Run #1: Trial by Fire

Post by **GM Nick** » Thu Jun 26, 2014 7:29 am

A flash of lightning illuminates the three Halloweeners as they race to mount their bikes and pursue the rapidly disappearing Grimrazor phantom. A chorus of guttural notes fills the air as their heavily-modified vehicles come to life. The ganger who had been speaking to Loki twists the throttle on his bike and the meaty rear tire spins crazily for a moment on the slick ferro-crete before catching traction.

"Let's ride!"

From Aremys' vantage, he can now only make out one solitary ganger on the ground floor of the warehouse.

Conway · Post by **Conway** » Fri Jun 27, 2014 10:29 am

For a few heartbeats Loki stands alone in the dim parking lot, casually dangling his pistol in a loose grip and staring after the departing gangers in wide-eyed, unconcealed amusement. After a moment, he brays a short and clipped guffaw and spins about to share the joke with his companions.

"Hah! It actually fraggin' worked!" he says to the shadows. "And I'm still alive!"

Fingering his trigger lightly, Loki disengages the double action hammer of his Predator, gently returning it to uncocked position.

{Ok fellas, doorway is goon free. Come on up.}

Drew Buddy · Post by **Drew Buddy** » Fri Jun 27, 2014 2:27 pm

Anon feels the magical link between himself and the bike flicker and fade as the bike disappears around a corner in the distance. He feels his shoulders sag a little less as he regains some of his concentration.

"Should be a good time before they catch up. Even when they finally see no rider, they still need to deal with boss' bike running around Seattle." He nods approvingly. "And looks like we cleared front of building. We should join scruffy friend," he says to Little-Hawk.

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:53 am

Little-Hawk returns Anon's nod. He casts a brief glance at his deck to see what kind of matrix waves he's made before tucking it under his coat.

"Should still stay clear of cameras for time being. Don't know who's watching. Maybe Aremys' window is good idea."

(( Check OS ))

Elliott · Post by **Elliott** » Sat Jun 28, 2014 12:47 pm

Aremys watched the bikes race off into the storm, the glow of their taillights quickly vanishing in the rain. Crouching with his back against the warehouse wall, he sighs, feeling the relief of having their first move pay off but anxious that the stakes are about to get higher as they make their way into the warehouse.

<"There is one ganger still on the ground floor that I can see. Don't think I can get in this window unless I break it, so no quiet entrance here. I can take the fragger out without making too much noise, I think, and we can get in through this window. Or we can use the door, if we can take the camera offline again.">

Aremys checks the action on his pistol, looking over the sound suppressor and hoping it's enough to keep anyone from hearing the murder he is about to commit.

Elliott · Post by **Elliott** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 9:21 am

When in doubt, charge.

Aremys rises up and takes a tripod stance, two hands clutching his machine pistol firmly, resting on the window frame [bracing]. He allows himself two deep breaths as his smartlinked cyber eyes subtly adjusts his aim at the unsuspecting ganger's back, the micro processors taking in to account everything from anticipated recoil to humidity levels in the atmosphere [Aiming]. On his last exhale, Aremys says a silent prayer to the night and pulls the trigger [2 bursts].

Post by **GM Nick** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 9:15 am

(( Aremys Initiative: 13 ))
(( Ganger Initiative: 9 ))

Aremys - Ranged Combat Test

Ganger - Damage Resistance Test

(( Ganger -- 11P Damage. ))

There's a quiet metallic sound, like someone dropping an empty tin can on concrete, followed immediately by the sound of a tiny hole being punched through the window. The ganger's neck jerks roughly and he falls forward, a fine mist of blood erupting from the back of his head.

Drew Buddy · Post by **Drew Buddy** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 12:01 pm

Anon lets the spell supporting Loki fade, and a tension releases from his mind. He turns his mind to the former phantasm spell he used to cover the team's approach, and recasts it.

(( Trid Phantasm F3, cover the camera view ))

"Okay," he says to Little-Hawk, "We are clear for approaching. We maybe make haste."

Conway · Post by **Conway** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 1:38 pm

As the chugging percussion of motorcycle engines spin down in the distance to a faint buzzing in his inner ear, Loki's scalp and skin tingle as he feels the fading presence of the elven magic, like the soft tickle of a feather brushed lightly across one's neck just before waking. Sighing, he scoops the wet mess of hair from his eyes and feels...decidedly normal. His finger presses each nostril in turn, blowing hard through his nose to expel an ejaculate of clear snot from his sinus' with a grimace. He spits once onto the oil stained blacktop, frowns, and turns back toward the janky building. One hand in his jacket pocket, zipper closed tight against the rain, he ambles to the dumpster and raps a skull embossed silver ring against it, producing a thin, rusty echo.

"Stage two, chum."

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 11:11 pm

Little-Hawk hustles through the dusky rain toward the dimly lit facade of the warehouse. The initial jitters have been replaced with grim purpose and determination; with blood now spilled, there is room for little else. He stacks up beside the door, pistol drawn and held low with his off-hand on the door handle, and cocks an ear to scan for any commotion resulting from the muffled chatter of Aremys' strike. After sharing a brief look with his surrounding comrades, he tests the handle gently and steels himself for the breach.

(( Deck Config: A(4+1), S(3), D(1), F(3). Running: Virtual Machine => Hammer (+2 DV), Decryption ))

(( Still waiting on OS check from previous action. ))

John · Post by **John** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 7:20 am

The rattling hollow of Loki's rap on the dumpster jars Bradbury, who can hardly believe what he's just witnessed from his hiding place. The successful ruse and presumably successful surgical execution by lumbering wretch are all going so well. Bradbury feels suddenly meant for all of this somehow-- it's a feeling that both exhilarates and frightens him.

The rain pounds down on him anew as he lifts the lid of the dumpster and slinks back out, instinctively taking a flat position against the warehouse outer wall. He eyes Loki for a moment of plaintive inspection, respecting the punker's initiative in the scene, but taking amusement with whatever it was that might have momentarily made the shabby looking man seem more magnanimous. The ork nods at his new and soddenly mohawked cohort before sliding back down toward the front door like a slick of oil down a shallow hill in the rain-- silent, smooth, and distinctly wraithlike.

Reaching the door, Bradbury takes a catch-breath, holds it, and peers cautiously inside the warehouse.

Elliott · Post by **Elliott** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 10:26 am

After Aremys gives the all-clear, he moves swiftly towards the warehouse door where he stacks up with the rest of the team. Glancing down he notices the hiss of the rain as it sizzles on the hot muzzle of his pistol. In the back of his mind there is a small voice that raises alarming questions about what he just did. But it's not his first time taking a life, and not the worst way he has done it either. The flesh is weak though, one way or another it always fails. Whether he ends it or the inoxerable hand of time snuffs it out, what is the difference? Weakness inherent - and nothing exemplifies it more than his own skin. What Aremys does now, he does acting on behalf of evolution. The weak perish and make way for the strong, the machine.

"Let's move. Who knows how long surprise will stay on our side?"

Ducking low, he leads the way into the main warehouse (stealth, perception).

Post by **GM Nick** » Sun Jul 06, 2014 8:33 am

Anon - Spellcasting Test

Anon - Resist Drain Test

The team bleeds silently into the warehouse, eyes and weapons scanning the vast interior warily. The large space is mostly empty, save for small telltale signs of the ganger inhabitants: empty beer cans; takeout boxes; a few discarded auto-syringes; and an empty box of shotgun shells; also inside: a large pile of heavy-duty plastic crates in the middle of the warehouse, and the prostrate form of a man in the corner, his face blue and purple with bruises and contusions. He's dressed in a simple black jogging outfit and doesn't appear to be a member of the gang.

A lone staircase in the rear corner leads to the second floor, but nobody descends while the runners wait with bated breath.

Elliott · Post by **Elliott** » Mon Jul 07, 2014 12:19 pm

Aremys moves quickly, despite his shuffle, to first check over the downed ganger and confirm he is out of action (and to check if he might possess any interesting cybernetics), before heading over to the other prostrate form. He checks the body for a pulse before giving the man a thurough examination. The muzzle of Aremys pistol never leaves the center of the man's face.

Drew Buddy · Post by **Drew Buddy** » Mon Jul 07, 2014 12:27 pm

Anon glances around for anything of interest in every corner of the room before making his way beside Aremys leaning over the unconscious man. He hisses in a whisper,

"Hey buddy, you are wakeful?" He prepares a healing spell in his mind, and waits for a response.

Post by **GM Nick** » Tue Jul 08, 2014 10:18 am

The injured stranger stirs slightly, letting out a moan. He squints out of a swollen eye at Aremys and Anon above him.

"Please tell me you killed all of those sons of slitches," he says, his voice dripping with a thick Russian accent. His gaze acknowledges Aremys' pistol but its presence doesn't seem to perturb him much.

Drew Buddy · Post by **Drew Buddy** » Tue Jul 08, 2014 6:17 pm

Anon turns his head toward the corpse bleeding out on the floor.

"Is work in progress," he replies. He kneels beside the stranger, and after a moment's hesitation, continues, "Now maybe you can be telling us your story. We may have same aims."

He refocuses his mind. "Consider show of good faith..." And releases it.

(( Heal, F6. Extra drain dice from magic bear dude for healing spells. ))

Post by **GM Nick** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 7:43 am

Anon - Spellcasting Test

Anon - Resist Drain Test

The man exhales sharply as Anon's magic does its work. His pain-filled grimace gradually melts into a sardonic half-grin. He dabs gingerly at the purplish skin where his swelling was a moment before and drags himself up to a sitting position. His gaze sweeps across the team; the calculating expression of a seasoned tactician stands out plain on his countenance.

"I am Yuri Reznikov. Perhaps you've heard of me, no? They call me the Iron Hammer. Today is your lucky day, because Yuri Reznikov now owes you favor."

Yuri pats his chest pockets absently. "Anybody got a smoke?"

Drew Buddy · Post by **Drew Buddy** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:37 am

Anon pats his pockets before remembering that he doesn't smoke. He turns his attention to the corpse, and starts searching for the same, or anything else of use.

"I am, shall we say, new to town? Tell us your story, friend."

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:43 am

Tianwe cocks an ear toward the strange Russian while flipping through the dead ganger's commlink.

Conway · Post by **Conway** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 9:02 am

Loki watches in fascination as cuts close, bruises fade, and the natural healing of a human body accelerates via Anon's magic to a near instantaneous recovery, like watching a time lapse trid of what would normally occur over several weeks. Impressed again in only so many minutes by the strange elf's magic tricks, he makes a mental note to bring it up with the shaman at a later date.

Probing into his jacket, his fingers find the familiar touch of his leather tobacco purse and, withdrawing it, deftly roll a cigarette, which he lights from an ancient, metal encased wick-and-fuel box lighter before handing it down to the confident Russian.

Post by **GM Nick** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 9:59 am

The eccentric Russian gangster gratefully accepts Loki's proffered rollie and takes a long drag.

"Cпасибо, comrade."

Yuri draws his arms to his chest and extends them forwards slowly, so as not to startle Aremys. A pair of heavy plastic manacles bind the man's wrists. He cocks his head, indicating his desire to have them removed.

"I was born in a small town several kilometers from Leningrad." He trails off and grins devilishly at Anon's deadpan expression. The cigarette bobs as he gestures at the Halloweener carcass on the floor. "I was in the middle of deal when these шлюхаs jumped me."

Yuri nods at the collection of crates in the center of the warehouse. "Stole my product, too."

Drew Buddy · Post by **Drew Buddy** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 12:43 pm

Anon pauses for a moment in his searching of the dead body. "Your product? Are you one who makes BTLs?"

A slight frown comes to his lips as he turns away, and continues his search.

Post by **GM Nick** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 1:16 pm

Yuri raises an eyebrow and looks from Aremys to Anon.

"BTLs? You guys really don't know what you've gotten yourselves into, do you? Not that I'm not grateful, but what exactly are you doing here?"

Drew Buddy · Post by **Drew Buddy** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 1:22 pm

Anon's frown intensifies. He suppresses the anxiety welling up within him. Low profile, eh, chummer?
"You first, friend. What is going on?"

Elliott · Post by **Elliott** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 1:31 pm

Aremy's pistol stays on target but his eyes swivel constantly towards the staircase to the second level. What the frag is going on here?

"Now does not seem to be the time for a chit chat. Not sure who you are, bub, but so long as you're not a Haloweener I really don't have the time for you at the moment. Whatever your business is, it can wait a few minutes until we complete ours."

Turning back to the team, "we need to get moving. I don't think our distraction will last forever and one of the gangers upstairs could come down to check on the commotion any second. Let's not blow this job by having a smoke in the enemy's home. We need to either breach the second floor or lure those goons down here. Any way we can get eyes up there to see what we are dealing with?"

Drew Buddy · Post by **Drew Buddy** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 2:17 pm

Against all odds, Anon's frown finds a way to deepen further.

"You would be having us give up important information in the name of impatience?" He hisses to Aremys. "I am not dying here because you must go off with half of cock."

He turns back to the stranger. "Give us short version."

John · Post by **John** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:01 am

Bradbury shuffles uneasily in the back of the group. The presence of the Russian is unsettling to him, as he begins to feel like this is all somehow much bigger than simply retaking a warehouse from some gangers. The ork has grown accustomed to feeling like his life is being controlled by forces that hide well outside his grasp, and every step deeper into that rabbit hole darkens his countenance and worsens his expectations as to how it will all play out in the end. Alston feels distinctly like a pawn-- expendable and weak-- being scooted about from the shadows in a game he cannot see, let alone understand.

Post by **GM Nick** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:23 am

Yuri's eyes slide from Aremys to Anon and a bemused expression fills his face. He nods at the elf.

"You've stumbled into the briar patch, comrade." The gangster gestures towards the crates with his manacled wrists. "That is ambrosia--a brand new designer drug that we were bringing to market. Somebody tipped off these gangers. That same somebody likely sent you to wetwork the bunch of them, make it look like conflict between the gangs and my people. Let me guess: they forgot to mention the drugs?"

John · Post by **John** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:33 am

Bradbury's stomach sinks into his toes. Designer drugs. High level organized crime. Just the kind of drek they wanted to get in middle of. "Must've slipped their minds," he grumbles too audibly from his place outside the conversation.

Drew Buddy · Post by **Drew Buddy** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 12:11 pm

Anon's frown at this point has crossed from improbable to impossible.
With a sinking feeling in his gut, he asks, "who's 'us'?"

Post by **GM Nick** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 1:57 pm

"We Russians control the drug trade in the downtown area."

Yuri takes a long drag on the cigarette.

"Your team... you're loose ends. You don't fit into this plan. Whoever hired you is going to try and flat line you as soon as the job is done. Now you come with Yuri--help me clean up these fraggers, transport my cargo out of here... I'll pay you double whatever they're paying you."

John · Post by **John** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 2:06 pm

Brabury's ears perk up and he steps forward toward the Russian, eyeing his teammates as he does. He's speaking before he can stop himself. "What do you mean they'll flatline us?"

Post by **GM Nick** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 2:11 pm

The Russian sighs somewhat impatiently and rubs his graying stubble.

"Let's say you wanted to kill a bunch of gangers and steal some drugs. Let's also say you wanted it look like it was a squabble between the gang and a crime syndicate. You hire somebody a bit green, somebody a little desperate and somebody no one is going to miss. Now they do the job. Why pay them? Why risk letting them walk away and possibly tell somebody of what they have done? What is more expendable than a shadowrunner? I don't know who hired you, comrade, but I know how the game is played."

Conway · Post by **Conway** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 3:38 pm

Loki swallows, or rather tries to, as his mouth has suddenly gone numb and dry. A cold prick between his shoulder blades mirrors his momentary fantasy of Magdalena's blades striking home, piercing leather, flesh, and bone before rupturing from his chest, wet and gleaming cruelly. Supressing the image of death, he stares wide-eyed at his fellow fools, knowing deep down the truth of the Russians words. Well frag me. Of course. We've been blind not to see this as a probable outcome...We've entered the world of snakes and cockroaches, dressed as mice, and proved our naivete in spades...

"Fair enough, chum. I think we can see your point. Thing I'm struggling with is, we're just as.."expendable," to you Russian's, no doubt. If we're somebody's checker chips...I doubt it makes much difference which player's hand moves us. What guarantees would we have that you'd be any more true to your word?"

Run #1: Trial by Fire

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