Time/setting
I'm going to use timestamps like "Day 1: 1400", rather than "04/12/2072: 1400" to leave the door open for other GMs to hook into specific historical events. They will be in green
For my own convenience, I have set the adventure as starting in the Seattle area. I know the Agency doesn't have an official location, but I'm going with Seattle for now.

Posting style:
Italicize thoughts.
Character names in Bold.
"Regular quote marks around dialogue."
<<chevrons around private, electronic communications>>

Rolling:
Make your own rolls, honor system. Post them thus:
Attribute + Skill [+ other modifiers]
[write out results of roll here] = # hits (also note if glitch/crit glitch)
If you want to roll for something but aren't sure of the proper roll, post your best guess and I'll ask for something different if I need to.
If I want to keep modifiers secret, I'll roll the modifier dice and add hits for + modifiers, subtract hits for - modifiers.

Secrets:
I prefer PMs to spoilers, so I wont be using many of the latter. Up to you how you want to keep personal things personal for your character.

Karma/Edge
Karma will be awarded at the end of the run. I will probably refresh edge at least once during the run, but other than that I'm not telling.

The Team
Oracle (BlackHat): Adept investigator
Caca (DireRadiant): Street-sam socialite
Grandpa (Alex): Assassin & sniper
Ziro (DeBadAss): Mage
You guys may decide that someone with vehicle skills is needed. If so, we can either try and recruit another player or work up an NPC that gets hired.

Everybody check in and let me know that you're good to go, and I'll start the IC thread.

"What do you damn kids want?" asked Grandpa. Really, you'd think they would let an old man get some rest.

-----

"Party Time!" answered Caca

Ziro, Checking in.

Sorry, missed the bit about checking in.

Oracle was ready yesterday.

What kind of Oracle didn't know ahead of time to check in?

Ok, I've posted the IC thread. Who's doing what at the meet? Is there one person negotiating for the group, are you all going in together, etc.

Is it standard to negotiate agency contracts?

Cinzia has base 8 - 11 dice for negotiations

Also of note, since vehicles are mentioned, Cinzia has skillwires and the following activesofts Pilot Ground Craft 1, Pilot Aircraft 1, Pilot Watercraft 1

Not sure, I guess we're setting a precedent.
I would say it's not *standard*, but not disallowed. I.e. if you feel like you're being lowballed, go ahead and talk the J up, but remember that aggressive negotiation might wind up with complaints being sent to the Agency.
Also, it's not just negotiating price, but perhaps there's something the J knows that he/she doesn't want to reveal, but some sweet talking might get it out of them.
And those may be enough, time will tell.

Grandpa has wires as well with a 2 in Ground and Air if I remember correctly. (Work has this thing about wikis for some reason so I can't check right now.)

-----

I will post IC when I get home. Too much goodness to properly frame a response while here in corpville.

Assuming someone has some social skills, Oracle will stand quietly to the side and observe - available for questions if whoever is speaking for us has any questions. Upon entering, he'll assense those in the room.

Intuition 5 + Assensing 4 + Enhanced Perception 4 + Limbic 3 + Qualia 1 =13 dice.

I'll just buy three successes on everyone in the room (Johnson, bodyguards, and the PCs too)

Also, since it is going to come up sooner rather than later, when I use precognition, would you like the questions to stick to the form of yes/no questions? The description of the metamagic just says it has to be a question, but all of the examples given are yes/no questions - but it also says that the amount of information gained is based on the net successes, and if the information is basically "yes" or "no" then it doesn't seem to make any sense to have net successes matter.

And, to test the waters, here:

First question (yes/no anyway) "Will this Johnson double-cross us?" (I figure that is always a good one to get out in the open, if it is going to happen.)

Logic 8 + Arcana 7 + Neocortical 3 + PuSHeD 1 + Encephelon 1 + Analytics 4 = 24 dice (20 if analytics doesn't apply here, but it is a logic-based test to decipher something)

Again, I'll just buy 6 (or 5) hits. Which should give me a fairly detailed vision of how our final dealing with this Johnson should go.

Ziro will be providing Magical Overwatch, of course. Ziro has a bit of a reputation, and thinks it would be best for him to stay in the background. In fact, he would prefer to attend astrally, if that is appropriate. He'll do whatever the group's negotiator advises on that.

BTW: I updated Ziro's character sheet, and included his reputation stats:

I found that the wiki would not let me update the attached spreadsheet. Takes an administrator.

Grandpa has Charisma 4 + Influence Group 3 = 7 dice for Negociations. I don't think he is our best choice.

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@ dionysus

Grandpa will be wearing his Actioneer Business Suit. He will take up a position on the side of the room actively observing his surroundings and sizing up the bodyguards in case action is needed. If the J didn't specify a weapons policy he will also have his Colt Manhunter loaded with gel rounds. No matter the weapons policy, he will have his monowhip in his fingertip compartment.

re. weapons: hand-held SA or smaller weapons are permitted.

@DBA: fixed permissions for file operations, give it a go. I have no problem with astral attendance, you'll just have to specify where your meatbody is.

Regarding the maps, here ya go.

It sounds liek Cinzia should do any negotiations, if there is to be any. Oracle is fine with accepting the job as it stands, but won't complain if we can get a little more.

Let's add one more posting style: if you want to communicate privately over your networks (i.e. subvocals or electronic message), put it in chevrons <<like this>>

Grandpa is going to take the sideline view again for a minute and actively observe the J and his "escorts". He is looking for any identifying marks, tell-tale signs of hidden weapons, etc. He will also note metatype, apparent age, weight, height, etc.

Intuition (4) + Perception (4) + Specialization: Visual (2) + Actively looking (3) = 13
I will buy 4 successes.

Ziro debates and decides not to put off the inevitable. He will attend the meeting "in the flesh".
Magic + Conjuring + Mentor + Focus [5 4 5 4 4 5 4 4 5 5 4 1 4 3] = 5 hits
Spirit Resists [6 6 2 3 6 4] = 3 hits
Willpower + Charisma [3 5 3 5 5 5 6 2 1] = 5 hits
Ziro Conjures Force 6 Air Spirit with 2 services. Takes 1 Point of Physical Damage.
Logic -1 + Medkit [4 4 1 2 5 1 3 3 4] = 1 hit.
Ziro heals 1 point of Physical Damage

Astral Perception, outside [Results:1 1 4 2 4 1 2 HITS:0]
Astral Perception, inside [Results:4 4 4 6 3 5 2 HITS:2]

Ok, seems like everyone (with the possible exception of Ziro) is content with the terms. I'd like to wait and see if Caca has anything to say before we clinch the deal.

Assuming it's important, can I get a line on my questions?

"What are the terms?", Ziro wants to know.

@Ziro: Well, so far it's 15k upon delivery, looks like there might be some negotiation from Cinzia. The offer is 15k for the group: if that's too low for you, let Cinzia know IC.

@DireRadiant, how about a negotiation roll?

@Alex:
Both bodyguards are adult trolls, in *very* good health. Pretty run of the mill for 30-something trolls, i.e. tall, wide & built like an APC. There are some not-so-concealed weapons in their jackets: large pistol/light machine gun sized. Experience tells you they've almost certainly got some smaller weapons on their persons (knives and such), but they're too well concealed to see just what and where. If the J is carrying heat, you can't tell. It doesn't seem like it's his style, but stranger things have happened.
Re identifying marks: the Johnson is squeaky clean. If it's a makeup job, it's impenetrable. The bodyguards have evidence of a violent lifestyle: some scars, a broken nose on one of them, dings in the horns, etc. The one to your left is actually missing the last 4 inches of his right horn. No visible tattoos or other markings, but there could very well be something under the business suit. There is one thing: these may be the first troll bodyguards you've ever seen in suits that actually fit well. You grudgingly admit they look pretty sharp.

Cha 4 + Negotiation 4 + Tailored Pheremones 3
1 2 3 6 6 5 2 1 4 3 1 = 3 hits

Out of character: Here are some facts that the Agency's negotiator should know.

Ziro's lifestyle costs 5,000 nuyen/month.
It costs 7,500 nuyen to bind a spirit. (+ possible medical expenses )

In character: Ziro expects the Agency to understand the economic facts of life. There are two questions, How long is this supposed to be, and what level of effort do they expect Ziro to make. Considering Ziro's past, he would take consider assignment to a low paying job, or a low-ball bid to be a personal message from the Agency to himself.

Of course, if this particular group has never worked together before, then Ziro wouldn't know whether any of the others have been briefed by the Agency on these particular points. I will assume this is the case, and brief Cinzia on fact number two.

To be fair, I wouldn't expect the Agency to demand more money just because Oracle's lifestyle is 30,000 a month. That's a choice he makes.

Similarly, if our street-sam had a gun full of bullets that cost $7,500 a pop - no matter how good they are, we would want him to use them as a last resort. Especially if he's only making $5,000 on a particular job.

Still, bringing up that fact might lend us an edge in negotiation. "Understand, sir, that for $5000, you have my attention for a few days. I have bound spirits at my beck and call, but each service runs close to $5,000, so for what you are offering, I will not be pulling these resources to bear on your problem. Now, if you'd like to consider our 'Premium' package..."

Re. the Agency & money: my thought is that the Agency has already gotten their cut from the Johnson and then perhaps set a suggested bargaining price. The Johnson might well be amenable to upping the bid: nobody's tried for more money, just for some up front.

Also, since we're feeling our way through the whole Agency thing, if you guys feel OOC that I'm lowballing you (nothing to do w/ Johnson negotiations), let me know. I will look at lifestyle costs (should have already....bad GM!).

Things like bound spirits, ammo, medical expenses, vehicle repairs....I dunno. Call it overhead? But seriously, I don't want to starve you guys out.

Up to you guys. I'm just opening up the talk, who knows, could end up promising to pay the Johnson for all the fun we are about to have.

We can't afford to pay him much!

@DireRadiant:
Johnson rolls
Negotiation 5 + CHA 5:
[3,1,6,6,6,1,6,6,2,4] = 5 hits (2 net hits)

[edit] no, I can subtract, really[/edit]

Ok, I added up the lifestyles and decided my first offer was far too low. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa, I should have done my homework first, I can only plead that I'm trying to start 2 different groups at once. New starting offer: 35k, I've edited the first IC post to reflect this. Negotiated offer so far is 10% up front and the J is willing to entertain in-kind payment.

I promise to be more on the ball in the future (ahahahahahhaa....)

Now we'll be less likely to steal the transportation provided for our own personal gain and more likely to concentrate on the job.

I edited my posts accordingly.

I assume everyone (meself included) is busy in RL and not offended/bored/furious/terminally ill.

Just FYI, I start my p&p game this weekend, so my attention might be a little spotty, esp on Sunday.

That would be correct on my end.

Grandpa is, of course, fuming about something and muttering, "Damn kids." when he gets the chance.

Looking forward to more action moving forward.

Happy September everyone...are we still all on board? IIRC, the Johnson is waiting for you guys to counter-offer or accept terms. Thoughts?

We need a clear cut negotiator. I had Grandpa speak up due to a lull in the initial posts. He is hardly a face though. I'm good with a fast forward to legwork and we can back fill any negotiation rolls the face comes up with.

I think DR's character makes the best negotiator - but I think the terms are fine the way they are now, and I can't think of anything else to ask him to arrange for us (gearwise).

I thought I lost the negotiation test?

You did, but the Johnson made a counter offer - 10% up front and an inquiry about possible help with gear. It's not what you asked for, but you guys are Agency pros and the Johnson would rather the meeting end cordially (i.e. without you guys feeling completely screwed).

Ok, I went ahead and wrapped up the meet IC. Handwaving, handwaving: the meet is finished. If there's still stuff to be negotiated, work it out with me OOC, and we'll time-warp it in. I think we'd all like to move on.

Anyone have legwork/shopping/etc. they want to get to?

Grandpa wants to check out the area with as much detail as he can. Topography, wind speed, wind direction, area history, etc. What legalities will he need to pay attention to? Plans on taking heavy pistols and his sniper rifle.

Ziro is wondering if the accomodations include a satellite uplink. There is also the transportation issue. Does the group need to hire an NPC driver with vehicle, or will the Johnson provide?


How did your handwaving affect the Bound Spirits issue? Did Cinzia ever ask the Johnson? How did the Johnson respond?

As for legwork/shopping/etc.: Does your handwaving mean 10% of 35k divided four ways equals 875 nuyen each? Or do we need to use the money to hire transportation, satellite communications, etc?

And you are right, DBA would like to move on!!!

My understanding is that the team consists of a street samurai / face, an astral samurai, a sniper, and an investigator. What secondary / backup roles is each PC able to fill. I think the team should get to know each others capabilities before we go out into the boonies.

For instance, after "the incident", Ziro has come to realize that he is sorely lacking in survival skills. He also understands the need to be prepared, and hopes that someone in the group has survival skills to spare.

Aside from Astral Protection, the only skills Ziro has to offer are Magical Healing, and the Influence Spell.

Cinzia will hand over the codes and all the nuyen to the team accountant.

So what can we do as a team to track a package besides letting Oracle predict where it goes?

And to do that, Oracle would need to be touching or astrally sensing the package... which would negate the need to do so.

I did my best by glancing at the future of the Johnson, which is tied to the package, and to the information we provide. I specifically didn't ask too many questions about us, so that I could leave the window open to do so once the adventure began.

Oracle would like to phone Dionysus, which I will IC soon, to ask a few questions about the legends surrounding Diana, and maybe see if any of the other symbolism has any ties to Greek mythology that I just didn't catch.

@Ziro: Matrix connection is included: consider the accomodations a low-mid lifestyle. Re. bound spirits, nobody ever got around to asking; give a negotiation roll if anyone wants to try for it. Transportation & accomodations are provided for the week; if you decide you need to go off chasing things, you can either fork over or see if the Johnson can provide a pilot/aircraft for the duration. The 10% is just money up front in case you have "personal" needs, the Johnson will take care of getting you in place.

@Grandpa: re. legalities, the location is over the border in Salish lands, specifically Cascade Ork territory. The Johnson didn't seem to think it would be a problem, but dust off those fake IDs anyway.

@Oracle: do post IC about your meet w/ Dionysus (BTW, that was a totally unintentional tie-in on my part. Cool.)

In case it wasn't clear just from the IC post - Oracle is using psychometry on the statue - but I suspect all he picks up are grieving or sad impressions from people who visit the memorial to remember those who died in Chicago. If anything else crazy jumps out, feel free to let me know.

Once left to his thoughts, Oracle will also check online for the phases of the moon for the upcoming week (where the mission should take place). AFAIK, we didn't set an exact date for this IC thread, so it might just be random - but if the moon is either particularly present, or absent during those days, that might be good to know.

I might think of something else I want to check out while I'm here, but otherwise, my plan is just to have Oracle enjoy the park for the rest of hte day, or until the team needs him. Ideally, he'll predict when he will be next contacted by the team, and beat them to the punch by contacting them earlier, or placing himself conveniently nearby - but since I have no idea when or if you guys will want to get a hold of him, I leave that up to you, if it would make your post cooler. If Dionysus is okay with it (based on average dice rolls), I don't mind if anyone else puts Oracle on scene, or has him call them up if it would be helpful.

Otherwise, I think Oracle is set to move forward to the mission - so, if no one else has any other legwork to do in Seattle, we can move on to the departure, too. I'd like to get a good look at this plane before we get into it, though!

Is everyone ready to go ahead, and you're just waiting on me? 'S awful quiet out there.

Payment accepted on Fast Forward Post™.

Please proceed.

Ziro has a few things he would like to do after the meeting and before the mission. How much time will he have?



Yeah, I thought Cinzia aka DireRadiant was going to do that. He hasn't posted IC in a while.

Ziro is not good at negotiating, and won't waste karma on this.

De Badd Ass is ready for the meeting to end, and for the game to proceed.