Shadowrun
Shadowrun Play => Play-by-Post => Topic started by: Reminder on <09-23-13/1723:10>
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For now, if you want to post in this thread, feel free to give a physical description (what your character looks like) and a brief synopsis. That means don't post character sheets here. Basically what you should post is what you might share in a couple minute conversation upon first meeting someone. So while it might be cool that you have a deep seeded need to enact brutal acts of vengeance on door to door salesman, that typically isn't your lead off on first meeting someone. Even serial killers are more subtle. There will be plenty of time to get to meet your compatriots as the game progresses.
I would expect a call from your fixer either late Wednesday or early Thursday.
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Rolls, when they apply to everyone in the group
Generally, when I think the entire group has reason to make a roll (perception, possible knowledge check, etc) I will generally make them all at once (I might choose not to post them, however. If for example everyone fails a perception test, your characters wouldn't know they had missed something for example). You can always still make knowledge rolls, etc on your own as well, of course. When I think it important just doing it for everyone saves time in the PbP format.
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Characters you have encountered along the way
As threads tend to get long, and it can be difficult to search through a several pages to remember the difference between Bill Steamer and Will Stammer after a few RL weeks have passed, I am going to be devoting this post to recording a few of them to use as a reference. This does not mean just because they are listed here, your character remembers every facet about them without a memory test. It also does not mean that someone not listed here won't be plot critical down the line. This is just to make things a bit easier for all of you as well as me.
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Kenya Map link: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=216146468676860998864.0004e9e7797d50d873c39&msa=0&ll=-4.030542,39.624767&spn=0.103256,0.157928
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reserved
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Mlinzi is compact for an elf, standing 1.7 meters and weighing around 70 kilograms. Her pointed ears compliment her dark skin and her hair is pulled back from her face and gathered into two dark shocks. White paint covers her face along with dot and dash markings in accordance with the traditions of her tribe. The elf appears to be in good physical condition with well-defined arm muscles. She’s dressed in her regular bush gear: a beaten but serviceable chameleon suit with a strung bow slung over her shoulder and a quiver full of arrows. Other than a rucksack filled with survival provisions, Mlinzi appears to travel light.
Mlinzi is a native of Kenya and a member of the Agachiku sub-tribe of the Kikuyu tribe. The Agachiku are largely migratory traders and travel between Mombassa and Nairobi with an occasional detour to Mount Kilimanjaro. She cares deeply for her parents but hasn't seen them in some time. For the last several years, she has served in the role of native guide, warden, and tribal liaison auxilliary for several megacorps in the area... not that it means much more than a little PR and paying lip service to help keep the natives from getting restless.
[Spoiler=Transaction Record]Current Nuyen: 90
+200 (Starting Nuyen)
-15 (Beers & Sandwich)
-25 (Tip)
-10 (Additional Beers)
-20 (Tip)
-40 (Room)[/spoiler]
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Alexander "The Tourist" sticks out in a crowd. Pale-skinned and UCAS-born, the origins of his runner alias should be pretty obvious. He is tall and thin, bordering on scrawny, but still handsome. He has blue eyes and short, dirty-blond hair that he keeps neatly combed. His suit is an expensive-looking navy blue business suit, but it is dusty, rumpled and stained in some places. He sweats perpetually, unused to the local climate.
Alexander is a former corp-type from the UCAS. He fell out the of sky; specifically, his helicopter was shot out of the sky. Whoever pulled him out of the wreckage felt a litte extortion was in order, so he now runs the shadows. He's very new to the Africa, and very, very new to the shadows, but rumor has it he's an excellent negotiator and a decent shot with a handgun.
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"Frenchy" LeFebvre is a short man, just 1.6 Meters. His frame is lean muscle, weathered by sun and wind to a red brown tanned ruggedness. His movements are slightly awkward, but he reacts with a mongoose like swiftness. He speaks French and Arabic without an accent and speaks a fluent if accented English and good Kiswahili. He's not much of a talker, but when he speaks he has a certain rough gallic charm. You have seen more experienced drivers, but few better, his aversion to rigged vehicles is odd, but the results are hard to argue with - he seems to anticipate hazards with supernatural quickness. He tries to avoid fights when he can, but is a fair shot with a rifle and has a basic knowledge of stick fighting.
He can most often be found in the slums of Nairobi running packages for the local gangs on a late model Yamaha off road bike or repairing said troublesome Growler in a makeshift shop. Rumor has it that he used to work for one of the North African smuggling networks that work the Med and the Sahara routes, but that he was burned by a partner and is barely getting by.
He's most often seen wearing a 50's vintage Lined Coat with the old style hard panels over the pectorals over a white shirt, khaki trousers and motorcycle boots. He tops that off with a motorcycle helmet that resembles a Vietnam Era American Army Helmet, a pair of amber tinted goggles and a black bandana loose around his neck. All of his clothes are travel and road stained, but clean for the most part. He wears brown leather motorcycle gloves.
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Johannes "Ultra" Aarde is a South African born decker of fairly stocky and slightly disheveled appearance. He usually sports a good amount of beard and dresses in fairly outdoorsy clothing. He drives a gopher and is no stranger to the kenyan bush, though he tends to work in and around the main population centers for obvious reasons.
A love affair with the wrong woman ended his fledgling corporate career, and he found himself blacklisted. Unable to find legitimate work, he turned his skills to the shadows, and found ready employment, enough to pay the bills at least.
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IC Thread is up here: http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=12981.msg239340#msg239340 (http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=12981.msg239340#msg239340)
If it affects your arrival, the docks are on Mombasa island: https://www.google.com/maps/vt/data=VLHX1wd2Cgu8wR6jwyh-km8JBWAkEzU4,6eHkYvmciRYJiP-WlgwwBnv4YeNmBoNFtWozFqgT-kJiP8TzukRYyjM2j4e68MOzR4_3uS4rxAd0UPrWJhCd8Ckhs3wf2bHfaxugFvnbjx-E3MNI1p7NyDE_6aoLEOmQd5Tauh1HTBmmotJHfYJpFwkv3ABpHjzRN1PEqXPmiFQ93_T2cAFjfJbzehpagO3-AmIezvl2 (https://www.google.com/maps/vt/data=VLHX1wd2Cgu8wR6jwyh-km8JBWAkEzU4,6eHkYvmciRYJiP-WlgwwBnv4YeNmBoNFtWozFqgT-kJiP8TzukRYyjM2j4e68MOzR4_3uS4rxAd0UPrWJhCd8Ckhs3wf2bHfaxugFvnbjx-E3MNI1p7NyDE_6aoLEOmQd5Tauh1HTBmmotJHfYJpFwkv3ABpHjzRN1PEqXPmiFQ93_T2cAFjfJbzehpagO3-AmIezvl2)
Note: I did not put the A on the map, so the meeting place is not there. It is on the Northwest side of the Island, outside Kilindini Harbor.
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Do you want us to RP the whole day or skip to the meet?
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Whatever you feel comfortable doing. I had to leave the time window because some have a greater distance to travel than others do based on point of origin. At least address your departure and arrival. If you handwave the stuff in between for now, that is fine.
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Your relationship with Asha, your fixer.
She approached you under {insert semi startling circumstances here} a few months back in an attempt to recruit your services for some future endeavor that she left vague. You performed some small task for minimal payment at the time (pick something that fits your character that would prove you were of some worth) and you haven't heard from her since, but something made it stick in your mind. So you have no real job history going in, at least with this particular fixer
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Dice rolls here or in spoiler tags in the IC post? I'm planning on updating my post with further info, but may not be able to get to it until much later tonight.
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edited post as lost reply to asha in a nested spoiler tag.
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In the past, I have mostly done dice in the ooc part (simply because as gm a lot of the responses go in the ooc post anyway), but if people have strong preferences one way or the other, I can work with either.
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normally nest mine in spoilers just for flow (saves checking 2 threads for one action) but happy to accomodate either way.
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I can work either way. As long as they're in spoiler tags in the IC post, I don't think they're very distracting. Plus they are more easily tied to what is happening, rather than having to hunt through two threads.
But again, I'm down for whatever. Just need to know what the preference is so I can summon my spirit. :D
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I can work either way. As long as they're in spoiler tags in the IC post, I don't think they're very distracting. Plus they are more easily tied to what is happening, rather than having to hunt through two threads.
But again, I'm down for whatever. Just need to know what the preference is so I can summon my spirit. :D
If you perfer the IC thread that's fine for now. We can address it later if need be.
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As the game progresses, i will be adding additional information to the initial posts I had reserved at the top of this thread, so check them from time to time.
As for now, for anyone doing matrix searches/using knowledge skills to find out information about Mosi's.
It is a dockside tavern, at least by intent. Located between the docks and industrial sections of Mombasa island, it is not close enough to either to develop into a thriving business. It belongs to Mosi Bandur and has been in the Bandur family for three generations, having recently been re-branded Mosi's in an attempt to stir up business (which hasn't panned out).
There is no news that jumps out. Occasional reports of minor disturbances (fights, thefts, drunk and disorderly) that would be expected for the area are all you see/recollect. The only point that sticks out is that it has not been cited by the health board at all in the past year, which is a bit surprising, given its circumstances.
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One last question: For spirit summoning specifically, do you want to reserve the spirit's resistance roll for yourself or are you okay with me rolling it given that it is on Invisible Castle? About to head out for an event, but will complete my IC post tonight taking me to Mombassa Island.
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EDIT: I misread, reading what I had already considered instead of what you actually wrote.
Yes, always roll the resistance test against lower force spirits. With higher ones, you have the option, but rolling ahead of time takes away the possiblity of using edge normally if they throw a high number of hits (though you should still be able to reroll misses in that case).
What I was stating, was that when summoning lower force spirits (ie force 4 or less) feel free to make the opposed roll for the spirit as well just to keep things progressing. If you are going after something higher, I'll make the opposed roll.
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Great. I updated the post with spoiler tags for the summoning and will fill in as much as I can before I have to head out. Incidentally, roughly what times are sunset and sunrise in Kenya?
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Great. I updated the post with spoiler tags for the summoning and will fill in as much as I can before I have to head out. Incidentally, roughly what times are sunset and sunrise in Kenya?
The short answer: Whenever it makes sense in the story, since time flows as dictated by the actions.
The longer answer: Sunrise generally occurs between 6:15 and 6:40AM, with Sunset following approximately 12:10 later. For playability concerns, let's just go with 6:30AM and 6:30PM to make things easy to track and not adjust by a few minutes as the calendar progresses since the changes are so minor. Being on the equator does have some advantages.
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From there, she heads towards Mombasa with Wawindaji in tow.
Does this mean the spirit is physically manifested?
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I had considered it so that it could maintain Concealment on her, but then I wasn't sure what authorities/people would generally think of a manifested spirit. I guess with relationship the corps/gov have with the spirit world, it's probably at least frowned upon. If it would be problematic, she'll have it complete that service and have it follow her in the astral.
Now that I am back from my event, I was going to finish her narrative to the docks.
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I had considered it so that it could maintain Concealment on her, but then I wasn't sure what authorities/people would generally think of a manifested spirit. If it would be problematic, she'll have it complete that service and head into town with it having been sent to the metaplanes to await her call.
Now that I am back from my event, I was going to finish her narrative to the docks.
It depends on who they are. Spirits have caused a bit of violence in some of the cities, but that is more central Kenya.
That being said, concealment affects perception...it isn't invisibility. If you are walking down the road they might not make you out clearly, but you are still going to be seen by anyone looking at the road.
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I edited my above statement.
I get that Concealment isn't Invisibility, but it does have the mechanical effect of reducing Perception dice. I figure if she can manage to break LOS with someone and put her chameleon suit to use (or hide in reeds by the riverbank), it should help keep her hidden. I was hoping to keep the power sustained, but I don't think that is possible without the spirit being manifested and that would draw undue attention.
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I edited my above statement.
I get that Concealment isn't Invisibility, but it does have the mechanical effect of reducing Perception dice. I figure if she can manage to break LOS with someone and put her chameleon suit to use (or hide in reeds by the riverbank), it should help keep her hidden. I was hoping to keep the power sustained, but I don't think that is possible without the spirit being manifested and that would draw undue attention.
I can see it maybe staying unnoticed for a while in the wilderness, where the spirit isn't bound by staying on the road. In the city though, even with the 100 meter distance allowance, the chances of it not being noticed eventually given the amount of ground you have to cover are pretty much nil.
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Yeah, for now it is hanging out in the Astral following her around. I may even dismiss it when I get onto the island and whistle up a Spirit of Man to replace it. Bit more useful in the city (actually, a bit more useful all around, to be honest).
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For those of you still approaching, you are not necessarily going to get caught up in the situation Mlinzi is in right now. There are several bridges, in addition to the ferries, onto the island. Most of the purpose is just to kind of set the world up so you can come to a better understanding of how things are in the various locations.
If you want a lead in to your arrival, I will give you something once you describe reaching the island. Otherwise I am fine if you show up inside/outside the bar, and I will pick you up there. Either is fine with me.
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Just want to double check, when you say the police are unaware, you're talking about being unaware of the potential riot that is on the verge of breaking out, correct? ;D
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The shoving matches, yes. (I did a minor edit there to unaware or unconcerned if you missed it). Basically the ones you noticed are focused on clearing the street.
And I already made a perception roll for you to let you know what you saw, so you are ok on that front.
You do get imaginary bonus points for picking up on the shipping out of the country bit though.
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Great. In that case, I think I am just going to try and slip on through unless things look like they are going to get really out of hand.
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With 1 hit, you barely hold your feet. There are enough others around that she couldn't send you sprawling.
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You do get imaginary bonus points for picking up on the shipping out of the country bit though.
I just figured there are very few reasons for raw minerals to be heading onto an island with docks other than outbound shipping. Just the continued rape of the African homeland by Corporate scum. RAAAAAAGE! LOL
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Of course your focus on trying to figure out who to blame did cause you to walk into the poor, defenseless woman.
Not that I am trying to discourage curiosity of course.
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If I don't make any headway here, exactly how far off the water is this bridge?
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I wouldn't advise it.
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I wouldn't advise it.
I was going to levitate under the bridge. If Mlinzi knows that's a no-go, then it's a no-go.
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Alright, 13d6 and no hits. That's a great start!
If she arrives at the bar early enough, she is going to take the opportunity to drink a beer and cool her heels, hopefully giving her the chance to recover some of the Stun Damage she took.
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In the future, you may want to choose a slightly more discreet location to make the summoning attempt.
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Thanks for pointing that out, I thought it only applied to spellcasting, which is why I had her lean against the wall like it was no big deal. Noted.
Edit: Also, now that I'm enlightened on that and since I am not sure if summoning a spirit leaves an astral signature at the point of summoning (it seems to be the one example excluded from the myriad provided), I will spend three complex actions wiping out the signature.
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You were on the side of one of the two most major streets across the island. It is a risk to assume no one there could tell what you are doing, and with opinions the way they are about spirits and those that support them, being noticed in the center of the city is probably something you want to avoid.
I assumed you thought logistics wise no one would notice, which is why its fine for now, but you may want to be a bit more careful in the future.
Call the dice roll on the drain test enough of a reaction :)
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Call the dice roll on the drain test enough of a reaction :)
>:( I hope I got my bad luck out of the way early. It wasn't a glitch/critical glitch, but it was a damn sight close to it. I wonder what the odds are of that on 13 dice...
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Call the dice roll on the drain test enough of a reaction :)
>:( I hope I got my bad luck out of the way early. It wasn't a glitch/critical glitch, but it was a damn sight close to it. I wonder what the odds are of that on 13 dice...
(2/3)^13, which if you do the math comes out to slightly less than half a percent.
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Well, what happened to Dark, I don't know. At this point I am just going to move on without him. Part of the reason I started 1 heavier in numbers than I had initially intended.
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Assuming hanging out in a bar doing nothing equates to rest, below are my two healing tests to heal my stun damage. If not, just ignore.
Actually, quick question: the example in the book seems to treat healing as a special kind of Extended Test that does not reduce dice for each successive attempt. The text doesn't say anything about it, so I am not sure how to handle it. If it's a normal Extended Test, I guess just drop the last die from the second test.
2x Natural Stun Recovery Test: Body (4) + Willpower (5) (9d6.hits(5)=3, 9d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4239765/) for 5 healed boxes out of 4 stun damage.
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I didn't see your earlier post about "make up a small run you did for Asha in the past" until after I wrote my introductory post. I implied in my first post that Alexander hadn't worked for/with Asha before, only had made brief contact with her. I decided to split the difference and make it so they hadn't met in person before. Sorry for the mix up, I'll have to keep a closer eye on the OOC thread.
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It's fine. Just being we were at street level and most didn't have experience, I just basically was indicating that you didn't have a lot of history, but that you could visual id.
And yeah, I tend to use the OOC thread a bit more than others might.
For now, subtract 5 nuyen for each drink you ordered, and an additional 5 if you grabbed a sandwich or something. The last drink that arrived with your invite is free.
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What are you attempting to assense?
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What are you attempting to assense?
I wanted to first make sure there weren't any unexpected auras (active spells, etc).
If the only things showing up were the three (now four) people sitting at the table, I would start with assensing Asha's aura (using roll #1). I'd assense the rest of the table following that. Additional rolls:
Assensing Test [9]: Assensing (2) + Intuition (4) (In order: Frenchy, Mutumbo, Johannes, & Alexander (6d6.hits(5)=3, 6d6.hits(5)=3, 6d6.hits(5)=1, 6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4240346/) No glitches
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I'll give you the results once the 5th comes over then.
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For Jack:
Asha exudes a calm aura. In fact, the emotion is so strong you can nearly taste it in her aura. To your surprise, both the pale skinned foreigner and the short man show signs of being awakened. You perceive nothing of note from the rest of the auras of those collected.
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Thanks for the info, good to know.
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Bleh, when you made your reply, things clicked into place.
I already had the fixer written when I got the char sheets, and tend to ignore names when someone is using a handle.
Oh well......It's not like its her real name anyway.
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LOL, no big deal. Not like Mlinzi is going to be using her real name either.
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Based on the description of qualities like insomnia, it is not 100% clear if rest means sleep or not.
That being said, I'll give you whatever you rolled for the first hour. Given your state of mind at the moment, you are not in the most restful state.
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Good to know. The example provided for healing Physical damage seem to imply that you don't have to be sleeping all day to be considered resting, so I wasn't entirely sure. I feel like this was fully clarified in previous editions, I'll have to look tonight. I rolled for two hours as I figured I had arrived before 4 and the fixer had us wait for two hours.
I think that puts me at 1 box of Stun Damage.
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Question: does Asha speak English? I assume Alexander would have at least attemted to communicate with her in English during their previous encounter.
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She can understand English. Whether or not she chooses to speak it is another matter.
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@Reminder: Can I use my one service to request my spirit to play lookout on the roof of Mosi's and report anyone approaching and entering the building until it has to depart or our meeting comes to an end? Not sure if that is too complex or too involved for an unbound spirit service.
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You can, but based on the time, it is going to return to wherever you summoned it from in a minute or two. If you want to send it on a quick look around, it might be able to complete that before it fades.
Also, reporting in on anyone entering a bar at this hour would be a constant stream of responses.
I am kind of surprised no one checked the place out before going in tbh (other than the one matrix search).
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No problem, I was going to have it report any groups of 3 or more, but won't bother if it is going to disappear. I wasn't sure how close to 1830 we were.
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Since you got your invites to the table slightly after 1800, by the time everyone found their way over, initial greetings, etc, I'd put the time right around 1820 when the call was placed, probably 1830 or so when the call with the Johnson ends.
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Now that you know what the basics of the job are, let me say right out I am not a huge fan of GM PCs, but since the area is so foreign to most of you ooc, this will let me show you a bit more of the areas/interactions you can expect. How you choose to handle any situations is pretty much up to you though.
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Also, in reference to your last IC post, just to give you more info on the area, though Mombasa does have an airport, the majority of corporate air transportation (at least the official stuff) is more likely to go through Nairobi than Mombasa given the proximity to their other interests.
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For the purposes of tracking time, let's call the in game date Tuesday, August 11, 2076.
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Also, in reference to your last IC post, just to give you more info on the area, though Mombasa does have an airport, the majority of corporate air transportation (at least the official stuff) is more likely to go through Nairobi than Mombasa given the proximity to their other interests.
I think the main oddity for her is that the researcher is coming in by boat rather than plane, regardless of the airport. I just don't know how common that would be in Kenya in the 2070s. Is piracy still a problem in the Horn?
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There is a reason for it, but not the one you are jumping to I think. You can try asking the Johnson or Alzmer when he arrives if you like. You know how forthcomming Johnsons tend to be though.
One of your compatriots may know more as well.
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Jumping to the wrong conclusion is my specialty! I'll be glad to wait for it to play out. One of the things I miss about table games is chewing conspiracy theories about what's "really" going on while the GM cackles maniacally behind the screen.
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I had a character once I convinced a gm to let me take knowledge ranks in conspiracy theory with. Most of the time it was just off the wall stuff, but you never know the one time the off the wall rumor will turn out to be right and the team regrets all the crap they have given you ic.
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Can I make a perception check to see how open to negotiations the Johnson would be? I'm not concerned about the fee per se, but if we're going to be responsible for outfitting a safari Frenchy would like to push for more logistical details and an expense account.
At the same time he's a professional, so he doesn't want to make his fixer look bad by queering the deal.
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Sounds like we're getting 6K up front?
Since we're not getting many details about the job, it's hard to push for more money. According to Johnson, our only responsibility is to get Alzmer from Point A to unknown Point X, ensure he collects unidentified samples that could be anything from plants to people, and then head back to Point A without getting killed. A lot more unknowns than I would like to deal with, but I guess that's the nature of the biz/game.
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I'm not sure that perception would exactly fit.
Basically the Johnson flat out is not going to tell you what you are after right now. And knowing the "what" the material is wouldn't make a difference in your costs anyway. Yes, he's keeping information to himself. He's a Johnson.
As far as what you need... He's told you the equipment needed for taking the samples is included, and the vehicle to haul said supplies+samples. There are only 6 people you need to worry about transporting, 5+1. He's also more or less stated that the Alzmer is responsible for and capable of sample taking with your assistance, but its something he can show you what he needs on the spot. It's everything else that you are being hired to do.
You've got the expected time frame (2-3 days, preference of 2). Given your knowledge of traveling, most of it is likely going to be travel time figure 60 km per hour, tops, where there are roads, less where there aren't. So just time wise its not a day trip even if its just driving for most of the day.
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Sounds like we're getting 6K up front?
Since we're not getting many details about the job, it's hard to push for more money. According to Johnson, our only responsibility is to get Alzmer from Point A to Point B back to Point A without getting killed. Additionally, we're somehow supposed to "ensure" that the samples are collected, although Johnson seems entirely tight-lipped about the nature of the samples.
Well, there are a few ways you could ask for more, or more up front. He also more less already offered a bonus for timely completion without a negotiation roll after Crunch's first comment.
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So we are responsible for transporting the samples back to Mombasa? That's essentially what I asked in my IC, but I guess Johnson is just being Johnson. It would make a big difference risk wise and preparation-wise if we are transporting metahumans/animals as opposed to a small quantity of rocks or plants.
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I wasn't as worried about what we were transporting as how. If the provided transport for the expert is a blimp or a flatboat, picking up stuff to support a land expedition wouldn't help.
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I hadn't considered using a blimp. I may have to rewrite this ;D
If you ask a more specific question, you might get an answer. So far its been very broad or "what is the stuff" (which he wont answer). And yes, he (the Johnson) is kind of a prick.
To reply to Jack:
Well, you are responsible for bringing Alzmer back and he will have the samples with him, so by extension you will be transporting the materials.
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Sorry if I was unclear, but Frenchy hasn't actually asked about what the stuff is at all. He was asking about provided and aquired equipment, not the target.
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It was kind of an overall summary.
If you guys don't have more questions for him, let the conversation hang a little for the other 2 (including your face) to weigh in if they so choose. If you want to try to get more details out of him, you are welcome to try that too.
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I am a bit worried about what we are transporting. Sneaking a box of minerals past guards/gangs/tribesmen is one thing, sneaking a live elephant or something of that nature is quite another. But Johnson is clearly not talking so...
But yeah, I was more asking generalities. Size, weight, observability, etc.
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No one expects elephant-smuggling blimp aficionados. It is why it works so well.
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No one expects elephant-smuggling blimp aficionados. It is why it works so well.
Isn't there a movie about something like that?
Oh yeah... Operation Dumbo Drop (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114048/)
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Try asking if "it's a live creature: if that is your fear? He's not apt to play 20 questions, but if you keep it simple you may get some information (not as much as you want, but there are things he is willing to tell you that you haven't asked about.)
He's not being a prick solely to be a prick.
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The Johnson's description of our start point puts it vaguely in the area of Kilimanjaro, right?
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Honestly, if the Johnson won't answer a question like the rough size of the expected samples, I don't think there is any reason that Mlinzi would think that he would be willing to provide any more information related to them, so I'm pretty much done on that count. Maybe someone else will come up with some good questions.
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Not that far north (depending on how directly west he was intending). The closest easily searchable landmark (present day) that will get you close is Lake Ambussel, but that is farther than 200km in. You may need one of the others with more applicable knowledge skills or a mapsoft to narrow the area down after the Johnson's call.
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For Ren:
The area is likely in the southern foothills of Mt. K as they move into the central plateau of modern day Tanzania. The lands are largely tribal controlled, but which one controls the area in question (particularly given the the vagueness of the directions and the fact that the lines on the map change often) you cannot say whether it is the Maasai, Mijikena, or some other tribe.
The list of fauna is extensive, really too long to list, from the typical savanna dwellers (giraffe, wildebeast...) and their predators (Leopards, hyena...), dozens of species of birds, to the apes that dwell in the jungles of the foot hills. The list really is too long to make. Your knowledge of paracreatures extends to the types associated with the typical species of the area.
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Finally managed to get an IC post in. I'm not sure how likely we're all to get additional nuyen, but having the Face negotiate for more money is a Shadowrun tradition, and I can never pass it up. If more money isn't feasible, "additional resources" could be a lot of things. More info, more equipment, etc.
From an IC perspective, Alexander probably really wants to know what exactly they're collecting. From an OOC perspective, I'm pretty happy not knowing. I like surprises! And you just know it's something awful, like a live cheetah or a native free spirit or a fire-spewing paracritter or something. If we're collecting soil samples I'll be sorely disappointed!
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Stuff
Good work!
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Hey Reminder. For future reference how do you feel about teamwork tests on social rolls?
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Well, it depends on the situation. I have seen them used effectively and where they make sense in the past but you do have to be careful allowing them, because if every test becomes 5v1 they pretty much auto succeed given how high social limits tend to be before you start raising them with extra dice.
At this point, since Bewilder has been pretty much the only one to make the case on why the pay may not be sufficient, I am going to proceed with the social roll to move things forward (I did give you a circumstance modifier based on the conversation prior.)
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This is the mission briefing (http://video.disney.com/watch/operation-dumbo-drop-trailer-4be11038696eb42f7f3ce022) on what to expect from transpo :o.
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You aren't meeting Alzmer until he arrives in 2 days (9am on the 13th).
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Excellent. Does anyone have ranks in Craft Trebuchet to expedite transport back?
I guess once we get done with the meet, we need to put together a plan, cover story of some type, hit up our contacts, and pick up any necessary gear within the next 38ish hours we have remaining.
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Well, it depends on the situation. I have seen them used effectively and where they make sense in the past but you do have to be careful allowing them, because if every test becomes 5v1 they pretty much auto succeed given how high social limits tend to be before you start raising them with extra dice.
At this point, since Bewilder has been pretty much the only one to make the case on why the pay may not be sufficient, I am going to proceed with the social roll to move things forward (I did give you a circumstance modifier based on the conversation prior.)
Yeah, I didn't think it would be appropriate there, I was just checking for future reference since Frenchy has some secondary face skills.
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Well, it depends on the situation. I have seen them used effectively and where they make sense in the past but you do have to be careful allowing them, because if every test becomes 5v1 they pretty much auto succeed given how high social limits tend to be before you start raising them with extra dice.
At this point, since Bewilder has been pretty much the only one to make the case on why the pay may not be sufficient, I am going to proceed with the social roll to move things forward (I did give you a circumstance modifier based on the conversation prior.)
Yeah, I didn't think it would be appropriate there, I was just checking for future reference since Frenchy has some secondary face skills.
Which isn't a bad thing. One case I can foresee the possibility of something like that is when using non-native languages, being if I recall correctly, you use your ranks in the language or your social skill, whichever is lower.
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Your skill in a foreign language sets your social limit. It's one reason I took English so high (although I probably could have left it at 4 since I only have 9 dice to throw for Etiquette tests at the moment).
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Your skill in a foreign language sets your social limit. It's one reason I took English so high (although I probably could have left it at 4 since I only have 9 dice to throw for Etiquette tests at the moment).
Actually I read it the way Reminder does (although I prefer Jack's version) you can't add more skill dice to a social test than your skill in the language.
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Wow, I totally read that the wrong way when I reviewed it. Ouch.
Seems like a badass skilljack is required for any face, until they come out with the obligatory adept skill that allows you to be understood by everyone. Although I guess an awesome Charisma makes up for some of it since it only affects skill dice.
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Wow, I totally read that the wrong way when I reviewed it. Ouch.
Seems like a badass skilljack is required for any face, until they come out with the obligatory adept skill that allows you to be understood by everyone. Although I guess an awesome Charisma makes up for some of it since it only affects skill dice.
It certainly stacks the deck in favor of Charisma and non-skill modifiers in cross language situations. It makes Bilingual a hell of a quality for a Face for sure.
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Oh, @Reminder: I'm going to slip into Astral Perception and check out Asha's aura again. I want to see if anything has changed from when I last checked it out. Let me know if you want an IC post about it.
Assensing Test [9]: Assensing (2) + Intuition (4) (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243909/)
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Other than being slightly annoyed, not much has changed.
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If Mwindaji's survival roll to put together an equipment list is eligible for a teamwork test, I'll add my dice:
Survival Teamwork Test [5]: Survival (2) + Willpower (5) (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243982/)
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And here's mine. Survival 6 + Will 3 [5] (9d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4243987/) I assume the three of us can hash out a gear list.
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We're survivaly. ;)
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Just not subterfugery without a white noise generator. LOL
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jesus, have you heard white noise? nothing subterfugey about that (like listening to radio/tv static on full blast). i think they used white noise as a torture technique on POW's too! :-)
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Depends on the volume/rating. But yeah, I've heard it, although now a days they tend to use a lot more sensory dep/overstimulation than anything else. Loud rock/rap music has a bonus psychological effect.
More clandestine than covert. ;)
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so i guess we've got two days bumming around mombasa waiting for this kid to arrive then eh? anyone know any decent local bars? :-)
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Route scouting planning and gear acquistion is my guess. But beer could probably happen too.
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I guess we probably should square away gear, hit up contacts to determine information about the area we're possibly traveling to, check out the docks so we aren't going in blind when we pick-up the researcher, maybe someone wants to give a shot a doing a matrix search on Alzmer (who knows, maybe it's his real name) or on the image of Johnson (probably a dead end, but who knows).
Should we try to develop a cover story? Field research seems like it would require little effort to pull off given that it's what we're doing. The biggest challenge would appear to be returning with whatever samples are being collected depending on the nature of the samples and passing that off as legit.
I guess we can go over all of this in IC when we figure out wherever we're going. In the absence of anyone who has knowledge of a better location, I would suggest we stay where we are for the time being until we iron out our plans. Just not sure about wandering about at night trying to find another meeting site.
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Ill make the survival rolls, but you should probably discuss where you are going first. What you need likely depends on the terrain and what you are likely to encounter out there, who controls the area, etc.
You've also got time to discuss at least somewhat what you might all bring to the table, so you aren't going in entirely blind (delayed arrival is nice in that way).
You are probably going to have to hit up your fixer at some point as well since you wrote her out of the scene before she could transfer your advance to one/some of you... unless you still want her there. "Crunch waited for her to leave before speaking." Part of the reason I'm delaying answering your question ic to her. It seems like people are progressing as though she's gone though, so I am not sure she can address your question as asked Csjarret. You are either going to have to write her back in, or call her to ask.
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Can Crunch and the rest of us edit our responses to allow her to be there? I guess we should establish a default wait period for those who can't post as frequently. 24 hours sound good to everyone?
It seems like Ultra and Hunter both wanted her involved in this step.
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It's up to you guys if you still want her there or not. She might be more helpful than the Johnson, but then again, she might not.
I just need to know how you want to play it, which is why she asked rather than just right off leaving after the call. Otherwise, she does have a commlink.
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RE: languages... for future reference, your Face is pretty useless unless we're speaking English or (maybe) Japanese. I couldn't really justify a high Kiswahili skill, considering his background. So... yeah. That could definitely make things interesting.
Regarding downtime/equipment... I just realized I completely forgot to buy ammo for my character! If I can retcon that a little, I'd appreciate it, but otherwise if we really have two days of sitting around waiting fo Alzmer I guess I could just buy some regular ammo. But just a major gap in building the character I forgot about.
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It happens. As long as you had the funds for it before rolling for starting nuyen, you can add a reasonable amount of ammo.
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If we can wait for Crunch to respond, maybe he'd be willing to excise the bit about the fixer and we can pretend like she never left so everyone can get their questions squared away?
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Yeah that'd be good!
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Not that far north (depending on how directly west he was intending). The closest easily searchable landmark (present day) that will get you close is Lake Ambussel, but that is farther than 200km in. You may need one of the others with more applicable knowledge skills or a mapsoft to narrow the area down after the Johnson's call.
Man... I sure as Hell hope we're not heading here: Nightmare Fuel in the General Vicinity Indicated (http://gizmodo.com/any-animal-that-touches-this-lethal-lake-turns-to-stone-1436606506?utm_campaign=socialflow_gizmodo_facebook&utm_source=gizmodo_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)
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i've got a mapsoft!
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Post edited.
A 24 hour wait period between any two posts is going to slow the game down a lot...
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Sorry, should have clarified. I wasn't suggesting waiting for any two posts, but if Reminder leaves a hanging question out there that a PC could respond to, I think it's fair that we allow time for people to respond to it before moving the action forward. In this situation, it was a 5 hour window between 3AM and 8AM my time before we wrote Asha out of the scene.
We could also probably handle some of that in OOC by just saying we don't have any further questions so it isn't a mandated 24-hour window. Just my thoughts.
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Not sure what kind of roll that would be. Here's an Etiquette test if needed (Feel free to subtract dice if it is something else like Negotiation).
Etiquette Test [9]: Charisma (8) + Etiquette (1) (9d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4244993/)
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If anyone wanted another beer, just let me know over here and I'll deduct the amounts OOC.
Damnit, I was actually typing out my texting post and my wife of course interrupted me with a totally unnecessary phone call.
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Not trying to push you in one direction, but some of you do have assorted tribal knowledge skills.
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I had thought about using mine, but I think it is specific to the Nairobi area. I figure the area was a bit far away to be covered underneath that skill. Not sure what everyone else has.
In the off chance it helps:
Knowledge Check: Logic (2) + Nairobi Area Tribes (2) (4d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4245488/) + Street Knowledge Check Actually (+2 Dice Intuition) (2d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4245494/)
...and I forgot that was taken as a Street Knowledge skill. So 2 hits.
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I'm starting to suspect I'm out-of-sync with most other player's posting times (for the record, I can really only read/post during the late evenings EST). For the time being, I really don't mind getting a bit left behind if other don't mind me inserting actions a bit after the "moment has passed."
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Yeah I am not sure Nairobi area will cut it, let me think on it a little. There is information you need, which shouldn't be that obscure to know, but because there is no Kenya 2072 book you can pick up you might not know where to start. You guys do have the skills to find the info, but you may not know how to use them well enough in coordination with the setting yet to get the answers you are looking for. Let me think it over slightly, since I can't justify Asha knowing. Even if you can't get exact up to the minute information, finding out what tribes are in the area shouldn't be a massive obstacle ic.
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Minor piece of info Jack, unrelated to the previous post. I updated your char sheet changing the contact you are talking to at the moment from tribal chief to tribal elder. The Kikuyu are guided by a group of elders, without a formal chief position (There may be a lead elder, but they get replaced if the others don't like what they are doing).
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Noted and thanks, I'll change my char sheet with the info. I picked "Nairobi Area Tribes" as it seemed the closest thing to Seattle Street Gangs and Seattle Organized Crime which are the knowledge skills with which I am familiar. It makes sense for her in any event due to where she typically hangs her hat.
@Bewilderbeast: No problem. I'm fortunate that I can pretty much keep the website up at work all day and no one will say anything as long as the work gets done. I'm going to try to keep my party interaction stuff to where it is easy to address anything you or others may post who don't have the same flexibility. Definitely been there before.
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That should be enough to get you started. Some general info you don't have to roll for because it is fairly commonly known (Some of this was addressed in the recruitment thread but I know not everyone will remember:)
Three of the tribes located around Mt.K became the most actively opposed to the corps following the spirit incident. Of the three, the Maasai are thought by many to be the most violent of the three groups (or at least they seem (Some of the targets they are blamed for may be less directly linked to corporate interests or something befalls a more remote group and allows for stories, accurate or not, to spread (less tangible evidence to say what exactly happened - and it very well may be as severe as the stories make it out to be, or worse. You can't say for sure)). Being more remote (seperated from the cities by more distance) so how accurate this assesment is, is a matter that may be open to some debate.
You are going to have to find someone with a lot more information though if you want to know exactly where their lands begin, or how they protect them, as the area in question doesn't get a whole lot of travel these days, other than by those who live in the area.
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Does anyone still want your fixer there at this point? You will still be able to reach her by coms if you need assistance with something, but if you are going to get more into datasearch/planning her presence may no longer be required. She may have other business to attend to.
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Other than having her transfer our advance to someone, I'm of the opinion she can get on to her other biz.
ETA: Now that we have a few keywords can someone start running some Matrix searches? I have no capability with the Matrix but there's no "I" in team, right? ::)
Possible Search Terms:
Alzmer research
Maasai
[The names of the three lakes on the map that Asha indicated]
Corp research projects in Africa
Hmmm.... does Ultra want to do some hacking, csjarrat? If you could break into the Mombasa port host, maybe you could get the shipping schedule for Thursday and we could figure out what boat Alzmer is coming in on. From there, another hack might be able to help us figure out who we're working for based on the manifest. Knowing who are employer is may help us figure out what we're actually going to be doing out there. Thoughts?
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hacking a host is a pretty big undertaking, especially something as well secured as an international port.
its definitely an option, but its super high risk. i'll see what happens with the data searches first before committing to that :-)
@GM, what time is it in-game?
@team, we need to think about whether we're staying over near the port tonight or whether we're heading home + meeting up again tomorrow
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Johnson call finished around 6:30pm, and you haven't done a whole lot since, so let's say 7. It is well onto twilight outside. The sun has set, and the last of its afterglow has almost left the sky entirely.
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CS can you clarify what you are intending with the foreign relations part of the search? I think you are looking for the stances in regards to outsiders, but the way I may be interpreting "foreign" and the way you intended it may be different.
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just how they deal with "outsiders". couldnt think of a better way to frame it really.
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Yeah I'm trying to narrow it down some. As presently defined, that second search would result in an absolutely massive amount of data, especially with culture thrown in. I'll pick out the more relevant info........ Unless you really want a detailed accounting on how their circumcision ritual differs from that of their nearest neighbors ???
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Your first search is completed; the second one will take slightly longer in terms of game time so I will turn that one out in a bit.
Hopefully that is a fun list to chew over.
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Knowledge Checks to try to flesh out Ultra's hits:
James Alzmer: Knowledge Check: Logic (2) + Parabotany (1) (3d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248861/)
Achiles Alzmer: Knowledge Check: Intuition (4) + Poachers (2) (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248899/) (May not be applicable)
Mary Alzmer: Knowledge Check: Logic (2) + Parazoology (2) (4d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4248900/)
Not much fleshing out on Mlinzi's part apparently.
I wouldn't be opposed to finding a coffin hotel around here. I'd like to check out the docks before our meet to get a lay of the land. I would assume there would also be a shopping area on the island to arrange for provisions if needed. Seems like the best idea would be to hang out on the Island until the meet and do our legwork/make arrangements from here. Less security checkpoints we have to transit the better.
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I wouldn't be opposed to finding a coffin hotel around here. I'd like to check out the docks before our meet to get a lay of the land. I would assume there would also be a shopping area on the island to arrange for provisions if needed. Seems like the best idea would be to hang out on the Island until the meet and do our legwork/make arrangements from here. Less security checkpoints we have to transit the better.
Ditto, lets find somewhere to crash later then
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Their advanced, some would say cutting edge, research is beyond what you know off hand.
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Reminder, would it be reasonable for my Customs official to be able to check that list of Alzmers against recent (say last calendar year) entry or exit to Kenya?
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CS, I'm not sure exactly what you are image searching.
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Your first search is completed; the second one will take slightly longer in terms of game time so I will turn that one out in a bit.
Hopefully that is a fun list to chew over.
pg 246 sr5
"Agents also have the Computer, Hacking, and Cybercombat
skills at a rating equal to their own. An agent
runs as a program and can use programs running on
the same device as them."
the browse software that is running in the virtual machine should be available to the agent so should take 1/2 time just like ultra's if that is what the delay is from?
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CS, I'm not sure exactly what you are image searching.
searching for articles, blogs etc that match up to the screenshot i took of the johnson we spoke to. was hoping it would turn up in some E-paper on the front page linked to some corporate sponsored story lol.
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Reminder, would it be reasonable for my Customs official to be able to check that list of Alzmers against recent (say last calendar year) entry or exit to Kenya?
You could try him, but getting him to pull that many passenger manifests will take a bit of luck/persuading.
Also,it isn't a guarantee that he would find anything helpful.
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Your first search is completed; the second one will take slightly longer in terms of game time so I will turn that one out in a bit.
Hopefully that is a fun list to chew over.
pg 246 sr5
"Agents also have the Computer, Hacking, and Cybercombat
skills at a rating equal to their own. An agent
runs as a program and can use programs running on
the same device as them."
the browse software that is running in the virtual machine should be available to the agent so should take 1/2 time just like ultra's if that is what the delay is from?
IC - Well, based on the thresholds, some of the information is less available so it's not going to run in a minute
OOC - I am working and can't quite find the time to put together another post with that much info until I get home probably, ergo its taking a little longer :)
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Your first search is completed; the second one will take slightly longer in terms of game time so I will turn that one out in a bit.
Hopefully that is a fun list to chew over.
pg 246 sr5
"Agents also have the Computer, Hacking, and Cybercombat
skills at a rating equal to their own. An agent
runs as a program and can use programs running on
the same device as them."
the browse software that is running in the virtual machine should be available to the agent so should take 1/2 time just like ultra's if that is what the delay is from?
IC - Well, based on the thresholds, some of the information is less available so it's not going to run in a minute
OOC - I am working and can't quite find the time to put together another post with that much info until I get home probably, ergo its taking a little longer :)
hehe, no worries mate. this is looking to be a good run, thanks for putting in the time + graft to GM!
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Crunch, maybe your Customs guy could focus his search on ships arriving in Mombasa on Tuesday. If he only has to focus on one day, it would probably be easier. Maybe that way we can zero in on a name and develop further information like area of focus of his research. Might help us pinpoint what we're going to be looking for.
Just need to figure out how to clarify tribal boundaries and figure out what kind of threat we're facing here from the Maasai (and any others in the area).
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Actually Jack I take that back, I'll throw you a bit of a bone on the one you least expected since you rolled 2 hits.
Achilles Alzmer represents everything a lot of the native population hates about foreigners. Brash and brazen, he is less "gentleman hunter" than his novellas would make him out to be. Though he masquerades as a naturalist, he really is just a trophy hunter.
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Thanks. I'll edit my IC post a bit to reflect it.
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//To:Team//<< First batch of results are in for our "alzmer". I'm thinking top three/four could be interesting.>>
What, you don't want to be abducting natives for the anthropologist to do "tests" on? ::)
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//To:Team//<< First batch of results are in for our "alzmer". I'm thinking top three/four could be interesting.>>
What, you don't want to be abducting natives for the anthropologist to do "tests" on? ::)
so long as they don't make a mess of my pickup i'm ok with it :-)
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//To:Team//<< First batch of results are in for our "alzmer". I'm thinking top three/four could be interesting.>>
What, you don't want to be abducting natives for the anthropologist to do "tests" on? ::)
...or the High Energy Physicist, for that matter.
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//To:Team//<< First batch of results are in for our "alzmer". I'm thinking top three/four could be interesting.>>
What, you don't want to be abducting natives for the anthropologist to do "tests" on? ::)
...or the High Energy Physicist, for that matter.
Yes, you are right there. Using natives for studies in high energy physics might be more disturbing than genetic testing.
Using them as a fuel source would be downright wrong.
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Assume the longitude reported for your search CS, puts the beginning puts the outer edge of the Maasai's estimated territory slightly short of the area indicated by the Johnson. So the target area, at least as specified by the Johnson, would not have you cross into Maasai territory, but it puts you very very close.
Also, since you are looking for some pretty obscure results, the image search is going to take a half hour of game time to run, but FYI so you can start planning what to do next, it is not going to yield any results.
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Jack, am I correct in assuming Des is Desmond Ngei?
Also, since it would have likely come up in his search, CS would have found out incredibly basic info about UO (it's a AA corp) given his search parameters. If you just want general info, that would be easily accessable on the matrix.
Also, for everyone, game time is now 7:20.
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Reminder: Yes, that would be Desmond. I was pretty much looking for general info, although I was also trying to see if UO was linked to anything of significance that would put them in the crosshairs of Desmond's group. While Desmond's information is probably not all that trustworthy, I hoped there might be a few grains of truth in them.
ETA: Oh Crap, just an FYI, but I had intended my Knowledge Check to be applied to Francis Alzmer rather than James Alzmer. Still a 0 hit roll, I just wanted to make sure it was noted as such.
Also, if Ultra pulled one of the listed Alzmer's published papers, could we try to figure out what the focus of their research might be? I wasn't sure if that was included in the earlier knowledge checks.
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Well, you failed your knowledge checks due to low rolls vs researchers who were conducting rather specialized/advanced research. With the low rolls you didn't know much.
Also, realize that while they may be published, if they are doing work for a corp, that isn't necessarily information that they would publish until the corp already had a monopoly or something of the sort. If you found out that the adrenal glands of wuwanti treerats had effects better than kamakaze with no side effects, you wouldn't want to lose profits by sharing.
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I did think it was odd that they would be published as corporate-backed researchers, so I wasn't sure if their publications came from a period of work in academia. I would imagine the rule in the Corp world would be more "Publish AND Perish" rather than the other way around, LOL. But their public research might give a hint as to what they are doing for a corp as they would presumably be hired based on their past work.
The main idea behind paging through any published work was to try and get an idea of what their specialization was: genetics, sentience assessment, product derivation, innate magic capabilities, etc.
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Yeah, I can't imagine that "academia" even exists as a field in a corporate controlled world. Knowledge is profit in the sixth world!
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Well universities still exist, but what their actual goals are...
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I'm wondering how much Mutumbo and Frenchy overlap. It sounds like for vehicle/outdoor/mechanic checks we might have some good teamwork possibilities.
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Oh great, now I remember. It was our Street Sam/Ganger who never showed up for the meet. So much for firepower, LOL.
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I figured at times you might be wanting more than one driver.... and the overlap is partial, but not that huge. Just that you both decided you needed other stuff more than a vehicle :)
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Actually, Mutumbo's main talents are outdoors and hunting. I just spent a few skill points so that he can drive a car if needed. As for mechanics: he's more cut out to provide help than to make the repairs himself.
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Frenchy's an above average mechanic and a really good outdoorsman, but driving is his focus and he's really really really good at it.
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Do we think a trip west for the rest of us to get the lie of the land would be fruitful?
If you mean to go scout out the area the Johnson described, if you left right this second, you might be able to go and return in the time alotted if you did nothing else. Adding things like scouting or any occurances you had to deal with would likely make you miss the pickup time. You know enough that the round trip travel time is no less than 12 hours, at best and probably more than that even in near ideal conditions.
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I was thinking more the roads out of town to the west for 5 or 6 hours. It wouldn't be as good as actually getting to look at the destination, but it would at least give us the opportunity to check for any obvious snags and develop a working relationship before we're "on stage" for Alzmer.
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I wasn't saying you can't go, just letting you know what you would know ic since you are the one with transpo experience.
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Thanks! :)
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I'm down for a quick trip. Just wondering if our aliases are going to hold up out there or if we need to develop a zany cover story.
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My alias is super crappy :( But Frenchy is broke, and for a quick pleasure trip it might be enough.
I'm wondering what Reminder thinks an appropriate cost for a forged hunting permit would be?
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Given the street restrictions, I got the best I could get (Rating 3). But, uh... her cover is a game warden. LOL. I guess it isn't a far cry for the government to contract with a hunter to cull a nuisance animal or, even worse, a man-killer.
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A fake hunting permit is a fake license. Granted you have to take into account who is enforcing the law and where as well. Not everyone cares what the government says.
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Of course. But having the permit at least gives us somewhere to bullshit from. Between Alexander and Frenchy we ought to be able to run at least a reasonable hustle given some evidence.
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I guess the biggest point of uncertainty is that we don't really know OOC how heavily surveilled transiting the country is likely to be in 2070s Africa.
As I see it, we have two main obstacles to overcome.
The first is the government, which we should be able to overcome through an appropriate application of fake documents and Alexander. The effort that we have to go to in order to overcome this obstacle is something we really can't gauge OOC. Are there checkpoints on the road? Mainly just at the entrance and exits of cities? Only at highly urbanized areas?
The second consideration is all of the non-government entities (tribes, slum gangs, critters, etc). Most of that looks like we're going to have to overcome it through avoidance or force. Our docs won't really do much for us there.
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Well, I if you look back to your bridge crossing, I gave you some IC evidence of how the official police force handles things. And look at the whole scene, not just the mess in the middle. That was the point of having it happen. It was really for everyone to be able to read, but since you were the one on foot, and had a point where I could jump in, you got to be the one to go through it.
Assume the farther you get away from a population center, the less government control there is. That doesn't mean that there are no patrols, but they are more the exception than the rule. Getting as far out as you will be going on your run, unless its some official action, I wouldn't think whatever license you have to matter at all. It would be more the perception of whoever is there that you should concern yourselves with. Honestly, you can drive across the border into and out of the country in a lot of places without seeing an official for 50km. It is more about protecting the population centers, and by extension the corps (really its the other way around).
Anything that interferes with commerce is going to get a swift reaction. There are some protected game areas, but you won't be encountering any of that, so we can worry about that later. If you are 100km out of Mombasa, I would be more concerned with the non-official things you might encounter. Again, that isn't to say that you won't, but outside of a few areas, a lot of the population is decentralized, so any enforcement strategies will adjust accordingly.
As far as checkpoints, you are going to encounter some as you approach the urban centers, especially Nairobi, and even more so as you approach the mass driver, if only because of the threats of terrorism. But if you pass your checks, if they run them, I wouldn't worry too much. A hunting license would allow for a reasonable amount of ordinance, as long as it's not too heavy. Explosives are another matter. At times you may even encounter a magician that can perceive and possibly assense, since so much of this ties back to spirits.
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Thanks, I was actually thinking about the bridge crossing when I typed. It didn't appear that my SIN was checked, but I wasn't sure if that was due to the kerfuffle. The line about most of the guards ignoring the mess seemed to imply that they were heavy on security and pretty well trained.
Thanks for the additional details.
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I've pretty much done what I needed to do. Do we want anything else out of the meeting?
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Other than figuring out what we're going to do tomorrow, I think we're good. Looks like we have one team that is going to acquire supplies and provisions for our trip. The other may or may not drive out a little ways out of the city to determine a route. Now that I'm thinking about it, it might not be a bad idea to do a test run. I figure gangs are as much (if not more so) of a factor in Kenya as they would be in Seattle, so we might want to get an idea of any problematic gang territories we might have to pass through on our way out and back in. I do plan to check out the docks tomorrow morning around 9AM to see what kind of activity we should expect.
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@Csjarrat: Mlinzi doesn't have anything you'd be interested in, I don't think. Not sure who has the MapSoft at the moment. Either Crunch or Ren, I think :P
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I've pretty much done what I need to do, as well. Might pester some more contacts, but I don't think I have any relevant ones.
The Tourist would be in favor of getting a motel room or something, considering his lack of reliable transport and the fact that he'd be "coming home" to an empty room he's squatting in. Reminder, how much would a coffin motel or other cheap accomodations cost?
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either way, i've taken it back and stuck it in my deck + projector so everyone can see it and interact with it lol.
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I've pretty much done what I need to do, as well. Might pester some more contacts, but I don't think I have any relevant ones.
The Tourist would be in favor of getting a motel room or something, considering his lack of reliable transport and the fact that he'd be "coming home" to an empty room he's squatting in. Reminder, how much would a coffin motel or other cheap accomodations cost?
Depends if you pick a place that charges by the hour or the night...Assuming it's the later, somewhere between 40 and 80 or so.
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CS, are you limiting your search for a parts dealer to someone in Mombasa or not? Parts may be slightly cheaper elsewhere (Nairobi or farther inland), since Mombasa has less of a market for the parts you are looking for.
Also, new or used?
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Used, search by proximity to our location, sorry
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For the stuff you are looking to buy, I would assume an automotive repair kit, if anyone has one, would have some sort of jack with it. It is not a major lift though. Not a nascar type jack (I feel dirty saying that) or anything like that. More or less what you would have in the trunk of your standard SUV for changing a tire. So if that works for what you want, you don't have to buy one seperate from a kit. If you want something sturdier, then you will want another one (since I'm not sure what you picture when you say hydraulic, since there are a wide range of such).
Also, I'd let you assume you already have one spare with your truck, of the same type you are driving with now. I'm willing to let you run it where you had some heavier duty tires already given the location we are in, but if you want some major off road tires for potentially crossing rivers or such, then you might need heavier tires. Basically, I know its not designed as an off road vehicle, but I would assume it is equipped to handle dirt roads in various states of repair as is, and savanna type terrain, but anything overly rocky or uneven you will struggle with.
Also, if you are hauling most of their gear, you probably want a tarp at least to cover the back end.
Also, since some of you have been talking about what you may need to buy. For survival kits, lets assume they include tents that sleep as many as two (in theory they might be singles but two works well enough), a survival blanket, three flares, a flint, matches (just assume an unlimited supply unless you really want to abuse them because they aren't worth counting), a water purification system that will deal with most chemical and biological agents (I say system, because again, its not worth tracking tabs), 1 pot (2.5 liters), 1 multi utinsil, a compass, one set of rain gear, a 1 liter canteen, 1 pair of gloves, 1 set of extra shoe laces, 5 sealing 5L plastic bags, 3 sealing 25L plastic bags, duct tape, 10m of fishing line with 10 hooks, 20m of rope, and a small hatchet (don't try to use it in combat). Anything else you think should really be included? I'd include food, but it needs constant replacing as you go through it. So if you have one, assume it has a 3 day supply of preserved food for one person, but that will need replacing as it's used, so you may want to just buy what you need ahead of time.)
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Yeah the item description says it comes with a few days rations so we'll need to buy some more.
Figured we'd have reasonable tires on it given the terrain but I want some proper hardcore off-road tires and a winch to get us out if we get stuck. A strectch of strong rope would bee good if we need to tow.
I've got a tool kit for "automotive mechanic" stored in the van with my survival kit and medkit so should have enough kit to get by. In my van at least. Already specced it with a tarp/rain cover. Figure you'd get one at purchase of the vehicle?
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@Reminder: can you tell me what my character thinks about the map after checking it? I’d like to decide if he will ask for that map Smokescreen offered for a favor.
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Survival kit looks good. Maybe add a mess kit as part of the multi-utinsil. All in all, it looks correct.
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I guess i can stick the tarp in with the original purchase. Was just trying to cover the bases of what some of you had been discussing you needed to buy, so you know what doesn't fall in the standard gear.
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@Reminder: can you tell me what my character thinks about the map after checking it? I’d like to decide if he will ask for that map Smokescreen offered for a favor.
I'm not exactly sure what you are looking for in reference to seeing on the map, so I can't tell what your character thinks about it. Assume the mapsoft has general terrain info, ground cover, etc. It is clearly sufficient for you to navigate by if that is what you are looking for. Well, unless you glitch, or, better yet, ;D crit glitch ;D or something .
Based on what your contact told you, he may have some slight knowledge of the area, but admits himself it's not much. So it's basically if you want to see if his has anything that isn't on the mapsoft version (and I am not going to promise anything he knows will help), then you will need to take him up on his offer. I would have put a price on it, but you had said in your writeup you two didn't know each other well, but had traded some favors, so you will have to decide if you want to owe him or not for what may or may not amount to anything useful.
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Also, game time is now 8:30 (since I mistakenly put it in the other thread (it's removed now).
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Survival kit looks good. Maybe add a mess kit as part of the multi-utinsil. All in all, it looks correct.
Mess kit goes a bit past what you need to survive, into things that would be nice to have (so might the rain gear, but I already put that one in so it's staying). That, and it would compromise portability (presumably everything else would easily fit in a standard size backpack)
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I was kind of thinking about the mess kit I had when I was a Boy Scout. Two shallow metal bowls (one with a hinged handle), tin cup, and a small cooking pot that fit together in a small nylon pouch. It isn't a big deal either way.
(http://www.jaysknives.com/boyscoutsmore/BoyScoutsofAmericaMessKit.jpg)
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It seems everyone is kind of at the end of what they want to do for the day...
You want to find someplace to shack out (or go back home) and pick it up tomorrow?
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That's fine. Mlinzi was going to hit the rest room and try to clean off the paint from her face so that she may have a bit of an easier time when she tries to get a coffin room.
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That's fine. Though I wouldn't necessarily take what the waitress said as fact. Also, I figured you could find the bathroom without gm intervention :) (sorry, wry sense of humor got the best of me there)
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...and I was all ready to roll a Navigation check.
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Right now you are at the edge of the docks district, surrounded by mostly warehouses with a few factories. If you want to do a matrix search to find a place of lodging, I wouldn't even require a roll, it being information that they would want readily available.
Or ask someone else. The latest waitress didn't like Mlinzi.
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I'll bite. Alexander makes a Matrix search, prioritizing cheap and nearby results as best he can.
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By price, Tubs offers the lowest hourly rates while Josie's Bunkhouse is the cheapest by the night, Both are near the shoreline in the docks and you have directions to reach either.
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It seems like everyone is ready to advance the clock if you want to make your exits to wherever you are spending your nights.
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I'm just going to take control at this point and move things forward to the next day since everyone seemed to be done with what they wanted to do. Anyone that bunked out the stay for the night was 40nuyen. Upon your arrival last night, you did notice a small cafe two doors down if you want to use it in the morning (It's fine if you don't. I just figured that way it would save you having to do a search or legwork just to find someplace to sit down in the morning. Otherwise you have your rooms until 10am unless you pay another night in advance (that may seem early, but all you got was a room with a bed that caters mostly to sailors.
Also, I know all the contacts you put calls into have not yet returned them. They may or may not be in contact at some point during the day.
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Taking care of that last bit of stun damage: Natural Stun Recovery Test: Body (4) + Willpower (5) (9d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4258345/)
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It seems we have one car (Ultra’s van). Do we have a second one, fit for off-road travel, or do we have an agreement on renting a second car?
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Frenchy has an off road bike.
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Iirc we've just got my pickup and a bike between us, we'll need a second van I think
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We do know that Alzmer is bringing transport of some kind for the magguffin. There aren't that many of us, manning four motor vehicles with the crew we have now is stretching it pretty thin, especially if Alzmer can't drive.
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What four vehicles? So far we know about one car, unless Cjarrat and Crunch also wants to bring their bikes (would suggest not to). That is for seven people, and whatever we have to carry. And the pickup is a three-seater. I wouldn't count on the client bringing a ride, that's one of the reasons they hired us: we're supposed to have enough. And IMO two cars is a must even if we have enough bikes. If one gets stuck the other can help out.
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Csjarrat just said he has a pickup, not a bike.
1) Pickup
2) Bike (for scouting purposes, I'd suggest bringing one even if it spends most of the time as cargo.)
3) Whatever Alzmer Brings (Unless I'm badly mistaken the Johnson said Alzmer was bringing transport for himself and his gear.)
4) Rental
Ultra's Van would be 5 if it's off road capable, assuming we decide on the rental.
Here.
As I said, the equipment needed and the means of transport for the equipment and collected samples has been arranged. All you need to do is get our man where he needs to go, and get him back.
Now, is there anything else?
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I have just one vehicle, my pickup. We'll need a second 4x4
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If we can afford it fine, I'm just a little concerned about spreadaing 6 of us over two 4x4s and Alzmer's vehicle. It seems unnecessarily thin.
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We could always ask Johnson or fixer to clarify alzmers transport..
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We could always ask Johnson or fixer to clarify alzmers transport..
I asked (see page 2-3 of the IC thread), Johnson was extremely reluctant to provide details beyond that Alzmer would have transport.
Reminder, if I misunderstood please let me know.
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What if we're going by boat? :S is there a river from where we are to where we're heading on the mapsoft?
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What if we're going by boat? :S is there a river from where we are to where we're heading on the mapsoft?
That's a point I raised in OOC with Reminder (I also mentioned Blimps), The Johnson chose not to be any more forthcoming than he was above. The info we have is (and PLEASE someone correct me if I'm wrong) that Alzmer is bringing transport for himself, whatever equipment he has andwhatever it is we're extracting. Depending on what we're extracting it could be anything from a scooter to the Graf Zeppelin, but I'm sort of betting on some sort of offroad vehicle with cargo capacity.
My concern is that, if possible, I'd really rather not have to rely on Alzmer to drive one of the vehicles or provide covering fire if we run into a problem on the road.
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There are... five of us, right? Me, Frenchy, Ultra, the Tourist, and the Hunter.
Ultra has a Toyota Gopher 4x4 truck. Someone (Frenchy?) has a Growler off-road bike. Seems like we could use the off-road bike as something of an outrider. Stick Ultra and 1 person (fire support) in the Gopher and the remaining two with Alzmer in whatever transport he brings (assuming it can fit 3). I guess we won't know more until we find out what the client is providing.
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That's sort of what I was thinking, there's the possibility of carrying the bike as cargo as well.
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We could always ask Johnson or fixer to clarify alzmers transport..
I asked (see page 2-3 of the IC thread), Johnson was extremely reluctant to provide details beyond that Alzmer would have transport.
Reminder, if I misunderstood please let me know.
Your read is correct since the Johnson was being a vague and Asha doesn't know any more than you do about the job at this point (if you got the impression Asha wasn't telling you everything she knew about the job I think you read it wrong. She may have been playing games (or not) but she did comment on wanting very much for you to pull this job off so as not to hurt her rep as a fixer). Assuming the transport is not a bike (which wouldn't make sense for hauling anything) I'd assume it seats 2 at minimum, since that is pretty minimal seating up front for anything capable of hauling. Personally, and as you said Crunch, were I on the mission, I wouldn't want to count on this Alzmer fellow riding solo since you are supposed to be escorting/protecting him.
That said, if you want to rent a vehicle is entirely up to you. What you are hauling, who you are seating where, etc, will likely be what makes your decision (and seems to be what you are already discussing)
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Also, keep in mind some of you didn't come in hot and may need to collect whatever gear you want from your residences. That's part of the reason for the full extra day, since once you aren't running in a single city only, there is going to be travel time involved.
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Also, keep in mind some of you didn't come in hot and may need to collect whatever gear you want from your residences. That's part of the reason for the full extra day, since once you aren't running in a single city only, there is going to be travel time involved.
Fortunately (maybe?) Frenchy doesn't own enough stuff to have anything that isn't on his person or strapped to his bike.
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Ditto. The upside of street-level. LOL
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I also agree that we shouldn't let Alzmer ride solo. I still say it would be worth having a vehicle in reserve, assuming the Johnson meant some secure box as "transportation", but Mutumbo won't press the issue further.
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How many people in the group are competent drivers?
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i'm chucking 6 dice(2hits on average), but would probably pilot from VR for the +1 dice and extra handling.
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My character considers himself a competent driver, although he is nowhere near a rigger.
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So with Frenchy (driving is his specialty of course) That gives us at least three we can trust not to drive of the road.
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I am definitively not a good driver. No skill and a slight technology handicap. But I can toss some spells to support if need be.
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Reminder, do you want rolls for prepping Ultra's Truck?
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Once you buy the parts. I am not sure what exactly he wants done in terms of "suspension" work. It may not be possible for you to do all the modifications with only an automotive kit, so let's see what you guys order up and what you can do on your own first.
I just moved you to the shop, since it seemed no one else had anything they needed to do/say before you arrive.
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well the spec says the van has good off road suspension/handling so shouldnt need much, maybe raising a bit to account for big off-road tires to go on.
its the winch and tires i'm most worried about. maybe an engine snorkel if we need to fjord any rivers/streams
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Yeah, it's mostly if you need a lift to do any of the work.
Edit: Also, maybe anything beyond a very minor weld (not that I'm sure you'd need to do any of that)
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I'm still trying to figure out how to price the winch. The sources I am working from seem like the prices are way off.
Are you going to be looking for something with around 1000kg worth of lift? That should pull a vehicle out of most things shy of a vertical drop.
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something like that would be fine mate. i think there was an option for a winch in the old arsenal book for Sr4a if thats any help?
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Yeah, I have a listing, but the prices are way way too high. So, I'm just adjusting from present day prices.
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Sorry it took me a while to post. Busy work week.
As for driving... The Tourist is actually a pretty decent driver, chucking out about 7 dice. Not great, but he might be a better option than some others.
Quick rules question; I'm having some trouble figuring out ammo pricing. I'm guessing the prices listed in the book are per clip/magazine? It doesn't really say anywhere.
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Per 10 rounds. It's in the header to the ammo chart. The first column is labeled "ammo, per 10 shots."
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@Reminder: Unless Bewilderbeast indicates otherwise, we don't really have a plan with respect to the docks. At this point, my plan is to wander around a bit and get a feel for activity levels around this time (9AM or so), observe the unloading process for a ship if possible, get an idea of port security, and, if possible, see if we can find a shipping schedule or someone with access to one that may allow us to get more information about our pick-up. I also wanted to see if there were any other activities going on here other than shipping (fishing, markets, etc).
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There is fishing, but they would launch out of different berths a bit away from where you will be.
You are within walking distance of the international shipping ports whenever if you want to try to walk over there.
It is common knowledge that there is restricted access to the port however, so how much wandering around you are able to do is somewhat in question
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Reminder if at any point you need a negotiation or engineering check from Frenchy let me know.
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Will do. What you need depends on how things play out. She's not that happy with your "appraisal" of her business so far though.
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Does 1000 seem way out of line? I'm scaling that off of present day prices, since the resource I'm using seems to indicate with that much force, it should cost 2500 which just seems absurd to me.
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Actually it sounds pretty reasonable, just trying to get some bargaining room. If it's not evident from the posting Frenchy is trying to project an (actually somewhat deserved) aura of some expertise.
On a related note, do I have the time and tools to install the winch? I'm not the best mechanic, but I'm capable (Logic 3 + Engineering Group 4).
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It might be pushing what you can do with just an auto kit, but I'd let you do the winch. If you do it yourself, you will need to think about where to go about doing it (side of the road might not be the best option). You don't have the tools necessary to lift the suspension without at least a shop.
EDIT: I'd have to look back through the sheets to see who else is capable, but I'd also allow one other person to contribute via a teamwork test.
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Actually it sounds pretty reasonable, just trying to get some bargaining room. If it's not evident from the posting Frenchy is trying to project an (actually somewhat deserved) aura of some expertise.
Making disparaging remark about her business (referring to the junk) in the first 2 sentences might show that, but at the same time not make her inclined to like you much.
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Actually it sounds pretty reasonable, just trying to get some bargaining room. If it's not evident from the posting Frenchy is trying to project an (actually somewhat deserved) aura of some expertise.
Making disparaging remark about her business (referring to the junk) in the first 2 sentences might show that, but at the same time not make her inclined to like you much.
I meant that refer to the junked vehicles in the bay and on the way in, which doesn't strike me as insulting to the business in general, but I have no control over how she took it so cest la vie.
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Yeah, the junk outside is part of her business. It's not a big deal, so I wouldn't worry too much.
I didn't have her return instantly with the winch to show you, on the chance you two want to talk while she's out of the room fetching it.
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If you want to inspect it, it is a straight auto or ind. engineering test (any bonus to wheeled would apply to mount it but wouldn't apply for inspecting it).
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You both see the same thing
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I figured.
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Just as a FYI. Friday this week, and Mon-fri next week, my posting during the day may cut down a bit. End of fiscal year is the 31st, and I have 130 or so employees to review before then.
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In retrospect, the dude with like 16 dice in Negotiation probably should've gone to help with the shopping. Ah well, next time.
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Ya know, I had the same thought :)
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If you guys put together a list of the other gear you are buying, you can send someone to pick it up. It don't think that will need to be rped since from what I have seen mentioned so far, it is pretty commonly available merchandise
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You don't need to roll to check the tires. They are fairly new and in good condition.
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Jack, Bewilder, Ren, any of you still intending to try to see what you can see at the docks or not? Or try to contact your customs official contact?
Just checking so I don't miss anything if I jump ahead.
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Cool, cheers. Just need rations and cooking stuff really now if survival kit has tents in them. Mosquito nets and insect repellent could be good too
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Yep, just need a final list. You guys did discuss it some ic, so I'm fine if you want to do the list ooc.
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CS, if you continue the line I think you are going into about the jeep in the shop, can you roll ettiquette for me?
(Don't let that scare you off)
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Yes, I'm ready to just jump to the docks. Alexander just wants to get the lay of the land, maybe chat up a local about comings and goings.
If we're going to fast-forward purchases, Alexander just wants a basic survival kit (like the one you described earlier).
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Agree with Bewilderbeast. At this point, I don't want to do anything that would push limits, but I did want to get a feel for the general area in the event something bad goes down tomorrow and we have to try to evade anyone. Basically, I don't necessarily want to go anywhere with restricted access but I would like to walk around a bit to get an idea of foot and vehicle traffic, etc.
We can probably say that we're grabbing the gear from the shopping list as well, assuming it is man portable.
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Depending on how much you are buying, it may be
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I'm assuming Ren is ok as well since hes not responding. You guys can head out whenever you want.
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Is it too late for Frenchy to roll his negotiations? He's actually kind of good at it.
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Yes i'm ok, just read only mode as i'm not in the scene directly. BTW Mutumbo plans to spend the day resting and preparing his equipment, and checking and memorizing the map of the area, to know its main features without having to resort to the map. He plans on connecting the others early in the afternoon to check if they needed some more help in getting all the stuff and if they succeeded in getting the appropriate vehicles.
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Is it too late for Frenchy to roll his negotiations? He's actually kind of good at it.
If you try to negotiate you can.
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For reference to the Mechanic's last statement, if you lost track in game it's Wednesday right now. Also, if you haven't picked up on it, (not that it really affects anything other than perceptions) you 2 and the mechanic are the only 3 people you have seen in the place.
Jack, if you are summoning a spirit before heading to the docks, do it now (I wouldn't recommend doing it while wandering around the docks. If you don't want one that's ok too).
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Today I am going to go without. I'd rather avoid notice of anyone assensing for now. I guess I could summon something and have it hang out in the water beneath the docks, but I'll save that for tomorrow.
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I thought we had decided against a second vehicle?
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I thought you had too, but it is totally up to you guys.
Also if you want to negotiate Crunch, you probably want to jump in soon.
For the rest of you going to the docks, the move will be up within the hour. I am assuming you want to go to the international trade port. There are docks catering to private vessels and pleasure craft, as well as a few corporate enclaves (no way you are getting access to this last group anyway).
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Ah right, I got wrong end of the stick then, no drama.
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Ren and Crunch's characters have some chance at directing you to such a hangout (depending on knowledge rolls) if you want to find one as well. If you want to change the last post regarding the vehicle you can. I'll wait to reply till I have the post up for Jack and Bewilder going to the docks.
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Nah it's fine, I won't pursue finding a second vehicle. Will still need our mods on my van though.
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Kukanyagana roughly translates to Stampede
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Sorry for my lack of posts, been a crazy week. I'll put something together tomorrow AM.
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Actually, its the winch you can do wherever. The tires due to needing to adjust the suspension is what you need the lift for.
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Actually, its the winch you can do wherever. The tires due to needing to adjust the suspension is what you need the lift for.
balls lol. ok, will edit the post then
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I'm going to wait until this evening to see if Bewilderbeast wants to put up a post as our "face" for the docks portion. If not, I'll post something up.
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She's using bushrunners as slang for her clientele. Smugglers, guides, hunters, etc.
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Well, since she rolled like absolute crap, I'll give you the out I you didn't pickup on your own (she can't justify doing the work for free; it is her business afterall). It will get you out of paying the rush charge as well, provided you can complete the work yourselves in time.
Also, if you accept, I am assuming you 2 want to use teamwork for the work. If so are you ok if I just roll them to move things along (and which modification do you want to start with)?
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Sorry for my slow posting, have had a rough week.
Alexander just chats up a random local. He's literally new to the continent, so basic rumors and knowledge about local hotspots and stuff would be of value to him.
I know we talked about trying to get our hands on a shipping manifest or something, but we don't even know what particular ship Alzmer is arriving in.
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Your not going to shake her hand CS?
Also, you other 2 are still outside the docks, unless you want to try and pass the gatehouse. If you want to try and corral one of the sailors wandering around outside you can do that though
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course i am, wouldn't be very gentlemanly to refuse the lady a handshake! :-)
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We don't know what ship he is on, but we have a time/date when we're supposed to pick him up. I would guess the ship is probably coming in sometime before then that morning. I imagine we're going to get this information (the pick-up point) sometime before we have to pick him up, but it would be nice to know now.
As far as the Gatehouse, I don't have any desire to get past it, but wouldn't mind checking it out to get an idea on security procedures, equipment, etc.
@Bewilderbeast: Maybe we can ask the guards for directions to Mosi's, LOL
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I don’t want to confuse anyone, so I thought I’d ask which name do you prefer me to use in my posts. So far I used my character’s real first name (Mutumbo), but I thought I’d change to his runner name, because that’s what the others know. It is also a question if you want me to use the Kiswahili (Mwindaji) or the English (Hunter) version.
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Up to you man, I use my kiswahili handle. When I refer to other players, I try to refer to them by handle as that is typically what she would use when she speaks to them, either due to not knowing their real name or simply opsec.
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probably easier if we just use handles. i'm a bugger for switching between johannes (for his monologue) and utra, for his comms with you guys.
i'll make a conscious effort to just use ultra.
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I intend to use however you refer to yourself. (Or others refer to you, actually, which at this point will be based on how you introduce yourself most likely)
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[spoiler=tests]Matrix search: INT(5) – defaulting Computer(1) [Data Processing(3)]; I’d like to buy 1 hit to get the basic public info.
You can get the location and such without a hit (well, unless you are Mlinzi). I'd prefer you not buy hits on things unless you are overwhelmingly likely to succeed.
EDIT: I've been thinking this over for a while, and while I can't say you've ever been there before Ren, even though your knowledge skills really don't fit it, you would have at least heard of the place on your own based on your contacts. It is basically one of a few hangouts for the rough and tumble, not always above the board, types who would operate varying enterprises into the backcountry from Mombasa. More of this type of thing goes on out of Nairobi or other cities, but there are some in Mombasa.
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You can get the location and such without a hit (well, unless you are Mlinzi).
8)
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Are there any modifiers on the Automotive Engineering check?
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No to the modifiers (any + for wheeled would apply)
Once you get it on the lift I'll just do the extended teamwork rolls so it is smoother getting it done, and I can interrupt mid fix if I need to. It's up to you, but I'd recommend starting with the suspension/tires since that is what you need the lift for.
You also haven't specified to her if you want any spare tires either at this point, or if you are just taking 4.
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Something to think about. Think about how others perceive you, and how helpful they are initially inclined to be based on these perceptions and how you approach them. Using a few examples we have seen so far - some of the reactions Mlinzi received while wearing the face paint. While not everyone would react that way, some might. The sailor you tried to collar and question, while he was on his way alone to the docks, may have been inclined to wonder why a foreigner (based on your skin) wearing a suit was approaching him on the roadside. Some competitor for his company, something else? He might not react the same time if he's not alone, or in another location, or drunk, etc.
Other things to keep in mind, how you are dressed, gender, how you carry yourself, where you are etc, can affect how various residents perceive you. Each of you has different niches you may at times fill more effectively than whoever has the biggest dice pool, as in some cases, just getting a stranger to talk to you may be what you have to overcome. Once you get someone talking, they are more likely to keep talking, so just keep that in mind.
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ok, so the van is up on the ramps, you want us to roll for this teamwork test yet?
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All right, that is mounting your tires. Give crunch a hard time since based on the rolls you would have finished an hour earlier had you been working alone :)
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It's up to you 2 in the garage whether you just want me to let you complete the winch or if you want to go see who came in. You can't overhear them from where you are working. You estimate the work on the winch will take you an hour and a half, give or take a half hour (threshold 6, 30min). With the time spent on the suspension/tires, for you 2 it's now 2:30pm (earlier for bewilder and jack if they want to do anything else).
Edit, Changed threshold. Makes more sense as a 30 min interval as opposed to an hour, given it shouldn't take that long, so 1 hour variance on the rolls seems like too much (was 3, 1hr) is now (6, 30mins). If you roll average its almost 50/50 if it takes you 1 hour or 1 hour 30 mins.
Edit 2: I guess it's possible for one of you to keep working as well and the other not, and you would have to take the first interval unassisted. Either way you shouldn't struggle to complete the modification before the garage closes.
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This is the basic layout inside the garage (its going to be ugly since I am just going to do it in text). Vehicles are facing the bottom. There is shelving lining all 3 walls other than the bottom.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I D I
I Office I Car Jeep Your I
I I Truck I
I I-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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CS, you can tell they are talking in the office, but you can't hear what is being said with the door closed.
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can i tell anything from the general intonation? do they sound angry for example?
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Not at this point (not meaning that you can't tell, but from what you can tell, it is a pretty level conversation.)
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If anyone wants a visual representation of the places you have seen so far. Ignore anything other than Major roads, the airport, etc that hasn't been manually added, because it's not necessarily there anymore.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=216146468676860998864.0004e9e7797d50d873c39&msa=0&ll=-4.030542,39.624767&spn=0.103256,0.157928 (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=216146468676860998864.0004e9e7797d50d873c39&msa=0&ll=-4.030542,39.624767&spn=0.103256,0.157928)
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Ok cool, ultra is gonna keep an ear out, but nothing is picquing his interest at the moment, is most likely just another customer
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Added your run area to the map (you will have to zoom out) and what you know about it so far. Also, remember in 2076 the Kenyan border is farther south than it appears on the map, so you will not be leaving the country.
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superb, thanks for the map!
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Slick, Reminder! Thanks for the map. Very cool prop.
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Here are your hits for mounting the winch. It is up to you if you want to finish your work or do something else first. I am fine with whichever direction you want to go.
Assist 1: 6d6.hits(5) → [4,4,2,1,2,6] = (1)
Leader 1: 8d6.hits(5) → [6,5,6,1,3,6,2,4] = (4)
Assist 2: 5d6.hits(5) → [2,1,2,4,5] = (1)
Leader 2: 7d6.hits(5) → [4,3,2,1,4,6,5] = (2)
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lets finish the winch and then i can relax a bit lol
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Aye. Unless there's a complication I'm content.
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For reference, where did you mount the winch?
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For Crunch and CS, once you finish washing up, assume the time is about 3:50. Ren, I am going to assume since there is no other conversation back and forth, you are on your way to the Kuk now.
Bewilder, Jack, not sure where you guys are at. Based on what you have done, the time is still earlier for you 2 if you are still trying to do anything, check out the guardhouse, try a different approach to talk to someone, or whatever...
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All right, since no one said anything, I'll try to get this moving forward again.
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You guys can assume the transaction with the mechanic is complete. I just need to know if it is coming out of your advance payment or someones personal funds.
For the other supplies you want, if you guys put together a list, since it seems like it is all basic stuff, you can handwave buying it.
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I don't have anything significant to add to the list beyond basic survival gear.
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@Reminder: your last post suggested that I have a car, unfortunately I don’t. I assume I got a lift from someone and did the last part on foot. Hope someone from the team will give me a lift on the way home (not the whole way though).
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Yeah, I guess I musta thought you were the one with the bike.
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Take it out of the advance, we want plenty of food, water, insect repellent, cooking fuel, mosquito nets, Sun cream (lol), plenty of spare diesel for the cars/bikes, spare batteries, jump leads, flashlights.
Anything else I've forgotten?
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I'm assuming when you say you try listening to both conversations, the second one you are talking about is the 2 men talking with the bartender? The conversation (if there is one) of the two men and the woman is beyond your range of hearing anyway with only 1 hit.
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Cs you are trying to record the conversation happening at the bar?
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if possible, if not, then i'll set the filter to focus on only the frequencies of the conversation and try and listen once ive got my beer
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Reminder, i wanted to ask what the patrons look like, what their garments and equipment suggests about their professions. Which of them look like a city person or a hunter, something along these lines. I'm also interested in what weapons they bear openly. Please describe me these.
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Reminder, i wanted to ask what the patrons look like, what their garments and equipment suggests about their professions. Which of them look like a city person or a hunter, something along these lines. I'm also interested in what weapons they bear openly. Please describe me these.
I'd normally make you roll, but honestly, I don't think the info is going to help you that much. It kind of follows what the mechanic told the other 2 with you about the place (this is a place where bushrunners tend to frequent, and given its location, isn't likely to get much in the way of foot traffic).
Everyone, including the bartender are attired in well worn gear, with leathers being prevalent. Everyone you can see, excluding the bartender and the group of 2 men and the woman are wearing obvious pistols and/or heavy knives (survival, combat, or whatever. They aren't pocketknives). That doesn't mean the others don't have weapons...just that they are not easily apparent. Even the nearly passed out fellow has a pistol slung to his hip.
You didn't ask, but all the vehicles in the lot would back up their visual appearances as well.
if possible, if not, then i'll set the filter to focus on only the frequencies of the conversation and try and listen once ive got my beer
That's fine for now then. If you want to try to understand any of it, you will need to make a roll.
Incidently, since I forgot to mention it, the group of 4 men are speaking English. The bartender and the 2 with him in Kiswahili.
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I still thought it useful info, as a player, it meant that I can’t rule out anyone as a source of information, based solely on their appearance.
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If it's not clear, he's charging you for the information. I could have separated it out first, but I have the feeling most want to start advancing the storyline, and it is a fairly inconsequential bribe.
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Yeah, and a fairly steep one, considering next to nothing he said was useful. But that's the way it goes.
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Someone in there may very well know something. It depends on what type of information you are looking for, and if you can convince them to trust you enough to part with it. His advice may be more helpful than you think it to be initially.
If you are looking for an exact deliniation on the map of a no-go line, one honestly doesn't exist. Borders outside many of the cities aren't clear in this part of the world.
Since I really don't know what information you guys are looking for, I'm not sure if you will be able to find it here or not. What are you trying to learn from these people?
Between the 3 of you there, you do have a few inroads I can potentially see, and maybe a few I don't, but what you want to do is entirely up to you. Everyone in the place honestly knows something; it is up to you who and how you choose to approach them. EDIT: Also, nearly unconscious may have been the wrong way to describe the man drinking alone. His actions are slowed and he is obviously quite drunk, but he is awake, just a long long way from sober.
What you know to this point: roughly where you are going, roughly where may have issues with running into the Maasai, how they are likely to react to anyone that isn't them (hostile), what types of wild creatures may exist in the area, and enough information to form a capable list of supplies you want to bring along.
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@Reminder: I’m actually waiting for one of the taller tales they are telling to butt in, a little bit unbelieving. I can come up with something in IC if you want me to.
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Oops. I totally didn't realize I was in that scene. Sorry.
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@Reminder: I’m actually waiting for one of the taller tales they are telling to butt in, a little bit unbelieving. I can come up with something in IC if you want me to.
If you want/ Ill give you a hook.
Edit: Asamado is the unofficial ghoul nation in Africa. If that hook doesn't work for you, feel free to make up you own as long as it is fairly general.
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Want me to roll anything as ultra sits and listens in?
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If you are just intending to listen in to the conversations the other two are having you don't have to roll anything.
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Roll for initiative Kidding
Your observations on their reactions are based on a blind perception check I made for you Ren.
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Reminder, what do you mean by a blind perception check?
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I think he means he rolled for you.
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yep, it means I rolled for you and didn't post the results so you don't know how many hits you get (since if you know you got 1 hit versus say 5, it would ooc tell you how much you saw or missed)
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I usually shy away from advice, and you guys are really able to try anything you want to, I'll just say this:
You are going to have to try to push el drunko in the direction you want if you want to get anything useful out of him, being he's more or less stuck in a spiral of regret/self blame/etc given the situation the bartender told you about. Keep in mind getting a drunk to talk about what is bothering him generally isn't very hard, at least the big picture anyway.
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If you have anything specific to address with the any of the men in the bar, feel free at this time.
Let me know if you want to rp it out, or if you want to fastforward through small talk, I realize the seperate sidetrips have us stagnating a bit.
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I'd just as soon fast forward.
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ditto, dont want to lose players!
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Fast forward is perfectly ok for me, i'd even agree to make a few simple social tests to see if i get any useful info.
My plan for the conversation is:
- get the drink and try to get into the conversation by sharing some of my own hunting stories
- bring up the Maasai topic and ask their opinions and experiences
- i won't hide someone i know wants to get there but i won't share details
- i'm willing to buy another round in hope of info but willingness to pay more heavily depends on getting serious intel
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I'll write it up better in the IC thread in the morning, but I am exhausted at the moment (this way you can move forward)
Anyway, what you learn is this:
Crunch. Drunkie and his brother were out hunting what basically amount to awakened wildebeast. They saw some tribal hunters from where they laying on the crest of the hill, and as they tried to back their way out without being seen, they stepped on a adder nest that they didn't see. They only had one dose of antivenom so he basically lived while his brother died.
You bought him three drinks for a total of 15 nuyen and he is basically passed out now. The bartender is aware and isn't doing anything to move him/try to wake him up.
Other guys: From a story you hear them tell, you can glean that the Maasai send out irregular patrols, generally in groups of between 3 and 8. Larger groups (5 plus) may have one or two members scouting outside the main party.
There is no central organized effort to these patrols, more individual tribes doing whatever they want. They don't strictly hold to their territory either since there isn't much enforcement, unless another tribe wants to skirmish with them. Patrols are more likely they closer you get to their controlled territory/camps/villages.
The group you are drinking with claim that they regularly hunt down these patrols when they see them, and they they are easy to sneak up on (at least for them). Whether you choose to believe them or not is up to you.
Also, you didn't really have to do anything to gain this info, they just eventually got around to talking about that. The bottle that they got up front out of you (lets call it 60 nuyen) was sufficient. The orc was drinking swill. Good thing the bartender doesn't like them much, so he brought you a bottle of the same as the broken one and not something better.
You are also both mildly intoxicated (unless you want to be more than that), since they refused to drink without you. Crunch is however intoxicated he chooses to be.
Also, Ren, did you share any of your own stories with them as discussions went on? If so, how truthfully (in terms of exaggeration)? Also, roll Local wildlife for me, and then use any hits you get as a bonus on an ettiquette roll (so if you get 2 hits on the knowledge test, add 2 dice to your ettiquette dicepool)
If any of you want anything more specific, you are going to have to ask (and may not get an answer). That is the info I can handwave you getting out of them without too much work.
If you guys are satisfied, put together your final list of purchases (survival kits and whatever) and you can just say you go and buy supplies, without needing to rp it.
Also, one of you still hasn't told your buddy if you want his map or not (the one he offered to trade you for a favor).
Other than that, anything you need/want to do pre-day change to the pickup date? I know you don't have the exact details of the arrival yet (mostly cause the Johnson hasn't forwarded them yet). If you want to do anything else before advancing, time is now 1800. Crunch's conversation didn't last that long, the rest of yours did. While you were all talking, only one lone individual entered the bar, and joined the group of 2 men at the bar who were talking to the bartender. The group of 3 at the other table left. As the clock hit 1757 a woman, you assume her to be a waitress since she went and grabbed an apron from behind the bar, came in as well. Sunset is about half an hour away.
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I tell some true hunting stories in which I exaggerate my own role, as exaggeration seems to be the standard at the table, and otherwise they wouldn’t take me “seriously”. What I mean is, I take claim of a finishing shot, or noticing a stalking predator, or finding what we looked for, even if in truth it was another hunter in the hunting party. I may also claim some unlikely but not impossible shots.
As for additional intel, I will ask about the equipment of the patrols they encountered, maybe they really did and can forewarn us about some heavy equipment. I will also inquire if they met magically active people in the patrols. What I do not ask is coordinates and dates, I’m takin care not to ask even accidentally, because that is something I surely wouldn’t want to be asked about. Do you want me to post these questions in IC?
[spoiler=tests]INT(5) + Local Wildlife(3) [Mental(4)] (8d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4314166/)
Note: I took this skill with the thought of using it like a “Street” knowledge, hence the INT. On parallel, I took the Parazoology as the more organized, “Academic” counterpart. Please tell me if you don’t agree and rule that I should also use LOG with this. In that case, the test scored only 3 hits. This wouldn't change the results of the Etiquette roll, the last die was not a hit either time.
CHA(2) + Etiquette(3) + bonus(4) [Social(4)] (9d6.hits(5)=0) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4314167/); errr... maybe spend Edge to reroll.
CHA(2) + Etiquette(3) + bonus(4) [Social(4)] (9d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4314169/); wow, 2 hits out of 18...[/spoiler]
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They wouldn't have knowledge of magically active members of patrols or not.
Some of the stories included a truck, or two, at times in open terrain, depending on the size of the group. Nothing else would really qualify as heavy.
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@Reminder: So, they say nothing about how well those patrols were equipped? Eg. with rifles and modern personal armor or spears and bows?
@all: if they didn’t tell about people slinging visible mojo, I think we can safely assume magic won’t be a regular threat from the Maasai.
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Rifles mostly, maybe some low tech stuff (bows, blowguns) but that is more the exception than standard. More High tech than spears certainly. Not the highest quality stuff in general, though there may be a few exceptions, but you aren't likely to run into that. The patrols you heard about are only slightly better equipped than the average ganger, with the exception that the weapons they carry are more suited to longer range engagements given the terrain than a ganger would perfer for close street combats.
The story they told made no reference to any visible mojo.
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Where do you want to go?
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@Reminder: Thanks, that is about all I wanted to know.
BTW Mutumbo wants to go home and rest. He will ask Ultra to drop him off some distance (5-6 blocks) away from his apartment, walking the rest of the way, not wanting to reveal the exact location of his place. If nothing happens, he will rest as much as he can.
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You can get home fine. If the rest of you want to meet up somewhere or call it a night, just let me know, though one of you should probably go pickup the supplies you want.
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All right, if no one else is wants to do anything, I am going to advance the day when I get up in the morning
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fantastic, ready to rock
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just to clarify, as we wake up, the day of the pick up is today right?
also, we handwaived the shopping trip so are now fully equipped and ready to go?
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The shopping trip happened if you guys ever decide what you want to buy. You have talked about the types of things you might want, but what you actually bought no one ever said anything about. :)
And yes, its pickup day. You can wake at whatever hour you want to.
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OK, I’ve taken it upon myself to make a detailed shopping list. If you think we don’t need something just take it off the final list, as Mutumbo was only advising on that.
| Gear name | price |
| Climbing gear, 2 kits | 400 ¥ |
| Flashlight, 2 pcs | 50 ¥ |
| Light stick, 8 pcs | 200 ¥ |
| Rappelling gloves, 2 pcs | 100 ¥ |
| Survival kit, 2 kits | 400 ¥ |
| Altogether | 1150 ¥ |
I assumed most of us have their own survival kits, and some of us may even have climbing gears. This surely fits in the limit given by the up-front payment.
I’d also like to ask you to help me collect what we already paid from the up-front payment. I remember the car modification (although not exactly). As for the price of information, Mutumbo won’t mention that if Ultra or Frenchy don’t come up with their part.
To complement above gear, Mutumbo has several tags that can be planted on the person and/or vehicle we’ll be escorting, to keep track of their positions all the time.
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Frenchy took a dose of Long Haul when he woke up this morning at about 5:00 AM.
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You can get to a dock's gatehouse however you choose to (and won't have problems arriving). If you are concerned about a fake SiN making a check, there is no reason for you all to go in to just collect him (most likely, evil laugh). Nothing about the information you received on that part would indicate that you should have much difficulty.
That being said, your pass identifies you as "Escorts" which would justify some weapons, though you may want to avoid being too heavily armed to avoid additional attention.
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Guys, before we immerse ourselves in the pleasures of IC, can you all please reply on the post concerning the survival gear? Even if it is just "whatever you say", it's good. We have to take care of that before heading out to the actual job.
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Yeah, already had a long list including Jerry cans, cooking gear, food rations, water, purifying kits etc.
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I just tried to collect it as actual gear with associated cost, so we know how much we have to pay for it.
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@ ren, ok cool, lets go with that then.
GM, can you let us know how much of the common sense stuff we drafted up will be necessary and add it to the list?
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I'll add it all up tonight once everyone has a chance at it, but just eyeballing the list you should still be under your initial payment.
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I'm absolutely cool with that. Frenchy is notably gear deficient. He basically has his bike, comlink and weapons and armor.
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Looks good to me.
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cool. lets roll
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I've sent Bewilder a message...am not sure if he is still around or not (I am guessing not, but if he is, cool)
For my info, who is NOT intending to go into the docks (meaning you want to avoid the SIN check basically)
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Bought the best one available to us due to the Street restrictions. I'm willing to give it a shot.
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I'm honestly considering going in under my characters Legal National SIN. Given that I don't have two Fakes that would let me change after we leave the docs as a trail breaker, and we're not going to do anything illegal on the docs.
Thoughts?
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I'll go in. With the van, a pass and a boot full of supplies its probably the most convincing alibi we've got. Someone with social skills wanna jump in the spare seat?
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OK, do you think we all need to get in there? It's unnecessary to risk all SINs checked, however good they might be, the less they check, the less chance of burning one. So i think i'll just wait on the other side of the bridge to be picked up.
Another Q, will i be the second driver (in case Alzmer brings a car) or will one of you take care of that during the mission?
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i'll drive my van, so its fine if you wanna pick up driving duties for 2nd vehicle
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Another Q, will i be the second driver (in case Alzmer brings a car) or will one of you take care of that during the mission?
You already know he is bringing a transport of some type.I'll go in. With the van, a pass and a boot full of supplies its probably the most convincing alibi we've got. Someone with social skills wanna jump in the spare seat?
Dealing with Alzmer was going to be right up Bewilder's alley, but I am reworking if he's not around.
As for getting in with SINs, 3s should work, 2s have some chance, 1s, don't even try it. Legal SINs would work obviously, if you don't mind using them.
And like Ren said, there really is no reason to check all of them. Alzmer knows he's being picked up. If you get into a firefight in the middle of the docks, the chances of you getting out are aren't that great no matter how many of you there are. And even if you do, with all the cameras around the place, they will know who you are, so you are better off not attracting attention.
Also, Ren, if my recording is right, you regain one of the 2 edge points you spent yesterday. Just fyi, the second ettiquette roll was to see if you impressed the bushrunner you were talking with enough to add as a contact, but the threshold was set at 3, so you fell just short.
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Well, I have a Leevl 3 Fake SIN which cost me pretty much all of my start-up funds. I might as well use it. I can't drive, so I can ride with Ultra if you want someone else around. I've got a solid Charisma, but not much in the way of social skills.
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My fake SIN sucks, so I'll use my Real one. If y'all think it's a bad idea I won't but given that Frenchy is the driver and the backup face I think I should be there.
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If it looks like a hardcore scanner I can always drag its electronics :-)
Right so who's going in? Frenchy has social skills so that's a good idea. Anyone else with social skills?
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It sounds like everyone but Hunter
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Cool, let's crack on in the IC thread then
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Are all three of you in the front of the truck, or is someone riding in the bed?
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I'll ride in the back.
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Just as a note, the documentation is digital of course.
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I'll ride shotgun there.
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what time did you pull up at the gate?
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About 20 mins before he docks
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All right, after inspection, let's call it 8:45 then since you were given a 9:00 time..
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I figure you want to roll perception checks?
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With what your characters would know of the shipping industry, you have the basic info from your initial checks. If you want to look for something specific, since I don't know what it is, in this case let me know what it is and do the roll yourself.
In my mind, it would seem strange that you were expected to identify this individual you were picking up with no more info than a slip number however.
Also, you can't see everything due to the rows of shipping containers obscuring your view. Give me a few minutes and I'll outline the area for you with my terrible art skills.
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You can't see everything due to line of sight and the stacks of crates as I said. Image is not to scale, but you are about 150m from the ship. The front of the ship is to the left. Dark green dots are the watchers you noted, light green are the 2 spirits. Blue circles are clusters of people (bigger = more people, no one is alone). Also, time is 8:52.(http://imageshack.us/a/img843/9562/z9tj.png)
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That's actually pretty much what I was looking for, spirit activity and what not. I'm not really looking for anything else specific, just wanted to see what was going on in the Astral so as not to be totally surprised.
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Ok I'll advance it. Just wanted you to have the chance to look around first if you had wanted.
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I don't remember if assenssing is used as for basic perception tests on the Astral plane or if you use the perception skill. I'll roll whichever one is needed.
Also, can I declare spell defense outside of combat? If so, I would like to add both Ultra and Frenchy to my protected list.
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For any astral perception test, you use Intuition + Assensing.
You can declare spell defense any time, but it requires some level of concentration, and all targets need to remain in your sight.
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You can even declare spell defense as the spell is being cast. The only thing is if you have used your free action already in the combat pass, it ill reduce your initiative by 5.
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Naturally, IC is now down for me. My dice would be Intuition (4) + Assenssing (2). I'm basically just perceiving astrally with a focus on spirits/watchers/astral entities; keeping tabs on them and focusing on anything that seems to be taking an undue interest in us.
I'll hold off on the Spell Defense as my senses will be focused outward.
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picture this without the nerf guns and fake mustaches
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://rakstagemom.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/thescon-2011-notre-dame-preparatory-academy.jpg&imgrefurl=http://stagemommusings.com/tag/bullying/&h=3000&w=4000&sz=2457&tbnid=aawtpPN4FMyivM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=128&zoom=1&usg=__NeCGP-auyzhP_stmSSZONj4BS3o=&docid=U-pOTNDPbLeg3M&sa=X&ei=tLClUqaOKqep2gXp6YDQBQ&ved=0CGMQ9QEwAg (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://rakstagemom.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/thescon-2011-notre-dame-preparatory-academy.jpg&imgrefurl=http://stagemommusings.com/tag/bullying/&h=3000&w=4000&sz=2457&tbnid=aawtpPN4FMyivM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=128&zoom=1&usg=__NeCGP-auyzhP_stmSSZONj4BS3o=&docid=U-pOTNDPbLeg3M&sa=X&ei=tLClUqaOKqep2gXp6YDQBQ&ved=0CGMQ9QEwAg)
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Lol, got it from the text description alone. Great, so much for the stealthy pickup lol
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Wonderful. That surely won't upset the locals. We probably should stop at a clothing store on the way out and have him buy something a little more appropriate.
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seconded
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No one packed extra clothes?
And yeah, he was a little inspired by bewilder's character when initially laid things out.
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lol, he aint wearing mine :-)
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Wonderful. That surely won't upset the locals. We probably should stop at a clothing store on the way out and have him buy something a little more appropriate.
He looks pretty much like any other person to your astral perception if that makes you feel any better.
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You can squeeze along the side if you want to, but to really inspect it you will have to take it out.
A nomad is an enclosed cab vehicle with a raised flat bed in the back. This one has been modified with hardbody sides to the bed and is covered with a tarp.
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Wonderful. That surely won't upset the locals. We probably should stop at a clothing store on the way out and have him buy something a little more appropriate.
He looks pretty much like any other person to your astral perception if that makes you feel any better.
No it does not. :-\
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If you are going to press for details here, you will need to roll negotiation (well, or intimidation if you want to go that route). For whatever reason, he has been reluctant to share what if anything he knows before leaving the city.
Also take into account that you are in a fairly wide open public place
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ah, then i'll have to defer to my team mates with social skills lol
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The other option is to clear the docks and city, and try to have your chat there after you pick up ren.
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So you want to stop some place and re-outfit Alzmer? It is doubtful you will like his other selections much if you don't like what he has on. It just gives such a good insight into his character though :)
Also, for simplicity's stake, let's stat the Nomad out like the GMC Bulldog, with the exception that it only seats 3 instead of 6. Anything in back, unless it's stacked high, will benefit from the armor/body as well with the added side panels.
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cool. yeah we'll need to get him something more subtle.
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Since Frenchy is driving the Nomad, can his bike get loaded into either the pickup or the ATV?
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is this alzmer bloke british? does he have an elephant gun? :-)
on a serious note, did i recognize his accent? and what was on the two crates we helped pack into his flat-bed?
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His accent is Slavic/German (which isn't that surprising given it is a German name). And he doesn't have any weapons, unless they are in the cases that he personally had on the boat (which he didn't open). You didn't check the crates on the truck either, but Frenchy could tell they didn't have much weight based on driving.
Honestly, had you decided to poke into crates and such at the docks, it probably wouldn't have been a good idea. It is basically a great spot for spies on every corp that doesn't have their own private docks.
The animal hunter probably wouldn't have been jumping up and down waving his arms either. The dialogue he's had with you had been rather unsure and hesitant to this point.
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There are crates on the back of the truck.
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There are crates on the back of the truck.
Checked back for that, and found cases, i must have misunderstood your intent.
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Hmm, i swear it was in there some place.
Anyways, there are two cases (think oversized metal briefcases) that he personally had, and eight crates on the back of the truck under the tarp. I guess it isn't in there ic since we jumped from looking in the front to heading out.
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you can assume the mines are indicated on his map
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Great, we'll be able to plan routes beforehand, for optimal duration and danger probability.
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Sorry to be so absent. I've been dealing with final exams, but will try to post something later today.
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Being you aren't talking with him and I am assuming in the other vehicle with ultra, teamwork probably doesn't apply in this case.
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I wasn't sure if listening over the comm and providing suggestions would work. No problem if not, I guess that would only work for disarming bombs (What color wires do you see?).
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Also, it should be clear at this point, hopefully, that he isn't a corporate employee.
(If you can convince me he recognizes you as his leader, you could take a one time leadership roll, but I don't think Hunter would ID himself as a subordinate at this juncture)
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Nah, none of that makes sense to me. I'm happy to see how it turns out for Mwindaji. Glad to hear I don't have to role-play an asshole to him (at least not due to his being a Corp employee, LOL).
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as i'm driving the gopher and not sat in the nomad with the others, i'll just assume you sent me an update as its quicker than copy pasting IC :-)
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You and I (at the least) are in the Gopher. Mwindaji and Frenchy are with Alzmer in the Nomad (I think). Mwindaji opened a "pary-line" commlink so we could all hear, if I recall correctly.
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Cool, thanks
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Ren, to your knowledge:
Bats snakes, and small reptiles are the most common residents of abandoned mines. Awakened versions of either also a possibility.
Other than that, single animals don't tend to lair in them due to the aforementioned bats, though it is possible that a single or pair of large animals, or a pack of medium sized or larger may on very rare occasions.
On the plus side, some of the rather nasty awakened insects and spiders that would typically live in such dark places are typically controlled by the bats.
Jack:
To your knowledge, caves are the refuge of outcast trolls who are shunned from society :o
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Are you guys driving manually or using rigs? If you are driving manually Frenchy, make a control vehicle check due to your passenger's interference.
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You and I (at the least) are in the Gopher. Mwindaji and Frenchy are with Alzmer in the Nomad (I think). Mwindaji opened a "pary-line" commlink so we could all hear, if I recall correctly.
That was my assumption as well
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Jack:
To your knowledge, caves are the refuge of outcast trolls who are shunned from society :o
I hope someone brought the heavy artillery!
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Are you guys driving manually or using rigs? If you are driving manually Frenchy, make a control vehicle check due to your passenger's interference.
Frenchy doesn't have a rig.
Reaction 8+ Drive Ground Vehicle 6 + Improved Ability Pilot Ground Craft 3= 17 Dice (17d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4336772/)
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@Reminder: i see you anticipated the astonished/killer/ohshit look ;D That is actually the approximate look on my character's face.
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Putting it here so I don't have to type it out all official like.
Tanzanite is a very bold blue (at times with a slight purple hue) gemstone, with a moderate value as far as gemstones go. It is found only in the foothills on the south side of Mount Kilimanjaro. This relative scarcity has caused some prices to increase, and much of it has been mined out as of the in game year. It is a soft and brittle, so if you drop it, there is a chance it can crack. It's only real value is in making jewelery.
As far as it's relationship to the Maasai, it was initially discovered by one of their tribesmen in 1967. As such, it has no inherent spiritual link with their people, at least in a traditional sense. I am sure some of them have used it for ornamentation however. If they are actually using it for some other purpose now, that information isn't available on the matrix, and it would be a very recent development. So I think its safe to say the stone isn't sacred, but it may have (or not) some quality that they are using now.
And thus ends learning time for today :D
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Look at it this way, at least you don't have to feed stones and change their bedding on the trip back.
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@Reminder: i see you anticipated the astonished/killer/ohshit look ;D That is actually the approximate look on my character's face.
It was a fair guess. FYI he failed his roll to understand your cursing :)
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Totally OOC since I've been building a dronomancer, but does anyone have the capability of running a sensor scan or scanning for wireless devices to make sure we aren't being followed by drones, etc?
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Totally OOC since I've been building a dronomancer, but does anyone have the capability of running a sensor scan or scanning for wireless devices to make sure we aren't being followed by drones, etc?
You are likely asking for a matrix perception check for any wireless enabled devices.
Please don't try one with Mlinzi, especially how she has been rolling. I am not prepared to narrate the third matrix crash.
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LOL, that is why it was "Totally OOC". I really have been having terrible luck rolling. I guess the spirits aren't happy about me taking this job. ;)
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log 5, computer 2, hot sim 1 (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4337314/)
asking for "are there any devices running silent?"
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log 5, computer 2, hot sim 1 (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4337314/)
asking for "are there any devices running silent?"
You detect two hidden icons.
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After we leave the city limits, Frenchy will switch to his rather pathetic fake SIN.
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Hey Reminder, do you mind us giving "around the table" suggestions like that? Mlinzi certainly doesn't know drek about hacking or drones, but I figured someone around here would.
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Whatever as long as it doesn't get on anyone's nerves. It is up to you guys how the story goes, I only have the foundation. It also isn't unreasonable for your character to ask "are we being followed" or anything of the like either.
I also tend to leave little clues and expecting one person to pick up on all of them is asking a lot.
That being said...I found it interesting that you assensed your teammates, but not Alzmer ;)
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After we leave the city limits, Frenchy will switch to his rather pathetic fake SIN.
You are probably 20 km outside of Mombasa right now, travelling at approximately 60-70km/hr. You won't be able to keep up that pace for long however.
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Which vehicle is in front?
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That being said...I found it interesting that you assensed your teammates, but not Alzmer ;)
You said his aura looked normal. Shit, I probably should have assensed him. Chalking it up to him appearing to be an absolute buffoon. Also, I was vaguely worried we were going to get attacked. Hmmm... I probably should go ahead and assense now to make sure we're not being followed by a spirit or astrally projecting magician. I'll post something up in a sec.
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You can't assense him from where you are unless you stop and everyone gets out, or you project.
Wonderful. That surely won't upset the locals. We probably should stop at a clothing store on the way out and have him buy something a little more appropriate.
He looks pretty much like any other person to your astral perception if that makes you feel any better.
Meaning he has an aura, but until you assense it, you don't know anything about that aura.
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Matrix perception rolls on the two identified silent running devices:
computer 2, log 5, hot sim 1 (1st silent runner) (8d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338111/)
computer 2, log 5, hot sim 1 (2nd silent runner) (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338112/)
I'll have my agent check them out as well:
1st device (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338113/)
2nd device (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338114/)
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You perceive the icon of a microdrone about 80 meters to your rear. You fail to find the other icon.
Also, Matrix perception rolls on int, not logic (not a huge deal, since the icon you found only got 1 hit anyway and the hot sim bonus is actually 2)). If you want to try again, you can reroll with 1 less die to find the icon
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thats more like it!
int 4, comp 2, hot sim 2 -1 retry (7d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338166/) (retry perception)
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You can't assense him from where you are unless you stop and everyone gets out, or you project.
I meant assense out the back glass of the Gopher to make sure we weren't being followed by spirits/projecting mages. Alzmer is going to have to wait. I can't project, sadly.
Assensing Test 1: Intuition (4) + Assensing (2)/Astral (9) (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338164/)
I will continue to scan the area periodically, although I'm going to wait for things to play out with the drone before actually rolling anything else.
Not sure which vehicle we would have in the front. I would think the Gopher for safety's sake.
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yeah ditto
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thats more like it!
int 4, comp 2, hot sim 2 -1 retry (7d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338166/) (retry perception)
You fail to find the icon again. And I screwed up again, its actually -2 per retry. You are down to 4 dice if you want to make a 3rd go of it.
I meant assense out the back glass of the Gopher to make sure we weren't being followed by spirits/projecting mages. Alzmer is going to have to wait. I can't project, sadly.
Assensing Test 1: Intuition (4) + Assensing (2)/Astral (9) (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338164/)
You don't see anything.
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try again! (4d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338180/)
meh, was a long shot anyways
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Unfortunately, windows (and any solid structures) are like walls in astral and you can't see through them. At least this was the case in previous editions, i couldn't find the needed reference in the 5e book.
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Yeah, she could just stick her head out the window as well though.
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The hardware is rolling really well today. Mlinzi must use up all the bad rolls.
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i know! bloody things just wont show up or let me have a mark. hopefully it'll roll badly on the soak though
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All right, since you are taking an attack action, can you just roll matrix initiative for me.
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yep, just gotta dig out the book!
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int 4, dp 3 + 4d6 gets me to 23 if i've done it right!
data processing 3, int 4 + 4d6 (4d6=16) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338202/)
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I'm like some kind of bad luck whipping girl. I'll take it.
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doing a hard reboot to clear OS + marks
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It's not any of the other runner's icons. Even though you hadn't formally discussed it, I assumed you would know about those.
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cool, will do another fresh scan then when my deck reboots.
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Do we all need to roll initiative?
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Yeah, she could just stick her head out the window as well though.
Sorry, I figured as an off road truck that it probably had a sliding back glass on it or something similar.
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cool, will do another fresh scan then when my deck reboots.
Provided you get your 1 hit to respot it, you will still be at -4 to id it.
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Yeah, she could just stick her head out the window as well though.
Sorry, I figured as an off road truck that it probably had a sliding back glass on it or something similar.
I prefer the image of you half hanging out the window. Besides, nothing says an astral tracker has to be behind you :)
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...I'm about to whistle up a spirit since its natural form is an astral projection. I'd rather keep most of my hoop in the truck if we start getting shot at.
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It's fine for now, but if you are going to have to be more specific when taking an active search bonus from here on out. Looking for what the icon is physically linked to when you don't know what it is, is too vague.
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Let me know if I need to roll intiiative.
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It's fine for now, but if you are going to have to be more specific when taking an active search bonus from here on out. Looking for what the icon is physically linked to when you don't know what it is, is too vague.
i'm just looking for the device so i can sling a shot at it. dont think hacking or spoofing is gonna work at this point so not fussed for the specifics
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It's fine for now, but if you are going to have to be more specific when taking an active search bonus from here on out. Looking for what the icon is physically linked to when you don't know what it is, is too vague.
i'm just looking for the device so i can sling a shot at it. dont think hacking or spoofing is gonna work at this point so not fussed for the specifics
Sorry, that was in response to Ren's perception check in the IC thread
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CS:
I'm not sure slaving your deck to the commlink works to perma your firewall, since when you enter the matrix it is as a persona, not as a device icon of a deck.
Also, you are attempting to use matrix perception on the icon for the third time so you are at -4 dice (-2 X 2 for second retry).
The roll you made will let you know that there is still one hidden icon out there however.
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As long as you are just looking for things, you are fine. If you want to take some type of hostile action, though, then we might have to reroll init.
Also, "anyone following us" is a little vague for a spirit - just as fair warning before you tell it what you want.
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agh. how is it this hard to find a hidden device?! lol
I've read hundreds upon hundreds of flame posts about the loss of skinlink and running silent and i cant find the fucker haha
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Also, "anyone following us" is a little vague for a spirit - just as fair warning before you tell it what you want.
Quick question: Its logic and intuition are both 4, that isn't high enough to get the drift of what I would be asking?
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Also, "anyone following us" is a little vague for a spirit - just as fair warning before you tell it what you want.
Quick question: Its logic and intuition are both 4, that isn't high enough to get the drift of what I would be asking?
The problem lies in spirits understanding of the world. Their native planes of existence are quite a bit different. What a spirit interprets "anyone" to mean is really open to a lot of interpretation.
If worded as report on "anyone following us", it would likely quickly report that the 3 gentlemen in the car behind you were following you.
If what you are concerned about is projecting humanoids or trailing spirits in the astral plane, ask it to monitor for those things within X distance of you for example. Or awakened beings (although you would have to exclude your adept teammate).
Spirits generally won't follow overly complex orders very well, but the better you define what you want it to do, the more likely you are to be pleased with the outcome.
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agh. how is it this hard to find a hidden device?! lol
I've read hundreds upon hundreds of flame posts about the loss of skinlink and running silent and i cant find the fucker haha
If it makes you feel better (it won't) you nearly beat the opposed roll both times :o
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so how long do you have to wait before the retry penalty resets?
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For something like this, to reset it would imply coming back with a renewed (and different) mindset that would imply a changed approach. It might be too short a time frame, but let's say eight hours. You can still try with 4 dice though as well, unless you are really worried about a major glitch or something.
Third times the charm.
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Hope that encompasses what I need it to do.
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with four dice, unless they are all hits, theres no point. does edge use cancel the retry penalty?
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If you change "beings" to "entities" or something else. Mages aren't astral beings.
Very creative though.
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with four dice, unless they are all hits, theres no point. does edge use cancel the retry penalty?
Edge doesn't cancel the penalty, but it is an opposed test - not a flat threshold. The opposition could very well roll zero hits.
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If you change "beings" to "entities" or something else. Mages aren't astral beings.
Very creative though.
I was going to say astrally projecting entities, but I thought that was a little too technical. I'll adjust if that is okay.
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Would it be possible to make a Judge Intentions roll to see if Alzmer is actually as naive as he seems or is just putting us on?
Also as a reminder if it comes to an ambush Frenchy has combat sense.
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Would it be possible to make a Judge Intentions roll to see if Alzmer is actually as naive as he seems or is just putting us on?
Also as a reminder if it comes to an ambush Frenchy has combat sense.
You can try that if you like.
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I'm away from my books, do you happen to remember what the Judge Intentions roll is?
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It's a double stat roll: Charisma + Intuition
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Reminder Ruling Requested:
- The rules for spirits explicitly state that materialized spirits use Astral Perception to perceive the physical world when they materialize and that it is its only sense/perception. (p. 301)
- The rules about the Astral World explain that Astral Perception is what is used to perceive things on the astral plane. It is also described as not exactly sight but a very close metaphor. (p. 312)
- The Spirit of Beasts comes with a host of enhanced sense powers. (p. 303)
So how does that work? Are the powers useless or can the Spirit take advantage of the bonuses provided by the enhanced senses to aid its assensing test when trying to see stuff in the physical world?
Thanks!
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Spirits are also listed as having the perception skill under all the type entries on 303 and 304.
I guess given that, I would read it as though they are always astrally perceiving (which makes sense in a way since a manifest spirit is dual natured), but I have never heard of anyone inflicting the -2 penalty on them for taking actions while doing so. Astral perception is an ability, not a skill and has no roll of its own.
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I guess my question is whether a Spirit of Beasts actually benefits from Enhanced Hearing/Scent/etc since those wouldn't seem to impact astral perception. I feel there is a disconnect in the rules there. Given the lack of any kind of timetable for errata, I am not counting on an actual answer to it from CGL.
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Also, quick note, I will be on vacation visiting the in-laws from this Saturday through roughly next Sunday. I should have internet access, but I also expect my posting will be sporadic and slowed down. If I am holding the story back for lack of posting, just put me on cruise control.
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Judge Intentions on Alzmer. Judge Intentions Charisma 4 plus Intuition 4=8 Dice (8d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338967/)
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I guess my question is whether a Spirit of Beasts actually benefits from Enhanced Hearing/Scent/etc since those wouldn't seem to impact astral perception. I feel there is a disconnect in the rules there. Given the lack of any kind of timetable for errata, I am not counting on an actual answer to it from CGL.
Only for actions on the material plane.
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Judge Intentions on Alzmer. Judge Intentions Charisma 4 plus Intuition 4=8 Dice (8d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4338967/)
You don't get the sense he is trying to mislead you.
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Now that the holiday has passed I will try and reboot this this weekend (just in time for New Years of course) and get us back on track.
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I'm back from vacation. Looking forward to getting this going.
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All right, you are approximately 20km outside of Mombasa at this point, travelling west. Ultra just scorched a spy drone that was in the vicinity. There is one more hidden icon out there if you choose to try to ID it, Ultra, you've got one shot left at this point before you run outta dice, or you can choose to ignore it, or do something else if you are concerned about it.
Mlinzi has a beast spirit floating around the astral.
You now know what you are needing to obtain, and the location(s) of the mines in question.
Ultra is driving the lead vehicle with Mlizni in tow, Frenchy the trail vehicle with Alzmer in the middle, and Hunter on the passenger side.
It is now 1100ish. If you guys want to do other things at this point, go for it. Otherwise if you are content I can advance your travel west.
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I don't know about you guys, but I don't really like the thought of that other hidden icon following us. With that said, I have nothing to offer to try and take care of it.
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Depending on the terrain we could try to lose it with a little defensive driving...
Or we could split up the vehicles and attempt to mouse trap it.
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Honestly, Ultra really should take the third roll, with 4 dice, before you try anything overly weird.
Also, commlinks have data processing attributes, so unless you pc has a rating one piece of crap (or you are Mlinzi) any of you can make the same int+computer roll he is (subtracting 1 die if you are defaulting). Ren would have 4 dice, crunch 3.
To save you time, since someone mentioned asking alzmer, he won't know (that doesnt mean its not in the gear, just that he doesn't know about it if it is)
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4d6 + 4d6 edge (8d6.hitsopen(5,6)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4348451/)
try again lol. put a point of edge into it so ultra is now down to 3 edge
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Well, I took mercy on you and rolled twice since the first time the opposed got 100% hits.... (I told you my gm dice are way better than my player dice).
You find the icon of a stealth tag on the Nomad. Given it's location on the rig, it likely took a few hours at least to put into place, requiring disassembly to get to. (Meaning basically it was on the vehicle before it was loaded into the shipping container and onto the ship.)
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Is your agent allowed to make rolls? I think you tried that in your first roll, but not after that. Just wondering if I missed an explanation somewhere.
Edit: In that case, I think the first logical leap is that it is just Johnson wanting to keep tabs on where his equipment is. Probably would be bad form to zap it (at least at this point in time). Then again, the drone could have been Johnson's too, LOL.
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I think the first logical leap is that it is just Johnson wanting to keep tabs on where his equipment is.
That's a logical assumption. What you choose to do about it is up to you.
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He doesn't know anything about it...he doesn't know a whole lot about "running" in general. He's an academic.
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So it was "probably" placed by the Johnson or his confederates. Are you going to leave it alone or nuke it?
You could try and mark and trace it, but since stealth tags can be set to no owner, the chances of that working are almost nil.
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If you are talking about a spoof command, I am not sure how that would work, since it requires a mark on the owner and the tag has no owner. Thoughts?
Options (assuming it doesn't have an owner) if you want to disable without destroying it would be to erase the marks off it, or reboot the device (which would get rid of the marks), since that would prevent tracing of the icon. Of the two reboot is probably the faster option. There doesn't seem to be a way to leave the marks on it and make it appear as though it is someplace else.
Or you could nuke the thing.
Or you could just leave it alone.
CS, I get the feeling they are leaving this one up to you as to what you want to do.
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i'm for bricking it tbh. i dont want the option of corporate eyes on us if it can be avoided.
how do you see jamming affecting a tag? the other option i guess would be to just point a jammer at it?
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Brick it. It's not like Mlinzi would know in any case. ???
I do think there should be some way for a decker to be able to screw with a stealth tag. Edit File or some such. It has to report its location or send data some how.
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Well, given the lack of other info on it in the handbook, the most likely use would be a trace icon action, which really doesn't require anything than the tag be on with a mark on it (which would be gained when placed).
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i'm for bricking it tbh. i dont want the option of corporate eyes on us if it can be avoided.
how do you see jamming affecting a tag? the other option i guess would be to just point a jammer at it?
It wouldn't stop a trace icon action, which is all it takes to find the tag. If you are worried about you break it, you bought it, just use a reboot command with a 5 day interval.
I highly doubt you want to run a jammer nonstop for days anyway.
Don't read the next part unless you decide to try and mark the tag.
Marking the tag is an opposed test against (in this case) a dicepool of 6. If you are going after multiple marks one at a time, just roll the opposed yourself to speed things along rather than having to trade posts back and forth for multiple marks.
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Hey, guys, happy New Year. Sorry for the extended absence in the last two weeks, fortunately it was very busy. Now I have my full attention back.
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nah, just gone for all out attack. posted attack roll in IC. hit the limit of 6 + 2DV from hammer for total of 8 + net hits
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Are you driving in hot sim? If not, unless you want to pull over, I don't think it is practical to go meat puppet and leave the truck to travel uncontrolled.
Either way, roll a total of 2 attacks and I'll resolve them both in order since you aren't gonna get it cooked with just one.
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hot sim should get me more than one pass (at least two, if not three) so one pass will be used as a complex action to drive, second action to data spike.
12d6.hits(5)=8 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4355106/) second attack roll. 8 hits, limited to 6, +2 for hammer, another 8DV + net hits
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It was more a question of what method you are using to drive in hotsim without an implanted control rig.
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remote control (VR). seem to remember reading in the fluff (arsenal maybe?) this is the preferred way for 6th worlders to drive if they're not letting the pilot do the heavy lifting. sit back in the comfy chair and do everything from the matrix. it means johannes would be at -1 threshold to vehicle tests which would offset his meagre driving skills.
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Control Device action then.
It won't affect the threshold of the test in 5th though; you need an rcc for that (otherwise it more or less negates any bonus of the rcc which there should be for using)
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ah, gotcha. +2 handling now! currently straddling games across both 4th and 5th ed so things getting a bit fuzzy!
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So are there any other things anyone wants to do at this point or just motor west? And if the answer is motor, are you going to stick to established roads for as long as they exist (which likely means passing through minor settlements) or go off the road?
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sticking to the major roads for as long as possible gets my vote. none of us are seasoned drivers/riggers so don't want to risk getting stuck/breaking suspension rods etc if we don't need to.
thoughts?
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"as long as they exist" probably was the wrong term to use. They exist the whole way out, but what state of repair they are in will become the issue, to the point where they may not be much if any better than being off them.
It is basically balancing an increased profile for speed. Granted if you get spotted by the wrong party way off the road, it may be hard to explain why you are there.
There are potential (though different) risks traveling either way.
Also: To avoid being overly mean to the players: CS since you took an attack action, realize you are aquiring overwatch score at regular intervals atm.
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yeah, i'll update an IC post
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none of us are seasoned drivers/riggers thoughts?
Speak for yourself on the driving thing. :) I agree that sticking to the roads is probably best.
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I'd like to think through if there are areas i'd suggest avoiding, and try to plan an ideal route. I'll ask the for the opinion of the others. Rolling area knowledge and navigation, are teamwork tests possible? I have maps for the navigation test.
area knowledge: INT(5) + Area knowledge: rural(3) [Mental(4)] (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4355562/)
navigation: INT(5) + Navigation(6) [Mental(5)] (11d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4355560/)
Basically i agree with Crunch on using the roads on our way there, until we get close, where some kind of stealth will become necessary. Our way back home will be a completely different story, we'll see what develops until then.
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The above sounds good to me. I have Navigation (2) as part of the Outdoors skillgroup, so I can help with a teamwork test if applicable.
If the Navigation test is applicable for a teamwork test:
Navigation Teamwork Test: Intuition (4) + Navigation (2) (6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4355674/)
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I'm not sure knowledge checks are teamwork applicable. What are you trying to avoid (with your knowledge check)?
As for navigation, that would come into play after you had picked a route, or were trying to make it based on your knowledge.
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With the knowledge test, I’d like to avoid dangerous natural (eg. areas with frequent rock/landslides) and supernatural (eg. areas with unnaturally savage storms) phenomena, as well as dangerous human activity (eg. a road that is rumored to be well-maintained only because it is frequently used by military convoys).
I rolled navigation for exactly that (when the guidelines for the route are determined), just thought about shortening the process a little by including that roll in the same post. With Mlinzi’s help, I currently have +3 dice and +1 limit. There is nothing on how many people can participate in a teamwork test (the example uses a four-man cooperation), what’s your take on that in the current situation?
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You can do a teamwork test to plan a route if you stop and talk about it.
If anyone else wants to make a knowledge check first that's up to them, but those would have to be done individually.
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If we're going to stop somewhere to work out a route, we should probably take a sideroad first in case someone sends another drone after us. No point in slagging the last one if we're going to continue in the same direction as we were traveling...
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All right, I'm working on adding a few things to the map now for you guys. New contract at work that started this week means less chance to post during the day (and the forums being down didn't help either).
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https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=216146468676860998864.0004e9e7797d50d873c39&msa=0&ll=-4.030542,39.624767&spn=0.103256,0.157928 Remember to zoom out. The blue truck is you.
If you were to ask Alzmer, he would indicate that you need to at least obtain a sample from (1)Mine C and (2)Mine A or B. He would also indicate that one from all four would be better in his opinion.
There are 4 major villages or larger along the road you are currently traveling (although it doesn't match with what a village is, I am using 1k residents or so as a village, and 5k or larger as a town). The yellow flags belong to minor tribes or a collection of a few. The blue Flags are Kamba (or largely so). The Kamba are pretty neutral as far as things go. If passing through towns, you might encounter your normal collection of gang like activities, though none you directly identify as a major player. Traffic will slow as you pass through these (there isn't that much on the road now, and the farther west you get, the less there will be.
The road labelled A109 (Mombasa Road) is maintained in a more or less travel worth state. Not because it contains a high volume of military traffic, but more because it is the only road of any consequence that runs east-west in the area. After it turns north, which would leave you on A23, the quality becomes more and more in doubt the farther west you travel. After the last Kamba town on the map, it has seen little travel of late, likely leaving its quality in question. State presence is low along most of the stretch of the road, so banditry is possible, but infrequent until you reach the turn off to A23, where is may increase some, but not a lot until again, you are out past most of the major villages. Then again, the farther you are from the road, the less controlled things are, simply due to more wide open space.
Along the road, the chances of being seen are greater, since it is the only major road, hence most of the watchers ill tend to frequent it. Off the road you are less likely to be spotted, but may run into a militia (and i use that term loosely, since banditry may be a closer description) or other things. The chances of animal encounters are also almost nil on the highway till you leave 109. So it is a choice between speed/safety(probably) vs stealth. But no guarantees.
As for terrain, if you stay on the road, you will find yourselves in the foothills as you approach Lake Jipe. If you choose instead to pass around the south of the lake, you will stay in grassland/savannah longer, but eventually you will reach the foothills (that is where the mines are after all). Foothills means less visibility, both for you and for anyone looking for you, and travel will slow more (though you would travel a longer distance going around the lake). Foothills will be harder to travel, but the paranormal dangers are not noticeably different either way, as long as you stay in your vehicles. If you get out and walk around, you are probably safer in the plains only due to visibility other than from snakes (though those live in the foothills too -- and you didn't grab any antivenom patches after the drunks speech - so if you do get out, keep your eyes open).
The lake itself and surrounding lands are likely the only areas that see any kind of a noted increase (at least that you know about) in animal/paracritter activity, given it is a water source. Spirit activity will likely increase somewhat as you enter the foothills, before dying off closer to the peak (though I doubt you are going that far).
This is all probably more than your knowledge check entitled you to, but I figured it was stuff I felt was fair filling you in on in making your decisions. If you want to leave the road I will add stuff for alternate paths on the map when that comes up.
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You are going to have to wait for a bit later in the (game)day for smokescreen's reply. It is still early and he is sleeping one off from the night before.
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I gave some thought to possible routes and here’s what I think.
First, we need to know if there would be a problem if, on our way back, authorities would make a fuss about finding those mineral samples in our cars. I strongly suspect they would, hiring us shouts that this acquisition is pretty illegal, but it still may just be some not-too-subtle try to throw competition off the tracks.
Second, we need to consider whoever planted the tag on the vehicle. He will surely know about it being taken out, so he might take steps to slow us down, and it is easier done if we go through inhabited area.
Third, we need to consider the Maasai, how they would react finding us near the mines, which I think are in contested lands at best, Maasai lands at worst.
All these considered, I think we might want to take a direct approach, following the road at least as far as the bend in the A38 after the last village. There we can still decide if we go around the lake to the south or we stay with the road, but I suggest the later. When we get to the area of the mines, I suggest taking a route that brings us in B-A-C-D order. B and A are still not too close to Maasai lands, so I think they might be explored with more ease. We should continue with C because it is required and after finishing there, we can still decide if we should risk D or just get the hell out of there. On our way home, I suggest taking the southern route until after the bend and the village on the A23, get to the road, take it almost to the A109, then leave roads and travel back to Mombasa north of the road, because that is the least likely route one would take if they wanted to avoid the roads, instead of just remaining south of them throughout their entire return. If someone watches for our return, he is less likely to look for us coming in from the north.
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I suggest taking a route that brings us in B-A-C-D order. B and A are still not too close to Maasai lands, so I think they might be explored with more ease. We should continue with C because it is required and after finishing there, we can still decide if we should risk D or just get the hell out of there. On our way home, I suggest taking the southern route until after the bend and the village on the A23, get to the road, take it almost to the A109, then leave roads and travel back to Mombasa north of the road, because that is the least likely route one would take if they wanted to avoid the roads, instead of just remaining south of them throughout their entire return. If someone watches for our return, he is less likely to look for us coming in from the north.
Pretty much full agreement here. If we get detected by the Maasai, I'd rather it likely happen when we're close to finishing the job rather than at the beginning. With that said, I would guess that we still will likely see spirit activity at the northern two mines, maybe more given the closer proximity to Mt. Kilimanjaro.
One potential problem: Is that a big-ass ridge between the B/A and C/D mines? Looks like going around it to the west would put us really close to the Masaai lands. Going around on the east appears to not really be an option. While Mine D is somewhat further away from Masaai lands, we would also be trapped against that ridgeline and would have to flee south before turning east if we got detected.
ETA: I wonder if the Moshi Club Golf Course is still there...
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You don't HAVE to go to all 4, just to C and to one of the 2 northern mines. Alzmer wants to go to all 4 of course (Meaning D and the second northern mine would likely be optional objectives).
Also, nothing about the minerals are inherently illegal. At least if they are regular minerals (which was hinted they might no longer be). So they aren't contraband, but if they are doing weird stuff, you never know.
Real world factoid: There are actually only 4 tanzanite mines in the world. Though not located exactly where I put them, the paired structure of 2 mines north and 2 south is based in current day fact. And thus ends learning time for the day :o
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ETA: I wonder if the Moshi Club Golf Course is still there...
You attempt to do a matrix search to find this out but it only results in a meteorite falling from the skies onto the golf course and wiping it from existence.
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Now you've convinced me to just take Gremlins to 4.
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Now you've convinced me to just take Gremlins to 4.
You try to think of how to use your electric toothbrush but find yourself distracted by a thought at the edge of your mind. You can't quite place it as it scratches at your consciousness like your lifeless brush at your teeth. With all your focus you eventually begin to grasp the thought, though its true depth eludes you.
"If a meteorite falls on a golf course and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?"
Try as you might, you cannot find a satisfying answer. Vexed, you sit down to think, your toothbrush forgotten as it hangs limply from your mouth. Minutes pass on to hours, to days....
The toothbrush falls from your mouth. As it clatters to the floor, you are broken from your reverie and reach for it, but find your body wasted and weak, unable to support even its own emaciated weight. Unbalanced, you slump towards the floor.
You see a flash an instant before your head strikes the floor...in sudden revelation you have the answer to your question. A second flash as you strike the floor sends both answer and consciousness from your mind; blood running from your ears and nose pools in a sickly sweet puddle.
For good measure a meteorite falls from the skies, wiping you from existence.
Reroll.
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I suggest taking a route that brings us in B-A-C-D order. B and A are still not too close to Maasai lands, so I think they might be explored with more ease. We should continue with C because it is required and after finishing there, we can still decide if we should risk D or just get the hell out of there. On our way home, I suggest taking the southern route until after the bend and the village on the A23, get to the road, take it almost to the A109, then leave roads and travel back to Mombasa north of the road, because that is the least likely route one would take if they wanted to avoid the roads, instead of just remaining south of them throughout their entire return. If someone watches for our return, he is less likely to look for us coming in from the north.
Pretty much full agreement here. If we get detected by the Maasai, I'd rather it likely happen when we're close to finishing the job rather than at the beginning. With that said, I would guess that we still will likely see spirit activity at the northern two mines, maybe more given the closer proximity to Mt. Kilimanjaro.
One potential problem: Is that a big-ass ridge between the B/A and C/D mines? Looks like going around it to the west would put us really close to the Masaai lands. Going around on the east appears to not really be an option. While Mine D is somewhat further away from Masaai lands, we would also be trapped against that ridgeline and would have to flee south before turning east if we got detected.
ETA: I wonder if the Moshi Club Golf Course is still there...
i'm easy either way guys, lets just make a decision and roll with it
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Unless anyone has objections, it sounds like we're agreed to staying on the road as long as we can and hitting the closest of the northern mines first. Sounds good to me.
ETA: ...and LOL at the death bby electric toothbrush/meteorite.
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I concur.
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sounds good
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All right, moving you along then. Something to keep in consideration is if you are stopping/camping at any point as well. Otherwise those of you not on long haul may find a difficult trip back.
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Voi sits on the 23/109 intersection. It is a bit larger town (pop is about 15k in the town, and 25k in the nearlying local areas) and is a trading center for the local peoples.
If you want to do anything before entering the town, go right through, skirt around it, or stop and do something in it, nows your chance. It is the last semi major settlement along your route.
If not say so, and I'll give you what's up next.
Your position is also updated on the map.
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Also, if everyone wants to roll a perception check (it doesn't apply exactly at the moment, but to have it ready to go). You can apply a visual or audio bonus if you have one (but not both). If you do, please specify.
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Perception: Intuition (4) + Perception (2) (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4362394/)
I do think we should stop at some point, possibly after we get past Voi. With respect to the town, I feel like we should go around it.given that we did have a spy drone following us on the road that leads directly to this town. If whoever was following us has contacts in the town, they could call ahead and have an ambush setup.
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Using audio enhancements on perception:
INT(5) + Perception(5) + Vision enhancements(3) [Mental(7)] (13d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4362713/)
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All right, if you want to skirt the center and use backstreets, whoever is planning the route should make a navigation check (if you have access to a map of Kenya somehow), otherwise you can't really use one to plot the route. If that is the case, you can still find your way around on the fly, but you need to make the nav check at -2 without a map AND whoever drives the lead vehicle needs to make the check, to simulate making decisions of where to turn on as you come to them.
I'd Suggest Mlinzi not be the one to attempt, simply due to the fact she would automatically glitch trying to view the map, and you might not like where you end up.
On second thought, I really hope Mlinzi is the one to try the test ;D
EDIT: Or even better, ask Alzmer for the best way through :o
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@Reminder: should I roll another navigation test, or can we apply my last roll? Also, on mapsofts: I made the mistake of not specifying the nature of the mapsofts and datasofts I bought for Mutumbo at chargen. I intended to buy those for his regular profession (tour escort and hunter), so it would be logical if he had some map of Kenya and four more detailed maps for the areas where those hunting trips usually take place, and an assortment of datasofts for hunting (survival 101, flora, fauna, vehicle maintenance, paracritters). I know it is not really fair to determine these after we started play, so if you are not OK with the above, I will simply delete these chips from my sheet and if you agree, I will add their cost to my monetary assets.
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Why don't you make a new roll since I lumped that all into your overall route before. That one was used, you just haven't seen the results yet. This roll has a different intent - to avoid anyone who may be watching for you - or at least i thought that was your intent.
Secondly, on the map issue, as for maps, let's say there are 5 relevant maps of Kenya (the 2 major cities and then divided by landscape)
1) Nairobi (Including the corp court areas of Mt.K)
2) Mombasa and surrounding areas
3) Coastal Kenya
4) Southwest Kenya
5) Northern Kenya
And no, I didn't pick those 5 just because you had 5 mapsofts. I know 3-5 cover pretty broad stretches, but otherwise the number becomes too large to handle. And requiring one for every town has the same issues.
With your maps, you aren't going to get exact indications of where every game trail is (that is where your knowledge skills come in) but for our purposes let's go with those. The area you are currently in would fall under #4.
You can define the datasofts (admittedly I should have checked closer as well) as long as you do it now.
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You caught my meaning perfectly, I intend to avoid those who might look for us. Here’s my navigation roll. (Guys, anyone else besides Mlinzi trained? I’m not bad but still could use the help, if you’re up to some teamwork test.)
INT(5) + Navigation(6) [Mental(5)] (11d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4366231/)
Concerning mapsofts, thanks for the array, it’s perfect. For datasofts, I rechecked that they are basically linked to knowledge skill tests, still, I’ll take the following, marking the skill in parentheses: Survival 101 (no skill in mind, a bit of a mixed content), Identifying the Unusual (Paracritters), All things greasy (vehicle maintenance, I don’t have a knowledge skill for that), Through a Scope (Local Wildlife, from a hunter’s point of view), Warlords and Savages: The guide to survive Kenya outside of city borders (Area Knowledge: Rural).
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All right, IC post ill be up as soon as I can get to it. Basically, you find your way through the town and out the far side. You see no clear signs of pursuit.
If anyone wants to influence the action past that point, drop something here or in the ic thread and i will incorporate it.
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LOL, I imagine Alzmer is going to be totally reasonable about not stopping for his lemonade.
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Me too, but i can't really help it. We may be able to stop later, after the intersection, but i'm not sure we can let him have a conversation, he might just invite the attention of the wrong crowd.
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Oh yeah, absolutely. I'd much rather him make a spectacle inside the truck rather than anywhere someone else can see him.
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Map is updated.
You are on the south side of Voi now, about 1km east of A23, on a road in a terrible state of repair. It is about 2:30 in the afternoon.
Can the 2 doing the driving both making a pilot ground test limited by handling me?
So where do you want to go/what do you want to do now?
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LOL, I imagine Alzmer is going to be totally reasonable about not stopping for his lemonade.
You think far too little of him...maybe...
Besides, he's not in your vehicle anyway ;D
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I was actually going to suggest stopping so Alzmer can relieve himself and swapping places with Frenchy. I'm not a dedicated face, but my natural Charisma is pretty high, I might have success in pumping Alzmer for some information.
I wasn't sure if Mwindaji had cut his party line, I guess it probably would have made sense once we discovered the spy drone.
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Frenchy is a better face than hunter, but you guys will need to decide how you want to allocate your resources, and who ends up in which vehicle (remembering you still have the bike in the back of the pickup as well). I am open to whatever way you want to go.
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Frenchy also drives our second vehicle. On the other hand, Mutumbo will gladly switch with Mlinzi.
And i think its time to have our party line back.
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rea 4, pilot ground 2, hot sim 2 (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4367793/)
driving test (limit is 7 (5 base and +2 from VR))
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also, whats the status of gun heaven 3? bought it the other day and there are a few nice things in it
@ team, i assume we're picking up the A23 west towards the mines from here then?
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Sorry, for some reason I thought Mutumbo was driving the Nomad. If Ren is cool with it, I was thinking we could swap places and I can try to dig a little info out of Alzmer.
We do still have the motorcycle that we could use as an outrider, I just don't know if we have enough people with reasonable driving skills to make it work.
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Whatever works for y'all. Sorry I haven't been more active. Classes started this week and I'm a little swamped.
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Yeah, this is where we're supposed to take the break from the 109 and take the 23 west.
Per the map there is one more village to the west that we should hit. I would suggest stopping there or on the outskirts and taking care of any last minute business.
Not sure how everyone else feels, but I think we should probably hit the northern mine(s) in the evening, find somewhere to rest up and hide between the northern and southern mines during the following day, then hit the southern mine(s) the following evening. Unless it looks like we can hit it all in one go. Thoughts?
ETA: Ren, your character is named Mutumbo/Mwindaji/Hunter, right?
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If I am correct in my understanding that you stopped less than 5km outside of the city, at this time your perception checks don't turn up anything.
Also, I still need a pilot ground test from ya when you can crunch and not that it is incredibly important, but the nomad has a flat front so sitting on the cab might be kinda hard as it is going to be nearly 3 meters of the ground (you can climb up if you want though at a threshold of 1). A picture is about halfway down the page here:
http://www.gods-inc.de/macavity/IsleOfShadows/vehicles/suvs.html
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Next time we ask for a GMC MPUV UCAS GAU-301
LOL, I also notice the Nomad comes with a standard front-mounted power wench.
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Yeah, this is where we're supposed to take the break from the 109 and take the 23 west.
Per the map there is one more village to the west that we should hit. I would suggest stopping there or on the outskirts and taking care of any last minute business.
Not sure how everyone else feels, but I think we should probably hit the northern mine(s) in the evening, find somewhere to rest up and hide between the northern and southern mines during the following day, then hit the southern mine(s) the following evening. Unless it looks like we can hit it all in one go. Thoughts?
ETA: Ren, your character is named Mutumbo/Mwindaji/Hunter, right?
I am not saying whether or not you can find a place to camp out between the northern and southern mines, but realize there is only about 10km between them, so you will be close to both if that is your plan. (who knows, maybe they will be totally empty and you can camp in one if you really want. Anything is possible, right? ;)
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Next time we ask for a GMC MPUV UCAS GAU-301
LOL, I also notice the Nomad comes with a standard front-mounted power wench.
Your evasion tactics likely wouldn't have worked very well if you were driving the MPUV
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Next time we ask for a GMC MPUV UCAS GAU-301
LOL, I also notice the Nomad comes with a standard front-mounted power wench.
Your evasion tactics likely wouldn't have worked very well if you were driving the MPUV
What's there to evade in the MPUV? ;)
ETA:
I am not saying whether or not you can find a place to camp out between the northern and southern mines, but realize there is only about 10km between them, so you will be close to both if that is your plan. (who knows, maybe they will be totally empty and you can camp in one if you really want. Anything is possible, right?
Ah. didn't realize they were that close, I must not have looked at the scale close enough. In that case, I guess we should probably do all of them at once if they're that close.
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What's there to evade in the MPUV? ;)
Gremlins also like hiding in rocket pods. They find them cozy.
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You know, if I do end up surviving this run and get enough karma to do it, I may just buy off this NQ...
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You can pass your stop without much incident, given where you made it.
If you take off again, I need Crunch's roll still, and to know if you are going back to the highway or not.
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You know, if I do end up surviving this run and get enough karma to do it, I may just buy off this NQ...
I did try to talk you out of it.
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You know, if I do end up surviving this run and get enough karma to do it, I may just buy off this NQ...
I did try to talk you out of it.
I needed power points, LOL! The limit of 2 Power Points capped by the Street-Level karma rules wasn't cutting it. :'(
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ETA: Ren, your character is named Mutumbo/Mwindaji/Hunter, right?
Yes, those are all my character’s names. Mutumbo is his real name, and that’s how he sees himself, not really a runner, that’s why I use that name. Hunter and Mwindaji (meaning the same) are his runner name.
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Economically unviable means they were largely mined out for the northern two mines. You don't find any additional info on the 2 southern mines beyond their close dates and lack of viability.
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Edited: Never mind, I figured it out.
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Just wanted to make sure I have my timeline correct. Kilimanjaro went down in 2064 and it's now 2075, right? Does that mean that Mine D was the last one to go off-line? Sorry, just wanted to make sure I had that straight.
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I was thinking 68 when I made the post for some reason, you are right, it was 64. I am going to do a minor edit on that post. With the edit, that puts D jus before, and C just after.
His search turned up no current ownership records. All claims were abandoned when the miners moved out.
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I'm ready to move on if everyone else is. I wasn't sure if Alzmer was going to respond or not, so I haven't posted an IC response yet.
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Me too. Just a question to the GM: what is our ETA to the area of the mines?
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At least 2 hours. The road condition is getting poor beyond this point. It depends on what route you take.
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Yes, it would cost another service since you asked it to watch Alzmer.
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Thanks, that's what I figured.
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So what is your route? Are you going offroad and bypassing the last town?
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Depends what time it is. We on early afternoon now? What time would sunset be?
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Guys, i thought we agreed to use the road on the way to the mines. Of course that doesn't mean we can't avoid the last settlement on the road but i don't think it necessary. Whoever tried to follow us either knows where we are headed and then we can't do anything to lose them or they don't know and then we hopefully shook them in Voi.
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Cool, we'll take the road then (a23 iirc??)
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Here's a thought: The last town is marked as a Kamba town and Reminder said the Kamba were fairly neutral with respect to things. Considering the proximity of the town to the mines, it might be valuable to see if we can pick up any local information on the mines in that last town. We would have to weigh whether the risk of exposure was worth finding out information. Thoughts?
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I'm not against stopping for an hour or two to get info. Especially considering how close Maasai lands are. Just be careful about it.
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Yeah, very careful. Last thing we need is a punch up or watchful eyes on us
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It's right around 3pm. Sunset is at 6:30, meaning it will be pretty dark by 7. By Ren's estimation (I'll just lump it in with the previous navigation roll) if you full burn for the mine driving directly there along the road (as long as it lasts), with no stop and no checking things out, driving right up to the entrance would take just over two hours. So you could reach the closest mine just after 5pm with that approach.
If you stop along the way, or take a more cautious approach, it will take longer.
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If you really want, I guess I am willing to let you try to push for more speed, but you will risk damage to the vehicles doing so given the terrain.
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In that case if we stop to ask around for an hour, we probably still have time to get to the first mine before sundown. We can take care of it today (sundown doesn't matter down there) and go for further mines tomorrow.
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Escaping from pissed off ghouls in the dark matters though. I'd rather set up camp and hit it at first light
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We have, what, three days to get the job done? Am I recalling that correctly.
As far as stopping, I do wish we had the Tourist with us. I'm not exactly confident in our ability to drum up information without tipping our hand too much. I'd hate to ask around about the mines and alert bandits. I figure we're going to have enough challenges as it is.
With that said, picking up local rumors on the mines might (or might not) prepare us for what' we may have to face.
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Three days is correct. He offered a bonus if you completed it in two.
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Hmm... OK. I guess we probably need to pump Alzmer for a little more information before we can make a decision. Specifically, we need a rought idea on how long it is going to take to collect each sample. Finding them is always going to be something of a wildcard, but we can at least get a better idea of how long the deal is going to take.
Hitting the First Mine Tonight
PRO: Possibly less metahuman observation, better positions us for time bonus
CON: Possibly higher paracreature observation, going in mostly blind
Stopping in the Village Tonight
PRO: Gives a chance to rest up, could develop useful information about the mines from the locals
CON: Could tip our hand to bandits, gives us only one day to get everything done for time bonus
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good points, do we think we can handle extra beasties between us?
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I guess it depends on what we run into. I imagine Mwindaji would be our go-to guy on that count.
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OK, if we go for the time bonus, just forget about asking around. For that to happen, we’d have to finish two mines before day’s end, and that might already be a stretch if finding and extracting the samples takes some time. That said, I’d rather go for safety than the bonus, but Hunter will leave the decision to those who actually will participate in trying to get intel, and he will advise against stopping if he senses hesitation from those people.
And it all depends on the quantity and the quality of the extra beasties but i think we were hired to take care of them, so yes, we can do. It is not a coincidence that Hunter carries a rifle ;)
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Ok, lets just gun it to the first mine and try and get the tents up before sundown.
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Eh, if the Tourist we're still around, I would say go for intel development. My dice pool for Etiquette stuff is decent, but still only in single digits, so I'm not sure how effective I would be. I think Frenchy is the other secondary/tertiary face but Crunch seems really busy at the moment, so I'm not sure if we want to try and run any RP heavy elicitation sessions.
I would like to try and RP a little with Alzmer to help us build something of a timeline. How deeply the mineral is typically buried, how long does it typically take to collect a viable sample, etc. With that information and knowing the distances involved, we can probably come up with a very rough timeline.
P.S. InvisibleCastle is down at the moment. I was going to roll an Etiquette test to try to improve Alzmer's disposition so I can try to develop some information.
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I am in fact swamped at the moment, and I apologize for not being more active. I'm doing a full load of grad school on top of a full time job and a 15 hour a week practicum commitment.
I'm enjoying myself, but if it would be more convenient I would be willing to drop out for another player. I'd rather bull through though.
As for back up facing, Frenchy is capable, but not exceptional. (Con- 10 Dice, Negotiation and Etiquette 8 Dice) Mostly he's a linguist which helps. I'm game to stop and try for intel, but I think we would be giving away more than we would get.
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It is sounding to me like most are wanting to go for the mine while bypassing the town; is that correct?
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Sans our dedicated Face, yes, I believe we are in agreement.
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All right, in an hour I'll leave you about 5km out then so you can decide how to do your approach.
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Ill let you finish your discourse I guess and then move you.
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OK, I'm done.
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invited you three marks, it'll run on my cyberdeck but it can send you any results and take your commands
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Ultra already did the search on the Maasai rituals and didn't turn up anything.
So you don't have to hunt for it, here is the link for the Alzmer seach he did:
http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=12981.msg242125#msg242125
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Hugo is our man then
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Anyway, I am off to the store for snacks for my tabletop group. When I get back I'll advance you towards Mine B unless you want to do anything else first.
Also, i would think long and hard about letting Mlinzi use your agent.
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invited you three marks, it'll run on my cyberdeck but it can send you any results and take your commands
Given the likelihood that your agent would somehow turn into a rouge AI due to my interaction with it, I am going to suggest that Mwindaji do it. LOL
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lol, the worst she can do is crash it, i can soon reboot it :-)
edit: opened permissions to the team
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Given her stats, and the ranks she took in gremlins, she can do more than crash it...
Doing a search on the Maasai + a critical glitch (which she has a fairly high chance of throwing) just might end up broadcasting information to them, rather than finding information about them.
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Given her stats, and the ranks she took in gremlins, she can do more than crash it...
Doing a search on the Maasai + a critical glitch (which she has a fairly high chance of throwing) just might end up broadcasting information to them, rather than finding information about them.
lol, revoke invite, REVOKE DAMNIT!!! :-)
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To be fair, I did only ultimately take 1 rank in Gremlins but since I have no Computer skill, that's probably more than enough. :o
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To be fair, I did only ultimately take 1 rank in Gremlins but since I have no Computer skill, that's probably more than enough. :o
Since that would mean defaulting at -1 die, you would have 1 die to throw with 2 logic. Normally your threshold to glitch on 1 die would be one, but gremlins reduces that to zero, which would mean it would at least be a glitch, and unless you threw a success (a 5 or 6) it would be a critical. You could edge it, but I don't think you want to do that for a matrix search.
If I am feeling nice, I might let you just throw both logic dice with a glitch threshold of 1. (It doesn't take a specialized skill to push a big red button for example, or to scream "Help, I fell down the mine" into your comlink.)
As long as you are using the comlink for fairly mundance things, I am ok with it, but anything much more than that (or in higher leverage situations) may require a roll from time to time.
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Hey now, I'm a bit better than that! Matrix Search is an Intuition based action. But yeah, my threshold would still be a 1 for a glitch w/ defaulting & Gremlins and as we all know, my rolling has been terrible. It carried over to the other PbP I am in. My 3d6 for starting cash resulted in a total of 6 (4,1,1). LOL
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Sending a command to the agent would be a logic based software action...It would be a matrix search if you did it yourself. That's just semantics though.
Though thinking about how to do it .. "Find information on the Maasai" could turn into "Find information for the Maasai" for example...is kind of fun, so I think you should go for it
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Nope.
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@GM, is gun heaven 3 considered legal for this campaign? Quite like the new pistols in there for ultra
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Might as well get something out of all the grief you got in that errata post. I didn't see anything wrong with what you were saying. It seemed pretty clearly to be more frustrated/joking rather than a personal attack. I guess some people are sensitive.
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Yeah, I think the guy who was most vocal thought I was calling him blind for not spotting stuff that. I did. Meh, whatever. Quite like some of the guns so will just have to play them the way common sense says they should be statted
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@rent, it's a rating 3 agent so effectively rating x2 + hotsim makes the dicepool of 8 for most things
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I think we eventuall determined that we have run Matrix Searches on pretty much everything. I think the only thing we could run a search on might be more information on Alzmer now that we're pretty sure he's Hugo Alzmer but that may not be relevant to the job at the moment.
I'm okay with moving this deal forward. What's our plan of attack with the mines? Do we stop a few klicks out and have someone take the bike in for a little look-see? Anyone have any drones to do recon? I could ask Wawindaji to perform a remote service to zoom through the area around the mine and report back on the presence of any metahumans. I only have one remaining service, so that wouldn't be a huge loss.
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I've got a recon drone, i reckon we set up camp somewhere nearby the mine and sent a squad in.
We lose the cars and we're screwed so I'll hang back and protect the camp as I'm not really kitted for close quarters combat or heavy physical tasks
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I would think Wawindaji would probably be the least likely to be seen, since he can stay astral and still perform this kind of recon. Granted, given the spirit activity, anyone at the mines may have some kind of astral detection protocol, but I think that's a chance we could take. Even if he is spotted, they might assume he's just one of the spirits around here unless they get a chance to do a good assensing test on him.
Armed with whatever he reports back, we can send the drone in to verify/fill-in details. We might be able to bring the vehicles in fairly close if we don't detect the presence of anyone.
I don't think Mlinzi is necessarily smart enough to come up with this plan, but she will offer to send Wawindaji in for recon.
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Sorry for the delay. I got into it with the city of St. Paul over the illegal towing of my vehicle and ended up stranded for two days.
I will move you towards the mine now.
On the matrix searches for the mines, you already did one. You can try something else if you like, but I don't know what else you are going to find from the matrix.
@GM, is gun heaven 3 considered legal for this campaign? Quite like the new pistols in there for ultra
We can see when the time comes for that. I personally don't own the book (couldn't justify the price tag just for a 30 or so weapon listings) but we can talk about it when we get to a place where that makes sense.
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You are about 8km east of the mine.
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Sorry for the delay. I got into it with the city of St. Paul over the illegal towing of my vehicle and ended up stranded for two days.
That sucks... hope you got it worked out. We have a few predatory towing companies down here in Baton Rouge that prey on the college kids and occasionally the rest of us. So ridiculous.
Based on previous posts, we haven't hit sundown quite yet, have we?
ETA: WRT Gun H(e)aven: IMO, other than the obviously broken Rainforest Carbine, most of the gear is basically on-par or under-powered compared to the stuff in the BBB. Some of them do look a lot more awesome, though.
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It's 5:03pm. Sunset is at 6:30, darkness at 7.
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@Reminder, can you post a link to the google map in the first link of this thread? It would make it easier to find. Thanks!
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It's already in post 4 on the first page
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The normal approach (really the main road in) to mine B approaches from the South East. You can try to go overland, but the vehicles are going to have a hard time of that.
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It's already in post 4 on the first page
Thanks. In reference to the other post, does that mean there is something of a defined path to the mine area, at least as far as we can tell?
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Yes. It is a mine afterall, which would require the ability to move heavy machinery/equipment to be moved in and out, which means there is a fairly substantial road. Or there was, it's state of repair is not so great given the length of time the mine has been out of service. Which means uneveness, ruts, hole, maybe a washout, some debris (it is a dirt road).
You are in the plateau/foothills now, so the ground is going to be a lost more uneven/heavier foliage, so you can attempt to move overland, but the vehicles will move very slowly on approach as you find passable terrain. It's not severe enough terrain to have a major impact on foot traffic.
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Ignore the buildings obviously, but this is an approximation of the terrain in the mines area.
http://www.denul.net/places/tanzania/PUBLISH/Mining/Merelani%20Tanzanite%20Mines/Blok%20D/slides/TAN_20100827_02_Merelani-Tanzanite-Mines_191j.html
http://jewelrytelevision.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d0fb953ef0133ecaf60a0970b-pi
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Yes. It is a mine afterall, which would require the ability to move heavy machinery/equipment to be moved in and out, which means there is a fairly substantial road.
Cool, I wasn't sure if 13 or so years of probable neglect would have caused too much of the road to be overgrown to recognize it as such.
If we're currently on or at the road leading directly to Mine B, then I can try to send my spirit to follow the road to the caves and report back on any people it sees. If not, I think we need to move to that point before we consider sending in recon assets.
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Added in your road
You can inspect it if you want, but the actual approach is less than 2km of a run up to the mine, and I didn't know if you wanted to scout it out before getting that close or not.
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I'd like to send my spirit up to check it out, but wasn't sure how to describe where I wanted it to check. If there is a fairly clear idea of a path to where the mines are, I think the spirit can figure it out. I was mostly worried about it being too complicated for my spirit to understand.
I'm going to post my comments in IC to try and get our IC plans rolling.
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Well, it's a beast spirit, so keep that in mind.
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Would a Spirit of Beast not be able to identify whether people were in an area?
ETA: Fun fact. one of the assault rifles in Gun H(e)aven 3 is explicitly mentioned as a veteran of the Kilimanjaro cleansing.
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You weren't asking if it could tell; you were wondering how to give the instruction :)
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Yeah, I gave a shot to speaking in its language. If those instructions don't work, I guess the cards will just have to fall as they will. Push comes to shove, I guess we have Ultra's drone.
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It's going to take the spirit longer since you asked it to check along the way. While it could move there very quickly, if its looking as it goes, travel time is longer.
So lets say its 5:38 now.
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Works for me. I think we are going to prefer the cover of darkness if there are people there.
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You can see one man outside the mine, along with a single jeep. The man is wearing fairly standard bush clothing and appears to be unloading the jeep.
You can't tell hat is inside the mine from overhead.
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Is there any logo on the jeep, the man's clothes, or the equipment he is unloading?
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Is there any logo on the jeep, the man's clothes, or the equipment he is unloading?
no logos.
The one guy you can see probably isn't dressed that much differently than what you are all wearing. He also has a visible pistol strapped to his thigh.
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Since you wouldn't know necessarily know what to roll to ID the stuff, I rolled for everyone other than Mlinzi (since no way for Mlinzi to see it).
You can tell some of it looks like fruit, but you can't tell what any of it is (meaning none of it is something commonly seen in a marketplace, or that you would see every day in the bush for those of you who would frequent those areas)
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...and I am probably one of the only ones with parabotany, in the event it is some kind of awakened fruit.
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At the risk of giving away too much, I will say I was allowing for several ways of figuring it out based on knowledge skills.
I'm not sure they can do an adequate enough description for you. Beyond color, without knowledge of different plant parts, any description would be rudimentary at best.
Just try describing the outward appearance of a pineapple to someone (assuming you had never seen one before) if you want to see what I mean.
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No problems with me. It shows that NQs can still have an impact even if you avoid the actual mechanical disadvantage.
...and are you referring to this scaly egg with grass hair the size of a child's head? LOL
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No problems with me. It shows that NQs can still have an impact even if you avoid the actual mechanical disadvantage.
...and falling celestial bodies (which can be quite hard to avoid)
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Would a holo-projector help us here? Mutumbo has one in his backpack. That way, Mlinzi doesn't have to handle any devices but can still see what the drone shows.
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This has more to do with her simsense vertigo rather than her gremlins issue. She's just chock-full of NQs.
Not sure if a holoprojector would count, I know AR, VR, and any other form of simsense does.
With that said, Alzmer might know what it is. Granted, he seems like a rocks guy, but maybe he had a botany class at University.
My number one purchase when we get paid for this run is a 5 nuyen piece of electronic paper.
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You've been keeping him out of the loop, so you have no way of knowing if he knows
Whether or not it matters enough for you to ask him is up to you.
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It's not AR.
If you want to, you can, but if its packed up in your sack (which presumably is in the back of ultra's truck) it will take 5 mins to pull out and project, and daylight is burning.
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I say we just roll with it. As far as we know (even though we don't recognize it) it might be provisions.
Also, counting on Mlinzi to come up with anything useful based on a Logic check is probably setting yourself up for failure.
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Also, counting on Mlinzi to come up with anything useful based on a Logic check is probably setting yourself up for failure.
Now that's the spirit!
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Next move, fellas?
We've done recon and see that there are people here. I would imagine that our trip into the mine would likely be contested. Now, according to the non-conversation we had with Alzmer, we need samples from (A or B) and C. Meaning if we wanted to just bypass this mine and try the next one we could. The only bonus that we know of is the time bonus, we have no guarantee that hitting all four mines would earn us extra pay.
I'm down for whatever...
Hmm... what's the range on a drone? Are we near enough to Mine A that we could send the drone over there to check it out?
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It can get there in about 6 minutes (It would be 5:46 now). The noise is going to jump to five at that range.
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that's do-able. by the time i retrieve it, land it, pack it up, drive nearer the next mine and get it re-launched it'll take more than 6 minutes.
I can offset some of the noise with my deck software and jack so it shouldnt sting too badly. it does have a low light mode as well if it gets dark out there.
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Just to cut down on back-and-forth postings, does someone have an external device that provides AR that Alzmer can use? I don't think he's ever been physically described as having an imaging device. I think he had headware when I assensed him, so he may have a DNI. Just figured we could cut to the chase if someone has glasses or goggles he could borrow.
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forgot i had a trid projector, have edited post to activate it now. everyone can see it
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Mutumbo has a trid projector too, but Reminder ruled that it would take 5 minutes to pull it out of the back of your truck.
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Alzmer doesn't know what it is either.
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I would just say run the drone over to the other mine and see what's there.
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...and yes, Mlinzi is statistically unlucky. she requires an average of 3.9 dice to get one success.
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Just make something up.
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You don't see anything outside mine A atm.
The diablo fruits are worth the same amount on the black market as a bag of magic beans!
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so you going to the other mine now?
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I think that's the plan. Mlinzi is in the truck ready to go. 8)
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I'll do guard duty guys, i'm not really built for close quarters fighting and with no matrix access underground, I doubt there's much I can hack anyways.
I'll monitor the drone's lowlight sensors and let you know if I need any help topside!
@GM, wireless devices in range of another device extend the matrix network right? so you could build a mesh network of rfid tags? the noise would be horrible for hacking but suitable enough for a basic text message?
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Not sure if Mlinzi needs a perception test here to detect signs of activity. In case she does: Looking for Signs of Activity at Mine A: Perception (2) + INT (4) (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4386184/)
Also, if that falls under Tracking, it should be the same dice pool.
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You don't see any signs of recent activity (regarding vehicles) into and out of the mine, though the ruts in the road leading up to the mine are so deep you can't say if that means a couple of weeks or much more. You can tell this as there are no fresh tracks in the guano around the mine entrance (metahuman tracks anyway).
As for animal tracks, they are all over the area, but the largest belonging to anything carnivorous appear to be a small pack of hyenas.
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With the tags that Ultra gave Mwindaji, we could also theoretically program them with arrow AROs indicating the way out of the mine. I think that could be done with a commlink. I don't think the book goes into much detail on that, but it seems like it would be an easy task (for anyone other than Mlinzi).
@Reminder: I don't suppose any of Alzmer's clothing is armored, is it?
Any other suggestions before we head in?
EA: Just a suggestion, but Ultra might want to scan for hidden icons again. If someone was using one of the other mines for some purpose, someone else could be using this one and would probably hide some cameras to keep tabs on it.
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1. Depends on how winding the tunnels are.
2. Probably not, since you just bought him something that looked more native, and that wasn't armored clothing.
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@Reminder: Would Mlinzi know the spell she just cast was a really bad one? If so, she will re-cast because 1 hit isn't worth anything. In the interest of moving things along, I'm going to recast. If this isn't allowed, I'll edit my post. Just let me know. (Naturally, she only rolled 1 success on her recast... 18 dice, 2 successes)
Not sure if anyone has some extra armor or would let Alzmer use theirs (Ultra?) but we really have no way of protecting him in close quarters if it comes to that.
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Not sure if anyone has some extra armor or would let Alzmer use theirs (Ultra?) but we really have no way of protecting him in close quarters if it comes to that.
I have a jacket and a helmet, if i'm topside and alone with just a light pistol and my wits to protect me, i'd rather have my armour on tbh. he could always get changed into his old gear if that was armoured. doesnt matter if he looks a twat in the deep deep dark of the underground mines!
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I figured Ultra, based on his personality, wouldn't really be willing to do it in any event but was throwing it out there. The advantage I figured he had top-side would be that he would be hopping in a truck if anything showed up, so he should have pretty decent armor/cover from that alone. It isn't a big deal (I hope).
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yeah, he's not the bravest so wouldn't be giving up his armour unless he absolutely had to!
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Honestly, I think that probably applies to all of us, LOL.
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@Reminder: Would Mlinzi know the spell she just cast was a really bad one? If so, she will re-cast because 1 hit isn't worth anything. In the interest of moving things along, I'm going to recast. If this isn't allowed, I'll edit my post. Just let me know. (Naturally, she only rolled 1 success on her recast... 18 dice, 2 successes)
Not sure if anyone has some extra armor or would let Alzmer use theirs (Ultra?) but we really have no way of protecting him in close quarters if it comes to that.
He could just tell you you can't see very far. (IE are you sure it's working, if I turn around I can't even tell you are there, and I know you are there) And it's not all you.Warping chance around rolls is my secret GM power. My tabletop group that just started a new game Wednesday was constantly having their force five invibility spells seen through so badly with only an 8 dice pool that i was fudging numbers left and right.Not sure if anyone has some extra armor or would let Alzmer use theirs (Ultra?) but we really have no way of protecting him in close quarters if it comes to that.
I have a jacket and a helmet, if i'm topside and alone with just a light pistol and my wits to protect me, i'd rather have my armour on tbh. he could always get changed into his old gear if that was armoured. doesnt matter if he looks a twat in the deep deep dark of the underground mines!
He can have one point of armor I guess if you give him the helmet back. He really wouldn't be the type to plan for dealing with a shootum up.
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I thought he kept the helmet and refused to give it up, LOL.
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I thought he kept the helmet and refused to give it up, LOL.
You see, he is looking out for his own safety even when you aren't
Ultra finished putting up his own pop-up tent in the course of a few minutes, glad he'd made the most of the ailing light as the others prepared to enter the mine
He took a minute to scan the trid feed from the drone's sensors, checking for anything that looked alive enough to be a threat as it performed its patrol.
int 3 percep 3 image enhance 1 (low light) active search 3 (10d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389143/)
matrix perception (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389147/) general matrix perception for mine entrance
matrix perception (6d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4389148/) search for hidden icons
At this point you don't make note of anything. If by general matrix perception you mean you are looking for any active icons within 100m, you don't need to roll for that.
Also, active search doesn't apply if you are looking for threats in general. If you were trying to locate the hyena pack Mlinzi indicated, then it would be an active search for a specific thing (the pack).
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OK, let's get going into the mine then...
Marching order? I'm thinking Mwindaji, Mlinzi, Alzmer, then Frenchy. That way Mwindaji is point, Mlinzi can astrally perceive for spirits/spells and won't have a ton of people between her and targets for spellcasting, Alzmer is basically in the middle, and Frenchy is covering our ass.
Thoughts?
Mlinzi will be putting up her bow and drawing her knife for the mine. If she needs to go ranged, she has spells available.
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gl hf :-)
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Sounds good to me.
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@Reminder: How heavy/bulky is an empty crate? Is it portable by a single person? I may just carry it since I don't need my hands. I'll edit my post if it isn't too heavy.
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Metal, 1m square abouts. It's not going to be light, probably 40kg or there abouts. You may be able to carry it in. On the way out, if you can't find a cart, you may need to get creative.
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If anyone else wants to chime in, feel free.
Mlinzi can carry the crate in, but it is right at her carrying limit. Luckily, she isn't carrying anything heavy other than that. She should still be able to cast spells, so will probably be the least impacted.
Once we locate the minerals and load the box, I think we have three available options for getting the crate topside, so I am not as worried about that.
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Marching order is cool. As for carrying that crate when full, a cart might be a good idea. Mutumbo will take some basic tools with him in case we find one but have to make some repairs.
Just a note: I have a flashlight and a few light sticks but you might also want to activate some light sources because it will be dark down there and I don’t think that any pre-installed lighting will work.
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I'm ready to go. I'm not entirely clear on how light works in the astral, but I don't think I need a light source to see. If we need some more ambient lighting, Mlinzi can activate her survival knife's light and hold it in her teeth.
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I'm ready to go. I'm not entirely clear on how light works in the astral, but I don't think I need a light source to see. If we need some more ambient lighting, Mlinzi can activate her survival knife's light and hold it in her teeth.
You can tell where the tunnels are and any living things/things with auras are, but you aren't going to see any real detail in darkness using astral alone, so your footing may have issues, etc.
And all actions would be at -2 of course.
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Guess I'll go without since I'm already at -2 dice due to sustaining that spell on Mwindaji.
Sorry folks, no astral early warning.
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Fyi, stopping astral perception is only a standard action.
Is anyone else doing anything to prep before going in?
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I'm pretty sure I won't have a standard action to stop myself from falling down a hole in the ground, so no thanks. 8(
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I'm pretty sure I won't have a standard action to stop myself from falling down a hole in the ground, so no thanks. 8(
Tripping over something would be the bigger concern. You would think Hunter would say, hey there is a hole here (though maybe you stole his gummy bears he packed for the trip or something - and then all bets are off)
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I'm good with going in without astral perception on, in case that is what we're waiting on.
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@GM: is the platform on the bottom of the shaft, or is the shaft continuing under it? Can we see any tunnel entrances between the platform and us?
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You can't tell if it extends below the platform.
There are no tunnels between you and it, other than at its level
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Can we tell what the platform's method of locomotion is? (i.e. cable suspended, wall tracks, hydraulic lift (although we probably can't see that since it would underneath the platform)
@Ren & Crunch: If we're worried about Alzmer's climbing ability, Mlinzi does have the spell Levitate and would offer to use it on him, the crate, and probably herself (no climbing skill).
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Wall tracks
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Is there anything handy to tie off to up here? I Imagine there might be some kind of cage frame at the top of the shaft to keep people from falling in?
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Yes, you can find a tie off for your rope easy enough if that is how you decide to approach it.
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@Ren: I think we should tie a rope off regardless, even if I levitate a few people down since a) we don't know whether something is going to be in hot pursuit of us on the way out or b) if Mlinzi is even going to be with the group on the way out. I guess the quesstion at this point is who is going down first. I could levitate down if you and Frenchy can cover me. If something nasty shows up, I can try and levitate myself back up. If no problems, Mutumbo can come down and setup protection for me to levitate the crate (and Alzmer, if necessary). Then Frenchy can get down whichever way he wants.
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Going down is easy. (why levitate the crate separately. Either someone can carry it, or just lower it down by rope. Also, you have Alzmers kit to remember as well)
Coming up is what takes effort.
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What does his kit consist of? I thought it was basically something described as a case (although I guess we must be carrying some kind of excavation gear).
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Its basically one of those big metal transporter type briefcase thingies.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=Hn0MUj5-UYN80M&tbnid=1GIVXQKFNFj24M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ms-aluminumcase.com%2Fsell-aluminum_attache_case_briefcase-159803.html&ei=_T_1UuzYEInlyQHdm4CoDg&bvm=bv.60799247,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNHE7GDVrPHsxowASBVh5drNjgXYlQ&ust=1391890801572185
or
http://www.aluminumcaseco.com/images/insertc-1_large.jpg
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Cool, I imagine I could levitate a person and the case, then another person and the crate. If I am reading it correctly, I can levitate 200 kg if I meet/beat a threshold of 1 (the book's cavalier use of the terms "meet" and "beat" leaves me a little confused).
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it's 200kg per hit. When rolling against a threshold (and not an opposed test) you succeed (beat) if your roll matches the threshold.
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@Ren: While we're in the mines, just assume that Mlinzi is going along with whatever you suggest in case you need to take agency over her for an IC post.
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I probably shouldn't have given him a fear of heights. I just couldn't help myself though.
That is why he likes rocks I guess; they remind him of being on the ground.
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Just FYI, my plan is to levitate down, take a look around the platform, then levitate back up to organize the descent so we're not yelling up and down a 12 meter deep mine shaft.
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Assuming his next action is finding a suitable site: Do you want to do anything before he starts to collect his samples. It may take a bit of ingame time for his work.
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I think we're all pretty much mission-focused. I don't know what we would have to gain from exploring the mines any further. I figure we're going to setup a perimeter around wherever he is working and hold tight.
With that said, while Alzmer is working, I am going to cast Detect Life on myself (maybe the spirits just don't like Mutumbo) and sustain it until we head back up or are attacked.
Cast Detect Life (F6): Spellcasting (5) + Magic (4) (9d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4398617/)
Resist Drain (DV: 3S): WIL (5) + CHA (8) (13d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4398618/) (No Drain)
Effect: 24 meter radius spell that detects life. Resist w/(WIL+LOG) vs. 3 hits. With 3 hits, spell produces major and minor details, with some minor
details obscured or missing.
Mlinzi will also take the opportunity to erase the astral signature of the spell she just cast.
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It's actually net hits that determine the info you get.
I'd also like to know how you pass the time or setup. Assume it's about 3 meters wide and tall, and runs north to south with a slight bend to the left.
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Yeah, that's why I mentioned it was resisted. Since that's TBD, I just put where it stood as of now.
The guys will have to chime in how they're planning on handling it. I figured Mwindaji on one end, Frenchy on the other, Mlinzi in the middle alternately scanning both north and south in the astral. Gear in between everyone closest to Alzmer. As far as spending time, I guess we're just going to be as professional as possible and just be on watch. Someone should probably try and hail Ultra and let him know we're setting up.
Mlinzi will probably check out what Alzemer is doing every minute or so in the astral.
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Two things as a precaution: I want to check if there is any sign that someone or something passed where we go in the near past, and I’d like to know the distance of the next intersections in both directions from where Alzmer will work. If they are not that far, I will suggest setting up the guard posts there. In the direction of the curve you mentioned the guard should stand so that he has line of sight both to Alzmer and the tunnel beyond the curve.
Before Alzmer starts working on extracting the sample I’d like to check the next intersection (even if the guard won’t be stationed there), and look for tracks there as well.
[spoiler=tracking]INT(5) + Tracking(6) [Mental(4)] (11d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4399175/); in the tunnel while we approach the extraction site
INT(5) + Tracking(6) [Mental(4)] (11d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4399176/); around the extraction site[/spoiler]
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You are about 200 meters down the tunnel from the lift. You aren't sure how far it goes in the other direction, but there is a cross junction about 30 meters farther down, and one about halfway between you and the lift.
your visibility is about 50 meters in either direction due to the arc of the tunnel, though your lights likely don't extend that far, if you are all at where alzmer is.
Being the floor is stone and fairly wet it's hard to tell if there are tracks or not. You might see some sign of small creatures you can't necessarily identify in the tunnel as you approach the site.
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Just want to make sure I have this correct. Assuming we had the light, we could see the crosstunnel 30 meters further down the tunnel. We can only see halfway back to the previous cross-tunnel due to the curve of the tunnel. Something like this with X being Alzmer, north towards the unknown, south towards the lift, obviously not to scale?
_\ \_
_ _
\ \
\ \
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| X |
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/ /
/ /
/ /
/ /
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_| |__
_ __
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| |[/spoiler]
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(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/472x394q90/836/xdq4.png)
Basically, the tunnel isn't straight, but curved, so that is going to limit your maximum sightline if you want to keep Alzmer in view while moving down the tunnel.
Back in the direction of the elevator shaft, there is another cross tunnel 50 meters off the map.
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Mlinzi is going to stay in close proximity to Alzmer and can serve as something of a relay between the two men if they want to set up in the opposite curves of the tunnel.
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Mutumbo will stand five meters from the intersection on the drawing, between the intersection and Alzmer. He will have his respirator on. I suggest Frenchy stays in view at the other side, like 10-20 meters from Alzmer, watching the tunnel where we came from.
Question: approximately how long will it take to get the samples? I have a few magnesium torches, but each burns for only five minutes, so if it takes long, I will just keep one at the ready.
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I think it was implied that it would take a while. Granted, it's a relative term.
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Well, I was waiting to see if crunch had any input, but I guess I will move it forward/
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Well, this should be interesting...
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It's fine. Ultra should have supper ready by the time you get back out ;)
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Ugh, I am terrible with cryptic puzzles. So, what I think it involves is:
The two legs that hold themselves above the earth changed it. Many were made unto aether. Earth bleeds tears of stone. This is her blood. It calls to us. It is ours.
The Mount Kilimanjaro incident. Lots of dead spirits. The tanzanite changed as a result of the ritual. The tanzanite attracts the spirits and they say it is theirs (Great).
The one is of the earth. The other two not.
I think this might be referring to our group in the cave, but I would have thought they would have identified four people. Assuming they aren't including Mlinzi, I'm not sure who is of the earth and who isn't. Alzmer is probably "of the earth" but he just ripped out a chunk from the wall, so who knows.
Pondering my response.
Oh, also, does the rock shard Alzmer has have an aura? If so... Assensing the rock sample: Assensing (2) + Intuition (4) (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4402372/)
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Yes, it has an aura. What that aura is, you can't tell.
Also, remember spirits can assense as easily (or given your dice rolls, better) as you you can.
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Also, I know the others can't technically hear it, but if you guys wish to, I am fine if you talk about it.
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Also, remember spirits can assense as easily (or given your dice rolls, better) as you you can.
Hey now, it was an average number of successes on six dice. ;) (three times no less, that has to be a Mlinzi record). Granted, if they're F4 or greater, they're rolling more dice than me anyway (then again, if they're F4 or greater, we're probably screwed).
If anyone has anything to add, feel free.
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Whatever you do, don't piss it off :-)
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Whatever you do, don't piss it off :-)
Thanks for the advice. Maybe I should tell them that one of the dudes that made the Earth cry blood is hanging out upstairs near a truck and some tents. :-\
Pffft, like I said, this should be entertaining. I'm kind of hoping they'll assense everything. Although maybe that's a clue to the "one of the earth, the other two are not" thing. I think I remember Alzmer had a little cyber in his head, Frenchy is Awakened, but I don't think I learned much about Mwindaji when I assensed him, but if he had any obvious cyber, perhaps I noticed it. I guess that could be what they're getting at...
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Whatever you do, don't piss it off :-)
You are up top by yourself. It's likely they don't even know about you.
Whatever you do, don't piss it off :-)
Thanks for the advice. Maybe I should tell them that one of the dudes that made the Earth cry blood is hanging out upstairs near a truck and some tents. :-\
Then again, maybe not.
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Hmm... how does Banishing work with Free Spirits since they don't exist in 5th yet? Do I need to roll something to see if I have an idea? I honestly just remembered that I had that skill, I forgot that it was Binding that I didn't take.
Just for future reference, of course. Given our situation, it should be mere child's play to talk ourselves out of this situation. :'(
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Given the current description of banishing, it would seem to apply to summoned spirits only. You may have to disrupt them if you want to send them off the material plain.
If you have another solution or interpretation you want to try though, I am all ears.
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Nope, pretty much what I PMd you. That's how she would try to handle it.
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At this point about a minute has passed of Mlinzi standing in silence just holding the rock, but not looking at it.
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I'm frankly terrified of this "showing" business.
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They cant hear him, being fully in the astral.
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It was more preemptive than anything...
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I'm sorry, but RL is eating my lunch and I think I need to drop the forums for awhile. Thanks for letting me play, and I am so sorry.
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Damn Crunch, sorry to hear that man. :(
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Hopefully I can spend two karma at the end of this run to learn to speak Spirit...
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Barginning with spirits is hard.
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In my limited experience so far, I would say communicating in general is pretty challenging apparently.
@Ren: Yeah, I thought it was a little blood magicky too, but fuck if I know what they want.
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I don't have any problem with it, a nice try even if it is not accepted by the spirits. Mutumbo however is a bit superstitious and doesn't like to associate with scary shamanic rituals too much ;)
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LOL, neither does Mlinzi for that matter. Then again, my only other option was offering up you or Frenchy as collateral. They say the rocks are priceless to them and that "blood" calls to "blood" so I'm just taking shots here. Hopefully one lands. What could go wrong? 8)
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They would have accepted Frenchy for sure :P
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I'll have you know I am building another character right now. :D
So... initiative?
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You aren't rolling initiative.........yet. Unless you want to of course. You could put the rock back. Or try some other last ditch effort
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They really aren't asking for anything. Making an offer they would have accepted would have been pretty hard, especially considering your companions reluctance to deal with spirits, given those two were the ones they were having the issues with. Your spirit translation was actually pretty darn accurate (spirits don't have good grammar :) )
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But yeah, ren, if you guys are holding onto the rock, unless you want to do something else (since I guess I am Frenchy atm) it probably is going to come down to initiative.
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Your spirit translation was actually pretty darn accurate (spirits don't have good grammar :) )
I'll take a Pyrrhic victory in this case. :(
I'm thinking we're rolling initiative. I'll wait to see if Ren has anything brilliant for Mutumbo to say. If Alzmer opens his trap, I may club him with the handle of my survival knife.
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Maybe I'll use Alzmer's edge to blitz so he goes first :P
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OK, I'm pretty much out for the day. Just a head's up, but I have jury duty starting next Tuesday. I don't yet know if the court I am going to is going to let us bring computers/phones into the jury pool area, so I may be absent during the days. I should be able to post in the evenings, however.
Here's my initiative in the (extremely) likely event we're starting combat: Initiative: Reaction (5) + Intuition (4) (2d6+9=20) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4405812/)
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Don't really have anything to add IC, maybe a repressed "f*ck, f*ck, f*ck", but i don't think it will help the situation. ;)
Anyway, initiative is REA(3) + INT(5) + 1d6 (1d6+8=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4405984/)
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Order then is:
Frency - Mlinzi - Spirit 1 - Spirit 2 - Alzmer - Hunter
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Mlinzi is up then. Realize you are still astrally perceiving so if you target their physical forms, you take a -2 penalty unless you stop perceiving first (a standard action).
Of course they are dual natured, so any mana spells could be used on their astral forms at no penalty (illusion spells are easier to resist astrally though)
Both spirits are about 3m from you (putting the one between you and ren about 50% of the way between you two.
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I'm just going to bolt the one Frenchy shot. I actually thought of a slightly better plan afterward, but no big deal, I just need to remember to do it next time.
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Ren's up once you roll to resist. The wounded spirit is directly behind Frenchy, so shooting it with a firearm will be hard.
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Wow, that escalated quickly! Good luck guys!
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Rats! I was hoping the previous defending penalty might have just reduced its defense enough to hit it.
@Reminder: Just want to make sure that Reckless Spellcasting's +3 DV applies in Step 4 of the Spellcasting Process where it is listed, correct? In other words, before the minimum DV rule is applied.
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It seems that way. One thing you can't do is cast a spell with negative drain however (so a F-4 spell cast recklessly is going to have at least 3 drain, even if cast at 2 force).
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Sorry, 3 or 2 drain? F-4+3 would be F-1, so anything F2 or below would be automatically raised to 2DV regardless of the final calculation, right? Without reckless casting, a F-4 spell is going to be 2 DV at F4 or below since you always, at a minimum, have to resist 2 DV Drain. I just want to make sure there isn't anything particularly different here.
Basically that it is: ((F +/- X + 3), MIN: 2) and not ((F +/- X), MIN: 2) + 3
So, if I were to recklessly cast a F3 Lightning Bolt, it would be ((3-3+3), MIN: 2 = 3DV) rather than ((3-3), MIN: 2 = 2 + 3 = 5DV)
Thanks. Sending positive thoughts Mutumbo's way to resist the fear power.
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I am saying you can't go into negative drain on the regular spell. So a F-4 cast recklessly at force 1 would be 0 from the spell,and 3 from reckless for a total of 3.
Not -1 from the spell and 3 from reckless for a total of 2. Even if the initial drain code takes you below zero, treat it as a zero. The spell itself can't heal you of drain.
(Note, this is still better than taking a minimum of 2 from the spell, and 3 from reckless for a total of 5.)
So using your example, yes, a force 3 lightning bolt would have 3 drain. So would a force 2 or a force 1.
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OK, cool, I think I got it. So there would be no difference in Drain between casting a F-4 spell Recklessly from F1 to F4. They would all be 3DV. Likewise, a F-6 spell would be the same DV from F1 to F6 (3). but if cast at F7 would go up to 4. I'm on board.
(((Force +/- X) MIN: 0) +3)
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Ultra's messaging is making me laugh. Hell, I don't even know if our comms work down here.
ETA: ...and yes, I imagine this cinematically. Ultra up top with his feet kicked back making s'mores, scanning the sensors for incoming bogies and occasionally sending text messages. Cut to the remainder of the team shooting, casting, and generally violencing two elementals giving back as well as they are taking. Screams, gunshots, lightning, etc.
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Yeah, that's kinda what I was thinking too. I've got some rice in the pot ready, I'm just stirring it as you guys are slinging spells and such :-)
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You guys in the mine can spend a point of edge to have a bat go and visit his cookpot while his back is turned.
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You guys in the mine can spend a point of edge to have a bat go and visit his cookpot while his back is turned.
You know what, I may do that with whatever that action is where you spend a point of Edge when you're going down to get in one last action.
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Just a reminder, I have jury duty starting tomorrow. Will find out how much access I will have to the internet/computer tomorrow. If nothing else, I should have access to respond in the evenings. Thanks!
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That was quick. My juror panel was dismissed within three hours of us showing up, so I have normal availability this week. Just a note for when we get back on track, Invisible Castle is currently down. Is there a preferred secondary dice roller?
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I really don't use online rollers that much, so whatever you find will work.
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Rolz.org is ok
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I'm not sure what has happened with Ren
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Me either. He's a very regular poster who participates in other PbPs. He hasn't been on at all since the 16th. I am hoping nothing serious.
Do you want to auto-pilot him for now?
ETA: If you don't want to autopilot two characters, Csjarrat doesn't have much to do right now and it sounds like Frenchy is player-less at the moment.
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If he's not in by tomorrow. I am giving him a chance since he is probably the most combatty of you left, so I was trying not to auto him through this section due to that fact.
And to avoid playing more or less with myself (pun not intended).
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Sorry, i got sick pretty badly, but i'm back now. I'll check where we are and reply in a few minutes.
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Welcome back man, glad you're okay!
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which spirit? Or should I just assume the one closer to you.
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The one that just tried to scare me, of course :)
(For one, it is the one that attacked me. For two, it is the clear target.)
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Mwindaji definitely needs that Ares Victory Big Game Hunter armor from the Run & Gun Preview.
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I am travelling extensively for the job over the next 8 days, and my laptop crashed, so I am shall be posting from a mobile device. Update should be up soon, but posting is going to be a bit irregular.
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Sorry to hear about your laptop, Reminder. Thanks for the head's up.
ETA: Not sure if it would help, but if you just want to post the mechanical stuff in the OOC, we can probably incorporate the actions into our own posts. IC posts tend to be more lengthy and time-consuming, which seems like it would be problematic for the moment.
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Of course they are dual natured, so any mana spells could be used on their astral forms at no penalty (illusion spells are easier to resist astrally though)
I had a question about this. I was reading through the rules on Mana Illusion spells. It says that a successful assensing test basically resists the spell.
Q1: Is there a threshold? There isn't one mentioned, but the assensing table lists a threshold of 2 to determine the type of spell effect something is.
Q2: Is this reactive or would the spirits have to actually take a Simple Action to assense in order to resist the spell? That might actually be just as valuable.
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As you don't have to spend an action to determine about an aura that it is a spell, i think it is a pretty obvious situation: a new aura appeared and you suddenly start to see things - must be an illusion. I'd probably allow at least a new resistance test.
Unfortunately i didn't find the assensing reference you quoted in the book so i don't know what game developers might have wanted.
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In the Illusions Spells overview before the spells are listed, the last sentence of the Mana Illusion quality states:
Though mana-based illusions can be created on the astral plane, their magical auras give them away as illusions to anyone who makes a successful Assensing Test—illusions can’t fool Assensing and cannot be used to disguise or create auras.
Assensing is a Simple Test and normally requires 2 successes to determine the class of the spell. Even if the threshold is only 1, it could still be valuable if it requires a Simple Action to make the determination.
It's kind of weird that this only specifically applies to the astral plane. Wouldn't all illusion spells be assensable as such, even if cast on the Physical plane?
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The wording surely seems to be restricting assensing to uncover mana-based illusions on the astral but i think it is done that way just to accentuate how it is almost impossible to create an effective illusion in astral. Mana-based illusions IMO can be uncovered by assensing as well if cast on the physical plane.
Physical illusions are a different matter though. Even if you sense the magical nature with assensing they still befuddle your senses unless you roll a successful resistance test.
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The wording surely seems to be restricting assensing to uncover mana-based illusions on the astral but i think it is done that way just to accentuate how it is almost impossible to create an effective illusion in astral. Mana-based illusions IMO can be uncovered by assensing as well if cast on the physical plane.
Personally, I think that interpretation goes a little far. It would really make Mana-based Illusions far too weak compared to Physical-based illusions on balance. They basically wouldn't work on Dual-natured creatures at all, even if cast on the physical plane. They already don't work on technology. I think if that were the case, the Drain differential should be much more than 1.
In any event, I guess the question still remains about whether it would take an action to assense for this purpose on the Astral plane. I'm okay with the thershold being 1, although I wonder what happens if a mage casts a Phantasm of a Mana Barrier on the Astral Plane?
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Actually you can't create an illusion of a mana barrier on the astral, because it has an aura, and the mana illusions section explicitly states that you can't disguise or create auras. For the same reason, you neither can create an illusion of a living thing on the astral. This (and the description of most spells) make only a select few illusion spells usable in astral.
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Well, there still would be an aura (the Phantasm spell) and it would automatically be detected as a spell. Given the Assensing table, it would require 2 hits to determine what type of spell that aura was (Illusion or Manipulation). It's not disguising the aura as an assensing test is required to determine that information in any event since you don't automatically know what kind of spell it is without assensing. By my reading, what you couldn't do would be to create a Phantasm of a Spirit, as it would be immediately detected as such (without an assensing test) or use a Mask spell to disguise a focus as a reagent.
With that said, I was looking for a ruling from Reminder on the specific situation and I'm not sure we need to clutter up this thread with a (wide-ranging) rules discussion. Re-reading my initial question, I see that I didn't make that clear. My apologies.
Really, at this point, my main question is whether the spirits would need to make an assensing test to avoid the effects of the spell.
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guys, we still rolling?
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Hope so, I know Reminder's computer went tits up. I think he has limited access at the moment. I saw he was able to login briefly a day or two ago. Here's hoping!
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Yeah, if i remember well, he had some problems with his laptop. I'm here and ready to go on anytime.
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All right, to summarize, ren shot at and hit the one closest to him. Pass ended. Crunch started pass 2 and tried to hit the one nearest him with rifle butt (not practical, but hes not here so tough) and didn't achieve much. Either ren or mlinzi is next, whoevers init is higher. Better post in the IC soon.
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To Jack, threshold if cast on astral is 2, but the test is free (doesn't require an action). If cast on the physical plane they don't get the free assensing test (they could still make one, with an action, but that would apply to a physical spell as well).
It's hard to make an illusion that works on the astral, since you cannot create an illusion of an aura.
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Well, if it is a test that requires no action, there's no real point in doing it considering they would get to basically save twice for free. I'm cool with it, hopefully the FAQ will answer it for sure at some point in the future because I don't think it is clear at all.
I'll go ahead and post, I believe I have Mutumbo edged by 1 point (Init: 20). Hopefully our combined attacks bring it down. Even with the Hardened Armor bit, I was kind of surprised it survived Mutumbo's attack, that was impressive. What kind of firearm are you using? A Ruger 101?
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is there a reason to cast on the astral instead of physical?
anyway the one near mutumbo is disrupted (still on mobile. couldnt get roller to work so i bought real dice finally)
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If I were able to cast it on the astral, I wouldn't have had to worry about the AOE affecting friendlies or the reckless spellcasting penalty. It isn't really a big deal (particularly with the spirit Mutumbo was fighting being disrupted - speaking of, I need to edit my post a bit to recognize that fact).
Now... if Frenchy's spirit is the only one standing, that makes things a bit interesting. Considering Frenchy did attack it and it is in melee, it should have some decent defense penalties. I think I like my odds (and hope Frenchy is an elusive adept if the odds turn against me). :D
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wait, i thought you cast at the one by mutumbo? that was the cause of the disruption, not his shot alone.
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I shot with a Remington 950. And it is not really surprising if a strong spirit survived that kind of shot. They are pretty hardy against normal physical attacks. For example, if the spirit is Force 6, it rolls 11 dice to dodge my shot, let’s say 4 hits, so I have 3 net hits. Total damage is 15P with -4 AP. Now, with immunity to normal weapons, the spirit has a final armor of 8 (Force*2 – AP), which also gives it 4 automatic hits (half the armor rating), plus it rolls 18 dice for resistance (10 Body + 8 Armor), averaging 6 hits. So in case of an average resistance from a Force 6 Earth spirit, I scored 5 boxes of physical wounds, from a physical damage track of 13 boxes. Two more shots like that and the spirit is disrupted. (Hopefully, the spirit isn’t Force 6, or we are in very deep shit.)
Note: I will post IC after you sorted out the question about which spirit Mlinzi shot her lightning bolt at, and which spirit is actually still there. But I probably will take aim and shoot at the clearer target.
@Reminder: the book doesn’t say that I have any negative dice pool modifiers when I shoot into a melee but I remember you writing something about the shot being harder if I target the spirit attacking Frenchy. What is the modifier?
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@Reminder: Oh sorry! I thought you were telling me Mutumbo's shot disrupted it. I'll go back and change it back. I would have aimed at that one as I'd rather attack a target that didn't possibly put me on the receiving end of a French tirade if I missed it.
@Ren: Yeah, metagaming here, but I was hoping we weren't facing F6 spirits, LOL. Otherwise, as you said, we're in deep shit.
If Reminder is playing it by the book, I think he is referring to the "Accidentally Shooting Your Friend" rule. There isn't a negative penalty per se, but if the spirit dodges the attack, you have a chance of hitting Frenchy instead. They stuck the rule in a little sidebar box on page 190 listed as an example. At least I think that's what he was referring to...
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I shot with a Remington 950. And it is not really surprising if a strong spirit survived that kind of shot. They are pretty hardy against normal physical attacks. For example, if the spirit is Force 6, it rolls 11 dice to dodge my shot, let’s say 4 hits, so I have 3 net hits. Total damage is 15P with -4 AP. Now, with immunity to normal weapons, the spirit has a final armor of 8 (Force*2 – AP), which also gives it 4 automatic hits (half the armor rating), plus it rolls 18 dice for resistance (10 Body + 8 Armor), averaging 6 hits. So in case of an average resistance from a Force 6 Earth spirit, I scored 5 boxes of physical wounds, from a physical damage track of 13 boxes. Two more shots like that and the spirit is disrupted. (Hopefully, the spirit isn’t Force 6, or we are in very deep shit.)
Note: I will post IC after you sorted out the question about which spirit Mlinzi shot her lightning bolt at, and which spirit is actually still there. But I probably will take aim and shoot at the clearer target.
@Reminder: the book doesn’t say that I have any negative dice pool modifiers when I shoot into a melee but I remember you writing something about the shot being harder if I target the spirit attacking Frenchy. What is the modifier?
it would use the box on 190; since he is totally behind frenchy lets treat it as partial cover also (unless you choose to shoot through the cover)
the other spirit had 1 box left on its track after hunter shot it. its gone now.
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OK, now that the situation is clarified, Mlinzi ended up zapping the spirit closest to Mutumbo, which ended up disrupting it.
I think it's Mutumbo's turn now, right?
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yep
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Will post my action later today.
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Uh, sorry, totally forgot to post my action, writing it just now.
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Nice shots Ren, those were some clutch rolls.
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Unless I am mistaken, Mlinzi still has the rock.
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I do?
ETA: Reading back through it, I thought Alzmer just held it out for me to inspect. I didn't know I had taken possession of it. I'm good with it either way. Just let me know and I can edit my post.
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Well you both had it, and you didn't give into his yelling to put it in the box, so let's treat it like you have it atm.
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OK. I was apparently confused as I believe I told him to secure it when I shot my first bolt of lightning. Chalk it up to the fog of war. I'll edit my latest post to get us moving along.
ETA: Post Edited.
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Assume ALzmer puts itin the box, eventually. UPS says I shouldhave fixed laptop tomorrow so ill make it better then.
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@Reminder: How heavy is the box now that the rock is inside it? I'm not sure if I can lift it on my own now.
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Well, you can roll for it if you like. It's going to be hard by hand, solo.
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I'd rather not. Can Frenchy and I carry it if we lift it together? I would prefer that to trying to hump it solo.
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He is kind of a wimp.
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I guess the main question is whether the two of us can carry it or not. I'll levitate it if we have to do that.
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you can carry it. at least to the shaft
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OK, let's do that.
I guess Mwindaji in the lead, then Alzmer, then Mlinzi -> Crate -> Frenchy? At least until we hit the shaft?
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You can get to the shaft without problems.
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OK, assuming nothing happens at the shaft, I levitated Frenchy up to cover the tunnel above. Then I levitated myself and the case (if I need to roll something to lift the case, just let me know). I just need to know if Alzmer is willing to let me levitate him without the benefit of the ropes. He has seen her levitate things 4 or 5 times now with no problem.
Obviously, if something goes down at the shaft to interrupt this, I can edit my post.
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You can do him as well.
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Your current tactic requires an intimidation roll.
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Just going to roll straight Charisma -1 for defaulting as I am unsure of +/-
Intimidating Alzmer: Charisma (8) - Defaulting (1) (7d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4431190/)
P.S. If he starts talking, she'll move him over solid ground but won't drop the spell yet, preferring to keep the threat viable.
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Finished resetting up laptop; should help a bit.
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Well, if three successes and dangling him over a pit doesn't work, nothing much more that I can work with. Guess he isn't that afraid of heights.
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Or he just doesn't know anything else.
The putting it in the crate asap wasn't new info. He may not have said or else spirits will show up, but you are assuming he knew that. He's kind of dense other than when it comes to rocks if you haven't noticed :o
"I mostly wanted to make sure you had your head in the game." Mlinzi replies. "But I did want to ask about what all is involved in collecting these samples. As you know, we're on a timeline but those of us who aren't rock researchers don't really know what to expect when we finally start digging. The rocks we're looking for... do you know if they're going to be deep in the mines or close to the surface? Once we find the rocks, how long would you guess it would take to collect a sample? If we want to hit all four mines, we need to get an idea about how long we have to spend in each one."
He looks at you, and speaks with a little more confidence.It's hard to say exactly, but i would expect anything left is going to be rather far in. These mines were abandoned years ago as the costs involved in extracting the mineral didn't justify the value of it. So it may take a bit of looking, but I brought some equipment that should help in locating some, even if it is mostly just dust. Of course, it is possible that the mineral wants to be found, and that would make things much easier.
Once we find it, it just involves cutting out a section of the rock. We don't have to get a pure sample here. Haulting the sections back to the surface is likely to be harder than cutting it out of the walls. We just have to get it in the crates as soon as possible once they are removed from the mine.
If it's not clear at this point, its probably safe to assume he thinks you are the paranormal expert he has talked about several times.
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I figured that. His reaction just seemed very specific to me. Then again,. Mlinzi isn't all that bright so she may just be jumping to the wrong conclusion.
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You shouldn't have any further encounters in returning to the mine entrance unless you do something really weird.
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Did you get your computer back or do you want us to keep posting IC posts? Or are we just waiting on Ren's climbing checks?
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I can post fine now, but until I know what you are going to do, it's pretty much just you guys climbing out atm.
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Assuming Mutumbo climbs the shaft and recovers his gear, I think we don't have any reason to stick around. I guess we would leave the mine, erase the arrows as best we can, and go find another camp site a little ways away from the mine.
Thoughts from the others?
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I know it didn't help that my computer crashed, causing me to be quite irregular for a week, but it seems like the pacing has hit the skids. Is everyone still invested in regular posting?
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Yeah I'm still on and around on the boards. Out of scene here though
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I'm here. I was waiting the weekend to see if anyone had any input.
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Just assume Frenchy is going to do what you think is best most of the time.
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Thanks. I tossed Frenchy's name in there since he was one of the drivers, but the question from Mlinzi is mainly for Ultra.
I'm trying to keep Frenchy from turning into Blackwing from Order of the Stick
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edited my post as had more time to get stuff in there to fill it out a bit!
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It will take you about 8 mins to tear down the camp if you are in a hurry, 15-20 if you want to do a thorough job and make sure everything is properly stowed. More if you want to do something else.
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We probably should do a thorough job, but the threat of more spirits (plus Mwindaji's state) probably means we would book pretty quickly. I dunno.
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So what do you all plan on doing now?
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Looks like the plan is to put a bit of distance between us and the mine and then get some rest
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Looks like the plan is to put a bit of distance between us and the mine and then get some rest
It's as good as any.
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survival checks then to pick a good campsite then if you want to make them.
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If this can be a teamwork test, I am guessing Mwindaji probably would be the leader.
Finding a campsite: Survival (2) + Willpower (5) (7d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4440468/)
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Map updated with new campsite. I assumed your preferred direction was away from the Mountain and not towards known villages.
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Sounds sensible :-)
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Works for me.
It's been several months IRL, but didn't Ultra or someone take a hit of Longhaul?
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No drugs for me
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Sorry, it was Frenchy.
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Yes Frenchy is on longhaul.
If you are sleeping in the cab of the vehicle, that probably doesn't qualify as a good nights sleep (you won't recover a point of edge).
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Right now the only thing you detect right now of potential consequence is a snake sleeping under one of the rocks.
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Is there a big enough gap in the rock that a Spirit of Beast would be able to get LOS on the snake? Rather than killing it, Mlinzi would opt to summon a low force Spirit of Beasts to command the snake to stay idle for the duration of the evening.
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Interesting question. Given what I know about snakes, though, the answer is probably not
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Hmmm... OK. Working within the summoning framework, I think I am going to summon a spirit and ask it to use its powers to keep out active predators and poisonous creatures.
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Frenchy has thermovision goggles, but no low light, if that matters to you at all.
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I think that would be acceptable from my perspective.
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So who's taking watch, and who's sleeping where? And are you going to attempt to cook another meal or not?
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I think we're going with:
Watch Order - Sleep Location
Mutumbo - In the Nomad
Ultra - In the cab of the Gopher
Frenchy - Possibly not sleeping since he's hopped up on Long Haul.
Mlinzi - In the bed of the Gopher
I think we'll just go with field rations since we had to move, unless Ultra wants to try to cook again. That also might depend on what time it is now. I've kind of lost track of what time it was and how long we were down there. I know we basically headed down right after sunset, but that's about it.
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lets go with 10:30
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I think we would skip dinner then, or just eat energy bars or MREs.
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yeah, i'll just snaffle a snack bar before getting a couple hours sleep
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The first shift passes without much incident, the darkness broken only by starlight as the moon hangs low, the slightest sliver above the horizon.
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Sorry, is that supposed to be in the IC thread? Do you want us to RP the shift changes?
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Yes it should have been in the ic thread, my mistake. It's up to you to rp, i figured id just give you the chance to if you like
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lovely, looks like we've got a few friends out there sharing the night with us.
is the jeep closing on our position?
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Based on the map, it looks like we're 15-20km away from any of the mines. Let's hope they're not tracking us.
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could be our new BFF's; the maasai?
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Could be. If the jeep is open topped, we might be able to tell. I would imagine the Maasai would still wear something similar to their traditional red garb. Not sure if any of us would know that IC.
@Reminder: Is there a test or something we need to make to wake up?
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I wanted to post this today: "Mutumbo woke Ultra without hesitation when the time came. He told him no surprises up till then, then he got into the Nomad, positioning himself in the best possible way to get some rest."
But it seems that due to my limited access during daytime, events just went ahead. I'll chime in soon.
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They aren't all that close to you yet, so its perfectly ok if whoever is up wants to wake you.
They are heading in your general direction, but their path isn't necessarily right at you or anything.
I'll wait a bit before advancing if you guys want to do anything other than just being awake.
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If they aren't making a beeline towards us, I guess we should probably just hunker down and wait them out unless they get close to us? What do y'all think?
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That was my plan, if they get too close for comfort I can always try and hack the vehicle
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As i stated in IC Mutumbo is looking for a separate hiding place, a possible sniping position. He won't necessarily use it, i just want to know.
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Sounds good. If they get closer, I may consider dismissing my spirit and summoning a more powerful one.
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Ren you want to make a stealth check for me in case it becomes relevant?
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Ren you want to make a stealth check for me in case it becomes relevant?
Does that mean that i find an appropriate place for a sniping position? If yes, i'll wait for the jeep to get within about 500-1000 meters according to sensors, but still outside LOS, before actually heading out to hide. I don't want to get away from the cars if it doesn't seem necessary.
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Well, i figured you had to go out and look for such a spot, since you are on the rise in the location, anything you find would be on lower ground. Depending on how far you go, it is possible you will be out if/when they approach. From your current vantage, you can't directly see any such place (again, because you are currently on the lop of a small incline as it is. The terrain is broken scrubland.
Also, nothing in the astral.
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Mlinzi needs to make a logic roll for that one.
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OK, straight Logic or am I defaulting on something?
ETA: "Switching" Gear to Default Settings of OFF or Silent: Logic (2) (2d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4450486/)
1 hit, even if defaulting on Hardware.
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Technically defaulting, but i figured I'd give you both dice.
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So duck and cover, stand watch hidden as best you can? Something else?
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Taking all of my cues from Ultra as he is our eyes and ears at this point. Duck and cover seems like all we're going to be able to pull off at the moment. Are we and our vehicles at all concealed from view?
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Ultra is just going to keep an eye on them. At 1k away he'll Shout the call to arms, just monitoring until that point
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You can be. The vehicles can't be 100% concealed, no. It's open terrain in all directions. They are partially hidden, but not 100%. They have been off long enough at this point they don't have a thermal signature however. You do have one though, and you don't know how they are searching, hence the duck and cover or keep watch decision.
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Well, we definitely need someone to keep watch and report what's going on, but the rest should probably duck and cover.
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Whoever is watching needs to likely make a stealth roll then.
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In case the rest of us need to roll a sneak check: Hiding: Sneak (2) + Agility (4) + Chameleon Suit (2) [Limit (8)] (8d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4453044/)
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Just anyone watching. You can be completely hidden behind some of the rocks (I'd avoid the one with the snake were I you) if you so choose.
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agh, torn between two actions. half of me wants to start scanning for and hacking their communications and the other half just wants to sit tight and not attract any attention... choices!
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I think you should still be able to perform matrix perception stuff, even hidden as we are.
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yeah we can scan, but its not going to tell us much more than where they are (which we already know) if i attack and fail, they know they're being hacked and will come looking
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if i attack and fail, they know they're being hacked and will come looking
Easy... don't fail the hacking roll. :D
Might help to know how many people we're dealing with, assuming they each have a commlink. If their comms are garbage, you probably would have a decent chance of hacking one.
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Lol, ok, but don't look at me when we're entrenched in a raging gun battle lol
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Honestly, if you think it's too risky, don't do it. I don't really know how skilled Ultra is and we are playing Street Level, so he may not have the equipment to back it up in any event. With that said, you should be able to at least start spotting icons without risk. That will cut out a few actions worth if we do get in the probably inevitable fight with this patrol.
ETA: @Reminder: Is there a trail that we (and the patrol vehicle) are using? I wasn't sure if we had just booked it across open ground or not.
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On the trail: There may have been at some point, but I assumed you didn't pull off just to the side of a trail, so not anywhere really close. You did specify out of the way.
On looking at AR/Scanning/Hacking. You can if you want to, or not. If you are going to do something you have to define what you have turned on, as without some connection to the matrix you won't be able to even attempt matrix perception rolls. (If i recall, I think Mlinzi was the only one with something left on, though I may be mistaken)
Of course I am not saying that you have to look for anything, just if thats the direction you choose to go.
They are between 300 and 400 meters from your position atm, which is still a fair distance, especially in the dark, and not headed right at you. If you want to know more, it's going to take active observation of some kind, like an observe in detail or something else. Of course, that's not a guarantee you will learn anything more or even if there is anything more to learn.
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I would assume our commlinks would have to be on if Ultra was still communicating that way. Running silently presumably? If not, he's just talking to the air, which may be the case as well.
Drek, we probably should have done something with Alzmer. I might have to get a narcoject arrow ready.
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ah sorry, for clarity yeah, my non-essential stuff is wireless off , but everything else is slaved to my deck and running silent, even the drone
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Actually, as I wrote in my last post, I turned off all wireless. So there’s no reaction from Mutumbo’s side to any radio communication or sent messages.
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Yeah, I did specifically indicate that I was turning off everything but my chameleon suit, which was running silent. I'd rather not go through the Logic check to try to switch modes. I guess Frenchy and I will just wait for something to happen then.
Presumably, Ultra would have to leave the wireless on his RCC or whatever turned on if he wanted to maintain contact with the drone. One of the uncertainties of the wireless section of the SR5 book.
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yup, running silent on everything as i've got a sleaze score to help keep hidden
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Everyone just sitting and waiting to see what happens? It's hard to tell sometimes :P
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right, balls to it. im gonna try and snoop on their radio chatter. might reveal a bit about who they are, whether they're co-ordinating with other teams and where their base is.
might bring down a world of hurt if i fail but i'm hoping these guys only have cheap gear!
you never know, it might even be our pal from the garage lol
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I think we are all waiting for the jeep to pass, except for Ultra who is doing his stuff on the matrix.
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Agree with Ren. If they get super-close, I was considering asking Wawindaji to manifest in front of them and run away from our position, possibly getting them to chase him.
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What is your current noise modifier on ultra given the distance?
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Depends how you play the matrix. If it's done as a mesh network then I'm really close, so very little noise, but if going with static zones and such then all bets are off! He's got a datajack for -1 noise though
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We really haven't been playing noise much up to this point, from what I recall.
Distance, I figure he has a noise of 3 if they're still more than a kilometer away. Static zones... if applied per the table, I'd assume this would be at least rural if not wilderness, which is a 3 or 4. Running Signal Scrub could get him up to 3 points of noise reduction including his datajack.
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Apparently they're only 200-400m away so shouldn't be that bad on noise
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Oh, that's a plus. I probably should check the IC thread. Getting a bit behind on where exactly these guys are.
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You are probably on the tail end of rural atm. You probably still succeed, but I was trying to figure out what your total noise reduction was. It maybe should be wilderness, especially given the locals lack of affinity for the matrix
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Awesome, I'm sure y'all will notice that...
the spoiler tag seems to not work anymore
While I prefer spoiler tagging rolls in the OC thread, I guess we should move it all over here since there isn't an easy way to separate it for the moment.
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that sucks, why would they do that?
anyways, i'm forwarding the audio grab i got to the team, whoever has their link just on running silent mode can have a listen and tell me what they are speaking in. hopefully (or not) its maasai.
@GM, i'll probably leave the recording running for 30mins and review it later. i'll need to reboot around the 30-40min mark to avoid convergence (any sleaze action creates OS, even if successful right?)
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Yes. The opposed roll gets the counter running.
I made the language rolls where/if relevant, and about all you can tell is that it is probably a tribal language but isn't Kikuyu or Kiswahili.
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@Reminder: Need a rules clarification here. Mlinzi and Mwindaji turned the wireless on their commlinks off. Per Aaron's ruling of how turning Wireless On/Off works, this somehow doesn't affect their ability to send/receive communications. I know I (and others) think that ruling is a little dumb, but can have some significant consequences (not being able to use most commlinks to send/receive messages in a Sprawl Downtown for instance).
Since all of the communications from Ultra to the team are going through comm chatter, this has a bearing on whether we can actually receive his messages or not.
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If their wireless is off, they really shouldn't be able to receive messages. Some of his "rulings" don't make much common sense while others do. In order to have a presence in the matrix, a device should have to be findable on the matrix to receive the message, hence require an icon. The same kind of goes for something like a jammer not affecting comlinks, which is something in my table top game doesn't apply. Granted, that decision came after more experience with the system, and when we started, sr5 was still fairly new.
As for the background noise, I kind of ignore that for any non-matrix actions. Going one step beyond your example, a fair portion of the populations cyber eyes would go offline in a commercial district, preventing them from seeing any of the advertisements that are creating the noise in the first place...
So, if this works, background noise affects matrix actions, jammers affect everything (including communications). Yes, you need to be wirelessly active to send and receive communications. The only exception would be if you get so far out you honestly need something like an uplink (which some of you have anyway). Does this work for everyone?
Also, of course, since you never specified, you might be sitting right next to Ultra hiding, and the point about receiving wireless would be moot anyway.
I suggest all getting datajacks and setting up a wired network between yourselves at all times just to be sure :) That would be the most elegant solution.
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All matrix actions or just those that require a test? I ask since Send Message is technically a Matrix Action. I am good with the ruling though, it makes way more sense than what we otherwise have, IMO.
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Actions that require tests. Things that are basic functionality (and lets lump send message in with it) aren't affected by background noise unless otherwise specified.
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Cool. I think as it stands, we're basically not able to really communicate other than through hand signals and possibly Mlinzi and Ultra whispering to one another. Not sure if we can do much other than watch them (hopefully) go by. If Ultra was confident, I think he could try and spot the icon the commlink is communicating with and then try to do a trace on it. If it's from west of our location, probably Masaai. But getting the MARKs through noise distance might make that really challenging.
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Int 4, computer 2, hot sim 2 (8d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4463530/)
matrix perception check on the commlink, looking for files/folders that kind of stuff if possible
EDIT forgot to say, just bought run and gun, seems like there's plenty in it. any word on whether it'll be allowed in our game reminder?
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Is it out now? It wasn't yesterday so I will have to go look.
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Yeah, came out this AM. Lots and lots of options from gear to attack related stuff. Might want to ease into it on an individual approval basis if you want to introduce it. The repair rules are a little insane, IMO.
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The gear section really isn't going to apply out in the middle of the bush anyway.
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You are running at a net noise of 3 btw, assuming your datajack scrubs the 1 for distance.
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The gear section really isn't going to apply out in the middle of the bush anyway.
I was honestly thinking about the combat maneuvers. Given Shadowrun's track record, I will eat my hat if they're all actually balanced...
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Yeah, just a few nice things in there an the armour side once we get back into town.
Actually there is precious little in the gear section you can actually take at chargen, kinda annoying. Stacks of pages for martial arts though. Will need to rebuild a few of my characters!
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I like how they make a joke about a ghille suit's wireless bonus but don't bother recognizing that the source of that joke is the armor I am wearing that they still haven't applied any errata to... joke's on everybody, I guess.
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ultra is going to resist temptation and not push his luck. i'll just keep monitoring the play back and wait for them to pass i think
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just a quick heads up guys, i'm off to the US on holiday between 17-23rd of this month so i wont be posting much/at all. if i do, it'll be chat only as cant really use invisible castle on my phone
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@Csjarrat: Cool, have fun. Man, I wish we could get that file. Would be nice to know who's nosing around out here.
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Yeah I'm tempted to roll for it, I have to say. There is virtue in keeping off the radar though!
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Yeah, I'd keep it spotted in any event. You might still have a chance at it if they get several kilometers away (and/or end up spotting us in which case it probably doesn't matter).
ETA: Cool, looks like we managed to stay under the radar (that or they just called in an air strike).
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So assuming your 10 mins passes, who is staying on watch?
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Either Ultra or Frenchy depending on what time it is, I think.
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My home Internet is playing up tonight, tried to post my rolls against that file. (temptation got better of me!) will try again later (on phone now)
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@Csjarrat: FYI, the Edit program only boosts your limit, not your dice pool.
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curse my poor noting taking on the char sheet!
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LOL. Yeah, very few of the programs actually give dice pool bonuses, IIRC. Most of them are limit based, although in most cases that means you can set your Matrix Attributes lower than you otherwise would.
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Yeah I just banged a quick summary on the char sheet to save hassle but my notes were a bit to brief!
@GM, do you want me to re-roll or are you going to subtract from existing roll?
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I'll just sub out. I'll try to get the response out tonight, provided I finish my mother's taxes early enough...She tried to make her appointment a bit too late, and leaving her to do them herself would mean them not getting filed on time.
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Oh no, been there before!
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It was encrypted, but I assumed you would make the roll to crack it, so I just made that roll for you to move things along.
The file is a basic list of 3 contacts.
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Awesome, I'm off to nyc for a week so won't be posting much/at all. Ultra will disseminate the audio and contacts list to the team and monitor the audio feed for another 15 mins. He'll reboot his deck to clear overwatch and continue his watch by patrolling with the drone.
Cheers guys, back in a week
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Have fun, man!
ETA: Mlinzi will look through the files sent. Since she only speaks Kiswahili and English, I'm guessing she's out on understanding it. I guess a question we could ask is whether it sounds like a language we've heard before, I can't speak a lick of german, but I could probably pick up on something that sounds like it. She'll also look through the contact list and see if any of the names ring a bill, either individually or tribal affiliated.
Checking Contact List: Nairobi Area Tribes (2) + Intuition (4) (6d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4473563/) (I can't remember if you're a "half" or "more than half" GM on glitches. I rolled 6 dice, and three of them were 1s.
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You don't get any useful information.
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About half an hour passes with no further sign of your "friends"
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I'm going to assume we just continue the watch schedule then, unless someone has objections. Frenchy then Mlinzi is I believe the remaining order if we've come to the end of Ultra's shift.
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Frenchy isn't sleeping at all. He couldn't if he wanted to since he's on longhaul.
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Yeah, I think he was going to cover this part by himself? I would have to go back and check what we posted earlier OOC.
ETA: Yeah, found the post. Frenchy's shift is next and then Mlinzi has the final shift (with Frenchy supplementing).
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All right, any one still standing watch needs to make a perception roll then, to cover your shift.
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Hooray!
Standing Watch: Perception (2) + Intuition (4) (6d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4478606/)
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You probably meant sunrise
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Yeah, I'll fix that.
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You can figure out who is or isn't on watch at that point in time
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I figure 4AM is right about when Frenchy would have woken up Mlinzi for her shift.
ETA: If that is too much activity or if I need to roll something, just let me know.
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hopefully the trucks or weapons will show up on the scan, if so i'll get to work on bricking them. if not, well.. i've got a gun i can contribute to the fight.
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Perception test for Mutumbo for looking around camp.
INT(5) + Perception(5) + vision enhancers(3) [Mental(7)] (13d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4479564/), using first low-light enhancers then thermal spectrums.
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Perception test for Mutumbo for looking around camp.
INT(5) + Perception(5) + vision enhancers(3) [Mental(7)] (13d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4479564/), using first low-light enhancers then thermal spectrums.
What are you looking around the camp for?
For those needing to be woken up (Ren, Ultra, Alzmer if you choose to wake him) you guys are going to have about 20 seconds before they are right on top of you, or less if they stop short (assuming they are headed for you, which they appear to be. Whoever isn't doing the waking up between Frenchy and Mlinzi has about double that.
As far as matrix perception goes, it's pretty low tech. 4 commlinks (one is a sat link). Two are the same you saw last time (even though you aren't necessarily entitled to that info, I am giving it to you anyway). They are probably pretty low tech in terms of gear (as far as you can tell, given the absence of other icons). The trucks aren't running wirelessly (there is no grid guide here anyway).
The night is clear, so it's not total darkness, but one step up from that. Light wind. Noise is 4. That doesn't mean you have to start shooting of course, but just to set the scene for you to decide what to do.
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I was thinking Frenchy was waking Mwindaji and Mlinzi was waking Ultra. I can have Mlinzi waking both or Frenchy waking both, if preferred. In either event, Mlinzi would move to dismiss her current spirit and summon something a bit tougher.
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I'm worried about the closing trucks being a diversion, and if there is an attack, it will come from another direction, so i'm looking for the signs of an ambush around camp. As i don't have too much time, it won't be a very thoruogh look.
Also, when i took my place behind the car, i will check what can be seen of the trucks and their passengers/driver.
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Glad none of us were banking on recovering Edge tonight, LOL.
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Perception test for Mutumbo for looking around camp.
INT(5) + Perception(5) + vision enhancers(3) [Mental(7)] (13d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4479564/), using first low-light enhancers then thermal spectrums.
you see one figure about 30 meters out, prone, to the north
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Ok, do we shoot first? Can't say I like the idea of them getting the drop on us
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Given where we're camped, I'd assume Maasai. Probably won't do us much good to talk to them, but we're going to have to break camp pretty much immediately in any event.
you see one figure about 30 meters out, prone, to the north
Well, that's a sneaky bastard.
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@Reminder: What are the modifiers for trying to take a closer look at the prone figure without attracting his attention on what I’m doing? I assume at the very least I can’t use the +3 dice from “looking”. I’m probably going to take an Observe in Detail action on him. The primary goal of my looking is to see if he has a gun pointed at us.
Also, how many categories does low-light vision shift lighting conditions? (I don’t have my books on me, and it is relevant for both perception and targeting.) Do I remember well that there are four levels, with -0/-1/-3/-6 penalties, respectively?
@team: my wireless is up at this time, and depending on what I can gather from the prone figure, I will probably notify you of its presence, either with words or with actions or with both. 8)
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Low-Light: Treat Partial Light and Dim Light as Full Light
Basically, as long as you're not in full darkness, there is no penalty for light.
@Team: My commlink is off (not that any of you would know that). The only wireless I have on is the Chameleon Suit, but it may actually be treated as wireless off given the noise rating of the area.
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You can take about 3 seconds and take an observe in detail action. I am not going to give you the +2 bonus you would normally get for searching for a specific thing however, assuming you don't want to stare directly at him, and thus possibly notify him you are aware of his presence. If you don't care about that though, and just want to look for weapons you can take the +2.
It also isn't going to work in thermo. What Jack said about low light is correct by the book.
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So anyone else wanting to "attempt" something? If ren doesn't make the roll in a bit I'll run it for him and give him the result.
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Well, I did say I was going to dismiss Wawindaji and re-summon the spirit at a higher force. Since I don't know about the person near-by, I guess I'll go ahead with that roll.
Summon (F4) Spirit of Beasts w/Noxious Breath: Summoning (5) + Magic (4) + Specialization (2) (11d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4482091/) (Limit: 4)
Spirit Summon Resistance: Force (4) (4d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4482092/) (4S Drain)
Drain Resistance: Willpower (5) + Charisma (8) (13d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4482094/)
Results: F4 Spirit of Beasts w/Noxious Breath (2 Services) & 1 box of Stun Damage
ETA: I'll wait to post IC in the event I get capped by the guy to our north... and Jesus Christ. Every time I try something, the rules just straight up fall apart. Assuming I summon the spirit, can we say a Spirit of Beasts with the Noxious Breath power does indeed have an Exotic Weapon Proficiency to go along with its power?
EATA: Remind me not to summon a spirit with this power again. So pointless... I had incorrectly assumed the potency of the effect would be double the spirit's force like an elemental attack. Not to be!
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In open field combat (if it comes to that) on a beast spirit, venom or confusion would probably be the better choices.
That isn't to say noxious breath isn't without use, since I have made use of it personally from time to time, but it's probably not ideal for what you are intending. I would think it is fair to assume it knows how to use it's breath though, yes.
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I don't want to notify him that i check him, so I won't use the specific search bonus.
INT(5) + Perception(5) + Enhancers(3) [Mental(7)] (13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4482340/)
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In open field combat (if it comes to that) on a beast spirit, venom or confusion would probably be the better choices.
At least at the Force I am comfortable summoning a spirit at with Mlinzi, I don't see much use in Venom. A Power (4) toxin attack isn't going to do much. Even at F6, there doesn't seem to be too much of a point to it. Do net hits on the attack stage up the power of a toxin? I've always assumed they didn't, given the already high Power of things like Narcoject.
Other than the really powerful Animal Control ability, the Spirit of Beasts is pretty underwhelming. But it fits the character, so I'm happy to try to find ways to make it work.
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I don't think they do, but it is stacking damage that doesn't really requiring an extra attack to use and ignores any armor the target has once it has been applied. Spirits of beasts also do have arguably the best base stats for a combatant.
Ren he has a rifle, but what he's aimed at you can't really tell.
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I don't think they do, but it is stacking damage that doesn't really requiring an extra attack to use and ignores any armor the target has once it has been applied.
Is Venom applied with a standard attack? I read it as being a separate touch attack. If it was applied with a melee attack that otherwise did damage, that would be pretty nice, like a injection arrow.
ETA: I guess it is an injection vector, but the power is a touch attack, so Lord knows how it is supposed to work. Can we basically say it works like an injection arrow then for future consideration?
Spirits of beasts also do have arguably the best base stats for a combatant.
That's probably true, although a lot of the elemental spirits with Energy Aura can be pretty bitchin' even with relatively low Strength.
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I'll ponder it. Have to see that it doesn't go too far over the edge.
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I'm gonna start rolling some attack actions when I get my search results so you want us to roll initiative?
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@Reminder: i didn't post any rolls because this is a very unceratin situation. IDN if the sniper will be faster, not even sure what tests to take, so i'll wait for your call before rolling.
Note: my rifle is silenced so i'm not worried about the trucks being alarmed by my shot.
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Initiative seems to be the way to go. If his sitting there staring at you, even if he doesn't know you are going to start shooting him, it probably isn't a surprise situation.
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I'm gonna start rolling some attack actions when I get my search results so you want us to roll initiative?
What search results are you waiting on? Did I miss one someplace?
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Yeah I was searching for the trucks and occupants' icons so I can set to work at disabling them
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I think Reminder posted those. The trucks don't have icons. I think the only icons are four commlinks, one with a satlink.
As far as matrix perception goes, it's pretty low tech. 4 commlinks (one is a sat link). Two are the same you saw last time (even though you aren't necessarily entitled to that info, I am giving it to you anyway). They are probably pretty low tech in terms of gear (as far as you can tell, given the absence of other icons). The trucks aren't running wirelessly (there is no grid guide here anyway).
@Reminder: Do I need to roll initiative before summoning? Basically, I just need to know if I am going to get capped when I try to re-summon the spirit.
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Just roll it up.
And yes, this group is quite low tech (at least as far as you can tell). You are out in the middle of nowhere at the moment, since that is where you wanted to find a campsite. Not much use for the matrix for them out here.
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Ah, my bad. Must have missed it while I was travelling. Will get a post up tonight after work
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Initiative (2d6+9=20) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4485526/)
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I don't like the situation. How far off are the trucks? And from what we have seen? Are they heading for us? Depending on the situation, maybe i will spend Edge to roll 5 dice for initiative.
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I don't like the situation. How far off are the trucks? And from what we have seen? Are they heading for us? Depending on the situation, maybe i will spend Edge to roll 5 dice for initiative.
At last check (and I don't think much of any time has passed) they are 300-500ish meters out, I believe.
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Deck set-up:
5 Attack
4 DP
4 Firewall
2 Sleaze
Programs: 2 (+1 virtual box)
-Virtual box: Fork, Hammer
-Shell
hot sim VR initiative int + DP + 4d6 = 8 +4d6=15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4485874/) = 23 INT
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Towards you. Based on the stuff you did, they are lets say 300meters away right now.
Where is Ultra, physically, since he is in VR.
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Front seat of the van, hasn't moved all night
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Yeah, spending that point of Edge.
Initiative: 5d6+8=28 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4486558/)
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Ok, ren you can do your shooting then. Then Frenchy, if you guys want to decide what he's going to do. Frenchy's Init Roll (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4486828/)
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What kind of rifle does he have and does he have any adept abilities that are relevant but would need to be activated?
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Hmm, still no spoilers, or I'd just post his whole sheet. Let me figure out how to do this.
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Well, then, according to my post, i assume my first simple action is Ready Weapon and the second is the Fire Single Shot. Lighting penalties nullified by low-light, wind by smart-link.
AGI(6) + Longarms(6) + Smartlink(2) [Accuracy(9)] (14d6.hits(5)=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4487364/); if it hits: damage 12P+net hits, AP -4.
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Can we get the initiative order? I think Frenchy is next, but we still need his equipment/abilities if you want us to decide what he does.
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frenchy then whoever between you and ultra had the highest init.
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I mailed everyone a copy of his sheet.
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Got it. Cool.
Initiative order is:
28 Ren
24 Frenchy
23 Ultra
20 Mlinzi
I guess Frenchy would either shoot at the guy Mutumbo shot at (assuming he has a good enough idea where he is) or just ready his weapon and take aim at one of the trucks. Anyone have better ideas?
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sounds good to me!
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looks like frenchy took his action? i assume that was:
free, move
simple, take cover
simple, take aim?
_________________________________________
My actions:
deck load out,
5,4,4,2
5 Attack, 4 Firewall, 4 DP, 2 sleaze
Programs:
Virtual machine: signal scrub, fork
Hammer (+2DV)
Attack both icons (fork) with dataspike:
LOG 5, Cybercombat 5, hot sim 2 (12d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4491545/) hits are conveniently at my limit of 5.
DV 7+net hits on each.
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All right Mlinzi is up then.
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I'm summoning that spirit, the roll is here (http://forums.shadowruntabletop.com/index.php?topic=12945.msg285751#msg285751).
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I was fine with the presummoning. Like I said, you had a few seconds. Ren just decided to start shooting.
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Oh cool, then I'll use my Complex Action to command the spirit. IC post incoming.
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It's round 2.
Sorry for the delay; work sucks right now.
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NP
Initiative order is:
18 Ren
14 Frenchy
13 Ultra
10 Mlinzi
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How fast are the trucks coming? Would it cause a serious problem for the driver if i shot one of the tires, or are they coming at us at a reasonable enough speed so that it would only be a minor hiccup?
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By your best estimate about 45-70kph. You are unlikely to cause a crash if that's what you are asking. You can get more info if you want to take an observe in detail.
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that IC was just to cover my actions last pass, though my actions will probably be the same this time too
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One final question before my action (I will target the front truck or its driver). Do the trucks have tinted windshields or transparent? (So, can i see a driver or not?)
Also, just that I can be sure, according to rules, if I try shooting the driver, if the modified DV of the attack exceeds Armor rating – AP (it will, even with armored glass), because the rifle is a penetration weapon, the DV will be reduced by 1 and the driver will have to resist the rest. (It’s a bit confusing with how shooting through barriers and attacking barriers is described in the rulebook but I think it works this way.)
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You can roll to make out the driver (no its not tinted) given they are still at least 100 meters away.
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Observe in Detail, simple: INT(5) + Perception(5) + Enhancers(3) [Mental(7)] (13d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4495980/); to find the driver, I have magnification and low-light to offset any penalties
Fire Single Shot, simple: AGI(6) + Longarms(6) + Smartlink(2) [Accuracy(9)] (14d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4495981/); magnification offsets range penalty, smartlink for the wind, low-light for lighting; if hits, damage 12P + net hits – 1 for the intervening glass, AP -4
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I think VM only works to offset penalties if you use the take aim action, although it seems like Observe in Detail should replicate this pretty closely, especially if you're "observing in detail" through the scope of a rifle. LOL
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I think VM only works to offset penalties if you use the take aim action, although it seems like Observe in Detail should replicate this pretty closely, especially if you're "observing in detail" through the scope of a rifle. LOL
That was the 4e mechanics, now VM automatically reduces range category by one (and no more). So with a 350 meters medium range with a rifle i shoot as if being in short range. If the truck was at 500 meters, i would shoot as if at medium range.
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I think VM only works to offset penalties if you use the take aim action, although it seems like Observe in Detail should replicate this pretty closely, especially if you're "observing in detail" through the scope of a rifle. LOL
That was the 4e mechanics, now VM automatically reduces range category by one (and no more). So with a 350 meters medium range with a rifle i shoot as if being in short range. If the truck was at 500 meters, i would shoot as if at medium range.
In order to use an image magnification
system the attacker needs to use the Take Aim action
to gain the benefit of the system.
Typical with SR, they don't even use the same terminology, but it's pretty clearly supposed to be VM considering the rest of the section referring to reducing range penalties.
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Hell, they don't even mention it at environmental modifiers. Sorry i missed it. Without taking aim, i have -1 die for the test. Should i reroll it, or should we just take the last dice away?
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The way VM is written to affect range modifiers is somewhat ambiguous. If you use a take aim action, I am fine with reducing it one category with a take aim action (no matter how good you can see, you aren't going to have say a zero range penalty at 60 meters with a light pistol with a barrel that is only 8 inches long).
And I am fine with adjusting dice as needs be. I'll resolve it when I get home.
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It is Frenchy's turn
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So what, with 5 hits on the test, I didn’t even hit the windshield? The truck made a wild maneuver avoiding it? I understand the driver being able to avoid it (pretty good cover from the truck itself, and although very limited on the moves he can make sitting in the front seat, he can still lean away), but the truck?
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You aimed for the driver, which means if you miss, you miss everything. I guess he swerved around a bush as you were shooting or something. (It mostly meant you didn't almost hit him based on the rolls).
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Frenchy might as well start taking shots. I would assume the drivers know they're being shot at now.
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ok ultra
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same again for me:
data spike (12d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4500366/)
3 hits this time,
7DV + net hits matrix damage
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It is Jack's turn.
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I'm going to take a simple action to take cover behind whatever is available and another simple action to flip my senses to the astral to make sure they don't have any spirit support in bound from the astral.
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Quick Note: I am heading out of town today through Sunday. I will be AFK, but will have my cellphone. I may be able to post OOC from there. Thanks!
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Ren you need to dodge without a cover bonus.
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How many hits does the attacker have?
Anyway, here’s my dodge test, but depending on your answer, I may yet spend Edge.
REA(3) + INT(5) (8d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4505045/)
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Five.
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Ren still out there?
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Sorry, i don't know how i missed the answer. No reroll for the defense test.
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The soak is at -1 then.
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And what is the damage?
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Right now, 13
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Damage resistance: BOD(4) + Armor(13) - AP(1) (16d6.hits(5)=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4509674/)
Reroll with Edge: BOD(4) + Armor(13) - AP(1) - hits(5) (11d6.hits(5)=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4509675/)
Total 12 hits, 1 damage taken. Is it physical or stun?
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Since your modified armor is 12, it is physical
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We are also back to the top of the initiative order.
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Ren is up, then Frenchy.
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Will be able to put my action up tomorrow.
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Observe in detail, simple: INT(5) + Perception(5) + Enhancer(3) [Mental(7)] (13d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4514156/); I don’t know the shooter’s distance or other modifiers for my visual perception test, so I roll the full dice pool, please remove dice from the end for the modifiers
If I found the shooter on the first attempt:
Fire Single Shot, simple: AGI(6) + Longarms(6) + smartlink(2) [Accuracy(9)] (14d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4514163/); also don’t know modifiers
If I didn’t find the shooter on the first attempt:
Observe in detail, simple: INT(5) + Perception(5) + Enhancer(3) – retry(2) [Mental(7)] (11d6.hits(5)=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4514171/); I don’t know the shooter’s distance or other modifiers for my visual perception test, so I roll the full dice pool, please remove dice from the end for the modifiers
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also GM, when i did my matrix search for Icons between 100-500m didnt anything pop up that would show the sniper's equipment?
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You found 4 comlinks. You don't know who's is who's or where they are necessarily.
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ah, thought i only found the two on the truck. great!
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Ok, ren spotted a second gunman lying out in the bush (your modifiers seem fine, maybe even low on the vision check, but since you made it anyway, it didn't matter). No one else at this point knows where the target is specifically.
It is Frenchy's turn, then Ultra (as a reminder, you took out the icon of 1 of the 2 comlinks you were initially targeting).
The spirit rolled like crap on its initiative 8+2d6=10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4514278/), so it won't get a chance to try and spot until the next initiative round
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what kind of action would it be to create an ARO to show the location of the commlinks i've spotted?
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My assumption would be trace icon, if you want to determine their physical location. At least for the three that are still active.
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So thoughts on Frenchy?
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Either spot the new sniper + shoot or keep shooting!
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Either spot the new sniper + shoot or keep shooting!
Yeah, that's what I would suggest.
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He didn't have the ability to try and resolve a passenger and fire, so taking cover seemed the more viable option.
It is Ultra's turn.
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righto;
will try and finish off the last of the previous ICON and pick one of the new ones from the scan
(i found four, attacked two using fork. destroyed one and hurt the second. i'll try and finish off the second and hurt the third with fork)
data spike (12d6.hits(5)=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4516308/) limited to 5.
DV 7 + net hits
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All right that finishes off the second one.
Unless I am mistaken, it is a new combat turn.
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Yup, my initiative was originally 20, so I don't get a third IP.
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Jesus, these Commlink are made of good stuff!
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With the resist and soak roll, its awfully hard to 1 shot a device.
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@Csjarrat: just think about it, with 7 base DV, if you reach the maximum 5 hits, it’s practically 12 DV. The defender rolls two times (defense, soak), and even if its ratings are only at 3, that’s 12 dice, averaging 4 hits, resulting in 8 DV vs. 10 boxes.
@Reminder: my initiative for the next round is initiative (1d6+8=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4517037/)
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I'm rolling hot dice for initiative...
Initiative (2d6+9=21) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4517067/)
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Yeah I was referring to the second one, three attack actions to take it out! Will sort in roll this evening
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4d6=10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4517687/)
+8 for total of 18
lol. i'm in hot sim and have been far slower than everyone so far :-) think i need a new deck lol
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Spirit goes on 15 and Frenchy has 24, which makes him first.
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Assuming the lack of new ideas for Frenchy means business as usual. It is Mlinzi's turn.
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Mlinzi's Actions:
Free Action: Spell Defense on all the PCs
Simple Action: Observe in Detail (Trying to Spot the Sniper) Perception Test: Perception (2) + Intuition (4) (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4521975/)
Simple Action: Attribute Boost (Agility): Attribute Boost Power (2) + Magic (4) (6d6.hits(5)=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4521976/) (+1 Agility for 2 CTs)
Drain Resistance: Drain Resistance: Body (4) + Willpower (5) (9d6.hits(5)=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4521977/) (No Drain)
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Your perception fails to locate anyone else (you would get two extra dice for looking for a specific thing, but even rolling those for you, no dice).
I think Ultra checks in next at 18.
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same again:
data spike (12d6.hits(5)=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4522482/) 4 nets + 7base DV
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Your perception fails to locate anyone else (you would get two extra dice for looking for a specific thing, but even rolling those for you, no dice).
Yeah, i figured if my 4 successes on my spotting test during my watch didn't pick either sniper up, then 1 success on this test wouldn't either.
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All right, one com left.
The spirit shifts into the astral.
Ren you have to dodge again (no cover bonus)
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Against how many hits? Where comes the shot from: first shooter, second shooter, or a third position?
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You don't know how many hits. It's still the same guy shooting last time.
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How can i decide if i want to spend Edge, either before or after the test, if i don't know the number of hits i'm working against?
Anyway, it seems like you are running a zero transparency game on the NPC side, which is very hard on the players. Basically, we have to spend one of the most valuable resources (Edge) blindly, which is a bit odd for a completely meta decision. I would like to ask you to reconsider this method. (Of course, this doesn't mean i'd like to know on what dice pool the opponents reached those number of hits, too much transparency can also hurt.)