(19:12:11)So, a few logistical bits and pieces before we dive in:
(19:12:38)Logistical item zero: my monitor is a lot farther away than it was when I last configured this client. One moment.
(19:15:23)Ok, logistical item 1: I recommend keeping character sheets in a Wave. Means I don't need to pester you as often with questions about your characters.
(19:15:49)hehehe and makes for a nice back up
(19:16:52)Logistical item 2: in an attempt to revive progress being made in the Wave, I'm going to guarantee a certain block of my attention on specified days to address actions or queries made in the Wave.
(19:17:12)That would be good.
(19:18:37)In particular, on Satruday and one other day, probably Tuesday or Wednesday (opinions? I'd like to pin it down), probably in the afternoon or evening, I will spend no less than 30 minutes dealing with Wave actions/queries. If none exist, I will spend that time bringing the newsWave up to date. If it is up to date, well, I do what I can.
(19:18:57)Logistical item 3: I'm out of fried rice. Be right back, and then we can get going
(19:19:13)I think at least one day close on the heels of the session, to address concerns that might arise from a given session, would be a good idea.
(19:21:43)Tuesday is probably the right choice as far as my schedule goes.
(19:22:34)Incidentally, we should also be thankful that Matt wasn't able to join right away. If sessions were on Thursday evening, I'd be announcing that the game is called until the poster session is done
(19:23:04)(Since Friday morning is when I face my thesis advisor every week)
(19:23:22)And I cannot seem to get this text box to pick a size
(19:23:30)(Advise him or her that Dolph Lundgren has a monopoly on your Thursday evenings, and you dare not object.)
(19:23:40)Maybe there? Ok, good
(19:23:51)I could try that, but you might never hear from me again
(19:24:34)When we last left our antiheroes, they had taken a job for a staggering sum of money, and possibly also a staggering sum of possible complications.
(19:25:38)skepticism, fear, uncertainty...
(19:26:00)I have been remiss in pre-session log checking, so I don't remember whether you'd left the meet site or not
(19:26:39)I leave it to your whims, unless there's something important related to that particular maintenance of continuity.
(19:28:08)Fuma/Dolph heads home to prepare for tomorrow's fundraiser.
(19:28:23)drek, I promised to go to that
(19:29:07)Yes, yes you did.
(19:29:32)We have plenty of time to do legwork on this jailbreak thing afterward.
(19:30:11)yeah, we have some time
(19:31:59)Funds will be raised
(19:32:09)I have some mask research to do, but that doesn't need to happen tonight
(19:32:16)(Actually, they probably already have been)
(19:32:37)fast forward to Fuma introducing us to the other security arrangements?
(19:33:21)(oh this well be intesting when the matrix part meets with me :3 )
(19:34:18)I've no objection, at least so long as you don't all get jumped by orks with PACs.
(19:38:02)Security is a tangled web, with all kinds of negotiation from different VIPs who want their own private security detail to be present and armed
(19:39:47)There's even a rumor that the venue's security chief hired a branch of the Ancients to patrol the outside, though its veracity is in doubt.
(19:41:04)That would be skull-crushingly stupid of him.
(19:41:43)(what? whats the worst that could happen)
(19:43:27)(Maybe one of the VIPs is Lord Togo?)
(19:43:36)(It's a luxury hotel in a beautiful part of Downtown Seattle. And the Ancients are a gang. That would be like President Obama supplementing the Secret Service on a visit to Los Angeles by hiring Bloods and/or Crips)
(19:44:10)(mmmmmmm good point but then the bloods and crips would probley be less distrutive)
(19:44:11)(Welcome back to Shadowrun. It's been a while, but you'll get reacquainted soon.)
(19:44:39)But as I said, veracity in doubt.
(19:45:28)So, around midday, Fuma goes to the hotel to oversee preparations and setup.
(19:46:09)The Lucas Palace is humming with activity; draconic presidential candidates don't grown on trees, after all.
(19:46:32) (they might...)
(19:46:46)The staff nevertheless manages to project a half-convincing impression of this event being beneath their notice.
(19:46:49)(When a mommy dragon and a daddy dragon love each other very much...)
(19:47:03) (that's just what they want you to believe)
(19:47:37)(But... but mommy and daddy told me they love me... :'( )
(19:48:38)Anyway, Fuma buzzes around with everyone else, making sure every detail is seen to and that everything is up to his standards, which are of course quite high for this occasion.
(19:49:55)Several areas are blocked off; some say that extra maintenance is being done on the pop-up turrets.
(19:50:07)Others insist it's just rewallpapering, but they're no fun.
(19:50:20)( ^_^ oooooo play toys?)
(19:52:01)A knot of very sour-looking men in suits is circulating aimlessly
(19:52:46)Naturally I insist on speaking with someone about blocked off areas in the middle of the fundraiser. And I find out who these sourpusses are so they don't ruin things either.
(19:53:06)And I call up Clip to get him down here and help.
(19:53:54)"What, already? One sec."
(19:54:37)You pull aside a hotel employee. He says nothing about the closed-off areas other than the fact that they'll be open soon, and speculates that the sourpusses are for the Big D.
(19:55:43)In that case Fuma does indeed approach them. "Gentlemen, is there anything I can help you with?"
(19:56:18)One of them looks at you sourly. You aren't sure if it's a reaction or just a continuation of their normal expression.
(19:57:31)Go ahead and give me perception
(19:57:49)I perceive them to be big jerk-heads!
(19:58:09) circlmastr rolled 6 6-sided dice: 2 3 3 6 6 1
(19:58:11) circlmastr rolled 2 6-sided dice: 4 6
(19:58:12) circlmastr rolled 1 6-sided die: 3
(19:59:14)You do indeed perceive that. Also, while they're milling around in the process of moving away from you again, one of them pays very close attention to you for a few seconds.
(20:00:09)(so that's what Assensing looks like from the outside)
(20:00:34)(It looks like being a jerk-head, apparently)
(20:00:59)(If so, these guys might be doing an awful lot of Assensing.)
(20:02:27)Fuma goes back to checking up on other things.
(20:02:47)Eventually, I call you: "I'm outside. What's going on?"
(20:03:36)As it happens, one of the blocked-off areas is having its barricade disassembled.
(20:04:01)Also, in the intervening time the jerk-faces seem to have moved on.
(20:04:25)I investigate the formerly blocked area.
(20:04:42)"Just come in, there's a ton of stuff to manage and I'm only one person."
(20:05:17)"I don't think any of professional experience really applies here..."
(20:06:00)The wallpaper does indeed seem to have been touched up. Also a good bit of freshly-polished brass and the like.
(20:06:28)"Just make sure everyone is behaving."
(20:06:31) circlmastr rolled 6 6-sided dice: 4 1 6 4 4 1
(20:06:34) circlmastr rolled 1 6-sided die: 6
(20:06:37) circlmastr rolled 1 6-sided die: 2
(20:06:44)No signs of sentry gun maintenance.
(20:06:57)Fuma goes back to work.
(20:07:18)Actually, are you wearing your transducer?
(20:08:01)#Anything in particular you want me to look at. Right now I'm just floating...#
(20:08:24)#Can you assense the bundle of sour-faced guys roaming around?#
(20:08:46)Assuming I can find them without much trouble: the AstralVision goes ON, and:
(20:08:48) Thematrian1 rolled 8 6-sided dice: 4 1 1 4 3 3 4 5
(20:08:51) Thematrian1 rolled 8 6-sided dice: 3 4 4 4 4 6 1 1
(20:08:54) Thematrian1 rolled 8 6-sided dice: 3 2 1 1 2 1 5 6
(20:09:04) Thematrian1 rolled 8 6-sided dice: 1 6 3 6 1 1 4 5
(20:09:18)that ought to be enough. 4, 5, 3, 4
(20:10:29)Well, you need to open with a… call it Perception roll to track them down, since they seem to have disappeared off somewhere, but after that you've got some Assensing done.
(20:11:36)perception, then:
(20:11:38) Thematrian1 rolled 8 6-sided dice: 1 1 3 3 3 3 4 4
(20:13:09)The area is perplexingly sourpuss-free
(20:13:22)#They've left, or something.#
(20:13:39)#Ugh. I'm sure they're still around somewhere.#
(20:14:35)They may have taken root in the basement
(20:16:02) #By the way, Fuma, would you mind if I send in the drink-bot?#
(20:16:18)#You have a drink-bot?#
(20:16:28)#That's what I was about to ask.#
(20:17:33)#Sure, bring it in.#
(20:18:17) *drops by and lets drink-bot off*
(20:19:50) *drink-bot meanders about, snapping photographs occasionally*
(20:20:02)I'll spend a few minutes watching peoples
(20:20:07)' responses to the drink-bot
(20:20:41)(safe to assume theres a security account I can use to work with?)
(20:20:46) *drink-bot mostly offers people drinks*
(20:22:36)There's a local server with some view-only feeds of the event area, but the Lucas Palace seems reluctant to start handing out accounts on their general internal network
(20:22:53)Someone might be able to be talked into doing something, though.
(20:23:11)bah there no fun
(20:23:58)mmm wounder if it posable to make my self one but they woudl more then likely be ratehr upset
(20:24:53)Only if they find out ;-)
(20:26:19)Any specific preparations that the team is making?
(20:26:53)One by one, the blocked-off areas open up
(20:26:57)Natalie stays with me
(20:27:44)you haven't met her
(20:28:34)After the surgery wraps up, you mean? ;-)
(20:30:15)But yes, she does join up.
(20:35:47)hm. Ok. Absent specific developments, I'll drift, astral senses open.
(20:36:50)(My apologies, a brief delay)
(20:45:18)My apologies. My paternal grandmother passed away a few days ago and the parentals were calling with scheduling information about the service
(20:46:21)Drifting with astral senses open, Clip spots a number of Watchers swirling about, as well as some significant warding
(20:46:37)how many different magicians involved?
(20:48:23)Five, six, seven… at least seven, based on a few minutes of observation
(20:48:46)#Not counting me, how many security magicians are there supposed to be?#
(20:52:21)(Do I know that?)
(20:52:36)The security chief is coy with such numbers, but at minimum the existence of three mages, one a Sorcerer, is admitted to.
(20:53:52)#At least three.#
(20:54:27)#I count seven so far. It'd be nice to know for sure that they're all on our side.#
(20:54:34)#D's probably brought in some of his own people as well, on top of private security from various guests. You can see why I wanted you guys here to help.#
(20:55:52)Indeed, the security chief seems to be going more or less mad with all of the intrusions into his kingdom
(20:56:24)#Note to self: security at these things is deeply confused. Infiltrating as a member of the security staff is relatively easy.#
(21:01:07)Indeed. Though as the actual event gets closer things start growing saner; the king begins to cast people out from his kingdom
(21:01:53)He'd better not be including us.
(21:02:09)You visible people, roll Etiquette.
(21:02:09)Though Fuma does go change into his nicer Tres Chic tux.
(21:02:25)The visible person who didn't book the event
(21:02:51)I've got my 'fashionable' attire on, if that makes a difference
(21:02:54) Thematrian1 rolled 6 6-sided dice: 5 6 3 5 5 2
(21:03:01) Thematrian1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 6
(21:03:05) Thematrian1 rolled 1 6-sided die: 5
(21:03:06)You are as yet uncast.
(21:03:58)But several of the smaller security retinues have had to depart, and others have had to disarm.
(21:04:11)Speaking of which, what if anything is being packed?
(21:04:24)No weapons here
(21:04:48)Just the ceramic pistol. Anything more would ruin the line of my tuxedo!
(21:05:39)Well, some of these security details are probably packing more firepower /after/ they're made to disarm, but you are unmolested.
(21:07:02)As guests start arriving, I start greeting and gladhanding and such.
(21:07:20)I'm going to stay in Fuma's general vicinity for this part
(21:08:33)Do you have any pain resistance 'ware or edges?
(21:10:09)Well, you too if you shake hands with people. It's horrifying, but apparently these people don't avoid putting themselves into Touch range nearly so much
(21:10:33)I am so confused.
(21:10:48)But anyway, Mr. Lamptey might be showing up any minute now, which is why I ask
(21:11:12)#I guess you couldn't Mind Probe anyone in this crowd without someone spotting it, anyway...#
(21:11:18)(hehehehe coudl have fun there with a adape with the right merits)
(21:11:48)(Samuel Lamptey, the Troll Fullback for the Seattle Seahawks. He apparently likes to shake hands.)
(21:12:03)(None of us are linebackers so it's fine.)
(21:12:10)(Oh, that. No, I'm well out of range of all that)
(21:14:11)And speak of the devil. Surrounded by a small gaggle of what appear to be fans and admirers, one of the largest Trolls you've probably seen strolls into the event. He's carrying on a conversation with one of them in what sounds like French.
(21:15:50)And now, clearly not here for pleasure, a sourpuss enters
(21:16:06) Thematrian1 rolled 8 6-sided dice: 1 3 6 2 2 3 6 3
(21:17:12) Umbrafer rolled 15 6-sided dice: 3 2 5 2 5 4 2 1 6 1 4 2 6 2 6
(21:17:23) Umbrafer rolled 3 6-sided dice: 6 4 5
(21:17:28) Umbrafer rolled 1 6-sided die: 5
(21:18:05)(I've got masking as well, and am a grade 4 initiate ;-))
(21:19:25) Umbrafer rolled 9 6-sided dice: 5 4 4 6 6 3 1 2 6
(21:20:21) Umbrafer rolled 3 6-sided dice: 6 4 3
(21:20:25) Umbrafer rolled 1 6-sided die: 2
(21:20:48)Ok, I saw two successes up above?
(21:21:32)enough for "Awakened or no?", anyway
(21:22:10)He gets a little nod, one professional to another.
(21:22:32)Healthy, implants exist, cool as a cucumber.
(21:22:46)#The guy with the mean face is one of ours?#
(21:23:45)#One of the sour-faced guys I mentioned. One of 'em assensed me, I think.#
(21:24:07)#Yeah, we do that.#
(21:25:30)Fuma continues shaking hands, making pleasant small talk, and being an exceptionally charming host.
(21:26:19)*Charm charm charm*
(21:28:11)Give me Intelligence.
(21:30:33)That was for Fuma, specifically
(21:31:41)(Sorry, was feeding the animals)
(21:31:48) circlmastr rolled 6 6-sided dice: 1 6 6 6 6 3
(21:31:50) circlmastr rolled 4 6-sided dice: 2 6 4 2
(21:31:51) circlmastr rolled 1 6-sided die: 5
(21:32:53)A man slips in who you recognize as one of Dunkie's campaign staff
(21:33:19)Fuma goes over and greets him of course.
(21:35:02)He seems preoccupied.
(21:35:09)"Something troubling you?"
(21:36:33)A pause. "No, 'sfine."
(21:36:52)"Please, I'm here to help."
(21:37:46)"'Sfine." He looks over at the entrance, then back towards the podium. "There another spot for that somewhere?"
(21:38:10)I should clarify, when he says "spot" he clearly means "spotlight"
(21:38:57)"Of course." (At least there ought to be if it's any sort of decent lighting system to have a spot in the first place.)
(21:39:34)"Great." His gaze slides off of you into the middle distance again.
(21:39:56) (if there isn't, then drink-bot can help with that)
(21:40:14)"May I inquire as to the guest of honor?"
(21:40:56)Another pause. "En route."
(21:41:51)"Does he or Miss Daviar require anything upon arrival?"
(21:43:23)Another pause, longer this time. He looks towards the entrance again, where a few more people are filtering in; one of them meets his gaze and nods.
(21:44:25)"We've got arrival handled, just need the speeches to start on time."
(21:45:11)"Of course, of course. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask."
(21:46:48)After another pause he nods. "We'll send someone by."
(21:47:18)Meanwhile, Clip is watching the newcomers astrally?
(21:47:41)Fuma nods. "Help yourself to the refreshments, if you'll excuse me." And he returns to greeting and charming and getting everyone seated timely.
(21:49:10)The hubbub is growing. There's also an awful lot of Awakened arm candy.
(21:50:21)Also, the number of Dunkie staffers has suddenly experienced a sharp uptick
(21:50:29)They take up positions around the ballroom
(21:53:08)At an appropriate time when everyone is inside and refreshmented, Fuma takes the podium. "Good evening everyone, if you could please take your seats."
(21:53:51)The hubbub hushes and starts to move seatward
(21:55:25)The crowd looks towards Fuma expectantly
(21:57:48)Is Fuma going to do anything in particular, or wait for The Grand Arrival?
(21:57:58)(I'm typing, sheesh)
(21:58:12)(I, unlike Fuma, did not come prepared with notecards, heh)
(21:59:25)Just want to make sure you aren't waiting for me while I'm waiting for you
(21:59:58)"First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for attending this important event at this important time in our nation's history. But since I'm well aware nobody donated money to hear me prattle on, I'll get right to introducing our first speaker, whom we all hope is more entertaining than myself, Miss Stephanie Colbert."
(22:00:27)Stepping aside when said speaker comes to the podium of course.
(22:01:22)The speaker heads towards the podium, but is briefly intercepted by one of the staffers arrayed around the room. After some quick conversation, the speaker resumes the journey to the podium.
(22:02:19)Once relieved of the podium, Fuma approaches said staffer to inquire after what is up.
(22:04:11)Fuma picks his way around the edge of the room towards the staffer, who is currently dead to the world; an inspection shows that the staffers have burst into a flurry of quiet activity, with half of them staring blankly into space and the other half scanning the crowd
(22:05:01)#Something going on astrally, Clip?#
(22:06:00)No. Wait, maybe? It looked like there was something, but then it gottarescuemousefromundercat
(22:06:05)Then it vanished again
(22:06:19)(The perils of small wireless mice)
(22:06:26)(And large cats)
(22:06:31)(I was going to say)
(22:06:40)(hehehe how is the cat doing)
(22:06:42)("Large" is an understatement with that cat.)
(22:07:15)(She's doing well, if a bit miffed that I just dug around underneath her as she was trying to curl up)
(22:07:52)The speaker seems to be coming to something; a climax builds…
(22:08:06)#There was something, just for a moment...#
(22:08:21)And in strides a man! Two spotlights go on him.
(22:08:50)The crowd rises to its feet; applause swells; the Big D has arrived.
(22:09:44)Fuma applauds as well, of course.
(22:10:20)A little applause, a lot of attention
(22:11:02)He raises his arms to the crowd, acknowledging the attention. "Thank you, thank you all for being here today."
(22:11:13)Someone apparently fitted him with a mic at some point
(22:11:58)After a bit longer, the Big D motions for quiet. It quiets down.
(22:12:58)"I know you're all glad to see me, but I just can't bear to leave poor Stephanie standing up there; on with the show!" Or something like that, but with more charisma.
(22:13:29)The speaker resumes the speaking; Dunkie gladhands his way through the crowd towards his seat.
(22:14:15)Was Clip's attention supposed to indicate something that should be getting a roll soon?
(22:14:25)nah, just in general
(22:17:37)It has been brought to my attention that by canon Great Dragons may not be able to speak, even in human form; as it happens, all that changes in this case is whether Dunkie's lips move (and also whether some poor NPC has to play relay)
(22:18:37)Also, if anyone remembers offhand whether shapechanging things change the shape of their aura as well, please let me know.
(22:20:31)The speaker continues speaking, the Big D continues gladhanding
(22:20:55)Fuma continues doing his thing.
(22:21:08)And greeting Big D when he gets near.
(22:21:13)The Drinkbot serves drinks and cuts and lights cigars
(22:21:53)With an arm, or a special cigar-cutting attachment?
(22:22:02)The speaker wraps up
(22:22:35)(well time to get to work in FF 11 for me try to keep the gun play to a low tone)
(22:23:07)yikes, it is almost 10:30
(22:23:25)I blame the cat.
(22:23:31)And it's a special attachment
(22:23:38)The cat does indeed make it get late
(22:23:50)I was late for class this morning because it was cold and she was immensely snuggly.
(22:24:22)the perils of cat ownership
(22:24:33)I can at least believe the immense part.
(22:28:39)ok, Fuma starts chatting it up with Dunkie as the session ends. Quickly: can people give me an overview of what they want to accomplish with the rest of the fundraiser, other than "have fun with Dunkie"? That'll let me focus my planning more
(22:29:08)Seduce, have sex with, and en-Contact-ify Nadja Daviar.
(22:29:14)Clip's plan has drifted from 'support Fuma' to 'be boggled by Fuma'
(22:29:38)As it happens, Ms. Luscious Gams is still not in evidence.
(22:29:40)Though once he gets over that, he'll probably try to cadge a conversation with the Big D
(22:31:11)She will become evident sooner or later.
(22:33:39)And I can always ask Big D as to her whereabouts.
(22:36:00) depending on what you regard as canon, that could be a really bad idea. x.x
(22:38:42) (reading an sr novel I borrowed from Jon she's portrayed as... well, unpredictable. Also has a boyfriend who pwns cyberzombies)
(22:39:16)(unpredictable how?)
(22:39:20) (I'm not all that familiar with whatever's in D's Will about her or other sourcebooks that would have more material material)
(22:39:22)(That character is an obvious Marty Stu and shouldn't be canon)
