George says:
Hey. Connection issues?
Havelock says:
Nope
Porn bombed ;(
George says:
Huh....
Havelock says:
I just had to connect my old cpmuter up
George says:
Well, it's not letting me invite you back into the Convo. Might start a new one in this window.
Frank has been added to the conversation.
Dan has been added to the conversation.
George says:
right there
We good?
Dan says:
I believe so
George says:
Now... can we pretend that didn't happen?
Please?
Just have us getting off and the train leaving.
Frank says:
Rag? I'm good to simply switch to 'you got off the train without incident'
George says:
Since we already did the 'get killed in a random brawl' thing....
Havelock says:
That would speed things up
George says:
Right then.
Frank says:
Right, you're back on the platofmr
George says:
So... we get off without incident.
Frank says:
*form
possibly for the first time
George says:
"I would suggest finding a member of authority. The scene may be contaminated, but it is worth a cursory examination at least."
Frank says:
The young rapscallion on the train thinks idly of shooting a copper, but drifts in his thoughts as he goes off.
Dan says:
"Probably going to be nothing there by now, Booksmart. You know how these places work, it'll be completely stripped by now."
Frank says:
(Hmm, crimescene's likely all cleaned up now.)
George says:
"Well then, that leaves us with the sister, our only current lead."
"I would advise a level of sympathy and understanding when dealing with her."
Frank says:
(Also I misread earlier! There's his sister and his appartment which you know about so far)
George says:
"Or we could try his habitation."
Dan says:
"So we don't let Havelock talk to her. Well, she seems like the best lead so far. Unless you want to do some snooping around for background clues at his place first."
Havelock says:
"I will stay at the door"
George says:
"Let us keep this as low-key as possible. I recommend starting with our victim's resisdence."
Dan says:
I shrug. "Works for me. Now, who knows where that actually is?"
George says:
"Should we find no clues there, we may go onto speak to his relatives." I check my notes and read out the address.
"Of course, I couldn't begin to tell you where that actually is relative to here."
Frank says:
(Don't worry, I have a map. You'll find it in your dataslate in a moment...)
Havelock says:
"Name?"
Frank says:
(Just as soon as I upload it...)
Dan says:
"Who's name?"
Havelock says:
"The sisters"
Frank says:
http://cid-56ce9b80567dec50.skydrive.live....Bolthole%20GameDan says:
"Lili, I think"
George says:
(ta)
(That'll come in handy)
Havelock says:
(I meant full name)
Frank says:
(Lili Arbest)
George says:
(Hab Stack 7-17, wasn't it?)
Havelock says:
"Then lets find out"
*Walks north"
Frank says:
(Yep, that's the one)
George says:
I point to the southeast. "That way."
Havelock says:
"Which hab?"
George says:
*I name the hab number*
Havelock says:
(Do we know it?)
Frank says:
(Yep)
George says:
(I assume so. We know he lives in Hab Block 7-17)
Frank says:
+20 Intelligence tests you folks
George says:
Can I think about it for ten minutes to get the bonus?
Frank says:
Sure
George says:
Wait, I pass anyway. 16.
Int 48.
+20
So that's something like five DoS
Havelock says:
fail
Frank says:
(Though ten minutes on a map would make you look stupid...)
( )
Dan says:
46. Int36 +20
George says:
(me and Verbal pass then)
Frank says:
The group manages to find it, with some difficulty, by following the remains of vandalised and burned signs. It's difficult, but you manage it in time
HabStack 717 is a boxy, grey tenstory block decorated with
arched window surrounds and stacked tiers of carved scarab
blazons. The stack sits about twenty minutes walk along one
of the main roadways from the square.
George says:
(difficult? I got 5 DoS, I practically walked straight there....)
Frank says:
(Difficult ground, I mean)
George says:
(Oh I see)
Frank says:
(The test itself is pretty easy. )
Anyhow, the scavengers and scum scattered around all eye you warily, but otherwise avoid your attention, giving you a wide berth as you walk with some authority and purpose.
George says:
(Also obviously carrying weapons. I assume these cards give us permission to do so?)
Frank says:
Despite a generally dishevelled appearance, it seems outwardly to be in as good an order as any in the area.
(Well, it's a pretty lawless place down here. Sure, there's enforcers, but as long as you're not openly threatening folks, that's fine)
George says:
(Cool.)
I look up at the structure. "This must be it."
Havelock says:
(We should post descriptions of our characters on the bolthole before each session giving a good amount of detail, so its easyier to imagine our characters.
(I know mine looks badass)
Frank says:
(Yep, but no-one else does 'coz it goes undescribed )
(Unless, of course, you describe it)
George says:
I go up and try the door to the hab block. Is it locked?
Frank says:
The main entrance is ajar, though battered and stuck. You can get in.
George says:
I enter, keeping a wary eye on the surroundings.
"Now... which floor is it?"
Frank says:
Inside, the main entrance doors have been broken open
and much of the foyer has been vandalised and thoroughly
scavenged. The elevator doors are stuck open, displaying a
black void, the only way up is by a stairwell decorated with
damaged murals depicting active and happy workers, stylised
representations of hive nobles dispensing bounty from on
high and icons of the city’s powerful.
(+0 Perception tests if anyone's being observant)
Havelock says:
*I stay by the door, looking outwards*
George says:
(Yeah, that would be me. I don't have awareness though, do I use my full stat?)
Dan says:
Fail (47 Per 36)
Frank says:
(Aye, you're fine for full stat)
(not to worry)
George says:
(Fail. Per 31, rolled 46).
Dan says:
Although I have Awareness, if that helps any)
Havelock says:
perception 37, rolled 17
Dan says:
Right, got to go. Dinner. Be back in twenty minutes or so guys.
Frank says:
Havelock overhears some distant noises from shuttered windows. He suspects a definite sense of dread hanging over the place. Far worse than what you've encountered so far.
(Sure thing Dan, enjoy)
George says:
I rest my hand on the butt of my pistol and keep looking around.
Havelock says:
*If dans having dinner now, I might as well go get something to eat as well
Im starved
George says:
Well, I've already eaten, but yeah, we might as well pause until everyone returns.
Frank says:
Well, Ra, it's not too bad if you want to have a poke about alone I can say it's not terribly dangerous (unless you're Rag)
George says:
OK then. Do I know which floor the victim's residence was on?
Frank says:
Yep, presume you're in danger of making a few wrong turns, but get there eventually.
George says:
Cool.
Frank says:
The door is ajar, the lock broken
George says:
"Well, that's never a good sign..." I mutter. I draw my pistol, but keep it lowered as I push open the door.
What do I see?
Frank says:
It is a simple eight metre by eight metre box chamber with a water closet and a single arched window. Making a fairly poor job of hiding behind the bed in the corner is a frightened looking woman, huddled in an overcoat too large for her and clutching a rucksack to her chest. Uriah recognises her from her pict—this is Lili Arbest.
George says:
I holster my weapon and produce the ident card that I got out of the locker. "Lili Arbest? Imperial Authorities. We're investigating what happened to your brother." I keep my voice calm and steady.
Frank says:
Her visible fear quickly evaporates. "Thank the Emperor. I...., ah, you know...I didn't think I was safe. Authorities?" she asks, somewhat curious. She stands, but keeps her distance.
George says:
"Yes." I say. I approach, and hold out my card for her to take and have a look at, if she wants.
Frank says:
She edges away from you very slightly, but inspects the card, approvingly. "You...know about my brother?"
George says:
"We know about him, yes. You reported him missing?"
Frank says:
I was frightened to report him missing at fi rst, but I saw
Warden Locan on his own in the Square, he looked… I don’t
know… lost. I told him Saul was gone, he seemed angry at fi rst,
then he just went quiet and looked like he was going to break
down in tears right there. He made me swear by the GodEmperor
and by Saint Drusus not to mention this again, especially not to
the other enforcers."
It was strange but I believe he was even more
frightened than I was. I had no idea he’d actually reported it"
George says:
I nod. "You said the Warden seemed upset by all this? Did he know your brother well?"
Frank says:
"Well, he knew him as well as anyone know's the Warden. Not that well, you avoid the Enforcers if you can, right? Didn't have a bad rep between them though. Mighta been things I don't know about, y'know?"
George says:
"Yes, I do." I indicate the bed (or a seat, if there is one). "You want to sit down? Now, have you noticed your brother acting... well, unusual recently? Distracted, stressed, that sort of thing?"
"More than normal, that is?"
Frank says:
"Yes, thanks," she says, sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes darting about absently. "To my shame, I didn’t know he was gone till days afterwards. I’d had a contract to work uphive and was too wornout to care. To be honest, Saul had been drinking a lot, drowning his sorrows and sleeping it off. By the time I realised that he’d vanished he’d been gone for days! I just..."
She sighs
"I just didn't realise. It's not unusual in a place like this. You don't think that because you don't see someone," she gasps a little. "That if you don't see them, they're gone. Who would?!"
George says:
"Well, people like me, generally. Its my job to read things into the little details like this. Is there anything else that you can think of that might be important? Anything at all?"
Havelock says:
(I assume I can hear all this over the vox bead?
George says:
(I figure so)
(You want to mention any suggestions to me?)
(I figured the kindly-looking older guy would be the better choice for talking to a witness)
(as opposed to an Arbite)
Havelock says:
"Why does everyone avoid the enforcers?"
George says:
(Oh come on, its a down-hive, lawless area. It's to be expected.)
Havelock says:
"How many enforcers are their?"
George says:
I look back at Lili. "So... these Enforcers. How many of them around here? And would you say they do their job properly?"
(and after her answer). "One last thing. Why did you come here, to your brother's Hab?"
Havelock says:
(I think Franks AFK)
George says:
(Cool. I can wait until he comes back)
Frank says:
(Apologies, was distracted)
George says:
(cool)
Frank says:
"The thing is...I’d made my mind up to leave; there are more vanishings
every night, I don’t know how many and nobody will say
anything! It's not just Saul. I stayed here last night, just one last night, hoping he’d
come home, foolish I know, but it saved my life."
George says:
"Saved your life? Why do you think that? And what about these other vanishings?"
Frank says:
"Well, there...have been other disappearances. Vanishings.
"Folks won't talk about it, not now, but everyone's knows it. At first folks said it were desertion. But folks don't just up and leave what they own behind...do they? Some say it's the dregs out there in the abandoned palces..."
"Or maybe the blade scum hanging around the Worker's Union. But you don't see them too eager to run about at night either."
She's speaking quietly.
She sounds more like she's repeating a friends' story than her own thoughts, but her conviction makes it sounds like she agrees.
George says:
"I see. That is concerning. How many people would you say have disappeared now? And more to the point, how long has it been going on for, roughly?"
Frank says:
"I couldn't say, really. No-one keeps count. Half a dozen, hundreds? Who'd be able to tell, all those folks out there..."
George says:
I frown and look around the room. Are there any drawers or cabinets etc to check?
Havelock says:
[Voxbead] "We may have a situation- Stand by"
George says:
I tense, and pull out my pistol again. "Lili, whatever happens, stay down."
*into vox* "Situation? Elaborate."
Frank says:
There's not much in the room. You find a few needles, bottles, clothes and some scant, moudly food supplies.
"What...!?" she gasps, though she obeys.
Havelock says:
[Voxbead]"Not their"
[Voxbead]"This could get messy
George says:
Is there a window for me to look out of?
Frank says:
Aye, it looks out across the ruined concourse, away from the hab towards the train station
Havelock says:
(s***+Fan)
George says:
I look out of it, keeping my pistol ready. What do I see?
Frank says:
You can see the wide, ruined concourse you'd walked along. Some scattered dregs and civvies wander around. Distantly, towards the transit station you can see a dimly familiar figure stood beside what you understand to be the Enforcer station. There's no-one nearby
George says:
(Hey Dan)
Dan says:
Okay, I'm back. Just finished catching up
Out of interest, where am I right now?
George says:
I make my way out into the corridor and start cautiously making my way down the stairs.
Hey look, its Mark.
icollectcomics@hotmail.co.uk was added to the conversation. Handwriting is supported only with people on your contact list.
George says:
hey Mark
Mark says:
Hey
Havelock says:
(Hi)
Frank says:
(By no-one, I mean 'no-one else', except the vaguely regonised Arbitesy-looking individual.)
George says:
So... recap for mark?
Mark says:
[How far in are we?]]
George says:
Wait, no-one? As in, they're all hiding?
Frank says:
Dan & Mark hear a shotgun blast from quite far away
George says:
Do I?
Frank says:
Yes, no-one. Well, no-one nearby
Havelock says:
[Voxbead] The place is on lockdown
Dan says:
Oh dear. Where are we actually standing?
Mark says:
[The final place?]
George says:
"Well.... this is bad...."
Mark says:
[>.>]
Dan says:
Wait wait wait, pause a moment.
We need a recap and summary. Where is everyone, for a start.
Frank says:
Dan & Mark, I assume you're at the front doors to the hab block
Dan says:
And it might be best to give Mark a quick rundown of what we've been up to
George says:
I'm the the vic's Hab, having just finished talking to the sister.
Frank says:
Ra's upstairs. Havelock wandered off
Ra's Uriah found his sister and got some decent info from her.
George says:
Bugger... wait, the Arbite-sy looking individual I spotted out the window... was that him?
Frank says:
It might be
Mark says:
So we've met the sister, are we outside that bar place?]
Frank says:
They're quite far away
Nope, outside the Hab Block
Dan says:
Okay, here we go, I'll synopsisise
George says:
Well, I'm still inside, though I was going to go outside to see what was going on...
Dan says:
Gives Frank a chance to see how much we actually remember about all this detail
Mark says:
[I don't remember a hab block bit...]
George says:
(So... I take it Mark has read through this investigation before....)
Dan says:
Right, we left the medicae-dude's place, with some free gear, including money (yoink) for bribes and official-ish passcards. We went onto a train, got off at the right station. Then restarted after Rag nearly got killed by some random scruff on the train.
Frank says:
Technographer and Verbal both faintly here the syllables "peeria kwisishan" and alot of bumf being shouted from far away.
Mark says:
[I ran it once, long story short, Psyker got a Phenomena and reversed gravity for everything in 1 kilometre. Cover=blown.]
Frank says:
*hear
George says:
(Mark - nice. Very nice.....)
Mark says:
[It was goddamn awesome.]
[So we've not met his sister yet?]
Havelock says:
[voxbead]"Support requested"
George says:
I turn to Lili. "If you can, get out of the area. Go to a family member elsewhere, whatever. If we find anything, we'll contact you."
Dan says:
So then we did it properly. Found a map on the data-slate we got from the medicae-dude. Went to find the sister, at Saul's old apartment. Havelock went off somewhere to have a looksee, Uriah went up to talk to his sister. Just finished up (abruptly) doing that, since apparently there's now a gunfight going on.
George says:
I begin hurrying down the stairs and exit the Hab-Block.
Mark says:
[Ah, we're there now.]
Dan says:
Okay. Back to the action. I fetch my autogun from my backpack and peek round the door.
Frank says:
"I'm getting out of here. I've told you all I can, mate. Thanks for coming after my brother, but it's not safe here. Stay with a friend in the Porphyry gang syndicats, if you need me."
George says:
*into voxbead* "Havelock, where the bloody hell are you?"
I nod to Lili. "Good. See you on the far side, I guess."
Mark says:
I hurry out of Lili's apartment;
"Seeya round lady." I take the stairs two at a time and grip my laspistol;
"Havelock, what the hell have you done?"
Havelock says:
[voxbead] "walking towards two enforcers with raised weapons"
George says:
*into vox* "Oh you complete idiot. Stand by, we're on our way."
I begin running in the direction of the Enforcer station.
Havelock says:
[Voxbead]
"Cancel that"
"May be a misunderstanding"
Dan says:
Frank, can I see anything from the hab door?
Havelock says:
"Carry on"
George says:
*sigh* I holster my weapon and begin jogging in the direction of the station.
Mark says:
"May be? Make sure it is."
George says:
Might as well meet up, since we've learnt everything from the sister.
Frank says:
He's a good ten minutes 'slow walk' away, but it's essentially a straight line, at least.
George says:
"Come on, better go see what's happened." I say to Mark and Dan.
Well, Verbal and The Technographer.
Dan says:
"You mean see what Havelock's gotten himself into this time?" I say, leaving the hab and beginning to walk. I keep my autogun out though, but lowered.
George says:
"Basically, yes." I sigh. "So, I take it this is not the first time this sort of thing has happened?"
Mark says:
"You'd be suprised. His Brother was worse. Maybe."
George says:
"I read the reports. They were.... interesting."
Dan says:
"He has a habit of getting into gunfights when upsupervised..."
Mark says:
"Even when supervised, you missed him negotiating. Midway he pulled out a Carnadon and blew the guy out a window and emptied the clip into his corpse."
Dan says:
"He definitely sounds like Trig. Remind me to tell you about that guy sometime. He was a good guy, when there wasn't any potential for collateral."
George says:
I frown. "I see. Well, it would be ideal if that didn't happen this time around. This is supposed to be a relatively low-key operation...."
Mark says:
I shrug and double my pace
"Is it a misunderstanding then?"
I vox
George says:
Frank, can we see Havelock yet?
Or evidence of his passing at least....
Frank says:
As you draw closer, you see two fully armoured enforcers talking to Havelock at a slight distance. The two have weapons drawn, but not aim, Havelock's is slung.
Havelock says:
[vox]"Possibly... may have a lead... probably me being stupid.... just ignore it..."
George says:
I holster my weapon and approach, keeping my hands out by my sides.
Dan says:
I sigh and put away my autogun. I keep one hand on my holstered pistol though. Just in case.
Frank says:
As you get quite close.
George says:
"Is there a problem, officer?" I call out as I approach.
Frank says:
"You think this is serious s***?" inquires the other.
"We could, y'know, flex some muscle if you want. Can lock-down the section, if you think it's needed," says the first.
Mark says:
I keep my hands in my robes, one gripping my laspistol in it's holster, I keep my head bowed, giving the impression of me being a serf
Frank says:
Rag: "No, just trying to make small talk"
Rag: "Well, if you boys are offering help
Rag: "I wouldn't say no in future"
Rag: "Bit out of my league, really."
George says:
(Please, PLEASE tell me he didn't go blow our cover to the Enforcers....)
Frank says:
"Friends of yours," asks the first, raising his weapon.
Havelock says:
"Yer"
Frank says:
(Though not pointed at anyone in particular)
Havelock says:
"Real pests"
Frank says:
"Hmm," grunts one.
Dan says:
I snort.
Frank says:
"Problem?"
Havelock says:
"Sorry about that thing with the door boys"
George says:
"That's just what we were coming to find out. We heard gunshots. What happened?"
Frank says:
"Thought they trained you better upstairs. Y'know, shooting off AP guns at armoured bunkers..."
George says:
(Oh you HAVE to be kidding.....)
Mark says:
I remain silent and bowed.
Frank says:
"Might wanna watch yer buddy. If he's looking for the Warden, it'll be a few days before he surfaces, if his side mission's going well."
Dan says:
(Rag, we leave you for FIVE MINUTES )
Havelock says:
"Side mission? I thought he was on a raid?"
Frank says:
"Well, it's not really our business is it? If he chooses not to keep us lowly groundpounders in the know."
"Now, if you're finished broadcasting our superior's business, Mr Arbitrator, we've got a patrol to finish and some scum to shift."
Havelock says:
"Of course"
"On a quick note"
"Can you open the doors for us?"
Frank says:
"Hmm?" asks the second, turning back to you.
"Doesn't work like that, sir."
"Don't have the keys."
He sniffs
George says:
"Doors?" I look at Ragnar. "Havelock, what exactly have you gone and done?"
Havelock says:
"Who does?"
Frank says:
"One of the other patrols, I imagine. I've only been in the force for a couple of months. Barely trust me with the manacles."
The other guffaws.
Havelock says:
"I know the feeling"
I smile
Frank says:
"S'on lockdown sir, no getting in 'til the lockdown's undone. Couldn't tell you who does that."
Havelock says:
"Well, can you contact me when doors are open? My com is *Gives com*
Frank says:
"Will do, mate. Will do," he says, sounding vaguely like you're an ugly bird and he's sober.
George says:
(heh)
Havelock says:
(These bastards are mutants- I know it)
George says:
(Ragnar, if you shoot the enforcers....)
Havelock says:
"Thanks fellas"
I walk off
Mark says:
[We'll see]
Frank says:
They wander of with a slouch, off into the distance towards the square.
Havelock says:
(T refused to take their helmets off
Frank says:
(You're all around near the statue)
Dan says:
"Well kid, what was with the gunshots?"
Havelock says:
Even after t accepted lho stick
Frank says:
(I wouldn't take my helmet off it I met you, Rag. Who'd do it if you were firing off shotguns at armoured police stations?)
Havelock says:
*I walk over to the statue"
George says:
"So.... you want to tell us what just happened?"
Havelock says:
"T wouldnt open the doors"
George says:
"Please, please tell me you weren't trying to break into the station or something...."
Havelock says:
"Apparently nobodys in"
"But I dont believe it"
Frank says:
Looking across at the station, you can all see it's on perfect lockdown. No sign of internal activity.
Havelock says:
"And if their where people in... t know who we are..."
George says:
I rub my head. "OK, ok. Well, at the moment our best lead is the Warden. The sister says when she told him about her brother, he looked scared."
"We need to find out why."
Havelock says:
"He's off on a raid that could take days...
George says:
"Failing that, we need to find another lead."
Havelock says:
"Apparntly"
*I look at the statue"
Frank says:
(There's a market nearby, you've got about two hours until night-cycle [hostel nearby])
Havelock says:
(What is it?)
Frank says:
It's a winged cat-like thing. Fifty metres tall, made of granite-y stuff.
George says:
(I'd say we might as well check the market)
Frank says:
Also millenia old and headless.
Havelock says:
(Thats wierd)
Dan says:
I take my hand off my gun and exhale loudly. "See, this is why we leave the investigations to the smart guys. I don't have the head for all this policework."
Frank says:
(Lili also mentioned the Workers' Union, which sounds like a bar or something)
George says:
"Well, I would recommend we have a look at the Worker's Union. Pick up some information."
Havelock says:
"its on the other side of the market"
"Lets go"
*Walks off*
Dan says:
"An actual bar? In this Emperor-forsaken place? Thank the stars."
George says:
"So... Market, Union, Hostel. Anyone would think we actually had a plan."
Havelock says:
"Whats one of those then?"
"Oi, techy, you notice anything out of place?"
George says:
"The Hostel? Poor man's hotel, essentially. They don't charge much, and you can get food and a bed there. Usually run by a religious organisation of some sort."
We walk towards the Market. So, if anything is going to happen there, now would be appropriate.
Mark says:
I glance around;
"Not really. There's a bug on the floor over there." I point
Havelock says:
"Pick it up"
"it might have knowledge sent from your god"
Frank says:
Well, it's a market. Most of the stalls have since shut up shop. There's a handful of fastfood places still running with small crowds huddled around, and several shady looking folks moving around, but as it's late the place seems to have largely died down from its presumably more bustling mid-day, depressing and decepit extravaganza.
George says:
*shakes head at poor attempt at wit*
Frank says:
(Bearing in mind it's late evening)
Havelock says:
"I move towards one of the shady looking folks*
Frank says:
They move away alot quicker than Havelock moves close, unless sprinting.
George says:
"Well, we aren't going to find a lot here. I would suggest we try the Union." I look after Havelock. "Or... we could just do that...."
(Don't chase them. Don't shoot them)
(And don't yell at them)
(Please?)
Havelock says:
*Wonders if t left anything t own behind?
Frank says:
Except rubble and formless, useless debris, there's not.
George says:
"So.... the Union?"
Dan says:
"To the pub!" I say
Havelock says:
*I walk up to a stall*
*I jump onto it*
George says:
"What part of low-key did you not understand?"
Havelock says:
"LISTEN UP!"
George says:
(Oh dear god....)
Frank says:
"What the throne!"
Mark says:
[Oh f-
George says:
(Can we bundle him down from there? Please?)
Frank says:
gasps the stall owner, jumping away from it behind a vat of fat.
Havelock says:
"ARBITES"
George says:
Oh for f***'s sake....
Frank says:
The clientelle scarper, except a crowd of angry looking gangers whose hands hover warily near their weapons
George says:
"HAVELOCK, YOU IDIOT!"
Frank says:
There's roughly seven of them.
Dan says:
f*** dammit Ragnar...
George says:
"You lot, help me get him down"
Havelock says:
"DOES ANYONE KNOW THE LOCATION OF THE *gUY WHOS NAME A CANT REMEMBER?"
George says:
Grapple check, or manouvre
Frank says:
(By jumping up he has since jumped *away* from you lot)
George says:
Seriously, we need him down from there. This is LOW-KEY.
Frank says:
The gangers hands move to their weapons.
"Dunno what your game is, mate, but you ain't no arbite!"
Dan says:
Oh not again...
Mark says:
I start to walk away slowly
Havelock says:
"THEIR ARE MONETERY REWARDS FOR INFOMATION!"
Frank says:
Their most cavalier and witty steps forth.
George says:
I clamber up next to him. "APOLOGIES! IGNORE MY FRIEND HERE, HE's A LITTLE DRUNK!"
Frank says:
"You need help, bud. Serious help."
George says:
I try a grapple check to get him down.
Mark says:
I lean against a wall and pretend to not notice.
Frank says:
The gangers look warily at the techpriest, but they are all grasping weapons, uncertain.
Dan says:
I slide away discreetly
Frank says:
Ra, Rag you can roll your grapples.
Havelock says:
"50 thrones!"
George says:
Roll of 22. I pass by 5.
WS27.
Frank says:
"Haw, you, leave him," says another ganger. "What's this about thrones? You lot have money?" He walks forward with a swagger
George says:
Ragnar, you complete f***ing idiot.
Havelock says:
(Ra, your a dick)
Frank says:
*you're
Dan says:
Seriously Ragnar, what did you think was going to happen here?
George says:
Man, you want to wander into a slum, climb up high, announce that you are police and then yell that you have money?
Frank says:
"Leave him be, mate. He's bad in the head. Run and we might just keep him and his money," says the ganger to Uriah as he draws up, stub-auto pointed.
Havelock says:
*I draw my shotgun*
George says:
"Sorry mate. I kinda promised his folks that I'd look after him. You understand?"
Havelock says:
*and run
George says:
No you don't
Frank says:
Initiatives!
George says:
I grappled you
Mark says:
[I put on my robe and wizard hat.]
Dan says:
Here we go again...
Havelock says:
Did you?
George says:
Yes
Passed by 5
Havelock says:
oh
George says:
So.... your turn
I'm hustling you away from there
Havelock says:
I failed
Frank says:
Well, cancel initiatives
George says:
Good.
Dan says:
(Mark - )
Frank says:
On the upside, Rag doesn't draw his shotguns
*-s
George says:
I haul Ragnar down off his stand.
Mark says:
[Someone got it! ]
Frank says:
The gangers watch, almost completely baffled.
George says:
*I watch to see what they do*
Havelock says:
(The law is indomitable ra)
Frank says:
The sound of the stall owner yelling curses about some wanker ruining a night's business largely overturn the scene.
Havelock says:
(we would have prevailed)
George says:
Rag, you do that, you are just going to get yourself killed.
Frank says:
Within moments there's a dozen stall-owners shuffling around.
George says:
Next time, I'll slink off as well.
Oh look, you see what you've done?
Frank says:
The gangers lower their weapons, moving in closer.
"As I said, mate, leave him be. Folks not right in the head have no business round here. Might attract the f***ing enforcers, innit?"
Havelock says:
I run
George says:
I shove Ragnar in the direction of the rest of the group and face them. "Sorry guys. Really sorry. I promised his ma, you know? Can't break a bond like that."
Havelock says:
(Stay and talk about the enforcers?
George says:
"He's a little simple. You know how it is."
Havelock says:
"I want those space meeerhens!"
George says:
"You see?"
Havelock says:
"I has a shotgun... wanna play with me?" Big dumb smile
"It goes bang bang bang"
Dan says:
(okay, now this is getting stupid)
Frank says:
"Aye," says the closest, looking quite baffled. "Aye, I think, maybe...you lot wanna f***ing watch where you take that f***er. Not safe round here, get his f***ing weapons off him? Who gave them him?"
Mark says:
[Heirlooms]
Havelock says:
(FAKES)
Mark says:
[Or that]
George says:
I shake my head. "It's not even loaded. Just something to keep him quiet."
Havelock says:
*I unsling my shotgun*
Frank says:
"Well, if they're still on him next time we see him, he'll be quiet permanently. Now piss off."
(No, you don't)
Havelock says:
"Bang Bang Bang!"
(STAY!)
Frank says:
(You're still grappled)
George says:
I nod, and frog-march Ragnar over to the rest of the group.
Havelock says:
"I hate you"
George says:
"A little help would be appreciated next time, guys." I say sourly.
Havelock says:
"Whats your problem mate? I had it all in hand"
Until you f***ing went mental"
Mark says:
I press off the wall and join the cell again
Frank says:
From behind you, the gangers watch you very closely. *Very* closely
Dan says:
"I'm done cleaning up after Havelock, Booksmart. He wants to get himself killed, that's fine by me."
George says:
I turn to Havelock. "You pull anything like that ever again, and I will use this gun to burn your bloody balls off."
Havelock says:
* I start hoping around*
Frank says:
+20 perceptions tests (+30 if you've awareness)
George says:
Oh hell.
Havelock says:
3!
George says:
63. So... I fail.
Dan says:
Per32 +30. Roll 13
Havelock says:
57... 5DoS
Mark says:
"He will if he waves that bloody prop about any more. This is work experience, the uppers want an authentic play and we need experience. I don't think these guys are used to idiots waving prop toys about daily." I state.
[/ploy]
[38, a pass]
Frank says:
Perhaps 70m away, a pair of Enforcers come around a corner, plainly visible. Again, the folks who're still wandering about stay well clear of them.
Havelock says:
*I walk over to them*
Frank says:
(They're also coming from a very different direction from before)
Havelock says:
*Still walk over*
George says:
Time to be leaving. I say we head in the direction of the Union.
Oh for the love of....
Havelock says:
That is the direction of the union ra
George says:
OK, that's it....
Dan says:
I shake my head. "f*** this," I say quietly. "I'm off to the Union. Anyone wan't to come with?"
"I need a pint after this."
Havelock says:
That is the direction of the union!
George says:
"Yeah. I saved him once."
Frank says:
Nope, they're coming from the arch-way. Union's off to the right.
Mark says:
"Maybe, slum with the unders. Catch an accent maybe."
George says:
I walk off in the direction of the Union.
Frank says:
Right, three to the union, one to the Enforcers.
Mark says:
I make for the Union before checking to see if the thugs are still back behind us
Havelock says:
Their is no road on the map to their!
George says:
They are coming from the archway
Havelock says:
O, the southen templem
Dan says:
It's through the market to the south, Ragnar. The enforcers are coming from the archway to the north
Havelock says:
I thought we were in the alley
George says:
So.... to the union?
Dan says:
Well that's where I'm going.
Frank says:
Yep, three of you are off to the union.
Havelock says:
So I need to go to another window again?
Frank says:
Meanwhile the enforcers raise their weapons cautiously.
Mark says:
[Are the thugs still there?]
Frank says:
The thugs are there, but they're more concerned with the Arbitrator, not having believed you much at all.
They don't pay you three much attention except looking warily.
George says:
I walk in the direction of the union at an unhurried pace, deliberately not looking around.
Dan says:
Ditto.
Mark says:
I shrug, send them a salute and head to the Union.
Havelock says:
I walk towards the enforcers, Badge raised
George says:
Yup. This, I want no part of.
Dan says:
Bets on how long Rag lives this session?
Mark says:
[Not long.]
[Sorry pal ]
George says:
(Oh man.... well, this will be interesting. And no matter what I hear, I am not leaving the union)
Dan says:
(I got ten thrones he doesn't make it out of the market)
George says:
(Out of interest, anyone know anybody else who might like to play this? Someone who roleplays, preferably)
(I'll match that bet. Uriah has 20 thrones left)
Mark says:
[I have money but it's miiine!]
Dan says:
Can I use Gamble to affect Ragnar's rolls?
George says:
More to the point, have we reached the Union yet? I assume Rag's part is going on in a different window.
Frank says:
Well, nevertheless, you're moving onwards through the market. Except the odd shout of abuse, you pass through into the alley and draw up to the Union
The Workers’ Union hall is a bar and venue that was provided by the Tantalus Combine for the use of its workers, a common practice that attempts to empty their indentures’
pockets of what little coin the masters have paid them. The establishment has suffered greatly under its current sponsor, the Sibellan narcogang syndicates.
Vandalised, brutalised and bullet-ridden, the bar is not a welcoming place, filled with nervous gang-blades, morose drinkers and smashed up addicts
Dan says:
I walk in and head to the bar, sitting at a stool (if there's one free). "Three pints, barman, if you could. Don't much care what's in 'em. Surprise me."
Mark says:
I settle down at the bar;
"On me."
George says:
"Not too much, if you don't mind." I say, sitting next to him.
Dan says:
"Much obliged, cogboy."
Mark says:
I pull out my credit stick and drop it on the bar;
"Natures calling lads." I say as I head for the bathroom, leaving my credit stick on the counter.
Frank says:
The barman hestitates, but eventually moves to grudgingly prepare the drinks. After a few minutes, he props up three murky-red glasses.
"Six thrones," he says.
Dan says:
I scoop up the credit stick (sleight of hand) and give the barman six throne coins from my pocket. "Cheers."
Mark says:
[That was meant to be a bribe ]
Dan says:
(don't worry Mark, you can have it back. And besides, I doubt the Union will take cards )
(plus, I have 150-odd thrones from our medicae friend for bribes)
Mark says:
I settle down and realise my credit stick is missing, I look to see if the barman took it to pay for the drinks
George says:
I sip at the drink, then look at the barman. "So... buisness not to good lately? I hear there's all sorts of strange goings on down here, scaring all the custom away."
Mark says:
I shrug and sip my drink.
Dan says:
I slip Mark his credit stick back, with a whispered "You want to watch where you're flashing your cash, kid."
Mark says:
"Alonso, let's not be so darn gloomy!" I tell him.
"All 17 thrones?" I ask
George says:
"Hey, I have a morbid curiousity...."
Frank says:
"S'not great," grunts the barman, avoiding the question.
(Presuming you draw this out, each make an Inquiry check for the next hour's bar-chat )
George says:
(Lovely. Suddenly I think I shouldn't have sold my own Inquiry to get a contact with it....)
Dan says:
(INquiry's Fellowship, right?)
Mark says:
"We're here for drinks and to relax after our muscle made a fool of himself, not to pick up dark gloomy rumours." I tell him
Frank says:
(Yep. Basic too, so half if you need to)
George says:
Well, I fail.
Mark says:
[A 14!!]
[Super fellowship strikes again!]
Dan says:
Half fel is 23. Roll 12.
Mark says:
[Half of mine is 20 ]
George says:
Yup. Well, I never expected Uriah to be too good with the chatting....
Dan says:
Well, he IS a daemon-guided bookworm...
George says:
Awesome. So, two people pass. What do we find out?
Frank says:
The Technographer picks out some info pertaining to there being a few reclaimators in the area, more recent but outsiders, at least, not the dying fleeing lot. Just...vultures.
George says:
To be expected, really.
There are always people who come picking over the corpse of a dying town.
Frank says:
Verbal, however, picks up some rather more specific information: the Reclaimator Sykes, a washed out technomat, is likeliest to have a few answers.
Dan says:
Verbal the scum, supersleuth
George says:
So... we have our next destination, then.
Sykes' yard.
Dan says:
We do, but first I'm having this pint.
George says:
I continue drinking, and listening out for the sound of gunfire in the background.
"So... how many people do you think he's gotten killed thus far?"
Dan says:
"Well, we ain't heard any shots yet. So maybe just one or two."
Mark says:
"Himself...Silon got pretty beat up trying to rescue his brother..."
George says:
"Yeah, well." I sigh. "You know, this is not quite what I expected to end up doing when I took that offer."
Mark says:
"Drinking or saving teammates?"
Havelock says:
{Voxbead} "thorn wishes ages with a barrel of egg's"
Dan says:
"You're telling me. I'm only here because I did a few jobs with newby back in the mob, before I knew he was with you guys. Did him a favour getting in touch with his 'old friends', and now look."
George says:
I take off my voxbead and put it in my pocket.
"Sorry buddy. Saved you once...."
Mark says:
"I swear I heard that before from a tale when I was a kid. It had an Inquisitor in it, and he had competant men under his command..."
George says:
I glance at Mark. "I have no idea what you are talking about. Really. Because if you were mentioning the bosses around here...."
Mark says:
"It was a folk tale boy."
Dan says:
I take a sip. "Did Havelock get in touch then?"
George says:
I shake my head. "Well, I assume so. Said something about eggs. Damned if I know what."
Dan says:
"The kid's messed up. Got some real issues floating around in that head of his."
Mark says:
"Runs in the family" I tell him, finishing off my drink
Frank says:
(You've got roughly an hour before night-cycle by the time you elect to conclude your drinking. Though feel free to relax a bit more in the meantime. I can safely say I enjoy the chatter!)
Dan says:
"So I hear. Newby was telling me about what you types got up to, and Hav's illustrious brother featured in that. Quite the tale, I'll tell you that."
George says:
"Well, we should probably think about finding a place to stay. We can check out this Sykes tomorrow."
Dan says:
(we may as well stay in here until we either hear gunshots or Rag meets us)
Mark says:
I grin;
"Quite a take indead, you've heard it all I take it?"
George says:
I smile. "Well, the official reports. They were somewhat.... dry, though."
Mark says:
"You've got to hear it all!"
I wriggle in my chair a bit and begin the tale
Dan says:
"In bits. They guy was an ex-soldier, got with newby through some... mutual friends. Ended up getting on a ship, and then... hooo boy, the guy goes nuts. Gets everyone wasted, except newby, who managed to wriggle his way out of there."
Mark says:
"It was myself, first mission under the boss, Silon, an Arbitrator on load frmot eh Govenor Sub-sector, an Adept, Horatius Kane his name was, too many crime dramas for him I think, and Havelocks brother.
Dan says:
"Halfway through a spot of... courier work, if you get my drift, as well. Let me tell you, the bosses were not happy about that."
Mark says:
"So, we're in a Gun Cutter, you know them?"
[no, I can't remember the character names, sue me
George says:
"Yes, I do. I could list the specifications if you'd like" I grin.
Mark says:
"I know them myself funnily enough, anyways.
We all landed outside this Monastery, deluded Emperor loving guys, who all seemed to be armed with Autoguns."
"Havelocks brother jumps out the cutter, whips out his badge. Pow, ace in the hole gone. We're led inside for negotiations with their cheif brother, Armandus."
Dan says:
"This was just before I found you, wasn't it?" I take another drink. "Good to see the family's at least consistent."
Mark says:
"I'm prepared at the back of the room, hand on my gun as this Armandus digs himself into a pit, Havelocks brother is on his high horse before he snaps, whips out a Carnadore and shoots him through a window, 30 meter drop, then he leans out and empties the clip into his corpse to be sure."
Dan says:
I laugh. "Emperor alive."
Mark says:
"Got a bit hazy from thereon in, I called in an Evac while Havelocks old brother ran out into the corridor and held the monks off, impressive at the least."
"A Tech Priest outside, a rogue whips out this Xenotech weapon and tries to shoot our Cutter out the sky, but we all make it aboard, jumped out the damn window to get in. Havelocks brother jumped on top the ground and pretty much blew his legs up, survived somehow."
I sigh in exasperation
"I had the Cutter land, couldn't leave a man bwehind after all. I've lost that concept now, at least where that genepool is concerned."
Frank says:
You can distantly hear what sounds like the bark of a shotgun. Very distant though, despite the open windows and hushed chatter of the union
Mark says:
"Vapourised every monk in the courtyard with the mounted weaponary while the Arbitrator went to save the fool, got them aboard, blew the Tech Priest up and made good our escape."
George says:
I deliberately ignore the shots.
Mark says:
I glance around at the shots, but ultimitley ignore em
Dan says:
"Oh, there we go." I turn to Uriah. "Do you want to give me that ten now, or later?"
Havelock says:
[Voxbead]"Possible avenue of Investigation just opened up"
Mark says:
"Bit of Politicking afterwards, and long story short, the frakhead shot me infront of 3 Tech Guard. Quite the introduction to say the least."
George says:
"Hey, wait for now. My bet said he would make it out of the market place. We'll check the bodies later."
Mark says:
"I think you mean your skull just opened up." I murmur
Dan says:
"Fine, fine," I grumble goodnaturedly.
George says:
I pick up the voxbead and activate it. "f***. You." I put it back in my pocket.
Dan says:
I snort. "Now now Booksmart, since when did you have an attitude?"
Mark says:
I overrule the vox;
"Come find us my boy, we've established a base of operations and we're planning."
George says:
"My apologies. I am not usually so vulger."
Mark says:
"We're in the Upper hive." I vox
Dan says:
I laugh, quietly.
(I hope Frank is relaying this to Ragnar )
George says:
(So do I. Then again, he can likely see this anyway, as he's been putting in the vox messages)
Havelock says:
Im still in the thread
Dan says:
True, true
I temporarily forgot, is all
Mark says:
[This is an in-character annoyance.]
[I personally think this is hilarious]
Dan says:
"Barman!" I say. "Another round, if you please. One for the road."
George says:
I dig out coins to pay for my own drink this time. "Sense of fairness and all that."
Havelock says:
[Voxbead]"Continue the investigation behind the Southern Templum! May the Emperor forgive me"
George says:
Oh dear....
