OOC: SRM04-00: Back in Business, OOC thread for Back in Business Options

[Dak]

Do we want to do our planning OOC or IC?

[Slacker]

Well, how good is the picture MacCallister gave us? I could summon a Plant Spirit and it could search for her, assuming I have an accurate enough image of her to have "seen" her before.

Um...even if you had a perfectly up to date image of Fiona Seattle is a very big, sprawling city. It would take a great deal of time, we're talking weeks here at a minimum, for a spirit to look everywhere. If you had some sort of area for the spirit to target in his search that would help. They aren't omniscient or able to travel at the speed of light.

[Dak]

The airport is the best place to start. Check for flights coming from Greece last night. Talk to people who were there to see if anyone saw her.

See which cab companies have cabs parked out front, and see if any of those drivers saw her and/or call the cab companies and ask if they had a passenger matching her name last night.

Depending on difficulty, could hack or otherwise scan arrival/passenger records for her name.

I'll also call on a contact or two.

[taeksosin]

So, what's the plan for now? Everyone bustle on over to the airport? Hang out at a bar/club/Starbucks and see if the Matrix peeps can do their thing? I'm ride-less at the moment, so I'm hoping Legs will be gracious enough to offer us the use of his Rigger-mobile. If that's the case, I can start casing the airport's LTG to see how much difficulty I'm looking at getting in there.

[Dak]

Legs has a car, right? How much room does he have? Do we need to take separate vehicles? White is fine with taking a cab if necessary.

I've got a couple of contacts that might be able to help in digging up some details, but I'm inclined to do some legwork before calling contacts - since I doubt that any of them would respond "Oh! yeah! I just happened to have bumped into her/seen her at X place!"

So, yes to airport.

[Forces In Motion]

Legs actually has a RoadMaster, which (I think) should have plenty of room for everyone, though it might get a bit cramped with Gardner back there. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

EDIT: I'm going to have Legs shoot off a quick message to his female Lone Star friend to inquire about Fiona, just to see if there's a chance she might be able to come up with something.

EDIT 2: I'll have a post up for Legs bringing the RoadMaster around shortly.

[Slacker]

Legs give me a roll of Cha+Etiquette+Loyalty on that contact. Also, what was her Connection rating? (i don't have your character sheet in front of me at the moment)

[Forces In Motion]

Charisma (3) + Loyalty (3) = 5 hits

You know that's gonna be a glitch later.

Oh, and her Connection rating is 1.

[Slacker]

Unfortunately with the Connection rating she doesn't know anything (she got 0 successes when i rolled Connection X 2 to see how much info she had). "Never heard of this chick. Is she
cute?" is her only response and she's not even connected enough that you could pay her for more info.

[Forces In Motion]

Figures. Maybe I shoulda had the fixer look instead.

Oh well. Live and learn.

[taeksosin]

How tricked out is the Legs-mobile? Wanna give it proper appreciation.

[Forces In Motion]

Ha...well, to be honest, you should probably think of the Millennium Falcon when you look at Legs' RoadMaster. It's painted a dark neutral matte grey over the entire surface, and looks a little beat up, nothing really visible on the outside that makes it look all that impressive.

But then again, Legs is more about function than form. As Han Solo would say, she may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts.

And yes, if anyone makes a disparaging comment about the RoadMaster, that's exactly what he's going to say, complete with the Star Wars reference. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Kiirnodel]

Um...even if you had a perfectly up to date image of Fiona Seattle is a very big, sprawling city. It would take a great deal of time, we're talking weeks here at a minimum, for a spirit to look everywhere. If you had some sort of area for the spirit to target in his search that would help. They aren't omniscient or able to travel at the speed of light.

Actually, I'm talking about using a Spirit with the Search Power (pg. 297), Spirits of Air, Earth, and Water, and even Watcher spirits all have it by default. Fire or Plant Spirits can get it as an optional power as well. So that would be all of the different kinds of spirits I can summon.

Type:P Action: Complex Range: Special Duration: Special
The being may seek any person, place, or object. To find the target, the creature makes a Magic + Intuition (5, 10 minutes) Extended Test. Apply the dice pool modifiers from the Search Modifiers Table. The critter must have seen what it is searching for before; spirits may search out anything that their summoner provides them with a mental image of.
Critters with the Astral Form power may use Search in astral space and do not have to materialize while searching.

Search Modifiers Table
Situation : Threshold Modifiers
Target is more than a kilometer away : +kilometers
Target is a nonliving object or place : +5
Situation : Dice Pool Modifier
Target hidden by Concealment power : -concealer's Magic
Target hidden behind mana barrier : -barrier's Force

So the Search power would let a spirit search for any person, place, or object that it's summoner (me) can provide a mental image of. Now, I could see this being impeded by the fact that I haven't physically seen her, only a picture (hence my comment on its accuracy). If I am correct, this is one of the ways that Ritual Spellcasting is completed. A member of the ritual can use a bound spirit to use as the "spotter" for the spell, and the spirit can go and search for the subject the ritual is intended for...

But the power itself is legit Magic, as far as I can tell it finds the person in a mystical way. Like in movies, tv shows, or books when a spellcaster casts a locator spell using a crystal on string: the crystal points on a map, or pulls in the direction of the target. And it's up to the person using the power to follow it, which is why it takes time.

This is still an extended test, so it would be limited by the normal extended test degradation rules (-1 die per successive test), and the threshold is increased by distance, so I could see this still not succeeding, or even trying it, being told where she is and her having moved or something... And like I said, if the picture doesn't give me an accurate enough image, then it's perfectly reasonable for it to be a no go anyway.

I used this power once before to have a spirit track down an object in a Mission. It took 40 minutes, maybe more for a Force 5 spirit to find it, and by the time it did, we had tracked it down through other means. In that situation, we had been given schematics, which wasn't good enough, so we had to track down somebody who had gotten vid feed on it. But that was a non-living object, and as I said we had to have actual photos of it before I could start, a schematic wasn't good enough.

Only reason I mention this is because it did work for me in the past (even if it wasn't useful in the end). If you rule the power works differently or something I'll understand but I wanted to make sure everything was clarified.

[Slacker]

My vision of that power has always been that the mental image is more than just a photographic image. It would include the aura of the object/person. Even still. There is easily 200 kilometers of sprawl to Seattle(downtown being 93kilometers from your current location according to Google Maps). That's one hell of a threshold for the spirit to search through. Plus that picture is of the Salish wilderness, could she possibly have traveled into it again? That would add even more area to search.

So, like I said, you'd need some better idea of where to send the spirit searching.

Still. It is definitely is something you might try and I shouldn't stop you out of hand. You could get lucky. Tell me where exactly you will be doing the summoning so I can estimate the proper threshold. And roll up your summoned spirit and drain. I'm cool with that. I just wanted to make sure you understand the size of the task you're asking of the spirit.

[Slacker]

So I guess everybody piles into the Roadmaster and starts off the the SeaTac airport.

If anybody else is going to try their contacts along the way, tell me who you're calling and what their Connection rating is; then roll Cha+Ettiquette+Loyalty.

Quixote, if you plan to try hacking your way into the SeaTac's Node(s), tell me what programs you are actively running, and how you are accessing it (AR/VR; i assume hot sim if VR). Also what you are planning to do there. You're easily able to find their public node and connect to it will a standard user subscription. You will find that the node is sculpted to idealized version of the airport's terminal area. There is a large display of the current Arrival/Departure times of flights and a smartly-dressed "stewardess" standing behind a desk with a cheerful smile fixed to her face. She greets you with a warm welcome and asks if she can be any service to you today.

[taeksosin]

Custom Commlink - R:5 Sig: 5 Sys: 6 (5) FW: 6
-Analyze 6 (ergonomic, optimized)
-Browse 6 (optimized)
-Disarm 5
-Decrypt 5
-Encrypt 5
-Exploit 5 (mute)
Stealth 5 (ergonomic)

According to Chummer, I should be at full response still. Going to AR hack (kinda what I built for :D). Also, I believe I have this right, but since I'm AR hacking I'd assume that black IC is just doing damage to the persona and not to my neural structure.

As for hacking rolls themselves, I prefer throwing a batch of rolls for actions that can take multiple rolls (exploit, searching, disarm, etc.) and you can feel free to discard whatever's there that may not occur if an alert is tripped or something similar. I'll hold off on the IC post until I have results, since I don't want to make assumptions and throw off reality again. :D

Analyzing the Node - Would like in this order: Rating of System, Rating of Firewall, and whatever other bits of info you think might be useful
Computer + Analyze vs Firewall + Stealth (if the node has a stealth program)
Analyze (6) + Computer (4) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (12d6.hits(5)=3)

Going for Admin Access: Exploit + Hacking vs Firewall + 6
Exploit (5) + Hacking (6) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) + Codeslinger-Exploit (2) + Optimization-Exploit (1) (16d6.hits(5)=5)
Exploit (5) + Hacking (6) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) + Codeslinger-Exploit (2) + Optimization-Exploit (1) (16d6.hits(5)=3)
Exploit (5) + Hacking (6) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) + Codeslinger-Exploit (2) + Optimization-Exploit (1) (16d6.hits(5)=4)
Exploit (5) + Hacking (6) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) + Codeslinger-Exploit (2) + Optimization-Exploit (1) (16d6.hits(5)=9)

Disarming the node's Analyze program: Disarm + Hacking vs Firewall + System
Disarm (5) + Hacking (6) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (13d6.hits(5)=6)
Disarm (5) + Hacking (6) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (13d6.hits(5)=3)
Disarm (5) + Hacking (6) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (13d6.hits(5)=8)

Searching the records for Fiona Craig (what flight she was on, arrival time, any records of her commlink interacting w/airport systems such as vending machines, cabs, etc)
Browse (6) + Data Search (4) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (12d6.hits(5)=4)
Browse (6) + Data Search (4) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (12d6.hits(5)=4)
Browse (6) + Data Search (4) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (12d6.hits(5)=3)
Browse (6) + Data Search (4) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (12d6.hits(5)=4)

Staying online in the node while we're on the way over, ready to start looking for footage (assuming I get a positive on her using her commlink at some point in the airport/have her getting off the plane).

[ChromeZephyr]

I will place a call to my fixer (Connection 4). Doubtful she'll know anything, but it's better than sitting like a lump.

Charisma(2) + Ettiquette (2) + Loyalty (2) = 2 hits (and almost but not quite a glitch...phew)

[Kiirnodel]

Good point on just how much area we're talking. We probably need to narrow it down a bit...

Gardner will mention that once we've narrowed down our search to maybe a few kilometer (10 or less?) area, he can possibly use a spirit to guide us the rest of the way.


As is, I still have that Facial Recognition software that could aid in a camera search if someone's getting access to sensor systems.

[Slacker]

AR versus VR. Not sure if i'm forgetting something on your character sheet. But normally, AR hacking uses your regular Initiative, not your Matrix Initiative and does not grant you extra initiative passes. VR with cold sim uses Matrix Initiative (Response + Intuition) and grants you an extra initiative pass(total of 2 passes). VR with hot sim uses Matrix Initiative + 1 and grants you 2 extra initiative passes for a total of 3 passes.

Black IC and the Black Hammer program have no effect on AR users, only on users in Full VR are effected.

Quixote Analyzes the system and determines it is System 3, Firewall 3, and you can tell that this is a basic customer interface node. There are multiple other nodes connected to it (visually they are designated byhallways off to the sides of the desk you stand before along with a few doors of varying build/security quality).

Your first hacking roll is sufficient to grant you admin access. With a glitch in the movement of her neck the "stewardess" looks at you with a more genuine smile. "Oh...sorry sir. I apologize for not realizing who you were. What do you need access to?"

Your first roll to turn of the Analyze program similarly succeeds. Though as its taking effect the stewardess no longer has a smile. She is looking at you quite sternly. "Excuse me sir. Are you supposed to be here?"

I assume you're carrying on with your hacking? For reference, each attempt at Data Search on a single Node or all Nodes you are subscribed to takes a Complex Action. General/Public information has a threshold of 6 and Not Publicized information has a threshold of 12.

If you are gong to continue with those Data Search rolls you already made, why don't you go ahead and give me an Initiative Roll.

[Slacker]

ChromeZephyr your fixer contact asks if you tried calling the cab companies yet? And then she smirks a little and says if she might know a guy that could help you...depending on what it's worth.

[taeksosin]

Well, with Improved Reflexes 2, I'm already playing at 3IP, so I think I'll stick with the AR hacking for now.

Initiative: Reaction (2) + Intuition (3) + Improved Reflexes (2) (7d6.hits(5)=2)
So, 2 hits for a total of 9.
Writing up the IC post now. Before proceeding with the data search, debating restarting the stewardess (who I assume is IC or an agent) or just checking for any alerts and squashing them. Rolls needed either way?

[Slacker]

I'll say you were able to tell from your previous analyze roll that she is more a part of the environment, the visualization of the user interface that allows normal users to query current flight arrival/departure times, prices, etc. With admin access you'd be able to use her to search archived data like passenger info and such.
Quixote is familiar enough with the Matrix to suspect that his last action may have triggered and alert on the node and thus the changed attitude on the stewardess, though you still have full admin privileges and can use her for your search if you wish.

So, yeah, checking for an alert and squashing it might be a good idea. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[taeksosin]

Curious if multi-tasking gives me free perception checks in the matrix. If so, coolios, I'll take that as a free action and analyze the node for alerts. If not, suppose I'll just assume there's an alert. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Matrix Perception to check the node for an alert: Analyze (6) + Computer (4) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (12d6.hits(5)=6)

Turning the alert off, I'm thinking needs to be done via editing the logs? Hacking + Edit to pop it off the logs and make everything hunky-dory again? Gonna assume that for the moment.
Complex action to load up Edit. And that'd be the end of me for this IP.

[Slacker]

Wow, the dice are definitely not in your favor at least from the nodes side of rolling things. I rolled a d6 twice to have a bit of randomness to what it's response was and both times it was a 6!
But rebooting the system seems too harsh and would make this go too quickly. So, instead i'll just throw it's IC at you.
Following the loading of your edit program. The room echos with sound of an arriving airliner's engines followed immediately by a door behind the stewardess opening and a Pilot stepping out. "I don't believe you belong here sir. I'm going to have to ask you to leave now." As he walks forward he tosses the pilots wings that are pinned to his jacket at you. As soon as they are out of his hands they begin to flap their way to you (you would guess that he is attempting to trace you).

And now it's Quixote's action again.

[taeksosin]

Yeesh, just not my day today is it? Okay then...

If I remember correctly, tracing takes a bit of time to happen (ie a combat turn or three unless that's a very lucky IC).
So, if that thought's correct, I'd like to just go ahead and cancel the alert w/Hacking + Edit.
Edit (6) + Hacking (6) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (14d6.hits(5)=9)

Assuming this is successful/if I have the necessary actions available, I'll cancel the IC and send it scurrying back where it belongs.

If the assumption that tracing takes a decent chunk of time is not correct (at work, don't have my books in front of me, sorry!) then I'll attempt to disarm the trace.
Disarm (5) + Hacking (6) + PuSHeD (1) + Encephalon (1) (13d6.hits(5)=4)