Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Volker on <04-22-16/0244:36>
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[spoiler]Matrix search (http://orokos.com/roll/394993): 13d6t5 7 (all hits within limit)
Please tell us if there is anything beyond your posted CV we ought to know. If this counts as limited or "on another grid", I won't lose a hit - only if it is both. Then 6 hits remain. Is there any chance that with a result like this bnc finds out about the pregnancy? [/spoiler]
Shortly after you answered to our request, you receive an answer. Date and time for a meeting were fixed. The exact location would not be named until roughly half an hour before the meeting to avoid the wrong kind of preparation in case the wrong persons answer our call.
It's a Friday, and it's roughly 12 am when the message arrives at your 'link. As a meeting place, the team booked the book room of a sushi bar. There we are safe to speak. bnc checked for any sensors and asked to turn them off to make our meeting private. It is nicely decorated, and in the center of the table, there's a mug of sake as a welcome present from the restaurant.
[spoiler]@team This is just how I figure it. Please add you ideas or alter the setting if it's not to your liking. I just made this up to start quickly. Also I apologize if it's not fleshed out nicely. I'm a bit in a hurry.[/spoiler]
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[spoiler=matrix search]Probably don't know that she's pregnant - she's in her first trimester and would have only recently found out herself - she's not showing or anything yet - I would assume via self-assensing. She wouldn't have made any major purchases yet, and I doubt she's posted in any childcare forums/pregnancy forums because she wouldn't have run into many problems besides nausea. But it's the GM's call if he thinks there'd be something.
Also, are you rolling my runner name or my assumed name? I can't imagine there's a way you've found out my birth name yet.
Bridget Bluevale
You might know something about my private investigation success and/or failures if people have posted about them. I've ended a few marriages through proving spouses were cheating which could have positive and negative notes about it online.
Bluebird
Mostly bodyguarding and security work. For the more generously compensating clients she has been known to use task spirits' artisan skill to craft lovely things for them, at no cost. Has been associated with Moxie Nguyen who leads a Seattle Vodou cult, that would be notable for their "charity" (paying the homeless a reasonable sum and/or feeding/clothing them in exchange for allowing spirits to possess them for a set time to indulge their vices).[/spoiler]
The morning of the interview Bluebird rises early, and makes herself breakfast, re-reading the notes on her current case. She'd told herself she'd make the call in the morning to her client, and begrudgingly did so after she'd finished eating. Telling your client that their wife's lover is your brother never goes well. They arranged to meet later so she could show them the evidence, and as she ended the call she received the message about the meeting location.
"Drek," she cursed out loud to nobody in particular, "I can't eat fish."
Upon being told the meeting location, Bluebird will astrally project to check out the sushi place. If it's not warded/guarded and she can look around, she will. (Providing I can complete this and then physically make it there in half an hour).
[spoiler=pre-meeting]
GM call here: perception on the astral plane, or assensing? I'm not looking at anyone specific, just checking for wards/spirits/etc and if the place isn't warded seeing how many people are there kind of thing. They're the same pool either way.
Perception/Assensing (http://orokos.com/roll/395092): 8d6t5 4
Assuming the place isn't warded and she can walk through while sustaining a spell, on the way there, she casts improved reflexes on herself just in case.
Spellcasting [Increase Reflexes, Force 4] (http://orokos.com/roll/395096): 13d6t5 6
Resist Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/395097): 9d6t5 1
She takes 3 stun.
She decides not to sustain the spell, and is operating on a -1 dice penalty.
Not your brightest moment, Bridget Bluevale.
[/spoiler]
She'll meet them while running her Bridget Bluevale SIN. Even if someone recognizes her as a private investigator, it's not unusual to have private meetings in back rooms to meet clients. She packs her briefcase, checks her appearance, and heads to meet the restaurant to meet the team in the back room.
[spoiler=visual description, in case it matters]
Bridget is 28 years old, with a little pudge but healthy. Slightly freckled, fair skin and a small button nose and a round face. Round, hazel eyes and auburn hair with a bit of a wave cut chin length. Business casual - blouse, blazer, nice jeans - under her Ace of Cups [R&G pg 58]. She carries a nice briefcase.[/spoiler]
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The place looks funny in the Astral. Impregnated in the whole room is in equal measures revulsion and enjoyment - not everyone likes their sushi it seams.
As far as she can asense no-one inside the local harbors any particular hostility or aggression. There are two cybered individuals in a back room, as well as two awakened ones - one of them with a masking over their aura. Their aura alternate between curiosity, impatience and boredom and even a mild state of zen.
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[spoiler=edit]
Assensing the team members upon arrival.
Assensing (Auras) (http://orokos.com/roll/395106): 4#9d6t5 3 2 2 4
The masked person opposes assensing with mag+initiate grade, if I get any net hits I see both the mask and the actual aura, as well as any masked foci being revealed.
[/spoiler]
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The first aura is that of a human girl - probably a teenager. She shows traces of chemical substance abuse and some related, severe problems with her digestive tract. In addition her brain has quite a few implants. She is mundane and her emotions show a mixture of curiosity and glee - quite sanguine.
The second one is a mature Troll, also with a few implants across his body - even his eyes have been exchanged for chrome. His aura shows a very stoic temperament without any flares, except a slight pervasive kind of melancholy.
The third is an Ork. No implants but he is definitely awakened and most likely a physical adept. His aura shows a flaring temper with impatience and a general kind of background rage - probably choleric.
The fourth is an Elf. He has a mask up over his aura, but your astral senses have pierced it. He is a strong physical adept, healthy and alert, but quite laid back. Describing his emotional state you'd choose most likely the word "phlegmatic".
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Bluebird takes the empty seat at the table, sets her briefcase between her feet - a security measure. Many-a-person would love to snoop through case files she had in there, especially those who knew that she kept any photographic evidence she'd collected in her day job in the thing. It was old-fashioned, sure, maybe even archaic - but she knew as much about securing her commlink as a mundy knew about mentor spirits. It was up to her clients to decide what would be done with the evidence, not some hacker. Privacy mattered. Though, she realized now, if someone in this team could get into her 'link that she did have some contact info for clients in there, and some correspondence. Why would they want any of that though? That information wasn't valuable, unless you were in marketing or the party being investigated.
A human girl with drug problems, a troll with gear, an angry ork adept, and an elf adept who seems to have himself together. What an interesting little team. 'It's a shame I'm not a dwarf.' She chuckled inwardly.
She retrieved her pocket notebook and pen, and set them on the table, in case she needed to jot anything down.
A glance at the sake and she felt a knot in her stomach. She couldn't drink that. If a server could be found, she'd order a ginger tea.
"Lovely to meet you all," she said in a friendly tone, "Now, I hear you're looking for a mage." No sense beating around the bush, and the sooner they all relaxed around each other the sooner they'd be able to order food. 'They must have some vegetarian options.'. Something with avocado sounded delicious right now.
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Krestov was seated in the middle of everything...a logistical sense as well as an aesthetic one. Looming heads over the rest of the occupants present, he sat calmly at the booth, nodding to the woman that entered and seated herself without a word. Quietly, he would allow her to settle as his blue cybereyes studied her, inspecting for any details...
[spoiler] Perception (vis enh. 2) (http://orokos.com/roll/395144): 9d6t5 3 [/spoiler]
Eventually, she did speak, and cut to the chase, the troll's expression changing little as he straightened up. Dressed in a synergist longcoat over a button up shirt and tie, the blonde troll cleared his throat with some water, each move deliberately gentle as he spoke first.
"Indeed...Is Bluebird, da? Pleasure to meet. Name go by Krestov." His voice denoted a thick accent..likely Russian, rumbling low and gentle as he gave off a calming presence, his tailored pheremones at work to promise an eased interview. "Is correct, we are seeking mage for job. Others here more knowing of particulars, but get idea we need someone who sees magic and can work with threats of such nature. Judging by promptness you are considering for position, yes?" He saw no attempts to take some of the sake, and snapped his fingers together to bring some waitstaff over. "Please, make self comfortable. No need to rush into business, yes?"
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"Yes, sorry. How rude. Yes. Bluebird." She paused and recuperated. How could basic introductions slip her mind like that? "It's lovely to meet you, Krestov." Standing slightly she leaned and offered her hand to him across the table, sorry she hadn't greeted them properly prior, "And your companions." She smiled and offered her hand to the rest of them in turn.
She studied him for a moment as she settled, and then looked around the room before turning her attention back to the table. "That's certainly something I can deal with for the right team." She chose her words carefully. Money was important, but what was more important for her was to secure herself a team and make sure they knew she was worth it. The team mattered more to her. In the end, she might need looking out for. "I noticed you had two awakened folk - adepts, I'd assume, as you're interviewing a mage."
She paused, and took a breath. "You're right. Sorry. No need to rush into business. We should eat! And I'd love to know more about this team." She smiled and laughed brightly, allowing herself to relax slightly. Krestov seemed calm and certainly none of them appeared to harbour hostility (except perhaps the ork, but he was probably just the grumpy type).
Upon the arrival of the waitstaff she'll order a ginger tea, and some vegetable tempura if they have any as well as an avocado and cucumber roll. If none of those are available, she'll happily request whatever they'd recommend for a vegetarian.
[spoiler]
Perception (visual, enhanced 2, stun) (http://orokos.com/roll/395213): 11d6t5 3
Specifically interested to know if there happens to be a decorative fish tank, but mainly just taking in her surroundings non-astrally.
[/spoiler]
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Slobbertooth raises his hand while looking at Bluebird and speaks up, "Kon'nichiwa"
He then turns his attention to the servers
"Ryokucha onegaishimasu"
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Bluebird was impressed. It was obviously Japanese, but besides the greeting she hadn't the slightest what he was saying. Having multiple languages available was always a value. It was one of the reasons she'd picked up ASL - she found surprisingly few shadowrunners had the skill. She offered him a smile, in lieu of a compliment, unsure of how flattery would go over.
"So," she straightened her posture and tucked her hair behind her ear, "How long have you all been working together? Separately?'
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Slobbertooth peered over the top of the menu as he answered Bluebird's question.
"We've been working together for a little over half a year now. Separately varies heavily from person to person.
"How long have you been working?"
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"My first job would have been eight years ago," she told him, "It was intended to be supplemental income. I didn't plan to keep working, but... she chuckled, and shrugged gently, "It feels good to work at something your good at, and get paid well for it, and it's wonderful to watch the loa work." She paused, and then proceeded to explain that she worked both with spellcasting and conjuring. No, she wasn't the greatest mage in the UCAS, nor the greatest shadowrunner - in fact, she could probably learn a considerable amount from some of these folk - but she could certainly be helpful on the spellcasting front and had a good relationship with the spirits. She explained that the first signs she was awakened were as a child, and she learned spellcasting and summoning as she approached her teen years.
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bnc remained silent at the question of her working experience, self-conscious about her age. When the topic changed, however, she herself posed a question the answer of which she was eager to her.
"Tell me about your magic. Which path do you follow, which kind of magic do you practice. How do you see spirits? Do you have a mentor spirit?"
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Glad the younger girl had spoken up (meaning she obviously had some interest), Bluebird felt her confidence rise a little. "Well," she began, "I have quite a range of spells. Some manipulation, health, combat, illusion, detection." She was reluctant to give out her repetoire on the basis that if they didn't hire her, they had no reason to keep that information private - coming up against someone who knew what spells you were wielding could cause problems. "and if there's something I can't do, chances are a spirit can help.
I'm a vodou practicioner. I believe in honouring and respecting the loa as the great beings that they are. They are kind enough to bestow gifts on me, which help me very much in this line of work" Now was the moment where she would discover if the group was prejudiced against her tradition. Vodou had a bad reputation, mostly because of misrepresentation, but Bluebird had seen her fair share of negative reactions - in fact, people frequently believed she was joking when she told them. Her pale, freckled skin and round face with big eyes didn't seem like the kind of appearance associated with Vodou. She took her brief case from the floor and put it onto her lap, opening it and removing and action figure, which she set on the table. "They mostly just look like people - though they don't physically manifest, you can usually see when someone or something is possessed..." The action figure began to stretch, and move towards the sake.
'I will make sure there is plenty of alcohol for you - thank you so much for helping me today.'"If it would be alright, I'd like to use a gift now. Would you please conceal yourself?" 'Please take the pen and notepad with you, concealed, and draw a portrait of our friend Krestov and leave it on the floor under the table. Thank you for your gifts. You honour me with your aid.'
[spoiler]You need to roll two hits on a perception test for this spirit. Pretty easy - but you never know. In this case it's just moving around anyways.
-4 dice pool to perception tests to locate the action figure while it is concealed as well as the notepad and pen.
I assume this uses two favours (one for asking it to conceal the things, and one for asking it draw a picture to be left under the table). Two services remaining.
Drawing Krestov (http://orokos.com/roll/395933): 8d6t5 3
Spirit gets three hits on the artisan roll to draw Krestov.
@ GM: Also, according to chummer the bat gives me +1 to conjuring spirits, and I can only enter a building (clubs, bars, etc) once a week without rolling for it because they dislike forced inaction. They get anxious when they can't spread their wings, I guess.. Stupidly, I didn't double check it in the books. Thoughts? That's apparently not what the bat has done in the past - I'm happy to change my mentor spirit, or roll with an actual version of the bat, or keep this one.[/spoiler]
She took a moment to let people process, and then held out her hands reassuringly. She told them not to worry, that he wasn't going to cause any trouble. "In fact, I can show you what he was up to."
[spoiler]Looking Glass, Force 4 (http://orokos.com/roll/395934): 12d6t5 3
Depending on whether that works or not, I use edge.
Second Chance (http://orokos.com/roll/395936): 9d6t5 4
7 hits total.
Resist Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/395937): 9d6t5 3[/spoiler]
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The servers arrived with Slobbertooth's green tea. "Sake futatsu onegaishimasu"
As he took a sip of the hot tea, his eyes followed the spirit from behind the tint of his sunglasses. He kept his comment on Voodoo to himself. Ooga booga
[spoiler]Perception to Notice Spirit (http://orokos.com/roll/395951): 10d6t5 5[/spoiler]
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For the magic related part of the discussion Krestov seemed to sit back, his expression attentive with a mixture of professionalism and genuine curiosity. He tilted his head at the moving figure, but otherwise remaining calm and sipping his water. When food orders went around, her ordered an appropriate quantity of eel for his size, waiting until they were alone again to speak.
"Am not expert in magic or spirits, but to Krestov this trick is impressive." the remark was genuine, and confirmed his role as a mundane in the team. If he showed any prejudice to vodou, it was not apparent.
"however, they have saying where Krestov from: practice and application different beasts. Know Bluebird have much experience, and wide use of talent. What work hope to look for in team like this? Short term or longer work?"
A brief pause as he exchanged subtle looks with his companions. "also, in line of work, not uncommon to find situations...of discomfort. Will not lie for that. If in sitatuon, will Bluebird be okay defending self..or will need protection?" he let the questions go with that for now, letting them digest and not to bombard the applicant too much.
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[spoiler]Perception (http://orokos.com/roll/396170): 9d6t5 2
Magic Theory (http://orokos.com/roll/396171): 13d6t5 4
With 4 hits, I guess, bnc knows a lot about Vodou. Where exactly can I look up infos in order to roleplay her well?
[/spoiler]
bnc follows the demonstration with a little smirk. She knew enough of Voodoo (as she would likely type it) not to be prejudiced against it. Instead, she was genuinely interested. "A nice trick. Yet, drawing a picture won't get our asses out of the pan. Knowledge is power. Tell me whatever you can tell about us. We are looking for someone who can use their magic to warn us from traps, spirits, and so on. What can you see?"
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[spoiler]
@ GM: Also, according to chummer the bat gives me +1 to conjuring spirits, and I can only enter a building (clubs, bars, etc) once a week without rolling for it because they dislike forced inaction. They get anxious when they can't spread their wings, I guess.. Stupidly, I didn't double check it in the books. Thoughts? That's apparently not what the bat has done in the past - I'm happy to change my mentor spirit, or roll with an actual version of the bat, or keep this one.
That's why I warned you about that mentor. You might want to take a look at Alligator - or any other mentor spirit that takes your fancy
[/spoiler]
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[spoiler]I'd like to opt for "Great Mother" from 'Sail Away, Sweet Sister'.
@BNC - the info for Vodou is in SG pages 20 and 50. It's bad rep is from media representation of vodou dolls. Also the idea of possession can freak people out, but I'd assume no serious vodou summoner would throw a spirit in an unwilling target unless it was the only way to do the job/prevent harm.[/spoiler]
She smiled at the girl's comment, and nodded. "I can do a lot more than that, but I'd want your consent before casting magic that would impact you directly. If we're going to work together, I'd want your trust in that regard. And I'd certainly never force interaction with a spirit, I understand that it would freak people out and I don't think it would be giving due respect to the loa." She continued, "I can see a lot of things. I wouldn't want to discuss personal... statuses... without knowing that was okay information to share. Privacy is important." Did the rest of them know she used substances? Bluebird had no way to know. "I can tell you I saw through your elf's masking, and was able to see he was an adept. I can tell you that you have headware and that you're not awakened. Your stoic troll-friend here has some implants, and seems to be feeling a little bit of melancholy. Your Ork is awakened and seems... temperamental."
She paused, before continuing.
"Astral recon is something I can handle. In fact, I checked out the location, prior to arriving here, in astral form. I also have skill with counterspelling. I can ask for help from the spirits with that kind of thing as well, so we can cover quite a lot of ground very quickly if needed. With Vodou we summon Guardian, Task, Water, Man, and Guidance spirits. I'm not sure how familiar you are with these, but I'm happy to explain what skills they possess if needed."
She returned her gaze to Krestov. "The loa will defend me if for some reason I can't defend myself, if I ask them to. But I would expect that, were we to be on the same team, that we would look out for each other when possible. If there's a situation where I can help protect my team, I will. I do my best to keep everyone safe and healthy. WIth the help of the loa, and my mentor spirit -" she nodded at the young woman, acknowledging she'd previously asked about her mentor spirit, "I can certainly be a capable doctor if needed, magically and physically.
That being said, I am hoping to find a longer term team. Really, I'll take work that pays right now - but to me finding a team with synergy is a priority. We aren't in a stable line of work - but having a good team around you can certainly help make it less rocky."
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[spoiler]Thanks. By the way: bnc prefers to be written without capital letters. I have no idea, why (if that makes ANY sense).[/spoiler]
"Go on. If you're able to find something out so quickly, it doesn't deserve to be called a secret. By now, you demonstrated that you are capable of Astral Perception: It's what we look for, but not very surprising for someone who assigned for a mage job. Feel free to put any spells on me if you can. You have my permission unless it would cause permanent damage. In fact, I'd enjoy a demonstration of your power, if you will.
I am familiar with these kinds of spirit. It is new to me, however, that the Vodou tradition accepted these quite clinical terms which stem from academical classifications. I've neter met a Houngan before, but I was expecting something more ... I don't know - divine?
The team already has a doctor, though no magic. If we are to engage with you, we have to know what you're worth. So far, we know you can conjure spirits, Perceive Astrally and Heal. While all of these are important and everything, there's still nothing that makes you appear more fitting to the job than others who applied. I like you, frankly, but I can't yet recognize how you could support us. In which fields of the arcane arts have you invested time and energy? Which spells do you know? What can you do with your dolls? Are you Initiated?"
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"I just wasn't sure if they were aware of your drug abuse... there's traces of it in your aura, and also some stomach problems.
I hope you'll understand that I hesitate to give out my spell list to virtual strangers. What if you were actually just gathering information on me? But I'm happy to share some. I'm happy to share it if I'm a good fit with the team, but unless I know we'll be working together that's far too dangerous.
I wasn't... brought up in a Vodou culture. My nanny introduced me to it once she discovered I was awakened and it resonated with me. This is a learned faith for me. Science and Faith should never be in discord, in my eyes - just because I perceive magic a certain way and believe it functions a certain way it does not mean I should deny generally accepted truths. There's no reason I can't recognize the loa have archetypes, and in fact as a summoner it is useful to recognize how others describe spirits and the strengths and limitations of the loa I summon. They are wonderful beings, and they never cease to amaze me in their power, but they can still be understood.
I've already said I have quite a breadth of spells. Some combat, some health, some manipulation, and illusion magic. But if you're sure, I'm happy to show you what I can do." She addressed the others at the table, "Please remain seated, this will only take a second."
[spoiler]
Summoning F7 Spirit of Man (http://orokos.com/roll/396797): 12d6t5 3
Resist Summoning (http://orokos.com/roll/396798): 7d6t5 1
Resist Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/396799): 9d6t5 4
It gives Bluebird two gifts. Optional powers: Innate spell and Fear. It's innate spell is stunbolt.
via mindlink she requests it cast stunbolt at force 7 directed at bnc.
Stunbolt F7 (http://orokos.com/roll/396804): 14d6t5 6
Resist Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/396805): 14d6t5 2
It takes 2 stun.
Bluebird simultaneously casts stunbolt (force 7) at bnc, asking her guardian spirit to help her spellcast as a gift.
Stunbolt F7 (with spirit, -1 for Great Mother) (http://orokos.com/roll/396806): 18d6t5 9
Resist Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/396807): 9d6t5 3
I take 1 stun.
Roll willpower to resist. Take my net hits + 7 stun damage for each stunbolt. (6 hits and 7 hits respectively).[/spoiler]
"She'll be fine, she's just stunned - I'll have her right as rain in a moment."
Bluebird readied herself to heal the girl. Normally she wouldn't have knocked out a teammate, but the young girl had asked her to cast spells with the caveat of no permanent damage.
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Krestov watched with intrigue at the exhale between their youngest member and the applicant, the two women sharing information in a fortunately congenial manner. The Russian troll only was tripped up by a few words... ("Melon...collie?") otherwise he was following along.
she has us marked well. Even with Torrent. Is good sign. And professional enough to protect own interests. Also god sign.
He was about to offer himself as an alternative demonstration target....he is, after all, a teensy bit hardier than their decker...but too little too late as the bolts hit her, head whipping as she was knocked. Insticively, his arm snatched the teen by the shoulder, guiding her head to his arm to loom as if resting or jacked into the Trix.
"hmm...maybe live to eat words, da?" he smirked, nodding in understanding to the answers to Bluebird. He would continue, but saw their food arriving, and paused to let them be served.
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Well now bnc will realize what it's like to be knocked out when she wakes up in a couple of days. Idiot.
Slobbertooth poured soy sauce into a cup when his two orders of salmon were delivered. He addressed bluebirds actions. "While that is a very useful trick, maybe tone it down next time. You're fortunate she wasn't in charge of negotiating payment for your services."
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[spoiler]
Just a heads up:
Aid Sorcery is only available for bound spirits, so you lose a success - not that it matters much in this case.
[/spoiler]
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[spoiler]The guardian spirit was bound, as per our PM's. Task and guardian were bound pre-interview (task was possessing the action figure, guardian in astral). The spirit of man was new, but cast it's own spell with it's innate spell ability/spellcasting skill.
I'll give volker a chance to respond, but assuming nothing major happens, Bluebird will ask her Guardian Spirit to possess bnc - who, if she's unconscious, either rolls willpower+intuition-wound modifiers or doesn't roll against it (in 4th you couldn't roll against it, but I don't see anything about it in 5th), using one of her gifts to have the spirit dump bnc's gear (anything she's not wearing, basically) on the table, following Bluebird's heal spells/medicine work/stimpatching (depending on the damage done)
Possessing bnc (http://orokos.com/roll/396853): 12d6t5 6
Force 7 heal:
Healing bnc (http://orokos.com/roll/396856): 13d6t5 3
She heals 3 boxes of physical damage.
edit: Forgot to roll drain Resist Drain (http://orokos.com/roll/396868): 9d6t5 2
I take 1 stun, putting me at 3, so I'm down a die for the roll below, if it happens:
If she's still got physical damage.
First Aid (Log-1, +medkit 6, +2 for mentor spirit) (http://orokos.com/roll/396857): 9d6t5 4
Then Bluebird sticks a rating six stimpatch on her. She stays unconscious until the spirit leaves.[/spoiler]
"She asked for a show of power. I knocked her out. She'll be fine - she'll just need to rest." She passes her sake to the loa possessing bnc, suggesting it have a drink before vacating the body. "I'm more useful supporting my team than leading in a fight. She should understand that not all mages have spells that allow for displays of power - but I used what I did have to my advantage. Even if I'm not the best combat mage, it should be clear that the loa are a magnificent help. This," she gestured to bnc's gear, "is so she gets the picture. And really, this just shows how much you need a mage who can spot these magical threats coming and act against them. I'm not the only person who can summon spirits - I'm sure you know that, though. Most of my talent is in bolstering my allies - floating her around the room isn't exactly something that makes me look valuable. Anything impressive that the spirits could do would probably end up with a victim and I was trying to avoid real damage. I can imbue a willing target with great combat skills and powers. Or, if needed, an unwilling target." She gestured at bnc, "I'm not sure if she's seen much combat, but if it's a thing she wants to experience I can safely facilitate that. I can also make sure everyone makes it out of combat alive - regardless of injuries the loa can carry you." She looked pointedly at the spirit finishing the sake. She asked the spirit to leave bnc's body - who should wake up.
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[spoiler]Opposed roll (Willpower) (http://orokos.com/roll/397065): 2#5d6t5 2 1
It's not Force plus net hits (like in Indirect Combat spells), it's only net hits. Since my defense rolls were crap, that makes 6-2 = 4 plus 7 - 1 = 6, totalling to 10 boxes of stun damage. Which doesn't knock out bnc.
Can you please describe me how you picture this spells feels? Should I imagine it like a power drain that sucks all the energy out of her until she would give in? Or is it severe headache that would eventually strike her down? Or is the feeling of strain and exhaustion? Rulewise it's all the same, but I guess it would vary from spellcaster to spellcaster.
Defense tests are not affected by wound modifiers so I would guess my full dice pool. I'll roll both versions in case I missed something.
Opposed roll (Willpower + Intution) (http://orokos.com/roll/397071): 10d6t5 4Opposed roll (Willpower + Intution - WM) (http://orokos.com/roll/397067): 7d6t5 2
In any way: The possessing part went as described.
Do I have memory of what happened in the meanwhile? That is, am I only a bystander unable to move my body, or am I gone for the time being?
First Aid - WM (http://orokos.com/roll/397072): 11d6t5 5
I forgot the extra dice: Extra dice from medkit (http://orokos.com/roll/397075): 4d6t5 1
[/spoiler]
bnc flinches hard twice at the spells hit her badly. Those who tend to see bnc as a fragile teenage girl unexperienced to wounds, hurts or pain thought she might give in. She seemed to, too, but then she drags herself up again. Supporting herself on the table, she grits her teeth to a smile. "I must admit I had something more ... subtle in mind when I said you can use your spells at me but I guess it's me to bl-"
She stops mid-sentence when the loa dives into her body.
If the loa leaves bnc before the Heal spells, bnc declines. "Don't, please. Since you appear to know what magical and non-magical healing can do, I'd ask you not to cast this spell and thus prevent me from fighting your spell's effects in a more efficient way. I'm happy, though, if you can Heal me in a moment."
bnc gets her own medkit, still wobbly on her feet. She wouldn't accept Krestov's support though. She has been in pain a lot of time, and she's felt dizzy even more often. Back to the team, she inhales deeply that applies the patches and syringes in a mechanical, almost unconscious way that still looks fast and professional. When the chemicals show their effect, she'd asks her to now put the spell on her.
-
[spoiler]My bad on the damage - I read the wrong section, and it's been a while since I played a mage. If there's 10 stun, and you aren't knocked out you don't take physical damage and I wouldn't have cast heal (as it only applies to physical damage). Also, I should have tried to medkit first and then heal, which was my bad again. Geez, I need to proofread more. If you're using your own medkit/first aid, I wouldn't have rolled mine - but the stimpatch is still available if she wants it should she not have healed all her stun damage. Thank you for bringing that to my attention, I genuinely appreciate it.
Apparently I'm having a bit of a brain fart week.
However; wound modifiers apply on anything that isn't about to affect your condition monitor, and as possession doesn't, I think it would apply.
Either way:
Stunbolt, in my mind, feels like having the wind knocked out of you except to your soul instead of your body, the force varying based on how hard the spell hits you.
With possession, the loa moves your body and is in the driver's seat. You maintain the state of consciousness you had upon possession until the loa leaves. You have full awareness and memories. It cannot access your thoughts/memories/skills or use any augments. You use their mental stats and special attributes, and where the spirit has better physical stats your physical stats are increased by half the spirit's force rounded down. It also reduces wound modifiers by up to it's force, so the intention was to show that even if you were seriously injured, the loa could carry you. You probably would have felt better with the spirit in the driver's seat on a physical level.
Also, as a note to all- I don't usually like pvp stuff, but as far as "shows of power" I was at a loss. I promise I don't normally do that.
[/spoiler]
"I'd never actually want to hurt a teammate - but now you know I am capable of things like that. The loa can do even more. Look, lets get you a drink - you just take it easy." Her voice gentle, and genuinely concerned as she saw the girl working. She waved down a server and asked for a large glass of cold water and looked to bnc to see what her preference was for something harder. "Honestly, I'm here to help you folks out. I can help build you up, and help tear down magical threats so you get a chance to use your skills."
She sighed gently, "But remember, others won't take it so easy on you... and if you're up against spirits, they're even less likely to hold back. I've never killed anyone, but the loa have a different moral compass. Had this been an genuine attack, you would have had nobody to stop it. Additionally, imagine having wounded an enemy who then uses a spirit to gain a second wind. I can negate that threat, and failing that, the loa are strong allies. I can counterspell for you, as can the loa. I can see threats in the astral before they get you, as can the loa. Before we enter a building, I can tell you who is mundane, who is awakened, and who has augments. You need me in the moment? I can send the loa to scout for us." She leaned back. "I take my work seriously. I've got experience. I value my teammates. I'm not impulsive, temperamental, or combat hungry. There's a time and a place for that, but you guys are looking for a mage who can support you, keep you safe from magical threats, and round out your skill-set."
She could have used compel truth, to have one of the team members tell her what the current run is, but respected their privacy. Levitating them around the room seemed like a party trick. She could have mass blinded them, she supposed, but that didn't help against those with astral vision - a threat this team was clearly aware of. She supposed she could allow a spirit to possess her, and show off some combat skills - but that also wasn't what they were looking for. Bluebird felt resigned to her spellcasting as the correct move. She silently thanked the loa for their help.
-
Slobbertooth finished up his two orders of salmon and took another sip of tea as bnc was tended to. Now don't get into a pissing contest about whether or not Krestov or I could handle that spirit.
"Yes, yes, it is very clear that you have experience and that you have powerful allies. You said that you have never killed someone. Does that mean you have never killed someone by your own hand, or that you have zero experience with wetwork contracts?"
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"I just meant that I haven't killed by my own hands. Some of the loa I've worked with have, and I've certainly worked with teams who have. I'm just not personally equipped for that. Work is work; I'm not squeamish," she shrugged, "If it comes down to it, I will if that's what it takes to get the job done. I just haven't had to be the one to pull the trigger and I'm okay with that - there are generally people on my team better suited to that than I. I'm here to help you play to your strengths, and shore up your weaknesses."
-
Krestov was enjoying his eel, the fragrant meat mixing with the spices well on his tongue after bnc was possessed. He's seen the signs before...this was more subtle compared to their last encounter with one so possessed, but the parallels were there. Once confirmed that their decker would be fine, he pressed on as normal, every movement closely calculated while still appearing relaxed.
Professional...experienced...gauging our interests, and was able to identify our weaknesses without our direct telling of them. Plus, she seems very self aware and knows her limits. This shows promise
Clearing his throat, he sipped some water before speaking up again. "Well spoken...and these are indeed clear and effective demonstrations. Have given much to think about." Tapping his head, he offered a friendly smile. "Krestov wonder if Bluebird have other questions for us?"
Multitasking, he pulled up the team comm-chat once bnc was confirmed to be herself again. <<"What think of her for trial on this current job?">>
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<<"She's doing fine. She's certainly confident, and seemingly for good reason. Don't know enough about her other spells, and I don't know enough about voodoo to know what other kinds of personal preparations and voodoo she'll need to perform.
-
She nodded, sipping at her tea. "I can see that two of you are adepts, but I'm curious as to the actual composition of your team. What does everyone do? Also, names would be good, unless you prefer to be called 'Krestov and Chummers'." She finished her tea and set the cup down gently, "Also, I'm fairly flexible as to what kind of help I can offer, but if we want the assistance of the loa the sooner I know what kind of help we'll need, the better. I can work on the fly, but the more time I have to prep and rest the better. Summoning can be an exhausting business. This job you're seeking a mage for - what kind of mojo are we going to need?"
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Slobbertooth pointed around the room at each of the team members, offering a succinct description of their roles.
Pointing first at bnc, "bnc. Decker and rigger extraordinaire. Team driver, spider, and drone overseer. ... and occasionally a drama queen..."
Next at Torrent, "Torrent. Team greaser, scout, thief, and black hand. He'll tell you about his powers if he so wishes."
Then at Krestov, "Special K. Trustworthy tin-man troll tank, taking-down targets with titanium talons. Also looks great in a suit."
Finally pointing at himself, "Slobbertooth. I shoot guns." He shrugged at the simplicity of it.
"I'll also be serving as Mr. Johnson for this job. The client has tasked us with two responsibilities. First is killing the wife of a corporate executive. The second is to discover any information linking her to two murders, and to a Lonestar captain. There is a upcoming gathering we plan to attend and there execute the contract.
"The executive has previously contract awakened assassins in the past, so the team is looking for magical support to be able to counteract these kinds of threats should they be present."
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bnc, who missed the waitress while she was fetching her medkit, remained a bit more silent after her interrogation. For one thing, her questions have been answered. For another, she still felt dizzy.
[spoiler]By the way. Not that it mattered because it wouldn't have changed things a lot. But if your spirit of Man wasn't materialized, how could he have targeted bnc with a spell?
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"So does that all like something you'd be able to handle, Bluebird?"
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[spoiler]That's a really good question. My brain did a 'it's an astral spell, I can have it case from astral', without correcting myself on the fact that bnc doesn't have an astral presence to target. We can get a GM call on it, but worst case it possesses an article of my clothing, I guess?[/spoiler]
Bluebird appreciated his bluntness in describing the team. It did seem like they had their bases covered, and some experience under their belt. "It does, yes." She smiled around the table, "I think this will be a good fit."
As far as she was concerned, she was happy to take this job. The only thing left to discuss was payment. She imagined if she got on well with the team she'd be kept on. "If you folks need a minute to discuss, that's fine, but I'm on board, pending discussion of payment."
-
[spoiler]
Yeah, materialization/possession is definitely necessary for a spirit to be able to attack something not dual natured on the material plane. Not that that would be difficult: There are decorative stones around the room the spirit could discreetly possess. And since possess doesn't cost a service it won't change anything.
[/spoiler]
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Slobbertooth and the team visibly conducted a conversation over matrix and subvocal comms. There were a few poignent nods and Slobbertooth turned to Bluebird.
"Yes, you'll do for now, and hopefully later too. As Mr. Johnson I'll be taking the lead on negotiations here. In most situations going forward that will be Krestov or Torrent's job. There are a couple of payment options available to you.
"The first is a straight up 16,000 Nuyen for completion of the run. No future commitments, no lost investment on your part if you want to split after the run. No long term risk on our part.
"The second option is to take 11,000 Nuyen, and have 5,000 of that payment be shifted into paying off a loan of this bobble." Slobbertooth pulled the bobble out of his pocket. It was a luminescent ruby red crystal. "To be honest, we're not entirely sure what it can do, or how to use it. That's why we're hiring you. What we do know is that it's worth 100,000 and it was being used by the awakened assassin the Corp Exec hired. I hope that lets you know the level of threats we'll be facing.
"Back to the payment plan. Once you've payed off one quarter off it's value, including the 5,000 from this job, you will be allowed to keep it and you will be invited to stay at the housing we will be looking to purchase for the entire team. That payment will come out of the payment for your work with the team on every run. Payments will range from 5,000 to 10,000 Nuyen at your discretion. If at some point you chose to leave the team before paying off the 1/4 of the bobble's value, you would owe the team the remainder of that payment.
Obviously this would put some risk on your part if this mission does not go well, but it would also be an investment on you by us.
[spoiler]The existence presence of the bobble is a retcon, so if you would have detected it with assensing, go ahead and do so. Jack will give you the details.[/spoiler]
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[spoiler]With a 4 on my assensing, I think I would have seen the item... but I don't know how much info?
Rolling to assense the item more directly:
Assensing the Foci (http://orokos.com/roll/399029): 8d6t5 2
Upon not getting much information I ask the spirit of Spirit of Man for help assensing it, and ask him to relay that information before he departs.
Assensing the Foci (http://orokos.com/roll/399031): 15d6t5 6
[/spoiler]
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[spoiler]
The object is a smooth sphere with 2,5 cm diameter. A closer look reveals that it is a massive, blood red ruby.
On the astral you recognize it as a Rating 6 power focus as well as a fetish allowing its user to cast spells through it at reduced drain levels.
The whole thing has a retail value of at least 110.000 nuyen.
Also there seems to be still an astral connection - the focus is still bound to whoever had it before. To claim it you need 36 karma.
[/spoiler]
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"Have you... had anyone else look at this for you yet?" She held out her hand for the crystal, and frowned gently, "This could be a major white elephant. I can't even use it until I bind it to myself, which may take sometime. Additionally, I'll have to re-learn spells to use part of this. In the meantime, this is still bound to someone - which means they may be able to track this item, and that means you. If this is still bound to someone, unless they gave this item up willingly, that could be a huge threat - though they won't be nearly as strong magically without this thing. Of course it also means that I could track them." She looked at Slobbertooth, "All in all, that's a wonderful deal, and I'm happy to pay this thing off- but I want to give you the opportunity to think about this, because this is going to paint a big red target on me, as the carrier, and anyone around me if this person wants this back."
-
Slobbertooth inhaled deeply and sighed.
"And this is why we kill awakened assassins and their decker bitch."
"While the news that the item could be used against us is unsurprising, it is disappointing. Woden and Friga will want it back. I always figured those two would come back to bite us, this probably just ups the timetable. That we know we're being tracked gives us the opportunity to turn the tables, though.
"The offer still stands. What better team-building exercise is there then fending off two very-angry assassins?"
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"I don't know, I was thinking bowling or trust falls, maybe camping." she chuckled. "I'm in." With an outstretched hand she offered handshakes to the team. "I'm sure we can handle whatever comes up."
-
Slobbertooth stood up and shook Bluebird's hand.
"Now that business is settled, let's enjoy the rest of our meal."
[spoiler]And with that, I think it would be good for you to post your character sheet in the Pain & Gain OOC thread, and we can pick things back up IP if everyone is ready to go and doesn't have any objections to what just happened.[/spoiler]
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Krestov could feel himself inwardly flinching at Slobbertooth's subvocalized comment, glancing off to the side as he retreated into a moment of regret.
"Slob have word, Krestov will atone for that action"
But that was all said and done as the arrangement seemed to be made. Smiling a bit, he stood with the team to offer his huge hand in a gentle handshake. "Welcome. Look forward to going to work." Nodding his head, he sat down and continued with his eel.
"Maybe consider keeping her with us until threat is established, protect investment. Krestov can have garage if needed"
-
Relieved, and hungry, Bluebird dove into her vegetarian sushi options. A new team, a new source of income, and a new power focus and fetish (down the road... if it didn't wind her up killed first). Life was pretty okay.
[spoiler]Character sheet is up![/spoiler]
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bnc, who was finally able to order six avocado makis, also attacked her meal. When the topic changed from the ruby to their future plans, she intervened.
"Wait. What the ... Jesus, if this is what you saw, this has to be a bound power focus. That means, the its owner may find us any day, anytime. Also, he saw us, which means he doesn't even need that sphere while we're unprotected. By now, if he's not a total amateur, he'll know where we live, and some of our major weaknesses. Am I the only one who strikes that as really, really unpleasant?
If you don't mind, before we go bowling, how about leaving our appartment, moving somewhere else and asking our favourite Houngan to build up a ward somewhere immediatelyish? I haven't got any clue why we are still alive but I like that state a lot. So, if you don't mind, Bluebird, before you - uh, is that cucumber? Mmh - before you start wolfing down this sushi, would you mind asking the very loa that tried to roast my brain to Conceal us and the focus from enemy spirits and their summoner?
Is really everybody totally okay with us being entirely exposed to a half-legendary prime runner assassin who has every right to hate us? Or am I overreacting again?"