The Pyramid Emporium (135)

[Augur]

This building is shaped like a pyramid and is home to countless residents and several different businesses.

• The Tattoo Shop: Run by an ancient-looking Chinese man and his three daughters, this shop offers standard tattoos (non-magical) of superior artistic quality.
• The Eyes of Fortune: Fortune-telling young psychics offer psychic readings, read tarot cards and offer glimpses of the patron's fate and future.
• Karla's Herb Shop: Karla sells common herbs, vitamins and tobacco at reasonable prices.
• The Briar Room: The Briar Room is a tobacco specialty shop offering fine cigars and pipes, mostly briar but also meershaum and others. Operated by an old merc that goes by the name of Brolock, the business features a very comfortable, private smoking lounge for its customers.
• Psychic Healer: A no questions asked clinic where first aid and healing are performed...for a price.
• Metal Man Body Chop Shop: A low-grade chop-shop that sells "used" bionics and cybernetics and offers cybernetic & bionic augmentation.
• Food Court: Features seven different vendors offering a variety of fast food for 1-5 credits per food item.
• Mystic Tailor & Garment Shop: Occupies most of the 2nd floor and is the largest business in the Emporium. Specializing in robes, cloaks, hoods, and outfits for Ley Line Walkers and other practitioners of magic.
• Top Floor Residence: The peak of the Pyramid is home to a married shifter and ley line walker who are frequently away on adventures.

The Pyramid Emporium is the default "mall" for anything not otherwise covered in a Merctown shop.

[Barric Darkwind]

Perception: [dice]0[/dice]
JIC: [dice]1[/dice] | [dice]2[/dice]

Barric strolls into The Briar Room with his hands secured firmly in the sleeves of his robe. The Tokanii can't help but smile wickedly from ear to ear at the sight and smell of this place, "And here I thought heaven was a scantily clad woman with sharp horns and a strong back. This place just might give that fantasy a run for its money." Barric will take some time to peruse all that's available to him, making mental notes of the wares for later purchase. If he is able to see the private smoking lounge, the Mystic will approach a salesperson and ask about it, "Pardon me, but is the smoking lounge open to all guests? I would love to sample a few of your incredible cigars."

[Virtus]

The man behind the counter is in the humidor with his back to you as you approach. His greying hair is long but neatly kept. Oddly for someone in the mystic quarter, your eyes pickup that he has a cybernetic arm. He hears you ask about the smoking lounge and turns to greet you when you each lock eyes.

His face; you know his face. The shop seems to dissolve around you, replaced by a road outside of Tolkeen, the flames of wreckage illuminating the night. It was farmlands outside of Tolkeen, April 6th of 107. The last time you had seen his face he was pinned beneath a burning rocket bike. His face stands out because in his wide-eyed fear you spared him. It was the first Coalition soldier you had spared. That same look is now on his face even though he now bears many scars and his hair has greyed.

He is still, waiting on you to make a move until he seems to make his mind up about something. "Yes, the lounge is open to guests." He watches you intently.

[Barric Darkwind]

Perception: [dice]0[/dice]
JIC: [dice]1[/dice] | [dice]2[/dice]

Screams illuminated the flames wrenching into the night sky.

Barric held his warhammer by his side, streaks of blood cascading down the handle. His chest heaved with every heavy breath. Even with his supernatural endurance he had reached his limit during this battle. Around him the Silver Hand had worked to finish off the remnants of the Coalition Forces that had ambushed them in the night. Barric’s eyes flashed across the charred remains of the farm, watching as support beams within the barn crumbled to the ground in flames. He sighed softly, inhaling a massive breath of black smoke which reeked of sulfur and flesh. From across the field of battle, Barric heard the familiar voice of his father, Aegon, bellow out with the call of the Silver Hand.

In response, Barric raised his warhammer in the air and cried out in unison with his brethren, “AH ROOS AS GHULII!” In death we live…. In this neverending war, Barric felt as though their mantra had never been more true. Especially on days like today, where poor farmers were caught in the crossfire between two warring nations. Walking forward, Barric spied the corpses of the farm owners who he had come to know as friends. They were Fennodi, a peaceful people, a people who had offered their home to any who needed it. As their Whisker Coyote licked the wounds on their faces, Barric felt himself force back a tear from his eye.

From his left, Barric heard the sounds of struggled moans emanating through the night sky. Turning slightly, Barric eyed the smoldering hull of a Coalition rocket bike slammed nose first into the earth. From around its blackened shell, the Tokanii noticed a human hand desperately grasping at the metal. Narrowing his vision, Barric slowly approached the wreckage and found a man garbed in the black armor traditional of his enemy. The man cursed Barric as he approached, instinctively reaching for where his sidearm should be. Sighing, Barric knelt down next to the man, still choosing to observe his struggle rather than speak.

“Do your worst, D-Bee scum!” the man burned through bloody breaths as he continued his struggle to free himself.

Snorting something close to a laugh, Barric began to notice the fear in his eyes, “I’m afraid you won’t be able to remove that by yourself.” Barric’s eyes began to track the nose of the rocket bike to its rest point squarely on the man’s other arm, “If you’d let me, I can free you. Although by the looks of it, that arm is gone regardless.”

“...you’re not here to kill me are you?” The man’s words cut through shaken breaths.

“I’m afraid not,” Barric said with a frown, “I feel as if we’ve seen enough death for one day. On the count of three, ok? One, two….”

Invoke Trust: [dice]3[/dice]/65% PASS! ((In the essence of fairness, I accidentally posted with my other PC account and rolled a 66% before deleting it.))
Barric stands frozen for a brief moment. This man was the first reminder of the war he had encountered in quite some time. Its him. I would remember that face anywhere. To think that we’ve both found ourselves in MercTown all this time later…. Shaking off the thought, Barric returns his typical smile to his face, “Err, thank you. My name is Barric Darkwind. It is a pleasure to meet you.” I wonder if he remembers me as well. I wonder if our encounter changed his feelings towards my kind. “Do you have any recommendations for cigars? It’s been awhile since I’ve had the pleasure of browsing a selection such as this. I must admit a little guidance would be much appreciated.”

[Virtus]

When Barric greets him kindly, the man relaxes. "It is indeed a pleasure... and under more civilized circumstances. Carter Brolock, but call me Cab." he says waving you back behind the counter into the humidor. "Do you prefer something more spicy? These I enjoy a lot for something on an easy day. he says pointing to a tray of black-banded cigars. "Hoyos. They've got good history. I prefer them with a pale ale." he says, offering you a cigar and then reaching into private refrigerator behind the counter where he brings forth two bottles of ale. "Let's have a seat in the lounge."



Many deep, rich brown arm chairs fill the room, oriented around several beautifully crafted wood tables. Comfort is the theme of this room. Merely stepping into the smoking lounge makes a person feel like a king, while sitting in one of the luxurious chairs confirms it.

After retrieving glasses from a cabinet in the lounge he takes a seat across from you. Cab strikes a match taken from one of the drawers on the table to light your cigar when you have settled. He then opens and pours your ale (if you want it, if not he only opens his own). After lighting his own and settling in him self, he takes the time to attend to the flavor. Finally, leaning forward he speaks again.

"So, what do you think? They are smooth but with a bit of bite after." he says, pausing for another draw. The rich aroma of fine tobacco mingling with good leather fills the air. "There really aren't any simple words to offer. Any sort of thanks would be silly I think. THIS however is what I hope for between us." he says, waving vaguely and looking around at the room. "This place, you and I and any who come in peace may sit in comfort with one another and be kings for an hour, one king to another." he says, taking a drink. He doesn't seem in a hurry for any answer; content to sit, smoke and drink.

[Barric Darkwind]

Perception: [dice]0[/dice]
JIC: [dice]1[/dice] | [dice]2[/dice]

"So, what do you think? They are smooth but with a bit of bite after." he says, pausing for another draw. The rich aroma of fine tobacco mingling with good leather fills the air. "There really aren't any simple words to offer. Any sort of thanks would be silly I think. THIS however is what I hope for between us." he says, waving vaguely and looking around at the room. "This place, you and I and any who come in peace may sit in comfort with one another and be kings for an hour, one king to another." he says, taking a drink. He doesn't seem in a hurry for any answer; content to sit, smoke and drink.

Barric casually blows a few rings of smoke through his lips as he sits back in relaxation. Kings…. “Aye, I would agree. This is what I would hope for as well. Tranquility in a constant state of war. Simple peace in dire times. This is what I would hope for all who saw what we saw, for all who did what we did,” the Tokanii says, pausing to tap the ash off of his cigar, “Cab, I dare say you’ve found yourself a fantastic cut of life.” I should look into finding something similar. Not now, perhaps, but one day. “I envy you. My path still has many trials in it. Still so many sins to account for. Soon I will have to take my leave of this town and head out seeking more answers, but when I return it would be nice to sit down and chat about where our lives have taken us since that fateful day.” Barric extends a large clawed hand towards Cab, “It has been my absolute pleasure. I would love to take a box of these with me on the road if there are some for sale.”

[Virtus]

As you conclude their leisure time, Cab replies "Absolutely. Times like these are short. I love this shop, but even for me I have to have multiple incomes as well. Warring isn't one I'm looking to get back into." he says, walking back to the humidor. He retrieves a box and hands it to you. "A gift between you and I. If your travels take you abroad, I'm always looking for pipes, tabaccos and cigars. Keep me in mind." As he hands you the box he leans in, his lips barely moving. "I have people in and out of here a lot and get to hear things. Be careful out there. Something is moving through the city out of sight. I know how movers and shakers attract trouble. Keep an eye out behind you." And with that he shakes your hand and watches you leave.

As you step back out on the street, you happen to see Neela from earlier pass by in a hurry. She stops and back tracks. "Mr. Darkwind. Funny I catch you now. I'm very late and have to be on my way, but here." she says, handing you a sealed letter. The seal is that of the MercTown magic guild. "Take care. I must be off." and with that the Wolfen is off at a near sprint. Opening the letter you find very nice stationary and this penned on the page:

Barric Darkwind,

Come see me at your earliest convenience, grand hall, the Magic Guild.

sincerely,

Annias Cearcy
-

[John Altfeld]

Perception: [dice]0[/dice] / 78%
JiC d20/d100: [dice]1[/dice] / [dice]2[/dice]

CONDITIONS: John is +1 foot

John enters the Mystic Tailor and Garment Shop browsing extensively. Frowning, he walks up to the front counter. "Um, this is awkward. I thought you sold, you know, magic clothes. Not clothes for mages."

He looks around the store again, leaning on the counter. "So... uh, I need magic clothes. Ones that can change size. A lot. If you don't have that... my friend Numo says they've got illusionary clothes on Atlantis? This is sounding more like a long shot. Honestly, even pants would be pretty great."

OOC: Numo, the wolfen who runs the Kingsdale Magick Guild store (and is a contact of John's) is canonically obsessed with studying the Splugorth and Atlantis - Juicer Uprising pg. 109. Looking for a Wardrobe Amulet Splynn Dimensional Market pg. 28-29. 500,000 credits for pre-programmed outfits. Ultra Rare.

Availability Rolls
Lore: Magic: [dice]3[/dice] / 51% (86%-35% for UR)
Research: [dice]4[/dice] / 21% (56%-35% for UR)
Appraise Goods: [dice]5[/dice] / 41% (76%-35% for UR)
Barter: [dice]6[/dice] / 31% (66%-35% for UR)
Invoke Trust: [dice]7[/dice] / 0% (35%-35% for UR - not sure if getting a crit success on this roll would count)

Seeing resistance in the shop owner's eyes, John calls Menelaus Clotho and Geoffrey "Geoff" Blackman, one at a time, explains the situation and asks if they can do anything to help him out. "I'd really like to have at least imaginary pants."

OOC: Using both Powerful Contact rerolls with +10% to the skill as per the availability rules on Research and Appraise Goods.
Research: [dice]8[/dice] / 31% (56%-35% for UR+10% for Powerful Contact Once Per Quad Reroll)
Appraise Goods: [dice]9[/dice] / 51% (76%-35% for UR+10% for Powerful Contact Once Per Quad Reroll)


John nods sadly when the clerk tells him they don't have anything, and says, "Okay, well, let me know if you find anything. You can reach me at the Roughnecks compound." He then provides the address/phone number and leaves to Uncommon Knowledge

[Virtus]

The Spooks make their way to the Pyramid. The wide array of shops dazzle the mind. It may be one of the few places the Spooks don't stand out. Taking the elevator to the 7th floor, they find an oddity among the various magic shops; that of a mundane tobacconist. Entering, there is the pleasant, robust aroma of aged tobacco and spices. The lights are low, the climate perfectly controlled and what can only be describe as a relaxed atmosphere invites everyone as they enter.



Brewster Brolock, a man likely in his 40s or 50s, sporting, curly salt and pepper hair greets everyone as they enter.

"Ah, welcome to the Briar Room. I am, Brewster. What can I do for you?" he asks, though everyone is fairly sure he knows exactly who they are and why they are here, though he persists with formality.

[Lahz]

Perception [51%]: 1d100: [8] = 8 [+15% involving Electronics or Machines]
JiC D20: 1d20: [4] = 4
JiC D100: 1d100: [49] = 49

Conditions: Telemechanics (0 ISP, Constant, 5ft, 100%), Mind-block Auto-Defense (0 ISP, Automatic), Sense Supernatural Evil & Magic Energy (1900ft if using magical or psionic powers, 900ft if NOT using powers), Radiate Nature [Calm] (100ft to psychics, 12ft to non-psychics), Roadrunner Power Armor (135/135 MB), Sixth Sense (Cannot be surprised by a sneak attack), See the Invisible (240', 40.00 Min)

ISP: 225/231 ISP (-4 = 221)

Telemechanics [100%]: 1d100: [72] = 72

---

Taking the elevator up, Lahz spies the Briar Room from a short distance as they walk up and turns to the others, "Well that is nowhere near as large or busy as I was expecting ... I suppose everyone should come in. Wayne, the shop may need to be closed to the public for the rest of our meeting ... nothing drastic but, y'know, close the door so we can get some level of privacy." Then, given their locale, Lahz activates his
See the Invisible (-4 ISP) psi-power.

As they enter, Lahz notes the greeting and pauses a few seconds to look around the interior of the shop for doors/cameras/anything of concern. *Seems like a very unlikely location for another CS ambush/assault ... *

[Ronan]

Perception: 1d100: [69] = 69 / 39%
JiC: 1d20: [19] = 19 / 1d100: [82] = 82

Conditions:

[4 on initiative. 2 to parry and dodge. 2 to strike. One additional attack per melee. No minuses apply when blinded or in darkness. 1,200ft]

|

Range: 90ft | Determine general flesh health of another being. Reveals if little or many HP/SDC and if any magic/psionic/super effect is currently affecting the subject physically

Skills

Interpreting Shapes: 1d100: [40] = 40 /84%
Estimating Distance: 1d100: [27] = 27 /88%
Estimating Direction: 1d100: [81] = 81 /88%
Estimating Speed: 1d100: [27] = 27 /68%
Estimating Exact Location: 1d100: [68] = 68 /78%

Post

"Well that is nowhere near as large or busy as I was expecting ... I suppose everyone should come in. Wayne, the shop may need to be closed to the public for the rest of our meeting ... nothing drastic but, y'know, close the door so we can get some level of privacy."

Ronan listens to Lahz and nods along. "More than meets the eye I wager." Ronan adds as they approach the outlet.

Ronan walks in with Lahz and looks around the room, Ronan scrunches his nose at the cigars and scoffs. Never been much of a smoker; can't even do it on fleet. I wonder if Reed still smokes. Ronan muses at the sight and a potential I'm back gift for his friend and contact down at the Arms Market. Ronan walks up to Brewster and leans on the nearby counter. "Well, I'm looking for a box of your finest cigars. A gift for a close friend who's also sort of a refugee here." Ronan says with a smile, taking one of the nearby loose singles and smelling it. They smell good though. He muses.

After a moment, he places it back down and reaches into his pocket, placing the message disk on the counter that he received from the courier. "and we hear you're looking for mercs." Ronan finishes, nodding towards Lahz.

[Lahz]

Perception [51%]: 1d100: [8] = 8 [+15% involving Electronics or Machines]
JiC D20: 1d20: [4] = 4
JiC D100: 1d100: [49] = 49
Telemechanics [100%]: 1d100: [72] = 72

Conditions: Telemechanics (0 ISP, Constant, 5ft, 100%), Mind-block Auto-Defense (0 ISP, Automatic), Sense Supernatural Evil & Magic Energy (1900ft if using magical or psionic powers, 900ft if NOT using powers), Radiate Nature [Calm] (100ft to psychics, 12ft to non-psychics), Roadrunner Power Armor (135/135 MB), Sixth Sense (Cannot be surprised by a sneak attack), See the Invisible (240', 40.00 Min)

ISP: 225/231 ISP (-4 = 221)

---

To the degree that this appears to be the Brewster Brolock from the video, and nothing dangerous is sensed (whether invisible or not), Lahz nods to the man when Ronan mentions the Merc-contact, "Indeed. You reached out, what are you seeking?"

The Psi-Tech examines the prospective would-be friend-of-a-benefactor with a practiced eye -- Sense Supernatural Evil & Magic Energy [0 I.S.P., 1000' for beings not using magic or psionics, and Identify types of Paranormal Creatures 98%: 1d100: [57] = 57 ] -- as he listens for response ...

[Wayne Northblade]

Perception: 1d100: [5] = 5 /49%
JIC: 1d20: [16] = 16 / 1d100: [71] = 71

Fully suited up again, Wayne takes the elevator up to the 7th floor with the rest of the crew. When they head inside, he remains exterior to the tobacconist, leaning against the door frame.

"Wayne, the shop may need to be closed to the public for the rest of our meeting ... nothing drastic but, y'know, close the door so we can get some level of privacy."

"Nothing drastic. Our specialty, right?"

Arms crossed, his left hand grasping his vibro-knife, his mask staring straight forward daring any who cross his path to dare ask him a question.

I can't believe he didn't take my call. We've known each other for how long? How rude. In contrast to his frightening demeanor, his thoughts are sensitive and hurt. Guard duty. So banal. I hope they at least bring me a cigar. Preferably a Lonsdale, but I would take a Perfecto at this point.

[Ethan Gaunt]

Perception 21%: d100: [7] = 7
JIC: d100: [85] = 85 , d20: [9] = 9
Status: Head 107/107 | Body 415/415 | Arm 65/65 | Leg 115/115

Impervious to Psionic Bio Manipulation and Telemechanics, Go without breathing for up to two hours, Coma/Death: +0, Magic (varies): +3, Lethal Poison (14+): +0, Non-Lethal Poison (16+): +0, Insanity (12+): +1, Psionics (15+): +1, Mind Control: +0, Possession: +5, Horror Factor (varies): +0

Ethan hangs close to Vheld, keeping watch for threats. He points out anything that stands out so Vheld, who is more experienced, can assess and tell Ethan what to do. While they wait he asks Vheld, “How long have you been a Mercenary?” It’s strange that the magic user isn’t in this meet up a iconic location in the mystic quarter. One would think he would have a more imposing presence here…more sway than the others.

Initiative: d20+3: [14]+3 = 17
Action 1: Parti­cle Beam Weapon: To Strike: d20+2: [12]+2 = 14 | Damage - 6d6+6: [3, 4, 1, 4, 4, 2]+6 = 24 MD | Range - 2000'
Action 2: Dodge - d20+8: [16]+8 = 24
Action 3: Parti­cle Beam Weapon: To Strike: d20+2: [2]+2 = 4 | Damage - 6d6+6: [4, 2, 3, 3, 4, 6]+6 = 28 MD | Range - 2000'
Action 4: d20+8: [20]+8 = 28
Action 5: d20+8: [5]+8 = 13
When using Energy Rifle/Particle Beam entire Round
Action 6: Parti­cle Beam Weapon: To Strike: d20+2: [14]+2 = 16 | Damage - 6d6+6: [1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 5]+6 = 17 MD | Range - 2000'

Parties: d20+6: [17]+6 = 23 , d20+6: [20]+6 = 26 , d20+6: [18]+6 = 24 , d20+6: [7]+6 = 13 , d20+6: [11]+6 = 17

[Vheld]

JIC: 1d20: [1] = 1 , 1d100: [77] = 77
PER: 1d100: [61] = 61 vs. 79%

Vheld arrives, dismounts, and enters the building with Sil at his heels. The shifter will pass a disinterested eye over the wares on display; Vheld is never one for indulgences of the sense to begin with, and one often needs to run away from demons. Then again, I suppose I’ll want to buy something if I want to make the barest effort and looking like I’m not here with Lahz and the others. A soft sigh. Very well. Let’s get this over with. Studiously ignoring the others, Vheld will perk up when he sees Ethan. Guess I’m minding the new… guy? Sure, why not. Vheld will wave Ethan off towards a corner seat- far enough away from the others that they’re not obviously together, but close enough that V and Ethan both have clear line of sight on the meet. Before sitting, Vheld jerks his head towards the proprietor and addresses Ethan. ”You want anything? My treat.” Unless the ‘borg specifically says no, Vheld will approach the counter and say ”What is your most expensive cigar? Give me two of those.” (Or only one if Ethan requests something else, which Vheld will get in addition to his own cigar. Then he will sit, light ‘em up, and probably cough loudly for at least a minute afterwards.

“How long have you been a Mercenary?”

Vheld pauses between exhalations and coughing. ”Ack-em! Who can even keep track anymore- between the temporal anomalies, extra-dimensional incursions, and surprise wars it feels like it has been over a decade. But let me see…” Vheld’s tone and gaze fade as he does a little mental math. ”Yes. About four years now. So” Vheld leans forward and says in a low voice. ”How’s your hearing? I may need to listen through Sil, and hers isn’t much better than mine.”

[Ethan Gaunt]

Roles Carried

”You want anything? My treat.”

"No but thank you very much for the offer. My wife hates . . . hated the smell of those things." Ethan clears his throat. "But please feel free to partake and enjoy."

”Ack-em! Who can even keep track anymore- between the temporal anomalies, extra-dimensional incursions, and surprise wars it feels like it has been over a decade. But let me see…” Vheld’s tone and gaze fade as he does a little mental math. ”Yes. About four years now. So” Vheld leans forward and says in a low voice. ”How’s your hearing? I may need to listen through Sil, and hers isn’t much better than mine.”

"Temporal Anomalies? Incursions? Wars? Sounds very exciting. I went to Kingsdale once. Despite the tension between the CS and Kingsdale I was able to attend a conference on Cybernetics. As for my hearing I haven't reviewed the hardware nor could I, seeing as I can't seem to remember anything related to my years of education in cybernetics, but knowing my creators, probably the best money can buy."