Full Version: Behind the Crown [OoC]
Is the Emerald Suites Hotel itself connected to a casino?
Yes, in my canon.
Explanation: after the volcanic eruptions of the Cascades, the lahar wipeouts of valleys and destruction of much of the region by earthquakes, tsunamis and so on, there was a construction boom on the relatively sound land, which increased elevation, density and interconnection. This included building up and in some cases both over and beneath existing thoroughfares such as I-5. It's a simple economic consequence of the pressures of the enclave and the surrounding lands.
The aggressive rewilding growth of fauna and flora made greenfield development much more difficult and expensive, so moneyed concerns such as those behind the area amalgamated their construction as well as diversifying every location with more floors, more basement levels, more of everything. Increasingly hostile environmental conditions caused by pollution motivated more interconnected indoor spaces, so covered pedestrian spaces and interconnections are quite common.
So, yes, while the hotel has an existence, and the casino has an existence, they are are both separate and connected, and the casino security doesn't apply the same strictures as the hotel security.
Explanation: after the volcanic eruptions of the Cascades, the lahar wipeouts of valleys and destruction of much of the region by earthquakes, tsunamis and so on, there was a construction boom on the relatively sound land, which increased elevation, density and interconnection. This included building up and in some cases both over and beneath existing thoroughfares such as I-5. It's a simple economic consequence of the pressures of the enclave and the surrounding lands.
The aggressive rewilding growth of fauna and flora made greenfield development much more difficult and expensive, so moneyed concerns such as those behind the area amalgamated their construction as well as diversifying every location with more floors, more basement levels, more of everything. Increasingly hostile environmental conditions caused by pollution motivated more interconnected indoor spaces, so covered pedestrian spaces and interconnections are quite common.
So, yes, while the hotel has an existence, and the casino has an existence, they are are both separate and connected, and the casino security doesn't apply the same strictures as the hotel security.
I guess some astral reconnaissance is in order, then.
Okay. I was specifically avoiding the casino property because it would have more security and guests. Thats why I was going to a nearby hotel, not the one attached to the casino. I didn't want to be in the casino property.
I interpret Koekepan's description as saying the bar has lower security.
You're right, pbangarth. And you're right, Bastard.
You aren't on casino property; you're on hotel property. The two are linked, and the casino has high, intense security. But high, intense security is expensive, so they have it where the risks are high; the casino floor.
Below grade are multiple links between the two structures, incorporating both extended parking and utility spaces, and an underground mall where punters can stroll along, and spend any winnings on their way to the hotel where their bounty can be delivered straight to their hotel room. Above grade are covered walkways as well, as well as some extended penthouse-style hotel rooms with landing pads for rotorcraft.
You aren't on casino property; you're on hotel property. The two are linked, and the casino has high, intense security. But high, intense security is expensive, so they have it where the risks are high; the casino floor.
Below grade are multiple links between the two structures, incorporating both extended parking and utility spaces, and an underground mall where punters can stroll along, and spend any winnings on their way to the hotel where their bounty can be delivered straight to their hotel room. Above grade are covered walkways as well, as well as some extended penthouse-style hotel rooms with landing pads for rotorcraft.
Anything showing up on the astral?
Not in terms of obvious risks.
It's a cinch that this place is regularly patrolled on the astral, but in spiritual terms it is pretty quiet. From a plausible guess there's a combat mage or similar who gets small elementals or watchers to scoot around the whole place regularly, and then stomps the hell out of anything major to be found.
Which is both comforting and scary at the same time, if you think about it.
It's a cinch that this place is regularly patrolled on the astral, but in spiritual terms it is pretty quiet. From a plausible guess there's a combat mage or similar who gets small elementals or watchers to scoot around the whole place regularly, and then stomps the hell out of anything major to be found.
Which is both comforting and scary at the same time, if you think about it.
QUOTE
"""So you really shouldn't be surprised when you hear that your client is worth five figures on the public market to the Big Mittens, but is worth six on the black market to Camelia's. C.O.D."""
Not sure whether Blue will be scared or proud to learn this.
Considering the situation further, it seems to me the rational thing for Blue to do, once he learns of a six figure price on his head, is to get the hell out of Dodge.
Of course, rationality isn't subsumed under the Willpower Attribute, is it?
Of course, rationality isn't subsumed under the Willpower Attribute, is it?
In a world with a Matrix and professional bounty-hunters looking for money, does it really matter which direction he goes? This is the sort of problem that can only be nipped in the bud.
"Nipped in the bud.""
Such an innocent sounding phrase. So full of potential for bloodshed and murder.
I'm looking through all those cool little personnel and organization descriptions you gave at the start. Looking for some distractor/opponent for Jeremy.
Hmmm.
[Crazy Idea]
What if Polidemos could be sicked on him?
[/Crazy Idea]
Such an innocent sounding phrase. So full of potential for bloodshed and murder.
I'm looking through all those cool little personnel and organization descriptions you gave at the start. Looking for some distractor/opponent for Jeremy.
Hmmm.
[Crazy Idea]
What if Polidemos could be sicked on him?
[/Crazy Idea]
... the enemy of my enemy is a useful tool?
... the clash of titans makes for great trideo?
... two wrongs don't make a right, but hit Stuffer Shack first for some snacks while you watch?
... the clash of titans makes for great trideo?
... two wrongs don't make a right, but hit Stuffer Shack first for some snacks while you watch?
QUOTE (Koekepan @ Nov 11 2021, 10:48 AM) 
... the enemy of my enemy is a useful tool?
... the clash of titans makes for great trideo?
... two wrongs don't make a right, but hit Stuffer Shack first for some snacks while you watch?
... the clash of titans makes for great trideo?
... two wrongs don't make a right, but hit Stuffer Shack first for some snacks while you watch?
Mostly #1, a dash of #2, and, as Blue's life progresses in the shadows, increasingly #3.
Do I know who Big Mittens or Camelia are?
Well, you could make a die roll (or just assume ?) to find that Big Mittens and Big Mittenhammer are likely slang for AAA Mitsuhama. 
Camelia is a business concern of Jeremy's. see the clues We got at the start of the OOC thread, particularly the one about Jeremy.
Camelia is a business concern of Jeremy's. see the clues We got at the start of the OOC thread, particularly the one about Jeremy.
She can assume knowledge that they're Mitsuhama - after all, that is laid out in the understanding of the bounty on Blue.
Camelia, given that Karmakaze would have dealt with them, and has been looking into Jeremy Huang recently, would be something that she'd know about.
Camelia, given that Karmakaze would have dealt with them, and has been looking into Jeremy Huang recently, would be something that she'd know about.
Is anybody out there? It's been days ...
I figure the scene has shifted to Karmakaze and her friend. I wouldn't mind knowing what Blue sees in the astral.
EDIT. Oh. You already told me. Never mind. Move along. Nothing to see here.
EDIT. Oh. You already told me. Never mind. Move along. Nothing to see here.
Sorry. I have been slacking. Lot of life things happening.
Darn those 'life things'.
Live and learn. As I think about the Owl Totem description, I have a feeling it didn't emphasize enough things like perception and stealth. 'Hunter' is in there a bit. The next time I build an Owl shaman, I will put more into those Skills.
Of course, Owl can guide the fledgling Blue as he adapts to the new environment. ::: You are far too noisy, little one. And how will you find your prey if you are almost deaf and blind? :::
And, finding prey might involve the Astral or Matrix realms, too, no?
Of course, Owl can guide the fledgling Blue as he adapts to the new environment. ::: You are far too noisy, little one. And how will you find your prey if you are almost deaf and blind? :::
And, finding prey might involve the Astral or Matrix realms, too, no?
Owl isn't broadly going to care much about the Matrix as such, but astral? Of course.
Is Amanda Chung the girlfriend or the one who put out the bounty?
From context it would appear that Amanda Chung would be the one offering the bounty.
Maybe it's both. Maybe she's tired of him but hates breaking up and doesn't have the inclination to poison his coffee, or wants plausible deniability.
Maybe it's both. Maybe she's tired of him but hates breaking up and doesn't have the inclination to poison his coffee, or wants plausible deniability.
I suspect, given the wording of the description of her Koekepan posted early in this thread, that we know (or easily learn) the following:
QUOTE
Amanda Chung
Amanda was, at the time that she was born, a third generation chinese-american US citizen. That seems like an awfully long time ago, but she's an important presence in Tacoma (always the little brother to Seattle, and now the junior partner in the enclave) where her father's painstakingly built logistics company passed to her when her brother (the intended heir) fell to VITAS in '22. This means that Chung Brothers Trucking is in her hands, but in the mean time she's also carefully built her surplus funds into a minor property empire in the enclave.
Amanda was, at the time that she was born, a third generation chinese-american US citizen. That seems like an awfully long time ago, but she's an important presence in Tacoma (always the little brother to Seattle, and now the junior partner in the enclave) where her father's painstakingly built logistics company passed to her when her brother (the intended heir) fell to VITAS in '22. This means that Chung Brothers Trucking is in her hands, but in the mean time she's also carefully built her surplus funds into a minor property empire in the enclave.
Sorry I have been real slow of late. I fear it will be mostly short posts through March, as we are going to a 4 on / 1 off 12+ hour shifts schedule at work as we are about to commissioning a new processing plant, and we are severely short staffed. And I am still learning this method of plant and am supposed to be leading a few projects. I will try to post as often as possible.
Sucks when real life gets in the way. Do the best you can. Right now the onus is on you because of the conversation Karmakaze is having with her contact. Later, things might shift back to me as Blue starts something.
QUOTE
"""I will take the job regardless, since I think that is the only way to protect my client, but I still have a few questions. Is there a figure to the bounty? Do you think it is a trap? And do you have any intel on Jeremy's cyber and bioware, or any magical abilities, or that of his bodyguards?"""
Yeah, like are they resistant to Fireball? Blue is getting tired of being the mouse to their owls.
QUOTE (pbangarth @ Dec 8 2021, 12:51 AM)
Yeah, like are they resistant to Fireball? Blue is getting tired of being the mouse to their owls.
Exactly. We may have to do some recon first.
Looking back through the posts while going to and in the casino, I get the sense I/we should be paying more attention to the 'random' newsfeeds Koekepan is tossing out.
They could be red herrings, in which case thanks for the fun, KKKP. But we are looking at a real estate mogul-to-be, aren't we?
And dammit, why were the thugs who attacked us in the seafood restaurant killed after we left? Allegedly magically to boot? Another red herring? Machinations of the one who is paying to keep me uncaptured?
And we should at least drive by Petsonal once more to put in the show of me actually doing something on that contract.
They could be red herrings, in which case thanks for the fun, KKKP. But we are looking at a real estate mogul-to-be, aren't we?
And dammit, why were the thugs who attacked us in the seafood restaurant killed after we left? Allegedly magically to boot? Another red herring? Machinations of the one who is paying to keep me uncaptured?
And we should at least drive by Petsonal once more to put in the show of me actually doing something on that contract.
Nothing happens without a reason, says Chekov.
Yeah, yeah. "Gun in the first act", and all that.
QUOTE (pbangarth @ Dec 13 2021, 06:34 PM)
Looking back through the posts while going to and in the casino, I get the sense I/we should be paying more attention to the 'random' newsfeeds Koekepan is tossing out.
They could be red herrings, in which case thanks for the fun, KKKP. But we are looking at a real estate mogul-to-be, aren't we?
And dammit, why were the thugs who attacked us in the seafood restaurant killed after we left? Allegedly magically to boot? Another red herring? Machinations of the one who is paying to keep me uncaptured?
And we should at least drive by Petsonal once more to put in the show of me actually doing something on that contract.
They could be red herrings, in which case thanks for the fun, KKKP. But we are looking at a real estate mogul-to-be, aren't we?
And dammit, why were the thugs who attacked us in the seafood restaurant killed after we left? Allegedly magically to boot? Another red herring? Machinations of the one who is paying to keep me uncaptured?
And we should at least drive by Petsonal once more to put in the show of me actually doing something on that contract.
Yeah, I was trying to figure that out. Especially the guys being killed at the seafood restaurant.
You can safely and normally exit the place.
.... and with that ....
+ 10 Good Karma to Blue
+ 7 Good Karma to Karmakaze
Blue lived through it all, from a corporate get-together through to a life on the street in under two weeks. Karmakaze is a later arrival to this mix, but involved from the first big public ruckus onward.
Congratulations!
.... and with that ....
+ 10 Good Karma to Blue
+ 7 Good Karma to Karmakaze
Blue lived through it all, from a corporate get-together through to a life on the street in under two weeks. Karmakaze is a later arrival to this mix, but involved from the first big public ruckus onward.
Congratulations!
Woohoo!
I assume these points can be spent once the current scene is over and we can rest a bit. That might be ... after the Mitsuhama contract on Blue expires? After the Petsonal contract ends? Damn! After we deal with Jeremy?
I assume these points can be spent once the current scene is over and we can rest a bit. That might be ... after the Mitsuhama contract on Blue expires? After the Petsonal contract ends? Damn! After we deal with Jeremy?
I'll let you spend them quietly in the background as the flow continues, partly as an assumption that you're honing your edge in the current circumstances.
OK, thanks.
Learning spell(s) from the formulae Blue has is something he will eventually do, but the learning would take days ... after six days setting up his Lodge. There hasn't been time for that!
In the spirit of your advice, I think Blue has been 'honing' skill in Spellcasting and Summoning the last few days, so I will set aside 3 + 3 karma to develop Specialization in those two ... specializations. Whenever you think he has caught on well enough, let me know, Koekepan.
That leaves 4 karma. I'll hang onto those for now and ruminate.
Learning spell(s) from the formulae Blue has is something he will eventually do, but the learning would take days ... after six days setting up his Lodge. There hasn't been time for that!
In the spirit of your advice, I think Blue has been 'honing' skill in Spellcasting and Summoning the last few days, so I will set aside 3 + 3 karma to develop Specialization in those two ... specializations. Whenever you think he has caught on well enough, let me know, Koekepan.
That leaves 4 karma. I'll hang onto those for now and ruminate.
If you want a specialisation, it should be relevant to what he's actually been doing.
Since Blue has been on the run, he has been summoning a whole lot, and casting spells some. So I figure those are relevant, no?
OK, so you want the spellcasting specialisation of sorcery and the summoning specialisation likewise in conjuring based on current activities.
I'll allow that.
I'll allow that.
OK, thanks. 6 karma is now spent, then.
Updated Blue's stats Here in the recruitment thread.
Maybe the info on Blue and Karmakaze could come into this thread somewhere?
Maybe the info on Blue and Karmakaze could come into this thread somewhere?
I don't see why not. An updated sheet could be added here.
PC record sheets
Blue - pbangarth
Blue - pbangarth
[ Spoiler ]
Merry Christmas to all!
Unseasonably warm here, but still some snow on the ground. Ah, I miss the old days. Trudging to school barefoot in 3 ft. of snow, uphill both ways. They don't make winter like they used to.
Unseasonably warm here, but still some snow on the ground. Ah, I miss the old days. Trudging to school barefoot in 3 ft. of snow, uphill both ways. They don't make winter like they used to.
In a redneckrun, snow makes the tracking easier.
Much easier for the critters to find you.
Much easier for the critters to find you.
Merry Christmas y'all!!!
No snow here. Nice and warm since Thursday.
No snow here. Nice and warm since Thursday.
Koekepan, how long will the drive be from the bar to Petsonal? Blue is considering upping the Force of the spirit at his disposal, which will almost certainly require some quiet time to wear down the Drain.
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