparently, the other one decided to follow Racer up north - deep into the SOX. Both are now fainting away from Waylwalker's sensor array... Waywalker would like to be able to keep track on the Rogue AI, and its VTOL, but he is busy firing all sort of counter measure to prevent their opponent to get a lock on them - and he successfully managed to do so!

[spoiler]
Dodge Goliath driver Init (http://orokos.com/roll/502864): 4d6+10 26
1st Pass (26) Dodge Goliath driver tries to gain on Waywalker's van (http://orokos.com/roll/502868): 14d6t6 2 ( 3 net hits for Waywalker, -1 due to road condition, range increases from Medium to Extreme (so between 200 to 300m).
2nd Pass (16) Dodge Goliath Vehicle Control Test (http://orokos.com/roll/502875): 14d6t6 4 (don't crash)
3nd Pass (6)  Dodge Goliath tries to lock on the Van (http://orokos.com/roll/502878): 12d6t6 2

@Waywalker: Time for init for the third round - you need one more range increase to attempt to break away. But the question is : do you go through Mohange or go off road and go around the city.

@Jack_Spade: we passed you last round, but if your character wants to do something this round, note that the shakiness of the van gives you a -2d to all your action.
[/spoiler]

Waywalker opponent - whoever is driving the Goliath, is not bad, but not as good as Waywalker. If the runner is driving like a maniac on this forgotten part of the SOX, the Goliath driver sacrifices a bit to safety, leading the GMC Armadillo to increase the distance between. Sadly for the runners, their vehicle is also getting quite close to the dreaded city of Mohange where they had a difficult passage just a hour ago...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-06-17/0539:48>
Rex watched through the side mirror as Waywalker slowly manage to increase the distance to their pursuer. He didn't dare to open the window for a direct look back, fearing he'd contaminate the inside of the car. Nevertheless he was ready to answer any challenge with a lightning bolt to the face. But so far their pursuers hadn't started shooting at them and he had no desire to escalate the situation - at least not while they were in the lead. Not to mention that aiming at these speeds was no easy task at all.
So he concentrated on keeping the barrier around their vehicle intact. 

#171
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-06-17/1325:31>
#65

"High risk, high reward! Rex, we're going to cut through the city, brace yourself in case we find the toxic spirit."
Waywalker could feel the air around the van. "Obviously, a single breath of this could very well kill us, as the atmosphere sensor says..."

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/503040): 5d6+6 30
Evading lock (http://orokos.com/roll/503043): 14d6t5 5
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/503044): 14d6t5 5 (do not crash)
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/503046): 14d6t5 3 (Chase)
I will save 1 initiative pass to eventually go full defense if the spirit attacks the van[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-07-17/0802:02>
The Dogde Goliath driver attempt to cope with Waywalker's fancy driving, but he or she definitely does less of a good job at it, and quickly falls behind. The armored car end up being quite far behind, when the runner's GMC Armadillo gets closer to the Mohange outskirts...

[spoiler]

Dodge Goliath driver Init (http://orokos.com/roll/503622):4d6+10 26
Dodge Goliath driver tries to gain on Waywalker's van (http://orokos.com/roll/503623): 14d6t6 0 (so 3 net hits for Waywalker - at the end of round, you are out of range)
Dodge Goliath Vehicle Control Test (http://orokos.com/roll/503624): 14d6t6 2 (do not crash, but barely)
Dodge Goliath tries to lock on the Van (http://orokos.com/roll/503625): 12d6t6 5 (limit is 5) (almost works, but draw is in your favor ;) )
Dodge Goliath driver tries to keep Waywalker on sight (http://orokos.com/roll/503626): 14d6t6 3 (pass the threshold (2) - so Waywalker's van is still on his radar)

Range between vehicle at the end of combat is "extreme range".

[/spoiler]

... However, as they closer, the runners hearts and mind suddenly feels up with angst and fear. They barely left the place in one piece last time - can they really risk it again ?

[spoiler]
The twisted plant Spirit of Mohange is now using its Fear power on you guys:

Mohange Spirit instills fear in the runner's heart (http://orokos.com/roll/503630): 18d6t5 5

Please rolls your Willpower + Logic.

If you fails, Waywalker will need to go completely off-road and circle around the abandoned town. This will raise the Control Test Vehicle threshold to 3, and makes it far more difficult to reach your "exit point" (as natural formation might just cut the itinerary you are improvising...)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-07-17/1218:30>
[spoiler]
Rest Fear (http://orokos.com/roll/503684): 11d6t5 3
Shit.
Two rounds of abject terror
Resist Fear (http://orokos.com/roll/503685): 11d6t5 2
And he never wants to go into town ever again
[/spoiler]

The wave of abject terror moved straight through Rex and made him whimper, trying to hide in the foot room of the car
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-07-17/1621:26>
#66

The sudden wave of fear almost paralyzed Waywalker. "Rex, no way I'm going in that shithole again!"

[spoiler]resist fear (http://orokos.com/roll/503728): 10d6t5 3
resist fear (second chance) (http://orokos.com/roll/503729): 7d6t5 1
I used my last Edge for nothing :(
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/503730): 5d6+6 20
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/503731): 14d6t5 3 (do not crash)
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/503732): 14d6t5 8 (Chase) (Limit 5)
Evading lock (http://orokos.com/roll/503733): 14d6t5 3

How do I evade being locked now? Increasing noise? Rebooting?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-10-17/0542:26>
[spoiler]
So, out of Rigger 5:

====
BREAK TARGET LOCK (SIMPLE ACTION)
Marks required: None
Test: Electronic Warfare + Intuition [Data Processing] v. Logic + Sensors
Passive targeting and active targeting with sensors are described on p. 184 of SR5. If you know that you’ve been locked (or suspect it), you can to try to break it.
Choose an enemy that has (or you think has) a lock on you, and make the Opposed Test. For every net hit, you reduce the target’s lock on you by one hit. Your RCC’s
Noise Reduction rating is added as a dice pool bonus for this action.
====

Note that I did not applied any bonus/malus due to SOX's noise, for simplicity sake, - but if you jam the signal, this noise will apply. Also, as Break Target Lock is a simple action so you can try twice at each phase.
[/spoiler]

In a run, everything can turn around in a matter of seconds. Just an instant ago, Waywalker van was almost out of range of its pursuer, and out of lock. Then they hit Mohange, and all went to shit. They Goliath driver has now a strong lock on him, and Waywalker - terrified by the idea of going back again in the dreaded, haunted town, just slammed the break and took a sharp turn, leaving the road behind him.

[spoiler]
@Waywalker, for your next driving roll, the threshold has increased by one, due to the (very) off-roady condition. I think we are done with third round,  so let's roll initiative again.

Dodge Goliath driver Init (http://orokos.com/roll/504383): 4d6+10 19 (only 2 actions this turn)
Dodge Goliath driver tries to gain on Waywalker's van (http://orokos.com/roll/504384): 14d6t6 1)
Dodge Goliath Vehicle Control Test (http://orokos.com/roll/504385): 14d6t6 2 (Threshold is now 3 - crash !!! Finally some luck going your way guys!)

@Waywalker remember that you character won't be aware of the vehicle crash before the end of the round, so act accordingly ;)

[/spoiler]

Try to keep up with Waywalker, the Goliath also jumps off road, on an interception trajectory - sadly, a large tree also happens to seat in the middle of this path, and the driver somehow fails to notice it in time. He nudges the vehicle enough to avoid ramming the tree, but the manoeuver makes the car lands into a muddy part of the ground that stops its course almost immediatly.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-10-17/1511:33>
Rex breathed easier as they moved away from the cursed city. But once again they were being chased - and he was unable to do anything without endangering them through this damnable poisoned environment. So all that was left for him to do, was to encourage Waywalker to be as awesome as possible
<<You know you can do this. Keep the wheel steady and don't ram that boulder, break line of sight with those assholes  and we are going to get out of here alive.>>

[spoiler]
Ini: Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/504624): 25+5d6 39
Leadership test to Waywalker: Leadership (http://orokos.com/roll/504625): 13d6t5 6 [13d6t5=6, 3, 4, 1, 2, 4, 1, 5, 6, 2, 5, 6, 5]



[/spoiler]


#173
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-10-17/1719:13>
#67

Waywalker's meat body sweated as the fear leaved him a little shaken. Going off road was one of the best decision he made in the last hour. "Rex, thank you for your help, now let's try to be out of this shithole ASAP!"

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/504695): 5d6+6 17
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/504694): 14d6t5 4 (do not crash)
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/504696): 19d6t5 6 (limit 5) (Chase)
Next turn:
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/504697): 5d6+6 22
break target lock (http://orokos.com/roll/504699): 17d6t5 7 (limit 6)
create noise with the deck (http://orokos.com/roll/504700): 13d6t5 6 (limit 6)
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/504702): 19d6t5 3 ( do not crash)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-11-17/0311:23>
[spoiler]
With the Goliath crashed, Waywalker obviously win the chase, but more importantly...
Dodge Goliath tries to maintain lock on the Waywalker - despite noise (http://orokos.com/roll/504963): 3d6t5 0
... break the target lock !
[/spoiler]

In a matter of seconds, after the opponent crashed, Waywalker's Armadillo sneaks into the woods surrounding Mohange. Quickly, the rigger surrounds his vehicle signature with a powerful jamming signal, and thus shakes off the target lock. When the van comes out of the patchy woods, and lands back on some kind of road, the now quite battered van is free of any follower. It takes just a couple of minutes for the runners to find they bearing and aims toward their entry point...

But both are aware that getting of the SOX, might be even more difficult than getting in ! Indeed, the security surrounding the radioactive wasteland is mostly designed to keep "things in"...

[spoiler]
@Waywalker you are still a bit away from the exit point, but you can use your sensor array to have a feel of what might be there

@Jack_Spade background count is back to 1, you can breathe a little ;)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-11-17/0620:53>
Rex felt easier as the pressure from the astral lessened and his spells began to assert their power once again.
Being able to once again take care of his form on his own he communicated with the Kami inside him: 'Oh great warrior, thank you for your service. As my last request I ask you to conceal us once again from prying eyes until we have left this damnable wasteland.'

[spoiler]
Rex keeps up the mana barrier and uses the last service of the spirit to have him use concealment on the van for a -8 to perception for both people and sensors

[/spoiler]

To Waywalker he sent: <<Cloaking is engaged - it's not invisibility, but should give us a better chance to sneak through.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-11-17/1732:25>
#68

Waywalker's jam destroyed any kind of lock the driver could had on him.
 "He got a tree in the face...I do not know if it's the spirit, but better this way than on my heels."
Rex's message made him smile: "Seems we're still on the run! I'll check if we should be aware of something in that breach."

[spoiler]pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/505276): 14d6t5 3
EW throught the sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/505277): 17d6t5 7
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/505278): 14d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-13-17/1221:26>
Given the output of Waywalker sensor array, it was clear that the mana barrier and the magical concealment provided by Rex's kami will be needed. Clearly, the mercs corp MET2000, in charge of the SOX perimeter is on the look out for the runners. Waywalker can spot at least a couple of heavily-armed Hughes WK-2 Stallion flying in the direct vicinity of their exit point. It's unclear if the chopper could d have already spot the van, but for sure, they would be able to as soon as Waywalker get close to the breached hole.

At least, on the bright side, the path to said exit point is clear. No troops on the ground - for now. Remains to get there without being spot. And of course, remains also the question of the magical defense, once there. However, as their vehicle gets closer, Waywalker's cyberdeck reports that more devices than when they crossed it last time. Apparently, an icon - not running silent, is now floating in AR, nearby the breache wall...

[spoiler]
@Waywalker time to drive sneakily again, please roll Reaction + Sneaking [Handling] - my own roll will be penalized by the concealment power and any Signature Masking rating Waywalker's GMC Armadillo may have. And you can roll again Matrix Perception if you want to know more about the icon you just spot.

@Jack_Spade as you are well-aware, there is spirit patrolling the border, so let's roll Perception + Intuition [Astral] to see what you can see maybe lurking for you in the astral, when you get closer to the exit.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-13-17/1638:41>
#69

Having passed the haunted city was a big relief for the rigger. Now it was time to pass unnoticed - easier said than done.
To: REX "I'll take a couple extra seconds trying to be sure of what we're going into...Let me know if we have problems on the mojo side."

[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/506000): 5d6+6 24
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/506001): 12d6t5 4
Matrix Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/506002): 18d6t5 4
Sneaking past the sensors (http://orokos.com/roll/506003): 10d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-13-17/1644:12>
[spoiler]The icon is not running silent, so you have 4 questions on it[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-13-17/1852:07>
[spoiler]
Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/506099): 14d6t5 4 [14d6t5=3, 1, 2, 5, 6, 6, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 6, 4, 2]


[/spoiler]
Rex had pressed the window to roll down, now that they weren't that close to the poisoned region anymore to get an unobstructed view into the astral. The mana barrier would shield them to a degree from divination attempts in addition to the concealment, but something told him that there was more lurking around here. He concentrated, taking in all the auras around them.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-14-17/0723:17>
Gazing through his own mana barrier is certainly not making Rex's task easier, but the mage manages it anyway. His sight reaches into the horizon, and he can finally recognized, inside the astral space mist of colors, the now familliar shades of the wall itself. He follows it until his eyes finally catches on with the astral reflection of their exist point. Rex spots there a rather strong disturbance in the astral space, nearby the breach in the wall. He will need to get closer, and focus more to do a proper assesing of the aura, but there is definetly something ... "awakened" nearby.

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade you can now roll assessing if you want to know more about the aura nearby the wall
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-14-17/1731:59>
[spoiler]
Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/506421): 11d6t5 4

[/spoiler]
Rex concentrated. He knew that his skills with aura recognition was woefully inadequate, but he couldn't bother the Kami with this task unless he wanted to risk its ire.
Luckily the otherwise opaque mana barrier was attuned to him and he had no trouble to see through like through a one-way mirror.
This might still become a very interesting finale to their daring escape...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-15-17/0603:35>
[spoiler]The Icon, what is it? (I.e. a deck, a commlink?)
2)Rating of Firewall?
3)Device Rating?
4) Last Mateix action?[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-15-17/0724:20>

The icon turns out to be a rotor drone, a knock-off of the large and robust VTOL rotordrone Cyberspace Designs Dalmatian coming straight from Saeder-Krupp factories. If the choppers are in the vicinity, the large drone is hovering just a couple of meter above the exit point. Either MET 2000 has been highly motivated to retrieve the prototype -  and is doing a massive deployment, or they know this was the entry point of Waywalker's van. Whether it is the previous or the later, MET 2000 has certainly make the runners way out far more difficult.

However, on the bright side, the exit itself is not compromise, the van can certainly go through it - or rather jump through it, but sneaking passed its "guardian" unnoticed will not be a piece of cake.

[spoiler]

@Haywire, question 1) is answer above, for the rest
2) Firewall is 7 - most likely because the drone is attached to some host
3) DR 3 (security devices)
4) Last Operation : using its Clearsight autosoft (ie drone equivalent of a Perception test)

[/spoiler]

Sadly, as Rex is learning, the rotordrone is not the only thing guarding their exit. As the mage focus his astral sight on the aura is spot, it becomes quickly clear that a spirit is just in front of it, ready to manifest at any instant. In the astral, it looks like a burning giant humanoid shape, which leads Rex to believe it is a Fire spirit. And the magical aura of the spirit is almost as strong as Rex own aura...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-15-17/0858:11>
#70

"They got wind of us? Well, this will not help the fraggers!"
The exit point was still clear.
"Rex, I will handle the drone, you take care of the mojo, and then we run like we have the devil on our heels!

[spoiler] I switch personas to the Cyberdeck: A 5(6)/S 3/D 3/F 4, running Agent, Virtual Machine, Baby Monitor, Decryption.
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/506623): 5d6+3 17
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/506624): 12d6t5 2
Brute force on drone (http://orokos.com/roll/506625): 15d6t5 6
If the MARK has been placed, Edit file to remove the van from the video feed
I switch DP and Attack for this action (free action)
edit sensor feedback (http://orokos.com/roll/506626): 12d6t5 5
Next turn:
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/506627): 5d6+5 24
Jump in the Van
pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/506629): 14d6t5 3
edit sensor feedback (http://orokos.com/roll/506628): 12d6t5 3[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-15-17/1529:30>
<<We are far enough out of the frying pan, that I could try to act as a diversion: I'll get out and attack the spirit with a lightning bolt and draw the drone to my position. If you can hack it - all the better - but it would be better if you concentrate on getting the cargo out without being noticed. The Concealment will continue to protect you. And while the spirit and drone are occupied with me you might be able to slip through. It might just work. I'll call when you can pick me back up.
Don't worry, I'm as ready as one can be for a fight.>>
Rex exited the van. The kami inside him recognized the impending fight and he felt its elation at the opportunity of bloodshed. The beast for once was in tune with the human part, spoiling for a fight.

[spoiler]
Still wearing the Form of a Mountain Lion with
BOD 6(10) AGI 6(10) REA 6(10) STR 6(10) WIL 5(9) LOG 2 INT (5)9 CHA 8(12)
Ini: INT 9 + REA 10 + Spell 6 + 5d6= 25+5d6 (one extra dice from Great Cat form)
Bite/Claw: 13P AP -1

Ini:Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/506667): 25+5d6 42

Charge attack (Run: 60m per round)
As long as the Spirit is in the astral his aura isn't active yet, making him vulnerable for a melee attack from a dual natured being
Hopefully, Rex can sneak up on him within 60m:
Sneaking (http://orokos.com/roll/506669): 16d6t5 5
If the spirit hasn't noticed Rex yet, he'll charge the spirit and jump it with his claws:
AGI 10+Skill 8+Mentor Spirit 2+Superhuman Psychosis 1+Charge 2=23
Charge Attack (http://orokos.com/roll/506670): 23d6t5 8[23d6t5=1, 5, 5, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 6, 3, 4, 5, 4, 4, 2, 1, 6, 2, 5, 6, 1, 1, 5]
13P + Net successes

If it notices Rex before he can get into position and starts materializing, Rex will just fry the spirit in the mundane with an F12 Lightning Bolt:
Magic 6 + Skill 6 + Mentor spirit 2= Lightning Bolt (http://orokos.com/roll/506671): 14d6t5 2 [14d6t5=5, 3, 4, 2, 5, 1, 2, 2, 4, 2, 3, 3, 1, 3]
Yeah, hopefully he doesn't notice Rex:
Drain 7:
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/506672): 21d6t5 6[21d6t5=5, 6, 2, 4, 3, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1, 6, 2, 1, 1, 3, 5, 4, 1, 5, 1, 3]
1 Stun
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-16-17/1740:45>
[spoiler]
@Haywire:

Drone resists to Brute Force attack (http://orokos.com/roll/506969): 10d6t5 4
Drone resists to Edit File (http://orokos.com/roll/506972): 10d6t5 3

So you can edit the feeds, but when you switch to the jump into the van, your Persona changes (losing the MARKs) (http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=26202.0) and thus the van will immediatly reappers on the feeds. If you want to edit the feeds while you are passing, you'll need to keep your mark (and thus not jump into the van), but you can swich your deck to AR, and "drive" the van. (or did I misinterpreter something ?)

@Jack_Spade
Spirit may notice Rex sneaking on him (http://orokos.com/roll/506978): 13d6t6 3
Is Spirit surprises by Rex jumping on it ? (http://orokos.com/roll/506981): 16d6t5 3 (not surprised)
Spirit Init (http://orokos.com/roll/506984): 3d6+15 26 (switch to Full Defense, so 16 to dodge Rex's attack)
Spirit dodges Rex's attack (http://orokos.com/roll/506997): 22d6t6 4 (so 4 nets hits for Rex, 17P to Soak)

Claw and bite of the critter are not magical (Change Shape Spell) (http://adragon202.no-ip.org/Shadowrun/index.php/SR5:Spells:Manipulation#Shapechange.2C_Critter_Form)) thus Immunity to Physical Weapon of the Spirit applies (17 -12, so 5P to soak).
Spirit soaks damage (http://orokos.com/roll/506995): 18d6t5 5
Spirit has a the power Energy Aura, contact leads Rex to soak: 12P (fire damage, but not manifested so the lion's fur is not taking fire)

First Pass (Rex: 42, Spirit: 26 reduced to 16) is finished, second pass starts (Rex:32, Spirit: 6)

Unless Spirit get destroyed / banished before it acts, Spirit will use its next action to Materialize.

I'm not sure you were aware that the Spirit's physical immunity would apply, but as far as I checked, I don't think your Change Shape is making your attack "magical". Also one could argue, you could have notice the Energy Aura before runnig into it. (or did I misinterpret something ?)

So guys, if you want, you can change your actions and "rewrite history" ("getting closer to the Spirit, Rex decides to change his plans...") - and this is why I'm not adding any description.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-16-17/1814:00>
[spoiler]
Natural attacks of a dual natured entity are in fact magic weapons (otherwise they couldn't affect spirits in the Astral and guard critters like Barghests wouldn't work against spirits).

Also, a spirit doesn't have immunity to normal weapons while he is not manifested. It's in fact a condition of being manifested:

"MATERIALIZATION Type: M Action: Complex Range: Self Duration: Sustained Magicians and many critters can leave their bodies and project themselves into the astral plane. Likewise, many astral critters can project themselves into the physical world and form a temporary “body” to inhabit while they’re here. This lets them interact with, and affect, physical beings. Additionally, they gain Immunity to Normal Weapons while materialized. Materializing and dematerializing to return to the astral plane both require a Complex Action." p.398 core

"Whenever a critter flies, rends something with its claws, or paralyzes a target with a mere touch, it’s using a critter power."
p. 394 core
"Dual-natured critters are active in both the astral plane and the physical plane at the same time. They can affect both astral and physical beings. They can perceive and interact with the astral plane like characters using astral perception (see Astral Perception, p. 312). Being dual natured, though, is different from astral perception in that a dual-natured critter always senses both the physical and astral worlds; they don’t have to shift back and forth (and, in fact, cannot do so). Their minds are accustomed to processing both astral and physical sensations, so dual-natured critters don’t suffer the –2 dice pool modifier for interacting with the physical world while astrally perceiving."

Also, aura is a physical effect that only works while the spirit is manifested (otherwise you could just stay in the astral and burn anyone he came in contact with) (That's the little P at the start of the description)

Otherwise, Rex wouldn't have attacked the spirit in melee but used astral combat

And no matter how slow the spirit is, he still gets his turn after Rex.

That said: You are the GM, what you say goes. So in case you stay by your ruling:
Soak: Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/507010): 16d6t5 8 (You forgot the -6 AP)
So Rex takes 6 physical damage
Rex attacks with a lightning bolt against the manifested spirit:
F12
Lightning Bolt (http://orokos.com/roll/507016): 14d6t5 7[14d6t5=5, 6, 4, 4, 4, 5, 4, 5, 3, 6, 3, 6, 4, 5]
Soak: 7 P DV
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/507017): 21d6t5 6
1 P
Total 7 P
 


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-16-17/1842:09>
[spoiler]

How comes Rex is dual ? Ghouls and Dragons (for instance) are dual creatures, but not awakened (afaik). Unless I am mistaken being a dual creature is different from being awakened - awakaned can see in the astral or project into it, while dual creature exists on both at the same time.

If there is a reason for Rex to be dual, then the original chain of event applies, and yes indeed, the Immunity would not applied.


Note that the Spirit did not act, just used an Interrupt action to switcht to Full Defense - just because he was not surprises. So it got jumped by Rex (react, more than act).

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-17-17/0042:43>
[spoiler]
Rex is channeling a spirit - which makes him dual natured by default.

But even if not - as soon as you are astrally perceiving you are dual natured

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-17-17/0551:47>
[spoiler]@belaran:
I Jump in the Van through the Deck, so I do not lose MARKs, because my persona is the same, I just subsume the Van Icon. (I do not get the benefit of RCC, but that is ok)
So, given your rolls, I'd go straight to the exit point.
If you should rule that I lose MARKs, I'll drive in AR.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-17-17/1023:21>
[spoiler]

@Jack_Spade  Ah OK, I completly forgot this metamagic power (Channeling), when you used this word, I though it was just "fluff" - so your actions stays as described above - but I am rerollins the soak because you somehow managed to soak more with less dice !

Spirit soaks damage (http://orokos.com/roll/507233): 16d6t5 6 (17P to 11P) - as the spirit is not materialized I'll rule out that its condition monitor is (8 + Force/2) so 11... Spirit is out !

Note that (AFAIU) perceving astrally does makes one "dual" but does not makes one bare hands (or claw) magically active - so (IMHO) I would not rule that an awakend character "punching" through the air (aiming at not materialized spirit) would be able to touch it - but it is certainly "up to debate". Anyway, as Rex is clearly dual indeed, no issue here...

@Haywire OK also, you can jump into the van with deck indeed, did not thought about that (as Waywalker is the owner he can have "4 MARKs" either throuhg his commlink, control rig or cyberdeck). Here also eveything stays as stayed above.

[/spoiler]

Bursting out of the van, Rex, using his magically induced dual nature, jumps at the throat of spirit and shred it out of existence, in one might strike, that the poor elemental can not even managed to dodge. The way is now clear for the van. In the meantime, Waywalker managed to hack his way into the video feeds, removing both his van and the strange moutain lion appearing, almost of nowhere, from the drone camera.

Only a few seconds behind Rex strikes the spirit down, Waywalker manouevers the van through the narrow exit in the SOX wall. Once the wall is behind them, the van, now hidden by the thirck forest of the region, slow down, and Rex, still shaped into a mountain lion, jumps back in. The runners have now left the SOX behind them, and hopefully, are complelty of the radar of the MET2000 troops...

Remains to contact their M.Johnson and maybe finally get done with this run...


Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-17-17/1447:35>
#71

Rex jumped out of the van for dealing with some magical threat, obviously invisible to Waywalker's mundane eye. But - not percepible by Rex - a fierce battle was being fought in the Matrix: giving up discretion, he resorted to brute force to hack the drone, slinging code to it.
"If brute force does not work, it's because you're not using enough!"
Waywalker jumped through the wall while Rex finished dealing with the mojo thing.
"This was a long night...let's hope we're colse to the end!"

[spoiler]pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/507314): 14d6t5 5
sneaking (http://orokos.com/roll/507315): 10d6t5 4[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-17-17/1516:40>
Rex entered the van panting. The kami inside him shielded him from the pain for now but he was pretty sure he would need a day or two to regain his strength.
<<Just get us out of here and we can begin to pay for each others soybeers. But before that you should drive your car through a carwash.>>

#178
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-18-17/0254:36>
[spoiler]
@Haywire between your sneak roll, the concealment power and the dense foliage of the surroundings woods, there is zero chance for the SOX radar system to get a lock on your position
[/spoiler]

Speeding through the thick woods, Waywalker is pretty sure his van is almost invisble to the SOX border control teams. With the spirit being dispatched by Rex, a lot of WK-Stallion are now buzzing around their exit point, but the MET2000 are still on the process on dispatching some unit on the ground.

However the runners are also painfully aware, that their vehicle is leaving a very clear trail to follow for such unit. But fortunately, the van quickly finds a small road from which to jump on. A few crossing later on, Waywalker is pretty sure he lost any trail that the MET2000 border patrol could have.

Time to think about the next move. This engine is in the van, but the heat is still on. Since the beginning of this run, the runners have faced local goons, a group of Shadowrunner - that managed to track them down to Zweibrücken, before Waywalker dispatched again their drone, and whoever else is interested in the prototype also managed to enlist the help of the MET2000.

The runners just scored a big win, but they are NOT out of the woods (literally in this case) yet...
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-18-17/0354:08>
#72

Drifting through the woods, Waywalker smiled, as the sensors "ping" gradually disappeared.
"I shall add the SOX to the list of places off limits I had been into...thank you, Rex! I'll visit a carwash once the heat is gone. About the heat, I'll contact our Mr. Johannes, so we can lift off this engine."
Once in the road, Waywalker switched to AR and started to dress off the Hazmat suit and helping Rex, if he wanted.
Then, he sent a message to Mr. Johannes' commlink:
"Mr Johannes, Waywalker here. We got the engine and are out of the SOX. Where shall we meet?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-18-17/0550:59>
Almost immediately, Johannes replies by text

>>> Excellent news ! I knew my trust in your skills where not misplaced. I've been monitoring the chatter coming from the SOX, and I can confirm the MET2000 has indeed lost "contact with the intruder" (even if they do not yet acknowledge it). I assume you are hidden not so far from the SOX, not need for you to expose yourself more by tracking to get back to RRMP. I'll organize a pick up of the cargo not far away from Zweibrücken. This will probably take a few hours, I will contact again in two hours, at most, to give you an update. Again, excellent work !

[spoiler]Anything you want to do during two hours ?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-18-17/1643:18>
Rex answered Waywalker: <<Laying low would probably be a good idea as well as cleaning up as good as possible - we don't want to be found through a simple Geiger counter. I'd hate to be drawn into a fight on the last meters of the race. After that we better keep moving across the countryside so no-one can zero in on us.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-19-17/0007:41>
#73

To:Rex: "Keep moving is the best way to be ahead of who pursuit us."
To: Mr Johannes: "In Zweibrucken we were found by a group of runners; they lost us, but I cannot exclude they are still in Zweibrucken. Shall we change our meeting or else have two or three meetings and decide at the last moment, to minimise the chance of being found?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-20-17/0404:21>
>>> Don't worry, M.Waywalker, we'll stay away from the city itself. We are well aware our opposition might still be expecting us there. But agreed, here is several meeting point proposal, drive toward their general vicinity, and we'll let you know which one we'll use later on. In the meantime, be safe.

The M.Johnson then immediately turned off the commlink - and its icon simultaneously disappears from the matrix.

The next couple of hours are quiet but somewhat stressful for the two runners. They are well-aware that they spent enough time in the SOX to carry a small, but identifiable trace of radiation, and that their numerous opponents could still be able to track them. On the bright side, the several locations sent by Johannes are all south to Zweibrucken, but also far from the French border. A lot of roads irrigate the surroundings of the small town of Hornbach, allowing the beat up van, to drive around, without getting too much attention.

Finally, after what feel like an eternity for the runners, Johannes contacts them back:

>>> OK, here is the final location meet. It's none of the above, but it is close enough to one of them. So if our communication were previously compromised, we'll dodge a potential trap. Hopefully, you should be able to be there within half an hour. We'll be there in 20'.

Before the runner can even acknowledge the message, Johannes commlink goes again offline. Waywalker pulls out a map of the location. It is an abandoned junkyard, twenty kilometer east of Hornbach. The yard specialized in cars and others vehicles, so it is quite large, and maybe even large enough to allow a chopper or a VTOL to land. That would explain how Johannes can ensure they will be there so quickly. Anyhow time to finally delivers the McGuffin...

[spoiler] Let me know how you want to approach this meeting point - especially if you want to do some sort of preparation for the meet...[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-20-17/1428:27>
#74

Mr. Johannes' reply was forwarded to Rex by Waywalker.
"Fine, it seems that our Johnson is competent."
Anyway, near the meeting point, Waywalker scanneed their surroundings to be sure they were almost alone.

[spoiler]EW (radio signal scanner) (http://orokos.com/roll/508360): 17d6t5 7
teamwork test from sekretar (http://orokos.com/roll/508361): 6d6t5 2
teamwork test from deck (http://orokos.com/roll/508362): 12d6t5 3
matrix perception (http://orokos.com/roll/508364): 19d6t5 5[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-23-17/0815:38>
Rex had used the time to get himself in shape again. Once he was free of his suit and they weren't in immediate danger anymore, he asked Waywalker to prep the medkit to treat his burns, and followed that up with a little magic taking away the damage he had sustained from the fight with the spirit and it's aura.

[spoiler]
Medkit (http://orokos.com/roll/509309): 10d6t5 1
Doesn't do anything
Heal F4 (http://orokos.com/roll/509310): 12d6t5 5
Removes all damage except the drain.
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/509311): 21d6t5 5
No Drain

Stun Recover (http://orokos.com/roll/509312): 22d6t5 9

Release spirit

F3 Shapechange (http://orokos.com/roll/509313): 14d6t5 5
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/509314): 21d6t5 6


[/spoiler]
After that he allowed himself to rest for an hour. When he awoke all but the mark from his reckless magic use was gone.
Refreshed he assumed his friendly dog form once more and released the warrior kami. As it's blessings left him, Rex noticed how famished he was. Soyprotein wasn't a feast but to the dog body's senses it qualified as imminently edible and so Rex didn't hesitate. Drinking from a canteen wasn't easy if you were a dog, but magic fingers and some application of intellect took care of that as well.

Only now did he address Waywalker: <<I've a bad feeling about our Johnson. Someone's going to betray us. Maybe we should change vehicles? Your van can't take much more punishment and it might also have been tagged somehow. You could hack a cheap, disposable transporter, we transfer the cargo and ourselves, while your car drives itself to safety somewhere else. That way we have less to fear from an attack and I can ask a Kami to carry us to safety under a veil.
For now I've dismissed all Kami and subsequently my combat form. I'm reasonably rested so I could resume it, but that might call even more metaphysical attention on us. The Johnson has our measure, so I'm pretty sure he or our enemies now have contingencies in place to deal with my powers.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-23-17/1632:11>
#75

Waywalker pondered Rex's words while driving through the city.
"I hope you're not right about our Johnson, but I figure it can't hurt to be just a little more cautious on our side."
Waywalker switched to AR to think more clearly, all the input from the van were counfounding him.
"Hacking a disposable transporter could get more heat on our side...let me call a friend of mine."

[spoiler]I'd like to call a Fixer or a Rigger (from my contacts) to get a ride OR to get leased a van to go to the meet.
Shall I roll something? [/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-24-17/0636:08>
[spoiler]

This is kind of House Rule, but I would ask you to roll your (Charisma + Contact's Connection)[3]. Please feel free to throw money at the problem, by adding 1d for each 250€ you ready to spent for this.

The threshold is motivated that you need a vehicle in your vicinity. If you get more than 5s you even get to pick the vehicle you want from Rigger 5 or Core Rulebooks within +/-20% of the price of your own van (used as warranty). With less than 5s, you'll get a beat, but fully functionnal Renault-Fiat Eurovan (a cheap knock off of the famous GMC Bulldog Step-Van).

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-24-17/1800:28>
[spoiler]Find a van (http://orokos.com/roll/509873): 8d6t5 2[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-25-17/1851:51>
Waywalker calls and look up his numerous contacts in the region, but sadly he must quickly accept the fact that no of them can provide him with a vehicle in time. Having to move to his plan B. Going through a small city, he spot an old and beaten Ares Master 2051. It's incredible the old van appears to be working but even more incredible that the owner has retro fitter wireless gear. A couple of runners able to pull a heist inside the SOX have no issue hacking and stealing the vehicle, and few minutes afterward, both van are stopped in a nearby, and empty,  parking lot, away from unwanted attention.

The Ares Mule quickly transfer the engine to the new van. If their new vehicle is certainly in better shape than Waywalker's van, it is both far less discreet and less equipped. The owner did not stop the restoring to retrofitting wireless, but he also "customized" the seat, replacing the original black synth leather, by a pink one. Apparently, also a fan of a old cartoon, the paint job of the van matches the looks of something called the "Mystery Machine"...

Sadly, Waywalker and Rex could not find any other big enough van. But to make matter worth, the owner is clearly not a rigger. No rigger adaption, no tuning and obviously no weapon, nor extra armor. Also Waywalker will need to reboot his 'deck regularly to avoid G.O.D. spots him. While Waywalker goes behind the wheel, try to remember how to actually steer one of those, without a DNI, Rex sits, as comfortably as he can, on the weird and smelly pink leather.

Like two characters of a very weird "buddy movie", the runners are now as ready as they'll never be for their meet.

[spoiler]
* In case you don't know, the mystery machine is the nicknamed of Scoobidoo's van...
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-26-17/0532:50>
Rex groaned slightly when he realized just what kind of vehicle Waywalker had organized for them. He couldn't remember much about his former life, and even though he wasn't the champ of pop cultural knowledge he did recognize the design. The only redeeming factor in his eyes was, that the machine was old and therefore easier to manipulate by magic.
<<Just for your information: My share of the haul will be in cash - not scooby snacks.>>

That said he concentrated to improve the durability of their new transport.

[spoiler]

Spending Reagents for Limit 10 F4
Reinforce (http://orokos.com/roll/510611): 14d6t5 7
Object Resistance (http://orokos.com/roll/510614): 9d6t5 1
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/510615): 21d6t5 6
No Drain

Van gains 6 Body points and 6 additional Armor while spell is sustained

[/spoiler]

#181
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <04-26-17/0540:21>
[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade you do realize that your new streetname is totally Scoobidoo right ? :)
@Haywire I let you reply today if you want to some prep work before the meet, otherwise tomorrow I'll move on with the meet
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-26-17/0631:01>
[spoiler]
Time to start walking around as a cat and be called Heathcliff  ;D

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <04-26-17/1305:46>
#76

"The last time I saw one of these ancient beasts was in 2045, in a museum... And it looked newer than this!
Well, at least I should put to use those driving lessons from my grandpa I had long ago..."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <04-26-17/1648:24>
<<Alright, lets do this.>>
Rex had found a position on the seat that was somewhat comfortable, had opened the window, put out his head and opened his astral sight, watching for enemies in the Astral... and incidentally enjoying the cool breeze that made his tongue flap.

#182
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-04-17/0942:58>
With their less than conspicuous new vehicle, the runners finally arrives at their meet. Hopefully the last one of this long, messy and exhausting run. It seems incredible that they just got hired the day before - given the amount of crap they had to face up until now.

The location of the meet, a derelict junkyard, lost in the now all but abandoned suburbs of a small town is certainly a good place for such shadowy meeting. The large metal gate has already be opened, probably by Johannes and his team. Indeed Waywalker can already see the icon of the Johnson's commlink, bleeping inside the place, but also his sensor catches a large vehicle, probably a chopper. The later is not running silent, so the decker can quickly learn his brand and ownership: a Rolls-Royce Golden Arrow, a similar model to the Agusta-Cievra Plutocrat. The vehicle is, not surprisingly a rental, tied to a complete, but probably phony, SIN. M.Johannes may have pick a fancy chopper, but he knows enough to stay low profile.

Sadly the sensor array of the van is barely adequate and Waywalker can not get more info from afar. Clearly a chopper is parked in the middle of the junkyard, but he can't even spot any thermal signature around it. Good he wishes he could have kept his van. Turning to his partner, Waywalker hopes that, maybe, the mage can do more...

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade: I assume but I may be wrong, that you may want to do some astral projection and reckon, before getting inside the place
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-04-17/1003:45>
[spoiler]
Damn straight  ;)
Time for a bit light recon: Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/513937): 9d6t5 3

[/spoiler]

<<Give me a minute.>> Rex fell back on his seat and closed his eyes. The area around here was no untouched nature, but it was still so much better than the blighted landscape of the SOX.
Easily, he left his body behind and moved upward to get a birdseye perspective of the whole compound, before moving in and looking for signs of life around the meeting place.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-04-17/1016:02>
[spoiler]
That is something that people often forget, but when one does assense an aura, the target actually feels it - which can tip'em off. If you just want to go a look at what aura you can see (and how many) of them, you just need to do a Perception test (Perception + Intuition)[Astral].

Then, based on what you see, you may want to do an Assenssing test to know more what one of the aura - at the risk of tipping off the person or entity associated with the aura.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-04-17/1024:06>
[spoiler]
Alright, suits me  ;D Astral Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/513945): 13d6t5 5

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-04-17/1035:20>
The astral space, while connected to the physical realm, is always a confusing mash up of colors, emotion and auras. Just finding one bearing is not easy, but Rex physical form is close enough of the junkyard to quickly travel to it.

Not surprisingly, here, the astral is not very welcoming. The place is abandoned, and going through it, gives him the impression of waking a bear during its hibernation. A grumpy bear. One who liked to be left alone.

Most of the shapes Rex can perceived are dark and metallic - but also tainted by death, decay and disarray. He quickly comes to the conclusion, is just watching the astral reflection of all the battered and destroyed car and vehicle of the junkyard. However, once those shapes somehow filtered away from the foreground, he also spots several more vivid aura. He needs a few instants, but he can count up to 4 different aura.

Rex would need to do a proper assessing to know more, but three of the auras appears to be human or meta-human, close together, nearby the large black,cold and tasteless aura he assumes is the chopper spot by Waywalker. The last one, seems brighter... Maybe an awakened or a spirit ?

[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade now you can decide if you know "enough" or want to risk tipping the group off by assessing some auras
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-04-17/1109:21>
[spoiler]
Good enough for me.

Calling another protector Spirit:

Summon F6 Spirit of Man (http://orokos.com/roll/513949): 12d6t5 4
Resist F6 Spirit of Man (http://orokos.com/roll/513950): 6d6t5 2
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/513951): 21d6t5 10
No Drain

Spirit has Spells: Mana Barrier and Movement
[/spoiler]

Rex refrained from getting any closer. Four different people were not that suspicious, but he still wanted to be prepared. This time he didn't call the Kami into himself, but instead met him on the astral 'Greetings esteemed Guardian of Secret Gardens. I beg of you to shield me and my compatriot and aid us if necessary against attacks.'
That done, he returned to his body and reported:
<<Four people, three looked mundane, one is probably awakened. Didn't dare to get closer as I didn't want to spoil the mood. I asked the Kamis for a little support on our behalf. So let's roll and see what happens. If this goes to shit, the Kami can supercharge this car and you can get us out of here post haste.>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-04-17/1234:54>
#77

"Good enough for me. Let's roll the chances and see what we get."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-08-17/0604:12>
The funny looking van that the team is now using slips into the junkyard, by the main entrance - the large metal door probably already opened by Johannes, or his more likely his men. The large tires of the van are certainly adapted to the dirt the vehicle rolling on, casting a small cloud around it. Right in front of them, the fancy helicopter is parked, in the middle of the junkyard, a three humanoid shapes are waiting in front.

As the van get closer, the pictures gets clearer. M.Johannes stands here, in brand new fancy suit, subtly aligned with the color of Saeder Krupp, and surrounded by two massive, human bodyguard. While the ork should normally be the "biggest" one of the trio, both humans appears to be massively augmented. Both are also holding in theirs hands, but not pointing them toward the van, assault rifle - a decent SK knock off of the world famous AK-97.

Stopping the van five or six meters before the group, Waywalker do a last sweep with the meek sensor of the vehicle and his deck. If somebody is going to drop on the meet, they are apparently very good at hiding it. Then, the ork start talking toward them, pushing his voice a bit to be sure it reaches them inside the van:

"My friends I do completely realizes you two are not the most social runner out there, but would you mind do us the favor and coming out for a talk ?"

Taking something out of his vest's pocket, but slowly to ensure his intentions are not misinterpreted, the ork continues:

"I have here, in my hands, a pair of credisticks for you, with the upon agreed payment, but also a nifty bonus to compensate for the... well, unexpected extra disagreement, this all run have brought o you... Well, those are for you, obviously, if you do have the goods. Would you mind showing us the engine, on top of your faces ?"

Still smiling, or rather grinning, the M.Johnson looks at the van, and waits for the runners next move...

[spoiler]... with all my apologies for the delay, end of last week turned out to be loaded.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-08-17/0909:25>
<<I'll take care of it.>>
Rex got up and walked into the back of the Van.

A quick expenditure of power created two telekinetic hands, which he used to open the car's back doors.
To Johannes he sent: <<Take a look, it's all there>>

Once Johannes and his goons came into view, Rex used the opportunity to yank the sticks from his unsuspecting fingers and drifted them back to Waywalker
<<Take a look if it's all there.>>
[spoiler]
Magic Fingers: F6
Magic Fingers F6 (http://orokos.com/roll/515028): 12d6t5 3
Dr (http://orokos.com/roll/515029): 21d6t5 8
No Drain
Grabbing the Sticks: Grabbing Sticks (http://orokos.com/roll/515030): 5d6t5 2[5d6t5=2, 5, 6, 1, 1]


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-09-17/0539:49>
As Waywalker manouevers the van to display the engine, sitting in the back, Rex magical "yanking out" of the credisticks barely surprises the M.Johnson, who appears amused, but does makes his bodyguard twitches. However, the ork immediatly stops his men with an appaising gesture from his left hand.

"What a magnificent creature you have taken the shape of M.Rex. I had heard you liked to roam around in animal form, but it is nevertheless quite a sight."

Looking at Waywalker in the van, the M.Johnson:

"I expect you will find that everything is in order, M.Waywalker. Ah, here is the famous engine. A beauty it is indeed."

Not getting to close to the van, maybe two meters away, Johannes takes anyway a long look at the engine. Clearly the ork is not only looking at the device with his eyes, but also through his AR, at the icon displayed. In the meantime, Waywalker quickly checks the credisticks and founds indeed everything in order.

[spoiler]
Johannes checks the engine in the matrix (http://orokos.com/roll/515275): 9d6t5 4
Close, but not enough for him to realize the "autosoft" (the AI) is missing...
[/spoiler]

Johannes carries on, still smiling :


"Well, everything seems to be in ordered on this side too... Excellent. Let me again congratulate you on a job well done. As you have an Ares Mule drone here, would you mind moving the engine to the chopper ?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-10-17/0751:58>
Rex sighed in relieve, learning this might indeed go to plan (for once). While helping to loosen the straps on the engine he told Waywalker: <<When we are rid of the engine, get us out of here asap. I still have a bad feeling about all this. Being near this engine can only spell trouble - and we really need to get this whole soybeer drinking going.>>

#186
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-10-17/1640:59>
#78

Waywalker's meat body sweated as he checked the credstick and found them all right.
Rex helped with the engine, while he deployed the Ares Mule to get the engine on the chopper.
Once it was on board he manouvred the van to have the Mules go up.
He received Rex's message.
"Yes, I totally agree. I'd look for a safehouse to let the heat die down."

[spoiler]Safehaouse knowledge (http://orokos.com/roll/515608): 9d6t5 6[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-11-17/0501:20>
Waywalker quickly locate a couple of safe house the duo could use to hide for a little while. He quickly shares the information, in AR, with his partner. In the meantime, the drone, now loaded with the engine, is slowly going toward the M.Johnson's chopper... The duo prepares to leave, and, as Rex's dog form is getting closer to the van, Johannes talks again:

"Oh please, don't go right away if you don't mind. There might be some... follow up to perform, for you and your partner. If you are interested of course..."

The M.Johnson then paused, looking directly at the mage shaped into an animal, clearly awaiting his answer. Behind him, the drone has almost reached the chopper.
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-11-17/0529:42>
Feeling too limited in his body to communicate, Rex went back to his seat and reappeared a few seconds later in his astral form in front of Johannes:
"With all due respect, we just went into the SOX for you, got shot at, fought toxic spirits and had to race around in the Mystery Mobile.

This has to be a hell of an offer, otherwise my partner and I will have to excuse ourselves to recuperate and repair mind, body and gear.
And don't even think about suggesting we should go back or near the SOX.

So, what is it?"
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-11-17/0613:22>
[spoiler]FYI, I'm going to let Waywalker states what he does / think, before going on.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-11-17/1610:05>
#79

Waywalker stretched his arms, pain from the VR sessions lasted long.
"My partner has said our position. It has to be a very good offer for us to be interested..."
"To: REX: I heard that SK likes to have runners on their payroll, but it's a thing I wouldn't be sure to do...We'll be tied to them for the rest of our lives."
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-12-17/0533:10>
With a quick glance at the Ares Mule's arm loading the engine on the chopper, Johannes goes on:

Well, as you can imagine, given the rather political situation behind this all run, we need to do some... wetwork. To ensure that no one can piece together what really happened, and our employer part in it.

Again, as the runners as used to now, Johannes pauses an instant, for dramatic effect. He also slightly moves toward the chopper.

There is a short list of people to get ride off to cover this all nefarious business. And it starts with you two.

As the bodyguards suddenly opens fires on the runner's van, Johannes sprint toward his chopper...

[spoiler]
Please roll Surprise check (Reaction + Intuition (3)) and your initiative. Assuming you have enough success, you have more than 3s to the Surprise Check, you will NOT lose your first pass.

Johannes Bodyguards Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/516023): 4d6+14 23

Out of character: At the beginning of this run, I had no intent (as a gm) to turns Johannes into a bad guy. I actually meant him to a close ally, helping your through the all run. However, you guys quickly hated him, and keep shutting him down, or being suspicious of him. So following the good advice of John Wick - "give your player what they want", I'm giving you the poor lad to shoot at ;) !

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-12-17/0638:04>
[spoiler]
Thanks, but I'd have been equally happy to be wrong  ;D

Since I'm in Astral form, I've got to use Astral Initiative/Surprise
Surprise Test (http://orokos.com/roll/516024): 18d6t5 6
Astral Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/516025): 18+3d6 30
Move to Body
Simple Action: Exit Astral Perception
Simple Action: Reckless Spellcasting: Lightningstrike F9 on Johannes
Lightning Bolt (http://orokos.com/roll/516029): 14d6t5 5[14d6t5=5, 4, 5, 1, 1, 4, 5, 3, 4, 4, 3, 5, 6, 2]
Drain: 6S
Drain Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/516030): 21d6t5 4
Take 2S damage
Johannes has to defend against 9P(e) AP-9 + Net Successes


Spirit of Man:
Astral Ini (http://orokos.com/roll/516028): 12+3d6 21
Manifesting inside Car

[/spoiler]

Johannes hadn't finished his sentence yet before Rex had vanished back into his body. More from instinct than anything else a lightning bolt shot from his eyes towards Johannes. Rex felt something breaking around him and for a second his dog form completely vanished beneath the form of a beast - a mixture of bear, wolf and some great cat. The image vanished as fast as it had appeared and left a panting dog behind.

The Kami he had called already began to manifest but wasn't visible yet on the material plane

Forgetting for a moment that he no longer could talk, Rex howled a: "Gaooul" at Waywalker to get him to hit the gas pedal.

#188
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-12-17/0710:11>
[spoiler]
@Jack_Spade just to be sure I get your actions of the ct right:

First pass(30) returns to body, second pass (20), switch perception + reckless spellcastin (2 simple action) and last pass (10) - call spirit (Simple Action) ?

Quote
"Johannes has to defend against 9P(e) AP-9 + Net Successes "

It is a direct spell right, so he got a chance to avoid first (he was more/less expecting you to attack him and also he was not surprised)... or did I miss something preventing him to dodge ?

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-12-17/0718:32>
[spoiler]
Not exactly: Movement in astral form is instantaneous, stopping astral perception/projection is a simple action
Reckless Spellcasting gives +3 drain but allows me to cast as a simple action

Lightning Bolt is an Indirect Spell, meaning it works like a pistol - defense with Rea+Int (+Wil if he goes full defense)

Technically my Ini drops as soon as I leave projection to 13+1d6, leaving me with only one additional ini pass, at 4, but by the rules you can finish your action once you've begun it, otherwise it would get really complicated.

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-12-17/0820:36>
[spoiler]

Right, so indeed on First pass(30), Rex goes back in his body, switching to physical perception and reckless cast. Then, for second pass, initiative is reduced to 14 (and thus 4). So, you call the Spirit in the second pass (4) and then it will manifest on the third pass (or first pass next round), right ? Because you do need a simple action to call a spirit right ?

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-12-17/0832:02>
[spoiler]
The spirit already has his instructions: Manifest and use Movement on the car so we can get away  ;D

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-12-17/0845:53>
[spoiler]OK ;) - waiting on Haywire to resolve the first pass[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-13-17/1041:30>
#80

"Drek hits the fan. At least he payed us."
[spoiler]Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/516225): 5d6+3 16
Drone initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/516308): 4d6+3 19
First action: Send message to drones-->Suppressive fire!
Second pass: pilot groundcraft (jumped in) (http://orokos.com/roll/516309): 14d6t5 5
drone #1 suppressive fire (http://orokos.com/roll/516310): 9d6t5 6
drone #2 suppressive fire (http://orokos.com/roll/516311): 9d6t5 3
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-13-17/1052:56>
[spoiler]Suppressive fire is mostly to create "interdiction zone" and reduce movement, so how do you want your suppressive fire to affect your opponent ? Do you want to simply fire at them and force them to take cover ? Do you want to prevent them to get closer to the chopper or the van ?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-13-17/1234:58>
[spoiler]I would like to force them to take cover, so we would get away with the van.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-15-17/0515:42>
[spoiler]
@Haywire I did not realized, but I also need the initiative of the drone. However, their action on the first pass will be delayed until they get the order from Waywalker on 16.
I also assume the drone are flying, somewhere above the van, out of sight, but ready to indeed provide cover.

To recap here is the init order of the first pass:


Note that some other things may be happening, but I'm just pointing out what your character can see (without using an Observe in Details action).

So let's see how this get resolved...
[/spoiler]

A bolt of electricity leaves the mouth of the (dog) mouth of Rex and goes straight to M.Johannes, running toward his chopper...

[spoiler]Johannes tries to dodge the lightning bolt (Full Defense) (http://orokos.com/roll/516633): 12d6t5 8[/spoiler]

... but the ork somehow feels the air crackling, and incredibly managed to dodge the bolt, plunging behind the Ares Mule, now slowly going back to the van.

A fraction of seconds later on, his bodyguards opens fire on the Mystery Machine, clearing aiming for its wheels and its engine block. Suddenly, the poor vehicle is getting hammered with bullets.

[spoiler]
As the vehicle is parked, and Waywalker has not yet acted, the van can not "dodge". Not that they are using the Called Shot "Engine Block -4 - disables vehicle.":

Johannes Bodyguards fires on the van's engine block (http://orokos.com/roll/516634): 9d6t5 5, so 15P
Johannes Bodyguards fires on the van's engine block (http://orokos.com/roll/516635): 9d6t5 3, so 13P

Both are using AK-97 Rifle (Acc 5, 10P, -2, SA/BF/FA) on Full Auto (10 bullets). As both damages are above (Armor - AP) (6 - 2), the vehicle needs to resist.

Here are the van's attributes:
H3,S3,A1,B10, Arm6, P2, S2

@Haywire can you roll (twice): Body + (Armor - AP) so (10 + (6 - 2)))= 14d ?
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-15-17/0609:46>
[spoiler]don't forget: Rex sustains a reinforce spell, giving 5 armor and body to the MM[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-15-17/0640:11>
[spoiler] @Haywire: I did :) but he's right, don't :) [/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-15-17/1450:24>
[spoiler]
vehicle defense (http://orokos.com/roll/516740): 24d6t5 10
vehicle defense (http://orokos.com/roll/516741): 24d6t5 8[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-15-17/1523:26>
Rex noticed the fountain of hot oil and steam escaping the demolished car engine and sent a quick <<aren't you glad we didn't take your car>> towards Waywalker. Desperately he called mentally out to the Kami: 'The car won't drive anymore, now we must fight. Beware of the awakened enemy.'
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-16-17/0305:36>
If the rifles of the bodyguards swiftly turns the poor replica of the Mystery Machine into a pile of garbage, the two men does not have more than a fraction of seconds to enjoy their victory. Almost immediately, the suppressing fire of Waywalker's drones, forces them to take cover - one behind a nearby large pile of junk made of auto parts, and the other one joining M.Johannes being the slow moving Ares Mule, still slowly walking toward the van, unaware of his recent demise.

On the bright side for the runners, the combined suppressing fire zone is large enough to pin down their three opponent. None of them can take the risk of going to their chopper without crossing it...

Nearby the van, Rex's Kami manifests, ready to provide its help to the now disabled vehicle. The spirit takes a second to look at the poor vehicle before, looking quite puzzled, like a cat realizing it has been chasing its own tails for the last ten minutes.

[spoiler]

Note that the bodyguards spent their Free Action to Hit the Dirt. Unless I'm wrong, this is the end of the first pass. Rex's initiative now changes, and one of his (Simple) Action is obviously to change the order of his spirit.

@Jack_Spade do you want to use your other Simple Action ? Maybe to reckless spell cast or observe in details ?

@Haywire: if the drones are sustaining the suppressing fire, we don't need their initiative, if you plan to make them change

Second pass:

(??) Most likely Waywalker's drone - if they stop their fire, but their actions would be then dealt with after Waywalker directive.
(13) Bodyguards next action
(11) Spirit of Man's action - waits on Rex
(6) Waywalker next move
(4) Rex actions
(<4) Spirit of Man will attack
[/spoiler]

If the bodyguard are pinned down by the attack, they both manage to aim and fire at the van, now directly aiming at the runners. One is using a hole in the pile of junk has improvised gun port, while the other managed to shoot through the legs of the Ares Mule.

[spoiler]
Obviously, Bodyguards have some penalty due to the improvised way they are shooting (like if shooting thru a camera, so -3d):

Johannes Bodyguard fires on Waywalker (http://orokos.com/roll/516887): 10d6t5 3
Johannes Bodyguard fires on Rex (http://orokos.com/roll/516890): 10d6t5 3

I consider you can dodge, but you would need to jump out of the vehicle (or go to the rear of it - but this will means using an Interrupt action). Otherwise you can just stay in your seat and see if the bullets actually goes through the vehicle. Or anything else you come up with :) !

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-16-17/0400:48>
[spoiler]
Rex will reckless cast a F3 Increase Reflexes (sustained by his health focus)
Increase Reflexes (http://orokos.com/roll/516902): 12d6t5 2 [12d6t5=3, 3, 4, 1, 5, 4, 4, 4, 2, 3, 4, 5]
+1d6 +2 Ini Ini + dice (http://orokos.com/roll/516905): 1d6+2 8 - just enough for an additional pass at 2
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/516903): 21d6t5 4
Take 1 Stun
Rex' Ini goes down 1 point for wound mod 1
Still 1 ini point left for last action

Spirits action at 11 - delay for new instructions to 4. (his Ini changes through manifesting to 18(Manifesting action ) down to 8 down to 4
Act on 4
Spirit uses Influence power on one one of the attackers - "Withdraw, you aren't payed enough to risk your life like this"
Influence (http://orokos.com/roll/516907): 12d6t5 3
Resisted with Wil+Log by Thug no.2

Defense inside a car gains +4 cover but has -2 for cramped space  (p.205 core)
Rex defense: Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/516911): 15d6t5 5
Avoid attack.

Last Pass: Casting Shape Change into Great Cat with 6 reagents at Force 3 replacing previous sustained Shape Change
Shapechange (http://orokos.com/roll/516913): 13d6t5 4[13d6t5=2, 5, 3, 2, 1, 5, 2, 5, 6, 4, 2, 3, 1]
Use successes to bring all physical Attributes to 6
Drain: Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/516914): 21d6t5 6
Technically Rex gains an additional Ini die, but that's not enough to gain another action.
No Drain

[/spoiler]

While Rex hit on the floor from the hail of bullets, he cast in quick succession two spells, using the stored energy of some of the small crystals he carried in his side pockets.
He felt the mana burn him as he enhanced his reaction speed but it was a minor concern as he once again took on the form of the puma.
The Kami meanwhile had had time enough to ponder the situation and called out with the most reasonable tone you could imagine to the mind of one of the bodyguards: 'This is a very dangerous situation, you should go. You aren't payed nearly enough to risk your life like this.'
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-16-17/1600:56>
#81

Being in VR was a perk most of the times, especially when bullets started flying. The added perk was pain being shut down.
"They will regret going against us..."

[spoiler]I am in VR, so I cannot dodge; i hope the van is sturdy enough. The bodyguard should use the "shooting through a barrieri rule"?
However, my drones will keep firing.
I will brute force the Chopper to get 1 mark: A 5(6)/S 2/D 3/F 5, running Agent, Virtual Machine, Decryption, Baby Monitor.
Teamwork test from Deck (http://orokos.com/roll/517058): 12d6t5 4
Brute force on Chopper (http://orokos.com/roll/517060): 17d6t5 6
Next turn:
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/517061): 5d6+3 21
 [/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-17-17/0357:52>
[spoiler]
@Haywire yes we'll use the shooting through barrier rule, which gives a defense of roll of 6d (as I forgot the malus to the bodyguard rolls) to try to reduce the number of net hits. Once you have rolled that, and if there is still enough hits for your character to be hit, we'll go through the barrier. Hopefully, as you only need 3 hits, you may be able to dodge (especially if you can still post edge the roll). If you roll less than three hits, please roll a soak test for the vehicle (Body + (Armor - 2)) - and then your own soak roll, in case the Mystery Machine can't stop the shot.

Below I'll assume that Waywalker somehow survives and moves forward with your actions.

Sidenote: you often uses teamwork from an Agent to get MARKs - which I'm fine with, but I don't think this RAW nor RAI. Indeed, discussing about sharing MARKs between decker and agent, and technos and sprite, in a recent thread, somebody pointed out that MARK *cannot* be shared between a Decker and its Agents (same for technos and sprite). So it seems unlikely that an Agent could help a Decker get a MARK. But no worries, we have allowed during the all game, so no last minute change. Just keep in mind, to clarify that, if you build a decker and jump on an other game...

[/spoiler]

For the rigger, inert inside the van, the bodyguard's shot was a close shot, but Waywalker does not let that deter his will to fight and survivre. Still deep in VR, the hacker throw all his got to the Plutocrat's icon, trying to get a MARK on it at all cost.

[spoiler]
Note that the chopper is running on Saeder Krupp grid, so I'll give it an extra 2d (as you did not know and include the -2d to your own dice pool):
Johannes chopper resist brute force attack (http://orokos.com/roll/517170): 10d6t5 3

I assume you also want to use it to inflicts one ("If you wish, you may also inflict 1 DV of Matrix damage to the target for every two full net hits, if thetarget can take Matrix damage, which is resisted with the target’s Device Rating + Firewall"):

Chopper resist matrix damage (http://orokos.com/roll/517172): 8d6t5 1

Sadly, it resisted (barely) the one damage.

[/spoiler]

The flow of invalid data and agressive request flying from Waywalker's persona quickly finds a weakness in the helicopter defenses, giving the decker the "in" he was desperatly going. Diving thru the device matrix echo, the decker also to try to run as much chaos as possible, but the Saeder Krupp runs a tight ship, and their chopper is already patched against many of the vulnearabilities the decker tries to exploit.

[spoiler]Johannes Bodyguard resist Influence from Rex's spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/517173): 7d6t5 1[/spoiler]

In the meantime, in the meatspace, the Bodyguard behind a pile of junk, who just shoot at Rex, suddenly hit the dirt and take cover, mutterring to himself:

"Frag this! I'm not pay enough for this shit !"

In the meantime, Rex hears metal screeching behind him - something just open, or actually tored apart the backdoors of the Van

[spoiler]

So now, third pass:

(??) Most likely Waywalker's drone - still on suppressing fire.
(3) Bodyguards next action: one ducks and hides, under Influence, the other one apparently does nothing (nothing as obvious as shooting at you)
(1) Spirit of Man's action - @Jack_Spade if I'm not mistaken, Spirit may have an other action, right ?

Now, let's do the new turn initiative order - I'm keeping the initiative of everybody, expect Rex's because it changed some much this turns, I don't know what is its current value :) - I also may need the one from Waywalker drone, unless they keep spraying bullets.

(??) Most likely Waywalker's drone - if they stop their fire, but their actions would be then dealt with after Waywalker directive.
(??) Most likely Rex
(23) Bodyguards next action
(23) Whoever/whatever is ripping apart the back of the Mystery Machine
(21) Spirit of Man's action - waits on Rex
(21) Waywalker next move
(3) Johannes in full defense

Johannes Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/517174): 1d6+8 13
Whoever/whatever is ripping apart the Mystery Machine (http://orokos.com/roll/517175): 2d6+15 23

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-17-17/0508:19>
[spoiler]
The spirit of man will try and convince (i.e. influence) the other attacker as well:
Influence (http://orokos.com/roll/517184): 12d6t5 6
Guard Resist (http://orokos.com/roll/517185): 7d6t5 2

Yeah, I need a clean restart for my Ini: Rea 6+Int 9 +2 Spell +3d6= Ini Round 2 (http://orokos.com/roll/517182): 17+3d6 32 [3d6=3, 6, 6]

Rex uses his first action to power up some more: Releasing defending spirit and channeling another:
Spirit of Air F6
Summoning F6 Spirit of Air (http://orokos.com/roll/517188): 11d6t5 2
Spirit resist (http://orokos.com/roll/517189): 6d6t5 1
Drain resist (http://orokos.com/roll/517190): 21d6t5 7

So, no drain, but only one service.
Physical Attributes increase to 9

Ini after Summoning is 25

I assume that ripping off the doors is a complex action, so Rex will be able to charge whatever appears there

But just in case it's necessary: If the thing acts before Rex he'll go full defense
9 Rea + 9 Int + 12 Cha (Too pretty to hit) -2 for cramped conditions
Just in Case: Full Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/517192): 38d6t5 14

After that it's charging time:
AGI 9+Skill 8 + 1 Quality + 2 Charge (- longer reach if applicable)
Charge (http://orokos.com/roll/517194): 20d6t5 2 [20d6t5=1, 1, 4, 4, 4, 3, 4, 1, 3, 6, 3, 5, 4, 1, 2, 1, 4, 4, 3, 4]
I am somewhat underwhelmed...
On the plus side: The Air spirit has it's elemental Aura (Electricity) active, so direct contact to Rex' fur will be a very shocking experience


@Teamwork Agents:
belaran is correct that you can't share MARKs but you can still teamwork to create them, but only the leader of the group gets them. That's usually only relevant if you have to enter a host though.

[/spoiler]

Rex felt the satisfaction of the Kami who had been able to convince both humans to stop attacking the team. Now only the thing outside the car remained.
With barely a conscious thought, Rex released the contract that bound the Kami to him. A short 'Thanks for all your help' was all he could muster before he once again opened up himself to the other world: 'I welcome you, reveered daughter of the clashing clouds, find me as your vessel to once again taste the mortal world.'

Rex felt as the power flowed into him, the resistance was minimal even though he himself was distracted by pain and the incessant droning of the drones' guns.
It felt as if an electrical current raced through his limbs, hardening his muscles but also making them twitch even faster than before. Flashes of electricity began to arc across his body and made his fur stay up where it wasn't covered. Miniscule thunderclaps rolled across him as he stood ready to receive the last attacker.

<<Be ready, Waywalker. It's time for thunder,  Thunder, THUNDER, THUNDER CAT Ho!>>
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-17-17/0525:01>
[spoiler]
Quote
I assume that ripping off the doors is a complex action, so Rex will be able to charge whatever appears there

Ripping apart happened during last pass, of the previous round. Also you simply not looking in this direction, so you need to either spent a Simple Action (Observe in Details) to check what is happening behind you or turn around (keep your action, but now not being aware of what is happening in front of you).

Also, what are you charging on ? The whatever behind you ? Or ? :)

On Teamwork with Agents, is this written somewhere explicitly ? It does make sort of sense the way you are describing it, but not sure all GMs would see it this way and allow it...

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-17-17/0541:03>
[spoiler]
Ah, I see. So whoever it is gets the first shot in, but yes, Rex is ready for a beat down with whatever it is. Just remove two dice from my attack if there is no more space to charge (not like there are any excess successes floating around)

Rex will do his third pass at 5 - hopefully with more successes

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-17-17/0838:12>
Before being dismissed, the Spirit of Man whispers in the other bodyguard mind. The heavily augmented man, who was aiming to make a kill shot against Rex, suddenly stops and duck for cover, before yelling to his employer M.Johannes:

Sir ! I don't think we can beat them, we should fallback !

[spoiler]I'm not sure how long the Influence effect can be maintained after the Spirit disappear, but I would say at least this combat turn, so no action from the bodyguards, short for this one trying to convince Johannes to run away instead of killing you.

Now, next turn:

(32) Rex releases the Spirit of Man and Summon a Spirit of Air F6
(25) Spirit of Air - awaits for order
(23) Bodyguards are influenced and taking cover
(23) Whoever/whatever is ripping apart the back of the Mystery Machine
(21) Waywalker next move
(3) Johannes in full defense

So here comes the "whatever"...
[/spoiler]

After summoning a new Kami, Rex prepares immediately to jump on whatever his tearing through the doors behind. As he gaze turns in the direction of the back of the van, he can now see a made of pure fire, holding, in his firing fist, two melting piece of metal, that used to be part of the Mystery Machine replica.

The spirit has no real face, just a vaguely round head, sitting in the middle of a giant flame, but Rex can feel the gaze of the otherworldly critter into his eyes, even more into his body, even his soul !

[spoiler]

Fire Spirit tries to scare Rex away (http://orokos.com/roll/517235): 12d6t5 3

@Jack_Spade can you roll your Logic + Willpower to resist the Fear power of the Spirit ?

@Waywalker: you are next ! If the drones are doing something else than sustaining their suppressing fire, please roll their initiative!

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-17-17/0911:03>
[spoiler]
Influence isn't sustained, it's an Instant Power so endures even after the spirit is gone  :)


Resist Fear (http://orokos.com/roll/517250): 11d6t5 2
Spending Edge for Reroll: [11d6t5=5, 2, 4, 4, 2, 4, 3, 4, 6, 4, 1]
Resist Fear (Edge Reroll) (http://orokos.com/roll/517251): 9d6t5 3

The channeled Air Elemental gets no action since Rex stays in control but it still has to make its fear check Resist Fear (http://orokos.com/roll/517254): 12d6t5 7
Yeah, no problem.

Ok, change of plans than (no Full defense necessary since you can't dodge fear   ;) )

Actions for second pass

Acting on Ini 25:

Why does it always have to be fire with fire aura  ;D
Force 12 Lightning Bolt at Fire Elemental
F12 Lightning Bolt (http://orokos.com/roll/517252): 14d6t5 6
Phew, almost Physical Drain
Resist 6 S Drain:
Resist Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/517253): 21d6t5 6
No Drain

Fire spirits get 16 defense dice
Defense (http://orokos.com/roll/517255): 16d6t5 6
Glancing blow - but since it's an electrical attack, it still has to resist the base damage:
12 P(e)
Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/517256): 7d6t5 3 [7d6t5=5, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5]

Spirit takes 9 damage and loses 3 more Ini, falling down to Ini 10


[/spoiler]

Rex felt the icy terror, trying to grip his heart using the instinctive fear of fire that all animals possess. Only the presence of the Cloud Kami saved him from giving in to the dread of being burned alive. The Kami shielded his pain away from him and kept him sane... relatively speaking.
Rex couldn't say what prompted him to call that much mana into him, but suspected that a part of the Kami's personality had bled into him at that moment.
In any case all the little popping lightning strikes across his body collected for a moment around his snout before a lance of pure white, agonizingly bright lightning broke loose. The fire elemental dodged aside but couldn't avoid a tendril of electricity earthing itself through it's fiery plasma.
Rex' flash compensators had darkened instantly, preventing him from going blind. A coppery taste filled his mouth and little tendrils of smoke escaped his nostrils...

#192
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-17-17/1453:04>
[spoiler]As far as I know two personas (ie. me and my Agent) can teamwork to get the first MARK, through sleaze or attack. Why should that be incorrect (I'm asking out of curiosity) ?[/spoiler]

#82
The hail of bullets stopped between the sturdy van and Waywalker's armor. The few bruises did not stop Waywalker from hacking the chopper of doublecrossers...

[spoiler]defense (http://orokos.com/roll/517332): 6d6t5 1
vehicle absorbs the hit (http://orokos.com/roll/517333): 23d6t5 11
Waywalker Soak (http://orokos.com/roll/517334): 15d6t5 5
(No damage in either case)
A 5(6)/S 3(4)/D 3/F 4, running Agent, Virtual Machine, Decryption, Stealth.
Brute force on Chopper (http://orokos.com/roll/517335): 13d6t5 6
Having two MARKS, I'll use Control Device to fire any of the guns of the chopper on the Johnson
Using Chopper Gun (http://orokos.com/roll/517337): 13d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-19-17/1025:16>
[spoiler]@Haywire: sorry for the delay, and sorry there is no weapon on the chopper. It's a regular, but luxurious, transportation chopper. If there was weapon, those would have also been used against you two.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-20-17/0421:55>
[spoiler]In this case, I would like to lock the doors of the chopper.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: belaran on <05-21-17/0947:32>
[spoiler]
Chopper resist second MARK (http://orokos.com/roll/518349): 10d6t5 4 - Waywalker got his second MARK !
Chopper resist matrix damage (http://orokos.com/roll/518350): 8d6t5 2 -Chopper resists (again barely) matrix damage
[/spoiler]

Deploying all his attack software in the matrix, Waywalker secures himself a second MARK on the chopper. Ignorant of the decker action, M.Johannes decides to run to safety to the chopper, despite the suppressing fire of the drones. Keeping his head low, the ork bolt toward the chopper's door, for now still open.

[spoiler]
Johannes runs toward the chopper under suppressing fire (pre-edged) (http://orokos.com/roll/518351): 12d6t5 5, 2 extra dice:
Extra dice (rerolling sixes) (http://orokos.com/roll/518353): 2d6t5 2, 1 extra dice:
Extra dice (rerolling sixes) (http://orokos.com/roll/518354): 1d6t5 1, 1 extra dice:
Extra dice (rerolling sixes) (http://orokos.com/roll/518355): 1d6t5 0, at last, no more dice.

So total, 7 hits, I don't recall, but I think Johanne's beats the threshold, so he can run to the doors, but the question is - will they still be open at the next pass ;)

Moving to next pass:

(15) Rex action
(13) Bodyguards still ducking
(13) Fire Spirit next move
(21) Waywalker next move
(3) Johannes in full defense

@Waywalker, I've already roll the defense for the "spoof command", so you can just roll yours and see if it works:
Chopper resist to "spoof command" (http://orokos.com/roll/518359): 10d6t5 4
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Haywire on <05-21-17/1557:21>
#83

Mr. Johnson rushed in the Chopper, unaware that the elicopter was under Waywalker's control...

[spoiler]
A 5(6)/S 3(4)/D 3/F 4, running Agent, Virtual Machine, Decryption, Stealth
Initiative (http://orokos.com/roll/518421): 5d6+3 24
Pass 24: Brute force on Chopper (http://orokos.com/roll/518424): 13d6t5 5
Pass 14: control chopper (http://orokos.com/roll/518425): 13d6t5 3
If not successful, pass 4: control chopper (http://orokos.com/roll/518426): 13d6t5 5
The door will be locked and the chopper should start flying with johnosn inside: the objective is to make him crash with the chopper.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] Umbrae Europae (Chapter 2) - Running Coyote
Post by: Jack_Spade on <05-21-17/1637:23>
[spoiler]
Slight correction to your ini chart:

(1525) Rex action: After surviving Fear attack, Rex didn't have to use Full defense - instead he used Lightning Bolt on Fire Elemental
(13) Bodyguards still ducking: Influence is an Instant effect - meaning as long as no-one challenges his actions he doesn't get another resistance check
(1310) Fire Spirit next move: Spirit took 9 damage and dropped 3 points of Ini, leaving it with only one more action.
(21) Waywalker next move
(3) Johannes in full defense


[/spoiler]