[GR]The Dark Carnival

[Consumer]

The Dark Carnival

Date: Day 0
Time: 1900 hours
Location: Croc’s, Level 13, Center, Phase World, Corkscrew Galaxy.
Weather: 60 degrees, Mildly smoggy.
Mission Notes

Bryke: No Skills Used.
Pertinax: No Skills Used.
Mungo: No Skills Used.
Quince: No Skills Used.
Az Rael: No Skills Used.

A meeting of minds.


A few weeks pass, and the Galactic rogues busy themselves with learning new spells, or looking into their own affairs. The items ordered by the group through the Merchant of Death Formin arrive and are picked up by the owners. All in all it’s surprisingly peaceful, and boring.

The group not having a residence is split among a few locations, with Az Rael and Quince staying on the ship, Pertinax in his dilapidated apartment, and Mungo and Bryke in the mysterious Blackstone Tower. While day to day communication between the members of the Galactic Rogues is spotty, everyone has a general idea of the other’s locations and when a summons to Croc’s happens, it is the first time the group has been fully together in the past three weeks.

The nightclub is busy, with music blaring and folk dancing. The three bars are packed, as are the seats along the edges. The fight cages are active, with cyber-enhanced pit fighters duking it out for the blood thirsty masses. None of this is important to the Galactic Rogues because as soon as they’re visible to the cameras adorning the building, they are instructed via a radio message to enter through the back door. There they are met by one of Croc’s servants, a thin elf male in a dark robe.

The Servant leads the Rogues through the back passages and into Croc’s private domain. The servant leaves the group at a series of couches, rugs, and pillows, to wait for his master to arrive. A tray of various drinks sits on a trolly nearby. Back in Croc’s Lair, the sounds of the club are all but unhearable, whether by technology or magic, one couldn’t say, but it sure does seem private. Croc arrives several minutes later, dressed in a coarse looking sarong, and enough jewelry to make a level one noble jealous. Croc approaches the trolly and selects a tumbler of some amber liquid, before sitting down on a pile of plush pillows.

”So I have received some news, and I figured you might want to hear it.” Croc says his voice a deep gravelly sound. ”My folks have confirmed that the Raggedy Man is in his lair, and hasn’t left for several days.” The crocodilian crime boss says, before sipping his drink.

What are your Intentions?

Butcher’s Bill
Bryke:
Pertinax:
Mungo:
Glitch:
Quince:
The Rogue: 1 Token
The Ghost: 1 Token

[Pertinax]

Perception (33%) 1d100: [24] = 24
JiC 1d20: [12] = 12 / 1d100: [78] = 78

Armor
Talisman of Armor of Ithan (Inactive)
Black boots
Blue pants
Blue and orange hooded jacket

Weapon
Ripper vibro-knife
Kimarxi hunting knife
HW-19 stun pistol (20/20)

Over the past few weeks Pertinax has slipped into a comfortable routine. He goes back to bouncing from cheap hotel to cheap hotel in the lower levels of Center. After all, he literally cannot be too paranoid. He never stays in the same room two nights in a row; though when he gets stupefyingly drunk he sometimes staggers back to the same hotel on instinct. At least the benders are infrequent now, and less likely to end in senseless violence.

To fund his drinking he still takes the odd job for Croc and his associates. It never amounts to much more than breaking a few bones and occasionally collecting a debt. Pertinax loathes the work, though he won't admit it to himself. Acting as the mindless tough for a low-level criminal should be beneath him; he was a spy and infiltrator for the mighty Tarlok Empire. And he doesn't appreciate the senseless violence of the work. While he has started to shed his former code of non-violence over the past weeks, months really, he still found the act of inflicting pain on someone foolish enough to try and fix a fight to unpleasant.

He couldn't pinpoint the source of that dissatisfaction. You are not some sort of shertar. Snapping limbs and extracting truth is your nature. It is what you were born and trained to do. He thinks that the code of non-violence was meant to give him focus, to make him better. He would then serve as the paragon for a new Tarlok Empire. But now he was nothing more than a shiftless mercenary, muscle for hire. You will find a new purpose yet. You already found Karnak, that is progress. And there is satisfaction in your missions with the Rogues. But it's more than that; this lifestyle leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. At heart Pertinax is a broken soldier, and he cannot shake away the failures of his past or the fact they have left him here, in a dive in the lower levels, brooding alone with a drink.

He looks to his left and then to his right. It is hard to brood alone with a drink when there is a nosy Octoman on one side and a needy and even more paranoid boy on his other, not to mention the Promethean lurking around the bar. "We do not need to socialize in public," he had said when Az Rael first arrived at the bar. "People might think that we are friends. I have a reputation here, and I do not want you to ruin it."

Despite his initial objections, he doesn't put much of a fight when the other Rogues insist on staying. He quietly stares into his small lager and begrudgingly accepts the company of his colleagues. Occasionally he even acknowledges that they are having a conversation and even contributes to it. But when Croc sends him a radio message, he tries to casually listen to it without being noticed by the others and sneak off to the private rooms. He sighs as he sees the others follow along, unsure if they received the same message he did or if they are following him looking for work. He assumes the latter but pretends (correctly) that is the later. After letting the others enter before him, Pertinax sits down cross-legged on one of the throw couches and takes a sip from his drink. He nurses the beer, knowing it is best that he stay sober-ish for the moment.

"So I have received some news, and I figured you might want to hear it. My folks have confirmed that the Raggedy Man is in his lair, and hasn’t left for several days."

The tarlok's gills flare open. He had been waiting for a chance to finally resolve this business. Someone had sent a powerful mercenary to destroy the Rogue's base. Like the others, Pertinax wants to know who hired the Raggedy Man and settle all debts.

"This is the same abandoned warehouse you mentioned several months ago, correct? Is this where you fought him as well? Does he like to keep it booby-trapped?"

[Az Rael]

Perception Bonus: 58% vs 1d100: [51] = 51
JIC: 1d20 - 1d20: [8] = 8 and 1d100 - 1d100: [96] = 96

Az Rael walks with the team into the back room. He positions himself in the middle purposefully. Not in the front, don't want to give the impression I am taking control. Not in the back! better to leave someone else open for the backstabbing. Az Rael smiles slightly at his own joke. Once he enters the room, he finds a corner where he can see the entrance and leans against the wall.

”So I have received some news, and I figured you might want to hear it.” Croc says his voice a deep gravelly sound. ”My folks have confirmed that the Raggedy Man is in his lair, and hasn’t left for several days.” The crocodilian crime boss says, before sipping his drink.

Az Rael cocks his head back listening intently, What make him think Crocs isn't aware he is being watched.

"This is the same abandoned warehouse you mentioned several months ago, correct? Is this where you fought him as well? Does he like to keep it booby-trapped?"

Az Rael's eyes flatten as he considers Pertinax's questions, This, is a possible trap in itself. He looks around the room briefly to gauge the teams mood from the news. Turning and loooking to Crocs he asks, "He knows people are aware this is his hideout. How likely is it he knows he is being watched?" Pausing breifly to consider the question himself he continues, "He likely doesn't care. A predator doesn't hide his presence from the prey unless he is hunting. Ragedy Man is an apex predator." After another brief pause he finishes with a breathy chort, "Probably not booby trapped... he has no reason to be afraid."

Laying his head back against the wall he wonders, "Crocs is the only one alive who faced him and lived. We need to know more about this man. We cannot run at this head first." Az rAel sighs, This isn't YOUR team Alex, they will do what they choose.

When he finds an open chance to interject he asks, "What do we know about his powers or abilities?"

[Quince]

Percep 42%: 1d100: [20] = 20
JIC: 1d20: [1] = 1 1d100: [1] = 1


In one of their meetings over the weeks, Quince informs the rest of the team the Glitch has wandered off and may or may not return. His days are routine as he practices his shipboard life. Maintenance of the ship is beyond his abilities, but he does all he can to keep the public areas of the ship clean and tidy. He occasionally ranges off the ship, roaming here and there with the random stop at Croc's for a drink and to see if he can spot other of the team. Though even when he does, he simple offers them a nod of acknowledgement unless they have some business to discuss.

On this night however, he meets up with the team and joins them in the backroom at Croc's. Sitting stiffly on the edge of one of the couches, Quince waits to see why they have been summoned to the backroom.

After hearing Croc out, Quince thinks, Ah, the issue with the Raggedy Man. Yes, I remember them talking about him, though his assault predates my joining the team. Though, if it weren't for him, I'd have a room in the base instead of a cabin on the ship. Quince quirks a brow ridge when Croc mentions the Raggedy Man and his eyes flick to the others in the team that have more of an issue with the man.

Quince eventually speaks up and says, "You have my support if you all decide on an incursion against the Raggedy Man." as he fiddles with a talisman hanging around his neck.

[Bryke]

Perception: 54% +2% 1d100: [86] = 86
JiC d20/d100: 1d20: [13] = 13 / 1d100: [21] = 21

Conditions:

Sense Dimensional Anomalies: Can automatically detect rifts, dimensional envelopes and pockets, fourth-dimensional and Two-dimensional beings, astral travelers and the invisible energy essence of alien intelligences and entities. Range: One mile (1.6) or line of sight, whichever is less.
Doesn't breathe air and is immune to radiation and normal heat, fire, cold, gases and disease. Can see in total darkness and has eagle-like normal vision.
Sixth Sense
HF 10

Bryke has been very much in his thoughts over the past few weeks. Not much of a conversationalist anyway, The Promethean has been brainstorming on the machinations he can create with the new spells he has acquired. He fiddles with his HPC, adjusting and tweaking to get the thing to be how he wants it to be. He also begins writing the code, little by little, for the personality of an AI. It being an illegal process, he tells no one of this idea. He does however ask Glitch privately, " Say Glitch, may I review your coding," He attempts with tact "I am looking to design a assistant.. a semi intelligent construct of metal and magic he would like to design. A seeker of things and intelligence gathering type of machine.

I would even accept your help on building it

All in all he finds himself standing in the backroom of Croc's building, somewhere near the back so no one has to try to see over him. His demeanor noticeably changes at the mention of 'The Raggedy Man.'

How are we going to convince this hitman to tell us who hired them? That is the trillion dollar question for the day.

He perks up at those that speak concerning The Raggedy Man, listening closely, and adds,"I am concerned as well about this beings lair. Who hired them is the main question, and how to get them to tell us their secrets?"

Content to listen after this, Bryke considers their next steps.

[Mungo]

JiC 1d20: [13] = 13
JiC 1d100: [18] = 18
Perception vs 36% 1d100: [91] = 91

Conditions

P.P.E.: 186/186
M.D.C.: 33/33
Mage Armor M.D.C.: 90/90
Armor of Ithan: 0/60 M.D.C. currently not activated

Octoman Mage Armor, Enhanced
M.D.C. by Location:
Helm: 50
Arms: 25 each
Legs: 45 each
Main Body: 90
Weight: 22 lbs.
Modifiers: -5% to physical skills
Features:
TW Feature: Armor of Ithan, 60 M.D.C., 6 minutes, 10 P.P.E.

Post

Mungo looks around at the others when Croc mentions Raggedy Man, try to read the room. When they respond and seem to be up for poking around in a dangerous booby trapped lair, in order to dispense justice for what RM did to their home, he just shrugs.

Sure, why not. The thing did blow up our house. He resigns himself to the idea of going through with it.

"Righto, looks like we're in agreement about doing this thing. Jolly good! Lets try to do it right. Can we get maps of the place? Even of the surrounding area for access and such? We should probably do some surveillance and what not, no? Croc, do you have any additional info since the last time we talked about this Raggedy fellow?"

[Consumer]

The Dark Carnival

Date: Day 0
Time: 1910 hours (10 minutes has passed)
Location: Croc’s, Level 13, Center, Phase World, Corkscrew Galaxy.
Weather: 60 degrees, Mildly smoggy.
Mission Notes

Bryke: No Skills Used.
Pertinax: No Skills Used.
Mungo: No Skills Used.
Quince: No Skills Used.
Az Rael: No Skills Used.

A meeting of minds.

Pertinax from his spot on one of the couches sips what is likely very expensive liquor, sweet with some unknown fruit note to it.

"This is the same abandoned warehouse you mentioned several months ago, correct? Is this where you fought him as well? Does he like to keep it booby-trapped?"

Croc looks to Pertinax. ”Not a warehouse per say, but an abandoned industrial factory complex. I haven’t fought him there actually, I fought him in several other locations to be honest. As for this place being booby trapped, likely, it certainly fits his style.” Croc says.

"He knows people are aware this is his hideout. How likely is it he knows he is being watched?" Pausing breifly to consider the question himself he continues, "He likely doesn't care. A predator doesn't hide his presence from the prey unless he is hunting. Ragedy Man is an apex predator." After another brief pause he finishes with a breathy chort, "Probably not booby trapped... he has no reason to be afraid."

Croc shakes his head. ”You ask and answer your own questions, interesting. Yes, I’m sure he’s aware people are watching his lair. It’s quite possible he doesn’t care, though occasionally some of my informants end up dead, so maybe he cares a little. As for Apex predator… Makes me wonder what chance you’ll have against him if you think he’s an apex predator. He’s a problem for sure, and dangerous to boot, but I’ve bested him a few times, enough so that I think he’s given up on trying to kill me all together.” Crock says, a toothy predator’s smile across his face. Croc finishes the contents of his glass, and sets it aside. ”Again, likely there will be traps, ingenious ones, that will test your abilities.” Croc says.

"I am concerned as well about this beings lair. Who hired them is the main question, and how to get them to tell us their secrets?"

Croc laughs as he gets up and moves to the drink cart, he tuts a few moments before selecting a tall Collins glass with a syrupy red liquid inside. ”In all the times I’ve fought him and from all the other cases of him I could dig up, he doesn’t talk, or make noise for that matter. So if you can get him to talk, I would be astounded.” Croc says as he moves back to his pillows and plops back down.

When he finds an open chance to interject he asks, "What do we know about his powers or abilities?"

Croc shrugs. ”Nearly indestructible, shadow powers, bone weapons, highly skilled assassin, possibly immortal. That’s the gist of it, as far as I have found.” Croc says, before he sips from his new beverage.

Quince eventually speaks up and says, "You have my support if you all decide on an incursion against the Raggedy Man." as he fiddles with a talisman hanging around his neck.

Croc looks at Quince, but doesn’t say anything, just nods.

"Righto, looks like we're in agreement about doing this thing. Jolly good! Lets try to do it right. Can we get maps of the place? Even of the surrounding area for access and such? We should probably do some surveillance and what not, no? Croc, do you have any additional info since the last time we talked about this Raggedy fellow?"

Croc again laughs. ”Maps… These are the under levels, we’re lucky they leave the power on. I can likely get you some serviceable maps, but they’re amateur at best.” Croc says. ”The area is chock full of abandoned warehouses and factories, some cleared out centuries ago.” Croc says with a shrug.

”Anything else you need from me? This was more of a courtesy than real business.” Croc says.

Glitch has been gone for weeks, so you were never able to ask him.

What are your Intentions?

Butcher’s Bill
Bryke:
Pertinax:
Mungo:
Az Rael:
Quince:
The Rogue: 1 Token
The Ghost: 1 Token

[Pertinax]

Perception (33%) 1d100: [12] = 12
JiC 1d20: [11] = 11 / 1d100: [43] = 43

Armor
Talisman of Armor of Ithan (Inactive)
Black boots
Blue pants
Blue and orange hooded jacket

Weapon
Ripper vibro-knife
Kimarxi hunting knife
HW-19 stun pistol (20/20)

"Not a warehouse per say, but an abandoned industrial factory complex. I haven’t fought him there actually, I fought him in several other locations to be honest. As for this place being booby trapped, likely, it certainly fits his style."

Pertinax glowers with smug satisfaction as Croc provides the team with intel on the Raggedy Man. You always knew this was going to be difficult. Even with the proper preparation, which you have done, there is a high risk of casualties. He takes a sip of his lager and watches the others' reactions, gauging their own readiness for this fight.

"He knows... he has no reason to be afraid."

"You ask and answer your own questions... that will test your abilities."

Pertinax takes another sip and asks a short follow-up, "What type of traps does he favor? Explosives? Shrapnel? Incendiaries? Drones? Techno-wizardry? A buffet of the above?"

"What do we know about his powers or abilities?"

"Nearly indestructible, shadow powers, bone weapons, highly skilled assassin, possibly immortal. That’s the gist of it, as far as I have found."

You anticpated as much, and hence your customized armor. Pertinax recalling large parts of this before, though he cannot recall where. He assumes that he has discussed the Raggedy Man with Croc on more than one occasion while drunk, hence the man's desire to share this information with the Rogues (again).

"Righto, looks like we're in agreement about doing this thing... Croc, do you have any additional info since the last time we talked about this Raggedy fellow?"

"Maps... These are the under levels, we’re lucky they leave the power on. I can likely get you some serviceable maps, but they’re amateur at best."

"Any intel you have will be helpful." He looks to his teammates and says, "We will likely need to scout the location ourselves."

"Anything else you need from me? This was more of a courtesy than real business."

Pertinax politely shakes his head. "Your gesture is appreciated. Assuming we survive this, one day I will return this courtesy."

With that Pertinax heads out of the private room, leaving his empty glass on the table. At the door he stops and turns back to Croc. "Did you ever find out who sent the Raggedy Man after you?" If Croc replies in the affirmative, Pertinax adds, "Hopefully we will have that clarity too."

Once back in the bar, Pertinax orders another lager. As he waits for the drink to arrive he says to the other Rogues, "We shall meet on the ship in two hours."

When the beer arrives, he closes out his tab. He picks up the glass and drains it in a single gulp. Then he walks out the door and heads back to the Rogue.

[Az Rael]

Perception Bonus: 58% vs 1d100: [55] = 55
JIC: 1d20 - 1d20: [18] = 18 and 1d100 - 1d100: [88] = 88

"Any intel you have will be helpful." He looks to his teammates and says, "We will likely need to scout the location ourselves."

Pertinax politely shakes his head. "Your gesture is appreciated. Assuming we survive this, one day I will return this courtesy."

With that Pertinax heads out of the private room, leaving his empty glass on the table. At the door he stops and turns back to Croc. "Did you ever find out who sent the Raggedy Man after you?" If Croc replies in the affirmative, Pertinax adds, "Hopefully we will have that clarity too."

Az Rael tilts his head slightly as he looks at Crocs, "Yes, sometimes I answer my own questions. My answers aren't always right though. I do have one more question before I go. What do you attribute the most valuable technique or ability in your previous success when facing Ragedy man?" Az Rael waits for the man to answer then finishes, "If I live through this consider a favor owed on my tab as well. Thank you." Az Rael turns and follows Pertinax out to the main bar.

Once back in the bar, Pertinax orders another lager. As he waits for the drink to arrive, he says to the other Rogues, "We shall meet on the ship in two hours."

When the beer arrives, he closes out his tab. He picks up the glass and drains it in a single gulp. Then he walks out the door and heads back to the Rogue.

Az Rael sidles up to Pertinax but does not order a drink. Bryke is right, who hired the ragedy man is important. He fails to realize though, our reputation has been diminished. The rogues can be beat now. Others have seen that someone can take our home and there are no repercussions. If we are going to correct this, our win needs to be very public. Then it doesn't matter who tries to hire who, everyone will think twice. Az Rael looks up as the Talock states to meet at the ship in two hours, he is vying for leadership. This suits me better anyway. My talents are more suited to being in the shadows. Was that my home? Am I better off with an underestimated reputation?

Az Rael nods in acceptance to Pertinax but doesn't verbally acknowledge. He loses himself in thought for a moment. Shadows it seems is this Ragedy Man's happy place too. This will be a test and maybe, if we win, a way to bring the group closer to the real power. Az Rael allows Pertinax to leave alone, don't want the man thinking I am his puppy, and waits for the rest of the team to leave before he makes his way back to the ship.

[Quince]

Percep 42%: 1d100: [60] = 60
JIC: 1d20: [9] = 9 1d100: [9] = 9

Quince listens as Croc distributes his information about the Raggedy Man, Nearly indestructible, shadow powers, bone weapons, highly skilled assassin, possibly immortal. That all sounds marvelous. If I can get eyes on him TK and bio-manipulation would likely be the way to go.

”Maps… These are the under levels, we’re lucky they leave the power on. I can likely get you some serviceable maps, but they’re amateur at best.” ”The area is chock full of abandoned warehouses and factories, some cleared out centuries ago.”

Well this keeps getting better and better. Quince gives his flat closed mouth smile and nods along at the information. "Best we discuss any plans we want to make once we're back on the ship." He looks between the other members of the group, then gives Croc a nod.

As the meeting breaks up, Quince goes back out to the bar area and walks straight to the exit. Unless stopped by one of the others on the team, he will makes his way back to the ship so they can plan out their assault on the Raggedy Man's home.

[Mungo]

JiC 1d100: [44] = 44
JiC 1d20: [8] = 8
Perception vs 36% 1d100: [26] = 26

Conditions

P.P.E.: 186/186
M.D.C.: 33/33
Mage Armor M.D.C.: 90/90
Armor of Ithan: 0/60 M.D.C. currently not activated

Octoman Mage Armor, Enhanced
M.D.C. by Location:
Helm: 50
Arms: 25 each
Legs: 45 each
Main Body: 90
Weight: 22 lbs.
Modifiers: -5% to physical skills
Features:
TW Feature: Armor of Ithan, 60 M.D.C., 6 minutes, 10 P.P.E.

Post

"Your gesture is appreciated. Assuming we survive this, one day I will return this courtesy."

Mungo cocks an eye at Pert. Whoa! Easy there big boy... Since when did you know anything about courtesy?

"If I live through this consider a favor owed on my tab as well. Thank you."

Mungo looks mildly perturbed. "Uh guys, I hate to rain on the gratitude parade. Well, that's not completely true. I do get some enjoyment from it. Anyway, from where I sit it looks like it's Croc doing us a solid by providing the info, an we're doing him a solid by acting on it. You know, if this works out we remove an annoyance from his life. I possibly even go as far to call it a win - win. Of course assuming we don't mess this up horribly and we all die."

He sips his drink. "I'll limit my gratitude to a simple 'Thanks, man'" He adds with a little smile. He makes a point of looking Croc in the eye and saying thank you.

When the meeting breaks up he heads off to the ship.

[Bryke]

Perception: 54% +2% 1d100: [61] = 61
JiC d20/d100: 1d20: [16] = 16 / 1d100: [40] = 40

Conditions:

Sense Dimensional Anomalies: Can automatically detect rifts, dimensional envelopes and pockets, fourth-dimensional and Two-dimensional beings, astral travelers and the invisible energy essence of alien intelligences and entities. Range: One mile (1.6) or line of sight, whichever is less.
Doesn't breathe air and is immune to radiation and normal heat, fire, cold, gases and disease. Can see in total darkness and has eagle-like normal vision.
Sixth Sense
HF 10

Bryke asks Croc a follow-up question, "To be clear, when you say this Mr. Raggedy 'makes no sound' does that mean he made no grunts, or noise when you injured him?" Bryke waits for that answer.

Responds when Quince speaks, "Sensible." and curses mildly in thought about something else, I am up to my superciliary-ridge with "favors-" not making any such commitments with Croc.


'He doesnt make any sounds' The Promethean ponders as he heads with the team back to the ship. What sort of stuck pig doesn't even squeal? Lets see... a dead one. A reanimated one, like a Golem or a Zombie... A robot, but there would be sound coming from the metal as it crumbled, a being that does not feel pain therefore an 'ouch' wouldnt ever be heard... hmmmm...this is like a pickle, as the humans say.

Bryke will situate himself on The Rogue, and spark up a conversation, in response to Quince, with them, "How are we handling this then gents?"

We could take the Ghost and march right in undetected- but odds are this Mr. Raggedy, having lived on Center for centuries, I think is what Croc said, has counter-measures for Phase-Tech... I wonder if we could send in a drone- UNDEAD? hmmm an immortal without pain centers- that sounds like the undead.. I don't know shit about the undead... shit.



Lore: Demons & Monsters 80% 1d100: [53] = 53 what lives forever?

Lore: Demons & Monsters 80% 1d100: [67] = 67 what feels no pain?

Lore: Demons & Monsters 80% 1d100: [16] = 16 what does both of those things and has the intelligence and dexterity to be a highly-skilled assassin

[Consumer]

The Dark Carnival

Date: Day 0
Time: 2310 hours (4 hours have passed)
Location: The Rogue, The Spire, Outer Shell, Center, Phase World, Corkscrew Galaxy.
Weather: Outside: -15 degrees; 40+ mph winds. Inside: 72 degrees, temperate.
Mission Notes

Bryke: Lore: Demon & Monster: As far as Bryke knows, only gods and some first races are truly immortal, As for something that doesn’t feel pain, elementals, entities, undead (Maybe), and a few other odds and ends. Bryke has no clue what the Raggedy Man is.
Pertinax: No Skills Used.
Mungo: No Skills Used.
Quince: No Skills Used.
Az Rael: No Skills Used.

A meeting of minds.

"What type of traps does he favor? Explosives? Shrapnel? Incendiaries? Drones? Techno-wizardry? A buffet of the above?"

Croc thinks for a minute. ”A buffet is certainly a term I would ascribe to his cleverness. Not sure if I remember any magical traps, but certainly mechanical, electrical, creatures, radiological… yeah, a smorgasbord of traps, and in unique combinations too.” Croc says, almost amused at his remembering of it.

"Any intel you have will be helpful." He looks to his teammates and says, "We will likely need to scout the location ourselves."

Croc nods. ”I’ll have it sent to your account.” Croc says.

"To be clear, when you say this Mr. Raggedy 'makes no sound' does that mean he made no grunts, or noise when you injured him?"

Croc again nods. ”Not a whisper, hell he barely makes noise when he is corporeal even.” Croc says.

"Your gesture is appreciated. Assuming we survive this, one day I will return this courtesy."

Croc shrugs, but doesn’t say anything.

"Did you ever find out who sent the Raggedy Man after you?" If Croc replies in the affirmative, Pertinax adds, "Hopefully we will have that clarity too."

”I did, he’s been dead a while now. I doubt you have to worry about him.I hope you find who sent him, it’s nice to have closure.” Croc replies, a toothy grin on his face.

"Yes, sometimes I answer my own questions. My answers aren't always right though. I do have one more question before I go. What do you attribute the most valuable technique or ability in your previous success when facing Ragedy man?" Az Rael waits for the man to answer then finishes, "If I live through this consider a favor owed on my tab as well. Thank you."

”Just about everything works really, some take longer than others it would appear, I would avoid just trying to physically beat him to death, it doesn’t seem to work as well.” Croc says with a chuckle, obviously thinking about one of the times he killed Raggedy Man.

"Uh guys, I hate to rain on the gratitude parade. Well, that's not completely true. I do get some enjoyment from it. Anyway, from where I sit it looks like it's Croc doing us a solid by providing the info, an we're doing him a solid by acting on it. You know, if this works out we remove an annoyance from his life. I possibly even go as far to call it a win - win. Of course assuming we don't mess this up horribly and we all die... I'll limit my gratitude to a simple 'Thanks, man'"

Again Croc shrugs, and doesn’t reply. Quince for his part is quiet, and more or less just contemplates what is being said. The Rogues leave the Mokoloi crime lord sipping his drink. Pertinax makes a move straight to one of the bars, and he manages to order a drink in the crowded environment. With only Az Rael keeping with him.

Eventually the group makes it back to the Rogue, the trip always seems to take forever, with all of the checkpoints, and no direct route via public transportation. And the short walk from the phase transceivers in the spire to the ship, subject the team to a harsh winter storm, with biting cold, high winds, and stinging snow. On the ship, nothing seems to have changed, which allows the team to meet in the Conference room.

Once everyone is situated, it’s noted that there is a pending message from Croc, containing maps, crude in nature, but better than nothing. The complex is several thousand feet square, surrounded by abandoned warehouses and other industrial buildings, most are likely in some state of disrepair, a common cycle in the lower levels.

What are your Intentions?

Butcher’s Bill
Bryke:
Pertinax:
Mungo:
Az Rael:
Quince:
The Rogue: 1 Token
The Ghost: 1 Token

[Pertinax]

Perception (33%) 1d100: [4] = 4
JiC 1d20: [18] = 18 / 1d100: [39] = 39

Armor
Talisman of Armor of Ithan (Inactive)
Black boots
Blue pants
Blue and orange hooded jacket

Weapon
Ripper vibro-knife
Tarlok Ripper Pistol (30/30)
Tarlok Ripper Pistol (30/30)

When he gets back to the ship, Pertinax checks his HPC and sees that Croc has sent him the maps for the area around the Raggedy Mans's base. He reviews them quickly as he walks into the conference room. He has a vague familiarity with the area; he knows how to get there and some of the hotels that are close by, but nothing about the neighborhood itself. Are you sure you know what you are doing?

""How are we handling this then gents?"

"With a coordinated strike," Pertinax replies. He pulls up the maps on his HPC so everyone else can see them. "We know that the Raggedy Man is still in his lair. He has had plenty of time to fortify in case anyone, like us, decides to attack. We cannot presume that we will have the element of surprise. For all we know, the Raggedy Man has been monitoring our every movement for some time. So I propose we move in quickly and hit him hard."

Pertinax displays the image of the exterior of the former Takakashi Heavy Industries Plant. "Our intel is limited. We do not have schematics for the interior of this building. All we know is that the Raggedy Man has littered the space with a variety of traps. We will not know what to expect until we arrive.

"Our plan should be adaptive," Pertinax continues coldly. "We should start by scouting the building's perimeter to look for the best point or points of entry. This should take no more than 30 minutes. Any more time and the Raggedy Man might detect us and either attack first or change the traps in his lair as we go along, either would be sub-optimal. So we will want to attack quickly once we have established our position. Even with Glitch gone, radio is the most prudent form of communication. Our quarry is a powerful psionic and may use his powers to eavesdrop or attack us. By ready to pull up mind block at the first sign of a psionic trespasser."

Pertinax zooms out to a map showing the area around the abandoned warehouse. "Traveling down to the lower levels fully armed will draw too much attention. We should pack our things and meet at a staging area." Pertinax points to an obscure street corner a short walk away from the factory. "I stay in this hotel from time to time. It is discrete and secure. We can rent some rooms and prepare our attack from there. Any questions?"

Assuming the others agree to the plan, Pertinax gets his loksuit, pistols, axe, and plasma rifle and packs them into large box. With the box in hand, he heads to the hotel where he can get ready to confront the Raggedy Man.

[Az Rael]

Perception Bonus: 58% vs 1d100: [14] = 14
JIC: 1d20 - 1d20: [1] = 1 and 1d100 - 1d100: [85] = 85

Skills

Intelligence 77% vs 1d100: [28] = 28 - Look over the plans to see if there seems to be a tactical entry point that would offer the group an advantage upon entry.
Undercover Ops 82% vs 1d100: [67] = 67 - Look over the plans provided to see if there is any good spots around the building where the team can observe yet still blend in.
Detect Ambush 82% vs 1d100: [75] = 75 - Look over the plans for points that might be used as ambush or choke points.

Post

Alex look over the plans while Pertinax is speaking to the team, sometimes hot and heavy is the best way. This bastard is waiting for us though, or someone like us. He knows we are coming already. He looks over the plans trying to find a couple good places the team can observe from before entering. He looks for spots where they wouldn't seem suspicious and might blend in. Looking over the documents he tries to identify a couple entry points that might offer a tactical advantage, places they can study further once on site. He also uses the plans to try to find spots the crew definitely won't want to go. Places where there might be choke points or an ambush.

After analyzing the map Alex turns to Pertinax, "A solid plan for what we have so far." He smiles, the Tarlock is finding his way in leadership. He turns to the map and provides the team with his thoughts after his Evalution of the maps. Pointing to the locations he has found, "We won't have much time. We want to analyze the building quickly. I propose we limit what we are looking at once we get there. I think these locations will give us the best tactical advantage entering." He looks up briefly to make sure everyone is on board then continues while pointing at the next locations, "These spots seem to be obviously poor points for entry. They have a high chance for being an ambush site or a choke point."

Alex zooms the map out again from the point of view where Pertinax identified the hotel. Pointing again at new locations he adds, "After we leave the hotel, I think these would be the best locations for placement to do a final evaluation before we enter." Alex steps back from the map letting the information he has offered to sink in. I hope Pertinax doesn't think I am stepping on his toes. Alex eyes Pertinax to see if he has any reaction. Although, the octoman seems to be the most rogue of us all. No telling what he might do once we are on site.

After the meeting, Alex will collect his belongings in a duffel bag. He will wait to leave until everyone has been gone for at least 20 minutes. Can't shake this feeling I am always being watched. Maybe it's because I am always watching someone.

[Mungo]

JiC 1d20: [1] = 1
JiC 1d100: [8] = 8
Perception vs 36% 1d100: [24] = 24

Conditions

P.P.E.: 186/186
M.D.C.: 33/33
Mage Armor M.D.C.: 90/90
Armor of Ithan: 0/60 M.D.C. currently not activated

Octoman Mage Armor, Enhanced
M.D.C. by Location:
Helm: 50
Arms: 25 each
Legs: 45 each
Main Body: 90
Weight: 22 lbs.
Modifiers: -5% to physical skills
Features:
TW Feature: Armor of Ithan, 60 M.D.C., 6 minutes, 10 P.P.E.

Skills

Detect Concealment vs 50%, 1d100: [42] = 42 Goal: to see any traps near him?
Carpentry vs 59%, 1d100: [59] = 59 Goal: Is this place made of wood? Is it made more or less normally?
Basic Electronics vs 59% 1d100: [63] = 63 Goal: to see if there is power lines or sources up on the roof?
Mechanical Engineer vs 59% 1d100: [98] = 98 Goal: To see if there is anything out of the ordinary about the roof area that stands out. ie. are there heavy load bearing beams where there shouldn't be? These could indicate a heavy trap device, perhaps?
Surveillance vs 50% 1d100: [91] = 91 Goal: To do surveillance on the building.
Prowl vs 64% 1d100: [22] = 22 Goal: shh, I'm being sneaky.
Streetwise vs 84% 1d100: [53] = 53 Goal: to sneakily make his way back to the hotel and to make sure he isn't followed.

Post

Mungo glances at the map of the factories location. He tries to study it but quickly losses interest.

"Yep, we need to go and take a look at this place for ourselves. Although I do wonder if we would be better drawing raggedy out of this place to attack him, rather than going in. "Adaptive Planning" sounds cool, but it's really just fancy words for make-it-up-as-we-go-along-and-hope-we-don't-die. Which is certifiably one way to go about things, but I'd rather be sensible about it and call it what it is.

So my vote is to not go in there at all, but try to draw him out to us. Even if it's just out into the street. That way we deal with him alone and not him plus his traps." He offers his thoughts to the team. Gotta try to talk a little bit of sense. Otherwise we're just going to be groping around in there blindly bouncing from trap to trap until we die.

Mungo then gathers up his gear and heads to the hotel. After stashing his gear in a room he makes his way to the roof. He finds a hidden spot and casts Metamorphosis: Animal (-25 p.p.e., 80 minutes) on himself and transforms into a pigeon. He then flits around from building to building across the level for 20 minutes before landing across the road from RM's lair. He preens and coos for a while and, if it looks safe-ish, he flies over and get a closer look at the building. He's looking for any ways in, any signs of life, light. Using his mechanical Conjureer training he tries to see if there are any power sources, lines or indications that the place has power.

If we can cut the power that might mean we have less traps to deal with. He thinks to himself in his little bird sized brain.

He will go as far as to land on the building and waddle around to get a closer look at anything interesting.

Then he flies around and around until eventually returning to a roof top far from the hotel to transform back into normal Mungo. After waiting to make sure he isn't being followed, he makes his way back to Pert's hotel and reports what he has seen.

[Bryke]

Perception: 54% +2% 1d100: [23] = 23
JiC d20/d100: 1d20: [9] = 9 / 1d100: [73] = 73

Conditions:

Sense Dimensional Anomalies: Can automatically detect rifts, dimensional envelopes and pockets, fourth-dimensional and Two-dimensional beings, astral travelers and the invisible energy essence of alien intelligences and entities. Range: One mile (1.6) or line of sight, whichever is less.
Doesn't breathe air and is immune to radiation and normal heat, fire, cold, gases and disease. Can see in total darkness and has eagle-like normal vision.
Sixth Sense
HF 10

Bryke, listens to the team members who throw their hats in on the attacking of the Raggedy man. After Mungo speaks, he looks at the Octopod and then to the group and then speaks, "Ya know, I am in agreement with Mungo. It seems ridiculous to go in to a well fortified place, to face traps AND a scantily known, but well accomplished assassin." He pauses looking around to gauge the groups temperament before continuing, "In fact, I was thinking we could return the favor... in other words I think we bomb the shit out of his place and draw him out then mop his ass up in the open."

These guys cant have that much of an ego to think we can just, "defy gravity" break in and walk out unscathed.

[OOC: 'Defy Gravity' ... Think, the scene from The Other Guys, when The Rock says to Samuel Jackson, "Hey partner you thinkin what Im thinkin? Sam says, "aim for the bushes.."]


"My official vote is to not go inside his fortress and we somehow draw him out. Say, with extra-large explosive force?"

[Az Rael]

Perception Bonus: 58% vs 1d100: [14] = 14
JIC: 1d20 - 1d20: [1] = 1 and 1d100 - 1d100: [85] = 85

Skills
Demolitions 88% vs 1d100: [98] = 98 - Identify best placement of explosives and how much will be needed.

Post

"Ya know, I am in agreement with Mungo. It seems ridiculous to go in to a well fortified place, to face traps AND a scantily known, but well accomplished assassin." He pauses looking around to gauge the groups temperament before continuing, "In fact, I was thinking we could return the favor... in other words I think we bomb the shit out of his place and draw him out then mop his ass up in the open."

"My official vote is to not go inside his fortress and we somehow draw him out. Say, with extra-large explosive force?"

Az Rael smiles big at the suggestion, "That isn't a half bad idea. Even if we don't kill him, or even draw him out immediately, he will come to us after that. We can make preparations and fight him on our terms for sure." He smiles again and asks, "What do we have for explosives? I wouldn't mind returning the favor, an eye for an eye and all. He destroyed our home... we destroy his."

Az Real looks over the plans once more to see if he can identify the best placement for explosives and how much they might need to bring the whole building down. "But... how do we let the Ragedy man know it was us without letting all of Center know it was us? We don't need the law coming down on us."

[Consumer]

The Dark Carnival

Date: Day 0
Time: 2340 hours (30 minutes have passed)
Location: Dunlock Hotel, South Quarter, Level 13, Center, Phase World, Corkscrew Galaxy.
Weather: Outside: 58 degrees; Clammy/High Humidity
Mission Notes

Bryke: No Skills Used.
Pertinax: No Skills Used.
Mungo: Detect Concealment (to see any traps near him?): During Mungo’s reconnoiter he doesn’t find and traps.
Carpentry (Is this place made of wood? Is it made more or less normally?): Nop it is made of metals and stone.
Basic Electronics (To see if there is power lines or sources up on the roof?): None noticed, whether there are or not just seems to be forgotten.
Mechanical Engineer (To see if there is anything out of the ordinary about the roof area that stands out. ie. are there heavy load bearing beams where there shouldn't be? These could indicate a heavy trap device, perhaps?): Nope very normal, no deranged psycho killers in there.
Surveillance (To do surveillance on the building.): Nothing interesting happens while surveilling the complex.
Prowl (Shh, I'm being sneaky.): Seems to be a true statement.
Streetwise (To sneakily make his way back to the hotel and to make sure he isn't followed.): Mission Accomplished I guess.
Quince: No Skills Used.
Az Rael: Intelligence (Look over the plans to see if there seems to be a tactical entry point that would offer the group an advantage upon entry.): The crudeness of the map is a true hindrance, but by all accounts there is only one main entrance.
Undercover Ops (Look over the plans provided to see if there is any good spots around the building where the team can observe yet still blend in.): Again the crudeness of the maps hinders this process, Az Rael would guess any of the nearby abandoned buildings would be a decent enough choice for Surveillance.
Detect Ambush (Look over the plans for points that might be used as ambush or choke points.): The crudeness of the map doesn’t offer such details as they obviously weren’t made by people with knowledge of what is inside the complex.
Demolitions (Identify best placement of explosives and how much will be needed.): to completely destroy a complex of its size, Az Rael thinks it would take approximately 88,000 lbs of explosives or one 5 kt radiological device.
Feyd: No Skills Used.

A meeting of minds.

The Dunlock Hotel is a battered and worn building, likely several centuries old, not that it is very different from some of the other buildings in the area, save it’s a four story building. Pertinax has slept here a few times over the past few months. The current owners are absent at best, with a staff person barely running the desk. Pertinax knows that is a cover for the gang who uses the sub-basement as a clubhouse, and that any troublemakers don’t often get to make the same mistake twice. Sitting in one of the only comfortable chairs in the lobby, Feyd watches several hardened individuals of a variety of unusual species enter and rent a room. A Promethean stands out among them, as well as an octoman. They quickly rent a room and make their way upstairs. From the opposite perspective, the Rogues as a whole all notice the large felinid alien lounging in the lobby, a computer pad in his hands.

The group has to pay a nominal fee for a room on the third floor. The room is old and decrepit like much of the level, but surprisingly it is clean and the amenities do work. It’s a bit cramped with the larger folk in the group taking up space, but it does the job as a temporary staging area. Upstairs the team makes with the discussion of a plan, Pertinax posing an adaptive plan with a bit of reconnaissance before moving in. Mungo seems to not like the idea of going in there at all, but is ready to go along with the plan. Bryke and Alex make the idea of just blowing the building up to draw the Raggedy Man out in a more conventional fight an option. Alex pours over the crude maps and runs some math, and realizes the amount of explosives needed would be astronomical. Given the group had to pay a series of bribes to get their heavier arms down the levels. (Handwaived for convenience. ~Consumer) So the only real options are to either fight the Raggedy Man here in his lair, or if/when it decides to ambush the Rogues.

Mungo does what Mungo does best, improvises. Leaving the rented room, Mungo finds a way on the roof, and changes his shape into a common pigeon. The Conjurer turned Rift Runner, does a lengthy reconnaissance of the complex, dodging other alien avians who think Mungo is an easy meal. In the end returning with the information he’s gathered and general layout of the buildings in his mind. Turns out the map is actually fairly accurate, if scaled funny.

Meanwhile down in the lobby Feyd looks over his notes that he’s cobbled together over the past few weeks on the mysterious and dangerous Raggedy Man. A possible immortal who resembles a primitive scarecrow. Feyd had tracked down sightings and accounts going back fifteen hundred years, and if the legends surrounding it were to be fully believed, there isn’t much the creature couldn’t kill, and certainly no place it couldn’t break into. It’s appearance is one thing, while it’s powers over the shadows is terrifying, it also seemed to be able to produce weapons made of bone, knives, spears, darts, and the such. Feyd thinks of the tiny sliver of bone he was able to acquire in his research. Feyd had heard that recently the Raggedy Man had destroyed the base of a crew of mercenaries up in the pads, and vaguely remembers the mentioning of some odd aliens being among the members.

Mungo returns to the room a bit later, with the knowledge he’s acquired.

What are your Intentions?

Butcher’s Bill
Bryke:
Pertinax:
Mungo: -25 P.P.E.
Az Rael:
Quince:
Feyd:
The Rogue: 1 Token
The Ghost: 1 Token

[Quince]

Percep 42%: 1d100: [53] = 53
JIC: 1d20: [14] = 14 1d100: [80] = 80


Quince listens to all of the planning and studies the maps. When Bryke brings up the idea of using explosives, Quince raises an eyebrow. I never thought I'd agree with that Promethean, but that is not a wholly bad idea.

Now down in the lower levels and in the hotel room, Quince wonders just how difficult it would be to get explosives through security. Finally speaking up, Quince says, "I like the idea of flushing him out. But with it being unlikely that we can get any explosives down here my mind has turned to the idea of fire. Perhaps we can use a flammable gas and fill. No, the volume needed would be unattainable. Same if we tried a knock out gas of some kind."

His brows furrow as his mind changes direction, "If we are indeed going to infiltrate his hideout, we will need some sort of distraction. Draw his attention to a different area then the one we are entering through. Or better yet, multiple distractions. A fire bomb, a vehicle collision with the building and maybe a literal smoke screen."

Quince lets the idea drift through the air so the others can ruminate on it for a while.

[Az Rael]

Perception Bonus: 58% vs 1d100: [84] = 84
JIC: 1d20 - 1d20: [2] = 2 and 1d100 - 1d100: [57] = 57

Standing int he room, Az Real loses himself in thought for a moment, "Carry the two... minus the structural coefficient. Don't forget the angle of attack. Is that 4, no, no. 5. Yes five kt should do it. He looks up from his thoughts surveying the group, "I do believe a 5 kiloton device should do it." His face is serious, and he is very confident in his numbers. "Can we get that? I am confident it will do the trick. It will at the very least make a statement."

Az Rael looks to each of the team one by one, "Baring that, Maybe Quince is right. Maybe we send a decoy. One of us creates a scene outside trying to draw him out. Would he see the ruse? Would he even care?" Az Real shake his head as he mentally answers his own question and allowing his thoughts to stream directly, "No, I doubt he would even bother. Why should he? We are looking at this, thing, and projecting normal thoughts on it. I feel like that is wrong. Crocs said it didn't make a sound. How old is this, thing?" Both times Az Real mention the word, "thing" he places special emphasis on the word. Disgust surrounds the word as it spews from his mouth.

"From the drawings, there is only one way in and one way out." Az Real turns to Mungo, "Did you find anything different on you trip?" Az Real waits for Mungo to answer as he battles indecision, What is the best plan? This is why I can't lead. I can't even decide which plan to fully back. A leader makes a choice and moves. I am still a boy. How could I expect to ever be a leader.

Alex struggles but manages to calm his mind enough to offer an option, "We can mislead the thing. It likely knows we are here. Or will. I can draw myself and someone else into a person's shadow. We can enter, making it think there is less of us. Then when it shows itself, we can attack with overwhelming force and take it by surprise."

[Pertinax]

Perception (33%) 1d100: [37] = 37
JiC 1d20: [12] = 12 / 1d100: [26] = 26

Armor
Talisman of Armor of Ithan (Inactive)
Black boots
Blue pants
Blue and orange hooded jacket

Weapon
Ripper vibro-knife
Kimarxi hunting knife
HW-19 stun pistol (20/20)

Prior to leaving for the Dunholt Hotel, the Rogues discuss their plan of attack. After Pertinax proposes his idea, the others share their thoughts.

"Yep, we need to go and take a look at this place for ourselves. Although I do wonder if we would be better drawing raggedy out of this place to attack him, rather than going in. "Adaptive Planning" sounds cool, but it's really just fancy words for make-it-up-as-we-go-along-and-hope-we-don't-die. Which is certifiably one way to go about things, but I'd rather be sensible about it and call it what it is."

Pertinax snorts defensively at this, "That is standard operating procedure for Tarlok Infiltration Team Specialists. My team was regularly dropped off on a hostile planet with a mission, a timeframe, and little to no intel. My dreadlor acquitted themselves fine." Except for the ones that you watched die on suicide missions.

"Ya know, I am in agreement with Mungo. It seems ridiculous to go in to a well fortified place, to face traps AND a scantily known, but well accomplished assassin. In fact, I was thinking we could return the favor... in other words I think we bomb the shit out of his place and draw him out then mop his ass up in the open."

"That isn't a half bad idea. Even if we don't kill him, or even draw him out immediately, he will come to us after that. We can make preparations and fight him on our terms for sure. What do we have for explosives? I wouldn't mind returning the favor, an eye for an eye and all. He destroyed our home... we destroy his."

"I will leave you to see how feasible that plan is," Pertinax says getting up. "Double check your math before we meet at the Dunholt Hotel."

When Pertinax arrives at the hotel he pays for his own room (because of course he does), preferring not to let ownership know that he has associates, in case anyone is watching. He keeps his hood up to conceal his identity as best as possible. From the corner of his eye he spies an alien sitting in the lobby. Unusual to notice someone in the hotel. He pulls his hood tighter and then heads up to his room.

After laying out his equipment, he meets in the suite the other Rogues have rented. Pertinax leans against the back wall of the room and listens to the others discuss ways to flush out the Raggedy Man. The ideas amuse the tarlok, in part because he likes the idea of hurting their enemy in a number of creative ways.

"I like the idea of flushing him out. But with it being unlikely that we can get any explosives down here my mind has turned to the idea of fire. Perhaps we can use a flammable gas and fill. No, the volume needed would be unattainable. Same if we tried a knock out gas of some kind."

"And that presumes that our target is susceptible to poisonous gas, and that we can access the ventilation system of his base." Pertinax glances at the door. "Where is Mungo? I thought he would be back from his intial survey of the base by now."

"If we are indeed going to infiltrate his hideout, we will need some sort of distraction. Draw his attention to a different area then the one we are entering through. Or better yet, multiple distractions. A fire bomb, a vehicle collision with the building and maybe a literal smoke screen."

"Baring that, Maybe Quince is right. Maybe we send a decoy. One of us creates a scene outside trying to draw him out. Would he see the ruse? Would he even care? No, I doubt he would even bother. Why should he? We are looking at this, thing, and projecting normal thoughts on it. I feel like that is wrong. Crocs said it didn't make a sound. How old is this, thing?"

With a cruel smile, the tarlok nods. "I agree with one point you make. I doubt the Raggedy Man will care about any distraction we create. The way I see it, it is to his advantage to wait in his base; he gains nothing from coming outside to confront us." If someone says that is the point of a distraction, Pertinax snorts. "If he does leave his base, he will likely do so through a hidden exit. And then he will ambush us. Again, we are at a disadvantage. And I would prefer to avoid an open firefight in public, too many variables: civilians, armed civilians, security (unlikely), local criminals, criminal organizations that do not appreciate the property damage, so on."

Pertinax growls as Alex continues to throughout ideas for how to attack the Raggedy Man. You have experience with these types of operations, and the best you can come up with is walk into a known trap. He pauses. At least that is better than walking into an unknown trap. He then looks at his teammates wearily. This will be another high casualty operation. You can never avoid this, no matter how hard you try.

[Feyd Soyin]

Perception 46%: d100: [45] = 45
JIC: d100: [80] = 80 , d20: [17] = 17

The Dark Carnival

Date: Day 0
Time: 2340 hours (30 minutes have passed)
Location: Dunlock Hotel, South Quarter, Level 13, Center, Phase World, Corkscrew Galaxy.
Weather: Outside: 58 degrees; Clammy/High Humidity

The Dunlock Hotel is a battered and worn building, likely several centuries old, not that it is very different from some of the other buildings in the area, save it’s a four story building. Pertinax has slept here a few times over the past few months. The current owners are absent at best, with a staff person barely running the desk. Pertinax knows that is a cover for the gang who uses the sub-basement as a clubhouse, and that any troublemakers don’t often get to make the same mistake twice. Sitting in one of the only comfortable chairs in the lobby, Feyd watches several hardened individuals of a variety of unusual species enter and rent a room. A Promethean stands out among them, as well as an octoman. They quickly rent a room and make their way upstairs. . . Meanwhile down in the lobby Feyd looks over his notes that he’s cobbled together over the past few weeks on the mysterious and dangerous Raggedy Man. A possible immortal who resembles a primitive scarecrow. Feyd had tracked down sightings and accounts going back fifteen hundred years, and if the legends surrounding it were to be fully believed, there isn’t much the creature couldn’t kill, and certainly no place it couldn’t break into. It’s appearance is one thing, while it’s powers over the shadows is terrifying, it also seemed to be able to produce weapons made of bone, knives, spears, darts, and the such. Feyd thinks of the tiny sliver of bone he was able to acquire in his research. Feyd had heard that recently the Raggedy Man had destroyed the base of a crew of mercenaries up in the pads, and vaguely remembers the mentioning of some odd aliens being among the members.

Feyd sits in a chair in the lobby, as the Mercenary group he believes he has been seeking enters the lobby. Looks like the contacts paid off. He looks down at his journal. Ok you got this Feyd you aren’t a people person, but you got to muster up the courage to talk to these guys. The Raggedy man is dangerous. There is no world in which you can face him alone and survive. Your only chance to get the information you need is by helping these guys get him. Oh, look at that loose thread. He pulls it until it breaks.No excuse for poor presentation. Even if they are a bunch of rough dirty mercenaries. Mercenaries historically have been such, I remember the first time I read the read about mercenaries from Antilles Minor. They always looked spectacularly clean and put together but we’re complete failures as fighters. Using that logic the rough dirtiness of this group may mean they are the best in the three galaxies. Anyway time for courage. He removes a flask and takes a swig. He stands up and looks to the mercenaries….that are no longer there. Damn it Feyd why did you get distracted again. Where the Hell did they go. Now you have to interact with that front desk guy that has been giving the stink eye all day. Damn your distractibility. . Frustrated with himself he approaches the front desk.

Contingencies:
1.Invoke Trust/Intimidate 30%: d100: [16] = 16 If the Front Desk Clerk shares the information, he will tip him 100 Credits and make his way to the room and knock on the door. "Thank you, my friend."

2. Invoke Trust/Intimidate 30%: d100: [6] = 6 If the Front Desk Clerk refuses. "Well this puts us in a pickle. This meeting is very important and lives depend on it. So important in fact that I would be forced to knock on every door in the hotel until I find them. Your poor clients, interrupted while doing whatever activities they find themselves doing all because a Clerk couldn't be bothered with sharing a tiny piece of information. Of course I would have to let them know that you are responsible for the interruption, which I am sure will make your life needlessly difficult handling complaint after complaint. With that in mind, it is evident I will eventually get to the room a seek, one method easy for you, the other difficult for you. The only wise choice then is to give me the room number." If he still refuses he will put his stuff in his room and begin knocking on every hotel room door until he finds the mercenaries.

[Quince]

[Rolls Held]

"We can mislead the thing. It likely knows we are here. Or will. I can draw myself and someone else into a person's shadow. We can enter, making it think there is less of us. Then when it shows itself, we can attack with overwhelming force and take it by surprise."

Quince nods, "That idea doesn't sound half bad. Especially if he does as Pertinax says and simply waits for us to come to him, no matter what kind of distraction we attempt. And a public firefight does not sound good to me either." These people I'm running with may do well to keep my out of the eye of the Faustian Council but a running firefight through Center could negate that.

Quince looks over to the others and then back to Pertinax, "So in through the front door and straight down his throat?"

[Mungo]

JiC 1d100: [4] = 4
JiC 1d20: [18] = 18
Perception vs 36% 1d100: [5] = 5

Conditions

P.P.E.: 161/186
M.D.C.: 33/33
Mage Armor M.D.C.: 90/90
Armor of Ithan: 0/60 M.D.C. currently not activated

Octoman Mage Armor, Enhanced
M.D.C. by Location:
Helm: 50
Arms: 25 each
Legs: 45 each
Main Body: 90
Weight: 22 lbs.
Modifiers: -5% to physical skills
Features:
TW Feature: Armor of Ithan, 60 M.D.C., 6 minutes, 10 P.P.E.

Post

Mungo meets with the others in the group and reports back what he has seen. "...So yeah, it's very much like a shitty old abandoned factory, just as we were told." He shrugs after finishing his report.

"It would be nice to have come back with something more useful, but it is what it is. So now what? We try to draw him out and failing that we head on in?" He asks. It's not like we have any other ideas. I think Old RM wants us to play his game on his terms. He thinks, not that he is criticizing anyone as he hasn't come up with anything better.

"That is standard operating procedure for Tarlok Infiltration Team Specialists. My team was regularly dropped off on a hostile planet with a mission, a timeframe, and little to no intel. My dreadlor acquitted themselves fine."

Mungo raises an eyebrow. "Acquitted themselves fine. Just fine. So does mean they did fine... before they died horribly? Just how many teams did you churn through in your past occupation? Did any fail-sons have to go kill their fail-dads? Or do I have it the wrong way around?"

"So in through the front door and straight down his throat?"

Mungo nods. "Sure, what could go wrong? It's not like I have any other pressing engagements line up."

[Bryke]

Perception: 54% +2% 1d100: [47] = 47
JiC d20/d100: 1d20: [8] = 8 / 1d100: [68] = 68

Conditions:

Sense Dimensional Anomalies: Can automatically detect rifts, dimensional envelopes and pockets, fourth-dimensional and Two-dimensional beings, astral travelers and the invisible energy essence of alien intelligences and entities. Range: One mile (1.6) or line of sight, whichever is less.
Doesn't breathe air and is immune to radiation and normal heat, fire, cold, gases and disease. Can see in total darkness and has eagle-like normal vision.
Sixth Sense
HF 10

Bryke, in the semi-cramped but efficient hotel room, listens to the group debate. This Mr. Raggedy has got us all up in a tiff... odds are the guy is asleep- or maybe it does not sleep - maybe it is waiting for something to happen as is its way. Who knows. I do think it a poor idea to go into its lair via the front or rear entrance.... we need explosives no matter what. Whether it is just for some pay back or simply pass on the chaos.

"I still like the explosives idea. Maybe blow out a wall, put a hole in the roof- anything. He is owed that much. Also, what do you all think about going in from the rear and the front?" Bryke waits for a response.

"We can split into skirmishing teams- and still blow something up on the exterior at the same time? Enter simultaneously and if possible meet in the middle having won the day?" Bryke waits for a response before adding, "The Promethean will go with both groups should this be chosen." He finishes darkly.

With no plan other than "storming the castle" Bryke is nervous about the uncertainty. He will be bringing all his gear though.

Hmm... what about? "What do you all say to an overseer as well? One that will pilot the ghost, and use its technology to give us cover and a different angle of approach?"

In order my choices for that would be Pertinax first because first he can pilot the ship as well but also he just seems the best choice and can deploy quickly should the need arise. Second would have been Glitch, for similar reason, third is Mungo but more for his safety- who knows he is scrappy and viscious- who knows... last would be myself only for piloting sake and that I can deploy and be in two places at once- briefly.

hmmm can we bring it down here?

OOC: I think Bryke would know the answer to that question- whether legally or sneakily, but I am not sure. If it IS possible He will Phase Shift back to the ship... bring its stealth capabilities online and fly indirectly to a rendezvous point he sets up before shifting. If not then it is moot.

[Quince]

[Rolls Held]

Quince's brows narrow at some of the things Bryke says. Is he having issues with the language? What does he mean he will go with both teams if the group splits? Quince says, "If we had a couple dozen men I'd say coming at him from two sides would be great but I'd feel better if the team stays together, dividing our resources isn't likely to get us very far."

[Consumer]

The Dark Carnival

Date: Day 0
Time: 2345 hours (5 minutes have passed)
Location: Dunlock Hotel, South Quarter, Level 13, Center, Phase World, Corkscrew Galaxy.
Weather: Outside: 58 degrees; Clammy/High Humidity
Mission Notes

Bryke: No Skills Used.
Pertinax: No Skills Used.
Mungo: No Skills Used.
Quince: No Skills Used.
Az Rael: No Skills Used.
Feyd: No Skills Used.

A meeting of minds.

The Rogues discuss options, Fire, Poison gas, Explosives, somehow bringing a full on spaceship down thirteen levels, distractions and splitting the party.

Each idea has merit in some way or another, but are shot down for surprisingly simple reasons. Lack of resources for Fire on such a scale, unable to sneak that mush explosives through the upper levels, The sheer impossibility of bringing a ship past the docks level, the unlikeliness of Raggedy Man caring about distractions outside his domain, and the danger of reducing the teams effective combat strength versus a serial killer and Assassin. The Rogues, having discussed their ideas and findings, conclude that nothing short of going inside the mad man’s lair is going to work. Which leaves them with the actual doing of such a task.

Down in the lobby Feyd decides to question the drone behind the counter, who for the most part has ignored his existence since he arrived, Feyd makes his request, which gets a genuine look of surprise from the man. ”Yeah, I could possibly do that, but you’re gonna have to make it worth my time. Because the guys who own this place are very big on privacy. If they find out I gave a client’s info, I’m in for a beating or worse.” The man says, leaving the ball in Feyd’s court.


What are your Intentions?

Butcher’s Bill
Bryke:
Pertinax:
Mungo: -25 P.P.E.
Az Rael:
Quince:
Feyd:
The Rogue: 1 Token
The Ghost: 1 Token

[Feyd Soyin]

Perception 46%: d100: [15] = 15
JIC: d100: [59] = 59 , d20: [1] = 1

The Dark Carnival

Date: Day 0
Time: 2345 hours (5 minutes have passed)
”Yeah, I could possibly do that, but you’re gonna have to make it worth my time. Because the guys who own this place are very big on privacy. If they find out I gave a client’s info, I’m in for a beating or worse.” The man says, leaving the ball in Feyd’s court.

Oh, he wishes me to bribe him. How exciting. However he fails to see the serious flaw to his plan. If he tells me for money, and these mercenaries find out he is selling their status here for a quick buck, there may be consequences, painful ones. The best possible scenario for both of us is I gather the information by reading his surface thoughts, then tip him for his willingness to help but decline his offer to provide the information. It gives him plausible deniability even if I am the one interrogated or scanned. “I want to make sure we are clear, you want me to give you money, and in return you will provide the room number I seek.” he gets out his universal credits card.(Telepathy to get the room number from his surface thoughts.). “I will give you 100 credits for your the information. But hold on to it. He looks at his data pad. They just sent it to me.” He gives him the 50 credits for his willingness to help.

Contingency
If the attempt to get the surface thoughts fail and the clerk responds negatively he will hold up his hands. “A moment.
Frankly what I did was to protect you. If this group finds out you sold this room number, I am unsure how they would react. Violently? Most likely. My intent was to tip you for your willingness to help and not make you tell me the number. Had I stolen the number all negative impact is directed to me and I will have reimbursed you money for the extraction of the thoughts. However that is not longer an option. For this reason I will double my initial offer. 200 credits for the room number.” Invoke Trust 30%: d100: [40] = 40

[Pertinax]

Perception (33%) 1d100: [79] = 79
JiC 1d20: [14] = 14 / 1d100: [63] = 63

Armor
Talisman of Armor of Ithan (Inactive)
Customized Loksuit Power Armor - M.D.C. by location

• Main Body - 115
• Head/Helmet - 50
• Arms - 50 each
• Legs - 60 each

Black boots
Blue pants
Blue and orange hooded jacket

Weapon
Ripper vibro-knife
Kimarxi hunting knife
HW-19 stun pistol (20/20)
Tarlok Ripper Pistol (30/30)
Tarlok Ripper Pistol (30/30)
Tarlok Sidewinder Plasma Cannon (15/15)

"So in through the front door and straight down his throat?"

Pertinax gives the Faustian a terse nod. This will not be as straightforward as it seems.

"Sure, what could go wrong? It's not like I have any other pressing engagements line up."

"Everything can go wrong," the dreadmaster snaps. "I have the strange sensation that the Raggedy Man is waiting specifically for us. There is something we need to see inside his base. The longer we wait, the greater his advantage becomes. We should suit up and leave quickly."

Pertinax goes back to his own room and puts on his new customized loksuit. He runs his hand over the powerful lights that cover the chest plate. You may not know the source of the Raggedy Man's powers, but you will render them obsolete!

Fully armed, he heads out of the grimy hotel. The hallways were not made for tarloks, let alone ones that are wearing EBA's, and Pertinax barely fits in the hallways. Of course, he doesn't make any effort to accommodate anyone else walking by. When he passes into the lobby, rather than swerving a little to get out of the way of the pume standing at front desk Pertinax stiffens his shoulder and checks the alien. Barely turning his neck, he sneers, "Out of the way or are you trying to waste passerbys' time?"

[Feyd Soyin]

When he passes into the lobby, rather than swerving a little to get out of the way of the pume standing at front desk Pertinax stiffens his shoulder and checks the alien. Barely turning his neck, he sneers, "Out of the way or are you trying to waste passerbys' time?"

Feyd turns to see the large being he missed as he focused on his interaction with the front desk clerk. The Tarlock. Good Fortune indeed. He looks at the clerk and says, "Hold that thought..." He immediately runs behind the Tarlock, "You are a member of the mercenary group I seek. You seek a being of ill repute with a longer than normal existence, coincidentally as do I. I think through mutual cooperation we can both get what we want. I have something that may help locate him. If i could have 10 minutes of your and your colleagues' time, I think it would be worth your while." He realizes he failed to introduce himself, and says, "How rude of me, I am Feyd Soyin, one of the galaxies' leading scholars in regards to the First Ones." He reaches out his hand for a customary shake. He awaits for the Tarlok to respond.

[Pertinax]

<Rolls carry>

Combat rolls
1. Shoot Feyd with HW-19 stun pistol 1d20+5: [4]+5 = 9
2. Shoot Feyd with HW-19 stun pistol 1d20+5: [12]+5 = 17
3. Shoot Feyd with HW-19 stun pistol 1d20+5: [10]+5 = 15
4. Shoot Feyd with HW-19 stun pistol 1d20+5: [8]+5 = 13
5. Shoot Feyd with HW-19 stun pistol 1d20+5: [11]+5 = 16
6. Shoot Feyd with HW-19 stun pistol 1d20+5: [7]+5 = 12
7. Shoot Feyd with HW-19 stun pistol 1d20+5: [18]+5 = 23
8. Shoot Feyd with HW-19 stun pistol 1d20+5: [10]+5 = 15

Pertinax stops when the stranger starts to talk. He had expected an insult, maybe an apology. You would not have minded an apology But he did not expect the type of confession that came from this rogue scholar.

"You are a member of the mercenary group I seek... If i could have 10 minutes of your and your colleagues' time, I think it would be worth your while."

How does he know who you are? Without dwelling on that question for more than a second, Pertinax draws his stun pistol and shoots it several times point blank at Feyd. When Feyd starts to lose his footing and slump over, Pert shoots him in the back two more times for good measure.

Pertinax then picks up the limp pume and slings him over his large armored shoulder. He gives a nod to the clerk at the front desk. This is the kind of place where dragging a body, unconscious or dead, is not unusual nor commented on. Without say a word he then drags Feyd back to the Rogue's hotel room. Once there he looks at Bryke and says, "Can you use your telepathy to hang him upside down?"

Pertinax prepares for the interrogation by stepping out of his loksuit and then taking out his two knives.

[Bryke]

Perception: 54% +2% 1d100: [28] = 28
JiC d20/d100: 1d20: [11] = 11 / 1d100: [92] = 92

Conditions:

Sense Dimensional Anomalies: Can automatically detect rifts, dimensional envelopes and pockets, fourth-dimensional and Two-dimensional beings, astral travelers and the invisible energy essence of alien intelligences and entities. Range: One mile (1.6) or line of sight, whichever is less.
Doesn't breathe air and is immune to radiation and normal heat, fire, cold, gases and disease. Can see in total darkness and has eagle-like normal vision.
Sixth Sense
HF 10


OOC: Pertinax, Feyd was attacked, he gets an opportunity for sixth sense if he has it, and/or dodge, parry, etc. Should Feyd somehow overcome ALL of Pertinax's attacks and/or Pertinax misses all attempts at abduction.

Bryke is content to meditate and wait for the time to go. He makes sure all his gear is accounted for and then meditates.

I still don't like marching into this beings front door... the gamble is between legit suicide or lets hope the immortal is sleeping annnnd has no alarms of any sort. Terrible... and we shouldn't even play that.


"I will be meditating upon our demise- or the avoidance of it if we are very lucky." Who knows... maybe this Mr. Raggedy is a fan... or in some wacky turn of events is Thraxxus in disguise and is a pseudonym or some other thing like an alter ego that Thraxxus uses every 1000 cycles.... or worse a split personality. Ahhh speculations.


IF Pertinax does bring him unconscious or otherwise to the room:

Bryke is interrupted from his meditation by a perturbed yet seemingly, suspiciously, smiling, Pertinax- [if The Tarlok could do such a thing] is he smiling- no I am imagining surely, in these situations he has been all business in the past, and by the way he is carrying the meatbag, this is light work. Still I swear The Tarlok seems happy some how- I know I am reading him right.. no doubt excited to focus his aggression in a direction- or maybe simply he is happy to poke at something.

The Promethean answers Pertinax's question telepathically, "Bryke is not currently able to control the mind of another living creature- however that is food for thought." [/i] He telepathically emotes to Pertinax just in case The Tarlok was attempting to bluff the Felinoid. "But I will listen in on his thoughts."

He follows the lead of The Tarlok in the matter of "interrogating" Feyd, listening to his inner conversations via telepathy.

[Feyd Soyin]

Rolls carried
A drooling Feyd Soyin, the Pume Scholar of the First Ones lies on the floor. He has decided to do away with the courtesies. He says, “I seek the Raggedy man. I may have a way for you to locate him. I cannot face him alone, so I was hoping we could work together. Please don’t interrogate me. I will tell you anything you want to know. I have no ulterior motives. I just need 5 minutes with him before you dispatch him, if that is a possibility.”

[Mungo]

JiC 1d100: [14] = 14
JiC 1d20: [16] = 16
Perception vs 36% 1d100: [19] = 19

Conditions

P.P.E.: 186/186
M.D.C.: 33/33
Mage Armor M.D.C.: 90/90
Armor of Ithan: 0/60 M.D.C. currently not activated

Octoman Mage Armor, Enhanced
M.D.C. by Location:
Helm: 50
Arms: 25 each
Legs: 45 each
Main Body: 90
Weight: 22 lbs.
Modifiers: -5% to physical skills
Features:
TW Feature: Armor of Ithan, 60 M.D.C., 6 minutes, 10 P.P.E.

Post

"I have the strange sensation that the Raggedy Man is waiting specifically for us. There is something we need to see inside his base. The longer we wait, the greater his advantage becomes. We should suit up and leave quickly."

Mungo sighs at Pert, well... being Pertinax. Not much to say or do really. We might as well get this thing going. He thinks resigned to just wandering in through the front door.

"Sure, why not. Pitter patter, let's get at 'er." He says as he gets up to leave. He hangs back, looking for something he misplaced.

Not long after Pert re-enters with a captive. Mungo, exasperated, starts cussing out the Tarlok with more than one screw loose.

"Pert! What the fuck are you doing? And who the fuck is this guy? Have you lost your mind - again? The fuck is wrong with you?"

Mungo inhales and exhales to calm himself as he feels the urge to fly off the handle about this.

"You know what... Just because someone looks at you funny or doesn't give off the right pheromones for that little reptile brain of yours doesn't mean you have to bloody well attack them! Shit like this is why you people will never amount to anything! Impulse control, do you know what the means?" BY the end of his little tirade he is pretty much shouting up at Pert's face. Or as close as he can get by raising up on his tentacles.

[Bryke]

ROLLS CARRIED

If things make it to Feyd talking and asking not to be interrogated:

Bryke will use Empathy, and Telepathy, to listen to Feyd.

[Az Rael]

Perception Bonus: 58% vs 1d100: [96] = 96
JIC: 1d20 - 1d20: [5] = 5 and 1d100 - 1d100: [90] = 90

Az Real watches as Pert carries the feline into the room, I guess he hasn't changed as much as I thought. He sighs deeply and listens as Mongo reads him the riot act, and Mungo is the one with sense? We are really screwed. Az Real moves to the feline and checks him over to see how conciuous he is.

While looking the creature over he asks, "Did he see something? Why did you grab him?"

He says, “I seek the Raggedy man. I may have a way for you to locate him. I cannot face him alone, so I was hoping we could work together. Please don’t interrogate me. I will tell you anything you want to know. I have no ulterior motives. I just need 5 minutes with him before you dispatch him, if that is a possibility.”

Az Real hears Feyd and pulls his head back slightly, "Wait, how the hell do you know we are looking for Ragedy man?" He stands up and backs away, "This whole thing is a trap! The feline knows we are here, then Ragedy knows we are here! We have been setup. We should kill this kitty and regroup."

Az Real goes full paranoid, moves to window and examines the street below to see if anyone is down there looking suspicious. How the hell does he know we are here? It was Crocs! I bet it was Crocs. Sold us to the Ragedy man. Az Real turn and looks at Pert, "Did your friend sell us out? No one else knew we were coming here, did they? I didn't tell anyone! Did any of you?" Az Real looks around the room then continues, "WE need ot know what he knows and fast!"

[Feyd Soyin]

Rolls Carried

Az Real hears Feyd and pulls his head back slightly, "Wait, how the hell do you know we are looking for Ragedy man?" He stands up and backs away, "This whole thing is a trap! The feline knows we are here, then Ragedy knows we are here! We have been setup. We should kill this kitty and regroup."

Ok whatever you do don’t piss yourself.
“I am one of the most revered scholars in a generation regarding the First Ones. Information is what I do. It doesn’t take a preeminent scholar to deduce that a band of mercenaries would be miffed enough to hunt down the being that blew up their home. FYI he will have deduced the same thing. What he hasn’t deduced is that a Scholar seeking a library he is old enough to remember, would find said mercenary group carrying an item that I went to a lot of trouble to locate that can help you locate him. I am not even on his radar. Frankly I don’t buy the whole immortal spiel. Figure Raggedy man is some sort of trademark like name of dread passed down over time to other similar beings, but if there is a chance he is old as they say he is the he may have the information I seek. But that is the pickle I found myself in. Whatever his nature is, he would kill me as easily as he breathes, so after doing some research and making a few contacts, I learned what he did to you, deduced that you would be hunting him down, found the thing in my bag and located you here where I then came to discuss the proposal that we work together to find him. There was a risk of course. You could just kill me and take the object provided you identify it in my bag of holding. Now you can be rude and kill me. Totally within your purview. But you can give me a chance to show you what I know and have. Your call.”

[Consumer]

The Dark Carnival

Date: Day 0
Time: 2355 hours (10 minutes have passed)
Location: Dunlock Hotel, South Quarter, Level 13, Center, Phase World, Corkscrew Galaxy.
Weather: Outside: 58 degrees; Clammy/High Humidity
Mission Notes

Bryke: No Skills Used.
Pertinax: No Skills Used.
Mungo: No Skills Used.
Quince: No Skills Used.
Az Rael: No Skills Used.
Feyd: No Skills Used.

A meeting of minds.

The last ten minutes are a whirlwind of events that end up with a man weak as a kitten, laying in a small hotel room begging for his life. How we got to this point is a curious series of unfortunate events.

Feyd prepares to try and sucker the counter watcher at the hotel, when Pertinax arrives and in usual fashion does something rash. A brief exchange from Feyd to Pertinax ends in the Tarlok firing a stun gun half a dozen times or more into the feline scholar. From the point of view of the clerk, this is a problem, and the blast shield closes abruptly. Pertinax just realizes that he may have broken the cardinal rule of shady hotels. ‘Don’t do your business in public.’ Whether this has consequences or not, is not known at the moment.

Bryke is contemplating his possible demise, when the door opens back up and Pertinax drops a nearly ten foot tall feline on the room’s only bed. While Feyd isn’t hurt per say, his body is not doing him any favors with his inability to physically move. A brief exchange between Pertinax and Feyd is observed by Bryke who decides to use some of his powers to see what he can see. Mungo is the only person who seems to be bothered by the whole situation, making his displeasure known, specifically to Pertinax. Az Rael for his part goes a step further and with little fanfare tells the group to kill the felinid. Feyd for his part continues to state his case, whether the Rogues go for it or not is what we will see soon.

Bryke is able to read Feyd’s thoughts, so do with that as you will.
Everyone, please post what your emotional state is, in the next post.

What are your Intentions?

Butcher’s Bill
Bryke: -8 I.S.P.
Pertinax: HW-19 Stun Pistol: -8 shots.
Mungo: -25 P.P.E.
Az Rael:
Quince:
Feyd:
The Rogue: 1 Token
The Ghost: 1 Token

[Quince]

Percep 42%: 1d100: [68] = 68
JIC: 1d20: [12] = 12 1d100: [19] = 19

Emotional State: appears Curious and Intrigued by Feyd's offer (Mind Block Auto-Defense)


Quince sat in a chair looking at the closed door after Pertinax stormed out of the hotel room to lead the charge on the Raggedy Man's base. I suppose we should follow him. he thinks just before the Tarlok bursts back into the room dragging a felinoid. As the group rants at each other, Quince stays quiet and tries to listen to what Feyd is saying. He fingers steepled he looks on at the situation at hand, then speaks up.

Quince says in a slow, almost unconcerned sounding tone, "No one is going to kill this being. Our intentions were obvious and it is likely that the Raggedy Man is just a paranoid as you are Pertinax. He likely keeps his base in a constant state of preparedness for any kind of incursion. If for some reason you do not believe his pleas, we can leave him here, tied, trussed up and subdued until we return. I on the other hand think that having an extra man along might be a good thing." He quirks a brow ridge at those present. Bah, are all magic users this easily agitated? Or does this have more to do with the individual?

[Mungo]

JiC 1d100: [10] = 10
JiC 1d20: [3] = 3
Perception vs 36% 1d100: [32] = 32

Conditions

P.P.E.: 186/186
M.D.C.: 33/33
Mage Armor M.D.C.: 90/90
Armor of Ithan: 0/60 M.D.C. currently not activated

Octoman Mage Armor, Enhanced
M.D.C. by Location:
Helm: 50
Arms: 25 each
Legs: 45 each
Main Body: 90
Weight: 22 lbs.
Modifiers: -5% to physical skills
Features:
TW Feature: Armor of Ithan, 60 M.D.C., 6 minutes, 10 P.P.E.

Post

“I am one of the most revered scholars in a generation regarding the First Ones."

Mungo looks over at the guy Pert brought in. He raises an eye brow as high as it will go. He looks back at Pertinax, sighs and drops back down to his normal height.

He slithers over to the guy on the floor. "Did you, the dude trussed up on the floor, just refer to yourself as 'one of the most revered scholars in a generation'? Aw sweetheart, no one should refer to themselves as revered. It's just so... pfft... ya know... like so ugghhh. I know you said other words after that but I just stopped listening. So hard to take someone seriously after they pull a move like that. Ah, whatever." He looks over the guy thinking to himself, Ugh First Ones... Such a nerd. "You'd think nerds would know the difference between book smarts and not-getting-killed smarts." He says as shakes his head.

He looks back over at Pert sheepishly. "Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't really mean those things I said. Well, that's not quite true. I did mean them at the time and now I feel a little bit bad about it. Sorry. Anyway, you should totally kill this guy."

"No one is going to kill this being... I on the other hand think that having an extra man along might be a good thing."

"Huh. You never stuck me as an optimist before, but look at you looking on the bright side of things." Mungo replies to Quince. "But if this fella just goes all 'Well, actually the First Ones were like this', or 'Well, actually the First Ones did it like this, or 'Well, actually the First Ones had friends that made stuff like', or 'Well, actually the Firstest Ones...'. You owe me a beer."

Mungo thinks about something for a second. "If we let him in, no group hug for this guy." He announces to the room.

[Pertinax]

Perception (33%) 1d100: [25] = 25
JiC 1d20: [8] = 8 / 1d100: [2] = 2

Armor
Talisman of Armor of Ithan (Inactive)
Armor
Talisman of Armor of Ithan (Inactive)
Customized Loksuit Power Armor - M.D.C. by location

• Main Body - 115
• Head/Helmet - 50
• Arms - 50 each
• Legs - 60 each

Black boots
Blue pants
Blue and orange hooded jacket

Weapon
Ripper vibro-knife
Kimarxi hunting knife
HW-19 stun pistol (20/20)
Tarlok Ripper Pistol (30/30)
Tarlok Ripper Pistol (30/30)
Tarlok Sidewinder Plasma Cannon (15/15)

Emotional state: Paranoid, hostile (on principle), begrudgingly willing to play nice with others

Pertinax glowers as he throws the barely lucid pume on the floor of the Rogues' hotel room. He sees a rogue scholar searching for them in the lower levels of Center as an existential threat, one that should be snuffed out as quickly and neatly as possible, even if some of the others do not.

"Pert! What the fuck are you doing? And who the fuck is this guy? Have you lost your mind - again? ... Shit like this is why you people will never amount to anything! Impulse control, do you know what the means"

"I am more sane than I have ever been," Pertinax replies coldly. "The semi-conscious stranger claims to know who we are. I felt it was best to bring him back to the room for a thorough interrogation."

"I seek the Raggedy Man... if that is a possibility."

He knows about the Raggedy Man too? You might want to listen to the boy's advice and call 'housekeeping' to dismember and remove a dead body from the bathtub. Pertinax glares at Feyd and then looks back at Mungo. "You see? He knows too much about us already? If we had acted 'reasonably', like you insist, then we would have been ensnared in whatever trap he was laying."

""This whole thing is a trap! The feline knows we are here, then Raggedy knows we are here! We have been setup. We should kill this kitty and regroup."

Pertinax draws his hunting knife and hands it to Alex. He then gets on one knee and looks at Feyd. "Personally, I would just wipe your memory and leave you alive in a crate on level 17, but my colleague prefers to be more 'tidy'. So here is how it will work, I am going to ask you questions-"

Before Pertinax can start to play the role of 'good cop' (relative to Az Rael at the very least) in this interrogation, Alex start in.

""Did your friend sell us out?... WE need ot know what he knows and fast!"

"I do not have friends," Pert snaps back. "And I will personally burn that bar to the ground if anyone did sell us out. Now, let me proceed with questioning this-"

And once again, the seasoned dreadmaster's interrogation is interrupted, as Feyd starts to tell his story unprompted. These people will not let you practice your art!

"“I am one of the most revered scholars in... Your call."

Pert's immediate reaction at the phrase 'revered scholar' is blunt, Feh, shertar filth. But as Feyd continues to speak, he broods over the new information. You see? You are so good at interrogating that even the thought of you asking a question will break a captive. You should treat yourself to one of those pulpy froot smoothies they sell on the corner. Pertinax stands up and takes the knife back from Alex, satisfied with the information that Feyd has given. Well, not satisfied, but Pertinax has a lot of new information to sort in his reptile brain. Thankfully (or begrudingly, if one happens to be Pertinax), the Faustian chimes in.

"No one is going to kill this being... an extra man along might be a good thing."

You are loathe to admit he has a good idea, but... Pertinax tucks both knives back into his hoodie. "Fine. Torture would seem superfluous with this one." Looking back down at Feyd, Pertinax finally says, "Now, tell us about your radar? Why would we even need it if we all know he is holed up in his lair? What makes this so special?"

[Feyd Soyin]

Perception 46%: d100: [13] = 13
JIC: d100: [55] = 55 , d20: [13] = 13
Status: MDC - 50/50 | SDC - 103/103 | HP - 51/51
Mind Block : Auto Defense

Coma/Death: +5%, Magic (varies): +1, Lethal Poison (14+): +1, Non-Lethal Poison (16+): +1, Insanity (12+): +3, Psionics (10+): +3, Horror Factor (varies): +0

You are loathe to admit he has a good idea, but... Pertinax tucks both knives back into his hoodie. "Fine. Torture would seem superfluous with this one." Looking back down at Feyd, Pertinax finally says, "Now, tell us about your radar? Why would we even need it if we all know he is holed up in his lair? What makes this so special?"

“And this is based on what, a psychological profile, a belief that this being who is rumored to be 1,500 years old is going to stay ‘holed up in his lair.’ True that could be the case. However what if it is not? What if it is leaving satiating his horrific appetites. I have an item that is literally a piece of it. With the right Psionic you could trace his every move. You can know where it is at all times. Where would you like to engage him? Meandering through Center, or in his heavily fortified lair?

So we face three options. First we could assist one another and work towards a common goal. You could kill me. Or you let me go my separate way and I can attempt to find it myself. I have very little choice in the matter since I have exhausted all known sources about the First Ones. Regardless the second and third option are probably going to result in the same fate. Thus, my attempt to pursue the first.”

Ok Feyd, you knew there was a distinct possibility they would be unhinged. If they kill you it’s been a good run. Bright side they seem capable enough to take him down, so if they decide to join forces.

[Bryke]

Perception: 54% +2% 1d100: [7] = 7
JiC d20/d100: 1d20: [3] = 3 / 1d100: [29] = 29


Conditions:
Sense Dimensional Anomalies: Can automatically detect rifts, dimensional envelopes and pockets, fourth-dimensional and Two-dimensional beings, astral travelers and the invisible energy essence of alien intelligences and entities. Range: One mile (1.6) or line of sight, whichever is less.
Doesn't breathe air and is immune to radiation and normal heat, fire, cold, gases and disease. Can see in total darkness and has eagle-like normal vision.
Mind Block: AutoDefense
Sixth Sense
HF 10

Current Conditions:
Empathy [4 isp, 20 min, 100' area]
Telepathy [4 isp, 20 min, RST 460', TWC 580']

The Promethean listens to all and especially the Pume. He seems sincere, I am not getting any hints of deception but then again I am not getting any of his actual thoughts. No doubt he has psychic abilities as well- do Pume- shit where is my do-hicky for understanding all the different lifeforms of the galaxies... ahh nevermind it now.

[OOC: I am going to play this the way I currently understand. The Pume has mindblock autodefense so to rp that Bryke is going to ask him a question as if it had already kicked in when he tried to read his surface thoughts]

Bryke asks the Pume, "If you want us to believe you are who you say, let us test your true intention in the matter? Let down your mental guard to allow myself and The Tarlok to communicate with you telepathically. We will question you briefly again to see if what you say is as it is." He pauses to allow him to do this, and if he does, continues by restating,

[OOC: For rp to the Pume I remind that Bryke has a natural HF, he has a deep scar in his face that he chooses to not regenerate... or can not. Either way, just a reminder for this interaction, he speaks with a natural contra base aka deeper voice than any known human, and is larger than most Prometheans- and prometheans are large to begin with. :)]

"Thank you, we now begin." Bryke's confidence in the being grows and his trust in the Pume sets in. He listens and mirrors what Pertinax says/said as he questions the Pume again.

If he chooses not to communicate telepathically:

Bryke's trust in the being plummets and he sides with Pertinax's suspicions as well as first hand experience with the Pume.

"Ahh then we are at an impasse, and since The Tarlok found you asking about after us, I side with him on what to do with you." I am certain I have not said or thought Pertinax's name- we should truly go by code names in the field for basic security sake. I will mention it later after this is dealt with. Sadly though if this being does actually have a way to find Mr. Raggedy we would be inclined to try it on general principle.

[Feyd Soyin]

Rolls Carried
Status: MDC - 50/50 | SDC - 103/103 | HP - 51/51
Mind Block : Auto Defense

Coma/Death: +5%, Magic (varies): +1, Lethal Poison (14+): +1, Non-Lethal Poison (16+): +1, Insanity (12+): +3, Psionics (10+): +3, Horror Factor (varies): +0

Bryke asks the Pume, "If you want us to believe you are who you say, let us test your true intention in the matter? Let down your mental guard to allow myself and The Tarlok to communicate with you telepathically. We will question you briefly again to see if what you say is as it is."

"I will agree to your terms. But you will only access thoughts relevant to your inquiries. If I feel you delving outside those areas, I will put the block back up." I do not know these people. I don't need pissed off mercs extorting me with threats to my family.

"Thank you, we now begin." Bryke's confidence in the being grows and his trust in the Pume sets in. He listens and mirrors what Pertinax says/said as he questions the Pume again.

He opens memories of his time at University confirming his claim to being a scholar. He then opens a memory about his research into the First Ones, it becomes evident that he is a premier scholar of the First Ones, although there are very few, because the information is very limited. You see that he learned of the legend of a library somewhere in the three galaxies, that was briefly talked about in a historical account from a millenia ago. It was supposed to be well known then, but has all but vanished from history. You see Feyd learning about the Raggedy Man being over a millenia in age. He decides to track down this Raggedy Man to see if he knows the location. Fast forward to what seems to be a purchase of an item, although you do not see the item itself. "You are absolutely certain this came from the one known as the Raggedy Man?" The being, a Seljuk, replies "I collected it myself from the body of one of his victims." Fast forward to the events in the lobby and to the room now.

[Pertinax]

<Rolls carry>

"And this is based on what, a psychological profile, a belief that this being who is rumored to be 1,500 years old is going to stay ‘holed up in his lair.’ True that could be the case. However what if it is not? What if it is leaving satiating his horrific appetites."

Pertinax straightens up as Feyd starts to talk, pleased that he hasn't had to apply any pressure to the interrogation yet. The first thing that the scholar says puts him to ease. He thinks that the Raggedy Man could be out hunting? Not likely he spoke to Croc, then. Pertinax tries to think who could have pointed Feyd in the Rogues' direction, but that train of thought is interrupted as Feyd continues to tell the Rogues his story.

"I have an item that is literally a piece of it. With the right Psionic you could trace his every move. You can know where it is at all times. Where would you like to engage him? Meandering through Center, or in his heavily fortified lair?"

At this piece of information (and the Raggedy Man), Pertinax leans forward. This is interesting. Perhaps you can object read this piece, learn more about the Raggedy Man and who or what he is. He looks at the shaky pume slowly getting up from the floor. But how did this shertar ponce get a piece of the Raggedy Man for himself? Clearly not in a fight.

"So we face three options... Thus, my attempt to pursue the first."

"If you want us to believe you are who you say, let us test your true intention in the matter? Let down your mental guard to allow myself and The Tarlok to communicate with you telepathically. We will question you briefly again to see if what you say is as it is."

Pertinax rolls his eyes at the promethean. Why must he always make this about telepathy? Your captive will tell the truth without any further pressure. Pertinax makes an indifferent gesture at Bryke, indicating he can proceed with the scan of Feyd's mind.

"I will agree to your terms. But you will only access thoughts relevant to your inquiries. If I feel you delving outside those areas, I will put the block back up."

When that is done, Pertinax looks at Feyd and says, "I do not need to scan your mind to know you will provide us with the relevant information. Tell me what this fragment is, and how you came to acquire it."

Once Feyd has finished, Pertinax smiles. "That is quite informative. I suppose I should share with you what we know as well." The tarlok's gills open slowly, as he looks forward to sharing. "You are wasting your time. Our informants say that the Raggedy Man has never said a word to anyone. Luring him into a trap to take him alive is a waste of time. If you want to find your library, your best bet is to come with us, kill the creature, and then loot his base."

[Quince]

Percep 42%: 1d100: [43] = 43
JIC: 1d20: [2] = 2 1d100: [12] = 12

Conditions: Mind Block Auto-Defense

Quince subsides as he sees no one is trying to kill the Pume at the moment. All this posturing is quite tiresome. Doesn't everyone see its just easier to let Pertinax take the lead. Most of us still do what we want to regardless of what the Tarlok says anyway. Or we agree with what he wants and go along with him. Bah.

Quince simple leans back against the wall and waits for the others to finish hashing out this mess, Let them all deplete their mental reserves questioning this fool who knows so much and yet so little about how to approach a merc team on an active op.

As things slow down and Pertinax seems to have dismissed Bryke's suggestion, Quince speaks again, "So are we settled?" He looks over at Mungo and Az Rael, then on to Bryke before giving a nod to Pertinax, along with a closed lip smile, "Lead on then sir."

[Mungo]

(Rolls Held)

Post

I have very little choice in the matter since I have exhausted all known sources about the First Ones.

Mungo laughs and gets Quince's attention. "Ya know what, that's close enough. You owe me a beer." He waits patiently as the other sort out if the new guy dies by or joins the team. I don't mind either way to be fair. Maybe he'll be useful, maybe not. Oh, he has a bit of RM himself. My oh my, that is interesting!

"If you have a bit of RM, I can cast a Locate spell if your psi-powers don't give us much to go on." He pipes up and tells the others. Then letting the get on with their psionic melding, or whatever it is psychics do.

"So are we settled?"

Mungo nods and responds to the question with a simple: "Yep."

[Consumer]

The Dark Carnival

Date: Day 0
Time: 0005 hours (10 minutes have passed)
Location: Dunlock Hotel, South Quarter, Level 13, Center, Phase World, Corkscrew Galaxy.
Weather: Outside: 58 degrees; Clammy/High Humidity
Mission Notes

Bryke: No Skills Used.
Pertinax: No Skills Used.
Mungo: No Skills Used.
Quince: No Skills Used.
Az Rael: No Skills Used.
Feyd: No Skills Used.

Into the halls of madness.

The “Interrogation” of Feyd continues, but putters out rather quickly when it becomes apparent that he is exactly what the tin says. With Bryke reading nothing of real value off of his mind or emotional state, and Pertinax already knowing that any info is just going to be tainted by the Feyd’s already tumultuous emotional state. It seems an almost sudden acceptance, and the group just decides to move on with Feyd joining them on their hunt. Feyd does offer what he says is a piece of the Raggedy Man.

This small piece of bone, when psychically or magically investigated comes back inconclusive, no new information is gleaned from it.

Now in the wee hours of the morning, the Rogues and their new companion, begin to make their way out of the Dunlock hotel. Pertinax receives a coded direct message to his HUD.

In the future do not do business in the lobby. ~Management

Once outside in the cold, clammy street, the group looks to the north, where less than a mile away is the supposed lair of one of Center’s most notorious serial killers, the Raggedy Man.

The walk to the abandoned factory is quiet and uneventful, as the Rogues pass a seeming line of demarcation. None of the building near the factory are active, or have been active for years and maybe even decades. From a few blocks away the group eyes the only entrance they’ve discovered: a pair of doors, one a large garage door thirty feet tall, and the other a more man sized door, ten feet tall.

What are your Intentions?

Butcher’s Bill
Bryke: -8 I.S.P.
Pertinax: HW-19 Stun Pistol: -8 shots.
Mungo: -25 P.P.E.
Az Rael:
Quince:
Feyd:
The Rogue: 1 Token
The Ghost: 1 Token

[Az Rael]

Perception Bonus: 58% vs 1d100: [57] = 57
JIC: 1d20 - 1d20: [4] = 4 and 1d100 - 1d100: [27] = 27

Skills
Detect Ambush 77% vs 1d100: [4] = 4 - Keep an eye out as they approach the building for any possible signs of ambush entering the building.
Tracking: People 67% vs 1d100: [84] = 84 - Identify if there are any signs of coming and going from the two doors.


Post
As they make their way to the entrance Az Rael keeps his eyes peeled and focused on his surroundings. He looks for signs of a possible ambush at the entrance and watches for signs of anyone coming and going from the entrance. When they stop just outside, he reaches for his rifle on his back and realizes he does not have it. Quickly looking down at his utility belt he counts his pistol and plasma sword as his only weapons. Well that might be a problem. He looks around at the others taking inventory of their weapons then reassures himself, you are all the weapon you need.

He reviews what he has learned of the raggedy man and lingers on the thought, he has shadow magic as well. This may complicate things. He may have some resistance to my magic as well. But then remembers a gift. Reaching to the chain around his neck he fingers the talisman for the light blade. Scythe, too bad you aren't here now. I am sure you would enjoy sweet revenge as well. If he has resistance to shadow, the light, may be a weakness.

Az Rael slides behind Feyd and quietly whispers, "Do you know if he is a creature of the dark? Will light affect him?" He stands closely behind the pume, looking up nearly three feet at the back of the felinoid's head. I still don't trust him... We should keep him in front of us. If Raggedy man kills him, then maybe he was telling the truth.

After allowing Feyd to answer, Az Rael addresses the group quietly, "Door number 1 or Door number 2?"