Marcus Delrio's page

At this point it may be wise to mark the game as "inactive"

I don't really know anyone else who I think would like to play. And between me in Quinton we lack a lot of the skills we would need to perform actually in-depth investigations.

Is there any chance we could simplify some of the leg work? Right now we've found a whole lot of clues but nothing concrete because there's only been two of us working.

It's just that it's hard to tell if we're actually making worthwhile progress with only two of us.

Sorry, but is this game still in a state where we should continue?

"Looks like they were in a hurry then, would I be correct in guessing that his facility has no camera system that would have recorded this theft?'

Marcus talks to Christian, trying to get a better understanding of the situation. "So how exactly did they get into the cabinet? Did they bust it open with a tool or pick the lock or something else?"

I also want to get the standard specs on the model: mileage, towing capacity, tire type, etc.

Motor pool first. I'd like to make sure the truck is still missing before I ask the deputies to keep an eye out.

"Well I appreciate the cooperation Ma'am. I think that's all we'll need less you got something else you'd like to tell us. I'm sure the Sheriff'll be along later to get an official report on the new theft." Marcus tries to be as sincere as possible considering the somewhat poor reputation they have among the populace so far.

I think I'm ready to go back. I'd like to check the heights and builds against some of the missing and see if we can't look into the missing truck some more, maybe even get the deputies to keep an eye out for it. They haven't stolen any fuel yet I think so that may be their next target.

"What's it take to set up one of these biometric locks? Would they need anything besides the lock itself to do it?"

"Hrm...maybe we can at least figure out which terminal they used to access the network." Marcus starts slowly typing away at the unfamiliar machine as Quinton continues the interview.

Computers: 8d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 6, 1, 3, 2, 6) = 28 3 successes?
Investigate: 7d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1, 5, 6, 2, 5) = 24 3 successes?

I assume the tire tracks are long gone? Can we at least get a potential make and model, maybe even a license plate number if it has one? Also, was it among the other things that have been reported stolen? Can we also take a guess at the heights and builds of some of the thieves? It may help us see if they were among the missing.

Marcus goes about getting the details on the missing equipment from the woman, confirming whatever they already knew and noting anything they didn't:

"What do ya figure is the capacity of that elevator if they were to set it up?" he asks "And these biometric locks: do they need to be set up at a terminal or something or do they come ready to go out of the box?"

Since you've already been to one of the theft sites, I'll let you take the lead Quinton.

It looks like Quinton and myself will be heading to the nearest theft site for investigation then

"Hrm...I think we should try the sites of the thefts first. If any of the missing were staying with their family or friends I don't think they'd appreciate us poking around, at least given the general attitude around here."

"If that's the case then I can ride with Quinton while you two use the Sheriff's truck."

"Conjecture aside we at least know that they're at a pretty good sized site given the size of the elevator screen they took. Somewhere that didn't have an elevator before."

"So what do y'all want to do?"

"What I'm saying is that they don't got enough hands to go off and start a whole new dig. They're probably working from an already established site. And where-else could they have gotten a vehicle 'cept for stealing one? Sounds like most everyone walks around here."

"From what I've seen; folks 'round here just plain don't like you guys. So maybe you're right and nobody know nuthin, or maybe they don't wan't to tell you. It's something you'll have to get used to for as long as you stay here on Mars. Outside of the main habs strangers aren't treated too kindly."

"Either way, they've got enough stolen gear to keep themselves going for quite some time, especially if they've rigged a charger out of the power generator."

"I don't know if any of you have looked too deep into the circumstances under which these disappeared, maybe they found some reason to leave. Enough cash and there isn't much people 'round these parts wouldn't do."

"Now whether they've got the manpower is another question entirely. There's only been, what? A dozen people gone missing so far? Only two of them were specialists in excavation? Can't really open up a brand-new mine or build another elevator with so few bodies. I think we should be looking at some of the more established sites."

"Problem is we don't know for sure how they've been getting around up until this point. Man can't get too far on foot what with the atmosphere and all. Assuming they don't have some kind of hauler then their working area is gonna be limited to the immediate area outside of their hiding spot. We should try and find whoever it is that keeps the books on Presidias mines, otherwise we'll have to try and speak with each sites foreman individually. We're probably looking for a shaft that either shut-down or got suspended around the same time that everything started. Someone could have reported a site as dry so they wouldn't have to pay anything on what they were pulling up."

After he finishes speaking he gets a frustrated look and grabs his chin, muttering to himself: "But then they'd still need a way to move the material off-site. A cover as a legitimate operation...?"

"Maybe, but if that was the case then why haven't they tried to hijack the normal elevator? They've already proven their ability to move about undetected and from what I saw it's not too well guarded besides."

Having suddenly thought of something Marcus takes out the data pad Phineus had given him and jumps back to the equipment manifest.

Now that I think about it: if the items stolen were well enough recorded they may have listed a model type or something. I want to see if I can figure out what the normal battery/energy life is on the sonic drills and batteries. I'm not sure which skill to roll so I'll just roll a few different ones:

Engineer: Electrical: 7d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 4, 2, 5, 2, 1) = 21
Engineer: Power Systems: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2) = 14
Cleverness: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 2, 4, 4) = 19

I know they already stole two different sets of batteries but they may be running dry again, and if they are then that gives us an opportunity to catch them in the act since they've only hit one spot to get the batteries.

"While we're on the subject: how do you think they're getting around? If it's a tunnel they're digging then the dirts gotta go somewhere. Beyond that they've got people to feed and house plus all this stolen equipment to haul around. That's quite a bit of logistics to take into account."

Marcus hesitates as he speaks his own thoughts on the matter: "I'm not so sure...I mean an orbital elevator is a pretty big undertaking. It would take years alone to even build something like that, and even then why bother? If they were trying to get off planet wouldn't just be easier to stow away on a shuttle?"

The he replies to Kevin: "Why? Do you think they're desperate enough to do something violent? It's only a few miners after all."

Very well

With the hour growing late Marcus decides to return to the rest of the group for the night.

"...An illegal mine maybe?" Marcus muses to himself after looking over all of the data. There were large sections concerning bio-samples and related theories that he largely disregarded in favor of the equipment logs. Meanwhile the cold reception by the locals somewhat worries him, but he decides not to force himself into conversation. Frontier people always have their quirks after all.

Did we know where the Sheriff was going? If he also stops in at the cafeteria I'd like to speak to him if he has cooled off a bit. I don't want to harass him though so if he isn't here or if he is still upset then I will just wait until later.

"Right, thanks. I'll give these a look."

Casting an eye at the rest of the group he sees that they all seem tired and strained. Hesitating he says:

"You folks seem busy; I'm just gonna get out of your hair for now. I'll let you know if I find anything."

With that he excuses himself and heads over to the nearby cafeteria to look over the data.

Do the files have enough information for me to put together a rough list of what is missing or will I have to go speak to the Sheriff or others?

I was speaking more to the situation at hand.

Right. So I've skimmed the gameplay thread and have decided how I will be proceeding. Unless someone has objections Marcus will be directly pursuing the missing equipment. I don't have much interest in identifying the creature though I imagine if we find the missing items we will find the beast as well.

Personally I suspect a cult situation at this point. A lone creature or even a group is possible but I don't see right now a connection between that and the missing equipment. There is also a chance that there are some kind of skin-walkers about but that seems the most unlikely giving the case.

For now I will be investigating on my own unless someone wishes to join me. I don't have much reason at the moment to be acting as if I'm in danger.

We also seem to have a problem with the locals that stems from throwing the weight of the Wardens around. I will try and approach the situation from a different angle since I am not technically a member of the wardens nor am I wearing the uniform. However, I kind of backed myself into a corner with my opening post so I'd appreciate it if someone else were to assist.

I've also noticed that one of the characters has both Occult Sense and Darkness Magnet. Perhaps we could us him like some sort of spectral radar? That way we have at least some sort of forewarning if something decided to come after us.

Even so coordination is still possible via OOC discussion as long as everyone is willing to divulge their thoughts on the situation and how best to move forward.

So what are you guys planning then?

"I usually work with salvaged materials and equipment, stuff that's already past it's prime. I assumed that's why they sent me down here, they said some gear had gone missing and that it may need recovery before it could be used again."

"Don't we all. Speaking of; where would you folks like me to start?"

Marcus side steps politely to let the sheriff pass, nodding as he does.

"Hazardous environment technical specialist, sir."

Marcus hands the documents over to the outstretched hand:

"A Mr...uh, Shari? I'm not quite sure, I only actually spoke with his assistant."

Marcus stops at the threshold of the Sheriff's office to kick off some of dust on the boots, futile considering the nature of Mar's surface. Really all he wanted was a few more seconds to collect his thoughts. Even though he hadn't been at the mining colony for more than 45 minutes he had gotten the stink eye from everyone he'd passed the moment he stepped of the shuttle. With a final sigh he once again checked that all of his paperwork was in hand and ready to go before he knocked sharply on the open door. "Er...hello?" he calls into the office, unsure of who exactly he should be talking too.

He steps inside, hauling a worn duffle bag on his shoulder that contained most of his gear. "My name is Marcus. They told me you were having some kind of equipment troubles, sent me down here to help out. Where would you like me to start?"

Nope.

Good afternoon. My name is Marcus and it seems that I will be playing with you all from here on. Let me know if you need anything.

Congratulations to those who were selected.

I'll present myself if recruitment is still open.

I generated a Researcher since that is what seems to be needed most. Profile is all set up and ready to go, unfortunately the backstory seems to be rather lengthy for the point it gets across. I'll give a tl;dr version for simplicities sake (and I don't want to delete it after going through all of the effort of writing it down):

Hazardous duties engineer who is working to make ends meet for his small family on Mars.