IC: African Righteousness Options

[budoka05]

Posting Rules

Just like almost everyone else on the board I'm using Redjack's posting structure.

All your posts should begin with a time/date stamp in orange, detailing location, time, and date. Underneath, in italics, add your PAN mode, hidden, active, or passive, in dark grey.

- - "Speech color=cyan or light blue, optionally enclosed in quotes" (note: Quotes very recommended!)
- - <Coms (subvocal) color=violet>
- - <Coms (Text) color=yellow or orange>
- - Thoughts color=darkkhaki and in italics
- - Memories, flashbacks, dreams color=green and in italics

[budoka05]

"Don't you suppose that there will be immensely skilled people who just want to work for money?" opined Eyez. Ghoster took a sip of his palm wine savoring the complex tastes. "I still can't believe used to drink synth-a-hol instead of this. Yeah, the thought crossed my mind, but yet, here we are. Like there is an extreme appeal for these people" tapping the paper dossier in front of him "to help others, to stop suffering and to extinguish worldly abuses."

"I doubt it. Every person we've recruitment never really bought our 'holy' mission." Eyez replied. "If I had my choice, I would stick my head in that whiz-bang contraption to pass on my skills to the loyal amongst us. In today's world, shared belief only comes in the almighty Nuyen."

Ghoster had heard this objection before and sighed. "Yes, I certainly understand the point. But unless you can swing around every piece of weaponry known to metahumanity, we're going to need someone else. End of story."

Ghoster polished of the rest of his drink and beckoned his associates at an adjoining table. Standing up, Ghoster jokingly chided Eyez, "Now remember, I still expect you to make contact with Kano and get him interested. I don't want your feelings scaring him off. That's my job!" Eyez smirked, "Thank goodness I can pass the buck to you!"

[pbangarth]

Sometime in 2072, Oshodi-Isolo District, the hell-hole called Lagos.
(PAN: hidden)

Yazata ran his fingers through his dark, curly hair. They came away dripping with sweat. He had survived the most pernicious deserts, yet this humid pit drew water out of him like nothing else ever had. For the thousandth time he wondered why he stayed here.

"I too question your wisdom, Angelic One. Your place is not here. You belong in a palace, where one of power is recognized and rewarded for his talent."

"Spare me the lectures, will you. I summoned and bound you to my service, not to annoy me incessantly with your temptations. My quest has led me here. This is where I serve it, till I know where next to go."

Yazata opened his refrigerator and took out another bottled water. The electricity had been good the last few days. Everything was still edible. He looked out the window and studied the night lights of the Amulet Market through the plasteel bars. Like so much of this city, the Market never slept. He would soon need some work. Money was running short, and he was running out of binding materials. Well, there was always something in this city that needed a little righteous attitude adjustment. The trick was to get paid for it.

He laid out the materials he needed for the ritual. The Lodge was cleansed and ready. A long night awaited Yazata, but this time, he hoped the Invoking would take well. "Prepare, Guardian. Tonight, I make you a Great One of your kind."

"All the better to serve you, Master." Was that a smirk somewhere in the spirit's voice?

[budoka05]

Caring the medicines from the car, Ghoster ambled in to the Sisters' clinic. Faces were friendlier than a month ago. When Ghoster started the medicine donation program, he was met with much skepticism and suspicion. If it hadn't been for the female spirit the Elders assigned to him, he would probably getting treatments for combat scars.

Since then, Ghoster slowly began inquiring who were the allies and enemies of the Sisterhood. Besides the frightened housewives and children, there weren't many who supported the order. The Sisterhood's form of justice of absolute retribution made many enemies. However, there were some. Local shamans, neighborhood communities, tribal business associations had all established good ties. Today, Ghoster looked for one in particular.

Spotting him in the treatment room, Ghoster opened his mind to the astral. Sure enough, the man in ill-fitted clothing was not a man at all. Ghoster returned to his normal view of the world and walked over to him.

"Mr. Afrika, I presume? My name is Nicholas Burrows, or Ghoster. I need your help. Several of my friends are being abducted before I can help them move out of the city. They are families and new immigrants from other parts of Africa. I am helping to relocate them before the city corrupts them and forces them to turn into criminals to survive. Would you be willing to help us?"

[budoka05]

2 February 2072, Oshodi-Isolo District

A spirit kept himself cloaked and observed. From the looks of it, the man and spirit were preparing for a ritual. The spirit's message would have to wait until their ritual was done.

[AzureusJake]

Night Time, 2 February 2072, On the border between Victoria Island and Ikoyi Island, Lagos, Africa.
(PAN: Hidden)

The first thing to notice about the room was the smell; something, or more likely, someone, had died in the room. They had also vomited on the floor and shit themselves. The door frame was cracked and part of the top was missing. The door itself didn't even fit in the frame properly, but there was a massive dead bolt on the inside that held the door shut and should keep all but the most persistent intruders out. The bed was a joke. A mattress with a mysterious brown stain in the middle sat on the floor surrounded by the splintered and rotting remains of the bed frame. There was a window with and incredible view of the brick wall next door. The ceiling and floor both had deep gouges; a brave, solitary, light bulb hung from the ceiling. The refrigerator had a massive dent in the freezer door, which hung open, melted ice dripping down the front and staining the already damaged wood floor. A thick black mold grew around the drains in both the makeshift kitchen and in the bathroom, never mind what the toilet looked like. The cabinets had no doors, the shower didn't even have a curtain and there were no chairs, just a steel crate set up in front of a very old looking trid set. There wasn't even a proper closet, just a close line with a few hangers that looked worse for wear. Kano surveyed the room as he tested the creaky floor and set down his duffel bag.

This is the problem with renting to trolls. The thought made the corners of Kano's mouth turn up ever so slightly. He shut the door behind him as best he could and locked the bolt. He was tired. First, there was the ever so exciting landing at Mohammed International Airport, just as the fuel reserves bottomed out on final approach, some drekhead in a shiny new Gulfstream had nearly clipped them as he careened past. After scraping the paint off the nose of the Gulfstream with the Skytrain's tail, Duster had brought the plane skipping to a halt in the swamp just past the tarmac. The local "emergency" crew had been kind enough not to shoot them and it had cost Kano quite a bit of his remaining nuyen to arrange for a tow and fuel for the Skytrain. Kano left Duster to supervise his aircraft and after bribing one of the guard patrols and retrieving his "baggage", Kano found the nearest Hawala and exchanged the rest of his nuyen for a voucher and a pocket full of naira.

After all that, waving down a ride had been relatively easy. The danfo looked terrible and the smoke was nauseating but the roof was missing and that allowed enough space for Kano and his bag, but that was it and the driver was none to pleased. At least until Kano dropped 300 naira in his lap and told him to drive to Victoria Island. They got most of the way there before driving into a firefight between locals and the driver took several rounds to the chest. Not being one to waste money, Kano had retrieved his naira and headed south on foot. Several bribes later he'd found this lovely hotel between Victoria Island and Ikoyi Island and they even accommodated trolls.

Some accommodation. Kano checked the fridge first, finding only an empty water bottle and a moldy, half-eaten sandwich inside. Throw them both out, he unplugged the fridge and lay it down sideways in front of the door. Then he hung up his coat and unpacked his equipment, stacking most of it on the metal crate. Taking one last look around the room, decided it was as safe as he could make it for the moment and gingerly lay down on the bed. There was a creak of protest from the floor and the tortured springs but it seemed sound enough.

Damned jet lag. Nothing to do now but get some sleep.

[pbangarth]

Nighttime, 2 February, 2072 Oshodi-Isolo District, Lagos
(PAN: Hidden)

Yazata calmed, focused and centered himself with holy phrases. The candles burned and the incense tossed wisps of fragrance through the room. He began.

He called the mana and shaped it, mentally wrapping strands of astral luminescence about the form of his bound Guardian spirit¹. The spirit was strong willed, and Yazata had to press with all of his own desire and strength of will_². Not enough³. This was becoming a habit these days. The force of the rebounding mana nearly knocked Yazata out⁴. "How fortunate, Master, that I am already bound to you and you have such resistance to the mana. I am glad you survived ... this time."

"So am I," Yazata responded, and then he saw the astral form of the waiting spirit. "Oh no."

"Fear not, for this one has patiently waited for you to do yourself injury. It only wishes to speak with you."

In a shaky voice, the addled man called to it, "Speak, then." He ached to sleep yet another Drain off.

[ Spoiler ]

I don't know what level of Background count there is in this place. I hope, being close to the Amulet Market, this may be one of the few places in Lagos where the BC is nil. Let me know if I am wrong, and I'll pay for it as you see fit, budoka05.

(1) Re-Binding Test with Invoking: Magic (5) + Binding (6) = 11 dice ==> 1 HIT
(2) Use Edge to re-roll misses = 10 dice ==> 3 HITS ==> 4 hits Total.
(3) Spirit Opposes F X 2 = 10 dice ==> 6 HITS !!!!!!!
Drain (6 X 2) X 1.5 = 18S
(4) Drain Resistance WIL (5) + LOG (5) + Focused Concentration (2) + Focus Will (2) + Centering (2) + Centering Focus (3)
= 19 dice ==> 9 HITS

This is almost a given for me. Every conjurer I have played on DS paid heavily on the first conjuration.

[Faraday]

Dusk, 2 February 2072, Abandoned Warehouse Closet, Surele District, Lagos
(PAN: Hidden)

It's quiet...like usual. Ambalo awoke to the crack of fading light that was the door to his quiet little closet. The day was fading and he could hear the light and distant thrum of the city beyond, smell its burning refuse, its ash and dirt and sweat. He quietly arose and packed up for the night, adjusted his tattered clothes and lined coat from his usual shifting sleep, and donned his latex mask, ready to make for the streets and buildings of Lagos, the city he now called home.

He checked his money pocket. Gotta have to see if Two Star has any work available, not much naira left. At least I got a nice meal that other night. Ambalo starts to slowly rasp a metallic hand on the concrete wall as he ponders the event...
The girl can't be more than 5 and yet there she is, miserably standing near the street, her "man" right at her back in case she tries to run. Ambalo makes to look like he wants to buy the merchandise and gets closer to the pimp, wanting to deal in a nearby alley. As soon as he's in striking distance with few angles to witness it, his tomahawk is in his hand and flying straight through the unsuspecting man's neck. No time to even notice what had killed him. Ambalo gives the girl all the naira the pimp had. "Get out of the neighborhood, tell no one what has happened. Make a new life if you can." As soon as she's gone, he bags up the corpse and makes off like he intends to sell it for parts. He takes his prize back to Surele and butchers the meat, taking his fill and then leaving the rest for whatever denizen of the district happens upon it.

Bet it's all gone by now. There's never a scrap of my kills left when I leave them out here. Probably the other ghouls. Ambalo could smell them even now. Their scent stays in places, although your average human wouldn't notice. Making sure his combat axe and bow were snugly in place on his back and giving the tomahawk on his hip a testing wiggle, he made for the door.

[Darquewing]

Evening, 2 February 2072, Warehouse bordering the Ikeja and Ifako-Ijaye divisions
(PAN: Hidden)

"Well this is no good at all. Goin' to be a hassle to replace when it comes time." Solo slid out from under the Beast, grease and mud streaked across his arms and face. "Right then... The secondary motor coils are good for now, but it'd be a corker if they hold another three thousand miles. Wynona, will you check the ship time on replacement parts? I know we ain't gettin'em here, and I don't wanna try takin' Rover on any long trips."

"All ready done.", she chirped back, "There aren't any after market manufacturers for it, sweetie, but there are a number for the Sororitas. We can buy those, strip the mountings, and machine the old mounts to fit."She was running internal diagnostics and simulations for the new part, info splaying across the screens. Solo stared at the data while wiping the grease off his hands with a shop towel.

"This looks like it might solve the high temps we get from runnin' heavy loads." He called up his account info, staring at the nuyen balance. Sure nuyen wasn't worth much in Lagos, but it was good to have it handy for just such an occassion. While the account window was closing, he walked over to the bay door, feeling the breeze cool the sweat on his face and watching the pink sun slowly starting to set."Go ahead and order'em, princess. Better to have'em here before the weather turns bad."

"Did the Daughters' say anything?" Solo had just come back from taking a group of girls out of Lagos and up north into Bokobaru. Often with what compensation they can give, advice and knowledge are sometimes offered as well.

"Oh, not much. Just yabberin' on about the weather being rubbish.", he replied, starting to pull the bay door down and turn on the perimeter lights. "Said we best be ready for a storm..."

[budoka05]

Nighttime, 2 February 2072, On the border between Victoria Island and Ikoyi Island, Lagos, Africa.

The dwarf sniffed the ground and realized the troll went to a block ahead. She stood back up to get her bearing, only to find a spirit standing before her.

"You shall leave the troll alone!" boomed the spirit. The form raised two appendages. One brandished electricity, the other fire.

The dwarf sneered back. "Why don't you help some poor prostitute and leave the troll to me, eh?"

The spirit pointed both appendages at the dwarf. "You were warned!" A jet a lightning and a jet of fire issued forth and struck the dwarf.

"Is that the best you have?!" the dwarf laughed as she crossed both arms in front. Hands blistering, the dwarf charged and connected with the spirit.

===

The noise of the fight echoed across Victoria island.

[budoka05]

Nighttime, 2 February, 2072 Oshodi-Isolo District, Lagos

If I may, I can help alleviate your fatigue., said the spirit. The spirit raised his hand and casted.

[ Spoiler ]

I'm going with standard background count. There will be plenty of time for worse areas (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
6 stun healed

Shaking his head, the spirit straightened itself. "Yazata, my clan know of your great purpose and your good works. We seek your aide with our efforts to bring peace and justice to the people. If you accept, you must contact this man." The spirits produced a card. On the card, it had a comm-code and read:

Ghoster, Fixer, Negotiator, Translator, Public Notary

"Further contact must be made through him. I thank you for your time, and I sincerely wish you will join us."

Nodding to the great form spirit, the speaking spirit departed and dematerialized.

[budoka05]

Dusk, 2 February 2072, Abandoned Warehouse Closet, Surele District, Lagos

Upon exiting, a little girl comes running up to Ambalo. "Good sir! I saw you and bad man. You beat bad man, helped my friend. Please take this!" She produced a business card. It had the commcode and read: Ghoster, Fixer, Negotiator, Translator, Public Notary.

"He does good work too! Needs same people!" She said enthusiastically. "Must go now! Bye bye!" The girl disappeared around a corner.

[pbangarth]

Nighttime, 2 February, 2072 Oshodi-Isolo District, Lagos
(PAN:Hidden)

"Uhhh... thank you!" Yazata hoped that got through before the spirit departed.

He considered the messages the spirit had brought. Both the obvious one and the hidden, mysterious ones. The obvious one was potentially a job offer, exactly the kind he was looking for. "See, Guardian, there is a reason for me to be here!"

"Apparently so."

"There is no need for you to wait, you may go now." *astral popping noise as it disappears*

The hidden messages were intriguing. Someone knew of him and his work. Who? Even stranger, how did this spirit manage to heal Drain with a spell? Yazata was sure this was impossible. Yet he did feel much better, and not in the way his Resist Pain spell made him feel better. He actually could move and act as if he were barely hurt. Better check this out.

(PAN: active)
<<@Ghoster: I hear work for peace and justice is available. I am interested. Willing to meet. Await particulars.##Yazata>>
(Pan:passive)

Now for some healing sleep. He summons a small watcher, whose Drain would be trivial to handle, and instructs it to warn him of danger (described in his standard speech to these things) and wake him just before it ends its service. One more like that would cover the night.

[crizh]

2 February 2072, Ifako-ijoha District

Afrika awoke early, Izoduwa had cast the bones the night before and confirmed that today was the day. The portents had been building for a week now, long enough for some hurried preparations to be made. He had tapped the great trees of the sanctuary and collected their life-sap in preparation to bind many spirits to help him with the tasks ahead. Time was short and he had not the time to prepare as well as he would have liked. Still he had the raw materials to adapt if the storm clouds that Izoduwa saw were real.

As the first rays of the sun broke through the canopy of his arboreal retreat he was already well on his way to finishing the rituals of physical and mental enhancement that the ancestors had taught him in the overworld. Six minor shades were bound and each was paid with a fragment of his own spirit to sustain the magics he wrought upon himself. Until the sunlight faded on the last day of this year they would remain in the overworld maintaining the protections he sought from the storm to come.

It wasn't a foolproof plan, should another mage sever the links the magic would be gone and his payment along with it. Still it was better than nothing and a whole lot better than being poked in the eye with a sharpened stick.

[ Spoiler ]

Binding 6 Force 1 Spirits. Bind each to long term service, sustaining one spell each.

Increase CHA (11 Hits), Increase WIL (10 Hits), Increase Reflexes (15 Hits), Deflection (13 Hits), Combat Sense(12 Hits) and Astral Armour (14 Hits).

All at Force 12 so hits are capped at 12. Buying hits for the Drain.

The sun was high in the sky when the first case of the day came in. She had been beaten pretty badly and had been hiding in the bush all night. The Daughters had found her and brought her in but it was too late for Magical Triage. Izoduwa bound her wounds and stitched the shallow cuts in her face, only time would tell if they would heal true. She would need several days of bed rest before the Daughters could move her. He didn't ask where they sent women like this, he knew they would never tell a man, even one they trusted, which was for the best, if anyone came looking for the woman he had no answers to give them, even under duress.

It was a long day and Afrika was getting jumpy waiting for the other shoe to drop. When Ghoster showed up and made his pitch it was a relief.

"Mr Ghoster, I have been expecting you. What can I do to help with your problem?"

[Faraday]

Dusk, 2 February 2072, Abandoned Warehouse Closet, Surele District, Lagos
(PAN:Hidden)

Ambalo silently accepted the card and then ambled along the catwalk leading down to the first floor and the exit. The drek is a kid doing here? The locals are usually too scared of this district to even cross the border. Must have either been paid real well or she's serious about this. He looked at the card as he walked out the door. Well, can't hurt to look into this, maybe I can even get some scratch. He walked to the north towards Mushin district to find some matrix connectivity and check the small unit that held his more important gear.

Evening, 2 February 2072, Mushin District, Lagos
The streets were busy at this time of night. Mostly people going home from a long day in Ikeja, but there were plenty of merchants out still as well. Mushin was relatively safe as long as you didn't do any dirty business there, the Awori being very particular about everyone following local sharia law. Carrying weapons wasn't an issue as long as you didn't look like you'd use them, so Ambalo just walked calmly to a small studio apartment he rented for keeping his more pricey and sensitive gear. The place was pretty small and bare, but it was quiet, secure, and even had a semi-decent matrix and electric connection. He shot off a couple messages.
(PAN: active)
<<@Two Star: I hear someone named Ghoster is hiring "good people". Hear anything about him?##Steelfist>>
<<@Ghoster: A little girl tells me you're looking for problem solvers. I happen to be one. Contact this commcode if you wish to meet and discuss particulars.>>##
(Pan:passive)

After that, he opened a floorboard in the closet and got out his Heavy Milspec armor and Ares Alpha assault rifle, inspecting their condition and cleaning as needed, awaiting any responses.

[AzureusJake]

Nighttime, 2 February 2072, On the border between Victoria Island and Ikoyi Island, Lagos, Africa.
(PAN: Hidden)

Kano had slept through artillery bombardments, firefights and bombing runs but something about Lagos was keeping him awake. He'd read that there was a high magic background count here but he didn't think he'd be able to taste it in the air. As a matter of fact he could smell ozone and that was new in the last few minutes.

He opened his eyes and saw an unearthly glow reflected on the brick wall outside the window.
Damn magic. He grabbed his coat and adjusted his revolvers so they sat comfortably. Kano shoved the refrigerator out of the way, unbolted the door and headed out into the Lagos night. When ever magic gets involved somebody always gets hurt. Might as well be me.

[budoka05]

The streets were busy at this time of night. Mostly people going home from a long day in Ikeja, but there were plenty of merchants out still as well. Mushin was relatively safe as long as you didn't do any dirty business there, the Awori being very particular about everyone following local sharia law. Carrying weapons wasn't an issue as long as you didn't look like you'd use them, so Ambalo just walked calmly to a small studio apartment he rented for keeping his more pricey and sensitive gear. The place was pretty small and bare, but it was quiet, secure, and even had a semi-decent matrix and electric connection. He shot off a couple messages.
(PAN: active)
<<@Two Star: I hear someone named Ghoster is hiring "good people". Hear anything about him?##Steelfist>>
<<@Ghoster: A little girl tells me you're looking for problem solvers. I happen to be one. Contact this commcode if you wish to meet and discuss particulars.>>##
(Pan:passive)

From Two Star<<@Steelfist: Yeah, I know of Ghoster, but I haven't heard about hiring. He was a Special Projects VP at CrossApplied before the Crash. t He pays well for jobs, but he's funny about who he chooses. You want me to fix ya up?>>

An hour later, another message came in:

<<A little girl? I'm already impressed, and I've yet to meet you. She's an excellent judge of skilled and well-intentioned individuals. I'm arranging a lunch meeting tomorrow to discuss particulars, and I invite you to join us. I'll be sending you the address shortly.>>

[budoka05]

Evening, 2 February 2072, Warehouse bordering the Ikeja and Ifako-Ijaye divisions

Blasted gangers! Eyez cursed. Missed Kano at the airport, Eyez could not believe his luck encountering two gun fights on the way to the airport. Still, Eyez had enough time to reach Solo before the day was out.

Eyez pulled his motorcycle to the garage drive way as Solo was about to close the door.

Raising both hands in a friendly gesture, Eyez said, "Hey there chummer! Still open for business? Well, not this business" Eyez pointed to his bike. "The Daughters recommend you as a good driver and shooter, and I've got a job offer. I work for a man named Ghoster who's hiring. I don't know the particulars, but I've been sent here to give you his contact info. Interested?"

[Darquewing]

Evening, 2 February 2072, Warehouse bordering the Ikeja and Ifako-Ijaye divisions
(Pan:passive)


Solo was almost done closing up, contemplating the words Adesina told him. "Daughter or not, that shaman always manages to put me on edge.", he thought, when Wynona interrupted his thinking.

<<Someone's coming up the drive, sweety.>>

Solo lifted the bay door back up as the chap on the bike raised his hands. He didn't know if this guy was trying to get over on him or not. Either way, Solo didn't have his guns on him, but the sight of the Vigilance auto-cannon on the Roadmaster might make him think twice about trying something foolish. He hoped...

"G'd evenin' mate! The name's Solo. Good to know ya'.", he said like a shop owner greeting a new customer. "Good thing ya' don't need that bike fixed. I'm crap with 'em. I can drive and shoot well enough, though.", Solo quips as he walks out to shake hands with Eyez. "I guess the Daughters are tryin' to help me get work that I can actually live off of."

<<They pay him just fine. He's just being a brat.>>

Once Eyez gets to the business at hand, Solo drops the light-hearted canter. "Ghoster, huh? You actually caught me at a good time. I just finished a job, and haven't lined anything else up yet. Let me get his info and I'll see what he has to say."

[Faraday]

Evening, 2 February 2072, Mushin District, Lagos
(Pan:active)

From Steelfist<<@Two Star: Already got a job offer, but thanks. Mostly just looking for info on a prospective employer. Still, if things go as I expect them, I may have a proposition for you that'd give us both something we want.>>

Upon receiving the comm from Ghoster:

From interested party<<@Ghoster: Just FYI, if the address is somewhere in the Victoria District, I will require private transport to arrive in person. The security in that area would not likely approve of my appearance on the street and I would not want to draw undue attention to a potential employer.>>
(Pan:passive)

[budoka05]

Evening, 2 February 2072, Warehouse bordering the Ikeja and Ifako-Ijaye divisions

"Good drek! Here's his digits" Eyez reaches into his pocket and produces Ghoster's business card.

"He's arranging a lunch meeting tomorrow with a bunch of potential people for the job. Give him a ring!"

Turning back, Eyez stops midway.

"I'm getting some weird comm-traffic during your convo, any idea what that is?"

After getting the answer, Eyez smiles appreciatively and jumps back on the bike. "Good meeting ya!" says Eyez, and speeds back into Ikeja.

[budoka05]

Nighttime, 2 February 2072, On the border between Victoria Island and Ikoyi Island, Lagos, Africa.

The street blazed with light. An errant flame met an oil leak from a car and smoke billowed everywhere while the fight raged. The spirit bemoaned the damage while the dwarf held onto it. It had underestimated the power of the dwarf and now found itself flinging over the entire island.

Laughing, the dwarf flung the spirit into a fallen electrical power line. Shaking from the pain, the spirit flung fire and lightning everywhere. The dwarf flipped and jumped through the field of fire and landed both feet onto the spirit. Slamming into a brick wall, the spirit snapped out of the pain and realized new tactics were in order.

Crackle, crackle. Ice appeared and the dwarf howled as the heat left it's body. The spirit sucked in the heat around it channeling it into his left appendage. The dwarf retreated but jerked to a stop. The spirit saw its plan had worked and the dwarf's shoes froze to the street. "Die fiend!" the spirit yelled. It plunged its appendage's blue flame into the chest of the dwarf. Flames arose from the body of the dwarf until it was bathed in it.

The dwarf smile grotesquely. "Tell your masters that you can't save them all" she said and she collapsed.

===

The spirit entered the astral only to find two spirits waiting for it. "See our difference in power and unblock my path!". However the spirits weren't so intelligent and were dissipated before completing their attack. The spirit journeyed onward to find his target. Seeing the troll amongst the crowd now gathering, the spirit casted a mind link spell.

"Tonight was no random incident, and that dwarf was after you. You must contact this man." The spirit shared the information on Ghoster. "Go back to your rest. I will protect you tonight"
The spirit shared an image of its form and followed Hammer back to his room.

[budoka05]

Evening, 2 February 2072, Mushin District, Lagos
From interested party<<@Ghoster: Just FYI, if the address is somewhere in the Victoria District, I will require private transport to arrive in person. The security in that area would not likely approve of my appearance on the street and I would not want to draw undue attention to a potential employer.>>
(Pan:passive)

<<That will not be a problem. Our meeting is a Muslim and African restaurant in Ikeja close to Mushin. I've attached the address. When you arrive, be sure to mention the Graystone party to the host, and he will show you in.>>

[budoka05]

2 February 2072, Ifako-ijoha District
"Mr Ghoster, I have been expecting you. What can I do to help with your problem?"

"The mystic arts. I'm hoping you might help us on a few problems, actually. However, we will need to discuss particulars somewhere more private." Producing a paper map, Ghoster handed Afrika it with a restaurant clearly labeled. "Come meet me here tomorrow lunch for the particulars. If you should have difficulties getting there, for whatever, please do not hesitate to call me. My commcode is on the other side. When you arrive, mention the Graystone party to the host, and he'll show you my table. Unless you have questions, I look forward to tomorrow."

[Faraday]

(PAN: active)
<<Excellent, I look forward to meeting.>>
(PAN: hidden, signal: skinlink only)

Ambalo grinned. He had a good feeling about this meeting, although he got the impression he'd need to dress to impress. Not an issue with the milspec armor though, just a matter of covering up before getting to the meet.
For now, he'd need to kill some time, take a nap to rest up for the big day ahead, maybe make a quick route to the restaurant to make sure he knew a good way to get out of that neighborhood. He returned the milspec and rifle to their hiding place and set back out onto the street toward the meeting spot. The place probably wasn't more than 3 or 4 miles out from his apartment, meaning a bit over an hour there and an hour back. There was plenty of time to keep an eye out for good alleys to duck into and hide. He snapped shots of the best spots with his image link into his commlink. He walked within a block of the restaurant, then turned back and took a slightly different route on the way back.

[ Spoiler ]

Assuming a roll is necessary for spotting:
I figure there is "partial light" in lagos at night and probably random glare, so with low light and flare comp on, no penalty issues. Not sure if this would be an extended test or not, so I just did one roll. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/nyahnyah.gif)
Visual Perception Test: Intuition (5)+Perception (5)+Attention Coprocessor (3)+Visual Enhancement (3)=16 Dice==>4 HITS

[crizh]

2 February 2072, Ifako-ijoha District

I will be there, our paths in this matter are aligned, for the time being. Thank you for the medical supplies, many lives will be altered for the better by them.

At Afrika's mental prompting Izoduwa carefully examined the visitors aura before slipping into the dreaming trance. As the newcomer was leaving he dipped into the pocket of the ill-fitting trousers and pulled out a handful of chicken bones which he cast casually into the air.

Afrika hunkered down and let the spirit examine the patterns they made in the dirt where they had landed.

Who are these people this man seeks to protect I wonder and why are they so important?

[ Spoiler ]

Divining: Intuition (9) + Magic (9) + Aspected Domain (2) = 20 Dice = 6 Hits

Things were coming to a head faster than he had hoped. He had offerings sufficient to beg the service of only two Ancestor Spirits, he could make more but it would take time, time he clearly did not have.

Izoduwa suggested that if he was going to act he should be bold.

Yes, I agree, I will be bold. I will beg the strongest of our Ancestors to aid us. It is a risk but he who dares wins, no?

His decision made he concentrated for a moment as Izoduwa gathered the bones up from the ground. As he did so the very earth itself began to part beneath the pair, who sank calmly into the rapidly deepening sink-hole. Within seconds they were lost to sight and the earth had closed up again as if nothing had happened.

Deep beneath the surface, nestled within the roots of the giant trees that formed the grove above, a dark womb opened before Afrika and he stepped off the rough steps that had carried him downwards, like some mystical subterranean escalator, and let them disappear as the wall closed up behind him.

The chamber was lit by a faint bio-luminescence emitted by the liquid that clung to the massive roots that lined the walls. The dry floor had many strange markings surrounding a pool of the glowing liquid. Afrika strode over to the pool, shedding his clothing, but not his human form, as he went. Izoduwa maintained the magics that allowed him to pass in human society without remark and were also of benefit in conducting these rituals as the human form could safely channel much more mana than his own form.

He waded straight into the pool which came up to his waist at the centre. He immersed himself completely in the liquid briefly before standing and retreating slightly towards the edge of the pool.

He tipped his head back and laughed, the magic here was strong, intoxicating. The life force of the mighty grove, the enchanted sap that swirled through the water and the dual-natured bacteria that thrived in it made the whole chamber glow like the heart of a star to those that could see the Astral World.

It was quite impressive to mundane vision too, if a bit creepy.

Oh mighty Ancestors I beseech thee, lend me your aid in this time of great chaos I beg of you.

And so Afrika's deep booming voice began the ritual.

[ Spoiler ]

Summoning, Task Spirit, Force 6, (Skill: Artisan, Armourer): 8 Hits

Spirit Resists: 3 Hits

Drain 6S (Buy hits)

Services: 5

Invoking: 8 Hits

Spirit Resists: 5 Hits

Drain: 15S

Resist Drain: 14 Hits

Services: 7

Invoking Test: 11 Hits

(Skill: Demolitions, LOS powers become LOS(A), Endowment, +6 to physical stat's)

Izoduwa buys hits on a First Aid test to heal the Drain.

After many hours of channelling Mana into the form of his revered Ancestor the invocation was complete. Afrika was slightly dizzy from the strain but his head cleared when Izoduwa briefly dunked his head in the pool.

That went well Izoduwa, perhaps fate smiles upon this enterprise. However a Warrior might be less willing to help us.

He sipped briefly from a bowl containing a herbal concoction of sugary sap to replenish his energy and began to repeat the process.

[ Spoiler ]

Summoning, Guardian Spirit, Force 6, (Skill: Automatics, Heavy Weapons): 7 Hits

Spirit Resists: 1 Hit - Glitch

Drain: 2S (Buy Hits)

Invoking: 14 Hits

Spirit Resists: 3 Hits

Drain: 9S (Buy Hits)

Services: 16

Invoking Test: 10 Hits

(Elemental Blast (Electricity), LOS powers become LOS(A), Endowment, +5 to all physical stat's)

Trembling with exhaustion Afrika collapsed to his knees in the pool. The Ancestors truly did favour him tonight.

He dragged himself from the pool and, reverting to his normal form, fluttered up to an alcove in the roof tucked behind some particularly thick roots. He conjured a watcher to wake him in plenty of time to finish his preparations for the meeting and collapsed into a deep sleep filled with dreams and portents.

[Darquewing]

Nighttime, 2 February 2072, Warehouse bordering the Ikeja and Ifako-Ijaye divisions
(Pan:passive)

Solo walks back in side and closes the bay door, locking down the place for the night. "Looks like I may be able to pay those bastards off sooner than I thought, Honey. I may not even have to go too far this time."

<<Chris, there are only two things you are good at-
"You're forgetting one."
-that people would pay you for. If it's not smuggling something across Africa, then it's the other, so let's hope you have to do some amount of driving. You're less likely to get hurt that way.>>
"Says you. People don't use missiles cause they bounce off of things. Besides, I'd miss the barbie you've been workin' on. You're gettin' better you know."

Wynona blushed, as best she knew how, at this. Cooking wasn't her forte, but she was getting better at it. Solo always tried to lighten the mood before any job started. He'd be hard pressed to keep his mind on the job if he knew Wynona was at home sulking. Cooking and her romantic-comedy trids seemd to keep her spirits up, so he encouraged her to keep at them. He ate almost anything she made and watched her trids with her when he was at home.

"Go ahead and see what's on the trid. I've got to get in touch with this Ghoster fella first."

(Pan:active)
<<@Ghoster: G'Day mate! A fellow on a bike came by my warehouse today. Said the Daughters recommended me for work you have available. Figured I'd find out from you if this is a fair dinkum or not. If you want to meet, let me know.>>
(Pan:passive)

[AzureusJake]

Nighttime, 2 February 2072, On the border between Victoria Island and Ikoyi Island, Lagos, Africa.
(PAN: Hidden)

Kano had expected a commotion over the magic being tossed around in the street but he hadn't expected there to be a crowd forming to watch. Dinner and a show...or something like it. Usually when combat magic got tossed around people ran for cover. He'd drawn his revolver in the hope of rendering aid but he was unable to determine who to assist. In fact, Kano had never seen a spirit in combat without a mage nearby and his usual method of stopping the fight wouldn't work in this instance.Besides you don't even know what this fight is about and isn't their a saying about sticking something into other peoples business. Note to Self: Carry more Stick-n-Shock rounds.

By the time Kano finished his train of thought the fight was over, the dwarf was dead and the spirit was gone. As the crowd began to disperse something pinged Kano's paranoia, something the dwarf had said. He decided to search the body, crispy as it was. As he picked through the remains a presence invaded his mind, he'd been subject to a mind link spell before but he'd always found the experience unpleasant. Radiating restrained hostility, Kano listened to what the spirit had to say. After me huh, damn and I just got here too. Usually I have more time to make a nuisance of myself. "And I'm sure Mr. Ghoster won't have any problem with me checking his credentials."

(PAN: Active)
From Hammer<<@Ghoster: I have encountered a spirit saying I must contact you. If you are who it says you are we have much to discuss. If you are not however...well you must know enough about me to know that I am a very bad enemy to have. I truly hope we can work something out.>>

Kano considered the spirit, he didn't like magic but he didn't have any magical defenses while he slept. ""I guess I have no choice but accept your offer of aid. Alright, come on." Kano turned and headed back to his hotel. On the way back he fired off another message.

Hammer<<@DesmondtheDaemon: I need you to dig up everything you can on a person in Lagos going by the name of Ghoster. BTW good work on the equipment. Next time I'll send you my Christmas list instead of Santa.>>

When they arrived back at his room Kano hung up his jacket again and laid his revolvers on the bed next to him, making sure one of them was loaded with Stick-n-Shock rounds. He checked his messages. Most of them were from Holiday giving him grief for "abandoning" her, some of them became quiet explicit. One however caught his attention.

Holiday<<@Hammer: I'm here.>>

"Well shit. There goes a good nights sleep."
(PAN: Passive)

[budoka05]

Nighttime, 2 February 2072, On the border between Victoria Island and Ikoyi Island, Lagos, Africa.

With the fire consuming the streets, emergency responders push people back exclaiming, "Back to your homes! This is not a show!" The ignorance of comfy corp slaves was never more apparent.

DesmondtheDemon sends a rather interesting dossier on Ghoster. Most obviously, Ghoster was a VP at CrossApplied on Special Projects. He's been working Lagos since the Crash, and hires more people than refers people to other jobs. In the last 2 years, he has been engaging in more charity and humanitarian work. His jobs have even gained a reputation of being goody-goody. Unreliable street gossip is that he died and came back to life.

Around Midnight, Ghoster sends his reply:

From Ghoster<<@Hammer: Indeed, I know enough about you to know you're a worthy ally. I would prefer to meet you in person so the option of shooting me would put you at ease. That is not an option; the situation has changed and we must have haste to discuss a mutual problem. I'm attaching the address and details of a lunch meeting tomorrow. I understand if you do not desire to meet, but do keep this comm-code. RSVP at your convenience>>

[budoka05]

Nighttime, 2 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa

Indeed, Ambalo could make out the conspicuous restaurant. It was locked up tight, and had some fancy security tech installed around it. Some noise above the restaurant could be heard as a family was winding down for bed.

On the way back to his place in Mushin, Ambalo notices an increase in the security presence. In addition to the standard gun-toting grunt, paracritter teams and spirits began patrolling the streets. They notice Ambalo only to pass on their patrol routes.

[budoka05]

Morning, 3 February 2072, Ikeja, Lagos, Africa

Ghoster cringed but willed himself to check out the morning propaganda.

Lagos FM Radio: Broadcasting
Language: Lagosian Pidgin

Good Morning Lagos!

This broadcast is brought to you by the Lagos Council. Providing Lago the status quo and safety.

===

Last night on Victoria Island, a large firefight ensued when a Shedim impersonating a Horizon employee sneaked onto the island. Island security heroically handled the threat before anyone was hurt. Here's the report from the chief of Island security:

"Yeah, we pummeled it with bullets and shredded body parts everywhere. We stuck to our policy of shoot first and ask later, and kept the island safe."

However when asked about the 1,000,000 Laira damage, the chief replied: "I only get paid to shoot bad things. Clean up is someone else's job."

No truer words were spoken! We look forward to the recovery of the Victoria downtown island.

===

In related new, Horizon public representative held a press conference this morning about yesterday's events:

".. while it is regrettable that a Horizon citizen was subjected to an abomination of the spirit world, we promise that all Horizon employees will remain safe and secure through our increased vigilence. For public, be assured that no further Shedim threats will ever come from Horizon."

===

Horizon and GlobalDynamix, a new BBB corporation, have agreed on a plan to provide matrix and electrical infrastructure. The venture is expected to cost 1 billion Nuyen and will provide more consistent matrix and electrical power to civilized parts of Lagos. The final plan will be sent to the Lagos council for final approval. They are expected to vote on the proposal next week.

===

In other news, the Yoruba Council Represenative Olabode Lekan announced a new plan for a multi-million Nuyen road way system connecting Lagos to the rest of the Yoruba kingdom. Council members have yet to discuss the plan, but there is already initial support.

===

A recent security breach at an Aztechnology plant released many genetically modified pets into the neighboring Mushin district. While an explosion from the breach killed large numbers of Aztechnology employees, the Aztech public spokesperson proudly declared nearly all pets from the warehouse were retrieved!

[Faraday]

Nighttime, 2 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa

Hmm, either this is an interesting coincidence or the meet is bigger than I thought. Better stay indoors for now.
As soon as he was back in the apartment, Ambalo set himself down to rest. Setting an alarm for a few hours before the meet, he lay down in a spot where the sun wouldn't shine directly and tried his hand at resting. It didn't come easy.
(PAN: passive, default signal)

Morning, 3 February 2072, Mushin District, Lagos, Africa

Alarm activated.
Ambalo opened his eyes to a brighter room than he wanted. The square of diffuse light from the sole window was mildly irritating, but not too uncomfortable. Wouldn't matter much in an hour, anyway, time to suit up and hit the street. Torso first, then attach the upper limbs, then the lowers, finally the boots and gloves come on. Ambalo could've done it in a few minutes, but liked taking his time, giving each servo and joint a check. It was a luxury he rarely had during his time as a mercenary.

He then put on his helmet and let it integrate itself with the rest of the suit, activating all the systems and running diagnostics, the commlink in the suit was vastly superior to the one he normally carried, although he rarely used it to more effect than his basic one.

Main commlink switch to Milcomm 0, routing signal through metalink 1)
(PAN: passive, Primary comm=milspec helmet, routing through metalink)

Ready for the day, he equipped his axes and bow, wrapped himself in a large, black cloak to hide the most obvious parts of the suit, changing the exposed parts to a matte black, and took Abiola in hand.
"It's showtime."

[pbangarth]

Morning, 3 February, 2072 Oshodi-Isolo District, Lagos
(PAN:Passive)

Yazata wakes early, well before dawn, refreshed and healed from the Drain of the failed Invoking. No message from 'Ghoster'. Odd. Usually people searching for talent get responses out quickly. "I wonder why."

He thinks for a moment, eating a sparse breakfast as is his habit. Yazata decides that if he has not received a message yet, any meeting would not be happening in the morning. That leaves him free to try another Invoking, the last one he can do with the materials he has at hand. Who knows when the next opportunity would present itself. He considers the Earth spirit, as its attitude is diametrically opposed to that of the Guardian spirit. Nevertheless, for tactical reasons the Guardian spirit is the preferred one.

Yazata calms, focuses and centers himself with holy phrases. The candles burn and the incense tosses wisps of fragrance through the room. He begins.

"Come to me, Guardian spirit."

"I am here, Master."

"Prepare to be bound into Great Form."

"Hah! You will try again? Certainly, Master. Give it your best shot."

Yazata draws the mana again, in strands that envelop the spirit on the astral plane. Learning from last night's mistakes, he winds the threads in confusing patterns around the unruly spirit¹. Though the spirit opposes the attempt mightily, it manages only to limit Yazata to no further debt of service².

Yazata concentrates on the image in his mind of the magnified spirit, and calls it into being³. Even at this stage, the Guardian spirit resists, and Yazata has to spill his own energy into the attempt⁴. At the end, Yazata fights the powerful energies coursing through his body, but is left drained and aching⁵.

Yazata then dismisses the spirit, a tiny sense of accomplishment in his heart. Perhaps his decision not to free this combative and argumentative spirit and start over would finally pay off. He immediately applies stretching techniques and curative potions to ease the pain⁶. This, combined with some rest⁷, leaves him restored by late morning.

Then he checks his commlink for messages.

[ Spoiler ]

1) Rebind Guardian spirit with Invoking 11 dice ==> 4 HITS
2) Spirit Opposes 10 dice ==> 4 HITS no net hits, so no extra services
3) Invoking Test = 16 dice ==> 3 HITS
4) Edge point to reroll misses = 13 dice ==> <a href="http://&quot;http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2465308/&quot;" target="_blank">4 HITS</a> total 7 hits -- new power: Animal Control (added to Concealment).
5) Drain 12S Resistance 19 dice ==> 5 HITS 7S remaining.
6) First Aid Test LOG (5) + First Aid(1) + Medkit (6) - damage (3)= 9 dice ==> 3 HITS 4S remaining
7) Rest to heal 1hour: 8 dice ==> 3 HITS 1 hour: 8 dice ==> 2 HITS completely healed.

[AzureusJake]

Nighttime, 2 February 2072, On the border between Victoria Island and Ikoyi Island, Lagos, Africa.
(PAN: Passive)

Kano considered Ghosters message for a couple hours. On one hand, there was the danger of going to any first meeting with a Johnson and in this city it was even more dangerous, especially in his particular circumstances. On the other hand, Kano knew virtually no one in this city and Ghoster seemed sincere enough although information on him was spotty at best. Don't really have much of a choice, you need the work and the contacts. If the meet goes sour you can always shoot your way out. Like you haven't done that before.

(PAN: Active)
Hammer<<@Ghoster: Ok, I'm in. Tomorrow, noon, the designated location.
(PAN: Hidden)

Morning, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa.
(PAN: Passive)

The trip from Victoria to Ikeja was uneventful by Lagos standards and the locals had more or less left him alone. Now he was standing down the block from the restaurant, watching. More security than your average Seattle highrise. Probably magical security too. Well lets just see who shows up.

[budoka05]

Yazata discovers a message on is commlink.

From Ghoster<<@Yazata: It is my honor to finally meet your acquaintance. I'm assembling a team for dangerous work on the side of good. If possible, please come meet me for lunch. Along with several others, I will have the opportunity to discuss necessary details. Please see the attached information about the restaurant. When you arrive, mention you are for the Graystone party at the front desk, and they will show you to me.

I look forward to meeting in person.>>

[budoka05]

Noon, Ikeja District bording Mushin, Lago, Africa

The streets team with life. Trucks, pedestrians, and critters pass through mindful of their business. Nearby, the sound of construction pierces through the midday commotion.

Standing at the entrance of the restaurant, a lovely lady takes in the sights and sounds. It has been more than a millennia in which she had the pleasure to appreciate a city with life and vigor. Thoughts of the dark things of this city brushed her mind, but she swept them away.

She greets every customer with an exuberant cheer and warmth. When in her presence, no one has the vaguest thought of what troubles them. On the astral, she glows with feelings many in the city have not felt in years.

[ Spoiler ]

When you meet this 'woman' make a Charisma+Willpower roll

Inside, a very different set of emotions were in motion. Ghoster frowned at the latest intelligence reports. The Elders may be right; we may not have time to play a strategic game. The Elders have been growing impatient with the injustices of the world and had pushed for a holy war against all the corrupting forces of the world. However, Ghoster managed to persuade them to allow discretion to achieve their noble goals. Ghoster just hoped he would recruit the right men for the task.

In the mean time, several organizations were becoming aware of the existence of their organization. No one knew exactly who they were yet. However, if they forced the Elders to play bolder, then they would be known before they were ready. At best, they would have to play the slow political game of the public corporations and governments. At worst, they would resist conquest and extermination.

[pbangarth]

Late morning, 3 February, Oshodi-Isolo District, Lagos.
(PAN: passive)

Lunch ... in Ikeja? He would have to hurry. Yazata washes himself quickly, cleaning the sweat of the morning's exertions off. (Not that it would matter in about 15 minutes of this heat, anyway.) He arms himself with the knife and the pistol, and steps outside to hail a cab.

Almost noon, 3 February, Ikeja District, Lagos
(Pan:passive)

Once at the restaurant, he pays the cabby and scans the restaurant from the outside. A menu appears in AR by the front door. "Hmm. Can't see any magical wards on the outside. Probably wouldn't anyway. Just in case ..." Yazata ensures his weapon focus dagger is disactivated. A glance around the neighbourhood "Is that someone with metal eyes?" and he steps towards the restaurant.

A receptionist, a lovely lady outside the restaurant, greets him. "What a charming woman."

[ Spoiler ]

Charisma (4) + Willpower (5) = 9 dice ==> 2 HITS

"I am here for the Graystone party."

Edit: Ooops. posted this just as the last message from budoka05 came up. Fixed for continuity.

[Faraday]

Almost noon, 3 February, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN: hidden)

Like most ghouls, Ambalo did not like the sunlight. Unlike most of them, he was wearing a milspec suit with what more or less amounted to climate control, along with a big, black cloak covering everything except the front of his helmet and his boots. This sight greeted anyone who bothered to take so much as a passing interest in him. In return, he kept alert. Not too obviously, but enough to get a nice look at everything nearby.

He soon found himself in front of a woman. Ooh, receptionist huh? I'm moving up in the world. She's even half decent looking.

[ Spoiler ]

Visual Perception check: Visual Perception Test: Intuition (5)+Perception (5)+Attention Coprocessor (3)+Visual Enhancement (3)=16 Dice==>8 HITS!!!
Charisma (1) + Willpower (7) = 8 dice ==> 2 HITS

He announced his intentions through his helmet.
"I am here for the Graystone party."

[budoka05]

Noon, 3 February, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa

Around this woman, Yazata and Ambalo can't help but feel a warm sensation soak into their awareness. It is the fragrance of a rose, the song of a harp and the embrace of a woman.

"Welcome my good gentlemen! My name is Yareen and I'll show you right to your table. If you need anything, I will be happy to fulfill the request...within civility" she adds with a wink.

Walking to the back room, Yazata becomes aware many of the patrons are spirits. Some give me looks of respect, while others eye him closely.

In the back room, a Euroasian man with blue eyes sits at a long table reading a paper file. His form fitting suit shows that he is in good physical shape. Although his face his quie young, the man has streak of very gray hair on his left side. On the astral, he shows a calm focus with a tinge of anxiety. He does not show any bioware or cyberware.

Ghoster immediately spots the two and covers the paper file. "Good afternoon, I am Ghoster. Yazata and Ambalo I presume? Excellent, please have a seat. We are waiting for several more individuals and the meeting will get started. In the meantime, please order anything off the menu. I'll be handling the bill for the meeting, so please feel free to indulge yourself."

To Ambalo a large troll comes up to him, and says politely, "Sir, please keep your weapons, but I need to remove your cloak."

Ghoster adds, "Ah yes, thank you T'chau. I do appreciate the need for weapons at a meeting, but I am particular about concealing them."

[Faraday]

Noon, 3 February, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa

(PAN: passive, signal 0)

Ambalo smiled a bit and raised his visor. "Of course." He untied his cloak, passed it to the troll, and strode to a seat, powered armor and all.
"Understand, I wear a cloak to avoid the public seeing this."

[Darquewing]

Early Morning, 3 February 2072, Warehouse bordering the Ikeja and Ifako-Ijaye divisions
(Pan:passive)

Solo is sitting staring at his pistols which he has just finished field-stripping and cleaning. His Enfield is leaning against the side of the coffee table, having already gone through it's weekly maintenance. "Still nothing..."

<<Shouldn't he have contacted you by now?>>

"Well if he's smart, he's probably been finding out as much info as he can about us. I can't blame him for that. That or he's decided against it.", Solo exclaims as he starts sliding his Hammerlis and Predators into their holsters. "Either way, better to be ready."

Solo walks into the garage from the living room and starts running checks on the Rover with Wynona. He checks the fuel and battery charge, while she goes over the ammo load on the Vindicator and makes sure the turret has no sticks or loose spots in its movement arcs.


"Everything looks good, hun. Now we just wait.", Solo lets out with a resigned sigh. "If he doesn't call, the Daughters may not be enough to keep the slavers off my back this time."

[pbangarth]

Noon, 3 February, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa
(PAN: passive)

"Thank you, Miss Yareen. You are most kind." Yazata follows her into the back room. "Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Ghoster. I appreciate your offer of lunch. I have had a busy morning and am famished." Yazata calls up the AR menu, while studying his prospective teammate and the 'Johnson'.

The last few years, trekking across Asia and Africa, have taught Yazata many things, not the least of which was the misery that comes from quickly jumping to conclusions. In the beginning, a room full of spirits, with some clearly not happy to be around him, would have alarmed Yazata. And a ghoul sitting to lunch with him? Who was to be the main course?

What he had to keep in mind was that this fellow, Ghoster, had invited Yazata and others, including apparently this ghoul, to a meeting because of their shared ethos and similar goals in life. So, if that is the case, then there must be more to this fellow than first appearances. Besides, it would be the height of impropriety to cause a scene when his host had given both of them the equivalent of sanctuary in his home.

He offers his hand to Ambalo. "Hello, I am called Yazata. Pleased to meet you. I see your point about the cloak."

[budoka05]

Early Morning, Lagos, Africa

Solo receives a call:

"Hello Solo, this is Ghoster. I am happy that my associate was able to get a hold of you. You've come recommended by the Daughters and I believe I have a job for you. If are free for lunch, come meet me and several possible team members. I've texted you the location of the restaurant; it's in Ikeja close to Mushin.

Do you have any questions I can answer over the phone?"

[budoka05]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja, Africa

When Ambalo removes his cloak, Ghoster says, "Thank you Ambalo, I very much appreciate it."

"Yazata, you are very welcome." Ghoster happily replies.

Glancing at his AR display, Ghoster announces, "It appears that several others might be late to the meeting, so we might start a little later than expected. However, I am free to answer any general questions to help you gauge the jobs that happen."

[Faraday]

Ambalo took the extended hand with a cold, metal grasp and a light shake.
"Likewise. And do not be alarmed by my appearance, I have no ill intent."
The dwarf facing Ambalo seemed a bit stiff, but this was probably his first time seeing a creature like him. At least an intelligent one. Ambalo took a silent picture of him, as well as noted his scent. Had a faint smell of incense.
"I take it you were doing some sort of ritual? Maybe a prayer this morning?"

Ambalo then turns to Ghoster.
"Questions and answers? My favorite. First of all, what kind of job is this? Hooding? B&E? Extraction?"

[budoka05]

"This first job will be B&E and Extraction with a twist. However, my employers will be able to provide support for the extraction component.

To clarify, this job is as important to my employer's objectives as well as assessing how well our working relationship might be. Regardless of the outcome of the mission, there will be the option of choosing to take on more operations from us or splitting ways amicably. "

Ghoster means every word he says, and all indications point to that.

[Faraday]

"Like what I hear so far. What sort of mission support do we have? I'd also like to know what compensation will be like.

[pbangarth]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja, Africa
(PAN:passive)

"So, we will have to shine on the first job, in order to get more work later from these people. Typical, I guess."

Yazata notices something interesting on the menu. It appears there are a couple of Middle Eastern dishes available. On a hunch...
(PAN:active)
... he sends a special request to the kitchen for a Persian dish of lamb with yogurt and raisins. In moments an affirmative response comes, as well as the sight of an excited, swarthy man dressed in whites looking out the kitchen door at his table. He then disappears back into the kitchen.
(PAN:passive)

"Ghoster, you mention a 'twist'. I am curious as to the nature of that twist. Or is this too specific a question before the others arrive?"

[budoka05]

"Like what I hear so far. What sort of mission support do we have? I'd also like to know what compensation will be like.

Magic and shooters will provide assistance once you've acquired the extraction target. We will also provide armored escort away from the site for you and the target. Compensation is roughly 80,000 Nuyen. However the form can come in Nuyen, Naira, rare gems, telesma, food and water. Of course, the exact worth of the form of payment will depend on market rates.

[budoka05]

Turning to Yazata, Ghoster says, "An excellent choice, the lamb is quite fresh today, as are all the meats. Ambalo, I suggest the Ethiopian raw beef platter. It's bloody delicious."

"Addressing the question, yes telling the twist would divulge too much at this juncture. However, I can say the target is like a ill-humored hostile mage."

[pbangarth]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja, Africa
(PAN:passive)

Yazata laughs. "'Like'? I can't wait to hear the details."

[Faraday]

"Indeed. Dealing with magic is usuaully...a challenge. And thanks for the suggestion Ghoster, I could use a snack."

(PAN:active, default signal)
Ghoster makes an order for the raw beef platter via AR and quickly receives a confirmation. The meat would taste well and fill his stomach, although like any non-metahuman flesh it would do little for his actual dietary needs.

"So I take it this will be a somewhat less than willing extraction. I can see why you're offering as much as you are."

[budoka05]

Ghoster replied, "Absolutely, this extraction will not be friendly. How hostile will depend on how charming you are." Ghoster gave a mischievous smile.

"In addition, there is another aspect of this mission. The location the target will be at might present opportunities. My employers are willing to pay 20,000 Nuyen and upwards for retrieving or performing said opportunities. If you find yourself in a situation in which you must make rush decision and cannot negotiate the details, we will guarantee at least 20,000 Nuyen."

[pbangarth]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja, Africa
(PAN:passive)

"Lots of money, heavy reinforcements outside the extraction location, 'opportunities'. Whhaaat are we getting innnntooooo....?"

[Faraday]

Ambalo smiled even wider, enough to see his enlarged lower jaw, and the sharp, canine teeth occupying it. This was getting real interesting, real fast. Just like the good old days working for the Red Hatchets, his former mercenary unit.
"Sounds like you need some real professionals. I'm glad I came."

[AzureusJake]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Africa.
(PAN: Hidden)

Kano so far had only seen two people enter the restaurant that piqued his interest but he doubted they were the only two coming to the meeting. Maybe others had arrived early. Something about the person in the large cloak made the hairs on his neck stand up. If your going you might as well... Kano approached the restaurant and presented himself to the woman standing out front. He didn't bother smiling, even with his extensive dental work, seeing a troll smile usually sent people running for cover or for a larger gun. Usually a bazooka.

[ Spoiler ]

Charisma(2)+Willpower(4)= 6dice ==>4 Hits

"I'm here for the Graystone party."

[budoka05]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Restaurant Front Door, Ikeja District, Africa.

Approaching the hostess, Hammer gets a whisper of a happy memory, but it passes quickly.

"Hello sir! Please follow me. The Graystone party is this way!" She said cheerfully. "My name is Yareen, and please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything."

In lowered voice, she continues, "I hope my friend helped you out last night. I heard it was quite a ruckus!"

Coming to the back room, Hammer and Yareen see T'Chau opens the door to let them in.

"Mr. Hammer! So glad you could join us. Please have a seat. I'm treating for the lunch and I suggest you spare no expense."

"Let me make introductions. This fellow in the armor is Ambalo, and seated next to him is Yazata. They are also here to talk about the job offer."

"Once you've heard about the job, we can talk about the event last night."

[Faraday]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja, Africa
(PAN:passive)
Ambalo looks over to Kano as he approaches. "Checking out your team mates ahead of time? Saw you out there earlier. Oh, and, good to meet you."

[pbangarth]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja, Africa
(PAN:passive)

"A man of caution. Excellent. Pleased to meet you, Hammer." Yazata rises and shakes the hand of the newcomer. "Hints from our host suggest we are in for an interesting time should we accept this job."

[budoka05]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja, Africa

As introductions went around, the raw beef platter came. The smells of the accompanying sauces mingled, the beef, and the cooked lamb became a fragrant musky aroma.

After introductions, Ghoster repeated the information already covered about the job.

[AzureusJake]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Africa.
(PAN: Passive)

Kano thanked the woman after she showed him to the table. He scanned the room using both normal and thermographic vision. The hostess probably wasn't human, neither was one of the people seated at the table. Distended jaw, pale skin...Ghoul... Kano scowled and drew his twin Cavalier Deputies and slowly placed them on the table before maneuvering his considerable bulk into the one of the sturdier looking chairs. His hands rested over the two revolvers, "I would say its a pleasure to meet you but I don't know you and I have no reason to trust you. Now I came here to listen to a job offer. If the money and the reasons are right we may have ourselves a working relationship."

Kano listened to Ghoster explain the details of the job and ordered something expensive off the AR menu, all the while keeping his eyes on the ghoul. " For what your offering I'm willing to take the job...with conditions. I have two rules: One, I require your reasons for wanting this job done and two, I reserve the right to walk away from the job at anytime. On a more personal note",Kano pointed one of his massive digits at Ambalo, " I have serious problems with ghouls. No matter how noble their intentions. If that's a deal breaker, I am willing to walk away right now."

[Faraday]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Africa.

(PAN: Passive, signal skinlink only)

Ambalo sighed and sat back, considered placing a readied hand on his rifle and making the skinlink connection, but decided against it. He actually didn't feel particularly threatened by Kano, and it would be bad form to have a shootout at an otherwise cordial meeting.
Figures there'd be at least one of 'em here. Stupid of me to let my guard down like that. Might as well see if this guy will at least see some reason.

"And I'm not too fond of people like you, who simply discount a person who has the choice of killing others to survive or letting themselves die and choosing to live. Yeah, I'm a person, despite the fact that those UN bigots say otherwise. You don't look like you've seen much hard times, so I take it you haven't needed to kill much, if at all, for a paycheck. Does killing to eat seem so much worse than killing to get a few nuyen? And no, before you ask, you don't look like a fresh steak to me."

He took a glanced over to Yazata. "Same goes for you. In fact I really only... sustain myself on the scum of metahumanity. You probably don't need me to tell you there's an endless supply here."

[AzureusJake]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Africa.
(PAN: Passive)

Kano glared at the ghoul, "Considering I usually shoot ghouls on sight, I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt. I have a very bad history with ghouls. And killing for a paycheck is just one of many reasons I've had to take a life. Killing to survive is something I can sympathize with and as long as you don't try to make me dinner, I won't use you as target practice. Just don't expect us to be friends.

[Faraday]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Africa.

Ambalo glared right back. Not giving an inch.
"Good enough. To repay the courtesy, you might like to know that you'd need bigger guns than that to scratch me."

He then began on his raw beef platter.

[budoka05]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Africa.

While T'Chau stood ready to pounce everyone, Ghoster simple chuckled at the exchange.

"Hammer, although I understand hesitance toward ghouls, you should know that Ambalo saved a child prostitute from her pimp just yesterday. I have a reliable eye-witness. He is a well-intentioned individual like yourself." Ghoster then gives a quick smile to Ambalo. "Although it is certainly not a deal-breaker, you may leave if you find working with Ambalo too objectionable"

"To address your conditions, I will certainly tell you what is happening, but you will want to stay on this mission. This individual my employers want you to extract is a child killer."

Ghoster took a sip from his glass to let that set in.

"Truthfully, a family murderer, but mainly children. To the best of our intelligence, this individual has been taking families for some sort of experimentation. Some of my men have already found some of the missing families' bodies. We find them dissected and mutilated with meticulous methodology."

Ghoster set down his cup, and his face turned deadened, "If you need to confirm my story, there are eye-witnesses who are scared for their families."

"But, I don't mean to be melodramatic! If you take on this job, you will have the opportunity to stop this, earn gratitude of my very powerful employers, and take of yourselves financially."

[Faraday]

Ambalo was not overwhelmingly moved by whatever crime the target had committed, after a while of merc campaigning he'd gotten used to killing a lot of folks for all kinds of reasons. He'd seen a lot of people kill for a lot less than his going rate, and the occasional psycho was a bit more than occasional in his line of work. "Seems an awful lot of trouble to bag a guy like this instead of just plugging him with some rockets. Money's pretty good, though, so I ain't complainin'."

He finished a swallow before starting. "Ya see, that's the kinda guy I'd love taking a bite out of. Irony and social justice of predatoring the predator aside, people like that have this...flavor to 'em. Maybe it's just me. Anyway, I can promise I won't partake. You probably already know I'm strictly business on a mission, though, considering you also found out who I am, Ghoster."

[AzureusJake]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Africa.
(PAN: Passive)

Kano's face twitched at the mention of unnecessary experimentation on children and he felt a familiar cold rage well up inside him but he kept his visage calm. "All right I'm in, ghouls or no. I can only assume that you want this mage alive because you need information from him but is there minimum number of piece you would like him in. If he starts to cast on me I'm going to remove bits, like fingers and thumbs." Kano gave a slight nod in Ambalo's direction and took a big chunk out of his meal.Child killing...I would love to deliver this mage scumbag in a plastic bag, breathing but sans arms and legs.

[Darquewing]

Noon, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Africa
(PAN: Passive)

Solo, opens the door to the resturant, looking over his shoulder at "Rex", to make sure it is okay. He has the turret doing basic sweeps of the area, the anti-theft system up, and a couple of Boys around it. 100 Naira a piece should keep it safe for a bit. He is carrying his pistols, two Predators in low-slung holsters and two Hammerli's, one under each shoulder.

Solo comes up to the hostess of the resturant, giving a slight tip of his black aussie fedora, which is adorned with gator teeth, "G'day Miss. I'm here for the Graystone party. Please excuse my tardiness. I almost come a gutser on the way here. I've got my ute parked down the road a bit. Don't think anyone would have a fit over it do ya'?"

[crizh]

3 February 2072, Ifako-ijoha District

He slowly awoke to discover he was already up, dressed and doing rounds in his human form.

You were tired so I let you sleep and got on with checking our patients. We yet have an hour to meet with Mr Ghoster.

Izoduwa's explanation of the circumstances was not entirely unusual, the Spirit often undertook tasks while Afrika slept. He thought he could taste some sort of breakfast, perhaps scrambled eggs, but having a full tummy was no substitute for actually eating. Never mind, he had work to do.

They took the form of a great eagle and Izoduwa hid them from mortal eyes and ensured that they had a following tail wind. They were in the vicinity of the restaurant within minutes, it took a little while to find suitable raw materials, they eventually were forced to call on an Ancestor that knew the area and something about it's construction to find a derelict building made of good reinforced concrete.

Afrika borrowed a talent for sculpture from one of the Ancestors that had agreed to help with this task. He then cast magics that allowed him to shape the concrete of the structure as if it were plasticine. Within minutes he had sculpted two dwarf-sized gargoyles. They were hollow inside to keep their weight down and had strangely long arms and big hands for their size, all the easier to manipulate human tools, and their wings were carefully articulated to fold up neatly when not in use.

[ Spoiler ]

Here and here.

The two Great Ancestor Spirits possessed the newly crafted shells with ease and under the concealment that Izoduwa provided stationed themselves on rooftops near the restaurant where he could call on them at a moments notice and they could keep an eye on things.

He retook human form and Izoduwa covered his modesty with an Illusion and used another to disguise their astral form as something less unusual.

The sun was by now quite high in the sky and with no watch to guide him he suspected that he may be on the late side and hurried to the appointed place.

He greeted the hostess politely.

Good day, I am Afrika, with the Greenhorn party, I believe I am expected, if slightly tardy. I am afraid my watch does not exist...

He tried to smile winningly.

[ Spoiler ]

Charisma + Willpower: 6 Hits.

[pbangarth]

12:15 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

The emotions running rampant in the room give Yazata's astral sense a marvellous light show. He wonders how he lights up at the description of their potential target. Keeping him alive if he falls under their power might be as difficult as capturing him in the first place.

"If there is anything I can do to stop this... experimentation... on children and their families, I will be happy to oblige. Learning as much as we can about what this mage does will be distasteful but necessary to any plan we develop. That along with what skills, allies and powers he has.

"I also assume that there is a good reason why the heavy support you would provide outside the extraction location is not sufficient or appropriate to do the task itself. I am curious to know your reasoning behind hiring outsiders such as ourselves to do it."

That marvellous woman (?) must be nearing, he can feel her even through the closed door. "More prospective team members?"

[budoka05]

12:15, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos

As Solo approaches Yareen, he can't help feeling many wonderful emotions rising up in him. When Afrika approaches, he gets the feeling something is trying to boost his spirits but failing.

"Hello Gentlemen! Come right with me. Mr. Ghoster is expecting you."

Giving a long look over both individuals, Yareen said with excitement, "My my! I've never met anyone like you two before!" She composed herself and continued, "my apologizes. My name is Yareen, and if you need anything please don't hesitate to ask."

As the 3 approached the back room door, Ghoster raised his hand to pause the conversation. "I will address your questions in just a moment. We have some new arrivals."

"Solo and Afrika, I am pleased you could make the meeting. Please have a seat and order anything you'd like. This meeting is reimbursed."

When Solo and Afrika seated themselves, Ghoster made introductions and re-iterated the information about the job that had been discussed. Ghoster also clarified that 80,000 Nuyen plus bonuses was the paid amount per person.

"Now," Ghoster continued, "I shall be able to address some of the concerns and questions. Yes we need him alive. My employers have very good reason to believe he is not working alone. We need more intelligence to eradicate whatever dastardly people are supporting him. However, my employers would not mind you ... take off a few limbs to get the job done."

Ghoster smiled briefly at Yazata, "Yazata makes an excellent point. My employers cannot send in their own assets because the defenses surrounding the target are designed for my employers' assets. The chance for failure would be unacceptably high. However, as individuals who are brought in, the target will be less prepared and hopefully caught off guard. If you accept the mission, I will be able to go into the reasoning with more depth. Hammer has certainly made his acceptance clear, but I need clarification from everyone else."

[Faraday]

12:15, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN: Passive, signal default)

Ambalo nodded to the newcomers as they arrived. He Perked up at the 80k being *per* person. "Whoa, big money going on here. This is really my chance to score, and at least I get forewarning on the catch.

After hearing the rest of what Ghoster had to say, he was pretty well sold on the idea.
"Personally, I don't like slimy bastards who butcher up kids for a good time. Really crimps my style. The money you're offering tells me this is gonna be pretty tough, but I can tells it's honest work, which is a rarity, especially here... I'm in."

[Digital Heroin]

Early Morning, 3 February 2072, Victoria Island, Lagos, Africa.

Consciousness comes to Noboru suddenly, and with fury, as it always seemed to when he awoke. While he could not remember the world beyond the sleeping veil he knew it was filled with violence and terror, for it had been years since his waking had come with languid pleasure. Still, he remains calm, taking a few long moments to gather himself before letting his surroundings register. He was, of course, in Lagos, in the Victoria Crown Plaza (a subsidiary of Horizon) Hotel, and this was one of the penthouse suites, on the security floor. His mouth was dry, which meant he had been drinking last night, which means that Kitty is back from her latest Grand Tour leg. the fact that he could only remember last night as a tangle of limbs and bodies was troubling, but only so much so. Security at the hotel was good, and despite his protests he knew that Horizon would have a few minders around the hotel as well. At the very least Byron will have run a perimeter check, and touched base with the hotel's own staff.

The sound of a running shower catches his ears, followed by the laughter of not one, but two voices. He grunts, and slides from under the ridiculously high thread count sheets of the King sized bed and proceeds barefoot and skyclad towards the suite's massive master bathroom. Through the steam that fills the entire room he spies Kitty and an ebony skinned companion in the shower.

Whatever had transpired in the evening, it would seem they had company. When Kitty calls out for him to join them, Noboru makes mock protest, groaning something about having a headache before finally giving in.

It was a tough life, this one he had stolen for himself.

[Ezeckial]

12:17, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos

Fedora straightens himself from where he had been leaning in the shadows, straightening his hat and taking a long drag on his cigarette. All the data on the meet said that it would be interesting, and he was curious. He walks nonchalantly into the restaurant his cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth. He walks up to the hostess with an endearing grin on his face.

"Mr. Graystone is expecting me my dear"

[ Spoiler ]

Charisma (4) + Willpower 4 = 8 dice ==> 5 Hits

[pbangarth]

12:15, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

"High danger, high pay, great evil to be vanquished. Count me in." Yazata had been drawn westwards for three years. Was this why? He would find out.

[budoka05]

Early Morning, 3 February 2072, Victoria Island, Lagos, Africa.

Noburo was 'saved' by a phone call:

"Hey Kid! It's Vice. I've got a great job for ya! I've got a friend who's looking for top talent to take out a 'den of evil.' He's guaranteed plenty of action, like nothing else out there! Head over to his lunch meet and greet. It's a restaurant in Ikeja district. Be ready and I'll get the transportation."

[budoka05]

12:17, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos

"Mr. Graystone is expecting me my dear"

Stepping toward the hostess, Fedora feels a slight calmness.

"Hello sir...oh," she said as her eyes opened. "Oh my, you are unique!" She reaches out and rubs her hands several inches away from Fedora's body. "Oh I'm sorry! I got carried away. Come right this way."

Upon entering the back room, Ghoster greets Fedora, "Ah Fedora! I'm happily surprised you were able to make the meeting. Please have a seat while I make introductions"

After introducing individual seated at the table, Ghoster began his detail-free description of the job.

"At this juncture, everyone here has heard about the job, and are clarifying their participation. However as our new arrival, your questions are welcome. If you need time to mull over the information I gave you, there is another room outside in which you can take some time to think it over."

[crizh]

Having listened to the job proposal Afrika wasted no time making his feelings known.

I am in, the cause is just and the clinic will benefit greatly from the money. As many of you will have noticed I am a mage of not inconsiderable skill but one of my primary specialities is Counterspelling and Shielding. I presume Mr Ghoster has selected me for this reason.

[Ezeckial]

Grinning at the young woman, Fedora can't help but wink. "I assure you miss, no apologies are needed. Indeed I'm flattered." He reaches up and brushes her cheek as he enters the room. "Thank you my dear."

Fedora sits down at the table and takes a look around the table. An interesting group, he muses to himself, his curiosity growing even more. He turns to Ghoster, "You left out just enough information to rouse my curiosity, how could I not be here?" He pauses as he looks around the table again, this time doing an inventory of everyones comms. "I'm in."

[ Spoiler ]

Fedora does a quick scan of peoples comm's to make sure nobody is running anything with glaring security holes in it.
Matrix Perception
Computer (4) + Analyze (5) + Technomancer Bonus (2) = 11 dice = Matrix Perception check on teams commlinks to ensure security. (11d6.hits(5)=4)
Asking for Firewall Ratings, Access ID's, that's about it.

[Faraday]

Ambalo noted Afrika's skills and figured it'd be good to fill in as well. "I'm not sure how much Ghoster knows about me, but I'll let you know, for what it's worth. I'm strong, I'm fast, I can even be quiet, and I don't use mojo to be that way. I happen to specialize in making holes in whatever, or whoever, needs it."

[ Spoiler ]

Fedora gets to notice Ambalo running a firewall 1, system 1 commlink with little more than a browser and a couple simple games on it. Further poking will note that it's hooked up to a higher-grade commlink.

[Digital Heroin]

Early Morning, 3 February 2072, Victoria Island, Lagos, Africa.

He almost ignores the audible ring of his commlink, in fact he almost does not hear it given the 'link is buried in a pile of clothing on the far side fo the master bedroom, but he knew that if he did not answer, and it was one of the studio executives, that they would just send up a PA, who would of course not bother knocking, and he did not feel like having some random kid catch him in the middle of a steamy shower with his girlfriend and some random local club-girl.

Fishing the phone out of his pants, Noboru answers in audio-only mode. He hears Vice out, and clarity seeps right into his morning.

`I will be ready soon, let us just hope your transportation is more reliable than last time.` Not that is was Vice's fault. You simply cannot plan for the local forms of 'fast-transit.'

When he hangs up, Noboru considers getting his gear together right away, but decides instead that he really does need a shower, and it would be rude to ignore his guest. He does, however, make a quick call to Bobby, and gives him a rundown of the gear he would like brought up. Bobby knew how to be discreet about things, and he would leave a case in the front hall of the suite for him to retrieve.

[ Spoiler ]

Noboru's gear for the meet: Aces High Jacket, Ares Viper Slivergun, Thermal Smoke Grenade, (5) Shiruken, Simrig, Transys Avalon, Contacts, Earbuds, and of course his Katana, which he is rarely without.

-----

12:17, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN: Hidden)

In the end Vice's transportation had not materialized, but Noboru had anticipated this, and had called Byron, asking him to bring the Morgan around and prepare for a jaunt into Ikeja. The former SAS man had taken the request calmly, and with an expert hand and surprising knowledge of the city's back roads and shortcuts had even managed to cut some time off of the already late journey. It did not hurt, of course, that the ATV was in peak condition, and that Byron was less than afraid to run through obstacles as long as they did not look like habitats.

Late to the party, but not so late as to be anything but true to his vapid Hollywood reputation, Noboru steps into the small restaurant, slipping off his mirror shades as he does so. He had erred on the side of local habits and decided not to wear a respirator for the meet, since the pollution was no worse than the industrial slums he had frequented as a teenager. He was, however, looking quite out of place with local fashion, dressed in comfortable designer clothing highlighted by the WWII American Bomber patterned Aces High jacket (a delicious piece of fashion irony, given his heritage). There is also the fact he has a katana strapped to his back, however plain the scabbard and sword may seem.

Greeting the hostess with a warm smile and a half bow, he informs her of the expectation of his host for the lunch, and in short order he joins the others, quietly entering, so as not to interrupt the meeting already in progress.

[Darquewing]

12:20 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

While listening ot the details of the job, Solo orders a thick porterhouse steak. From a cow, even. With a baked potato smothered in butter, sour cream, and all the fixin's, and a pint from the bar. Once Ghoster is done talking, Solo smiles, gesturing with a cut of steak on his fork. "And people say all the good folk have gone Walkabout! Leave it to the pikers to fix the world, right mate? Well, seein' as the work may be more... interesting than usual, I need a little extra insurance before givin' it a burl."

Solo gestures around at all the other runners at the table, "You see, all of us would be puttin' our lives on the line, which aren't worth a zack anyhow. But I need to know that any part of mine goes to where it needs to, if I cark it. If we can nut out those arrangements, then it's London to a brick that I'm in."¹

[ Spoiler ]

If needed:
1) CHA 4 + NEG 2 = 6d6.hits(5) = [1,6,5,6,5,6] = 5)

[budoka05]

Ghoster replies, "Certainly any conditional arrangements can be made in regards to payment recipients. Since this is your first time working for me and my employers, as a sign of good will we are willing to pay 55,000 of the 80,000 up front.

[ Spoiler ]

Ghoster's comm comes back as as rating 7 firewall.

[AzureusJake]

12:20 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos, Africa.
(PAN: Passive)

Kano observed the new arrivals as they entered and took a seat at the table.Nice hat, pal. Something about the dark haired pretty boy who showed up last bothered him, Is that jacket real leather? The sword is a nice touch.

[ Spoiler ]

Hammer's comlink has Firewall 3, System 4 running two active smart links

[pbangarth]

12:20, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

[ Spoiler ]

Commlink is Rating 3 all around.

"I too am a mage, with a general spread of spells, maybe with a couple of less common information gathering tools. I am strong in all aspects of Conjuring and Spellcasting. My focus has been in dealing with hostile spirits and other astral beings."

The very generous offer up front only magnifies his concerns about the severity of the situation to be dealt with. "If there is to be some advance payment, it would be good to know the time frame of the operation. Is there time to do some acquisitions?"

[Ezeckial]

12:20, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(Honeypot:passive)

Fedora takes the opportunity to light a new cigarette and take a deep drag as the others list off their skill sets, mentally noting each of them."If we're talking about acquisitions, I'd recommend a few of you get better firewalls." He flicks his cigarette to clear the ashes. "If I were bored I'd be having a great time right now." He grins at Ambalo. "Even a decoy needs a better firewall. As to the business at hand, if everyone is in, I'm interested in the details."

[pbangarth]

[ Spoiler ]

[OOC: I fugure I should put a little effort into English 1. So Yazata's conversation will show a bit more strangeness.

12:20, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

"I don't doing machines very well. If you could give assistance in such an upgrading, Fedora, I would appreciate."

[Faraday]

12:20, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

The muscles under Ambalo's lack of eyebrows rise up on the mention of over half up front. This gig must be pretty damn hot for THAT much up front. We're gonna need to organize for this kind of operation. I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same. Ambalo thought back on his merc days of doing scouting and planning before an op.

Ambalo smiles at Fedora. It's not a pretty one, thanks to the orkish tusks and sharp ghoul teeth. "Really now? I suppose this little thing I run ain't much, though you should know I generally run skinlink on my important stuff. Like my Abiola here." Ambalo pats his rather bulky assault rifle. He then moves on to other business.

"The upfront money is appreciated, although I also wonder how long we'll have to get what we need. Considering this is an extraction with some serious firepower on our side, I already have a shopping list going. By the by, if any of you happen to need weapons or ammo, I know folks who will always appreciate new business."

[budoka05]

Ghoster answered, "Our time frame is the next few days, but sooner the better. My employers have already accumulated extensive intelligence,, but we understand that you'll need some time to prepare."

Ghoster continued, "Since it appears that most of us are on board, I will now give a moment for any who change their minds." Ghoster then took a another sip from his cup.

Addressing those who stayed, Ghoster spoke again, "Gentlemen, I thank you on behalf of my employers for taking on this important task. Now for the grand reveal: a Shedim is your target."

Pausing for dramatic effect, Ghoster took a breath. Bringing a metallic case, Yareen stepped into the back room. Ghoster continued, "We have a device that will allow you to take it without disrupting it." Yareen opened the case on the table to reveal mage cuffs, belts, mage masks, and other restraints. "These will prevent the spirit from disrupting. As long as the body is not disintegrated, the spirit will not depart from the vessel. In addition the devices will stop the Shedim from using any of its powers, and they will disrupt any spells that it has casted. The only exception is quickened spells."

Ghoster picked up the cuffs. "To work they must be placed around a body part. Mere contact will not work by itself on the creature. Fortunately, these will do nothing to non-Shedim, so you can wear them however you like." Ghoster slipped the cuffs on and sprayed light from his finger tips.

"Please feel free to examine the equipment. We will require them back after the mission, but you are welcome to carry them with before the mission."

[Faraday]

Ambalo considered Ghoster's words and tried to think of what he knew about Shedim.

[ Spoiler ]

Street Knowledge for Shedim. Intuition (5)-Defaulting (1)=2 Hits

"You mean one of those corpse stealers? Will sticky shock even work on them? I doubt any sleep poisons would do much here."

[Darquewing]

12:30 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

"I've heard they are some kind of ghostie runnin' about in parts of Lagos¹. You want with us try and bring one in? Crikey mate, I hope this team has got enough mojo to handle it. I can do a lot on the meat side of it, but I'd be more useful in the Never Never, than facin' off against anything from the Dreamtime."

Solo takes a long draw from his pint. "But, if we've got enough hoo-doo to grab 'im, I can get you in and get you back out, no worries."

[ Spoiler ]

Fedora-> Solo's commlink is cutting edge, non-military. Firewall 6. It can only be controlled through the cable to his data jack, which embedded in the left side of his rib-cage. His commlink is strapped onto the shoulder harness, behind the Hammerli, on that side. Its the armored, black-box.

¹Street Knowledge(Shedim): INT 4 + (default)-1: (3d6.hits(5)= [3,5,4] = 1)

[pbangarth]

12:30, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

"Shedim!" Yazata almost spits out the word. "I see now why Ahura Mazda has leading me here. I have dealing with those demons before, though I must saying, I destroy them always in the past. Never keep them alive... if can use that word.

"One good thing for you. Shedim hate me. This one, when it seeing me, will shower its evil on me before any of you. I will making good decoy for rest of you." He smiles grimly.

"This will taking much planning. Shedim are as cunning as they be evil. If this one is leader of organization here, then likely is a Master Shedim. Much worse. Very bad news. Only the strongest of will can even get close enough to place these things," he indicates the devices Ghoster has produced, "onto body. It give me pain to think I not destroy this evil right away. But you say, Ghoster, that you need information from this demon about others. What kind of evil works with things like this?

"This will taking much planning. I am... committed... to this hunt." Short and swarthy, Yazata may be overlooked in the throngs. But there is a steely determination in his eyes. Death will be the least feeble of excuses for failure in this endeavour.

[Crank]

Very Early Morning, 3 February, 2072 Oshodi-Isolo District, Lagos

Rasul pushed open the door to the shanty. Inside, Baako took a drag off his cigarette; long and slow. He appeared calm, despite what he must have heard outside a few minutes before.

Baako exhaled and snuffed the cigarette out on the table in front of him as Rasul stepped inside.

"It's been a long time, Baako," Rasul said, lowering the scarf the had concealed his face.

"It has, Rasul. Pity it could not be on more pleasant circumstances," Baako replied.

"You've only yourself to blame for that. You should have left well enough alone. I wouldn't have wasted my time with you."

"Alas, the bounty on you... It was too tempting."

"I suppose I would normally hold nothing against you for that. The greed is natural. But your men killed several others to get to me. Innocents lives. Now you owe a debt in blood to them," Rasul said as he moved closer.

Baako's hand began to twitch. "Please..." he whimpered. Yet, they both knew it was futile.

====

Rasul approached the building with some hesitancy. A lone light shone in one of the front windows. He had fought men that others would find terrifying without giving a second thought, yet merely coming to this place always gave him pause.

He reached out with a clawed finger and gave a couple sharp taps on the door. Loud enough to catch the notice of any that were awake inside, but hopefully quiet enough not to disturb the sleeping.

A few moments later, the door opened reavealing, Ata the priest. "Greetings, Rasul. What can I do for you this evening?"

Rasul grunted, "I have brought another donation, priest." He held up a cloth bag for Ata to see.

Ata nodded and motioned for him to enter. Once inside, Rasul felt, as he always did when he entered this shelter, as though a small weight were lifted from him. Inside, the building was two rooms, the small of which Rasul now stood in with Ata. Through a doorway Rasul could see the larger room, nearly filled with cots and bunk beds, each filled with a child or two of varying ages.

"Let's see what you have brought us," Ata said, stepping over to a small table. Rasul dumped the contents of the sack and various pieces of gold jewelery and loose bills of various denominations spilled on the table.

"Very nice, Rasul," Ata said, rummaging through the various items. "This will help much. We are grateful."

Rasul nodded, his attention sliding back to the other room.

"You should visit during the day, Rasul. The children would love to meet their newest benefactor."

"I... I wouldn't want to scare them."

"Nonsense, Rasul. You can pass for human so they need not know otherwise. Besides, children can see when someone cares. But it wouldn't be just for them; the visit will do you some good as well. You have come far the past few months, but you have far yet to go."

"I will think on it," Rasul replied.

[Ezeckial]

12:30, 3 February 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(Honeypot:passive)

Fedora takes another drag on his cigarette "Corpse Stealers, I'll let the folks with the voodoo decide if we have enough mojo for that. I'm more of an electrons and bits type of guy. Although from the sounds of it, I'd be more happy to put a bullet in it's head than take it out alive. I don't envy you Yazata if your going to be playing decoy."

<<@Yazata: I'll find you a better firewall, free of charge, wouldn't want your electronics being.... possessed now would we. Just throw some of that magic my way when the drek hits the fans. Consider it an exchange of services.>>

Fedora tips his hat back a bit and looks to Ghoster, "Speaking of experiments and defenses, what environment does this.... Shedim... Find himself in? And what, if any, physical and matrix defenses does he have?"

[budoka05]

"You mean one of those corpse stealers? Will sticky shock even work on them? I doubt any sleep poisons would do much here."

Replying to Ambalo, Ghoster said, "Indeed, one of those corpse stealers. Fortunately, Shedim and our target are vulnerable to any metahuman weapon at your disposal. Stick-n-shock will have a solid effect."

"For those who do not know the details about a Shedim, they are creatures from alien astral realms. The can only exist in dead bodies on our realm and otherwise fade into nothingness. They have several notable special abilities: they can drain one's life's energy, or Karma, in which to feed themselves. However, such a process takes much time. Second, the creatures have projects an area around them that will promote decay and death. A sapient creature must will themselves to enter such a field. However the field can be turned on and off by the Shedim. Our devices will shut them off. Third, they can paralyze by touch, but it takes several moments of contact to do so. Our devices will neutralize that ability as well."

"You want with us try and bring one in? Crikey mate, I hope this team has got enough mojo to handle it. I can do a lot on the meat side of it, but I'd be more useful in the Never Never, than facin' off against anything from the Dreamtime."

Ghoster: "Precisely, capturing it is your main objective. Fortunately we have very talented magic here in this room and for your backup. I expound on that in a minute."

"This will taking much planning. Shedim are as cunning as they be evil. If this one is leader of organization here, then likely is a Master Shedim. Much worse. Very bad news. Only the strongest of will can even get close enough to place these things," he indicates the devices Ghoster has produced, "onto body. It give me pain to think I not destroy this evil right away. But you say, Ghoster, that you need information from this demon about others. What kind of evil works with things like this?"

"Yazata, you've made some very important observations. Yes, we believe the thing to be a Master Shedim. However, we also know it has been masquerading as metahuman and has been actively masking itself. Since it continues to act covertly, it can be taken by surprise."

"Regarding its associates, our intelligence indicates a wide variety of corporate and private interests. Those interests do not know the creature's true identity. If there are, we will be sure to take care of them in the future."

Fedora tips his hat back a bit and looks to Ghoster, "Speaking of experiments and defenses, what environment does this.... Shedim... Find himself in? And what, if any, physical and matrix defenses does he have?"

"The thing has setup a base in the Western district of the city, in Alimonsho. It looks like an operating minor corporate facility, but it's anything but. It utilizes well concealed cameras at the facility's perimeter. In side the facility, there will internal surveillance that can to some degree identify intruders. Several of the doors in the stair ways and lower levels have computer controlled doors to lock in individuals. Obviously, that is where you come in."

Turning to the group Ghoster continued, "While my associate brings in the holo projector, I shall describe the layout. The physical layout of the building is straight-forward. The building has 3 floors and a basement. It's shaped in an obtuse L with a leg pointing toward the east and the other leg pointing north-west. Inside the L is a main entrance and parking area. At the L's elbow, there is loading dock and helicopter port."

"For magical security, the facility has an extensive number of wards covering the exterior. Inside, the floors are warded from each as well as many of the walls separating sections of the building. In areas surrounding the Master's Shedim's lair at the basement, there are several special wards and quickened spells that have thus far prevented a direct assault by my employer's assets. Obviously, we know there are many Shedim patrolling the inside in various bodies. Some bodies include the form of insects that appears to act as a rapid response team to an intrusion. Other Shedim appear to know how to use firearms, but not proficiently.

[pbangarth]

12:35, 3 September 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

"Mithra's chariot! There are insect spirits as well? Is there no end to the horrors this thing visits upon the world? Your maps will be very helpful. I can update them with my own ...reconnaissance?... from a distance without alerting the defenders, though the wards may block my view of some areas.

"These devices of yours. Just so we are sure, they work only once placed on the demon, yes? We will still have to deal with it and its powers until we place them on it?"

[budoka05]

12:35, 3 September 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos

Ghoster spoke quickly, "Heavens no, they are Shedim in the bodies of dead insects. We don't know how they managed that feat, but they have the advantage of swarming in small spaces."

"Yazata, you may certainly perform extra reconnaissance, but Fedora might be more apt. We've yet to tap into their video."

[Faraday]

12:35, 3 September 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos

Ambalo takes notes down on his comm. "Can Shedim see with other sight, your aura? This suit has a chameleon coat and can be made to release no warmth to show up in heat vision, so the only other ways to see me are through sound and my aura. Also, do you know how hard the doors are? I may be able to open them by force if needed. I also wonder what other magic defense there is. Is it really just wards and these shedim?

Oh, and I'm with Solo as far as dealing with magic is concerned. I can put an arrow through an armored car and out the other side, my Abiola can spit bullets almost as fast as a minigun, and my axes will cut through military armor, but I can't turn someone into a Gomatia."

[Ezeckial]

12:35, 3 September 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos

Fedora's eyes seem to shimmer from within at the mention of a challenge. "Their internal camera's are probably accessible from outside. The internal security doors are probably segmented from the rest of the network, and may require on site work to override. First thing I need to see if I can access the node from here, or if I have to get closer."

Fedora opens an AR window and starts searching for the 'minor' corp facilities node.

[pbangarth]

12:35, 3 September 2072, Ikeja District, Lagos
(PAN:passive)

"Good. Controlling the electronics would be great advantage. Maybe my Spatial Sense would serving better in seeking out alternative entries, such as from underground. I don't knowing how big facility is, but if are buildings nearby, I could map the terrain above and below ground from there. Maybe is something like sewer or older construction below ground we could use. Not likely to be cameras there."