Beyond the Veil

Game Master MCKhaos

Rache slowly turned to face their approaching foes. She takes a slow breath. In other times she might be scared, but she was on a sacred mission and that knowledge brought her calm and focus.

She raised her sword so that the tip pointed at the following thugs, her red eye unmistakably a camera.

You gentlemen are interfering with the resolution of an outstanding Giri debt. You might not care terribly about the proper resolution of Giri but I certainly expect that you’ll care about 300k fans watching you die during prime time tonight. Leave now and you’ll only wind up on the cutting room floor instead of this deck’s incinerator.

ultimatum+peaceful: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Choosing to make you carry out your threat.

The two individuals accelerate at an alarming rate and draw blades that are far too nice for the riff raff of 1176. You notice that both are angling directly towards Na-Zo. They will be on you in mere moments.

What do you do?

With calm utterly unbefiitting an alley fight, Rache swings her blade across the closest thug.

neutralize + peaceful: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 2 = 11

She disarms the thug she attacks and frightens the one who watches her deft blade work. Neither are injured and both clearly have the opportunity to flee.

Na-Zo freezes momentarily, as they ignore Rache's blade... they wonder if they imagined it, or if there really was an image for blood-greased gears, and the tench of fresh offal.

She's... she doesn't know... They think, reaching into their pocket, checking that their cybertome is still intact, and with their other hand, bring their cudgel to bear at the heads of those Things.

Risk/Neuutralize (unsure)+scared: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 = 10

if that's neutralize, They're gonna inflict harm (1-AP) on them, and hold onto the last hold, in case that doesn't put them down

You can't reason or negotiate with Them, Rache. Believe me, we tried.

Of course darling. Standard discount for you, of course.

He taps on a datapad while he makes small talk with Trophy, generally seeking information about LaChezza's health, whereabouts, and interest in collaboration.

After about twenty minutes two large men and a young woman enter the office.

This is Trophy. Do what she says and you'll get the second half of your payment at the end of the day. Good luck, and don't catch any Giri. I think Kosto is on the hunt today.

I think the trade off is 1 cred right? Feel free to name and describe these three red shirts, or leave them anonymous if you prefer.

"Ever the steadfast companion, your good grace is much appreciated." She flashes a warm smile and traces a nail along Chanor's jaw before turning to the fresh meat. "Welcome to the Dead Ringers, my pets. Let's see that you get that payout, shall we?"

As she leads the trio back to the elevators, walking backwards so she can get proper interviews. "Tell us all about yourselves: your hopes, your dreams, family, friends- really show the folks at home what's at stake. If you're lucky, you'll find a sponsor!" She logs away the clips for future editing while LaChessa disconnects and summons Chlover.

So many threads interwoven, all of them at her fingertips. It gave the executive chills. She spins up old filters and agregators to help her aging mind process the maelstrom. Where to go from here...

Analise: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 2 = 12
Which enemy is the biggest threat?
What’s my enemy’s true position?
Where’s my best way out/way in/way past?
Essentially, are there signs in the data that suggest Na-Zo needs help, or that Lew is marshalling a counter, or am I clear to make a costly and extravagant housecall?

Rache, keep one neutralize hold. These things are not capable of feeling fear.

Rache's blade clangs against the thug's blade, and the blade dissolves. The thugs don't seem to care, and both close on Na-Zo, more or less ignoring Rache.

As the thugs close, Na-Zo confirms their worst fears: the illusion of flesh disappears. Na-Zo lashes out at each, the cudgel bashing against both mechanical skulls, knocking bloody gears loose to bounce along the ground. Again, these thugs hardly seem to mind.

The bladeless one clasps its metal claws around Na-Zo's neck, while the bladed thug turns to prevent Rache's interference, standing ready with blade drawn.

Flecks of bloody spittle fall on Na-Zo's clothing as it speaks. You are the least, but not the last. You will take us there.

The claws begin to close, cutting off your airway.

What do you each do?

Let me know if you think I'm being unfair with your hold usage ... still getting used to this.

LaChezza:

Lew is the biggest threat to you individually, but you believe that Na-Zo and Rache are not on his radar. The iconoclasts are the biggest threat to them.

Lew is currently in his residence on level 1515 (assuming that is the number I said before).

That entire level effectively belongs to AI. The elevator is heavily guarded and restricted. Your best way to Lew's residence will be with Na-Zo. Your second best way would perhaps be to somehow access 1515 through 1514 or 1516. You could also attempt a brazen house call, as you strongly suspect that Lew would not have ordered you or Trophy to be killed on sight.

This sudden change deeply unsettled Rache, but ever the consummate performer, she continued her narriation. Folks, what you are seeing is not augmented or manipulated. This is very real.

She was scared out of her wits, but she needed to get Na-Zo free from their attacker so they could run.

Shaking like a leaf, she shoved her blocker hard into Na-zo’s gripper. She knew it was unlikely to hurt either, but it would be a much needed distraction.

divert, scared: 2d6 - 1 ⇒ (2, 3) - 1 = 4
Oh dear...

Rache, it is like pushing against a wall. The thing doesn't budge, and a metallic claw strikes like lightning across your face, drawing blood and forcing you to fall back. It moves towards you, blade lifted to strike.

Na-Zo continues to struggle with the claws around their neck. What do you do?

2 harm.

She was scared, but her reflexes were still heightened from before she knew what those things were Spending my last hold to avoid harm and she dodged away almost on autopilot.

She hit the ground hard, watching that...thing approach. She couldn’t leave her friend, but she was nearly helpless with fear

My struggle of this system is that when you’re in one mood due to specific circumstances, you suck at everything, vs. Masks where certain conditions make some tasks harder and certain self-images make some tasks easier or harder depending. Right now Rache is equally bad at running, persuading or fighting and it’s not like she can just not be scar...oh.

The blade swinging at her, Rache watched that monster choke her friend. These things took EVERYTHING from Na-Zo and now they want her too?

Not.

F@+*ing.

Likely.

With a scream of rage, Rache kicked hard at her assailant.

Divert Mad: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7
Spending my two hold on creating an opportunity for Na-zo and letting myself slip away.

The things claws close around Na-Zo's throat, and they start to feel the world going dark...

No, not like them! Not to these things!

they bring the plasma-cudgel around onto the things wrist, and kick off it's chest, heart pounding as they desperately struggle to free themselves

risk: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 = 12

LaChezza, do you have enough to work with?

Nice Rache. I think that is exactly right, any emotion you can justify. Also, I think next time on divert like that you can narrate what opening you made.

Rache's aggressor roars through its speakers in frustration as Rache ducks expertly away. The head of Na-Zo's aggressor swivels towards the sound, and Na-Zo takes advantage. The plasma cudgel smashes through the mechanical wrists, and Na-Zo is free.

You have both gained distance. Na-Zo's friend is crippled, thrashing and yelling. The swordbearer turns its attention back to Na-Zo, and rushes towards the ninja with blade pointed at their stomach.

What do you do?

Na-Zo, have you fought these things before? What happened?

I don't think LaChessa's intel covers what's going on with the iconoclasts right now, so I'm trying to decide how to move forward with the infiltration. I think my goal in this case is to have a chat with IA folks about recent events and set up some supply caches for the big event. Trophy's equipped for actual espionage, and I'd like to take advantage of that.

It was hard to get good weapons through the elevator. Trophy needed to start stockpiling explosives on 1515, which meant making solid contacts behind enemy lines, and it wouldn't hurt to get the pulse of the local rumor mill. Bravado aside, her next moves would take some finesse.

When she and the Dead Ringers reach the elevator, Trophy swipes her executive ID and keys in floor 1515.

Na-Zo's messager pings again, and ChLover appears, unaware of the current scrap you're in.

> Hey, listen... Trophy's headed 2 1515 to rub elbows, lmk if u need something. I'm avail while she's n transit. ^.^

Rache watched the sword bearer rush Na-zo. These things would never stop. They’d fight until they died to kill the ninja.

She also saw that one was in pain. There were real consequences for these...things.

That meant she was dangerous to these things.

Under most circumstances, Rache preferred to use her sword. The personal nature made her feel humble and connected to the person she was striking.

But her gun made her feel like a god.

neutralize powerful: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 1 = 12

Her microflechettes spray into the charging Iconoclast’s center of mass, turning its midsection into a fine red mist.

Spending all three hold on causing harm

As the flechettes strike both of the things dissolve before your eyes.

Your immediate surroundings are empty of witnesses. What do you do?

Thank you. I need you to delete that footage. Na-Zo says, rubbing their neck. ANd we need to keep moving. I should have kown they would have a few of those things stationed here... maybe more than a few.

Delete the footage? Are you daft? This is proof that those things are real. People need to know. Plus...it looked really cool. People love this sort of thing.

That'll cause more damage than good. there's a reason my order didn't just reveal them. Na-ZO says, And please don't put that gun away. The people here aren't likely to be much friendlier

Na-Zo tries to push forward, looking for familiar landmarks Umidiz might gravitate toward.

Assess+sad: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 5) + 2 = 8

Rache was dejected, but she decided to let the issue drop, for now. Except...

Your shirt. You have blood on it. The continuity won’t match in editing. I need you to clean it.

Okay. Na-Zo says, looking for a route to Umi as they scrub their shirt. eventually they reach the point where it will have to be good enough. Okay, lets keep going, I think I have a path mapped

best way in, and enemy (umi)'s true position

Rache stood outside the entrance to Umi's location. She clicked her camera back on and looked into the nearest reflective surface. After an uneventful journey through the sector, we've arrived. Na-Zo will help us find a way in and then we'll help this poor woman set things right.

Na-Zo, you approach a run down hotel that seems strangely familiar. After a moment you recognize that this used to be the Trance Lodge, a real dump that Umi used to use as a safehouse of sorts. Chances are good she's in.

Dump or no, establishments in this level are only as successful as their security systems. If you don't have business or a room, you are not getting in the front door. Rooms are rented on a weekly basis, and it would take 1 cred for the week.

Trophy, the elevator ride is uneventful, with only the nervous stink of your thugs in your olfactory sensors to break the monotony. Soon you arrive at 1515. The doors do not open. Instead, a viewscreen materializes in the air near the entrance. It is a young woman in a grey uniform with the IA logo above her heart.

We do not have any scheduled visitors at this time. Please state your business or be on your way.

What do you do?

Correct me if this isn't your plan.

Rache crossed her arms, sticking her lip out in a pout.

No way we’ll waltz in. “We’re on a mission to balance the scales of justice” is unlikely to cut it. Do you think she’d come down to see you?

She watched the guard go about his rounds, looking for an opening that won’t cost them
Money.

analyze+Mad(well...frustrated): 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9

whats the the guard’s vulnerability? What will worse before it gets better?

We could buy a room and hunt her down, but... I have a better idea, if you promise not to hurt her They say. Rache was nice, she was cool, but Na-Zo wasn't sure about loosing her on a friend... former friend, at any rate.

"No he is not." Trophy looks aghast. She turns to the Dead Ringers. "Does one of you have recording? Is it on? Is someone recording?" Crisscrossing her legs with every step, Trophy walks to the security thugs, way more aggressively than she should be with little to nothing in the way of weapons or defenses. Her eyes blink red. "Now I want you doormats to choose your words carefully, because I just got back from a lovely engagement with Lew, and he has been so very kind enough to send me a datajack, and I'd like to know exactly what you plan to say to him when he finds out you wouldn't let me through to have the device properly installed. I am not going to be subjected to the services of one of your satellite chop shops. I want to know this because if you're telling me I am not getting through these doors, I'll be sending your excuse directly to him."

Ultimatum(Mad): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) + 1 = 7
MC's choice:
* Make you carry out your threat
* back down and give you what you want.
* Clearly remove themselves as a threat.
* Fortify themselves.
* Give you something they think you want.
* Attempt to remove you as a threat, after taking the established consequences.
* Tell you what you want to know (or what you want to hear).

Rache positioned herself so her eye could see Na-Zo and her own reflection and started recording.

I never attack first and I’ll do whatever I can to fulfill what’s required of me without causing her harm. If things turn violent, it will be because of Umi’s choices.

Okay... Na-Zo says, still feeling somewhat a traitor

Could you send a message up to Umidiz? Tell her the second best Joywriter on the 147 wants to see an old friend.

MIsdirect+sad: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + 2 = 11

Watching Na-Zo submit the message, Rache found herself standing outside awkwardly. Was there somewhere she should be standing? Should she hide? She decided to ask Na-Zo when they returned.

whats the the guard’s vulnerability? What will worse before it gets better?

I owe lots of stuff here ... got a bit overwhelmed but I'm back. Here goes.

The guard station is behind bulletproof glass, but you can see lots of posters in his office of reality TV stars. He is immaculately groomed. You can tell that she wants to be a star.

You also see a post it note on the guard's desk in flowery script that says "Absolutely do not disturb room 38. Very very insistent. Expecting dangerous visitors."

Okay... Na-Zo says, still feeling somewhat a traitor

Could you send a message up to Umidiz? Tell her the second best Joywriter on the 147 wants to see an old friend.

[dice=MIsdirect+sad]2d6+2

Before the guard responds, what are your choices on your 10+?

"No he is not." Trophy looks aghast. She turns to the Dead Ringers. "Does one of you have recording? Is it on? Is someone recording?" Crisscrossing her legs with every step, Trophy walks to the security thugs, way more aggressively than she should be with little to nothing in the way of weapons or defenses. Her eyes blink red. "Now I want you doormats to choose your words carefully, because I just got back from a lovely engagement with Lew, and he has been so very kind enough to send me a datajack, and I'd like to know exactly what you plan to say to him when he finds out you wouldn't let me through to have the device properly installed. I am not going to be subjected to the services of one of your satellite chop shops. I want to know this because if you're telling me I am not getting through these doors, I'll be sending your excuse directly to him."

[dice=Ultimatum(Mad)]2d6+1
MC's choice:
* Make you carry out your threat
* back down and give you what you want.
* Clearly remove themselves as a threat.
* Fortify themselves.
* Give you something they think you want.
* Attempt to remove you as a threat, after taking the established consequences.
* Tell you what you want to know (or what you want to hear).

I'm a bit confused here. Who are you saying "No he is not" to? When you say you are walking to the security thugs, do you mean up to the viewscreen? You are currently still in the elevator with the door closed. There are no other occupants, just the floating viewscreen. In any event I think I can push forward by assuming that your dialogue "Now I want you doormats ..." is directed to the woman on the viewscreen. I'll proceed accordingly, let me know if that wasn't your intention and we will retcon.

The woman visibly bristles at your hostile tone. One moment. She spends a moment interacting with a keyboard that you can't see (think Minority Report). The viewscreen goes completely black.

After just enough time to enrage you has passed, the viewscreen lights up again ...

What a pleasure to see you love! Well, what passes for the physical you I suppose. What can I do for you?

You also see a post it note on the guard's desk in flowery script that says "Absolutely do not disturb room 38. Very very insistent. Expecting dangerous visitors."

Na-Zo, do you want to retcon with this information? He's not going to want to call up to her room, but we might be able to get past him with his desire for fame...

The Veil wrote:

You also see a post it note on the guard's desk in flowery script that says "Absolutely do not disturb room 38. Very very insistent. Expecting dangerous visitors."

Na-Zo, do you want to retcon with this information? He's not going to want to call up to her room, but we might be able to get past him with his desire for fame...

You can absolutely retcon if you wish. You can also keep the misdirect roll result in your retcon.

I'm a bit confused here. Who are you saying "No he is not" to? When you say you are walking to the security thugs, do you mean up to the viewscreen? You are currently still in the elevator with the door closed. There are no other occupants, just the floating viewscreen. In any event I think I can push forward by assuming that your dialogue "Now I want you doormats ..." is directed to the woman on the viewscreen. I'll proceed accordingly, let me know if that wasn't your intention and we will retcon.

The woman visibly bristles at your hostile tone. One moment. She spends a moment interacting with a keyboard that you can't see (think Minority Report). The viewscreen goes completely black.

After just enough time to enrage you has passed, the viewscreen lights up again...

Dunno how I misread the viewscreen bit. I think I took a day to figure out what I planned to do and lost the details in the process. This turned out perfectly though. (The "no he is not" was more of a "No. He. Is. Not! (locking me out)")

"Lew! So happy to see you aren't too busy launching your new product to attend me personally. I guess those trinkets market themselves these days! Speaking of which, explain to me and my guests how I was meant to make use of your lavish gift without one of your very own technicians to ensure the install goes smoothly? You know I don't know anyone with the skills to perform your outdated, barbaric, invasive, life-threatening procedures." Trophy flips her hair. "You're not afraid I'll wipe you out today are you?" She's clearly baiting him into asking how cyberware is going to be installed in an android.

Probe(Mad): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2) + 1 = 9
What's Lew really feeling?

Na-Zo plasters a smile to their face, This person wants fame, so let's dangle a little. Hello, miss. good evening. I'm Na-Zo, a special guest on Her Na-Zo indicates Rache Giri Program. Would you be willing to receive a credited appearance on the program? we would just need your help making contact with our co-star.

sorry, missed the update

Rache gives a gentle wave to the young woman behind the desk, her eye noticeably a camera.

The woman looks panicked for a moment. Wait! Wait wait wait. She disappears into the restroom for a moment. You can attempt some skullduggery while she is gone.

When she returns, her make up is impeccable, and her appearance has been enhanced through subtle use of the veil. It is actually kind of impressive.

Ok, who is your co-star?

As soon as the receptionist stepped away, Rache took the opportunity to search the directory. She found another name on the 3rd floor and returned to her previous position.

Tycho Gimble, #35 she said serenely, when the receptionist sat back down. Rache was again the perfect agent of Giri, calm and confident in her mission. The name and address would be censored out later or overdubbed with a fake name.

Misdirect, peaceful: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9
I’m taking “slip away” here

When you get their attention, do direct, or better, escort them over to the Abattoir Na-Zo indicates to the woman. The Abattoir, despite the name, is one of the areas of neutral ground on the 1147, and also about 30 minutes away. it would give Them time to get in, Deal with Umi, and get out... hopefully.

Aid+Sad: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 6) + 1 = 8

Were you saying that to me? I thought the plan was to get access to the 3rd floor and then bust in on your friend. Rache has to be there when the Giri is collected.

Oh, I had it in my head Umi was on the first floor (308 would have made me think 3rd floor) and we were just getting the guard out of the way. I as sending her on a goose chase to keep her out of our hair while longer. if that isn't the case, disregard my post and roll

First floor does make sense (retcon my 3rd floor biz if that’s true), but we want the receptionist to leave, not Rache, right?

Yeah, that's why they told the receptionist to take the poor random guy halfway across the city (both Rache an the attendant are Female)

Just confirming if you were talking to the receptionist or Rache. Awesome. I think we’re locked in. See you next week when we get a new post ;)

To be fair, when we signed up for this, M.C. Khaos did specifically say it would be slower paced (admittedly, you and I don't seem to know how to do slow paced, but we should understand the sentiment if nothing else.)

I know. Just some gentle ribbing. My capacity to play is seemingly limitless but all my games are sooooo slow