Shadowrun

Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Xzylvador on <09-20-13/1733:18>

Title: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-20-13/1733:18>
Seattle, August 20th 2074. Rain, rain, rain. At least it's only mildly acidic today. That's something, right?

@Rat:
Incoming message from Charley: "Hey kid. Got word that a bunch of Elves are hirin' a buncha 'runners. So I thought maybe if I getcha in, you remember who sent ya when payday arrives. Be there at nine thirty tomorrow mornin'."

@Spooky:
Incoming voice message from Maurice: "Job opportunity. This address. Tomorrow, half past nine in the AM. Don't be late."

@Boomer:
Leady invited you over to a bar for some beers, laughs and gun-talk... maybe some target practice in the barrens later, shooting random items in some empty warehouse. It's been a while, you've both been busy with your own lives. You've known the guy for a long time and sense there's something he's not telling you but are confident he'll spit it out when the time is right. The right time arrives after several beers in the bar, a box of ammunition, three incendiary grenades and a shared bottle of moonshine inside the warehouse/firing range.
"So, one of the guys who gets my supplies past the border says his boss knows this guy who's been looking to hire some runners. Knew  I'd been moving good amount of explosives and suggested that maybe if I knew someone who knew their way around with 'em, they'd have a job for him." He seems a bit reluctant to tell you this. "I tried to do some more digging, but other than the Elven smugglers being involved, I found nothing more than a lot of warnings saying I should stop asking questions. Very secretive stuff going on, chummer, with some very serious people. But I know you need the money, so yeah... If you think you're up to it..."

@Three Star:
Richard Salt gives you a call. He starts with some small talk but pretty quickly mentions he heard a rumor from one of his smuggler contacts who moves stuff through elf territory. He can't give you much more information other than he's dealt with these people before and they seem to be reliable... You know, relatively speaking. "Businesslike, you'll like them." After giving you the time and address, he wishes you the best of luck and lots of well-wishes for your father's health before hanging up.

@P.I.G:
Big Merch comes into your apartment, dropping off this weeks "Special order, just for you, my man." with a big smile on his face. While you sort out the capsules of Jazz, Novacoke and Long Haul and prepare to shoot up, he sits down in one your white faux-leather sofas and starts telling you about this run the boss of one of the guys he gets his supplies from is supposedly setting up. "These guys run a monopoly on some very unique kinda dope and I could really use havin' 'em be friendly with me. So I told'em I know somebody who's just great at doin' all sorts of jobs and would definitely want a piece of the action."


You all get a room number (206) and the address of an apartment building in southern Auburn, near the Puyallup border.

[spoiler]I'll let (most of) you decide for yourself what time of day your character gets this and what else is going on. When your character sheets are approved and up on OOC, please start posting and introduce yourselves.
If there's anything I wrote that doesn't "fit" with your contact or character, let me know. We're just getting to know each other.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-21-13/1535:34>
Three Star had his feet up when he got the call, he closed his AR book and spoke to Salt through the usual social graces and chit chat and thanked him for his information. He got an early night to be ready for the uncharacteristically early meeting. In the morning he will put on his blue Actioneer and head out to the meeting, aiming to arrive an hour early.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-21-13/1735:23>
Boomer was beyond happy when he received the invite from Leady.  It had been far to long since they last took some time to catch up.  Such was life though.  It often got in the way of what made life important and one of those important things was friends. 

Leady was one of those friends that came once in a lifetime.  When they got together things tended to go boom and this night as no different.  Yet something was out of place with his friend.  No one else might have noticed it but for Boomer it was easy to read it in his friend face.  Finally after drinking enough to put most away for the night and having the chance to light up several dumpsters with incendiary grenades Leady it drop what was eating at him. 

He laid it out that he had been contacted for a job.  Some people were looking for an experienced demo man and after doing some digging all he found out was that he should leave it well enough alone. 

Boomer nodded when Leady mentioned he needed the Nuyen.  "Aye you got that right.  If I hadn't gotten a few months of rent paid up I'd be in real trouble and that wont last forever."  He reached for the bottle of moonshine and took another swig of the strong liquid.  With a satisfying "ahh" he set the bottle down and looked at his friend.  "Don't you worry about me and some dandelion eaters.  We have both been around long enough to know nothing is certain.  'Specially  when dealing in odd jobs.  Send me what info you have and the location of the meet.  I'll also do some of my own digging.  Nothing is worse than going in blind.  Enough talk about the job and more drinking.  Maybe a few more 'nades too."  He finished with a laugh. 

A couple more hours was spent having some fun, recalling memories and setting a few dumpsters on fire the fun way.  With a hand shake and a hug to his friend he said goodbye.  As he drove off he remembered his friends hesitation about telling him about the job.  There wasn't much that could cause Leady to pause.  If this bothered him that much then there was reason to be cautious. 

On his secure comlink he opened up a message to Mr. Le his fixer.  The man knew a lot about everything.  Chances were he might know about these elves and what they are about.  >>>>>[Mr. Le I could use some info on a group of elven smugglers.  I don't know much about them and I was hoping you might.  Standard going rate for info is fine.  If you can get it before 9am it would be much appreciated.]<<<<<
     --Boomer(00:10:20/08-24-74)

Satisfied that it was encrypted he sent what info he already had that Leady had given him.  Hopefully something would materialize. 

It didn't take long to arrive home.  He have enough time to grab about 7 hours of sleep.  He had learned an long time ago to sleep when you can and sleep generally came quickly. 

Boomer drove past the apartment building about forty-five minutes before the meet in an attempt to scout out the area.   

[spoiler]
Etiquette for Mr le (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4227622/)

Perception test for outside appartment Int 4 + Perception 4 + Vision enhancement 3 = 11 (11d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4227627/)

JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4227700/)

[/spoiler]


Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-21-13/1803:41>
Spooky gets the call in the middle of his once-a-month 10 hour shift at Stuffer Shack, gets Maurice to cough up a bit more info, like if he's doing the job solo, or if there's going to be others there beyond the Johnson(s).  Once he gets the pertinent details, he goes back to firing at the people who are robbing the store when a bunch of shadowrunners are in the middle of a grocery run.  Come morning, he shrugs on his Actioneer suit, and shows up early to check the place out.

[spoiler]Assensing:  http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4227677/

Perception:  http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4227679/

JIC:  30d6.hits(5) → [4,5,5,2,1,2,2,1,5,5,2,2,4,2,6,3,1,4,6,6,3,3,5,6,4,4,2,1,2,6] = (10) [/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-21-13/1850:17>
Rat, ever so busy, is standing on a street corner, looking at people going places, most of them in a hurry. Especially when it was raining. They were doubly fast on those days he thought to himself. But that didn't mean they wouldn't provide him with his next meal. So Rat was just waiting for the right person.

Suddenly, a message comes in from his fixer. He gives it a glance while still scanning his surroundings. "Work is always good" thinks Rat as he spots what he was looking for: a man that had no business being here. A man that should have known better than to try and blend in somewhere he clearly didn't belong. His get-up was so obvious Rat had smelled it a block away.

The ork starts tailing the man from a distance, making sure he is not too close to be spotted, but not too far either. After a few turns, the man gets into a dilapidated building. Instantly recognizing the building, Rat thinks "You should've bought your bump on the Matrix, chummer" as he follows him inside.

Once in, it doesn't take long for Rat to find the man going up some stairs, avoiding the various broken drug paraphernalia and general refuse. Rat smiles to himself and heads for the same direction. After a flight of stairs, he catches up to the man and takes out his taser, shoving it in the man's kidneys and whispering to him "What did you expect coming here? Hand over what you have." The man, visibly scared, doesn't look back and slowly takes his commlink out of his pocket and hands it to Rat, never once turning around to face his aggressor. Rat takes it and fades away as quickly as he appeared.

A little while later, the ork gets out of a pawn shop ¥120 richer than he was this morning. "That should last me until that meeting tomorrow" thinks Rat to himself. He then spends the rest of his day trying to further his riches, but to no avail.

The next morning, Rat gathers his gear before heading out into the city. This was a rare trip outside of his usual territory, so he had to take his time and check his commlink quite a few times to make sure he didn't get lost. After a few moments looking around, he finally found the apartment in question. With only minutes to spare, he gets up to the right room, knocking on the door.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-24-13/0333:13>
@Boomer:
It doesn't take long for Mr. Le to send a text message reply. " 'A group of elven smugglers'? Could you be any more vague? Are you looking for weapons, drugs, girls? There must dozens of groups all over town. Big and small."

@All:
There's nothing that really stands out about the building. This close to Puyallup, it's the home of those 'fortunate' enough to have a SIN and everything that comes with it but unfortunate enough not to have a decent income or anything that comes with it. The apartment block, called "Giardino" according to what remains of the sign above the entrance, looks almost identical to the ones on either side on it and the ones across the street.

Any scouting trips reveal nothing out of the ordinary. It's pretty quiet this time of day, the most 'dangerous' thing encountered are a bunch of semi-conscious junkies in the alley running between this building and the one behind it who don't seem happy with people snooping around but don't have the strength or willpower to do much about it. There are a few graffiti gang marks -AR and spray painted- but no gangers in sight, at this hour they're most likely still asleep.
There are no visible security measures you can find. In the entrance and the hallway there are a couple of mounts that probably used to hold cameras but now there's just a few electrical wires sticking out.

Inside, electricity seems unstable, as evidenced by a light in the entrance hall flickering on and off. One of the security-glass front doors has been shattered and the doors of the single still working elevator are jammed stuck half-open. Someone managed to override most of its security protocols, so the cabin still transports the people brave or stupid enough to get into it.

The few people on the street don't look too healthy and seem tired, dirty. They all actively avoid minding anyone else's business, some even going out of their way to cross the street in order not to come to close to you. Inside the building itself the situation is pretty much the same, only here there also are children scurrying about in the hallways. Lots of them, mostly humans and orks, each and every one of them covered with filth and obviously malnourished. when they spot you, a stranger, they flee through the open doors into the apartments.

Arriving at apartment 206 -even if you're an hour early- you find its door unlocked and if you bother to knock, there's nobody inside to reply. Save for an old wooden table and about half a dozen chairs that may or may not still be able to support a person and a couple of cockroaches, other types of (non-awakened or magical) bugs and lots and lots of mold on the ceiling and the walls, the place is completely empty.

Quote
Since Three Star appeared to be first, he can decide to go in first. Maybe open the door when the others knock, maybe not.
It'll be uneventful until 09:45. What do you when you arrive inside and what do you do until then?
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-24-13/1250:47>
[That night]

Boomer received the replay from Mr. Le before he had gotten home.  He was quick to reply.

>>[I don't know much other than moving across borders might be their specialty.  I do know it has something to do with a rather large shipment of things that go boom.  I know its not much.  If I get more info I'll pass it along to you.]<<

[Morning]

Having done his drive by and not spotting anything that screamed trap Boomer returned 20 minutes before the scheduled meet.  He looked around again to make sure nothing had changed.  Satisfied he parked his scorpion at the curb.  It was early enough that the  local gang bangers were most likely still sleeping off the previous nights festivities.  If it wasn't for his own alcohol tolerance he's be feeling the prangs of a headache from Leadys moonshine just hours before. 

Before getting off the bike he made a mental check of the gear he was carrying.  He was wearing both sets of armor, his FFBA and the armored jacket with his ballistic mask tucked into an over sized pocket.  Though the way the FFBA tended to ride up on him always made him wonder if it was worth it.  Then again the few times his outer armor had been bypassed it was the under layer that saved his hide.  So it was a necessary trade off.  His sidearm was in its shoulder along with three clips stored in two pockets.  His head-ware comlink was running in silent mode with several programs running to stay hidden and looking for possible hackers. His public comm was running with the Gregory Weis ID being broadcasted.  He patted an outer pocket and felt the tag eraser nestled securely within.  He never left home without it.    All in all he came relatively light to the meet.

One heavy boot hit the concrete followed by another.  If one was to look at them they would notice they were standard issue military boots and that they were in excellent condition.  Casually he entered the building.  Just like the outside the inside was nothing special.  A typical building for the area.  Noticing the elevator he took the stairs not wanting to chance that it worked or that the locals used it to shake down those unfortunate to try and use it. 

Arriving at the door he checked his chrono.  It was 9:13am.  Two simple knocks on the door went unheeded.  Opening the door Boomer looked inside before stepping in.  The room looked uninhabitable despite the table and chairs.  Stepping lightly and on one unfortunate bug he entered the room where he took a look around the interior for anything that may be out of place.   If a chair looked like it would hold his weight he took it and made sure to sit in the spot that held the most tactical advantage. 

[spoiler]
Perception test. INT 4 + Perception 4 + Vision Enhance 3 + Observe in detail 3 (14d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4231304/)
[/spoiler]


 

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-24-13/1349:34>
"Okay, an dwarf gets here before the clients.  Naw, this isn't screaming set-up." Spooky thinks, seeing the dwarf go in, then heads in himself.  "Might as well see if anyone slipped in before him."

"You represent the Johnson, omae?" he asks when the dwarf answers the door, "Because something about this doesn't fit.  Meet's at nine thirty, right?"

If Boomer takes time to look Spooky over before letting him in, he'll likely notice the bulge of the Remington under his suit jacket, a disposable commlink broadcasting the ID Frank Castle, and not much else that's readily apparent.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-24-13/1434:28>
Having left the door open Boomer heard the footsteps coming down the hall even without his enhanced hearing his cyberears gave him.   He loosened his jacket up so he could have easy access to his Predator IV if needed.   He then took a relaxed posture in the chair with his forearms resting on the unsure wooden table.   

When he saw the Human enter the doorway and ask if he represented the Johnson he raised an eyebrow and smiled.   "Nah.  I represent myself.  I'm guessing you are here for work too huh?"  Boomer said in his normal gruff baritone voice.    "And I'd agree with ya about something being off here.  Not sure yet but I'll figure it out.  Have a seat if you want." . He shifted in his seat to find a more comfortable position.   
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-24-13/1455:36>
Arriving early, Three Star leapt off his bike and crossed his straightened arms down in front of himself at the end of his landing, rising up into a tall standing position he was amused at the tweakers and homeless scurrying into their holes like vermin. It amused him.
Upon entering the building he scoffed at the broken elevator and began to ascend the stairs, heading straight into the apartment without knocking. He Checks a few of the rooms and grabs a chair, taking a seat in a side room or off the the side if it is one single room.

Nearer the time he heard two enter and begin to talk, they had apparently not noticed his presence so he made himself known "Ahem." He coughed, stretching his arms up and back behind his head. "I, Three Star, presume by your conversation that you are here for the meeting and am not just making use of an empty apartment for your amusement."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-24-13/1828:17>
"Hello, Three Star.  You can call me Spooky."

Spooky looks around the room again, then back at Three Star.  "And if I were her for my own amusement, you'd be looking at a cleaner room, and a different dwarf."  He then takes up a position by the window with the fire escape.  Might I ask what you chummers are bringing to the table for this proposed job?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-24-13/2117:28>
There were now three in the room.   Boomer looked from Three Star to Spooky through his dark glasses.  Since the Johnson hadn't shown up yet there was nothing better to do other than trade some small talk.   

He watched as the one called Spooky took up a position near the window and it's fire escape.   Though from the second floor it would just be easier and quicker to jump down.   

Still trading street names and a sliver of what he 'brought to the table' wouldn't hurt.  "Name's Boomer. And if you haven't guessed by the name I like to blow things up." 

He checked the chrono on his headware 'link.   He set an alarm for 9:30am.   The time the meet was supposed to start. 
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-24-13/2141:49>
After knocking on the door, Rat walks in, looking around. The state of the building and of the neighbourhood was nothing unfamiliar to him. "You guys here for the same thing?" asks the ork, sizing the derelict room's occupants. He then gets one of the chairs, sitting a little far from the table as to get a good view of what's happening under it and also to get a good line of sight on the entrance.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-25-13/0822:47>
Boomer looks at teh new arrival and nods.  "Aye looks that way.  Shouldn't be long till our potential employer gets here."  He follows the Orc movements as he sits down and gives him another nod.

"We were just discussing what we all are bringing to the table for this little job.  I deal in blowing things up."  He said the last in a matter of fact tone.  "Name's Boomer."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-25-13/0829:16>
Nine thirty.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-25-13/0847:40>
"People call me Rat. I get in and out of places mostly, but I can also throw a punch" responded the young ork. "Also a huge fan of UB. Anyone follow sports?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-25-13/0856:55>
Boomer smiled as Rat spoke.   "Not always.  More likely to if I'm putting away beers at the bar though.". 

Just as he finished speaking his chrono alarm went off.  He looked at Spooky who was at the window.  "Well my alarm just went off.  It's 9:30. Spooky can you see anything from where you're standing.  It's not like a J to not show up." .

The stocky Dwarf stood up and made sure that his jacket was opened enough to allow access to his weapon.  "Did any of you get any info about the employer.   All I was able to get was that they were a group of elven smugglers.  I'm still waiting on more info."


[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4232459/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-25-13/1017:07>
Rat noticed the dwarf arranging for easy access into his jacket and started looking at the other people present in the room. "Nothing besides they were a bunch of keebs" answered the ork to Boomer. He then took his commlink and decided to put it in hidden mode. The setup didn't sit right with him, so he decided to casually have a look around.

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4232511/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-25-13/1111:42>
"Well, as it is all ready half passed the hour, I, Three star shall take my leave instead of chatting. I need not waste my time on Johnson's who cannot keep their own timetables." Three star walked passed the two other runners and headed for the door and staircase, ignoring any verbal attempts by the strangers to interject or stop him.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-25-13/1123:46>
As the human got up and passed by him, Rat also got up, ready for anything that might happen. After Three Star passes him, Rat gets a stick of gum out and puts it in his mouth. "You guys know anything more than I do about the Johnson?" asks Rat, as he goes to the door, keeping an eye on the man that just left, ready to run away if something was to happen suddenly.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-25-13/1155:33>
"No clear sign of anyone who might be the Johnson from here." Spooky says, a bit annoyed, "The good news is it doesn't look like anyone's setting up a breach through here.  Three Star, if there's trouble coming from the stairs, you're in the best position to intercept it."

He didn't make any bones about making it easier to access he Roomsweeper, he had it out and pointed down as he checked out the alleyway again.  He dialed Maurice quickly, and left a message.  "Johnson hasn't shown on time, and I've got three other irritated professionals here.  I suggest you not do biz with these guys again, or call them and ask what the frag is going down."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-25-13/1210:57>
Boomer cocked his head as the one who kept referring to himself in the third person got up and left.  I wonder if he always talks that way.  It's dam sure going to be annoying to work with that is this job comes through.    He thought as he watched the others.   He could see the anxiety but they all seemed to keep it cool.  Good.  Looks like they have some experience at least.   

Sighing he looked at the other rooms.  "I'll check out the other rooms."  As he looked he made sure to get the comlink ID's of the others with his public link and then forward them to his hidden one.  He then turned off his public link. 

she spoke up as she searched.  "Like I said a bit ago I have little to go on about the J.  An Omae of mine did a little digging and gave it up as it all pointed to warnings that he should stop asking questions.  'Secretive stuff with some very serious people'.  Those were his words."  He quoted his friend. 

[spoiler]
Perception check for the adjoining rooms including the bathroom INT 4 +Perception 4 +Vision enhance + active search 3 =14 (14d6.hits(5) =6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4232614/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-25-13/1945:14>
Rat didn't get why the human referring to himself as Three Star was so upset about. Sure, they were supposed to be here at 9:30, but who's never late? What made the ork nervous, though, was that Three Star made it look like a setup. Rat had seen his fair share of them in his days, and this looked like your standard recon before a spraying. Hearing Spooker say the alley was clean was a little comforting to him, but he couldn't shake his gut feelings and kept his eyes open.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-25-13/2026:21>
"Lovely." Spooky said, sounding a lot less pleased than he was when he'd heard there was some work, "Sounds like we're dealing straight with Laes, or people trained by the Tir Ghosts.  Anyone got something we can leave here for observation while we pull back?  If we're wrong, no harm, no foul.  If we're right, we're clear if this is a set-up."

Maurice wouldn't set somebody up deliberately.  It would be bad for business all around.  But Lesker would, and he might have the leverage to force Maurice into it.  He looked around, gauging the reactions of the others for a minute.  Mostly nonhuman at the moment, and one moving like he was trained by law enforcement.  If he's a crooked undercover, we've got a problem.  If not, we've got an asset that can run off the same playbook I know.

"Three Star, pull back to a standard observing perimeter.  Check danger close, as well.  Frequency Tango Three.  If there are unfriendlies about, we need to know ASAP.  Boomer, anything in those other rooms that seems out of place?"

Attaching the subvocal mike, he keyed his personal comlink to life, setting it to receive on the standard law enforcement tactical frequency.  Time to see which Three Star was.  They had no encryption, but if the frequency suddenly went dead, that told him plenty.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-25-13/2129:13>
Rat didn't like this at all. He fought every instinct he had to run and instead he said "I'll keep an eye on the corridor, omae" to Spooky.

[spoiler]Intuition 5 + Perceptive 1 + Perception 5 + Attention Coprocessor 3 + Vision Enhancers 3 + Actively looking 3 + Audio Enhancement 3 (23d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233134/) Drop the last 3 if there is no sound, but that still leaves Rat with 10 hits, no glitches.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-26-13/1000:50>
Three Star was heading downstairs to check the room under theirs, when he received the man's open broadcast. Taking a breath, he responded on the mentioned channel, "I see you have some training then." Even if you sound idiotic. "I'm going to listen in on the room below us, I suggest you check the one above."
He will reach the doorway of the apartment directly below them and listens for any sounds inside and any other suspicious noises using his audio enhancement.

[spoiler]Actively Listening (16d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233713/) I didn't actually realize i had made someone who rolls this much for hearing.
All the things. (60d6=211) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233716/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-26-13/1016:15>
About 15 minutes after the time you were supposed to be there, a young boy, age around 10 or 12 and dressed in clothes that look like they were donated to charity about ten years ago and never washed since, walks to the apartment's door. He fishes a crumpled piece of paper out of his pockets.
"Hey, misters. I'm supposed to give this to you."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-26-13/1027:05>
"Roger that, checking the upstairs."  Spooky popped the window, and headed up the fire escape to check the apartment above them.

"Hold one, what's happening in the meeting room?"

[spoiler]Checking the room upstairs. (16d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233734/)  Knock off two dice for anything non-visual.
Assensing the upstairs (12d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233735/) [/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-26-13/1033:45>
Rat takes the piece of paper from the child and tells him "I'll take it from here kid, get lost" with a hand motion. He then went back into the room once he made sure the child was by himself and told Boomer and Spooky "Boomer, other guy, some kid just delivered a note, you might want to come in" as he read it to himself first.

Edit:[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233771/) Sorry for that.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-26-13/1105:31>
The kid stays standing there. "Hey! The guy said you'd give me a reward!", he shouts.

@ Rat: The note's handwritten and reads: "Fire escape, down the alley. Across the street, up the fire escape to the left. First floor, third window."

Quote
Guys, please add your "Just in Case" rolls!
Also, forgot: Need an Edge roll for Boomer.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-26-13/1125:28>
Boomer walks in from the other room when the Orc to tell a kid to get lost.  Looking at Rat he can see the young Orc holding a piece of paper while the kid is still there asking for a reward. 

Boomer reached into an outer pocket.  "Here kid beat it.  Ya don't wanna be here."  He said as he tossed the kid two soy bars.  From the looks of the kid he looked like he could use something to eat. 

he looked back at the Orc.  "What's it say?"

[spoiler]

JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233772/)
Edge roll 3 dice. (3d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233773/)    :o   Nice

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-26-13/1132:49>
"The reward is you don't get hit. Now beat it, smoothie" says Rat as he pushes the child away. He then addresses the other two in the room. "They changed the meeting place. From the alley, it's the building across the street, third window on the first floor" says Rat as he makes his way towards the fire escape.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-26-13/1211:09>
Boomer nodded when Rat gave the new location of the meet.  His head cocked to one side as he watched the young Orc head for the window and fire escape it lead to.  "Ya do realize were only one flight up and the stairs are only fifteen feet down the hall."   He said shaking his head as he walked to the rooms exit.  "I'll take these old bones out the normal way.  Meet ya on the street in a few seconds.  Make sure you yell to Spooky we're beating feet." 

Boomer moved to the open door of the abandoned apartment he had been occupying for the last twenty-five minutes.  Looking out into the hallway it looked the same as before.  In all reality he could have taken the fire-escape or even just jumped down but why take the risk.  The situation didn't warrant it. Besides let them think I'm old, maybe past my prime.  Never hurts to let 'em underestimate you.  He thought as his heavy boots thudded on the worn, barely there, stained with god only knows what carpeted stairs that lead down. 


[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233824/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-26-13/1418:10>
"Upstairs is clear.  Moving to new meet site." Spooky says, heading carefully down the fire escape, then over to the indicated window, assensing it before looking to see what's there.

[spoiler]Edge (2d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233960/)
Assensing the room before looking in the window (12d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233975/)Looking in the window (16d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233973/)
JiC dice (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233977/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-26-13/1453:32>
"What new meet site?" Three Star said on the Comms to the one identifying themselves as "Spooky". Assuming it was a different building with how dead this one was, he heads outside from the front door.

[spoiler]60d6=221 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4233995/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-26-13/1511:55>
"Boomer has the 20.  I'm moving with the ork." Spooky replied as he moved, "No indications of a need to breech yet.  Hold while I check astral at site."

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234007/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-26-13/1638:29>
Boomer spots Three Star as he hits the cracked concrete outside the building.  Looking up to the taller Human he indicated with a nod of his head  the site of the new meeting place.  "It's over here."  He said as he walked to the curb and watched for anything that might be coming their way. 

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234097/)
Perception on the street. INT 4 + Perception 4 + Vision enhance 3 =11 (11d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234098/)
Edge JiC for the other Fire escape if they go that way. (3d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234100/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-26-13/1731:59>
Three Star extended his right, non-dominant hand, to the man. "At least you had the brains to let me know. The other up there, not the Ork, does not seem to understand basic courtesies."  and followed him to the new place, he waited at street level until the others informed them of the windows. "Is the fire escape sturdy enough for us all at once?"

[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=7 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234145/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-26-13/1756:57>
Boomer gave a small chuckle as he took the outstretched hand and gave it a firm shake. "Yeah well just because someone has brains in their head doesn't always mean they use them."

They both paused at the fire escape and looked it over.   He shrugged at Star's question.   Look around.  This whole neighborhood is falling apart.  With that said it might hold but I wouldn't bet the rent on it.  Let me have a quick look."

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234170/)
Engineering check. Skill 4 + logic 6= 10 (10d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234174/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-26-13/2013:13>
Rat goes down the rickety fire escape amidst the conversation between Three Star and Spooky. Once down, he waits for everyone to gather in the alley before moving to the street and eventually to the other building. He then has a look at the building and more specifically the room they were supposed to go to.

[spoiler]Edge (3d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234264/) Reposting the edge roll, and here's a perception roll: Int 5 + Perc 5 + Perceptive 1 + Att Cop 3 + Vis Enh 3 + Act look 3 + Betel 1 (21d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234286/) no glitches, and here's a roll for good measure JiC (30d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234287/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-27-13/0242:56>
Spooky's assensing shows the aura of a single metahuman inside the apartment. The window is the kitchen's, the person is sitting in the living room.
He or she is well at ease and awakened.

The fire escape's strength is hard to judge. Boomer and Rat climbed a very similar looking before, on the other side of the alley, and Spooky's on it already. So you know it can hold a person. But how many or how long? Hard to say, the thing's obviously seen its best day. It's bound to have some weak spots that are rusted through, just waiting for someone to put their weight on them.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-27-13/0334:02>
"One Awakened visible on astral in the living room, if the layout is similar to the building we just left.  Window is into the kitchen." Spooky says after assensing the apartment, "Fire escape can likely handle one at a time, but not more.  Want me to pull back so somebody else can take point?"

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4234747/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-27-13/0410:12>
"I'll go in 'cause I'm better fighting up close" says Rat to Spooky.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-27-13/0944:36>
"Very well, head on inside and we shall follow one by one." Three Star hummed a slight tune after speaking crossed his arms.

[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=7 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4235281/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-27-13/1106:59>
The ork makes his way to the front of the group and walks to the window in question. He taps on it, waiting for an answer. When he can, he'll have a look at the person in the room, trying to see how they're outfitted and more specifically what they're carrying.

[spoiler]Perception (21d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4235329/) no glitches
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4235330/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-27-13/1156:31>
Rat can easily hear the person inside the apartment speaking to him from the other room in a loud male voice with an English accent. "The window is unlocked, Mister Featherstone. Please join me before your tea gets cold. The others too, if they please."
He's not sitting in line of sight.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-27-13/1701:53>
When Rat stepped off the fire-escape Boomer shrugged and began to ascend the old rusted metal contraption.  Once on the landing.  Cautiously he also passed though the open window into the room. 

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4235746/)
Perception check. INT 4 +Perception 4 +Vision enhance 3 =11 (11d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4235747/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-27-13/1728:51>
The apartment's not much unlike the one you all found yourselves in earlier. In fact, if it weren't for a different color of paint on the wall (or what little is left of that color) it could be the same one. The window is the kitchen's, which has been stripped of pretty much everything but some moldy wooden cupboards.
There's another small difference in the living room. Someone went through the trouble of sweeping the floor, as evidenced by a heap of dirt in one corner that's moving with insect activity and a broom standing next to the door which most likely is the exit. A small water boiler's plugged into an electrical outlet in another corner, an empty bottle of Hildon next to it.
In the center of the room stands another old wooden table and plastic chairs that seem at least slightly more stable than the other ones. 5 chairs are posted on one side of the table, on the other side, there's a single chair with a person sitting on it and a small metal briefcase on the table in front of him.
He's an elf. Tall, handsome, golden straight hear reaching halfway his back and long pointy ears sticking out from under it. His clothes look expensive and tailor made, a modern corporate chic style with a dark purple jacket and tie over black pants and shirt. The shoes worn beneath it look even more expensive than the clothes and had their designer known they were being worn in a place like this, he'd likely suffer a stroke.
The elf smiles politely at anyone who enters through the kitchen door and motions for them to sit down. Any question or attempt to start a conversation are interrupted with a polite but uncompromising "Please, have a seat and enjoy your tea while we wait for the rest of your group.", motioning towards the empty chairs with a perfectly manicured hand.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-27-13/1951:14>
Rat goes in through the window and into the dining area, where he takes a seat and tries to push himself a little further from the table so he can see any action underneath it. He refuses the tea with a simple "Not for me", waiting for the others to join him at the table.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-27-13/2145:50>
Boomer followed into the room right after Rat and raised an eyebrow at the high style Elf that sat there wIting for them.  The fact that he was alone or appeared along told him that this Elf was either foolish or powerful enough not to need backup.   Either was bad.   

Taking an offered seat he gave the Elf a nod.   If he had to be honest he never really liked the elves much.   It was simply a dislike.   He never liked how many though they were better than everyone else.  Still he was never one to pass on real tea.   With smooth movement he reached for the offered tea.  "Thank you.  I've always benn a coffee man myself.  The real Columbian kind mind you.   It just so dam expensive." . He took a small sip and then placed the cup down and waited for the Elf to start.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-28-13/0912:49>
Spooky holstered his own firearm, and headed into the room, taking an indicated seat.  "Thank you kindly sir.  I have to admit this has been fairly far from a usual meet."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-28-13/1808:38>
Taking his seat Three Star was impressed by the Elves fashion, "Pleased to meet you." He sits, one leg resting on the other, an arm wrapped round to touch his opposite side and the  other holding his chin as he nods politely, acknowledging the fine tailoring before him.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-28-13/1901:41>
The elf's face remains neutral, not unfriendly but not very amicable either. When the last of you enters and he answers with a suitable and polite "The pleasure is all mine, I'm certain.", he makes little effort to make it seem heartfelt.

After waiting a few seconds for Three Star to take his seat and get into position, he sets down the cup of tea he was holding and puts his long hands on the table, his long fingers pressed against each other.
"Thank you all for arriving well on time. I hope the slight delay and misdirection did not upset you too much, ", his eyes rest on Three Star for a second, "I'm certain each of you understands that sometimes precautions need to be taken to ensure our safety." He doesn't wait for a response and continues an obviously well prepared monologue.
"In fact, safety and precaution are the reasons the client I currently represent asked me to arrange this little get-together. I understand it may not be the customary way you usually meet your potential employers, but I'm afraid this is only the starting point to a series of procedures that will need to be followed in order to ensure my clients privacy and security. If any of you have any questions you feel a need to ask thus far, this would be an opportunity to ask them and if any of you have any problems with this arrangement, this would a most excellent time for you to take your leave."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-28-13/1922:55>
"The Laésa couldn't afford real drinks?" asks Rat jokingly as he looks at the tea.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-28-13/2236:48>
"I find myself curious as to why you've brought together this particular array of talents." Spooky said, sipping his tea, "To be entirely honest, my inclusion in particular has my interest piqued.  I presume that part of this job is the location of somebody or something that has gone missing.  However, I also believe you prefer to handle that sort of thing in-house."

He smiled pleasantly at the man, before looking to the others.  "Right, we never did get around to what I do.  I'm a detective.  Most of my jobs involve finding somebody or something.  Once I take a case, I see it through, and my clients can count on my discretion.  Mostly because they tend to do rather well out of the divorce settlements, these days."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-28-13/2327:14>
"So does that mean you're working for KE, omae?" asks Rat, trying to sound cool but clearly not playing it well.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-29-13/0021:41>
"Only in the capacity that I suspect you work for Customs and Immigration."  Spooky says, drily.  "Or any number of agencies that deal in crime."

"Is there a particular reason the ork's here?" he continues in sperethiel, "Because I hope he's better at his job than he is at putting facts together."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-29-13/0114:14>
Although he couldn't understand the language, Rat had heard it often enough before to know it was Sperethiel. He looks at Spooky, thinking to himself "Why did he switch to Keeb?" "Some of us don't have an elf tongue, omae" says the ork to the room, but more specifically to Spooky.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-29-13/0732:38>
Rat's comment makes the elf raise an eyebrow. "I assure you this tea is much more real than whatever synthetic poison it is they pour into bottles and store on the shelves in your local Stuffer Shack, mister Featherstone."

"As to the reasons why any of you were selected or which part of your skill set will most likely be required,", he said to Spooky, "I'm afraid I have not been informed. I am simply not involved in that part of the operation. Although I can tell you that from what I learned in previous dealings with people in your profession, quite often your fixers' word and your reputations weigh heavier than any particular specialties. But I must stress again that I am only speculating. I am here more as a... guide, of sorts. I bring you to where you need to be and then see you are returned safely afterwards, all the while ensuring my client's safety by ensuring his identity and whereabouts are known only to a minimum amount of people. What exactly my client wants from you is not something I've been informed of and quite frankly, not something I wish to know."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-29-13/0803:30>
"So you don't know the what" says Rat, looking at the tea once more, dubious. "Do you at least know the how much?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-29-13/0922:32>
Boomer sat there as Spooky and Rat were trading comments.  All he could do was simply let out a sigh and shake his head slightly as he leaned back.  What the hell are these two doing?  He thought as he looked at both of them with eyes that were covered by his dark shades.  First he insults the J and now they are bickering.

Boomer listens closely when the Elf begins to speak again about his employer and what they want.  To remain a secret.  All this was screaming to him that these were people were not ones you would want to double cross.  Then again no one in this business was one any wanted to do that to.  You just didn;t know what they are capable of doing. 

Something the Elf said piqued his interest though and before he was able to ask his question the too quick Mr. Featherstone opened his hole again.  Kid this isn't some back alley dealing here.  If you cant pick up on what this guy exudes you won't last long.   He thought.

Boomer leaned forward again as he took another sip of the hot tea.  "Despite my earlier comment about my preference for coffee this is very good.  I do have a question about something you said though which was. 'You bring us to where we need to be and then see that we are returned safely afterwards.'"     He paused for a moment. Is this job here in Seattle?

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-29-13/1513:31>
Three Star let the other talk for he most part, this was obviously just a Lackey of the Johnson, or another veil being placed before the job. if anything strange goes on he would just deal with it in the moment. He continued to ignore the tea before him and the comments of his future team mates. "I presume we will receive the further instructions for learning about the job after this short Q&A session with you, so i have no reason to drag this out."

At least the explosives expert asked a good question.

[spoiler]gang knowledge followed by JiC (7d6.hits(5)=3, 30d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4239760/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-29-13/1520:38>
The man patiently listens to the questions.
"I'm afraid you still misunderstand my function on this occasion. So let me reiterate that I know nothing of my clients intentions or motivations." He pauses for a short moment and mumbles, more to himself than any of you, "Well, perhaps a little of his motivations."
He straightens up again and continues again in his normal, businesslike tone. "So no, I can not divulge any information about time, location, what is to be expected of you or what you could expect in return."
He opens his hands in reconciliation.
"Though on that last matter, mister Featherstone, I can perhaps reassure you by saying that both my own services and the other precautions that have been taken do not exactly come for free. It only stands to reason that my client would not spend such amount of resources on setting up this meeting, only to skimp on payment for the actual job."

He turns to Boomer. "I am to escort you to the place where you will be meeting with my client and escort you back to this apartment afterwards."

With an affirmative nod to Three Star, he adds "That is indeed the case. This "short Q&A session", however, is not meant to drag anything out. Before we can be on our way, I need to ensure you all understand and accept my client's need for security and will all willingly cooperate with the safety measures we will be taking along the way.
If not..."
He looks towards the exit.

Quote from: Knowledge results
The precisely controlled way in which the elf speaks and gestures suggest much experience with social engagements and the style of his clothes obviously puts him well above street-level. The golden ring on his right hand bears a symbol of jagged edged leaf and three red berries. The symbol is colored with inlaid emerald and ruby stones. This all, combined with the few things you already knew and the fact that he's apparently acting as a middleman for another person would make it a pretty good bet that he's one of the Laésa.

What you know about them is mostly the gang related stuff: The Laésa is an Elf-only gang, mostly present in the Tarislar, Puyallup. They get most of their money from smuggling, they have access to weapons, telesma other magical goods and the monopoly on a drug called Laés -which is supposed to mess up one's memory- through contacts in Tir Tairngire. The ratio of awakened members among them is very high and they have a fighting style very different from what you ordinarily see in the streets, called carromeleg. Having relatively little fighting power compared to the other Puyallup gangs, they often rely on negotiation, using their smuggling and influence as currency. The biggest example of this was the Laésa working together with (or for) the Ancients in order to secure a contract with KE to provide police services in parts of Tarislar.

Very few of that information seems to be of much help to determine why this man is speaking to you now. But that's where the whispers you picked up from political, underground and 'runner sources start becoming more valuable.
A group of Elves -which very well could be the Laésa based on what you know of the gang- has been offering their services to assist with negotiations and politics. They're rumored to be very talented, discrete to a fault and have gained a significant amount of backroom influence on both sides of the law.

--Sorry, the gang part doesn't get you all that much as it's less relevant than the other side(s) of their business.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-29-13/1556:45>
"So long as the security measures do not involve being unconscious, drugging or magical or chemical memory manipulation, I will likely not mind them. But i will warn you I am very very particular in what I imbibe. By all means have me run across town to a number of payphones or drive us blindfolded in circles, illusion spells, or otherwise but if within your knowledge base to be an aforementioned method, some warning, please."

[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=9 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4239797/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-29-13/1601:17>
He listened as Three Star agreed to going to the second meet and his conditions in doing so.  He also realized that if any of them wanted to get paid they were going to have to play the game.  And right now the game was being orchestrated by Mr. perfect nails here. 

Boomer gives the Elf a simple nod.  "Alright I'll listen to what your employer has to say.  My interest is piqued.  Though I would like, if possible, to move my ride that is outside.  If I leave it where it is I'm afraid it'll either be gone or in pieces when I get back."

This was a new one for him.  Being taken to a second location for a meet with the Johnson.  The fact that he was seemingly alone in the room with 4 armed persons spoke well of the Elf.  He either had the biggest set Boomer had ever heard of or he had backup very close by.

He looked at the others his gaze lingered on Spooky the detective and Rat the brash Ork.  Who despite talking the way he did was the only one besides himself acting halfway professional.  "What about you two?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-29-13/1710:30>
The elf managed to show a measured smile.
"I have no problems revealing to you which measures will be taken. That is knowledge I possess and was instructed to convey to you.
I can not allow you to move your bike, mister Johnson*, but rest assured no harm -other than perhaps some acid rain- will come to it while you are under my care. Any of you leaving my company before we arrive will be considered 'out'.
You will accompany to a car parked 2 floors below and proceed toward another location. The drive should take us about fifteen to twenty minutes.
At that location, we will join with an armed escort and together will board another vehicle which will bring us to a small base of operations where you will need to pass a security check and relinquish all your weapons, gear, communication or magical equipment. Your items will be stored safely and will not be touched by anyone until the moment you reclaim them. If any equipment is deemed a potential security threat but can not be easily removed or disabled, additional measures will be taken to ensure they can not cause problems.
After the security check we will continue our journey with the armed escort towards the meeting place. That drive should take an hour, give or take, and you will be blindfolded for the entire duration.
When the meeting has been concluded and my client -and hopefully your employer- has reached a safe distance, we will follow the reverse procedure and I will drop you off here or any other place in Seattle where you may wish to be dropped off."
He presses his lips into a thin line, preparing to say something difficult.
"Should you, after my client has informed you of what is expected, choose not to accept his offer and decide not to cooperate with him, mind manipulation -namely the erasure of the last several hours of your memory- will be required to ensure both the safety of my client and the secrecy of your 'mission'. This will be done in a way that's been tried and tested a thousand times before and has been proven completely safe and reliable with absolutely no side effects. No magic will be involved, no messing with thoughts or emotions, no reading of the mind.
These terms are reasonable and not negotiable. If any of them are unacceptable to you, this is the ideal moment to leave without causing any hard feelings."
The elf opens the case in front of him and picks something out before closing it again. He carefully places four credsticks in a neat row in front of him.
"If you do accept, I am authorized to reward your trust and compensate the minor inconvenience of these security measures with a small token of appreciation in the form of a 5000 nuyen."

Quote
* Yogi/Boomer, I don't know what SIN you're using, so I took that name. If you're broadcasting another SIN identity, he will use that name instead.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-29-13/1838:31>
"Wiz, I'll meet your guy" says Rat as he reaches for a credstick. He then looks around to the other runners present, seeing what they will do.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-29-13/1850:01>
"That sounds reasonable. You're employer did well to pick you to convey the security measures. I, Three Star, shall accompany you." He unfolded his legs and rested hit palms on his knees. His expression was still serious but not hostile.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-29-13/2012:51>
"Quite reasonable." Spooky says, collecting his stick, "It's sounding less and less like a screw job."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-29-13/2125:36>
Boomer listened to the others as they accepted the 5k and the terms of being transported to the meet with their potential employer.  Three Star as expected spoke well when accepting the terms.  The other two in his opinion well his mother always taught him that if you had nothing nice to say say nothing.   

Boomer gave him a nod and his baritone voice sounded smooth.   "Alright I'm in."  He collected the last remaining stick on the table and stood.  As he did so he faced Spooky.  "Son when cred like this comes as easy as we just got it,"  he paused for a quick second.  "There's always something waiting to screw ya."

He turned back to the their middleman.  "Well Mr. Elf it looks like you got the four of us on the job."  He reached for the Tea and finished it.  Setting it back down he smiled.  "Now that's batter than anything I ever got in a c-rat."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-29-13/2159:56>
"Call me an optimist, then." Spooky chuckled, "Plan for the worst, hope for the best."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-30-13/0435:50>
The elf claps his hands together and stands up.
"Excellent, then we are all in agreement."
Walking to the door and opening it, he invites you to come with him. "If you gentlemen would please follow me."

Even though there are plenty of signs that this building is much the same as the one you all entered a short while ago (only here, the elevator is completely broken), there's no activity in the hallways you pass on your way downstairs. All the doors are closed and the uneasy silence hanging in the hallways is broken only by the sound of your footsteps.
The elf walks quickly, taking large strides with his long legs, but never really runs or seems rushed.
The basement level garage is devoid of people too but there are plenty of cars parked there. Not a single one of the vehicles is without dents or rust and the minivan you're asked to enter -a typical means of transportation for a large lower-middle-class family 10 years ago- is no different.
Without saying another word, the elf drives the minivan up to the street and steers it towards Puyallup.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-30-13/0546:34>
Rat gets up when the elf asks them to leave and follows him out of the room with a sense of pride. "No one's ever called me a gentleman before, feels nice to get the respect I deserve" thinks the ork to himself, as he walks down the eerily quiet hallway with the rest of the group. Once in the parking lot, he takes the seat closest to the door, not bothering with any safety harnesses.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-30-13/0808:53>
Boomer followed the Elf and the others to the waiting vehicle.  It wasn't much but it fit all five of them relatively well.  As the car moved he kept track of landmarks as they passed.  He also made sure that everything was in order.  his private 'link was still in hidden mode and that his public 'link was broadcasting his Weis idenity.   All that was needed now was to sit back and wait till they arrived. 

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4240517/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-30-13/1348:27>
Three Star followed the others into the minivan, not the best transportation but it fit the locale. He imagined they might change vehicle a couple times if they were as security conscious as they said.
[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=11 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4240745/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-30-13/1430:27>
Spooky made his way out to the van with the others, thinking about something.

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4240781/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <09-30-13/1628:06>
Almost completely under the control of the Yakuza and the Mafia, the northernmost region of Puyallup is relatively clean and safe -as long as protection money is paid- and home to many middle-class citizens. The minivan drives straight through the center of the small city, nicely obeying all traffic rules and only making a few small detours intended to find out if someone's following.
As the elf had predicted, the ride comes to an end on the south side of the area on the parking lot of a warehouse which, judging from the vehicles parked outside and the bricks and pipes stored on several pallets outside the building, stores construction materials.
Your chauffeur sticks his left arm out the window of the van, sticks his thumb up and waits. It only takes a few seconds before you can hear the clatter of metal shutters opening and the loud roar of a heavy engine starting. Bright light coming from massive headlights flood the minivan while the other vehicle approaches. Only at the last moment does it swerve left and a large military flatbed truck pulls up alongside you. It's one of those old timer trucks, built in a time when things were built to last instead of being built by the lowest bidder. There's no cover over the back, revealing two long benches on opposite sides of the truck, enough room on each of them for at least six people.
The truck has been painted black with different shades of green randomly sprayed all over it. The well-known anarchy-'A' logo of the Ancients proudly adorns its hood and doors. Seven gangers, all dressed in blacks and greens and all visibly armed, sit on the back of the truck. All of them are looking at your comparatively small minivan, several of them with their index finger almost on the trigger of their guns. The passenger's window opens and a seemingly annoyed female elf with short, spiked black hair addresses your driver with a sneer. "Your carriage awaits, your majesties."

Your driver ignores the taunt, turns his head around towards you and calmly states "Well then, let's get to it. You get in the back, I'll be in the driver's cabin."
He seems to hesitate for a moment, clears his throat and says a bit quieter "Remember well where we are and who we're dealing with. We're guests here only because they allow it and their officers told them so... But not all of them are very happy with this arrangement and their discipline has its limits." His eyes seem to rest on Rat a bit longer than the on rest of you before he opens his door, gets out and walks towards the truck.

Quote
Man, this would've been easier to write if any of you had ever bothered to ask the name of your chaperon :p
You'd need to have grown up inside a vault not to recognize the Ancients, so no knowledge rolls needed to recognize them. More info might be gained with a roll.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-30-13/1655:59>
"I can't imagine why they'd be unhappy about outsiders being brought in." Spooky says as he climbs into the back, "Girl up front's cute, but I prefer the women I date to be hostile after we've been dating for a bit.  So, she's not really my type."

He settles in, and looks at his fellow passengers.  "Is this going to be a long ride?  Because if it is, I have a deck of cards somewhere."

[spoiler]Assensing the Passengers, JiC (12d6.hits(5), 30d6.hits(5)=[4, 2, 1, 6, 1, 2, 5, 6, 3, 2, 1, 4], [2, 1, 6, 6, 2, 1, 1, 6, 5, 6, 2, 5, 4, 6, 2, 1, 3, 4, 5, 4, 4, 3, 2, 2, 2, 5, 6, 6, 3, 4]) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4240959/)[/spoiler]

Quote
He works for the Johnson, that's all we really care about.  The gangers might let it slip, though.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-30-13/1708:02>
When Boomer sees the big truck that will be their ride a very large smile appears on his face.  With some advice from the Elf to which he gave a nod that he understood he looked to the others.  "Lets go." He sais as he opened the sliding door and hopped out. 

It wasn't hard to spot the distasteful look from the gangers.  He knew enough not to cause any trouble.  While they may not be the best trained they made up for it with numbers.   His pace was quick as he headed to the back of the truck where he grabbed a hand hold and pulled himself up into the back.  The looks from the gangers hadn't changed but it didn't bother him.  He took a seat on one of the benches.  If any of the gangers made eye contact with him he simply nodded back. 

When Three Star was close enough he caught the man's attention.  "I haven't been on one of these in over fifteen years.  One of the best built trucks for the military.  Some good times with good friends back then."  He paused for a moment and looked at Spooky who was making some wise cracks.  "Shouldn't be long till we have to pass their security check point. After that its about an hour If what he said was accurate.  Weren't you listening at all to what he told us?  Maybe he should have also looked at you when he said not to test their discipline.  Given what you say you do you should know better than to poke a stick into a hornets nest." 

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4241036/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-30-13/1722:38>
"It's called making conversation." Spooky replied, "And besides, a friendly game of cards isn't poking a hornet's nest.  It's not like I'm trying to play blackjack with them.  If they aren't happy about us being here, shouldn't we be working on making them a bit happier with our presence?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <09-30-13/1932:44>
"I think we can all agree though that saying such things about the lady in control of the vehicle you are sitting, without seat belts, is generally a bad idea. I hope your conversation doesn't all ways border on insulting a host." Three Star turned back to Boomer to answer the previous comment. "Military experience then? Should come in useful I imagine."
Three Star will only exchange Eye contact with the Elves if they initiate it, in which case he will only return the stare momentarily.

[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=8 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4241138/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-30-13/2004:38>
"Yeah, yeah, don't give them a reason to scratch their guns" answers Rat before getting out of the van with the rest. He then got on the truck, keeping eye contact with the female driver a moment longer than someone else would. The ork kept to himself, not responding to Spooky's attempts at making conversation, trying his hardest to bite his tongue and stay quiet.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <09-30-13/2022:11>
"Might be, might be." Spooky said companionably, "Besides, drivers don't usually sit in the passenger seat.  Besides, a chummer of mine knows some of the Ancients, and frankly, they're a much better class of people than my usual clients.  They don't hire me to catch their spouse cheating, the whole time keeping a bit of personal candy on the side.  And let's just not go into the politicians.  You want to talk about scum bags?  Some of those guys make scum look good."

He starts to shuffle the cards, looking around.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <09-30-13/2051:30>
Boomer listened as the others talked.   Spooky didn't seem to grasp the idea.  One would think that in his line of work decression would be high on his list.   Which just went on to show not all are created the same.   What surprised him was that the young Ork was doing a pretty good job of keeping his mouth shut.   

He turned his head when he heard military experience only to see Three Star looking at him.   He gave the human a nod as he bounced in his seat on the bench.   "Yeah retired a little while ago."

[spoiler]

JiC (30d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4241476/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <09-30-13/2104:37>
Military, detective... Seemed like everyone on this team except him had some credentials. The young ork did feel unworthy for a moment, but reminded himself of the other runs he had done before. He decided that before the run was going to end, he would do something that would impress the rest of the team.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-01-13/0325:56>
One of the elves looked as if he was about to say something -doubtfully something nice- to Spooky but is cut short when Boomer puts him on the spot instead.
Still, a few second later he says something in Sperethiel which causes most of the other Ancients to snicker. "Oh, I can't wait to strip search you, <non-translatable racial slur for non-elf>".
A heavily built female, sitting with her back against the driver's cabin and even though they're not wearing any badges or other signs of rank, obviously in charge, picks up the comment and barks something towards the first, again in Sperethiel. You don't really need to know the language to understand what's being said. "Shut your mouth and keep your eyes on the road. That goes for all of you. I'll watch these <racial slur>."
Her reprimand seems to be enough to make all of them forget about the hostility, they ignore you as they turn their heads towards the outside of the vehicle.
After you've all taken your seat, the woman bangs her fist against the cabin, signaling the driver to put the truck in motion. The vehicle leaves the parking and starts heading further south.
"You guys sit tight and don't try anything funny. You start any trouble and we'll dump your corpses of this truck."

Quote
No knowledge rolls? Fine by me, I'll use some JiC's though to rectify something.
(HydroRaven, Silence: please add your JiC rolls if/when possible. if they're not possible or too inconvenient at the time, posting is more important than the rolls. But I can't always roll either and they can come in handy for me to save time.)
Quote from: Boomer
While they may not be the best trained they made up for it with numbers.
Boomer doesn't know much about gangs but he does know military... And these guys, even despite their attitude and apparent lack of discipline, are acting much closer to military than gang level.
Rat & Spooky: You know some gangs send some of their members to sign up with the army in order to receive military training there. The Ancients are definitely one of those gangs. So much, in fact that the 'real' members -eg. not the ones who just hang around clubs, looking tough with a green or red anarchy sign on their clothes- use military ranks and structure to organize their gang.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-01-13/0351:06>
"Don't often see gangers take it up the ass without complaining" thinks Rat. "They must be part of the keebs that are militarily trained. Better be careful around them." He then looks at his fellow runners, looking at their actions.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-01-13/0815:54>
Boomer shook his head when one of the Elves started.  Should have known this was going to happen.  Spooky with his comment is walking the line.  I swear if he gets me killed I'm wringing his neck.  He thought as he looked at Spooky.  "I think think that should settle saying anything about our hosts.  Yes."

He began watching how they interacted.  It was very familiar and it made him think about his former life back in the Corps.  They showed structure and a respect for chain of command.  The way the ones in the back listened to the female elf just about cemented the idea in his head.  This makes them even that much more dangerous.   his thought drift back to what Leady had told him.  He was going to have to be careful on this mission. 

They started moving when the lady Elf gave the signal to the driver followed with some words of advice to the four of them.  He gave her a nod of respect for her position in the group.  The same respect that he would have expected if the roles were reversed. "Understood."

He looked over at Rat who was sitting quietly.  "We'll be alright.  Just stay cool.  Right now it will be our mouths that will get us into trouble more than anything else.  Remember that and you'll be ok."  He gave the young Ork and respectable slap on the shoulder.

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=15) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4241685/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-01-13/0850:41>
Rat turns over to Boomer and says "Yeah, that's what I thought. As much as I'd love to talk UB, I think Spooky killed the mood with his cards."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-01-13/1218:07>
Three Star gave a polite nod to the Elf in charge when she offered her less than palatable conclusion to being a retard.

"May we all pray that is all he gets killed." Three Star said, smirking slightly, stretching his arms behind his head.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-01-13/1701:18>
No one gets killed on the way to what the fancy elf called the security station. In fact, other than being shaken around a little by the combination of the poor quality of both the truck's suspension and the roads it's being driven oover, the ride is quite boring. The elves' eyes are on the road but you can tell they aren't really watching or on alert. This time of day gang activity would be at its lowest and even if there would be other gangs, the chance of them attacking would be close to zero. It is generally considered that there are two ways not to be attacked by a gang. The first is not being seen, the second is making sure you are seen. The whole truck is a big, loud 'Don't fuck with us!' sign which is noticed and obeyed by every person and vehicle encountered on the way.

The ride comes to an end when the truck drives through the gate of a chain wire fence onto the parking lot of an abandoned Lone Star station. Abandoned by the cops, that is. The elf gang was more than happy to take over the fortified building when, after being raided during the '57 riots, Lone Star decided the remote location wasn't worth the effort and cost it would take to reclaim. Gang graffiti covers their logo and slogans insulting cops in every imaginable way are painted on the station and all the surrounding buildings.
The gates are already closed and all but one of your escorts have jumped out of the truck even before it has come to a full stop.
The woman that seemed to be in charge stays until the truck stops, before getting up and walking to the back of the truck. With her back to you, she says "Come with me." before easily jumping off and walking towards the entrance of the police station where an older elf in a military uniform stands waiting for her with his arms crossed across his chest, shaking his head in disgust at the lack of discipline displayed by the rest of her group.
She salutes the man, who returns the salute and calmly takes the cigar out of his mouth before asking "At ease, sarge. Any trouble?"
"No, sir."
He nods. "Carry on, then."
"Yes, sir!"
The sergeant looks at the four of you and gestures towards the door with her head. "Go inside, find something to sit on and wait until you're called."
The reception room of the police station doesn't look like anyone ever bothered to really clean up the mess since the building was raided. Overturned chairs and desks have been pushed into the corners along with piles of paper and shards of broken glass. Several doors lead further into the station, each one of them closed. The four of you are alone and in case any of you need to go, one is labeled with the universal restrooms sign.

Quote
Sorry, need to catch some sleep, more later. Figured at least this way you'd get a chance to talk without being shot while you wait for an update :)
Also hoping to insert the 5th player while inside the station, need to do some thinking.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-01-13/1933:00>
When the group is alone in the waiting room, Rat says "It looks like those gangers have got their things together" before heading to the bathroom to relieve himself. Once done, he gets out and takes a better look around the waiting room.

[spoiler]Perception (21d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242357/) no glitches
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242358/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-01-13/2119:01>
Boomer took one last look behind him as he entered the now Ancients run police building.   Bringing his head back around he took in the interior of the reception area.   It was a mess plain and simple.  He moved to an overturned chair and righted it and tested it to see if it would support him.   He heard Rat's comment on the gang and nodded in agreement.   

He sat down and got comfortable.  When Rat returned he spoke up.   "Rat is on the money with the observation.   I heard the normal scuttlebutt about the Ancients but seeing it up close I can understand better how they have been so successful.   There sees to be a clear line of command  Makes sense and prevents a lot of the infighting that seems to be common among gangers.  The chain of command allows them to have structure and unity.  Which makes them even more dangerous.   If it wasn't for that female who was in charge I fear that our ride here would have been a lot more interesting considering how that one was eyeing Spooky."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-02-13/0006:14>
"That batch wasn't run-of-the-mill." Spooky says after taking a seat, "Which means either the Ancients have a bit more riding on this than the Laesa know, or our middleman wasn't fully briefed.  Third option was they didn't want us to know they'd sent some of their best and brightest to haul us out here."

He shuffles the deck, seemingly staring off into nothing.  "I seriously doubt our middleman or driver would think nobody would notice how uniformly they were all armed.  Most gangs don't outfit like that.  Hell, most criminals don't.  They get what weapons they can, when they can.  Uniform outfitting is done so everyone can use everyone else's ammo.  Anyone recognize that uniform?  Because I have a sneaking suspicion we're not really dealing with the Laesa."

[spoiler]Perception (14d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242578/) Assensing (12d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242580/) JiC (30d6.hits(5)=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242581/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-02-13/0115:26>
Boomer listened to what Spooky had to say.  Sadly he disagreed with most of it.  " I have to disagree with you there.  From my experience they were run of the mill.   That older Elf in the military uniform you mentioned?  He called her Sarge.   She was the ranking person in that transport group.  Which means the others were run of the mill soldiers.  Corporals and privates if you wish.  The low men on the totem pole.  I have a feeling that the Ancients are more military than you want to believe.  She saluted him.  This gang or military organization is a lot more organized than you think.  And the standard issue weapons just supports that."

[spoiler]
Military knowledge check for the Elf's uniform. What type, rank and any thing else distinguishing about it. Logic 6 + skill 4 = 10 (10d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242656/)  go fragging figure    :(

JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242663/)  Feel free to use any dice from this for the uniform skill check.   ;)

Dam dice roller
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-02-13/0441:01>
"Run-of-the-mill or not, in the streets, you don't parade someone like they did unless you want everyone to know they're with a certain group. Anyone looking at the convoy, which is to say everyone on the streets by now, knows we're with them. Those "precautions" looked more like a message than anything else to me" says Rat, also pulling a chair and sitting down with the chair's backrest in front of him so as to rest his arms on it.

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242800/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-02-13/0807:07>
"Exactly!'  Boomer said to Spooky.  "Look my knowledge on gangs is limited at best.  This whole be seen and heard approach works for them.  Did you see how everyone got out of their way.  No one wants to frag with these Elves.   They know that if they do they are dead.  Their message was loud and clear.  'Stay away', and it worked. 

He shrugged and shifted in his chair.  "We did the same in the Corps.  If we weren't going in silent we went in with it all hanging out.  Let the whoever know who was in the area.  If they took a shot at you you took them out.  Plain and simple.  A show of Force.  It's like they are at war with whoever isn't with them.  War or combat is hell and you can often find yourself doing things that you normally wouldn't.  Besides this area has been abandoned for a long time by any thing that resembles a Star or KE.   It's perfect for them.  I think you underestimate them.  I know I won't." 

It surprised him that one who would call himself a detective with whatever organization he worked for weather the Star or KE.  Wouldn't be more on the ball about a grade A gang such as the Ancients.   Having never dealt with them himself he was going of his own perceptions on what hes seen so far and his experience.  He might be off somewhat but he didn't think it was by much. 

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-02-13/0906:37>
Looking carefully, the most interesting thing to be found in the room is a number of well hidden cameras, profesionally positioned to cover the entire room.

The room doesn't stay quiet for very long as the elf -the one you started this journey with- bursts into the police station with the older military officer hot on his heels. You can hear their excited voices even before they enter.
Elf: "....cally told you, major, that your men were not to start screening them without me being present."
Military type: "I don't take orders from your group and neither do my men. We were asked to-"
"You weren't asked, you were told, major. And I know very well what you were told because I'm the one who told you. Now you-"
"Now you don't forget where you are. Have a good look around, Quinten. Keep stepping on toes and even you won't be able to talk your way out of it. And your friends ain't here t-"
"My friends, major, are the ones this deal was negotiated with and unless I missed a very spectacular coup last night, you're to do whatever they tell you to do. Now tell me where you're holding her or do I..."
The door they stormed through slams shut behind them and they must be using some kind of white noise generator in the room behind because the sound of their voices dies immediately.

Quote
All that, just so I can start calling him by name instead of elf? :p
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-02-13/0916:59>
"Guess Spooky's not the only one that has issues with them, huh?" said Rat. He then looked at Three Star from the corner of his eye. The man had been awfully quiet, which bothered him. From what the ork could tell, the man had a big ego. He decided to be forward and asked the room "What does Three Star think about this?" while playing around with his commlink, broadcasting his fake SIN once more. The ork tried to look somewhat uninterested in what the human was going to say, but he was hiding his real intentions poorly and everyone could tell.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-02-13/1126:16>
Squinting at the Ork, the copying of his speech pattern not unnoticed, he kicked a chair onto it's legs and sat down. "It sounds like to me someone else was supposed to meet us that the apartment. But they got into the early access trial. Much to our Johnsons chagrin, it would appear."

Hopefully the Ancients and Quentin's group would stick together long enough to get them paid.

"Boomer, you got an exit strategy for this station yet?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-02-13/1153:58>
"Depending on when this building went up, you'll likely want the armory or Holding." Spooky said, still shuffling.  "Holding if it was before the Ghost Dance war, armory if it was after.  Holding would be for escorting high-profile perps to make them more secure, and can serve as a way in as well as out.  Armory would be so the police could get out in case of an attack and would be exit-only.  They wouldn't have a watcher on that egress, if it's there, but there'd likely be a lot more guards."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-02-13/1209:16>
"Oh I see, we have two people called Boomer in this room, do we?" Three Star only looked at Spooky with his eyes.

[spoiler]double jics (30d6.hits(5)=13, 30d6.hits(5)=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243019/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-02-13/1235:11>
Boomer stood up when the two elves came in arguing about another.  He took a quick picture of the two of them before the second door closed.   When closed he moved closer to the door.  He acted fast as he could no longer hear them.  He turned up the gain on his cyberears, started recording and filtering out background noise and the possible white noise generator that was in that room.  He motioned for the others to talk quietly so they didn't hinder his attempt to listen in. 

He was nodding with Three Star's assessment that there may have been a fifth member of the team.  He wandered over to the Window when Star asked about an exit strategy.   He he looked out the front window he recalled that Quinten called the older Elf, Major.  Another military title.  That cements the idea I have them.  then again that's also something I can use against them if needed    

Spooky spoke up before he had a chance to.  What the detective said had merit.  Still they were in deep.  He half smiled at Three Star when he told Spooky he wasn't asking him.  Tough to say.  What Spooky mentioned has merit.  Problem is then what?  We're deep in to, for lack of a better word, enemy territory.  Limited offensive ability and no way to go anywhere fast.  If we could get a vehicle we might have a chance but the odds aren't good.  The fact that Quinten called that other one Major further cements my idea about the Ancients being more military than a gang.  That can benefit us too though.  If they have been trained to follow a superiors orders they won't go off and do what ever the hell they want despite having their buttons pushed.  To an extent anyways." 

He paused for a moment and looked at Spooky.  "Alright Detective time to play.  If you are familiar with Lone Star or KE setups let us know.  If this building is set up like others they probably left it the same.  Meaning where the armory was back then it should still be there now.  Could you find it quickly? 

[spoiler]
Perception check INT 4 + Skill 4 + Audio enhance 3 = 11 sound filter rating 3 (11d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242976/)    Woot!
Perception check INT 4 + Skill 4 + vision enhance 3 = 11 (11d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242978/)  Looking out the front window for anything we might be able to use, way out.
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242981/)
Another military knowledge check on the Majors uniform. anything distinctive and what not. Using the picture as reference. (10d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4242985/)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-02-13/1311:07>
"The armory will be deeper in the building," he started, remembering the layout in the precincts he'd worked before, "It'll likely be in the basement, using a completely separate system then you'd find to get to Holding.  That exit's going to be to a tunnel, heading for a different block.  There might also be a backup vehicle park if this station had SWAT based out of it.  Which is rather unlikely, given that Lone Star didn't come back here, and Knight Errant hasn't come here, either."

Spooky then looked at Chrona, "No, but the man might have a better plan if he knows his options.  And if he knows about the less obvious exits, then he can formulate a better plan.  And something else to keep in mind:  We might well be waiting on our Matrix support.  I can sort through data to get a good picture of what's going on, but getting the data itself isn't my specialty, unless it's hard-copy.  Which means any plans might involve a fifth person, either on their side, or about as neutral as we are."

He dealt himself a hand of solitaire, still thinking.  "Actually, Boomer might be able to answer this one:  Do military covert ops teams have anyone who can do intel analysis in the field.?  Because the answer to that may just tell us a lot more about what's being planned, and who's doing the planning."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-02-13/1320:26>
Boomer looked at Spooky.  "Of course but its not a specialty.  Generally intel would be sent back to HQ for the eggheads to analyze.  In the field the teams would always have to make judgement calls during an OP based on what they see and hear.  What's your Idea?"  He asked. 
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-02-13/1358:23>
Three Star closed his eyes and took a deep breath. There wasn't much for him to bother doing right now untill things move to a meeting or a fight.

[spoiler]Law Enforcement Procedures for the Precint and Spookys opinions. Security Protocols for what the Elves might be doing sec wise. Street Gangs for if the Ancients are normally this militant and organised in Puyyalup and who they could have been negotiating with to get a group including an obviously well to do elf like Quentin (presuming he really can afford the suit) i.e. known contacts and elven accomplice groups. (6d6.hits(5)=0, 6d6.hits(5)=1, 7d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243026/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-02-13/1359:56>
"That little display may have been for our benefit.  Make us think that they're more divided than we are.  Or, Quinten's people may be making the same wrong call Knight Errant has been about the Ancients.  Because this has the look of something that if KE knew about it, they'd send in the Firewatch teams, then question the bodies."  Spooky shrugged a bit, playing out his hand.  "Mostly because they rather dislike dealing with military teams involved with gangs.  The crazies are bad enough.  Only redeeming thing about them is that they're usually stupid.  Disciplined, trained and intelligent criminals, operating in platoon size or larger?  Leaving them around would constitute a breach of contract.  And if the Anceints leadership aren't total morons, they know this, and probably work very hard to make sure nobody knows about this."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-02-13/1420:19>
"It's possible they were playing us with that show.". He shrugged but didn't leave his position from near the door and his attempt to listen in on the two.   

"KE may not even care.  From the looks of this operation I'm sure they have greased more hands than we can count.  One I'm sure of and you should be too.  Their leadership is anything but morons as you put it.  If they have been operating like this for any length of time they know what they are doing."

[spoiler]
Combat tactics for a plan out of here. Forgot that in the last post. (9d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243108/)
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243109/)

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-02-13/1555:37>
"And depending on the timing, I can probably give you a face to go with that name."  Spooky said, sighing.  "One of the managers for the integration team could have made this disappear pretty easily."

Plenty of spirits handling security, mostly watchers but there's at least one Spirit of Man and a beast spirit keeping an eye on things.  Worst comes to worst, I can hurt them, but I'm no conjurer.  Frankly, going out through the armory would require somebody that can crack the lock.  Holding exit will have less electronic security.  On the other hand, it won't have the weapons you can snag from the armory, or the distance using the armory exit can buy us.  The text is sent to Boomer through the hidden commlink.

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243185/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-03-13/0820:57>
Boomer was listening to Spooky as he was trying to make out what the two were saying.  He was going through the playback as he turned around and walked closer to the others.  His public comm gave him the heads up that he received a message from Spooky.  He read it quickly copied the senders address and forwarded it on to his private link. 

"Alright I wasn't able to get much after they went into the room.  But they were still arguing. Quinten threatened the Major to call his superiors to which the Major finally gave up and lead him to another room.  After that I couldn't hear anymore.  He looked at Spooky when he was finished.  "Thanks for the heads up on the astral.  A talent like that would have been go to know from the start."  He was surprised, even though he knew that he shouldn't be, that the detective was awakened.   

He sighed as he looked around.  "Based on what I can see out the window and from what Spooky told me we have a snowballs chance in hell getting out of here guns blazing.  We're here for the duration one way or another.  As for the Major I finally recognized his uniform.  Tir Tairngire.  Took me a few to figure it out.  It's older which makes sense considering he's older than most around here." He said as he walked back to the chair he had been using and took a seat.  "I guess we wait till our hosts come back."


 
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-03-13/0858:04>
Rat looks at Spooky and asks "You do magic, omae?" when he hears Boomer's answer. "Like Kombat Karl magic?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-03-13/1033:15>
"Be easier to get out of here if I were." Spooky said, grimacing.  "As far as Kombat Karl Magic, nobody does that.  At least not for long without killing themselves.  I'm more adept than mage, anyway."

He sighed, and looks over at Rat.  "And that reaction's why I like to keep quiet about it.  Kinda hard to get people to drop information by acting like an idiot when they think you're trying to read their minds.  I swear, if I ever get the chance, I'm going to do something very amusing to the writers of that show."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-03-13/1101:48>
Rat blankly looks at Spooky while he's talking and genuinely looks confused, but eventually answers "... Oh, ok. Well I think the show's wiz." After a long sigh, he says "No point in worrying too much about their intentions; I mean, if they wanted to do us harm, they wouldn't have gone through the trouble of all this circus." His mind wonders for a moment, and the ork continues with "If there's a fifth member joining us, I hope she's one of those tall elves I always see on the trid. I would like to meet a woman like that one day."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-03-13/1759:23>
Syra
[spoiler] Politics, Shadow Community (8d6.hits(5)=5, 7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244236/)[/spoiler]
Yesterday evening, Garris invites Syra for a private char in a quiet corner in the bar and said he needed to talk to her about something important. He tells her, reluctantly, that a while ago he ran into this guy he knows, an elf that's well connected and they got talking.
The way Garris tells the story, he seems confused and embarrassed. He can't exactly remember everything they talked about or how long they talked. "The elf's a pretty smooth talker, that's what these guys are really good at, you see, it's their thing. They smile and they talk and then they get you to talk and you tell them things you didn't... Well, I don't know, I must've told him something about you, because yesterday he called me and said to set up a meeting." He tells Syra he doesn't really want her to go and warns her that she doesn't know what she's getting into. This elf, Quinten, he's friendly, charming, dresses like a million dollars and is as well mannered as they come... but all those are reasons not to trust him. No one thrives in the shadows like these guys do by just being friendly.

Syra was ready and waiting for them at the address she was told to be an hour early but still they were waiting for her. Not the man she was expecting to meet but two other elves, both sharply dressed and very polite. They told her they were friends of Quinten and sent to pick her up because they needed to "run some extra security tests because of your... special talents" before they could meet. They offer her a 5000 nuyen credstick for her understanding and cooperation.
The two elves took her into a sports car, took a route with lots of turns and detours, switched cars twice and once outside of the city limits -and KE patrolled areas- ran through most traffic lights and broke all speed limits. They first took her to a small house where a bunch of guys with advanced commlinks ran a bunch of tests, seemingly intent to find out whether they could properly block her ability to jam her signal and block her access to devices around her and to the matrix. After little more than half an hour, they seem  to be satisfied with their tests and the two elves delivered her to the ex-Lone Star police station where the elves weren't quite as well dressed or friendly.
Syra was told to wait in the reception area -a complete dump- until Quinten arrived -he should be on his way and arrive here any minute.
But only a few minutes after the purple clothed elves left the building, two of the new elves -any elf living in Seattle'd know they're Ancients- stepped into the room and ushered her into the interrogation room under gunpoint. They searched her in a quite unfriendly manner with little respect for her privacy, emptied her pockets, took all her gear -even her contact lenses- and put everything they gathered in a duffel bag.
Satisfied they got everything, they put Syra on a chair and apparently want to start questioning her, their guns still clearly visible on the table, when suddenly the door is pushed open and an elf matching Quinten's description walks in, obviously angry. A military-type man walks in after Quinten and sends the gangers who took and searched her out of the room, then leaves himself.
Just the two of them left in the room, Quinten squats down next Syra's chair, concern and apology clearly visible in his bright green eyes.
"I cannot apologize enough for the way you must've been treated. These men were not to even come near you or talk to you, let alone do... this." He shakes his head sadly.
"Please, accept my sincerest apology. My client -and likely your future employer- has hired me to secure his privacy and safety so there are certain measures I'm required to take, but never like that!"
He apologizes and explains some more about the security procedures that were meant to be taken but that she'd received a slightly different treatment than the ones she'd soon be joining because of her 'talent'. The Laésa -she's heard enough rumors about them to recognize them by now- obviously know she's a technomancer and apparently weren't a hundred percent sure how to
handle that. Now his technicians had confirmed her 'signal' could be jammed, they could proceed... but the Laésa apparently didn't want the Ancients to know about her abilities. "Your secret is safe with us.", followed with another radiant smile.
After he's convinced all her items have been removed and that she's willing to wear a headjammer as long as the situation requires her to, Quinten tells her he needs to make sure 'the others' are run through the security procedures in a correct fashion, too, and asks her to wait in the room next door. The ancients will be guarding the doors from the outside, but will leave her alone.
About ten minutes later, Three Star joins her in the empty interrogation room.


Three Star (+ Introduction to the 'area' for all.)
Almost ten minutes after Quinten and the major rushed through the room, the female sergeant you shared the truck ride with sticks her head through the same door they left through and beckons Three Star to follow her.
Behind the door is a long corridor with on the left side the doors and windows -some of them shattered)-of several small offices. The roman blinds of the offices has been closed, seeing what's inside isn't possible. The entire right wall is one large window separating the corridor from the big open office space on the other side. Some of the desks look like they're still used regularly, others are apparently just used as a place to dump random stuff on and are littered with junkfood, soda cans, small firearms and knives, dirty dishes and several other miscelaneous items. Three elves gathered around a desk stop their conversation and turn to watch Three Star as he walks through the corridor, more curiosity than hostility in their eyes. Three Star is guided towards the end of the corridor, through a double door which opens into another corridor.
The first door on the left is labeled 'Interrogation 1' and Thee Star follows the sergeant inside. When the sergeant closes the door behind him and takes position in front of it, his commlink suddenly loses all wireless connection.
One of the walls has a large mirror on it, the kind anyone who's ever seen a cop trid knows to be a see-through mirror. A large metal table with a big black duffel bag on it stands in the center of a room with three chairs behind it. Quinten, the major and another elf are seated and watching their guest. Opposite the door Three Star entered through, a second door is guarded by two Ancients standing in front of it.
"Mister Trent, would you please put all your belongings into the bag.", Quinten asks.

Assuming Three Star cooperates.
When Three Star finishes emptying his pockets and handing over his gear -they even ask him to put his contacts in a , one of the elves guarding the door steps forward and searches him, finishing with a nod towards the major.
"Splendid. Rest assured that these will be locked aw-"
The major interrupts Quinten. "Yeah, yeah. We still need to deal with those knives in his feet."
With a sigh, the Laésasa nods. "I was getting to that, major." He turns to Three Star. "Just... out of curiosity, mister Trent, how do you explain those weapons to law enforcement? And how would you suggest we secure them?"


Rat
The second one to get called in by the sergeant is Rat. He's guided into the interrogation room and asked to remove all his belongings other than his clothing and put them in the bag.
"I am aware, mister Featherstone, that your body is perhaps your most fearsome weapon. I can hardly ask you to remove your bones from your body, but I will ask you to turn off your move-by-wire system until after the meeting with my client. Has no one told you, by the way, that those involuntary twitches and tremors are slightly... disconcerting?"


Boomer
Third comes Boomer, who's been sitting there waiting in the reception room for half an hour now.
He's asked to put all his gears into the bag and subsequently searched by one of the elves, but that doesn't seem to be enough to remove the concerned look from the major's face.
"Now you still got that computer in your brain and a bunch of mikes and cameras hooked up to it. How'd you want us to deal with that, huh? Maybe pull 'em out and put 'em in the bag too?", he asks.
Quinten shakes his head, but doesn't say anything and seems curious about what Boomer's reply will be.


Spooky
After waiting alone in the reception area for another couple of minutes, Spooky is finally escorted to the interrogation room. The sergeants abruptly stops when she opens the door and Spooky almost runs into her.
Quinten, alone in the room, tells the sergeant it's quite ok and asks her to allow his guest inside and then please wait outside. She doesn't seem happy with it but knows how to follow order and complies.
"Ah, mister Thomas. My apologies for the long wait, but considering your... unique nature, I decided we might have a little chat in private first. I assume you would not be too keen on my business partner's magical expert to take too close a watch to your astral signature, am I right?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: BestTeaMaker on <10-03-13/1937:27>
Syra found herself unable to form a sentence for the first time in a long while. In the span of a single night, she had been escorted, examined, jammed, threatened, frisked, then left alone in the small interrogation where she now sat with nothing but her thoughts. It was more than enough to overwhelm a chatty girl born and bred in an idyllic English countryside, where none of this would have happened to her.

Oh, she could hear Garris now. I told you it was dangerous. I warned you not to get involved. Now look where you are: a dingy, musty room lit by a single lightbulb. Sarah's voice added to the mix. Girl, you done got yourself up shit creek. Don't make me have to be the one to retrieve your corpse. Please don't.

Somehow, thinking about her friends calmed Syra down a bit. She blinked several times, then stood up. Good ol' calisthenics, she told herself, get the blood going and roiling. She began to squat up and down, her arms pumping in a windmill fashion. After a few deep breathes, Syra could feel her old self returning. In fact, a smile began to creep up her face.

She had done it. She was in. A familiar shiver crept up her body, riling her investigative instincts. She needed to record this, a story from the world of shadows. Her hands immediately went up to her head when she felt the headjammer in place. It was remarkably odd how empty she felt without sensing the resonance, but her excitement didn't really let her ponder on for that long. Her hands shot down the pockets of her gray, nondescript suit she used for undercover work. Drat. The recorder was left in her handbag that was now jostling in a duffel bag held by two Ancient thugs. Okay, just keep reciting, make it stick in the ol' head. Recite recite recite.

"I am now currently in a dark room, an interrogation room from the looks of it, brought here by what seems to be a coalition of Ancients and Laesa (how interesting!), stuck this bloody jammer on my head. So they know what I can do, but that's fine, they seem to be in use of my particular abilities, and (oh!) this is what Garris must've felt back in his green days, oh what a feeling it's so frightening and yet exciting at the same time and--"

The door opened behind her. She turned, her hands raised in all her oblivious excitement. A (rather handsome blonde) man stood in the doorway, pausing at what must be a curious sight. Syra cleared her throat and straightened her clothes.

[spoiler]
JiC: 30d6.hits(5)=10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244342/)
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-03-13/2001:11>
"I never got any complaints from the people I worked with" answers Rat with a smile. "But for ¥5,000, I can turn my gear off for a while."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-03-13/2058:06>
Walking though the place was like walking through a ghost of the buildings he had seen before. If the ghost decided to join a gang and get military training. "You're putting the precinct to better use than the Star probably did. I, Three Star, will commend you on that fact."

In the interrogation room, where he had expected to end up, he cooperated with the removal of his weaponry and other items, it costed more to get him here than the cost of stealing a couple custom guns.

"Hiking. You never know when you might lose your footing. Or maybe it is when I am bounty hunting, I might chase a target or critter to shoddy footing. Using them as knives is not something to be dreamed of by I, Basil Trent... Officer Gullible, It would ruin my shoes. As for disabling now for everyone peace of mind, If you allow me my commlink back for a few seconds, I can simple set their reboot timer to a time at which you believe the proceedings will have ended. You may of course monitor my doing this but i am sure you know I am no hacker." Three star place his hand on his hip, inclined his head to the bag and placed his other hand flat under his chin, palm down.

[spoiler]4d6.hits(5)=3, 4d6.hits(5)=3 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244397/) though it shouldnt need them here is a computer and cybertech roll
jic (30d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244393/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-03-13/2123:16>
The female Sarge from the truck came and took Three Star.  "Well the security process has started.  It won't be long now.  It out to be interesting when it's my turn."  He said to Rat and Spooky.  In the time waiting he wasn't too talkative unless he was asked a question.  He was actually thinking about what they were going to do about his implanted gear.  There wasn't a way to take it out.  Well there was but he's have to be dead for that to happen.  It was going to be interesting no matter what.  He had an idea but he wasn't sure that it would work.  It all rested on the Major and how seriously he took that uniform he wore. 



Ushered into the room labeled 'Interrogation Room 1' Boomer looks around.  The room isn't very remarkable.  In the past it might have seemed more formidable, causing the one being interrogated to be nervous, Today it just seems run down.

When asked to put his gear into the bag he complied with an efficiency that 20 years in the military imbues in a person.  He removed his armored jacket and placed it over the Chair.  With practiced ease he removed his shoulder holster and placed it all neatly in the bag.  The sheath containing the knife came out second and was placed next to the Predator.   A minute later all the gear he had with him was neatly arranged in the dark colored duffel.  He nodded to them both as he put the jacket back on.  It was instantly noticeable the missing weight from beneath his armpit.  It was an odd feeling. 

He looked up at the Elf.  the look on the Majors face was one of concern.  Boomer smiled. 

"Now you still got that computer in your brain and a bunch of mikes and cameras hooked up to it. How'd you want us to deal with that, huh? Maybe pull 'em out and put 'em in the bag too?", The Major asked.  He noticed Quinten's reaction but the Elf stayed quiet.

His smile didn't leave but took on a more serious tone as he looked at the two.  "Not likely to happen Major.  At least not while I still have a say in the matter."  He removed his dark glasses and set them in the bag and looked the Elf in the eyes.   He could see it in the mans eyes and how he conducted  himself.  He still wore the uniform.  It was a symbol of his past.  One he had earned.  "You still wear your Tir military uniform.   you were an officer once. Would you accept my word as a Marine that I will not use my implanted 'ware to record anything?"  His smile faded as he looked at the man.  He was talking serious now.  It was easy to tell as he wasn't trying to fool anyone.  He was reaching out to the Elf's sense of Honor.  "I can shut off my 'link.  That's not a problem.  I'm sure your boys can find out if I turn it back on even it I have it running silent.  They already have once or we wouldn't be having this talk.  As for my eyes and ears well I will need to be able to see and hear.  With my 'link off I will have no storage ability so the recording devices will be null."

He looked from the Major to Quinten and then back.  "Is this acceptable?"


[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244412/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-03-13/2155:30>
"As you undoubtedly have already, much as I did at the original meeting site?" Spooky said, looking evenly at Quinten.  "But you are right about the fact that I certainly don't want the information to get out.  Will they trust in your word that you have examined me, and will keep a close watch on me, though?"

He smiled faintly, then continued.  "One might say it's a matter of trust.  Do you trust me to not break your word to your partners, and do I trust you not to decide to sell me out to them?  Quite a quandary, really.  Until I think about who you used to get in touch with me.  Maurice may be aggravating at times, but when it comes to biz, he's damned serious, and to the point.  If he arranges work for somebody, and either side falls through, it's bad for business.  So he's careful, and carefully vets anyone he works with.  So I think we can trust in his judgment on the matter as to whether or not the two of us can trust each other in business.  But then, what I think on the matter isn't really relevant here, is it?  I don't wish it becoming anything close to public knowledge what I've become.  But you do need to make sure you do your job.  Do you have any ideas on how to accomplish this, and leave us both in a position where we can say our professional honor hasn't been compromised?"

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244446/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-04-13/0457:27>
Three Star

Quinted claps his hands and laughs out loud. "Hah! I hadn't heard of that one yet... Ah, all those nice little loopholes they put in their laws, it's almost as if they want smart people to find a way around the rules which bind the rest of community."
The elves seem to look at the window for a moment, paying attention to something Three Star couldn't see.
Quinten nods. "That sounds reasonable, I'm sure we can work out something along those lines... But we will be monitoring your commlink as a precaution."
An elf with multiple visible cyber-implants walks into the room, takes Three Star's commlink out of the bag, jacks an optical cable into the device and plugs the other side of the cable into the datajack in his head. He hands Three Star the commlink.

Instead of putting it on a timer, the technician assists Chrona with transferring some of the Foot Anchor protocols and subroutines required for interacting and communicating with his DNI onto his commlink. In order for them to function again, either someone with profound knowledge of cybertechnology, programming and this specific piece of hardware would need to reprogram the whole thing, or the commlink would simply need to be reconnected and the files transferred back to their original location.
While waiting for the process to be completed, the major grumbles "I still say screwing them out 'd be a heck of a lot safer."

Satisfied that he has been disarmed, Quinten thanks Three Star for his cooperation and has one of the elves escort him into the interrogation next door, where a young female elf -who's doesn't appear to be affiliated with either the Laésa or Ancients- is being kept.



Rat

"Excellent. I greatly appreciate your cooperation and professionalism, mister Featherstone.", Quinten responds. "Just please do not forget our agreement... If you are spotted turning them back on before leaving the meeting place, I'm afraid it will be considered as an act of hostility and things might get violent before I can rectify the situation."



Boomer

The elves seem to think on it for a moment, occasionally throwing a glance towards the mirror as if silently communicating with someone behind it.
"My uniform's none of your damned business, marine.", the major barks back. "And the UCAS military's word ain't worth the -"
"Gentlemen, please. Let us try to keep things professional, shall we?", Quinten intervenes. "I do not doubt your word, mister Smith, but I'm afraid my trust and your word isn't what my client is paying for."
He pauses for a moment, listening to something while gesturing for Boomer or the major to hold on a second.
"Our technician does have a potential solution, though this requires you to accept my word instead. You could copy the entire contents of your implanted commlink onto the one you carry and leave it in the bag. Then you wipe your internal one and allow us to install an agent which will automatically erase and shred anything stored on it. To remove the agent we will send you a file which will cause the agent to delete itself in the process of attempting to remove the file. And of course, you will be required to wear a headjammer."



Spooky

Quinten returns the smile. "It's not a matter of trust or honor, mister Thomas. My professionalism is not at risk and I am not betraying my... 'partners' in any way by doing this. I fear you have misread this situation... but I'm not going to discuss the agreements made between the involved parties with you.
In any case, understand that I am only looking out for your best interests, in part because it serves my client's best interests and in part because it serves my own. How you wish to keep your nature so well hidden is beyond me, I'm told it takes only a little amount of magical talent to recognize your aura. But at the moment, the Ancients have no business with your little secret and truth be told, if they'd know, I'm afraid I wouldn't entirely trust them not to grab you and see if they can get some profit out of it the second our agreement comes to an end."
He sighs and gets up. "But I'm babbling and I've said too much already. Just keep in mind to keep your secret hidden and understand that using your unique ability while you're with us would be considered an act of hostility by your physical as well as your astral guardians.
Walking towards the door, Quinten continues "Now, I will invite the others back into the room to make sure you aren't carrying any other security risks. So if you'd please put your belongings in the bag and then move towards the scanner built within the frame of the door you entered through, it would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-04-13/0538:23>
"If I'm spotted turning it back on, it'll be because you told me to, chief" answers Rat. "Is eating gum acceptable to the Johnson?" follows the ork, chewing loudly on his piece of gum to let the room's occupants know it was harmless.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-04-13/0654:59>
Spooky miles, filing away that bit of information, and places his belongings in the bag, including an old lollipop he'd completely forgotten about.  Huh.  Wonder if that's still any good?  I know it's not one of the ones laced with trackers...... he thought, as the machines scanned him, Oh, right, that's the licorice one Jake fobbed off on me.  Stuff's fraggin' nasty, if you ask me, but it does sometimes help on a stakeout.  Seems the Ancients and Laesa are not as tight as people might think.  That, or the Laesa really don't understand that the folks they are dealing with here are the real core of the gang, not the exception.

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244882/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-04-13/0734:18>
Rat
Quinten stops smiling. "Mister Featherstone. I don't know what you'll be asked but I do know who you are meeting with. And while I haven't spent quite enough time with my client to fully gauge his sense of humor, I can assure you that he takes his... 'business' very, very serious. Deadly serious. I will not be present when you meet with him and I would have thought this to be very clear already, but for your own sake let me just point out: this is not a laughing matter."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-04-13/0810:58>
"Alright, no fooling around. Got it" says Rat as he puts his gear in the duffel bag presented to him. He just dumped whatever he was taking out of his pockets, in no order whatsoever, but kept the credstick Quinten had given him earlier on himself. Once that was done, he deactivated his Move-by-Wire and got up, asking "Was there anything else?"

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244911/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-04-13/0811:39>
The Majors reaction wasn't one he had expected.  When he started to go on about the UCAS military Boomers own ire started to rise.  It showed in his reaction as he stepped forward into the table moving it a bit.  His his palms resting on its flat, if dirty, surface.  His baritone voice raised a few decibels cutting him off.  "I'm not here representing the UCAS just myself with my own honor you..."   He was angry and was about to derail this little meeting with a few derogatory names but Quinten stepped in before they fell into that quagmire. 

Boomer looked at Quinten as he spoke.  He had an alternative.  It would work but he wasn't keen on allowing someone else to put an agent on his internal comlink.  "I'm not liking the thought of having an agent from someone else on my link.  May I propose a alternative?  I copy it to my external one and then wipe it clean.  You man goes in and checks it verifies its clean.  I wear the headjammer and your man again verifies its still clean when the meet is over.  A slight change but the same results."  He finished looking at Quinten.  He looked back to the Major and backed away from the table slightly.

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244912/)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-04-13/0833:04>
"The rules could certainly do with rewriting by someone with a few more braincells, but until that day at least it helps people like me out." After the Cyberware locking he thanks everyone for their understanding and bows to them elegantly. "Screwing them out would have taken so very much longer though."

Upon reentering the interrogation room, he gestures to the new Elf. "I, Three Star, Presume you are the team member who was brought in before us?"

[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=12 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244926/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-04-13/0851:01>
Boomer
The major's face starts to turn red and he opens his mouth to say something but Quinten puts his hand on his shoulder and manages to keep him quiet and on his chair.
"I understand your reluctance allowing others to install something on your implants, mister Smith. But please understand that my suggestion only involves that piece of software to make sure there is no temptation for you to resist and no way for you to fail to meet the set conditions.
Your alternative could be acceptable but there would need to be additional conditions. If you fail to resist temptation and turn on your commlink for even a second before we return here, or attempt to record so much as a single picture or sound bite, your life will be forfeit.
The choice is yours."
The major, it seems, would really like Boomer to take the second option.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-04-13/1313:00>
Boomer listened to Quinten as he spoke.  The proposed alternative would work but the look on the Majors face was almost screaming for him to take the second option.  He let out a sigh that rumbled a bit as he retook his seat.  This was their game for him to play along.  He didn't like it one bit.  His gaze was neutral as he looked at the Major. 

Turning his head to Quinten he nodded.  "Alright I don't like it but I'll do it your way.  You have been straight with us so far.  The least I can do is play by your rules."  He brought up his ARO and with a few mental commands he backed up his Battle Buddy to his back up link.  With another thought he executed the command to wipe the clean to factory standards.  A few more seconds passed as he made sure it was clean and rebooted it. 

When it came back online and gave Quinten a nod.  "It's been wiped.  Have your man do his thing.  When the agent is finished its duty I'll shut it down till we get back." 

He still wasn't happy.  He knew he was going to be doing a serious going over the comlinks OS before he even thought about it being safe. 


Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: BestTeaMaker on <10-04-13/1321:52>
The blonde man entered the room as Syra regained her senses. She quickly examined him, a tall fellow, blonde, rather handsome. Things were getting better by the minute.

"Ah, yes, I believe I am. Do you happened to be associated with those uncouth blokes out there? I swear they have no clue on how to treat women properly, what with raising their guns and rubbing their hands all over my body. Makes a woman like me rather uncomfortable, not a good first impression, you know? And that Quinten? Much nicer, I have to say, although he is rather coy with his words. I swear I could hear him grinning behind his concern, if you know what I mean. Oh, but look at me, gabbin' away while the night is still young. Syra, techie and information savant extraordinaire."

Syra stuck her hand out to the man, who had been staring at her rapid-fire speech with raised eyebrows.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-04-13/1522:33>
Rat

"That will be all for now, mister Featherstone. Please follow the soldier to the next room, you can wait there for the rest of your team."
Rat is brought into the room where Three Star and Syra are waiting.



Boomer

A wireless connection suddenly pops up and a message gets pushed to Boomer's commlink, asking permission to be installed with admin rights and full access to all system resources. He grudgingly accepts and watches as the agent installs itself, initiates a low-level format of all non-volatile storage, runs a scan over the system memory and places itself firmly in between the input channels of your cybereyes and -ears and the system's storage systems. Before going into stand-by, It sends a single Sperethiel word towards the second wireless connection.
A few seconds later Quinten stands up with a satisfied smile, the major copies the movement but displays a negative of the face.
"Thank you for your cooperation, mister Smith. Not to worry, the file required to deactivate and remove the agent has already been sent to you. Now if you'd please put on the headjammer, we can proceed with our last guest and then continue on our way."
As if on cue, the commlink emits a short bleep and the status light indicating unread messages starts blinking.
The bag is closed and Boomer is guided towards the second interrogation room where Syra, Three Star and Rat are waiting for him and Spooky to get through the checkpoint.



Spooky

After the same thorough security check the rest of his team underwent -minus the magic- Spooky is cleared to proceed and sent into the same room where the other 3 plus a newcomer are waiting for you.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-04-13/1704:15>
Boomer nodded to Quinten as he stood and reached for the headjammer.  With a mental command he shutdown his Battle Buddy.  "Like I said a moment ago.  You have been straight with us from the beginning. Considering what you are dealing with here I figure if I can make it easier all the better."  He brought the headjammer up, made sure it was on, and placed it on his head. 

He turned to go he shot one last look at the two.  "See you at the meet Quinten.  Major."  His tone on the last word was at cordial but he gave the Ancients officer a nod. 



Ushered down the hall Boomer is let into another room.  The look on his face is not one the others had seen before.   He was rather frustrated maybe even angry.  Looking around he noticed a female Elf talking with Rat and Three Star.  Must be the one we were speculating on earlier. 

He sighed and smiled "Well I don't think the Major is going to be sending me a Christmas card this year.  We will need to watch him.  He does not like having us here.   Then again I didn't exactly help maters.  I gotta work on that."  He said as he adjusted the headjammer, it was making his head itch, and walked over to the young Elf woman and extending a hand.  "You can call me Boomer."  He looked at her headjammer.  "I do hope you are our matrix support."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-04-13/1855:52>
Spooky enters the room with the others, and notices the new addition.  "I see you found that pretty elf lady you were talking about." he chuckles, "You can call me Spooky.  Or much else you please.  So long as it's not late for dinner or drinks."

He looks her over for a moment, then nods.  "You're our Matrix support, miss?  Here's hoping this doesn't go sour on us.  At least this early."

He takes a seat, and looks around.  "I don't think any of the Ancients like the idea of anyone being here that isn't one of them, Boomer.  If our earlier speculations were right, this is a pretty closely held secret of theirs, and they're not too fond of letting that information out.  And Quinten and his bosses seem to have just waltzed in and commandeered the place for their personal use.  So, yeah, the Major's a bit pissed.  Understandably, I think.  But he can't do anything about the real reason he's pissed, so we now get to walk on eggshells around him.  Joy of joys."

[spoiler]Assensing (12d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4245528/) You know, I'm thinking that Enhanced Perception's pretty nifty.
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4245538/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-04-13/1907:18>
Three Star shook her hand then returned to his previous seat as the others arrived.

"I do not see why you are all having so much trouble with them, they were quite cooperative with me."

[spoiler]jic (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4245600/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-04-13/2038:33>
"Not trouble, so much as this has the potential to get very bad, very fast." Spooky said, "If our employers are the Laesa, they are trampling over some things the Ancients want kept quite, and throwing a lot of weight around to do so.  This means that the Laesa are goading the Ancients, and using us to do it, possibly by accident.  And if it's deliberate, it means there's about to be a power struggle here, and I'd really prefer not to be in this particular building when that kicks off."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-05-13/0022:40>
Rat walks into the other room after his interrogation and immediately notices the elf woman. Not knowing if she was working with one of the gangs or the fifth member of the group, he smiled at her and asked her "Hello beautiful, I don't believe we've met yet. I'm Rat, you are...?" as he takes a seat, ignoring Three Star.

Once the others get in the room, listening to Spooky, Rat answers "Not necessarily. It's common knowledge on the streets that the Laesa and the Ancients sometimes work together. As with every gang, nobody wants to be on the bottom, so it looks like they're just trying to prove to one another that they are the dominant one and not the other way around."

He takes a moment of reflection and continues with "And this base of operations is not secret at all. I'm sure anyone within a 5 km radius knows who owns this building."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-05-13/0034:33>
"Maybe so," Spooky admitted, "But how many people in hat radius are likely to talk to anyone about it?  and how many know what's going on inside?  Hell, the fact that they took over the building's probably public knowledge.  But what goes on inside isn't, and we are definitely not insiders.  Frankly, sometimes the best place to hide something's out in the open, with a part of the truth, so nobody looks any deeper."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-05-13/0142:18>
Rat shrugs. "You're right, I don't know what's going on in this building apart from screenings" answers the ork, turning his attention back to Syra. "Do you know what goes on here?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: BestTeaMaker on <10-05-13/0259:07>
Syra nodded her head as the others entered the room as she looked up and down at the young man who flattered her. For a rat, he certainly knows his manners. "Syra, techie and information savant extraordinaire. And I barely know what's going on. I've been rushed from screening to testing without room for breath. I would like the opportunity to snoop around and learn more myself, but they nicked all my stuff before pushing me in here. Nothing like uncovering the secrets of what once was considered the bastion of justice."

She held her hand to her chin, her brow furrowed. "You know, we know Ancients and the Laesa are involved, but I think there's some sort of third party pulling the strings. That coy fellow, Quinten was it? He said he was speaking for his 'client'. Now who has the clout to boss around both elven thugs and mafia?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-05-13/0406:07>
"The opportunity to snoop around" got Rat smiling. "Give me 30 minutes, I'll "snoop around" with you" he thought to himself. He instead said "We'll find out soon who has that kind of pull."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-05-13/0948:31>
"It's possible." Spooky replied, "Thing is, at the moment, the Ancients aren't acting like most gangs.  Sure, there's some bluster and flash.  But not much.  Sure, these could be folks who just got out of the military, but if that were the case, they'd be mixed in with their old buddies, not kept together as a unit."

He looked around at the others.  "And as far as this being a bastion of justice, this used to be a Lone Star facility.  When we were driven over here, the locals didn't run and hide, they ignored us and went about their business.  I know for a fact that if this had been a Star or Errant convoy, those folks would have scattered and hid.  They went about their business, and just made sure to stay out of the way.  Tells me that the locals may consider these people dangerous, but they also don't think they're going to starts shooting and harassing folks for no reason.  Means if something goes wrong, we want this batch of Ancients on our side, and we are being kept isolated from them, and they from us.  They might have much better fire discipline than your average gang member, but it seems they might not have all that great intel discipline."

He shrugs, "Or, Quinten could be right, and the only people keeping them in check are the Major, who is not happy to have us here, and the Major's sergeants."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-05-13/1016:17>
"That's probably it, omae" answers Rat to Spooky. "No point in over thinking" says the ork, giving a wink to Syra.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-05-13/1022:56>
Boomer listened as spooky spoke.   He might have been right on a few things.  But not all.  "Or they didn't run because they knew they were safe.  Safer than when the Star or KE rolls in. "  He shrugged.   
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-05-13/1049:09>
Spooky nodded to Boomer.  "Which says a lot about this place having been considered a bastion of justice when the Star had it.  Let's face it, most of the management in the Star was fairly corrupt, and that trickled down to the streets.  Hell, when Knight Errant got the security contract with Tarislar, it was specifically stated that the Ancients weren't the problem, and would be kicking in for the payment.  Which they did.  About half of the transition team was Internal Affairs, and you can guarantee they didn't get everyone out the was bent.  Started costing too much, and would have freaked out the taxpayers."

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4246162/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-05-13/1310:46>
They certainly all talked a lot when under the right stimuli. Three Star will continue to sit in silence until addressed directly or we head to the client.

[spoiler]jic (30d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4246273/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-05-13/1518:24>
Spooky hasn't been in the room with the rest of the team for two minutes before, after a polite knock on the door, Quinten asks you to join him.
He invites you to enter the room opposite the hallway, where you find the female sergeant waiting for you with the duffel bags on the ground next to her. They look a bit ridiculous, 5 large bags with so few content in them that even if the items had all been placed inside the same bag, it would still seem almost empty. Quinten notices the looks directed at them and on your faces and shrugs slightly embarrassed. "You must be the least equipped runners I've ever met. I swear I know runners who wouldn't have had enough room for their gear if I'd provided them with two of those bags... Please carry on, sergeant."

The sergeant nods, picks up one of the bags, shoves it into the locker behind her and proceeds to do the same with the rest of the bags. The locker appears to be an old weapons and equipment locker, partly cemented into the wall and built very strong, albeit with less advanced materials they'd have used today. When she slams the heavy door shut, you notice it's been upgraded with a biometric lock. Pressing her hand onto the palm scanner while keeping her eye in front of the camera recording her retina. A green light blinks thrice, each time accompanied by a beep, before turning red.
With a satisfied nod, the sergeant takes a step back and turns to you. "As of now, I'm the only one who can open this locker. After we return here, you get your crap back and you can be on your way. Until then, you just keep your mouths shut and do whatever the heck I tell you to do while you're with my squad."

She doesn't bother waiting for any kind of reply, turns her back towards you and opens a reinforced door leading outside behind the police station. "With me."
Quinten chuckles and falls in line. "Our carriage awaits.", he comments sarcastically.

The military truck is waiting for you on the driveway just around the corner, its flatbed occupied by the same gangers that rode with you before now joined by the spiky-haired elf who sat in the front the previous time and two heavy looking metal objects lie in the space between the two benches. While you take your place in back, Quinten hops into the driver's cabin, you can hear him say "Ah, major. How kind of you to be joining us." before the door closes.
The sergeant reaches for a bag, pulls out four black hoods and tosses them on the laps of Three Star, Syra, Boomer and Rat. "Might wanna fasten your belts before you put 'em on." The hoods are fairly simply bags made out of a fabric thick enough to completely block your vision but still light enough to breathe through easily.
She takes another hood out of the bag, different looking than the previous ones and hands it over to Spooky. "Same goes for you. But from what I'm told, this blocks that magical sight thing too."

Quote
Roll Weapons knowledge for the large metal objects.
Your characters probably won't have much to do until my next post but feel free to post any reactions your chars have until they put on the blindfold.
If any of your refuse to cooperate with any of the former actions or won't put on your hoods, let me know.
Already working on the next post but wanted to get something posted.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-05-13/2032:24>
Climbing up into the back of the truck like before Boomer takes a seat.   There isn't much to do other than look around.  He spots two large metal objects on the truck bed between the benches.  He was looking them over as he heard Quinten enter the cab up front.   He heard the Elf's slick voice as he greeted the Major.  Boomer did all he could to not roll his eyes. 

When the sarge gave her instructions he simply nodded.  He quickly fastened his seat belt and put the hood over his head.   Leady why didn't I listen to you.  I wish you were here Omae watching my six.  he thought remembering his old friends words of caution.   

He was brought out of his thoughts as the truck started up and the familiar rumble of days past entered his mind.

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4246747/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-05-13/2133:55>
Spooky belted up, then carefully sniffed at the hood, remembering some of the field expedients people had done to cut off his astral sight.  Thank heavens,  This might actually be one of the better kidnappings I've been through.  He chuckled as he slid the hood on.  Of course, it isn't really kidnapping if I agree to it, now is it?

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4246791/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-05-13/2239:14>
Rat follows the lead out of the building, staying quiet for the most part. He gets on the truck, making sure to sit next to Syra. Once strapped in, he puts his blindfold on, but not without giving a final smile to the elven woman and saying "See you on the other side."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-06-13/1409:30>
When you’ve all put on your hoods, the banging of a fist (probably the sergeant’s) against the cabin signals the driver to put the truck into gear. It drives slowly the first couple of minutes, taking many turns and corners but a little while later the engine roars as its speed picks up.
With your sight gone and most of your scent blocked by the hood too, only the loud monotonous sound from the engine reaching your cerebral cortex (or, in Boomer’s case, the DNI that’s replacing that function) must make the ride seem very boring to people who never went through the same experience. But that’s only because they fail to understand what it feels like being shaken left, right, up and down on a hard wooden bench by the movements of a truck with a crappy suspension that is driving well over its recommended speed on roads which instead of having been maintained the past several decades, have been assaulted by volcanic eruptions and its accompanying earthquakes instead. So, no… boredom doesn't quite describe the experience.
Along the way, the truck slows down a number of times to take some maneuvers and even without being awakened, you can sense that some of the places it’s passing through are… Bad. Spooky, being awakened, can feel the background count in these areas suddenly drop and can sense the echoes of fear and pain lingering on the astral space like a toxic smog bank on a windless day.

When the truck finally stops, its doors open and the major -quickly after joined by the sergeant- start barking orders to establish a perimeter, they don’t seem to care about your presence or the uncomfortable position you’re in. A minute later, Quinten’s the one who tells you to take off your hoods and get out of the truck.

The area around you is in a bad condition. The truck stands parked in the center of what must have once been a busy T-junction, stores and apartment buildings on all sides. It doesn't look like anyone’s shopped or lived here in a long time, though. Many of the buildings seem to have burned out, others partially collapsed. There are no gang marks or any other signs that anyone’s recently been here. Old cars, all of them stripped of parts and many of them with rusty bullet holes in them are scattered by the side of the road.
While you remove your hoods, flex your tortured muscles and prepare to leave, Quinten takes a moments to quietly exchange a few words with the major. He then turns to you and points to one of the streets, it goes straight for another 30 or 40 meters then takes a sharp bend.  ”We go that way.”
The Ancients seem to be setting up their machine gun turrets to cover the other two directions.

Quote
Feel free to roll Sense Motive, Visual and/or Audio Perception. Don't forget you've got no bonus from equipment unless they were implanted or natural.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-06-13/1626:38>
Boomer took the bumpy ride in stride.  He began to wonder where they were going after seeing the two portable turrets that sat between the two benches.  If the elves were this prepared for trouble it area must be pretty bad. 

When the truck stopped he could hear the Major bark out several orders and he could hear the other elves set up a perimeter.  He was trying to hear better when he heard Quintens voice to remove the hoods.  Reaching up and removing the fabric that restricted his vision he took a look around.  His assumption about the place they were going was wrong.  They were in the armpit of the sprawl.  This was not a place one wanted to be when they were unarmed.   Which they were.  He stood and stretched his muscles as he prepared to disembark off the back of the truck.  "Guys,"  He said to his new teammates.  "I've seen some bad places.  This makes some of them look decent.  Keep your eyes open."

When Quinten pointed out which way they were going Boomer nodded.  "Copy that."  He was all business now and his demeanor showed it.  Hopping down from the truck he looked around while they waited for the order to move out. 


[spoiler]
11d6.hits(5)=3 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4247764/)  Perception check visual  INT 4 + skill 4 + vision enhance 3 =11
11d6.hits(5)=3 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4247766/)   Perception check hearing check visual  INT 4 + skill 4 + audio enhance 3 =11
8d6.hits(5)=1 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4247768/)  Judge intentions
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-06-13/1859:22>
After the bumpy and uncomfortable ride, Rat gets his hood off his head, immediately asking Syra if everything was alright. After a quick look around, he nods at Boomer's comment. "You know it's bad when everyone's deserted the area" says the ork. He turns back to Syra and says "Better if you stay close."

When Quinten tells them their destination, Rat said to him "Naked like we are, I hope we're getting an escort."

[spoiler]Int 5 + Cha 2 (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4247956/) 2 hits on the judge intentions roll, no glitches.
Visual and audio perception, actively looking. (18d6.hits(5)=5, 18d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4247975/) 5 hits on the visual, 4 on the hearing, no glitches.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-06-13/2014:29>
Three Star cooperated easily with the instructions given, eager to just find out what the job is and get started. He secures and checks his seat belt and throws on his hood, keeping track of as much as he could aurally, though it would likely not help.
The area they arrive in was obviously the sort of place they needed for this amount of secrecy, he doubted there would be a wireless signal anywhere nearby and if best, running off such old equipment it wouldn't do much good. e followed the group a long the designated path and kept his senses open to what was going on.

[spoiler]Gun Trivia, Judge Intentions, then perception for when inside the truck and perception once outside (7d6.hits(5)=2, 8d6.hits(5)=3, 10d6.hits(5)=4, 10d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248056/)
jic (30d6.hits(5)=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248057/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-07-13/0415:59>
Quinten shook his head. "Not where we are going. Don't worry, it's not far."

The more perceptive among you (4 hits) notice signs of battle less obvious than shot up car wrecks. Bloodsmears on walls and concrete and nearby, dozens of claw marks and imprints of dog paws -only much bigger- can be seen, though most of it has been washed away by the rain and faded over time.
From inside some of the buildings, or maybe it's a bit further away, yelps, barks and howls of dogs can be heard.
It's also obvious that, despite how much the major resents dealing with you or Quinten, he is now entirely focused on protecting his men. He likes the situation here or putting his men at risk even less than the one with you, but there's a desperate look in his eyes, he doesn't seem to have a choice.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-07-13/0608:31>
Just around the corner, the street looks far different from the ones at the crossroad. Every building still looks as deserted as before, but here it seems that despite the acid rain and the occasional ash, smoke or smog clouds, nature has begun to reclaim the area. Moss grows on every surface and grass and other small weeds have taken root anywhere they can.
There aren't any cars or other vehicles parked at the sides, instead they've been piled up onto a meters high wall a couple of hundred meters from here, barricading the street.
Quinten points to a several a residential building halfway the street, it doesn't look really any different from the others. "Almost there. Let's get off of these streets."

(http://maxcdn.photoshoplady.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/how-to-create-a-post-apocalyptic-city-in-photoshop-l.jpg)
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-07-13/0644:03>
Rat follows Quinten's lead, being mindful of his environment and keeping an eye on the elf girl. As he looks at his environment, questions start creeping in his head. "What the drek is going on here? And why is our Johnson holed up here?" Something was fishy and Rat didn't like it.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-07-13/0833:37>
Boomer Followed along with the others.  The state of the area was down right depressing.  It not only looked bad it felt bad.  It was gut a gut feeling but over the years he had come to trust those feelings.  He noticed the barricade of cars and looked at Quinten.  "A barricadse of cars?  Any reason in particular?"  He said as he hurried along as quietly as possible in the way Quinten had directed. 


[spoiler]
11d6.hits(5)=2 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248826/)   Perception check visual   11 dice
11d6.hits(5)=4 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248827/)    Perception check hearing   11 dice
8d6.hits(5)=2 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248828/)    Infiltration for being quiet   8 dice
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-07-13/0857:32>
Quinten sounds different before. Less cocky and confident of himself, perhaps. Almost humble. "It's not of my making, if that's what you're asking. I'm a guest here, just like yourselves."

When you arrive at the entrance of the building, before opening the doors Quinten turns to you. "Once inside, the rules will be different. I'll be there if you have any questions or just feel like chatting. But understand that my protection or influence means absolutely nothing in here. The... inhabitants of this place are your hosts but not your employers. Their exact connection with my client is unknown to me but from what little I do know, they normally have little -if any- contact with the outside world. They don't have any guests, certainly not the likes of us. The reason for them to allow this... I can only speculate. Just, please, behave yourselves and listen to our hosts. This should be quite a unique experience, do not spoil it."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: BestTeaMaker on <10-07-13/1113:57>
Syra had been silent during the entirety of the trip (no point in gabbing off in the dark like a madwoman), but she when she got out to take a look at her surroundings, the oppressive desolation had taken the words right out of her mouth.

Nearby, she heard Quinten...was he fumbling a bit? What could be here that even made that guy tremble?

She could feel her throat tighten as she coughed out a reply. "Yes, zombie apocalypses are quite the unique experience. Speaking of which...'they'?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-07-13/1133:04>
"I doubt very much our hosts have had anything to do with in what's happened here, I assure you... They simply make good use of the privacy it provides. But you'll no doubt find out for yourselves soon enough."
The front door of the building has been reinforced with thick metal plates and Quinten has some trouble pushing it open but with a little help from Boomer and Rat, the door opens into a large open entrance hall. Even more than on the street, nature seems to be reclaiming what was taken from it long ago. Grass, weeds and moss have taken root in every hole and crack and near the windows even small saplings have started growing towards the light.
Walking slowly ahead, another double door blocks the way, its security glass has been completely overgrown by moss and is no longer transparent.
As you step through, Spooky notices you've also passed through a powerful mana barrier. Behind the doors and barrier, nature’s return is almost complete. Not only are there weeds and moss everywhere, but parts of the exterior wall have collapsed under the weight of large trees pushing against them and smaller trees, shrubs and bushes have taken root inside, growing towards the light falling through the openings. Tiled floors and marble stairs have been torn apart by thick roots rising up from the ground.

Not an actual picture from the building’s inside, but just to get the idea:
(http://th07.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/081/f/5/overgrown_arcade_by_jordangrimmer-d5yvte5.jpg)

You can feel fresh air flowing in as you Quinten guides you further towards an opening in the back side of the building. Your view of what’s outside is blocked by high hedges and leafy vines dropping down from the exterior walls.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: BestTeaMaker on <10-07-13/1155:05>
Three times in a single night. That was a record for Syra as she stood, slightly open mouthed in awe, of what appeared to be a forest inside a building. One moment she was in a ghost town, the next she was strolling through Bambi's forest. Her journalistic blood was boiling, excitement tingling in her fingers. As she meandered across roots, she took the time to concentrate on her surroundings, wondering if any hint of the Matrix existed in this naturalistic environment.
[spoiler]
Matrix Perception: 7d6+2d6(Technomancer)+3d6(Actively Looking)=5 hits (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248995/)
JiC: 7 hits (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248997/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-07-13/1213:43>
Boomer entered the new areas with the others.  Each area as each area became more overgrown with plant life he began to realize that what he thought was going on might just be the polar opposite of what he had been thinking.  "It's like someone took a forest and transported it here."  He said with some amount of surprise. 

He looked at the elf lady who had been the late comer to the group.  "I don't think we have to worry about your zombie apocalypse girly.  Looks more like Jurassic Park to me."  He said smiling as he recalled an old movie he saw as a kid.

"Quinten, this is unbelievable."  He said as he surveyed the lush surroundings. 

[spoiler]
Perception check visual INT 4+ skill 4 + vision enhance 3 (11d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249009/)
Perception check hearing INT 4+ skill 4 + aduitory enhance 3 (11d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249011/)
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=15) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249012/)   A great roll for a JiC that will probably not get used.  :)

[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-07-13/1225:24>
Three Star followed a long in silence. This was a lot of, seemingly, only loosely affiliated groups of people working together just to allow this meeting to happen. It left a bad taste in his mouth.
The flora in the building was somewhat impressive but only continued to make him dislike the situation.

[spoiler]perception (10d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249022/)
jic (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249021/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-07-13/1330:43>
With some effort, you manage to squeeze your way through the thick bushes.
It takes a few seconds for your mind to properly process what your senses are capturing, so unexpected is the view you suddenly find yourself faced with.
Surrounded by old, burnt-out and abandoned apartment blocks on all sides you find what can only be described as...
Paradise.
There’s no other word that really fits, only the word doesn’t do it justice. Ask anyone to describe a natural paradise. Now ask anyone living in that paradise to describe paradise and maybe, just maybe, if that person had a good imagination this could be what they’d try to think of.
Hundreds of different kinds of trees and plants, flowers and herbs, in all sizes, scents and colors fill an area the size of a city park. Only small pieces of the walls of the buildings surrounding the grove can -barely- be seen beneath thick layers of climbing plants in different shades of green and yellow. Despite the lousy weather on the outside, here the climate appears warmer, comfortable, inviting you to bare your skin to the fresh air and enjoy the soft caress the gentle breeze. Various colorful birds chirp their songs on branches high up in the trees, butterflies flutter from flower to flower.
Small paths (although the word ‘path’ implies plants being trampled, bushes hacked away and trees being chopped. None of that seems to apply here, these seem to have grown naturally.) lead deeper into the grove and you can see, behind bushes and flower beds, several clearings, small ponds -some with steam rising up from their waters- and hammocks formed by intertwined vines and soft leaves.
A wave of calm, peace and tranquility falls over you as you attempt to take it all in and it seems as if a weight you never knew was there has been lifted off your shoulders.
Next to you, Quinten’s mouth falls open. ”I… I can’t believe I’d forgotten…”, he quietly says to himself before he chokes on his own words and stands there with his mouth agape and a tear rolling down his cheek.

Quote from: GM commentary
I generally don’t like it when GM’s write things like ‘you feel amazed’ or ‘you’re left breathless’ or ‘you don’t understand how’ or force any other kind of emotional response on my characters, so I tried not to do it here but I really had to restrain myself. (And I may have failed by writing “A wave of calm, peace and tranquility falls over you...”, but that’s actually part of a magical effect, so I’m keeping it.).

That said, my vocabulary is simply lacking to describe the beauty of this place.
For such a place, so beautiful and pure to exist anywhere in the world… It's almost alien in the concrete, steel and plastic modern world you live in. A modern person probably couldn’t even imagine its existence unless maybe if they’d gone deep down in the Amazon jungles (but hey, isn’t there a war going on there?) and even then they’d have trouble conceiving it. Most people would probably be having trouble believing even while they stand there looking at it.
BUT, like I said, I’m not going to force that, just like to clarify that they’d probably need to be a rare kind of insane or be a robot not to be at least a bit overwhelmed or emotional.

The magical effect is pretty much like a Dryad’s Glamour, only it works for the entire grove. In addition to that, the scent and pheromones released by some plants as well as the magical powers of some awakened plants also cause a sense of relaxation, peace and bliss just by being here. Even without those magical effects, this place’d be dreamlike for anyone (and double to anyone living in the dystopian concrete, steel and plastic world of Shadowrun). With the magical effects…
But, again, do with it as you please.

There is also a feeling, a sense of power, it’s hard to place for most of you, but Spooky really feels (and if he wants, sees) it clearest.
You’re inside a Force 3 magical background count aspected to Wiccan and Druidic magic. Its effect on Spooky’s magic is that of a Force 2 background count, the earthly magic isn’t as ‘hostile’ as it is overwhelming. It simply is so abundantly present there’s little breathing room left for other types of magic. What magic or powers do you prefer to drop?
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-07-13/1504:48>
Three Star placed his hand over his eyes and grimaced at the floor. He concentrated on the power he felt in the room, he wasn't awakened but if even he could feel it it just added to how unnatural the place felt. The unnatural pleasantness of the place turned his stomach, he couldn't deny its beauty but his his personal philosophy caused this urban oasis to cause his anger and resentment to pool in his gut. Right now, all of this was just a distraction, he needed to be focused and not shed tears like Quentin.

Straightening himself up, he spread his hands out wide, "Such beauty and tranquility, I am now intrigued on who it is being wasted on." Others may act in awe of this when they break their composure but when Three Star's composure is made to falter by the paradise in front of him, he meets it with bravado and hostility.

[spoiler]jic (30d6.hits(5)=14) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249331/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-07-13/1741:55>
Boomer has seen some pretty exotic places.   Even a jungle or what once did pass for a jungle but the magnatude of this place was just astounding.   He took a few steps away from the others and ran his hand over the plant life be etch his feet.    He could hear Quinten behind him mum doing about the place and forgetting. 

Looking around he thought he spotted a naked woman amid the plans and trees.   He shook his head at how the place made him feel.   It was odd.   He'd been around mages for many years and could feel a faint similarity between what he felt here and then.  He was no expert though and it could just be all in his head.   When he heard Three Stars comment he turned around.   The offhand remark made him think   It had to take tremendous power to initiate something like this in the middle of a concrete jungle.   

He looked at Quinten.  Something wasn't adding up.   "Quinten.  I can only imagine the power it's taken to create this hear.  With that said, if our hosts can create this, what do they need a handful of runners for?"

From the corner of his eye he spotted a figure approaching.    "Looks as if we're about the be greeted."


[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249307/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-07-13/1924:16>
Rat was as astounded as the rest of the group. He had lived in the city all his life and didn't quite like nature. Concrete, civilization, street lamps and the rest was where he felt at home.

However, as much as he hated admitting it to himself, the urban oasis was calming and inviting. As out-of-place as he must have seemed to anyone looking at the situation, he felt like he belonged here. For the first time in his life, he thought nature might not be so bad. He kept all of this to himself though.

Turning around, he saw Quinten shedding a tear, his voice breaking. "Must be a keeb thing to cry in a forest" he thinks to himself. The ork looked around as Boomer was talking, simply replying "Maybe they need some real runners for this job, not some gardeners."

When the dwarf told the team to expect something, Rat caught a glimpse of a naked woman in the brushes before seeing a shadowy figure approaching. He quickly turns over to the rest of the team in disbelief and asks "Did you see what I just saw over there in the bushes?"

[spoiler]Perception (18d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249407/) no glitches

JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249411/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-07-13/2332:17>
Spooky looks around, quietly following and observing everything as they move, frowning on occasion.
"Yes.  Quite lovely.  And just making things more mysterious."

[spoiler]Judge Intentions (8d6.hits(5)=1)[/url
[url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249601/]Visual Perception (14d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249595/)
Magical Threats (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249715/)JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4249602/)
[/spoiler]

Quote
Spellcasting and Astral Perception.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-08-13/0337:49>
It took Quinten a moment to collect himself and even after he did, he still seemed as if he were dreaming.
"No. No, not our hosts... I told you, they're not the ones who invited you here."

The approaching figure comes out of the woodwork with slow, deliberate steps. With a size like that, it has to be a troll, it needs to duck its head not to hit some of the branches hanging over the path. He is dressed in a big green robe, woven out of grasses and vines. A hood covers his head and shrouds his face and his hands are hidden in its sleeves.
"Ah. Our. Guests. Arrive.", he says in a low, rumbling voice which sounds loud even though he's trying to speak normally. He pauses for breath and thought after each word, apparently very unused to speaking.
"It is rare. For us. To have visitors.... The Champion. Will arrive. In a few. Hours... Please. Stay.... Shed your. Synthetic. Clothes. And Technology." He looks at all of you and gestures slowly to the head jammers. He cringes as if in pain when his eyes go over Rat, Three Star and Boomer and sounds regretful and compassionate as he adds "As much. As you can."
The troll notices Rat, Boomer and Spooky seeking for something in the forest.
"Do not. Disturb. The Sisters... They. Are not. Like you."
With four big steps he walks past you towards a wooden shelf next to the bushes you came in through. A number of green robes, made of the same material as the one the druid is wearing, have been placed on them. He picks one up and offers it to Quinten, then gestures for you all to take one.
With a slow bow -at first it almost seems as if he's falling in slow motion- he takes his leave of you.
"Enjoy. Nature. Gaia's Blessings.... They are. A gift. To you. From the Champion.", he says before slowly lumbering back into the forest.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-08-13/0440:41>
Rat takes two robes and hands one to Syra in the calmest way he can. "Here you are, beautiful" says the ork as he takes off his clothes, not the least bit shy exposing big and numerous scars on both his torso and back. Scars that couldn't have come from cybermodifications, as the sheer number and pattern of them rules out that possibility.

"A loaded credstick would have been a better gift" thinks Rat, still appreciating his surroundings nonetheless.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-08-13/0603:31>
Assensing is a bit more difficult than normal to Spooky because of the vast amounts of earth magic, its presence so dense it's almost like fog in the astral.
Still, a lot of things are easy to see. The druid that just spoke to you was awakened and would probably have a level of magic equal to Spooky, had it not been boosted by the wealth of earth magic swirling around and inside of the druid and amplifying his aura. Obviously he's in good health and has no implants, his mood is neutral and relaxed.
A number of spirits,  some of them free spirits and all with an affinity to nature, fly around carelessly. Some are small and weak, others glow bright as the sun on the astral plane. Some of the plants, too, are awakened.
Nothing of magical nature here appears to be threatening or anything other than what it appears to be on first sight.
There's no sign of the spirits that were around you earlier.

Quinten, too, sheds his clothes without shame and puts on the robe he's been handed.
"This is a rare opportunity. Wealthy people pay a lot of money for a 'natural spa' treatment that is nothing compared to this. Try to enjoy this unique oportunity, I know I will. Come find me if you want to talk."
He steps onto the path and disappears into the grove.

Quote
What do your characters want to do? Do you seek relaxation, alone or do you all stick together, investigate (whatever you want to investigate)... You name it.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-08-13/0735:18>
Rat looks at Syra and asks her "How about you and I take a stroll around this place? It'll give us the chance to get better acquainted" as he motions for her to follow him to a quieter part of the garden.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-08-13/0905:39>
Desperately trying not to turn his nose up at Rat's interactions with Syra, Three Star isn't as forthcoming with stripping on comman as the rest of his group. He wears the robe over his body, if anyone of the group questions this he will say "I, Three Star, am all ready 90% abhorrent to them, they will have to deal with 91%." He will then stand around and wait for this "Champion" who he hopes is finally the Johnson. Tough he is increasingly convinced he will not enjoy or survive any job offered by some one so secretive and with any ties to this place.

[spoiler]jic (30d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4250173/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-08-13/1216:54>
Boomer accepted the robe from the creature.  Looking around at the others he saw different reactions form those present.  From shedding clothes like Rat and Quinten to three Star just putting on the robe over his clothes.  For some reason he didn't expect anything different from the man. 

Boomer shrugged and stripped down to the form fitting clothes(Think Under Armor) that he wore under his FFBA and donned the robe.  He couldn't help but hear the young Ork really trying hard with the Elf lady.  She shook his head.  "Rat,"  He said looking at the kid.  "Go easy on the lady.  This isn't some downtown club and I highly doubt she's a joygirl."  He left it at that.  This was a job.  At least the beginning of a job.  Though it was the strangest beginning to a job he has ever seen. 

He cinched up the robe and looked to the path that Quinten had taken.  "Not sure about the rest of you but I'm taking a look around."  He said as he removed he headjammer and placed it with his clothes.   Running both hands through his hair he started out on the path.  "Some intel on this place wouldn't be a bad thing." 

He turned and followed the path into the grove. 


[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4250375/)
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-08-13/1801:06>
The grove has an incredible diversity of flora. Those of you heading deeper into it will eventually find, approximately at its center, a large clearing with a large wooden table surrounded by wooden logs which can be used as chairs, a thick layer of moss serving as a soft pillow. On it stand a basket with freshly baked bread, bowls overflowing with fruits and vegetables, jars with water and different kinds of what smells like herbal and fruit teas, along with wooden cups to drink from.

Other than your group (and the spirits only Spooky can see) the only inhabitants seem to be the druids and the sisters.
How many druids there are exactly is hard to tell as they don't form groups and all of them seem to go their own way. They are of different races and when you encounter them on the paths, they step aside and wait to let you pass.
The sisters are even harder to count. There almost certainly has to be more than one... or the one must move with amazing stealth and speed to appear to be at different places at the same time. But the ones you see look exactly alike... you can easily tell as they are completely naked and have the kind of body that would easily land them a carreer in modelling or showbiz. There is something strange about their behavior, about the way they move, look at things, touch them and smell them... something animal like.

Besides the clearing in the center, there are plenty of smaller ones, each one 'themed' differently with other species of trees, other kinds and colors of flowers, other scents, but each with spots where you can sit or lie down comfortably. Sometimes one of the druids can be found in them. And then there are the hot springs and the ponds connected by a small stream, inviting you to enjoy their waters. Quinten can be found in one of the hot springs, the one surrounded with lavender, a wooden cup and a piece of fruit placed on a rock next to him.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-08-13/1909:10>
"Let's not get too separated, Rat." Spooky said, calmly, "Just because it doesn't look dangerous doesn't mean they don't have animals patrolling.  And this place would give those critters a boost.  Just something for you to think about."

He accepted the robe, and stripped out of his suit, shrugging into the robe.  "Also, I would strongly recommend against doing anything these folks might find threatening.  Downside to being an adept is that I can no longer see astral here, since the place is aspected against me.  But these folks aren't acting right, and I have never met a group that looks quite so....uniform.  At least not anywhere I like to think too much about.  They could just be manifested spirits enjoying a jaunt around the place.  Or they could be shapeshifters from the same litter."

He looks over at Three Star.  "How do you think a good Catholic boy feels, being here?  It's beautiful, no doubt.  Amazing and breaqthtaing, not to put too fine a point on it.  Probably holy as all get-out to these people.  Who do we have that can keep in touch with Boomer?"

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4250774/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-08-13/2141:00>
Boomer found what he believed to be the center of the grove.  To say the place was beautiful would be an understatement.  He had never seen anything like this.  He also had the feeling that when he left he would never see it again.   Seeing the table he walked up to it.  Upon it was a small fortune in most peoples eyes.  The fresh fruit caught his eye and he found himself reaching for the reddest apple he had ever seen.  The skin was crisp and the flesh of the apple was slightly tart and juicy.  He smiled remembering a time when he was a kid.  His mom and decided to treat them all and bought several pounds of apples.  They were a far cry from the soy based foods he was used to eating.  He grabbed a couple more and put one in each of the robes pockets. 

Turning around he took a different path than the one he came in on.  He made sure to keep track of landmarks so he could find his way back.  He found several other clearings.  All different in their own right.  Finally he came upon Quinten whom he found relaxing a a hot spring.  He walked quietly so he wouldn't interrupt him.   Taking a seet upon another rock facing the hot spring waiting for Quinten to acknowledge him.  When the Elf looked his way boomer nodded.  "Quite a place this is."  He said as more of a statement than anything else.  "Beautiful and probably dangerous all rolled into one.  Beautiful here in the inside yet outside the Ancients are expecting the worst to be coming at them considering the firepower they have set up on that truck.  Probably just as dangerous here on the inside as well."

He paused for a moment.  "Yet you've been here before.  How ling has this place been here?"

[spoiler]
30d6.hits(5)=12 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4250935/)  JiC
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-08-13/2141:22>
Rat answers to Boomer "She don't need to be a joygirl to enjoy my company, omae." When Spooky tells Rat not to go too far, Rat just ignores him and starts on one of the paths. "You comin', beautiful?" asks the ork to Syra.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-09-13/0337:00>
Quinten slowly opens his eyes and lazily reaches for the wooden cup.
"It might surprise you to learn that I know little more of this place than you do, mister Smith." He considers his word a moment. "Well, I know more in the sense that I know a thing or two about some of these plants -I suppose that's just part of the job when the people you're affiliated with make a living trading drugs derived from awakened plants. Did you try the Laésal tea, by any chance?", he asks, raising his cup. "It's very sweet and... soothing."
Maybe that's why he seems to be more talkative than before, too.
"I was here before a few days ago to meet with my client and took enough notes to guide you back here and prepare you for your meeting. Obviously this place has been here for quite a bit longer, but I've never known of its existence.  I don't think too many people do. A place such as this wouldn't stay like this if they did.
As for danger, I highly doubt these people plan to threaten us so long as they're not threatened. They don't seem all that warlike to me. If the food's anything to judge them by I'd say they are herbivores, not carnivores."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-09-13/1547:56>
You're left there to wait for what you guess is roughly 3 hours, time's a lot harder to tell without technology. After that time, one of the druids approaches you and beckons you to follow.
He slowly guides (back) towards the clearing in the center, where bread, fruit, water and tea and can still be found on the table.
A man sits there waiting for you.
He looks somewhat familiar.

Quote
Visual Perception roll.
You might know him, he's been on the news several times the past few years. Roll a Memory test or (Log + Will), add dice for points in media or news.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-09-13/1650:06>
Boomer simply nodded.  "Either way.  Anything can be dangerous."  He said standing.  "I'll leave you to yourself."  Quickly he made for the path.



He entered the central clearing following the Druid that had come for him.   When the Druid stepped to the side to take his leave Boomer saw the lone man sitting in the clearing.  Finally.  Is this the one we have come to see.  Lets hope.  He thought as he came closer.  He gave the man a nod as he took a seat at the table with the bread and fruits.  Looking the man over he thought he look familiar. 

"Hello."


[spoiler]
Visual perception INT 4 + Skill 4 + vision enhance 3 =11 (11d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4251787/)
Memory test LOG 6 + WIL 4 =10 (10d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4251788/)
[/spoiler]

 
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-09-13/1703:02>
@Boomer
[spoiler]
That face, that face, why is he so...
Wait, this guy is a terrorist! He's been on the news repeatedly the past couple of years, each time after terrorist attacks on megacorporation economical and industrial facilities spread across the world.
Jeff... No, Geoffrey Steiner. He's pretty much the spokesperson for TerraFirst!, an eco-terrorist group.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-09-13/1857:20>
Rat, having enjoyed a stroll and a light chat with Syra, eventually makes his way to the middle of the clearing, seeing a familiar face sitting at the table. Boomer is already making introductions, so he gets closer and simply says "I'm Rat, but if you're the man that brought us here, you already know that."

[spoiler]Perception (15d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4251851/) no glitches
Memory (6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4251852/) not bad a roll![/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-09-13/2028:47>
"I am glad we finally meet. Are we to get down to business or are we changing locale again? Maybe a Diving Bell or Bathysphere next." Raising his hand to his chin and arching his back, he eyed the man before sitting down.

[spoiler]Perception followed by Memory. Unless my flashback system can be used without my commlink (which i dont think is possible) (10d6.hits(5)=4, 6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4251929/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-09-13/2222:15>
Boomers eyes squinted as he looked at the familiar man in front of him.  It was then that it clicked.  He recognized him, Geoffrey Steiner.  A celebrity in his own right.  One who stood up to the corps no matter who and where they were.   This was unexpected and it made him think about what he had gotten himself into.   

"Well I must say that if I was to guess who the Johnson would be, it would not have been you.". He spoke aloud.   There was no malice or judgement in his voice as he was just speaking his thoughts.   "This should be interesting."


[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4252055/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-10-13/0500:00>
Steiner nods. "Yeah, Quinten told me some things about who he'd be bringing. And since you've gotten plenty of time to get to know each other and undoubtedly know who I am and who I represent, we don't have to waste more time on introductions."
He's annoyed at Three Star's comment and shows it. "Thanks for coming on such short notice and cooperating so well. I'm certain most of you have enough common sense to understand that, knowing my current status with the authorities and -more importantly- the sanctity of this place, I don't think security and secrecy are things to joke about."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-10-13/0805:32>
"A man needs his privacy, I think we can all relate to that" says Rat, looking around at the others, expecting some kind of reaction. He then sits on one of the logs to make himself comfortable and reaches in for a pear, taking a bite out of it. "Let's see what the hype is with this "natural" food" thinks the ork.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-10-13/0815:31>
Boomer didn't look at Three Star or Rat when they spoke.  Though he believed he was getting a better understanding of Star the more the human spoke. 

"Like Rat said we all have some need for privacy.  Some more than others.  With that said you brought us here for a meet.  Considering what you're known for I can only imaging what you might be asking for us to do."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: BestTeaMaker on <10-10-13/1230:56>
It was quite the evening for Syra. For most of the night, she had been feeling very uncomfortable. No, it wasn't Rat who was obviously trying to hit on her. She actually found it rather cute and decided to play along. No, it was the peaceful forest that unnerved her. Call it a spa or whatever Quinten was gushing on about, but it was unnatural to see a forest in a building, even one as realistic as this. Long lost memories of her past in the pastoral countryside surfaced, memories that she would wished would remain dormant. There was a reason her father had them move to Seattle when she was young. Even worse was the lack of any presence of the Matrix. While she did have the headjammer off her head, it was as if she was trapped in a bubble with no connection of technology. The sooner they got the job and got out, she reasoned, the better she would feel.

But all wasn't bad. Especially not with high-profile eco terrorist Geoffrey Steiner standing in front of them dressed in the same robes getting ready to explain what their job would be. Already Syra had the headlines in her head: ECO-FUGITIVE GEOFFRY STEINER HIDES IN ECO SPA.

...Well, she had all night to work on it.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-10-13/1814:19>
Spooky stayed silent, watching the others, and got that certain sinking feeling when he saw the glint in Syra's eye.  He'd seen it before, usually in a mirror when the pieces fell together, or he'd figured out a vital clue.  The woman was either a detective or a reporter, and from the way she acted earlier, the second was more likely, which meant that what happened here might end up all over the news, if she could get it to publish.  Which made it a good thing he was using the Castle identity, if she was a technomancer.  The last thing he needed is some reporter handing Philip Lesker ties to a known terrorist.  Jake and the guys at the precinct wouldn't be able to cover for that, if he got the chance to twist the information before they found out.  The Airware's clean, no hint of an identity to it, for the time being.  Here's hoping that when we're done here, Jeff Thomas can officially die, and I can be free of that much.

"Be that as it may, Mr. Johnson, shall we get down to biz?  While I admit finding a place like this in Seattle is quite amazing, I doubt that you just want to show it off to us.

[spoiler]Memory (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4252680/)
Visual Perception (16d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4252681/)
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4252682/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-11-13/0921:38>
"I assure you that was not a joke. After recent event I would have understood with taking security even to those levels. Though i suppose having the meeting here gives no less a daunting location to such an impressive reputation." Three Star opened his palms towards the group. "What do you find yourself in need of outside help with?

[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=7 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4253405/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-11-13/1750:25>
“You don’t get it, do you? You don’t see it, smell it, feel it?”
Steiner sighs deeply with disappointment. ”You've been paid to stay inside one of the most beautiful and relaxing places on the planet, to eat food that isn’t spoiled by the modern world, not covered in pesticides, ‘enhanced’ through bioengineering, ‘boosted’ with artificial flavor or diluted with vat-grown-soy, to drink fresh herbal tea and water that is pure, mineral rich and cleansed through earth, rock, leaf and root instead of chemical treatments.
The best and purest of nature surrounds you. Plants and animals so rare on this planet to the point of extinction and food which is, ironically, now available only to the few, the rich and powerful who earned their wealth and power by polluting, corrupting and destroying the very planet which made this possible through millions of years of evolution instead of growing them as quickly as possible inside a sterile laboratory.
And still, you… You just can’t wait to get it over with this quickly enough.”
He seems genuinely upset. Not angry at you but at a world where your behavior and reactions are even possible.
"But very well. I understand I can't expect you to understand the war we are fighting or to share our vision and goals, even if it is in the benefit of the planet and everyone on it."
He leans forward. "I do, however, need you to understand the importance of this task. We do not normally outsource our attacks... and this is quite a big one. But the circumstances simply leave us no choice. However, we can not risk any of you jeopardizing this mission. Quinten did inform you of the... 'precautions' that we'll need to take if you choose not to accept? And you all agree to them?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-11-13/1916:44>
"Yes, I have agreed to your precautions."

[spoiler]jic (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4253849/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-11-13/1921:20>
"Virgin food, huh?" thinks Rat as he's eating the pear. "It's good, but I don't get why everyone is going crazy about this." A lifetime of soy and krill had dulled the ork's palate to a point where he actually thought fresh fruit tasted exotic.

"We're all aware of the "precautions", omae. All this fresh stuff is just wasted on a low-life like me, so what is it you need us to do?" asks Rat as he finishes the pear he was eating.

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4253850/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-12-13/0030:20>
"I don't think you quite get it,Mr. Johnson." Spooky said, looking at the man evenly, "We agreed to your protocols and would love to spend more time in this paradise.  Unfortunately, we live in a world where paradise is a luxury we can't afford.  Seeing this place, I understand the reasons for the protocols.  But there are things that need to be done out in the real world that we have to live in.  It's not that we don't care.  It's that being here, seeing such wonder and beauty around, we know there's no place for us in it.  That's the sad fact of utopia.  There's no place for people like us in it, and some of us are rather good at being who we are.  There's a reason we aren't in the corps, and it's because their sterile perfection has little room for people to be people.Your job might help make the world a slightly better place, and that is something we cherish, when the chance comes around.  But your are hiring professionals in violence and information managing.  If your run looks to be a total screw-up from start to finish, we reserve the right to take option B and walk away poorer.  If you plan to micromanage how we do your run, we will choose option B.

He looked at the others, and then continued on, ""So, do we have an understanding on that matter?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-12-13/0605:55>
Steiner shakes his head slowly. "Sometimes, this world makes me feel like I was born in the wrong time... But very well then, let's get down to business and have you back on your way towards the pillars of concrete and plastic where you feel more at home."
He reaches down to grab a suitcase and opens it in order to pull out a large piece of paper. While some of you wonder how long it's been since you've seen something on actual paper instead of e-paper, hologram or AR-display, he unfolds it and puts a large map on the table. The map shows a small city built on the north part of an island around two (or three, depending who you ask) large bays with a very big building -think small arcology- in its center.
"Charlotteville, Tobago. A brand new city, planted there by two mega corporations as a PR stunt and luxury resort for their employees. I want it wiped off the map."
He looks up from the map and studies your faces.

Quote
Have to leave. More info later... It's quite a lot of info. Just wanted to pause on a nice cliffhanger ;)
 
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-12-13/1210:05>
Boomer listened as everyone spoke.   The man was passionate about his beliefs.  He could understand that as he held his own beliefs.   Yes this place was amazing yet it was so out of place.  Steiner might have been right they didn't get it.   They were all so used to the concrete jungle that this was foreign to them.   While he had seen a place like this it wasn't as pure and pristine as all this.   

Then Spooky started to speak and his mouth nearly fell open.   He couldn't believe he was telling their potential employer that he didn't get it.  He continued speaking and he began to wonder if the detective like to talk just so he could hear his own voice.  What really bothered him was when he began to speak for them saying they would take option B.   When spooky asked if there was an understanding he spoke up.  "Spook you talk to much.  And we'll have to talk later.  Let him tell us the job."  His normal smooth baritone voice was a bit gruff with irritation that was directed at the detective.   

Steiner began speaking again and produced a sheet of paper.  His eyebrows raised as he hadn't seen paper in years.  He had an old CO that had a thing for paper.   He liked to have commendations drawn up on paper.   When Steiner laid the premise on the table boomer let out a whistle.   That's going to require a lot of something.  I've blow up some pretty big things in my time but never anything on that scale."  The look on his face was one in thought as he was already thinking about how to go about something that grand in scale. 

He looked at the others waiting on their reaction.   

[spoiler]
Explosives knowledge check   LOG 6 + skill 5 = 11 dice (11d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4254503/).  He's trying to wrap his head around the idea of sending an arcology up in smoke
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4254504/)
[/spoiler]


 
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: BestTeaMaker on <10-12-13/1857:08>
Syra had been listening to the man speak with a straight face. Inside, she was a bit frustrated with this man. She herself thrived on the progress of the concrete jungle, and in fact needed it to survive herself. She didn't take kindly to his incessant insults towards modern life, but her years as a journalist taught her to keep her mouth shut. How long she could do that for, only time could tell.

At the end of his spiel, Syra looked at the map he had put down. Tobago, huh? That's a rather nice place to...wait, did he just say "wiped off"? Her eyes furtively darted between her team, gauging their reactions.

She raised her head. "Wiped off, you say? Er, to what extent do you, um, mean?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-12-13/1921:39>
Boomer looked at the elf girl when she spoke up asking for clarification of what 'wiped out' meant.  He raised a dark bushy eyebrow.   "What do ya think he means girly.   Not wiping their noses surely.  He wants it gone.  Up in smoke.  Destroyed.  Pick a way 'cause there are many."

He was beginning to think about how reliable she be on this mission.   This run was shaping up to be where having morals on killing would be a detriment.   Time will tell.   
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-13-13/0346:39>
Rat listened to Spooky and had to admire his guts. Here they were, naked, in front of one of the most wanted men in the world and Spooky was basically patronizing him. He let out a chuckle when Boomer chimed in, very aware the dwarf was going to have issues later on with Spooky's arrogance.

When Steiner pulled out the map, the ork looked at it and whistled when the objective was laid out. "That would surely make the headlines" says Rat, looking over at Syra. He then turns over to the elven lady and says "If you're worried about killing anyone, leave it to me. You can stay in the 'trix and I'll take care of the rest, honey."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-13-13/1527:16>
Steiner seemed surprised by the team's responses. "Well, my message of me not being the monster the media makes me out to be certainly didn't get through."
But before I go further into detail, are any of you familiar with this island? Let me give you the short history. At the start of the century, large past of the island was a protected forest reserve..."

Charlotteville

Not far North of Amazonia lies the island of Tobago, one of the many islands that form the Carribean League. It lies in a region known for its rich mineral reserves and for a long time it was one of the worlds leading gas-based export centres. When these reserves started running low, production was cut back and its government started looking underground instead of underseas, finding large deposits of sedimentary minerals, ore and coal. Saeder-Krupp (and several other companies that eventually would be absorbed by it) showed an interest in the buried riches and used their clout and economical power on the countries politicians to bankrupt many of the local businesses, spreading poverty all over the the island and then bought most of the northern part of the island for a fraction of its worth and started mining. The pollution from the industry was enough to drive out the remainder of the populace still living in Scarborough and made it easy for the companies to buy that land too.
They immediately evicted the few remaining population and started strip mining the island until little more than two decades later there was nothing left to dig for and the island was abandoned, leaving behind a barren and desolate wasteland.
A few years later, two other AAA companies who were at friendly terms at that moment, Wuxing -whose shipping subsidiaries already were invested in the region and were suffering now that the mining industry had died- and Yamatetsu (now Evo) -which had just started their green image and saw a PR chance in "rebuilding a healthy planet"- saw a business opportunity land and bought the land from S-K, who were glad to be rid of it. Having already mined everything of value, they considered the area worthless anyway.
With several documentaries depicting how the local populace had been driven out, the fauna and flora destroyed and the area turned to wasteland by Saeder-Krupp, they scored a PR hit against the golden dragon’s company. And by televising their efforts at rebuilding, replanting and ‘returning the land to the people’ they portrayed themselves as saviors of the region. Of course, the fact that the citizens of the island would all be working for businesses owned by the two AAA’s and would be spending their wages paying rent and buying groceries from the same corporations went unmentioned.
Two decades later, the island and its only remaining (actually, rebuilt) city Charlotteville prospers. The two megacorps did everything to ensure their efforts would prove to be profitable in the future. The local fauna and flora, all planted according to designs of famous landscape architects, effectively turned the entire island into one of the largest parks of the world. The harbour is the only area that has buildings, roads or utilities older than twenty years, giving the city and its surroundings a uniform and ultra-modern look. City planning is strongly regulated and leaves place lot of green, buildings higher than 6 stories aren't allowed so as not to spoil the view of the park on the hills. Tax incentives and other privileges issued by the government and the dominating corporations have drawn companies to the new region. The economic boom and the promise of life in a new, clean environment ensured people flocked in. Newly built dams, dikes and storm barriers protect the city against the ocean and provide the tourists in their brand new hotels and resorts a good view over the artificial beaches, white sand and palm trees.

While Steiner tells you the background, he grows angrier and angrier, almost shouting at the end. "Do you know one of the slogans Evo use to market their project? 'Nature, Improved'.
Nature?! There's nothing real or natural on the entire island, their greed saw to that! And IMPROVED?! An entire ecosystem which took millions of years to grow and evolve, destroyed. But some designer who wouldn't recognize a cactus if it stung him in the ass draws up a park and they plant their trees and flowerbeds so that in the summer when the flowers bloom, a fucking rainbow pattern appears on the hill for the city to look at and they call it an improvement?!"
He's seething mad, his face red and a vain in his neck looks as if it's about to burst, but he ends his tirade and takes a few deep breaths.

He shakes his head and looks at Syra. "Your partner is right. Wiped off, as in I want their billion dollar PR stunt wiped off the face of the earth..."
But I am not a monster... I most certainly do not want the blood of tens of thousands on my hands, even if they are all only sheep and willing slaves to the corporations."
He turns to Boomer. "Yes, I'm aware of your expertise with explosives. But you can hardly blow up every building in the town, no matter how skilled you are. Fortunately, nature itself is our ally and is offering us an opportunity."
"Some of the people who support our cause have a great affinity for nature. So great that they can read the clouds and listen to the whispers of the wind in order to predict the weather sooner and with greater certainty than any of the mathematical models science has come up with. That is how I know that a heavy storm will form above the Atlantic the next week and head towards the Caribbean Sea."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-13-13/1604:30>
Boomer listened as Steiner gave the history of the island.   It sounded so much like the typical corp using something up till it was worthless and then discarding it.  Then another swoops in and makes it better while basically enslaving the population by making hem reliant on the corp.   It's happened before ad it'll happen again.   

The last bit of info was key the forthcoming hurricane.   Boomer nodded an idea coming to mind.   "Yeah that storm could be key. Sabotaging the dams, dykes and storm barriers would be key to maximize damage potential.  Remove the cities ability to defend itself from the weather.  The storm will do the rest.  Flood the city out and let it wash away into the sea."  Boomer was nodding as the gears were processing in his head. 

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4256125/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-13-13/2016:31>
"So, blowing up a couple of dams. Seems like it can be done. But one important question remains: how much?" asked Rat.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: BestTeaMaker on <10-13-13/2026:10>
Fuck. Garris, what did I get myself into?

Reality began to settle into her stomach. Syra had no intention of killing innocent people, no matter how disgusting Steiner thought Charlotteville was. She herself didn't like corporations, but this...this was nothing like tagging walls or even bombing a building. This was pure destruction of life and land, all to satisfy a man's idea of what natural was. And here she was, in the shadows herself with people who seemed more than happy to perform such a task.

Oh god, why am I here...?

Money didn't interest Syra, and she held no desire to vindicate Japanese companies. There was nothing that could justify this action in her head. But the following words flashed in her head:

Eco Terrorists Destroy Artificial Nature, Revenge for True Nature

Syra took a deep breath. "And what defenses does Charlotteville have? Something with this much PR certainly must have something special to weather the tropical storms, or at least protect what they have."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-14-13/1130:54>
"You will be handsomely rewarded, of course, but let's wait with that until we've talked some more and hear what the rest of your partners have to say. They look deep in thought, if they refuse to take the job and replacements can't be arranged..."

Steiner nods to Boomer in confirmation, he seems to agree that this was his intent. "That's the idea. Make no mistake, the city's well defended against storms of any category. The corporations had the rare advantage of starting with a blank slate when they started planning the island's layout and the city's construction."
He turned to Syra. "That is the most noteworthy thing I can tell you about it. The island had been completely stripmined, they literally had the ability to move mountains and they did. Sabotaging anything on land probably takes truckloads of explosives, they built large hills on all sides. Its only 'weak points' -as far as I can tell- are the bays in the northwest and southeast of the city. And these are protected against the weather by these dykes and barriers, all of them brand new and state of the art, although I do have a suspicion that sometimes functionality was sacrificed for aesthetic purposes. This is a designer city, after all.
How well protected these systems are, I'm afraid I can't say. If I had the manpower on the island to get me that kind of information on such short notice, I wouldn't have had to search for outside help.", he says in an apologetic tone.

"But, of course, I don't want to 'micromanage and make you take option B'. If you want to  ignore the oportunity this storm offers and can come up with another way to destroy the city, without causing a bloodbath, then by all means, tell me."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-14-13/1220:02>
"Hm, that may work." Spooky muttered, looking the map over.  "Is it possible to create a cascade failure in the dams, and have a data trail leak about structural flaws in the system beforehand, to get the island evacuated?  That is, get them to pull the plug before the storm comes through, and then do the damage?"

He looked on the map, tracing a few things.  "Any other facilities on this island?  If they've got a biolab, and it gets flooded, that could be bad.  But creating or amplifying any existing weaknesses to make it look like they stand a damed good chance of failure in a storm, and making it look like peculation shorted a few things could work.  What do you think?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-14-13/1430:15>
"This is certainly a grand challenge, with a time limit no less. It would seem our main objectives are a full, legitimate, evacuation of the city and the destruction of the city then. I, Three Star, have one concern. Do you have a way into and out of Charlotteville for us? I would prefer we weren't the only casualties in the storm, and getting to the Caribbean League is outside of my price range."

[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=9 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4257319/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-14-13/1645:44>
Steiner seems a bit relieved to find out what was causing Spooky and Three Star to be so deep in thought.
"Ah, good. I was wondering when some of you would start asking about -avoiding- casualties instead of just doing damage."

"You see, the business I'm involved in... Call it terrorism if you want, though if you ask me that term was only invented by the ones in power to alienate the ones who would fight against them from the public. In any case, it has evolved into something far different than random suicide attacks and causing as much slaughter and mayhem. It is, in fact, not that much unlike many businesses. TerraFirst! has 'employees' all across the globe, and just because the majority of them does his 'job' for their belief and their devotion to the cause -a trick we do much better than modern companies-, we need resources just like any other company.
Our income comes mainly from people who support our cause. You'd be amazed how many of them there are, in every level of society. What's lacking in most of them is the will to act. They care about the planet and sympathize with our goal and fight, but... perhaps lack the motivation or courage to act and join the fight. Instead, they prefer to buy off their conscience with donations. I'm enough of a pragmatist to take their money, all means are good if it supports the fight for the planet."
He looks at your faces, trying to see if you understand what he's trying to explain.
"But like any other company, our income is directly tied to our reputation. In a way, which targets we hit and how we hit them is our advertisement. The last couple of years our income has multiplied after TerraFirst! shifted from random attacks that seemed little more than vandalism aimed against society at large, to hitting the corporations themselves where it hurts them the most. The bigger the target, the more enemies they have. And each one of 'em is a potential supporter to our cause... At least until we hit them, but their memories generally only last until next financial quarter. As a side bonus, fear is good. A public that's afraid goes looking for distractions, spends money of food, trids and chips and makes less of a fuss when their own rights are violated for 'security reasons'.
But the reverse is just as true. Too much 'collateral damage' and casualties causes them to back down and wash the blood of their hands by supporting some relief effort or spending more on security and law enforcement instead. A public that's depressed is less productive and cocoons inside their homes without spending money.
So a bloodbath is to be avoided at all costs."

He smiles. "Your attempts to find a way to avoid killing tens of thousands aren't needed though. The corporations have been kind enough to solve that problem for you."
He puts his finger on the gigantic building in the center of the city.
"Urbe Mina, Mine City. Not officially an arcology, it's too small for that and not entirely self supporting, but it's a city within the city. It is by far the safest place on the island and it's standard protocol to 'evacuate' the population from the surrounding city into the building when there's a storm. Not that they've ever had any trouble with bad weather or any other kind of threat. The dams and barriers have easily shrugged off any storm or spring tide to appear so far and according to their specs, no storm in recorded history could be a real threat. But it's just another way of advertising the city's safety and a way for them to showcase their technical expertise in building the place... It's supposed to be a marvel to look at.

As for other facilities, I don't know. Like I said, the island and the city are supposed to be recreational and centered on tourism. Still, wageslaves don't get that much vacation and the little they get is unpaid, so most of them need a way to work while on vacation, heh. Most logical place would be in the 'arcology', they got a few some 'Employees Only' areas there."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-16-13/0437:53>
To Three Star, Steiner replies with a question. "Weren't you given a 5000 nuyen credstick just this morning?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-16-13/1747:40>
"One that is currently in a locker back at the Ancients place and that cash may just about cover a decent enough SIN to get myself in, not the international flight to and from the island. That doesn't need to be focused on right now though. The mining city offers a good place for the evacuation and, so long as we are not made during our job, a good place for us to go during the storm too. Do you have any suggestions for a good cover, or number of covers, for our group? Syra, as the technical support, can you arrange flights for us once we regain Matrix coverage?" He continued to look at Steiner, his eyes darting to Syra at the end.

[spoiler]you can use my jic for any knowledge rolls or memory rolls (30d6.hits(5)=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4260204/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-16-13/2145:34>
"And the maximum number of people they fit in there is the island's population?"  Spooky said, looking things over.

Maybe we can get more info once we get out of here to plan this, he thought, but I don't think he's going to let us out until we have a solid plan.  And we need that info to get a solid plan together.  Maybe a seaside entrance and egress, but I have no idea if our rigger can handle that.

"Hey Rat, how are you with sea and air vehicles?'

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4260530/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-17-13/0428:51>
"I can handle aircrafts, but I'm not familiar with sea vehicles. But if gorgeous here" and Rat motions to Syra with a simple head movement "can find me a skillsoft, then I could do it."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-18-13/1345:32>
"The arcology has plenty of room for everyone on the island... I take it your silence means you can not do it?", Steiner asks Syra rhetorically. "Very well. That doesn't have to be a problem."
"I might be able to get you accommodations, but don't expect too much from it. And Quinten said that he could arrange transportation, at a price. You know the Laésa are smugglers, right? In any case, I suppose I can afford his fee if it means increasing the odds of this attack succeeding."[/color]

Steiner leans forward, closer to you, and squints his eyes.
"You do understand that this is no 'ordinary' run, do you? You are to deliver TerraFirst! their greatest triumph yet.
In order for that to succeed, a number of things need to happen. This can not look like it was done by Shadowrunners, -we- did this, not you. If you get caught or leave evidence that this was done by anyone other than TerraFirst! operatives, this mission is a failure. And afterwards, you can not tell anyone this, ever.
Also, half an hour before their defenses are destroyed, we will broadcast a message on every system in the arcology and to the world at large, claiming responsibility for the imminent attacks. By then, the weather will be too bad for anyone to prevent it from happening and the terror and outrage of the public will be maximized. This broadcast has already been arranged for by Manuel, our operative in the Arcology. You will meet with him when you arrive on the island. He might be able to give you some extra help."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-18-13/1940:21>
"It sounds like you want to buy our silence on top of our services" says Rat. "You do know that in this field of work, our reputations are most valuable to us. So if nobody can know we did something this big, it has to be worth our time. I have no problem with the run and never taking credit for it, but I need to be properly compensated."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-18-13/1953:41>
"Personally, I can agree to that, this kind of Street Cred wouldn't help me anyway. The attack is and will make sure to look like a Terrafirst attack through and through for the price i am sure you are preparing to pay us, not to worry."

Stroking his chin he raised a finger, "The Laesa would indeed be a good way to get to the island, they are accomplished smugglers. Your contact on the island can likely help us to not stand out from people who are used to being there."

[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=9 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4263018/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-19-13/1202:29>
Boomer nods as the others speak.   Rep for this kind of attack would do hime no good on the streets.  Besides if this went off well it could spell more work from Steiner.   

"Is there any evidence that you would want us to leave behind to further make this look like a Terrafirst operation?  Also your contact on the island,  would he be able to get us gear?  I doubt smuggling in explosives among other things would be a wise.  I understand the Laesa are good but pushing it could blow be op just as we step on the island."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-19-13/1507:12>
Steiner seems mildly amused by Rat's comment on reputation and slowly nods his head when his partner's chime in. "Your partners seem to get the gist of things... 'Rat', was it? This isn't something you want to take credit for, us claiming complete responsibility for this attack is just as good for you as it is for us."
In response to Three Star, he says "I think I have an idea on how to arrange your cover, Manuel can take care of that... It's part of an operation we were planning there a few months ago. It didn't go well, the entire team was busted at the first stages of that attack..." He seems a bit embarrassed at admit it. "I don't know how the cops found 'em, raised some flags buying their equipment seems most likely. Manuel was just a new recruit then and he wasn't really involved with the active part of the op, that's probably why they didn't get him too. Besides, he doesn't fit the 'terrorist profile'. He's one of the few locals of the island and has worked as a janitor inside Urbe Mina... and according to what my operatives told me about him, not among the brightest of people.
I hope that answers your question too, 'Boomer', don't expect too much from him. He's still got a way into some of their systems thanks to part of what's left from the previous op, enough to manage the broadcast and maybe arrange a cover for you. Maybe he can tell you some of the people my previous operatives were dealing with, but I'm not sure. They didn't involve him with that because he was too inexperienced and, I quote, 'not too bright'. And like I said, one of those dealers might've been the ones who ratted them out to security."
He shrugs his shoulders and with an incredulous look adds. "As for evidence, you really don't think my face on trideo saying 'TerraFirst! will destroy your town in less than an hour.' is enough evidence?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-19-13/2011:00>
Three Star really surprised Rat for a second. He couldn't believe a man with such a big ego wouldn't want to be known as the one that took down a whole arcology by himself. The man was either lying, or he was telling the truth. Rat, still stunned, decided that lying made much more sense as an explanation here. He couldn't understand why, but decided to go with it. Maybe it was some sort of negotiation technique he didn't know about. "Yeah, me neither" answered the ork, trying to play it cool.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-20-13/1102:09>
Boomer nodded at Steiner when he spoke about evidence.  "Just want to make sure. The last thing any of us needs is two AAA corps gunning for those responsible.  I don't mind street cred but that kind woud also endanger those close to me.  I don't need that."  He paused for a second.  "Your man Manuel, could he have been the leak on the inside? 
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-20-13/1139:01>
Steiner shrugged. "It's not impossible and the thought did cross my mind. But it's pretty unlikely. Like I said, he was new and not deeply involved yet. If he'd wanted to damage TerraFirst!, it would've been smarter to wait and get to know more about the organization before pulling the plug.
Regardless, I sent someone to talk to him after it happened, a woman who's pretty good at reading people. She says she's rarely talked to anyone so dedicated to bringing down the corporations on that island. Manuel was born and raised there, the corporations destroyed the island, his home, his family...
If anything, his zeal coupled with his inexperience might make him a liability because he's more likely to do something stupid that'd get him caught... But if that's what happened, he would've been caught and his backdoors into the system would've been closed long ago."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-20-13/1706:26>
"I agree with your decision to continue his use as an asset then. Everything seems to be in order with how this job is set up, unless any of you feel I, Three Star, have missed anything? I hope none of you are planning to take Quentin's offer instead of Steiner's." He leans back slightly to lessen his focus on Steiner and open his body language to the others.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-20-13/1906:27>
"I have a feeling I know why I'm in on this now." Spooky says, almost sounding amused, "Any bonus for finding your leak?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-21-13/0320:39>
Steiner looks surprised. "Hm. Sorry to disappoint, but I hadn't even thought of that, to be honest.
If anything, I'd tell you to steer clear from any leaks, this job opportunity is far too unique and this job far too big to risk on something like that. Besides, after the job's done, we probably won't ever have to deal with anyone on that island for quite some time, so whoever the leak was wouldn't really be relevant anymore anyway."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-21-13/0533:54>
"That answers all the questions I had but one" says Rat out loud. He then reaches for another fruit and takes a bite out of a mango, the juices spilling all over his robes. "How the drek are you supposed to eat this thing without soiling yourself?" asks the ork.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-21-13/1259:03>
"Well if I still had my knife on me I would show you. You cut it into a checker board and eat the segments, it is less messy than biting into the whole thing."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-23-13/1406:38>
Steiner frowned but said nothing about the last comments.
Of the five people gathered, only Syra mentioned she didn't want to be part of this. Steiner accepted her refusal and didn't attempt to persuade her otherwise. He asked her to go to Quinten, who would be waiting for her in a tree on the path he pointed towards. When she'd vanished out of sight, he continued.
"Well, that's all arranged then? I'll have to see if Quinten can find a replacement for her on very short notice, I'm told she was supposed to be your matrix expert, hard to do this sort of work without one.
I'll see that he arranges payment with the replacement, too. As for you, asides from the transport and accommodations I'll assist you with and the credsticks already received, you'll be paid 50.000 nuyen upon delivery of TerraFirst!'s great victory."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-24-13/1925:10>
Rat's eyes light up upon hearing the price for their services. "Alright, when do we start?" asks the ork, clearly over Syra's departure.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-24-13/1935:09>
Three Star placed a hand lightly on the Ork's shoulder as he was agreeing to politely tell him to stop. "I do very much hope you mean "each", Mr. Steiner. We could get more than 10k each by selling the information of the storm and your plan to the corporations, or any information gleamed today to any number of your opposition and rivals. Not that i would dream of it but it is the principle of the matter.
I know you are willing to spend more on your group's  biggest achievement to date, especially as it will show what your group is really capable off and make people forget about that.. slip up on the newsfeeds. I need not repeat what you have said to us about how much this is going to mean to you personally and your group. I can not blame you for undershooting the price, but If you did not mean "each", then I, Three Star, urge you to reconsider the price based on the talent you are hiring."

Three Star's face remained neutral during his proposition, his tone understanding but firm.

[spoiler]30d6.hits(5)=13 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4271407/)
Negotiation if you need it but I am hoping my role-play will help it along as I'm not a dedicated face(10d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4271411/) If anyone else helps things along, you could use their jics for teamwork tests and my jic for the added dice results[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-24-13/2215:26>
Rat thinks for a second, listening to what Three Star has to say. A smile appears on the corner of his mouth at the prospect of more money, and he says "Yeah, that sounds better."

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4271628/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-24-13/2246:28>
Boomer gave an absent minded nod when Steiner gave his offer for payment.   It was a decent amount of cred.  It could have been better though.  He was no negotiator and he knew it which was why he didn't speak il right away.   Besides Rat beat him to it.  What was surprising, though it shouldn't have been, was that Rat accepted the initial offer.   Before he could say anything concerning Rats acceptance Three Star was already placeing a hand on the young Orc.   Listening to the human speak he was impressed that Star could speak so well. 

Boomer looked to Steiner.   "Well Three Star said it better than I ever could.  We're here for our expertise in certain fields.   If we weren't among the best we wouldn't be here before ya Mr. Steiner."
Boomer stopped speaking but looked as if he could say more but he never felt at ease at the bargaining table.

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4271684/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-25-13/0600:28>
Steiner stays quiet and looks at you intently with a straight face for a while.
"Haven't the leaders of nations and corporations from around the globe repeated a thousand times in the last century that you do not negotiate with terrorists?"
He chuckled.
"I don't really like threats to my operation, Three Star. And don't get me wrong, but after being on top of Most Wanted lists all over the world for a couple of years, threats from the four of you don't really do all that much to me...
You could've maybe tried saying that I don't have much time to look for a new group and that not everyone's willing to take this kind of work. That would've carried more weight without the added risk of me deciding maybe it'd be easier to use you as fertilizer for this park."

He pauzes for a short moment -not nearly long enough for you to decide whether he's really angry at you or not- and then laughs.
"Sorry, I just don't get the chance to mess with people anymore, I'm probably getting rusty. Yeah, the offer is 50k for each of you in return for giving me a complete victory.
You don't get caught, don't leave clues that this was anyone other than TerraFirst!'s doing. The damage needs to be complete: I don't just want a lot of water, I want the water coming in with waves powerful enough to bring down their city."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-25-13/1025:01>
"That is our goal. We have a deal then." Three Star puts out his left, synthetic, hand to shake Steiner's.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-25-13/1246:57>
Rat smiles, his broken tusk making it look more awkward than anything else. "Alright, when do we leave?" asks the ork after Three Star shakes Steiner's hand.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-25-13/1441:43>
Boomer shook his head when Steiner's demeanor gave way to a lighter side.  If asked about that moment he would have thought that the meet could have went either way.  Fortunately it went well for both sides. 

"Agreed.  Looks like we have a lot of work ahead of us and a short time to do it in."  He looked at the others.  "We're all going to need a new SIN for this run."  He looked back at Steiner.  "Mr. Steiner given your propensity for staying hidden would you know of any good fake SIN makers we could call on?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-27-13/0754:36>
@Three Star:
Steiner looks puzzled when Three Star offer his left hand... After a brief pause, he says "That's considered very bad manners by some people, you know? Personally, I just think it'd make for a bad start of a good deal." and he offers you his right.

@Boomer & Rat:
The terrorist leader shakes his head. "No. I think I've helped you as much as I can. I can't give you the names of our forgers... It's not that I don't trust you, but I simply can't risk blowing the identity of countless of our soldiers for one operation, no matter how big. We keep our cells separated from each other as much as we can. As for when you leave, give me and Quinten some time to make the arrangements. Be prepared to leave tomorrow."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-27-13/1323:34>
"Of course." Spooky says without the slightest hint of sarcasm, "We'll leave those arrangements to you."

Something about that doesn't sound quite right. But if the veterans have no problems, I sure as hell am not gonna speak up now.  It'll wait until we're secure.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-27-13/1457:19>
"How incredibly old fashioned of you, I am left handed so to me the opposite would be true to that logic." He shakes his hand with his right anyway.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-28-13/1257:47>
Boomer gave a slight chuckle at the manners talk.  then extended his own hand to shake Steiners.  "Understood about not disclosing your assets and keeping things secure.  No worries." 
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-28-13/1845:31>
With everything concluded and hands properly shaken, Rat made one final attempt at Syra. "You sure you don't want to come with us? I'll make sure to keep an eye over you if you do" said the ork as the woman was leaving with Quinten.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-29-13/1504:26>
Everything agreed upon, Steiner excuses himself, explaining he'll update Quinten and make needs to make some final arrangements before leaving.
He leaves you alone at the table, retreating over the same path he told Syra to follow.

According to what the Laésa told you this morning, you'll probably be left here for quite a while in order to allow Steiner to get out of the area before anyone who knows of his presence has the ability to contact the corporations or authorities searching for him.

If you want to do anything before you're sent out of paradise, now's the time to do it.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-29-13/1659:21>
Spooky looks around a bit, then decides to avail himself of one of the pools.  "You know, a man a lot smarter than I ever gave him credit for said to always take time to enjoy the simple things in life.  Odd that my little speech derailed him, isn't it?"  He looks at the others for  moment.  "What, did you think I actually believed either side of that?  Oddly enough, what he was talking about doing with TerraFirst! is abandoning terrorist tactics, and shifting to guerilla tactics and strategies.  Can't have made him many friends in the old guard."

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4278772/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-29-13/1929:12>
"I'm glad he did" says Rat to Spooky, "because that means we get a nice paycheck at the end of the day." He takes a kiwi next and bites into it. "Eeyuck! This one tastes funny guys" says the ork to the team, throwing the rest away. "In any case, I don't care for his revolution. I only care if he pays me well and if he pays me on time."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-30-13/0607:22>
"I think you're supposed to peel that first." Spooky laughed, "But either way, I have to wonder why I'm along for this job.  My skill set doesn't quite fit with the plan."

He looked over at Three Star and Boomer, looking to see if they have any ideas.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-30-13/0817:31>
Boomer listened as Spooky spoke.   When he mentioned about derailing Steiner with his little speech he looked back to where the man had just left and back to the detective. When he wondered why he was hear Boomer simply blinked his almost natural looking cybereyes   "Really.  We must have been listening to different conversations.  I didn't hear any trains cars crashing together.  I'm not saying I believe everything he saying but it's normal for the J to leave things out.  That comes with the line of work.  As far as why your here I'm wondering that too.   Maybe it will come to light when we are on the island.  Look at it this way, you were asked to come.  That should say something about your skill set."

He reached for a perfectly red apple and took a big bite of the fruit.  A small amount of clear juice ran down into his beard.  "You know I think that if I have the chance I'd like to come back to this place for some R&R."

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-30-13/0935:31>
Rat listened to Spooky. After Boomer answered him, the ork stepped in with "You know, I was wondering the same thing. If you want out, I'd be more than glad to take your share, chummer."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-30-13/1543:04>
"Sorry what was your skill set again, I filtered it out with almost everything else you have said today I am afraid?"

Three Star stood up and took hold of a vine, feeling it's textures. "Well Boomer, it is not like we know where here is."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <10-30-13/1801:49>
"I'm a detective," came the reply, "Not the best in the world, but a decent one.  I'm also not entirely sure touching the plants is all that wise.  I suspect that a person could be allergic to those, and never know it.  Unless they deal with plants on a regular basis, and since none of us do...."

Spooky trailed off, and realized the other reason this place didn't sit right to him.  He'd met a few druids before, and they talked about a balance of man and nature.  This place was nature unbridled, and wanted little to do with man.

"Crap, that's what's been bothering me...."

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=15) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4280154/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <10-30-13/1816:46>
"I almost had to stop listening to you again. Maybe you are here to help track down the right people and machinery to target. Boomer is here to help rig and sabotage along with whoever Quentin rustles up for matrix support. I have a feeling Rat and I are the back up plan. Though the job seems like it would be failed if I had to do what I do, so let us hope it does not go that way. Rat, do you have skills in infilt-.. Sneaking around?"

[spoiler]jic (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4280165/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-30-13/1900:42>
"Thad's what I do, Three Star" answered the ork. "I get into places, get things and get out without being seen. Goes even better if I have some Matrix support."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <10-30-13/1932:24>
Boomer was listening to Spooky talk but when he started off on his tangent like he had several times before he shifted his gaze to Three Star and Rat.   He listened as they were talking shop on what skills they had.  Rat was a sneak.  Good to have in any team.   Boomer the beginning to think that Star was a shooter base on something he had just said.   That was good also.   Having a steady gun watching was invaluable.   

"Good someone who is light on their feet is always needed.  So you all know I'm also good with locks  and some B&E.  I can move around pretty quiet when I have to.  It's not a speciality.  So far I've managed to not get myself killed sneaking around.  As far as guns go I prefer pistols and shotty's and I'm dam good with both.  After twenty years in the Corps I've managed to get a well rounded background."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-31-13/0637:28>
After chatting with each other for a while, boredom, curiosity or the lure from your fantastical surrounding draws you into the park.

Walking through the park, a tree not that much different from any of the others suddenly catches Boomer's attention. One of its low hanging branches looks amazingly inviting and Boomer easily climbs the tree and sits down on the branch. His back resting against the trunk and his legs on both side of the branch he starts daydreaming and almost dozes off.

Rat heads into the park trying to find Syra but doesn't find her. He does come across one or some of the sisters occasionally and observes their behavior as they walk through the forest. They don't seem to follow any of the paths but move through even the thickest bushes and flower patches just as easily without disturbing or damaging the plants. Their behavior is definitely off, there's something feral in it. At one time he's certain he hears one of them howl and growl and a few moments later witnesses another (or is it the same one?) yelp and whimper as if in pain before vanishing in the forest.

Spooky finds a pool with hot water in a quiet spot where the air is rich with the scent of jasmine and rosemary and notices the same behavior from the sisters. He knows Dryads tend to attune to their surroundings over time and it's obvious they've been at this location for a while. If they're acting like this... There must be wild animals in the neighborhood of the park, or something similar in behavior. And the Dryads are mirroring their emotions and instincts.

Three Star, not caring one bit about all this nature, walks across the path he believes will lead him back towards where they entered the park. At one point, he notices Quinten and Steiner in a clearing. There's no path from his position to the clearing but he can see them through some holes where the foliage of the surrounding shrubs is a bit thinner. Syra, if she is also there, can't be seen. He manages to overhears a few of their words.
Quinten: "... a considerable discount on our services and my personal gratitude. I'd be deeply in your debt if you would find it in your heart to allow me to remember this paradise."
Steiner: "I don't doubt you mean it. You said the exact same thing previous times you were here..." Quinten looks at him with surprise.  Yeah. You heard right. But sorry, it's not up to me, pal. And a deal's a deal. Got you a little something extra for all your effort, though." he hands Quinten a small bag. "You have to be burning through your own stash for all this, so I figure I owe you this much at least."
Quinten looks surprised yet again. "Where did..." "Look around you, Quint..." They slowly walk a bit further and vanish out of sight. The sound of their voices dies quicker than it should, something seems to be blocking the sound.

[spoiler]Directions gone chosen at random with a die. Perception rolls taken from JiC's or rolled by me.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <10-31-13/1835:29>
You're left to yourselves for roughly an hour and a half, maybe two.
Then, once again, the druids come to you and guide you through the park back to where you all entered the park.
Quinten is already there, waiting on you with an unconscious Syra hanging over his shoulders. He doesn't seem to have any trouble lifting her weight. "She'll be out for a couple of hours. She'll need to be carried, I'm afraid. I hadn't actually counted on any of you backing out of this deal, to be honest... especially not her. The spell boosting my strength won't last when we leave this place but I'm certain one of you can carry her." The last comment seemed aimed mostly towards Rat.
He waits for you to remove your robes and put your normal gear back on and waits a bit longer. He seems reluctant to leave, sad even. But with a last look and a deep sigh he finally turns his back towards the hidden paradise and guides you back towards the desolate streets.
"So, other than Syra I assume all went well?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <10-31-13/1858:00>
Rat smiles at the idea of carrying the unconscious woman. After changing back into his clothes, he asks Quinten "Does that mean we can activate our gear now?" before taking Syra's unconscious body.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-01-13/0558:32>
"No.", Quinten replied to Rat. "The agreement was that this could be done upon our return at the police station. Steiner doesn't want any chance of you finding the location of this... paradise. And the Ancients will not accept you being armed and dangerous while under their protection."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <11-01-13/0620:58>
Rat lets out a sigh as he adjusts the weight of Syra on his body so as to be stable while walking. Once outside, he follows Quinten and the rest of the team back to the truck, keeping an eye out for any possible predators that might be lurking about.

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4281726/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <11-01-13/1121:25>
"As well as can be expected. So, Quentin. A discerning elf such as yourself must be looking at this job as a means to gauge talent, even if just for curiosities sake. Any chance we may receive a call from you one day? Unless of course there was something that might stop you."
Keeping an eye out around them since leaving the nature shamans magical botany experiment, Three Star places his hands on his hips as he walks.

[spoiler]jic (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4281850/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-01-13/1811:51>
"Hm. Difficult to say, really. Work in the Shadows is always unpredictable."
Quinten smiles. "But it is very profitable. So never say never, I suppose. Though it is highly unlikely that it will be because of anything related to this job or today's events."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-02-13/0829:43>
As your group makes it around the bend the intersection comes into view, the military truck and your military escort still on guard in its center.
There are clear signs of battle. Trails and pools of blood are everyhere on the streets and pavement, the elves' uniforms and truck are also stained with blood. Many of the gangers are wounded and you notice the bodies of two of them lying on the ground behind the truck.
One of the turrets is still standing, the other one lies collapsed beneath the corpse of a dog-like creature the size of a small horse. Several more canine corpses, 20 or more and all riddled with bullets, lie in all directions.
South of the truck, several humanoid corpses lie on the pavement, each of them naked or wearing little more than dirty rags and covered in blood.
One of the gangers notices your approach and alerts the major, who immediately starts barking orders to pack their things and prepare to leave.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <11-02-13/1354:49>
Spooky watches this, and calmly thinks about what it might mean.  He's not a medic, so any help he can give would only be getting in the way of people who know what the hell they're doing.  But the presence of the canines definitely indicates that somebody who likes to use Awakened animals in involved.  Problem being, this might be another batch of druids trying to bring some balance, enemies of TerraFirst!, or a rival gang.  The worst option is all three.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <11-02-13/1952:57>
Thinking it might have been tribals Three Star casually walks passed it and if allowed, mounts up. "True Quentin but hopefully if something comes up you will remember us."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <11-02-13/2042:41>
Rat walks around the carcasses and otherwise gory parts lying on the streets, saying to the group "Looks like we missed the party."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-03-13/0231:57>
Quinten is about to reply to Three Star but stops when he hears Rat speaking. "Unless you intend to get us all shot or abandoned on these streets, you'd do well to refrain from saying such things out loud for the time being, mister Featherstone.", he hisses towards him.

At close enough distance to talk to the Ancients without raising his voice, Quinten asks the nearest -the chick with the short spiky hair- what happened. She replies that they were nearly overrun by a large pack of wild dogs with a couple of barghests among them. Then, to make things worse, a bunch of ferals tried to take advantage of the chaos to grab some of their wounded. Luckily the pack fled when their alpha, the large barghest impaled on the turret, was killed and the ghouls gave up without the dogs as distraction. But two of the elves were killed by dogs and two other bitten by ghouls.
It's obvious these events haven't done much good to the relationship between the Ancients and your group. The occasional glares some of the gangers throw towards are now outright hostile and often accompanied by some unfriendly sounding comments they make to each other in Sperethiel.

Regardless, the gangers follow the major's and sergeant's orders and (unless you provoke them) let you back on the truck and throw the blindfolds in your laps before loading the remaining turret and their dead and getting on themselves.

[spoiler]If there's anything you want to do or say before taking off, now's your chance. Please roll perception, edge and JiC dice and tell me if your character puts on his belt before putting on the blindfold or not.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <11-03-13/1728:31>
Spooky takes a careful look around, surveying the carnage with a slight frown before taking his seat and buckling in before putting his blindfold on.  I hope they have some flankers or scouts out, because I have a feeling this isn't over.

He finally says,"Frankly, I don't have much of an objection to delaying to get the wounded some medical attention.  Ghoul bites aren't a joke, And they might be carriers for another strain.  Not to mention it'd be pretty bad taste to not see to the wounded first."
[spoiler]Perception(visual) (16d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4289792/)
Edge(I hate you SOOOOO much) (2d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4289799/) At least I didn't glitch...
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4289800/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <11-03-13/1915:22>
Rat gets on the truck and gently puts Syra's body on it before strapping himself down and putting his hood over his head, not saying anything else.

[spoiler]Perception (14d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4289996/) no gllitches
Edge (3d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290008/) Not bad at all!
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290014/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <11-03-13/2008:17>
Three star, thinking this is far too many dogs attacking outright a group with a loud turret alongside looks around as best he can before getting in the vehicle, the buckles and puts the bag back over his head as he has no choice. He ignores the foreign chatter from the ancients and tries to see if he remembers anything from the drive over, or knowledge about he possible area they are in, for any insight into the situation and how things might go. he also considers Ghoul Street Gangs, in case they only seemed feral.
Also out of paranoia, he hits the switch on his Wired Reflexes, as he lacks the comfort of his commlink turning them on instantly.

[spoiler]Perception outside the van, then inside the van (with hood), both include active perceiving. (13d6.hits(5)=4, 13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290144/)
Jic (30d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290139/)
edge (2d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290156/)
memory with nanitey goodness (8d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290162/)
street gangs (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290176/)
I am thinking he might piece together enough info with the length of the drive from the Lonestar compound, anything he smelled, heard etc, known Feral or Ghoul Territory and Wild Dog/Barghast Danger Zone (do not really have a knowledge skill for this though) crossovers to narrow down where we might be or what might be going on, if it isnt as it appears.. I am aware this is all very "Taken 2" and that i might not have enough knowledge skills for it, so I am relying heavily on the very good memory roll and his Bodyguard qualities perception bonus.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <11-03-13/2343:14>
Boomer listened to Quinten's response to Three Stars question about future work from the Elf.  He smiled at reply.  "Well Quinten from what I can tell from your dealings with us you look  have always been as straight with us as you could be.  That says a lot on my book.  If you ever do happen to have some work that would be suited for me give a call."

As they rounded the corner and the truck and the gangers become visible it took only a second to see that a battle had occurred while they were being treated like royalty in the forest.  From the looks of it the Elves gave better than they got but still took some losses.  He looked at Rat when he seemed to casually mention the party that was had out here.  Having seen battle many times over his career he could never remember one instance when one was a party.  It made him realize just how young the Orc was. 

With the tensions on the truck running high Boomer did as ordered.  As he climbed up on to the truck he took a look around their perimeter as he moved to his seat where he buckled in and prepared to put his hood on.  With a last look around he donned the black hood as darkness took over.

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290406/)
Edge. (3d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290408/)  no glitch
Perception visual, Int 4 + skill 4 + vision enhance 3 + actively looking 3 = 14 (14d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290415/)
Perception hearing, Int 4 + skill 4 + audio enhance 3 + actively listening 3 = 14 (14d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4290418/)



[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-05-13/1747:19>
The elves don't seem to care much about military order or respect for their dead anymore. They just want to get away from this area and hastily load their things, throw the turret in the middle, the bodies after it and jump on board. If a vehicle this size and weight and amount of tires could leave with screeching tires, it would be, its engines roaring loudly. The truck's already moving before they make sure you're all properly blinded with the black bags.
Judging from the reactions of the elves, there doesn't seem to be anything or anyone chasing you and after driving at high speed for a couple of minutes, you can hear the engines power decrease and feel the truck slowing to a more reasonable speed.
The drive is quiet for what feels like at least half an hour.

Suddenly each of you can hear the sound of another engine, roaring as loudly as your trucks did half an hour ago. The elves don't seem to pick it up over the sound of the flatbed's own diesel engine... at least not until it's too late. The sound of the second vehicle grows rapidly, at the last second one of the elves shouts something and you feel your own vehicle trying to turn but by then it's far too late. Something slams into it with enough force to ram it a few meters sideways and flip it on its side.
Your seat belts (well, don't expect too much from this, it's just a strap across your waist but it's better then nothing) are the only thing keeping you on the truck. The straps painfully cut into your lower abdomen as momentum tries to lift you off your seats, something you'll definitely be feeling for some time, but it sure beats being launched into the air and hitting whatever's at the end of the flight. The way you get tossed around makes you realize how lucky you are (well, relatively speaking, that is) that this is an open truck, otherwise you'd probably have cracked your skull, slamming against the sides or roof of the vehicle.
There is shouting from the elves and other people at a larger distance and the sound of glass breaking.

The truck was hit hard at the passengers side.
Spooky, Boomer and Three Star are hanging almost upside down, their entire weights being kept from falling to the ground by the belt painfully strapped around their waists.
Rat was seated on the other side and while perhaps he's in a more comfortable position now -leaning with his back against the bench, head resting on the concrete street or pavement and his legs up in the air- he was launched backward instead of forward. Luckily he heard the sound of the second engine and the incoming vehicle and managed to braced himself before the impact, but his head still hit the ground below him quite hard.
The world is still black thanks to the bags over your faces... Do you think the Ancients would still be upset if you took 'em off at this moment?

Quote
Roll to resist Impact damage:
Spooky, right front and closest to the impact: 5S
Boomer, right center, further from the impact: 4S
Three Star, same position as Boomer but slightly less lucky, he slammed his head into that of the elf next to him and resists 5S
Rat, in the rear of the truck but launched backward and knocked ag. He got lucky though, a bag of trash was lying where his head hit the sidewalk, resist 5S

Initiative:
Boomer: 16
Three Star: 15
Ancients (surprised): 10
EnemyR: 10
Rat: 9
EnemyL: 8
EnemyT: 8
Spooky: 7
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <11-06-13/1115:41>
[spoiler]
Body 7 + armor 8 (armor jacket 6, FFBA 2) =15 (15d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4293016/)  no damage taken. 
[/spoiler]

The ride after leaving was pleasant if you could call riding in the back of an open truck, belted in with a bag over your head.   Still boomer figured they had been moving for maybe a half hour or maby longer.   He was beginning to think that it shouldn't be much longer time they made it back to the Ancients compound and get to the job.

He was going over what they might need.   A new fake SIN was certain.  As were some other things.  He shifted in his seat to relieve the soreness from sitting on the hard bench when he heard another engine coming up fast.   The sound was unmistakable.   The other driver was gunning it hard and the roar of the engine only grew louder.   When the truck was hit Boomer reflexively tucked his chin to his chest as the truck struggled to stay on its wheels but lost the fight when it overturned onto the ferrocrete. 

Despite the hood he Dwarfs eyes were closed as the truck bounced around until it came to a stop.  Groaning he shook his head as he hung from his position.   His arms and legs dangled toward the ground as he realized the belt around his lap that was holdng him up.   If not for the belt he might well have been dead.   With a few heavy breaths he reached up and remove the hood tossing it to the ground below him.    It didn't matter to him that they weren't at the elves compound.   They had been attacked and he sure as he'll wasn't going to die belted to a truck with a bag over his head. 

He looked around to gauge the situation.   As he reached up with his right arm to hold on to be truck behind him.  "Sound off.  You all ok."  He grunted as he took some of the pressure off his middle and undid the belt clip releasing him.  His body swung down as he still held on with his right hand.  He look down before letting go to make sure he didn't land on anyone.   With another grunt he dropped the few feet and hit the ground looking around. 

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4293037/)
Perception visual. INT 4 + skill 4 + vision enhance 3 = 11 (11d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4293039/)
Perception hearing INT 4 + skill 4 + audio enhance 3 = 11 (11d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4293044/)  6 1's and one success.   A glitch I think, right.  Maybe his hearing is a bit off due to the crash (ringing I his cyberears or something like that)  :)

[/spoiler]


Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <11-06-13/1649:52>
Three Star spent the drive waiting and listening, they had narrowly escaped at least 3 fights that evening he imagined and he didn't believe trouble came in threes.
When he heard the other engine, he sighed, his options limited. As his head struck the elf next to him he hoped the elf would at least still be useful in the fight.
He pulled the bag off his head, and watching the dwarf nearby start to get himself down, he followed suit and got to his feet.
"I, Three Star, am fine." the  throb under his hair would probably form a lump. he assessed the scene, caring more about the location and state of the team than the elves, then listened for any more audio cues from the attackers.
His next orders of business were to take a he from the nearest shell shocked or dead elf (Though he will settle for any kind of gun.) and find hard cover.
Then murder everyone.
The attackers at least.

[spoiler]Impact 3 and Body 4 and Cyberware 6 (13d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4293287/) 2 Stun taken.
Move my actions into the next of my IPs if they cannot all be done now. (Unless something drastic happens to stop him like being shot etc)
Int 4, perception 4, bodyguard 2, active 3 Visual then audio. (13d6.hits(5)=3, 13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4293294/)

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-06-13/1852:06>
The situation isn't looking all too well.
The location is another T-intersection of some dirty streets somewhere in the Puyallup barrens.
The road you were driving on went straight forward, the vehicle that ran into yours came out of a narrow side road between two small apartment buildings. It's another bad neighborhood, the buildings are in almost as bad a shape as your truck.
The flatbed's been rammed so hard on the passenger side of the cabin that it's flipped on its side. From the side you're currently on, neither of you can see the vehicle that slammed into it, but it's got to be something heavy. It slid to the side of the road and forward towards a town square that's now apparently being used as a garbage dump.
The right side of the driver's cabin has been crushed, the cabin now barely half the size it used to be. From your current locations, you can't see if anyone inside is still moving.
Because of their haste to leave the area (and their arrogance) the female sergeant appears to have been the only elf that bothered buckling her belt. The soldiers have been tossed out of the truck and hit the ground pretty hard. Two are lying on the sidewalk next to the truck, it's possible they hit the building there before hitting the ground. They're injured but crawling to their feet. Three others missed the building and landed in the square. One flew with his back against a lightpost and is almost wrapped around it, he obviously died immediately. The sergeant was strapped in her seat but may actually be worse off than most of her squad mates, her head's bleeding heavily and her left arm appears to be trapped underneath the truck. Syra has been slammed into a concrete flower bed and is lying there now, still unconscious... or worse.
As for enemies, Three Star and Boomer can spot four of them at the moment. Two of them popped from behind a concrete flowerbed (well, it's just a dirtbed now) on the square, to others appear behind the window frames (no glass in them) on the first floor of the building near the truck. All of them orks, dressed in black leather outfits and shouting victoriously. One of them (in the building) is holding a bottle with a burning rag in it, the others are wielding guns. There is more shouting coming from the other side of the street, but the truck blocks your sight entirely.

Boomer's cyberears are glitching, he can barely hear anything over a very loud and irritating static-like sound.

Looking around for weapons, there are plenty of options. There were already two dead ancients and now there's a third body, they all had military weapons and carried a sidearm and combat knife in addition to it. The guns are scattered on the sidewalk now but you can easily get to them quickly. Of course, all of the living ancients are armed too. The turret's been tossed out of the truck and into the building too, lying on the sidewalk between the elves. It doesn't look too damaged and could still work but might require a little bit of tinkering to get functional.

Quote
Boomer takes -1 to all actions until his ears stop buzzing after the 2nd CT.
For exact weapons and stats, give me until tomorrow please.
Rat feel free to act, no need for you to wait... EnemyR can't really get to any of you, yet. Spooky will have to wait though.
If there's anything I missed, let me know.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <11-07-13/0546:58>
Still disoriented from the crash, Rat gets the hood off his head. "What the drek..." thinks the ork as he tries to get his bearings. It doesn't take him long to realise what has happened. Looking around, he sees Boomer and Three Star are already out and about. He undoes his seatbelt and, saying "To hell with your rules" out loud, manually activates his move-by-wire system.

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4294013/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-09-13/1133:36>
The elves don't do much yet. They crawl to their feet and stumble towards cover, still very much dazed from the crash.
(Starting with the bottom one)
The first tries to take cover from the orks behind a brick and metal trashcan just south of the truck, he reaches it but doesn't look at all happy with that position. Why this is so becomes clear when a second after he reaches it, several loud shots can be heard from behind the truck and the solder/ganger collapses on the pavement with a hole in his chest.
The second crawls towards the wall of the building and pushes himself against it, trying to keep out of sight (and line of fire) of the orks inside.
The sergeant, one arm stuck under the truck, displays an amazing level of courage. She remains lying on her back and buckled in her belt and instead of begging for help or trying to get loose, pulls her sidearm and from her difficult position, fires a shot in the direction of one of the orks behind the flower bed but her shot misses.
The two elves on the square try to reach cover too. One of them gets shot by the two orks on the plaza before reaching cover, he still lives but fails to reach cover, collapsing on the floor and shouting from anger and pain. The second one manages to find cover behind the utility box close to the truck's cabin.
One of the orks in the building fires towards the sergeant but his shot misses. The second one, however, throws his molotov towards the sergeant and doesn't miss, dousing the sergeant in flames. She starts screaming in agony.
From somewhere behind the truck another molotov is thrown, this one aimed inside the driver's cabin of the truck. You hear the bottle break and thick black smoke emerges from the passenger's window. More shouting and footsteps can be heard on the other side of the flatbed.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <11-10-13/1226:20>
Boomer activated his internal comlink in stealth mode as the world erupted into chaos as gunfire as a firebomb blew near them.  He figured that right now it didn't matter about the comlink.  They were either going to live through this or die trying.  Might as well use all they he could.  He also had his 'link run a diagnostics check on his glitching ears. 

 With a quick look around Boomer spots what he needs.  Several weapons and the turret that is on its side.  "Try and give me some cover." Was all he said as he ran to the overturned turret picking up a heavy pistol that had been dropped by one of the elves.  Coming up to the turret he simply dropped the pistol at his feet for a quick pickup when he was done.   Using natural and augmented strength he up-righted the weapon and attempted to get it operational.  "Come on you bitch you better still be operational."  He said through gritted teeth as he tried to use it as cover from the Orcs in front of him.  They were in deep.  Ambushed and out in the open.  They needed a way to keep the heads of some of the Orcs down.

[spoiler]
Ok Boomer will attempt to get the turret working for them.  If he can set it to suppressive fire for one or both groups of 2 orcs in front of them he will. (basically anyone who isn't them)

I included several rolls for things that I thought may apply and two rolls of JiC for for his last 2 passes, just in case.

Str roll for lifting the turret BOD 7 + STR 7 =14 (14d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4298725/)
Reaction tests for dodging (if possible) Reaction 7 (7d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4298726/)  No hits no glitch
Reaction tests for dodging (if possible) Reaction 6 (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4298727/)
Heavy weapons knowledge check for the turret. Heavy Weap 2 + LOG 6 =8 (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4298729/)
Hardware check for the turret: Skill 3 + LOG 6 = 9 (9d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4298730/)
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4298731/)
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4298732/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <11-10-13/1832:27>
Three Star scanned the surrounding area, the only cover would let the attackers light a fire under his backside. Preferably they would want to get off the street and inside but with the tuskers throwing around firebombs that wouldn't work either.
A fire to his right, a dead man to his left who helpfully showed Three Star the danger they face behind them and Boomer shouting about covering him.
For now Three Star grabbed two Predators from those strewn about with the dead and holstered one, replacing it in hi cyberarm with a second and keeping hold of a survival knife.
Options were not presenting themselves, so he stayed low and kept his attention on the attackers, ready to dodge incoming fire.

[spoiler]With my attempt at cover unfruitful ill just stay in full defense.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <11-12-13/1837:44>
Spooky looks around, swearing pungently and pretty fluently in every language he knows as he scrambles free of the belt and the seat, barely avoiding the burning woman beneath him, but still managing to get free unsinged.  Once free, he shakes his head a bit as he scrambles off the truck, and dives for a Predator, and tries to find himself some cover that doesn't have a bunch of shooting orcs there already.  Failing that, he scans for the magician he knows is going to be somewhere, because that fragger's about to start gunning for him, given his luck.

"You know, there are times I hate being right.  I mean I really, really wish I could be wrong more often."

[spoiler]Assensing (12d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4301726/) Gymnastics (4d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4302016/) And people say Gymnastics is useless....Burning an Edge to negate the glitch. JiC (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4301727/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-13-13/1342:40>
IP2:
Quinten leaps up from behind the low brick wall surrounding the garbage heap on the plaza and fires two shots at one of the orks taking cover behind the concrete flowerbed. Attacked in the flanked, the ork has no cover and both shots appear to hit, causing his body to fall to the ground, out of sight. In response to his gunfire, the elf dives to the ground right before several more shots (judging by their sounds coming from the other side of the truck) are fired and chip pieces out of the wall he's hiding behind.
Boomer manages to get grab a pistol and gets close enough to the turret to investigate.
Three Star picks up two guns and a combat knife.

IP3:
Boomer works on the turret, his skill and knowledge of the weapon make the work almost automatic. Making precise, calculated movements with enhanced speed, he seems somewhat like a robot working at an assembly line. Only a little more work needs to be done to get the gun realigned and the turret should be ready to go.
Three Star fires two shots at one of the Orks in the building. Both hit him in the chest, the ork is dead before landing on the ground.

[spoiler]Everyone Roll Initiative for next CT.
Silence/Spooky, don't forget you need to roll 1d6 whenever you use edge to see if it doesn't backfire. I used JiC this time, but I prefer a separate roll for it in the future. Otherwise the post is good and things go as you describe.
None of the orks he can see appears to be awakened.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <11-14-13/1235:16>
[IP 1]

As shots rang out Boomer worked with speed and precision.  The first problem he fixed with the turret was its alignment.  It didn't take much sync it back up again.  t had been something he had done many times in the past and this was like second nature.  With the alignment fixed he moved on to the next problem he saw.  The ammo belt wasn't feeding properly and it probably happened in the fall off the truck.  With expertise the jam was cleared and the weapon was goo to go.  He quickly pulled it back a few feet and aimed it in the direction of the two Orcs behind the flower bed.  He was hoping that it would cover those two and anyone coming around the other side of the truck.  With a push of a button he heard the turret chamber a round and smiled as it began to spit hot lead at their ambushers. 

[spoiler]
Hardware roll: hardware 3 + LOG 6 = 9 (9d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4303851/)  Two hits needed to get turret working.  [/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <11-14-13/2055:26>
CT1
[IP2]
Three Star concentrated on getting armed, luckily they had been carrying pred IVs, at least it was what he was used to. Scooping up two and a knife, the Human stayed low. He would prefer close quarters combat but it was unlikely to happen this fight so he favored the gun in his left hand.

[IP3]
When Quentin started out by taking one of the Orks down, Three Star followed suit. Not to be out done he made sure they only had one Ork left above them.

CT2
[IP1]
It was simple enough to switch to the next window and put two shots into the pyro Ork for Three Star. Seeing the Shotgun he wondered if he had planned to try to suppress us with it? Idiocy. The Predator may not have been smart right now, or be as good as Scary Monster but it was doing well enough against Orks of this caliber.


[spoiler]just have a millionty jics (30d6.hits(5)=12, 30d6.hits(5)=9, 30d6.hits(5)=9, 30d6.hits(5)=15, 30d6.hits(5)=15, 30d6.hits(5)=16, 30d6.hits(5)=9, 30d6.hits(5)=4, 30d6.hits(5)=11, 30d6.hits(5)=9, 30d6.hits(5)=8, 30d6.hits(5)=13, 30d6.hits(5)=9, 30d6.hits(5)=5, 30d6.hits(5)=14, 30d6.hits(5)=11, 30d6.hits(5)=11, 30d6.hits(5)=13, 30d6.hits(5)=10, 30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4307236/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <11-15-13/1750:46>
CT2
[IP1]
Rat instantly felt the rush from activating his Move-by-Wire system. The world around him was suddenly going back to its normal pace for him. He quickly looked around for a firearm and any other type of weapon he might use, assessing the situation at the same time. He then decided to take one of the Ares Predators and headed for the building where the two orks were in.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <11-17-13/1141:30>
With the enemy on the other side of the truck, Spooky follows Rat into the building, mostly because inside provides more cover than the open road.  "I'll cover you, just don't get too far ahead, chummer."

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4307274/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-20-13/0443:55>
Three Star's pistol fire takes out the ork in the building, Rat and Spooky run into it to take cover from the ones that are sure to be approaching from behind.
Quinten pops out of cover again but doesn't get a lot of time before bullets start hitting the wall he's taking cover behind. He manages to fire off a shot toward the group heading your way but is forced back into cover before he can take a second one.
Two ancients remain alive, although one seems to wish she were dead; trapped under the truck and screaming in agony as the flames from the molotov cocktail consume her flesh. The second is cowering behind the cover of a utility box, simply staring wide-eyed at the burning sergeant but not making any move to help her.
Then the orks arrive from both north and south of the truck simultaneously.

South, 4 Ork gangers.
Two see Rat and Spooky run into the building and open fire on them.
Two more run around the cover of the truck and charge toward Three Star.
Both are wielding axes, though they're not really combat axes and have seen better days.

North: 4 Ork gangers.
One, wielding an axe, heads for Quinten.
Three more come around the truck's cabin and run straight into the turret's line of sight, it responds with suppressive fire.
Two orks get hit but before they take multiple rounds, a third manages to somehow avoid the incoming hail of bullets and charges for the nearest enemy, barging into the turret on his way and knocking it down.
The elf soldier/ganger, prone, dazed and in shock, barely even responds to the incoming attack and the axe slams into his chest. He almost shouts, but passes out before he can.

Quote from: rolls & stuff
Rat & Spooky: 7d6.hits(5)=2, 7d6.hits(5)=6, 7d6.hits(5)=2, 7d6.hits(5)=3 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4310568/)
First one's got a heavy pistol and fires at Rat. 2 and 6 hits. 5P -1AP
Second's got a shotgun and aims for Spooky. 2 and 3 hits. (9P(f), +2AP)
Defenses at +6 for running and cover from the building.

Three Star: Melee attacks w/ charge and friends (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4310571/) forgot reach: Reach (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4310574/) (12d6=2, 12d6=5)
Weapons: Reach 2, 7P, 0AP

North:
Turret: Suppressive fire (6d6=20) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4310653/) (Damned fever, keep forgetting to add .hits(5). 2 hits.
First ork doesn't go full defense, the other two do.
Ork defense (5d6.hits(5)=3, 7d6.hits(5)=1, 7d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4310654/)
Ironically, only the one that doesn't choose defense is the one that doesn't get hit.
2 orks take 4P damage.
Axing a prone and wounded elf. (9d6.hits(5)=2)
 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4310658/)
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <11-20-13/0640:49>
As he runs towards the building, Rat hears gunshots from the north side of the street. He tries to hurry and get to cover before making himself an easier target than he already is, but feels his body not working like it should. "Ahh drek!" thinks the ork before the pain of his wound catches up to him.

[spoiler]Reaction 9 + Various Modifiers 6 (15d6.hits(5)=6, 15d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4310590/) no glitches. So first shot misses, second connects with 3 net hits.

Body 5 + Bone Lacing 2 - AP 1 (6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4310593/) no glitches, so that means 5P for Rat.

Edit: Forgot armour, so I'll post it here as well to have everything at the same place. Armour (6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4310690/) no glitches, so that's 2P for Rat.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <11-20-13/1733:42>
"Frag!" Spooky yells as the first shotgun blast barely misses him, and he runs faster, firing blindly towards the shotgun blast, missing completely.

"Frag me gently with a fraggin' chainsaw!!!" Is screamed as Rat catches a round, and another blast narrowly misses him, but he manages to knock Rat into the doorway as the injured orc slows.  "Cover!'

Spooky looks Rat over quickly once they've got some shelter.  "You hit bad?  Because I'm pretty fraggin' sure the medic's dead out there."

[spoiler]Dodging (12d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4311076/) Dodging more (12d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4311082/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <11-20-13/1739:08>
Three Star easily swayed his body to the motions of the clumsy axes as they fell passed him. It would seem they had decided to attempt bringing the fight to close range, so for now he would remain on the defense until an opportunity presented itself.

[spoiler]Interrupt Full Dodge, Dodge 4*2 and REA 8, -1 for multiple dodges in one turn. (16d6.hits(5)=4, 15d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4311095/) Both miss
Jics (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4311098/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <11-21-13/1833:45>
Rat, ignoring the pain from his body, says "Hang tight" to Spooky as he jumps back out of the building and sprints towards the two armed orks that shot at them.

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4312485/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <11-21-13/2006:23>
Boomer laughed heartily as the turret opened up on the unsuspecting gangers rounding the end of the truck.  The results weren't as good as he had hoped.  None were dead but two had taken rounds.   One slipped by the fire knocking the turret over and ended the cowering Elf by sinking an axe into his chest.  His laugh faded out as he drew his borrowed Predator.  "You picked the wrong group of Elves to try and ambush today."  With practiced ease he took aim and sent the mental command to fire the weapon. 

[spoiler]
Free action to ready weapon. 
Two shots at the Orc who axed the Elf. 
1st shot. AGI 7 + skill 7 + smart link 2 - non dwarf customized weapon 1 = 15 (15d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4312457/)  5P -1AP
2nd shot. AGI 7 + skill 7 + smart link 2 - non dwarf customized weapon 1 = 15 (15d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4312458/)  5P =1 AP
WOW 7 hits each

Some reaction dodge rolls if needed
REaction for any dodging 7 dice (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4312460/)
REaction for any dodging 6 dice (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4312461/)

gun resist damage rolls if needed
Resist rolls if needed BODY 7 + Armored jacket 8 + FFBA 6 = 21 (21d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4312464/)
Resist rolls if needed BODY 7 + Armored jacket 8 + FFBA 6 = 21 (21d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4312465/)

JiC (30d6.hits(5)=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4312463/)


[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-24-13/1406:17>
Boomer's first shot hit the ork in the center of the chest and he went down instantly. It already didn't look like his target would make it, but Boomer made sure with a second shot that turned the back of the ork's head to mush.

Quiten, ducking out of cover again and this time not immediately forced into cover takes two shots at the ork running toward him. One of the shots seems hits but that only seems to infuriate the charging ork even more.

[spoiler]
CT2, IP3
Two orks with guns, taking cover at the south side of the truck. Rat'll be on top of 'em this IP.
Two with axes in melee with Three Star.

One wounded with axe, almost on top of Quinten.
Two wounded with guns, next to the burning cabin.

IP3
Three Star 21
Rat 18
Boomer 16

No real need to bother rolling initiative, it seems. No way the orks are faster than you anyhow.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <11-25-13/1241:22>
Boomer watched as his two shots took down the Orc with dramatic fashion.  He hoped that the other two who rounded the burning cabin with him also saw and would realize that they would be following in their chummer's bloody demise. 
A slight shift of his arm brought the two within his sights.  Once again he sent the command to fire the weapon.  his ears heard the weapon discharge twice at the Orc's.

[spoiler]
1st shot. AGI 7 + skill 7 + smart link 2 - non dwarf customized weapon 1 = 15 (15d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4316756/)
2nd shot. AGI 7 + skill 7 + smart link 2 - non dwarf customized weapon 1 -2 for 2nd target = 13 (13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4316757/)

JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4316758/)

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <11-25-13/2034:42>
Rat, darting out with lightning speed towards his two attackers, uses the momentum from his run to charge into the ork with the shotgun, violently connecting his right leg to the ork's chest, an audible gasp escaping as the man was pushed backwards. As the body of his attacker absorbs the shock, Rat turns his head towards the second ork and grunts in a low voice "Run away, brother."

[spoiler]Agility 7 + Unarmed Combat 5 (12d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4317162/) no glitches. Forgot the extra 2 dice for charging: Charging (2d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4317173/) so that's 6 hits total. Damage is 3 + 1 from Martial Art focus + 2 from Bone Lacing + any net hits, all physical. If Rat does not hit his target, I'll change the text.

JiC (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4317165/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <11-26-13/1737:01>
Boomer takes down another assailant and after taking two bullets, the other one he hits doesn't look so hot anymore either.
While both Rat's kick and Three Star's swipe with the combat knife manages to connect with their opponents, neither of those attacks really seems to cause much injury to the gangers.
It does, however, seem to alert them to the fact that they're actually meeting with real opposition instead of just finishing off some half-dead Ancients. They take a short look at their dead pals on the ground and another look in the direction from which the others were supposed to be attacking from and they seem to understand things aren't exactly going as planned.
They don't need to speak a word to each other, their body language says enough.
All of the ork gangers -save for the one running toward Quinten who doesn't really understand the situation yet- change their tactics and seem to be trying to get away.

[spoiler]CT3, you can all act before the orks do.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <11-26-13/1806:37>
Unscathed and seemingly having met the Ork's armour with the small knife, Three Star was not going to attempt to kill them when he did not have all his weapons at his disposal.

"I, Three Star, allow you to return to whatever group of violent scum you came from. Remember that this was a bad idea."


[spoiler]cha4, intimidation 4 and first impression 2 (10d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4317991/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <11-26-13/1856:38>
Seeing the attackers trying to flee, Rat takes another shot at the shotgun-wielding ork.

[spoiler]Agility 7 + Unarmed Combat 5 (12d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4318026/) no glitches. Same damage as before (6P plus net hits)
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4318027/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <11-27-13/1514:49>
Spooky comes out of the doorway, and levels his pistol at the orc heading for Quentin.

"KNIGHT ERRANT, DOWN ON THE GROUND AND HANDS ON YOUR HEAD!" he yelled with one of his more authoritarian voices.  "NOW, MOTHERFRAGGER!"

[spoiler]Lying through my teeth (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4318901/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <12-04-13/1555:15>
Spooky's act isn't really very convincing, certainly not in this situation or neighborhood.
But whether the ork actually believes him for a second or doesn't, it doesn't really matter. The ganger turns his head towards the shouting and loses his focus for only a second or two, enough for Quinten to put another two bullets in him and finish him off.
Rat's new attack at the shotgun-wielding ork isn't much more effective than his first. If anything, it's more like a kick in the ass, spurring the ganger to run faster.
The ones in combat with Three Star blink and seem a little dumbfounded for a second, then decide it's better to reflect on things while getting the hell away. They turn and run, almost knocking over Rat in their haste to get past him and join their friends.

[spoiler]Do you want to try and engage further or let 'em run?[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <12-05-13/0715:19>
"I seriously can't believe that worked, even as a distraction."  Spooky says, shaking his head, then moving to loot the corpses.  "Any friendlies aside from Quinten make it?"

[spoiler]I'm willing to let bygones be bygones.  Mostly because I'm not stupid enough to chase gangers through the Barrens.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <12-10-13/1223:31>
Watching the Orc's leave in a hurry Boomer moved quickly to the others not bothering with the gangers.  He looked around at Spooky's comment to see if there were any of the Elves that they were traveling with were still alive.  As he neared he turned off his comlink since the immediate danger was over.  "I don't know Spook.  I don't think it was so much what you said but the failed ambush and meeting more opposition than they expected.  Still it was a worth while effort.  If you're going to lie, go for broke."

He looked at the others as he looked around.  "Everyone ok?  We can't stay here and our ride is out of commission.  We need to move."

[spoiler]
Perception check. INT 4 + Skill 4 + Vision enhancement 3 = 11 (11d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4328755/)
Perception check. INT 4 + Skill 4 + Audio enhancement 3 = 11 (11d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4328757/)

[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <12-10-13/1428:26>
Three Star wasn't about to start shouting when they were still in this hellhole so he first glanced towards Quentin to check he was all right, then went towards the fire that the Elf in charge had been caught by, to see if anything could be done.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <12-10-13/1756:35>
Rat watches the orks leave, making sure they were escaping and not regrouping for a second attack. Once satisfied, he went back to the group and took a look at the burning elf trapped by the truck. He had a decision to make: could they still save her, or was it time to put her out of her misery? While assessing their choices, Rat answered to Boomer "The man is right: let's get our things and leave this place as soon as we can."

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <12-11-13/0542:03>
The orks run as fast as they can without even looking over their shoulders and disappear into cover of the ruined buildings lining the street.

Quinten comes out of cover and holsters his gun while approaching the truck. He's got some scrapes and bruises and appears to be favouring his right leg but otherwise seems reasonably well, if not in a very bad mood. He doesn't say a word as he looks at the bodies and the fire, slowly shaking his head. The Laésa finally stops his survey looking at the burning and squirming sergeant, sighs deeply, pulls his Predator out of its holster and shoots her between the eyes.

He inhales deeply and slowly exhales. "Yes... Right. The 'get our things' part may have become quite a lot more complicated than initially planned. It would appear that our entry ticket into the Ancient's police station lies dead inside that burning cabin and I doubt the biometric keys to that secure locker still work after being burnt to a crisp."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <12-11-13/0756:45>
Spooky gets to work looting the remaining bodies for things they might need.  "So, what we need is somebody to open that lock?  I'm guessing that it used to be a Star installation, so no mechanical backup.  Anyone know a good locksmith or thief?  I know a guy who might be able to find us one, but I'm pretty sure we don't want him anywhere near this bit of business."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <12-11-13/1114:30>
"Are any of the Ancients left alive? I want to at least get in the front door. Quentin, do you know the way from here?"

Three star activates his nanites and does his best to remember his imprints of the journey over but without being in a vehicle the use will be limited.

"I, Three Star,  want my gear back." he looked at Quentin before moving on. "Like I was guaranteed."

[spoiler]Active perception to check if I can get the Elves corpse out of the fire, for anything to put the fire out and for Ancient survivors and anything usefull (13d6.hits(5)=5, 13d6.hits(5)=6, 13d6.hits(5)=8, 13d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4329313/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <12-11-13/1233:31>
Boomer looked at the others as they spoke.  When Three Star mentioned that he wanted his stuff back he nodded.  "Agreed though it may be harder then we think.  they have a lot of firepower at that station.  As far as the locker I might be able to crack it."  He looks back to the sergeant.    "What about her.  Think her eye and hand might still be able to open the locker?  We could always take them with us."  He said in a matter of fact tone.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <12-11-13/1838:53>
"Biometrics are useless if the person's dead." Spooky said, calmly.  "Quinton gets us in, and the Ancients pay to get their safe back without having it blown open."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <12-11-13/1913:52>
"Oh and where is your medical degree? Not all Biometrics are state of the art and can tell living from dead anyway, don't jump to conclusions. I want to atleast get her commlink from her. Find something to put the fire out, Detective. "Before you start off on another tirade of pointless drek.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <12-12-13/0337:40>
The street isn't exactly littered with extinguishers, but among the trash there are a number of cans and other rusty or otherwise very dirty containers containing last night's rain. Smothering the flames with some of the soaking wet clothes (bloodied and/or using previously mentioned water) taken from the dead works too. It's not too hard putting the fire that's consuming the sergeant out now you're no longer in combat.
But it's immediately clear that her hand print can no longer be used for a scanner. Depending on the scanner, her eyes could -possibly- still work;  they haven't, uhm, 'popped' yet. But Boomer can immediately tell you that having one 'key' without the other is just the same as having neither when it comes to these kinds of systems.

Quinten keeps a straight face, but it's obvious he's a bit shaken by the fact that his carefully made plans have been ruined. "Of course I know the way. I'm the one who guided them to the meeting location and back, do you honestly think they'd be entrusted with the knowledge or the location of such a rare and sacred place? But we still need to get to the station. It'll be quite difficult to get there on foot even if we don't run into more gangers. And no, don't expect the Ancients to welcome us there with open arms. The only reason they tolerated our presence there was because of the major and I highly doubt the rest of 'em will still be so 'friendly' when we return without their own people escorting us. I may know someone who might be able to help us getting into that locker, but that won't make getting to it any easier.
Let me make some calls."

Quote
This is done with makeup, but still grossed me out completely. Possibly NSFW:
[spoiler](http://creativefaces.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Burned-Hand-1.jpg)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <12-12-13/0602:30>
Rat kept a straight face when Quinten shot the major in the head. He didn't care much for the right thing to do nor her suffering. Growing up in the streets, "the right thing to do" meant looking out for yourself, and the ork had seen his fair share of executions, so the gesture didn't prompt any responses from him. The ork simply looked around, picking up two combat knives for himself and tucking the gun in the back of his pants.

He then took a shotgun and said to Quinten "Lead the way, then"

[spoiler]JiC (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4330118/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <12-12-13/0953:22>
"Yes, good idea Quentin." Three Star kept things short for now lest he slip up and mention him not being trusted with the location either and leant down to search for whatever was left of the Ancient Officer's Commlink.

"Any of you with Cybereyes? Did they shut off your recordings or did you get the fight on tape?"

[spoiler]jic (30d6.hits(5)=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4330213/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <12-13-13/1242:19>
In between two calls, Quinten looks at you incredulously. "And why are these recordings of any importance at this moment? If we get out of this alive, I'm certain you can watch how you humiliated a group of untrained low-lifes on your own time."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <12-13-13/1410:52>
"Regain your composure, Quentin. Incredulous anger doesn't suit you. You said yourself they won't be happy with us turning up without their members, so let us at least try to show them the reason why."
Three Star struggled not to glance at a specific team member after saying that, the main liability in the plan.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <12-13-13/1642:12>
Boomer spoke up when Three Star finished speaing to Quinten.  "Yes I did.  When the ambush started I booted my comlink and started recording.  I have the short lived offensive on file.  It's easy to tell who is who."  He looked at Quinten and gave a nod.  "Sorry about turning on the comlink but when that ambushed happened It all went out the window.  But I can assure you that it was never on at the meet and that can be verified by the same means discussed when we started this job."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <12-13-13/2114:57>
"Yeah, about that..." starts Rat after Boomer's comment. "I also turned on my gear, and am not turning it off." The expression on the ork's face made it clear there would be no reasoning with him.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <12-14-13/0845:27>
"And I don't expect you to turn any of it off. Odds are it'll be needed again before this day is over.", he said matter-of-factly.
Quinten cleared his throat. "But please take my word for it that this footage will be of no help. We'll be lucky to even get near the station without being shot and the moment we arrive there, we'll either need to use stealth or aggression to get to the locker.
I'm told I'm a skilled negotiator and I have quite some experience in these matters. But even my skills would be insufficient to convince them to be friendly to us. Even with their officers present they were already openly hostile and reluctant to help us; without them....
They lost their friends and valuable equipment because they were forced to do something they didn't want to. They'll blame us for causing this, even if they know the Orks -they were Black Rains, or to be precise an ex-part of it, by the way- ambushed the truck. They were already looking for any excuse to shoot you, now they have plenty."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <12-14-13/1316:15>
"Fine, lets get walking." Three Star folded his arms and followed behind Quentin.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <12-15-13/0930:04>
Boomer fell in line.  "This is sounding like a situation where we might want to cut our losses with our gear.  Not sure if you all remember what I said earlier but that place is well defended.  Even if we did use force to get in they would call for backup then we would be done."  He paused for a moment as he thought of something.  "Would any of you be opposed if I called a buddy of mine to come pick us up.  It would be quicker and safer."  With that said he reactivated his comlink again and prepared to call if the answer was yes.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <12-15-13/1307:02>
"I have no qualms with the SOS, Boomer but I need that gear locker. I require the commlink inside to reactivate some of my 'ware, they were not as kind with mine as the rest of you."

[spoiler]jic (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4333761/)
This is assuming my commlink wasn't given back, which it was never stated that they did.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <12-15-13/2154:17>
"Call your buddy, Boomer, that's a good idea. But I'm with him, Three Star, on the gear thing: I need what I put inside that locker. Besides, there always is a way to break into a place" says Rat with a smile on the corner of his mouth.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <12-17-13/1747:49>
"No issues on that, and I hear what Three Star and Rat are saying." Spooky said after a moment.  "I might know somebody that can possibly make us showing up go a bit smoother.  Who was handling the magical and astral side of things for the return trip?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-07-14/0848:47>
Quinten raised a finger, gesturing for Boomer to wait. After a few seconds, in between what is likely a conversation through AR commcall, he says "That won't be necessary, I've already got someone on the way."
He turns his concentration back to whatever his commlink is sending directly into his brain for another minute or two before replying to Spooky.
"Ahum.", he said, pointing to one of the dead elves. "That would've been him."

He took another look around at the dead bodies scattered around the place and seemed temporarily mesmerized by the flames devouring the flammable parts of the truck.
"Okay then, we should probably get off the streets and find a place to hole up some distance away from this wreckage. Who knows whose or what else's attraction this has gotten."

[spoiler]
If there are further questions or remarks for Quinten, this is the time.
Otherwise I'll forward to picking you up and getting you guys near the station.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-07-14/1010:56>
Rat looked at the shotgun and counted the number of rounds in it. Without looking at Quinten, he said to him "Unless there's another indoor jungle you want to visit, we should go now."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <03-07-14/1027:07>
Three Star filled up the two Predators he acquired earlier and grabs a few more spare clips. And had a look around at the other weapons available among the bodies.

After taking anything he wanted he agreed with Rat. "Let's go." He glanced back at the dead bodies, sneering at how weak they seemed.

[spoiler]
Quote
JIC incoming when IC let's me log in. Let me know what weapons are available and Three Star may upgrade from a knife and 2 sidearms.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-07-14/1140:41>
The elves' weapons were:
Sidearms: Ares Predator IV
Automatic: 5 x AK-97
Shotgun: 2 x SPAS 22
7 x Survival Knife
Having some time to look closer and search better, you find that one of the Ancients seemed to like throwing knives; he had 5 in his belt, hidden below in his uniform.
You also find 3 fragmentation grenades as well as 5 others grenades, most likely gas or chemical or something; but if a label was ever painted on them or a chip stuck to it, it's gone.
They're all khaki colored and the remnants of a band once painted on them can barely be seen. Three had been marked with yellow, two have flecks of red paint left on 'em.

Of course, the dead orks (and a couple of the fleeing ones) left behind some weapons too; but the guns look just as likely to blow up in your face or fall apart when you use them and aren't really worth mentioning; their melee weapons are more likely to give you tetanus than wound an enemy.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <03-07-14/1212:03>
At Quinten's direction Boomer held off calling Leady.  While he waited he looked around and gathered up what weapons and ammo he could.  Seeing one of two SPAS 22's he grabbed one and some ammo from one of the fallen elves along with the spare Predator IV mags he carried.  Hoisting up the shotgun he gave Three Star a smile.  "Now this I like.  Not as nice as my Enfield but It'll do."  He secured the Predator and extra ammo in an oversized pocket in his armored jacket.  Looking over the shotgun he gave a slight nod as his dwarf sized hands flt too small on the grip. 

When everyone seemed like they were ready he gave a nod to Quinten.  "Any idea on where to for cover till your person gets here?  I can bring up my mapsoft of the area.  It might not be as accurate here in this area but it may find us something." 

[spoiler]
JiC (30d6.hits(5)=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4423377/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-07-14/1858:39>
Looking at the other runners, Rat's gaze falls on Boomer. "Want this?" asked the ork to the dwarf, raising the shotgun he was holding and reaching for one of the remaining Ares Predators. He took a few spare clips for the gun as well, and handed the shotgun over to Boomer.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <03-07-14/2132:16>
Boomer smiled at the young Orc as he was offered the other SPAS 22.  He shook his head no.  "Thanks but no.  There's something to be said about being too greedy and trying to carry off more than one should.  Feel free to bring it with us and we can ditch it when we don't need it anymore."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <03-08-14/0855:32>
Panther had been in John's garage, discussing some mods on one of her drones, when he got a call.
"Just a moment, I might have someone for that," he said, before turning to her, "Panther, can you do me a favour.  I just got a call from a friend.  Apparently a friend of his has run in some trouble in the Barrens.  They're out of it right now, but in need of transportation and maybe someone to get into a matrix system.  It's not all that far from here.  They're willing to pay 5k."
"Sure, why not," Panther said, "Where is it."

John turned back to his commlink conversation and soon he gave her some coordinates, plus a optical tap.  Panther checked them out, while she also received a comm number she could call to get directly in touch with the group she had to pick up.
"That's indeed not too far from here.  I'll call you when I can come back to discuss that chameleon painting a bit more, okay."

She got into her car and drove towards the location provided, carefully as this were the Barrens and one had to be careful.  She had her Dragonfly drone overhead flying a bit ahead to check things out, so she wouldn't be surprised.  The images it sent back were of an overturned and burned out truck and some people standing near.  They were all armed, but that was not all that unexpected in the Barrens.  She sent a message to the number announcing she was arriving, before turning into their vision.  Her car, a Mercury comet, looked a bit too good for the Barrens, but it wasn't all that flashy.  It had a neutral colour scheme, in fact the colour that was most chosen for this type of vehicle.
"You guys called for a transporter," she asked when she arrived at the location.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <03-08-14/0859:47>
Three Star checked the slide of one of the Rifles and grabbed what clips he could for an AK-97. "I can provide cover fire with this at the least." He picked up the harness of knives, "Anyone got a good throwing arm? There are Grenades too, quite a few, Boomer?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <03-08-14/1251:32>
Spooky looks over at Three Star, and chuckles as he collects a Predator and several clips of ammo.  "If you just want them tossed in a random direction.  Otherwise, hold on to them for special surprises, or leave them, unless you've got a decent and accurate throwing arm."

He then looked over Panther.  "And you might be?  No offense, but it's been a bit of a night."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <03-08-14/1448:17>
"You can call me black panther," she replied, "I was requested to come here to provide some transportation.  Either you get in or you take your chances, I don't care either way."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <03-08-14/1527:20>
Boomer spied the Mercury Comet on an approach vector and readied the SPAS just in case.  His suspicion was lessened when the female behind the wheel asked about their call for transportation.  Spooky, which seemed normal for him, was questioning again. 

Boomer looked at the former detective as he said they had had a rough night.  "Seriously, a rough night,  It's the middle of the afternoon.  Are you sure you didn't take a hit to that melon of yours?" 

Boomer looked at the lady.  "Yes Miss Panther we need a ride.  Apparently you are the transport our employer called for.  Don't worry about him.  I think he took a hit to the head in the fight we just had.  He said as he opened the back door and slid over behind her.  "Besides he's suspicious of everyone.  Just in case thought if you do anything to put us in danger you will have a new mouth where your forehead currently is."   He said in a matter of fact tone.  "Oh and thanks for coming to pick us up."  He said though a grin which could be seen in the rear view mirror.  "The name's Boomer."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-08-14/1838:01>
Rat was also on his guard at the car's approach, but lowered his weapon when Black Panther introduced herself. Anyone that had paid attention could clearly see he was holding the shotgun in a strange way, almost as if he was holding a handgun. An experienced shooter could tell the ork had no experience with that kind of weapon.

His face betrayed a smile at Panther's invitation. "Alright, this beats those grumpy dandelion eaters" said Rat as he shamelessly sat in the front passenger seat, next to Black Panther. "Nice to meet you honey, you can call me Rat" continued the ork, a grin on his face. Some desperate soul might consider his approach and his obvious coming on as cute, but a normal person would just see for what it was: sleazy and unsettlingly forward.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <03-09-14/0548:56>
"Children and adolescent boys with too much testosteron go in the back," Panther said, giving the ork a hard stare, insofar one could see this on her cybereyes, which were completely white, "and put that weapon away before you let it go off by accident and damage something."

She turned to Quinten.
"Where to?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-09-14/0638:59>
"Ouch, straight for the jugular, honey?" answered Rat at Panther's comment. He got out of the front seat after giving her a wink and made his way to the back, taking a door seat and putting the shotgun, barrel facing down, between his legs.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <03-09-14/1501:23>
Three Star threw the harness of grenades into Rat's lap, albeit carefully, to give him something else to be concerned with. Replacing the Ork he then got into the front of the Comet. He rested the AK-97 on his lap, the throwing knives now sitting under his blue Actioneer. He didn't look at the new warm body, just said "Good Afternoon," keeping his attention outside the vehicle.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-09-14/1520:43>
Quinten got in the backseat of the car and sent Black Panther an address not to far away from the Ancient-controlled police station.
"That should be close enough for them to get to the station and for you to reach the microtap, but far enough to be relatively safe. I trust you've been briefed by -what's his name again, John?- and you brought the gizmo they'll need to plant on the safe?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <03-09-14/1711:54>
"Sure," Panther said as she moved on, "and I have the optical tap, plus two more of my own if needed.  Anybody of you know how to place one?  I also have a dragonfly in the air, so anything special I need to look out for?"

Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-09-14/2011:17>
Rat, being careful with the grenades, smiled while his attention was still on what was on his lap. That would be me, my black bunny" answered the ork at Panther's question.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <03-09-14/2014:42>
"Spoken like a man who never had to tell a guy his wife is having an affair with his mother" Spooky chuckles.  "I'm Spooky, and being cautious is just another part of my job."

"Boomer, you want eyes astral?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <03-10-14/0031:48>
Three Star's eye twitched. Maybe, just maybe, it would be acceptable for just one team member to drown in the flood in the future, right? He would gauge if it would be an acceptable loss. "Yes, Spooky, please make yourself useful." He said before Boomer could answer.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-10-14/0112:53>
Rat laughed out loud. "Hey, detective," said Rat, looking at Spooky, "do you detect a certain hostility in the air? If I didn't know any better, I would say you're rubbing our friend, Three Star, the wrong way."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <03-10-14/0312:15>
'What kind of dysfunctional team did I manage to pick up,' she thought as she
Panther handed over the optical tap, while keeping an eye on the road and having a small window with a feed of the drone.  She had decided she wasn't going to give one of her own drones.
"I want that back, okay," she said, "now, what is your target so I can have my dragonfly go over it.  I'll keep it there as long as you are inside or until it's spotted, whichever comes first."

When she got it, she sent the small drone, almost invisible thanks to it's chameleon coating, over the target, sending the feed to Quiten, the only one who's commlink number she had.  He would have to sent it to the rest..  She would keep it circling so she could tell the team for instance if reinforcements would arrive.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-10-14/1304:39>
Seeing the 'Incoming Feed' message appear on his AR, Quinten chose the 'Refuse' option and forwarded it to the team instead.
"Please handle these things with the others, I am already much more involved in this than I had hoped to become.", said the Laésasa. "Fieldwork is not really my forte. I would certainly hope the team I assembled for my employer is more than capable of dealing with this. Now if you'll excuse me I've a few calls to make."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <03-10-14/2119:32>
Boomer accepted the forward from Quinten.  "I'll take the feed.  I think I'm the only one with a comlink.  Does that drone you have I be air have any weapons on it?  I'd also like an aerial shot of the compound.  We've seen it from ground level but the top down view always gives a different perspective."  He paused for a moment.  "If we can do this quietly all the better.  Like I said before the area is well defended. An all out assault would be tough."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <03-11-14/0007:41>
"If we're going to do some serious surveillance, then we should stop by my car."  Spooky says after a moment's thought. "Most of my gear is in it.  All they have of mine is the disposable 'link and the Remington.  Didn't think I'd need to go all-out for a basic meet."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <03-11-14/0410:47>
"It doesn't have weapons," Panther said, "it's only a minidrone and I though it better to have an upgraded sensor package then to add weapons.  Just a second, feed coming up."
As the drone arrived above the indicated compound, she activated all the sensors.  A camera with magnification, enhancers and thermo vision should be enough to find people walking around, but she also had a motion sensor and a directional microphone, which she also activated onto some people she could see together.  It might give nothing, but it could give an idea on what was going on.  She also activated her signal scanner to check on radio signals in the compound.  That should give at least a lead on the amount of people inside the building, where the other scanners couldn't see.

"Where is your car," she asked Spooky.  If it wasn't too far, she wouldn't mind going for it, but she wasn't planning on driving to the other side of the city.

[spoiler]
sensor package on the drone:
motion sensor, radio signal scanner r4, directional microphone (audio enhancement r2), camera (thermographic vision, vision enhancement r2, vision magnification)

If the car isn't too far, consider that I drive you guys there (in case I can't reply before my holiday.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-12-14/0358:29>
According to Boomer's mapsoft the apartment building where your first meeting with Quinten was arranged and, more to the point, where you parked your car is roughly an hour drive away. Theoretically it could be quicker if you take shortcuts on some smaller roads. That is, of course, without taking into account that mapsoft calculates time 'til arrival on regular speed regulations and hasn't really been updated for places like the Puyallup barrens in decades. Some of the roads -especially the smaller ones- may be it terrible condition to the point of non-existance (either destroyed by magma or quakes, blocked or torn apart by falling debris or buried under thick layers of ashes) or pass straight through areas that are controlled and possibly barricaded by one gang or the other.
So in reality, the drive will possibly take longer.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <03-17-14/1410:57>
Boomer pulled up his mapsoft in an AR window and gets a location of where they currently are and where their vehicles were parked for the meet.  It was then a frown came across his face. 

Looking in the rear view mirror he looked at Panther.  "Our vehicles are parked more than an hours drive from here.  That's barring anything hindering us in getting there like traffic, bad roads or more gangs."  He looked around at the others.  "The longer we take to go get our gear the more trouble we're going to have.  The longer the truck or more importantly those on the truck are not in contact with the Ancients compound the higher security will most likely be.  They will be wondering what happened.  Personally I'd lock the place down.  Any thoughts?"

 
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-17-14/1713:08>
On the way to the station, Quinten passes you all his commlink. Unless you want to have a go at hacking it while he's looking, the device is pretty much locked except for its built-in biometric scanners: the device is capable of doing fingerprints and retina scans (among other things, no doubt). The elf explains that, according to his sources, the armory-safe in which your gear has been stored is an old model but it was a very good one. "Its biometric authentication system is supposedly nearly impossible to fool, certainly with anything we have at our immediate disposal. Far ahead of its time when it was built. It's also so well linked to the lock that commanding the thing to open without valid biometric input won't work. And unless we use some heavy tools and take a lot of time making a lot of noise, brute force is pointless.
BUT, luckily, the thing's firmware is likely to be very outdated. While we won't be able to fool the scanner into believing we match the sergeant's prints, it shouldn't be too difficult for Black Panther to insert new sets of biometrics into the safe's programming. Provided, of course, you make it accessible to hacking, for which we you have the tools."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-17-14/1732:09>
You've already been inside the station, enough to get a basic idea of where to go. After circling it with Panther's Dragonfly and some easy matrix searches, it's not hard to guess at the rest of its layout.
Left, right and behind, the station is surrounded by 6-story apartment buildings. Looks like they weren't allowed to have balconies at the station's side and windows only at 4th-floor and above, all of them non-opening (though, needless to say, plenty of them are now broken).
The front parking lot is closed by chain-wire fencing which is in a pretty bad state and a gate which is still functional, but mostly for aesthetic purposes than actual protection. Should you climb it, many parts look like they would collapse under your weight.

[spoiler]
Should give you something to make plans with.
Give me some more time to see how much hostiles I should throw at you > : |
Also, it's been way too long since I first put you here and I lost a lot of notes to harddrive failure and bad backup routine. If some things don't match your earlier visit; you can always ask but unless critical, use this plan instead of previous thoughts about layout.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-17-14/2018:24>
Rat looks at the feed from Quinten's commlink and says out loud "The easiest way would be to come in from the back. The armoury is only one door away after all. Is there a chance we could go through one of those old apartment buildings?" He turns his head over to Spooky. "Think you can manage to have a look and see if there's anyone in there?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <03-18-14/1435:24>
"I can look, but I can't project" Spooky says, shifting his concentration, "I'm an adept, not a full-blown magician.  Also means I'm less likely to trip any wards or notify a watcher, unless I'm actually there.  Most magicians don't seem to think an adept is really dangerous on the astral, for pretty good reasons.  Here's hoping they keep the place relatively clean of mold and mildew, and didn't get any other astrally active measures to keep folks from looking."

His face took on an almost distracted look as he began looking over the building, and while the people inside would be fairly obscured, most of the external security and wards should be easily visible on the astral.

[spoiler]Assensing the station (12d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4436962/)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-18-14/1947:33>
You remember that the back door leading out of the armory was a pretty strong-looking security door; also that it was one of those doors similar to many fire escape doors: it has a bar on the inside to open it but when closed there's no real way to open it from the outside... well, not an easy one anyway. (From the outside, the door in the east looks to be pretty much the same.)
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-21-14/0836:58>
Assensing from in front of the building learns you there are 5 Ancients on the parking lot in front of the station. One of them awakened, definitely a mage, but not so powerful. There are no wards that you can see but there is a watcher spirit zipping across the area.
The dragonfly shows two elves in the motor pool area, chatting with each other close to the door back entrance.
After a little observation you notice that every now and then two of the guys in front takes a walk around the building.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <03-21-14/1316:30>
"Unless you are confident in kicking a likely alarmed fire door in the wrong way, and even I am not, It would seem that we either must take the Exercise room or the door above the desks. One is a literal straight line, whereas the other offers many corners to hide behind but also for Elves to walk round."

Three Star looked at the gangers out front of the station, mostly ignoring everything Spooky had said."We might also consider a distraction, asking for the items in question back might even be enough to keep these gangers busy... if no one minds getting roughed up while Rat sneaks in." He straightens his tie.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-21-14/2043:48>
Nodding at Three Star's plan, Rat said "Yeah, that would probably allow me to get in and into the lockers." He started thinking. "It's one thing getting into somewhere to get an optical drive or something, but I'm not sure I can carry 4 bags full of equipment out by myself though... At least not in a single trip. Unless I clear a way for someone else to come in with me."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <03-22-14/0337:00>
"Huh." Spooky says, thoughtfully, They've got a magician out front.  I might be able to distract them, if I get his notice.  Of course, this goes bad, I really hope they don't have anything larger than a holdout."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <03-23-14/0915:58>
"All right we will leave the distraction to Spooky. Rat, I am not used to having to sneak around but I can come in with you and grab two bags. I will follow your lead."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-23-14/0950:51>
"Ok" answers Rat to Three Star. "Let me have a second look at the area to see where and how we should get in."

[spoiler]That's 2 rolls and they have the same pool, so I put them together. Logic 3 + Security Design 3, Logic 3 + Security Procedures 3 (6d6.hits(5)=2, 6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4442679/) No glitches.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <03-23-14/1053:45>
Boomer looked at the others as a plan was taking shape.   I can stay with spooky and panther and help out with his distraction.  I do know my way around hardware and maglocks.  Panther do you have any gear here in your car?  Explosives, tools anything that may help this go smoother.  Maybe I could rig something up to blow up in the area to draw some of them out."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <03-23-14/2152:07>
"Does anyone have any simple tools at all to make this go smoother?" Three Star inspected one of the throwing knives and tossed it to Rat. "Here, a screwdriver."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <03-24-14/1440:06>
"If you can wire a demo rig for a distraction, that'd be great," Spooky said, still mulling things over, "But you'd be better off backing Rat up once the charge is set.  Though I will be giving you guys my clothes and gear to hold on to."

He looks at them for a moment.  "I guess this is a moment of truth.  There's a couple reasons I need this job.  The biggest one is so I can disappear, because if my old boss finds out what I've become, I'm more screwed than all of you."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-24-14/1835:19>
"If my old boss finds out what I've become?!?" thinks Rat. "What is he going on about?" He decided to speak up. "Are you ashamed of your new lifestyle, Spook? The shadows not where your old boss would like you to be?" Rat then took the knife and tossed it back to Three Star. "Already have one, you can hold on to that."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <03-25-14/1915:57>
"I've actually done more good since they fired me," Spooky laughs, "But do you really want to be the former exec that not only got caught covering up a murder, but fired a drake?  I think Mr. Knight might take a personal interest.  And I doubt it'd be really healthy for him."

Thinking a moment he laughs again.  "Though it might be amusing to see what happens when they find out what I switched the samples for."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <03-26-14/1322:22>
"If you talk about it this much I am sure they all ready do. Do you have anything to add about the task in hand or is your background only good for anecdotes?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <03-26-14/1435:24>
"Aside from being able to fly?" Spooky asked Three Star, "I figred you might want to know the nature of the distraction.  If only so you don't shoot me by accident.  Or don't you think that's something you might need to know?"

He then looks over at Boomer.  "So, which building would you like me to start from, once things are ready?  I'm figuring the one opposite of where Rat's going in.  Snatch the magician, and give him a hell of a ride before ditching him a fair distance off."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <03-27-14/0332:07>
"I don't have explosives or anything, but I do have a hardware kit that can be useful to open maglocks and such," Panther said to Boomer, "I also have a modified Enfield-AS7, if someone can use that.  And a survival knife, for those more inclined in that direction.  But I want those back, and complete.  So, who's going to give their fingerprints so I can program them into that system?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <03-27-14/0457:11>
"I'll take that" answers Rat when Panther mentions the hardware kit. He extends his hand in Panther's direction, a smile on his face. "Take my prints, but please be gentle."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <03-30-14/0636:14>
Overlooking the whole situation whily planning and pooling your knowledge together, some things become apparent.

It's certainly likely that the station originally had some sensors on most doors and camera's in the hall. But the same could be said for the outside of the base but you notice that at all places where these would be installed, there's just a few remnants of wires sticking out of the walls. It's likely the whole place was stripped of anything of use shortly after it fell. The same is probably true on the inside, so you're unlikely to face alarms or sensors other than the safe (which was too big & strong to easily steal or stip for parts).

Judging from past experiences and the way the Ancients are acting; these is a somewhat unfamiliar situation for them. They could have taken much better defensive positions but they're not; instead the group at front just sticks together in the most comfortable place and the 'security patrol' around the building also isn't really frequent, effective or thorough. You pick up some of the stuff they talk about and it's clear they're used to having at least some of the military crew around to keep an eye on things. With the entire squad out, they don't seem to have real leadership at the base and discipline among these lower ranks is low.

It's also been a long time since the stations's been so 'poorly' defended; but that doesn't really worry them. This entire neighborhood is Ancient territory. Thousands of elves live here and no gang in their right mind would come looking for trouble. Obviously those elves aren't all actual part of the gang, but they all owe the Ancients in one way or the other and can at the very least be counted on to alert the gang and be a real nuisance to intruders.

[spoiler]Combined Security Design & Perception, no roll really needed considering the dicepools & low threshold.
Rat: Gang Knowledge (8d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4451231/)
Spooky: Gang Knowledge (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4451235/)
3-Star: Gang Knowledge (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4451237/)
Extra dice: 4d6.hits(5)=1 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4451240/) (Total 6 hits, not like 5 weren't enough)
Boomer: Military (8d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4451236/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <03-31-14/0455:53>
Panther pointed Rat to Quinten for the fingerprints.
"I will keep monitoring the situation with my drone," she said, "I can keep an eye that way on everybody on the outside of the building and sent that information to you.  And as soon as you have planted the optical adapter, I can work my magic on the system."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Silence on <04-02-14/0150:56>
"Well, time to get to work." Spooky says as he find a discreet niche to remove his suit.  "Gods, I wish they made armor that could shift with me."

A bit later, a midnight blue western drake comes out, carefully handing the suit off to Panther, then looks to Boomer and cocks his head, as if asking if he's ready.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <04-03-14/2141:13>
Once his prints were registered, Rat left the car with Spooky, waving to Three Star. "Better get in position" says the ork as he looks around, trying to find his bearings in the neighbourhood.
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <04-04-14/1744:39>
"I will follow your lead Rat." Three Star will stick close behind Rat until they reach the door, trying his best to sneak along.

If he hadn't all ready been of the frame of mind to keep his presence concealed, he might have immediately attempted to kill the dragon that appeared before them. That could wait till his gear was back in his hands. Fragging abomination.

Thinking back to a news report he read about a terrorist attack in NYC, this could possibly be useful.

[spoiler]
Quote
10d6.hits(5) =5 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4457127/) Infiltration
JIC 50d6.hits(5) =20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4457129/)
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <04-05-14/0502:07>
'What the ...,' panther thought when she spotted a Drake standing next to her car.
'At least it's going to give a diversion, that's for sure,' she didn't say out loud.  She kept monitoring the guards with her drone, sending the updates to the team channel.  She also prepared for the time she had to go into the system to add the fingerprints.
"I'll have to go to VR to make it go faster," she said to Quinten, who had stayed in the car, "You can guard my body while I'm out?"
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <04-11-14/1601:01>
Quiten only raises an eyebrow before returning his attention to his commlink. Obviously he believes the question rethorical and pointless.

[spoiler]
We'll go forward as soon as I find out where/how Rat & 3-Star are approaching, what Drake-Spooky's doing for distraction and how Boomer's assisting with it.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Yogi on <04-16-14/1226:24>
Boomer shook his head when he saw the what used to be Spooky, now turned drake, in front of them.  "Well that explains a lot."  He said to no one in particular.  One thing was for certain though they were bound to get the Ancients attention. 

He looked at the others.  "Ok.  Panther and i can get a fire going."  He looked at the female Elf.  "My thought is we use the oil sprayer to start a fire.  A lot of smoke is all we really need.  Some old tires would help with smoke."  He reached for the Enfield that Panther had offered earlier.  The grip was big and it would be a bit awkward but the weapon would still be deadly in his hands.  "Spook, my idea for you is to appear on the building above where the smoke is coming from.  Make them think you started it.  Hopefully this will draw their attention out here so Rat and Three Star and do the smash and grab."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <04-16-14/1259:52>
"Can't he just start a fire by himself," Panther asked, "besides, I'm not even sure that that 'oil' in the sprayer is flammable.  It's very slick, but that's all I know about it."
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Xzylvador on <04-20-14/1543:56>
You don't have to be a demolitions expert to start a fire with lots of smoke; of course, Boomer IS a demolition expert, but that's beside the point. Fishing an empty bottle out of a nearby pile of trash , siphoning some fuel out of Panther's car and mixing it with oil from the oil is child's play.
Finding old tires appears to be tricky at first sight. But at second sight, Boomer realizes, that's only because he's been looking for tires not attached to cars. Taking away that limitation however, the street's are suddenly filled with round rubbery things waiting to create lots of smoke.
Shortly after, a car on the street half a block away from the Ancient base suddenly and mysteriously bursts into fire.

It doesn't take very long for it to draw some attention, crime -at least this sort of crime- is relatively rare in this neighborhood where the Ancients have tighter control over the streets and the population than Knight Errand has in most of Seattle.
But when suddenly a dragon-like roar is heard and its shape is spotted on the roof of a nearby apartment , this heightened attention changes into full-fledged chaos. Most of the elves on the street and hanging out of nearby windows can't immediately seem to decide whether to watch in amazement or flee in terror and clumsily try to do both.
It quickly becomes obvious that the news of this event is rapidly spreading by means other than people's own senses. Once again it is proven that bad news is possibly the only thing which travels faster than light; and within moments shouts can be heard from all directions, some calling out to run away or hide and others shouting to come watch. A very rare few residents appears to have a lot of courage (or very little intelligence, or be very high or drunk) and take a few shots towards the roof, immediately running away into the buildings after doing so.

Watching from cover near the station, Rat and Three Star don't have to wait long for a reaction from the Ancients. Being the closest thing resembling police in the neighborhood, they're obviously immediately alerted over their commlinks. They immediately grab and ready their weapons, but without actual leadership at the base to direct them, the gangers seem a bit uncertain. And considering the kind of news they're hearing, it's fairly obvious none of them is very willing to try chasing a dragon out of their turf.
But finally one of them takes command and tells the two guys who were walking rounds around the building to go have a look at what's going on. The five of them approach the gate and open it; three stay behind standing on the sidewalk in front of the open gate, looking at the smoke and the burning car in the distance while encouraging the other two to head further and find out what's happening.

[spoiler]
Boomer:
Throw (6d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4475630/)
Infiltration (8d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4475631/)
Spooky, I need 3 Ranged Defense rolls from you (you can go full defense).

Everyone, but most importantly Rat and Three Star: infiltration rolls and corresponding actions.
To give you some idea of what this action has bought you:
The guards modifiers went from +3 Actively looking and +4 from numbers to -2 distraction,- 2 for interference and +2 for numbers.
On the negative side, the relatively quiet neighborhood suddenly  turned became buzzing with activity; none of it friendly.
-- Yogi, hope you don't mind me rolling; I just wanted to push things in motion a but and to be honest, they weren't very important, they were mostly for narrative reasons.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: Chrona on <04-21-14/1149:27>
Three Star nods at Rat, implying "Now or never." and follows his lead towards the compound. Crouching down and staying low, his cyber legs making crouch-walking slightly easier on him then flesh, he follows closely behind the Ork.

Once at the fence, if needed, he will pass a knife to Rat to cut the fence.

[spoiler]
Quote
Infiltration followed by JiC (10d6.hits(5)=2, 60d6.hits(5)=17) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4476282/) Did not really expect any better.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: farothel on <04-21-14/1420:09>
As soon as everybody who had to get out of the car was out of the car, Panther drove away and parked herself in the underground parking of one of the buildings, or at least on the entryway to one if the parking itself was not available.  That way she was out of sight, still within signal range and if she was discovered, as both she and Quinten were elves, they might be able to talk themselves out of it by claiming to be hiding when they just wanted to buy some Lael.  She indicated over the team network where she was parked, gave updates where the guards where and while she was doing nothing, she checked on their commlinks to see if she could intercept some interesting things that could help the team.
"I'm going to VR," she said to the other elf before she zoned out to awaken in the jungle that was her reality filter.  A very real looking black panther started stalking around for some data to munch on.


[spoiler]
Intercept wireless traffic.  I don't know if I have to find the devices first as I know where the guards are, but I'll do the rolls as well in case they run hidden.
-detect hidden node (if you know where it is): electronic warfare + scan (4) test:
electronic warfare 4 + scan 6 + hot sim VR 2 =12 (12d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4476419/)
-capture wireless signal (assuming they aren't encrypted): electronic warfare + sniffer (3) test:
electronic warfare 4 + sniffer 6 + hot sim VR 2 =12 (12d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4476420/)

I should have their signal.  If it's encrypted let me know and I'll run the encrypt on it as well:
initiate cryptanalysis: electronic warfare + decrypt (encryption rating x2, 1 combat turn).
electronic warfare 4 + Decrypt 6 + hot sim VR 2 =12 (12d6.hits(5)=6, 12d6.hits(5)=4, 12d6.hits(5)=3, 12d6.hits(5)=6, 12d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4476422/)
so in 1 combat turn I break encryption rating 3 or less, in 2 turns it's rating 5 or less and for 6 or less it takes me 3 combat turns.
[/spoiler]
Title: Re: [IC] There will be flood.
Post by: HydroRaven on <04-22-14/0008:35>
Rat nods to Three Star and activated the camouflage on his suit before making his way to the former KE building. Trying his best to be as quiet and as stealthy as he could, he got to the fence, where he took one of the knives he had and started to make an improvised entrance for both infiltrators.

[spoiler]Stealth 4 + Agility 7 (11d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4477305/) no glitches. He also has a chameleon suit, which gives anyone a -4 to visual perception checks.

JiC (30d6.hits(5)=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4477308/)[/spoiler]