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[OOC] Chapter Two.

Posted by TegyriusFor group 0
Tegyrius
GM, 242 posts
Sun 26 Apr 2015
at 17:36
  • msg #1

[OOC] Chapter Two

Aaaand we're taxiing.  For the moment, the two briefing scenes are separate but co-threaded, as they're roughly concurrent.  I'll take a few days for in- and out-of-character Q&A, then put the team on the ground in Australia near the end of this week.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 93 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Tue 28 Apr 2015
at 01:23
  • msg #2

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

In sort of related news,

Has anyone put together a tradecraft style skill for Twilight?  In this game in particular it seems like we would have characters with skills that fall in between the traditional niches of things like stealth, forgery, etc...  I know we've explored similar skills or ratings for things like general soldiering in other games and I was wondering if something like that might fit in here.  A skill that covers how to run contacts, networks, dead drops, dispose of bodies, etc...
Tegyrius
GM, 244 posts
Tue 28 Apr 2015
at 10:51
  • msg #3

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

When I was playing around with a revision to 2013's system, I made some notes about this:

quote:
Tradecraft

Tradecraft encompasses a variety of espionage tactics and techniques that spies (and some criminals) tend to learn in conjunction.  Getting into and out of secure locations, moving and communicating covertly, and altering your appearance all are functions of this skill.

Trivial Tasks: Temporarily assume an unobtrusive disguise (e.g. deliveryman, bellhop, hospital orderly) with minimal props; encrypt or decrypt information with encryption software or a predetermined cipher; take precautions against leaving blatant physical evidence; prepare and use a dead drop; recognize, and know the capabilities of, the tools and weapons of covert operators.

Standard Tasks: Pick a keyed lock; crack a simple combination lock; extensively alter your or someone else's appearance with makeup, prostheses, clothing, and mannerisms; avoid detection in a populated area; tail a person or vehicle; lose a tail; conceal a weapon or item on your person; notice a concealed weapon or other item; conduct, detect, or evade surveillance; create a non-computerized encryption scheme; know the preferred tactics and techniques of specific intelligence or law enforcement agencies.

Qualifications:

• Cleaner: You know how to remove, muddle, or destroy physical evidence ranging from fingerprints to piles of bodies.

• Security: You know how to defeat or disable security systems that are more complex than simple mechanical locks: electronic keypads, motion detectors, keycard readers, biometric sensors, high-end combination locks, and so forth.

[ begin sidebar - place with Tradecraft ]

Design Intent: Tradecraft

Many game systems consider the tasks collected under Tradecraft to be multiple separate skills.  The same design ethos we applied to Aquatics also affects Tradecraft.  Most of these tasks are of limited use and buying them as individual skills would be cost-effective for very few characters.

GMs who are running espionage- or crime-focused campaigns may want to consider separating Tradecraft's functions into separate skills: Disguise, Lockpicking (with a Security qualification for more complex systems), Cleaning, and Cryptography.  The skill's remaining functions can be folded into Streetcraft without too much difficulty – in fact, Streetcraft and Tradecraft intentionally share several tasks.

[ end sidebar ]

James Choi
player, 99 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 29 Apr 2015
at 01:13
  • msg #4

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two


So, IC, we've determined that anything less than .357 Magnum is pretty much useless against Attars. Would the FN Five-seven be a viable alternative? Its unconventional pistol round is supposed to be able to defeat Kevlar body armor and create wound cavities larger than most conventional pistol rounds. The Five-seven also has a much higher magazine capacity than any revolver.

-
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:36, Wed 29 Apr 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 246 posts
Wed 29 Apr 2015
at 01:26
  • msg #5

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Yep.  5.7x28mm is expected to zip right through the Attars' armor membrane.  In real life, the cartridge's terminal performance kinda sucks as the tradeoff for its armor penetration, but Paul's stats seem acceptable to me.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:27, Wed 29 Apr 2015.
James Choi
player, 100 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 29 Apr 2015
at 23:57
  • msg #6

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two


What others think about E.T.I. visitation.

http://www.vice.com/read/the-v...tact-with-aliens-514

-
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Thu 30 Apr 2015.
Caradoc Crewe
player, 23 posts
Corporal, 21st SAS
apoapsis
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 00:10
  • msg #7

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Hey folks - new to the game but I've heard (and read) great things about it. I'll try to not muck things up - that being said, I'm really looking forward to playing!
James Choi
player, 101 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 00:11
  • msg #8

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two


What about special bullets for our weapons? I know that the Geneva conventions ban certain types of ammo but since we're not dealing with a signatory, or humans, even, couldn't we be issued more destructive ammo when we expect to deal with Attars?

-
Karolina Kowalska
player, 135 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 00:54
  • msg #9

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Caradoc Crewe:
Hey folks - new to the game but I've heard (and read) great things about it. I'll try to not muck things up - that being said, I'm really looking forward to playing!


Welcome!  Glad to have you aboard!
James Choi
player, 102 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 00:56
  • msg #10

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two


Welcome to the weirdness, Apoasis.

-
Cooper Williams
player, 5 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 01:17
  • msg #11

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

In reply to James Choi (msg # 8):

Check Paul's entry for HK Mk 23... then look up .45 +P, +P+ loads, and also .45 Super... :)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Thu 30 Apr 2015.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 95 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 02:15
  • msg #12

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Welcome, welcome!
Hannah Omdahl
player, 73 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 02:35
  • msg #13

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Hi New Crewe!  Good to have you aboard and looking forward to RPing with you!
Tegyrius
GM, 247 posts
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 10:51
  • msg #14

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

James Choi:
What about special bullets for our weapons? I know that the Geneva conventions ban certain types of ammo but since we're not dealing with a signatory, or humans, even, couldn't we be issued more destructive ammo when we expect to deal with Attars?


Blue Cell is conspicuously lacking in attorneys.  Requisition away!
Karolina Kowalska
player, 136 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 10:58
  • msg #15

Blue Cell Team Leader says...


Sebastien Durand
player, 132 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 30 Apr 2015
at 22:41
  • msg #16

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

In reply to Caradoc Crewe (msg # 7):

Welcome aboard!
Michael Dacovetti
player, 96 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sat 2 May 2015
at 00:44
  • msg #17

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

I've been looking at portable analyzer for the electromagnetic spectrum and found a few promising candidates.  With Dacovetti's substantial levels in electronics and computer, is it possible that he can modify a set of them to triangulate signals and report remotely (wifi or cell data)?

Sample: http://www.coliy.com/en/produc...r/2013/0329/134.html
Michael Dacovetti
player, 98 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sat 2 May 2015
at 01:04
  • msg #18

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

I just finished this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Gray-Wor...litary/dp/0062326473

It's not what I would call awesome, but if you read it as a work of fiction it has some pretty interesting insights to how operators work.  I don't know enough about the history of the author to rate the "truthiness" of the piece, but the reviewers seem to be pretty much calling him out on it.

Fun piece for Grey Cell
Tegyrius
GM, 251 posts
Sat 2 May 2015
at 19:45
  • msg #19

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

I am not a physics guy so I am not the best judge of plausibility, but I think it's entirely within the realm of possibility for hand-held spectrum analyzers like that to be tweaked to handle what you want.  I'll say that for accurate reporting of the observed WILDWOOD GROUSE phenomenon, you'd need to write some custom control software which would run on a high-end laptop (like, say, Dacovetti's) and have multiple analyzers feeding data to it - either directly over USB or remotely/wirelessly via radio or network.

Mechanically, I'm not gonna require rolls to get the system working.  Michael has the skill set to conceptualize it and most of Amber Cell to iron out the bugs.  In use, interpreting the results will be a Physics skill check.  Having multiple sensors in operation, particularly over a wide area, will give bonuses.  Cool?

On the terminal ballistics issue, you guys should be fine against the Attars' internal armor if you use 5.56mm rifles loading something like the Mk 318 SOST round.  For heavier rifles, either stick with AP/API like you were using in the Sako in Libya, or move to a similar bonded hunting bullet.  Caradoc, being the team's resident ballistician, would be aware of this; Cooper (who has read the same files), James, and Michael would come to the same conclusions, as would Bannon (who, thanks to his hunting hobby, has more experience shooting non-human targets than anyone else in TF47).
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:46, Sat 02 May 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 252 posts
Sat 2 May 2015
at 19:49
  • msg #20

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Also, don't get too wrapped around the axle regarding the weapons issue (though it is entirely appropriate ICly for the PCs to be concerned about it).  Once you're on the ground in Australia, there will be a couple of options for resolving the diplomatic roadblocks.

Unless there are any other major issues with the briefings, I'll move us to Australia on Tuesday evening.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:49, Sat 02 May 2015.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 99 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sun 3 May 2015
at 01:18
  • msg #21

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 20):

Sounds good.  Michael will plan on four units that will report via radio but also maintain a local record on a USB drive in the event that the jamming effect precludes data transmission.  I suppose it makes sense to say there are USB connections on the devices so they can be hardwired together into a network to avoid the interference effect altogether if Grey Cell has the necessary time to hook the system up.
James Choi
player, 105 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sun 3 May 2015
at 21:46
  • msg #22

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Tegyrius:
Also, don't get too wrapped around the axle regarding the weapons issue (though it is entirely appropriate ICly for the PCs to be concerned about it).  Once you're on the ground in Australia, there will be a couple of options for resolving the diplomatic roadblocks.


Yeah, I'm not trying to drag the game narrative into the realm of administrative minutia. I guess I'm just a little confused as to your expectations as GM. I don't want to assume that since something was briefly discussed OOC that it automatically happens offscreen IC. I know that I don't roll that way when I GM so I just wanted to make sure to cover that base, especially since you made a point of mentioning IC that only one of us would be permitted to fly Down Under in possession of a firearm. I guess I should have asked if it needed to be addressed IC or not. If the IC speech about guns 'n' ammo doesn't sit right, feel free to delete it (although I think the point about the likely dual purpose of the E.T. blade should stand, regardless).

-
Tegyrius
GM, 253 posts
Sun 3 May 2015
at 23:46
  • msg #23

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

No worries.  I should have said something earlier but I was waiting for some subtext to be detected.  I think it's a little too deeply submerged, though, so resolution will arrive shortly.

The ballistics discussion is entirely appropriate, as are the points about the alien blade.  Are you guys going to try to pull strings to requisition it in the hopes of taking it into the field to use as Attar bait?
Tegyrius
GM, 255 posts
Wed 6 May 2015
at 00:54
  • msg #24

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

GM post delayed by yardwork.  Achoo.
Tegyrius
GM, 257 posts
Thu 7 May 2015
at 00:55
  • msg #25

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Turn is up.  I apologize for the disjointedness but I wanted to move things along a bit.  First avenue of investigation is up to you.  I will note that the geothermal research site is about 1,350km away as the crow flies.
Sebastien Durand
player, 135 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 7 May 2015
at 18:16
  • msg #26

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

OK...any OOC thoughts on what everyone wants to do? Seems to me to be a few options (in no particular order)

Pay a visit to the corporate HQ on a fishing expedition to see what we can find out about them, why they may be under threat etc (possibly either undercover as posing as scientists or a more overt approach?)

Source the biggest guns we can Coordinate logistics

Head to the Joint Ops Centre and establish a presence there

Pay a visit to the research site
Given the distances involved I think we should defer this until later; at the very least until after the visit to Corp HQ, but if consensus is to go I think Hannah and Mike are our best people to go, plus one of either Caradoc or Jim to ride shotgun

Push to get access to ASIO surveillance on the terrorists so that some of us can eyeball  them in the flesh if required
After we have procured appropriate weaponry; I don't want to send anyone into anything potentially hazardous without a weapon (note I have presumed that Coop is armed)

I was thinking there were a couple of different ways we could split if anyone has any preferences, e.g.

Option 1
Corp HQ
Hannah / Mike (if going undercover as scientists)

Logistics
Caradoc / Jim (the gunz guys)

JOC
Coop / Seb (Seb to make his manners as team leader, Coop to liaise)

Option 2
Corp HQ
Coop / Jim (slightly more overt approach - Coop can introduce Jim quite legitimately as an FBI agent following up a link to related cases in the US after which Jim can use his FBI agent personal skills to talk to the Aussies)

Logistics
Caradoc / plus one of Seb, Hannah, or Mike

JOC
Two from Seb, Hannah, or Mike

Anyone think of anything else that we should be doing?
Hannah Omdahl
player, 75 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Thu 7 May 2015
at 18:40
  • msg #27

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Option 1 sounds reasonable (and fun) to me.  I'm up for some geeking out with Michael, if he'd like to try and foist ourselves off as scientists to see what we can stir up.

But Option 2 is okay too, though Hannah is not as big a 'gun bunny' as some of the others - unless she gets to try and spec the armament on some aerial support *yum* ...:D  In any case, a visit to either JOC or the quartermaster could be equally fun.

Sorry, not much help I guess, but Hannah and her player are easy that way.

I agree that getting to the research site should happen, but due to distance after we establish initial positions.  And before jumping into surveillance, it would be prudent to visit JOC and procure equipment (i.e. items 4 and 5 will, almost by necessity, come after items 2 and 3 at minimum).
Michael Dacovetti
player, 101 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Thu 7 May 2015
at 18:46
  • msg #28

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

With our arrival time being 2200 local, a visit to Corp HQ is probably out until morning.  My frame of mind would be to send Cooper  and a few folks to "coordinate logistics" while the rest of the city deals with the weather.  That would allow us to hit the ground running should we locate any problems in the near future.  Mike and Hannah could certainly handle the initial arrival at the JOC and get the comms and intel work started.  Seb could be helpful at HQ as well, but I would imagine Cooper would make picking up firearms a little easier.

After that, an FBI with Aussie back up visit to the corporate HQ probably makes the most sense.  Maybe with a scientific "expert" or two along as technical support.  Unless we see anything that requires immediate attention on the satellite feed.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Thu 07 May 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 136 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 7 May 2015
at 20:13
  • msg #29

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

Yeah, I think unless there's a critical requirement for people to be somewhere else first priority is to try and get some rest (I would say sleep but that's probably optimistic after an eastbound flight with a 6 hour time difference...God, I hope we were in Business class), so I'd say let's hit the Hotel first and set things up for the following day unless the Aussies indicate there is an urgent need to do anything tonight. If someone has to swing by the JOC Seb would volunteer on the grounds of noblesse oblige but obviously anyone else is welcome to do so if they wish.

Jim and Hannah could then visit Corp HQ the following morning. Back at JOC Mike could handle the techie side of setting up and Caradoc could handle the weapons side, Seb will try and move between the two as required. I think Coop would be best to go with Jim and Hannah - makes the visit more credible if there's a local presence. Also, if Coop and Jim are both present, they'd both be armed from the outset.

Hannah Omdahl:
I agree that getting to the research site should happen, but due to distance after we establish initial positions.  And before jumping into surveillance, it would be prudent to visit JOC and procure equipment (i.e. items 4 and 5 will, almost by necessity, come after items 2 and 3 at minimum).

My thoughts exactly!
James Choi
player, 106 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Fri 8 May 2015
at 00:13
  • msg #30

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two


RL is running me ragged right now so I probably won't be able to post anything IC until Saturday. I don't want to hold y'all up so, Tegyrius, if you need to, feel free to NPC James.

-
Sebastien Durand
player, 138 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 8 May 2015
at 01:54
  • msg #31

Re: [OOC] Chapter Two

OK, I've posted IC for Seb. If consensus is to head straight to the Hotel with only Seb going to the JOC I'm happy enough to take that off camera so as not to hold up everyone else.

Also, just a heads up, I have family visiting this weekend so after Friday night I'll most likely not be able to post until sometime Sunday afternoon UK time (I'll check in via phone every now and then but I can't do lengthy posts from my phone)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Fri 08 May 2015.
Cooper Williams
player, 8 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Fri 8 May 2015
at 15:57
  • msg #32

Helicopter pilots are different...

http://www.jollygreen.org/Humor/reasoner.htm
This message was last updated by the player at 15:58, Fri 08 May 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 260 posts
Sun 10 May 2015
at 11:35
  • msg #33

Re: Helicopter pilots are different...

Karolina Kowalska
player, 136 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Sun 10 May 2015
at 14:08
  • msg #34

Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

I can see it now.  You start of as a young officer in the NMNG who must, using only outdated eforms, a 1990's flip phone, and an empty fund cite, fight to to get orders cut to activate the aging troops you will eventually lead into battle against alien forces.  After 20 prequel levels as an officer, you then get to play one of the 'operators', where a byzantine Rainbow Six like set of controls allows you to don/doff your MOPP gear as painfully as possible.

Meanwhile each and every alien has a corporate credit card, a functioning smart phone that hasn't been crippled by security software (software that doesn't work anyway), an expense account, and individual hiring and firing authority, all of which allow them incredible flexibility and agility to execute their plan of attack.

Yeah, so sign me up.  I'm already a glutton for this kind of punishment.  :)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:14, Sun 10 May 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 140 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 10 May 2015
at 14:29
  • msg #35

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

Saw the first trailer for Strike Back Season 5 last night...trailed as "Coming Soon" so probably be aired sometime next month over here.
Caradoc Crewe
player, 24 posts
Corporal, 21st SAS
apoapsis
Sun 10 May 2015
at 18:46
  • msg #36

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

Ahh reminds me of my Air Guard days (and my days in AETC... they could never seem to get their shit together).
Tegyrius
GM, 261 posts
Sun 10 May 2015
at 21:10
  • msg #37

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

Sebastien Durand:
Saw the first trailer for Strike Back Season 5 last night...trailed as "Coming Soon" so probably be aired sometime next month over here.


The DVDs for the previous season are slated for an August 4th release here, so I'm hoping those episodes hit iTunes around the same time.
Sebastien Durand
player, 142 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 10 May 2015
at 21:20
  • msg #38

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 37):

Looks like June 03rd over here. I won't give you any spoilers...

http://www.sky.com/tv/show/strike-back/article/about

I can get got box sets of 1-4 on catch up TV now.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 79 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Tue 12 May 2015
at 03:26
  • msg #39

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

Sebastien Durand (in the IC thread):
The Frenchman smiles. Wonder if they would class a Sako TRG 42 as a self defence weapon?

They will if they know what is good for them.  Well, and if they have seen the video...:D
James Choi
player, 108 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 13 May 2015
at 00:53
  • msg #40

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...


RL is crowding in again and I probably won't have a chance to catch up on the IC thread and post anything substantive until Thursday or so. Please NPC as necessary.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 263 posts
Fri 15 May 2015
at 01:38
  • msg #41

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

I was going to get a turn post up tonight but my ass is kicked from assembling a new desk (and moving the old one to a co-worker's house).  Household Six has designated tomorrow night as grocery night, so I may not get the next turn up until Saturday.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 81 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Fri 15 May 2015
at 01:40
  • msg #42

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

I know that you are just giving the Lizard King a chance to respond, Teg.  So, good on ya, Mate!
Tegyrius
GM, 264 posts
Fri 15 May 2015
at 01:41
  • msg #43

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

What can I say?  I take care of my people.  For certain values of "my" and certain other values of "take care of."  ;)
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 1 post
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sun 17 May 2015
at 17:48
  • msg #44

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

Test test... this thing on?

--

Posting works, character sheet works... Thanks for getting me situated Teg :)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Sun 17 May 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 270 posts
Wed 20 May 2015
at 10:48
  • msg #45

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

I'm just gonna leave this here:

http://fightersweep.com/1460/x-files-edition/
James Choi
player, 111 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Fri 22 May 2015
at 21:13
  • msg #46

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...


I will likely be offline until, realistically, Monday. If it'll be any longer, I'll try to post to that effect from my phone.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 271 posts
Sat 23 May 2015
at 10:26
  • msg #47

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

NP.  Hope all goes well with the move.
James Choi
player, 112 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 27 May 2015
at 02:25
  • msg #48

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...


Well, we're in the new place, but it hasn't been easy. Two days of busting my ass, following by a day in bed with a nasty stomach virus, followed by two more days of busting my ass and we're still only 25% settled in. So far, this summer vacation has been anything but. After an insanely frustrating couple of days (scheduling issues complicated by Memorial Day), I finally got the internet to work. It's a long, boring-ass story so I won't trouble you with the details but, as a highlight, I did successfully- using nothing but a photo I took on my phone of a functional one- rewire a faulty phone jack so that I could get my desktop on to the net. It worked, obviously, but that was literally five minutes ago so...

It's going to take a while to catch up on everything and start posting again, but I'll try to put a dent in my PbP obligations tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 272 posts
Fri 29 May 2015
at 01:25
  • msg #49

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

Yeah, my week hasn't been as bad as Rae's, but my work schedule has been a little scattered and I'm running up against some deadlines on dealing with Dad's estate.  I will try to get turns posted for everyone tomorrow.  I hope my inadvertent hiatus hasn't quelled anyone's interest.
Sebastien Durand
player, 146 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 29 May 2015
at 07:58
  • msg #50

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 49):

No worries mate...RT first and all that jazz...we'll still be here.

Cheers
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 4 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sat 30 May 2015
at 03:22
  • msg #51

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

Sorry to hear things have been rough for folks - I'm a pretty patient so, take your time, sort your stuff and get around when you get around :)
Tegyrius
GM, 275 posts
Sun 31 May 2015
at 22:52
  • msg #52

Re: Uh.. I already play this game IRL...

Re-engaging.  Again, I apologize for the delay.  Friday night turned into "prepare the house to receive inherited furniture," followed by yesterday's goat-rope of "load a bunch of disassembled hardwood antiques into a rental van with no damage" and today's thrilling recitation of "reassemble said antiques and shoehorn them into the house."

Make any final preparations and we'll slide ahead to the investigation at the OZ Minerals office.

Andrey, meanwhile, has his own lead to follow for now...
Karolina Kowalska
player, 137 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Mon 1 Jun 2015
at 18:32
  • msg #53

OMG IT IS COMMING!

XCOM 2 trailer released today!!  WOOT!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Mon 01 June 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 148 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Mon 1 Jun 2015
at 18:34
  • msg #54

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

New series of Strike Back starts this Wednesday...also WOOT!
Tegyrius
GM, 276 posts
Tue 2 Jun 2015
at 00:03
  • msg #55

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

Karolina Kowalska:
XCOM 2 trailer released today!!  WOOT!


Well, there goes all productivity for the month of December.

Also: hell, yeah, the return of the Snakemen!

Sebastien Durand:
New series of Strike Back starts this Wednesday...also WOOT!


Le sigh.  Season 3 still not available on iTunes.  I'm hoping it drops concurrently with the DVD release on August 4th.
Tegyrius
GM, 277 posts
Tue 2 Jun 2015
at 13:36
  • msg #56

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

The intel guys can get fake IDs to support cover identities, FYI.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 5 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Tue 2 Jun 2015
at 13:50
  • msg #57

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

Gonna be anther day or so before I can reply. I'm up for a new position at work and I could potentially double my salary but it's going to require a lot of extracurricular study for a few days.
Tegyrius
GM, 278 posts
Tue 2 Jun 2015
at 16:57
  • msg #58

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

Acknowledged. I'll drag your arc a little farther along... kinda feels like I left you without a significant decision point anyway.

Good luck on the upgrade!
Sebastien Durand
player, 151 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Wed 3 Jun 2015
at 21:25
  • msg #59

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

Tegyrius:
Le sigh.  Season 3 still not available on iTunes.  I'm hoping it drops concurrently with the DVD release on August 4th.

And first episode has just aired...obviously I shall be spoiler free...but lookin' good...

(What season are you up to btw? I'm now on 5 here, but first season was (I think) a UK only production with Richard Armitage (Thorin in the Hobbit) and Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead) and didn't feature Sullivan Stapleton / Phillip Winchester)
Tegyrius
GM, 279 posts
Wed 3 Jun 2015
at 22:48
  • msg #60

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

The numbers are different here because Cinemax didn't pick up the Richard Armitage season.  So your "Season 2" - the first with Stapleton and Winchester - is our "Season 1."

Here, our Seasons 1 & 2 are available on DVD/iTunes; Season 3 aired on Cinemax last year and is about to be available on DVD.
Sebastien Durand
player, 153 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 7 Jun 2015
at 19:24
  • msg #61

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

OK, I'm now on the 4th Winchester / Stapleton series. Over here the Cinemax co productions get snappy titles - first one was Project Dawn, followed by Vengeance and Shadow Warfare. The new one is called Legacy.

And somewhat unusually Sky TV have released the first 4 episodes to their On Demand platform already (usually they only go to On Demand after they've aired on TV). So I need to decide whether to download all four and binge on them then wait until the end of June for episode 5 or ration myself to an episode a week.
Tegyrius
GM, 282 posts
Sun 7 Jun 2015
at 22:17
  • msg #62

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

It's not critical just yet, but did any of the PCs pick up weapons from Bannon's cache?
Sebastien Durand
player, 154 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 7 Jun 2015
at 22:30
  • msg #63

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

Seb definitely didn't.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 108 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sun 7 Jun 2015
at 22:53
  • msg #64

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

Negative.  But only because none came back with our away team.  Michael will arm at the earliest opportunity, especially after signal detection.

Also, sorry Dave, I buggered up my last post and should have notified Sev of the signal.  Somehow I forgot he was still in the ops center.
Tegyrius
GM, 284 posts
Mon 8 Jun 2015
at 00:29
  • msg #65

Re: OMG IT IS COMMING!

Andrey Vasliyev
player, 8 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Mon 8 Jun 2015
at 00:40
  • msg #66

Maps

The map is very cool - I've been using custom Google Maps for my Night's Black Agents game and it adds a certain extra level of something. -hat tip-
Tegyrius
GM, 285 posts
Mon 8 Jun 2015
at 00:41
  • msg #67

Re: Maps

My problem is falling down the Street View rabbit hole!

Working on your next turn now... ETA 15 minutes.
James Choi
player, 115 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Mon 8 Jun 2015
at 00:53
  • msg #68

Re: Maps


I'd like to review the objectives of our investigation of Oz Min before crafting an IC post. I'd also like player advice on how to approach the interview.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 287 posts
Mon 8 Jun 2015
at 01:04
  • msg #69

Re: Maps

I think Dave's original suggestion was:

quote:
Pay a visit to the corporate HQ on a fishing expedition to see what we can find out about them, why they may be under threat etc (possibly either undercover as posing as scientists or a more overt approach?)


They're on the top of Aboriginal radicals' hit list of resource extraction companies that operate in the Australian interior.

Having said that, if you guys want to retcon part of the approach, let me know and I'll roll back the GM post accordingly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:09, Mon 08 June 2015.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 87 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Mon 8 Jun 2015
at 06:13
  • msg #70

Re: Maps

Sorry about the delay in responding - the last week has been ... crazy at work, I was slated to hit Redmond for a team building exercise as the Microsoft offices), and my connection (and time) at the hotel wasn't as good as I had hoped.

I can also roll back my response, if we had (as a group) previously decided not to be as direct (Hannah would play by whatever guidelines James had set).  I was composing all afternoon (which plenty of interruptions) - before I realized that we might be pausing...

Oh, and Hannah isn't packing.  For her part, she explicitly left all weapons (and vehicles... *sigh*) at the cache.
Tegyrius
GM, 288 posts
Mon 8 Jun 2015
at 22:00
  • msg #71

Re: Maps

Please tell me "team building exercise" paired with "Microsoft" wasn't as face-meltingly horrifying as it sounds...
Hannah Omdahl
player, 88 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Mon 8 Jun 2015
at 22:10
  • msg #72

Re: Maps

Wish I could.... It was fairly horrifying.

There was some interesting information about their Azure Web Services plans - but, nothing immediately useful to me or my team (we are a corporate partner in some way shape or form - though an incredibly minor one).

They have some smart people, but they are such a large company that it seems to me that there are some serious communication issues between departments.  And their corporate model is still throw a lot of resources at a big, general problem and see what sticks to the wall.  They are large enough that they can afford to do that and still make a profit...

And their food was only so-so.  I don't travel that well anymore - so, the hotel bed was too soft and the airplane flight, though short, wasn't all that comfortable.  I was kind of 'meh' on the whole experience.  Oh, and the local rush hour traffic was horrendous - even by California Bay Area standards...

Did get to see the Space Needle and the EMP Museum.  Both were fun and interesting, though I wouldn't have gone to Seattle just for those two things.
Tegyrius
GM, 293 posts
Sat 13 Jun 2015
at 02:03
  • msg #73

Re: Maps

After putting about 70 miles on a 1983 Chrysler product today, I would just like to go on record as saying that automotive nostalgia is really damned overrated when you have 30º of play in your steering and no airbags.

Hannah Omdahl:
There was some interesting information about their Azure Web Services plans - but, nothing immediately useful to me or my team (we are a corporate partner in some way shape or form - though an incredibly minor one).


I have been in a similar position once.  Glad to be out of it.  Though I'm also glad of the year's worth of advance warning that it gave me on Windows 8.

quote:
And their food was only so-so.  I don't travel that well anymore - so, the hotel bed was too soft and the airplane flight, though short, wasn't all that comfortable.  I was kind of 'meh' on the whole experience.  Oh, and the local rush hour traffic was horrendous - even by California Bay Area standards...


Ouch.  I hear you.  The older I get, the more critical a quiet hotel (and one that doesn't trip all my allergies) and a good breakfast become.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:05, Sat 13 June 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 294 posts
Sun 14 Jun 2015
at 13:29
  • msg #74

Re: Maps

As an aside: I don't know if The Martian has been on anyone else's radar but I finished reading it last night and this XKCD strip sums it up perfectly:



Between this and James S.A. Corey's Expanse series, I'm feeling pretty good about the state of modern SF.
Tegyrius
GM, 295 posts
Tue 16 Jun 2015
at 01:49
  • msg #75

Re: Maps

Sorry, guys.  I was planning to get the turn up tonight but I tried to run after work when it was 89º and am feeling a bit damaged.  More plot tomorrow evening.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 12 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Tue 16 Jun 2015
at 10:53
  • msg #76

Running

Oof yeah - running in the heat takes a bit of getting used to (that and a LOT of pre-game water)
Tegyrius
GM, 296 posts
Tue 16 Jun 2015
at 11:03
  • msg #77

Re: Running

Yeah.  We usually run in the mornings when it's "only" low 70s but really high humidity.  I was hoping the drier air would cancel out the higher temps.  No such luck.  Bleh.
Sebastien Durand
player, 159 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Tue 16 Jun 2015
at 11:19
  • msg #78

Re: Running

What is this thing called warm weather that you speak of?

(Local time where I am 1218hrs – current temperature approx 55 Fahrenheit)
Cooper Williams
player, 18 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Tue 16 Jun 2015
at 11:32
  • msg #79

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwQW3KW3DCc

<----frantically buying all flannel items from LL Bean right now
This message was last updated by the player at 11:32, Tue 16 June 2015.
James Choi
player, 118 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Tue 16 Jun 2015
at 17:01
  • msg #80

Re: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwQW3KW3DCc


You guys should come on down to Tucson for some added insight into summer heat. It's supposed to hit 109F on Thursday. Yeah, it's a dry heat, but that just means you get dehydrated faster.

-
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 13 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Tue 16 Jun 2015
at 21:59
  • msg #81

Re: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwQW3KW3DCc

Ugh - I was stationed in Phoenix for 4 years... no thank you.  I remember the last summer I was there we had 15 days in July where the temp never dipped below 100 - even at night. And yeah, dry heat. Ovens are ALSO a dry heat :)
Tegyrius
GM, 298 posts
Wed 17 Jun 2015
at 00:03
  • msg #82

Re: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwQW3KW3DCc

Dry heat is what you use to make jerky.

Turn is up.  Travel times have been compressed a bit in the interest of story.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:03, Wed 17 June 2015.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 113 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 17 Jun 2015
at 02:35
  • msg #83

Re: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwQW3KW3DCc


Post will be up in the morning (Chicago time).  Not feeling particularly great this week.  Sorry for the delay.
Cooper Williams
player, 20 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Wed 17 Jun 2015
at 11:20
  • msg #84

AFI - Anticipating Unanticipated Consequences

So I guess locking down the building probably wasn't the best plan for staying on the DL.  Maybe there's some way to turn lemons into lemonade and snag someone caught by the lock down.
Tegyrius
GM, 299 posts
Wed 17 Jun 2015
at 11:48
  • msg #85

Re: AFI - Anticipating Unanticipated Consequences

Cooper wasn't on Maatsen's mass text, but the police response was triggered by LtCol Wortham at the command post, not the building's security desk.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:49, Wed 17 June 2015.
Cooper Williams
player, 21 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Wed 17 Jun 2015
at 14:00
  • msg #86

Re: AFI - Anticipating Unanticipated Consequences

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 85):

Ah.. good to know.  I thought I stepped on it by talking to the building guy (and he called ASIO and the po-po, which made someone think Coop had done it).
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Wed 17 June 2015.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 14 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Thu 18 Jun 2015
at 00:28
  • msg #87

Re: AFI - Anticipating Unanticipated Consequences

I'll get my turn down tomorrow - it's been a busy week between the interview (fingers crossed) and trying to get my fitness schedule back on track after 2 weeks of the crud. I'll have tomorrow night to myself though since the lady will be at her bookclub and I'll be able to muddle my way through these Australian streets :)
Tegyrius
GM, 300 posts
Fri 19 Jun 2015
at 02:27
  • msg #88

Re: AFI - Anticipating Unanticipated Consequences

Whaaaaat did you people do to the dice roller?
Cooper Williams
player, 23 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Fri 19 Jun 2015
at 02:34
  • msg #89

Re: AFI - Anticipating Unanticipated Consequences

Well I've got at least 10 years of reversion to the mean coming to me.
Tegyrius
GM, 302 posts
Fri 19 Jun 2015
at 02:40
  • msg #90

Re: AFI - Anticipating Unanticipated Consequences

Well, good.  You may be about to need it.  ;)
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 02:40, Fri 19 June 2015.
Karolina Kowalska
player, 138 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Fri 19 Jun 2015
at 10:39
  • msg #91

Re: AFI - Anticipating Unanticipated Consequences

Tegyrius:
Well, good.  You may be about to need it.  ;)


10 years and at least one dead XCOM character from now he'll be saying:

'Well I've got at least 20 years of reversion to the mean coming to me...'
Tegyrius
GM, 304 posts
Sat 20 Jun 2015
at 00:55
  • msg #92

Re: AFI - Anticipating Unanticipated Consequences

Always fun when one PC is taunting your other PC...

Turn is up.  Have fun with this one...
Cooper Williams
player, 26 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Sat 20 Jun 2015
at 01:39
  • msg #93

Mondo Bongo Reference

Just got my MB reference in...  WHOOT!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPjaXu6g1Xk
James Choi
player, 122 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sun 21 Jun 2015
at 21:53
  • msg #94

Re: Mondo Bongo Reference


May I suggest that on future ops that we're all equipped with tactical radios, earpieces, and throat mics? I'm all for the fog of war but I think we made a big mistake to be relying on text messages for inter-team coms on this mission. For the meet-and-greet with Mr. P., James wouldn't have worn the earpiece or throat mic but they'd be tucked just inches away ready for quick deployment when it looked like the SWATHTF.

Still haven't seen a single minute of Strike Back or played any ExCom so I don't know WFT you guys are talking about most of the time. If I'm missing the vibe with my ICs posts, that's probably why. If you have some tips for how I could better fit into your shared, SB/EC-inspired vision, please let me know. I don't want to kill it for anyone.

-
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 17 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Tue 23 Jun 2015
at 20:01
  • msg #95

Re: Mondo Bongo Reference

Apparently my turn didn't post last night. I'll try again when I get home from work :-(

At least it wasn't very long (so to speak) or particularly exciting :-)
Karolina Kowalska
player, 139 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Wed 24 Jun 2015
at 23:58
  • msg #96

Survey for those that XCOM

Tegyrius
GM, 305 posts
Thu 25 Jun 2015
at 01:19
  • msg #97

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Sorry, guys.  Free ice cream machine is jammed up with statewide comms exercise (SATCOM truck deployment), moulage class, and off-site meetings.  If I don't get home early enough to post tomorrow night, the next turn will be up early-ish Friday.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 19 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Thu 25 Jun 2015
at 01:43
  • msg #98

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Also - fun fact - Teg's last post was post 1000 for this board :D
Tegyrius
GM, 306 posts
Fri 26 Jun 2015
at 12:51
  • msg #99

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Karolina Kowalska
player, 140 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Fri 26 Jun 2015
at 13:22
  • msg #100

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

I had just typed:

<-----Swoons over Russian guy with eye patch, beard, and gun.

Right before he got killed by snake alien.
Tegyrius
GM, 307 posts
Fri 26 Jun 2015
at 23:14
  • msg #101

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Well, 50% casualties... that's about right for a mission like that.  Though the initial ambush was a thing of beauty.

In other news,

19:12, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Cooper Williams, rolled 12 using 1d20. Persuasion.
19:04, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Cooper Williams, rolled 12 using 1d20. EDU.
19:03, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of James Choi, rolled 12 using 1d20. EDU.

Dice roller's stuck.  Someone give it a good whack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:15, Fri 26 June 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 309 posts
Sat 27 Jun 2015
at 00:28
  • msg #102

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

That was interesting.  Also, not as early-ish Friday as I had hoped.  :/

@Rae - having comms ready is such an SOP thing that I can't imagine you guys not having your radios available.  I'll edit my GM post to reflect that in just a moment.  Assume James and Hannah are now on the Grey Cell net (Cooper is on the separate SASR net at the moment).

Also, Rae - no worries.  At this point, we're far enough afield from any established XCOM storyline that your only impediment there is unfamiliarity with your adversaries - which is appropriate for the characters anyway.  As far as Strike Back, that show's tone was my initial vision for this game, but I'm okay with the tone the group is collectively setting.
Karolina Kowalska
player, 141 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Sat 27 Jun 2015
at 00:44
  • msg #103

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Tegyrius:
Well, 50% casualties... that's about right for a mission like that.  Though the initial ambush was a thing of beauty.

In other news,

19:12, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Cooper Williams, rolled 12 using 1d20. Persuasion.
19:04, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Cooper Williams, rolled 12 using 1d20. EDU.
19:03, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of James Choi, rolled 12 using 1d20. EDU.

Dice roller's stuck.  Someone give it a good whack.


/dev/random is notoriously terrible in Linux.  I generated four tankers for Twothird's game a few years back and rolled 1d100, 1d100, 1d100, 1d100, 1d100 for languages for each of the tankers.  And all four in a row rolled 1 for the last die.  So they all spoke Yiddish (which is 1% on the 1.0 tables).  I had them paint די שטאַרבן וואַל איז דרעק on their M1.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:45, Sat 27 June 2015.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 117 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sat 27 Jun 2015
at 01:06
  • msg #104

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Woohoo! Still alive

Can Michael clear his eyes (at least somewhat) and still act or is dealing with his injury going to take most of his next turn?
Tegyrius
GM, 310 posts
Sat 27 Jun 2015
at 01:20
  • msg #105

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Yeah, I cringed when that 1 came up for hit location. Michael's eyes are mostly okay - he'll act with a slight penalty next turn and be okay (from this injury, anyway) afterward.
Sebastien Durand
player, 164 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 27 Jun 2015
at 12:10
  • msg #106

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Rae, if it's any consolation although I may have seen almost every episode of Strike Back (I think I missed a couple of the ones from the season Charles Dance was in) I am in exactly the same boat as you when it comes to XCom.
Sebastien Durand
player, 165 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 28 Jun 2015
at 18:54
  • msg #107

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

And a sad moment approaches...the last ever Top Gear airs in 5 minutes...
Tegyrius
GM, 312 posts
Wed 1 Jul 2015
at 22:27
  • msg #108

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Please, no one shoot Andrey before he joins the party... =)
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 22 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Wed 1 Jul 2015
at 22:47
  • msg #109

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

AFTER I join the party... fair game? :D
Tegyrius
GM, 313 posts
Thu 2 Jul 2015
at 00:51
  • msg #110

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Murphy's Laws of Combat:
Friendly fire isn't.

Sebastien Durand
player, 167 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 2 Jul 2015
at 16:38
  • msg #111

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

James Choi:
What does a 'Russian' look like, James muses. Probably white, fur hat, bottle of vodka in one hand. Helpful.

LOL...yeah, not the best description was it. In my defence – and by way of explanation - as he was given the radio by the SASR thought he was broadcasting on the "local" channel (i.e. the SASR one, which I thought the Victoria Police would be linked in to) and they would start corralling the people in the area of the bomb blast, so the intent for them was to pick out the Russian guy.

But yeah, in hindsight could have been better. Andrey probably wouldn't even come over as Russian.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Thu 02 July 2015.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 23 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Thu 2 Jul 2015
at 16:41
  • msg #112

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Definitely not packing a Russian passport ;)

That being said, I'll highlight myself as soon as I pull the trigger so that'll definitely give you another way to describe him!
James Choi
player, 125 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Thu 2 Jul 2015
at 17:33
  • msg #113

Re: Survey for those that XCOM


Please don't take the IC post as criticism of yours. It just seemed like an opportunity to inject a little levity into a pretty intense situation. I'm a little frustrated by James lack of success at... pretty much everything... so I was looking really hard for a bright side and Durand's transmission provided an opening for a little humor. It's how I try to keep my head in the game.

-
Sebastien Durand
player, 168 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 2 Jul 2015
at 20:23
  • msg #114

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

No worries Rae, it's all good. ;-)

@All, Just a quick fyi, I'll be AFK all day tomorrow (I'll check in from time to time by phone but wont be able to post. I'm being forced to take a day off work (not countable as annual leave) to play golf. It's a hard life...)
Tegyrius
GM, 315 posts
Fri 3 Jul 2015
at 02:44
  • msg #115

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

And we're up.  I'll be away from keyboard for the next couple of days, so take your time...
Sebastien Durand
player, 171 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 9 Jul 2015
at 19:12
  • msg #116

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Rae, just a quick heads up that Seb will most likely ignore that message asking where Choi and Omdahl are needed as he's gone temporarily off reservation...just thought I'd mention it in case anyone was waiting for a reply.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 98 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Fri 10 Jul 2015
at 16:23
  • msg #117

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Updated/edited my IC post.  Teg pointed out that I missed that it was primarily SASR peeps taking the lead on the north side (so, there is likely far less chance for them to mistake Hannah and James as armed bystanders/terrorists).
Sebastien Durand
player, 172 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 10 Jul 2015
at 21:36
  • msg #118

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

And in this week's spoiler free Strike Back Season 5 update...you're not going to believe this...you're really not...

They used a Mi 17 as a gunship. Just like we did in Libya, firing out of the windows and stuff, then everyone sprinting into the back of the thing while the bad guys were shooting at them.

I think the writers may be lurking here.

And oh yeah, Roose Bolton is in it next week.
James Choi
player, 128 posts
Fri 10 Jul 2015
at 22:26
  • [deleted]
  • msg #119

Hasta La Vista, Baby

This message was deleted by the player at 22:43, Fri 10 July 2015.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 25 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sat 11 Jul 2015
at 03:40
  • msg #120

Re: Hasta La Vista, Baby

Also, for clarity, I'd already dropped my weapon before the grenade went of. And... Who you calling scruffy looking? :-)

I'll get my turn posted tomorrow when I get home. Looking forward to my impending enhanced interrogation.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 99 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Sat 11 Jul 2015
at 08:00
  • msg #121

Re: Hasta La Vista, Baby

Andrey Vasliyev:
... And... Who you calling scruffy looking? :-)

Uh... nobody... *looks around innocently*
Karolina Kowalska
player, 142 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Sat 11 Jul 2015
at 13:46
  • msg #122

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Sebastien Durand:
And in this week's spoiler free Strike Back Season 5 update...you're not going to believe this...you're really not...

They used a Mi 17 as a gunship. Just like we did in Libya, firing out of the windows and stuff, then everyone sprinting into the back of the thing while the bad guys were shooting at them.


So that's pretty awesome.  It sounds like we are on the right track for game look and feel at least.

For those of us in the USA, COME ON AUGUST 4th!  :)
Tegyrius
GM, 318 posts
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 15:02
  • msg #123

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

I am counting the days.

Turn's up.  If you want to crack open the van's cargo box here, we'll have at least one more turn of cleanup activities.  If you want to drive it (or have it towed/trailered) to a more secure site before opening it up, take the next turn for site cleanup and evidence-gathering, then we'll move on to the next scene for analysis and after-effects.
Tegyrius
GM, 319 posts
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 15:17
  • msg #124

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

I have a few admin items to cover regarding how I'm handling mechanics and narration.  These are open to comment and suggested adjustments.



On the subject of attacks, I've generally been making only one roll, regardless of how many rounds are fired.  It's simpler for me to track and makes sense in my head, but it hasn't been very transparent.  Generally, what I'm doing is looking at the roll, the target number, and the weapon's Recoil to figure out (or approximate) how many rounds hit the target.

Example: Karolina has Small Arms (Pistol) 8 and a handgun with Recoil 3.  She burns off a bunch of rounds at an Attar and rolls a 3.  Range and other factors make her target number 8.  The first round hits.  I add Recoil 3 for an adjusted roll of 6; the second round hits, too.  I add Recoil 3 again for an adjusted roll of 9; the third and subsequent rounds miss.

Also, I'm generally treating a natural 1 as an automatic takedown on most NPCs, though I'm still rolling hit location to see if cover intercedes and to narrate the effects appropriately.



On general skill checks outside combat, I'm trying to remind myself that I should only require rolls if failure still has an interesting consequence.  To that end, I need to stop rolling for stuff that PCs are good at if the only consequence will be to fail to move the plot forward.

As an additional narrative factor: based on character concepts, histories, and stats, I'm going to pick three non-attack, non-language skills for each PC that should generally be immune to stupid failures.  These are in private lines to each of you, though you may make them public if you so choose.  If I give you a boring or mundane fail on these skills with no apparent interesting consequence, please remind me.  These are open to negotiation and may change over time with your XP choices.




FYI, I've been using Acrobatics as a mobility skill and as an occasional evasion for blast effects and slow-moving projectile attacks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:17, Sun 12 July 2015.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 123 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 16:50
  • msg #125

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

I'm taking the family camping until Tuesday, I'll post then but monitor via iPhone.
Tegyrius
GM, 320 posts
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 17:49
  • msg #126

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

No worries, man.  Stay off-grid.  It's what you go camping for, right?  We'll be here when you get back.
James Choi
player, 129 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 20:59
  • msg #127

Re: Survey for those that XCOM


Keys, make sure to Watch Fire in the Sky right before you head out. Stay safe, man.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 321 posts
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 21:04
  • msg #128

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Rae, take one XP for my first literal LOL of the day.  That just ain't right.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:04, Sun 12 July 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 173 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 21:06
  • msg #129

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Says the FBI Agent...do you know Agents Mulder and Scully?
Karolina Kowalska
player, 143 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 21:44
  • msg #130

XCOM Tech

Tegyrius
GM, 322 posts
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 21:47
  • msg #131

Re: XCOM Tech

Best dog toy ever.
Sebastien Durand
player, 174 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 12 Jul 2015
at 21:47
  • msg #132

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Karolina Kowalska:
So that's pretty awesome.  It sounds like we are on the right track for game look and feel at least.

For those of us in the USA, COME ON AUGUST 4th!  :)


Looks at Dancer...

Now...if we're really on the right track for the game feel...Grins
Cooper Williams
player, 32 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Wed 15 Jul 2015
at 19:46
  • msg #133

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Travel day for me, so please assume Coop passes the messages as needed and snickers appropriately at Seb's world cup skillz.
Tegyrius
GM, 324 posts
Wed 15 Jul 2015
at 22:45
  • msg #134

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

And there we go.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 125 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 15 Jul 2015
at 23:43
  • msg #135

Re: Survey for those that XCOM


That lucky streak had to come to an end at some point.

Bang. Ouch.
Tegyrius
GM, 325 posts
Thu 16 Jul 2015
at 00:21
  • msg #136

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Yeah, Michael and Liam took the brunt of the flash-bang.  Those Level As impeded Observation checks just a bit...

How was the camping trip, Keys?
Michael Dacovetti
player, 127 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Thu 16 Jul 2015
at 00:41
  • msg #137

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

The trip was a lot of fun. Turns out I still sleep better in a tent than in a bed.  My boys loved fishing, slept like rocks, and can't wait to do it again.  They even managed to not tip our canoe over, but they gave it a pretty good try!

We had to retreat to the nearest town to dodge some rain that would have locked us in the tent with a pent up two year old and four year old, so we went to see Minions.  Meh.  At best.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 29 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Fri 17 Jul 2015
at 22:18
  • msg #138

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Whew - rough turn... lots to process. I won't be able to get mine turned in until Sunday (busy day tomorrow driving to Lex'n'Back)
Tegyrius
GM, 326 posts
Sun 19 Jul 2015
at 17:12
  • msg #139

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Hey, guys.  I know everyone's hot to pursue whatever just popped out of the Transit, but I've still got a PC in handcuffs and there's only so many turns Apoapsis can play that.  In the interest of getting Andrey integrated into the team, the whatever-it-was is going to escape at the speed of plot so we can move ahead to investigation, interrogation, and cleanup.  I'll deploy the next IC post sometime this afternoon.
Tegyrius
GM, 329 posts
Sun 19 Jul 2015
at 19:48
  • msg #140

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

And we're up.  Several parallel investigations going on here.  Feel free to ask OOC questions as well as IC.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 102 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Sun 19 Jul 2015
at 20:10
  • msg #141

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Am I to take it that the iridescent purple in the van just might be reminiscent of purple color of the haloes around the heads of the ASIO agents (and the flash on/near Liam's head as well?)?
Tegyrius
GM, 330 posts
Sun 19 Jul 2015
at 20:22
  • msg #142

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Not quite.  The halo effects were sort of like ball lightning or a neon tube.  The coloration of the overhead materials in the van is a surface color in a much darker hue of purple - it's very shiny but not glowing/fluorescing.
Sebastien Durand
player, 182 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 25 Jul 2015
at 11:35
  • msg #143

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Seb's line of thinking regarding the PNG problem...

The team can't be kicked out until the paperwork is officially served so if the team aren't at the barracks when the paperwork gets there they can carry on with their investigations and claim blissful ignorance if there are any repercussions. "PNG status? What PNG status would this be?"

If the whole team vacating the premises isn't feasible for whatever reason, Seb (and others) make themselves scarce and when the paperwork shows up whoever is there says "sorry mate, you need to speak to the boss about that and we don't know where he is. SO until we hear it from him we're carrying on."

With regards a line of inquiry I'm thinking that Andrey's intel may give us reason to get out of the barracks and do some leg work.

Either way he's trying to buy time until we hopefully can dig up something during the investigations that can get the PNG status rescinded (or we end up doing the rest of the op on the black without official Aussie support).

How does that sound?
Tegyrius
GM, 333 posts
Sat 25 Jul 2015
at 18:01
  • msg #144

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

This seems a good time to run down the potential leads that are available for further investigation, as we started this op back in April...

• Andrey's intel on local goings-on.

• The hit-and-run accident early this morning which killed several members of the geology research team responsible for the iridium find.

• The Aboriginal terror cells and their Jemaah Islamiyah connections.

• Any take from the personal effects of the slain Attars and Aboriginals (AUSTINT has been processing that off-screen).

Also, Nemesis may still be out there.
Sebastien Durand
player, 183 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 25 Jul 2015
at 18:22
  • msg #145

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Probably best of we split up into sub groups so we can cover multiple leads.

I think Seb is a logical choice to investigate Andrey's intel (with Andrey obviously)

Anyone else got any preferences as to what their pc does?
Tegyrius
GM, 334 posts
Sat 25 Jul 2015
at 18:40
  • msg #146

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

FYI, the hit-and-run was way up north in the ass end of nowhere - much closer to the research station than the coast.  I've added it to the map.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 130 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sat 25 Jul 2015
at 21:19
  • msg #147

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Dacovetti would probably want to focus mainly on data assimilation.  If they have to go on the down-low, he will want copies of what they've found and would like at least a peek at the personal effects if given time.  After that, he will want to check out the hit and run situation en route to the iridium site.  If we can poach a little help, he can arrange maybe to meet up with Crit for added muscle.  Maybe he and Hannah can go up together.
Sebastien Durand
player, 184 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 25 Jul 2015
at 21:29
  • msg #148

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

As a random thought, if we do go black we can maybe see if Andrey has somewhere off grid we can use a base.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 32 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sun 26 Jul 2015
at 07:04
  • msg #149

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

I probably know a guy who knows a guy who can sort something out for us short term... it'd cost though and probably not just in dollars and euros.
James Choi
player, 133 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sun 26 Jul 2015
at 20:47
  • msg #150

Re: Survey for those that XCOM


How about we all meet IC to discuss options & get to know the new guy?

-
Hannah Omdahl
player, 105 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Sun 26 Jul 2015
at 21:27
  • msg #151

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

We should likely met IC; however, briefly that may be.  Hannah is fine with heading out to help Dealer with any and all investigations.  Note to get around, we have the various and sundry vehicles that Chief Bannon... er ... Nemesis left us.  And Hannah is always willing to drive.

Sorry, this missive is short.  I am traveling, but will try to write more this evening.
Sebastien Durand
player, 186 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 26 Jul 2015
at 21:52
  • msg #152

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

In reply to James Choi (msg # 150):

Agreed...that's kinda what I was getting at with Seb's last post...if we can get Andrey out of jail we can all meet up either at the barracks or back at the Hotel, decide what we're going to do ic then get out of dodge before we get served the PNG papers (Seb plans to keep to himself for as long as possible the fact that we've been PNG'g - that way it's only his neck on the line if it all blows up in his face).

I'm leaning towards meeting back at the Hotel, purely to try and stay one jump ahead of that pesky paperwork
Tegyrius
GM, 335 posts
Sun 26 Jul 2015
at 23:18
  • msg #153

Re: Survey for those that XCOM

Sounds like a plan.  Go ahead and take care of anything you want to do prior to that meeting - IC narration or OOC enumeration is equally fine.  I'll get the next turn post up Tuesday evening.
Cooper Williams
player, 35 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Tue 28 Jul 2015
at 06:16
  • msg #154

Bad Internet Karma

I still don't have Internet at my new place yet and my blackberry has stopped working as a hotspot now that it is configured correctly, so... I'm not ignoring you guys, I just don't have any opportunities to post at this point.  It will probably be another few weeks at this rate before I'm back to regular posting.  Sorry.
Sebastien Durand
player, 188 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Tue 28 Jul 2015
at 16:35
  • msg #155

Re: Bad Internet Karma

In reply to Cooper Williams (msg # 154):

Sorry dude, Seb's comment about a "silent Williams" wasn't me trying to be a smart arse, I was trying to imply that Coop had ignored Andrey's attempts to engage him in conversation. Apologies if it came over otherwise.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 133 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 29 Jul 2015
at 00:00
  • msg #156

Re: Bad Internet Karma

And this is what I will be doing at work tomorrow

http://www.northwestern.edu/ne...ining-exercises.html
Tegyrius
GM, 336 posts
Wed 29 Jul 2015
at 00:53
  • msg #157

Re: Bad Internet Karma

Erp.  Distracted by Breach & Clear on iPad.  On the plus side, it looks like the team is still reassembling, so I'll drop in a filler post and give y'all another night for IC planning and/or OOC assignments.

Cooper Williams:
I still don't have Internet at my new place yet and my blackberry has stopped working as a hotspot now that it is configured correctly, so... I'm not ignoring you guys, I just don't have any opportunities to post at this point.  It will probably be another few weeks at this rate before I'm back to regular posting.  Sorry.


Suck.  :/  Sorry, dude.  I'll try to keep Cooper alive in the meantime.

Michael Dacovetti:
And this is what I will be doing at work tomorrow

http://www.northwestern.edu/ne...ining-exercises.html


You go to all the best LARPs.
Sebastien Durand
player, 190 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Wed 29 Jul 2015
at 09:24
  • msg #158

Re: Bad Internet Karma

OK, I think we're definite on Hannah and Michael analysing the intel take then going on to the hit and run.

How about if Coop and Painter cover the Aboriginal terror cells and their Jemaah Islamiyah connections and Seb and Andrey go to get Andrey's intel and Jim can go with whichever option Rae prefers?

That way we're split into active PC's and temporarily inactive PC's / NPC's (sorry Spartan, not trying to park Coop on the sidelines - we can adjust whenever you get your connection back?).

Thoughts?
James Choi
player, 135 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 29 Jul 2015
at 18:03
  • msg #159

Re: Bad Internet Karma


I still think an IC meeting is in order. All of our PCs have fresh intel that not all have been made privy to. Or would y'all rather handle that all off camera and just assume we've all shared?

-
Sebastien Durand
player, 191 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Wed 29 Jul 2015
at 18:22
  • msg #160

Re: Bad Internet Karma

In reply to James Choi (msg # 159):

Sorry, maybe I didn't convey my line of thought clearly.

I agree an ic meeting is in order - I had intended that to be what Seb had convened with my last ic post. Although it was maybe more of an informal meeting, it did conclude by summarising all of the options mentioned ooc in one ic post then opening the floor up for comment, thus giving everyone an opportunity to bring their respective intel to the table. The only outright order given was that we need to get out of the Hotel. I attempted to leave everything else still up for ic discussion.

The ooc intent was just an attempt to try and streamline things and wasn't intended to replace an ic meeting.

Sorry if that hasn't come over properly.
Tegyrius
GM, 338 posts
Wed 29 Jul 2015
at 22:09
  • msg #161

Re: Bad Internet Karma

I jumped ahead to the hotel room scene so you guys could hold some level of IC meeting before splitting the party.  I'm fine with the assumption that everyone's intel from the investigative scenes has been shared before the scene transition.  However, that doesn't mean you can't entertain each other (and me) with further IC analysis of just what it all means...  ;)

I'm having some pacing problems here for reasons I can't quite put my finger on, so let me know if you'd rather just divvy up assignments and skip ahead to the next chunk of action.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 135 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 29 Jul 2015
at 22:22
  • msg #162

Re: Bad Internet Karma

Oh sure, post that while I'm banging my head against my own pacing problems...
Sebastien Durand
player, 193 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 31 Jul 2015
at 13:25
  • msg #163

Re: Bad Internet Karma

Hey guys

Just as a quick fyi, I have family staying with me this weekend; whilst I'll check in occasionally on my phone I don't envisage having time to post, so will be offline from this evening UK time until sometime on Sunday afternoon.
Sebastien Durand
player, 196 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 2 Aug 2015
at 14:31
  • msg #164

Re: Bad Internet Karma

Can someone refresh my memory...do we have a way of getting in direct contact with Nemesis?
Michael Dacovetti
player, 138 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sun 2 Aug 2015
at 14:36
  • msg #165

Re: Bad Internet Karma

In reply to Sebastien Durand (msg # 164):


We have a burner phone that received our text from Nemesis
Sebastien Durand
player, 197 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 2 Aug 2015
at 14:54
  • msg #166

Re: Bad Internet Karma

OK, we seem to be adding to our to do list!

A few random thoughts (note I'm not trying to circumvent the ic discussion, just streamline it a little)

Are we agreed that a covert recce of the local signal site is a good idea but a full scale assault is not on the cards given our current status?

The hit and run site is hundreds of miles away from where we're at (and near the research station)

So how does this sound? Finish what we're doing in the Melbourne area

Collect Andrey's intel / establish new temporary base at site Andrey knows
Suggest Seb and Andrey (it's Andrey's intel and Seb has the relationship with him)

Try and make contact with Nemesis to see what support he can offer (if any)?
Suggest Michael and Hannah if they're going to be talking techie

Investigate Aboriginal terror cells and their Jemaah Islamiyah connections
Suggest James and Coop (this appears to be primarily a law enforcement task and James is our LEO, whilst this is the only one of the three tasks that conceivably needs Coop to grease local wheels

Painter can ride shotgun for Seb / Andrey or James / Coop

All taskings are suggestions only so can be changed as people wish

Once that's done everyone reunites and we carry out covert recce of target site as a team.

Dependent on outcome of covert recce we then plan to leave Melbourne and move north as a team (looking at the distance if we can do that by helo it might help)

Thoughts?
James Choi
player, 137 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sun 2 Aug 2015
at 20:15
  • msg #167

Re: Bad Internet Karma


I'd prefer we keep the whole team together. The last time we all split up, things didn't go so well.

-
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 36 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Tue 4 Aug 2015
at 00:01
  • msg #168

Re: Bad Internet Karma

Promise I'll be posting tomorrow. It's been unexpectedly busy :-\
Tegyrius
GM, 339 posts
Fri 7 Aug 2015
at 12:06
  • msg #169

Re: Bad Internet Karma

Okay, guys, where we at?  If the team is feeling indecisive, I can exercise GM fiat tomorrow to move things along in a plotward direction.

(If the team is feeling demotivated, I get that.  The last couple of weeks have been overbooked for no good reason.)
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 37 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sat 8 Aug 2015
at 17:05
  • msg #170

Re: Bad Internet Karma

Sorry - I've been swamped this past week. Things should be back to normal for me pretty soon.

As for direction - with the reticence to split the team up and a few different places folks want to go, we can probably gloss over some scenes (Andrey picking up his intel probably not the sexiest thing we show on screen) and move on to wherever the intel that we pick up and already have points us (there are a few options).

Might be worth OOC laying out what some of our options are as far as direction?
Michael Dacovetti
player, 139 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sat 8 Aug 2015
at 17:15
  • msg #171

Re: Bad Internet Karma

I'm voting for not splitting the team, fast forwarding through picking up Intel, weapons, etc... And picking up at observing the signal source.  We do need to contact or attempt to contact Nemesis somewhere in there as well.
Sebastien Durand
player, 198 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 8 Aug 2015
at 17:50
  • msg #172

Re: Bad Internet Karma

In reply to Michael Dacovetti (msg # 171):

That's fine by me...
James Choi
player, 138 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sat 8 Aug 2015
at 19:57
  • msg #173

Re: Bad Internet Karma

Michael Dacovetti:
I'm voting for not splitting the team, fast forwarding through picking up Intel, weapons, etc... And picking up at observing the signal source.  We do need to contact or attempt to contact Nemesis somewhere in there as well.


I'm good with this.

-
Cooper Williams
player, 37 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Sun 9 Aug 2015
at 17:34
  • msg #174

Srrsly

Tin foil hats.  Why are we not wearing tin foil hats?
Hannah Omdahl
player, 107 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Sun 9 Aug 2015
at 18:20
  • msg #175

Re: Srrsly

Cooper Williams:
Tin foil hats.  Why are we not wearing tin foil hats?

Uh, you aren't wearing yours, Coop?  What is wrong with the newbies to the team these days...  Sheesh...
Sebastien Durand
player, 199 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Mon 10 Aug 2015
at 18:56
  • msg #176

Re: Srrsly

Just a quick heads up guys...I've got a hectic schedule at work this week then am going to my parents for the weekend for a family birthday, so my posting might be a bit sporadic for the first half of the week, following which I'll drop offline completely from Thursday night until some time Sunday afternoon (I'll check in from time to time via my phone but realistically wont be able to post).
Tegyrius
GM, 340 posts
Mon 10 Aug 2015
at 23:58
  • msg #177

Re: Srrsly

To refresh, the vehicles available to the team are:

• Suzuki DRZ400E off-road bike (incl. helmet)
• Ducati Mutistrada 1200 S touring bike (incl. helmet)
• Land Rover Defender, expedition-rigged (incl. 2x 20L jerrycan water, 4x 20L jerrycan fuel, camping gear, trauma kit, shortwave radio)
• Ford FPV F6 ute
• Toyota Corolla

I currently have Andrey and Sébastien in the Corolla; Caradoc and Cooper in the FPV F6; James and Michael in the Landie with the ELINT gear; and Hannah on one of the bikes (the other is back at the safehouse).

Weapons from the cache are:

• Colt M1911A1 x2 (in .38 Super)
• vz.52
• TT-33 Tokarev
• Glock 31
• FN P90 x2
• H&K MP5SD6
• Marlin 336
• Weatherby Mk. V in .460 WBM w/ scope

Also, James has his FN Five-seveN and Andrey has an H&K P2000SK from his own stash.

Assume everyone has a soft armor vest, short-range radio, individual trauma kit, and whatever normal personal equipment would've been permissible on commercial air transport.

Feel free to flash back to any specific preparations you would've made over the past night, or any conversations you would've had when reviewing each other's intel.  Unless otherwise specified, I will assume that all components of the team have engaged in full disclosure with one another.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:00, Tue 11 Aug 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 342 posts
Tue 11 Aug 2015
at 17:48
  • msg #178

Re: Srrsly

Do Andrey and Coop have call signs yet?
Michael Dacovetti
player, 141 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Tue 11 Aug 2015
at 18:03
  • msg #179

Re: Srrsly

Some not so great suggestions:

Player for Wlliams.  The dude oozes sex, right?  That's the vibe I'm picking up.  Or Guppy, because I'm feeling mean(ish)

Turn-Coat for Andrey?  Too soon?
Sebastien Durand
player, 200 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Tue 11 Aug 2015
at 18:57
  • msg #180

Re: Srrsly

Some possibly impractical suggestions:

Andrey
Little Green Man (or some derivative thereof, e.g. Green Man / Lima Golf Mike / Golf Mike, etc)

He's Russian so references the Russian troops spotted in Crimea last year and also fits with the team's mission (in full it's maybe too obvious from an Opsec POV but the phonetic abbreviations are less so)

or

Not Mikhail

Because he's errr...not Mikhail

Coop
Diver

Because he's a trained Diver. The fact that you can insert a word in front of the word Diver to link it to the fact he oozes sex is pure coincidence. Clearly we wouldn't be implying any reference to that, absolutely not, no, we would only be referring to his professional qualifications. Honest guv.

My only concern with Player is it might get misheard as Painter.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 109 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Thu 13 Aug 2015
at 06:11
  • msg #181

Re: Srrsly

What about 'Roulette' for Andrey?  He's, ya know, Russian and a bit of an unknown to the rest of the group.  And at least a third of us have some sort of gambling association in our call signs, right?  Double Down, Dealer...  Not sure about Dancer, Painter, Bullfrog and Lizard King, though.  Or Nemesis and Barfight.

Or I was going to suggest perhaps we should call Andrey 'Grenade', since the US military often uses 40 Mike-Mike as their slang term.  But then, Andrey isn't Mikhail.  ;)  Though, he might be explosive.  You never know.

'Coop' might be too close to Cooper's real name.  Though I agree that Player/Painter might be to close and be confusing.  Not that Hannah would mind playing doctor with Williams... er... nevermind.  Coop does have the 'advantage' of being short for Chicken Coop potentially.  You know, fox in the henhouse, that type of thing... er ... nevermind.  Again.

'Diver' is probably a better choice than 'Coop'.  Any double entendres be damned!

Since Cooper is Australian, we could always call him 'Dundee'.
Sebastien Durand
player, 202 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 13 Aug 2015
at 10:31
  • msg #182

Re: Srrsly

In reply to Hannah Omdahl (msg # 181):

I do like 'Roulette' for Andrey.
Cooper Williams
player, 39 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Thu 13 Aug 2015
at 13:30
  • msg #183

Van Halen's 5th

Diver is good with me!
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 39 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sat 15 Aug 2015
at 15:36
  • msg #184

Re: Van Halen's 5th

Hehe Roulette works for me (not that you get to choose your own callsign).

Also - did you all want me to dump my intel finds here since it looks like that scene happened more or less off camera?
Tegyrius
GM, 343 posts
Sun 16 Aug 2015
at 17:38
  • msg #185

Re: Van Halen's 5th

Here's what I'm seeing in the IC thread for weapon claims thus far:

Dacovetti - Glock 31, FN P90
Durand - Colt M1911A1, Marlin 336
Choi - FN Five-seveN
Cooper - H&K USP Tactical (which I forgot when recording personal weapons upthread)
Andrey - H&K P2000SK
Hannah - Colt M1911A1

Unclaimed:

• Colt M1911A1
• vz.52
• TT-33 Tokarev
• FN P90
• H&K MP5SD6
• Weatherby Mk. V in .460 WBM w/ scope

Andrey Vasliyev:
Also - did you all want me to dump my intel finds here since it looks like that scene happened more or less off camera?


Please.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:54, Sun 16 Aug 2015.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 110 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Sun 16 Aug 2015
at 18:06
  • msg #186

Re: Van Halen's 5th

Oops, forgot to list her weapon...

Hannah will take the other Colt M1911A1.  She'd love the MPSSD6 (as she is likely more familiar with it), but since she is one the bike... maybe not.
Tegyrius
GM, 345 posts
Sun 16 Aug 2015
at 18:15
  • msg #187

Re: Van Halen's 5th

Either a P90 or the MP5SD6 can be concealed in a backpack or sling bag suitable for use on a bike.
James Choi
player, 140 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sun 16 Aug 2015
at 20:59
  • msg #188

Re: Van Halen's 5th


Although Choi's got his pistol, he'd prefer something he can hold in both hands. (Insert innuendo-laden remarks here.)

Do we have an up-to-date map of the target area? I didn't search too hard but a quick look around failed to reveal said map.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 346 posts
Sun 16 Aug 2015
at 21:27
  • msg #189

Re: Van Halen's 5th

Oops - knew I forgot something.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/...wQbg&usp=sharing
Sebastien Durand
player, 204 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Wed 19 Aug 2015
at 17:59
  • msg #190

Re: Van Halen's 5th

OK, at the moment afaik Seb doesn't know that Hannah has gone in to the warehouse. When he finds that out it may affect his line of thinking, but for the moment what's thinking is that the arrival of the Attar has prompted some sort of activity so we should probably take some sort of action - i.e. take out the bad guys, ideally by hitting them from two sides. So his back of an envelope line of thinking is that him and Roulette try to make a covert entry from one direction while Dealer, Double Down, and Lizard King hit them from another (bear in mind this is predicated on not knowing that Hannah is already inside).

I don't want to make the call to go in by myself though, so what does everyone else think? Any other suggestions?
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 40 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Thu 20 Aug 2015
at 00:48
  • msg #191

Re: Van Halen's 5th

Andrey's Intel

* Regarding alien physiology - if this hasn't been discovered yet: when exposed to extremely bright light, the implanted lenses over these things' eyes de-polarize.  Underneath are reptilian-looking eyes with sideways nictating membranes.  They can be flash-blinded for about twice as long as a human.

* the Attar (wearing the face of Tri Bhudi) I killed in Jakarta 6 weeks ago was carrying an iPhone-sized device made of matte charcoal nonmagnetic metal with a trio of ports on one edge.  The ports don't match any electronic data connection format that my sources can identify and I've been unable to get it to respond.

* Money Trail: Tri Bhudi (my version of Attar from Indonesia) has moved about $3 million (US dollars) to Australia.  About $500k has been channeled through a local cutout (a mosque in Darwin with a good reputation for charitable works) to various environmentalist groups who are trying to curtail further development of the Outback.  Another few hundred thousand is being spread around universities - you're still working out specifics.  At least another million is being laundered through a few other mosques around the country - ultimate destination unknown.  Finally, Tri Budi has been investing directly in intermodal shipping companies, presumably for future movement of goods or people.

* A transcript of a series of GRU interviews with Russian troops who were deployed in Chechnya between 2003 and 2007.  There were at least six combat encounters with these creatures during that time, including one which resulted in the recovery of two partial corpses by a [redacted] Spetznaz unit.  In all cases, the creatures were operating as the apparent leaders or advisors to Chechen insurgent cells that had been particularly effective before their takedowns.

* Sat phone number, call history and contact list (made for Indonesian markets)

* Route of the truck we're scouting out presently

* Truck's GPS transponder code

(pretty sure that covers it - sorry for the slowness of it all. Between my birthday and playing catchup at work and other game-related commitments, I'm still a bit spread thin)
Michael Dacovetti
player, 143 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Thu 20 Aug 2015
at 18:38
  • msg #192

Re: Van Halen's 5th

I'm down with going active, both from the narrative and momentum point of view, but before we make the final decision, I was wondering:

Do we have silencers for any of our weapons because getting shooty inside of a city that just had a massive "terrorist" incident is probably a good way to have the police crash our party and shoot us instead.
Tegyrius
GM, 347 posts
Thu 20 Aug 2015
at 19:05
  • msg #193

Re: Van Halen's 5th

The MP5 has an integral suppressor but nothing else does.

OTOH, if any of your targets get off shots... you haven't seen any of them carrying suppressed weapons either.
James Choi
player, 141 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Fri 21 Aug 2015
at 01:00
  • msg #194

Re: Van Halen's 5th


I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I haven't posted this turn because I find myself a bit lost. I'm not really sure where we're going with this mission and I don't want to do anything IC that will jeopardize the health and safety of any my fellow PCs. In fact, "not blowing the mission" seems to be my primary focus when I sit down to compose an IC post. I'm starting to worry that I can't hang with this crew. Is anyone else a little fuzzy on the current scenario?

-
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Fri 21 Aug 2015.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 112 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Fri 21 Aug 2015
at 20:12
  • msg #195

Re: Van Halen's 5th

James Choi:
... Is anyone else a little fuzzy on the current scenario?

*raises hand*  I'm always fuzzy on any scenario we engage in (Hannah's player has never been the most perceptive, and after having kids, my memory is shot), which is why Hannah is often more go with the flow.  In this case, I was asking for 'permission' from James (which I I guess that Teg took as initiative) to see if he wanted to go looking.  Her interest is piqued - but, then we all know what happened to the cat due to curiosity...

I wouldn't worry about not hanging (James or Rae), I've never sensed any issue with your posting style, rate, or content.  If anything, I worry that Hannah (and her player) don't contribute enough to either the plot or the party...
Cooper Williams
player, 42 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Fri 21 Aug 2015
at 20:13
  • msg #196

Looking like an idiot but trying

Yeah, I've been lost in the sauce myself because I haven't had much time to keep up.  But I spend most of my day looking like an idiot in a new job, new language, new city, etc.  So I figure why should RPOL be different.  So I'll post when I can and if it's totally asinine,  I figure you guys should just ignore it and move on with whatever should be happening.  :)

PS: I've always thought Choi's inner angst posts were interesting insights in the character.  Maybe try to harness what you are feeling as a player and use that for an IC post... (not sure he can keep up, doesn't want to get everyone kilt, etc.) <shrug>
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Fri 21 Aug 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 205 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 21 Aug 2015
at 20:28
  • msg #197

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying

I don't know if I'm perhaps contributing to this by perhaps coming over as being indecisive ic / ooc when it comes to Seb's role as team leader. In general terms I would rather we were going in a direction everyone is comfortable with ooc, so when key decisions need to be made - e.g. at the moment, where we have the option of assaulting the warehouse or remaining covert -my preference would always be to try and get some sort of ooc consensus rather than making the decision myself, so sorry if that's having an impact on the pacing.

With regard to keeping the team safe, I think the challenge is trying to find the right balance between not taking undue risks but still keeping things pacey (for lack of a better word).  Current scenario is probably a good example of that. The safe option would be to remain covert, however getting involved probably makes for more exciting game play (imho).
James Choi
player, 142 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 01:16
  • msg #198

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying


Thanks, all. The weight's been lifted. I shall post shortly.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 348 posts
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 01:24
  • msg #199

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying

Yay, resolution before I had a chance to inject further confusion!  ;)

The only OOC input I have is that if you are concerned about going loud (again) in the middle of the city, you might wait for (or try to arrange) a more secluded scene.  With four vehicles and radio comms at your disposal, you can tail pretty effectively if your quarry's tradecraft is as bad as Andrey indicates it is.  This would occur to all the espionage and law enforcement pros on the team (Seb, James, Andrey, possibly Cooper).
Michael Dacovetti
player, 144 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 01:37
  • msg #200

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying

Given that we have the aforementioned 4 vehicles and the transponder code to the truck, we should observe and tail unless things go badly wrong.  Then we can intervene at our leisure to make them worsly wrong.

Edit: you're good Rae, I don't feel like I'm exactly putting up John le Carre' style prose and style.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Sat 22 Aug 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 206 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 22 Aug 2015
at 14:53
  • msg #201

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying

I also think following them is the best bet...if there are no objections I'll put a post up to that effect later tonight.
Tegyrius
GM, 349 posts
Tue 25 Aug 2015
at 00:10
  • msg #202

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying

Okay, here's where I am with vehicle and weapon assignments unless I've missed something.  I need you to specify the disposition of the unclaimed weapons before the next turn (not the one I'm posting tonight, the one after it):

Andrey's Corolla:
Vasilyev (driving) - H&K P2000SK
Durand - Colt M1911A1, Marlin 336

Land Rover:
Choi (driving) - FN Five-seveN
Dacovetti - Glock 31, FN P90

Ford FPV F6:
Crewe (driving) - vz.52
Williams - H&K USP Tactical

Ducati Multistrada 1200 S:
Omdahl - Colt M1911A1

Unclaimed armament: TT-33 Tokarev, FN P90, H&K MP5SD6, Weatherby elephant gun.

The Colts, Glock, P90s, vz.52, and Tokarev all have the capability to punch through an Attars' subdermal membrane at close range.  The Marlin will handle that task at slightly greater ranges.  The Weatherby will most likely crack Level IV trauma plates at several hundred meters.
James Choi
player, 144 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 26 Aug 2015
at 01:04
  • msg #203

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying


Please remind me, does "cold" target indicate Attar or human?

James will claim the HK MP5 being as he has experience with the HRT's 10mm versions. Ergonomically, they should be identical and the difference in felt recoil should be negligible.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 351 posts
Wed 26 Aug 2015
at 01:14
  • msg #204

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying

"Cold" indicates an Attar.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 145 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 26 Aug 2015
at 02:31
  • msg #205

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying


Okay,
With Choi taking the MP5, let's give Durand's car the other P90, Williams' the Weatherby, Hannah the TT-33 for a saddlebag back up on the bike in case she gets in way over her head.
I'll get a post up tomorrow morning.
Sebastien Durand
player, 208 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Wed 26 Aug 2015
at 07:56
  • msg #206

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying

Sorry, Real life rolled a natural 1 for Stealth and snuck up on me unawares last night. I'll get a post in tonight after work.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 42 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Fri 28 Aug 2015
at 22:08
  • msg #207

Re: Looking like an idiot but trying

I live! Sort of.  Been a hectic past few weeks between birthdaying and mini-vacationing without the benefit of internets and work-hooey.
Cooper Williams
player, 43 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Sat 29 Aug 2015
at 08:45
  • msg #208

The good idea fairy often comes too late

What kind of tailgate does the FPV F6 UTE have on the back?  Any chance of making a DC Sniper setup in the back of the bed with the Weatherby and some way to spot and shoot targets that won't be easily seen?
Tegyrius
GM, 352 posts
Sat 29 Aug 2015
at 12:01
  • msg #209

The good idea fairy often comes too late



Looks feasible.  I believe that's a six-foot bed, so you'd have to drop the tailgate and hang the rifle barrel out the back.  Yours does have a vinyl tonneau cover as pictured here.
Cooper Williams
player, 44 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Sat 29 Aug 2015
at 12:15
  • msg #210

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

Cool, thanks.

So question for the group - would we want Coop in the back of the UTE just in case we want the option of stopping the convoy en route?  With the Williams/Weatherby combo in the back of the F6, the UTE could overtake the big rig and then shoot out the tires (or with .460 WBM maybe the engine).  I typically play Dwarves in D&D, so I'm good-to-go for confined space role-playing if that sways anyone.
Sebastien Durand
player, 210 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 29 Aug 2015
at 13:38
  • msg #211

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

It sounds doable but it might be easier just shooting at them from behind with the smaller weapons if it gets to that stage?
Tegyrius
GM, 353 posts
Tue 1 Sep 2015
at 00:45
  • msg #212

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

I had this great plan for getting a turn post up tonight and then I left work and everything else went sideways.  Sorry for the delay.  :/
Tegyrius
GM, 354 posts
Tue 1 Sep 2015
at 23:41
  • msg #213

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

And now what feels like incipient strep throat.  WTF, September.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 147 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 2 Sep 2015
at 00:32
  • msg #214

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

Sorry bro!
James Choi
player, 146 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 2 Sep 2015
at 00:34
  • msg #215

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...



Take a bath. Then wrap a hot towel around your head. And then make yourself some soup, get a nap.

Oh, and +1 to Spartan for the Men at Work reference.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 00:35, Wed 02 Sept 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 355 posts
Fri 4 Sep 2015
at 22:03
  • msg #216

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

Crud has moved into sinuses.  Am considering trephination.
James Choi
player, 147 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Mon 7 Sep 2015
at 23:50
  • msg #217

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...


How're you doing, TG? Crud still got you down? I hope your Labor Day wasn't all facial pain and drainage. I tend to get sick during breaks from work, myself. I figure that my body holds out until it knows it can give in. On the one hand, being sick over holiday time off sucks, because I'd much rather be out and about enjoying my free time. On the other hand, at least I'm not missing work (which often makes more work, in the long run). It's a double-edged sword of suck. Sorry, man.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 357 posts
Wed 9 Sep 2015
at 00:08
  • msg #218

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

Man, I tell you what, there is an entire symphony of sinus drainage up in here.  It's positively terrifying.  I'm glad my office is in the opposite corner of the house from my wife's - she didn't have to hear this for most of the weekend.

I hope everyone else in the U.S. had a good Labor Day weekend.  Dave, this is the holiday when Americans celebrate working by not working.  It marks the traditional end of summer and the point after which fashion-conscious folk should not wear white.

I will try to do a better job of keeping up with things here, guys, and we should be near the end of long empty exposition posts on my part.  The next couple of weeks may be rough, though.  This is the busiest time of the year at work as we ramp up to our annual ten-county full-scale chemical weapons exercise, and then I'm going to be traveling between the 20th and 27th.  I hope no one feels unduly abandoned.  :/
Sebastien Durand
player, 211 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Wed 9 Sep 2015
at 22:47
  • msg #219

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

Sorry guys, my night went off on a tangent so I wont be able to get a post in until tomorrow night...
Michael Dacovetti
player, 148 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Thu 10 Sep 2015
at 19:04
  • msg #220

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

Any Google-Fu leading us to any hints of what our adversary is looking at? News stories, maps, science, anything?

I'll get a post up this evening, I hope.
Sebastien Durand
player, 212 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 10 Sep 2015
at 20:28
  • msg #221

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

I got nothing other than the obvious fact that we're half way between Melbourne and the ANU Geology station.

According to wiki (which I presume we can use as ic knowledge) Mungo National Park is a traditional meeting place for several aboriginal tribes. Maybe they're meeting someone.

I'm inclined to suggest let's push on and see if we can get a visual on them and see what they're up to.
Tegyrius
GM, 358 posts
Thu 10 Sep 2015
at 21:42
  • msg #222

I can't get to sleep... I think about the implications...

Feel free to use Wikipedia as IC knowledge.

The park has a lot of rugged terrain.  No paved roads - in fact, the road you've been following since Mildura is unpaved.  But the park has a general advisory that some trails may be impassable to vehicles without four-wheel drive and lifted suspensions.  You can assume the tractor-trailer rig has very limited route options.

The shores of the park's dry lake beds contain several active archaeological and paleontological research sites due to the extensive fossil records there, dating back to early human colonization of Australia around 60,000 years ago.

You have limited cell and data access in Pooncarie, but will not in the park.  There are no recent news stories or other online items that suggest an immediate reason for alien interest here.  <em>However...</em> one of the Aboriginals from yesterday's attack was a member of the Barkinji tribe, which is one of the groups that historically holds an interest in the area.
Cooper Williams
player, 47 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Fri 11 Sep 2015
at 20:09
  • msg #223

Make an ass.. out of you, and me...

Please assume that Cooper shares everything he knows about the area with Seb and the team.
Sebastien Durand
player, 215 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 12 Sep 2015
at 11:24
  • msg #224

Make an ass.. out of you, and me...

OK, I hope I've managed to cover everything that everyone has put forward in Durand's latest ic post. In summary what he's saying is

Following them after dark could end up in losing them or getting made. If we get made we lose what tactical advantage we have.

Can we get a UAV on site to take over the pursuit? (I'm presuming that will be a no but no harm in asking)

If not he / I would prefer to try and do a covert observation. If that can be done without getting involved in a firefight that's a bonus. If it does end in a firefight his / my thinking is try and hit the Attars with the heavy caliber longarms and hope that if they go down the aborigines give up easily.

I know there's an element of a Hail Mary pass to that so if consensus is to break the pursuit instead that's fine with me. I've purposely left my post open ended.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 43 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Mon 14 Sep 2015
at 23:00
  • msg #225

Make an ass.. out of you, and me...

Sorry for my slow responses. Things are finally calming back down on my end. I'm going for a run just now and when I get back I'll get caught up and post.
Tegyrius
GM, 359 posts
Mon 14 Sep 2015
at 23:44
  • msg #226

Make an ass.. out of you, and me...

Slow September is slow.  :/  I am horrendously overscheduled this month.
Tegyrius
GM, 360 posts
Sat 19 Sep 2015
at 22:46
  • msg #227

Regrouping

Hey, team.  I would like to use the excuse that work has been hellishly busy of late (which is true) and that September always sucks for me due to some historical factors (which is also true).  The fact is, though, that I feel like I've written us into a corner here with a situation that's not easily solved with the resources at hand and I'm stumped for a plausible way to fix those limitations.  Also, I'm only going to be home for three of the next nine nights due to some poorly-thought-out travel scheduling.

What do you guys need from the story to feel like your PCs can move forward?  Are you just waiting on more intel on the local landscape or are you feeling like the tactical situation makes any attempt at closer reconnaissance to be suicidal?
Michael Dacovetti
player, 150 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sun 20 Sep 2015
at 00:03
  • msg #228

Regrouping

Can I burn a military contact in satellite intelligence that can task a sweep over our area.  We have satcom via the cell.  If we see something really bad, we'll go through Crit and Cooper to get back up otherwise between nemesis and overhead coverage maybe we can arrange something?
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 45 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sun 20 Sep 2015
at 02:06
  • msg #229

Regrouping

Andrey really doesn't want to end up in a fight out here where the enemy will have no reason to hold back.  If they can get more intel by following them, snap some photos, get some new signal reads and then then lickety-split out of the country to whatever outfit is pulling Durand and Co™'s strings, then that's all aces for him.

I like the idea of possibly tasking a satellite to give us a clearer picture. The only real risk there is if something awful is observed - anyone who goes over the sat feed will likely be drawn in as well. That may or may not weigh on your conscience.
Sebastien Durand
player, 216 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 20 Sep 2015
at 11:40
  • msg #230

Regrouping

I'm good with some sort of aerial surveillance. Either a satellite or a UAV if the latter is feasible. Maybe an armed UAV that has the means to take action if anything particularly unpleasant is spotted?
James Choi
player, 149 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Tue 22 Sep 2015
at 01:53
  • msg #231

Regrouping

I feel your pain, T. Please don't take my IC grousing as a condemnation of the scenario as written. I'm down for whatever. Hang in there and no pressure.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 116 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Tue 22 Sep 2015
at 02:34
  • msg #232

Regrouping

I like the aerial surveillance as well.  Hannah is willing to push in closer, but she is skeptical that the whole team (i.e. three full vehicles can be all that stealthy) together would be that viable.

However, it would be nice to have more info.  So, if we need to go get it, then we should.

Oh, and I agree with the Lizard King('s player), no one thinks poorly of the scenario, the situation, or your abilities, Teg.  If anything, I am worried that I am not seeing something obvious that Hannah would have seen right away.
Tegyrius
GM, 361 posts
Tue 22 Sep 2015
at 12:18
  • msg #233

Regrouping

Thanks, guys. Silence and brevity are me being on travel in Asheville, not a pout.
Karolina Kowalska
player, 144 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Sat 26 Sep 2015
at 20:24
  • msg #234

Regrouping

Found this place in Toruń today.  Had to get a picture for Rae in case he ever needs a place for Choi to retire too...


James Choi
player, 150 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sat 26 Sep 2015
at 20:29
  • msg #235

Regrouping


"Where extraterrestrial hunters drink free."

Awesome.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 362 posts
Mon 28 Sep 2015
at 21:49
  • msg #236

Regrouping

... that's magnificent.
Sebastien Durand
player, 218 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 1 Oct 2015
at 20:29
  • msg #237

Regrouping

OK, any volunteers for an ATV ride into the park to see where the wild roses grow?
Sebastien Durand
player, 219 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 4 Oct 2015
at 20:14
  • msg #238

Regrouping

Rae's got a good point about the longarms, but can we openly carry them while we're out on the ATV's? Aussie guns laws are, as far as I know, roughly similar to the UK's, i.e. strict.

Is Ricky going to think something odd is going on if we say we're going squirrel hunting?
Cooper Williams
player, 49 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Mon 5 Oct 2015
at 02:54
  • msg #239

Re: Regrouping

Sebastien Durand:
Rae's got a good point about the longarms, but can we openly carry them while we're out on the ATV's? Aussie guns laws are, as far as I know, roughly similar to the UK's, i.e. strict.

Is Ricky going to think something odd is going on if we say we're going squirrel hunting?


Well, we'll see if bribery local liaison activities, can help with this gun issue.  How many long guns can we wrap in canvas before it looks like we are smuggling in any armory and not just a rifle?  lol

PS: Wiki lists the P90 as 50.5 cm (19.9 in) long.  That could probably fit in a typical 30L daypack, saving our 'tool roll' of death (assuming that works) for longer weapons.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Mon 05 Oct 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 364 posts
Tue 6 Oct 2015
at 00:31
  • msg #240

Re: Regrouping

Cooper's bribe and military ID have effectively bypassed the gun law issue.  The two rifles you have - the Weatherby and the Marlin - are both within the bounds of plausibility for Australian civilian ownership under current licensing laws.

I have an airsoft P90 from my days of doing Stargate SG-1 cosplay/RPG promotion.  It will, in fact, fit in a couple of my daypacks.
Tegyrius
GM, 366 posts
Fri 9 Oct 2015
at 11:50
  • msg #241

Re: Regrouping

Bueller?  Bueller?
Cooper Williams
player, 51 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Fri 9 Oct 2015
at 12:00
  • msg #242

Re: Regrouping

Tegyrius:
Bueller?  Bueller?


File that under 'Things I compose in my head while riding on the bus but never actually get around to posting until prompted.'
Sebastien Durand
player, 221 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 10 Oct 2015
at 08:02
  • msg #243

Re: Regrouping

Sebastien Durand:
OK, any volunteers for an ATV ride into the park to see where the wild roses grow?

Is anyone not going on the ATV trip? (Keys, Seb referenced Dealer staying behind as command and control in an ic post but if you'd rather come along that's cool)
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 46 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sun 11 Oct 2015
at 01:28
  • msg #244

Re: Regrouping

Sorry - been a wonky, fun-filled week with visiting family, great times at work and trying to hit my fitness goals.

Count me in on the ATV trip - posting my post in a sec
Michael Dacovetti
player, 153 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sun 11 Oct 2015
at 01:31
  • msg #245

Re: Regrouping

Michael will hang back and coordinate.  Might as well have a ready reserve if we need one.
Tegyrius
GM, 368 posts
Mon 12 Oct 2015
at 21:55
  • msg #246

Re: Regrouping

If Michael hangs out at the village, Crad is available to cover his back if Seb so orders.
Sebastien Durand
player, 222 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Mon 12 Oct 2015
at 22:36
  • msg #247

Re: Regrouping

That sounds like a plan. As a result of a somewhat challenging day playing corporate fun and games my brain is rapidly turning to mush tonight but basically it looks like we've got

Staying behind
Mike
Crad

ATV recon
Seb
James
Hannah
Coop
Andrey

Seb will stick with the Marlin and M1911

Assuming Dacovetti keeps one of the P90's I make it that leaves us with 1 x P90, 1 x MP5SD6, and 1 x Elephant gun in terms of long arms

If Seb is going to allocate weapons he'd go

James - elephant gun
Coop / Andrey - P90 / MP5 (take your pick)
Hannah - sidearm (sorry...)

Is everyone OK with that or have I missed something (I refer to my brain=mush comment)?
Tegyrius
GM, 370 posts
Tue 13 Oct 2015
at 23:58
  • msg #248

Re: Regrouping

Hey, team - just a heads-up that I will be traveling and offline from October 24th through the 31st.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 48 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Wed 14 Oct 2015
at 00:06
  • msg #249

Re: Regrouping

I'll go wherever with whoever,etc etc
Cooper Williams
player, 52 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Wed 14 Oct 2015
at 05:57
  • msg #250

Re: Regrouping

Cooper is happy to give up the P90 to Hannah and just use his sidearm.  I mean, it's William's government's responsibility to equipment him for the job (at this point) and they are the ones who have started all the deportation shenanigans...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Wed 14 Oct 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 371 posts
Fri 16 Oct 2015
at 00:32
  • msg #251

Re: Regrouping

Crickets?

Is everyone distracted by Rae and Dave's games?
James Choi
player, 152 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Fri 16 Oct 2015
at 02:01
  • msg #252

Re: Regrouping

Tegyrius:
Is everyone distracted by Rae and Dave's games?


Guilty, as charged. I'm sorry. That's part of it but there's more. I've also been waiting for an opening here. I'm not sure what to post and have been hoping to spot something that I can riff off of.

I'll be out of coms all day tomorrow and most of Saturday. The wife's receiving her masters and we're all driving up to Phoenix for the ceremony. I should be back in the loop by Sunday afternoon.

-
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Fri 16 Oct 2015.
Cooper Williams
player, 53 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Fri 16 Oct 2015
at 03:46
  • msg #253

Re: Regrouping

Tegyrius:
Crickets?

Is everyone distracted by Rae and Dave's games?


I find sometimes it's best when I let others post first after a GM response.  That way I'm not the only guy firing shit into the air and whatnot. ;)
Sebastien Durand
player, 223 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 16 Oct 2015
at 06:44
  • msg #254

Re: Regrouping

I'll get a post in tonight...
Tegyrius
GM, 373 posts
Sun 18 Oct 2015
at 18:57
  • msg #255

Re: Regrouping

Rae, please pass on my congratulations to the missus!  What's the new degree in?
Hannah Omdahl
player, 121 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Wed 21 Oct 2015
at 05:54
  • msg #256

Re: Regrouping

Cooper Williams:
Cooper is happy to give up the P90 to Hannah and just use his sidearm...

Nah, Hannah's primary weapon is the ATV at this point - I suspect she can do more damage with that than anything else.


Oh and congrats, Missus Rae!  Gotta love higher education!
Sebastien Durand
player, 227 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Wed 21 Oct 2015
at 11:23
  • msg #257

Re: Regrouping

Is the dark squiggly line on the map that runs due north of our current location a dry river bed or similar? If so can we use that to advance parallel (more or less) to the road? If it is what I'm thinking is to split into two teams - Hannah, Coop, and Seb will use that to try and get ahead of the convoy whilst James and Andrey hang back and switch to foot at their discretion (particularly if the convoy stops).

(sorry, I know that's probably not the best descriptions)
Tegyrius
GM, 375 posts
Wed 21 Oct 2015
at 13:06
  • msg #258

Re: Regrouping

Seems reasonable to me, lacking any better photos or maps. :)
Tegyrius
GM, 376 posts
Thu 22 Oct 2015
at 02:21
  • msg #259

Re: Regrouping

I just got home from all day in an event planning and incident management class, followed by running a field exercise for our latest set of CERT graduates.  I'll get a turn post up tomorrow night.  Rae, I'll also tag in on your game at that time.
Tegyrius
GM, 378 posts
Thu 22 Oct 2015
at 23:14
  • msg #260

Re: Regrouping

Turn's up.  If there's significant action in the next 24 hours, I'll get another turn out before I leave town.  If not, we'll return on November 1st...  :)
Cooper Williams
player, 56 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Sun 25 Oct 2015
at 13:02
  • msg #261

Re: Regrouping

quote:
"I'm going to leave the blasted thing here and move in on foot.  Do you want to push out west before starting in?  If things go south with the incoming vehicles, I'll doubletime back to the quad and hotel alpha south.  Should draw them off with all the sound." Williams said, motioning back to the damaged ATV.


Unless, of course, someone who was super good at driving things wanted to offer Cooper a ride...

If you can
read this,
the Combatant Diver
fell off...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Sun 25 Oct 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 229 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 25 Oct 2015
at 13:09
  • msg #262

Re: Regrouping

In reply to Cooper Williams (msg # 261):

lol....did he bust it on purpose so he could spend some quality time up close and personal with Hannah?

Seriously, Seb's ic (which will be later today) would question the wisdom of one person being on foot on his own so he'll pretty much tell Hannah to give Coop a ride.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 122 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Sun 25 Oct 2015
at 16:41
  • msg #263

Re: Regrouping

Sorry, guys, I have been really sick that last couple of days (and still am, though there is light at the end of the tunnel - of the vomit train).  I will try to get an IC post up soon, but if I can't (and it is 50/50) then assume that Double Down is fine with doubling up with Cooper (she is probably more than fine with it).

BTW, the loud quad as a potential back up diversion is a reasonable idea, in her opinion.  One she hopes to never use, but fine in a pinch.
Sebastien Durand
player, 231 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 25 Oct 2015
at 17:01
  • msg #264

Re: Regrouping

In reply to Hannah Omdahl (msg # 263):

Hey, sorry to hear that, hope you feel better soon!
Sebastien Durand
player, 233 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 1 Nov 2015
at 20:34
  • msg #265

Re: Regrouping

I'm in two minds here, so would like to know what everyone else thinks.

Do you want to

A) Initiate a contact and try and capture the strange alien floating object (SAFO)?

Or

B) Anticipating that the SAFO may be loaded aboard the Skyvan do you want to back off, try and stay hidden and tell the Orion to call in the cavalry and try and track the plane back to its destination?

(FWIW my vote is B, but am happy to go with the flow)
Tegyrius
GM, 380 posts
Sun 1 Nov 2015
at 20:45
  • msg #266

Re: Regrouping

I will be equally entertained by whichever option you pursue.  :)

My one comment - and this is not a recommendation one way or the other - is that the lousy engagement ranges here are my fault for setting the scene in a place where the terrain sucks so much.
James Choi
player, 157 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sun 1 Nov 2015
at 23:33
  • msg #267

Re: Regrouping

Tegyrius:
I will be equally entertained by whichever option you pursue.  :)

My one comment - and this is not a recommendation one way or the other - is that the lousy engagement ranges here are my fault for setting the scene in a place where the terrain sucks so much.


And giving us shitty weapons. ;)

-
Tegyrius
GM, 381 posts
Mon 2 Nov 2015
at 01:39
  • msg #268

Re: Regrouping

Yeah, my GMing style is usually pretty improvisational but this has been a bit more irregular than is normal even for me...
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:43, Mon 02 Nov 2015.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 157 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Mon 2 Nov 2015
at 01:41
  • msg #269

Re: Regrouping


Can I have a retconned SAM?

Or not...
Cooper Williams
player, 57 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Mon 2 Nov 2015
at 08:04
  • msg #270

Re: Regrouping

hehe... we just need to turn this into good dialog about how many aliens are up there and foot massages....


This message was last edited by the player at 08:09, Mon 02 Nov 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 234 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Mon 2 Nov 2015
at 11:54
  • msg #271

Re: Regrouping

OK, given that no one has specifically endorsed option A I'm going with option B.
Tegyrius
GM, 383 posts
Wed 4 Nov 2015
at 22:33
  • msg #272

Re: Regrouping

Sounds like there's still some discussion on details of upcoming actions.  I'll hold the turn post until tomorrow night.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 159 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Thu 5 Nov 2015
at 04:03
  • msg #273

Re: Regrouping

My vote is for a little of the ole ultraviolence
Sebastien Durand
player, 238 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 5 Nov 2015
at 21:28
  • msg #274

Re: Regrouping

Tegyrius:
Sounds like there's still some discussion on details of upcoming actions.  I'll hold the turn post until tomorrow night.

OK, I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure what's on the table at the minute.

Based on what various people have posted IC are we now looking at

Mike and Crad are inbound in the Land Rover (no specific destination given)

Coop and Hannah are going to try and sneak in closer and a) take some photos, GPS stamp their location with the Orion then drop their phones (I presume drop their phones means precisely that and, i.e. drop them on the ground and isn't a technical term (in the UK "dump your phone" would be a technical term and there are similarities, hence the reason I'm asking).

Followed by b) try and sneak in closer and hijack the plane (with cargo)?

Seb is going to sneak forward on his own and try and get into a sniping position from where he can provide back up to Hannah and Coop if the shtf

James is going to ground to cover Andrey as Andrey (presumably) falls back. James will (presumably) then fall back with Andrey?

Yep?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:34, Thu 05 Nov 2015.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 160 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Thu 5 Nov 2015
at 21:48
  • msg #275

Re: Regrouping

That's basically how I read it.  I figure Michael and Crewe might need to play distraction if stuff goes bad, or can pull someone out of trouble.  Maybe.  And drop does mean put your phone down

I was also thinking about looking around for a closer airport that could be used as a landing site for our inbound aircraft.  It there's something nearby they could burn some more fuel on a rapid rate of speed.
Sebastien Durand
player, 239 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 5 Nov 2015
at 21:59
  • msg #276

Re: Regrouping

Does this help?

http://ourairports.com/airports/YPCE/closest.html

If you click on pilot info it gives you runway stats.

I think the RAAF only operate F18's these days (both legacy and Super)

Yes, I confess I am a model aircraft geek. I have an F18F in midbuild at the minute...
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 52 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Fri 6 Nov 2015
at 00:08
  • msg #277

Re: Regrouping

Hey hey - what's the syntax to get the monotype for radio comms?
Sebastien Durand
player, 240 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 6 Nov 2015
at 00:10
  • msg #278

Re: Regrouping

If you want to do it free hand just do (mono) to open and (/mono) to close but change the () to <>

(You might need to upper case the M, can't remember off the top of my head)

Otherwise, check the styled text box at the bottom right. You wont see it initially but if you scroll down it's second from bottom.
Tegyrius
GM, 384 posts
Fri 6 Nov 2015
at 00:16
  • msg #279

Re: Regrouping

Dave, I believe you're correct.

Coop and Hannah would be aware that Edinburgh is a test flight facility, so any F-18s based out of there will be limited on ordnance and may be flying in less than peak combat condition.  But they're the closest.

Also, with their respective aviation experience, Hannah and Mike would both expect the incoming bush pilot to land east to west, then taxi back to the tractor-trailer.  This will facilitate loading the alien object (assuming that's what they're here to do, which seems likely) and will set the aircraft up for an optimal into-the-wind takeoff, again going east to west.  Taxiing back will take a few minutes, especially at night on a rough field.  Loading the object and getting it secured so it doesn't shift in flight (changing center of gravity kills pilots) will take at least 10 minutes.  So it's very unlikely that the SC.7 will be taking off before the incoming support is in range to do something.

Finally, a note about distances and terrain.  There is little to no cover or concealment in the immediate vicinity of the convoy's stopping place - that's what makes that part of the lakebed a good runway.  Seb, Hannah, and Coop are about 750 meters (straight-line distance) from the convoy.  The ATVs are rentals intended for clueless vacationers, so they top out at less than 40 mph.  At a full-speed charge, that's about 45 seconds of exposure before the team is in handgun range.

The tactical situation for Andrey and James is a bit simpler.  They're in an area of rocky hillocks and scrub, which provides far superior cover and concealment.  The foot patrol headed their direction appears to suspect their presence but is too casual for guys who think there are other armed men out there.  More likely, they think it's locals who've seen the lights.  They also have no apparent night-vision gear or personal radios, putting them at a distinct disadvantage for target acquisition and coordination.

Based on these factors, let me know if you still want to proceed as Dave has outlined above.

ETA: Regardless, based on relative positions, Andrey and James will almost certainly be the ones to initiate hostilities if you do choose to go that route.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:21, Fri 06 Nov 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 241 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 6 Nov 2015
at 00:36
  • msg #280

Re: Regrouping

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 279):

OK, it's half midnight here and I need to crash so I may not be thinking entirely logically but basically

1. There is a risk that Hannah and Coop will be spotted trying to get closer to the Skyvan

2. Sounds like we could leave the Skyvan* to the F18's if we wish

In which case it may be better to fall back to the original plan, i.e. Seb, Hannah, and Coop try and lie low.

If James and Andrey get into a contact Seb, Hannah, and Coop will back them up as best as possible. To recap, that entailed shoot and scoot.

I am about to go to bed so am unlikely to see any replies to this for at least seven hours so am happy to go with whatever option is decided.


*Yep, built one of them as well, years ago.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 161 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Fri 6 Nov 2015
at 01:26
  • msg #281

Re: Regrouping


I agree with Dave's last.

The Dacovetti and Crewe will try to get close enough that Michael can control CAS, even if the best view comes from sitting on top of the vehicle.  Shouldn't be too hard to figure out where the target is, with the runway lit up.  Probably be fine to be up to two miles away.
Cooper Williams
player, 59 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Fri 6 Nov 2015
at 20:27
  • msg #282

Re: Regrouping

I keep having visions of Hannah and Coop, riding into the back of that Skyvan when they put the ramp down, then wreaking havoc on board.  But those visions only come after a few shot of Wyborowa, so yeah, probably best to stick with plan A.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Fri 06 Nov 2015.
James Choi
player, 158 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Fri 6 Nov 2015
at 20:30
  • msg #283

Re: Regrouping


This might sound a bit out of character coming from the player of Grey Cell's Mr. Caution, but how about James and Andrey silently taking out the two sentries and then using the rocky terrain to get in closer to the landing strip. The elephant rifle could probably punch a hole or two in the plane big enough to ground it.

Just crazy enough that it might work?

-
Tegyrius
GM, 385 posts
Fri 6 Nov 2015
at 22:47
  • msg #284

Re: Regrouping

The Weatherby can get the job done with an engine shot, no question.  The Marlin has ballistics very similar to those of an AK (seriously, .30-30 is basically a round-nosed 7.62x29mm if you look at the numbers), so it might be up to the task, too.

The terrain definitely will let James and Andrey get up close if they remove or evade the patrol.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:47, Fri 06 Nov 2015.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 53 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sat 7 Nov 2015
at 01:45
  • msg #285

Re: Regrouping

In reply to James Choi (msg # 283):

I'm not the best in a scrap but with the element of surprise, as long as I don't continue to blunder my way through the Outback, I do like the idea of taking them out in stealth.
Sebastien Durand
player, 242 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 7 Nov 2015
at 13:14
  • msg #286

Re: Regrouping

In reply to James Choi (msg # 283):

Works for me.
Tegyrius
GM, 386 posts
Sat 7 Nov 2015
at 20:14
  • msg #287

Re: Regrouping

I'm prepping the turn post now.  My current record of weapon assignments has:

Mike - Glock 31, FN P90
Crad - vz.52 (and knives)

Seb - Marlin .30-30, M1911A1 (.38 Super)
Hannah - M1911A1 (.38 Super), Tokarev TT-33
Coop - H&K USP Tactical, FN P90

James - FN Five-seveN, H&K MP5SD6
Andrey - H&K P2000SK

The last accounting I have for the big Weatherby had Seb tentatively suggesting that it go to James (this thread, post 247), but I can't find any definite answer on that.  Unless someone has a post I missed, I'm exercising GM fiat to say that Andrey is currently carrying it on James' behalf with the intent to swap long guns when and if it's necessary.  That leaves each of the two ATV/foot teams with one true rifle.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:15, Sat 07 Nov 2015.
Sebastien Durand
player, 244 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 8 Nov 2015
at 10:39
  • msg #288

Re: Regrouping

To summarise ooc what Seb's planning, he'll stay at current location and open fire on the group around the SUV's, trying to hit the Attars first if possible.

He wants Hannah and Coop to move a little to the south so that a) they can back him up if his action prompts a reaction and b) they're closer to the plane should any opportunities present themselves to seize or incapacitate it.

There seems to be a doubling up on the Marlin. Rae has referenced it in Choi's post but as far as I'm aware Seb has the Marlin and Choi has the Weatherby per Teg's message 287, so I've posted Seb as using the Marlin.

@Teg, as you know my gun fu is limited - I've taken six as the mag capacity as that's what's listed for the 30.30 Marlin 336 but if that's not the case let me know.
Tegyrius
GM, 388 posts
Sun 8 Nov 2015
at 13:21
  • msg #289

Re: Regrouping

Sebastien Durand:
@Teg, as you know my gun fu is limited - I've taken six as the mag capacity as that's what's listed for the 30.30 Marlin 336 but if that's not the case let me know.


That's correct.  Also, if I didn't specifically state earlier, it's mounting a variable-power (2-7x) scope.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:21, Sun 08 Nov 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 390 posts
Sun 8 Nov 2015
at 19:35
  • msg #290

Re: Regrouping

James Choi:
James pockets the near bad guy's cell phone and wallet, then quickly inspects the damaged FNC. (OOC: If it's functional, he'll take it. If not, he'll remove the magazine and leave the rifle.)


The stock has a ragged hole through it but the rifle is still in working order.
Sebastien Durand
player, 245 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 8 Nov 2015
at 22:54
  • msg #291

Re: Regrouping

All, just a quick fyi, my online time will probably be limited for most of this coming week. I will be around and I will still be able to post, but I may be slow in doing so and and / or my posts may be briefer than usual.
Tegyrius
GM, 391 posts
Wed 11 Nov 2015
at 22:32
  • msg #292

Re: Regrouping

Waitin' on actions from Hannah and Coop before the next turn goes up.
James Choi
player, 160 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Fri 13 Nov 2015
at 01:21
  • msg #293

Re: Regrouping


My monitor is slowly dying. If/when it finally gives up the ghost, I may go silent for a bit while I wrangle up a replacement. I can check in here on my phone but posting from it? Not really.

-
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 55 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sat 14 Nov 2015
at 01:09
  • msg #294

Re: Regrouping

In reply to James Choi (msg # 293):

Oof - pity you're not local - I've got like 3 monitors crowding my spare room I could just hand you :(
Tegyrius
GM, 392 posts
Sat 14 Nov 2015
at 22:58
  • msg #295

Re: Regrouping

Turn post will go up once I'm done with tonight's Roll20 Vampire game.
James Choi
player, 161 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sat 14 Nov 2015
at 23:01
  • msg #296

Re: Regrouping


How do you like using Roll20?

-
Tegyrius
GM, 393 posts
Sat 14 Nov 2015
at 23:03
  • msg #297

Re: Regrouping

I haven't run anything over it yet, but it's pretty smooth for play.  Having said that, I haven't been in any heavy combat in either of the games I'm in there (Vampire and Apo's Night's Black Agents campaign).
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 56 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Mon 16 Nov 2015
at 04:42
  • msg #298

Re: Regrouping

I love using Roll20 - I've run close to a dozen different games on it now - everything from FATE Core and Night's Black Agents to Pathfinder.
Karolina Kowalska
player, 145 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Tue 17 Nov 2015
at 20:59
  • msg #299

Re: Regrouping

When I was in the US, I was in a long term (9 month) Traveller game on Roll20.  It worked well; we played every Sunday. The Ref was in the UK and we had folks from Canada, the US, and Germany who participated.  Occasionally we would drop to to Skype for VOIP, but overall, it's a great program.
Tegyrius
GM, 395 posts
Wed 18 Nov 2015
at 02:55
  • msg #300

Re: Regrouping

I am re-reading Chapter One as I begin to sketch out the plot for Chapter a Three. This is some damn fine writing, folks.
Cooper Williams
player, 62 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Wed 18 Nov 2015
at 18:32
  • msg #301

Re: Regrouping

Coop is going a little bit off task, but I figure we have enough Australia's Weirdest Home Videos going.

Besides...


This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Wed 18 Nov 2015.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 165 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 18 Nov 2015
at 22:40
  • msg #302

Re: Regrouping


We had'em in chapter one.  I just never got around to outfitting everyone with them before Black Hawk Down intersected with Fire in the Sky.
Tegyrius
GM, 396 posts
Fri 20 Nov 2015
at 01:02
  • msg #303

Re: Regrouping

Huh.  Sometimes the dice roller just gives me plot on a plate.

20:00, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Cooper Williams, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Thing.
20:00, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Hannah Omdahl, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Thing.

Edit: and then this happened:

20:05, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Hannah Omdahl, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Physics.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:05, Fri 20 Nov 2015.
Cooper Williams
player, 65 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Sun 22 Nov 2015
at 19:47
  • msg #304

Re: Regrouping

Mind control pod, or party pod... you decide:


Sebastien Durand
player, 248 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 22 Nov 2015
at 23:22
  • msg #305

Re: Regrouping

Teg, just to be sure, does Seb have line of sight on the pod?
Tegyrius
GM, 399 posts
Sun 22 Nov 2015
at 23:25
  • msg #306

Re: Regrouping

Affirmative.
Sebastien Durand
player, 249 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 22 Nov 2015
at 23:31
  • msg #307

Re: Regrouping

Cheers. I'll about to go to bed, so will post tomorrow.
Cooper Williams
player, 67 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Tue 24 Nov 2015
at 15:53
  • msg #308

Re: Regrouping

In case shooting doesn't go well...  How flat is the terrain between where we stashed the ATV and where the plane/pod are linking up?

I'm wondering if we could rig up a Hail Mary ATV ramming situation.  Tie down the handlebars, turn the fuel tank into a molotov cocktail, then jam the throttle.  Even if it doesn't hit, might serve as a distraction, draw fire, etc.
Tegyrius
GM, 400 posts
Tue 24 Nov 2015
at 23:13
  • msg #309

Re: Regrouping

It's the flattest terrain in the area, which is why they're using it as a runway.  Still, these bikes don't have particularly good alignment, being much-abused tourist rental units.  Over that distance, you'd need someone to act as an A-Team guidance system and bail out at the last moment.
James Choi
player, 165 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Thu 26 Nov 2015
at 02:05
  • msg #310

Re: Regrouping


Teg, my latest IC post assumes a bit about the crashed Nissan Patrol. From how I imagined what you described, the vehicle hit the stump going pretty fast, likely messing up the human driver pretty good and, hopefully, at least stunning the Attar. If I over or underestimated the effect of the crash, please let me know and I will edit my last IC post accordingly.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 401 posts
Thu 26 Nov 2015
at 02:06
  • msg #311

Re: Regrouping

That's exactly how I envisioned it.  The trucks were going about 30mph before you took them out - plenty fast for a disabling and stunning collision.
Tegyrius
GM, 402 posts
Sun 29 Nov 2015
at 18:28
  • msg #312

Re: Regrouping

DAVE WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO TO MY DICE ROLLER

13:27, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Sebastien Durand, rolled 9 using 1d20+8.  Small Arms (Rifle).
13:27, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Sebastien Durand, rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Small Arms (Rifle).
13:27, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Sebastien Durand, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Small Arms (Rifle).
Sebastien Durand
player, 251 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 29 Nov 2015
at 19:18
  • msg #313

Re: Regrouping

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 312):

LOL...next time it'll likely give me 3 20's to compensate...

Quick question - can Seb fire on anything or will it take the full round to reload?

And if he can fire, does he have eyes on the dwarf?
Tegyrius
GM, 404 posts
Sun 29 Nov 2015
at 19:21
  • msg #314

Re: Regrouping

Reloading to a full 6+1 will take his whole turn.  The Marlin is a tube-fed lever-action, so he has to stuff each cartridge into it individually.  He can load only one cartridge and get that shot off in the same turn but it'll have to be quick, not aimed.

He knows where the dwarf went to ground - Cooper's hits cued him - but he doesn't currently have LOS on it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Sun 29 Nov 2015.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 58 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Mon 30 Nov 2015
at 18:24
  • msg #315

Re: Regrouping

I'll get a post up later today - between family, holiday and a brief bit of illness, I haven't been able to do much online the past couple of days.
Tegyrius
GM, 405 posts
Tue 1 Dec 2015
at 23:18
  • msg #316

Re: Regrouping

FYI (and I probably should add this to the house rules post as well) - how I'm handling spotting for a sniper is to give the spotter an Observation or Forward Observer check.  If he succeeds, I give the sniper a free re-roll if the aided shot misses.

(Also, Keys, I realize just now that I failed to give you a Forward Observer check to aid the strafing run.  Sorry about that.  :/  )
Michael Dacovetti
player, 169 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 2 Dec 2015
at 02:36
  • msg #317

Re: Regrouping

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 316):


Clearly you don't care about my needs...
Tegyrius
GM, 406 posts
Wed 2 Dec 2015
at 02:40
  • msg #318

Re: Regrouping

This is XCOM, after all.
Tegyrius
GM, 408 posts
Fri 4 Dec 2015
at 01:27
  • msg #319

Re: Regrouping

Lots of lead being tossed out this turn to little effect.  Everyone was firing at extreme range during this round (though that's about to change as Mike and Crad do a drive-by).  Under these conditions, most of you need a 3 or less to hit even with aimed fire.  Range brackets, FYI:

Marlin w/ scope: short 86m, medium 172m, long 344m, extreme 688m

FNCs: short 46m, medium 92m, long 184m, extreme 368m

Weatherby w/ scope: short 167m, medium 334m, long 668m, extreme 1336m

P90s: short 29m, medium 58m, long 116m, extreme 232m
Hannah Omdahl
player, 129 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Fri 4 Dec 2015
at 01:39
  • msg #320

Re: Regrouping

Dice Roller:
17:18, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Hannah Omdahl, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Observation.

Gah!  I think that Double Down just knocked herself out...
Tegyrius
GM, 409 posts
Fri 4 Dec 2015
at 01:55
  • msg #321

Re: Regrouping

This round was the dice roller evening things out, I fear.
Cooper Williams
player, 69 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Fri 4 Dec 2015
at 05:53
  • msg #322

Re: Regrouping

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 319):

Is there any effective cover between Cooper and the pod that he could reach with a 5 second sprint?
Tegyrius
GM, 410 posts
Fri 4 Dec 2015
at 11:49
  • msg #323

Re: Regrouping

It's pretty flat out there... runway and all that.  Call it a Survival check to find usable cover at the end of any given movement.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:49, Fri 04 Dec 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 411 posts
Tue 8 Dec 2015
at 23:08
  • msg #324

Re: Regrouping

Are Coop and Hannah going to try something precipitous involving a quad (which I sort of got by implication) or are they spending this round rebooting Hannah?
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:13, Tue 08 Dec 2015.
Cooper Williams
player, 71 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Thu 10 Dec 2015
at 19:44
  • msg #325

Re: Regrouping

I guess just rebooting for now.
Tegyrius
GM, 412 posts
Thu 10 Dec 2015
at 23:21
  • msg #326

Re: Regrouping

I am absolutely done believing in this dice roller's randomness.
Sebastien Durand
player, 254 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 11 Dec 2015
at 12:22
  • msg #327

Re: Regrouping

I think I know the answer to this, but just to reconfirm, from Seb's position is there any way that he would be able to see to get closer to the enemy shooters without giving up his cover?
Michael Dacovetti
player, 171 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Fri 11 Dec 2015
at 12:55
  • msg #328

Re: Regrouping

I can't remember, don't  we have a LAW somewhere?

Or probably not.  Mixing stories in my head.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Fri 11 Dec 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 414 posts
Fri 11 Dec 2015
at 12:59
  • msg #329

Re: Regrouping

Sebastien Durand:
I think I know the answer to this, but just to reconfirm, from Seb's position is there any way that he would be able to see to get closer to the enemy shooters without giving up his cover?


Nope.  From Seb, Hannah, and Coop's current dune, it's pretty flat out there.  A successful Survival check will find partial cover within one turn's movement but it'll basically be a dip or divot in the ground.

Michael Dacovetti:
I can't remember, don't  we have a LAW somewhere?


Not on this op, unfortunately.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:01, Fri 11 Dec 2015.
Tegyrius
GM, 415 posts
Fri 11 Dec 2015
at 13:04
  • msg #330

Re: Regrouping

08:02, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Sebastien Durand, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Survival.
08:02, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Hannah Omdahl, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Survival.
08:02, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Cooper Williams, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Survival.

... why, yes, from Seb's position, he can see a slight north-south crease in the ground that will allow him to close on the pod/convoy area without too much exposure.
Sebastien Durand
player, 255 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Fri 11 Dec 2015
at 13:28
  • msg #331

Re: Regrouping

Michael Dacovetti:
I can't remember, don't  we have a LAW somewhere?

Or probably not.  Mixing stories in my head.

Watching Mike shooting down the alien spaceship with a LAW would have been epic though.

Tegyrius:
08:02, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Sebastien Durand, rolled 1 using 1d20.  Survival.
08:02, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Hannah Omdahl, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Survival.
08:02, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Cooper Williams, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Survival.

... why, yes, from Seb's position, he can see a slight north-south crease in the ground that will allow him to close on the pod/convoy area without too much exposure.

Merci beaucoup. IC post will follow accordingly tonight.
Tegyrius
GM, 416 posts
Sat 12 Dec 2015
at 17:32
  • msg #332

Re: Regrouping

Hey, team.  Just a heads-up that I'll be off comms from 12/18 through 12/21.  I'll shoot for the night of Wednesday 12/23 for the next turn post, unless everyone gets actions in before then.
Sebastien Durand
player, 257 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Mon 14 Dec 2015
at 09:37
  • msg #333

Re: Regrouping

Guys, just a quick bit of advance notice -  I will be around this week but starting this Friday night my time I’d expect my online time to start becoming increasingly limited as we get closer to Christmas.

I have family arriving for Christmas on Wednesday 21st so will likely drop off more or less completely at that point until either the 26th or 27th.
Tegyrius
GM, 418 posts
Wed 16 Dec 2015
at 01:58
  • msg #334

Re: Regrouping

Thump.  A hefty turn this time.  Lots of stuff happening.  Some good rolls on both sides.  I sped up the action a little bit because I feel like I've been unfairly dragging out the long-range slap-fight.

Radio comms are still out but Mike, James, Andrey, and Crad are all concentrated in one place now.
James Choi
player, 170 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 16 Dec 2015
at 02:10
  • msg #335

Re: Regrouping


Great turn post, Teg. Edge-of-my-seat stuff, start to finish.

What's the current status of the pod and the baddy plane? A friend would like to know.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 419 posts
Wed 16 Dec 2015
at 02:21
  • msg #336

Re: Regrouping

The pod hasn't moved since Sébastien and the RAAF hit it with three rounds of .30-30 and a double handful of 20mm.  It's just sitting there.  Of note, it is no longer glowing in the visible spectrum.

The Skyvan made it off the ground unmolested and is out of play as far as the PCs are concerned.  The Orion may still have a track on it but there's no way to talk to them right now.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 63 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Wed 23 Dec 2015
at 00:52
  • msg #337

Re: Regrouping

I made a post without being nudged!! Despite holiday insanity!

Hope everyone's having a good week so far.
Tegyrius
GM, 421 posts
Thu 24 Dec 2015
at 02:38
  • msg #338

Re: Regrouping

Everyone except Cooper, I think!

Take your time with this turn, team.  I'll be bouncing in and out of various social commitments for the next week and a half, so there's no rush for actions.  I'll get the next GM post up once everyone's weighed in (or on the evening of January 3rd if most of you have posted by then).
Hannah Omdahl
player, 133 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Thu 24 Dec 2015
at 02:46
  • msg #339

Re: Regrouping

*sigh*  Sorry everyone, rolled like crap to miss that gunman with a friggin' ATV.  I fear that I may have doomed both Cooper and myself... :(. Where are the grenades when you need them?  We are seriously underpowered here; at least, Hannah is.  Fighting mind control and plasma pistols with pea shooters ... :D

Not sure if I can get an IC response up before Christmas, but I will try.  If not, I should be able to respond this weekend.
Cooper Williams
player, 74 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Thu 24 Dec 2015
at 18:53
  • msg #340

Re: Regrouping

Hannah Omdahl:
*sigh*  Sorry everyone, rolled like crap to miss that gunman with a friggin' ATV.  I fear that I may have doomed both Cooper and myself... :(.


Well, it wouldn't be XCOM if you didn't have a bunch of people in the hospital or dead at the end of the encounter.  At least that's been my experience... hehe
Hannah Omdahl
player, 134 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Fri 25 Dec 2015
at 06:23
  • msg #341

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Happy Holidays, everyone!  Best wishes from my family to yours, this holiday time.  I hope that you are all doing well and I look forward to RPing with you in the new year and beyond.

And it looks like Cooper's prediction/wish came true... At the very least, Hannah and Cooper will be hospitalized, if not in body bags.  Sorry I didn't get an IC response up today.  Looks like it will have to be this weekend (Sunday, most likely).
Tegyrius
GM, 422 posts
Sat 26 Dec 2015
at 03:44
  • msg #342

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

One small factor in your favor is that you act before the opposing team.  All the PCs have higher Initiative values than the humans and the sectoid already has a couple of .30 caliber holes in it...
Tegyrius
GM, 423 posts
Wed 30 Dec 2015
at 12:54
  • msg #343

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I have guests coming in tonight for end-of-year festivities.  If I can't get the turn up tonight before they arrive, it'll probably be the evening of the 3rd.  Enjoy your respective shenanigans!
Tegyrius
GM, 425 posts
Wed 30 Dec 2015
at 23:25
  • msg #344

And a Happy New Year!

Well, that's a thing.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 136 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Wed 30 Dec 2015
at 23:31
  • msg #345

And a Happy New Year!

And... true to form, Hannah can't hit the broad side of a barn...

  14:49, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Hannah Omdahl, rolled 18 using 1d20.  Small Arms (Pistol).
  15:10, Today: Tegyrius, on behalf of Hannah Omdahl, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Small Arms (Pistol).

I'll try to get something up IC tonight or tomorrow, if I can (even though I have no idea what to do here, and I know that Teg won't be able to respond until the 3rd, likely).

Oh, and Happy New Year's, everyone!
Tegyrius
GM, 426 posts
Thu 31 Dec 2015
at 00:09
  • msg #346

And a Happy New Year!

If y'all want, you can have a brief radio discussion before acting...
James Choi
player, 174 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Thu 31 Dec 2015
at 00:41
  • msg #347

And a Happy New Year!


I say take out the dwarf and hope that it's controlling the guy holding the knife to Coop's throat. That's easy for me to say, though.

James has 2 rounds left in the Weatherby and should be able to take at least one aimed shot at peewee E.T. this turn.

-
Sebastien Durand
player, 260 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 31 Dec 2015
at 10:35
  • msg #348

And a Happy New Year!

I'm kinda stuck on this one.

If we act we could lose Hannah and Coop although with our remaining firepower we should be able to finish off the hostiles.

However...if we acquiesce to their demands they could still pull a double cross and either kidnap or kill Hannah and Coop.

Given current policies are "no negotiation" (and generally have been for some time) and Seb's background I'd be inclined to think that he'd be in favour of trying to take them out.

However going meta, Spartan and dcoda are the ones with their pc's on the line so probably best if they have the final say?

Unfortunately the Marlin is empty so Seb can't contribute much directly - my options for this turn are a single quick shot or reload and fire next turn.
Cooper Williams
player, 76 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Thu 31 Dec 2015
at 18:26
  • msg #349

And a Happy New Year!

I'd be up for someone taking a shot at the guy who holding the knife on Cooper, if Hannah is ok with the risk of being shot by a plasma weapon.  If my HT goes down, Cooper will try to roll and grab the AKMS and light up the dwarf.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 175 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Thu 31 Dec 2015
at 19:24
  • msg #350

And a Happy New Year!


If we can have the short radio conversation, we might try the talk at them while we take aim and then shoot simultaneously play.  That does expose us to another mind control attempt though.

In any case, I plan on having Michael start his run to the tractor trailer, but whatever happens with Coop will be long over before he gets there.
Tegyrius
GM, 427 posts
Sun 3 Jan 2016
at 20:29
  • msg #351

And a Happy New Year!

Hey, folks.  How we doin' here?
James Choi
player, 175 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sun 3 Jan 2016
at 21:11
  • msg #352

And a Happy New Year!


I'm here. I think no one's posted IC yet because no one wants to be responsible for Cooper's death. At least, that's why I haven't posted yet.

-
Sebastien Durand
player, 261 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 3 Jan 2016
at 21:17
  • msg #353

And a Happy New Year!

I'm here too. I realise it's a bit meta but I've been holding off in anticipation of a radio convo.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 137 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Sun 3 Jan 2016
at 21:20
  • msg #354

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Cooper Williams:
I'd be up for someone taking a shot at the guy who holding the knife on Cooper, if Hannah is ok with the risk of being shot by a plasma weapon.  If my HT goes down, Cooper will try to roll and grab the AKMS and light up the dwarf.

Okay, I am going to try this, I guess.

Nobody threatens my peeps (especially the good looking Australian SEAL equivalent guy)!  I actually suspect that Cooper can handle himself - though, he has been shot twice; so, there is that.

I'll try to get an IC post up later tonight... (probably 8 hours or so from now... sorry, I can't do it earlier).
Sebastien Durand
player, 262 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sun 3 Jan 2016
at 21:25
  • msg #355

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Hannah Omdahl:
Cooper Williams:
I'd be up for someone taking a shot at the guy who holding the knife on Cooper, if Hannah is ok with the risk of being shot by a plasma weapon.  If my HT goes down, Cooper will try to roll and grab the AKMS and light up the dwarf.

Okay, I am going to try this, I guess.

Nobody threatens my peeps (especially the good looking Australian SEAL equivalent guy)!  I actually suspect that Cooper can handle himself - though, he has been shot twice; so, there is that.

I'll try to get an IC post up later tonight... (probably 8 hours or so from now... sorry, I can't do it earlier).

Personally I thought the whole 'pants on fire' thing was an elaborate ploy by Coop to get Hannah to render first aid whilst taking his trousers off...
Tegyrius
GM, 428 posts
Tue 5 Jan 2016
at 02:12
  • msg #356

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Long day at work followed by a run that was more draining than it should have been.  Turn post will go up tomorrow night.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:12, Tue 05 Jan 2016.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 64 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Tue 5 Jan 2016
at 23:51
  • msg #357

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Sorry I've been so awful - holidays and mom's been in and out of the hospital these past 3 weeks. Mom's doing better and there's no holidays for months yet so... hopefully back to my less-awful self.
Tegyrius
GM, 433 posts
Fri 8 Jan 2016
at 02:24
  • msg #358

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Hey, team.  As we wind down the second operation, I have a few things I'd like you to contemplate regarding this campaign's future.

1.  Do we want to keep going?  There was some discussion after the end of the Libya mission of just shutting down and walking away because it ended so well.  I decided to press on because I had more stories to tell in this world, but I don't feel like my writing or pacing on the Australia operation has been nearly as good as it was in Libya.  If the consensus is that you guys want to call it here, or put it on hiatus for a predetermined length of time, I will not be hurt.  Srsly.

If we do want to keep going...

2.  Are we getting what we want out of this?  My plan for the third operation is (hopefully) a little bit more investigation and intrigue, and should yield some more solid answers about the aliens' presence on Earth.  Of course, no plot survives contact with the players.  ;)  What avenues does everyone want to pursue?  More classic turn-based XCOM tactical combat?  More espionage?  More character-building (I am very happy with the way the PCs' personalities are continuing to evolve in response to the curtains they pull back)?

3.  Do we want to stay with the Twilight: 2000 v2.2 game engine or switch to something that better supports an investigative/espionage style of play?  Between missions is the opportune time to do this.  Apoapsis and I have discussed the viability of using Night's Black Agents for this game, or a game like it, and I also could see a switch to Unisystem (Conspiracy X, for one, brushes up very close to this game's style) or the New World of Darkness' Storytelling engine.  But if everyone is comfortable with what we're currently using, I can certainly keep running in T2k - it's a system that I can manipulate to do most of what I want.

(ETA) 4.  Technical item.  Do you prefer me to put ammo expenditures, wounds, and other combat crunch as (orange parenthetical inline text) or as

orange summary text in the foot of the turn post?

Discuss amongst ourselves...
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:39, Fri 08 Jan 2016.
James Choi
player, 178 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 00:50
  • msg #359

Re: And a Happy New Year!


I am continuing to enjoy myself here. I'm all for the game continuing into the next chapter, if the GM is continuing to enjoy his duties.

I trust that whatever direction the GM decides to take the campaign, it'll be good.

I really don't want to buy/learn a new system. If the rest of you are cool with a conversion, I won't try to stand in your way, though.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 435 posts
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 01:08
  • msg #360

Re: And a Happy New Year!

The GM is still very much having fun here, with the exception of having run that godawful interminable long-range combat scene.  :P
Michael Dacovetti
player, 180 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 02:57
  • msg #361

Re: And a Happy New Year!


I'm having fun here, for sure!

While I'm open to changing systems, I don't really see the need to.  If we have to break the rules to do something, I'm good narrative overriding rule set.  You've been setting a great story tone so far, so like Rae, I trust your vision.  I've got some ideas for an interlude scene or two that I'll run past you and start putting together.

So yeah, I'm happy to keep going forward.  I'd be disappointed if we shelved it.
Karolina Kowalska
player, 146 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 08:46
  • msg #362

Re: And a Happy New Year!

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 358):

1. I'm up for continuing.  I'm still pressed for time, but I'll do my best.

2. I think more espionage and intrigue would be good for the next episode.  Which ties into #3 for me...

3. I would be interested in either bolting on better rules for espionage type activities to TW2K, or having a secondary system that handles them as an overlay to TW2K.  Sadly, being Lawful Unimaginative, I often find myself constraining my IC actions to what I think the game system can handle.  I'd love to stat out Lina in another system and define aspects that 2.2 doesn't capture very well.  For example, just looking through Conspiracy X which I downloaded 3 minutes ago , something like Pulling Strings as a special quality is something I imagine Kowalska's good at, which could probably be handled by Persuasion in 2.2, but I don't tend to think of it that way.  If you give people the option of stating out their PCs in a couple of systems, but using TW2.2 as the core mechanic, then people don't have to pickup a new ruleset and learn it if they don't want to.

4. Whatever is easier for you when drafting.  Personally I want to get better about defining inventory before engagements, which that plays into.
Sebastien Durand
player, 266 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 11:34
  • msg #363

Re: And a Happy New Year!

I'm definitely up for continuing as well.   

I'm good with espionage / intrigue / a bit of character building. Favourite part of any game for me usually revolves around the interactions between the characters.

I don't have an issue with looking at other systems per se, however my challenge would be that if I don't fully understand the system it may affect what I feel I can do with my character - either by not doing things that he can or by attempting to do things that he really shouldn't whereas I am comfortable with the T2K system so am more than happy to stay with that.


On point 4 I have no preference, so happy to go with whatever works best for you.

I shall also touch base with you separately on the subject of interludes...
Tegyrius
GM, 436 posts
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 13:07
  • msg #364

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Karolina Kowalska:
3. I would be interested in either bolting on better rules for espionage type activities to TW2K, or having a secondary system that handles them as an overlay to TW2K.  Sadly, being Lawful Unimaginative, I often find myself constraining my IC actions to what I think the game system can handle.  I'd love to stat out Lina in another system and define aspects that 2.2 doesn't capture very well.  For example, just looking through Conspiracy X which I downloaded 3 minutes ago , something like Pulling Strings as a special quality is something I imagine Kowalska's good at, which could probably be handled by Persuasion in 2.2, but I don't tend to think of it that way.  If you give people the option of stating out their PCs in a couple of systems, but using TW2.2 as the core mechanic, then people don't have to pickup a new ruleset and learn it if they don't want to.


A valid point.  I've already added the Damage Control, Physics, and UFOlogy skills to plug what I saw as gaps in the system that might affect us.  WRT the Pulling Strings you mentioned (one of the things about ConX that has always held my affection), my first thought is a CHA-based Network skill to replace enumerated contacts.  This would represent the aggregate of the character's Rolodex, and a successful roll would reach out to someone who can affect the situation on the PC's behalf with information, influence, or equipment.  It needs refinement but it's the best I can do with something nesting in my sinuses this morning...

I think this deserves further consideration and will hold off on XP allocations until we decide if we're adding any more new skills or other functions.

(I also need to mechanically normalize psi effects at some point...)
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:09, Sat 09 Jan 2016.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 66 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 18:28
  • msg #365

Re: And a Happy New Year!

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 358):

1 - Despite my intermittenness I am enjoying this a great deal. I've only got a limited experience with play-by-post but I still say this is hands-down the best I've ever participated in. Great group of folks with an exciting and layered story.

2 - Espionage is definitely my bag and exactly what I had in mind when I pitched Andrey to you. Between running my "Vampire Spy Thriller" and reading tons of LeCarre, I had a strong spy itch that I wanted to scratch as a player.

3 - I am almost definitely in the minority here but I am totally willing to switch systems. I never played Twilight:2000 when it was new and never owned the books. I'm more familiar with T:2k13 but I've never actually played that system either. I think NBA would be a terrific fit for this style of game though it loses some of the granularity in combat (this hasn't hurt the games I've been in but your mileage may vary).

4 - Whichever feels natural to you though I like having the system stuff divorced from the flavor stuff - it's generally pretty easy to parse what happened and when I'm reading the fiction I'm able to immerse better with the system stuff being at the end.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 181 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 19:12
  • msg #366

Re: And a Happy New Year!

I can pick up another system if that's what you want to do, just let me know.  I have some experience with Unisystem, but I'd have to buy either ConX or NBA.  Not a problem, just need to acquire the book.

PDFs just hurt my game brain.
Tegyrius
GM, 437 posts
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 21:45
  • msg #367

Re: And a Happy New Year!

It looks like the general consensus is to stay with the current system and make it work for us (sorry, Apo - you know how I feel about Night's Black Agents but I also agree that its combat is not quite tactical enough for an XCOM-derived game!).

Speaking of tactical combat, I've been doing a couple of things behind the screen that I probably should state explicitly.  First:

Sniper-Spotter Teams

If a spotter is assisting a sniper with a shot, the spotter makes an Observation or Forward Observer (whichever is higher) skill check at the same difficulty that the sniper's attack will use.  If the spotter succeeds, the sniper rolls twice for his attack and takes the better result.

And then the slightly more complex one, an attempt to articulate how I usually "eyeball" volume of fire and Recoil:

Rate of Fire

If a character is firing a semi-automatic weapon, I usually assume she's firing a controllable volley - i.e., her cumulative Recoil doesn't exceed her Strength.  I handle a semi-auto volley as a single attack roll.

Example: Karolina (Strength 7) is firing a ubiquitous Glock 17 (Recoil 3) at an Attar.  The cumulative Recoil for two shots is 6, so I assume she is double-tapping with no penalty.

To determine multiple hits from a successful attack with a volley, I add the weapon's Recoil to the die result.  If the modified result is still less than or equal to the target number, that's an additional hit - with location and damage rolled separately.  I keep doing that until I'm out of bullets or until the modified die result exceeds the target number.

Example: Karolina needs a 6 or less to hit.  The die result is a 2.  Adding the Glock's Recoil of 3 yields a modified die result of 5 - still under the target number.  Karolina gets two hits.

This game system doesn't differentiate between "regulated" bursts (i.e., two- or three-round bursts controlled by a gun's selector) and full auto fire in any way but Recoil and the number of bullets released per trigger press.  I'm okay with that abstraction.  For multiple hits in burst fire, I generally look at it the same way: one round automatically hits, then increase the die result by the semi-auto Recoil value for additional hits.

Going forward, if someone fires multiple bursts in a single turn, I'll make a separate attack roll for each burst.  Cumulative recoil penalties will apply to each burst past the first.

Example: Karolina switches to a wz.88 Tantal assault rifle (ROF S/3/5, Recoil 2 for a single shot, 4 for a three-round burst, 6 for a five-round "burst" of automatic fire).  She fires a pair of three-round bursts at another Attar.

The first burst needs a 10 or less to hit.  Karolina's first attack roll yields a 7 on the die.  The first round hits.  Adding the single shot Recoil of 2 provides a modified die result of 9, so the second round hits.  There's one more bullet in this burst, but adding Recoil 2 again modifies the die result to 11, so the third round misses.

The cumulative Recoil of 2 three-round bursts is 8, which exceeds Karolina's Strength by 1.  Karolina's second attack roll will need a 9 or less (10 - 1) to hit...
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:00, Sun 10 Jan 2016.
Tegyrius
GM, 445 posts
Sun 10 Jan 2016
at 03:13
  • msg #368

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Grey Cell Agents,

The [Meta] Intelligence Summaries thread has been updated with the latest analysis from Operation ESSENTIAL NOMAD.  Several new files are available.  Updates to existing files are marked in blue text.

At this time, we are considering requests for research prioritization.  We wish to extend our appreciation to Dealer for his analysis of the WILDWOOD GROUSE effect.  His detection system is now being operationalized under Project RETICLE.  No ETA is given for full deployment but we are confident that progress will be rapid.

Best,

Green Cell

(Yes, this is still OOC, but I'm feeling a bit tongue-in-cheek after writing up all that infodump.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:32, Sun 10 Jan 2016.
Tegyrius
GM, 446 posts
Sun 10 Jan 2016
at 03:16
  • msg #369

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Agent Roulette,

Before your initial deployment with Grey Cell, please submit an agent biography to the [Meta] Character Profiles thread.  This will aid us in composing your classified eulogy in the event of your untimely demise.

Thank you,

Blue Cell > HR
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:31, Sun 10 Jan 2016.
Tegyrius
GM, 447 posts
Sun 10 Jan 2016
at 13:07
  • msg #370

Re: And a Happy New Year!

I'm not entirely satisfied with the default T2k hit location table because of its tendency to produce a large number of lower body hits.  This seems to run counter to aiming center of mass and accepting deviations from there.

The default d10 hit location table is:

1 - head
2 - right arm
3 - left arm
4 - chest
5 - abdomen
6 - abdomen
7 - right leg
8 - right leg
9  - left leg
10 - left leg

I'm thinking about two options.  The first is a slight modification of the d10 table:

1 - head
2 - right arm (upper)
3 - right arm (lower)
4 - left arm (upper)
5 - left arm (lower)
6 - chest
7 - chest
8 - abdomen
9 - right leg
10 - right leg

The second is the d3 x d6 "grid" I used for Twilight: 2013's Reflex System:

 123
1left hand/wristhead/neckright hand/wrist
2left elbow/forearmupper chestright elbow/forearm
3left shoulder/upper chestcenter chestright shoulder/upper chest
4left hip/thighcenter chestright hip/thigh
5left knee/lower legupper abdomenright knee/lower leg
6left ankle/footlower abdomenright ankle/foot


Opinions?
Michael Dacovetti
player, 182 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Sun 10 Jan 2016
at 13:53
  • msg #371

Re: And a Happy New Year!

I like the grid.
If you have to detail out in a post where the round is going for narrative purposes anyway, you might as well get some help.  And since most people aim center mass, the locations shouldn't be so "bottom heavy"
Cooper Williams
player, 79 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Mon 11 Jan 2016
at 17:27
  • msg #372

Re: And a Happy New Year!

In reply to Tegyrius (msg # 370):

Either works for me and both look better than Morrow Project hit tables.  :)  What will you find easier to reach for and faster (or funner) to implement?
Sebastien Durand
player, 267 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Mon 11 Jan 2016
at 19:22
  • msg #373

Re: And a Happy New Year!

I'm good with either to be honest. I guess 2 leaves a little more room for you to interpret the results compared to 3 (I have visions of hands and feet getting blown off!).
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 67 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Tue 12 Jan 2016
at 00:45
  • msg #374

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Grid looks pretty slick to me and since you've assumed the burden of all the dice-rolling (I'm tired of games where I'm constantly rolling for stuff), even better!
Tegyrius
GM, 448 posts
Tue 12 Jan 2016
at 01:26
  • msg #375

Re: And a Happy New Year!

I personally like the grid better but I wanted to put it out there for discussion before I implemented it.  :)

Thoughts on skill additions?  I feel like converting contacts to a Network skill is a start but it's still lacking something.  On the other hand, the stuff I would otherwise put under a Tradecraft skill is mostly represented in skills you guys already have... Stealth, Intrusion, Disguise, Interrogation...
Karolina Kowalska
player, 147 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 19:16
  • msg #376

It was hot the night we burned Chrome

I'm 5 minutes in to watching End of Watch and I'll just say that I've still not gotten over you guys passing on Teg's 2020 Cyberpunk game BTW.

Takeout!

This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Wed 13 Jan 2016.
Karolina Kowalska
player, 148 posts
Captain, GROM
Spartan-117
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 19:28
  • msg #377

It was hot the night we burned Chrome

12 minutes in.. smh...
Tegyrius
GM, 449 posts
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 20:01
  • msg #378

It was hot the night we burned Chrome

To be fair, I kinda flaked on putting that one together, too.
Cooper Williams
player, 80 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 20:19
  • msg #379

It was hot the night we burned Chrome

Everyone was going to get a shitty Air Force surplus Beretta, right?  I mean, what else do you need as an intro to a balls-out, killer RPG campaign than, "You have a shitty Air Force surplus Beretta and you are on the streets of Los Angles... GO!"  That shit is so good it writes itself.
Sebastien Durand
player, 268 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 20:37
  • msg #380

It was hot the night we burned Chrome

I'm watching Liverpool v Arsenal...it's epic...

(For those who don't know, Rae supports Arsenal, I support Liverpool!)
Tegyrius
GM, 450 posts
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 20:44
  • msg #381

It was hot the night we burned Chrome

I'm still at work for another 75 minutes. But I have a Night's Black Agents game tonight!
Michael Dacovetti
player, 184 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 23:02
  • msg #382

It was hot the night we burned Chrome

I've run twenty one calls at work, been sprayed by a sprinkler that broke open because the basement was 24 degrees, and have fourteen hours to go on my shift.  It's also 6 degrees outside.

I guess what I'm saying is:  jealous!!!
Michael Dacovetti
player, 185 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 23:03
  • msg #383

It was hot the night we burned Chrome

+1 for missing out on Cyberpunk, but we got Grey Cell, so I'll call it a win!
James Choi
player, 179 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 23:28
  • msg #384

Re: It was hot the night we burned Chrome

Sebastien Durand:
I'm watching Liverpool v Arsenal...it's epic...

(For those who don't know, Rae supports Arsenal, I support Liverpool!)


Argh! Another opportunity missed. Not happy.

-
James Choi
player, 180 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 23:30
  • msg #385

Re: It was hot the night we burned Chrome

Karolina Kowalska:
I'm 5 minutes in to watching End of Watch and I'll just say that I've still not gotten over you guys passing on Teg's 2020 Cyberpunk game BTW.


Funny you should say that because I'd watched that movie shortly before Teg announced his planned CP game and was going to take a couple of elements from the J.G. character for my own ex-patrol cop PC.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 451 posts
Thu 14 Jan 2016
at 00:52
  • msg #386

Re: It was hot the night we burned Chrome

Michael Dacovetti:
I've run twenty one calls at work, been sprayed by a sprinkler that broke open because the basement was 24 degrees, and have fourteen hours to go on my shift.  It's also 6 degrees outside.

I guess what I'm saying is:  jealous!!!


What, you mean you can't get the rest of the company to play D&D5 between calls?

Michael Dacovetti:
+1 for missing out on Cyberpunk, but we got Grey Cell, so I'll call it a win!


Yeah, I have to admit I'm having more fun running this than I probably would have running the cops game.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 140 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Thu 14 Jan 2016
at 10:09
  • msg #387

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Sorry about my silence and delay in responding (I know that I missed the window to respond to everyone IC in the Australia thread).  I assumed that Hannah was pretty shaken, knowing that her single shot was pretty darned lucky.

Anyhoo, I quite like the grid as well - though, since it is all behind the scenes, I am fine with whatever.

<.< What Cyberpunk game? >.>
Tegyrius
GM, 452 posts
Thu 14 Jan 2016
at 11:38
  • msg #388

Re: And a Happy New Year!

Before I spun up this game, I made an ill-fated attempt to assemble a Cyberpunk 2020 cops game loosely based Wanted, a one-season TNT show.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:38, Thu 14 Jan 2016.
Sebastien Durand
player, 269 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 14 Jan 2016
at 13:08
  • msg #389

Re: It was hot the night we burned Chrome

In reply to James Choi (msg # 384):

Yeah, only team that gained any ground was Leicester - not many people saw that happening!

Still think this is your best chance to win the League for years.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 141 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Thu 14 Jan 2016
at 16:18
  • msg #390

Re: It was hot the night we burned Chrome

Sebastien Durand:
Yeah, only team that gained any ground was Leicester - not many people saw that happening!

Go Foxes!  :D

EDIT:  BTW, I should have said this before, I still love the game and the premise (despite my inability to post more frequently).  I'll continue as long as the group will have me.  Investigations or shootouts are good... Though the former are (usually) far less damaging.  Usually.  This game... I am not so sure...
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Thu 14 Jan 2016.
Tegyrius
GM, 454 posts
Sun 17 Jan 2016
at 22:35
  • msg #391

Re: It was hot the night we burned Chrome

Time to clear some browser tabs.

A compendium of aviator call signs, most (but not all) from the F-16 community:
http://www.f-16.net/callsigns.html

NASA has created a new department to coordinate planetary defense efforts:
http://www.mirrordaily.com/nas...etary-defense/26680/

Hopefully your first UFO recovery experience will be a bit smoother than this:
https://forums.spacebattles.co...page-8#post-13067084

And this explains the frustration and complexity of the PC games so well:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Xcom/..._pits_are_essential/
Tegyrius
GM, 457 posts
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 14:07
  • msg #392

Delicious, delicious XP...

For the Australia mission, everyone receives 7 regular XP plus the following skill-specific XP:

Andrey VasilyevObservation 1
Stealth 1
UFOlogy 1
Cooper WilliamsInterrogation 1
Persuasion 1
UFOlogy 1
Hannah OmdahlPersuasion 1
Small Arms (Pistol) 1
UFOlogy 1
James ChoiInterrogation 1
Small Arms (Rifle) 1
UFOlogy 1
Karolina KowalskaMedical (Diagnosis) 1
Michael DacovettiBiology 1
Physics 1
UFOlogy 1
Sébastien DurandLeadership 1
Small Arms (Rifle) 1
UFOlogy 1
Caradoc CreweGround Vehicle (Wheeled) 1
Medical (Diagnosis) 1
UFOlogy 1


I will award additional skill-specific XP from the interlude thread when we begin Chapter Three.  If you want to see how that comes out, you can hold onto this XP award until then.

As a reminder, here's how XP works:

[Admin] Mechanical Considerations thread:
At the conclusion of each mission, I will award regular XP to each PC who participated in that op.  XP costs for skill increases are as per the BYB (pp. 138-139): raising a skill costs XP equal to the new skill value.

Example: Caradoc has Gunsmithing 3.  Caradoc may spend 3 XP to raise Gunsmithing to 4.

In addition, from time to time I may award skill-specific XP.  These are like regular XP but may be spent only to raise the skill to which they're linked.  Skill-specific XP may be combined with regular XP.

Example: Caradoc has Survival 2.  He also has 1 Survival-specific XP awarded for a solo camping trip in the Canadian Rockies during the last downtime sequence.  Caradoc may spend 1 Survival-specific XP and 2 regular XP to raise his Survival to 3.

Initiative will increase separately from skills.  I'm tracking Initiative on a hidden spreadsheet and will alter the PCs' character sheets as it becomes appropriate.  My mechanic for this is per the BYB (p. 139): each combat scene awards a PC one Initiative-specific XP.  Regular XP may not be spent to boost Initiative.


Those of you who earned Initiative advances have been notified in PM and your sheets adjusted accordingly.

Finally, some of you may have additional new skills on your sheets due to [REDACTED]...
Tegyrius
GM, 462 posts
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 15:51
  • msg #393

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Tegyrius:
Finally, some of you may have additional new skills on your sheets due to [REDACTED]...


Some further items on the subject of psi as I re-think this...

Psychic capabilities of certain alien species, and subsequently in select human personnel, have been part of X-COM canon since the original PC game.  Grey Cell's encounter with this during the Australia mission was largely free-form - I didn't really have any mechanics behind it.  Through random rolls, Hannah and Cooper were the two PCs who suffered the strongest effect.  I did a quick skim of the IC thread and didn't catch any textev of anyone else having a lot of direct psi interaction, though I think Seb and Michael might have caught glimpses of it out the corners of their minds.

Going forward, I'd like to have some sort of consensus as to how y'all want to proceed.  My current thinking is to loosely model the basics on the implementations in Dark Conspiracy (another GDW RPG which shares an engine with Twilight: 2000 and has PC-accessible psychic powers).  Under this, there is a chance of each PC having points in a seventh attribute, Psi, which governs your voodoo.  All psionic skills would fall under Psi.

For each player, please indicate your preference for your character's future psychic potential:

1. Opt out - no Psi for you.

2. Opt in - your character starts with a Psi attribute of 1d4.

3. Leave it to the dice - your character starts with a Psi attribute of 1d10-5 (minimum 0).

Starting Psi values may increase during play as a result of Science! or other story events.
Michael Dacovetti
player, 186 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 15:57
  • msg #394

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Are you planning a system similar to the biomechanics Meld(?) present in the expansion Enemy Within?  If memory serves, the characters in the game could have either psi or the enhancements of things like regeneration.  I'd be happy to keep my science options open.  If you're not planning that, I'll just leave it to a toss of the die.
Tegyrius
GM, 463 posts
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 16:10
  • msg #395

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

I'm playing through another Enemy Within campaign right now to kill time before XCOM 2 releases on 2/5.  :)  Meld actually lets you apply genetic/biomechanical modifications or full-body cybernetic conversion - and, yeah, it's mutually exclusive with psi.

I hadn't considered introducing Meld in this game but it is an interesting thought.  If there's interest in seeing those paths, whether as story elements or as PC development options, I'll certainly consider that...
Cooper Williams
player, 82 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 17:01
  • msg #396

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Tegyrius:
For each player, please indicate your preference for your character's future psychic potential:

1. Opt out - no Psi for you.

2. Opt in - your character starts with a Psi attribute of 1d4.

3. Leave it to the dice - your character starts with a Psi attribute of 1d10-5 (minimum 0).

Starting Psi values may increase during play as a result of Science! or other story events.


Opt in for Cooper
Dice for Karolina
Sebastien Durand
player, 271 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 18:00
  • msg #397

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

I'll go with the dice for Seb.
Hannah Omdahl
player, 142 posts
CWO2, U.S. Army
dcoda
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 19:43
  • msg #398

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Tegyrius:
For each player, please indicate your preference for your character's future psychic potential:

1. Opt out - no Psi for you.

2. Opt in - your character starts with a Psi attribute of 1d4.

3. Leave it to the dice - your character starts with a Psi attribute of 1d10-5 (minimum 0).

Starting Psi values may increase during play as a result of Science! or other story events.

I suspect that we already know that answer to this one.  Given her near possession, it only makes sense that Hannah has been 'opened up'.  Opt-in for Double Down, obviously.

Besides, it is just one more reason that she can't go back to flying with regular-o army.  When they find out that she hears voices in her head ... she'll be grounded immediately. ;)  Thanks a lot, Group Captain Mewes...
Michael Dacovetti
player, 187 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 19:50
  • msg #399

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Tegyrius:
I'm playing through another Enemy Within campaign right now to kill time before XCOM 2 releases on 2/5.  :)  Meld actually lets you apply genetic/biomechanical modifications or full-body cybernetic conversion - and, yeah, it's mutually exclusive with psi.

I hadn't considered introducing Meld in this game but it is an interesting thought.  If there's interest in seeing those paths, whether as story elements or as PC development options, I'll certainly consider that...


I'm interested in exploring the option.  Maybe not full-conversion borg, but enhancements could be interesting.  Might also be fun to play with all the ways that the characters aren't quite human anymore.

That being said, if it's going to be too much work or effort, I'm fine skipping it.  There's plenty of high-tech available without genetic enhancement.
Tegyrius
GM, 468 posts
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 19:53
  • msg #400

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Oh, no, I think I can make it happen. It may take a few more missions to get the story to that point but I have some ideas...
Michael Dacovetti
player, 188 posts
Tech Sgt, JSOC JCU
keys138
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 20:36
  • msg #401

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

I am both scared and intrigued.

A couple of missions? I can't wait for 2018 :)
Tegyrius
GM, 469 posts
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 20:47
  • msg #402

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Hey, if we keep this game going that long, I'll call it a win. :)
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 68 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Tue 19 Jan 2016
at 01:42
  • msg #403

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

I'll probably regret this but I'll opt-in for Psi with Andrey. I've always imagined that a psychic spy would be extra fierce.
Andrey Vasliyev
player, 69 posts
ex-GRU free agent
apoapsis
Tue 19 Jan 2016
at 01:55
  • msg #404

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Also - I was working on my Aftermath post tonight but I can't get into the right headspace. I'm going to reattack tomorrow and see if I can get it sorted.

Also - Seb, incoming PM regarding said post. Just wanna make sure we're going the same way :)
James Choi
player, 182 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Tue 19 Jan 2016
at 02:54
  • msg #405

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...


I'm thinking no psi for James.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 470 posts
Tue 19 Jan 2016
at 03:21
  • msg #406

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Psi rolls have been rolled.

I think everyone who opted in is a veteran XCOM commander and has a sense of this, but just to say it:t psi in this setting is unsubtle and invasive. So while it will complement your team's soft investigative skills (and, eventually, your combat skills), it won't replace them.
James Choi
player, 183 posts
Special Agt, FBI HRT
Raellus
Thu 21 Jan 2016
at 01:27
  • msg #407

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...


What are the chances of DARPA or some such supplying Grey Cell with some special anti-E.T. ammo in common calibers? Maybe something like 5.56mm HE? I mean, if we're going to be fightin' more aliens, our employers ought to be giving us the proper tools...

Just sayin'.

-
Tegyrius
GM, 471 posts
Thu 21 Jan 2016
at 01:50
  • msg #408

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

How Clancyesque do you want me to get with this answer?  :)
Cooper Williams
player, 83 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Thu 21 Jan 2016
at 12:54
  • msg #409

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

James Choi:
What are the chances of _____ or some such supplying ______ with some special _____? Maybe something like _____? I mean, if we're going to be ______, our employers ought to be giving us the proper tools...

Just sayin'.

-


This makes a great madlib that can probably be applied to 90% of all employers.
Sebastien Durand
player, 272 posts
DGSE
Dave Ross
Thu 21 Jan 2016
at 13:10
  • msg #410

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Cooper Williams:
James Choi:
What are the chances of _____ or some such supplying ______ with some special _____? Maybe something like _____? I mean, if we're going to be ______, our employers ought to be giving us the proper tools...

Just sayin'.

-


This makes a great madlib that can probably be applied to 90% of all employers.

+1 to that. Since the start if the year I can't recall how many times I have used the phrase 'not fit for purpose' to describe one of my shiny new work toys. My boss's boss - who does not have to use said tool - thinks it is the best thing since sliced bread and the challenges that caused me to remark that I was using a better system in 1993 are quote teething issues unquote.
Tegyrius
GM, 472 posts
Thu 21 Jan 2016
at 23:57
  • msg #411

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

We're about to get the first major snowstorm of the year.  National Weather Service has us right on the demarcation line between 8-12" and 12-15+" (possible 24" according to the last conference call we had with them).  I have the EOC night shift, 1900-0700, so I will not be around and functional for the next couple of days.
Cooper Williams
player, 84 posts
Petty Officer, RAN
Spartan-117
Sat 23 Jan 2016
at 12:33
  • msg #412

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Tegyrius:
We're about to get the first major snowstorm of the year.  National Weather Service has us right on the demarcation line between 8-12" and 12-15+" (possible 24" according to the last conference call we had with them).  I have the EOC night shift, 1900-0700, so I will not be around and functional for the next couple of days.

... Wondering if I-75 is in Teg's AO....
This message was last edited by the player at 14:08, Sat 23 Jan 2016.
Tegyrius
GM, 473 posts
Sat 23 Jan 2016
at 13:34
  • msg #413

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

I sit at the junction of I-64 and I-75.

Total accumulation was only nine inches here, so the overnight EOC shift got rolled back to a skeleton crew.  They waved me off 45 minutes before I was supposed to go in, after I spent all day trying to reset my sleep cycle for nights.  Grr.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:41, Sat 23 Jan 2016.
Tegyrius
GM, 479 posts
Thu 28 Jan 2016
at 23:15
  • msg #414

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

I'll leave the aftermath thread open through the weekend and assign skill-specific XP from it on Sunday or Monday night.

@Spartan, to more fully answer your question - I wasn't aware the clusterfuck in Rockcastle County had made international news until we were doing an internal AAR meeting yesterday.  That's about 40-50 miles south of me, outside my agency's jurisdiction but within the footprint of the multi-county area that's my overall program's AO.  That particular stretch of 75 on the Rockcastle-Laurel County border is sort of like Kentucky's Bermuda Triangle, or maybe our Dyatlov Pass.  It sees a statistically improbable number of fatal accidents, vehicle fires, and HAZMAT incidents, and the highway isn't really that bad.
Tegyrius
GM, 489 posts
Mon 1 Feb 2016
at 01:09
  • msg #415

Re: Delicious, delicious XP...

Shutting down this thread now, as we're engaged with Chapter Three.
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