Dumpshock Forums > Trans-global Ghost Cartels campaign

Knight Saber

Jan 23 2009, 08:50 AM

QUOTE (Octopiii @ Jan 22 2009, 07:02 PM)

Not so sure about that. The MAD scanner will still pick up the presence of weapons; olfactory sensors can also pick up the presence of gunpowder/explosives (vehicle mask only effects vision/sight, I believe). Also, astral surveillance can pick up the spell, though admittedly that is a rare case. Best bet is to have the TM just hack the scanner, but I always like to have back up plans.

Too bad neither mage has Influence, it's such a useful spell. Some spirits have a very similar power, though (compulsion, I believe). The concealment power is also very useful in getting by security posts as well. Fishbreath is pretty good at climbing and sneaking from years of hijacking ships if it gets down to it.

Video surveillence is the TM's job, naturally.

.

Physical Mask says "alters voice, scent and other physical characteristics" while Vehicle Mask says it alters "Sound, smell and other characteristics," enough to even alter the signature rating (which would thus even include radar and sonar). So if you're P-Masked as an unarmed person, even MAD sensors and chemsniffers should show you as clean. Of course, the presence of a Glow Wand will show that there's a spell in effect, so the face would have to distract attention away from the wand until the drone is through the checkpoint.

pbangarth

Jan 23 2009, 04:45 PM

Lines of discussion like this could turn out to be very fruitful for the party. Keep up the good work, gang.

Peter

pbangarth

Jan 25 2009, 08:38 PM

Alright, I see that currently the extent of the party's Matrix capability is ChiPsiUp's Skullcracka with Hacking 3, Electronic Warfare 3 and Electronics Group 4. This may change if unseen joins with a TM or hacker.

I also have been thinking about ways to streamline online play, conversation and mechanics. I have come up with a set of rules for Matrix interaction which should make play faster (ie. keep me from having to think too hard

) but still allow the specialists to shine.

1)
Matrix tests will follow the regular SR4 pattern of Attribute + Skill. So a Hacking pool will be

LOG + Hacking + modifiers

Defaulting is or is not allowed as per SR4.

2)
Hits will be limited to the Rating of the applicable software. So a Stealth Test would be

LOG + Hacking + modifiers {limited to Stealth software rating}

EDG dice circumvent this limit, in similar fashion to its effect on spellcasting hits being limited by Force.

3)
Open Source software optional rules (Unwired p. 110) are in effect. So, anyone with any Matrix skill can have -all- Open Source software for free at Rating 4 if they maintain a 'warez' contact. (ChiPsiUp this may affect your choice of contacts (or lack thereof

) and gear costs.

4)
If you wish access to higher Rating software or access without a 'warez' contact, follow the BP costs as per SR4.

I am not sure how this system will meld with technomancy, but we'll cross that bridge if necessary. I would like to try this simplified system for a game or two to see how it works... does the Matrix end of things seem fun and realistic enough, for example.

After we have given it a try, we can shoot holes in it.

Fyndhal

Jan 26 2009, 06:36 PM

I realized on Friday (when Dumpshock was down, actually) that we'll be playing during the Superbowl. I'm DVRing it and skipping my friends party, so if anyone mentions a score, I'll shoot 'em!

Looking forward to starting!

Mau's token for the chat program.
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2521/mauvq9.png

Update on Mau character sheet. Tweaked equipment; everything else is the same. I'd screwed up the Availability on my Contact Lenses, ditched the GPS and got a Survival Knife (GPS included!) instead, and had forgotten to actually pay for the Colt Manhunter!

[ Spoiler ]

pbangarth

Jan 27 2009, 07:05 AM

OK, I've downloaded Maptools and Tokentools from the RPTools website Fyndhal points to in post #12.

Here it is again.

Maptools comes with a player quickstart tutorial, as well as more complete info for the GM and players who want to know more. I am running through how to set up a link with players, including how to sleaze firewalls in my computer (

) so I should be ready in a day or so to test things out, so keep an eye out for an invitation here. Tokentools allows you to make a player token for yourself, as Fyndhal already has done. There are some readymade tokens, most of which look pretty D&Dish.

Particularly have a look at the dice rolling functions and the macros you can set up to do standard rolls for various actions. Shadowrun things like counting hits and exploding dice can be done through the program. For the first game, have some dice ready by your computer just in case we aren't up to speed yet.

Maptools works with a text chat box, and says VoIP is available too, but I haven't seen the instructions for that yet.

Any maps I provide for you extra from what I got online for Ghost Cartels may be primitive this first run. Bear with me, please.

I'm getting excited!

Knight Saber

Jan 27 2009, 09:14 AM

QUOTE (Fyndhal @ Jan 26 2009, 11:36 AM)

I realized on Friday (when Dumpshock was down, actually) that we'll be playing during the Superbowl. I'm DVRing it and skipping my friends party, so if anyone mentions a score, I'll shoot 'em!

Looking forward to starting!

Mau's token for the chat program.
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2521/mauvq9.png

Update on Mau character sheet. Tweaked equipment; everything else is the same. I'd screwed up the Availability on my Contact Lenses, ditched the GPS and got a Survival Knife (GPS included!) instead, and had forgotten to actually pay for the Colt Manhunter!

Counterspelling 6
Sorcery 5

Can you start with both a level 5 and a level 6 skill? I thought it was either two 5s or one 6.

I've used Maptools before and it worked pretty well. Mac users may have to find a certain patch to get it to open up at higher levels of memory. Big maps can slow it down if you're running it on the default low-memory setting, I found.

Fyndhal

Jan 27 2009, 04:07 PM

QUOTE

Can you start with both a level 5 and a level 6 skill? I thought it was either two 5s or one 6.

Oh, good catch. Dammit...looks like another edit! Not a bad thing really...I was eyeing my 2 Gymnastics and thinking it needed to be higher, anyway. I just hate being "That Guy" who keeps altering his character right up to game day. Terrible habit.

[ Spoiler ]

ChiPsiUp

Jan 28 2009, 03:29 AM

Map tools has always been good for me.

Have you tested it to make sure people can connect to you? When hosting, if you're behind a router or firewall you may need to open up some ports or people won't be able to connect.

pbangarth

Jan 28 2009, 04:03 AM

Yup, I'm working on that. When I have info to give you, I will PM the players.

Octopiii

Jan 28 2009, 05:37 AM

QUOTE (Fyndhal @ Jan 27 2009, 08:07 AM)

Oh, good catch. Dammit...looks like another edit! Not a bad thing really...I was eyeing my 2 Gymnastics and thinking it needed to be higher, anyway. I just hate being "That Guy" who keeps altering his character right up to game day. Terrible habit.

I've been keeping myself from looking at Fishbreath for the same reason. Occasionally, I think "well, maybe I can get a more stealthy gun", but then I remind myself that Fishbreath Is Done.

QUOTE

$ = +1 Drain Resist from Fetish)

I believe fetishes give +2 dice to resist drain, unless that has been errata'd.

I'll have to give maptools a try later on. have we heard from Unseen or Iscariot? We'll have some extra challenges if the team lacks a face or matrix support. Not that Fishbreath would mind too much, but then, he's used to being shot at

. It's you youthful academic types that I'm worried for!

Knight Saber

Jan 28 2009, 05:22 PM

QUOTE (Octopiii @ Jan 27 2009, 10:37 PM)

I've been keeping myself from looking at Fishbreath for the same reason. Occasionally, I think "well, maybe I can get a more stealthy gun", but then I remind myself that Fishbreath Is Done.

I just stumbled across the notion of putting Arsenal weapon mods on Lamia's weapon focus... Lanyard, maybe personalized grip... hard to resist the temptation of +1 more attack skill.

I must ask though... does Fishbreath have a Body score? I don't see it on his sheet.

pbangarth

Jan 28 2009, 06:03 PM

The first stat (S:6( 7 ) ) is mislabeled, and should be B:6 ( 7 ).

Iscariot

Jan 28 2009, 06:55 PM

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have been having some issues around the house with pulling my kitchen out due to some black mold in the walls from a leaky pipe. It's kept me somewhat busy so I have not had the time to properly devote to the game. I apologize, but I am going to have to drop-out since I cannot devote the attention the game, the GM, and the other players deserve.

I would like to keep up with the game as a spectator though and hope you have no problems with me lingering.

Thanks and Good Gaming!

pbangarth

Jan 28 2009, 07:34 PM

Fight the evil infestation now, buddy. I've been there. Maybe later you can join at an appropriate point.

Iscariot

Jan 28 2009, 11:52 PM

QUOTE (pbangarth @ Jan 28 2009, 11:34 AM)

Fight the evil infestation now, buddy. I've been there. Maybe later you can join at an appropriate point.

If it's possible, I'll hold you to that.

For now, I think Mau has a high enough Charisma, Influence skills, and an emotitoy to make a decent face. Moreso than most of the Face write-ups in the books.

Looking forward to hearing how the group works out this Sunday.

Fyndhal

Jan 29 2009, 12:04 AM

QUOTE (Iscariot @ Jan 28 2009, 03:52 PM)

If it's possible, I'll hold you to that.

For now, I think Mau has a high enough Charisma, Influence skills, and an emotitoy to make a decent face. Moreso than most of the Face write-ups in the books.

Looking forward to hearing how the group works out this Sunday.

Mau is an ok Backup Face as a character. He's not meant to be the main face...so here's hoping you can make it in soon! I, as a player, am not great at Faces.

ChipheadCharley

Jan 29 2009, 12:05 AM

Okay, since I'm lurking about and had the same problem no more than 6 months ago take some advice (please). Check your ceiling drywall also. The spores travel like crazy. I found my mold on accident when I busted through my dry wall when I was replacing my cabinets. I cleaned what i could and replaced the rest but didnt bother to look up while I had everything disassembled. Long story short...I ended up putting up cabinets twice.

pbangarth

Jan 29 2009, 12:15 AM

Look in all directions, including up. sounds like good advice.

Iscariot

Jan 29 2009, 01:34 AM

QUOTE (ChipheadCharley @ Jan 28 2009, 04:05 PM)

Okay, since I'm lurking about and had the same problem no more than 6 months ago take some advice (please). Check your ceiling drywall also. The spores travel like crazy. I found my mold on accident when I busted through my dry wall when I was replacing my cabinets. I cleaned what i could and replaced the rest but didnt bother to look up while I had everything disassembled. Long story short...I ended up putting up cabinets twice.

I called an emergency restoration crew out and they tested the rest of the house. The ceiling and the rest of the house is clean. The entire kitchen is taped off with plastic and is full of dehumidifiers and dryers right now. The infected drywall, floor tiles, and cabinets were hauled off by the company and disposed of. The room is gutted and you wouldn't even kow it was a kitchen if not for the plumbing and gas lines visible in the gaping maws that were once walls. It looks like it is all gone, but we're giving it a few days and then having it all tested again.

Luckily, my bosses' insurance will cover it all and I will end up with all new cabinets, flooring, and appliances. We already got the pipes replaced to make sure the leakage that caused the mold doesn't come back. I'm just happy it didn't get into the ventilation ducts since that will FUBAR the whole house.

I appreciate the advice, though. This is annoying as hell and the insurance company is taking it's sweet time. They seem to think they can wait 3-4 weeks to get it all done. I've been arguing that I can't properly care for my kids and pets with no kitchen. If they don't hasten it up some, I'll call on the big guns (my wife, who is a viscious lil firecracker..hehe)

Enough of my woes and back to ShadowRun!

pbangarth

Jan 30 2009, 09:35 PM

I have been familiarizing myself with MapTool. I'm having two technical difficulties having to deal with making a two-way connection for MapTool.

1) the lesser
My anti-virus software is McAfee. I can get to the panel that allows new programs to pass through McAfee's firewall, but it only allows me to permit .exe files, and MapTool is a .jar file. Worse comes to worst, I can probably just turn off McAfee, but if someone can twig me to what I should do, I would appreciate it.

2) the greater
The router I am using belongs to the friend from whom my wife and I are renting a floor of her home. I can't seem to find the documentation that will tell me what her password is. She should be home in about 4 hours, and then I hope I can get into it to allow MapTool. I may run into the .exe/.jar thing there too, so again, help would be appreciated.

Fyndhal

Jan 30 2009, 10:18 PM

Possible work around, if needed?

http://forums.rptools.net/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2978

pbangarth

Jan 30 2009, 10:31 PM

I read through the dialogue of Hamachi users, and it does seem to be a bypass of the server firewall issue. If I can't get this thing going early this evening (my time) I will check out Hamachi as a support for MapTool.

Thanks, Fyndhal.

pbangarth

Jan 30 2009, 11:55 PM

I am to the point where I can run the Gm and two players ( both me) on my computer. I am not sure, however, whether the firewalls have been circumvented, as I am doing it all from my own computer. I would like to test a connection with one or more of you who has Maptool set up. I will try to be back on around 7:30 pm. Mountain Time. I will PM players the connection information.

EDIT: 8:00 pm, sorry. Tonight is the big soup contest at Linda's place.

pbangarth

Jan 31 2009, 03:53 AM

I'm on. Let's give it a try.

pbangarth

Jan 31 2009, 04:20 AM

Fyndhal and I have given it a try, and it seems to work. I will be on and off in the next day or so, in case people want to try their connections. Sunday, at 13:00 Mountain Time is when the great adventure begins.

pbangarth

Jan 31 2009, 09:47 PM

To make play begin more easily, I am creating a fixer, Jimmi the Latt, as a free contact for all of you. All PCs will have run missions for this fixer and know other members of his 'stable', perhaps even having run missions with some or all of the other players here. Because of this connection among you, I will expect that all of you have read each other's PC's stats and bios (you have, anyway) and this can represent your PCs familiarity with each other.

You may begin play as if the PCs are familiar with each other.

Shortly your PCs will receive a message in the IC thread for Trans-global from Jimmi. Please respond there as to your availability.

Jimmi the Latt - Fixer -- tag line : "All business, nothing but business, best in the business."

Connections 6 - international ties and networks
Loyalty (to your PCs) 2 - all business, ....

- Suggestions of former military service, arms dealing, smuggling
- Speaks multiple languages
- Does not require exclusivity from runners who work for him
- Jimmi brings lucrative work, dumps anyone who demonstrates incompetence
- Working for Jimmi means you have arrived in Seatle and are deemed to be a 'professional'

pbangarth

Feb 1 2009, 06:33 AM

I will be up and running before 13:00 Mountain Time. I will check here for messages if someone is having trouble connecting.

Any pre-game teamwork/setup, feel free to use the IC thread.

pbangarth

Feb 1 2009, 07:19 AM

This probably matters: I am running maptool-1.3.b49. Fyndhal had to change from a later version to this one in order to link to the campaign. Don't know about earlier versions.

Knight Saber

Feb 1 2009, 09:17 AM

QUOTE (pbangarth @ Feb 1 2009, 12:19 AM)

This probably matters: I am running maptool-1.3.b49. Fyndhal had to change from a later version to this one in order to link to the campaign. Don't know about earlier versions.

Just updated to that version and used the Mac fix to let it open up at useful amounts of memory. I was using a much older version.

And in the next-to-last minute character update department, I forgot to buy any flares for Lamia's micro-flare launcher, so added those in and an Image Link for her glasses, to better enjoy AR.

pbangarth

Feb 1 2009, 03:24 PM

OK.

Fyndhal

Feb 2 2009, 01:07 AM

Since I apparently need software for my AR, a few changes for next run:

Drop Sustain (Health) 2 focus to power 1, use the karma to increase resources from 55k to 60k
Add Analyze, Browse, Command, Edit, Encrypt, Reality Filter and Scan rating 4
Add Chrysler-Nissan Jackrabbit...which I sadly have to rely on Pilot 1 software to run.

Unseen

Feb 2 2009, 01:47 AM

Sorry guys. I’ve been on planes for the past 18 hours. I’ll post a final spec within the next few days. I hope the run went well.

pbangarth

Feb 2 2009, 05:23 AM

They're all still alive!

Knight Saber

Feb 2 2009, 06:28 AM

I got to demonstrate what a critical glitch was on an assensing test!

QUOTE (Fyndhal @ Feb 1 2009, 06:07 PM)

Since I apparently need software for my AR, a few changes for next run:

Drop Sustain (Health) 2 focus to power 1, use the karma to increase resources from 55k to 60k
Add Analyze, Browse, Command, Edit, Encrypt, Reality Filter and Scan rating 4
Add Chrysler-Nissan Jackrabbit...which I sadly have to rely on Pilot 1 software to run.

Oops, I don't have any of that software either... hope the commlink's own software is good!

Also, Mau has a Reaction of 3, so he can default drive with a skill of 2... twice as good as the autopilot!

ChiPsiUp

Feb 3 2009, 09:48 AM

So when are we thinking for our next session? I actually have a few days off from around the 26th of February till the 3rd of March, so sometime then would work great for me.

Octopiii

Feb 3 2009, 09:40 PM

Sadly, not a single shot was fired. Fishbreath got to take drugs and act shamelessly sleazy however, so as far as he's concerned, the run is a smashing success right now!

pbangarth

Feb 4 2009, 02:31 AM

QUOTE (ChiPsiUp @ Feb 3 2009, 02:48 AM)

So when are we thinking for our next session? I actually have a few days off from around the 26th of February till the 3rd of March, so sometime then would work great for me.

The weekend in there would be the best for me.

Fyndhal

Feb 7 2009, 04:56 PM

The 28th or the 1st are both fine with me.

Knight Saber

Feb 8 2009, 07:50 AM

The first would be best, though the 27th works for me too.

pbangarth

Feb 8 2009, 07:04 PM

So far, Sunday, March 1st is looking good.

Hey, all you other folks who had indicated interest. In the long run, the group could use more face, muscle and Matrix talent. Anybody still interested?

ChipheadCharley

Feb 8 2009, 07:29 PM

I'm still around and can whip up a Samurai or Hacker easy enough

Unseen

Feb 9 2009, 12:39 AM

EDIT: my mistake with the post. You’re not. I’m posting at work and hiding from my boss.

Unfortunately, March 1 falls on a work day for me. I guess I’m out this time too. My apologies.

ChipheadCharley

Feb 9 2009, 12:42 AM

I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes.....Street Samurai with emphasis on close combat if you need one.

pbangarth

Feb 9 2009, 02:27 AM

QUOTE (Unseen @ Feb 8 2009, 05:39 PM)

EDIT: my mistake with the post. You’re not. I’m posting at work and hiding from my boss.

Unfortunately, March 1 falls on a work day for me. I guess I’m out this time too. My apologies.

So what about the Friday, the 27th of February?

Both ChiPsiUp and Knight Saber can make that date. I don't know about Fyndhal or Octopiii, both of whose characters are in the thick of things and need to carry on in the next session.

ChipheadCharley, what dates in the range of Feb. 26 - Mar. 1 are you available?

Fyndhal

Feb 9 2009, 02:43 AM

Friday the 27th is fine, but I cannot start until around 6pm Pacific (2am GMT.)

Knight Saber

Feb 9 2009, 04:45 AM

QUOTE (Fyndhal @ Feb 8 2009, 07:43 PM)

Friday the 27th is fine, but I cannot start until around 6pm Pacific (2am GMT.)

That time works for me, no trouble (though I'll need to take a short dinner break after an hour or two).

Lamia now has the Browse, Edit, Encrypt and Scan programs at level 3, reducing her starting money from 1,800 to 1,300.

ChipheadCharley, a close combat expert sounds good to me. Lamia is the default specialist now, but it's definitely a secondary skill with her. If she were to cast Ice Aura on a QCB expert, it'd be brutal.

Octopiii

Feb 9 2009, 08:14 AM

Right now, whenever works.

Chiphead: For my 2 cents, we really need some matrix support, and a face.

BTW: Should we plan out how we're going to track the two drug dealers here on the boards? I think it'd save us some valuable time in chat (and let pbangarth plot up dastardly things for us!)

Right now, there's the three of you in the van and me on my motorcycle; we can do it over the commlink. I think we can codger together a plan in the next month.

ChipheadCharley

Feb 9 2009, 02:25 PM

I'm free pretty much all day on the 27th, and most of the 28th. The 1st and 2nd are work days for me. I'm also on Eastern US time, to throw that out there.

It appears that Unseen (kind of funny) has gone to efforts to make a matrix-guru, so I dont want to hedge him/her out. I'll get cracking on the CQC and a Face to see what I connect with.

My last try at a hacker (decker then) resulted in 3 near TPK's...with the exception of him lol

pbangarth

Feb 9 2009, 05:44 PM

Unseen, does February 27th, 6 pm. Pacific Time (Which would be Feb. 28th, 2 am. GMT -- not sure when it would be in Korea, or are you still in California?) work for you?

How about some of the other people who were interested at the start?

Socinus, void_forger, Chrysalis, Dulencard, Cang?

Fyndhal

Feb 9 2009, 07:07 PM

Not sure about the others, but Dulencard basically disappeared from Dumpshock shortly after that post. He invited me to play in a play by chat game with his group, I made a character and then...nada.