Bugged: The Beginning of the End

Post by **Freemage** » Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:23 am

A Re-intro in Three Parts:

Kingsdale, Quarantine:
It has been a hard, hard month for the Jokers, and for the city of Kingsdale. The quarantine has been stressful, making a month feel like years. Promising treatments turned out to have nasty side-effects. Conspiracy theories abounded, pointing the blame at different groups, some plausible, others less so. Riots started breaking out in earnest. The Mayor was nearly assassinated. Food is now being rationed, fomenting more resentment.

The team has suffered, as well. Herra went up against another Mind Melter after exposing a plot by a CS operative trying to turn the quarantine into an incitement to riot among the humans in the Dregs. Though she won, she was gravely injured, and was only able to save herself by some exotic technique which also seems to have caused her to leave this plane of existence.

OOC Comments

It was learned that SnackHappy's Rune Weapon was interacting with the virus in a wholly unpredictable fashion--after some debate, it was determined that it was necessary to send him out of the city, in order to keep the weapon from releasing cataclysmic effects.

Sara the TW automaton has simply disappeared, and proven impossible to track down.

Finally, Callie was straight-up murdered in an alleyway. However, the Psi-Ghost's death did manage to point the remaining trio--Growler, Chok'lat and Roy--in the right direction, finally. It was determined that her attackers--who also appear to be involved with, if not the masterminds behind the virus--are staying in an old hotel in the Dregs called The Brick. Unfortunately, with numbers so thin, it's uncertain if you'll be able to follow up on this lead.The city's forces are stretched too thin to provide much assistance, at least in a timely fashion.

And then the TW array you brought here comes to life, and with a message from Hope, and Castle Refuge--new recruits are coming, and will be in the city by dawn. You'll have to meet them in the basement of an abandoned storage building, however, as they are being smuggled in past the quarantine....

OOC Comments

Castle Refuge, Briefing Room:

Each of you is a relatively new arrival at Castle Refuge. You all have your own reasons for joining the Legion, but whatever it was that brought you here, you hadn't been expecting to get woken up in the wee hours before dawn. "Welcome to the Legion, Recruit," says the violet-skinned D-bee in front of you, his shock-white hair perfectly in place, as if he were always awake at 3 AM. "I am Corporal Allistair Montcrief. Get dressed and get your pack ready, and then head down to Briefing Room 14A. You and the other new members of the 7th SET will receive your first assignment once you're all assembled. Take this" He hands you a map showing the precise route from your quarters to Briefing Room 2A, complete with landmarks.

New PC instructions

Once you arrive at the briefing room, the door opens to reveal a cloud of thick, malodorous smoke. A series of folding chairs have been laid out on one side, while on the other sits a Legionnaire with sergeant's stripes on her uniform, one hand holding a glass of whiskey, the other a still-burning cigar. Judging by the contents of the ashtray and the thick haze, she must have gone through a full box in whatever amount of time she's been sitting here. Her nametag reads "Ossanna Wilde". She largely ignores anyone entering the room, though if spoken to she will point to one of the empty chairs with the stogie stub, without looking up.

Instructions

As the last of you takes your seat, Montcrief comes in and stands behind the desk, next to Ossanna and puts down a sheaf of papers in front of her. She sips her whiskey and flips through them for a few moments. Looking them over, she nods. "What, they decided not to give us the stalker or the revenant?" Montcrief clears his throat and Ossanna looks up to see the group.

"Ah, right. Okay, folks. Welcome to the Jokers. The main team, as some of you may have heard, have been caught up in the Kingsdale quarantine--and yes, it's an actual quarantine. Nasty virus, magic-resistant and toxic to arcane types. If you've got EBA armor, try to use it as much as possible. Good news is, the team's finally got a lead on where the responsible parties are holed up. Bad news is, the team's taken some serious losses during this mission. One casualty, several MIAs. So we pulled you all from the recent recruit batch to go in and help them with the assault on the hideout; you'll most likely be permanent members of the 7th going forward, as well. Get your gear, and get down to the motor pool, now. Getting you into the city's going to be tricky, and we need to get it done fast, before the bad guys find a way to scarper."

She goes back to looking over the paperwork in front of her, her shoulders slumping down a bit as she scans the sheets, and starts signing.

Are you nosy?

Jack

Reassembling at the motor pool, you find a bizarre looking vehicle--it's an APV, but with a barrel-shaped body and, well, a pair of huge drills on the front and back of it. Montcrief is waiting there, along with a Gnome in aviator goggles. "This is Kratchet. He'll be driving your team to Kingsdale. You'll be going in underground, so as to not excite the locals, or tipping off the targets about your arrival."

Kratchet thumbs at the vehicle. "Get in, get comfy and don't bug me with too much jabber." Once you're all packed in--and it does require a bit of 'packing', as much of the center and rear of the vehicle's passenger space is taken up with hydraulics that are only a screen mesh from losing a finger. Jarvis' PA suit is a bit of a sticking point, until Kratchet gives a disgusted snort, goes in and detaches the seat from the floor and just pushes it out into the garage of the motor pool. "You'll have to just brace yourself. Rest of you put your harnesses on, and don't touch anything!" he adds, gruffly.

Most of the trip is above ground, but a few miles outside of Kingsdale, he comes to a stop and activates the hyrdraulics, lifting the rear end of the vehicle without preamble (anyone not using the harness--or in J'onns' case, braced and ready--at that point gets dumped from their seat in an undignified manner), and activates the drill, breaching the surface of the ground and going in. From this point on, conversation inside the vehicle is almost impossible, as the noise of the drill and what is apparently a means of ejecting soil behind them to fill up the hole makes it impossible to hear anything but an absolute bellow.

Kingsdale:

The three remaining (surviving?) original Jokers are brought by one of the Mayor's aides to a warehouse just outside the Dregs, and led down into a basement, where part of the flooring has been broken open, revealing bare earth. Just as you arrive, there's a massive rumbling, and suddenly a drill-head bursts through the exposed ground! A bizarre, barrel-shaped vehicle follows, and once it has emerged enough, a side-door opens; the occupants have to cope with the fact that the 'barrel' is still at an angle in order to get out. As soon as everyone and their gear is out, the door shuts again, and it reverse-drills back out, mostly refilling the hole--while it's clear that the ground has been disturbed, it wouldn't be possible to go back down it again more than a couple feet without some tunneling equipment of your own.

OOC Comments

Jackal · Post by **Jackal** » Wed Feb 01, 2023 10:25 am

Sitting in the bizarre tunneling vehicle, dressed in light matte black armor, helmet on, Jack Hall, nickname Jackal, sat quietly in contrast to the loud rumbling outside.

Perfectly still, straight backed with palms flat down on his knees. He looked statuesque in the chair he sat on. Unlike his calm, quiet demeanor - his thoughts were racing.

Jackal had worked with the Legion before. A member of the 21st SET, the Hot Shots, however that misadventure still weighed heavily on him. Unfortunately, life in this time was not forgiving. Based on the briefing by Montcrief and Wilde, the original 7th SET had learned that lesson too. A lot of good people. Dead. A sad waste of resources.

Images of the bunker occupied his mind for a moment - simultaneously, two thought processes at once.

President Finch - Target Designate Alpha.

Now, a Brodkil named "Chok'lat", though he did not know it, had been assigned as the new Alpha. The irony didn’t escape him. One of the very things that had driven a former Alpha underground was now the Alpha.

No matter, Jack Hall was designed with one thing in mind and he would never deviate from his purpose. Protect.

Having never been to Kingsdale, Jackal had accommodated Fitch to a State Park in the Ozarks, nearby in Missouri. He was interested to see how the location had changed. The briefing and mention of an alien virus by Wilde caused concern in his thoughts. The Brodkil was being potentially exposed to a dangerous virus and they were slowly progressing under the earth … Jackal shook outwardly once. A minor tremble likely unnoticed by anyone.

Once the tunneling vehicle finally arrived in the warehouse Jackal followed the others out of the vehicle. Looking at the remaining trio of the 7th SET: Growler, Chok'lat and Roy, then the fellow new recruits that had arrived with him, he re-read each’s dossiers in his mind, and stood by at the base of the vehicle while the rest unloaded and assembled.

Hopefully they could stop the virus and keep the inhabitants of Kingsdale safe. Hopefully the Brodkil’s physiology would keep it … him … safe from sickness. Then all Jackal would need to do is protect … him from everything else.

Jonns Mythe (Jokers) · Thu Feb 02, 2023 9:52 pm

OOC Comments

Jonns Mythe awakes with a start as the Sergeant rouses the group from their sleep. He quickly climbs out of bed and begins suiting up, while grousing to no one in particular, "Why is it briefings is always so damned early in th' morning? Cain't a fella get some decent shut eye and some coffee beforehand?"

Finishing up, he grabs his kit, takes a map from Montcrief and heads down to room 14a. The thick smoke gives him a moments pause, then he shrugs and strides in, taking a seat near the door. He listens to the briefing, though the entire time he is jittery, constantly fidgeting, though trying to not make much noise. It's a long habit of his and he's relatively good at it...but the constant motion can be irritating for those around him.

After the briefing, he heads to the motor pool by way of the mess hall, where he finally grabs some coffee and a quick plate of eggs, hash browns and bacon, that he scarfs down before reaching the door. Once there, he fidgets while waiting for everyone and everything to get loaded, then finally takes his seat.

As the vehicle begins to roll, he relaxes his lanky form, lowers the brim on his hat, and is almost immediately asleep once again, not waking until he is unceremoniously dumped out of his chair and slides along the floor as the giant drill does it's job. After a moment of confusion, he chuckles and rights himself, and watches out the window as things progress.

He eyes the veteran Joker's as the board the vehicle, wondering what sort of encounters they'd had out here. He'd not heard much about them through the rumor mill, just that they were good and got their jobs done.

He grinned. Finally, he had some competition.

Chok'lat · Post by **Chok'lat** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 6:57 pm

Chok'lat paced the floors. A lot. There wasn't much he could do during this whole thing. Investigating and skulking wasn't his forte. He had long ago traded his demonic abilities of invisibility for cold hard cyberware. More recently, after his whole tribe was waxed by the 7th SET, he opted to follow the greater strength as an alternative to being slaughtered and sent back to The Pit. The wannabe angel Zakkael had seen something in him more than simply a brute following the stronger master. The death...or was it ascension...of the Lyn-Srial mystic prompted the demon to walk the path of redemption, even taking up the Staff of Justice and the Shield of Faith, Zakkael's trappings. What was once a brutal and cruel demon was finding more and more a capacity for selfless heroism and kindness. Still...he's not quite there, and his infernal nature peeks out, usually at inopportune times.
That nature rears its ugly head when he thinks about his lost friends who he failed to protect. Herra seems to have melted permanently into the shadows, leaving not even a body to visit. SnackHappy managed to exit the city, though reluctantly. And little Callie was brutally executed. At least that's something he could have prevented...but he didn't.
And so his newly discovered penchant for valor in the face of evil gnaws at him because of his failure. He does his best to minimize property damage, but sometimes, he strikes things that don't bounce back. Tables, walls, anything that happens to pop up in his way as he paces to vent his frustration.
Word that they're getting reinforcements brightens his mood somewhat, if only to have a chance to redeem his failed efforts at protecting his old friends. He has an almost not-demonic smile on his face when the digger bursts through the earth and the new arrivals dismount. Even still, an almost not-demonic smile is both hideous and somewhat menacing. Even the excited waving of all four of his arms doesn't do much to temper the fact that he looks like he's about to eat whoever he sees.
"Chok'lat has new friends! Hi new friends!"

Kriza · Post by **Kriza** » Fri Feb 03, 2023 9:27 pm

Rolls

Kriza scrunches her brow a bit when the 7th is mentioned, before giving a slight nod. She's heard of them.

She quietly assesses her new teammates, trying to soak in as much as she can from their limited time together. She pays attention if addressed, signs if appropriate, but does not otherwise engage. She holds herself back a bit, watching.

She notices @Jonns Mythe (Jokers) fidgets, a lot. It looks like he can barely keep still during the briefing, all jerky energy and barely contained movement. But when the man gets up and actually walks, his motions seem fluid and almost feline to her. A predator, Kriza notes.

@Jackal is harder to get a read on. She decides she isn't sure about him yet.

Ignore This

When she sees the tunneling machine, she furrows her brow and looks from side to side at everyone else's faces. She gives the rig a full 360 before getting in, and she positions herself as near the front as possible. To the extent she can cut down on the time spent in this deathtrap by even a millisecond by being closer to the door, she judges it worth the effort. After she settles in, an owl flies down from the rafters and perches on her lap, hooting an annoyed little hoot. When the drilling begins, the owl starts to go nuts, but Kriza calms it with a touch.

When they emerge, she hears @Chok'lat's declaration of friendship, and she pulls up short. A brodkil. Here? Her left hand tightens a bit on the grip of her bow and the fingers of her right hand twitch ever so slightly as she swivels her head around to take in the rest of the space. The owl wings upwards, where it can get a better view of the entire interior.

Jarvis Ursus · Post by **Jarvis Ursus** » Sat Feb 04, 2023 10:04 am

Jarvis had never heard of the Jokers. He had barely heard of the Tomorrow Legion. It didn’t matter. The cause was better than what he had been a part of before.

During the briefing, he stood in the back and took it all in. He listened intently to Sgt. Wilde and took in everything he could. The situation in Kingsdale was a story he had heard dozens of times before. Biological warfare was a go to tactic for the Splugorth. It wouldn’t surprise hm if they were involved in this somehow. Focusing in on the documents, he could see that the situation was dire. The 7th had lost a lot. That explained the somber news of Corporal Moncrief and the gruffness of Sgt. Wilde. To the Kittani, it was just information. He had long ago become numb to death and loss. Maybe that’s what finally caused him to snap and defect? Some deep rooted desire to feel…something?

Jarvis snapped out of his melancholy. It didn’t matter, he was here to do a job. Looking around at the team assembled, he chuckled behind the faceplate of his armor, as much as they didn’t want to show it, some of his team members didn’t know how to take the brodkil. It was understandable here in North America. They ought to see Splynn….

The Kittani had to admit the ATV was a feat of engineering, even by his race’s advanced technological knowledge. He was only half listening to the gnome as he admired the vehicle. As he watched Kratchet pull the seat out for him, he winced. He could have removed his armor…No matter, what’s done is done and Jarvis simply nodded his appreciation and took his place, bracing himself against a bulkhead.

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:28 am

Losing most of the pack was hard. Only him. Roy, and the foul smelling sub-demon Chok'lat were left... though with the plague going through the city, he was keeping his armor sealed up most of the time and was thus spared the stink of the Brodkil.

Losing Callie was the hardest. It was his job to protect the pack, and he had failed her. Losing Hera was almost as bad, though she seemed to have been able to save herself with some sort of mental exercise that transported herself away. She at least had the possibility of coming back... theoretically. Sara... she just left the pack. That was hard to take since she didn't even say good-bye and just ghosted them. If he had been able to safely open his helmet and use his nose, Sara could have been found, but that was not smart to do in Kingsdale right now. Snackhappy... his new toy, the Rune Weapon, did not seem to react well with the disease and it was worrisome to think of what might come from longer exposure between the two.

Though the idea of staking out the Brick was something Growler wanted to do, he eventually decided the city needed his help more. Whenever he could around watching out for Roy and Chok'lat, Growler would sneak out of the city and go hunting. Kingsdale was running out of food. Though as time passed one would thing that his prey would move out of the area, the lack of travel to and from the city added to the almost total lack of anyone else doing the hunting allowed Growler to have productive hunts. More than one starving family in the city was pleasantly surprised when they woke up in the morning to find fresh meat field dressed waiting in their kitchen.

Hearing the reinforcements coming in from The Legion for the pack made Growler happy. Three members of the pack was too small to do what they needed to do. Waiting in the warehouse just outside The Dregs, fully kitted out as ever, Growler was surprised to see the weird burrowing vehicle that the new members of his pack arrived in.

"Welcome to Kingsdale. I am Growler. Here is Roy, and that ugly Brodkil over there is Chok'lat. We are all now the 7th SET... the Joker's Jokers. Your transportation here is sure to have attracted some attention, so we should quickly head out."

Kriza · Post by **Kriza** » Sun Feb 05, 2023 12:54 pm

Growler wrote: ↑Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:28 am
"Welcome to Kingsdale. I am Growler. Here is Roy, and that ugly Brodkil over there is Chok'lat. We are all now the 7th SET... the Joker's Jokers. Your transportation here is sure to have attracted some attention, so we should quickly head out."

When the dog boy speaks, Kriza settles her eyes on him. She gives a quick nod and throws a look to her bird, which glides down and perches on her shoulder.

She and then looks to the door.

Chok'lat · Post by **Chok'lat** » Sun Feb 05, 2023 2:45 pm

The brodkil's face goes from a frightening smile to a look of disdain and...are his feelings hurt? He snaps back at @Growler. "Hey! Chok'lat not ugly. You got bad taste!"

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Sun Feb 05, 2023 3:27 pm

quote=Kriza post_id=82565 time=1675626883 user_id=572]

She and then looks to the door.
[/quote]

That sign looks familiar from when I was in the Coalition packs, but I can't place it right now. I will have to ask her about it later. With Chok'lat and Roy being the only other senior pack members, I guess I will need to be Alpha... until we find someone better suited to the role.

Chok'lat wrote: ↑Sun Feb 05, 2023 2:45 pm The brodkil's face goes from a frightening smile to a look of disdain and...are his feelings hurt? He snaps back at @Growler. "Hey! Chok'lat not ugly. You got bad taste!"

"Now no need to be sensitive, Chok'lat. You may be an ugly Brodkil, but you are OUR ugly Brodkil. Roy, Chok'lat... lets get these new teammates back to the Hotel and squared up. Everyone... grab your packs and lets move out! Careful out there. Consider this an active warzone with lots of neutrals and friendlies around. Lock and load. I will be scouting the path back to the hotel and passing the directions and what I notice to be worried about enroute. Keep your eyes open too, but no hostile actions unless we are attacked first. We are the Tomorrow Legion, and we have the Legion's rules and honor to uphold."

Jonns Mythe (Jokers) · Sun Feb 05, 2023 4:57 pm

Jonn chuckles at Growler's comment to the demon, then is quickly on his feet gathering his gear. In moments, he's standing "at-ease" near to the others, though even in that pose, he is still in constant motion as his eyes flicker around the room behind his face mask.

"Mythe, ready for duty. Anything in particular to keep an eye out for out there?"

Kriza · Post by **Kriza** » Sun Feb 05, 2023 5:53 pm

When they ultimately get back outside, Kriza sends Mouse up into the sky to help scout, seeing through his eyes.

Notice, Mouse, and Growler

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 3:00 pm

Freemage wrote: ↑Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:23 am Castle Refuge, Briefing Room:

Each of you is a relatively new arrival at Castle Refuge. You all have your own reasons for joining the Legion, but whatever it was that brought you here, you hadn't been expecting to get woken up in the wee hours before dawn. "Welcome to the Legion, Recruit," says the violet-skinned D-bee in front of you, his shock-white hair perfectly in place, as if he were always awake at 3 AM. "I am Corporal Allistair Montcrief. Get dressed and get your pack ready, and then head down to Briefing Room 14A. You and the other new members of the 7th SET will receive your first assignment once you're all assembled. Take this" He hands you a map showing the precise route from your quarters to Briefing Room 2A, complete with landmarks.

"Greetings Corporal, Lt. Landon Parker, Retired, you can call me Strider. 14A got it. Headed that way now."

Freemage wrote: ↑Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:23 am
New PC instructions
You may, if you wish, roll Common Knowledge.

On a Success, you've vaguely heard of the Jokers, aka the 7th SET. They're supposedly some serious oddballs, even by Legion standards, but they have a rep for getting things done. Their unit's home commander is Sgt. Ossanna Wilde, who is pretty much as old-school drill sergeant as they come. Many folks suspect that Montcrief is the real brains behind the operation--the D-Bee is infamously unflappable, able to keep up with his notoriously paperwork-averse superior.

On a Raise, you've heard that they were on assignment to Kingsdale when that city got locked down for some not-fully-explained-reason. Just about everyone figures it's some sort of quarantine, but the heavily armed Robot Vehicles and Power Armor Jocks patrolling the borders around the city aren't letting any details slip--they simply point their missile launchers at anyone approaching, and suggest an alternate route around the city's walls. You've also heard rumors about some of their members--most notably, a freakin' tamed Brodkil!
Oh, and while Ossanna absolutely DOES rely heavily on Montcrief to deal with all the paperwork issues, he's by no means her handler, or any such thing. Rather, she just found someone who was very, very good at his job and he, in turn, has been fanatically loyal to her.

Common Knowledge: d6!: [1] = 1 Wild: d6!: [2] = 2

7th SET. Hm Never heard of them.

He arrives at 14A and makes his entry. You see human approximately 6' tall about 180 lbs He has dirty blonde hair and tanned skin. He is carrying a large Duffel Bag as if it was nothing. He sits down leans back and kicks up his feet. He assumes he is the last to show, so he looks at the group and says, "Are we gonna start this shindig or what? I am Landon Parker, but you guys can call me Strider."

Notice: d8!: [7] = 7 Wild: d6!: [5] = 5

Others seem to be a bit shy. I will give them time to open up.

Now focusing on the briefing.
"You have any info about this virus I could look at?" If they give him some materials he will peruse them to glean what he can.
Science: d10!: [6] = 6 Wild: d6!: [2] = 2

After the lecture, Strider takes the EBA out of his bag and suits up before entering the craft. He hangs a hilt and laser pistol on his belt. "Let's do this."

Freemage wrote: ↑Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:23 am Kingsdale:

The three remaining (surviving?) original Jokers are brought by one of the Mayor's aides to a warehouse just outside the Dregs, and led down into a basement, where part of the flooring has been broken open, revealing bare earth. Just as you arrive, there's a massive rumbling, and suddenly a drill-head bursts through the exposed ground! A bizarre, barrel-shaped vehicle follows, and once it has emerged enough, a side-door opens; the occupants have to cope with the fact that the 'barrel' is still at an angle in order to get out. As soon as everyone and their gear is out, the door shuts again, and it reverse-drills back out, mostly refilling the hole--while it's clear that the ground has been disturbed, it wouldn't be possible to go back down it again more than a couple feet without some tunneling equipment of your own.

"I feel like we just exited Kingsdale's butthole." He jumps out of the vehicle. "Howdy folks, I am Strider. I assume you are the Joker's trapped here, well good news, the Calvary has arrived."

Chok'lat wrote: ↑Fri Feb 03, 2023 6:57 pm "Chok'lat has new friends! Hi new friends!"

Strider does a 2 finger salute. "Howdy Chok'lat, pleasure to make your aquaintance, er..friendship."

Growler wrote: ↑Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:28 am "Welcome to Kingsdale. I am Growler. Here is Roy, and that ugly Brodkil over there is Chok'lat. We are all now the 7th SET... the Joker's Jokers. Your transportation here is sure to have attracted some attention, so we should quickly head out."

"Aye, Aye Cap'n." Strider follows him.

Kriza · Post by **Kriza** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:18 pm

Strider wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 3:00 pm He arrives at 14A and makes his entry. You see human approximately 6' tall about 180 lbs He has dirty blonde hair and tanned skin. He is carrying a large Duffel Bag as if it was nothing. He sits down leans back and kicks up his feet. He assumes he is the last to show, so he looks at the group and says, "Are we gonna start this shindig or what? I am Landon Parker, but you guys can call me Strider."

Kriza acknowledges Strider's greeting and signs her name at him. If no one knows CSL, she'll write her name down for anyone making acquaintances.

Roy · Post by **Roy** » Thu Feb 09, 2023 10:12 pm

Roy had been struggling with frustration and defeat. As a scholar he had always been exceptional. He had mastered his craft and been able to help people. But this strange illness had defeated him at every turn. It draining effect on his powers, and the fact that his brother was better equipped to deal with it combined with the complete lack of progress, left him depressed and at his limits.

Learning of the loss of the others while Roy was at his sickest something came over him breaking his depression. He would not give into despair letting their lives mean nothing. He would get better and get back to helping out.

Upon hearing others would be joining them he was not sure how he should feel about that. Now there would be more people at risk of infection and death. More people that would not be allowed to leave.

When Growler introduces everyone Roy tips his head and pulls his cowl away to show his face. “Hello all.” He says politely, not offering his hand to shake. “I do not want to be rude, I need to stay in this suit and quarantined, because I am infected with the sickness infesting this town.” Explaining why he is standing so far away from everyone else in the room.
“Spose we better get you informed on how things are going. Have you all read the dossiers or should we walk through them?”

Jonns Mythe (Jokers) · Fri Feb 10, 2023 10:31 am

Jonns salutes Roy, briefly, before saying, "Sir, Ah've read 'em, but might be bettah if ever'body took a minute an' spoke to who they are? Hearin' it from the horses mouth might be better, y'know?"

Chok'lat · Post by **Chok'lat** » Fri Feb 10, 2023 11:18 am

Chok'lat laughs at @Jonns Mythe (Jokers). "Chok'lat thinks you talk funny! It's okay. It's good to laugh as long as nobody gets feelings hurt. Chok'lat is Brodkil. Chok'lat used to hurt feelings. And people. And things. But mostly people. But Chok'lat don't want to hurt nobody no more unless they're bad. Chok'lat is good now! See? Got angel shield and angel staff!" He holds up a clear shield with a silver cross emblazoned on the front and a staff made of jet black and unblemished white wood, twisted together in perfect symmetry. "Chok'lat ain't scared of anything. Chok'lat is strongest person here." He flexes both his regular and his cybernetic muscles, just in case there was any doubt. "Who are you?"

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:12 pm

"I am what most people call a Nega Psychic. I am also skilled in the wilderness and good at hiding as well as with guns and a blade and can draw upon my mental strength to improve my abilities."

Jonns Mythe (Jokers) · Fri Feb 10, 2023 6:09 pm

Jonns nods as Chok'lat and Growler speak, then adds his own description. "Well, now Chok'lat, Ah don't think ah talk all that funny, but some folks don't get mah accent. No offense taken. Me? Well, ah ain't got no cyburnetics or fancy mental whosiwhatsits. Ahm just really darn good with mah guns here, y'know? Purdy good at livin' off the land, too."

Kriza · Post by **Kriza** » Sat Feb 11, 2023 2:08 pm

Kriza signs, Healer. Druid. Ghost. She keeps it simple in case anyone knows even a little CSL.

If that doesn't work, she writes it out and hands it to whoever is closest, hoping they can read.

Jonns Mythe (Jokers) · Sat Feb 11, 2023 2:19 pm

Jonns, seeing Kriza Signing, says "Sorry, ma'am, ah don't know sign language."

Kriza · Post by **Kriza** » Sat Feb 11, 2023 2:26 pm

Jonns Mythe (Jokers) wrote: ↑Sat Feb 11, 2023 2:19 pm Jonns, seeing Kriza Signing, says "Sorry, ma'am, ah don't know sign language."

Kriza hands Jonns her datapad with the words written on them and raises her eyebrow as she waits to see if he is literate.

Jackal · Post by **Jackal** » Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:55 pm

As the others greet and declare their self proclaimed positive traits Jack’s blank look gives nothing away.

Quite. Stationary. Assessing. Deciding this has got to be the strangest group of companions he had worked with to date. This actually pleases him.

Moving forward towards the original SET members Jackal hears the other’s greetings each other and quickly formulates a response that is to the point and true.

Nodding at the others Jack states: “Jackal. I am quite proficient in several useful areas.”

Done with his input to the conversation he faces Kriza and signs: Nice to meet you. I am Jackal.

Nodding at her he gathers his gear and stands quietly and ready to go.

Jonns Mythe (Jokers) · Sat Feb 11, 2023 5:00 pm

Jonns looks at the datapad, then hands it back. "Lady says she's a 'Healer, druid and ghost.' Ah'm guessin' a healers just the thing this place needs right about now, too, so ah'm quite glad yer here, ma'am."

Post by **Freemage** » Tue Feb 14, 2023 8:11 am

The city official lets the groups introduce themselves, then interjects before you can all leave. "Two orders of business, before you go. First, we have a brief situational analysis. While I'm doing that, I'll also be cataloguing your heavier weapons and armor. While obviously, we're forgoing the usual policy during this action, once this matter is over, if you are staying in Kingsdale before leaving, you'll need to turn in those items to be stored securely." He steps over and begins the documentation process with Jarvis, even as he continues speaking.

"Sadly, as your target is in the Dregs, we only have a bit of information about the building. We know The Brick, as it is called, is a Golden Age-era warehouse whose outer walls have lasted all that time, so you can imagine how sturdy they are. It covers about a quarter of a city block, and is about 50 feet high. In recent years, someone acquired it, then built a 'hotel' of sorts--more of a flophouse, really--inside by subdividing it. There's only one way in and out of the building, and that's through the lobby which is built to fill the old cargo door entrance. We don't have any idea what the inside actually looks like, I'm afraid."

Having finished his assessment of Jarvis' gear, he continues on through the others. "We suspect that the individuals responsible for this plague are located in the building. We know they include a number of Grackletooths, but don't know where their rooms are. Please be aware that there are civilians in the building, as well--we didn't want to tip off the suspects early by evacuating the building. You are to subdue this group--take as many alive as possible, though you are authorized to use lethal force if necessary--and acquire any intel you can on the virus. If they have samples or an actual cure, even better."

Finishing his gear-audit, he looks up. "I need to be clear on this--while we would very much like the individuals responsible for this mess to be caught and punished, the intelligence on the virus MUST take priority." Having made his pitch, he is about to leave when a thought occurs to him, and he turns to Kriza.

"He said you are a 'ghost'. You should be aware that we were pointed at this building because a Legionnaire--Callie, I believe her name was?--was beaten to death in an alleyway outside the building. She had collapsed there, after stepping out of the building's walls, and was ambushed before she could recover. She was one of your kinsmen, and our autopsy indicates the prior to that, she'd been affected by a poison of some sort, probably a gas. I would not assume your people's innate abilities will keep you safe if you just walk through the walls like she did."

With that, the Jokers are permitted to move out. Upon arrival at the building, you see it is much as described--an unmarked MDC warehouse as a shell, with the cargo door having been sealed off with concrete bricks, save for a steel double-door set in the concrete. The streets are a bit occupied, even at this time (around 4 AM), but anyone who sees you immediately recognizes trouble and gets out of the way.

Instruction 1

********************Assuming you enter through the front, rather than just blasting open a giant hole in the MDC walls********************

Entering through the steel doors, you find yourself in a roughly constructed 'lobby' consisting of a desk with clear plastic shielding (thick enough to be resistant to small-arms fire, and probably to refract laser fire, too) on the upper half. A sits behind the desk, picking his nose as you enter. He takes a desultory glance as you come in, then immediately sits up as he notes your armament.

"Hey, now, I don't want no trouble, gents and lady. No trouble at all." A passed-out drunk slumped in one of the chairs of the dingy space snores loudly.

Upon any sort of questioning--bribery, threats, even polite conversation, really--he confirms the presence of a large group of Grackles in the building. "Bunch of 'em, rented out the suite on the top floor. Up those stairs, just keep going down the hall to the far end."\

Instruction2

Layout of the floors:

Chok'lat · Post by **Chok'lat** » Wed Feb 15, 2023 10:03 pm

Chok'lat nods at the instructions. "We do it quiet. Take bad guys alive. Chok'lat's good at that. Nobody even see Chok'lat coming." With zero sense of irony, he checks the chambers on his grenade launcher, shotgun, plasma cannon, then flicks the switch on his twin chain longswords to verify function. "Yep. Take 'em alive. Real quiet." He smiles an off-putting, earnest, demonic smile. "Ready?"
*** *** *** ***
Pushing into the door, Chok'lat adds little but purely visual intimidation to the discussion with the flooper, and only as needed. Upon getting the information they needed, he makes no hesitation to stride boldly to the stairway, leading the entire pack up the flight. He the cameras so easily they might as well be marked in flashing red and blue lights. He points these out to his friends. "Chok'lat ain't invisible. Somebody knows we're coming now." He strides boldly still, clearly unconcerned with whatever might have marked their arrival.

Kriza · Post by **Kriza** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 2:55 pm

Kriza sticks to the rear, though not the very back, of the column as the group enters. She has mouse perch in the rafters in the main room, assuming there are any, and wait for her there. No need to have him caught in a crossfire in a tight hallway.

Heeding the warning about Callie, she does not ghost herself as they move. She does get her bow ready and keeps her eye out for trouble.

Growler · Post by **Growler** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 3:39 pm

"I will be following a little bit in trail. I don't like all of those rooms along out route not being properly secured before we get to the suite, but I don't think we will have enough time to do it properly before they start responding. My Cloak will help me stay
Stealth (d8 -> d12+2 (Enchanted Cloak) -> d12+3 (due Thief Edge)
Stealth: 1d12!!+3!!: [14!!]+3 = 17
Wild: 1d6!!+3!!: [2]+3 = 5
Result: 17 on Opposed Rolls
so I can counter any ambushes. I will communicate further on comms."

With that, Growler pulls his cloak tighter around himself and almost seems to vanish in front of your eyes as he gets ready to everyone up the stairs, his Gamma Rifle pointed low and ready.

Jarvis Ursus · Post by **Jarvis Ursus** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:29 pm

Jarvis smirks as the city official checks out his gear. He had a vague notion that a lot of it was illegal in most places of North America. What did these people think they were accomplishing? The Kittani guessed it helped them sleep better at night with such a false sense of security.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the bureaucracy taken care of, Jarvis fell into formation with the team. As they approached the building and questioned the , he tests the comms with the team.

"My armor is not built for stealth, but I have the ability to take enemies alive if need be. I have....some experience with that..."

The last part of his transmission conjures memories Jarvis would have liked to forget. It was a good thing the team could not see his face. His simian features had hardened into a shameful grimace.

Jarvis then fell in behind the brodkil and Jackal in an overwatch position holding his neural rifle and capture assault system at the ready. He moved in synce with them and covered their blind spots as they crept down the corridor, his armor betraying their movements.

Roy · Post by **Roy** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:43 pm

Roy waits calmly while his relevent suplies are inventoried. As they are given instructions he only nods, and prepares himself for the mission telling the others. "My satchels can keep the data safe from most outside effects. When we find it, I can store a copy. Just remember if I fall, you will need to take it from me."

As they approach Roy readies himself for the battle, double checking the condition of his gear. While avoiding combat is generally his prefered route, he always found the adrenaline thrill of an battle was something he enjoyed more than he liked.

Jackal · Post by **Jackal** » Fri Feb 17, 2023 9:58 am

Following offset to the right, behind the Brodkil, Jackal assumes a tactical position utilizing , a two handed hold on his old Secret Service blaster, the Specter SS Heavy Ion Pistol. Held close to the armor of his chest plate with the barrel pointed at a downward angle, he fluidly turned the blaster to follow his eyes. Clearing each doorway they pass with an exactly perfect SWAT team trained manner. Quiet and alert the former serviceman and body guard keeps the whole team in his line of sight utilizing 360 degree optics supported by his amplified hearing. Upon detecting the camera he briefly considered hacking the fed but ultimately concluded they had been seen already, so why bother, it would only slow them down to stop and hack it. Jackal concluded that the Brodkil didn’t seem likely to want to slow down their swift entry into the building.

Jackal immediately shut down his background thoughts on how the huge beast seemed unnaturally friendly. On the first day Jackal had popped the top of the subterranean base and entered the new rifts torn world he had been assaulted by a group of the red sub demons. Killing them all…..

Process termination - focus on current alpha and mission operations.

Silently and effortlessly Jackal glides across the floor, alert and ready for action, following Chok'lat. The dual forearm vibro-vambraces snap out then closed once ensuring they are clear and ready if he decides to switch tactics from blaster to dual blades.

Jonns Mythe (Jokers) · Fri Feb 17, 2023 1:38 pm

Jonns follows along, moving in a strangely relaxed and seemingly unconcerned fashion. He scans the area, looking for any sign that something is untoward.

"I hear ya, sir. If somethin' happens to ya, I'll be sure 'n grab that datapad an' get it back to HQ. Don't gotta worry 'bout it, though. We got ourselves a demon on point!" He laughs at his own joke and continues walking.
=====

Notice Check

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 1:57 pm

Strider is in the middle of the order. He isn’t concerned about safety. This marching orders great. Let’s hope they don’t have anything that shoots in a straight line, or they have the strategic acumen to take advantage of a bottleneck. These guys seem pretty tough, they might survive. He has his pistol drawn. His mind is reviewing the material in his head. This is far too advanced for Grackle Tooth, they are obviously henchmen. Hell this is too far advanced for most of the Civs on earth. I mean CS sure, but Grackle Tooth Henchmen? That is a bit atypical for CS. Now this is right up the Splugarth’s alley but not really their MO. . As a vocal afterthought he says whispering into comms. “I appreciate the stealth. But you guys sure not checking and clearing these rooms is a good idea?” Notice: d8!: [1] = 1 , d6!: [6!, 5] = 11

Chok'lat · Post by **Chok'lat** » Thu Feb 23, 2023 4:22 pm

Chok'lat shrugs at @Strider and taps his head, a skull riddled with bionics. "Chok'lat's got good cyber. Nobody sneaks up on Chok'lat! Thin doors. Chok'lat sees and hears like they're open. Chok'lat's not worried!"

Jonns Mythe (Jokers) · Fri Feb 24, 2023 11:26 am

"Y'hear that, Strider? Th' demon ain't worried! We ain't got nothin' t' worry about." Jonns chuckles as the group moves through the hallways.

Kriza · Post by **Kriza** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 9:55 pm

Kriza makes a "chuff!" sound with her nose, almost like a snort but a bit more primal. A laugh, maybe?

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