Island City PBP actual gameplay

[khyron1144]

[spoiler=prelude for Stone]You are asked to have a discussion with your superiors in the Void Engineers.
 [ic]Here's the situation.  There's a place.  We know almost exactly where it is, but it might as well be Terra Incognita.  We have close to no useful intel.
What we do have indicates it may be populated largely by Reality Deviants.
The good news is the place does not seem to be totally luddite.  There's a start-up called Prometheus Tech that may be worth acquiring.
You've done well with these situations in the past.
Think you're up for it?[/ic]
[/spoiler]

[St0nE]

[spoiler=reply to superiors] [ic=William Stone] I'm up for this assignment, What information do we have on Prometheus Tech? Also, do we have any mundane information on this island, such as tourist data, maps, satellite imaging, etc.? I feel by me posing as an interested investor in Prometheus Tech, we could learn much about the situation here. On an island of RD's tho, I may need to requisition appropriate equipment and funding for both investment in Prometheus Tech and for dealing with the various RD's there. I do feel that Prometheus Tech would also like some of my most bleeding edge research. Also, do we have any other agents or even citizens in the area for me to make contact with? If so, such information would be quite useful to have. Anyway, let us get prepared. I will have the forms filled out for what I think I will need for this by tomorrow.[/ic][/spoiler]

[thejerod]

[spoiler=Acceptance][ic=Morgan]Why, yes. I'd definitely like to join you. My superiors will be most pleased.[/ic][/spoiler]

[St0nE]

[spoiler=requisition form]*submits requisition form to superiors* [ic=William Stone]Here's a list of what I am requesting for this mission filled out in triplicate and on computer file for archival purposes. Future requests will be filed through the normal channels on an as needed basis [note]My talking with the superiors and I will also talk to supply as well on the requisitions. I'm trying to use my "Master of Red Tape" merit for the -2 on difficulty on my requisitions.[/note] [/ic] [spoiler=the form] [ic=medi-pac patch kit x1]see technocracy assembled 2 (void engineer device)[/ic] [ic=expense account] for food, lodging, vehicle maintenance and operation, acquiring and replacement of mundane gear[/ic] [ic=Ionic Cloth 2.0 business suits x2]Hat - 2 dice counter magic vs Mind
Shades - Level 1 scan rotes for all spheres Coat - 2 dice counter magic vs Forces (may be reversed with pants) Pants - 2 dice counter magic vs Life (may be reversed with coat) Shoes - 2 dice counter magic vs Correspondence

None of the items are made of Ionic cloth as a standard item However they may be made of Ionic cloth 1.0 or 2.0 For most technocrats this means self repairing, then 1 die of armor For VE's it can means 1 die of armor then 2 dice of armor, but typically only for agents in very good standing who have requisitions.

Armor for the hat does not stack with the coat and pants, It provides armor vs "head shots" but not face shots or neck shots.
The coat and the pants do stack
The shoes are for feet only.
[/ic][ic=Microtoolkit]-3 to diff of many technical skills (think it's in either guide to technocracy, or conventionbook itx revised)[/ic][ic=permits]Permits for the area to carry a concealed weapon, practice medicine, and operate military vehicles (maintain my license to merits for use in island city[/ic] [/spoiler][/spoiler]

[khyron1144]

[spoiler=follow-up for Stone] [ooc]Your requisition forms sail through the approval process without a hitch.  You get your gear.[/ooc] [ic=technocracy superior]We do have some satelite imagery.  The Island is nearly circular.  There's a few fall small mountains or rocky hills towards the northern edge.  We also have a few tourist maps of the city.  We have worked to cultivate a friendly contact inside Prometheus.  He operates under the Shadow Name of Petruchio.[/ic] [/spoiler]


[spoiler=fast-forward through the boring bits for Morgan] Your superiors at the NSA are very pleased with your work with the Diggers and the Diggers enjoy your brand of help.  Eventually your superiors at the NSA suggest you go to this place caled Island City.  It's a bit of a blank spot to modern American intelligence and think you in your cover identity as a Digger can provide it.   [ooc]Award yourself ten freebie points.[/ooc] [/spoiler]

[St0nE]

[spoiler William Stone Actions] *reviews the maps, satellite images, etc.* [ic]What do we know of this Petruchio individual other than he's friendly? I'd not mind calling him. Does he know about our organisation? If not, which front are we contacting him from? Do we have a file on him for me to review if that info is within my clearance?[/ic] [/spoiler]

[St0nE]

[spoiler Analysis of Maps]using a conjunctional prime 3 correspondence 1 effect with satellite images and other maps, etc to try to get a node map of the area. I am spending a few hours on analysis (hour per roll on effect, fast casting, diff 5)[/spoiler]

[khyron1144]

[spoiler=further information for Stone][ic]Our information on Petruchio indicates that he's technically a Hermetic from something called House Thig.  He doesn't exactly act like or think like the typical RD.  That's one reason we picked him for a likely contact.  He's also well tied into the social structure of the island, although at very low levels.  Besides his work for Prometheus Tech, he is also in The Diggers, a hunter group mostly concerned with gathering information on various supernatural phenomena, and he was trained in something called the Auld Pentangle, which seems to be the main Traditionalist chantry for this island.

His current work for Prometheus Tech is a project on both AI and chaos theory predictive modeling.  He sees the two concepts as related.  

He knows of the Void Engineers.  Rumor has it that one of his Prometheus coworkers is Doctor Solar, one of ours, although Solar hasn't reported in for a few months.  That's one more matter for you to investigate if possible.[/ic]
 
[ooc]The rote works quite nicely.  Going from the perspective that a Freehold or Cairn looks like a Node to a mage, the island is rather crowded with them.  Prometheus Tech's facility has one.  The Mayoral Palace has one.  There's a mansion on the outskirts of town with one.  A hill in the local cemetary has one.  The five-towered pentacle shaped castle has one.  A few bars and restaurants have one.  A few stands of trees and small coves along the coast have one.[/ooc] [/spoiler]

[St0nE]

[spoiler checking Prometheus Tech website and contact if there is appropriate contact info] Does Petruchio have an email on the site? Does it list him as AI and chaos theory development? If so I contact him and try to set up a meeting and a tour of Prometheus Tech. I actually do want to invest in the company (throw about $250,000 + donate some research equipment such as backup generators (prime 3 focus for generating quintessence via fuel consumption)).[/spoiler]

[khyron1144]

[spoiler=contacting Petruchio & Prometheus Tech]Prometheus's website lists at least a few department heads and prominent researchers, including Petruchio, who is listed as a department head for AI and Chaos Theory.  The website includes contact information, such as email adresses.  Contacting Petruchio should be no problem.

Your investment offer is welcomed warmly.  You are told that Prometheus Tech's stock has been on a slow but steady increase for the past year and that the company turns a nice profit on existing patents and creates new ones almsot daily.

The technology offered is also welcomed.  Someone says it will probably go to Dr. Solar's lab.  They further suggest that Solar will single-handedly solve the energy crisis.[/spoiler]

[St0nE]

[spoiler Investment.] [ooc]*Mark $350k off of my character sheet representing my investment and the generators*[/ooc] Did they arrange me a meeting and a tour? I'd LOVE to see what they're working on. I will sign nondisclosure agreements if needed... it protects my investments anyway. If/when I get my meeting/tour. I end up volunteering to pilot a flight for the military to get there or near there as a military drill (to keep up appearances of just being normal military, vs. being a technocrat) This way I also happen to save money and on my expense account and avoid airport security. [ooc]if necessary, i use influence/mind effects/master of red tape merit to do what i need done... i will not mindfuck or pressure Prometheus tech assets, however.[/ooc]  [/spoiler]

[khyron1144]

[spoiler=arranging a little trip]Prometheus Tech is quite willing to give you a tour. Yes, they are asking for a non-disclosure agreement, but you expected that.

Trying to arrange military transit brings up some interesting facts:  The Island has been recognized as an independant nation state.  The United States demanded as price for this recognition, rights to establish a small military base on the Island.

You do manage to get a military flight, though.[/spoiler]

[St0nE]

[spoiler catching my flight]I catch my flight, get my gear loaded, and go. If possible I fly the plane (certified military pilot with license to :D)always good to get a little stick time, and therefore keep up appearances. I arrange appropriate deliveries for my generators and my paladin sedan before i leave. military flights are nice... i don't have to go through a metal detector (and potentially give away the fact that i am enhanced). When there, I debrief for my flight and sign out. They have my number if needed... but they rarely call unless the technocracy wants something... I then catch my meal at somewhere nice, but not too pricey, with a bar and wifi (bar is to not look as suspicious for dining alone, am only having like 1 beer anyway, and the rest of the time cokes) so i can arrange medium to longer term lodging, and not be a burden on the base (it is easier for them to send me BAH, than it is to fit me there.)The g/f knows about my work (gov't side.. not technocracy side)and knows i have orders i get sometimes that i just suddenly have to take off. If she wants i can arrange her a flight there and everything... they say this place is like taking acid without the bad trips... she'd have fun i think. (g/f is conditioned the fuck out of... :D) after doing my meal and arrangements, i rest for the day and read up on my tourist info on the island, compare tourist data to the node map i have... might as well have some fun while i'm here. The next day I have my tour of Prometheus tech that they arranged... I'd love to meet my new colleagues and to see what Dr. Solar and Petruchio are up to...[/spoiler]

[khyron1144]

[spoiler=On The Island]
You are allowed to pilot the "mission".  You land, go through post-flight debrief, leave the base, and head into Island City proper.

You decide that a place called the Tipsy Minotaur seems about right.  The food is beyond good.  It's just fish 'n chips, but it's fish 'n chips they ought to serve at a five-star place.  The beer is cold and good.  They have Wi-Fi.

The bar-tender introduces himself to you as Fred.  Fred looks kind of like a hobbit.  About four feet tall, amiable, round-bodied, and rosy-cheeked.  Fred says, "Either you're new in town, or you've hated sports bars all your life and have just now seen the light.  If you need accomodations for your stay, I recommend The Oaks.  It's not quite as ritzy as The Crown, but the price is right, and it's not a flea-bag.

"Say, did you hear what happened last week Tuesday, when Duke Oberon was holding court..."

And he keeps going, for as long as you're sitting at his bar.

One interesting thing you notice in your research, is that your node map seems to point to the Tipsy Minotaur itself as a probable node.  
[/spoiler]

[St0nE]

[spoiler at the Tipsy Minotaur]I tip well there for one, it's good business... if the food in a bar is 5 star good here... no wonder they say a vacation to island city they say is like a good acid trip without the bad shit... I eat quite well too (i do need additional calories due to my enhancements.) I do listen intently to what fred tells me... It's very interesting... since i am new to town i do bullshit around with fred to learn about the city. Since he does look like a hobbit, i feel slightly more comfortable on island city than normal, right? If so, i remove my shades most the time... especially if the regular people i see here look weird compared to normal. Might as well flaunt slightly glowing eyes here... Especially if it helps me fit in.  [ic Talking to Fred]What happened at court? I am new here, like ya thought there Fred. I definitely have to come back here. I love the atmosphere here. It's like a dream of mine to come to a place like here. I know, seems kinda weird, but hell, life is weird sometimes. I'm taking ya up on your advice for lodging.. has to be good since your bar is totally awesome and is recommended by ya. How about another order of Fish and Chips... Not had any as good as this in a really long time. [/ic] I get a room at the Oaks to try the place out. Fred seems to have good advice.  Also, did i get relaxed enough (meditation?) that I could get a tiny amount of juice out of this place? It is nice being psionic... If all of Island City is like this... this will be an awesome vacation... and this meeting I have at Prometheus... this is such a cushy assignment... I do hope my g/f wants to come down... she'll love it here... I should maybe even work at Prometheus as a researcher... That'd be the life... my nanotech and psi research maybe would be seen as state of the art vs being bitched about by control... Definitely got to have come back for here for lunch again tho... food rocks... and if g/f is here, she'd like it i think.  [ooc]The dream comment is relating to my Inner Knight merit... It is past life 5 on crack... It's my heroic dreams of something like Camelot, or the Epics of the norse... a great heroic dream... (didn't explore this in my old campaign where i played stone)[/ooc] [/spoiler]