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GM: Shoeshine
Players: Knight, Bull
Synopsis: Most of the previous players of 'The Game' plotline have gone idle, so this begins it again. In this installment, Bull and Knight bust into an analogue of the Bare Knuckle Gym to teal an analogue of Mr. Terrific's big weapon focus, for obvious reasons.
Date: March 4, 2075
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "As usual I ask for a statement of consent to deadly adventure."
«Plot» Bull says, "I consent."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "In addition, I promise that there will be no assassinations at the meet so I will elide some of the usual goofy but honestly necessary precautions."
«Plot» Bull says, "Always a bonus."
«Plot» Knight says, "Consent."
A lazy Sunday, nothing to do. No stake outs, no wet work, no cunning thefts, not even any good gang shakedowns. Then comes the call from Shoeshine, who does some Johnsoning on the side. He's got another run lined up for people dumb enough to take the mission and survive. To get in on it, you go to the rent-an-office compled down on Sutter street, CAS sector, C zone. Equipment: light, is the word; and be ready to engage immediately. Hard to say how that works.
The complex is built along medical office lines and indeed, most of the other doors look to be advertising those services - podiatrists, dental clinics and the like. The door that was instructed for entry, however, reads 'GameStart,' and that's where Shoeshine will be when he opens the door for you all. A dapper, young (barely twenty), thickly built dwarf wearing a suit calls out, "Here they are!" to the back room, and another man says, "I've got sync, I'm ready for them." So Shoeshine will usher you both to what looks like a slightly modified medical office, with five high-grade matrix chair set-ups, like the kind that high end deckers and riggers might use - and rich people, because these have induction rigs. The man that Shoeshine called to is also there - a middle-aged fellow, human, receding hairline, who looks you over and smiles winningly.
Shoeshine introduces you all. "Hi! I'm Shoeshine, and this is Piotr Mobydeux."
Mr. Mobydeux takes over with, ""I design matrix games, amongst other things, and as I've explained before, I'm working on an honest-to-goodness realistic 'Shadowrunner' game! Where, just like Karl Kombatmage and others, you take jobs, infiltrate corps, and have heroic battles against the forces of evil! And yes, we're moving into the early beta testing phase now, I'd like to see how it interacts with different kinds of real, honest-to-goodness shadowrunners. We have an intermediate-level run set up today and we're calibrating on the difficulty. The pay is twenty thousand nuyen per individual."
Bull arrives after a few hops, skips, and jumps. It's not easy sometimes to get your gear from where it was to where you need it, but he manages. After arriving on site he gives a familiar nod to Shoeshine, and to Knight.
As the description is given by Mr. Mobydeux about the set-up, he raises an eyebrow slowly. "Hold up a sec… "He says slowly, looking towards Shoeshine, then back to the Johnson. "We… are playing a game?"
Shoeshine answers Bull, "Exactly. It's twenty kay per person to run the mission and properly test the scenario. You'll jack in to the game with either a jack or an induction helmet, just like you'd jack into any other Matrix game. Injuries you take inside the game will translate to injuries in the real world, so I'm here to provide instant medical support and that's why we're in a medical building. You begin with starting equipment, and with every completed mission you earn an 'unlock' that you can use for more advanced gear."
Knight arrives as he notices the setup and nods a bit as the other two speak, then he slides his hands about to his cloak which he brought with him. The shaman seems a little bit thoughtful, "Translate injuries? Sounds like a BTL gone wrong."
"Huh." Bull grunts, raising a brow a bit. "And damage translates over? This got the potential for death, or you program in some kinda fail-safe system to keep that from happening?" The large 'Taur asks the Johnson curiously, glancing towards Shoeshine. "Not that I doubt your medical skills, just good to know. And are -my- abilities goin' to translate into this game, or what?"
Shoeshine looks to Mobydeux, who looks back, and they nod. "All of your abilities should translate. However, your equipment won't. You'll have what you believe you would have taken on the mission, with some limitations as to legality. The 'campaign' is set up such that the 'character' you build up unlocks more and more specialized gear that he can access to customize his abilities."
Shoeshine continues, "And yes, there is possibility for death, however remote with medical facilities standing by. This is a game only for those seeking the most realistic experience. If you fall to unconsciousness, you jack out for medical attention. You can also exert an effort of will and attempt to jack out from inside the game. We've theorized that actual death can occur if you let yourself be heavily wounded, then take another deadly stroke from that point without trying to jack out, but we haven't had that happen in playtest yet."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Shoeshine explains out-of-character about the legality and the unlock system. You can only bring in starting-character equipment. That means Availaibilt 8 or less, no rating higher than 6. You can have attachments to gear, though. Each unlock allows one base item above that, or one complex item above that."
Bull slowly nods, glancing towards Knight. The large 'Taur seems contemplative, before he rolls his broad shoulders. "Ain't my normal line of work. But I've got the time I suppose. I'm in for 25K." He says, making a shameless plug for a bump in the pay. "And mostly cause I'm curious how good this game is programmed."
Knight folds both his arms with a nod to Bull. Then he turns his attention towards Shoeshine and relaxes a bit, "I'm with him, it does sound a little bit risky. And /untested/ which is key. For twenty-five, I am in," he ventures, at least trying to up the price a little bit if he can.
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Negotiation vs TN 7:
2 2 4 8 9 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls Negotiation vs TN 6:
3 4 4 5 10 = 1 Success
Shoeshine says, "Unfortunately, the authorized tester payout is only twenty k. I can cut into my fee and transfer something from the medical budget and get you up to twenty-one. I'd be wary of cutting anything more in case any of you actually have to use these hospital facilities."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Accept, or not?"
«Plot» Knight says, "Accept."
«Plot» Bull says, "Accept."
Knight lifts up his hands a bit, "Acceptable, I'm in," he voices smoothly. He knows when he has made a better deal than the original, then he nods to Bull to see his take on it all.
Bull considers, then his way of acknowledgement is just a grunt and a roll of his shoulders.
Shoeshine says, "All right! Let's begin."
Shoeshine will help everyone to their seat, sized for their metatype, and help them get induction-helmeted or jacked in as necessary. When done, Mobydeux hits a button and senses swirl away. The real world becomes distant, and you find yourself sitting around a card table in a claustrophobically small 'back room' of some kind, with a white noise generator and a projector.
In the back room with you is Mr. Johnson. Severe. Sparse. Spare. His mouth; a line, lips bleached to ease their redness. His flesh is an albino white. He is the suit he's wearing, Armante of course and perfectly fit to his above average human height. Slim black tie over white, pale onyx cufflinks. Exquisitely creased pants. Shoes so free of adornment the ground deigns not to soil them. A briefcase, of course. He turns on the holoprojector, showing a Warrens-style squat warehouse-like location on a grim, dusty street, marked with street signs in Or'zet. "The place is called Nazthur Thraka E'roos," says the man, "in the deepest darkest Warrens of Orktown. We have reason to believe that the owner of the place stole a powerful mystic artifact known as 'The Ghosthammer'. He was observed when he left town and passed through several checkpoints where he was extensively searched, so he did not bring it with him. We can get you to the vicinity. Find the Ghosthammer, and bring it back."
Knight is decked out in his usual with his black setup. The jeans fitted about to his waist while he has his jacket and scarf wrapped about a little bit. The shaman lifts up a little brow as he finds himself sitting about the card table. He looks at the holoprojector and just nods for the time being. "Do we… Know why it was taken /there/ of all places? Beyond his ownership of the place?"
Bull spends a few moments once he is 'plugged in' through his datajack to test out his reactions, shifting and moving his arms and hands slowly. Then he looks up towards the Johnson, and there is just a faint snort at the words. But he doesn't quip as he listens quietly. After Knight's questioning, he grunts out a simple. "What is known about where it's stored? Guards? Security?"
Mr. Johnson says, "That's where he lives. Powerful wizard. The place must be guarded, but finding out how is your job. We also don't know where in the place it's hidden. But it can't be anywhere else, because that would be like having a bank vault and then hiding your money in the tree outside."
"And that isn't a valid tactic?" Knight asks about the tree, as he shakes his head a little bit back and forth, "Acceptable, in any case. Though we might need a few directions that way." The shaman leans back for a moment and seems to think about it all. Powerful wizard.
Bull tips his head, and grins to Knight. "They said they'd get us in the vicinity." He reminds, his tone a muttered thing. "I guess that'll do. Can't really hit up contacts for info, since… Well. Game." He mutters. "Recon we'll do on our own."
When Bull mentions his contacts, his pocsec vibrates. (If he carries it on runs.)
Bull does indeed carry his pocsec, and he fishes it out to peer at.
Mr. Johnson says, "If you're ready to head to the vicinity, I'll have our rigger pull you around."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Are there any contacts you were thinking of, Bull, when you mentioned?"
«Plot» Bull nods. "Burner, my gang contact. Knowledge skills: City Knowledge5, Gang ID5, Gang Hangouts4, Gang Territories3, Protection Rackets3, Urban Brawl3"
«Plot» Bull says, "Mostly to see if he knows about that place, if any gangs frequent it, if people are protecting it, the area its in, etc, etc."
The standard text message Bull sees is from Burner, asking him to pick up some Nitro Cheez Dogs from the Stuffer Shack on the way if you're coming by later. So he can stock up, they keep for weeks.
Bull looks just a bit dubiously at the text message, perhaps wondering if this game somehow has fished in his head to pull out Burner. And then realizing that's silly, because it's not like the Burner in Bull's mind would know the answer if Bull himself doesn't. But rather than try to understand it, Bull just shakes his head faintly and glances to the Johnson. "Your rigger's gonna take us somewhere else first. Brief detour on the way, then we can head by the target vicinity."
Knight nods a bit to the other two as he stands up, and waits for Bull, "I accept, by the way."
Mr. Johnson looks dubiously at Bull, then leads you both down a short hallway to a garage where a dirty white busted-up van resides. A mirrorshaded human rigger sits absently in an armored compartment while the Johnson seals you in. "He'll get you to about three blocks away then wait. Get the item, and return to the van." Once you are on your way, the rigger says, "You need a stop along the way?"
"Yeh. Not far." Bull gives the Rigger directions to where he normally meets with Burner. (Though he doesn't bring the Nitro Cheez Dogs. Last time, Burner didn't share, the bastard). As they are on the way he glances over towards Knight. "Meeting a friend. Might know a bit about the area and what we can expect. You got any plans for recon?"
Burner is where he normally hangs out, looking a little surprised to see Bull so soon. Maybe it's too early in the day for him.
-----> Contact for Bull (#4176) <------
Contact Name: Burner
Level: 1
Type: ganger
GM Note: Racist against elves, those pretty little bitches. Buncha sissies too, if you ask me. Bastards can't take a punch.
Burner met Bull in a gang the two worked in. Burner had been in it longer, Bull was passing through muscle hired on. The Phoenix isn't a large gang, and has likely been swallowed up a few times by rivals. But, Burner is an excellent source of information for Bull, and sometimes still calls him along for jobs where the pay is good, and muscles are needed.
Active Skills: Bike3, Clubs3, Etiquette2(Street 4), Intimidation 2, Pistols 2, Stealth 3, (hiding4, sneaking4) unarmed combat3
Knowledge skills: City Knowledge5, Gang ID5, Gang Hangouts4, Gang Territories3, Protection Rackets3, Urban Brawl3
Knight leans back a little bit once they are en route, and shakes his head, "We have a powerful wizard it seems to deal with. I will have to check the astral but beyond all that it a matter I would rather handle on-site." Because no telling what spell defenses they might have up. Still, he wonders if his magic will work. He expects it will, just not how he imagined it.
"Well, the wizard's gone." Bull points out. "He left, and the artifact was supposedly left behind. That's how we know its good to go in for it, right?" As they get to where Burner is, the large 'Taur exits the vehicle. "Give me a minute." He says to Knight, before heading towards the large troll. Bull's approch is just a -tiny- bit wary… since well, this is supposed to be a game. "Sup chummer." He grunts, eyeing Burner head to toe. "Got an Op I'm on. Wondering if you got any insight. Got a minute?"
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 2 for "Does Burner remember that he asked for Nitro Cheez Dogs?":
9 11
Burner gives a wide grin, and will even press the flesh with the old handshake if that's a thing. "You got the dogs I asked for?"
Bull snorts. "Time sensitive. I'll bring them by after. I got straight nuyen for this. But so long as I ain't shot to shit, we'll -share some- this time." He says with mild, but good natured reproach in his voice.
Burner says, "Yer nuyen is good with me; ask away."
"Nazthur Thraka E'roos." Bull says, probably making a mockery of the accent but getting it out. "It's in Orktown. Need to know what you know about the area, gangs in it, protection, the usual."
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 5 for "Gang ID":
3 5 5 5 5
Burner says, "Oh yeah, bad joss there. Lotta backstory. The fast dark of it is that it's run by the Sons of Sauron now, and that's their little 'training camp.' Used to be a hardcore boxing gym, now it means 'Natural Warrior Society'. So their little butt-boys train in there, looking to graduate to Uruk-Hai, and they got a humie wizard who backs them up on the magic end. He lives on the second floor, does the magic stuff."
«Plot» Bull says, "Since I've got the name of the gang now…"
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Gang identification for " Sons of Sauron":
2 3 8
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Gang Turf for " Sons of Sauron in Orktown":
2 3 8 10
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) spends 500 nuyen for "The Usual for Burner's kind words".
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "The Sons of Sauron used to be an all ork and troll gang in Orktown proper who used Sauron's all-seeing eye from the Tolkein books as a rallying symbol. They got deposed by The Horsemen, a mostly ork-and-troll motorcycle-drug gang with national backing. They laid on the down low for a while, then deposed the Crimson Smoke in South Central and now call themselves 'The Sons'. So if the game is old-school, they will be taking you to Orktown, and if the game is up to date with current events, you'll really be in South Central.""
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "But South Central and Orktown do border one another so we're really only talking a couple of blocks of shifting gang territory."
Bull grunts, and nods his head to Burner. "Thanks." He says simply. "I'll be by after." Maybe. Its hard to tell it was a lie, if this is a game. He turns and heads back towards the vehicle, sliding in by Knight.
"Alright. Gang's called the Sons of Sauron. Looks like the place we are going translates to 'Natural Warrior Society'. Bunch of people training to be the next level of fighters in the gang. The wizard's a humie, lives on the second floor. And based on what I know about gangs, depending on how up to date the owners have their lore, we are either heading to Ork Town or Southcentral. And since the Johnson said it was in the deepest parts of Orktown, well, seems they ain't up to date." He muses. "Anyway. Looks like the place might be populated, at least in the lower levels. And I wouldn't be surprised if they got some o' that magic drek fucking with you getting in."
Knight lifts up a hand to brush about his features a little, "Well, this sounds like good intel, the biggest matter will be magical security, and getting in. The opposing territory might be useful if we can use it to escape when we exfil."
Burner take the money, gives his lazy wave, and then you're off.
The rigger stops and starts, clearly traversing gang territories in the Warrens, taxing the shock absorbers, gradually expending nuyen on gang tolls and payoffs. A careful eye tells you that you are not, actually, in what you would call deepest darkest Orktown, but more on the border of same. However, what street signs are there are are all in Or'zet, and you can only recognize the place, if place it is, if you've been there. The rigger does do a drive-by, before tucking the vehicle into an alleyway about three blocks away, out of sight.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "If you know the Bare Knuckle Gym, that's it. Only the signs have been changed. They obviously took pictures and ripped it into the game."
«Plot» Bull snorts! Yup. I've been in it.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Fragging plaigarists."
"Shit." Bull grunts, before laughing softly. "This is Mr. T's place… Fucking better not be him if he comes back." The large 'Taur says dryly, shaking his head. After the drive by, and once they get out into the alley, he looks over towards Knight. "Alright. You wanna do that waggler fly-by shit and see what you find? I'll make sure no one molests you too bad."
«Plot» Knight says, "Ok, can I do an astral projection in this game?"
«Plot» Knight says, "First I'm going to astral percieve, then if coast is clear, project. If able."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "When you try, you certainly feel like you're departing from your body, and everythign in the astral looks like you would expect it to. Including the general background count 2 unpleasantness of The Warrens."
«Plot» Knight says, "Sweet."
Knight nods a bit to Bull, and leans back a little as he allows his 'cyberspirit' to transfer to the 'cyberastral'. It is basically the same concept and method, feels the same. Interesting. The Shaman will then move to patrol while the other guards his body it seems.
Upon immediate view from the outside… the place is not Warded. Hm. Might be that Warding in the Warrens just attracts attention. Or maybe there are other defenses.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You can do a perception roll on the outside. Don't spend any karma."
Bull stands over and near Knight, just protecting him as he waits patiently for the mans astral self to do the scanning.
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Intelligence:
1 4 4 5 9 13
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Across the street and well down the block is a standard ork gang lookout with a pistol under his arm under his jacket. The region is mostly orky, with some humies and trolls and dwarves. Absolutely no elves. If you had to guess, said lookout is watching the building he's right next to, not the Bare Knuckle Gym, I mean Natural Warrior Society. But it's just a way of saying that this is a gang-controlled territory and total abandonment of stealth outside will eventually be noticed."
«Plot» Knight says, "'Total abandonment of stealth'?"
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "I don't know, shooting random passersby because they're witnesses, whatever."
«Plot» Knight says, "Ah."
«Plot From Bull» From the design of the building, is there anyway to scale to the second floor? External fire escape, chipped walls, ladders, piping, etc, etc. Just checking that option.
«Plot To Bull» It should not be astoundingly difficult to climb to the second floor or to the roof, but there are no windows leading in from there. Might be some kind of vents on the ceiling, but unlikely to be troll-sized.'.
«Plot» Knight says, "Ok… Can I attempt to scout out the first floor?"
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Excellent! Are you just floating in, or are you attempting to be sneaky about it?"
«Plot» Knight says, "Sneaky."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Stealth:
5 5
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 6 vs TN 5:
1 2 3 3 5 8 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Intelligence:
1 1 3 4 4 5
«Plot» Knight says, "Knight will be trying to move through a wall rather than the entrance and look less speedy and like he's you know. Less like he is scouting."
As Knight fades through the wall, he can see the inside of the place. It is, in fact, a boxing gym. Mostly. A ring is set up, heavy bags, free weights, a lot of orks and trolls pumping iron. Right at the door is a little desk with a chair, no one in it. While a few of the orks may or may not have pistols, there's only so much time to see - three orks who are NOT working out are clearly carrying assault rifles. So they are clearly the guards.(The exact type of assault rifle is unknown because it's an inanimate object on the astral.)
Then there's the bad luck. Stumpily floating down the stairs from the second floor, likely on some kind of patrol pattern, is the Earth Elemental elemental guard. He immediately sees Knight, and raises his craggly earthen fists. "Leave immediately," he says.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Roll init."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Initiative with a result of 7.
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 1 for "+26":
3
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "It's astral init, so you really have 27. The Earth elemental has 29."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "On 29, the Earth elemental delays to see if you follow his command."
«Plot» Knight says, "Knight will follow said command."
Knight tries to clean slide up through the building. It is soft and avoidant, as if trying and keep his astral signature from just rushing into it. The shaman looks around a bit cursory. Though he might not know if he is being watched it is likely that he will move right back out next. Then he sees that coming elemental, "I'm leaving, I was looking for someone, they're not here," he communicates as best he can astrally, then zooms back out.
The Earth Elemental is stumping forwards even as you speak, but since you are leaving, doesn't even get into punching range.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "And you are out."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Feel free to tell me your next actions."
«Plot» Knight says, "Move back to body."
Knight awakens, then he blinks a bit, "Ugh… They have an elemental, it told me to leave. I told it I had the wrong place. We have at least three armed guards, if I'm seeing correct, and many people… Working out, it looked like? It will be a bit of a… Fun task. To do anything." Beat, "There's an outlook outside but I think it's for the other place."
«Plot» Shoeshine awaits your exciting plan now that you know the basics of the setup.
"How many? Numberswise?" Bull asks curiously, contemplating. "I can handle a firefight, but I'm not going to take on a whole damn gym full of people." He says dryly. "Can you handle the elemental if you have to? Or can it bug you if you aren't astral?"
"It can manifest or cause trouble if it recognizes me and its master makes a command," Knight answers, as he gives a vague motions, "Over a dozen were working out. They're likely there for of course, that. Which means the guards are the real trouble. First floor? We can do, it's trying to go up that might be difficult likely. If it's not accessible to regulars."
Bull grunts, and teeters his hand softly. "Let me tell you something. The buildings gang owned, yeah? You go in and cause shit with the guards, at least half those dudes might draw up on you just because to get a good rep in.' He says with a faint grin. "I know I would. But, not sure what else to try. You got any wagglin' tricks in you you think might help crowd control?"
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Let me add something. It is an 'elemental guard'. It's set to guard that place for a year and a day. It doesn't require any additional commands. It will guard.""
«Plot» Knight says, "But will it manifest if it knows no reason to begin with?"
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Obviously, if a fight starts or it sees a spell or anything like that, it will act to the best of its ability."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "It doesn't fight for nothing; it let you back out."
«Plot» Knight nods.
"Magic might not be best unless we need it, not with an elemental around," Knight answers, then he leans back a little bit and considers for a moment, "It is… A plan, the question is how it would go. Hmm. I could make it rain on the whole area, that might… Not be any use."
Bull snorts. "No. That wouldn't help. Lets sync up comms." Bull says, keying them into his helmet. "I'll go in and have a look around. Suffice to say, its more my 'neighborhood.' Stay hear, and stay close. Listen in. If shit goes south, get to that door fast. Hell, its just a game right? Not like we can ruin our reputations with a gang fight." He says cheerfully.
The three block walk from the hidden van to the front door is uneventful. Having been warned, Bull can spot the lookie-loo who is across the street and down the block at the corner. Taking a closer look, the place is indeed a converted warehouse, without stupid insecure fripperies like 'windows'. Who needs those? And door is unlocked.
Knight nods a bit, "Physical risk, no reputable risk, unless the programmers are assholes," he says. The shaman chuckles a bit but it's natured to be well-meaning. A small shift and relaxed roll of his shoulders, "The thing, it patrols. It might not like if you go up too far… I could take it out /maybe/ but that would be a little worse /if/ they know about it and send out someone to check. Up to you."
"Alright. Stay nearby, and don't draw attention. Keep your comms on." Bull says, before he pushes open the door and steps into the 'Natural Warrior Society'. Once inside the front door, he simply stands there and looks around with obvious curiosity, as if someone seeing it for the first time.
«Plot» Bull is comparing the place to the Bare Knuckle Gym, to see how closely the clientele/decor matches.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Physically, in terms of the position of the ring, the desk, the free weights, the heavy bags; perfect. You don't recognize anyone, and the chair where Rex usually sleeps leaning up against the wall isn't there."
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 2 vs TN 4 for "Do they notice?":
2 5 = 1 Success
"'Ey yo," says one of the orks with a synthleather Secure Jacket, holding his well-oiled AK-97. "first workout is free, effen yer looking to join. Lockers dere," he points to the open cubbyholes, "and showers upstairs." He points to the stairs to the second floor which are also exactly where they should be.
Bull reaches a hand to his chin, and rubs it there a few times. "Yea. Thinkin' that was the plan." He agrees, rolling his shoulders. "Hit the showers first and change. Back in a minute." He grunts, before heading for the stairs to ease his way up.
Commlink-Bull> Bull sends, « Heading to second floor. Thats where the Wizzies area is supposed to be. »
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You are not harassed on your way up. The showers, the little locker room, the sauna and baths are all reproduced. And there is a door you don't quite remember from your times in the Bare Knuckle, or maybe it's because it was always closed. A broom closet kind of size. Closed."
Commlink-Lancer> Knight sends, « Good. »
«Plot» Bull says, "Any visible people on the upper level?|"
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 1 for "4+ no":
4
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Not this instant."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Security Systems for " Eyeballing that closet, for cameras, sensors, etc.":
1 2 4
As Bull heads to the upper floors he gives it a quick once over, heading towards the closet at a leisurely pace as he glances around for others, and other areas then down below where people could be coming from.
The door has a little maglock keypad of the sort you can buy at a hardware store.
Commlink-Bull> Bull sends, « Might need you to try and discern where this thing is while I putter around. Try to time the elemental? I've got no idea what or where I'm looking for. Second floor has a locked door, on <Blank> side of the building. Can you stick your head in through the wall? »
«Plot» Knight says, "Can I attempt to do such?"
Commlink-Lancer> Knight sends, « Roger that. »
The rigger says, "I'm not supposed to get involved except for driving you away amidst a hail of gunfire, but sure, lay in the back and I'll close the door."
Commlink-Lancer> Knight sends, « Travelling. »
Knight nods a bit towards the rigger whom he speaks with a little, "I'll make sure it doesn't impede your job," he says. The shaman lays back and waits, sure that a rigger has much better control with his vehicle and its defenses, then he astrals to try and use Bull's best advice to reach said wall.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You are not harassed on your floating from the car to the Bare Knuckle. Stealth to enter without being spotted."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Stealth:
2 2
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Stealth for "KP 1/12":
5 5
«Plot» Knight says, "Stand."
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 6 vs TN 5:
1 1 2 4 5 7 = 2 Successes
Knight moves up to the wall and peeks within. You know to try and see. Just a bit. Not all his form.
Bull, for obvious reasons, can't see Knight. So he ambles over towards the showers and the locker rooms, and takes a peek inside.
Standing in the room, in some motion (as if the elemental is still doing a moving guard, but focusing his attention in this room because it's the most important room, duh) is the same earth elemental. His fists are already up. He immediately rounds on you the moment you put your head through the wall.
In terms of description, even though you see the objects only as dark shadows, this room is obviously the magical Enchanting Laboratory. Beakers, alembics, tables, paraphrenalia. A cot in the corner is likely where the wizard sleeps because some of those Enchanting tasks means that you have to sleep in the enchanting lab and work it day and night. Also a dresser drawer, bookshelves, personal computer, chiprack of reference materials.
But more important to Knight's personal demise or lack thereof is the elemental, who says, "Strike two. If I see you again I kill you. Leave." And moves towards.
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 1 for "+26":
4
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Initiative with a result of 11.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Knight 31, Elemental 30. Do you leave on 31, Knight?"
«Plot» Knight says, "I kinda want to see if he can take the elemental out."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "It is your action on 31."
«Plot» Knight says, "I would like to Manabolt."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Tn is base 6, +1 for background count of 1. (The BG is only 1 inside the gym.)"
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Sorcery + 3 (Dragonslayer) + Spell Pool: 4 vs TN 7 for "Manabolt 6D":
1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 8 9 11 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Sorcery + 3 (Dragonslayer) + Spell Pool: 4 - 3 vs TN 7 for "Manabolt 6D KP 2/12":
1 1 1 3 3 4 5 5 9 10 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Sorcery + 3 (Dragonslayer) + Spell Pool: 4 - 5 vs TN 7 for "Manabolt 6D KP 4/12":
1 1 2 3 4 4 7 8 = 2 Successes
«Plot» Knight says, "Stand."
«OOC» Shoeshine says, "Very strong. I am impressed."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Willpower + Spell Pool: 2 vs TN 3 for "8 Succs required for full soak.":
1 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 = 7 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Willpower + Spell Pool: 2 - 7 vs TN 3 for "8 Succs required for full soak. KP 5/12":
2 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Willpower + Spell Pool: 2 - 7 vs TN 3 for "8 Succs required for full soak. KP 7/12":
5 = 1 Success
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "And nicely soaked."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "As you know, elementals have a spell pool equal to their force that they use only for defense.. His willpower is 6, he'll use all his spell pool, and then start rerolling."
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 6 + 6 vs TN 6 for "I need seven sixes to survive.":
1 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 7 9 10 = 3 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 6 + 6 - 3 vs TN 6 for "I need seven sixes to survive. kp1":
1 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 10 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 6 + 6 - 3 - 1 vs TN 6 for "I need seven sixes to survive. kp3":
1 2 4 4 4 5 8 8 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 6 + 6 - 3 - 1 - 2 vs TN 6 for "I need seven sixes to survive. kp6":
1 1 1 3 3 4 = 0 Successes
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You are a very lucky dog. You give it your all and kill it in a single burst. Pose at will."
Knight slides up and through into view and lifts up his hands as he holds out his arms then gives an echoing cry for the Aesir to guide him. "We must complete our duty," he voices, then a wave of mana in the shape of consuming articulated design like a dragon as he visualizes takes the creature and evaporates it back to the metaplanes against all its defensive capability, imaging it as the astral would show it, which he is within.
Even though the elemental tries its best, it's no match for the mana-construct that devours him. And with it gone, the astral here is.. mysteriously quiet.
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 5 for "Setting a base difficulty":
1 1 2 4 7
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Intelligence:
1 3 3 7 7 21
«Plot» Knight says, "Looking around mostly towards drawers, the place that looks like a sleeping area, and also various ah, paraphrenalia."
«Plot» Knight says, "Leaning towards ground floor to do it, also looking up and about."
Non-magical objects just show up as shades of gray in the astral, which is why you can't read anything from the astral. But you CAN see emotional resonances, and so in your careful searching, the floor-of-the-second-floor has an emotional resonance on the side of the cot by the pillow, as if a particular amount of attention has been spent there in the real world. Unsurprisingly, it's right where someone sleeping could roll over, thrust his hand down, and touch the floor to grab something if that was the most important thing in their life or if they needed a powerful weapon. Kind of like having your gun under your pillow but a little safer.
If you put your hand through the floor in that area, you feel a strange tingle. Yes, there's an inactive magical object hidden underneath the floor right beside the cot-bed, at the head.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "The little hidden under-floor area is sufficiently small, though, that putting your face through doesn't see anything just because it's a tiny cubbyhole."
«Plot» Knight says, "Back to body when allowed."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You are not bothered, you can go back to body."
Knight moves back to his body and blinks his eyes open, then he shakes his head a bit and touches his commlink.
Commlink-Lancer> Knight sends, « There's a laboratory at the wall around where you mentioned. A… Bedding is there, a cubbyhole or such besides it, it looks like it might be there. »
Commlink-Lancer> Knight sends, « I took care of that delicate elemental situation. So don't worry. »
«Plot» Bull says, "How secure did that door look?"
Commlink-Bull> Bull sends, « Good to know. I'll see if I can find it and bug out. Is that elemental going down going to trip the wizzie onto us? »
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "It has a maglock on it that you could get at a local hardware store. Likely less than 6. If you're strong enough you might be able to break it down, or explode it if you carry low-Availability explosives."
Commlink-Lancer> Knight sends, « It is possible, so be fast. »
Bull does a quick once over of the second floor again, just to see if there is anyone around he can find. If not, after a cursory glance down the stairs, he'd stride over towards the door to give a ceramically bone enhanced boot to the lock in an effort to dave it in.
«Plot» Bull does I think 10M physical with kicks.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "So, against melee attacks to break a door, a barrier has double the rating. The base rating here is 4 for an interior door, so 8. Your power is greater than adjusted barrier rating, so you open a half-meter hole in the barrier; or in this case, you kick the lock out so the smallish door hangs broken -more-"
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 1 for "1-3 open in, 4+ open out":
3
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "The door opens in, so you rip through the maglock and reveal the enchanting laboratory before you."
Just as Knight said, there's beakers, alembics, tables, bookcases, shelves, personal computers, a chest of drawers next to.. a cot for sleeping.
Bull, after clearing the room, walks over to deliver his booted suggestion to open, with extreme prejudice. Applying the powers of deduction, Knight's suggestion of where it is, and thermal vision, Bull looks with his eyes for a cold/hot spot where the cubbyhole might be by the bed. He kneels down, and comes over the comms.
Commlink-Bull> Bull sends, « In the room. Looking for the object now. »
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 2 vs TN 4 for "Just checking the obvious.":
3 4 = 1 Success
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You can perceive if you like, TN 7."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Intelligence vs TN 7:
1 1 1 4 5 = 0 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Intelligence vs TN 7 for "kp 1/4":
2 2 4 5 7 = 1 Success
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You get right in the area - the place looks pretty smooth, then you figure out how to press down firmly, get a 'click' and it pops up to reveal, in a leather sheath… a flint knife with a handle wrapped in leather. It looks native american, and it looks old. Very old."
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 3 for "stealth":
2 4 5
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Perception TN 5"
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Intelligence vs TN 5:
2 2 3 4 9 = 1 Success
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Someone's coming up the steps."
Commlink-Bull> Bull sends, « Got it. Someones on the way up. I'm going to get found out. »
Bull snatches the flint knife quickly, burying it into a pocket as he ATTEMPTS to get out the room and pull the door as 'closed' as it can possibly be with the lock kicked out.
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Stealth for " Totally inconspicous, what, who did this, ME?!":
4 5 5 11
Commlink-Lancer> Knight sends, « What do you need from me? »
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 3 for "Okay, so, by the rules, there is a half-meter hole in that door.":
5 7 10
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You're out and the ex-door is closed by the time the ork, who is NOT one of the three orks with the assault rifles, turns the corner. Maybe he sees you moving a little quick, maybe he doesn't, but he does immediately see the busted door."
Commlink-Bull> Bull sends, « Get the rigger ready. »
The ork cocks his head and says loudly, "Hey you, why is that door busted? What have you been doing up here?" It's obvious that he's talking real loud so that the security gangers downstairs can hear him.
"Shit was broke when I got up here." Bull grunts, giving the door an idle boot as he peers inside. "Had me wondering what kinda security you boys got going on in here." He shrugs, and starts to head towards that ork and the staircase, hands in his pockets.
The ork comes fully up to the landing. He doesn't actually block your way, he's decently big for an ork, but he shows every sign of turning his shoulders to move for you to pass him. He again calls out loudly, so that the security gangers can hear him, "I don't see anyone else up here. It had to be you what broke the door."
Knight speaks with the rigger, "We need to be ready for exfil."
The rigger revs the car up and starts backing out.
"Oh that's how you fleece the new guys?" Bull says with mild annoyance, shaking his head as he moves to brush past the door and head downstairs. "Tell someone to up unsupervised, then follow them up and blame them for a broke door? What's fuckin' next, telling me to pay up for it?" He does try to make his way down the stairs.
The ork lets you right by, and goes to check out the busted door that swings open (again) at his touch. "Yeah, he busted the door open so he could rip off the boss!" the ork cries.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You are not stopped in ordinary fashion as you go down the stairs. When you come out into the room…. I find it likely we will roll for init, but if you have any readying actions on the way down the steps, you certainly can engage."
«Plot» Bull says, "No readying actions, other then to draw my telescoping quarterstaff and start peeling the moment it becomes apparent negative things will happen."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Your staff will be in hand, concealed. Inits begin as you leave the stairway. Let me describe."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Of the three security gangers with assault rifles:
One is taking cover at the desk by the door. He is 'interposed' so he can take HTH actions if you try to run past him.
One is taking cover behind a heavy bag, using it to soak up fire.
One is taking cover at the ring apron. It is approximately 30 meters from the stairway to the door."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Init!"
And the 14 other guys are looking on curiously.
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Initiative with a result of 16.
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 1 for "+4":
5
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Bull 16, Gangers 1-2-3 at 9, normals don't go this turn."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Athletics vs TN 4 for " Going for distance! I'm going for… Speed! (Improving Run speed)":
1 8 11 = 2 Successes
«Plot» Bull says, "That gives Bull an effective 8 quickness. At full running speed, I'm moving 24 meters towards the door. Telescoping baton drawn and in hand. It's a complex action."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "So, in the first pass, you move 12 meters."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You don't have cover, but you do have a +2 tn due to running fast."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Let me check my weapons.."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "So, tn 4 for short range, -2 for smartlink, +2 for running, first burst is recoil comped, second is not. First ganger."
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + 4 vs TN 4 for "skill 4, combat pool 4, base 11S damage for the three round burst, he doesn't have EXEX":
1 3 3 3 5 5 11 11 = 4 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + 4 - 4 vs TN 4 for "skill 4, combat pool 4, base 11S damage for the three round burst, he doesn't have EXEX, the leader might kp1":
1 5 5 10 = 3 Successes
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "11S +7 successes."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "tn 5 on dodge, or who knows how awesomely you soak."
«OOC» Bull says, "My armor is 7/8… So tn 4 on soaking for 7 ballistic?"
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Body + Combat Pool: 4 vs TN 4 for " Aiming for a total of 13 successes.":
1 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 7 7 11 = 10 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Body + Combat Pool: 4 - 10 vs TN 4 for " Aiming for a total of 13 successes. kp 2/4":
1 1 2 2 3 5 5 = 2 Successes
«Plot» Bull says, "I take an L. And it slips to my trauma dampener, and becomes stun."
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 7 for "The less impressive second burst.":
1 2 5 10 10 11 = 3 Successes
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "11S+3 successes."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Body + Combat Pool: 1 vs TN 4 for " Aiming for a total of 9 successes":
1 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 8 9 10 15 = 8 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Body + Combat Pool: 1 - 8 vs TN 4 for " Aiming for a total of 9 successes kp 3/4":
1 2 3 4 4 9 = 3 Successes
«Plot» Bull says, "Full soak."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Second ganger."
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + Combat Pool: 4 vs TN 4 for "As before, tn 4 short range -2 smartlink +2 running":
1 2 2 5 5 7 9 11 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + Combat Pool: 4 - 5 vs TN 4 for "As before, tn 4 short range -2 smartlink +2 running kp1":
2 3 10 = 1 Success
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "11s+6 successes."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Body + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 4 for " Soaking against 12":
1 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 5 5 5 5 8 9 10 = 8 Successes
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "another L stun and 2 boxes physical. (still considered light)"
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 7 for "less impressive second burst":
2 3 3 5 5 10 = 1 Success
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "11S +1 success. Looking for 7 successes."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Body vs TN 4 for " Need 7 to soak":
1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 8 10 = 5 Successes
«Plot» Bull says, "Takes a light. Now three boxes stun, 2 boxes physical."
«Plot» And the third ganger, the 'leader' at the front.
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + 4 vs TN 4 for "As before, tn 4 -2 smartlink +2 running":
1 3 3 5 5 8 9 10 = 5 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + 4 - 5 vs TN 4 for "As before, tn 4 -2 smartlink +2 running kp1":
1 3 4 = 1 Success
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "11s +6 successes."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Body vs TN 4 for " Need 12 successes":
2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 7 13 15 = 8 Successes
«Plot» Bull says, "Two more phys, one more stun for a nice round 4 and 4.
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 7 for "second burst with":
2 2 3 4 5 5 = 0 Successes
Amidst cries of, "Lead him! Lead him!" the properly-positioned gangers begin to carefully unload into Bull's massive and charging form. For all that they are firing at point-blank range for their jumping and jerky rifles, and that he's a big-ass target and leaving blood-flecks splashing off him, the bastard isn't going down. If anything, he's gaining speed.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Second pass. You are the only one with an affirmative action. However, if you are to 'pass by' the ganger at the door, he will get a melee attack. If you are just running and picking up speed, that's all we will do."
«Plot» Bull says, "Right. He only gets that if I pass within one meter of him."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "He has placed himself so that there is no way to the door without passing within 1 meter of him."
«Plot» Bull says, "So he isn't in cover then?"
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "I did mention the desk that's right at the door where you could 'check people in.'"
«Plot» Bull says, "Right, I'm just trying to see a design where someone hiding behind it could also lash out over it effectively. :P"
«Plot» Bull says, "Either way, I don't think I have the speed to get to the door this turn, anyhow."
Bull takes the bullets with annoyed noises, and his voice would come over the comms. He doesn't slow down, stray the course, or seek cover. Nope, Bull is committed and it seems he is committed to exiting the building.
Commlink-Bull> Bull sends, « Taking fire, multiple wounds. »
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "As you'll be going by he will step up from his crouch to try and grab you. I will reveal that my secret plan is to do a 'knockdown attack' to take you to the ground and thus give them more chances to shoot you. If you would like to do that in the next round when you have combat pool, we could work it that way."
«Plot» Bull nods. "There is a really easy way for me to circumvent that, which I can do next turn :P
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "I acquiesce to this. At the end of this round, you are 24 meters of the 30 meters to go, and you haven't gotten to the guy behind the desk yet."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Initiative with a result of 23.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Unless you have some kind of pain resistance, you are at -2 from stun and -2 fro moderate so -4. That makes your init 19."
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 1 for "+4":
4
«Plot» Bull says, "Oh! My med-alert kicks in."
«Plot» Bull thinks his Crash Cart kicks in automatically to heal (auto-injectors with savior medkit), "But I don't think its going to matter in the next turn."
«Plot» Bull says, "It functions just like a savior medkit, but built in and contingent on injury."
Meanwhile, the rigger-van is tearing up the street, with Knight in tow (theoretically looking out the window if he cares to do so.)
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Bull 19, Gangers 8. Bull, at 6 meters from the door."
«Plot» Bull says, "Anyway: Bull is going to head for the outside. 18 Meters, means 9 in the first turn. To prevent douchemuffin from getting a free attack on me, I'm going to club him on the way by, taking the +4 wound penalty."
«Plot» Bull also takes +4 from wounds, making it a +8 to strike him. Then there is +3 reach with extendable quarterstaff.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "So! right now you will be tn 8, he will be tn 4, and you have +3 reach to put somewhere."
«Plot» Bull says, "Upping him by 3."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "So; his tn is 7, yours is 8."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Pole Arms/Staves + Combat Pool: 3 vs TN 8 for " Duck!":
1 1 1 3 4 4 9 15 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 5 + Combat Pool: 4 vs TN 7 for "saving some cp, at the very least you'll tamp down his backshooting":
1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 14 = 1 Success
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "and he has no kp left, so your base staffing damage is?"
«Plot» Bull says, "Woohoo! 9M (Strength+2)"
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 7 vs TN 6 for "impact 3 against 9m":
1 1 1 3 11 11 16 = 3 Successes
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "He takes Light physical from the whappage and you bust out the door. You may pose, and be aware of my kindness is not requiring you to use a simple action to open the door. Clearly, these orks was born in a barn."
«Plot» Bull grins.
Bull barrels past the desk, swiping with the quarterstaff as he does. There is an audible 'Whap' when it clips the guy. As Bull clears the 6 meters to the door, he immediately uses his last few steps to button hook to the left and get down the sidewalk a bit. Why? Because getting shot in the ass really, really sucks, and he wants them to have to work for their chance to put more rounds into his hide. He is already looking for the escape wagon.
Due to the angulation, the only one who can possibly shoot Bull in the ass is the one who just got whapped. He steps to the swinging door and cuts loose one last burst to chase him down the street. (The other two gangers spend their actions moving to the door, the 14 normals draw weapons and prepare to act as a howling mob if needed.)
Knight looks at the rigger all up front and shifts up his weapon a little in case he needs it when they exfil Bull.
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 + Combat Pool: 2 vs TN 5 for "tn 4, -2 smartlink, +2 running, +1 light physical, ass shooting on Bull":
1 4 5 7 9 9 = 4 Successes
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "11s +4 successes."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Body + Combat Pool: 3 vs TN 4 for " Aiming to get 10 successes!":
1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 5 7 7 16 = 4 Successes
«OOC» Shoeshine says, "Ut oh."
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls Body + Combat Pool: 3 - 4 vs TN 4 for " Aiming to get 10 successes! kp 4/4":
1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 10 = 6 Successes
«Plot» Bull says, "Full soak, last of the KP gone."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Wisely conserved."
Stepping outside, the ork with an artful contusion on his head takes careful aim at Bull's back. Unfortunately, his boiling anger leads him to shoot right for the broad back… where the trauma plates are, and Bull just keeps running to beat the band.
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "Let us move out of combat time. Knight, do you have an AOE attack, or just the manabolt?"
«Plot» Knight says, "Stunbolt."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "It is your action, Knight, would you like to sputch the gunning ork at the door? And would you like to manabolt, or stunbolt?"
«Plot» Knight says, "Stunbolt the gunning ork."
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "willpower 4, background count +2; he's outside."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Sorcery + 3 (Dragonslayer) + Spell Pool: 3 vs TN 6 for "Stunbolt 6D":
1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 10 = 1 Success
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Sorcery + 3 (Dragonslayer) + Spell Pool: 3 - 1 vs TN 6 for "Stunbolt 6D 8/12":
1 2 3 3 4 4 4 5 13 14 20 = 3 Successes
«Plot» Knight says, "Stand."
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Willpower + Spell Pool: 3 vs TN 2 for "Soak. 8 succs.":
2 2 2 3 4 5 8 9 11 = 9 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Shoeshine (#844) rolls 4 vs TN 6 for "I need four sixes":
2 3 4 7 = 1 Success
«Plot» Shoeshine says, "You may pose knocking him out."
Knight lifts up a hand to make a maneuver from the line of sight which he has. Bull will notice the one shooting at him that feels a jolt just falls aside against the entryway unconscious.
The gangers running to the door notice the lack of gunfire and the spooky way that their leader just.. fell over. They are a little more circumspect about going for the door, which gives ample time for the van to rumble up beside/in front of Bull. The doors to the rear open naturally by rigger control.
«OOC» Shoeshine says, "we are now in free posing."
Bull would barrels towards the door, and when it slides open he quite literally hurls himself inside. The baton is dropped, and literally only a few moments after getting inside he is drawing out the flint knife from his pocket. "Please fuckin' tell me I grabbed the right thing." The pained 'Taur growls.
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Intelligence vs TN 6 for "Assense.":
1 3 4 5 8 9 = 2 Successes
«Auto-Judge[]» Knight (#12895) rolls Aura Reading vs TN 6 for "Assense.":
1 13 = 1 Success
« Plot to Knight»'It is a top level weapons focus and it might have some other abilities that would require study to discern. Let's say a minimum rating 12 focus. It would be a bitch to attune to, but once you had it….On the astral, it glows with a beautifully lambent and richly textured golden red.'.
Knight blinks a bit at it, and nods to Bull, "It has to be it. Way powerful too," he says. Once he's focused upon it for a while.
"Good." Bull mutters, drawing his baton back to small and slipping it into his jacket. He shifts, and then just stays laid out on the floor of the Van, letting his built in Crash-Cart set about the process of healing himself from the wounds he'd taken.
After some zooming over the bumpy terrain, the rigger gets back to paying for gang passage, and finally deposits you back in the garage that connects to Mr. Johnson's smoke-filled back room. The albino Johnson says, "Do you have it?"
Knight nods a bit, "We have it," he says. Then motions to Bull.
Bull nods his head, "Yeah." He grunts, before holding out the flint knife. "This is it." He is still bloodied, but for the most part the large 'Taur is uncomplaining of his wounds.
«Auto-Judge[]» Bull (#4176) rolls 6 (Crash Cart) vs TN 6 for " Crash Cart First Aid.":
1 1 2 3 4 11 = 1 Success
«OOC» Shoeshine says, "Your high body makes it easier, the fact that you're bumping along in a speeding vehicle makes it harder. In either case, you end up down to light physical. :)"
Mr. Johnson's eyes widen - is he a mage? He must be, because his reactions relate to the surprise that Knight showed. "Yes, yes it is," he says. Always cognizant of the protocol of these things, he passes over two certified credsticks in the appropriate amount, taking hold of the flint knife called 'Ghosthammer' at the same time. And then… you're both sitting in the chairs, in the office.
Shoeshine says, "Are you all right? We saw you taking hits in there," he refers to the basic medical readouts from Bull's chair.
Bull waves a hand idly, "I'm fine." He grunts. "Going to have a headache, and got some blood on me. Crash cart took the edge off, the rest will heal on its own." He says simply. "Where did you get the details on my buddy from? How did the game know to put him in?"
Knight relaxes back a bit.
Mr. Mobydeux comes in. "The game reacts to your expectations and generates something in response. Obviously it has an expert-system backend to power the conversation engine, but that's old news." Shoeshine waves him down, as he's getting a little technical into the details.
As you look, Bull doesn't have any actual cuts in his flesh nor is he dripping blood. He does have bruises, though, and the flesh in those shot-up areas feels tender.
Bull is idly probing himself as he rests in the chair. "I see." He muses, before looking up to the pair. "… So how did that run look to you guys?" He asks curiously. "What are you using from the feedback? Determining difficulty?"
Shoeshine says, "We don't see it from moment to moment - we don't have a camera view in there. We just have the datastream to read later." Mr. Mobydeux says, "There's the art, isn't it? That's why we need playtesters."
"Huh." Bull muses, before shaking his head. He gets to his feet slowly, "I'm fairly confident the credstick from the game didn't pass on over… sooo…" He looks between Shoeshine and Mr. Mobydeux expectantly.
Shoeshine chuckles and provides two similar credsticks. (The serial numbers are not the same as in the game.)
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