Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

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Daniel
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Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by Daniel »


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Rifts Speed Tribes!

Inchoations & the Great Brouhaha
  • The start of a noisy confused disturbance in 68 P.A. (2354 A.D.)
  • 42 years prior to the creation of the Tomorrow Legion
  • Somewhere on old Highway 87 (Amarillo to Lubbock TX)

The cracked asphalt roadway wavered in the heat of the Texas badlands. On your (Hovercycle or Motorcycle) you cruise across the wastelands with purpose.

------


Texas was simpler before the Coalition States decided to claim the region in late 68 P.A. (has not happened yet in our game). A post, post apocalyptic wasteland where gangs raged and traded goods and fought off each other and more often monsters that emerged from Rifts in space and time.

The oldest Speed Tribes of the badlands of Lone Star, or Old Texas, were mostly racing up and down the paved remains of Highway 87 (north - south) and Highway 20 (east - west). The old American state was referred to as either Lone Star or more often, the Texas Freelands.

No CS from the mid west were in the area, Texas was a sort of unofficial no mans land. Gangs, Comanche, and ancient ruins often occupied by demons and monsters, it was simple enough: live or die, kill or be killed, pray for freedom and find a tribe for safety. Ride Fast. Fight Hard. Stay Alive.

The entire region would soon be transformed by a epic discovery. That story is still to be told... I digress.

------


A few moths ago an up and coming mercenary leader, Captain Sabre Lasar, had the foresight to convince several mercs/tribes of wanderers to join forces and beat down some supernatural monstrosities he called the
The Splugorth are an evil Lovecraftian-like inter-dimensional race of conquerors in the Palladium Rifts Megaverse roleplaying universe. Beings whom are malevolent and sadistic, enslavers and manipulators.
. You found yourself hitching up with the charismatic Captain Lasar and another esoteric mercenary named Hudson Blackwell. Lieutenant Blackwell was one of three lieutenants who worked for Lasar in the retaliation on the invading and slaving Splugorth. For the month you were working with the Lasar Mercs, you were assigned to Blackwell's platoon. During the month with Blackwell defending Texas from slavers you learned the Lieutenant was in fact a rare Black Dragon, originating from a far off dimension. Hudson, as he insisted you call him, shook your hand and thanked you after the mercenaries defeated the slavers and separated into smaller tribes of mercs. One of the nice finds, loot, you picked up while working with Lasar and Hudson was the vehicle/mount you now have.

Raging across the badlands you have run a few small jobs on your own. Now, roughly six months after the gathering Lasar put together, you have been contacted by Hudson Blackwell. While racing across the badlands over cracked and ruff asphalt a "magic" pigeon swirled across your view and started circling you with unreal speed as you rode. Stopping and eyeing the bird warily it suddenly spoke in perfect American.

"Greeting my old friend! It is I, Hudson! I could use a mercenary of your caliber right about now, someone I know I can trust. I got a job. It pays well. If you can, meet me at the Snake Pit in Crossroads. I'll introduce you to our client, Erin. Semper Celeritas"

You have been to the city of Crossroads before and know it is less than a days ride from where you are.

------


Crossroads is a town with a regular population of just under 8000 and quite often up to another 2000 transient visitors at any given time. It is located near where pre-rifts Kernville used to be, and, for the Pecos Empire, is a relatively modern and safe community. The town gets its name for being in a geographical, center more or less, of the Pecos Empire.

Since it is relatively large, as empire towns go, and located centrally, it is a major trade center in the budding Empire.

Located in the Pecos Empire, the Lone Star State, the people of Texas have had very little contact with the East Coast including entities such as the Coalition States (CS), who most have heard of and most have never actually been in contact with. And absolutely no contact with the west which is cut off by the great barrier mountains with its dimensional anomalies.

Crossroads is a thriving community of artists and craftsmen. In addition to stage performances, primarily comedies and song and dance, and musical events, there is a full-time movie theater that offers a good selection of pre, and post rifts films. There are two dozen pawn shops, large and small, plus a handful of Shoppes that specialize in artifacts both pre, and post rift, and even alien artifacts. In addition to pottery, various knickknacks, customers can purchase and or commission objects of art such as paintings and sculptures or specialty items. Custom made saddles, saddlebags, boots with ornate unique designs, gang insignia etc. are in high demand among the Pecos bandits in the region. Over a dozen tattoo parlors also thrive in town.

A large Carnival has set up shop in the town of crossroads. There are gambling halls and sporting arenas that can seat up to 8000 people. Besides gambling, these halls provide a variety of entertainment in which the same manner as a saloon halls of the old wild west ones did.

There are even some red light districts with brothels, cockfighting and dogfighting and drug dens, houses of illusion, psychic experiences and a host of unique pastimes for a reasonable price. The local law-enforcement is mostly made up of a militia or basically a large gang well outfitted with weapons and armor. They are referred to as the City Guard.

Hover vehicle racing is a common occurrence and there are Juicer games. About the only thing that Crossroads draws a line at is actual blood sports, they are forbidden within city limits. All in all this could be considered a Las Vegas of the Pecos Empire.

The town is run by a board of commissioners. The Guard, or militia is made up of citizens and full-time freelance military forces. One perk of signing up with the militia is after two years you are given citizenship and a license to work in the city and have your own shop. It is illegal for unlicensed persons to set up businesses within the city, this does not in anyway affect independent mercenaries working in the area.

Roughly 30% of the population is human, another 8% are augmented humans such as cyborgs, juicers and crazies. The majority of Crossroads is made up of roughly 62% dimensional beings (D-Bee's). The commissioners for the city of Crossroads are currently starting a new project of building a wall around the city, although this may take several decades to complete.

One of the more famous bars within Crossroads is known as: the Snake Pit.


------


Now you find yourself sitting at a table located in the seedy bar, the Snake Pit, waiting. A few drinks later the double doors to the bar swing open and you recognize your old Lieutenant.

Image


Literally the piano players stops playing, as everyone eyes the newcomer, then the music starts back up and murmurs and conversations carry on. Dressed in black leather pants, biker jacket and cap, Hudson grins and you recognize the dragons large golden dragon ring on his right hand. The evening darkens outside, silhouetted behind Hudson as he walks deeper into the bar after eyeing you. With night, the hot day starts to cool off. As the black dragon settles haphazardly into the seat across from you he smiles and before he can say anything a D-Bee bar maid, Harriette, an easy to look at mole-like humanoid female bustles up to the table and asks Hudson what his pleasure is.

"A refill for my mate and I'll have what he is having. Lace mine if you please."

Returning his attention to you, Hudson continues:

"It has been a second hasn't it mate. By the Dragon Kings of Tolkeen, so many stories to tell and we were only together a ... what five weeks or less!"


------


PLAYER INSTRUCTIONS

To start out, you can recant (like an Interlude) a story of the time you spent being a mercenary working with Hudson and Captain Lasar fighting Splugorth and defending Texas from slavers! Feel free to embellish and make it a truly worthy of being a bar story tale.

After your post I will carry on with more narrative. Thanks and enjoy.
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AsherBlack
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by AsherBlack »

When Hudson directs Harriette to bring another round, Asher raises an eyebrow. Nodding towards the table, which is empty, "Hudson, it has been long enough."

Harriette stands a bit confused. Asher looks up at her, flashes a winning smile. "Harriette, dear. Cactus juice for Hudson please."

Hudson raises an eyebrow and Asher offers a friendly reminder, "Drinking messes with my game, Pengyou (friend)."

Harriette nods and waddles off towards the bar and returns shortly with a tall glass of water for Asher and an equal sized glass of yellowish green liquid. "Hudson, you always liked more punch in your booze than a normal human."

Again Asher smiles and pulls a small pouch from a pocket. Opening the pouch, he pulls the cactus juice close and drops a pinch of dust into the yellowish-green liquid. The liquid bubbles, hisses, and changes color to a dark green, almost black color. "Let me introduce you to ... Troll's Breath." He pushes the darkened liquid back across the table.

"Maybe you recall a drink served by a demon barkeep in the outskirts of ruined Tolkeen. He dropped a pinch of something in that drink that nearly rocked you off your heals."
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Daniel
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by Daniel »

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Nathaniel, fun opening post! Asher has earned a bennie for that post.


Sounds of patrons drinking and eating in the bar, the Snake Pit, mingled with laughter and a general feeling of melancholy.

Troll’s Breath and liquor... Blackwell appears to enjoy the drink.

Leaning back in the chair Hudson glances around the Snake Pit before continuing.

”In a few days at noon, we are meeting a bloke by the name of Desmond Bradford. He says some of his contractors were captured and he wants them back. Sounds like his men are working for the Coalition States. Says he was contracted to search for oil here in Texas and some bandits snagged a few of his men when they were traveling. He’s going to give us details and instructions. Claims he knows who has them and where they are, but doesn’t want to send in his mercs or ask the CS for help. Seems to think that would piss off his employers. Says these captured fellas have some vital company info on them. He’s offering 100k for the info and 20k per man rescued.”

Letting that soak in a moment Hudson goes on after a sip of his laced drink. Burps. Laughs and looks, a little pale.

”I’ve got several of our old squad back together. It’ll be like old times, but better. Now here is the fun part. Next appointment, after the contractor is with Erin Tarn, she’s the one who wrote that underground book the CS hates. Yeah. She’s in town. Wants to write another book. More of a first hand experience book. So she and some Lazlo dudes stroll into Texas and come across a group of guys claiming they have fled from the CS and a contractor company after finding something amazing. Some relic. They steal the details saying where it is and try to set up a buy. But it goes badly. Erin’s group try to save these blokes from some tribe of mercs but only Erin escapes the firefight. The guys with the details are captured and her Lazlo escort all killed. She contacted me, I met her few years ago, and wants to hire us to find these poor captured fellas and then rescue them. She’s interested in the information too but actually seems more worried about the dudes. We are meeting her at 2 in the afternoon, same day as Desmond.”

Grinning Hudson nods.

”One leads to the other. Now. Here’s how I wanna do this. We tell the guy Bradford we are down. No problem. Then we chat with Ms. Tarn and tell her we are down. We rescued the blokes and see what the relic is before deciding on how we play that. Lazlo has fronted 200 k for taking out the tribe, dead or alive and rescue of the men. I don’t know what tribe of mercs it is yet. But we will figure it. We collect on that then maybe collect with Bradford too. I for one am not keen on a CS presence in Texas though. Unless the relic is too juicy to let go.”

Raising his glass up as a toast to Asher, Hudson says, ”I do recall that night in Tolkeen. Some. It was a demon barkeep in the outskirts of ruined Tolkeen. He dropped a pinch of something in my drink that nearly killed me. I blacked out. Always wondered what happened next. Do tell. How did y’all get me out of the shite hole and to the APC out of town?”



Expand on the conversation. In regards to what Hudson has told you and or about that night in Tolkeen.

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AsherBlack
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by AsherBlack »

Lars wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2020 9:19 am ”In a few days at noon, we are meeting a bloke by the name of Desmond Bradford. He says some of his contractors were captured and he wants them back. Sounds like his men are working for the Coalition States. Says he was contracted to search for oil here in Texas and some bandits snagged a few of his men when they were traveling. He’s going to give us details and instructions. Claims he knows who has them and where they are, but doesn’t want to send in his mercs or ask the CS for help. Seems to think that would piss off his employers. Says these captured fellas have some vital company info on them. He’s offering 100k for the info and 20k per man rescued.”
Asher was in the middle of drinking his water when Hudson mentioned CS. Choking. Coughing. Sputtering. Asher glares at Hudson. He had worked hard at making sure that his past was not known by anyone. He was a CS defector and right now, only Hudson knew. The two were keeping each others secrets to themselves.
Lars wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2020 9:19 am ”I’ve got several of our old squad back together. It’ll be like old times, but better. Now here is the fun part. Next appointment, after the contractor is with Erin Tarn, she’s the one who wrote that underground book the CS hates. Yeah. She’s in town. Wants to write another book. More of a first hand experience book. So she and some Lazlo dudes stroll into Texas and come across a group of guys claiming they have fled from the CS and a contractor company after finding something amazing. Some relic. They steal the details saying where it is and try to set up a buy. But it goes badly. Erin’s group try to save these blokes from some tribe of mercs but only Erin escapes the firefight. The guys with the details are captured and her Lazlo escort all killed. She contacted me, I met her few years ago, and wants to hire us to find these poor captured fellas and then rescue them. She’s interested in the information too but actually seems more worried about the dudes. We are meeting her at 2 in the afternoon, same day as Desmond.”
Asher was familiar with the book by Tarn. If she was in town, she had been laying low, cuz Asher had heard nothing until Hudson had mentioned her. Buried deep in his Magnum's storage compartments was a printed CS-blacklisted copy of Humanity's Rise From Chaos. Maybe the lady researcher would be kind enough to sign his copy. Most of the printed copies had been destroyed by the CS. There were a few still out there, and Asher had one.

"I take it that Tarn is here under another name. Either that or she has only been in town a few hours. You know Hudson, I hear about things."
Lars wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2020 9:19 am ”One leads to the other. Now. Here’s how I wanna do this. We tell the guy Bradford we are down. No problem. Then we chat with Ms. Tarn and tell her we are down. We rescued the blokes and see what the relic is before deciding on how we play that. Lazlo has fronted 200 k for taking out the tribe, dead or alive and rescue of the men. I don’t know what tribe of mercs it is yet. But we will figure it. We collect on that then maybe collect with Bradford too. I for one am not keen on a CS presence in Texas though. Unless the relic is too juicy to let go.”
"I see the connection between the two. Bradford concerns me. Actually anyone with CS connections concerns me."

"We need the information for sure. Could we keep the information and remove Bradford and his crew entirely from the pitcture?"

"We could leverage the information for future gains and securities. Especially for keeping better tabs on the CS and their interests here."

"If Bradford has connections with the CS, then we could find and utilize his contacts and connections." Pausing he takes a drink and then continues, "Manipulating the information and communications as necessary."

The silence that follows between Hudson and Asher is filled by the sounds around the bar. The Snake Pit at this hour is certainly very lively. Grateful for the noise that distracts prying eyes and ears from his and Hudson's conversation. Putting his left hand under the table, Asher puts the same hand on the table a few minutes later. "Hope you don't mind me using this signal scrambler, but informations value as a commodity is based on in it's rarity and scarcity." Beside the bag of Demonfire Berry powder Asher sets down a suspended sphere that is gyro-magnetically suspended.
Lars wrote: Thu Jun 18, 2020 9:19 am Raising his glass up as a toast to Asher, Hudson says, ”I do recall that night in Tolkeen. Some. It was a demon barkeep in the outskirts of ruined Tolkeen. He dropped a pinch of something in my drink that nearly killed me. I blacked out. Always wondered what happened next. Do tell. How did y’all get me out of the shite hole and to the APC out of town?”
Taking another drink of water, ASher is glad that he was able to find the parts for the water purifier, that the owner of the Snake Pit was looking for the past couple of weeks.

"You did go unconscious. The effects of the drink were apparently designed to make you change your forms."

"That bar tender, apparently knew about your other form. Though he was not equipped to take advantage of the information or the situation."

"I was grateful that we had gone to that bar with the Juicer Twins, Bryce and Milo, and that one Shifter, Raul Soyce."

"When you began changing forms the Twins cleared the bar and Raul ported us to the APC. I believe Raul actually banished the bar tender as he mentioned something about locking up the bar for a hundred years."

"Once we were all back at the APC, the bar actually blew up. I never asked and no one ever really said who had made the hole an actual hole."

"It took you a few days to regain consciousness. But the foresight to have the Twins and Raul at the bar well before we arrived was a game changer?"
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by Daniel »


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Hudson nods at Asher Black. Respect in his eyes.

“Tarn is, outside town I believe. Expect her here come morning. I think ... heh. I don’t think she’d ever go by a pseudonym. Erin Tarn all the way. She’s got pizazz Ash. Somehow she always comes out on top.”

Finishing his drink the dragon waves Harriette away, “No. No more.”

Leaning in closer to Asher, “Trust that I plan on double crossing the CS every chance I get. There is just the right amount of ex-CS in Texas for my likings.”

Hudson extends his hand to shake with the Information Broker.

“I knew I could trust you. Thank you. Welcome to the inception of malevolence. I’ve see the future Ash and it’s Black. But. We will save it. Across...over time. Oh. Here. I picked this up from a rather interesting fella in my travels. Attach it to you cycle and hold on.”

Removing his hand from the shake a small cylinder device about the size of a energy clip is left in Asher’s hand.

Grinning, Hudson Blackwell the Nightstalker dragon walks with an unsteady gait towards the exit and waves. “See you at the meet and greet with Desmond.”

Attach to you Hovercycle or Motorcycle to increase speed by 80 Miles per hour (128 kilometers per hour).
You can post more here if you want. Or. Just hang in there a bit until we all join up to play as a group.
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by AsherBlack »

Asher takes the super charger without comment from Hudson. Picking up the pouch from the table, "Hudson!"

As Hudson turns back, Asher tosses the small leather pouch, "Best you keep your Kryptonite close."

Even staggering as much as Hidson does, the pouch finds its way into the same hand that handed Asher the super charger.

Picking up the scrambler in his left hand, he quickly pockets the security device and finishes his water. Even though he knows that Hudson runs a tab at the Snake Pit, Asher still leaves a pressed silver nugget as payment. Untraceable. No debts. No Tabs. No evidence except word of mouth.

Asher hefts the super charger. I was flying before. Now I will soar.
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by AsherBlack »

Asher moves towards the door of the Snake Pit, his mind processing the details from Hudson.

Knowing the direction he rode in on and the surrounding areas, Asher decides that @Lars Erin Tarn is somewhere North of Crossroads.

Finding a suitable and safe location, Asher installs the super-charger and sets off riding North to locate a potential associate. Certain that there is suitable information to exchange, he wastes no time heading out of town.
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by Daniel »

Image
Asher moves towards the door of the Snake Pit, his mind processing the details from Hudson.

Knowing the direction he rode in on and the surrounding areas, Asher decides that @Lars Erin Tarn is somewhere North of Crossroads.

Finding a suitable and safe location, Asher installs the super-charger and sets off riding North to locate a potential associate. Certain that there is suitable information to exchange, he wastes no time heading out of town.
After attaching the device from Hudson to his ride the information broker notices a improvement to the speed of his ride. Where Hudson got the device is unknown, but it works.

Zipping across the Texas Freelands, north of Crossroads, Asher recalls the one likely hideout or hangout north of the city. Vega's Haberdashery.

Unless one wanted to sleep on the dirt and rock of the Texas plains they were going to go to Vega's and rent a cozy bed. Vega also was know for her indiscretions and ask no questions as long as one had cash, credit, trade or gold.

It was only an hour and half ride, normally, Asher made it in an hour.

Pulling up to the wooden over metal big bunker, the haberdashery, the broker saw two guards out front and that the place was well light outside, in the darkness of the night.

One guard, a Juicer named Keller see's Asher and waves.

"Asher Black! Man, how you do'n? What brings you out here?

Nodding at Ashers inquiry the Juicer shushes his fellow guard, a Crazie into silence.

"Dude, Ekarte shut it, this is Asher Black man, he can get anything, don't Fek it up for me...look man, there is a woman inside fitt'n that description. You go'on in my man."

Pulling open the blast proof door Keller lets Asher inside.

Inside the dimly lit (its night after all) large open room is Vega behind a bar area cleaning some glasses.

Looking up the proprietor nods at Asher. She looks old. Like well over sixty. She also looks capable in a fight. Grit and grim aside, her gravely voice is enough to quell lesser men. There are many blast proof passages from here to rented rooms.

"Asher. Looking for - or selling?"


You want to know what room Tarn is in? Buy that info from Vega.
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by AsherBlack »

Asher smiles at Vega. He appreciates the fact that she gets to business. Less facades and BS to clear.

"A little of both Lady Vega."

"I know when that particular shipment is due in Crossroads. I also understand that there is a visitor here, who I have some business with."

Asher's hands are by his sides and his fingers are drumming tunes on the built in storage pockets in his Cannonball armor. One pocket contains his copy of Humanity's Rise from Chaos.
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by Daniel »


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Vega grunts.

“I’ll trade info with you Asher. But watch out. Go have a seat a moment - don’t interfere for a moment.”


Handing the broker a tall glass of ice and water she waves him away with a look of stern seriousness.

Walking in from one of the back tunnels, from opening blast proof doors, six men head into the bar. Heavily armed men and all in black armor, even the obvious fallen Cyber Knight and the Line Walker. The rest look like thugs. The leader looks like a intense and violent kind.

As Asher recognizes them he listens to Vega’s warning and settles quietly into a bar room table, far from the bar.

El Occuta Black Market. Asher has had some profitable encounters with the Chi Town based black market but knows that even as an information broker he wants nothing to do with this sect of Black Market. They deal in magic. Death. And are more concerned with making a name for their group than profit. They’re assassins and mages - terrorist - playing privateer. Bad news.

Even at the distance it’s not hard to hear the conversation.

Asher knows they are El Occulta because of the leader.

Image

Daxon Fell. A dragon. A vicious and insane dragon as word has it.

“Vega, I’m gunna pay you an extra cut on my deal. I had to leave the others decapitated in the secured meeting room. It’s a mess. Bloody shame, but I got what I came for.”

The dragon in human guise lifts a case he’s carrying in one hand.

The rest chuckle.

The six murders leave through the front door. The Line Walker gives the stink eye to Asher as they go.

A moment later, it’s like the air freshens, and it’s easier to breath once Asher remembers to breath. Returning to Vega she sighs heavily.

“That fexing Daxon pays to well to say no. As I only had two visitors of note here today, and you just saw one leave I assume you’re looking to get a book signed. That better be it Ash-man because I like her and promised myself to keep her safe here until she gets some help. You got that. No harm to her. I’ve her dinner order. You can take it to her. She’s in room 7. Play nice. As always I’ll ring you when I have any jobs you might like.”

Vega produces a platter with food and drink and places it on the bar counter.

Room 7 is in corridor 2 of the old redoubt. Vega was lucky to get her hands on the pre-fall 300 year old old military supply depots. Even luckier to hold onto it. Granted she was one tough old lady and knew how to out think her enemies.


OOC Comments
Supplies. Weapons. Connections to multiple branches of the Black Market. Vega, ex Québécois Freedom fighter (anti CS) - holds no grudges and knows (suspects) you are ex-CS. She owns and runs a old small NEMA depot. She might be a good Edge: Connections?
Agents of Titan Robotics Industries (AoT)
The Agents (Players)
• Jim - Sparkmort Zipwidget: Male Tinker Gnome Power Armor Ace
• Derrick - Caiden: Male Human, Momano Headhunter
• Steve (Hans) - Berk: Male Simvan Psi-Druid Monster Tamer/Rider
• Murp - Rupetta Martin: Female Human MARS Merc Soldier (X-CS)
• Freemage - Lance: Male Dog Boy Techno-Warrior (Cyber[netic] Knight)
• CSC - Ozy “Oz”: Dragon

My Accounts:
Active
  • Daniel - Admin/GM of AoT
  • Jackal - IC (Neural Intelligence) - 7th SET
  • Vi - Space Pirate - Stars Without Numbers
  • Henry Grimes - CS Commando - Rumble in the Jungle

Not Active
  • Hondo - Wild Psi Stalker
  • Burn - Mega Juicer - Juicer Uprising (On Hold)
  • Blackfish - Ogre Combat Mage - 12th SET (On Hold)
  • Setrakian - Dragon Juicer - FoM Jungles (Retired)

NPC Accounts
  • Lord Coake - NPC
  • Valentine - NPC
  • Erin Tarn - NPC
  • James T - NPC
  • Hagen Lonovich - NPC

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AsherBlack
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Joined: Thu Mar 14, 2019 9:59 pm

Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by AsherBlack »

"The territory is filling up fast." Asher looks after the Black Market group. "Heard rumors that they are even dealing in slaves. Dark souls that bunch."

Looking down to his right hand, he realizes that he is holding Tarn's book. Looking up, he smiles at Vega. "Actually, a book signing yes. However, she is a very impressive woman and ahving her as a contact would prove most valuable. Who knows, she may actually have work for me as well."

Putting the plastic sealed book back in his storage pouch, Asher grabs his helmet, then the platteer of food, nods to Vega, "Thank you Ms. Vega." Withing minutes he is down the corridor 2 knocking on the door to room 7. "Excuse me. Ms. Vega asked me to deliver some food to you."
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Erin Tarn
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by Erin Tarn »





🎵 You can dance every dance with the guy
Who gives you the eye, let him hold you tight
You can smile every smile for the man
Who held your hand beneath the pale moon light
But don't forget who's takin' you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me 🎵


Pre Ruft Bunker
Corridor 2 - Room 7.


Asher found the door to the rented room was open.
The sound of music lightly being played on a portal device sitting on a desk covered with papers, pens and nick nacks.

Pencil in left hand, her right hand waving like a conductor, a young blonde woman sat with her back to Asher.

”Excuse me. Ms. Vega asked me to deliver some food to you."

Pencil drop. Chair knocked over backwards. An energy pistol somehow now in her right hand blonde hair falling across her face, she takes a deep breath and holsters the gun.

“I’m so sorry. Vega told me no one else would be in this section of her bunker.”

Pulling her long hair into a bun she ties it out of the way and steps away from the desk, the only place a tray might be placed, and she puts the bed between her and the open door Asher stands in.

“Thank you so much.”
Discord: Daniel (Lars)

Lars
  • Game Master: CS Disavowed (110 PA)
  • Game Master: Rifts Speed Tribes! (68 PA)

Damien - Momano (Rifts: 1st SET, Far From Home)

Monza Lena - Altara (Phase World: Remorseless)

Sergio - Gunman (Deadlands)

Clay - Fighter (Savage Forgotten Realms)

Dred - Mega Juicer (Rifts Legends)

Jackal - Artificial Construct (21st SET)
NPC Accounts:
Zieja Kasbrook (RST!)
Erin Tarn (RST!)
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AsherBlack
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by AsherBlack »

Asher is not phased by the sight of the gun. And he understands Tarn's defensive stance with the bed between her and the door. He is just that cool of a customer.

Asher steps quickly into the room, places the platter on the bed, and then steps back into the hallway.

Touching a button on his armor, the intricate mesh changes coloration and his red Cannonball armor now appears to be a gray colored flight suit.

"Ms. Tarn. My name is Asher Black. I am an information broker and word has hit the streets of Crossroads stating a unique individual was in the area."

"No offense ma'am but there are not many safe places to stay outside of the Crossroads. Ms. Vega's is the best."

"When Ms. Vega says there is nooneelse in this corridor she means it."

Seeing her nervousness, Asher takes a seat outside her door with his back against the wall opposite the doorway.

"I am here on business and a personal matter."

"I would say the personal matter first would likely soften things up."

Asher pulls from his thigh pocket the plastic sealed copy of Tarn's Humanity's Rise from Chaos. "I am a big fan of your works ma'am. You write with authority yet also quite inviting."
Asher Black
Quick Stats _
Novice Human Information Broker
Charisma: -- || Pace: 6 (1d6) || Parry: 4 || Toughness: 5 [6 (11)] || Strain: --
ISP: 20/20
Wounds: None || Fatigue: None
Combat Edges: None
Relevant Edges: Telemechanics, I Know a Guy, Connections
Bennies: 4/4
Fire Baby
NG-357 Magnum-Turbo Hovercycle _
  • Size: 2
  • Acc/TS: 15/70
  • Toughness: 17 (8)
  • Crew: 1 + 1
  • Notes:
    Exposed Crew, Handling 1, Hover, MDC Armor, Electric Model
Weapons
Weapons On Hand _
  • Wilk's 237 Backup Laser Pistol
  • Wilk's 447
  • Vibro-Sword
  • Vibro-Knife
Powers
Available Powers _
  • Telepathy - Face-to-Face/All-Points Bulletin
  • Bolt - Data Spike/Power Surge
  • Mind Reading - What Happens in Vegas/Is My Business
  • Clairvoyant - Snoop Onto Them/Reach Out and Touch Someone
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Erin Tarn
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by Erin Tarn »





A smile creeps across he blonde woman’s face.

“Humankind's Rise from Chaos, well, that’s one of the first editions isn’t it? The later ones got published with a more PC cover. It seems that once I write a book it takes on a life of its own.

I have taken it upon myself to capture human history before it is en­tirely lost. Many say that it is of little importance since the planet Earth is forever transformed and the human race will never be as it was. All the same, I believe there are generations who will wonder how and why things came to pass as they did, and I hope my works will help to answer their queries.”

Noticeably relaxing some Erin steps to the doorway and leans against it.

“I trust Vega. She trusts you. We’re good. Ya just startled me. I ... get lost in the words and sometimes the music. I am not an educated woman. Thus, my words may not read as elo­quently as those spoken by the new gentry rising to power in the mid­dle Americas. That self seated emperor is dangerous and can give a moving speech.

I am a nomad who has come to learn, see and hear many things in her travels. Things that I now realize are pieces of our vanish­ing past. Things that too few people remember. Such as the 52 United States of America, the names of the old Empires like Japan. Korea. China. Canada. and our own USA.”


Reaching out her hand for the book the scholar takes the book and opens it to sign.

“You flatter me Mr. Asher. I'm told that I am a fool, because few people today read American (or what was once called English), or read at all. Still, I will try to capture our past for the sake of our chil­dren and their children. So when the day comes that they ask why, when, how, and who, they will have at least a few of the answers.

I will try to focus my records of history to the period just before the Time ofthe Rifts, the centuries of chaos which followed and our own, modern day and age. I will try to separate fact from fan­tasy, and indicate rumor, myth, and legend when facts are not available. Please forgive my rambling.”


Handing the signed book back to Asher, the author tilts her hear and eyes the man with a smile.

“Business? With me? Or just Vega?”


The book reads:


Asher,

Information is power! Stay safe and keep reading.

Thank you,

Erin Tarn
68 PA
Discord: Daniel (Lars)

Lars
  • Game Master: CS Disavowed (110 PA)
  • Game Master: Rifts Speed Tribes! (68 PA)

Damien - Momano (Rifts: 1st SET, Far From Home)

Monza Lena - Altara (Phase World: Remorseless)

Sergio - Gunman (Deadlands)

Clay - Fighter (Savage Forgotten Realms)

Dred - Mega Juicer (Rifts Legends)

Jackal - Artificial Construct (21st SET)
NPC Accounts:
Zieja Kasbrook (RST!)
Erin Tarn (RST!)
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AsherBlack
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Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by AsherBlack »

"Well maybe business is an incorrect term."

"What I have is second hand information, stating that you have run into some trouble during your time here in Old Texas."

"I would like to verify some details and see what other information I could add or gather to get a more complete picture."
Asher Black
Quick Stats _
Novice Human Information Broker
Charisma: -- || Pace: 6 (1d6) || Parry: 4 || Toughness: 5 [6 (11)] || Strain: --
ISP: 20/20
Wounds: None || Fatigue: None
Combat Edges: None
Relevant Edges: Telemechanics, I Know a Guy, Connections
Bennies: 4/4
Fire Baby
NG-357 Magnum-Turbo Hovercycle _
  • Size: 2
  • Acc/TS: 15/70
  • Toughness: 17 (8)
  • Crew: 1 + 1
  • Notes:
    Exposed Crew, Handling 1, Hover, MDC Armor, Electric Model
Weapons
Weapons On Hand _
  • Wilk's 237 Backup Laser Pistol
  • Wilk's 447
  • Vibro-Sword
  • Vibro-Knife
Powers
Available Powers _
  • Telepathy - Face-to-Face/All-Points Bulletin
  • Bolt - Data Spike/Power Surge
  • Mind Reading - What Happens in Vegas/Is My Business
  • Clairvoyant - Snoop Onto Them/Reach Out and Touch Someone
User avatar
Erin Tarn
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Posts: 77
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2017 5:37 pm

Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by Erin Tarn »


The young woman cocks her head some and eyes Asher.

"My escort and friends were killed by some rough gangers nearby. I am meeting an old friend tomorrow to take care of that. Who do you work for Mr. Asher?"

Her easy going smile and demeanor start to be guarded again.


OOC Comments
I will be posting up our Group Post tomorrow but feel free to carry on.

Lars
Discord: Daniel (Lars)

Lars
  • Game Master: CS Disavowed (110 PA)
  • Game Master: Rifts Speed Tribes! (68 PA)

Damien - Momano (Rifts: 1st SET, Far From Home)

Monza Lena - Altara (Phase World: Remorseless)

Sergio - Gunman (Deadlands)

Clay - Fighter (Savage Forgotten Realms)

Dred - Mega Juicer (Rifts Legends)

Jackal - Artificial Construct (21st SET)
NPC Accounts:
Zieja Kasbrook (RST!)
Erin Tarn (RST!)
User avatar
AsherBlack
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Mar 14, 2019 9:59 pm

Re: Inchoations / Opening Scene (Sgt)

Post by AsherBlack »

"Some would call me a Mercenary, which are common here in the Freelands."

"Others attach the word Freelance to Mercenary, mostly because I play all sides."

Asher is able to feel the guarded-ness come back and well he kind of expected it.

"To be quite honest, Ms. Tarn, Blackwell has been my employer on more than one occassion. He and I share a lot of past together."

Pausing for a moment, "We left Tolkeen together. Right after the worst of it had been dealt with."
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