DM Morvius's Into the Void (Inactive)

Game Master Tourach

Unless you are planning on driving us, I will need directions

The Sheriff starts the truck and heads toward the vet. "I'm happy to take you to Dr. Shaw's office, but if you need to get anywhere after that, the truck has an integrated GPS system. If you need better directions than it can provide, you can always ask my deputies whenever you know where you need to go."

The veterinarian's office is cleaner looking than many of the other buildings and inside, just as the Sheriff predicted, some of the staff are starting to clean up. The Sheriff asks for Dr. Shaw and you are, as a group, brought back to his office. Joe explains why you are here and the doctor starts searching through some files and prints out a few pictures for you.

"These are the photos taken Ms. Sanchez's dog," the doctor says. "Just look like any other scratches. Probably from another animal, maybe from a scrape on something sharp, but they were a bit too regular for that. Still nothing dangerous."

We'll be fine Sheriff. It'll give us a chance to catch up with the other investigators, grab some dinner, and get some sleep. No sense in working through the night. Unless we luck into it, we're not going to solve your mystery in one day.

Staggering back into town, Quinton will head directly towards the sheriff's office and one of the bunks within. The walk back had been much more physically taxing then he thought it would, and the lack of sleep the night before was wearing him down. Setting his wristcomp to 'wake me if I get a call' he set out the samples with the group's equipment with a note saying *samples*, secures his gun, and lays down curled up around it, holstered but hand on the handle.

I'm going to wait for the team at the vet's to finish up and let Hoss finish up as well before processing the move to the next day.

What are some of the things it could be? Feel free to speculate.

"Another pet is most likely. There isn't any wildlife here. Could have been a scrape on a rock or some piece of fence or a tool at a dig site, but that seems less likely given the length and uniformity. But really, it could be anything. It wasn't dangerous...I prescribed antibiotics just in case the scratches got infected."

Phineus smiles, Thank you Doctor. These pictures will help.

He looks at the others, Mrs. Veridian here has much more expertise with animals than I, but I do have a couple of questions. If it were an animal, what kind of animal do you think it was? I'm sure, from the size of the wound, you could guess at the size of the animal. And, after all, there are a limited amount of choices here. As you say, there is no wildlife, and I'm sure you're familiar with all the pets in the outpost.

Phineus makes sure to keep his tone curious, hoping not to insult the veterinarian's expertise.

Persuade: 7d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 3, 4, 2, 6, 6) = 27
3 Successes, +1 Empathy

"If I had to guess, I'd say that the creature had claws as the scratches are somewhat evenly spaced and in multiples. Paw size probably consistent with a large canine or a similar creature...why? Do you think the beast that caused these scratches is somehow related to the disappearances?"

Hoss looks to Sergei one last time, " Sorry to scare ya', but I had to be sure. I'll get outta yer hair now. We'll figure out what happened." Hoss leaves and starts walking back to the sheriffs office, shaking his head. "I'm gonna need help on this one, it was stupid of me to go alone.".

When he gets to the sheriff's office Hoss looks over his notes and awaits the team to inform them of his less-than-desired findings.

Although the times/dates are hazy, which theft looks like it might have been after the general store, assuming that was the "first" target.

You really have no idea. The next reported theft was from the yard a quarter mile outside of town, but it is pretty clear that theft dates and reporting dates are clearly not well matched.

At this point we don't know if it's connected. But we can't rule anything out. There are quite a number of missing pets, which, at this point, may be connected to the disappearance of people. So we're just getting as much information as we can.

He smiles reassuringly, So, a large canine. How many pets here at the outpost could fit that description? A list of owners would be great.

Also, if you could tell us if any other critters came in with similar wounds as well.

Alright then, I'm really not sure when my actions take place, but I'd assume they are happening while the others are at the vet? Also is there a name and contact information for who reported the theft from the yard?

Hoss sends a message to the team

General Store didn't know much, guy seems alright. I'm at the sheriffs office. Will await your return.

Yes, you have a name and a contact for all of the individuals reporting thefts and disappearances. And sure, I'm being somewhat fluid with time, so it is find for things to line up, though you can also do something else if you prefer.

The vet pulls up some further files and shakes his head. "I don't see any records of similar scratches or pets that could make those things. But I only have records of registered animals. People in Presidia have a healthy distrust of authority and there are a lot of unregistered animals, particularly canines that sometimes are used as guard dogs at the yards and mining sites far outside of town. I don't get out that way much, so I can't give you specifics, but I'm told that a lot of people smuggled in dogs right after 4G pulled out when they were overly concerned about an uptick in crime."

Is there a database of active miners, active mining sites, and deactive mining sites? Like when they were active, what was found there, etc. etc.

Is there a database of active miners, active mining sites, and deactive mining sites? Like when they were active, what was found there, etc. etc.

Not since 4G left. Since then, for the most part, each miner or employer keeps their own listing. There is a lot of cross pollination, but people are individualistic enough that they don't really maintain a central database. That said, just about every resident that isn't in a specialized job - store owner, cook, doctor, etc. - is a miner or some sort of support for mining operations.

Phineus leans in, Sure, I get it. People here are private. But you're the only vet in the outpost aren't you? We're not looking to make any trouble, and we're not interested in local regulations. Heck, that's not even part of our jurisdiction.

Insight: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 6, 4, 6) = 30
4 Successes, +1 Empathy.

If he's not hiding anything, which seems unlikely, but this town is pretty odd, then we can move on. I'm good to go on this day.

He sighs and shrugs. "Look, do people come in looking for antibiotics or other animal drugs from time to time even though they don't have any registered animals? Sure. But people are also pretty self sufficient around here. So, especially for the folks with guard dogs, they tend to handle all of the minor work themselves. They only need me for drugs or when household pets get a disease."

He doesn't seem to be hiding anything, even with the Sheriff there. While he's choosing his words carefully, he seems more willing to talk than the average person. With that I'll move on to the next day in a couple of hours unless there are any other posts.

You all reconvene at the Sheriff's Office to get some sleep and the Sheriff himself goes home for the evening. If any of you get up during the night, there are two deputies manning the office, but neither seems interested in speaking with you.

After about eight hours, when most of you are awake, the Sheriff comes up and knocks softly on the door to the room you've been using. He whispers, trying to avoid awakening Quinton. "Do you mind if I speak with you all for a moment over here?" Assuming you choose to join him, he takes you into the main office area. He seems visibly distressed, but not angry and for those that look over to the holding area you'll notice a man, a woman, and a teenage girl in a very large cell. For those that know him, the man is Sergei, the owner of the General Store.

Phineus is just settling down and making notes in his wristcomp, putting together a report of his notes from the day.

Of course, Sheriff. What do you need?

YawwwnSo, what is going on exactly?

"Well I'm not really sure what happened. Sergei and his family were caught trying to leave Presidia in a rush last night. It seemed suspicious so we detained them. When questioned they seemed like they were all terrified. None would say why and Sergei just mentioned that he had a talk with a Warden and thought it best if he and his family left town for a while, the Sheriff says, clearly confused. "I figured I'd best talk to you before I let him go. Seems like someone leaving after talking to a Warden isn't exactly the most innocent, but I've never known Sergei to be anything other than an upright fellow."

Hoss grabs a cup of water and takes a large gulp before sitting down and pulling out his flex screen to look up who would be best to talk to next concerning the thefts. He settles on a yard a bit outside of town as he starts to speak, looking up at the sheriff momentarily. "Yeah. I had a talk with him and a few hard truths were shared. I wouldn'ta thought I scared him so much though - he seemed right friendly to me. I was looking into the thefts and had a few questions for him. He seemed less than forthcoming with information, I had my reservations see'in as he runs the General Store. As far as I know he's clean. Seems like a good fella'."

Perhaps a bit of a recap is in order. So Sergei, what made you want to leave?

When you walk over to Sergei to talk to him, he's clearly terrified. His family steps back, but he does move to the front of the cell to speak with you.

"I told you all I could. Now please, I don't mean to get in your way and I don't mean to cause you any trouble here. All I wanted to do is to take my family and leave until your stay here is over," he says, gritting his teeth but trying to adopt as pleasant of a tone as he can manage. "I'll stay if I must. Just please leave my family out of this," his voice drops to a whisper, "and don't do whatever you were going to do in front of them."

Either Hoss did some serious damage, or he is hiding something

insight: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 2) = 8

Dang, no successes.

Insight: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 5, 1, 6, 1) = 17
2 Successes, +1 Empathy

Sergei, please, calm down. We're not here to hurt anyone. Phineus moves forward with his hands up, palms toward the man.

Persuade: 7d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 6, 2, 2, 5) = 27
3 Successes, +1 Empathy

There must have been some misunderstanding. What, exactly, happened? Did someone come to see you after Agent Delgado and threaten you and your family?

Something has this man spooked. Perhaps we've caught a break.

Insight to determine if the main was actually afraid of Hoss or of being seen talking to Hoss by someone.: 7d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 5, 6, 3, 4, 5) = 33
4 success + another one for Empathy

Kaylee follows the Sheriff with the others into the room with the cell and remains quiet for the moment while she tries to analyze the shopkeepers words and behavior as she tries to figure out what he is actually frightened off and if he seems guilty of anything.

Sergei calms a bit and requests that he be permitted to step out somewhere without his family to speak with you. Assuming you consent, the Sheriff sets you up in an interview room and Sergei takes a seat, still shaken.

"I...my store was broken into the door looked like it was kicked in. That's never happened here before. Worst we've ever had are kids shoplifting from time to time. Now there are people vanishing...look we are scared. Hoss..Agent Delgado...told me that if I didn't tell him what he wanted to hear, he'd say I was working with whoever is doing all of this...and that he'd have the right to execute me. Said he wouldn't even lose sleep over it.

I get it, you Wardens can do whatever you want. But I don't want my family around any of it."

The Sheriff steps outside, but is clearly willing to let you finish the conversation without him.

Edit: Sergei does seem afraid of Hoss, though perhaps more generally afraid of Wardens.

Hoss leans against a corner and raises his eyebrows before nodding a bit; "Well now, that may be a bit blown out of proportion. I see how he could have thought that - I was implying that we may not be able to stop whomever is causing the disappearances, that he could very well be next, should I be held up in my investigation. I also implied that I could detain him should I see fit. He is right though, I wouldn't lose much sleep no matter what I have to submit with my paperwork, as long as we catch whoever's doin' it. I certainly wouldn't execute 'im unless I had to." Hoss shrugs his shoulders.

Phineus blinks in confusion.

I think something may have been lost in translation here. You implied that Sergei could be next, and that you could detain him as you saw fit? I'm not following. What was this conversation about, exactly? I didn't get the impression that you had found much to report.

He shakes his head in confusion, Was I wrong?

Turning back to Sergei, I'm sorry, Sergei. I think there's a misunderstanding here. I can assure you that Agents do not, in any way, have the jurisdiction to indiscriminately execute civilians, or anyone else for that matter. We answer to a different authority than the Sheriff here, but we still have supervisors, regulations, and Laws to follow. You and your family, are, as far as I know, not in danger. Least of all from us. We're here to help the situation, not make it worse.

He looks around for the Sheriff, We were brought here because we have more resources than the typical outpost. Your Sheriff didn't bring us here to mess with your lives. We do have experts, like Agent Delgado, and equipment and armament for serious trouble. But that is all for your protection. It's not so that we can use it against you.

Now, if you know anything about the disappearances, please, let us know. Otherwise, we should speak with the Sheriff about getting you and your family out of here and safe at home as soon as possible. There's no reason for you to spend any more time here than you need to. I apologize for any inconvenience that this...situation...has caused you.

Sergei seems somewhat emboldened by the conversation and speaks more confidently, though he doesn't raise his voice. "He said his job description was executioner and that if I didn't tell him who tracked all of the other thefts he'd say he found out I was partners with the madman doing this. I told him I didn't know and he'd have to ask the other sites...and I still don't know."

Assuming no one stops him, the Sheriff, who has been waiting outside steps back in, attempting to stop him from getting any more frustrated, and escorts Sergei out. "Mr. Ochenko, I'm sorry about the misunderstanding. You, Mary, and Irina are free to go.". He then quickly releases everyone and you notice him very apologetically escorting them out of the building.

Quinton comes out of the room with the bunks in it, rubbing his eyes and says "What the hell did I miss?"

Someone else terrified the locals. Oh, and there has been a break in at the general store.

"Hrm. Do we know what was taken?" Quinton crosses the room, reaches into his jacket, and turns on his wristcomp to make a list.

Phineus sighs and looks exhausted, looking around the room. I get that I'm new to this. I get that. But we really need to have a talk about our methods.

We can't afford to be scaring these people. We need this community on our side. And that's hard enough in a remote mining outpost without abusing our jurisdiction.

He looks to Hoss, I'm not even sure where to begin. How about you start. I feel like I'm still missing something here. What exactly happened with Sergei? Was there a more recent break in than the one we already knew about?

"I will agree that we do need to discuss the methods that we use to gather information and question witnesses. The main thing is that I am really uncomfortable with anyone going off alone. It seems unnecessarily risky since we have yet to determine what is going on exactly and how many perps we may be dealing with. Plus, if someone else had gone with Hoss, we would have another persons perspective of what happened and may better understand the miscommunication that must have happened between him and the shopkeeper."

"And what about the break-ins? Has any happened while we have been here?"

Last night, at the general store.

Phineus still looks confused, Who said anything about a break in last night?

Didn't he sat that his door was kicked in?

"Perhaps we should get some clarity on the timeline. Sheriff, can you find out if there was a break-in this evening, and if so, what was taken?" Running his finger through his hair to help clear his thoughts, Quinton then says "by the way, do any of you have forensics training? I have some samples that need to be analyzed."

When you go to talk to the Sheriff again, he is doing his best to restrain his frustration though it is still readily apparent on his face. "I just let Sergei and his family leave. After what I just heard I'm not going to go stop them again to ask them further questions," he says, shaking his head and touching his forehead in exasperation. "I have no place to tell you what to do and I won't stop you if you want to chase after him. But when I suggested that you leave your weapons here...I didn't think two days later I'd find the owner of the only General Store in Presidia is leaving because he thinks you all are going to frame him for kidnappings. Now I don't know what you said to him. All I know is that he had his store broken in to already and kept it open anyway. Now it is closed. I don't know what theory lead you to believe there was a second break in last night, but you are welcome to borrow my truck and check to see if the door is gone again. I...just...please don't threaten anyone else if you can avoid it."

With that he all but storms off into his private office and closes the door, leaving you the keys to his car.

I'm a little unclear why anyone thinks there was another break in. That's not what Sergei said...

He looks to Kevin, Did you hear this from someone else? Hoss? Is that what's going on?

He nods in response to Quinton's question, Of course, that's what I'm here for. What's the sample? If it's not time sensitive, I'll set up an overnight analysis and finish it up after some sleep.

For the record, this situation is why I have done very little talking with the local. Now then, what are these samples? I know a bit about 'special' things.

Phineus, you are able to use your hand tool to do the basic analysis fairly quickly. It is clear that the metal has been melted by some sort of synthetic acid that is previously unknown. The acid is comprised of some sort of compound that does not exist in any database you have access to at the moment. Further analysis (breaking it down to the molecular level, etc.) would require sending a sample to a more sophisticated lab.

It has been about six days from Hoss's last post. As a result, we're going to say that Hoss gives you all a rough description of the events of his questioning of Sergei (you can all read it in this thread). He downplays any aggression, but clearly states that there is no record of some new break-in beyond the one contained in the Sheriff's report. Hopefully that lets you guys move forward.

Phineus sighs, Well, like I said, I'm not in charge here. But I'd suggest we discuss who does the talking. We can't afford this sort of thing happening again. It wastes time, which we have very little of.

As to this sample, the metal was melted by a synthetic acid. I'll have to send it back to the lab for more information.

"What about the hair/fur samples? can we get anything from them?"

"I wonder how easy it is to get a hold of synthetic acid around here."

How long does it take us to send samples out to the lab for more information?

Kaylee wanders over to a terminal to see if she can find information on the availability of acids or the components to create one.