Smyrna Stephanides's page

Smyrna exchanges goodbyes with the group, and then heads off. She goes to a cafe near Cross' house and starts building PR for Cross' race. She starts by posting in racing forums, using bots to overrun her own threads with views and speculative comments. Then she creates fake memos by politicians demanding that people stop going to these "dangerous death carnivals." Nothing will make people want to come out more than an old person telling them not to. She leaves the date and time as TBH, but includes a link to an info webpage that she formats and can add info to.

"Cross, this is dangerous, unorthodox, and highly unlikely to work. I'm so into it. I can already see us techies running PR to artificially boost our betting numbers." Smyrna grabs Jin and Korvan around the shoulder buddy-buddy style. "Cross, terminally ill android forced to leave racing after long stay in hospital. After emergency brain surgery, he's merely a shell of what he once was, but before he dies, he needs One. More. Race.

Responding to Cross

Cross, you're right, I can get tunnel vision too sometimes. We should explore as many options as possible. Sorry guys, I don't have much to me right now, only 120 credits.

Smyrna notes what Maldor says, but doesn't show any obvious signs, she knows someone in the group is trying to escape after all. "Thanks Naomi, we'll come up with a gameplan and get back to ya ASAP"

To the group

"Well, I don't mind a heist if it gets us out of here, and with our crew, I feel like we could get it done pretty cleanly. Cross, I don't want to whine, but you are the best getaway driver in this city, that's not hyperbole. What can the rest of you do? My specialty tends to be getting information via hacking, as well as any form of analog tech. I've been through firearm training too though.

There we go! Thank you Naomi. What do you have for us?

I don't have face, but I have the unabashed, uncharismatic confidence of a dystopian neo-millennial.

Cross, I'm so excited for what I think you're going to propose.

When seeing the other group.

Amaryst, Korvan, Jin, hiya. I don't think I've ever been lucky enough to work with all y'all at once before. Nice to meet you. This is Cross, best driver I've ever met. The super tough 10 year-old is my Cousin K. Say hi Twerp."

Going into the backroom, Smyrna relaxes a bit as she breathes in. Shady secret rooms have the same dank, lightless smell as old office buildings and dusty libraries. Hey Naomi, I love what you've done with the place, super jealous of your new hair color by the way.

Smyrna cringes when she hears the cost. She knew that Naomi would try to gut them, but she couldn't help but feel like Naomi was in an especially bad mood today.

Sense motive on the cost: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Jesus Naomi, don't be too generous. Look, I love your business model. The supply to demand ratio is fantastic. You're a professional, and the best I know, which I don't have to tell you because you're a confidant boss-ass entrepreneur. Upstart queen to upstart queen, can you give us the not terrifying, post-prostrated haggling rate? Me leaving is great for your business! Think of all the scumbags who'll need hacking surveillance from you after I'm gone.

Diplomacy that I should start leveling: 1d20 ⇒ 11

If they have taco bell, Smyrna's good there.

Smyrna holds her hand out for the cap, then playfully shoves it on K's head. "This is my cousin K-van Scry. Our last job went South, so the police are searching for his Dad, Martin. Uncle Scry's paying for us to escort his son, K, off of the planet before shit goes down." Smyrna Smirks. "I'm no manipulative mastermind, but that should hold. We'll hear from Amaryst in an hour. I thought about eavesdropping on them, but Korvan's too good to risk it."

At the apartment, Smyrna hangs up her phone and goes to speak to Cross. "I have a good feeling about working with Amaryst's group, but we should definitely keep K-Van a secret from them. They're probably caught up in something local, while we're gonna have a government on our ass."

Smyrna re-activates her comm unit, she takes a moment to silently choose her words, then she speaks. "Amaryst, I have a proposition. Some associates and I are... traveling off of this planet. I'll help you get those papers either way, but if you need skill or muscle on your project, we'd like to join you, temporarily and discretely."

"One second Amaryst." Smyrna activates the silence function on her comm unit.

"Hey Cross, Amaryst and some people need papers and have a ship. It might be the easiest way to hitch a ride, what do you think?"

"Cool, um, hey, that was Jin, right? Did you say ship?" Smyrna's at attention now, she quickly looks at Cross.

"Oh, hey Amaryst, yeah I do. I was actually about to order some papers from her myself. Her name's Naomi, local fence. I'll send you her contact info."

Smyrna jumps a bit, then decides to pick up when she sees it's Korvan.

Hey Korvan, what's up? Smyrna asks, straight to the point.

Cross I forgot about your money question and it's too late to edit. I'll just pretend like it's a character choice.

Smyrna has an Uncle, Martin Scry, the Sci-fi PI, who could have some police contacts to help things out a bit. I imagine she'd also know quite a few people working on the edge of legality from her work as a receptionist at his private investigation firm.

"I... wow, thanks Cross. I'm good at hypotheticals, but I couldn't imagine, well, thank you. I don't know what's in this for ya yet, but I'll make sure it's something. It's best not to make this six hours into five, I'm gonna crash on the couch. Gnite Cross!"

Smyrna said that she's going to bed, but sleep isn't really a priority to her. She dials in on a police radio and monitors it while she drifts off.

I'm ready for tomorrow.

Smyrna takes a deep breath, then squats down to the floor. "Well, according to my calculations, and assuming that this is as big of a deal as we think it is, the police find this place in 10-12 hours. If I leave on my bike and avoid surveillance, I can hide the kid for 48 hours. Anything beyond then, and some random a#@+%%$ or unlucky break could tip me off. Tay's also wanted merchandise, not as big, but maybe just as valuable, so that's going against me too."

Smyrna's voice becomes quiet, sullen as she talks. Resilience is a level from where Smyrna acts on a daily basis, but being 19, her mental stamina, along with the physical trauma and fatigue, is starting to wear down on her.

"You know, I've never left this city Cross. I love it here. I know its history, the climate- the wildlife, even the extinct stuff. I love its opportunity, and its mistakes. I...I don't think I can live here anymore Cross. I think in 7 hours, I'm going to have to make a break for it and leave this planet. That's where this goes, if I even make it that far."

Smyrna stands up now, taller than before. "Ugh, it hurts to say that, but it feels good to get it out in the open. I'm going to leave with the kid Cross. If I go first thing in the morning, the police won't have anything to pin you with. I dropped my bike off in your shop and picked it up after repairs. Cross, you don't talk a lot, but you think, and I like you. I'm sorry for bringing you into my anarchy for this long. I'll be out of your hair soon, unless hair is a touchy subject for you.

Smyrna smiles at her dig and goes for a stretch, then flinches as she remembers her burns. Then she relaxes back into a neutral stance. She starts rummaging through her bag as it becomes clear she's holding back tears.

Smyrna quietly follows cross into the garage. "Hey buddy, so I brought a firecracker into your living room." Smyrna shuffles around nervously a bit. "You pissed?"

getting tied to a chair and forced to watch every episode of Yo Gabba Gabba without being high

Jesus christ, that's sick. Let's not get too drastic.

Jesus, this is some psychotic stuff. K-Van, safe is a tough word in a rough and tumble world, but I'll do my best to keep you away from the a&!$#+@s who messed with you. I bet you haven't slept well in a long time. I have a trick to help you feel safe.

A voice chimes in from Smyrna's purse "Oh so I'm just a trick to you? I thought you loved me babe."

"You got me Tay." Smyrna responds "While you're at it, engage surveillance protocol."

Tay slips out of Smyrna's bag. Even though gears are shifting and metal is sliding against metal, the movement of Tay is eerily silent. Tay scuttles up the wall of the apartment and onto the ceiling. There, Tay matches color perfectly with the ceiling. Almost invisible, you wouldn't know Tay was there if you didn't see Tay moving.

Smyrna looks at K-Van. "I modeled Tay after Thaumoctopus mimicus. Hundreds of years ago they lived in the ocean, but pollution killed them all. Tay's a relic itself, but it does a good job of keeping us alive. Right Tay?"

"I dunno about that, it looks like you're both slowly dying right now." Tay responds, with zero hesitation.

"Thanks Tay, now go outside and holler if you see something. But stealthily."

Tay slithers down the wall, opens the door, and heads through. "Stealthily holler, got it!" Tay slams the door behind.

Tay Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Tay Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

1) I'm usually against grim-dark and low-budget romance novel, unless it's for an awesome reason. I'll just ignore it though, so it's fine.

2)I've been through enough with your games to just trust you at this point. I think you have a good sense of my characters and play style :)

3) I like what everyone else has said about absences.

Smyrna appreciated Cross' frankness. Something that she always attributed to his personality more than any physical attribute. Smyrna had checked on Cross' mech-vitals before, but she still couldn't help but appreciate the complexity of the cords underneath his metal shell."It's true, he doesn't like pineapple. The monster. Food's on its way.

Smyrna looks over the boy for injuries, but not like any doctor or medical practice would. Something about her demeanor was far more casual and comfortable, like an older sibling. She was always good with kids. From your reaction on the street, I can see that you've been through a lot. From my reaction to your reaction, and from Cross', well, everything, you can tell that we've been through some stuff too. So, I don't want to pry, but I am. What's your story, kid?"

Smyrna speaks Greek, is that also Greek?

Smyrna had been to Cross' garage before, but she'd never ventured into his actual apartment. She was almost disappointed, thinking back to the last cyber punk novel she'd read. "Thanks Cross, I owe ya. My apartment's already being monitored. I'm gonna grab some water for me and K from the kitchen. Actually, ya must be hungry kid, you like pizza?"

K-Van phonetically pronounced 'Kay Vaughn'

Smyrna can't help but smile at the number sequence. It was a fantastic coincidence after all. "That name will really stand out around here. Can I call you K-Van? Also, we should get moving K-Van. Here, take my jacket. Your shirt's a bit... sterile."

Hahah it felt really right, thanks :)

Smyrna was getting excited. More than anything, the pursuit of knowledge was Smyrna's greatest weapon and motiviation. She didn't always use it justly, but in this case, she could save a kid, and perhaps get in on yet another deadly corporate program.

Cross, this is big. Like, nuclear big. We should get this kid somewhere safe, then we can talk about what to do from there. I have a good feeling about this! We should at least see it through a bit more. That is, if the kid will even let us help him.

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Smyrna, already leaning down, tries to duck. She manages to cover her face, but the shockwave of heat still strikes her arms and a section of her torso, knocking her down. Smyrna gets to a sitting position off of the sudden adrenaline, then winces as the pain hits. Smyrna does a diagnostic check, flexing her fingers to make sure they still have range of motion. She then tenderly feels her abdomen. Smyrna's second skin is fireproof, her body underneath, not so much. Smyrna glances at the kid, not angry even for an instant. Smyrna always had soft-spot for kids and arsonists, and this seemed to check off both boxes.

"Well, now we know what caused the crash." Myrna huffed out. Her voice was like a yawn with a lot of quiver, obviously trying to hide the pain from her burns. Instead of backing away, Smyrna instead takes her moment to scoot closer to the child. She takes one of her hands and she wipes some grime from his forehead. Y'know, this hurts a lot, but I forgive ya. You're a kid, and I'm thinking ya don't know better. You're lucky, ya found the nicest, poorest, stupidest a#~!%+% in this city, and she'll help ya even after you hurt her. So, let's try this again kid. My name is Smyrna, and I don't want to rush, but there are police looking for you right now. Will ya let me help you?"

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
I was worried that I'd write all that and roll a 2.

Sorry about the last 48 hours, I got caught up in work stuff. Put more reminders on my phone to check paizo!

Smyrna stops when she sees the boy, glancing quickly at Cross, and then back to the child. She's used to seeing homeless kids by now, but not usually this young, and never alone. She approaches, but keeps about 15 feet away, then she squats down to be eye level with his position. "Hey... kid? You ok?" She asks.

Oops, good catch! I thought I had a computer too.

Smyrna starts heading West, "There's a diner I like nearby, buy me a coffee while I fiddle around. Who knows, the video itself might be worth something. Media loves a scrappy tragedy.

Smyrna grabs the black box and quickly starts walking back towards Cross. "There we go, this should tell us what we need. Tay can play it back as soon as we get to somewhere less conspicuous. I can't imagine the kid could've gotten far, maybe we can still catch them.

I thought there'd be some kind of video component or black box in the taken out cam drones. Something I could grab and run with. Should I assume that as an impossibility?

"I won't, but something mighta survived from the camera link we were watching. Tay, you see any racing footage?"

Smyrna Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Tay Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Excited to see what the character-abilities are!

"Absolutely." Smyrna says as she wraps the scarf around Flash's head, moving him as little as possible.

We probably have 2 minutes tops before pigs get here. Tay, do you see the boy anywhere?

Smyrna Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Tay Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Smyrna quickly glances over George and Missile, looking for obvious signs of trauma.

Medicine: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Life Science (Biology): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

After assessing these two, she briskly walks over to flashfire, removes his scarf, and bunches it lightly against his head to staunch bloodflow while also tenderly feeling for damage and analyzing how deep the wound goes.

Life Science (Biology): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

I think my theme lowers the DC on checks using life science by 5 specifically when it has to do with biology. I think biology is for non-alien animals and humanoids, but I'm not sure.

Cross, I know my way around a heap of flesh, but racing is your thing so I'm gonna level with you on this. Flashfire doesn't look good, and his best chance to come out of this alive would be at a hospital. You know I'm as a good as any quack, but I ain't got the facilities for this kind of injury. So, we have a choice. Smyrna stops, takes a practiced breath, and takes a level look at Cross. If you were where Flash is now, would you rather live and deal with the consequences, or take a risk to get off scot-free?

Shit! Smyrna sputtered as she glanced at the screen. I've seen enough of these races to know there won't be much professional medical help. I can't let some street urchin bleed out alone, do you know that part of the track?

That's very kind of you. I'll make sure to put it to good use. Don't think I forgot about your makeover. Maybe I can throw in a vitals tune-up while the nail polish dries.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Tay perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Just then, Tay pipes up from Smyrna's bag This is really cute boss, but can you watch the race too? There's some road kill action about to go on at the 9 o'clock screen.

Smyrna goes up to Cross from behind and shoves him hard but playfully on the shoulder. "C'mon man! You can't just Yoda any cute redhead on a beater. I've got my livelihood on the Ki with the hydrophobic tread.

Smyrna flashes her ticket menacingly at him, but she can't help but smirk a bit in the process, cooling her display.

Seeing the Ysoki motorcycle, Smyrna feels a mental tug. Something between a gut instinct and an unconscious logic jump. She finds the bet-keeper belting odds on an old truck bed and hands him a cred stick. "40 creds on Missile" She gets her ticket and scans the crowd, looking to find Cross's unique frame.

"Locate Cross, Tay" whispers while concentrating, Tay instantly responds "Calculating"

Perception checks to find Cross

Smyrna Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Tay Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Smyrna keeps the hood up on her rough, leather coat. She liked the added element of anonymity, but mostly it kept her cheap makeup from smearing. The day after Rex's job had been fruitless, and Smyrna needed cash fast. Smyrna didn't know a lot about betting, but she was still a gearhead at heart, and Smyrna hoped her technical advantage could get her rent.

Smyrna let her eyes pick through the rigs as she passed from crowd to crowd. She noted the conditions on the track, looking for the vehicle that would be able to accelerate quickly and take tight turns in the slick conditions. Smyrna also kept a wary eye behind her, not wanting to be an easy mark in this crowd. [b]"Tay, keep an eye out for trouble."[b] She murmured under her breath.

Dice rolls that could apply.

Smyrna: Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Piloting: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Tay: Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Smyrna's going to keep looking for work for the day, then she's going to watch the races tonight. She'd look for jobs under the table,
most likely computer, but mechanical or medical are totally possibilities too.

Happy Candlenights!

Smyrna, realizing that she hasn't eaten yet that day, stops at a McBurgerBox. While picking through soy nuggets and fries, she reads a thick textbook titled Animal Biology of the 21st Century. She decides to take a break and continue the job hunt later that day.

That's awesome! Thank you very much, I most likely will.

I'm down for the language thing, it's a neat advantage of an online campaign.

I'm also for jumping into something unifying along the #2 route, before doing more sidequests. Like, a lot of sidequests. I seriously love sidequests.