Gratwin

@Atta - The courier delivered your parcel prior to the meeting - A quick check over and you cannot see that any tampering has taken place. The Wallet and comic are there as placed the day before

@Atta / Fink

With Finks arrival - Sera nods and gives a knowing smile. She speaks to Fink warmly

"Hey Root - Nice to see you out for once"

There is a moment silent communication between the pair - 'subliminal women talk; before she continues.

"Yeah this is Sisken.. He checks out."

"Siskin.. Root. She's your ticket to knowledge "

**RP the meet between the two of you...**

When you hand over the comic - Root you'll flick through the first few pages. Everyone falls silent as you come across a small data wafer tucked right into the spine on the center spread..

**if you look around no-one is paying an attention to the trio. Nothing suspicious at all..**

@Tiger

At the end of the dock where you'll be working. Is a lone ship docked between a couple of derelict hulls. Looking at the boat you do notice something is wierd. There isn't a gangplank to the shore and the crew seem to be keeping aboard the ship. You don't however notice any weapons... Sergie thrusts a headset to you.. "time to unload my friend" before heading to a small crane

Limanov arrived in a truck, empty trailer ready for taking a single container.

If you put on the headset you'll hear the crackle of Sergie's voice "You are my eyes.. Let's get that container off quick and onto truck. Then back to the mess for some vodka, da?"

The next 10mins are a little dull as you observe the crew on the ship attaching the container to the chains that will lift it clear. [successful Awareness roll] They don't appear to be moving freely, and are looking very pale. Their language is clearly North Caucasus, Chechen you think..

The loading will go without a hitch. Despite your inexperience, you guide the loading like a champ, fixing the clamps to the trailer and moving clear.

At that point you notice a flash from across the water as the sun reflects of a lens...

It's impressive how quickly artists can draw! Happy for you to detail time taken by your character in such things. I'll only inteject if there is something else going on that would make a difference - trying to sketch the neighbour when she's changing outfit having forgotten the close the blinds etc

Can I also welcome Root. Sorry for introducing the character as 'Rook' What can I say? I cannot read and didn't immediately get the reference

My next posts will be made over the next few hours..

@Atta

*Remember to let me know what you are doing with the courier delivery - that is supposed to be this morning*

The morning started with a scattering of rain, but by the time you make your way to the NCU Campus (timed just as the number of students starts to build in number) any remaining moisture is rapidly drying off in the sun - Feels like it will be a hot, humid day. Allowing a few moments to marvel at the traditionally styled Museum next door you make your way through the courtyard, completing a couple of small drawings of the renaissance architecture

Between the Museum and the Uni is a large pedestrianised area with a welcome scattering of trees / grassy areas and benches where the students congregate. A few little stalls are there selling snacks and coffee's while both the NCU campus police and the Museum security are highly visible in their patrols between the two sites.

Standing by one of the coffee stalls, You see Sera getting off one of the NCU shuttle buses. Wearing a short, red, summer floral dress, hair tied back in a casual chignon bun and a large brown bag slightly overflowing with a collection of books - she's owning the student look and you do a double take to make sure it's her - making her way to one of the small grassy mounds and sheltering under the shade of the lone tree there and surrounded with a couple of benches, she opens up one of the journals and pours over the pages

A couple of male students whistle and are given 'the finger'

**let me know what you do here**

If you approach - she'll greet you warmly.. "Just waiting for our friend Root who I believe should be here soon - She is, however, a little elusive"

If you look at the book - It's one about handgun maintenance "I don't think they learn this stuff here - Life skills eh!"

@Tiger

Dimitri emerges looking a little pale and ragged, dark bags under his eyes.

"Ughh my poor head.. Atch, no time for shower. We go"

It's a brief cab ride through the city as the streets are very quiet at that time, a light drizzle falls and the puddles that reflect the haze of pollution that already envelopes the city. Dimitri seems in a foul mood again and stares mostly out the window.

.. Security on the gate is pretty tight and so it should be as it is run notorious NC Harbor Police - Dimitri shows a pass to an officer manning the barrier who takes it into a security hut. Moments later it's returned and the barrier rises.

Dimitri seems relieved and muses

"Us Russians control the docks - mostly. What comes in, what goes out.. Just don't mess with those Harbor police. They are some hard bastards and for the most part incorruptible."

You pull up just inside a large warehouse - and join a small crowd of people who are milling about. They all look like a rag tag mix of dock workers.. dark well worn clothes, tough stocky build, scuffed boots.. They give you a bit of a look due to your finer attire.

The foreman comes out and barks orders in rapid succession - As individuals get their instructions they head off. Grabbing their gear and disappearing.

You're told to supervise the unloading of a single container from a ship that has just docked at the far end of the yard and get it loaded straight onto a vehicle.. There are a couple of guys with you to operate the crane you just have to guide it on.

They introduce themselves as Sergie and Limonov.

"First day on the job my friend?"

Dimitri is assigned elsewhere.. and his mood instantly brightens

*let me know if there is anything that you want to do before starting work and I'll carry on*

 

" - No problem, I can have it delivered wherever we need to. I'd prefer not to do it at any of my places, you know, for obvious reasons."

**Where would you like to meet. Choose somewhere from the NC guide as we both have that or message me in the OOC thread if you need suggestions. Sera will make arrangements to meet you there**

Check out this trailer for a new series...

Government lost control

Corps in control

Cool tech

Glistening towers

Flying vehicles

Slums..

This is basically a corp cyberpunk game!

Cashier was $40, Lets assume the night out was about $600

In the Scream Sheets..

**Marina Resident jailed for assaulting elderly man with Nutella Waffle

**Violent Protests in the Combat Zone after Corp police gun down promising footballer

**Robbers sought after NC Bank Heist. Guards killed in dramatic shootout early this morning - Perps are currently at large..

**Hot! Johnny Silverhand to perform secret gig in NC this weekend! Expect large crowds

**Senate divided over proposed Anti Terrorism Bill. Supporters adamant that civil liberties are not affected.

**Red Invasion. Russian trade delegation to visit NC. Human Rights activists stage protest outside Embassy

**Body Lotto. Overnight death toll 23. Todays winners are..

**NC no longer most violent city in California. NC Mayor jubilant.

**BREAKING: NC Mayor hit by pie during high school fundraiser

**NCPD in controversial sponsorship deal with Combat! Pharmaceuticals. Critics say that the deal with the suppliers of Black Lace and Stim to the US Military is inappropriate.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE?

Aiming to introduce another player to the game tomorrow once he registers on the forum and creates a character

@Atta

Sera shakes her head when you mention business and notes what you are doing with the phone and nods. She makes generic, small talk while eating the noodles, not revealing any info or pressing you about the mornings events. When the contents are half gone she puts down the box

"Lets get a cab"

In the back of the cab, after a quick conversation about replacing the phone, she takes it out your hands, breaking it apart and removing the data chip. The rest she throws out the window

After a quick chat to the cabbie she closes the partition, presses a button on a small mini computer which lights up green..

"Now we can talk.."

A new burner phone can be obtained in a couple of hours with all your old contacts transferred across - It uses a back door into the network and you'll get free anonymous calls and messages for a period, well, until they realise and shut it down.. If that happens, she shrugs, you just get another!

She knows a net guy who can do a search about the comic.. very discreet and almost instant results. He'll travel so where would you like to meet? It'll be in the morning.

When you've finished discussing / arranging meets. She'll knock on the acrylic between yourselves and the driver. As the cab comes to a halt she'll jump out and with a genuine smile and a wave is off "A pleasure doing business with you.. Ciao"

Seated eagerly at a window table by the waiter.. he brings you the menus - "drinks?"

Dimitri orders a bottle of vodka for you both 'while you decide' which he eagerly pours and beaming - raises a toast to you - "Welcome to America"

 

As the waiter delivers the first bottle Biris waves at him and orders two more bottles - this is a celebration after all - and some calimari to get us started 'while we decide.'

 

Raising his glass to Dimitri and Magda he replies, "Welcome to new friends, and a new beginning," before downing the contents of the glass and eagerly pouring another round for everyone.

The drinks flow freely and the night gets louder and wilder. Some ladies join you for a period, taking turns to sit with you - short skirts, boobs out.. everyone drinking vodka. A bottle of champagne gets opened later and soon everyone forgets about eating much food... in fact it all gets a little blurry!

You wake in the morning in your bed.. furry tongue, half removed trousers where you tried to undress, a telephone number written in red lipstick on your chest, a different colour lipstick smudge around your cock and a huge hangover..

Things you remember, not necessarily in the order they happened:

-Blurry sordid pleasures with Faith and Chastity

-Walking home without getting robbed!

-Dimitri crying in the toilet while throwing up - saying "prosti, prosti" over and over

-Getting asked to leave the restaurant and going to a club called Diablo.. with the girls.

-Banging on the door of Dimitries place as you didn't have a key

-Dimitri telling you that you had to be at the docks at 8am to help unload a ship..

I love the random trash table - Great when characters have to improvise with whatever they can find on the floor!!

Some more:

Abandoned Sofa / Mattress

An old TV - most likely damaged

2 feet of old rope - frayed ends

A piece of silicon hose - probably from a car

a hubcap

Half eaten burger / drink

an old broom - very few bristles

a broken office swivel chair - no back rest

an old door

an empty paint pot

worn suitcase with a broken lock - empty?

Frying pan with bent handle

A wooden pallet

bent cutlery - either a knife, fork or spoon.. never the full set

A pair of pants

Tin can

Polystyrene chips or bubblewrap

A shopping trolley

half of a pair of gloves

a pool triangle

@Tiger

Your search doesn't reveal anything other than a few tasteless decorating choices. As you make your way to the shower you can see Dimitry quite animated outside "Da Da we'll be there" you hear before he lowers the volume of his voice and you cannot hear anymore.

Once out of the shower and ready you feel very much restored. Neatly collecting up the vodka bottle from the table as you walk into the living area you take a large swig and the liquid burns warmly in your throat.

Dimitri strides in off the balcony looking pretty pleased with himself. "I book lovely restaurant in Marina, and tomorrow we got work in docks"

"Eaaaasy money" he exclaims in his best American accent

"Hurry hurry - Magda, she do laundry - we go celebrate"

There is a cab waiting for you downstairs that whisks you through the traffic without incident. Dimitry talks non stop describing the different buildings before you pull up outside an Italian restaurant right by the sea front. He strolls past 2 thick set bouncers, in buttoned up, long black trench coats seemingly unflustered by the evenings humidity. They just growl and nod you through as you approach. "Very exclusive Dimitry calls back"

As you make your way to the table you take in the deco.. It's been made up to look like the inside of a chapel - complete with painted ceiling - An American take on Italian decor, however, so it feels a little over done and pretentious. The tables are full though with an eclectic mix of people from all over - quite a few people that you'd place as coming from the North Caucasus area as well central Russia, well dressed Americans and others that you are unsure about. There is a queue of eager people outside waiting for a table to become free.

Seated eagerly at a window table by the waiter.. he brings you the menus - "drinks?"

Dimitri orders a bottle of vodka for you both 'while you decide' which he eagerly pours and beaming - raises a toast to you - "Welcome to America"

@Atta,

The noddles arrive as ordered and you scan the crowd munching hungrily. Your thoughts drift as you marvel at the subtle flavors and you fail to notice - well anything really

**Rolled a 4, just missing out on a fumble and getting nowhere near an Easy Diff of 15 - Those are some good noodles **

As you gaze into the noddle box a pair of legs appears in front of you and you hear a ladies voice say softly "Siskin?"

**Rolled 30 (Crit Success) here on the social vs DIFF 20 - So I'm assuming that you manage to eat like a native with some chop stick flair - not even a fleck of dinner on your chin or clothes - No embarrassing social faux pax **

From the description you've been given buy your street contacts - the long Auburn hair, dark, vampish makeup and the piercing green eyes - it could only be the lady you have arranged to meet .

The stool next to you vacates and Seraphine slides onto it. You notice a subtle nod to the exiting woman and she disappears without a word into the crowd.

Turning to you and hold out her right hand "The noodles are amazing aren't they, good to meet you.."

When you shake she'll grip your arm hard and pull it slightly towards her, turning it to check out your tattoo

"Some talented work you've done there.. I'm Sera"

"So how can I help?"

Heya both - I'll be posting again this afternoon. Had to have a couple of days musing at how to take the story forward so that there are some real stakes for all the characters

Just a quick thought as we progress. I'll be detailing the rolls I take for your characters as the story progresses. For each of the successes log 1 IP against that skill.

At the end of each chapter I'll award the Float IP that you can assign to any skill of your choosing / add another.

As Boris takes his money from the person behind the counter he gestures over his shoulder in the direction the lithe young lady just departed in and asks, "That Seraphine, you know her?" He leaves a 20 hanging in hopes the cashier can provide him an insight on where or how to look her up since she left so little to go on.... but what little there was left a lot to the imagination

The cashier gazes through you - her expression unchanged as she chews her gum, merely tapping her finger on the $ bill. You slide over another and she meets your gaze. "Hot isn't she" she grins sheepishly as though revealing a secret ".. she runs with the Black Queens. Local"

Gathering his remaining funds he quickly counts out $200 and hands them to Dimitri, "You've been a good friend, I can not thank you enough for all your help," and then quickly pulls out another $200 for Magda - "I would not want my presence to diminish the provisions Dimitri works so hard to provide."

Their smiles widen as the money is gifted and Magda tells you that she'll pick up shopping on the way home before making a swift exit

Dimitri slaps you hard on the shoulder.. "Come my friend. My place is not far."

He leads you out the back, cautiously poking his head into the alley to make sure it's clear before walking to the street and hailing a cab which takes you close to the East Docks.

You follow into a slightly dilapidated tower block and step over a few unconscious forms on the stairwell. The lift isn't working so you climb to the 12th floor where Dimitri takes you into his place. Inside you are surprised to find it's large and well decorated - they are seemingly doing alright for themselves. The living / kitchen area is open plan leading out onto a balcony. Off this is a bathroom / toilet and 2 bedrooms.

"That can be your room until you find your feet"

It's more than enough room for your bag of belonging.. Double bed, dresser, built-in wardrobe and a laminate floor. The bedding is perhaps a little floral for your particular tastes but it's homely.

"Grab a hot shower.. but first we drink" He'll pour 2 glasses and downs his instantly before heading to the balcony. "I must make call" He waves you off "Go go"

Now that's fine. If I get over to Seraphine's voicemail, I'd ask for a meeting over business matters: some of our mutual friends (and I call a specific person or three by their handles, both on the Studios residents and Black Queens - so referring to someone she could ask to vouch for me, tell her I do not trifle around) suggest me she'd be the right person to talk to on the matter of fine green tea (which is slang term for marijuana, I hope still a popular choice...).

 

Or something to that effect, befitting the circumstances: I want to meet her and buy something form her. Something that is not readily obtainable form a shop, but not illegal enough to cause a government agency-level operators give a damn. Smuggled booze, counterfeit perfume, illegal copy of the newest (mianstream) porn braindance, that kind of stuff.

You get a text message shortly after..

West Block, Grab some street food - The noodles at Chan Hon Meng's Stall are highly recommended and the tea the best in NC. 25mins.

You should be able to get there if you hurry as traffic is heavy.. You don't notice anyone following you but as you near the destination a police cruiser draws in behind you and the lights go on. Heart in your mouth you wonder if they noticed you jump, then sigh relieved as it darts off down a side street.

The west block is a sprawl of small shops, bars and restaurants plying their trades from some of the oldest building in the city. It's lively, city workers grabbing food and drinks straight after work; others dressed to go out, waiting for the numerous clubs to open their doors. Chan Hon Meng's street stall is located centrally and consists of a number of stools surrounding an open kitchen staffed by a couple of chefs. It's popular and you wait a few mins for a seat to become available. "Wha'you want?"

I was thinking much simplier as all I need is a random building / encounter generator localised for where-ever you happen to be at the time.

Sights and sounds / smells I'd create myself on the fly..

I'd probably convert all those smells to a location.. donut smell = donut shop.. Mmmm donuts

Urine = Squat populated by vagrants

etc

and just my curiosity - what does a pigeon smell like?

@Tiger,

With a stride that says "Winner" you head out to the back of the arena. Most people are still clapping and part to let you through with the occasional jeer shouted to the back of your head. A few others make as though to block your exit but an icy siberian stare makes them move aside

"Amateurs.."

Once past the crowds you pass through some large blackout drapes that line the arena and the reduction in noise is dramatic.

You spy a booth ahead - it's windows lined with bars and a properly solid reinforced door. Actually - the first thing you spot is the pair of long, toned legs in front of the booth. You smile to yourself taking in the stockings and tight shorts.. A grin that widens further as you spot a faint outline of a concealed pistol tucked into the back of the short. Your long stride get you there quickly and you are still wearing that stupid grin when she straightens are turns around.

**So far - Aced the Intimidation roll, and an awareness roll.. Not so well at the Social and keeping those thoughts in check **

She tenses, and for a moment the hairs on your arms stand on their ends as you sense an electrical field.. it fades as quickly as she relaxes exclaiming "Oh it's you Boris" and indicating back to the arena "Thought you were one of those other punks!"

"Nice one out there, I'm Seraphine by the way." The smile is warm and inviting however the green eyes are attentive and you figure, not missing much. She holds out her hand.

"New to the City? What's the accent? Russian?" She looks you over trying to place you..

"What do you do when you're not beating the locals to a pulp? - There's a lot of work in this city if you know the right person - and its not all morally questionable" A wry grin..

Dimitry and Magda turn up shortly at that moment **with your satchel - I'm not that cruel to you yet** and you turn towards them smiling broadly. "Get away whore!" He scowls moving quickly past you to push Seraphine away. In a blink, a Glock appears, the barrel buried into his schnoz, and he pauses.. Sera's demeanor, cold and serious "Steady there friend. In America it's customary just to say Hi"

He puts his arms up in surrender "Niet, Niet, No trouble" and Sera smiles again, the gun going back quickly into it's shoulder holster and out of sight.. With a wave she pirouettes away as she starts to leave "Look me up, Boris, I think you need a better guide to this city" - She points to you, and with a wink pats her pocket before disappearing around the corner.

Dimitry laughs it off but is sweating profusely "Careful with American women - Veeerry beautiful but fucking crazy! Magda find you a good plump Russian women.

You catch Magda muttering something about Dimitry pissing his pants

"You did well tonight my friend" Waving $3400 which he passes back to you with your bag. "You pay now for dinner, all your exercise has made me hungry" - he laughs heartily back to being is normal jovial self. Wrinkling up his nose "Perhaps, after a hot shower"

***You can shower there or head back to Dimitry's place, He insists on choosing a place for dinner..***

When you collect your money

$1300 back to you (House takes 20%).

@Atta

You know contacts at 4 of the local gangs - Black Queens, Sacred Blades, Brawlers and Slaughterhouse.

Now you've completed a few patch up jobs on Sacred Blades and Slaughterhouse gang members - enough to get your block declared neutral turf but you're not gonna invite them around for Tea. The Black Queens - great for info - possibly a good place to start for your net search. The Brawlers - As a protection gang have a few legit other sidelines to bring in the funds. They have a courier service - they won't hold it but can deliver to another address in the morning

Ariel makes the arrangements for a courier while you discretely plain package the wallet and comic. You can hear her in the background - "yeah we have some drawings to get to a customer for the morning, can you collect while we wait for the address please? - yes we have an account..."

All seems normal and a fairly non descript chap turns up on a bike shortly after - identified by his black Beret. "It's no bother - Just give me a bell in the morning with the address" He'll slide you his card. Before loading the package into a carry box and heading on his way.

**Re the new phone - In this future getting a new phone literally is as simple as going to a vending machine, but you have to enter your details to get it so not anonymous. If you want a burner phone then you need to get hold of a fixer**

You do have a suitable contact at the Black Queens - not someone you've met but came recommended by another in the Studios - Seraphine 555-6162 - If you call it will go to voicemail - What do you say?"

**Noted your comments on the journey home - I'll deal with that straight after the above**

Yep, it looks like we agree on creating urbancentric environmental imagination fuel. Of the future!

I had plans on my to do list to do this and get the tables into excel so that could have a simplified front end where you'd select the zone, freeway, shopping, industrial or whatever and with a few dropdown choices would spout out a random encounter or location at the other end. No dice rolling and just a tablet next to me while GM'ing. The future..

I like the way this is headed.. I tend not to build a complete City.. hell the players would end up not visiting half of it which would irk me if I'd put in the effort. Documents like the NC source book I find quite tedious to work through. Especially if looking for something specific that you half remember!

So, for me, an on-the-fly generator for what they stumble across as the PCs cannon across the city is perfect.

I personally use real companies from now as it's something my players can relate to instantly! Stopped me from getting the "Araska who?" comments where-as they all recognise Colt, Ruger, FN etc..

OOC: I don't see Dimitri or Magda, what about my duffle bag? Is it laying in my corner or also gone?

Duffle last seen with Dimitry and Magda..

@atta - I'm ready to answer your quuestions in my next post. Just waiting for Tiger to detail his so we don't get too much out of sync

 

Boris's vision clears and he glares at the ref in his face, left hand poised to drop another blow and cyber arm lightly twisting the mangled meat it's gripping - "You have my money then, dah?"

It gets busy as Cody's corner man, entourage and a medic crowd into the ring to care for there fighter. The crowd seem a little upset as to the result and there are boos and hostile shouts - The odd drink is thrown in too.. Looks like still Fanta - Non of that sugary goodness hits you fortunately

After a moment.. the ref grabs your arm and leads you into the centre of the ring.. Cody on his other side.

"Aaaand the winner. The beast from the East.. Borrrrrrrr-oris!" He holds up your arm triumphantly to a chorus of some cheers and boos"

"Give a cheer for the galiant loser of this bout.. Cooooo-ODY!" The ref raises his arm (the good arm ) and the crowd go mad with cheering. He's still their fav"

The ref growls into your ear - slipping a piece of paper into your hand. "Collect your winnings out the back, son - consider leaving that way too. You did good today"

The crowd are still baying as you slink away.. You don't see Dimitri or Magda

Well, I call the window guys again. They told me they'll be back within a hour, after all...

 

I guess that, when I reach the company, they're going to tell me they haven't had any call form me today...

"Sorry we have no record of receiving a call from you sir" - Your worst fears are confirmed.

They do however agree to send out a crew to board up the front of the shop before the end of the day - "Sorry too late in the afternoon to get the glass replaced straight away"

Those workers arrive as agreed and secure the front of the shop - at least it'll be secure for the evening. Ariel works with you for the afternoon and then heads home at the end of the day. The landlord even comes round and agrees to pick up the tab for the window - turns out you pay an excess on the rent to cover such 'trivials'. The rain even stops.

Nothing else seems that out of the ordinary. Except for the boards and a couple of fresh scars on the walls everything is as it was