New chat room entered at 2/23/2006 8:38:01 PM.
You are now in chat room “sotsw022306.”
MilesMk1 has entered the chat room.

Thematrian1 has entered the chat room.

CirclMastr has entered the chat room.

MilesMk1 (8:38:19 PM): Evening.
Umbrafer (8:39:51 PM): j0.
CirclMastr (8:40:04 PM): Any suggestions from anyone on skill point allocation for my rigger?
Thematrian1 (8:40:39 PM): how many do you have?
Umbrafer (8:40:53 PM): No matter how tempting it is, Cursed Karma/Bad Karma are not good choices.
Thematrian1 (8:40:58 PM): seriously
CirclMastr (8:41:10 PM): 40 at the moment. If pressed, I can take flaws. Right now I have neither edges nor flaws.
Thematrian1 (8:41:23 PM): well, take Connected for vehicle and drone parts
Thematrian1 (8:41:32 PM): that's 3
Umbrafer (8:41:39 PM): 5, probably
CirclMastr (8:41:39 PM): Yeah, that's a good idea.
Umbrafer (8:41:43 PM): Two-way is so much more valuable
Thematrian1 (8:42:02 PM): I disagree. How often has Alex sold drone parts in the year and a half you've played her?
CirclMastr (8:42:17 PM): That never made sense to me. If you take it two-way, when you sell them something with SI >1, you lose money.
MilesMk1 (8:42:31 PM): She has sold cars. Hence the closest thing we have passing for a motto...
Umbrafer (8:42:31 PM): "At the best possible price"
Thematrian1 (8:42:32 PM): (You sell them after having scavenged them)
Thematrian1 (8:42:38 PM): Ah, true, cars
Umbrafer (8:42:38 PM): (Exactly)
Thematrian1 (8:42:45 PM): that's a good point; I change my vote
CirclMastr (8:43:07 PM): Well, that's 5 then
MilesMk1 (8:43:29 PM): Do you intend for him/her to sit coccooned in a car the whole time, or actually get out sometime?
CirclMastr (8:43:54 PM): Probably the cocooned one.
CirclMastr (8:43:59 PM): At least during the run parts.
MilesMk1 (8:44:05 PM): Regardless, I think some of Alex' encounters in the Tuesday game prove that Unarmed Combat is a good idea for anyone.
CirclMastr (8:44:37 PM): Nah, I just need to have the security on with the taser option.
MilesMk1 (8:44:43 PM): Just in case, you know, a fucking spirit materializes in the van...
Umbrafer (8:44:49 PM): That doesn't help if something manifests inside
CirclMastr (8:44:51 PM): Oh, yeah, that would suck...
Thematrian1 (8:44:53 PM): not that that would ever happen
Umbrafer (8:44:55 PM): Er, yeah, materializes
MilesMk1 (8:44:57 PM): Never.
Umbrafer (8:45:04 PM): If it manifests inside, stick your tongue out at it.
MilesMk1 (8:45:08 PM): Certainly not twice, much less three times. :)
CirclMastr (8:45:13 PM): *Wonders how much a FAB interior lining would cost*
Thematrian1 (8:45:18 PM): 3 times? I think you exaggerate, sir
Thematrian1 (8:45:22 PM): FAB lining wouldn't help
Thematrian1 (8:45:31 PM): they can dodge through the metaplanes
CirclMastr (8:45:36 PM): ...
Thematrian1 (8:45:38 PM): well, bug spirits can't
Thematrian1 (8:45:43 PM): but an elemental definitely can
CirclMastr (8:45:44 PM): And this ISN'T broken.... why?
Thematrian1 (8:45:52 PM): oh, it definitely is
Umbrafer (8:45:59 PM): It costs a service, IIRC
CirclMastr (8:46:09 PM): Oh boy.
MilesMk1 (8:46:12 PM): Well, perhaps. The hostile spirits only invaded the van twice, I guess.
CirclMastr (8:46:14 PM): I'd rather just blast the mage.
Umbrafer (8:46:19 PM): The real problem with FAB, though, is that IIRC it can be attacked in astral combat
CirclMastr (8:46:24 PM): Or be very, very offsite.
Umbrafer (8:46:40 PM): Once the FAB is dead, you have no more barrier.
MilesMk1 (8:47:06 PM): Uh... Let's see, skills...
Thematrian1 (8:47:10 PM): Gem can create wards, though
MilesMk1 (8:47:26 PM): We could certainly use someone with better area knowledge, Gem and Glitch are depressingly clueless, there.
CirclMastr (8:47:41 PM): Well, I'm worried more about active skills.
MilesMk1 (8:47:45 PM): But that's a different issue from... right.
MilesMk1 (8:47:56 PM): Electronics I have covered, but it's always a good idea for a rigger.
Umbrafer (8:48:15 PM): Indeed, especially what with EW
Umbrafer (8:48:36 PM): Even if encryption makes 90% of the EW rules obsolete, jamming is still handy.
MilesMk1 (8:48:52 PM): Biotech(First Aid) 1(3) is always a good idea too.
Thematrian1 (8:49:05 PM): Take Computers
Thematrian1 (8:49:13 PM): we can a 100% decker team
Umbrafer (8:49:21 PM): :D
CirclMastr (8:49:30 PM): ...Why do I get the feeling you won't stop until I've spent 100 skill points?
MilesMk1 (8:49:35 PM): If you don't want to spend a lot of points but be able to defend yourself well in a pinch, Polearms with a Staff specialization and an extendable staff work wonders.
Umbrafer (8:49:36 PM): If Glitch gets a VCR, you can have a full RiggerDecker team
MilesMk1 (8:50:03 PM): Heh... Sure, as soon as someone gets me a Delta-grade VCR1, I'll be all set. :)
MilesMk1 (8:50:51 PM): Actually, Delta reduced it to what?
MilesMk1 (8:51:09 PM): reduceS
CirclMastr (8:51:10 PM): Who knows
Thematrian1 (8:51:22 PM): just Delta everything else, to make room
CirclMastr (8:51:34 PM): Beta with Improved Essence surgical option is almost as good and half the price.
Umbrafer (8:51:35 PM): .5
Umbrafer (8:51:57 PM): I'll warn you, if you want to take surgery options you'll play with the full surgery rules.
CirclMastr (8:52:05 PM): Heh
Thematrian1 (8:52:07 PM): Yeah, let's not go there
Thematrian1 (8:52:16 PM): Gem should have lost magic about 30 times, getting her cyber installed
MilesMk1 (8:52:21 PM): Right... So even a Delta-grade VCR 1 would kill me. My essence is precisely 1.00
Umbrafer (8:52:43 PM): That's what cybermancy is for.
Thematrian1 (8:52:56 PM): that sounds like another great place to not go
Umbrafer (8:52:57 PM): That, or delta-grade your Datajack, then delta-grade your VCR 1.
Thematrian1 (8:53:04 PM): seriously, you need a bunch of vehicle skills and vehicle B/R
MilesMk1 (8:53:11 PM): Let's see, more skills... Gunnery is of course a no-brainer.
Thematrian1 (8:53:16 PM): that'll eat most of your points
Thematrian1 (8:53:24 PM): and Gunnery, yeah, good call on that
Umbrafer (8:53:27 PM): Gunnery is pretty useful, yeah
CirclMastr (8:53:28 PM): Sadly, I just don't have a ton of skill points and there are a fuckton of vehicle skills
Umbrafer (8:53:33 PM): Well
Umbrafer (8:53:37 PM): You can probably skip Sailboat
MilesMk1 (8:53:38 PM): Small Unit Tactics can be useful.
Umbrafer (8:53:40 PM): What level VCR?
CirclMastr (8:53:45 PM): Even if I just get Gunnery and Vehicle and B/R skills, I'll run out before I'm done.
Thematrian1 (8:53:46 PM): you need rotor craft, and car, and whatever anthroforms use
MilesMk1 (8:53:51 PM): Bah... What are you getting, a VCR3?
CirclMastr (8:53:53 PM): IIRC I got 2
Umbrafer (8:54:06 PM): Walker
Thematrian1 (8:54:08 PM): or vector-thrust
Thematrian1 (8:54:12 PM): depends what you're doing, I guess
Thematrian1 (8:54:15 PM): that could replace rotor
CirclMastr (8:54:17 PM): I haven't spent money yet, so I can go up to 3 at the cost of some drones.
Thematrian1 (8:54:20 PM): no strato, though
MilesMk1 (8:54:30 PM): Which means that you get to, at worst, default without adjustment with a reaction of 10, most likely, right?
MilesMk1 (8:54:45 PM): With a 3, you come out -2 ahead when defaulting...
CirclMastr (8:54:47 PM): Well, I can't really default on B/R skills.
MilesMk1 (8:54:57 PM): I know, I meant the vehicle skills.
Thematrian1 (8:55:05 PM): true. Which reminds me, get microscopic vision if you haven't already
Umbrafer (8:55:05 PM): The only problem with defaulting is the limit on when you can default
CirclMastr (8:55:15 PM): *Takes VCR-3 and defaults to Cars with everything*
Thematrian1 (8:55:21 PM): defaulting on rotorcraft is probably safe
Umbrafer (8:55:29 PM): Defaulting to Cars usually isn't such a good idea
Thematrian1 (8:55:30 PM): ditto for walkers, at least at first
Umbrafer (8:55:31 PM): Well
Umbrafer (8:55:34 PM): Depends on the TN
Umbrafer (8:55:41 PM): Frequently going to Reaction is the better choice
MilesMk1 (8:55:51 PM): If you're really worried about running out of skills because you want to take a lot of B/R stuff, and have money to spare, get low-rating skillwires with an ECD.
Umbrafer (8:55:59 PM): Especially if your Handling is around 0
Thematrian1 (8:56:00 PM): He'd be getting +2 TN vs. +4, right?
Umbrafer (8:56:04 PM): Yeah
CirclMastr (8:56:14 PM): Low rating skillwires? Then what's the point?
Thematrian1 (8:56:15 PM): and 6 dice versus 10...I haven't done the math, but Cars is probably the right choice
Thematrian1 (8:56:27 PM): To get 3 dice + 3 from CED
MilesMk1 (8:56:31 PM): The Expert Chipjack Driver adds 3 dice... Right.
Thematrian1 (8:56:33 PM): six dice, basically for free
Thematrian1 (8:56:45 PM): you can fit it into 1 essence; that's what Gem did
MilesMk1 (8:56:50 PM): So even rating 2 or 3 wires are really useful.
Umbrafer (8:56:52 PM): IIRC, Alex would almost always be better off defaulting to her Reaction in the van than driving it like she knows what she's doing
Umbrafer (8:56:57 PM): That's before pool expenditure, of course
MilesMk1 (8:57:09 PM): Especially for skills you can take your time with, like fixing vehicles.
Thematrian1 (8:57:11 PM): I have a hard time believing that; six dice at normal TN versus 12 at +4?
MilesMk1 (8:57:33 PM): The van has handling so low, it's still at 0 either way, probably...
Thematrian1 (8:57:41 PM): Consider the case where TN = 6, then realize that the average case is /worse/
Thematrian1 (8:58:00 PM): oh, true
Umbrafer (8:58:06 PM): Basically. Base TN = -6, six dice vs. base TN = -2, thirteen dice
Thematrian1 (8:58:09 PM): the odds of your TN even being positive aren't so good, I guess
Umbrafer (8:58:20 PM): It might be -5 and -1.
CirclMastr (8:58:29 PM): My powered armor has a Handling of 1. So high. :(
Umbrafer (8:58:32 PM): Which brings me to another edge you should probably consider: Vehicle Empathy
Thematrian1 (8:58:46 PM): yeah. Think of it as a free point of Handling
Umbrafer (8:59:07 PM): Even if we ignore the crazy mystical side of it, it's worth its weight in gold.
MilesMk1 (8:59:14 PM): Some Etiquette never hurts - the Connected edge isn't worth much without it... Or rather, not as useful.
Umbrafer (8:59:32 PM): (By a strict reading, it works even if you aren't the one driving the vehicle.)
Thematrian1 (8:59:41 PM): (Wait, what?)
MilesMk1 (8:59:42 PM): Or would that be Negotiation?
Umbrafer (8:59:48 PM): (If you ever see a party with a Rigger and every character has Vehicle Empathy, run away.)
Thematrian1 (8:59:49 PM): (It explicitly improves YOUR TNs, I thought?)
Umbrafer (8:59:58 PM): (Let me double-check)
Thematrian1 (9:00:03 PM): (If not, um, wow. Not that I'd allow it...)
CirclMastr (9:00:40 PM): Reminds me of Teamwork + Duplication in a certain superhero game...
Thematrian1 (9:01:22 PM): anyway, we were on the verge of watching Shit Go Down at the one building
Umbrafer (9:02:01 PM): "Whenever such a character is in physical contact with a vehicle, reduce the Handling of the vehicle by 1."
Thematrian1 (9:02:16 PM): !
Thematrian1 (9:02:23 PM): Bad, bad writers
Thematrian1 (9:02:24 PM): no biscuit
MilesMk1 (9:02:32 PM): A Neurostun grenade with a radio detonator was set on the second floor, and an IPE HE grenade was set up with a tripwire, outside of the room that the sniper holed up in.
Umbrafer (9:02:49 PM): They do include a note about what counts as "physical contact" heavily implying that they did not intend that reading, but that's what they wrote.
MilesMk1 (9:03:13 PM): I hear the laws of physics whimpering in a corner.
Umbrafer (9:04:02 PM): (So yeah, everyone who makes a new character in the Tuesday game needs to take Vehicle Empathy. That way we can dodge the entire UCAS army without Control Pool.)
Umbrafer (9:04:06 PM): ( ;) )
Umbrafer (9:04:21 PM): But yes.
Umbrafer (9:04:35 PM): IIRC Glitch was headed up the stairs?
MilesMk1 (9:04:44 PM): Well, let's hope we don't need to make new characters...
MilesMk1 (9:05:08 PM): IIRC you said I just reached the 4th floor when my ultrasound detector warned me of someone coming towards me again.
Umbrafer (9:06:15 PM): Yes.
Umbrafer (9:06:31 PM): You'd just gotten to the door out onto the roof/fourth floor
Umbrafer (9:06:45 PM): And your detector is going crazy. Actions from those around?
MilesMk1 (9:07:04 PM): I hide.
MilesMk1 (9:08:06 PM): *singsong* #...'dead as dead can be' the doctor tells me...#
Umbrafer (9:08:23 PM): (Roll Stealth, while you're at it)
MilesMk1 (9:08:40 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 3 3 6 6 4 5
MilesMk1 (9:08:45 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 2 6-sided dice: 3 6
MilesMk1 (9:08:48 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
MilesMk1 (9:09:19 PM): 25
Umbrafer (9:09:57 PM): You vanish into the wall.
Umbrafer (9:10:08 PM): The detector pings.
MilesMk1 (9:10:41 PM): Hmm... By "hide" I meant I try to stay away from anyone with a ultrasound scope or goggles, BTW.
MilesMk1 (9:10:48 PM): So I move, if necessary.
Umbrafer (9:11:26 PM): I figured. The door is propped open, but you don't see anyone.
MilesMk1 (9:11:39 PM): So, whatever it is isn't getting closer?
Umbrafer (9:12:12 PM): Not that you can tell
MilesMk1 (9:12:40 PM): Can I tell if there's something pointed at the door - like a screamer, or an alarm - or whether this is just a bounce from someone sweeping outside?
MilesMk1 (9:12:54 PM): Also, if the 4th floor is gutted, is there a way for me to go around and not use the door?
MilesMk1 (9:13:27 PM): Oh, and if I forgot to tell everyone last session, I transduce the fact I placed those boobytraps in the building, so the team isn't surprised.
Umbrafer (9:13:31 PM): Not really--this particular stairwell had a large metal sheet bolted on top of it.
Umbrafer (9:13:45 PM): The other stairwells may or may not have had the same treatment.
Thematrian1 (9:13:49 PM): much appreciated, Glitch
MilesMk1 (9:14:15 PM): Mhmm... Well, I suppose I'll stealthily try to find out just what this is. Moving slowly, in case it's a motion detector.
Umbrafer (9:14:47 PM): Roll Electronics
MilesMk1 (9:14:55 PM): In fact, I also ought to be able to use my emittor/detector to spoof it...
MilesMk1 (9:14:57 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 8 6-sided dice: 4 2 5 1 1 4 1 2
MilesMk1 (9:15:02 PM): God damn it...
MilesMk1 (9:15:12 PM): Well, with Talent, I guess I made TN 6, at least.
MilesMk1 (9:15:16 PM): (Right?)
Umbrafer (9:16:06 PM): (Aptitude, you mean?)
Umbrafer (9:16:41 PM): As far as you can tell, the source is stationary and just on the other side of the door. You get loud reflected pings off the doorframe on one side.
MilesMk1 (9:16:41 PM): (Yes.)
MilesMk1 (9:17:15 PM): Do I hear the CGoons up there?
Umbrafer (9:17:26 PM): Perception.
MilesMk1 (9:17:30 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 1 3 4 6 6 3
MilesMk1 (9:17:34 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 2 6-sided dice: 5 3
Umbrafer (9:18:27 PM): You hear something, but it's hard to tell if it's a CMook or just the tarp in the wind.
Umbrafer (9:18:40 PM): The wind is picking up, incidentally. Might get some rain soon.
Umbrafer (9:18:47 PM): Weird weather.
MilesMk1 (9:19:03 PM): Ok... I'll try to move up there, without getting detected by this thing, whatever it is.
Umbrafer (9:20:10 PM): That'll be Electronics and an additional Stealth roll.
MilesMk1 (9:20:19 PM): Ok. Electronics.
MilesMk1 (9:20:21 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 8 6-sided dice: 1 3 4 5 2 6 3 3
MilesMk1 (9:20:25 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
MilesMk1 (9:20:28 PM): Stealth.
MilesMk1 (9:20:31 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 5 3 3 3 2 2
MilesMk1 (9:20:36 PM): Sigh.
Umbrafer (9:21:14 PM): Umbrafer rolled 5 6-sided dice: 4 4 1 3 6
Umbrafer (9:21:18 PM): Umbrafer rolled 1 6-sided die: 6
Umbrafer (9:21:21 PM): Umbrafer rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
MilesMk1 (9:22:07 PM): I guess I should have specified how fast I was moving, since it really matters... Oh well.
Umbrafer (9:22:19 PM): (I was assuming very slowly. Was I incorrect?)
Umbrafer (9:22:34 PM): Using the emitter/detector, you inch on out the door. Perception again.
MilesMk1 (9:22:50 PM): (No, not at all.)
MilesMk1 (9:22:55 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 4 6 3 3 2 3
MilesMk1 (9:22:58 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
Umbrafer (9:24:38 PM): You see two things.
Umbrafer (9:24:43 PM): Well, several things.
Umbrafer (9:25:00 PM): The first is a small object propped up on the floor at a decently steep angle to the door. This appears to be the source of the ultrasound.
Umbrafer (9:25:26 PM): The second thing is a wire running to the area around the doorframe.
Umbrafer (9:25:41 PM): And the third thing are several smallish but unpleasant-looking bundles secured to the doorframe.
Umbrafer (9:26:13 PM): *is
MilesMk1 (9:27:09 PM): Hmm. You know, I believe I'll stick my head back down, and leave this area.
MilesMk1 (9:27:35 PM): #They wired the roof access with explosives...#
Thematrian1 (9:27:54 PM): #Eesh. Who /is/ this guy?#
Umbrafer (9:27:55 PM): You slowly move back out the way you came.
Umbrafer (9:29:27 PM): Actions? You have, IIRC, 80 seconds 'till "welcoming party"
MilesMk1 (9:29:34 PM): I'm going to go back to my watchpost on the 1st floor.
MilesMk1 (9:29:53 PM): #Getting in position on the 1st floor, waiting for them to arrive.#
Thematrian1 (9:30:00 PM): We're good. Cars are still out of direct LOS of the door
MilesMk1 (9:30:05 PM): #Cross your fingers and hope they don't bring another mage...#
Umbrafer (9:31:01 PM): There's one CMook and a collection of mooks down by the door.
Umbrafer (9:31:09 PM): -10 seconds.
Umbrafer (9:31:17 PM): 0 seconds.
Umbrafer (9:31:30 PM): +10 seconds. CMook is getting antsy.
Umbrafer (9:32:16 PM): At ~+25 seconds, a car pulls into view. CMook takes careful aim.
Umbrafer (9:33:20 PM): It pulls up in front of the building. A door opens, and a tall man steps out.
Umbrafer (9:33:52 PM): He is recognizeable as one of the target's lieutenants.
Thematrian1 (9:34:07 PM): so far, so good...
Umbrafer (9:34:58 PM): CMook raises his off-hand in a kind of half-salute, but doesn't lower his rifle.
Umbrafer (9:35:31 PM): L: "Everything clear here?"
Umbrafer (9:35:42 PM): CM: "Clear and ready."
MilesMk1 (9:36:25 PM): (Well, technically, I didn't get to plant nearly as many explosives as I wanted...)
Umbrafer (9:36:30 PM): L: *Walks around*
MilesMk1 (9:36:49 PM): #Got any spirits ready, Gem? Just in case?#
Umbrafer (9:36:57 PM): The other door opens, a man gets out. He's the last of the lieutenants you haven't killed.
Umbrafer (9:37:14 PM): He's also, for reference, the one noted as possibly a mage.
Thematrian1 (9:37:14 PM): #Hang on, I'll pull something together#
Thematrian1 (9:37:17 PM): What domain is the car?
Thematrian1 (9:37:22 PM): City?
Umbrafer (9:37:52 PM): City, yeah.
Thematrian1 (9:38:15 PM): ok, I beckon an F4 City spirit
Thematrian1 (9:38:22 PM): Thematrian1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 3 2 6 4 2 1
Thematrian1 (9:38:28 PM): Thematrian1 rolled 10 6-sided dice: 3 6 3 4 1 3 1 3 5 1
Umbrafer (9:38:50 PM): It oozes out of a nearby sewer.
MilesMk1 (9:38:57 PM): *wills himself to become invisible*
Thematrian1 (9:38:59 PM): one service, thanks to wound mods
Thematrian1 (9:39:14 PM): "Go hide. I'll call you when I need you."
CirclMastr has left the chat room.

MilesMk1 (9:39:49 PM): (Did he leave on purpose?)
Umbrafer (9:39:54 PM): (No idea)
CirclMastr has entered the chat room.

Thematrian1 (9:41:35 PM): hm. I get out of the car
Thematrian1 (9:41:53 PM): (assuming we're not in LOS)
Umbrafer (9:42:12 PM): You aren't.
Thematrian1 (9:42:49 PM): I shift domains to Sky, and whistle up a F3 Sky great form.
Thematrian1 (9:42:52 PM): Thematrian1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 1 5 3 3 6 6
Thematrian1 (9:42:57 PM): Thematrian1 rolled 10 6-sided dice: 3 1 6 1 2 3 5 5 3 1
Thematrian1 (9:43:00 PM): Thematrian1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 6 2 5 2 3 1
Thematrian1 (9:43:03 PM): Thematrian1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 2
Thematrian1 (9:43:12 PM): got him. No drain, 3 services
Umbrafer (9:44:19 PM): A big cloud of smog descends to you.
Thematrian1 (9:45:12 PM): "Shhhh...disperse for now. I'll let you know when I need you."
Thematrian1 (9:46:01 PM): I make sure Pusher's awake and paying attention, then I settle in to wait
Umbrafer (9:47:16 PM): (One minute)
Umbrafer (9:51:13 PM): (Sorry 'bout that) You do so. The car drives away, the two lieutenants walk up and converse with CMook. Perception to hear them.
MilesMk1 (9:51:45 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 4 6 4 3 2 2
MilesMk1 (9:51:52 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 5
MilesMk1 (9:51:59 PM): (Hearing amp.)
MilesMk1 (9:52:09 PM): (But you knew that. Sorry.)
Umbrafer (9:53:11 PM): (Yep, though I probably would have asked anyway)
Umbrafer (9:53:35 PM): They're talking extremely quietly, but you catch snatches of it. It mostly seems to be discussions of the security arrangements.
Umbrafer (9:53:46 PM): You do catch one meaningful portion, though:
Umbrafer (9:54:19 PM): (Incidentally, the first lieutenant is obviously cybered.)
Thematrian1 (9:54:21 PM): (I check my blimp every minute or so for latest developments)
Umbrafer (9:54:41 PM): The second lieutenant says that he should "…check the astral".
MilesMk1 (9:54:57 PM): Oh, shit oh shit oh shit.
Thematrian1 (9:55:06 PM): Run, Glitch, run!
Thematrian1 (9:55:21 PM): (Although they could have said "wait for the mage to get here so he can etc")
CirclMastr (9:55:22 PM): (Where's your Predator-style suicide nuke?)
MilesMk1 (9:56:00 PM): I want to get out - what's my best bet right now?
Umbrafer (9:56:17 PM): Depends.
MilesMk1 (9:56:23 PM): And do I know anything about hiding from someone snooping astrally? Does enough concrete block auras?
Umbrafer (9:56:34 PM): Roll a relevant knowledge skill.
Umbrafer (9:56:37 PM): Fastest, but risky, is straight out the door.
MilesMk1 (9:56:47 PM): #They're talking about doing an astral search. What's my best bet for hiding?#
Thematrian1 (9:56:49 PM): (You know someone who knows the answers to these questions. Just sayin')
Thematrian1 (9:56:59 PM): #Get something physical between you and them#
Thematrian1 (9:57:03 PM): #Best is to leave#
Thematrian1 (9:57:14 PM): #If they sent Watchers, they'll find you sooner or later#
MilesMk1 (9:57:38 PM): I think I'd rather slip out through one of the tarped windows. Pull it off just enough for my double-jointed self to get out.
Umbrafer (9:57:41 PM): This is complicated by the fact that at least one person with ultrasound is overlooking the area, and you don't know exactly where
Umbrafer (9:57:52 PM): Other than that, there's the roof or one of the tarped windows, yeah.
MilesMk1 (9:58:21 PM): #How much can they see on the astral? If I tried to look like one of their thugs, would my gear give me away?#
Thematrian1 (9:59:12 PM): #Astral sight sees living things, not much in the way of equipment. A spirit would probably be fooled. A mage...well, it depends#
MilesMk1 (9:59:27 PM): #Shit.#
MilesMk1 (9:59:32 PM): Are they still talking?
MilesMk1 (9:59:43 PM): In any case, I'd like to make a break for a window.
Umbrafer (9:59:55 PM): They are still talking.
MilesMk1 (10:00:38 PM): #I don't suppose standing right behind someone else...?#
Thematrian1 (10:00:56 PM): #Works about as well as the same trick in meatspace#
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MilesMk1 (10:01:29 PM): (I need something still alive to gut and crawl into.)
Thematrian1 has entered the chat room.

Umbrafer (10:01:54 PM): The largest snatch of conversation of note that you hear is that "someone offed [the lieutenant you killed in the garage]. Looks like they took Jack's body with them."
Thematrian1 (10:02:01 PM): Ok, so there's a bug in MacAIM
Umbrafer (10:02:13 PM): Do tell?
Thematrian1 (10:02:14 PM): (pretty serious one. Three keys and the application dies instantly)
Umbrafer (10:02:23 PM): (Which keys?)
Thematrian1 (10:03:08 PM): (enter, plus, and a mouseclick is what did it that time)
Thematrian1 (10:03:12 PM): Aw, crap.
Thematrian1 (10:03:16 PM): We've been made.
MilesMk1 (10:03:25 PM): Huh?
MilesMk1 (10:03:42 PM): You mean the bit about someone killing the lieutenant at the garage?
Thematrian1 (10:04:28 PM): yeah.
MilesMk1 (10:05:17 PM): Meh. Well, they still seem intent on moving someone here...
Umbrafer (10:05:53 PM): Anyway. Leaving or staying?
MilesMk1 (10:06:12 PM): Leaving.
MilesMk1 (10:06:35 PM): Going through a tarped window, disturbing the tarp as little as possible.
Umbrafer (10:06:52 PM): What floor?
MilesMk1 (10:07:09 PM): 2nd, I guess, since there aren't too many people there.
MilesMk1 (10:07:23 PM): Or 1st if there's a window that the guys in the lobby don't have LOS to.
Umbrafer (10:07:51 PM): It's a pretty big building, you can probably find one back there somewhere.
Umbrafer (10:07:53 PM): Your call.
MilesMk1 (10:07:57 PM): 1st, then.
MilesMk1 (10:08:01 PM): Easier to get out.
Umbrafer (10:08:23 PM): You slip through.
Umbrafer (10:08:25 PM): Umbrafer rolled 5 6-sided dice: 1 2 1 1 3
Umbrafer (10:08:38 PM): Along the way you almost run into two Mooks on patrol, but they don't even blink.
MilesMk1 (10:09:12 PM): BTW, my next step is going to be to try to find a sewer drain (one of those built into the side of the curb, with a horizontal sort of opening, if Seattle has those) and slip inside.
CirclMastr (10:09:21 PM): (brb, dinner)
MilesMk1 (10:09:22 PM): I'm assuming there are limits to where the mage will search.
Umbrafer (10:10:19 PM): There are those. I will warn you that, this being the Barrens, they tend to be extremely unpleasant.
MilesMk1 (10:11:02 PM): Devil rat unpleasant, or decades of shit and refuse unpleasant? Or potentially both?
Umbrafer (10:11:09 PM): Potentially both.
Umbrafer (10:11:35 PM): Occasionally worse, though this is a bit more well-organized an abandoned ruined area
Umbrafer (10:11:41 PM): Probably because it's been used as a safehouse.
MilesMk1 (10:11:47 PM): Well, it's part of the reason why I'm doing it... I figure it lets me stay close and avoid detection, although likely it'll suck.
MilesMk1 (10:12:25 PM): My plan is to try to hold myself suspended inside, ideally avoiding lowering myself into the muck.
MilesMk1 (10:12:50 PM): You know - arms and legs spread out against the walls, hanging under the ceiling type of thing.
MilesMk1 (10:13:19 PM): #The things I do for the job...#
Umbrafer (10:13:35 PM): *Nods* Just remember, most of the things that might start nibbling on your legs hunt by scent.
Umbrafer (10:14:23 PM): There's a drain right outside the building, and others further away. Where are you headed?
MilesMk1 (10:14:28 PM): Well, I figure most likely, something won't try to eat me right away - at all, in fact, unless I get unlucky.
MilesMk1 (10:14:36 PM): The one right outside.
MilesMk1 (10:14:42 PM): I want to be able to get back.
MilesMk1 (10:15:06 PM): I figure, worst case scenario, the guy figures the area has a ghoul infestation. :)
Thematrian1 (10:15:15 PM): heh
Umbrafer (10:15:33 PM): Won't work, you aren't dual-natured :)
Umbrafer (10:15:41 PM): (And what if it does? ;) )
Umbrafer (10:16:35 PM): You hang. Willpower.
MilesMk1 (10:16:38 PM): (Mole people. Whatever. ;))
MilesMk1 (10:16:58 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 2 3 1 1 2 4
MilesMk1 (10:17:03 PM): Uh... Karma?
Umbrafer (10:17:29 PM): If you wish.
MilesMk1 (10:17:32 PM): Although, what am I rolling it for? Standing the stench?
Umbrafer (10:17:43 PM): As far as you can tell.
MilesMk1 (10:18:05 PM): Uhm... Can I add +2 dice for my dwarven resistance to toxins and pathogens?
Umbrafer (10:18:16 PM): You know, I'm not sure.
Umbrafer (10:18:44 PM): I figure I'll give you a +1 for this type of thing.
MilesMk1 (10:18:48 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 2
MilesMk1 (10:18:57 PM): Mhmm. I'll hold on the Karma for now.
MilesMk1 (10:19:03 PM): I figure I won't be overcome just yet.
MilesMk1 (10:19:09 PM): hold off
CirclMastr (10:19:23 PM): (Back)
MilesMk1 (10:19:32 PM): (I'm in a sewer.)
CirclMastr (10:19:39 PM): (The highlight of the run)
Umbrafer (10:19:51 PM): You gag a little, even throw up a small amount in your mouth, but you manage to force your lunch to mostly stay where it belongs.
Umbrafer (10:20:17 PM): I would describe the sewer in more detail, but I'm eating at the moment.
MilesMk1 (10:20:26 PM): #Blergh...#
Umbrafer (10:21:51 PM): Any actions?
MilesMk1 (10:22:47 PM): I take advantage of the fact I can hold my breath three times as long as normal to minimize the number of inhalations I need to make.
MilesMk1 (10:22:49 PM): And wait.
MilesMk1 (10:22:59 PM): Also, listen for cars.
Umbrafer (10:23:13 PM): How long are you waiting?
MilesMk1 (10:23:17 PM): Since the other one left, and presumably, the big kahuna isn't coming on foot.
MilesMk1 (10:23:42 PM): #Gem... How long do you figure I should give them for this astral sweep?#
Thematrian1 (10:24:14 PM): #There is absolutely no way to know. Conducted by mage, ten minutes is plenty. A watcher sweep can last for hours#
MilesMk1 (10:24:30 PM): #Also, I don't suppose there's anything you could do to see whether he actually went in, or came back out?#
MilesMk1 (10:25:02 PM): Ok... I figure on ten minutes, then - unless I hear something sooner.
Thematrian1 (10:25:11 PM): #I think young women wandering around here are suspicious by definition...#
MilesMk1 (10:26:20 PM): #Right. I meant something more discrete, but I guess your spirits would stand out.#
Umbrafer (10:26:23 PM): (Unless they've obviously just escaped from a bunraku parlor or captivity)
MilesMk1 (10:27:07 PM): (Heh... Well, I'm sure Gem could BS them, but she has wound mods and they might remember her from last time.)
Umbrafer (10:27:51 PM): (Which last time?)
Thematrian1 (10:28:13 PM): (When I went out wandering and played dumb sim starlet)
MilesMk1 (10:28:14 PM): (From the time she talked to them in front of the store, pretending to be a lost sim starlet?)
Thematrian1 (10:28:24 PM): (Testament to my mad skillz that they bought that shitty lie)
Umbrafer (10:28:24 PM): (Ah yes.)
Umbrafer (10:29:33 PM): Ten minutes pass.
Umbrafer (10:29:43 PM): (One minute, feel free to declare actions)
Thematrian1 (10:30:39 PM): I've got nothing; I can't safely reveal myself.
MilesMk1 (10:31:38 PM): After the time passes, I suppose I'll get out, listen at a window, and then try to get back in and see if it's clear.
Umbrafer (10:36:25 PM): You peek out. Perception.
MilesMk1 (10:37:14 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 3 3 3 4 2 3
Umbrafer (10:37:34 PM): All's right with the world.
MilesMk1 (10:37:47 PM): Hah.
MilesMk1 (10:38:06 PM): Well, I proceed with the rest of my so-called plan. I listen at the window, then see about getting back inside.
Umbrafer (10:39:24 PM): Roll it.
MilesMk1 (10:39:30 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 5 6 3 4 4 2
MilesMk1 (10:39:33 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
Umbrafer (10:39:39 PM): You haul yourself out of the sewer, gasping the (relatively) fresh air.
Umbrafer (10:40:55 PM): The window reveals nothing--there's silence beyond.
MilesMk1 (10:41:24 PM): #I'm going back in. Wish me luck.#
MilesMk1 (10:41:28 PM): And I do so.
Thematrian1 (10:41:38 PM): And so do I
Umbrafer (10:42:14 PM): *Sneak*
Umbrafer (10:42:17 PM): Roll it.
MilesMk1 (10:42:34 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 2 6 4 5 5 2
MilesMk1 (10:42:37 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
MilesMk1 (10:42:40 PM): Shit.
MilesMk1 (10:42:50 PM): Let's hope they're deaf.
Umbrafer (10:43:11 PM): By a strange coincidence… ;)
Umbrafer (10:44:37 PM): Glitch makes enough noise for a herd of buffalo, but no one jumps out of the bushes to spear him.
MilesMk1 (10:45:17 PM): How're things looking inside?
Umbrafer (10:46:18 PM): Heading back into the main area?
MilesMk1 (10:46:37 PM): Yeah, I suppose I have no other choice...
Umbrafer (10:47:10 PM): There are two CMooks there now with L1. L2 is nowhere to be seen.
MilesMk1 (10:47:48 PM): Although I try to walk normally, rather than skulk, holding my GL like it was a rifle, on the off-chance I could pass for one of the goons if someone astral saw me.
MilesMk1 (10:47:59 PM): Since I'm basically invisible to mundanes...
MilesMk1 (10:48:25 PM): #Damn it, the mage still isn't back. He's either summoning, or laid out somewhere upstairs, looking around.#
Umbrafer (10:48:52 PM): It depends on factors that Glitch doesn't know.
MilesMk1 (10:49:22 PM): #I have a bad feeling about this, but I'm holding. I can't run back and forth out of here - got to hope he already went over this area, and won't again.#
MilesMk1 (10:49:41 PM): Are the ordinary mooks still there?
Umbrafer (10:49:58 PM): About a quarter of the number that were here before.
Thematrian1 (10:50:02 PM): #Indeed. If you feel an unexpected chill, let me know#
Umbrafer (10:50:24 PM): CMook: "The hell you keep looking at your watch for?"
Umbrafer (10:50:29 PM): L1: "Force of habit."
MilesMk1 (10:50:29 PM): No cars visible outside?
MilesMk1 (10:50:43 PM): #Right.#
Umbrafer (10:50:52 PM): None. For reference, the other event mentioned was supposed to happen in an hour, or about half an hour from now.
MilesMk1 (10:51:04 PM): Oh. Damn it...
MilesMk1 (10:51:08 PM): I forgot that.
MilesMk1 (10:51:14 PM): Back into the sewer with me...
MilesMk1 (10:51:57 PM): Had I remembered, I'd have not come out until a couple of minutes before the due time, since they seem pretty punctual.
Thematrian1 (10:52:24 PM): since we've got time, are there any abandoned buildings nearby that look like they might once have been homes?
Umbrafer (10:52:24 PM): (Never pays to get nailed with concentrated AR fire for being overeager)
Umbrafer (10:52:52 PM): No. The area is largely former medium commercial, though there is an apartment building a block and a half down.
MilesMk1 (10:52:59 PM): Ok, so, seriously - I either go back to the sewer, or use my mystical powers to stay in there in the first place.
Umbrafer (10:53:50 PM): You do so.
Umbrafer (10:53:56 PM): How long are you staying down there?
MilesMk1 (10:54:51 PM): Until 2-3 minutes before the due time.
Umbrafer (10:55:06 PM): Let's have three more Willpower tests and a Body test.
MilesMk1 (10:55:54 PM): BTW, because of the expanded lung volume, I get -2 to all tests relating to faitgue, and I need to check on my synthacardium.
MilesMk1 (10:56:00 PM): Willpower x3>
MilesMk1 (10:56:02 PM): :
MilesMk1 (10:56:05 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 1 1 6 3 6 3
MilesMk1 (10:56:08 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 2 2 1 2 5 5
MilesMk1 (10:56:12 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 3 3 4 3 1 3
MilesMk1 (10:56:26 PM): Oh, I forgot... Three more dice:
MilesMk1 (10:56:28 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 3 6-sided dice: 3 3 5
MilesMk1 (10:56:47 PM): (for tests 1,2 and 3, respectively)
Umbrafer (10:57:01 PM): ZAll passed. The second one was pretty rough, but somehow you emerged.
Umbrafer (10:57:17 PM): (Yes, ZAll. Not All.)
MilesMk1 (10:57:25 PM): Ok, Body:
MilesMk1 (10:57:28 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 3 6 6 5 6 4
MilesMk1 (10:57:31 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 3 6-sided dice: 6 3 6
MilesMk1 (10:57:34 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 2 6-sided dice: 3 5
MilesMk1 (10:57:36 PM): Hah.
Umbrafer (10:57:45 PM): You turn into a body-builder.
Umbrafer (10:58:48 PM): A very long time passes. You're beginning to forget that there is a world outside the stench of this sewer.
MilesMk1 (10:58:53 PM): (Actually, this - well, hanging suspended in uncomfortable space, not this exact situation - is what I had in mind when I made Glitch. Hence the double-jointedness, climbing claws, etc.)
MilesMk1 (10:59:09 PM): #Gem, please talk to me. About anything.#
Umbrafer (10:59:17 PM): However, you eventually crawl out, squinting and naked, into the light. And by "naked" I mean "in full ruthenium suit and everything you had on".
Umbrafer (10:59:26 PM): (But you may chat to keep from going mad in the meantime)
Thematrian1 (11:00:09 PM): #<Gem tells the story of the Great Fruit Hijacking>#
Thematrian1 (11:00:14 PM): (Her player isn't up to it)
Umbrafer (11:00:25 PM): (Someday you're going to need to tell that tale. Be warned.)
Thematrian1 (11:00:39 PM): (To the GM, if no one else)
Thematrian1 has left the chat room.

Thematrian1 has entered the chat room.

MilesMk1 (11:01:04 PM): (Heh... Is it anything like the Incendiary Cat Plot?)
Umbrafer (11:01:15 PM): (…?)
MilesMk1 (11:01:35 PM): (Sorry, obscure book reference. I forget you don't read the good stuff. ;))
Thematrian1 (11:01:50 PM): (No, I was the criminal in this story)
MilesMk1 (11:02:11 PM): (And it's actually not elaborated on very much, but hilarious in context.)
MilesMk1 (11:02:35 PM): Ok, so I drag myself back to the building the same way I exited, hoping they won't smell me.
Umbrafer (11:03:12 PM): (Hey, I read Calvin and Hobbes. I can appreciate Noodle Incidents, whatever form they may take.)
Umbrafer (11:03:23 PM): That is a very real risk.
Umbrafer (11:03:53 PM): The chances that they'll connect it to "hey, invisible person" are small unless they have augmented noses, but be warned.
MilesMk1 (11:05:29 PM): And in through the window, etc.
Umbrafer (11:05:59 PM): Done.
Umbrafer (11:06:11 PM): How many minutes before showtime did you get out?
MilesMk1 (11:06:20 PM): Let's say 2.5.
Umbrafer (11:08:16 PM): You emerge upon a scene meaningfully more frenetic than the one you left. L1 is standing in the middle of the room barking orders at a crowd of mooks. He's now holding a rather nasty-looking shotgun with a bayonet attached.
Umbrafer (11:08:39 PM): Two CMooks are setting up what looks to be a tripod.
Umbrafer (11:09:23 PM): L2 is, ominously, still nowhere to be found.
MilesMk1 (11:09:36 PM): #Holy crap. They're setting up heavy weapons...#
Thematrian1 (11:09:52 PM): L2 wasn't identified as a mage, was he?
MilesMk1 (11:09:57 PM): #You know, if they just quietly moved the guy into a motel somewhere...#
MilesMk1 (11:10:19 PM): IIRC he was ID'd as a possible mage.
Umbrafer (11:10:35 PM): He was unidentified. Some people say he's a mage, others say that's impossible.
Umbrafer (11:10:42 PM): He did talk about checking out the astral.
Umbrafer (11:10:50 PM): Whether he meant to do so personally is unclear.
Thematrian1 (11:11:19 PM): So, yeah, I think you'd better go lieutenant-hunting
MilesMk1 (11:12:22 PM): I agree in principle, but... I think there might be too many people running around.
MilesMk1 (11:12:48 PM): And it's enough that he has one guy watching his body for me to be unable to do anything about it.
Thematrian1 (11:13:12 PM): Not necessarily. Get the drop on that one guy, and you can probably take him.
MilesMk1 (11:13:30 PM): Is the place too crowded for me to take a look around upstairs, where I saw beds and so on?
Umbrafer (11:14:27 PM): Not necessarily--people come in and out of the stairwell at irregular intervals and typically high speeds, but it isn't constant. Also, you're pretty sure there are other staircases somewhere if you want to spend the time.
MilesMk1 (11:14:59 PM): Ok, I'll risk it, listening for footsteps. I set off to find Lt 2.
MilesMk1 (11:15:14 PM): Oh, and I make sure I have the remote detonator handy, in case I need to cover an escape.
Umbrafer (11:15:33 PM): Heading into the stairwell?
MilesMk1 (11:15:37 PM): Yeah.
MilesMk1 (11:15:43 PM): Ultrasound monitor on...
MilesMk1 (11:15:54 PM): Ready to flatten against a wall if someone runs by...
Umbrafer (11:16:04 PM): First, roll Perception. Then, unless you hear something that makes you change your mind, pick a number from 1 to 100.
MilesMk1 (11:16:13 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 1 4 4 3 5 6
MilesMk1 (11:16:18 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 3
MilesMk1 (11:16:22 PM): 57
Umbrafer (11:16:39 PM): Umbrafer rolled 1 100-sided die: 47
Thematrian1 (11:16:39 PM): ("pick a number". Like a 100-sided die, but so much more sadistic)
Umbrafer (11:16:47 PM): ( :) )
Umbrafer (11:16:53 PM): (Combining them is even better)
MilesMk1 (11:16:57 PM): (Well, at least I came relatively close...)
Umbrafer (11:17:12 PM): (The question is, is that good or bad?)
Umbrafer (11:17:17 PM): Umbrafer rolled 15 6-sided dice: 1 2 3 2 5 1 3 6 6 4 4 6 5 4 4
Umbrafer (11:17:22 PM): Umbrafer rolled 3 6-sided dice: 3 1 2
Umbrafer (11:18:17 PM): You slip in as someone barges through carrying a large box of what looks to be ammunition.
MilesMk1 (11:18:43 PM): I successfully slip in, or he's bearing down on me?
Umbrafer (11:18:49 PM): The door shuts. The silence is almost deafening.
Umbrafer (11:19:03 PM): You successfully slipped in. I assumed you weren't just going to throw the door open in full view of everyone.
MilesMk1 (11:19:10 PM): Right.
MilesMk1 (11:19:16 PM): Ok, so I look for the Lt.
Umbrafer (11:20:01 PM): What floor?
MilesMk1 (11:20:39 PM): Hmm... I was going to say 2nd, but the officer quarters seemed to be on 3rd, right? I suppose 3rd.
Umbrafer (11:22:38 PM): You emerge to the sound of a muffled voice droning out a very long string of numbers.
MilesMk1 (11:23:13 PM): Yay... I pause to hear what else he has to say. In fact, I look in - maybe the Lt. is actually up, and with the CGoon.
Umbrafer (11:24:59 PM): The droning continues for quite some time, then there's a short response string from the radio.
Umbrafer (11:25:42 PM): MV: "Welcoming party is in place. Ready for delivery."
Umbrafer (11:25:51 PM): R: "Understood."
Umbrafer (11:26:38 PM): Umbrafer rolled 15 6-sided dice: 3 2 1 3 6 5 1 6 4 2 6 5 4 1 3
MilesMk1 (11:26:38 PM): Ok, I try to get a look inside, then move somwhere I won't be between the CGoon and the stairs.
Umbrafer (11:26:44 PM): Umbrafer rolled 3 6-sided dice: 2 6 1
Umbrafer (11:26:47 PM): Umbrafer rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
Umbrafer (11:28:58 PM): You find such a hiding place, roughly speaking. Perception and Stealth for the look inside.
MilesMk1 (11:29:06 PM): Perception:
MilesMk1 (11:29:10 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 5 4 6 1 5 6
MilesMk1 (11:29:13 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 2 6-sided dice: 2 5
MilesMk1 (11:29:17 PM): Stealth:
MilesMk1 (11:29:20 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 3 6 3 3 2 2
MilesMk1 (11:29:23 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 2
Umbrafer (11:29:48 PM): It's one of the
Umbrafer (11:30:15 PM): *Cmooks. As you're crossing the doorway he swings his gun back towards the door…
Umbrafer (11:30:18 PM): Umbrafer rolled 15 6-sided dice: 1 2 4 4 5 4 6 3 4 6 2 4 4 5 3
Umbrafer (11:30:22 PM): Umbrafer rolled 2 6-sided dice: 5 4
Umbrafer (11:30:36 PM): …but you slip on by while he stays where he is.
Umbrafer (11:31:55 PM): You hide yourself away. He emerges a minute later, heading towards the stairwell.
MilesMk1 (11:32:14 PM): Once he's gone, I search the area for the lieutenant.
Umbrafer (11:32:28 PM): Roll it.
MilesMk1 (11:32:48 PM): Perception?
MilesMk1 (11:32:52 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 6 4 6 5 1 5
MilesMk1 (11:32:56 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 2 6-sided dice: 2 2
Umbrafer (11:33:03 PM): Yep
Umbrafer (11:33:25 PM): You search around, but are unable to find a Lieutenant in the immediate vicinity. Roll Perception again, though
MilesMk1 (11:33:33 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 5 4 1 4 2 2
Umbrafer (11:33:55 PM): Nothing.
MilesMk1 (11:34:07 PM): Damn it.
MilesMk1 (11:34:18 PM): I go down to the 2nd floor, and have a look at the sleeping area.
Umbrafer (11:34:45 PM): As you're moving towards the door…
Umbrafer (11:34:49 PM): Umbrafer rolled 15 6-sided dice: 3 6 6 1 2 2 5 5 2 3 6 3 2 1 6
Umbrafer (11:34:53 PM): Umbrafer rolled 4 6-sided dice: 6 1 6 6
CirclMastr (11:34:55 PM): (It explodes, roll 20D soak)
Umbrafer (11:34:58 PM): Umbrafer rolled 4 6-sided dice: 1 3 6 3
Umbrafer (11:35:03 PM): Umbrafer rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
Umbrafer (11:35:22 PM): An extremely loud, shrill noise starts coming from just behind your right ear.
MilesMk1 (11:36:00 PM): Uh... I look over my shoulder and prepare to dive away?
Umbrafer (11:36:12 PM): Perception
MilesMk1 (11:36:17 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 3 2 5 2 2 6
MilesMk1 (11:36:22 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
Umbrafer (11:37:24 PM): There's a small creature of some sort, looks like a cross between a bird and an ugly baby (redundant?), hovering over your shoulder and screaming its lungs out.
MilesMk1 (11:37:47 PM): #Fuck. A watcher found me.#
Thematrian1 (11:37:52 PM): #Run!#
Umbrafer (11:39:31 PM): (Actions?)
MilesMk1 (11:40:08 PM): 1. I listen for sounds of running feet from the 2nd floor, so I can time my gas release. 2. I hit the damn thing with a shock glove. 3. I run.
MilesMk1 (11:40:22 PM): Gah... Detonation of the gas grenade, rather.
Thematrian1 (11:40:34 PM): Hm. The package hasn't been delivered yet?
Umbrafer (11:40:47 PM): Is anyone watching the front of the building?
Umbrafer (11:40:57 PM): Other than Mooks, CMooks, and Ls, I mean
Thematrian1 (11:41:21 PM): That reminds me: did anybody leave the apartment in the last while and a while? I had it under blimpwatch
Thematrian1 (11:41:28 PM): But no, no one is.
Thematrian1 (11:41:37 PM): Gem and Pusher are out of LOS, Glitch is inside
Umbrafer (11:41:40 PM): Mm. Sensors for the blimp.
Umbrafer (11:41:47 PM): (I keep forgetting about that poor blimp.)
Umbrafer (11:41:52 PM): (Blimp neglect.)
MilesMk1 (11:43:38 PM): (Damn it... Do you feel like we're overmatched, half of the time? Stealth doesn't work if the other side has mages, and we're not equipped for assault.)
Thematrian1 (11:44:06 PM): Yeah, that's what they think. Waiting on the blimp data; it may be time to roust Pusher
CirclMastr (11:44:16 PM): (I've got ideas for my character to help in those regards.)
Umbrafer (11:44:26 PM): (Sensors on the blimp?)
CirclMastr (11:44:44 PM): (When stealth fails. No, not busting out the powered armor, heh)
Thematrian1 (11:44:45 PM): (A mere 1. But that's plenty for arbitrary-quality visuals)
Umbrafer (11:45:10 PM): (Roll them, I mean)
Thematrian1 (11:45:15 PM): Thematrian1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
Thematrian1 (11:45:17 PM): sigh
Umbrafer (11:46:10 PM): You are quite positive that a transport helicopter left five minutes ago.
Umbrafer (11:46:14 PM): Well, not quite that bad
Umbrafer (11:46:18 PM): But you get nothing useful.
Thematrian1 (11:46:28 PM): So, what, the cameras quit working?
Umbrafer (11:48:00 PM): Something like that. The cameras went into an unannounced diagnostic during that period.
Umbrafer (11:48:31 PM): (It's all Captain's Chair Mode, right?)
Thematrian1 (11:48:35 PM): (Yes)
Umbrafer (11:48:54 PM): (Yeah, CCM is rough. Perhaps rougher than it should be, when we're looking at it for SR3R)
Umbrafer (11:49:09 PM): You think something left, but you can't be sure and you don't know which way it went.
Thematrian1 (11:49:25 PM): Whatever. I leave the blimp where it is.
Umbrafer (11:51:01 PM): Final call for actions.
Thematrian1 (11:51:17 PM): none
MilesMk1 (11:51:33 PM): Well I already listed mine...
Umbrafer (11:52:36 PM): Right. Out-of-order resolution, roll to nail the thing with the clove.
Umbrafer (11:52:38 PM): *glove.
Umbrafer (11:52:45 PM): You can attack it with spices too if you want.
MilesMk1 (11:52:57 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 10 6-sided dice: 2 2 1 6 1 4 3 2 2 3
MilesMk1 (11:53:06 PM): Oh, for God's sake...
Umbrafer (11:53:36 PM): Well, don't bother karmaing. The nasty thing about Watchers…
MilesMk1 (11:53:48 PM): ?
Thematrian1 (11:53:50 PM): They can't go physical. You can't hurt it.
MilesMk1 (11:53:58 PM): Oh.
Umbrafer (11:54:00 PM): You punch it squarely in the face. Your arm goes straight through it as it keeps on yowling. Your glove doesn't even trigger.
MilesMk1 (11:54:07 PM): Damn it.
MilesMk1 (11:54:36 PM): Ok. I do the following: Assuming there's motion downstairs, I trigger the gas grenade.
MilesMk1 (11:55:02 PM): Then, in the confusion, set one of my IPE grenades up with a tripwire in the stairwell.
Umbrafer (11:55:14 PM): Where exactly was the gas grenade set?
MilesMk1 (11:56:11 PM): 2nd floor, in the area somewhere between the stairs and the rest area. Basically, set up to affect as much of the area I saw was in use as possible.
Umbrafer (11:56:33 PM): *Nods* Done. You trigger.
Umbrafer (11:56:37 PM): *Whmp*
Umbrafer (11:56:46 PM): (No vowels, mind you)
Umbrafer (11:57:04 PM): Roll to set up the grenade. How are you setting it?
MilesMk1 (11:57:14 PM): 2nd step - quickly set the IPE greande with the tripwire attached to the door (if there is the stairway door)
MilesMk1 (11:57:28 PM): Demolitions:
MilesMk1 (11:57:31 PM): MilesMk1 rolled 8 6-sided dice: 3 2 1 1 2 1 5 1
MilesMk1 (11:57:44 PM): Son of a... Hope the TN wasn't high...
Umbrafer (11:58:19 PM): Higher means better concealment, but since it's on the far side of a door that's largely irrelevant. The general TN was "don't botch".
Umbrafer (11:58:37 PM): Grenade tripwires are designed for simplicity.
MilesMk1 (11:58:58 PM): Going for a detonation when the door is relatively open, mind you - don't want it to shield the victims.
MilesMk1 (11:59:16 PM): Which I guess means leaving it a little slack.
Umbrafer (11:59:33 PM): Done. Unless they open it very slowly they shouldn't have a chance to see it.
MilesMk1 (11:59:51 PM): Hopefully, the watchers are too stupid to tell them...
Umbrafer (12:00:25 AM): As for running, where are you running to?
MilesMk1 (12:00:51 AM): Ok, step 3: Grab whatever small object I can... Hmm, how about a radio? :) And toss it from around the corner through the roof opening, then go for a distant part of the building and look for a way out.
MilesMk1 (12:01:12 AM): Now let's just hope the sniper gets in on the action...
Umbrafer (12:01:27 AM): Roof opening?
MilesMk1 (12:01:46 AM): Yeah, I'm tossing it up to trigger the motion sensor attached to the explosives.
MilesMk1 (12:02:18 AM): Just a hook from cover (around the bend of the stairs, or the door below, whatever.)
Umbrafer (12:02:27 AM): Ah. So to be clear, which floor did you grenade-trap? Also, you're running onto the roof?
MilesMk1 (12:02:41 AM): I was on 3, so the door down to 2.
MilesMk1 (12:03:08 AM): Now I just want to throw something past the sensor to set off the explosives, confusing the issue, and run for it on floor 3.
MilesMk1 (12:03:21 AM): Possibly for one of the other staircases, or a distant window.
Umbrafer (12:04:22 AM): It's a single stairwell with a door off to each floor, so if you were trapping the door on Floor 3 you'd have to do it after throwing something past the sensor.
MilesMk1 (12:04:40 AM): Ah. Damn it...
Umbrafer (12:04:47 AM): Anyway. This sounds like the sort of thing best left for when I'm more awake. Make a note of it.
Umbrafer (12:04:55 AM): No actions from the other contingent?
Thematrian1 (12:05:09 AM): no
Thematrian1 (12:05:25 AM): The objective here is to not spook them into aborting the handoff
MilesMk1 (12:05:47 AM): Hmm... Are you saying I over-reacted? ;)
Thematrian1 (12:05:54 AM): no
Umbrafer (12:05:57 AM): For reference, the handoff (provided that they're perfectly punctual) would have started about eighty seconds ago.
Thematrian1 (12:06:04 AM): oh
Thematrian1 (12:06:08 AM): that's good to hear
Thematrian1 (12:06:10 AM): new plan
MilesMk1 (12:06:13 AM): I figured, given how paranoid they are, we already spooked them.
Thematrian1 (12:06:15 AM): "Pusher, let's go!"
Thematrian1 (12:06:21 AM): ::leaps out of the car::
Thematrian1 (12:06:36 AM): ::over her shoulder:: "Break up the sidewalk, make yourself some ammo!"
Thematrian1 (12:07:01 AM): Then I'll sneak until I can peek around a corner and see the building's front
MilesMk1 (12:07:11 AM): (he'll probably need something else now, since he can't use his throwing-related power)
Umbrafer (12:07:19 AM): Mmk. Perception and Stealth as the last items of the night.
Thematrian1 (12:07:44 AM): Perception:
Thematrian1 (12:07:47 AM): Thematrian1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 6 5 1 1 2 5
Thematrian1 (12:07:49 AM): Thematrian1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 5
Thematrian1 (12:07:55 AM): Stealth:
Thematrian1 (12:08:00 AM): Astrals ON when I turn the corner
Thematrian1 (12:08:02 AM): Thematrian1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 2 2 3 2 6 5
Thematrian1 (12:08:05 AM): Thematrian1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
Thematrian1 (12:08:10 AM): 5 after wound mods, whimper
Umbrafer (12:08:50 AM): You see several things.
Umbrafer (12:09:07 AM): First off, you see two small astrally active things in the air.
Umbrafer (12:09:27 AM): Second off, you see a car.
Umbrafer (12:09:55 AM): Third off, you see L1 apparently arguing with someone in the car.
Umbrafer (12:10:25 AM): Fourth off, you see a CMook and several mooks looking around with weapons ready.
Umbrafer (12:10:36 AM): And fifth off, you see an astrally active man hanging out by the door.
MilesMk1 (12:10:42 AM): Ooh.... Please, please tell me. :)
MilesMk1 (12:10:55 AM): If the window on the 3rd floor gives me a shot at the car...
Thematrian1 (12:11:27 AM): is said man L2?
Umbrafer (12:12:12 AM): You can't tell, he's barely visible in meatspace.
Thematrian1 (12:12:34 AM): An invisible man. Good times.
Umbrafer (12:12:35 AM): Nothing magical about it, he's just tucked very close to the building.
Thematrian1 (12:12:37 AM): Wait, no
Thematrian1 (12:13:13 AM): oh
Thematrian1 (12:14:54 AM): well, that does it for me. With luck, Pusher followed and we can kill some folk next week
Umbrafer (12:15:16 AM): At least one folk.
Umbrafer (12:15:22 AM): And make off with his spine.
MilesMk1 (12:15:30 AM): BTW, do you transduce me on the situation?
Thematrian1 (12:15:39 AM): Sure; I've got the time
MilesMk1 (12:16:06 AM): Also, is the open 3rd floor window facing the front? I seem to recall it was, since I climbed the front of the building.
Umbrafer (12:16:46 AM): With a little tarp-rearranging, most windows are open.
MilesMk1 (12:16:55 AM): *praying for a called shot into an open car door or window*
Umbrafer (12:17:08 AM): That said, yes, the one the card-players were in is indeed front-facing.
MilesMk1 (12:18:14 AM): Excellent.
MilesMk1 (12:18:22 AM): Well, see you guys next week?
Thematrian1 (12:18:50 AM): sure
CirclMastr (12:18:52 AM): We're done?
Umbrafer (12:19:02 AM): Unless you have a final short action, we are.
CirclMastr (12:19:19 AM): ::flips out and kills people:: Okay, maybe not.
MilesMk1 (12:19:22 AM): Also... I know I keep on asking, but is anyone seriously bugged by the amount of time we spend with me sneaking around, to the point where it'd be better for me to switch character concepts for playability's sake?
Umbrafer (12:19:30 AM): That's next week.
Thematrian1 (12:19:41 AM): I'm ok.
CirclMastr (12:19:42 AM): Hopefully my next character will have drones able to accompany you.
MilesMk1 (12:19:49 AM): Ah. Ok.
Thematrian1 (12:19:58 AM): and that's everybody
MilesMk1 (12:20:02 AM): All right, see you all next week.
Thematrian1 (12:20:03 AM): :-D
Thematrian1 (12:20:06 AM): which reminds me
CirclMastr (12:20:08 AM): Nothing says "Stealth run gone bad" like a spider drone with an IPE-HE Offensive minigrenade stuffed inside the chassis.
Thematrian1 (12:20:15 AM): any word from your friend, Matt?
Umbrafer (12:20:30 AM): I mind. I'm never able to get in on the action because you're always sneaking around :P ;)
MilesMk1 (12:20:45 AM): I sent him to contact info, but Jon hasn't heard from him. I should see him in RL tomorrow, so I'll ask.
MilesMk1 (12:20:50 AM): the contact
MilesMk1 (12:21:10 AM): It's possible he hasn't checked him e-mail, or was just busy.
MilesMk1 (12:21:15 AM): his
MilesMk1 (12:22:26 AM): Man... Here's hoping this run works out after all.
Thematrian1 (12:22:33 AM): I still need to walk home, so I'll see you all later
Thematrian1 has left the chat room.

Umbrafer (12:22:50 AM): Sleep well, all
MilesMk1 (12:22:52 AM): Good night... I need to be semi-conscious for work, too.
Chat room exited at 2/24/2006 12:22:54 AM.