This imposing structure stands across from the park and Klingmar Spa & Resort and is home to the infamous Spook Squad mercenary squad.

Link to full details and layout.
See Here for Prior Haunt
Moderators: Game Masters, AGMs
Mierin nods at Ronan. "I can show you around. I was just getting back from taking care of personal business out of town, but I think we have some empty rooms on the fourth floor where you can store your gear." Mierin gives him a quick tour of the place. "There's a training room on the second floor, you'll find the kitchen on the third floor along with a common area." Mierin heads up to the fourth floor and opens a door and peeks her head inside. "This looks empty to me. You've got an attached bathroom with the room so you can get cleaned up." Mierin moves to the side so Ronan can enter the room and check it out.Ronan follows the rest of the group to the base, and is impressed by its structure and security systems. He'll approach whoever he sees first, preferably Lahz or one of the other identified senior members. "I need to know where to drop my stuff and where I can take a shower, I think most of my old gear is in the garage. Also, there was a thing of getting paid for that whole mess? I'm not from this world, so if you've got a brochure on how things work, that'd be swell."
Vheld waves his hand and snaps, mildly impatient. "Fine, fine, whatever. Just take it." With barely a second thought, he swipes his cred-stick, takes his purchase, and proceeds on his way. Later, after his return to MercTown he decides it's time to meet up with the others at the Ogre's Den. With luck, this new look will dissuade any irritants. Slithn, he will keep in her dungeon- but as always, Sil pads along silently, unwilling to leave her master's side.Sum of All Fears wrote:"Good day sir. I'm Patricia. A shadow cloak. Rare to find one of those, even here. But you are in luck I just finished one this morning. Unfortunately with K'azza's antics we have had to increase our prices. The cloak will run you three hundred fifty thousand credits (350,000)." Patricia looks at Vheld expecting a counter argument for the price.
Ronan nods and takes stock of his shattered armors and the like. "Yes, not much survived that whole apocalypse thing, but thank you." He'll follow the tour and then will just hang out in the Common Room with Mierin until they all depart. Lahz is definitely noted as the leader, though Vheld seems to be the deadlier. Not that that matters in terms of leadership. Ronan muses, thinking back to his old crew. He could easily beat anyone on his team in terms of raw strength but many others had him in many other fields, especially games of the mind.Meirin wrote:"I can show you around. I was just getting back from taking care of personal business out of town, but I think we have some empty rooms on the fourth floor where you can store your gear."
After the party Vheld re-enters the Haunt and tromps up to his quarters. It has been a long and taxing day, capping off a long and taxing mission, and even the shifter who normally disdains sleep is ready for bed. He and Sil retire to Vheld’s quarters, where he falls fast asleep- and sleeps the night away, in defiance of his sustain spell.Vheld wrote:JIC: Invalid dice code!, Invalid dice code!
PER: Invalid dice code! vs. 79%
Thumper sniggers and Grimloq nods, while not completely understanding Connie’s remarks. As he views the massive tower above the outer walls Grimloq lets out a cloud of blue smoke from his nostrils. ”I have seen ruins less ominous than this tower.” Grimloq breaks into a low chuckle as the mental image of the tower covered in Christmas lights invades his noggin. ”I am sure it is all for show. I would be surprised if we found an outfit who calls themselves ‘the Spook Squad’ operating out of anything less menacing.”Connie wrote: "I sure hope this isn't a 100% male group compensating for something."
The Cyberknight interrupts a knock with a hand still in its backswing and turns to Mierin thrilled to see a friendly face. He follows her inside and up to the kitchen, "Aha! The Spooks are in town then, excellent. I have been travelling from deep in Old Mexico pretty much day and night for the last week ... I had a dream about some big nasty thing named Nxla. Around the Rio Grande I ran across this old mind melter named Petrov and he had a vision too but he could not keep up. This thing is going to be bad I mean bigger than that Kali many armed goddess that gave us trouble back in the old days ... huge. Like the size of the Palace over across the way ... so, I figured I should come back and give you guys an assist before ... y'know it eats the Magic Zone and heads south for the Pecos ... "Mierin wrote:Returning to the Haunt, Mierin is surprised to see the large Tokanii standing at the front door, hearing him ask for Lahz or Vheld. ”Thorn??" Mierin calls out from behind him, taking care to not startle the former leader of the Squad. ”When did you get back into town? ” Mierin goes around Thorn and opens the door, letting Thorn follow her into the Haunt. Looking back, Mierin explains as she heads toward the kitchen, ”Lahz is spending quality time with the Mrs and Vheld is off doing... whatever Vheld does when he's not working. What's going on?” Mierin gets herself a glass of water and waits for Thorn to respond.
Mierin listens to Thorn's story and looks a bit surprised. ”Oh the giant squid monster? We already took care of that. It was the Squad and a couple of other groups – MARS and the Roughnecks. We pretty much decimated its cult and pushed it back to whatever hell it originally came from with the help of some spirits.” Mierin looks sombre as she adds, ”It was pretty brutal. The MARS team was almost completely wiped out. We took some losses as did the Roughnecks. We definitely could have used you.”The Cyberknight interrupts a knock with a hand still in its backswing and turns to Mierin thrilled to see a friendly face. He follows her inside and up to the kitchen, "Aha! The Spooks are in town then, excellent. I have been travelling from deep in Old Mexico pretty much day and night for the last week ... I had a dream about some big nasty thing named Nxla. Around the Rio Grande I ran across this old mind melter named Petrov and he had a vision too but he could not keep up. This thing is going to be bad I mean bigger than that Kali many armed goddess that gave us trouble back in the old days ... huge. Like the size of the Palace over across the way ... so, I figured I should come back and give you guys an assist before ... y'know it eats the Magic Zone and heads south for the Pecos ... "
Ronan smirks at the jab and shrugs. "'Bout as useful as someone brand new to this neck of the universe. I show up out of, what was it called, a rift? And day one, it's the walking dead that laugh at my punches, people slinging spells, and an octogod with a superiority complex. Thorn, is it? Ronan Deshe, 3rd Lieutenant, Arismal Defense Force formerly, it seems." He says extending a hand to the Tokanii. "The one who can bend reality, Vheld, offered me a place here to Lahz. Mierin's been helping me orient since we got into town."Mierin wrote:”Well, there's this guy. Rook, this is Thorn. He was the leader of the Squad when I joined up. Thorn, this is Ronan, the FNG. Not a bad fighter. He was almost useful.”
Ronan shakes his head. "Not me. I'm more just curious if I've met the whole crew yet. I've got an idea for any new people that don't know what I can do, or haven't seen this place." He grins and leans in closer to Mierin, "Set me up in the entry-way and I'll go silver and stay still -- like a statue. Treat me as a statue and make sure to show them. Maybe like a 'Definitely don't touch this' sort of thing, then I jump at them to Spook them. Cause, ya know, Spook Squad? Huh? " He offers in jest. "Okay, I know, cheesy, but still. Find enjoyment where you can. It could be worth it."Mierin wrote:”You expecting anyone to show up?”
The steel canteen abruptly crumples in Thorn's massive fist like it was a berry full of juice, the Tokanii's brows knit and for several seconds he silently seems to be inhaling and exhaling to find calm. It doesn't take too long but it is noticeable, "Oh well that's good. Glad you did not need me, sounds like Lahz and the old familiar faces survived. I am not familiar with MARS or the Roughnecks I don't think ... and I was in between killing marauding bands of vampires anyways. So a trip back here wasn't a waste, it would be nice to sleep in a reasonably sized bed."Mierin wrote:Mierin listens to Thorn's story and looks a bit surprised. ”Oh the giant squid monster? We already took care of that. It was the Squad and a couple of other groups – MARS and the Roughnecks. We pretty much decimated its cult and pushed it back to whatever hell it originally came from with the help of some spirits.” Mierin looks sombre as she adds, ”It was pretty brutal. The MARS team was almost completely wiped out. We took some losses as did the Roughnecks. We definitely could have used you.”
Mierin wrote:When Ronan arrives and asks if they're expecting anyone else, Mierin gestures toward Thorn. ”Well, there's this guy. Rook, this is Thorn. He was the leader of the Squad when I joined up. Thorn, this is Ronan, the FNG. Not a bad fighter. He was almost useful.” The corner of Mierin's mouth lifts up, showing this was meant as a playful jab and not an insult. Mierin raises an eyebrow ”You expecting anyone to show up?”
The entire proposal seems odd to Thorn, "Silver? ... I don't get it. What can you do?" he offers a questioning side-eye to Mierin as if to inquire, *A Crazy?*Ronan wrote:Ronan shakes his head. "Not me. I'm more just curious if I've met the whole crew yet. I've got an idea for any new people that don't know what I can do, or haven't seen this place." He grins and leans in closer to Mierin, "Set me up in the entry-way and I'll go silver and stay still -- like a statue. Treat me as a statue and make sure to show them. Maybe like a 'Definitely don't touch this' sort of thing, then I jump at them to Spook them. Cause, ya know, Spook Squad? Huh? " He offers in jest. "Okay, I know, cheesy, but still. Find enjoyment where you can. It could be worth it."
"Oh, Forgive me. I actually figured this out recently. Check it out." Ronan says, with something of a grin. Wearing his newly acquired clothing, Ronan opens his palm to show Thorn a small amount of liquid silver in his palm that quickly erupts to a silver sword in his hand. "Neat, huh? I can make almost any type of melee weapon so far. Even made a shovel. There's also this." He continues as the silver then coats his entire body, cloths and all. Yes, I knew I could cover my cloths with it as well! Just took some figuring.Sir Thorn wrote:"Silver? ... I don't get it. What can you do?"
Mierin raises an eyebrow at Thorn and points to the now crumpled steel canteen. ”You all right there, big guy?” Mierin shrugs ”At least Nxla has been defeated and world isn't going to end anytime soon.” Miern nods ”Lahz and Vheld survived. Carl was gone when I met up with the group. Not sure where he went or why he left.”The steel canteen abruptly crumples in Thorn's massive fist like it was a berry full of juice, the Tokanii's brows knit and for several seconds he silently seems to be inhaling and exhaling to find calm. It doesn't take too long but it is noticeable, "Oh well that's good. Glad you did not need me, sounds like Lahz and the old familiar faces survived. I am not familiar with MARS or the Roughnecks I don't think ... and I was in between killing marauding bands of vampires anyways. So a trip back here wasn't a waste, it would be nice to sleep in a reasonably sized bed."
Mierin shakes her head at the unspoken question. ”He's a little crazy, but not A crazy.”he offers a questioning side-eye to Mierin as if to inquire, *A Crazy?*
Ronan shrugs. "Luck, or the act of some external power, maybe both. I've never known the gods to get involved but what with the whole Octogod Nxla, rifts, magics and what not, what I know has proven to be very limited." Ronan mentions then thinks on Thorn's own mention of his own homeworld. Another who has lost their home. A terrible ordeal for anyone to suffer through. He thinks before adding. "I'm not familiar with any other of my people on this planet, we became largely nomadic among the stars after the destruction of our homeworld. We had just begun colonizing a new world when I landed here by accident. Thanks for the tip on this Coalition, luckily I can get by just fine without this silver ability. Are they a major power to be overly concerned with or just a disparate group of rebels?" Ronan asks, dropping his silver armor and lifting his goggles, a certain greyish hue visible in his eyes.Thorn wrote:"So, you landed here via rift and stumbled into the Spooks and mutated to develop a silver-power? More than a large piece of luck there. When my people came here a few decades back fleeing the destruction of our homeworld they landed near a Coalition base ... like a bunch of angry black hornets they proceeded to machine-gun men women children and aged ... slaughtered thousands. My father still talks of it ... Queen here wears armor like them. If you see em in the future, be very wary about letting them know you have some kind of power. They have a very raw hatred of anyone from off-world, especially if you are pretty like I am."
Ronan laughs but shakes his head. "Everything I can do with the silver is temporary. Lasts a few minutes at most, save the armor and the weapons, those are indefinite. But I can't pass the weapons around, leaves me, it poofs. Otherwise, I'd gladly make silver plating or coins." Ronan says with a grin. Ronan pauses and glances back at the large alien, Thorn. "By the way, what are you? I've seen plenty of alien races during my time but none quite like you." Ronan asks rather blunty.Thorn wrote: "I'm surprised Lahz doesn't have him cranking out bars of silver down in the garage, or coins with his smug Elvish face hehehe ..."
Ronan clasps his hands together and nods. "Excellent! Just give me a heads up when we get a FNG then." Ronan says with a grin, then pauses. "Oh, that reminds me, I need to grab my old gear from the garage and bring it to the room you showed me. Everything is still in the duffles since we all went out right after we got back. I also need to go back out and find a real supplier for those rounds you helped me get, thanks for that by the way." He adds to Mierin.Mierin wrote:”I like it.”
When the gate buzzer rings, Lahz glances up from his workshop bench, "Ray!? ... Alfred?! ... Anybody? Someone wanna get that?? ... Or not! That's Ok I'm just busy building a robot army. Please, let me get the door!" *Stupid ass machines ... * The Psi-Tech wanders over to the intercom to check the Gate-Camera to see a Grackle-Tooth and a human girl, "Mornin, whatcha want? This is Lahz ... Oh Fixer eh? ... I guess. Had not been expecting company so give me a few ... lemme disarm the minefield, and get the drones off autofire an you can come on up to the door. "Connie & Grimloq wrote:As they approach the main entrance, Grimloq will pull the chit carrying the letter of introduction out of his bandolier and hold it in his massive hand as Connie knocks on the door. Taking a step back, he will shift the small cigar in his mouth to the other side and take a deep inhale. ”This is very centrally located. I would have preferred a complex a little more… remote.” Grimloq idly complains as they wait. He shrugs.
When the door is answered, Grimloq will proffer the introduction chit. ”Mr. Fixer-Jones sent us your way. He said to talk to a ‘Mr. Lahz D’Gemmel’ about some long term work.” Grimloq removes his hat as he speaks, respectfully.
As the intercom clicks quiet, Grimloq cannot help but feel a certain amount of respect. If those are what they publicize, I wanna know what they are hiding up their sleeves.Lahz wrote: "Mornin, whatcha want? This is Lahz ... Oh Fixer eh? ... I guess. Had not been expecting company so give me a few ... lemme disarm the minefield, and get the drones off autofire an you can come on up to the door. "
When the gate buzzer rings again Lahz had located Ray and was in the midst of buttoning up his walking-around PA (Roadrunner) and strapping on his sidearm but the sound mildly annoys him, *Are they ringing again? What the bloodyhell? ... and where are Alfred and Kit? ... Kaiya must have them doing a tea party or something.* He jogs back over to check the monitors only to find that this ringer is not the same duo and is instead a human messenger in a FreeRunner Exoskeleton, *Busy morning. Saw those exoskeletons in Kraus' yesterday, I wonder if he's here with a message on a new shipment of FreeRunner Automatons because that would be useful. I mean I really would like to get up to a complement of like 6 of these things to keep construction going round the clock ... Did he call me Sir or did he call himself Sir? Like a knight thing? ... Ehhhh we'll see.*Wayne Northblade wrote:Wayne walks up to the fence and looks for a doorbell or other method of signaling those inside the building. In a proper and polite, yet important tone, Wayne says "Hello. My name is Sir W.C. Northblade. Here with a message for the leader of the Spook Squad. May I be permitted access to your grounds... Please." The last words lose the facade of civility and belie his more impatient tendencies.
Still standing by the door, Lahz suppresses a sardonic smile into a simple smirk as he watches for a reaction.Ronan wrote:When he sees Connie, Grimlock and Wayne, he'll wait until either he is passed, or until one of the other existing members shows the guests where he is. When they move their eyes away from him, he'll jump at them with a loud. "Welcome! To the Haunt!" Then will freeze again, standing, like a statue.
”What the-” On instinct, Grimloq swings around with a solid punch, aiming at the statue that is suddenly a lot closer than it once was.Ronan wrote: "Welcome! To the Haunt!"
The Psi-Tech also watches for the reactions of the other two, "I think you and I might be working off of different definitions of the phrase 'Worth it' ...", *and this guy just loves arm wrestling doesn't he? Is it like a cultural obsession or is this unique to 1 strong guy who likes to prove it? ... Hmmmm ...*Ronan wrote:As Grimlock retracts his hand tenderly, Ronan turns his head back towards him and extends a hand. "Nice hit, you've got a solid punch and good reactions to things jumping at you. We should arm wrestle some time. Name's Ronan." He'll turn to Lahz and Mierin, "See? Worth it!" Ronan states and allows his silver armor to completely vanish so he's standing before them all normally.
Ronan nods. "I ran into something similar not to long ago. Solid right hook on something and it laughed at me. Either way, best not to keep Lahz waiting." Ronan says and clasps a hand on the back of Grimlock before moving away.Grimlock wrote:”Thanks.” ... ”there are not many that can shrug off one of my punches. Grimloq.”
Ronan shrugs. "It's always worth it to see other's strengths and reactions. Better than assuming in my book, anyways." Ronan responds. He's fairly critical. Guess you have to be to be the boss of one of these types of units. Ronan muses before continuing. "While you deal with these new guys, I'm going to see if I can't find a supplier for the KLS rounds. Might need to have them specially made. I'll be on radio." He'll offer a weak-handed salute-like wave before leaving.Lahz wrote:"I think you and I might be working off of different definitions of the phrase 'Worth it' ..."
Minefield. Drones. With some more training, that won't be an issue. But for now, tread lightly. Wayne pushes the gate open and widens his view to include the two who were also waiting. He gives the two a polite nod. Walking up with them, he stops when Lahz introduces himself.Lahz wrote:"Well the minefield is off and the drones are off autofire, just push on the gate and come on up to the door. I am on my way down."
"Kraus? No. Excellent equipment. My message carries more weight than that. Or so I am told. For the Leader of the Spook Squad specifically." He heads toward the Haunt to take a seat in the conference room. However he doesn't make it but a few steps when...Lahz wrote:"Good morning all, My name is Lahz, conference room is over there to your Left. Please head in and take a seat unless ..." he stops and directs a question at Northblade, "your message was just dropping something off. Are you here from Krauss'? I had been hoping they would find more of those to sell ..." (if/when Northblade says 'No' Lahz will just send him to take a seat.)
Wayne instinctively does a Back Flip ( 1d100 = 74: 74/83% - PASS) away from the source of the danger and comes up with a glowing red shaft of light in the grip of his left hand. "Fuck!" He sees the Grackletooth swing and hit the statue and then the statue starts talking. "What sort of backward fucking pageantry is this?" Mask off, Wayne continues to look at the gathered group with confusion in his eyes. They have a talking statue? They named their talking statue? What in the actual fuck is this place?Ronan wrote:When he sees Connie, Grimlock and Wayne, he'll wait until either he is passed, or until one of the other existing members shows the guests where he is. When they move their eyes away from him, he'll jump at them with a loud. "Welcome! To the Haunt!" Then will freeze again, standing, like a statue.
"Breathe fella. It's okay. Just an impractical joker of a D-bee ... Nice little flip thing ..." the Psi-Tech doesn't flinch at the psi-blade's sudden eruption and stifles a bit of a yawn before waving to Ronan and heading into the conference room to take a seat, "y'see this is why we keep things calm. Please put that thing away. Ray, pistol down. What if someone had spilled a beer? ... Anyways I am Lahz. I am the leader of the Spooks. If everyone has private messages or whatever hand them over and I'll take a look. Or I guess if you have something public, feel free to let the freak flag fly ... y'know whatever floats yer-boat."Sir-New-Guy wrote:"Kraus? No. Excellent equipment. My message carries more weight than that. Or so I am told. For the Leader of the Spook Squad specifically." He heads toward the Haunt to take a seat in the conference room ... Wayne instinctively does a Back Flip (Original post: 1d100 = 74: 74/83% - PASS) away from the source of the danger and comes up with a glowing red shaft of light in the grip of his left hand. "Fuck! ... What sort of backward fucking pageantry is this?"
Ronan looks at Mierin, "I'll check it out, I haven't actually moved into a room yet. Thanks for the heads up." Ronan responds and will then go to the fifth floor and check the rooms.Mierin wrote:”There's an empty room on the fifth floor as well. If you'd rather stay on the fourth floor, that's fine. I figured I'd let you know.”
Ronan looks on at the obvious athletic individual after being punched and nods. "Nice reflexes, there. Name's Ronan." He says, being genuine about his statement as his silver armor drops revealing a normal-ish looking man with goggles.Wayne wrote:"What sort of backward fucking pageantry is this?"
"My flips are the things of legend." Wayne lets his psi-sword shrink back into the void and loosens his stance. Shit. That was the leader. Excellent first impression, dumbshit. "Apologies are in order." Wayne bows to Lahz and produces an envelope sealed with a red wax circle (PM Sent).Lahz wrote:"Breathe fella. It's okay. Just an impractical joker of a D-bee ... Nice little flip thing ... y'see this is why we keep things calm. Please put that thing away. Ray, pistol down. What if someone had spilled a beer? ... Anyways I am Lahz. I am the leader of the Spooks. If everyone has private messages or whatever hand them over and I'll take a look. Or I guess if you have something public, feel free to let the freak flag fly ... y'know whatever floats yer-boat."
"Sir W.C. Northblade the Fifth. You're a man, not a statue. Interesting."Ronan wrote:Ronan looks on at the obvious athletic individual after being punched and nods. "Nice reflexes, there. Name's Ronan." He says, being genuine about his statement as his silver armor drops revealing a normal-ish looking man with goggles.
Grimloq take a moment form rolling his cigar and fetches the comms chit out once again. He will slide it across the table in Lahz’s direction. ”Mr. Fixer-Jones sends his regards.”Will they care if I smoke this in here? Should I ask? Grimloq continues to roll his cigar.Lahz wrote:” ... Anyways I am Lahz. I am the leader of the Spooks. If everyone has private messages or whatever hand them over and I'll take a look. Or I guess if you have something public, feel free to let the freak flag fly ... y'know whatever floats yer-boat."
"Do I know what it says? I was told it was my future. And not to open it on pain of death. Hence me guarding it with my life upon my trek to this..." Dusty shithole with fuck-for-brains Defenders and a Casino that can't even make a decent Winged Vengeance?! "locale... Hence me giving it specifically to the leader of the Spook Squad as instructed." Wayne pauses, doubt forming on his browline. "Why? What does it say?"Lahz wrote:Lahz takes the letter with the wax seal from the acrobatic applicant and sets it on the table in front of him, *Formally foreboding perhaps? ... Who the hell is this kid supposed to be?* he turns the letter over a few times before breaking the seal, his eyes scan back and forth across the page and he cocks an eyebrow quizzically, "Do you know what this says?" and listens to whatever response is given.
Wayne Northblade wrote:"Do I know what it says? I was told it was my future. And not to open it on pain of death. Hence me guarding it with my life upon my trek to this..." Dusty shithole with fuck-for-brains Defenders and a Casino that can't even make a decent Winged Vengeance?! "locale... Hence me giving it specifically to the leader of the Spook Squad as instructed." Wayne pauses, doubt forming on his browline. "Why? What does it say?"
The Psi-Tech's face is largely impassive throughout the recitations [including Connie's if there is one], "There are no livestock here, and I do not think we've had a bandit on the Squad before ... well none that aspired to the label so directly. It's all well and good if you dislike the Coalition. We don't work for them and they would not want us to. The Spooks include D-bees and magic users. We have a senior member who keeps a couple demons as housepets ... if that makes you uncomfortable, this is not the group for you. We are pretty selective with our choices of jobs, and in all blunt honest we probably won't be leaving Merctown for a couple months. So if you are itching to get back out in the field, if you are getting just a bit desperate because you haven't killed anyone this week. If you lack the capacity and self-control for City-living ... well this is not the team for you."Grimloq wrote:"I like making Dead Boys dead." The Grackle tooth says matter of factley [...] "I am a rancher and bandit by trade. I take pride in both professions." Grimloq finishes his cigar and eyes it from a myriad of directions for imperfections. "Mr. Fixer-Jones did not say what you might need me for. If you have a herd of livestock I am able to care for them. If you have need of some heavy cavalry or infantry needs, I am also your Grackle." Grimloq pauses to consider what else he might add. "I have experience in demolitions and traps also. Oh, and I'm a Grackle that can fucking shoot straight." Grimloq finishes his skill list by lighting his cigar in three succinct puffs. "Is there a physical exam as well? I promise I'm cancer free." Grimloq grins through a pillow of blue smoke, all the while his left hand slides to the grip of his shotgun.