Reilly Tanaka's page

For PbP, I think it might work best if we treat the dodge like an "immediate action" so that it borrows an action from your next action. That might make the first round slightly more survivable than intended for both PC and NPC, but that seems ok.

Last one standing suggests to me that we are shooting at each other.

Are we allowed to leave the circle and hide behind a tombstone? Because I'm no good at that either, LOL.

"Hey, anyone need a robot repaired?"

Did I miss initiative? Is Rizzenmagnus rolling that or are we?

So am I right that aiming is an action and calling a shot is an action, and taking a shot is an action. +1 from the laser rifle, +2 from aiming. I think I have no bonuses to the attack otherwise.

Rifle attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

That is a total miss.

I'm around. I'll try to get a post up with my rifle. Spending my days as tech support for the family's Christmas gifts the last couple of days.

What is the base number of attacks per round? I haven't taken any skills that would increase my number of attacks, but I don't see anything that tells me what I should have.

I think the answer to this is 3. I can't find anything in the rules to support this, but that is what several messages on messageboards suggest.

I hope it doesn't spark offense to say that I find it hard to believe how badly written this game is. I played through various games in the 80s and 90s, including Rifts in its early run. I moved to 3.0 and 3.5 and Pathfinder. I've played Gurps and Heroes from various editions. I've run Mutants and Masterminds and Savage Worlds. I teach reading and literature for a living.

I love the ideas behind this game, but man is it ridiculously written. The mix of flavor and opinion and rules text is so much worse than even 1st or 2nd edition D&D. It is almost impossible to understand the basic concepts of the game. I tip my hat to the friend who ran the Rifts games I played in the 90s, because they were awesome, and clearly he was making up lots of things as he went along.

What is the base number of attacks per round? I haven't taken any skills that would increase my number of attacks, but I don't see anything that tells me what I should have.

My stats are in this alias.

Reilly is a something like a wandering tinker. He is not at all useful in a fight, but knows many things that are lost. He is able to fix simple and complex machines, manage water systems.

He needs a tough friend to hang out with to keep him safe.

.

Dotting in. I need to get my stats into this alias. This is SuperTumbler's Rogue Scientist.

"So, did it work? Or how is it supposed to work? Is there some sort of ritual...?"

"So what does it do Lucas? Why did we come down here for this mask? It seems pretty plain."

"Lead on then, Lucas. I'll follow."

Reilly settles his pack on his back and turns from the dark door.

"it looks like the drunkard has gotten himself killed. So Lucas much do you want to do now?"

"Anyone see anything this could open? hidden hole on the throne, door, anything?"

Does that work, can I just lift the key out?

Reilly takes the key from the container.

"Lucas, come and hold this bit of carpet. There seems to be something underneath."

If Lucas will take the forceps, Reilly will attempt to slice into the gold first, to see what it is. (If it is really gold, it should be fairly soft.) Then he attempts to pry the loose tile up.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Reilly removes a pair of forceps from his bag and picks at the slit in the carpet.

"It seems all of that hard living is taking its toll, Tony."

Reilly will carefully investigate the carpet, working his way toward the throne, looking closely but not touching anything.

"If you go down now, you just have to come up later when you are tired. And since we have no evidence driving a decision, up is as good as down. "

Reilley stands back, letting the two younger men take the lead, covering them with his pistol. He still didn't particularly see the wisdom of opening any of the doors, and there didn't appear to be any logical reason to choose one over another.

"And, and I explained to your mother tomorrow, those were Lucas' last words. Let's do it."

I can't imagine what this strange place has to do with a serial killing, but at least I can try to keep Lucas safe down here.

So, boys, what is it that we are trying to accomplish down here? Other than getting ourselves killed, that is.

I'm having a good time, though I don't have much idea what is going on. Not deeply troubled by that. It is a mystery, after all.

One would have been hard put to describe the look that Reilly gave Tony. It was something akin to the look he might have given a slug in a souffle.

I've got my car outside with plenty of supplies and some tools and tactical gear. Let me grab something to eat. I had plans to grab something with a friend, but that never happened. I'll just grab some noodles and we can get going. What else do you think I need?

"The ruins! Reilly's voice cracked in his surprise. Your planning to run around the Ruins with this drunk? Are you trying to get yourself killed? You better believe you aren't running around the ruins without some competent back up.

Reilly takes Lucas' hand in a firm grasp, impressed with the boy's strength. He turns to walk away but then stops and turns back.

What is it that you are looking into? Something to do with the case.

Joined you in debauchery and alcoholism? I'm afraid I have more pressing matters to attend to.

Sorry for the slow responses. This is one of the four worst weeks of my year at work. Should be better now.

So, Lucas, this is the company you keep. It seems like not much has changed. As for the case, there doesn't seem to be much evidence. Police have no leads. One officer also mentioned that there have been multiple suicides talking about dreaming and wanting to wake up. There is certainly something strange going on here in Spire. I guess it wasn't much use to get in touch, but at least you know I am here. If you hear anything, or think of anything else, let me know.

One solution is that Mark is a minister.

Well, I am glad you have decided to do something useful with your life.

And yes Lucas, I came home to see justice delivered to this killer after I heard about Mia. And more than that, I believe I have been threatened as well. I fear this may be some sort of family business, possibly cloaked in other killings to mask the killer's true intent. What do you know about the killing? The police seem stymied.

i am trying to post some strands of conversation here so it isn't just one line entries, but if that is too awkward or breaks the rhythm, just let me know. I am fairly new at Pbp

Reilly takes a moment to observe the two before moving toward them. His hadn't left things terribly well with Lucas, and he didn't have time for a lot of emotional responses.

As he moved in, he screwed on a happy face and opened his arms to Lucas, ignoring the other man in hopes that Lucas would show some measure of formality and introduce his friend.

Lucas, it's good to see you again. What have you been up to?

Eventually he will drop the act and say, Look, I came back to town to look into these murders, and I'm wondering if there is anything you can tell me.

Reilly threw the phone onto the seat beside him.
What was that? And who want to meet at a food court? This is a serious conversation, not something to talk about over a giant pretzel.

He put the car in gear and headed toward the mall.

I was hoping to talk to Lucas about the murders. Tell him it is... Well, just tell him it is Reilly. I am in town. Is there somewhere I could meet him?

Well, officers, if that is all, I will be going. I have an appointment with one of your detectives in a bit. If there is anything else you need from me, you have my credentials.

Reilly slides back into the SUV and takes a deep breath, shaken by the events of the day.

He checks to see if anyone has returned his calls and then calls Lucas.

Should I make some effort to connect with Lucas before they get to much farther? I suppose all I have to do is call him

Have the other ones said anything about waking up? Any new drug activity? This man's behavior doesn't make sense. People who jump from buildings into the street are looking for attention, for an audience. They want to be seen. They feel invisible. I asked him his name, gave him a chance to be seen and heard, and he ignored it. He acted like he was being tormented by something.

Were the other three jumpers? What could make them feel like they were dreaming?

The last bit is mostly to himself.

Reilly waits for uniforms to arrive and fill them in on what he saw and what the man said.

Reilly rushes to the jumper and does a quick evaluation, rendering whatever aid he can. The man probably hasn't survived, but stranger things have happened.

Reilly climbs out of the car and yells at the figure silhouetted against the sky.

What's your name? What are you doing up there?

Reilly pulls the SUV as close as possible, pushing against the crowd if necessary, hoping to turn the he jumper and the crowd's attention to him. If he can gain the jumpers attention, perhaps he can distract him from whatever is causing his pain.

Melinda, agrees as Reilly heads out. As he hits the streets walking he gets a weird feeling he is being watched. Could be simple paranoia or...

Reilly tries not to show any sign of his disquiet. He circles the block a few times, trying to see if anyone is following or anyone turns up more than once. Then he jumps in the SUV and drives off to grab some donuts. Caramel praline are Melinda's favorites. Then he will head back to the crime scene and leave them in her car.

You're right, of course. I'm just not used to working on a case that hits so close to home. Listen, you have my number. Give me a call if anything comes up you want to share. Or if you can get out of this thing in a bit, maybe we can get a coffee or something in a bit. I'm going to walk around a little.

Reilly heads out onto the streets, passing by his car and striding with long legs. The words on the wall have him a little spooked.

He wants to draw his side arm and check it, but he knows what condition it is in, and drawing it on the street isn't a good idea, so he keeps walking.

I suppose I will make myself a tour of the other crime scenes, try to get a feel for the crimes. I have to find something here. People are counting on me.

Just a hunch. Once I was flying a mission, really low, mountains on both sides, up this little gully. Coming in as angel to pick up a downed pilot. Anyway, I thought I saw a goose in front of me and jinked to the right just as an RPG came across my flightpath. Without the halucination, I would have been hit. This feels a lot like that

Funny, I thought I saw something else. So you have no leads? I was thinking of taking a look at the other scenes, but anything you can offer? I am beginning to suspect the killer is specifically targeting my family members. It could even be that the other murders are covering for that specificity. It has happened before, of course. Someone pretends to be a serial killer when they are actually just targeting individuals.

He lowers his voice and moves toward the splatter.
Melinda, do you see this? What the heck

He takes a close look at the wall.

Reilly runs his hand through his hair absentmindedly.

Mind if I have a look around. I promise not to touch anything without permission. Do we have a preliminary time of death?

He moves around the room, careful not to step on anything important. I saw something like this in Bangkok once. A marine who wasn't satisfied with the action downrange. Real crazy f%%*...Can you tell me anything about the other cases?

Investigate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Always nice when you roll a 20 on your first roll so you look like a big fat cheater. ; )

Something in his gut tightened as Sunder came into view.

Melinda, I mean Detective Sunder. It's good to see you again, even in such terrible circumstances. I wish I were suave enough to get away with something like "we've got to stop meeting like this," but my Bogart is a little rusty

His face felt flushed as her gaze locked onto his. They had last worked together on the Blue Moon case, and while they had always respected each other, things had gotten too personal there at the end.

Moving closer, he asked for a word in private before explaining his connection to the case.

So any information you would be willing to share, or anything I can do to help out. Just let me know. What is the situation here?