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IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE.

Posted by The GuardianFor group 0
The Guardian
GM, 2404 posts
Sun 15 Oct 2017
at 23:42
  • msg #1

IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong: 1886 CE

Early morning sunshine beams down on a high-fenced lot filled with a wide assortment of items, practically all of which are shabby, broken, or both.  Visible are a wooden rickshaw with a splintered axle (one wheel broken, the other missing), rolls of cheap and slightly rusty wire fencing, various stacks of mismatched lumber, and a large faded signboard with a picture of an elephant.  Barrels and tubs under awnings extending down off the fences hold smaller domestic castoffs, hardware and variously flawed hand tools, and other marginally reusable scrap.

Foot traffic and carts are already going past on the dirt street outside the fence, headed west toward the main docks where the foreign merchant ships and the more affluent locals are berthed, and farther east toward the open sea.  Across the road is a short pier extending out into a little inlet from Kowloon Bay, where small two-man boats are tied or chained.  The smells of brine, fish and shoreline rot, and less pleasant material dumped into the water is noticeable, but there's enough of a breeze that they aren't overpowering.

Against the front fence stands a shed with a sign bearing both Chinese and English characters, reading BUSINESS OFFICE, and a similarly bilingual sign hanging from a frame over the entry gate reads:

SALVAGE AND BARGAIN GOODS
SAI YUEN, PROPRIETOR

The sign starts to sway in a wind that kicks up seemingly from nowhere, blowing against the sea breezes.  In a mostly-vacant corner of the yard, several stacked planks that are propped up at an angle against the fence topple and clatter to the ground, as they are they displaced by the arrival of a tall blue box that slowly solidifies from nowhere.

VWORP

VWORP

KCHUNK!
Smoke Alarm
player, 2061 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Mon 16 Oct 2017
at 09:35
  • msg #2

IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'A scrap yard!' Smoke Alarm exclaimed, skipping out of the opening door of the talkiphone box and outlooking over the sincerely interesting lost-and-found and recyclings. 'Icehot!'

After first making sure none of the scrapheaps were in fact active funerary scrapheaps, the Blue Kang footed right in and started to rummage and riffle and ransack, on the outlook for interesting and use-full knackknicks. Strangely, it was mostly woody stuff, which Kangs 'wared as being unnatural and hazardously splintery, unlike the totally normal plastic and metal they'd grown up familiar with. And she wasn't liking the pong. Still, there was much a Kang could use for arrows, tools, or bling. She raised up the big sign, calling to her friends 'Outlook, a heffalump!'

In deference to past fabshion, or at least Traveller's and Stanley's recommendations they outlook the part and not draw too much attention, Smoke Alarm had adopted some contemporary Western clothes. She'd selected black pants, a blue shirt, and a blue-and-black waistcoat, before scruffying it up some and tying on blue rags, together with her usual aluminium bling and dog-fang necklace, and topping it with a floppy blue hat with her blue-black hair braided and tucked under. She had all the makings of a first-class navvy, and would probably be taken for an eccentric labourer, and for a lad.
The Traveller
player, 2175 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Mon 16 Oct 2017
at 16:26
  • msg #3

IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Smoke Alarm, it isn't *your* scrap yard. Be nice."

She comes out wearing some traditional chinese fashion for the period, looking like a female scholar, but with a little American flag pin. This was an old outfit that was a present from Dr Wong Fei Hong. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wong_Fei-hung). It was literally centuries ago for her when she saw him. She should look Uncle up. (OOC - Thank goodness for Major Friends). Fong was down in Foshan. She remembers fondly how Dr Fong joined her and Gooseberry chasing a 53rd century criminal, and how he kept on threatening Gooseberry with a pot while the bird squawked back, "racism!"

As everyone exits and she locks the TARDIS door, she asks, "Sairen.  Where can we find Lady Kismet?"

She's changed, but Hong Kong has not.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Mon 16 Oct 2017.
Stanley Newton
player, 766 posts
Mon 16 Oct 2017
at 21:24
  • msg #4

IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley exits the TARDIS and looks around at where they have landed. Probably not the most touristic view in 19th century Hong Kong, but it looks like a good place to keep the TARDIS out of sight. Looking at the sign hanging from the gate, he wonders if Sai Yuen is inside his shed/office. What would he  think of five strangers suddenly showing up on his property, one of whom is way too enthusiastic about the collection of broken stuff.
The Guardian
GM, 2407 posts
Tue 17 Oct 2017
at 05:07
  • msg #5

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
As everyone exits and she locks the TARDIS door, she asks, "Sairen.  Where can we find Lady Kismet?"

Sairen looks around, licks a finger and holds it in the air for a moment.

"In this time zone, I believe she has her local offices in the main mercantile district, just south of the harbor," he says, "which, I dare to conclude, this is not."

There's a clattering noise from outside the gate, and a small boy of ten or twelve pushes it open, hauling a small wheelbarrow loaded with bric-a-brac.  He does a double-take when he sees the travelers taking in the scrapyard.  "Papa!  Strangers!" he shouts.

His call is followed up in moments by the arrival of a stocky man in his middle years, bursting through the gate with an upraised cudgel.  He too is taken aback by the people he finds in his place of business.  "Oh.  They are British, Zhu, or most of them; you might have said so."  He lowers the club, though he still holds it warily.  After he takes a moment to size up his visitors, he fixes his attention on Stanley.  Giving a bow of greeting -- more of a nod, really, he adds, "Your pardon.  Is there something I can do for you and your..."  He almost palpably tries and rejects a couple of likely words to continue the question.  "...Group?"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2062 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 17 Oct 2017
at 06:53
  • msg #6

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'I'm just outlooking.' Smoke Alarm had whined to Traveller, whilst clambering over the rickshaw like a monkey. It suddenly seesawed on its axle, tossing the Kang off. 'Whup!'

She spun around to eyespy the visitors – in fact, they were the residents and she one of the visitors. 'How you do!' she greeted brightly; she skipped the full ritual, as it did tend to confuse and bemuse people.
Stanley Newton
player, 767 posts
Tue 17 Oct 2017
at 13:08
  • msg #7

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Giving a bow of greeting -- more of a nod, really, he adds, "Your pardon.  Is there something I can do for you and your..."  He almost palpably tries and rejects a couple of likely words to continue the question.  "...Group?"


Stanley clears his throat. He is used to people addressing Trav first.  "Actually, we were trying to get to the...uh...mercantile district. It should be south of the harbour? It would be a great help if you could give us directions."

He has literally repeated what Sairen just told them. It is the truth, but it doesn't explain why they are here. It is not unreasonable for Sai Yuen to find this whole situation a bit suspicious and upon inspecting his property discover the TARDIS.

"Oh and there is this large blue box we would like to store here. Only temporarily, we'll probably come back at the end of the day. Is that possible?"
The Traveller
player, 2176 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Tue 17 Oct 2017
at 20:02
  • msg #8

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Traveller:
As everyone exits and she locks the TARDIS door, she asks, "Sairen.  Where can we find Lady Kismet?"

Sairen looks around, licks a finger and holds it in the air for a moment.

"In this time zone, I believe she has her local offices in the main mercantile district, just south of the harbor," he says, "which, I dare to conclude, this is not."

There's a clattering noise from outside the gate, and a small boy of ten or twelve pushes it open, hauling a small wheelbarrow loaded with bric-a-brac.  He does a double-take when he sees the travelers taking in the scrapyard.  "Papa!  Strangers!" he shouts.

His call is followed up in moments by the arrival of a stocky man in his middle years, bursting through the gate with an upraised cudgel.  He too is taken aback by the people he finds in his place of business.  "Oh.  They are British, Zhu, or most of them; you might have said so."  He lowers the club, though he still holds it warily.  After he takes a moment to size up his visitors, he fixes his attention on Stanley.  Giving a bow of greeting -- more of a nod, really, he adds, "Your pardon.  Is there something I can do for you and your..."  He almost palpably tries and rejects a couple of likely words to continue the question.  "...Group?"


Bluetrav comes around the corner. "Uncle, we're sorry for having my old family heirloom carted here." Her hand is over her fist in the classic shao-lin salute, and she bows. "We are here in Hong Kong visiting relatives. I was hoping that I could leave my box here, with you, in exchange for appropriate renumeration. And I am American, from San Francisco. Uncle, not British, although my good comrade the Doctor Newton here is. If you need a reference, my uncle Dr Hong in Foshan is a good one." The body language and particular dialect of Canton she is using is polite, deferential. Her dialect does sound like that of a 2nd or 3rd generation San Franciscan.

And she did leave the TARDIS locked down so that it can't be moved. While her time machine being carried off in an ox drawn cart would be amusing, it'd also be inconvenient.

OOC: ready to spend an SP for Major Friends. Presence+Convince roll to make nice with Uncle here?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Tue 17 Oct 2017.
The Guardian
GM, 2408 posts
Wed 18 Oct 2017
at 03:29
  • msg #9

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"Actually, we were trying to get to the...uh...mercantile district. It should be south of the harbour? It would be a great help if you could give us directions."


"I can certainly steer you to the correct neighborhood.  Though I am afraid I do not have much call to do business in those districts myself, so my directions may tend toward the approximate."

Sai Yuen has not overlooked the TARDIS, and he approaches it curiously, even as all his sidelong looks at his own merchandise suggest strongly to Smoke Alarm that he knows full well the location and condition of most everything in his inventory.

"Well, yes, and a very attractive structure it is, to be sure.  But I can not help but wonder: even as much as I am a man who appreciates the usefulness of a good stout shed to keep one's valuables out of the elements, isn't it a trifle inconvenient to go carrying it around with you?"

Following him in from the street are three more children, two girls and a boy, none any bigger than Zhu, and together they're gamely attempting to wrestle an even larger barrow piled with junk into the yard.

Sai Yuen nods along with Trav as she describes her ersatz background.  "Yes, San Francisco!  My mother's brother, Wen, settled there, after he went over seas to work on the railroad...."

He frowns in thought, with the air of someone who has inadvertently bypassed a crucial point in the conversation.

OOC: Sure, you can make that roll, Trav.
The Traveller
player, 2177 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 18 Oct 2017
at 03:55
  • msg #10

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Uncle, it's all that remains of my home, which I lost in a terrible war. My ancestors, my memories, my beloved friends and family - it's a shrine, a house for beloved ghosts. It's all I have left. I must honor my lost loved ones by keeping it, and it keeping me. As such, it's not for sale, if anyone were to inquire."

Trav has lived in San Francisco (her base of operations when she had her first face, before she became heavily involved with UNIT) and Emperor Norton did adopt her as his niece. So, she's not fibbing. Kinda.

Norton. Would Norton, that fine American, be able to forgive her? He never travelled with her, but he was the finest of companions and confidants.

She's telling the god's honest truth.

OOC: Spending an SP because I really want to be cool with Uncle. Dammit why did I give up Charming.
00:09, Today: The Traveller rolled 21 using 4d6+5 ((4,5,3,4)). Down to 5 SP.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Wed 18 Oct 2017.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2064 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 18 Oct 2017
at 05:12
  • msg #11

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'And Us. It's a home-sweet-home for Us too.' Smoke Alarm chipped in helpfully after Traveller got talky with her uncle. Was he really her uncle, one of her Inbetweens? He didn't seem to know her, clearly thinking she was a visitor, but then, she had just swapped her face. That was bound be confuzzling.

Eyespying the children pushing in the wheelbarrow full of junk, and figuring it outlooked like fun, Smoke Alarm skipped over. 'Can I help?' She got behind it and began to push, but the barrow was going four ways at once...

Afterwards, when all the junk was out, one or another, she'd give the kids wheelbarrow rides. They were just like trolley rides, only somewhat safer.
The Guardian
GM, 2410 posts
Thu 19 Oct 2017
at 02:47
  • msg #12

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Dear lady, you may certainly leave your cabinet in my care," Sai Yuen assures the Traveller.  "I shall certainly impress upon all of my worthy children that it is not to be sold, traded, ill-used or climbed upon disrespectfully,  Zhu!"  The boy, who is parking his own cargo in a section of the yard that has a little more space for distributing its contents, abruptly lets go of it and runs over next to his father to come to a sloppy sort of attention.  "You are excused from your morning's chores to guide these poor wayward souls to their destination."
Stanley Newton
player, 768 posts
Thu 19 Oct 2017
at 12:27
  • msg #13

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"You are excused from your morning's chores to guide these poor wayward souls to their destination."


Having someone to guide them to the right place is better than getting directions. Sure, finding the mercantile district probably wouldn't be terribly hard even with only approximate direction, but Stanley appreciates the gesture.  "Thank you."
The Guardian
GM, 2411 posts
Fri 20 Oct 2017
at 03:15
  • msg #14

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The boy smiles hugely at the strangers.  "Where do you need to go?"

Sairen stoops down to eye level with Zhu.  "The place we want is off Queen's Road, west of the Central Market.  Is that enough to go on?"

"Sure!"  Zhu beams.  He vanishes into the "office" briefly and comes out wearing a flat cap and a battered canvas satchel.  Leading the way into the street, Zhu hangs a left and sets off.

The streets are already starting to fill up with pedestrians, carts hauled by donkeys or pushed by peddlers, streetside vendors hawking food and other wares.  The farther west they travel, the more European faces are seen, and the heavier (and more prosperous) the traffic seems to become.  Here and there they start to see buildings plainly put up in the British style.  Meanwhile, on their right there is a clearer view of the harbor with a remarkable assortment of vessels -- again a mix of Western merchantmen, small local boats and larger Eastern junks.

Zhu seems to have a limitless store of energy: as they make their way he continuously weaves back and forth across the road to point out this or that local landmark.  He's also hard to shut up.  "Why'd you all come to the island?  What'cha going to do in the city?  Do all Americans look like you or do some look British too?"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2066 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 20 Oct 2017
at 09:00
  • msg #15

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Dear lady, you may certainly leave your cabinet in my care," Sai Yuen assures the Traveller.  "I shall certainly impress upon all of my worthy children that it is not to be sold, traded, ill-used or climbed upon disrespectfully"


'S'okay,' Smoke Alarm chipped in cheerily, mostly to the children, and with a mischievous wink 'I climb up on it all the time. But respeckfully.'

Thereafter, she scooted and zagzigged along after the team, following Zhu to outlook at every landmark that caught his interest, and a few more that caught hers. 'Outlook, horsey-bikes!' she said, pointing to what were plainly donkeys. This was a city with towers like she had much knowhow of, but it was all different and old, unlike Paradise Towers and Arsuran and others, not all shiny and made of metal and glass and plastick, but of wood and stone and bamboo. There was a great hustly-and-bustly crowd to slip through or hop-skip-jump over, and it was all so cluttered and full there were so many ways to go and she fancied a Kang could foot all across the city and never touch the ground.
Stanley Newton
player, 769 posts
Sun 22 Oct 2017
at 22:32
  • msg #16

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Why'd you all come to the island?  What'cha going to do in the city?  Do all Americans look like you or do some look British too?"


Stanley decides to answer the first question. "We came here, because we have some business with someone who has an office here."
The Guardian
GM, 2412 posts
Mon 23 Oct 2017
at 03:10
  • msg #17

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

At length the group winds its way through to the middle of town, where the European influence and presence is at its most pronounced.  There are not a few British military officers to be seen moving about on errands, many more Western civilians, and even many of the locals seem to affect Western dress.

The architecture also shows how much of this area has been built from the ground up by the British.  Where there are some features with local character, like a sizable open-air market, the place is dominated by structures that Stanley wouldn't find out of place in photos or sketches or actual surviving buildings from the Victorian period back home.

Sairen points out a relatively modest example of the latter, a two-story structure.  "This is our stop."  A brass plate set in the wall at the top of the steps carries another bilingual sign, reading:

TRANS-ASIA
REGIONAL
OPPORTUNITY
TRUST

The Traveller
player, 2178 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Mon 23 Oct 2017
at 23:39
  • msg #18

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Americans look like all sorts of different things. America is a bright and bustling and sad and angry land with a lot of history. It's a shining dream and a nightmare. It's my home."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:40, Mon 23 Oct 2017.
Stanley Newton
player, 770 posts
Tue 24 Oct 2017
at 21:15
  • msg #19

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley reads the sign and nods. "Yeah, this certainly looks like the right place. Zhu, thank you for guiding us to the right district."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2067 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 25 Oct 2017
at 01:09
  • msg #20

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm had loitered in the market to outlook at a man doing tricks: he broke bits of wood, or had bits of wood broken over him, and even pushed his neck against a pointy pokey spear without doing himself an injury. She rememorised Sando at the Habisphere or Pex and his show-and-tells of breaking things in Paradise Towers. This one did it all through the use of a "key" but Smoke Alarm didn't eyespy one, or a lock. (The word on his lips had been "ch'i", but Traveller's anime collection gave the TARDIS translator more of a Japanese inflection).

Arriving at the office, she outlooked up and read the sign. She wasn't sure she understood any of those words, and certainly not how they all went together. 'They spelled "trains" wrong.' she said with the authority of one who'd only just learned to spell it herself. 'Are you sure this is the right place? It outlooks yawny.'
This message was last edited by the player at 07:16, Sat 28 Oct 2017.
Stanley Newton
player, 771 posts
Thu 26 Oct 2017
at 13:06
  • msg #21

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'They spelled "trains" wrong.' she said with the authority of one who'd only just learned to spell it herself. 'Are you sure this is the right place? It outlooks yawny.'


"Ms. Kismet probably doesn't want to attract any unwanted attention and a boring building like this is perfect for that. But who knows what we will find inside?"
The Guardian
GM, 2413 posts
Fri 27 Oct 2017
at 02:29
  • msg #22

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Any suspicions that Stanley might have had about strange wonders that might present themselves inside the Trust's offices are not confirmed, at least not immediately.  The lobby is well-appointed with dark wood paneling everywhere; there is clear craftsmanship and class in the work, but it does not cross the line into extravagance.  Perhaps the detail that stands out most, from his understanding of the time, is that the employees to be seen are fairly balanced in both their ethnicity and their gender, and there is likewise a mix of Western and native dress among them.  But there is hardly any sign of otherworldly anachronism on display.

Shortly after making their entrance, a man in his twenties approaches the group.  He's of Asian descent, but wears a dapper three-piece suit.  "Welcome to the Trust," he says, addressing Stanley.  "May I ask your names and your business?"
Stanley Newton
player, 772 posts
Fri 27 Oct 2017
at 14:47
  • msg #23

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Shortly after making their entrance, a man in his twenties approaches the group.  He's of Asian descent, but wears a dapper three-piece suit.  "Welcome to the Trust," he says, addressing Stanley.  "May I ask your names and your business?"


"My name is Stanley Newton and my friends here are The Traveller, Smoke Alarm, Kalath, and Sairen."
Stanley smiles politely. Given the lack of anything obviously futuristic in this place, he decides to explain the reason for their visit without mentioning anything about time travel or the future. "We are here to see Ms. Kismet. Mister Sairen has an appointment with her, though it was originally scheduled at a different time. I am sure she will want to see us if she hears we are here."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2068 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sat 28 Oct 2017
at 07:25
  • msg #24

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Peering out from under her blue newsboy cap, Smoke Alarm outlooked about interestedly at the office, but it was, as predicted, still yawny. There weren't even puters, picturespouts, or talkiphones, so she wondered how they got anything done here. 'How you do.' she greeted with a curtsey, an abbreviation of the full ritual.
The Traveller
player, 2179 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Tue 31 Oct 2017
at 01:32
  • msg #25

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav is looking around. She finds herself mapping the place in a way she never had before. In all her other lives she was a gunwoman - always measuring cover, firing lines, exits and escape routes. First with her Quantum Winchester, and then her Turbopistols, she had always used guns. Only the Marshall, a brutal melee fighter, closed in, destroying foes with her Rod.

But now, as she looks about, she finds herself mapping the place as to how to move and jump and balance, what objects she'd need to vault to get to the rafters, how to move so as to not hurt anyone. The Marshall's old kinetic understanding was mapping gracefully the Traveller's situational awareness - and what was even better, it wasn't violent. This new body wanted to run and jump and tumble, and while it could fight (in fact, it was very capable of doing so), it could do more.

That was alright. That was enjoyable.

Trav nods. "Yes. Alternatively, you can call me Mrs Simons from Michigan by way of San Francisco, from the United States. We're here to see a Ms. Kismet. Thank you for seeing us."
The Guardian
GM, 2414 posts
Wed 1 Nov 2017
at 02:47
  • msg #26

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The man's eyes narrow slightly as Sairen is named.  "One moment, please."

He turns and exits through a door behind the building's reception desk.  Some minutes later, he returns, saying, "If you'll please accompany me, Lady Kismet will see you immediately."  He leads them through a set of double doors at the far end of the lobby, leading to a wide double-switchbacked stairway up to the second floor.  Across from the head of the stairs sits another pair of heavy double doors and vertical brass handles.  The man pushes them open, allowing them entrance to a spacious office.

The office is dominated by a massive desk of dark wood and a wide window looking out toward the harbor.  Most of either side wall is taken up by bookshelves holding volumes in a variety of bindings, but here and there are positioned objets d'art from a considerable span of geography and history -- though nothing anachronistic that Trav can identify at first sight.  A draped table in one corner supports an ancient-looking samovar, and there's a faint scent of sandalwood and other incense.

The woman sitting behind the desk rises smoothly.  "Thank you, Mr. Wu, that will be all."  Neither Trav nor Stanley recognize her features.  She's tall and wide-shouldered, with coiffed dark hair, cream-and-coffee skin and an Arabic cast to her features, and she wears a business jacket over a rather austere dress, in a shade of maroon so dark it is almost black.

She glances over all the travellers' faces as Wu nods and makes his retreat from the room, giving a fond little smile as she studies Smoke Alarm, a nod of recognition to Stanley, a tilt of the head to Trav, and a wary look to Kalath.  And a slightly exasperated smirk as she notes Sairen.

"Well," she says at last, "you are considerably early for your appointed arrival, Mr. Sairen.  May I understand the reason why you've arrived here bringing your guests, and not bearing the object for which I've retained your services?"
The Traveller
player, 2180 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 1 Nov 2017
at 20:40
  • msg #27

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav pushes up her glasses. Immediately, the glasses start to analyze Ms. Kismet. She's interested in how her protege has been developing, and where she can place this one in the Phillipe continuum.

"We've dealt with the object. Proper mourning has carried out, and it's threat has been neutralized. Its good to see you again. We both have new looks, it seems.

OOC: Ingenuity+Science or Tech?
16:45, Today: The Traveller rolled 21 using 2d6+16 with rolls of 4,1.  2d6+Ingenuity+Science+Glasses - Trav Scans Ms Kismet W/Glasses.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Wed 01 Nov 2017.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2069 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 2 Nov 2017
at 01:33
  • msg #28

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm footed up to the window where she could outlook over the city. From here, she could eyespy all the interesting sights of the city, from here to the harbour, and all the ways she could run over it if she had to. The Kang was instinctively mapping escape routes, just as a matter of course.

'I put it on the scrapheap and we made it rest in pieces.' she clarified for Traveller, thinking she'd missed important details.
The Traveller
player, 2181 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Thu 2 Nov 2017
at 02:55
  • msg #29

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
Smoke Alarm footed up to the window where she could outlook over the city. From here, she could eyespy all the interesting sights of the city, from here to the harbour, and all the ways she could run over it if she had to. The Kang was instinctively mapping escape routes, just as a matter of course.

'I put it on the scrapheap and we made it rest in pieces.' she clarified for Traveller, thinking she'd missed important details.


Trav didn't miss anything - she wanted to have Smoke Alarm add to the explanation. She nods sagely as Smoke Alarm explains truthfully. "I couldn't have said it better myself. It was Smoke Alarm's idea. I certainly wouldn't have thought of it."
The Guardian
GM, 2415 posts
Thu 2 Nov 2017
at 04:02
  • msg #30

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

As Trav and Smoke Alarm are explaining, Kismet's expression slowly transforms into one of utter incredulity.

"You. What?"  She rounds on Sairen with an accusing look.  "Do you even realize the groundwork that had to be laid, the favors that had to be called in, to acquire what you needed to steal the Death?  And you come back empty-handed?"

Sairen's eyes widen, but he responds equably enough.  "Your friends here -- I assume they're friends; they seemed to think so -- they're awfully determined people."  He indicates Kalath.  "It was always going to be touch and go, and when she stepped into the middle of it, well.  It's a good thing she believed me, or you still would not have laid your hands on the Death of the Calixi, you just would have produced a whacking great serving of death, small D."

Kismet considers this.  "Friends," she says flatly.  She looks back at Trav.  "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.  But you know full well who is coming, and I'm running short of time.
 Subjectively speaking.  It would have been better to have that ace up one's sleeve, that much is certain."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:46, Fri 03 Nov 2017.
The Traveller
player, 2182 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Thu 2 Nov 2017
at 04:32
  • msg #31

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav frowns.

"No, young lady, it *wouldn't have*. Haven't I taught you anything? That weapon was incarnated sadness. You don't counter evil with evil - you fight evil with good. Had it been so long for you since Arsuran, and the lesson that we taught you there? Everyone loses in a Time War, I'm walking, talking proof of that. In case I haven't made myself clear - any artifacts or weapons from the Time War are off limits, to everyone. As the last Time Lord, they are my precinct, alone."

She crosses her arms. "Sairen brought back the cause of the death - me. We already clashed with the great enemy at the end of time, and we gave him a bloody nose and sent him packing. You want your resource? Here I am."

Her face grows soft and sad. "What are you trying to do? Maybe we can help, and in such a way that doesn't involve the ungodly risks of something like the Death. I know my super weapons, and they're all awful." Even the noble SDF-1 brought death to billions of Zentraedi in orbit above Earth - ship she helped Earth people rebuild.

Even before the Marshall. Even before the Time War. Her hands

Dripped.

With.

Blood.

She remembers recoiling in horror and crying, alone, as she watched the Zentraedi rain of Death and subsequent genocide from the Observatory, wearing her 2nd face.

She gently takes Kismet's hands. "Don't be like me. Don't make my mistakes."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Thu 02 Nov 2017.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2070 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 2 Nov 2017
at 05:54
  • msg #32

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'More, it was the good thing to do.' Smoke Alarm had chipped in after Traveller, sure and sound in her view. She footed away from the window, eyespying Ms Kismet and chiding her 'Mayhaps it was a safety hazard, mayhaps it wasn't, but the unalive Calixi had to be rememorised and helped to rest. No ball-games, no fly-posts, no keeping the unalive in a tin can another million tick-tocks.'
Stanley Newton
player, 773 posts
Thu 2 Nov 2017
at 22:24
  • msg #33

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'More, it was the good thing to do.' Smoke Alarm had chipped in after Traveller, sure and sound in her view.


"For what it is worth, I also think it was the right thing to do." Stanley adds. "And with what we are up against, I seriously doubt it would be an effective weapon."
The Guardian
GM, 2416 posts
Sun 5 Nov 2017
at 02:32
  • msg #34

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
In case I haven't made myself clear - any artifacts or weapons from the Time War are off limits, to everyone. As the last Time Lord, they are my precinct, alone."

"Are they?  Are they, truly?  Perhaps you are the one who forgets, Traveller: I am an artifact of that war, and the TAROT is.  And we are not the possessions of anyone but ourselves."

She shakes her head.  "You aren't blind, Traveller.  You know precisely what i am trying to do: I am preparing to fight a war against my own future, and the Beast being who he is, it is likely that I will have to destroy all my knowledge of those preparations, just to hide my plans from him.  So I am building an edifice that can live beyond this self for when it is needed.  An arsenal, yes.  An army, yes.  One that understands the mission and can carry it on without me."

Kismet spreads her hands.  "Here and now, that just means working within this society and the structures of commerce -- so when the technology of Earth is ready to build what I'll need, I will be prepared.  It's a difficult enough task, but I'm not sure it is anything that need concern you, particularly as you seem not to approve of my intentions."

OOC: Trav -- A Presence / Convince may be appropriate depending on your response to this.

Others may make an Awareness + Ingenuity (with Keen Senses or Empathic)
Kalath
player, 484 posts
Always Time to...
Hunt!
Sun 5 Nov 2017
at 02:44
  • msg #35

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

OOC: Not doing anything, but still here!


13:43, Today: Kalath rolled 16 using 2d6+7 with rolls of 4,5.  Awareness + Ingenuity + Keen Senses.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2072 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sun 5 Nov 2017
at 02:49
  • msg #36

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'Building an edifice?' Smoke Alarm gasped. 'That's Great Architect talk!'


OOC: 10:44, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 14 using 2d6+9 with rolls of 4,1. awareness(4) + ingenuity(3) + Keen Senses(2).
The Traveller
player, 2185 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Sun 5 Nov 2017
at 14:42
  • msg #37

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Traveller:
In case I haven't made myself clear - any artifacts or weapons from the Time War are off limits, to everyone. As the last Time Lord, they are my precinct, alone."

"Are they?  Are they, truly?  Perhaps you are the one who forgets, Traveller: I am an artifact of that war, and the TAROT is.  And we are not the possessions of anyone but ourselves."

She shakes her head.  "You aren't blind, Traveller.  You know precisely what i am trying to do: I am preparing to fight a war against my own future, and the Beast being who he is, it is likely that I will have to destroy all my knowledge of those preparations, just to hide my plans from him.  So I am building an edifice that can live beyond this self for when it is needed.  An arsenal, yes.  An army, yes.  One that understands the mission and can carry it on without me."

Kismet spreads her hands.  "Here and now, that just means working within this society and the structures of commerce -- so when the technology of Earth is ready to build what I'll need, I will be prepared.  It's a difficult enough task, but I'm not sure it is anything that need concern you, particularly as you seem not to approve of my intentions."

OOC: Trav -- A Presence / Convince may be appropriate depending on your response to this.

Others may make an Awareness + Ingenuity (with Keen Senses or Empathic)


"You're sapient and have free will, so you obviously belong to you. What do you have planned? I'm not your enemy. Maybe I can help. Maybe there's a way for all of us to prepare to meet our futures that doesn't have to hurt anyone. As long as people's choices aren't suborned, I'm entirely for efforts to maintain personal freedom. We need each other to face this, Kismet, we can't do it alone and we can't force people who don't know to become our foot soldiers. We need you to help us fight The Beast. I know what it's like to be transformed and turned into something horrible, as well. And I won't have fear and mistrust drive us apart. I love you and I want to work with you... please. Also, from a brutally effecient point of view, I have fought a Time War and you have not, to my knowledge. All of me will be here for you, including the Marshall."

She reflects about how similar this was to the choice she and her R-Space companions had face when participating in the birth of the magical Shedraya time demons, and now participating in the birth of literally another demon.

"As for your knowledge of your preparations - turn them over to me, and I will execute them after helping you hide from your future self. You know there is no one better qualified - someone who has faced the Beast personally."

Instead of the Blonde's loud, impassioned pleas, the Blue Traveller is talking quietly, holding Kismet's hand, eyes soft and sad.

OOC: Presence+Convince, 2 SP (now down to 3) because Voice of Authority is absolutely not appropriate here.
09:44, Today: The Traveller rolled 21 using 5d6+5 ((1,1,5,6,3)).

This message was last edited by the player at 14:55, Sun 05 Nov 2017.
Stanley Newton
player, 774 posts
Sun 5 Nov 2017
at 19:17
  • msg #38

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

OOC: 19:17, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 19 using 2d6+10 with rolls of 6,3.  Awareness (4) + Ingenuity (4) + Empathic (2).
The Guardian
GM, 2417 posts
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 00:18
  • msg #39

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Kismet gives a long sigh then.  Clasping Trav's hands, she leans forward until her forehead is resting against Trav's.

"I'm so glad to hear you say you'll help, and not stand in my way," she says.  "Every day I've questioned myself on this.  Remembering what I did as Warlock and asking myself over and over if I'm doing the same thing again.  I honestly do not believe I am, Traveller, but there is so little that can be left to chance... and I am so very tired.

"The idea is to build a trap for the Beast.  I ran TAROT samplings for years to arrive at just the sketch of this, but...  My plan, now, is to put together an array of six-dimensional recursion engines.  Aligned correctly, that should give him no exit into the vortex, not out of 3-space, not out of time, not through the etheric or the psychic axis.

"So you see the extent of what I need here: the wealth to acquire the source mass, the technical knowledge and the engineers to build and run the collapsed matter breeders, the infrastructure to put it all in the right place to minimize the risk to any nearby civilization, and finally some lure to get the Beast into the trap.

"But that is a long way from here and now.  And from what I can see, it will take an empire to build, a small one at least, and that means I must keep all my enterprises running and growing until I can be ready."
The Guardian
GM, 2418 posts
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 00:26
  • msg #40

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

All during this conversation, the others have noticed something hesitant in Kismet's stance and speech.  It reminds Kalath of a prey animal, warned of danger by its instincts reacting to tiny cues in the environment, below the level that the beast recognizes consciously.

With this last rush of revelations, Stanley thinks he can see the source of it in the way that Kismet's gaze tracks, and in the lean of her body.  Despite the way she had addressed Sairen directly, over the matter of the Death of the Calixi, he suspects something about the man's presence is making her uneasy: she clearly has some reason that she doesn't want him around.
The Traveller
player, 2186 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 01:49
  • msg #41

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Kismet gives a long sigh then.  Clasping Trav's hands, she leans forward until her forehead is resting against Trav's.

"I'm so glad to hear you say you'll help, and not stand in my way," she says.  "Every day I've questioned myself on this.  Remembering what I did as Warlock and asking myself over and over if I'm doing the same thing again.  I honestly do not believe I am, Traveller, but there is so little that can be left to chance... and I am so very tired.

"The idea is to build a trap for the Beast.  I ran TAROT samplings for years to arrive at just the sketch of this, but...  My plan, now, is to put together an array of six-dimensional recursion engines.  Aligned correctly, that should give him no exit into the vortex, not out of 3-space, not out of time, not through the etheric or the psychic axis.

"So you see the extent of what I need here: the wealth to acquire the source mass, the technical knowledge and the engineers to build and run the collapsed matter breeders, the infrastructure to put it all in the right place to minimize the risk to any nearby civilization, and finally some lure to get the Beast into the trap.

"But that is a long way from here and now.  And from what I can see, it will take an empire to build, a small one at least, and that means I must keep all my enterprises running and growing until I can be ready."


"Listen to me, little girl. I will help, but we'll do it the right way. I will not see you become the Beast in action even if you do not become him in name. Do you understand?" She loves Phillipe so much.

"If you can promise me that no one will be hurt or coerced by any of this, I already have a line of people ready and willing to help. Forward me your plans. I may be able to help you make it easier on you."

She leans back and smiles at Kismet. "You should come travelling with me, some time. Your partner, there, can lead you to all sorts of good places. Other time lords, like the Doctor and the Corsair, would some times urge me to run with them or chase them, and show me wonderful things. Trust those cards. That TAROT is a living being that wants nothing but good for you. Listen to it. When I listen to my Sweet Boy, good things happen."

She turns to Sairen. "As for you, Sir, you need to be paid your kill fee. Care to come with me? Thank you for helping a Jedi and her Padawan come to an understanding. I have something I need to show you, and help with something."
The Guardian
GM, 2419 posts
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 02:57
  • msg #42

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The door opens.  Wu looks in, holding a sealed message.  He nods to Kismet.  "Forgive me for disturbing your meeting, ma'am.  You did wish to be informed as soon as the Admiral's staff had delivered his reply."

He hands over the message, and Kismet opens it.  It can't be a very lengthy message, because she's frowning almost at once.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2073 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 09:43
  • msg #43

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

As all-ways, Smoke Alarm hardly had knowhow of any of this, having gotten a bit lost back at "edifice". While Ms Kismet read her paper-txt, Smoke tugged at Traveller's sleeve, puzzled and asking softly 'Trav, what does she mean? She will become the Beast? The big bad dog man you chased away back at Kestartes? The one Warlock talked about at Arsuran? How so?'
The Traveller
player, 2187 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 22:04
  • msg #44

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Maybe. I don't know. It's timey wimey and hard for me to understand. The Beast is someone who someone else tried to turn Phillipe into. They succeeded, sort of."

The question left hanging in the air. Is The Beast a fixed point in time?

"Kismet needs our help in not becoming bad, and in dealing with her if she becomes bad. I love her, and I'll do everything I can for her, because she is not bad. Stanley, you remember Phillipe? We have to do this, for him. We both held him in our arms."
Stanley Newton
player, 775 posts
Mon 6 Nov 2017
at 22:38
  • msg #45

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Six-dimensional engines? Collapsed matter? Stanley had a hard time keeping up with what Ms. Kismet was saying. She was building some sort of trap, that much was clear.

The Traveller:
"Stanley, you remember Phillipe? We have to do this, for him. We both held him in our arms."


"I remember." Stanley says. "But even I didn't, back when we first met I did say I would help you in your fight against The Beast and its cults. Of course, we are going to do everything possible to stop bad things from happening."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2074 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 7 Nov 2017
at 03:35
  • msg #46

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Well, if Traveller didn't understand it, what hope did Smoke Alarm have? She thought of the Great Architect Kroagnon, recycling people into soylent green and even the Chief Caretaker into someone he could foot about it in. 'If someone keeps trying to recycle all these people into this Beast thing, then mayhaps we shouldn't try to stopsign the Beast - but instead stop-sign the one trying to make the Beast.'
The Traveller
player, 2188 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 8 Nov 2017
at 14:21
  • msg #47

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"My idea exactly, Ms Blue. But that will involve a dangerous trip to investigate and challenge the New Gehenna army."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2075 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 8 Nov 2017
at 14:25
  • msg #48

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'Pfft. They're just like goannas, aren't they?'
Stanley Newton
player, 776 posts
Wed 8 Nov 2017
at 20:27
  • msg #49

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
He hands over the message, and Kismet opens it.  It can't be a very lengthy message, because she's frowning almost at once.


"Bad news?" Stanley asks Kismet.
The Guardian
GM, 2420 posts
Thu 9 Nov 2017
at 03:54
  • msg #50

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"I have had poor luck with shipping over the last several months," Kismet explains, "and several ships due to sail west within the week.  Pirates, one suspects.  I had petitioned Admiral Hamilton for a ship to see the convoy through the Strait of Malacca, but he claims to have none he can commit to the task.  What he likely means is, none for a concern that is insufficiently deep in the pockets of the colonial government."
Stanley Newton
player, 777 posts
Thu 9 Nov 2017
at 21:42
  • msg #51

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"I have had poor luck with shipping over the last several months," Kismet explains, "and several ships due to sail west within the week.  Pirates, one suspects.  I had petitioned Admiral Hamilton for a ship to see the convoy through the Strait of Malacca, but he claims to have none he can commit to the task.  What he likely means is, none for a concern that is insufficiently deep in the pockets of the colonial government."


"Surely you cannot be the only one who has trouble with these pirates." Stanley says. "Could you work together with other companies, create one large fleet of all the ships going the same way, and hire your own escort ship? It might be cheaper than trying to bribe this Admiral Hamilton."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2076 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 10 Nov 2017
at 01:13
  • msg #52

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'First goannas, and now pie rats?' Smoke Alarm exclaimed exasperatedly. 'And I spose the caretakers can't or won't do nothing? Typical. They're never loitering about when you actually need one.'
The Guardian
GM, 2422 posts
Fri 10 Nov 2017
at 04:11
  • msg #53

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"Surely you cannot be the only one who has trouble with these pirates." Stanley says. "Could you work together with other companies, create one large fleet of all the ships going the same way, and hire your own escort ship? It might be cheaper than trying to bribe this Admiral Hamilton."

"Bribe?  My dear Doctor Newton, I was merely making an entreaty as an upstanding subject of the Crown and a pillar of commerce across the Empire.  Bribery is such a graceless term.  Though there may have been a privately offered perquisite or two, tendered in recognition of the good Admiral's diligence."  Kismet looks thoughtful, tapping her chin with her forefinger.  "There may be something in your suggestion.  As a rule, though, freelance adventures of that sort are a practice frowned upon by the British, the Dutch, and the regional powers alike, in this day and age."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:13, Fri 10 Nov 2017.
The Traveller
player, 2190 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Fri 10 Nov 2017
at 15:12
  • msg #54

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav occasionally shoots a look at Sairen, and giggles, hiding her mouth behind her hand.
Stanley Newton
player, 778 posts
Fri 10 Nov 2017
at 20:53
  • msg #55

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Kismet looks thoughtful, tapping her chin with her forefinger.  "There may be something in your suggestion.  As a rule, though, freelance adventures of that sort are a practice frowned upon by the British, the Dutch, and the regional powers alike, in this day and age."


"Yeah, I can imagine that they wouldn't like it." Stanley says. "Just to be sure: is there anything suggesting your ships are targetted more often than usual? I mean, you are playing the long game and this is fairly early on, so the enemy might try to sabotage you at this point."
The Traveller
player, 2191 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Sat 11 Nov 2017
at 02:30
  • msg #56

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Some time traveller never care about money. For some of us, making financial investments throughout time and space is a thing of convenience. I'm assuming that being involved here is part of you setting up the infrastructure that you need. As long as conventional history is not tampered with and this is part of what must be, it's all fine. It's all about people's choices. Is this the reason why you're playing merchantilist, Kismet? Do you need a hand?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Sat 11 Nov 2017.
The Guardian
GM, 2423 posts
Sun 12 Nov 2017
at 03:23
  • msg #57

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Exactly.  Time will pass its own judgment on what Britain and the rest are making of their empires; I would like to think that I'm not actually making that any worse and, if anything, am trying to help some people make their way in it, better than others might be doing.  But believe me, my intention is to play by the rules that pertain here, and tread very lightly on the web of time.

"Doctor, I really do not know if I am being specially targeted or I'm just being unlucky.  Certainly, other business concerns have been losing vessels.  It seems like an attack from... he whom we shall not name... would be more closely targeted and overt.  Then again, it might just be the enemy deciding that he can only skirt so close to interfering in my timestream.  There is a certain degree of innate protection afforded by my particular circumstances.

"And certainly, I would be grateful for any help that you could offer.  Except I'm not immediately sure what form it might take.  Traveller?  I'm open to suggestions."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2078 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sun 12 Nov 2017
at 06:41
  • msg #58

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'If you have a to-do with pie-rats, then you need a rat-trap.' Smoke Alarm suggested rather confidently. 'With a pie for bait.'
The Traveller
player, 2193 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 15 Nov 2017
at 01:52
  • msg #59

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Exactly.  Time will pass its own judgment on what Britain and the rest are making of their empires; I would like to think that I'm not actually making that any worse and, if anything, am trying to help some people make their way in it, better than others might be doing.  But believe me, my intention is to play by the rules that pertain here, and tread very lightly on the web of time.


Trav smiles at this, she was listening. The Traveller was often accused of being an Imperialist for her support of the United States of America, as was the Doctor with his love of Britain, so she could be relate.

Lady Kismet:
"Doctor, I really do not know if I am being specially targeted or I'm just being unlucky.  Certainly, other business concerns have been losing vessels.  It seems like an attack from... he whom we shall not name... would be more closely targeted and overt.  Then again, it might just be the enemy deciding that he can only skirt so close to interfering in my timestream.  There is a certain degree of innate protection afforded by my particular circumstances.

"And certainly, I would be grateful for any help that you could offer.  Except I'm not immediately sure what form it might take.  Traveller?  I'm open to suggestions."


"We can go take a look. I'm not sure Sairen would be interested in this technological backwater, and what I have to show him is an entirely different adventure. On the other hand, the 19th century of the Humanian era has all sorts of fun trouble to get into. Luckily, my past selves are on the other side of the globe, at the moment."
Stanley Newton
player, 780 posts
Fri 17 Nov 2017
at 19:43
  • msg #60

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Exactly.  Time will pass its own judgment on what Britain and the rest are making of their empires; I would like to think that I'm not actually making that any worse and, if anything, am trying to help some people make their way in it, better than others might be doing.  But believe me, my intention is to play by the rules that pertain here, and tread very lightly on the web of time.


"That makes me wonder which multinational or which multinationals you control back in the 21st century." Stanley says. "On second thought, it might be better if I don't know."
The Guardian
GM, 2424 posts
Sun 19 Nov 2017
at 02:36
  • msg #61

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Kismet's lips curl into a smile.  "Not looking for an investment opportunity, Dr. Newton?"  She winks.

Tapping her chin with her forefinger, she goes on, "Perhaps there is something you can help me with, while the ships are preparing to sail and while I look into the possibility of arranging a less... formal escort for them.  If this is not simple circumstance causing so many vessels to go missing, then there is a chance that those responsible are collecting intelligence on my dealings: when my ships sail, what cargoes they may be bearing.  I try to stay apprised of what is happening in the city, above and below the board, but I fear my sources and agents may be too well known.  But then, there is your group.  New and unknown to Hong Kong, and, it seems, also capable of moving in the city's different circles -- both the colonials, and the locals, if you see what I mean."

She glances at Smoke Alarm.  "And of course we also seem to have the Urchin Ringleader demographic covered as well."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2079 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sun 19 Nov 2017
at 07:22
  • msg #62

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'We do?' Smoke Alarm wondered what exactly that meant. 'D'you want me to ring-lead the sea urchins on the boats?' Based on a sample size of 1, she was picturing all boats as looking a bit like the UNS Loyal, the only boat she'd been on.
Stanley Newton
player, 781 posts
Sun 19 Nov 2017
at 22:25
  • msg #63

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Kismet's lips curl into a smile.  "Not looking for an investment opportunity, Dr. Newton?"  She winks.


"Not at the moment." Stanley smiles. "Besides, wouldn't that be some sort of insider trading? I'd rather not do anything illegal with my money."

The Guardian:
(...) But then, there is your group.  New and unknown to Hong Kong, and, it seems, also capable of moving in the city's different circles -- both the colonials, and the locals, if you see what I mean."


Stanley looks at his friends. "Yeah, I see what you mean. One thing you should know, I don't think we'll able to investigate without drawing some attention to ourselves. Even in a city like this, people will notice us getting a bit nosy. Some of us can also be a bit... eccentric, which doesn't help with keeping a low profile. Just something to keep in mind."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:25, Sun 19 Nov 2017.
The Traveller
player, 2195 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Tue 21 Nov 2017
at 15:03
  • msg #64

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Kismet, even with this new face, you know that I am not exactly a quiet person, nor do I have quiet friends or family."
The Guardian
GM, 2426 posts
Wed 22 Nov 2017
at 03:21
  • msg #65

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"That's fair.  I appreciate that I am asking you to draw some attention to yourselves, some of which might well be unfriendly.  On the other hand, you're also capable of taking care of yourselves if need be, and you have the experience to know if what you're seeing is out of place here, or out of time here if you take my meaning.  And if the problem is strictly local, then all we should really need is some concrete information to take to the authorities..  Most of them are scrupulous enough not to turn two blind eyes to criminal enterprise -- Hong Kong's lifeblood is trade, and the wrong sorts of crime are very bad for business."
The Traveller
player, 2196 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 22 Nov 2017
at 16:37
  • msg #66

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Sairen. I can take you along on what I have planned for you later. Would you like to accompany us on this mysterious escapade, or would you rather we take care of this business at a later time? You-" and she stops. The Corsair loved this time, but she chided herself, he is not the Corsair. He is Sairen, like you were Louise. That life is it's own. After that brief pause, she continues, "You may find this terribly exciting or dull and boring."
The Traveller
player, 2197 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 22 Nov 2017
at 16:39
  • msg #67

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
Stanley looks at his friends. "Yeah, I see what you mean. One thing you should know, I don't think we'll able to investigate without drawing some attention to ourselves. Even in a city like this, people will notice us getting a bit nosy. Some of us can also be a bit... eccentric, which doesn't help with keeping a low profile. Just something to keep in mind."



Trav smiles and rolls her eyes.
The Guardian
GM, 2427 posts
Sun 26 Nov 2017
at 02:30
  • msg #68

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Sairen shrugs in response to Trav's question.  "I can tag along if you need me.  While it sounds like no one is really sure what is likely to be behind all this, much less whether my particular talents are going to be required, I can at least be a good set of eyes and ears while we're working that out -- and one who might be aware of whether some larger considerations are in play.  I do rather owe Ms. Kismet for failure to deliver her goods as agreed after all."

When he glances at Kismet, it's not hard to tell that she isn't fond of the idea, particular for those in the group who had noted her reticence earlier.  But she says nothing against it.

Sairen smiles.  "I suppose that's that, then!  Where should we get started?"
Stanley Newton
player, 784 posts
Mon 27 Nov 2017
at 21:03
  • msg #69

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Sairen smiles.  "I suppose that's that, then!  Where should we get started?"


"I know Victorians were very fond of Gentlemen's clubs, so it wouldn't surprise me if they also have one of those around here." Stanley says. "Lots of deals are made in that sort of clubs, so it could be a good idea to check there. Even if we don't find any direct evidence, we will at least have met some of the more important people in Hong Kong."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:04, Mon 27 Nov 2017.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2081 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 28 Nov 2017
at 02:33
  • msg #70

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'If pie-rats are shoplifting boats, then mayhaps we should outgo where the boats are, the, um, boat parking lot. And keep outlook.'
The Guardian
GM, 2428 posts
Tue 28 Nov 2017
at 03:30
  • msg #71

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"I know Victorians were very fond of Gentlemen's clubs, so it wouldn't surprise me if they also have one of those around here." Stanley says. "Lots of deals are made in that sort of clubs, so it could be a good idea to check there. Even if we don't find any direct evidence, we will at least have met some of the more important people in Hong Kong."

"Excellent point, Doctor," says Kismet.  "It's a route to the trappings of power that hasn't been open to me -- officially, at least -- without suffering some inconvenient alterations to my physiology.  That isn't to say I lack the means to open those doors for others.  I think that if you and perhaps Sairen were to circulate at the Hong Kong Club, you might at least be able to get a sense of whether these disappearances are being taken seriously."

She drums her fingers on the desk briefly.  "You'll need a story.  Credentials we can finesse, but even if I can call a favor to put you inside, we'll need to establish the pretext for your visit to the city so I can set up your invitation properly."
The Guardian
GM, 2429 posts
Tue 28 Nov 2017
at 03:37
  • msg #72

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'If pie-rats are shoplifting boats, then mayhaps we should outgo where the boats are, the, um, boat parking lot. And keep outlook.'

"You keep ships in a harbor, dear.  I can point you to the piers where my ships are docked -- they're called the Irish Rose, the Jaunty Dancer, and the Star of Morocco."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2082 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 28 Nov 2017
at 13:05
  • msg #73

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Peers?! Smoke Alarm outlooked askance at Kismet. 'Are you sure?' Shrugging, pulling out her talkiphone, she typed the names in for the record, and let the deeply confuzzled spellchecker work it out.

'Okey-dokey, we can outgo to the... harbour after we visit the club. Oh! Can I dance and get footloose and fancy-free there?' She had in mind a different kind of club, of course. Kangs partied hard and strange.
The Guardian
GM, 2430 posts
Wed 29 Nov 2017
at 04:15
  • msg #74

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Ah...."  Kismet cocks her head, waits, and realizes that no one is going to rescue her.  "It's not that sort of a club, I'm afraid.  They don't have music or dancing there.  They actually don't even allow girls."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2083 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 29 Nov 2017
at 05:42
  • msg #75

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

As the Kangs traditionally didn't allow Boys into their own ranks, Smoke simply shrugged at this. 'Oh. Well, I spose Boys need their own thing. Sounds yawny but. Will you be a-okay, Stanley?'
Stanley Newton
player, 785 posts
Wed 29 Nov 2017
at 21:09
  • msg #76

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
(...) That isn't to say I lack the means to open those doors for others.  I think that if you and perhaps Sairen were to circulate at the Hong Kong Club, you might at least be able to get a sense of whether these disappearances are being taken seriously."

She drums her fingers on the desk briefly.  "You'll need a story.  Credentials we can finesse, but even if I can call a favor to put you inside, we'll need to establish the pretext for your visit to the city so I can set up your invitation properly."


"Since none of us needs to stay in Hong Kong after this is over, I am fairly certain I'd be able to get us in even without a cover story." Stanley says. "Or to be more accurate, the people at the door would be inclined to believe whatever cover story I came up with. Not to say that an invitation wouldn't be easier. And I still need a story for when I am talking to people, so what would be good..."

Stanley tries to come up with something reasonable. "Well, I think the simplest option would be that a London firm sent us to explore the possibility of a local branch here in Hong Kong. Maybe they sell wines and spirits or something like that. Since they don't want their competitors to know, we can afford to be a bit secretive."

Smoke Alarm:
As the Kangs traditionally didn't allow Boys into their own ranks, Smoke simply shrugged at this. 'Oh. Well, I spose Boys need their own thing. Sounds yawny but. Will you be a-okay, Stanley?'


"You don't need to worry about me." Stanley says smiling, thinking it was far more likely that Smoke Alarm would do something she wasn't supposed to, than that something would happen at a posh club.
The Traveller
player, 2199 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 6 Dec 2017
at 15:18
  • msg #77

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav had marched with the suffragettes. This older woman's nose scrunches for a moment, in a manner that another Traveller's was known to when she was mad.

"Patriarchy and sexism are uncivilized. I am tempted to be a troublemaker and march in, but that would be counter productive."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2086 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 6 Dec 2017
at 16:02
  • msg #78

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke didn't knowhow what Traveller meant, but it sounded bad. 'But making trouble is icehot!' she pointed out, easily swayed to anything that raised havoc in the name of girls.
The Traveller
player, 2200 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 6 Dec 2017
at 17:30
  • msg #79

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
Smoke didn't knowhow what Traveller meant, but it sounded bad. 'But making trouble is icehot!' she pointed out, easily swayed to anything that raised havoc in the name of girls.


"Feminism, thy name is Smoke Alarm."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2088 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 12 Dec 2017
at 05:45
  • msg #80

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'Who?' Smoke Alarm, which was her name, wondered, but shook it off. Trav said funny things sometimes. 'Okey-dokey, let's be outgoing to the harbour to outlook at the boats, and Stanley and Sairen can outgo clubbing with the boys. Kalath, what about you? You want to foot along with us?'
Stanley Newton
player, 789 posts
Tue 12 Dec 2017
at 23:01
  • msg #81

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Clubbing... I don't think it is the sort of club you are thinking of, Smoke." Stanley says.
The Traveller
player, 2203 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 13 Dec 2017
at 16:11
  • msg #82

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"After this I can take all of you to the planet Ibiza and the Forever Party. That's *real* clubbing."
The Guardian
GM, 2433 posts
Thu 21 Dec 2017
at 03:08
  • msg #83

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Later....

Stanley and Sairen have arrived at the intersection of Queen's Road and Wyndham Street, where the Hong Kong Club stands.  Western-style carriages roll up in front of the three-story building to disburse well-dressed passengers, who make their way inside through the columns of  the Club's neoclassical facade.

Although they have had to make their way to the Club on foot, Kismet has armed them with suits that won't look out of place, as well as a letter of introduction and a name: Sir Geoffrey Pyle, an assistant secretary of the Foreign Service who frequents the club.  Sir Geoffrey, as Kismet puts it, is a man "who knows on which side his bread is buttered", but she has emphasized that he's unaware of her true background.

When the pair walk in, they must spend too long taking in the fine furnishings and decor, because they're shortly approached by an attendant in an immaculate uniform.  "Welcome, gentlemen.  May I trouble you to name your party or your other business?"
The Guardian
GM, 2434 posts
Thu 21 Dec 2017
at 03:09
  • msg #84

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The others have been given the slip numbers and directions to the locations of Kismet's ships at the harbor.  As they make their way down toward the docks, they move through an amazing array of warehouses in all sizes and manner of construction, and have to weave in and out of a seemingly endless stream of cargo being moved to and fro, whether drawn in wagons by oxen or huge stolid draft horses, or hauled on sledges and carts by local laborers.

The air is even more... fragrant than it was back near Sai Yuen's yard, with smells of salt and decay and animals all merging together.  As the ships themselves come into view, Smoke Alarm is surprised to learn that they're typically vessels of wood and sail, hardly anything like the Loyal at all.

Enough people are moving around that the travelers aren't drawing particular attention, but it's true enough that in this area, the majority seem to be either sailors off the ships, or dock workers, mostly male but a fair mix of local (mainly the workers) and European (mainly the sailors).
Smoke Alarm
player, 2090 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 21 Dec 2017
at 07:06
  • msg #85

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm found the whole foot-about fascinating, and as she ducked and dodged, weaved through, jumped over, and just plain got in the way of the traffic, she eagerly eyespied all the animals, the people, the goods being transported, and even the smells. Smelling the fish and the salt – the last time she'd smelled that had been when on the Loyal, she footed excitedly to the docks to eyespy...

'What happened to the Great Pool?!' The whole harbour was crowded with boats, some so close together they hardly seemed able to move without a lot of argument, and barely a carrydoor of murky water between them. Worse, they were almost all of the splintery wood stuff, not good metal or plastic. 'These ships aren't shapeship and sound. They won't even fly in space.' she complained. 'What a lot of junks.'


https://cdn2.i-scmp.com/sites/...20.jpg?itok=1Z_Vd_bS
https://cdn2.i-scmp.com/sites/...31.jpg?itok=RdlbSKjU
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Sat 23 Dec 2017.
Stanley Newton
player, 791 posts
Fri 22 Dec 2017
at 13:28
  • msg #86

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
When the pair walk in, they must spend too long taking in the fine furnishings and decor, because they're shortly approached by an attendant in an immaculate uniform.  "Welcome, gentlemen.  May I trouble you to name your party or your other business?"


"Stanley Wright and Samuel Tomes, from London. The reason we are here, apart from finally seeing this place for ourselves, is to meet Sir Geoffrey Pyle. We were told that there was a good chance of finding him here." They had decided that it would be better if Sairen didn't use his real name. It would stand out too much here in this time and place. Stanley was common enough for this not to be a problem. Since they were dealing with people who might have access to time travel and information from the future, he gave a different surname for himself.
The Guardian
GM, 2435 posts
Sat 23 Dec 2017
at 04:04
  • msg #87

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Very good, Mr. Wright.  Please, follow me.  Sir Geoffrey favors the Palmerston Lounge when he visits; we shall seek him there."

As the pair follow the attendant, Stanley notes how Sairen's eyes are always moving, quick glances taking in the surroundings and the details of the club and its guests and staff.  Stanley can't guess exactly what Sairen might be looking for, although the general thrust of his interest might be divined from the younger man's usual occupation.  Stanley realizes himself that the staff, too, are taking discreet note of them -- not in any way that might be deemed rude, but as nominal guests rather than members, some more scrutiny is to be expected.

They reach the lounge in question, and the attendant bids them wait at the entrance.  The room is furnished with several distinct clusters of luxuriously upholstered chairs and settees, most of which are hosting their own small group engaged in its own conversation.  The attendant moves directly to one, where he speaks briefly with one man in his early middle years, with a fierce mustache and muttonchop sideburns, and then the man rises to come back toward Stanley and Sairen with the attendant.

"Gentlemen," says Sir Geoffrey, extending his hand.  "It's a pleasure to meet you.  I had a message from our mutual acquaintance, telling me I might expect your arrival this afternoon, and I'm happy to provide whatever small assistance might of assistance to friends of our friend.  May I ask, what brings you to Hong Kong and how I might help?"
The Guardian
GM, 2436 posts
Sat 23 Dec 2017
at 05:27
  • msg #88

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The harbor isn't an easy place to figure out how to make one's way in, but eventually Smoke is able to ascertain the location of Kismet's three ships.  To Trav's eye, none of them is state-of-the-art for the year -- they all look to be steamers and built for long hauls, and thus relatively modern among the ships in the harbor, but they retain masts, probably as backups.

With all the traffic, it's not immediately clear that anyone is singling any of the ships out for special attention.  Crews are working to load cargo on board each of them, hoisting crates onto the decks with dockside cranes, or simply hauling them across the gangplanks.

One other vessel in the harbor stands out -- it's an ironclad steamship, probably a Royal Navy warship.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2091 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sat 23 Dec 2017
at 08:50
  • msg #89

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

By climbering up stacks of crates, high roofs, and the occasional creaking mast, Smoke Alarm got a high outlook and was able to eyespy the ships. 'I eyespy the Star of Moroc-co, and the Jaunty Dancer, and I think the Irish Rose.' she read off their signs, squinting to read those further away.

Climbering down, she led Traveller and Kalath toward them – as the seagull flies, intending to hop, skip, and jump from one boat to the next to cross the harbour, dodging sailors and dockworkers as she went. 'Scuse me, outlook, give way...'
Stanley Newton
player, 792 posts
Sat 23 Dec 2017
at 22:59
  • msg #90

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Stanley can't guess exactly what Sairen might be looking for, although the general thrust of his interest might be divined from the younger man's usual occupation.


Stanley hoped that someone who, up until recently, was called 'uncatchable' would be smart enough not to steal anything while they were being watched. It was good that he was keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

The Guardian:
"Gentlemen," says Sir Geoffrey, extending his hand.  "It's a pleasure to meet you.  I had a message from our mutual acquaintance, telling me I might expect your arrival this afternoon, and I'm happy to provide whatever small assistance might of assistance to friends of our friend.  May I ask, what brings you to Hong Kong and how I might help?"


"No, the pleasure is all ours." Stanley says. "Our mutual acquaintance might have told you that our employer is interested in opening a branch here. We are here to look for the opportunities and obstacles, if you know what I mean. I cannot give you too much exact details. I am sure you understand that the competition would also love to learn about this."

Stanley looks over his shoulder as if to check for any eavesdroppers.

"I can say that it would involve regularly shipping cargo from Europe to here." Stanley discreetly points to the bottle of wine on the table. "Expensive cargo. That is why we would like to talk to you. Our employer would like to make sure that any shipments safely arrive here and you have been recommended as someone who knows what sort of preparations are required for that."
The Traveller
player, 2205 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Wed 27 Dec 2017
at 01:44
  • msg #91

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
By climbering up stacks of crates, high roofs, and the occasional creaking mast, Smoke Alarm got a high outlook and was able to eyespy the ships. 'I eyespy the Star of Moroc-co, and the Jaunty Dancer, and I think the Irish Rose.' she read off their signs, squinting to read those further away.

Climbering down, she led Traveller and Kalath toward them – as the seagull flies, intending to hop, skip, and jump from one boat to the next to cross the harbour, dodging sailors and dockworkers as she went. 'Scuse me, outlook, give way...'


Dressed in a Cheomsang and dancing behind Smoke Alarm, although with an incongruous red, white and blue scarf around her neck (her hat, form changed), she leaps from crate to crate and roof to roof behind Smoke Alarm. This body was so much more mobile, trained, and sets of neural pathways and memories unlocked, being again the athlete and free runner that Louise Simons was. Also, Shanghai and Hong Kong held good memories in her past lives. While an American, part of her soul resided here. She was last here with Minmay, long ago. Before the war.

"Lead on, Smoke Alarm. Let's see what we can eyespy."
The Guardian
GM, 2437 posts
Wed 27 Dec 2017
at 03:47
  • msg #92

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
Climbering down, she led Traveller and Kalath toward them – as the seagull flies, intending to hop, skip, and jump from one boat to the next to cross the harbour, dodging sailors and dockworkers as she went. 'Scuse me, outlook, give way...'

One would think that it would be hard to actually disrupt the flow of work and activity on the docks -- that would imply a far greater degree of coherence to it all than could truthfully be said to be present -- but Smoke Alarm being Smoke Alarm is like a seed crystal dropped into supersaturated chaos.  She jumps the gap from one junk to another, leaps to catch a crate suspended from a block-and-tackle and swing herself to the deck of a third, and slides underneath a long pallet as she crosses the deck of a fourth ship, attracting shouts and exclamations in several languages as she goes.

"Hey, watch it you little...."

"Whoa there!"

"Tíng xiàlái!"

OOC: Smoke, where exactly do you want to end up?

Others in the scene, you can roll Awareness + Ingenuity with any Keen Senses traits -- you might or might not observe something depending on what Smoke provokes.
The Guardian
GM, 2438 posts
Wed 27 Dec 2017
at 04:17
  • msg #93

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"No, the pleasure is all ours." Stanley says. "Our mutual acquaintance might have told you that our employer is interested in opening a branch here. We are here to look for the opportunities and obstacles, if you know what I mean. I cannot give you too much exact details. I am sure you understand that the competition would also love to learn about this."

"Indeed.  I can say that you would be well advised to cultivate friends in the Colonial Office to guarantee that your access to markets on the mainland is, shall we say, free and unimpeded.  I do not exercise direct influence over these matters -- my role is more in the manner of acting as an observer and unofficial ombudsman on behalf of the Assistant Undersecretary, rather than being directly answerable to the Governor's office.  Of course, it would be slander to suggest that any official of Her Majesty's Government was ever less than solicitous to the needs of any of her subjects; it remains a sad reality that certain business interests enjoy the benefit of exceptional enthusiasm on the part of certain individuals."

quote:
"I can say that it would involve regularly shipping cargo from Europe to here." Stanley discreetly points to the bottle of wine on the table. "Expensive cargo. That is why we would like to talk to you. Our employer would like to make sure that any shipments safely arrive here and you have been recommended as someone who knows what sort of preparations are required for that."

"Ah, now.  There I detect some notes of a familiar tune and I can say that I have been pursuing some discreet inquiries of my own.  It's no secret that recent months have seen the route east of Suez become less than stable.  My fear is that a network for commercial espionage has taken root in the colony, and I have had agents carefully investigating the streams and tributaries of that river -- though the headwaters, if you will, have yet to properly reveal themselves."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2093 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 27 Dec 2017
at 05:11
  • msg #94

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
OOC: Smoke, where exactly do you want to end up?

Others in the scene, you can roll Awareness + Ingenuity with any Keen Senses traits -- you might or might not observe something depending on what Smoke provokes.


OOC: To one of the three ships. The one where the plot is. ;) Or the Star of Morocco. Do I need to roll anything?
The Guardian
GM, 2439 posts
Thu 28 Dec 2017
at 04:34
  • msg #95

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

With a final vault over open water,  Smoke Alarm propels herself onto the deck of the Star of Morocco.  Angry curses are still trailing in her wake, but no one whose work she has interrupted in passing seems like they are upset enough about it to be pursuing her.  On this ship, though, several big crewmen are lowering a crate suspended by a cradle of heavy ropes, and as she touches down on the deck they shift and stumble out of the way, apparently not confident that she will not careen into them.  The crate wobbles in the air and slips a few feet as one of the men loses his grip, though he's able to recover and grab hold before it gets away from the others.

A barrel-chested man with droopy graying mustaches, wearing a heavy, dark stain- and water-spattered jacket crashes up to her.  "What's your game, boy?" he thunders.  Apparently Smoke's outfit is an impenetrable disguise.  "Don'tcha know men are working here?  Off with you now, or you'll feel the back o' my hand!"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2095 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 28 Dec 2017
at 04:50
  • msg #96

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

She skidded wildly to something like a stop, but the rolling deck was a distinctly new and uncertain experience for the surefooted Kang. Nevertheless, if she hadn't had good balance, she really wouldn't be here now. Challenged by the inbetween, she rocked back on her heels, ready to foot it again if she had to. 'I don't wanna feel the back of your hairy hand!' Smoke Alarm retorted, grossed out by the offer. There were too many things to correct here; being misidentified as a boy was the least of them. 'My game is outlooking for pirates. I was sent by Mizz Kizmet.'
The Traveller
player, 2207 posts
Change your view,yourself
Blue and living it
Thu 28 Dec 2017
at 05:58
  • msg #97

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
With a final vault over open water,  Smoke Alarm propels herself onto the deck of the Star of Morocco.  Angry curses are still trailing in her wake, but no one whose work she has interrupted in passing seems like they are upset enough about it to be pursuing her.  On this ship, though, several big crewmen are lowering a crate suspended by a cradle of heavy ropes, and as she touches down on the deck they shift and stumble out of the way, apparently not confident that she will not careen into them.  The crate wobbles in the air and slips a few feet as one of the men loses his grip, though he's able to recover and grab hold before it gets away from the others.

A barrel-chested man with droopy graying mustaches, wearing a heavy, dark stain- and water-spattered jacket crashes up to her.  "What's your game, boy?" he thunders.  Apparently Smoke's outfit is an impenetrable disguise.  "Don'tcha know men are working here?  Off with you now, or you'll feel the back o' my hand!"


The Traveller takes a seat on one of the large dock poles. "Be nice to him, Smoke Alarm. Like my sweet Boobie always said to me - 'Never be cruel, never be cowardly. Always try to be nice and never fail to be kind.' That was the lesson he set me off with when Sweet Boy and I started running." Boobie is one of the Traveller's affectionate names for the Doctor, if Smoke Alarm remembers back to Woodstock.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Thu 28 Dec 2017.
Stanley Newton
player, 794 posts
Thu 28 Dec 2017
at 19:41
  • msg #98

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Ah, now.  There I detect some notes of a familiar tune and I can say that I have been pursuing some discreet inquiries of my own.  It's no secret that recent months have seen the route east of Suez become less than stable.  My fear is that a network for commercial espionage has taken root in the colony, and I have had agents carefully investigating the streams and tributaries of that river -- though the headwaters, if you will, have yet to properly reveal themselves."


Stanley nods. Geoffrey was not saying anything they hadn't talked about earlier in Kismet's office. She couldn't rule out that she was just unlucky..., but Geoffrey mentioned a possible network and an investigation. He wouldn't do that if he didn't have some evidence of foul play.  "Are you saying that it is not just pirates being more active than usual? What makes you suspect espionage?"
The Guardian
GM, 2441 posts
Fri 29 Dec 2017
at 01:46
  • msg #99

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Sir Geoffrey motions Stanley and Sairen to seats in a more discreet corner of the room, pausing to speak momentarily to an attendant.  He lowers his voice.

"Real piracy on the trade routes is unusual in this day and age, Mr. Wright.  The sea lanes are watched over by Her Majesty's navy, and while it is dangerous to assume that Britannia shall ever rule the waves, a rash of incidents such as we are seeing does suggest some ancillary circumstances.  The questions to be raised are, to whose benefit does this work, apart perhaps from the criminals in question?  And what means are promoting it?

"For the first question I would look either to another colonial power, or perhaps to some scheme of the Qing dynasts to weaken the British position here.  I have been trying to ascertain the likelihood of the former possibility in particular: reports would also point to unusually high losses by Dutch shipping in the region, but I am still working on independently verifying those reports.

"On the question of means, I wonder whether it is merely a question of improved intelligence measures being employed.  With the Navy's resources and, we presume for now, the similar efforts of the Dutch, a marauder may not easily cruise in vulnerable waters for their prizes: they must be able to predict their targets, intercept and take them, and then quickly retreat to safe harbor.  The Lord knows that the Indies are riddled with many ports of opportunity, enough to make rooting them all out a great enterprise indeed, but it still challenges the imagination to understand how a reaver may strike and fade away with such ghostlike efficiency, even if, as I suspect, they are receiving prompt and accurate word on when their victims sail and where."
The Guardian
GM, 2442 posts
Fri 29 Dec 2017
at 01:59
  • msg #100

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'My game is outlooking for pirates. I was sent by Mizz Kizmet.'

The man gives a loud guffaw.  "Heh!  Well, you got the name right, some how, although it seems a far-fetched thing to think that one scrawny scrub is like to answer anyone's worries on that score.  What's your name, then?  And how is it you'd come to know the Duchess and conjure with her name?"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2096 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 29 Dec 2017
at 08:07
  • msg #101

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm tried to stand, or at least look, taller. 'Coz I run with the Traveller and she knows Mz Kismet from way back whenever.' she answered, pointing a thumb at Traveller when she sat on the pole, along with a look to say Eyespy, I am being nice! 'And I'm Smoke Alarm, how you do!' Suddenly she advanced on the man, first thrusting her right forearm out, performing the how-you-do with a grace and martial intensity that wouldn't be unfamiliar here in China.
The Traveller
player, 2211 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Sat 30 Dec 2017
at 04:44
  • msg #102

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
Smoke Alarm tried to stand, or at least look, taller. 'Coz I run with the Traveller and she knows Mz Kismet from way back whenever.' she answered, pointing a thumb at Traveller when she sat on the pole, along with a look to say Eyespy, I am being nice! 'And I'm Smoke Alarm, how you do!' Suddenly she advanced on the man, first thrusting her right forearm out, performing the how-you-do with a grace and martial intensity that wouldn't be unfamiliar here in China.


Trav waves smiling as she sits on the dock pole, like some lady at a garden party.
The Guardian
GM, 2443 posts
Sun 31 Dec 2017
at 00:30
  • msg #103

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The man stares at Smoke Alarm in increasing bewilderment.  He doesn't react to the incipient how-you-do with anything but utter confusion.  "'Smoke Alarm'?  That's no kind of proper name," he complains.  "Look, fun is fun and all, but you're standin' in the way of progress here, so I'm going to need you off this ship and out o' the way of my crew.  Put yourself off and we'll make no more fuss about it."  He glances at the crewmen who have stopped their work.  "Else these lads can put you, as it's plain they'll accomplish nothing with you distractin' them."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2100 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sun 31 Dec 2017
at 00:53
  • msg #104

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Her how-you-do becoming a how-you-don't, Smoke Alarm stop-signed to outlook at the man defiantly. Mayhaps he was chief caretaker here. At his challenge, she eyespied the competition. 'These slowpokes? Pfft! They couldn't put a cat out.'
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Sun 31 Dec 2017.
The Traveller
player, 2213 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Sun 31 Dec 2017
at 01:14
  • msg #105

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The man stares at Smoke Alarm in increasing bewilderment.  He doesn't react to the incipient how-you-do with anything but utter confusion.  "'Smoke Alarm'?  That's no kind of proper name," he complains.  "Look, fun is fun and all, but you're standin' in the way of progress here, so I'm going to need you off this ship and out o' the way of my crew.  Put yourself off and we'll make no more fuss about it."  He glances at the crewmen who have stopped their work.  "Else these lads can put you, as it's plain they'll accomplish nothing with you distractin' them."


The Traveller stands up, on the dock pole, in the middle of the water. "Sir, the young woman asked a polite question. And yes, we do know Miss Kismet. We're here to help. But we shall not be put. Your lads seem like nice boys and we want them in a shape to do good work for you." Any experienced martial artist can see how she's holding her hands behind her waist, sliding open her feet a bit, and relaxing.

"We'd rather talk, sir, but if you insist on being impolite, it won't go well for you.

Convince sailors to be nice - 20:15, Today: The Traveller rolled 19 using 2d6+7 ((6,6)). Presence 3+Convince 2+VOA 2
This message was last edited by the player at 01:17, Sun 31 Dec 2017.
The Guardian
GM, 2444 posts
Sun 31 Dec 2017
at 03:07
  • msg #106

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav can see by his expression that he's mentally running the chances that being offensive to an actual grownup is going to come down to real consequences if it gets back to the person who bankrolls him.

Finally he gives an exaggerated shrug.  "Fine.  C'mon and we can get out of everyone's way while you explain what Miz Kismet sent you here about."  He gestures to the ship's weather-beaten wheelhouse.

Once everyone has joined him there are and the loading has resumed out on deck, he says, "Look, I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot, but no one gave me cause to expect folk droppin' into the middle of our work and givin' no clear account of themselves.  I'm Harry Shaughnessy, master of the Star.  Everyone's heard of what's been going on, the Lily and the Rupert Mason goin' lost and all, but there's been real scarce facts to hand.  Did the Duchess turn up aught we should know about?"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2101 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sun 31 Dec 2017
at 04:04
  • msg #107

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

A bit disappointed that the promised to-do had become a to-don't also, Smoke Alarm footed after him into the ship's brainquarters. After he explained, she responded, in the same polite good-girl voice Traveller had used. 'I'm Smoke Alarm and this is my friend Traveller. We're here to outlook for pierats and ring-lead urchins. Mayhaps you could just show-and-tell what they outlook like, and we'll let you get on moving boxes.'
The Guardian
GM, 2445 posts
Mon 1 Jan 2018
at 04:17
  • msg #108

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Shaughnessy frowns.  "Well, you're not going to find any actual pirates in port, even the Navy couldn't fail to blow the hell out of anyone who tried causing trouble in the harbor itself.  What you might have better luck with is finding out if anyone's spying on the Duchess's ships, finding out what we're carrying, when we sail, and maybe getting word back to the people with actual ships and guns and such.  I don't see how they could make that work, myself.  But that might be what Miz Kismet had in mind."

He shakes his head.  "I don't think you've made your job any easier by making a bee-line straight for the Star, though.  Any shady characters watching the ship, they've probably seen you already and they'll know to be careful of you."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2102 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Mon 1 Jan 2018
at 05:42
  • msg #109

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

OOC: Sounds like Impulsive to me! :D


'That just stirs up the cockroaches.' Smoke said optimistically.
Stanley Newton
player, 796 posts
Wed 3 Jan 2018
at 00:08
  • msg #110

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"On the question of means, I wonder whether it is merely a question of improved intelligence measures being employed.  With the Navy's resources and, we presume for now, the similar efforts of the Dutch, a marauder may not easily cruise in vulnerable waters for their prizes: they must be able to predict their targets, intercept and take them, and then quickly retreat to safe harbor.  The Lord knows that the Indies are riddled with many ports of opportunity, enough to make rooting them all out a great enterprise indeed, but it still challenges the imagination to understand how a reaver may strike and fade away with such ghostlike efficiency, even if, as I suspect, they are receiving prompt and accurate word on when their victims sail and where."


Some of the things Sir Geoffrey mentions as difficult, would be very easy for pirates with access to alien or even just 21st century technology. It makes sense that the authorities were also investigating this. The man had taken them to a corner of the room, probably because he didn't want to be overheard.

Stanley thinks for a moment and then looks over his shoulder at the rest of the room. No familiar faces as far as he can tell, but that would be different for Sir Geoffrey.

"This may sound a bit unusual, but is there anyone here right now that you think is involved? If you ask them to join us I can help you get some answers. Answers your other sources might take much longer to find. I know a trick you could say is a more effective form of in vino veritas. We appreciate that you shared this information and we'd like to help. It would be in both our interests to get to the bottom of this."
The Guardian
GM, 2446 posts
Thu 4 Jan 2018
at 04:12
  • msg #111

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Sir Geoffrey looks a little baffled by this.  "Involved?" he says.  "Perhaps not as such.  If you were asking me to read patterns, though, I would note that there are those in the Governor's office showing less concern over the situation than might be warranted, and those with their own shipping interests who might be less troubled than seems prudent.  Wait here a moment, if you would."

He rises and walks out of the room.  While he's gone, Sairen leans over to Stanley.  "Mind if I ask what you're planning?  I mean--"  His voice drops.  "I wouldn't make the mistake of assuming that anyone here is going to be a sucker, just because you've got the advantage of some history on them.  Sharp people are sharp and chumps are chumps, and it doesn't matter if you're talking about Sontarans or Sumerians."

Sairen has only just finished sharing this wisdom (?) when Sir Geoffrey returns.  "You're in luck, Mr. Wright.  James Halverston is the Colonial Office's associate secretary for commerce, and he's paid a visit to the club this afternoon.  I've made several attempts to sound him out on the problem and he's been rather cool to my inquiries, if not egregiously so.  If you'd like, I'll introduce you, as a man of trade new-arrived to Hong Kong.  Perhaps he'll reveal something to you that he wouldn't to me, as a man in his own trade, you see."
Stanley Newton
player, 797 posts
Thu 4 Jan 2018
at 23:15
  • msg #112

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"I wouldn't make the mistake of assuming that anyone here is going to be a sucker, just because you've got the advantage of some history on them.  Sharp people are sharp and chumps are chumps, and it doesn't matter if you're talking about Sontarans or Sumerians."


"No, I don't think my advantage is that I was born in their future. My advantage is that I am also a pretty good hypnotist." Stanley smiles. "And this is the perfect place to try it. Even if it doesn't work, for whatever reason, I think they won't attack us here."

The Guardian:
Sairen has only just finished sharing this wisdom (?) when Sir Geoffrey returns.  "You're in luck, Mr. Wright.  James Halverston is the Colonial Office's associate secretary for commerce, and he's paid a visit to the club this afternoon.  I've made several attempts to sound him out on the problem and he's been rather cool to my inquiries, if not egregiously so.  If you'd like, I'll introduce you, as a man of trade new-arrived to Hong Kong.  Perhaps he'll reveal something to you that he wouldn't to me, as a man in his own trade, you see."


"If you introduce us to him, I'll see what I can find out." Stanley replies. "I cannot guarantee that I'll get any useful answers. There could be many innocent reasons for the way he responded to your inquiries."
The Guardian
GM, 2447 posts
Fri 5 Jan 2018
at 03:28
  • msg #113

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'That just stirs up the cockroaches.' Smoke said optimistically.

"It does that sometimes," Shaughnessy observes.  He looks out at the bustle of the harbor.  "Cockroaches don't often come scurrying straight for you out in the light, though.  What sort o' bugs do you think might be coming after us?"

OOC: I'll endorse your petition for a story point.
The Guardian
GM, 2448 posts
Fri 5 Jan 2018
at 03:51
  • msg #114

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Sir Geoffrey nods.  "Come this way, then."

He leads Stanley and Sairen to another meeting-room, this one reeking of cigar smoke.  Sir Geoffrey indicates a group of men standing and conversing at one end, under an oil painting depicting a naval battle (doubtless being ruined by the polluted atmosphere.)  Two of the men are of average build and wearing conservative suits, while a third is in a British Army uniform; the fourth, whom Sir Geoffrey identifies as Halverston, stands out, being heavily built with a florid complexion, and wearing a white linen suit.

After a short time goes by, handshakes are shared all around and the first two men depart, and Sir Geoffrey shepherds Stanley and Sairen over to the remaining pair.  Sairen trades a look with Stanley, and lets him assume the lead.

"Gentlemen," he says with a nod.  "These are the entrepreneurs I mentioned to you earlier, who wished to discuss some of the finer points of negotiating their trade in the colony.  Allow me to introduce Mr. James Halverston and Colonel Edward Brassey; and these fine gentlemen are Mr. Stanley Wright, and Mr. Samuel Tomes."

"A pleasure, a pleasure," burbles Halverston, while Brassey makes a more subdued acknowledgment.  "Commerce is the life blood of Hong Kong!  What is that you gentlemen deal in, then, and what can we do to make your coffers flow with silver?"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2103 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 5 Jan 2018
at 12:09
  • msg #115

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm shrugged. 'Crickets?' she speculated. 'Mister Mop and I had a big to-do with crickets on the Exeter, where I lugged cargoes and did pest control on micro mouses and great bats with my arrow-gun. 'Course, the crickets were biggerer than cats...' she rememorised her shipboard days after escaping the School and before down a time hole. Micro mice were a breed of mouse that plagued shipping in some sectors of space; they could compress themselves to micrometer thickness, practically two-dimensional, to slip through cracks and get at the bonding agent they ate until they fell sick and the freighter came apart at the seams.

'Anyhow, we're hunting pie-rats. So mayhaps we should put out bait! Let's make-believe we have a big shiny icehot cargo, and that's why we footed out here so fast. We get all the sailor-boys to make like busy-bees, while we keep outlook and eyespy who gets interested.'
The Traveller
player, 2214 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Fri 5 Jan 2018
at 19:46
  • msg #116

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

In reply to The Guardian (msg # 114):

Trav translates kang speak. "That is to say, as my young friend from...Baltimore states that she and I need to pretend that we're here to inspect and see to the delivery of an important cargo, explaining why we arrived quickly. You and your men should keep up with your work, but keep your eyes out for anything out of the ordinary." A pause. "Besides us." A smile.
The Guardian
GM, 2449 posts
Sat 6 Jan 2018
at 04:18
  • msg #117

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Shaughnessy's bushy eyebrows shoot up.

"That's... just about daft enough to be brilliant.  If you need some of the lads to help set the stage for it, figure out what you need, and we'll make it happen."

OOC: Like it says.  One of you can put together the post describing what you're making this look like or how you're managing the entrapment.  Assume you can employ the crew of the Star as supporting cast.  Then, it's an Ingenuity + Convince check.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2104 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Mon 8 Jan 2018
at 13:30
  • msg #118

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'Okay.' After some careful and not-so-careful thought, Smoke Alarm turned to Traveller and outlined her plan. 'Mayhaps, mayhaps we can fetch something icehot from Sai Yuen's scrapyard, but we put it in a big box so no one can eyespy it. We lug it back here to the boat, make a big fuss about how icehot it is, then leave it out and outlook who comes to eyespy. Then we track back to their brainquarters.'
Stanley Newton
player, 798 posts
Mon 8 Jan 2018
at 23:30
  • msg #119

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley had expected the colonel to leave with the others. Him staying here complicates things. A lot. Brassey has ever reason to take action, either sounding the alarm or interfering, the moment Stanley would try to hypnotise Halverston. Sir Geoffrey was also still here of course, but Stanley thought that he could be convinced that this was for the good of everyone or Sairen could have restrained him.

The Guardian:
"A pleasure, a pleasure," burbles Halverston, while Brassey makes a more subdued acknowledgment.  "Commerce is the life blood of Hong Kong!  What is that you gentlemen deal in, then, and what can we do to make your coffers flow with silver?"


"The pleasure is all ours." Stanley says politely. They had to think of a way to get Colonel Brassey to leave. "We are talking about spirits and wines. Expensive cargo, in other words, and we have heard that a surprising amount of ships have encountered difficulties in the form of pirates over the last couple of months. It is our coffers that need to flow with silver not the pirates'."
The Guardian
GM, 2450 posts
Tue 9 Jan 2018
at 04:04
  • msg #120

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
Stanley had expected the colonel to leave with the others. Him staying here complicates things. A lot.

OOC: Can you suggest some way for Sairen to run interference and separate Brassey from Halverston?  If you've got something, you can spend a Story Point and we can run with that.  You are still in a semi-public area, so your hypnotism should probably be on the subtle side, but it will certainly be a lot harder with a third party standing right there.
Stanley Newton
player, 799 posts
Wed 10 Jan 2018
at 22:47
  • msg #121

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
OOC: Can you suggest some way for Sairen to run interference and separate Brassey from Halverston?  If you've got something, you can spend a Story Point and we can run with that.


OOC: Maybe Sairen could spill a drink (wine from the table) on Brassey and then go with him to the kitchen/bathroom to help him get it cleaned/clean it?
The Guardian
GM, 2451 posts
Fri 12 Jan 2018
at 03:07
  • msg #122

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

OOC: You bet.  Sold!

"Now, my fellow," Halverston is burbling, "while Her Majesty's government and servants abroad are certainly understanding of the trepidation of a good prudent businessman, I'm sure you must be overstating the risk and danger.  And isn't it the case that fortune loves the bold?"

While he goes on in this way at some length, Brassey studies Stanley and Sairen with a regard that's all too careful and shrewd for Stanley's liking.  Sairen catches Stanley's concern, and gives an almost imperceptible nod.

Club attendants bring drinks for the group, and Sairen takes up the conversation with Halverston.  "I'm not sure how you can be so blase about this threat, Mr. Secretary," he says, growing animated and gesturing with his glass for emphasis.  "These are hardly the days of Blackbeard and Morgan and robbers on the high seas!"  And with a particularly energetic wave of his drink, he jostles Brassey's elbow, wasting a considerable volume of a fine cognac all over the officer's previously immaculate uniform.

"Oh, my!" exclaims Sairen.  "I'm so dreadfully sorry, sir!  That uniform's going to be ruined if we don't get that out immediately!  You there!"  He gestures peremptorily at one of the attendants, even as he takes the colonel's elbow and starts to steer him toward the exit.  "Which way to the kitchens?  We need vinegar and table salt to remedy this crisis and we need it now!"

Brassey goes red in the face, but allows the extraction.  Halverston, bemused, watches them go, while Sir Geoffrey shoots Stanley a measuring, but guarded look.
The Guardian
GM, 2452 posts
Fri 12 Jan 2018
at 03:33
  • msg #123

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'Mayhaps, mayhaps we can fetch something icehot from Sai Yuen's scrapyard, but we put it in a big box so no one can eyespy it. We lug it back here to the boat, make a big fuss about how icehot it is, then leave it out and outlook who comes to eyespy. Then we track back to their brainquarters.'

Shaughnessy rubs his chin.  "If that's something you can arrange, you want a couple of the boys to head along with you to pick up your bait?"
Stanley Newton
player, 801 posts
Mon 15 Jan 2018
at 23:12
  • msg #124

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Club attendants bring drinks for the group, and Sairen takes up the conversation with Halverston.  "I'm not sure how you can be so blase about this threat, Mr. Secretary," he says, growing animated and gesturing with his glass for emphasis.  "These are hardly the days of Blackbeard and Morgan and robbers on the high seas!"  And with a particularly energetic wave of his drink, he jostles Brassey's elbow, wasting a considerable volume of a fine cognac all over the officer's previously immaculate uniform.

"Oh, my!" exclaims Sairen.  "I'm so dreadfully sorry, sir!  That uniform's going to be ruined if we don't get that out immediately!  You there!"  He gestures peremptorily at one of the attendants, even as he takes the colonel's elbow and starts to steer him toward the exit.  "Which way to the kitchens?  We need vinegar and table salt to remedy this crisis and we need it now!"

Brassey goes red in the face, but allows the extraction.  Halverston, bemused, watches them go, while Sir Geoffrey shoots Stanley a measuring, but guarded look.


Stanley looks suitably shocked as Sairen promptly ruins the Colonel's uniform and makes it look like an accident. Even better, Sairen manages to lead the man away to the kitchen, giving Stanley a small window of opportunity to hypnotise their target. No time to waste. Stanley nods at Sir Geoffrey, hoping that the man was curious enough not to interfere.

"Don't worry, Mister Halverston. This will sort itself out." Stanley begins. He had decided on using the old stairway in the water script this time. They were talking about pirates after all. A couple of deliberate hand movements draw Halverston's attention to Stanley's eyes. Stanley speaks slowly and slightly softer. "James, you will close your eyes. You are standing atop a stairway leading into the sea. In a moment you will feel completely calm. I will count down from ten and with every number you take a step down. Ten, your eyes are feeling heavy. Nine... Eight, relax and look at the sea... Seven, Six, you are feeling even more rested... Five... Four...Three, take a deep breath....Two...One, step into the water and you are completely calm, you are floating in the water."

OOC: -1 SP for drink spilling.
Rolling for hypnosis (-1 SP):
23:11, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 26 using 4d6+8 with rolls of 6,6,3,3.  Hypnotising Halverston: Presence(3)+Convince(3)+Hypnosis(2)+1 SP (+2d6).

The Guardian
GM, 2453 posts
Sun 21 Jan 2018
at 20:34
  • msg #125

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

As Stanley speaks, Halverston's breathing slows, and his small involuntary movements still; his ebullient expression softens and becomes serene.  "Yes... yes...."

Sir Geoffrey's eyes widen: he says nothing, though he glances around the room to check whether this is attracting any attention.
Stanley Newton
player, 803 posts
Tue 23 Jan 2018
at 22:20
  • msg #126

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
As Stanley speaks, Halverston's breathing slows, and his small involuntary movements still; his ebullient expression softens and becomes serene.  "Yes... yes...."

Sir Geoffrey's eyes widen: he says nothing, though he glances around the room to check whether this is attracting any attention.


Stanley relaxes a bit now that Halverston is in a trance and Sir Geoffrey hasn't immediately called for help.

"James, why are you not taking action against the pirates on the route east of Suez?"
The Traveller
player, 2216 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Wed 24 Jan 2018
at 19:54
  • msg #127

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'Okay.' After some careful and not-so-careful thought, Smoke Alarm turned to Traveller and outlined her plan. 'Mayhaps, mayhaps we can fetch something icehot from Sai Yuen's scrapyard, but we put it in a big box so no one can eyespy it. We lug it back here to the boat, make a big fuss about how icehot it is, then leave it out and outlook who comes to eyespy. Then we track back to their brainquarters.'


"That sounds like a plan. Let's see how Sai Yeun feels about it and if he will let us borrow something. Maybe I can gussy it up and make it seem even more icehot."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2106 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 25 Jan 2018
at 01:52
  • msg #128

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'Mmm, I think he'd rather we buy something, shopkeepers are like that.' Smoke Alarm considered from experience. 'Or mayhaps we can bring Sweet Boy! A talkiphone box is sure to get the eyespy of the pirates, specially if they're ticktock-travelling ones. And he might like a boat trip...'

The Guardian:
Shaughnessy rubs his chin.  "If that's something you can arrange, you want a couple of the boys to head along with you to pick up your bait?"


'And girls please.'
The Guardian
GM, 2455 posts
Thu 25 Jan 2018
at 03:26
  • msg #129

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"James, why are you not taking action against the pirates on the route east of Suez?"

Halverston looks as if the significance of the question evades him.  "It isn't my job to police the seas," he says mildly.  "Wise traders and businessmen know that making the correct investments in the correct quarters is their key to protecting their interest.  Those who think it thrift to skimp on properly paying the dues of their trade, they must simply abide what misfortune comes their way."

Sir Geoffrey gives a start at that.  But he holds his tongue, plainly not sure what influence Stanley has brought to bear, or whether he'd stop Halverston's tongue by speaking up.
The Guardian
GM, 2456 posts
Thu 25 Jan 2018
at 03:32
  • msg #130

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'And girls please.'

Shaughnessy's brows shoot up at that.  "Sorry, but I don't think >that's a service that Kismet would insist I provide you...."

OOC: If you two want to pick up the scene back at the scrapyard, I'll jump the scene.  Not sure if the plan is to take Shaugnessy's crew right away, to go first and then send for them, or what.
Stanley Newton
player, 805 posts
Thu 25 Jan 2018
at 20:25
  • msg #131

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Halverston looks as if the significance of the question evades him.  "It isn't my job to police the seas," he says mildly.  "Wise traders and businessmen know that making the correct investments in the correct quarters is their key to protecting their interest.  Those who think it thrift to skimp on properly paying the dues of their trade, they must simply abide what misfortune comes their way."


This confirms some of their suspicions, though the information is a bit vague. They needed more information, but Sairen and Brassey wouldn't stay away forever. Stanley needs to prepare for when they return.

"James, when I snap my fingers you will wake up and forget about this." Stanley says before demanding more information. "James, who I should pay? You will tell me a name."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2107 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 26 Jan 2018
at 02:50
  • msg #132

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Tracking back to the scrapyard, Smoke Alarm was complaining to Traveller, after she'd explained the earlier misunderstanding. '...So there aren't any girls on the boat at all?' she wondered, confused by the situation. 'But who gets all the work done?'


OOC: I'm fine with jumping. We might as well take some of the crewmen with us, however confused they might be. :)
The Guardian
GM, 2457 posts
Fri 26 Jan 2018
at 04:12
  • msg #133

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"James, who I should pay? You will tell me a name."

"Yan Huang," Halverston replies.  "There are many men who could pass on your contribution, but that money would largely make its way to Yan Huang in the end."

OOC: "James Halverston." :D
The Guardian
GM, 2458 posts
Fri 26 Jan 2018
at 04:29
  • msg #134

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
Tracking back to the scrapyard, Smoke Alarm was complaining to Traveller, after she'd explained the earlier misunderstanding. '...So there aren't any girls on the boat at all?' she wondered, confused by the situation. 'But who gets all the work done?'


The travelers are accompanied by a pair of big, bluff crewmen, who Shaughnessy has introduced as Nicholas Rourke and Edgar Freeman.  "They'll get a sense of what you're going to have to deal with and reckon what'll be needed for haulage," he'd explained, "even if it can't be brought back straight away."

When the group arrives at Sai Yuen's scrapyard, they're surprised to see the gate closed and latched already, even though it's only late afternoon.  They can see that someone's made a bit of a mess -- that morning, the yard's clutter was of a remarkably organized sort, but now a lot of it has been tossed around and is lying strewn on the ground.  It looks like someone has particularly been clearing space around the TARDIS, which is standing exactly where it was left.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2109 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 26 Jan 2018
at 05:52
  • msg #135

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

On arrival, Smoke Alarm eyespied the messed-up scrap with wide-eyed shock. 'It wasn't me!' she hastily protested, figuring she was one likely candidate for any mess that was made. But what had happened here?

Then, with sudden fear, she footed off around the scrapyard, yelling 'Zhu! Uncle Yuen!'


OOC:
13:51, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 13 using 2d6+9 with rolls of 3,1. awareness(4) + ingenuity(3) + Keen Senses(2).
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Mon 29 Jan 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2459 posts
Sat 27 Jan 2018
at 03:48
  • msg #136

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

As Smoke Alarm begins her agitated reconnaissance, she hears a thump and a clatter from inside the "office" shack.

Then the door bangs open and she glimpses Zhu, clutching a long two-by-four, with a pair of his smaller siblings behind him.  He's red-eyed and he sniffles as he sets eyes on Smoke.

From behind him in the little building, there's a muffled groan that sounds not unlike Sai Yuen.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2110 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sat 27 Jan 2018
at 06:58
  • msg #137

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

With a gasp, Smoke Alarm swerved and footed over to the cubbyhouse. 'Zhu! What's the comeout?' she urged. Passing the boy, she outlooked inside the door, unbrave at what she might eyespy. 'Yuen?'
The Guardian
GM, 2460 posts
Sat 27 Jan 2018
at 21:07
  • msg #138

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm finds Sai Yuen on the ground, propped up against a simple chair.  His face has livid bruises and one eye is swollen shut.  It looks like he has been in quite a to-do.

"Uhhh..." he groans.  Looking up at Smoke Alarm, he mumbles.  "You!  You're back!"
Stanley Newton
player, 807 posts
Sat 27 Jan 2018
at 23:07
  • msg #139

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Yan Huang," Halverston replies.  "There are many men who could pass on your contribution, but that money would largely make its way to Yan Huang in the end."


Stanley looks at Sir Geoffrey. "Recognize the name?"

They have a name now. Stanley doesn't want to risk keeping James hypnotised any longer so, after giving a heads-up to Sir Geoffrey, he snaps his fingers to wake him up.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2111 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sun 28 Jan 2018
at 02:16
  • msg #140

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

She skidded to a stopsign inside the cubbyhouse, crouching by Mister Yuen's side and outlooking over his hurts. 'Uncle Yuen! What happened? Were you in a to-do?' she asked, full of concern.


OOC: Just making sure he's not in serious trouble, but this isn't my strong suit.
10:15, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 11 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 5,1. awareness(4) + medicine(1).
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Mon 29 Jan 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2461 posts
Sun 28 Jan 2018
at 22:00
  • msg #141

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

With the snap of Stanley's fingers, Halverston resumes his prior affable rambling as if nothing has happened.

Before much more of this conversation has transpired, Sairen returns with Colonel Brassey, who is now wearing a borrowed jacket in place of his uniform and is clearly out of sorts.  Brassey is studying Stanley and Sairen and the others with evident suspicion, as if he realizes that he may have been purposefully diverted, but his level of distrust doesn't rise to overwhelm his sense of manners.

OOC: Make a Presence + Convince roll; that will determine how well you manage to extricate yourself from the conversation without arousing further suspicion from Halverston or Brassey.
The Guardian
GM, 2462 posts
Sun 28 Jan 2018
at 22:12
  • msg #142

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm's study of Sai Yuen doesn't tell her a lot about his physical state; if he has any immediately threatening injuries, they aren't apparent.  And he seems lucid enough as he responds to her questions.

"It's all my fault; I had forgotten," he says.  "The collectors from the Benevolent Gentlemen came today to collect their neighborhood watch fees for the week.  But they took an unusual amount of interest in your shrine.  When I explained that it was a home for lonely ghosts, and not mine to give away, that seemed to make them even more insistent that they remove it, for the safety of the community, so they said."

His expression turns mournful.  "And they fetched a team of men to pick it up and move it and they could not.  It was as if my humble business were a solid mountain and your shrine a fixed and immovable crag upon it.  The collectors grew angry.  They demanded that I explain the trick, or failing that to undo it, so they could take the shrine away as they planned.  I could not explain.  I told them I would help if I could -- for the safety of my family, you must understand, and I am very sorry for it -- but they did not believe me, even after they had spent some time in attempting to wrest from me the knowledge I did not have.  And, well, you see the results of their misguided persuasion."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2112 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Mon 29 Jan 2018
at 03:44
  • msg #143

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm outlooked sadly down at Yuen. 'These gentle-men don't sound so benevolent. Or gentle. They sound like Caretakers.' she pouted bitterly. Wherever she footed in time and space, all-ways there were Caretakers, being mean, taking care, and making people's lives unsafe and unfun.

She lost-and-found a clean-enough rag, then soaked it in a bucket of rainwater. She wiped down Yuen's face, to cool the hurts of his bruises. She felt responsible; she and Trav and Stan and Kalath had landed the talkiphone box here, which got poor Yuen hurt in a real to-do. 'The talkiphone box only moves when he wants to move... Trav, can we take Sweet Boy with us as the treasure? It seems like the pirates will also want him like these Gentlemen. And the collectors might come back for him.' she asked her friend worriedly.
Stanley Newton
player, 808 posts
Wed 31 Jan 2018
at 08:24
  • msg #144

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
OOC: Make a Presence + Convince roll; that will determine how well you manage to extricate yourself from the conversation without arousing further suspicion from Halverston or Brassey.


OOC:Not well at all :)
08:23, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 8 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 1,2.  Presence (3) +Convince (2).
The Guardian
GM, 2463 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2018
at 04:29
  • msg #145

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Brassey regards Stanley for a long, frosty moment.

Then he clears his throat.  "James, perhaps we should leave these people to their... business, for now.  There are some matters I'd like to discuss with you.  Privately."  With a sharp nod to Sir Geoffrey, he takes Halverston by the arm, and they depart.

When they're out of earshot, Sir Geoffrey pulls Stanley and Sairen aside.  His expression is troubled.  Finally, though, he says, "You'll want to watch your step with that one.  He's not the brightest, but when he gets his teeth into something, he's very stubborn about letting go of it.  Make sure you don't get into anything more... dubious... than whatever your little display of mesmerism was, gentlemen."

Sairen is all innocence.  "Please, he's as thick as a board.  I could have lifted that man's watch half a dozen times."  He seems to realize what he's saying, and hastily adds, "If I were the sort to contemplate such a thing."

Sir Geoffrey shakes his head.  "That tidbit about Yan Huang, though... however you pulled that out of Halverston, it's very interesting.  Huang's a bit of a spider.  Lots of interests in local industries and sources for Englishmen here, particularly the Colonial Office.  Plenty of rumors tying him to illicit trade and local rackets as well.  I'd not drawn any direct links between him and our shipping problems before now, but he's not a surprising figure to find brought up in that context."
Stanley Newton
player, 809 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2018
at 22:24
  • msg #146

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Sairen is all innocence.  "Please, he's as thick as a board.  I could have lifted that man's watch half a dozen times."  He seems to realize what he's saying, and hastily adds, "If I were the sort to contemplate such a thing."


Geoffrey had warned them against doing anything more dubious to prevent their new friends from getting suspicious, but Stanley is confident that Halverston won't remember the conversation they had had about the pirates. Brassey didn't look happy when they left, but who would be after getting wine all over his clothes? Sairen had made it look like an accident and helped clean it up. Case closed. Besides, they won't be staying in Hong Kong.

"Nice distraction, by the way." Stanley says to Sairen.

"It looks like we need to pay a visit to this Yan Huang to ensure the safety of our ships." Stanley nods, still happy that he had been able to get a name from Halverston. He turns to Geoffrey. "Or is that a bad idea in your opinion? I think it would be very interesting to meet the guy, but I don't want to end up at the bottom of the harbour, if you know what I mean?"
The Guardian
GM, 2464 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2018
at 04:01
  • msg #147

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Sir Geoffrey thinks it over.

"You'd want to be sure you were going to him with something that was worth his while, and not let him suspect that you were taking a hidden agenda in with you," he says.  "But he does a great deal of completely straightforward business.  The most successful criminals always do.  If you were able to establish your bona fides and show him the color of your money, there's no reason why you shouldn't walk in and out of his offices without a hair being touched.  For myself... I'd be pleased if your investigation led to something, but I don't have many resources to offer in support, nor do I think giving him a hint that we've spoke would be wise."
Stanley Newton
player, 810 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2018
at 22:35
  • msg #148

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"You'd want to be sure you were going to him with something that was worth his while, and not let him suspect that you were taking a hidden agenda in with you," he says.  "But he does a great deal of completely straightforward business.  The most successful criminals always do.  If you were able to establish your bona fides and show him the color of your money, there's no reason why you shouldn't walk in and out of his offices without a hair being touched.  For myself... I'd be pleased if your investigation led to something, but I don't have many resources to offer in support, nor do I think giving him a hint that we've spoke would be wise."


"Don't worry, you have already done more than enough to help us." Stanley smiles. They couldn't expect him to just accompany them to meet one of the local criminals.  "We wouldn't dream of getting you involved with a shady individual like Yan Huang."

"Regroup or visit Yan Huang?" Stanley looks at Sairen. "What do you think? It is not like we would go back completely empty-handed, but..."
The Guardian
GM, 2465 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2018
at 22:32
  • msg #149

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Hard to say."  Sairen gets a devious look in his eye.  "It might be tough to sell a story with the others in tow.  I mean, a pair of foreign devils strolling into this fellow's domain might stand out, but it's surely not unheard-of these days.  All in a bunch, you and your friends do tend to stand out a bit.  On the other hand, I would really hesitate to go see him, just the pair of us, without finding a way to let the others know where we were."
Stanley Newton
player, 811 posts
Sun 4 Feb 2018
at 21:46
  • msg #150

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Hard to say."  Sairen gets a devious look in his eye.  "It might be tough to sell a story with the others in tow.  I mean, a pair of foreign devils strolling into this fellow's domain might stand out, but it's surely not unheard-of these days.  All in a bunch, you and your friends do tend to stand out a bit.  On the other hand, I would really hesitate to go see him, just the pair of us, without finding a way to let the others know where we were."


"Yes, we should let them know where we are going." Stanley says. He thinks for a moment. "We'll just find some kid on the street to deliver a message to the others."
The Traveller
player, 2218 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Wed 14 Feb 2018
at 00:16
  • msg #151

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
She skidded to a stopsign inside the cubbyhouse, crouching by Mister Yuen's side and outlooking over his hurts. 'Uncle Yuen! What happened? Were you in a to-do?' she asked, full of concern.


OOC: Just making sure he's not in serious trouble, but this isn't my strong suit.
10:15, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 11 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 5,1. awareness(4) + medicine(1).



Trav trots up with Smoke Alarm. "Uncle. Smoke, let me take a look." Manuvering around, she examines him gently. While no medical doctor with this face, she still had some rudimentary medical knowledge. Her glasses take his vitals as she looks him over.


19:17, Today: The Traveller rolled 15 using 2d6+11 with rolls of 1,3.  Trav scans Dr Yuen with her glasses - Intellect 8+Medicine+1+Glasses 2.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:20, Wed 14 Feb 2018.
The Traveller
player, 2219 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Wed 14 Feb 2018
at 00:25
  • msg #152

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

In reply to The Guardian (msg # 142):

"My sweet boy is most insistent when he does not want to be moved. But Uncle, I dearly thank you for protecting him. I owe you, and I shall have words with these 'gentleman', who seem to be anything but."

She nods in assent to Smoke Alarm. "Well, if Sweet Boy is already bait enough where some crooked fish have already tried to take a bit out of him, we may as well as see where the line leads. Your idea is capital, Smoke. But let me check something first."

After treating Mr Yuen as she is able, she trots up to her TARDIS and opens it up. Striding inside, she immediately heads to the control panel and calls up the scanner. She dials back the recording, to see what happened when Mr Yuen was assaulted.

Waving for Smoke to come inside, Trav opines, "what are the particulars of your plan, blue girl? Shall we hide inside sweet boy as our workmen friends carry him in a wagon? Or do you have something else in mind?"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2114 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 14 Feb 2018
at 01:56
  • msg #153

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

While Traveller footed inside the talkiphone box, Smoke Alarm loitered outside with Uncle Yuen and Zhu. 'It's biggerer on the inside.' she show-and-telled them, and footed inside too.

Joining Traveller at the puters and picturespouts, Smoke answered 'I reckon we should travel along outside. Then we can outlook for the outlooks. And the outlooks they would expect to eyespy us track back outside.' She thought a moment and added 'Mayhaps these Benevolent Gentleman are running with the pirates? They have knowhow of talkiphone boxes, and the pirates are shoplifting from Ms. Kismet, probably for tarots and ticktocks.'
The Traveller
player, 2220 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Wed 14 Feb 2018
at 12:54
  • msg #154

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
While Traveller footed inside the talkiphone box, Smoke Alarm loitered outside with Uncle Yuen and Zhu. 'It's biggerer on the inside.' she show-and-telled them, and footed inside too.

Joining Traveller at the puters and picturespouts, Smoke answered 'I reckon we should travel along outside. Then we can outlook for the outlooks. And the outlooks they would expect to eyespy us track back outside.' She thought a moment and added 'Mayhaps these Benevolent Gentleman are running with the pirates? They have knowhow of talkiphone boxes, and the pirates are shoplifting from Ms. Kismet, probably for tarots and ticktocks.'


"I'd like to have one of us on the inside, because if they do have know how of tick tocks and talkiphone boxes, then they might know how to get inside. The Beast knows Talkiphone boxes very well. I came very close to losing my Sweet Boy recently and don't want to put him in any more harm's way than he is." She runs her hand along the time rotor, affectionately.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2115 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 15 Feb 2018
at 02:35
  • msg #155

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Mimicking the gesture, Smoke Alarm touched the time rotor too; it felt like warm glass, but she could feel the thrumbling within. 'Kalath could loiter inside the talkiphone box, here in the brainquarters. She's all yawny today and could go naptime.'
The Guardian
GM, 2467 posts
Thu 15 Feb 2018
at 03:30
  • msg #156

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"Yes, we should let them know where we are going." Stanley says. He thinks for a moment. "We'll just find some kid on the street to deliver a message to the others."

Sir Geoffrey muses on the conversation between Stanley and Sairen for some time.  "You may find it a challenge to approach Yan Huang directly," he says at last.  "My suggestion would be to try to bring your business to him by way of the manager of the Shueng Wang Exchange - it's essentially a clearinghouse for commodity trading, in which the gentleman happens to own a discreet majority interest, and of which he makes full use as a source of commercial intelligence.  The administrator of the Exchange is a well-respected fellow named Hao Zhihao.  Convince Hao of your bona fides and you should have a fair chance at reachng Yan Huang."  Sir Geoffrey frowns.  "There are... more direct ways of finding yourself an audience, but they're not likely to yield an interview that is nearly as congenial."
The Guardian
GM, 2468 posts
Thu 15 Feb 2018
at 03:36
  • msg #157

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
Trav trots up with Smoke Alarm. "Uncle. Smoke, let me take a look." Manuvering around, she examines him gently. While no medical doctor with this face, she still had some rudimentary medical knowledge. Her glasses take his vitals as she looks him over.

Trav's best estimate is that Sai is suffering from a mild concussion and assorted bruising.  Some anti-inflammatories wouldn't go amiss, but he's unlikely to be in any danger as long as he doesn't exert himself too much for the next few days.
The Guardian
GM, 2469 posts
Thu 15 Feb 2018
at 03:46
  • msg #158

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
After treating Mr Yuen as she is able, she trots up to her TARDIS and opens it up. Striding inside, she immediately heads to the control panel and calls up the scanner. She dials back the recording, to see what happened when Mr Yuen was assaulted.

What the surveillance system reveals isn't particularly surprising, as painful as it is to watch the junk dealer being assaulted on behalf of the TARDIS.  The agents of the "Benevolent Gentlemen" seem not atypical of the Hong Kong working-class goon, although their dress and accoutrements suggest that they do well enough in their chosen career -- they are no bully-boys for the upper class, but they look well-fed and clearly have chosen their vocation for its perks rather than being forced into it.  Sweet Boy's scans have registered nothing on or about them that seems anachronistic.
Stanley Newton
player, 813 posts
Thu 15 Feb 2018
at 19:39
  • msg #159

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"(...)The administrator of the Exchange is a well-respected fellow named Hao Zhihao. " Convince Hao of your bona fides and you should have a fair chance at reachng Yan Huang."  Sir Geoffrey frowns.  "There are... more direct ways of finding yourself an audience, but they're not likely to yield an interview that is nearly as congenial."


"That sounds like a good plan." Stanley nods. First contacting one of Yan Huangs underlings would probably give better results than just knocking on his front door. "Thanks again for your help. We'll find this Hao Zhihao and see how much we can learn."

Stanley gets ready to leave the club. When they get outside, he'll use his phone to send a short message to Trav about where they are going.
The Guardian
GM, 2470 posts
Fri 16 Feb 2018
at 05:15
  • msg #160

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
Stanley gets ready to leave the club. When they get outside, he'll use his phone to send a short message to Trav about where they are going.

OOC: I did wonder if you were telling the truth about communicating via urchin. :)

Trav may safely assume that her phone signals her.  Up to Stanley if he's talking or texting.
Stanley Newton
player, 814 posts
Fri 16 Feb 2018
at 21:56
  • msg #161

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

On their way to the Shueng Wang Exchange, Stanley and Sairen take a couple of steps down a quieter side street. Sairen keeps an eye out for any unwanted attention, while Stanley gets out his phone and quickly sends a text to Trav, Smoke and Kalath:

Msg to Trav and the others:
We got some intel. Going to see the manager of Shueng Wang Exchange to investigate Yan Shuang.

Stanley puts his phone away. The others now know where they were going and the name of the man that could be behind the unusual pirate activity.

The Guardian:
OOC: I did wonder if you were telling the truth about communicating via urchin. :)

OOC: No, it would have been very thematic, but not very efficient. That was just because Sir Geoffrey would hear Stanley.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:09, Fri 23 Feb 2018.
The Traveller
player, 2221 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Wed 7 Mar 2018
at 22:16
  • msg #162

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav texts back to the group. "That sounds excellent. Where shall we rendezvous?"
Stanley Newton
player, 819 posts
Fri 9 Mar 2018
at 23:19
  • msg #163

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
Trav texts back to the group. "That sounds excellent. Where shall we rendezvous?"


"Kismet's office? Or is that too risky in case we end up being followed?"
Stanley replies, as and Sairen make their way to the Exchange.

OOC: Alternative locations: maybe in front of a hotel?
Smoke Alarm
player, 2117 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sat 10 Mar 2018
at 02:36
  • msg #164

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

While Traveller got texty with Stanley, Smoke Alarm skipped out of the talkiphone box and reappeared to Uncle Yuen and Zhu and the two sailor boys Nicholas Rourke and Edgar Freeman. 'Okay, we're ready-steady to go. Let's hump the talkiphone box on top of a trolley, um, wagon and track back to the Star of Morocco.' she said, neverminding that Traveller was still inside. She patted the wooden side of the talkiphone box affectionately. 'He wants to move now, don't you?'
The Traveller
player, 2225 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Sat 10 Mar 2018
at 21:06
  • msg #165

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav smiles as she looks outside the open door. She flips a lever, and now Sweet Boy is moveable.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Sat 10 Mar 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2474 posts
Sun 11 Mar 2018
at 03:19
  • msg #166

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley and Sairen have little trouble locating the Exchange, once they have made their way across town to its general vicinity.  The structure dominates most of a city block, and although it is roofed and (nominally) enclosed, apart from wide gates opened at the cardinal directions.  The clamor from inside can be made out from a long way away.

Inside, Stanley sees that dozens of tables and small stages are set up, each with larger or smaller groups clustered around it.  The initial impression is of an open market, but Stanley quickly grasps the nature of each smaller gathering.  Goods are not being sold retail here, but many of the sellers have samples of their wares on display -- bolts of bulk cloth, produce of all kinds and even some manufactured products.  In some cases, vendors are engaged in lively dickering with purchasers, and some of the raised stages are the focal point for small auctions being conducted.  Stanley can barely imagine how any business gets done in the general din this creates.

No one challenges the pair as they approach the open entryways.  Stanley does note the presence of numerous burly individuals who are not engaged in any of the ongoing negotiation, but simply stand and observe.  More than once of these gives the pair a discreet once-over, and apparently their dress and demeanor pass muster among the mix of Hong Kong natives and Westerners, all generally well-turned-out men of means.
The Guardian
GM, 2475 posts
Sun 11 Mar 2018
at 03:26
  • msg #167

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'Okay, we're ready-steady to go. Let's hump the talkiphone box on top of a trolley, um, wagon and track back to the Star of Morocco.' she said, neverminding that Traveller was still inside.

The sailors look at each other, but the still unsteady-looking Sai Yuen clears his throat.  "Ah.  I think I may be able to arrange some assistance for you; an associate of mine nearby can help supply such transport...."  He indicates that one of the sailors should accompany him, and Freeman leaves in his company.  A short while later, they'return accompanied by a wizened older gentleman and a large cart being pulled by a pair of stolid oxen.

quote:
She patted the wooden side of the talkiphone box affectionately. 'He wants to move now, don't you?'

Smoke Alarm fancies there is a slight anticipatory hum under her hand as she does so, as if the TARDIS is perhaps purring.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2119 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sun 11 Mar 2018
at 07:34
  • msg #168

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm grinned, then jumped into action as the cart rolled up to Sweet Boy. 'Okay! Let's, um, push it on!' The small Kang scooted around to the other side, and gamely tried to push the talkiphone box over onto the cart, her sneakers slipping and sliding on the dirt as she did more to push herself back than anything.


OOC: In case a roll is needed...
15:34, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 12 using 2d6+7 with rolls of 4,1.  ingenuity(3) + strength(4).
Stanley Newton
player, 820 posts
Sun 11 Mar 2018
at 23:47
  • msg #169

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
No one challenges the pair as they approach the open entryways.  Stanley does note the presence of numerous burly individuals who are not engaged in any of the ongoing negotiation, but simply stand and observe.  More than once of these gives the pair a discreet once-over, and apparently their dress and demeanor pass muster among the mix of Hong Kong natives and Westerners, all generally well-turned-out men of means.


Upon entering the exchange and noticing the rows of tables and the loudness of it all, Stanley  almost forgets that this place is something more than just a market. In fact, the criminal connection is why they are here, though that connection is not immediately obvious. Everything and everyone here looked respectable enough. The only thing that feels a bit off is the large number of security guards, but for all he knows that is normal for an exchange. He can imagine that the deals that are made here involve a lot of money .

Sairen and Stanley walk around for a bit, pretending to look at some of the stuff that gets sold here. They wanted to speak to the manager, so after a while he approaches one of the merchants:

"Excuse me, but do you know how we can speak to the manager of this exchange?"
The Guardian
GM, 2476 posts
Mon 12 Mar 2018
at 02:46
  • msg #170

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"Excuse me, but do you know how we can speak to the manager of this exchange?"

The man nods indulgently to Stanley.  "I am sure you won't need to trouble Zihao directly.  If you need to arrange an exhibitor's space and come to an agreement on fees and transaction commissions, you should speak with one of the agents -- Lao, there, should be able to take care of you," he adds, indicating a man who's speaking with one of the obvious guards nearby.

When Stanley and Sairen approach the bespectacled Lao, he gives a short polite bow.  "Ah!  You are unfamiliar faces to the Exchange.  I have the highest hopes that you can find a gainful market here.  May I ask the precise nature of what you intend to trade in, and the rough scale of your business?  From that we may be able to best establish the scale of fees that apply and perhaps I can point you toward several likely prospects."
The Guardian
GM, 2477 posts
Mon 12 Mar 2018
at 02:59
  • msg #171

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'Okay! Let's, um, push it on!'

Freeman frowns and looks around the scrapyard for likely points where a hoist can be rigged.  "Should've had a bigger crew from the Star for this.  But we can make do with the beasts here, least ways if we can round up a few more hands from the neighborhood."

It takes another half hour and a small amount of local currency spread around, but at last the TARDIS is perched and secured atop the cart.

O'Rourke mutters to Smoke Alarm in a low voice, "I'm guessin' that if anyone really is trying to follow the doings around the Star, all this fuss will have given them good warning of it.  Now I guess we see if we get a nibble."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2120 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Mon 12 Mar 2018
at 06:27
  • msg #172

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'A nibble? Mayhaps, we're all hungry after that work.' Smoke Alarm agreed with entirely the wrong understanding. She realised now they'd probly have both Benevolent Gentlemans and pirates outlooking for them to shoplift Sweet Boy, which could well confuzzle the comeout. But she was sure there was an alliance between their gangs, if they weren't one and the same. If not, then they could get into a to-do with each other over who got to shoplift the talkiphone box. And anyhow, they were taking the talkiphone box safely away Uncle Yuen's home-sweet-home, and that was a good thing.

Smoke Alarm hopped up onto the cart and climbed like a monkey atop the talkiphone box. Perching up here, she'd have a good outlook, while it seemed Traveller was outlooking from inside. Who could sneaker up on them now? 'Off we roll!' she called to O'Rourke.
Stanley Newton
player, 821 posts
Mon 12 Mar 2018
at 23:34
  • msg #173

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
When Stanley and Sairen approach the bespectacled Lao, he gives a short polite bow.  "Ah!  You are unfamiliar faces to the Exchange.  I have the highest hopes that you can find a gainful market here.  May I ask the precise nature of what you intend to trade in, and the rough scale of your business?  From that we may be able to best establish the scale of fees that apply and perhaps I can point you toward several likely prospects."


"Thank you. It is indeed the first time we are here." says Stanley. "We trade in fine spirits and wines. All from the best breweries and vineyards in Europe. As for the scale of our business..."

Stanley looks at Sairen. That was a difficult question to answer. What would be reasonable for this time and place, taking into account inflation and a host of other factors? They want to get the attention of someone important, so Stanley feels that is better to say something on the large side. Kismet had mentioned she had several ships heading west in the next couple of weeks.

"We plan on having at least one fully loaded ship depart from London every week." Stanley hopes this isn't too ridiculous.


OOC: I am not sure alcoholic beverages were even sold in an exchange like this, (and a quick internet search didn't help), but if not then that would be a mistake Stanley would make.
The Guardian
GM, 2478 posts
Tue 13 Mar 2018
at 03:01
  • msg #174

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"We plan on having at least one fully loaded ship depart from London every week." Stanley hopes this isn't too ridiculous.

"Indeed!  You must be confident of your market, then," Lao observes.  "I will confess, most of the business passing through the Exchange flows through Hong Kong back to Europe, not in the other direction. Certainly, if your optimism is justified, I can see it being a worth venture for all concerned.  I fear, though, that as a new concern to these shores the Exchange would insist on a commission that would justify the risk of its reputation...."

OOC: You probably will want to make a Presence + Convince + Empathic to steer this toward a meeting with Hao Zhihao.
The Guardian
GM, 2479 posts
Tue 13 Mar 2018
at 03:08
  • msg #175

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'Off we roll!' she called to O'Rourke.

Smoke Alarm shortly realizes that there's a possible flaw in the plan to make a big parade of transporting the talkiphone box to the ship in order to draw out sinister types: it turns out that moving a big, conspicuous and very European-looking artifact up the road to the harbor draws out all sorts of types.  Even though traffic on the road is steady and widely varied, the group does stick out a bit.  Perhaps they hadn't reckoned with the eyespying of a Kang, though....

OOC: Ingenuity + Awareness + Keen Senses.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2121 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 13 Mar 2018
at 03:47
  • msg #176

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Atop the talkiphone box, trying to hold on tightly as the cart bumped and wobbled beneath her, Smoke Alarm kept good outlook, as allways she did. She was eyespying the all peoples in the crowd, all eyespying her. Mayhaps, mayhaps this wasn't working so good... Okay, sure, everyone was outlooking, but only some were truly eyespying, and only a few would immediately change their plans and foot off upon the eyespying.


OOC: 11:44, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 19 using 4d6+9 with rolls of 2,2,2,4.  awareness(4) + ingenuity(3) + Keen Senses(2) + SP.
The Traveller
player, 2226 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Tue 13 Mar 2018
at 13:32
  • msg #177

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

In the meantime, everyone's favorite Time Lord was inside the box, which was bumping and thumping as the outside shocks to the plasmic shell were transferred into the control room. Holding onto the control panel, The Traveller was keeping a close eye on the scanners, talking to Smoke Alarm through her phone. "I'm fine in here, sweet. Let me know if you eyespy anything."
Stanley Newton
player, 822 posts
Tue 13 Mar 2018
at 22:23
  • msg #178

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"If we weren't confident, we wouldn't be here." Stanley smiles. "We understand that there will be some risk involved and that you would like to be compensated for that. I expect there are a couple of things we need to discuss in detail and... well, I mean no disrespect, but would it be possible for us to talk directly with your boss, Hao Zhihao? I understand that he is a busy man, but given the size of this deal, I hope he would be interested in granting us an audience."

The Guardian:
OOC: You probably will want to make a Presence + Convince + Empathic to steer this toward a meeting with Hao Zhihao.


OOC: Presence(3)+Convince(2)+ Empathic(2) + SP(2d6):
21:46, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 22 using 4d6+7 with rolls of 3,5,3,4.  Presence (3) + Convince (2) + Empathic (2) + SP(+2d6). Steering conversation to Hao Zhihao.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Tue 13 Mar 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2480 posts
Wed 14 Mar 2018
at 03:23
  • msg #179

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley fancies that he might have seen the exact moment when visions of a windfall and the praise of his employer began to dance behind Lao's eyes.  "Ye-e-es...." Lao says thoughtfully.  "Please, wait right here just a moment.  I shall do my best to persuade Zhihao that you present an opportunity worthy of his attention."  He hurries away.

It takes considerably longer than a moment, but at length Lao returns, dabbing perspiration from his brow with a handkerchief.  "Right this way, gentlemen," he says.

Lao leads Stanley and Sairen off through a door off the main floor of the Exchange, up a set of stairs to an open landing that overlooks the floor.  Then he leads them through another door, into a sumptuously furnished office.  Another tough stands silently against the wall with hands clasped, and behind the large, expensive-looking hardwood desk sits a middle-aged man, heavyset, with shrewd eyes in an appraising expression.

"My agent," says Hao Zhihao, "has suggested to me that you represent a business venture presenting the prospect of a considerably advantageous arrangement to us both.  I am not sure that I see it.  The worthy Lao has an unfortunate impressionable tendency and an exaggerated opinion of foreigners, and I find it interesting that you make your claims despite my never having heard a word about you.  Still, I did not achieve my station by ignoring possibilities.  Please, gentlemen, make your case and explain how we can work together."
The Guardian
GM, 2481 posts
Wed 14 Mar 2018
at 03:38
  • msg #180

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm sees the men moving to intercept the cart before the driver or the men from the Star do.  There are five of them, all dressed, surprisingly, in suits more like something she'd seen the people around Ms. Kismet's brainquarters wearing, not like most of the others on the street.  They're all bigger than Smoke and a couple are even bigger than Freeman and O'Rourke.

They step out ahead of the plodding animals pulling the cart with the talkiphone box, and the slightest of them makes a funny hand signal and gives a sharp whistle.  This is apparently some sort of OFF control for the oxen, because they come to a halt when it happens.

"We see that you've managed to persuade Sai Yuen to part with this curious cabinet," says one of the men, bigger than the ox-frightener but not the biggest, with a sort of lumpy and crooked nose.  "It's most curious given that he was so adamant about holding on to it despite our best efforts to persuade him.  Might we not now reason together and come to understand how we might convince you to part with it?"

Even as this is going on, Smoke Alarm is continuing to size up the situation and the surroundings.  While traffic has jarred to a halt at this confrontation and a lot of the people in the road are clearing away to make space and avoid getting caught in whatever is about to happen, Smoke Alarm notes one onlooker watching from the cover of an alley between buildings, who seems not to be very surprised by the whole scene, and is carefully studying the crewmen, the TARDIS, and indeed Smoke Alarm herself.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2122 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 14 Mar 2018
at 06:56
  • msg #181

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Eyespying the coming thugs, Smoke Alarm hissed a warning down to O'Rourke and over the talkiphone to Traveller. ''Ware big boys in soots, five of them. Here they comeout!'

She outlooked amazed as one of the soot-thugs gave the stop-sign to the motor-cows, and, holding tight to the roof of the talkiphone box, felt the cart bump to a stop beneath her. So these were the meanieheads who'd hurt Uncle Yuen. 'Why do you want the... cabbynet so much anyhow?' she demanded, figuring she ought to keep them talky and learn what they had to show-and-tell. She didn't miss the outlook in the alley. But which gang was he a part of?


OOC: Does the watch look like one of the Benevolent Gentlemen (a thug in a suit, I guess) or from another gang?
The Traveller
player, 2227 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Wed 14 Mar 2018
at 14:25
  • msg #182

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
Eyespying the coming thugs, Smoke Alarm hissed a warning down to O'Rourke and over the talkiphone to Traveller. ''Ware big boys in soots, five of them. Here they comeout!'

She outlooked amazed as one of the soot-thugs gave the stop-sign to the motor-cows, and, holding tight to the roof of the talkiphone box, felt the cart bump to a stop beneath her. So these were the meanieheads who'd hurt Uncle Yuen. 'Why do you want the... cabbynet so much anyhow?' she demanded, figuring she ought to keep them talky and learn what they had to show-and-tell. She didn't miss the outlook in the alley. But which gang was he a part of?


OOC: Does the watch look like one of the Benevolent Gentlemen (a thug in a suit, I guess) or from another gang?


"I got it. Don't hesitate to come inside of sweet boy if you need to!"

Trav pivots the sensors towards the Benevolent Gentleman, both to examine them and keep an eye on Smoke Alarm.

"Well, well, Sweet Boy. You've been stolen before but you've never helped in a heist. The Corsair would be proud of you!"

She imagines the Time Lords never had imagined that a Type 50 Capsule would be put to such a use.
Stanley Newton
player, 823 posts
Wed 14 Mar 2018
at 23:06
  • msg #183

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"My agent," says Hao Zhihao, "has suggested to me that you represent a business venture presenting the prospect of a considerably advantageous arrangement to us both.  I am not sure that I see it.  The worthy Lao has an unfortunate impressionable tendency and an exaggerated opinion of foreigners, and I find it interesting that you make your claims despite my never having heard a word about you.  Still, I did not achieve my station by ignoring possibilities.  Please, gentlemen, make your case and explain how we can work together."


Hao Zhihao certainly gives of the impression that he knows what he is doing. It is true that he couldn't have heard about the two of them and Stanley doesn't blame him for not believing their claims. It might prove difficult to convince the man to give them information about Yan Huang. It doesn't help that that bodyguard is here.

At least Hao Zhihao is willing to hear them out. Stanley introduces himself and Sairen as "Stanley Wright and Samuel Tomes from London." and gives basically the same story as he told Lao. This time, he stresses that they have just recently arrived in Hong Kong.

"... So, what this means is that we will have ships full of expensive cargo coming from Europe all the time. Our cargo needs to arrive here all in one piece and when it does we need to sell it . We need that to go smoothly and without a lot of complications. That is where we believe your exchange can play a valuable role."

OOC: Do you want me to role the same or something else?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Wed 14 Mar 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2482 posts
Wed 14 Mar 2018
at 23:36
  • msg #184

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
OOC: Does the watch look like one of the Benevolent Gentlemen (a thug in a suit, I guess) or from another gang?

OOC: If he's with them, he's trying to look like he isn't -- these guys clearly are working a brand of a sort, and he's not.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2123 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 15 Mar 2018
at 02:02
  • msg #185

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm tried to keep both in eyespy while she waited for an answer...
The Guardian
GM, 2483 posts
Thu 15 Mar 2018
at 03:09
  • msg #186

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"... So, what this means is that we will have ships full of expensive cargo coming from Europe all the time. Our cargo needs to arrive here all in one piece and when it does we need to sell it . We need that to go smoothly and without a lot of complications. That is where we believe your exchange can play a valuable role."

"Very well," says Hao.  "Convince me.  Bearing in mind that I would expect to see examples of your stock and evidence of the scale of your business, before making any kind of committment -- what role do you see my business playing in this, beyond our normal role as a meeting-place?"

quote:
OOC: Do you want me to role the same or something else?

OOC: Probably yes (unless you have a better idea) but it would also be good to get a clearer sense of where you are steering with this.  Given that you're not actually trying to swing a business deal.
The Guardian
GM, 2484 posts
Thu 15 Mar 2018
at 03:24
  • msg #187

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'Why do you want the... cabbynet so much anyhow?' she demanded, figuring she ought to keep them talky and learn what they had to show-and-tell.

The apparent spokesman looks up at Smoke Alarm, maybe a little surprised that she is speaking for the others.  "Well.  We do always keep an eye out for goods from... foreign parts... for the good men who appointed us to... take care of the neighborhood.  There's always someone who finds things like that valuable.  And will pay well for them.  And all that goes back toward making things safe for the people that live around here!  Honestly, I can't understand why old Sai Yuen could object to making such a generous contribution to the welfare of the place where he lives and works!"

Smoke Alarm notices that O'Rourke and Freeman, though they haven't made any overt motions as yet, have tensed and then gone loose again, ready for anything.  Freeman has surreptitiously laid his hand on a length of wood propped out-of-sight within the cart.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2124 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 15 Mar 2018
at 06:16
  • msg #188

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Take care"? They were caretakers! Resolved to 'ware them, but knowing she had to learn more, Smoke Alarm explained firmly 'Coz the cabbynet belongs to us, so Uncle Yuen could not give it away. Why don't you show-and-tell us who finds the cabbynet valuable, we can get talky with them, and mayhaps you'll get a finder's fee?' She had no plans for that, of course, but it felt wise to play these caretakers' game so she could find out what game they were really playing.
Stanley Newton
player, 824 posts
Thu 15 Mar 2018
at 23:36
  • msg #189

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Very well," says Hao.  "Convince me.  Bearing in mind that I would expect to see examples of your stock and evidence of the scale of your business, before making any kind of committment -- what role do you see my business playing in this, beyond our normal role as a meeting-place?"


"Of course we'll provide you with evidence of our claims. We wouldn't even want to do business with someone who would simply believe everything we say." Stanley says, trying to buy himself some time to come up with something convincing. There was no evidence, fake or otherwise, so .

"As for what we expect from you. Well, to be honest, we are a bit worried about the number of ships that have been attacked on their way here. The administration seems unable or unwilling to deal with the problem, but we need a solution. You have connections. We have heard that some of your connections might be able to ensure that our ships won't be bothered by pirates or trouble like that." Stanley pauses for dramatic effect. "We heard you are good friends with Yan Huang? We want you to introduce us to him."

quote:
OOC: Probably yes (unless you have a better idea) but it would also be good to get a clearer sense of where you are steering with this.  Given that you're not actually trying to swing a business deal.


OOC: Well, I don't know if it is a better idea, but I am starting to feel like Stanley would not be able to convince an experienced merchant like Hao Zhihao. At least not enough for him to introduce them to Yang Huang and he starts to realise this. So, the rulebook mentions letting your character get captured as a way to get an SP (or making the story more dramatic). I don't need the SP, but I think it could be a logical consequence for the two of them to be captured (that is why I had Stanley name-drop Huang). (if it won't cause too much trouble.)
 
The Guardian
GM, 2485 posts
Sat 17 Mar 2018
at 02:18
  • msg #190

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
"Why don't you show-and-tell us who finds the cabbynet valuable, we can get talky with them, and mayhaps you'll get a finder's fee?"

The leader of the "Gentlemen" strokes his chin, pretending to consider Smoke Alarm's proposal.

"As generous as that offer sounds, I do have to point out that the numbers are against you here.  This is our territory, and you are just three foreign rascals -- well, two, and one little girl with a very big mouth."  He nods to a pair of his men, who start to approach, flanking the cart.
The Guardian
GM, 2486 posts
Sat 17 Mar 2018
at 02:32
  • msg #191

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"We heard you are good friends with Yan Huang? We want you to introduce us to him."

Sairen shoots Stanley a look that has a certain exasperated element of This was your plan? but also a fair dose of I can roll with this, they'll never hold me.  He's very expressive for such a seemingly young man.

"You're very well informed," says Zhihao dryly.  "If you only wished to make an investment in the security of your shipping interests, that can certainly be arranged.  Mind, your interest in my business associate is something that makes me curious.  Would you mind terribly, sharing how you came to this knowledge?  I assure you that is something that Yen Huang would find of real value."

He flicks a glance at Lao, who gives a quick nod and retreats from the room.  Zhihao's bodyguard shifts his stance, and although he doesn't make a direct move toward Stanley or Sairen, he's clearly more alert and attentive to their actions, as well as to his employer.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2126 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sat 17 Mar 2018
at 03:14
  • msg #192

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'Oh well, we can just track back and go around your territory, no to-do.' she tried hopefully.

Worry-warting from atop the talkiphone box, Smoke Alarm desperately thought over plans and escape routes. The motor-cows were way too slow-pokey to make a getaway, and her special brand of mayhem needed her to foot away fastly, but that would leave Sweet Boy all alonesome for these caretakers to shoplift. Mayhaps making him moveable hadn't been such an icehot idea after all.

'And 'ware your tongue! I'm the rascal here.'


OOC: Are they carrying any weapons of any kind?
The Traveller
player, 2228 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Sat 17 Mar 2018
at 16:09
  • msg #193

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

From the TARDIS resound a booming voice, in Canton - "Oh, good sir - everywhere is my territory, and you're trying steal my box." She locks down sweet boy again - he wasn't going anywhere, not even in a cart.

The door to the TARDIS opens, and she shuts and locks the door. Her hat now a blue scarf around her neck, she flips and somersaults up to the top of Sweet Boy with Smoke Alarm, back to back. "Now, I need to have a word with you gadflies as to why you you want my box. You can either be reasonable and tell me, or I will have to thrash you bounders. I would have shot you in the old days but now I'm more hands on girl. So, be reasonable?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:09, Sat 17 Mar 2018.
Stanley Newton
player, 825 posts
Sun 18 Mar 2018
at 23:07
  • msg #194

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"You're very well informed," says Zhihao dryly.  "If you only wished to make an investment in the security of your shipping interests, that can certainly be arranged.  Mind, your interest in my business associate is something that makes me curious.  Would you mind terribly, sharing how you came to this knowledge?  I assure you that is something that Yen Huang would find of real value."


At least Stanley has Zhihao's attention now, though with Lao leaving the room he feels that that might not be a completely positive thing. He has no intention of revealing how they got this information.

"I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret." Stanley says. "What can I say, someone told us. It seems like one of his, or maybe your, men has loose lips. Though to be fair to the guy, there might have been some booze involved."
The Guardian
GM, 2488 posts
Mon 19 Mar 2018
at 02:26
  • msg #195

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Benevolent Gentlemen seem to be taken a bit aback by what seems to be turning into an increasingly out-of-context problem.

But the leader doesn't back down, at least not at that alone, or else he's thinking of the consequences of losing face.  "And exactly what is it that should make me think that threat is anything that I, and not you, should be worried about?"

OOC: It's probably time for a Presence + Convince to see if you can crack this guy.  Take a +2 for Smoke Alarm warming him up for you.
The Traveller
player, 2229 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Mon 19 Mar 2018
at 02:36
  • msg #196

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Benevolent Gentlemen seem to be taken a bit aback by what seems to be turning into an increasingly out-of-context problem.

But the leader doesn't back down, at least not at that alone, or else he's thinking of the consequences of losing face.  "And exactly what is it that should make me think that threat is anything that I, and not you, should be worried about?"


"I warned you to be reasonable. Now, I shall have to thrash you a bit. I won't permanently hurt you, just get your attention. So!"

The Traveller leaps down, and is now sitting atop his shoulders. If she is successful, she will clap each side of his head hard, enough to dizzy him and moreso make it clear that she has enough skill at boxing to easy deal with him.

OOC: I want to do a Coordination or Presence+Fighting to intimidate this clown. Trav doesn't want to hurt these guys, but the fandom is itching to see Michelle Yeoh do some Gallifreyan Kung Fu, ever since she got to the show. The idea is for a Jackie Chan style move which has him stumbling around, with Trav atop his shoulders, chastising him. Hopefully I can get Smoke's added +2. Dropping a Story Point, down to 6.
22:38, Today: The Traveller rolled 33 using 4d6+11 ((5,6,5,6)). 2d6+Coordination 4+Fighting 5+Smoke Alarm 2+2d6 SP

This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Mon 19 Mar 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2489 posts
Mon 19 Mar 2018
at 02:46
  • msg #197

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Zhihao clasps his hands.

"I think," he says at last, "that it would be prudent to provide you with the meeting that you've requested.  Understand that it is not so much your knowledge of my partnership, but your willingness to address the matter so directly that interests me.  Of course you British are like that: you assume that the world and its people exist for your benefit, and it should therefore bend to your will without regard to such niceties as discretion.  For myself -- I am concerned with commerce and profit; it is what I do and I do it very well.  I shall let my partner decide for himself whether he should take you at face value, or whether there is some deeper truth behind your actions that he need to dig out."

At the words dig out the door behind Stanley and Sairen opens again.  Lao has returned, and now he has with him another pair of burly men with implacable, humorless expressions.

"Lao," Zhihao says, "make certain that these gentlemen are sped on their way to an interview with Yen Huang.  Directly and without fail.  I'm certain that as eager as they are to make his acquaintance, they can have no objection or prior engagement that should delay them."
Stanley Newton
player, 826 posts
Mon 19 Mar 2018
at 23:14
  • msg #198

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Lao," Zhihao says, "make certain that these gentlemen are sped on their way to an interview with Yen Huang.  Directly and without fail.  I'm certain that as eager as they are to make his acquaintance, they can have no objection or prior engagement that should delay them."


"Thank you." Stanley finds it hard to make it sound somewhat genuine. It is not hard to read between the lines, but he didn't want to stop being polite. "We certainly have time for a meeting with Yen Huang right now. Just lead the way."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Mon 19 Mar 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2490 posts
Tue 20 Mar 2018
at 02:32
  • msg #199

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller's astonishing flurry of comedic violence takes everyone by surprise, almost including Trav herself as her target stumbles and topples awkwardly, but even at that she is able to vault away and stick the dismount.

"Wh-w-who are you?" the Gentleman stammers, profoundly discombobulated.
The Guardian
GM, 2491 posts
Tue 20 Mar 2018
at 02:39
  • msg #200

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Zhihao's guards close on Stanley and Sairen, one ahead and two behind.  With a disapproving shake of the head, Lao leads the way out of the office, hissing, "Be calm, and please do not make a scene!"

The small group descends from the upper level of the Exchange, but instead of heading back toward the main trading floor, they take a right turn leading opposite the direction that Stanley and Sairen originally entered the building.  Stanley is slightly surprised to see a horse-drawn carriage waiting at the exit, and their escorts steer them toward the waiting door of the vehicle.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2128 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 20 Mar 2018
at 02:50
  • msg #201

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm was shocked by Traveller's sudden to-do on the man. And he'd only asked a question! She crouched on the talkiphone box roof, ready to pounce like a cat herself. She could do that too, why not?
The Traveller
player, 2230 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Tue 20 Mar 2018
at 16:12
  • msg #202

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Traveller's astonishing flurry of comedic violence takes everyone by surprise, almost including Trav herself as her target stumbles and topples awkwardly, but even at that she is able to vault away and stick the dismount.

"Wh-w-who are you?" the Gentleman stammers, profoundly discombobulated.


She flips back gracefully. "Someone who doesn't like thieves. Now, that box is *my* property. I'll pay you cads double whatever you were offered to steal it, but I want to know who. I don't want trouble, I just want to know who has such an interest in my box."

"I am called The Traveller. A pleasure to meet you!"

OOC: I hereby claim an SP for Eccentric
This message was last updated by the player at 16:14, Tue 20 Mar 2018.
Stanley Newton
player, 827 posts
Tue 20 Mar 2018
at 23:40
  • msg #203

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The small group descends from the upper level of the Exchange, but instead of heading back toward the main trading floor, they take a right turn leading opposite the direction that Stanley and Sairen originally entered the building.  Stanley is slightly surprised to see a horse-drawn carriage waiting at the exit, and their escorts steer them toward the waiting door of the vehicle.


Stanley calmly follows Lao to the carriage. He has no intention of making a scene before they have seen Yen Huang. They hadn't taken his phone and he realises that he should try to message the others as soon as possible, although that wouldn't be easy to do without Lao or one of the other henchmen noticing.
The Guardian
GM, 2492 posts
Thu 22 Mar 2018
at 02:18
  • msg #204

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
"Someone who doesn't like thieves. Now, that box is *my* property. I'll pay you cads double whatever you were offered to steal it, but I want to know who. I don't want trouble, I just want to know who has such an interest in my box."

He holds up his hands in a gesture recognizable across space and time as the signifier for Uncle!

"All right, all right," he splutters.  "I work for Big Uncle Shen.  It is no big secret that Shen runs the rackets in this part of the city, though, and he doesn't feel obliged to always tell me why he wants things done.  He must have had a tip that your box arrived, whatever it, and he must have someone he can move it to -- I can tell you that hijacking a shed is something my crew never, ever get told to go and do."

He pauses, plainly quizzing himself as to whether that answer is going to satisfy, and just as plainly decides not to risk it.  "If you want to ask him yourself, he runs his business out of the Imperial Hotel.  Anyone can point you to it, for what that is worth to you.  It's a... not a sort of place that the name would imply."

quote:
OOC: I hereby claim an SP for Eccentric

OOC: I debated myself on this, but OK.  News of this will spread.
The Guardian
GM, 2493 posts
Thu 22 Mar 2018
at 02:34
  • msg #205

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Lao and one of his thugs back themselves into the carriage, seated opposite Stanley and Sairen.  The windows of the carriage are shuttered, and when Sairen makes a tentative motion to raise a hand to one, the bodyguard makes an ugly, threatening grunt.  From the noises coming through the walls of the carriage, though, Stanley can deduce that one or maybe two of the escort is now riding outside.

The carriage starts off, and it's not a particularly comfortable ride: there are many stops and starts and several changes of direction, and plenty of noise outside -- traffic on the Hong Kong streets is plainly a challenge to negotiate.

Stanley guesses that the trip takes somewhere around a half an hour.  But at last the carriage clatters to a halt.  "Well, we've arrived," Lao says.  Looking to the guard, he says, "Please make certain you check them for anything dangerous concealed about their persons.  We wouldn't want them to bring any nasty surprises into their meeting."

On debarking from the vehicle, Stanley sees that the carriage is within a small cobblestoned courtyard, with high stone walls (including one broken by a wooden gate) on three sides, and a tall multi-story building rising on the fourth.  The workmanship is good if not ostentatious, like the owner values good things but tries not to be seen doing so.

OOC: I think this is going to be an Ingenuity + Subterfuge contest between you and Sairen separately, and the guard.  If you have a different idea about how you'd want to play things to keep hold of your stuff, feel free to narrate and come up with a different roll.  I honestly planned on doing this before you had called it out, but in any case you should add a story point for the predicament you've gotten yourself in.
The Traveller
player, 2231 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Thu 22 Mar 2018
at 02:54
  • msg #206

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
quote:
OOC: I hereby claim an SP for Eccentric

OOC: I debated myself on this, but OK.  News of this will spread.


OOC: Time Lords that don't act nutty? HEAVENS NO. MY REPUTATION. :)
Smoke Alarm
player, 2129 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 22 Mar 2018
at 04:03
  • msg #207

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Well, Traveller seemed to have made the meaniehead a scaredy-cat, with no more to-do. That was a good, but Smoke Alarm outlooked for the outlook in the alley again, wondering what he'd do now and if he was with these caretakers or not. 'And what knowhow does Big Uncle Shen have of pirates and ships?' she demanded while she had this opportunity.
Stanley Newton
player, 828 posts
Thu 22 Mar 2018
at 23:42
  • msg #208

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The carriage starts off, and it's not a particularly comfortable ride: there are many stops and starts and several changes of direction, and plenty of noise outside -- traffic on the Hong Kong
streets is plainly a challenge to negotiate.


Stanley quickly decides it is no use trying to keep track of all the changes in direction. He doesn't know the layout of Hong Kong and the many stops made him lose count. They might even be doing it on purpose. For all he knows, their destination is only a short distance from the exchange. It is also no surprise, that Stanley doesn't recognise the place when they finally get there. It doesn't look like it is in either the worst or best part of town, but that is all Stanley can say about it.

The Guardian:
OOC: I think this is going to be an Ingenuity + Subterfuge contest between you and Sairen separately, and the guard.but in any case you should add a story point for the predicament you've gotten yourself in.


Stanley had expected them to do a search at some point. He had hoped that it would be after he had sent a message to the others. There are not a lot of places to hide a phone in the suit Ms. Kismet had lent him. Stanley is getting a bit worried, but them finding his phone would not be the end of the world. He hopes that it would only serve to make them even more interesting to Yen Huang, especially if he knows what it is. In any case, as long as they still had some information to give him they were more valuable to him alive... Stanley hopes.

OOC: This is not something Stanley is good in:
23:35, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 12 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 5,2.  Ingenuity(4)+Subterfuge(1).
 
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Thu 22 Mar 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2494 posts
Fri 23 Mar 2018
at 02:23
  • msg #209

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
That was a good, but Smoke Alarm outlooked for the outlook in the alley again, wondering what he'd do now and if he was with these caretakers or not.

The alley-watcher isn't watching from the alley any more.  It hasn't been long enough for him to get very far, but it seems he saw something noteworthy while he was watching.

quote:
'And what knowhow does Big Uncle Shen have of pirates and ships?' she demanded while she had this opportunity.

"Pirates?  Ships?"  The man's lack of comprehension doesn't seem faked.  "Nothing that I know of.  But that doesn't mean it's nothing."
The Guardian
GM, 2495 posts
Fri 23 Mar 2018
at 02:48
  • msg #210

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley is actually a trifle surprised that the man searching him either misses his phone, or disregards it as something he doesn't recognize and which couldn't possibly be a weapon.

The search of Sairen, on the other hand, turns up an impressive assortment of tools -- lock picks, a razor file -- and Sairen's dismay is evident.  Perhaps a little too evident.  It doesn't seem all that likely that someone who used to call himself "the Uncatchable" would be so poor at concealing illicit items.  Perhaps these were decoys that Sairen meant to be found?

With those formalities out of the way, they're escorted into the building.  Lao goes ahead of the others, and there's a short wait while the guards hold Stanley and Sairen outside a set of heavy doors.  The furnishings inside the building give the lie to its relatively prosaic exterior -- Yen Huang is plainly doing well for himself.

Finally the doors open.  Stanley and Sairen are again marched before a man sitting behind an expensive desk.  This man is slightly younger and leaner than Zhihao, though, more finely dressed.  He gives the two a calculating look.

"I'm told that the two of you were eager to meet me," he says, "indeed, to a degree which gave my business partner pause.  So?  Speak your piece.  Do keep in mind that I'm a man who values forthrightness. Give me cause to suspect that you are trying to play me, and I assure you, you will regret it."

21:24, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Yen Huang Thug, rolled 10 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 1,4.  Awareness(3) + Subterfuge(2).
Smoke Alarm
player, 2130 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 23 Mar 2018
at 03:02
  • msg #211

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

In one eyespy, the man was there; in the next, outgone! Mayhaps he was the rat they were outlooking for. 'Trav! I eyespied an outlook! Footing after! Will track back later.' she said, leaping down from the talkiphone box and darting madly through the crowds after the outlook. The Blue Kang slipped nimbly between the press of people and carts. Or just went over the top, that worked too.
Stanley Newton
player, 829 posts
Fri 23 Mar 2018
at 23:56
  • msg #212

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Perhaps these were decoys that Sairen meant to be found?


Stanley tries to keep the surprise from showing on his face. Sairen must have kept all those tools as decoys or something. Unless the guard spontaneously decided to search Sairen much more thoroughly for some reason. Sairen didn't look pleased, but so far the search had only revealed tools used for breaking in and stuff. Not anything lethal or dangerous. Still, no respectable gentlemen would have those tools on him, so trying to keep up the cover story of visiting Hong Kong for business was no longer possible. Not that Stanley was complaining. It was getting harder and harder to come up with convincing lies.

The Guardian:
"I'm told that the two of you were eager to meet me," he says, "indeed, to a degree which gave my business partner pause.  So?  Speak your piece.  Do keep in mind that I'm a man who values forthrightness. Give me cause to suspect that you are trying to play me, and I assure you, you will regret it."


"Very well." Stanley says. He still chooses his words carefully, trying to get the point quickly without revealing too much. "You know more about the ships that have been disappearing. You can deny it, but we know that you are involved. It wasn't easy to find out, I'll give you that, but that is the problem with working with people. Eventually someone is going to talk."

"As you might have guessed, the whole story about wanting to ship wines and spirits isn't true. We might not be merchants, but we're not with the police or the Royal Navy. Don't worry, putting a stop to your activities or getting you locked up are not why we are here. It might not be bottles of whisky, but there are still ships that need to make the voyage to and from Hong Kong. As we have heard, you can guarantee that they will do so safely. We would like to know how you do that and what it will cost?"
The Guardian
GM, 2496 posts
Mon 26 Mar 2018
at 03:38
  • msg #213

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Yen Huang gives Stanley a slight smile.

"Assuming there was truth to be found in your assertions," he says, "then I would be a very foolish man to share ways and means with anyone with whom I had not established a very, very deep level of trust.  Let's just propose a little parable instead.  Say that there is a certain fisherman with a modestly sized boat living on the shore of a great bay.  He cannot fish out the whole of the bay; he must choose where and how to throw his nets.  And propose further, there is an old man who has fished the bay all his life, who no longer sets his own nets, but may advise the fisherman.  This advice is of value to the fisherman, who may provide certain considerations to the old man.  And, because the old man's advice is of value to the fisherman?  It would certainly also be of value to the fish, did they but know of the advice he provides.

"But as with anything, the old man must dispense his knowledge with discretion.  One does not wish to fish out the whole bay and destroy one's livelihood.  If one fish in twenty were to land on the old man's dinner plate, that would be, while some small hardship to the schools of fish taken as a whole, not a fatal one."
The Guardian
GM, 2497 posts
Mon 26 Mar 2018
at 03:43
  • msg #214

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm quickly realizes that much of her problem, as she scurries between, above, and below the traffic, that there are an awful lot of them and she never ought to have lost her outlook on her quarry....

OOC: You can roll an Awareness + Ingenuity + Keen Senses; difficulty is Tricky.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2131 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Mon 26 Mar 2018
at 03:57
  • msg #215

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Well, she had had a to-do to avoid at the time, it could hardly be helped. Smoke Alarm jumped up on her toes, trying to eyespy over the shoulders and heads of the people footing around her, 'Hey, scuse me! Outlook!' But she was all-ways still a bit too short, and none were paying her much mind. At last, amidst much protect, Smoke Alarm climbed onto a cart, rode it for a ways, then leaped to one of the awnings overhanging the shop doors. She climbered up, then got a good outlook over the crowd...


OOC:
11:46, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 16 using 2d6+9 with rolls of 1,6. awareness(4) + ingenuity(3) + Keen Senses(2).
The Traveller
player, 2232 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Tue 27 Mar 2018
at 01:39
  • msg #216

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
In one eyespy, the man was there; in the next, outgone! Mayhaps he was the rat they were outlooking for. 'Trav! I eyespied an outlook! Footing after! Will track back later.' she said, leaping down from the talkiphone box and darting madly through the crowds after the outlook. The Blue Kang slipped nimbly between the press of people and carts. Or just went over the top, that worked too.


Trav salutes Smoke Alarm as she careens off, smiling. "Now, will you fellows kindly take my box off of this cart, and leave it over on yonder corner? I would be so grateful if you would." Her cantonese is so polite, even as she cracks her knuckles.

OOC: Now for the Convince roll?
Stanley Newton
player, 830 posts
Tue 27 Mar 2018
at 23:27
  • msg #217

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"But as with anything, the old man must dispense his knowledge with discretion.  One does not wish to fish out the whole bay and destroy one's livelihood.  If one fish in twenty were to land on the old man's dinner plate, that would be, while some small hardship to the schools of fish taken as a whole, not a fatal one."


"It is fatal for the fish on the plate. I am sure that you were a great fisherman in your time, but it is a pretty bold claim that what you are doing is certainly of value to the fish." Stanley replies. "If we were just talking about fish I wouldn't have a problem with it, but we are not. We are talking about people's lives. How can you seriously believe that letting pirates attack and sink ships full of innocent sailors is good for anyone but the pirates and you?"

If Yen Huang had just admitted to doing this for the money or for power, Stanley wouldn't have gotten so worked up about it. Stanley shakes his head, getting angry would not impress the man sitting in front of him.

"You don't trust us, so you won't tell us who this fisherman with a boat is. Fine. How about we trade for it. If you'll tell us who the pirates are, we will tell you from whom we learned about your involvement."
The Guardian
GM, 2498 posts
Wed 28 Mar 2018
at 01:33
  • msg #218

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
At last, amidst much protect, Smoke Alarm climbed onto a cart, rode it for a ways, then leaped to one of the awnings overhanging the shop doors. She climbered up, then got a good outlook over the crowd...

For a moment, the Kang thinks she's spotted the man -- but she couldn't say for sure if it's the same one, and then in the swirl of the crowd she loses track of her suspect.  So many people!

OOC:
20:23, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Outlooker, rolled 17 using 2d6+7 with rolls of 4,6.  Attempting to lose Smoke Alarm: Ingenuity(4) + Subterfuge(3).

This is a "No, But" result but I had a hard time thinking of a consolation prize for something so essentially binary.  If you have an idea, feel free to put it in your next post and pursue it, unless you decide just to head back to Trav.
The Guardian
GM, 2499 posts
Wed 28 Mar 2018
at 01:49
  • msg #219

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"How can you seriously believe that letting pirates attack and sink ships full of innocent sailors is good for anyone but the pirates and you?"

"Oh, I would not insult a perceptive man by claiming anything of the sort.  I was merely making the observation that if ships are to be taken, regardless, people doubtless find it worthwhile to arrange that theirs are not the ones so taken."

quote:
"You don't trust us, so you won't tell us who this fisherman with a boat is. Fine. How about we trade for it. If you'll tell us who the pirates are, we will tell you from whom we learned about your involvement."

Stanley has an eye for what is going on behind a person's eyes, something he's developed as a physician used to patients wishing their real symptoms didn't exist, and although Yen Huang has a very good poker face, he can tell that this proposal sparks some interest beyond the slightly detached amusement that Huang has exhibited throughout the whole conversation.

"Now that is a thought with some merit...." Huang says thoughtfully.

OOC: You can make a Presence + Convince + Empathy for this.
The Guardian
GM, 2500 posts
Wed 28 Mar 2018
at 01:53
  • msg #220

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The spokesman of the Benevolent Gentlemen gives Trav a somewhat baffled look, but shrugs.  "Why not?"

As his men start to gather round the wagon, Freeman and O'Rourke look at Trav in similar confusion.  "Don't understand this," Freeman says.  "You don't mean to take it all the way to the ship, I get, but you're just going to leave it on a street corner instead?"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2132 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 28 Mar 2018
at 02:52
  • msg #221

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Smoke Alarm:
At last, amidst much protect, Smoke Alarm climbed onto a cart, rode it for a ways, then leaped to one of the awnings overhanging the shop doors. She climbered up, then got a good outlook over the crowd...

For a moment, the Kang thinks she's spotted the man -- but she couldn't say for sure if it's the same one, and then in the swirl of the crowd she loses track of her suspect.  So many people!

OOC:
20:23, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Outlooker, rolled 17 using 2d6+7 with rolls of 4,6.  Attempting to lose Smoke Alarm: Ingenuity(4) + Subterfuge(3).

This is a "No, But" result but I had a hard time thinking of a consolation prize for something so essentially binary.  If you have an idea, feel free to put it in your next post and pursue it, unless you decide just to head back to Trav.


OOC: The Difficult was Tricky, 15, in your last post. Should it have changed?

Anyway, mayhaps he drops something, a clue we can follow up on later?
Stanley Newton
player, 831 posts
Wed 28 Mar 2018
at 22:22
  • msg #222

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Oh, I would not insult a perceptive man by claiming anything of the sort.  I was merely making the observation that if ships are to be taken, regardless, people doubtless find it worthwhile to arrange that theirs are not the ones so taken."


That all depended on whether or not ships would be taken in any case. Stanley wasn't so sure, but debating it with Huang would just be a waste of time. The man had at some point chosen to work with the pirates and even come up with a justification for it. Stanley didn't think he could change Huang's mind before he would get bored with him and Sairen.

The Guardian:
"Now that is a thought with some merit...." Huang says thoughtfully.


"It certainly is. Something that would benefit us both."

OOC: Rolling Presence(3) + Convince(2) + Empathy(2)+ SP(2d6):
22:22, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 22 using 4d6+7 with rolls of 6,3,4,2.  Presence(3) + Convince(2) + Empathic(2)+SP(2d6).

This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Thu 29 Mar 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2501 posts
Fri 30 Mar 2018
at 00:08
  • msg #223

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
>OOC: The Difficult was Tricky, 15, in your last post. Should it have changed?

OOC: So it was.  I plead brainlock.

So what actually happens....

No -- there he is!  The fellow had ducked into a shaded alley and seemed to think that he'd given any potential pursuers the slip.

Even as Smoke Alarm's sharp spatial perceptions start to map out a likely track through the space between them -- off that intervening clothesline, using that window shutter to swing across, trampolining off that canvas-covered wagon -- she is stopped short by noticing what the man is doing.  He's hunched slightly away from her and holding something up to the side of his face, like he's speaking into a talkiphone.
The Guardian
GM, 2502 posts
Fri 30 Mar 2018
at 00:42
  • msg #224

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Yen Huang considers Stanley carefully.

"Very well," he says.  "You must understand, my knowledge of the lady's operations are limited to protect us both, but you may make of the information what you will.  The name she is known by in the circles I deal in is Maria Costanza Esperanza, and from what I know, she has not been long at her craft, but what rumor I have pieced together says that it is something of a family tradition going back some generations.  I do not know her exact whereabouts or how she may be found, as our communications have all passed through a local intermediary.  But she clearly operates up and down the Sumatran coast, and by my knowledge she commands several vessels at least, centering her fleet around a small frigate or sloop-of-war.  So she must have access to one or more safe harbors."

He eyes Stanley.  Stanley senses a change in the atmosphere -- the guards are certainly more alert, and Sairen, if anything, is more carefully blank-faced than ever.

"Now, Mr. Wright, if you'd be so kind as to hold to your end of our agreement...."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2133 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 30 Mar 2018
at 02:05
  • msg #225

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

A talkiphone! Unlike the Traveller, Smoke Alarm only had a shotgun knowhow of tetchnology and history, and certainly could not have said it was an anachronism, let alone said "anachronism". But she had eyespied one thing about 1880s Hong Kong: absolutely no-one else here had a talkiphone!

Spurred to action, she ran, kicked off that intervening clothesline, used that window shutter to swing across, but then, rather than trampolining off that canvas-covered wagon, which had already rolled too far past, she went low, rolled beneath a big coolie's legs, and skidded to the corner of the alley. Ducking into a hide-in, she tried to eyespy the man and earspy what the man was saying...


OOC:
Sneakering over, 12
10:04, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 12 using 2d6+8 with rolls of 2,2. coordinaton(5) + subterfuge(3).
Eavesdropping, 21
10:04, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 21 using 2d6+9 with rolls of 6,6. awareness(4) + ingenuity(3) + Keen Senses(2).
The Guardian
GM, 2503 posts
Sat 31 Mar 2018
at 02:42
  • msg #226

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm creeps forward, picking up snatches of half the conversation.  She's got a reasonably good look at the man's face now, despite him being partly in shadow; she's confident she could recognize him again if necessary.

"...I did not recognize her by any of the descriptions or pictures, but it seems like must have been the Traveller, not the other one..."

"...No, no monks; why?..."

"...I think they were distracted enough not to notice..."

So intent is Smoke Alarm that she doesn't notice when her foot nudges a loose bit of plank on the ground, which slides sideways and hits the base of the wall.  It doesn't make a lot of noise, and yet, the man suddenly stops speaking, as if he's been alerted.

OOC: 21:27, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Outlooker, rolled 12 using 2d6+6 with rolls of 4,2.  Vs. Smoke Alarm's sneakering: Awareness(3) + Subterfuge(3).

Tie goes to the PC, so my judgment is that you pick up some information before your target is possibly alert, and now you have the initiative on how to deal with that before he can act.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2134 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sat 31 Mar 2018
at 03:13
  • msg #227

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

But what about me? Smoke Alarm was wondering at the lack of Kang description when the silly bit of wood made a noise (it wasn't like it was her fault). She tensed, ready-steady to run for it; either he would leave or he would come to outlook, mayhaps start a to-do, but she would run anyhow. But then the clever Kang had an idea...

Brave and bold as a Kang should be, Smoke Alarm footed loiteringly out of her hide-in. 'How you do.' she said cheerily with a quick curtsey. 'Mayhaps I can help you?' After all, she needed to learn more.
Stanley Newton
player, 832 posts
Sat 31 Mar 2018
at 14:44
  • msg #228

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
"Very well," he says.  "You must understand, my knowledge of the lady's operations are limited to protect us both, but you may make of the information what you will.  The name she is known by in the circles I deal in is Maria Costanza Esperanza, (...)"


Stanley is surprised when Huang mentions that the pirate captain, (or should it be pirate admiral? She is in command of a fleet with multiple ships) is a woman. Not something he would expect in this era. Briefly, he wondered if Ms. Kismet was behind this, but he dismisses the though as very, very unlikely. Getting Trav involved to investigate something you yourself are responsible for was nothing more than counter-productive. Unless time travel was somehow involved and two versions of someone were working against each other. Stanley doesn't want to go that rabbit hole or he would end up second guessing himself.

Of course, he has no guarantee that Huang is telling the truth. It wouldn't cost the man anything to lie to the two strangers in his office, especially if Huang was planning on making sure there was no way they could verify the information afterwards. But why would he include such an outlandish element? Stanley imagines that it wouldn't be the most logical thing to lie about in this situation. The more Stanley thinks about it, the more this could be the truth.

The Guardian:
He eyes Stanley.  Stanley senses a change in the atmosphere -- the guards are certainly more alert, and Sairen, if anything, is more carefully blank-faced than ever.

"Now, Mr. Wright, if you'd be so kind as to hold to your end of our agreement...."


"Fair is fair." says Stanley. He actually doesn't have the information he promised and despite the fact that Huang was not a good person, Stanley feels a bit guilty about that.  Their source was Halverston and he didn't seem like he was actively involved in Huang's organisation. Besides, it doesn't feel right to throw the man to the wolves for something he only revealed under hypnosis. Stanley takes a deep breath. "The man who told us about this is none other than Lao. Just to be absolutely clear, the same Lao that brought us here."
This message was last updated by the player at 14:45, Sat 31 Mar 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2505 posts
Sun 1 Apr 2018
at 01:45
  • msg #229

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'How you do.' she said cheerily with a quick curtsey. 'Mayhaps I can help you?' After all, she needed to learn more.

The man is startled by Smoke Alarm's sudden appearance -- perhaps he'd noticed the noise, but he certainly wasn't expecting to be confronted -- and tenses, off-balance, for a moment, before he hurriedly stuffs the object he is holding inside his shirt.  He isn't fast enough to keep Smoke Alarm from confirming that it is some kind of talkiphone, not much different from the kind that Doctor Stanley carries.

He looks like he's torn between fighting and running.  He's larger than Smoke Alarm, but then again lots of people are, and he doesn't look like he's particularly muscle-bound or fighty: the men off the Star of Morocco are certainly bigger and stronger than him.

"Wha- who are you?" he splutters.
The Guardian
GM, 2506 posts
Sun 1 Apr 2018
at 01:55
  • msg #230

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"The man who told us about this is none other than Lao. Just to be absolutely clear, the same Lao that brought us here."

"Indeed."  Huang's eyes pierce Stanley's intently.  "Well.  It's quite fortunate, then, that I have Mr. Lao close at hand to ask for an explanation.  I must insist that you remain here as my guests while I ask him to give an account of himself.  But be assured -- if I come away from that explanation more inclined to take his word than yours, and such a thing seems more likely than not to me, then we shall resume this interview in a more formal and, I regret, less congenial manner."

He addresses the guards hovering at Stanley and Sairen's backs.  "You.  Take these two and confine them, and watch them, and send Mr. Lao in to speak with me."  They hesitate for a bit, and he adds, "Do recall who it is, who pays your wages, in the end."

With that reinforcement, they close on Stanley and Sairen to take hold of them, and begin to remove them forcibly from Huang's office.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2136 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sun 1 Apr 2018
at 02:40
  • msg #231

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'I'm Smoke Alarm, I'm a Kang, a Blue Kang. Blue Kangs are best.' she explained with a smile, without really illuminating things for the man at all. 'Who were you talky to?' She was surprised to find he was a scaredy-cat, or mayhaps just a skitty-cat, rather than another muscle-brain, meanie-head, or caretaker, but he could still start a to-do, she 'wared.
The Guardian
GM, 2507 posts
Mon 2 Apr 2018
at 02:03
  • msg #232

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"What makes you think I was talking to anyone?  There's, there's nobody hereabouts, except for me and you!"

He's really unconvincing.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2137 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Mon 2 Apr 2018
at 02:25
  • msg #233

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

She was starting to wonder if this man was with the Benevolent Gentlemen or the pirates at all. He wasn't exactly meaniehead material. 'I mean on the talkiphone. The one you put inside your shirt.' She pointed to the rectangle faintly glowing through the fabric. He'd shoved it down there so quick, she thought mayhaps he hadn't even had time to end the call. She called out just in case 'Hey, you on the phone, how you do?'


OOC: I may be taking liberties assuming it's still on.
Stanley Newton
player, 833 posts
Tue 3 Apr 2018
at 12:53
  • msg #234

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
(...) -- if I come away from that explanation more inclined to take his word than yours, and such a thing seems more likely than not to me, then we shall resume this interview in a more formal and, I regret, less congenial manner."

"In that case I'd say get ready to be surprised." Stanley says. He has noticed the implicit threat, but at this point there is nothing he can do expect hope that Lao would seem more .  "You might not know Lao as well as you think."

The Guardian:
With that reinforcement, they close on Stanley and Sairen to take hold of them, and begin to remove them forcibly from Huang's office.


Stanley allows the thugs to move him out of the office. The interrogation of Lao would give him some time to contact Trav and the others. He is confident that it would be easier using his phone being watched over by the guards than in front of Huang. Hopefully he'd be able to get a message out before Huang decided to interrogate them further... or Lao. Apart from the fact that Lao works for Huang, Stanley had no indication that Lao was anything worse than a floor manager.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Tue 03 Apr 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2508 posts
Wed 4 Apr 2018
at 03:49
  • msg #235

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm's quarry gapes at her.  Then he bolts, dashing off down the alley.  He kicks over a half-full rainwater barrel, sending it spinning and sloshing out water into Smoke Alarm's path.

Even as she starts to react, she notices him pulling the talkiphone from out of his shirt again, and he starts to jab at the screen as he runs.

OOC: Yes, he's trying to win a race against Smoke Alarm.  The poor man.  Technically we'll say that you are starting 2 Areas apart, and the alley is difficulty 12 terrain whereas the main street is a 15.  However, he has created a difficulty 15 Stunt for Smoke Alarm to beat.

It's not obvious what he is trying to do with the phone.

22:43, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Outlooker, rolled 15 using 2d6+6 with rolls of 5,4.  Running from Smoke Alarm: Coordination(4) + Athletics(2).
22:44, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Outlooker, rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,3.  Doing a phone thing: Ingenuity(4) + Technology(1) -2.
The Guardian
GM, 2509 posts
Wed 4 Apr 2018
at 03:54
  • msg #236

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley and Sairen are deposited, none too gently, into what seems to be an interior sitting room.  It's well appointed and tastefully decorated, but there is no apparent way in or out except for the door they're marched through.  One of the guards remains inside with them, folding his arms over his chest and fixing them with a stoic glare.  Stanley can hear that the other man moves away down the hall after the door closes, his heavy tread thudding away.

Sairen glances at Stanley.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2138 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 4 Apr 2018
at 06:30
  • msg #237

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Chasing fast after the man, Smoke Alarm easy-peasily jumped the splashing puddle and then landed on the rolling water-bin with a clang. Then she deftly footed on top of it, making it turn the way she wanted to go, and was soon rolling after the running man. 'Ha ha!' she laughed. Then, when the bin had no more road to roll, she leaped off after him, soon catching up.


OOC: Speed 5.
Clear the stunt: straight Yes success.
14:19, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 19 using 2d6+13 with rolls of 4,2.  coordinaton(5) + athletics(4) + jumping(2) + Kang Fu(2).
Catch up: 16
14:26, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 16 using 2d6+9 with rolls of 5,2.  coordinaton(5) + athletics(4).
The Guardian
GM, 2510 posts
Thu 5 Apr 2018
at 04:01
  • msg #238

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The man yelps, plainly never having dreamed that the obstacle he'd thrown in Smoke Alarm's way could have been converted into an impromptu if temporary vehicle.  He looks at the distance still separating him from the crowded street, and Smoke barreling down on him (literally!), and abandons his flight.  Instead, he hugs himself around the talkiphone, still working on it.

Smoke Alarm sees the phone's display flash, and a red bar start to scroll along the little screen.

OOC: You caught him, as you have him beat on speed and - though I think you didn't need two rolls - got a Good success either way: vs. the stunt and vs. the terrain.

22:57, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Outlooker, rolled 12 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 5,2.  Phone operation, again: Ingenuity(4) + Technology(1).
Smoke Alarm
player, 2139 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 5 Apr 2018
at 05:49
  • msg #239

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'Lemme eyespy!' Smoke Alarm demanded eagerly like the five-year-old she was at heart, hands darting to yoink the talkiphone right out of the man's hands. It had to be important; mayhaps she should show-and-tell it to Traveller.


OOC: One roll was to clear the stunt as a reaction, the other was to catch up as an action. But it's been a while since we used chase rules, so I might be rusty.

Trying to pinch the phone. I wasn't sure what to roll, and went with Fighting.
13:44, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 17 using 2d6+8 with rolls of 5,4. coordination(5) + fighting(3).
Stanley Newton
player, 834 posts
Thu 5 Apr 2018
at 20:12
  • msg #240

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Stanley and Sairen are deposited, none too gently, into what seems to be an interior sitting room.  It's well appointed and tastefully decorated, but there is no apparent way in or out except for the door they're marched through.  One of the guards remains inside with them, folding his arms over his chest and fixing them with a stoic glare.  Stanley can hear that the other man moves away down the hall after the door closes, his heavy tread thudding away.

Sairen glances at Stanley.


Stanley stretches his neck and looks around. As far as holding cells go it didn't look too bad. It is not difficult to guess what Sairen is expecting him to do. With the other guard seemingly moving out of earshot, it should be relatively risk-free to hypnotise the guard. Relatively. There is always a chance it wouldn't work on this particular person or that he would be too slow.

Standing somewhat close to the guard, he grabs his phone and throws it in Sairen's direction. "Contact the others." he says, not looking at the result and trying to put the guard in a trance. Waving his hands, maybe faster than normally, he tries to get the focus of the guard back on him. "Listen to my voice..."

OOC: Attempting Hypnosis roll?
20:12, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 21 using 4d6+8 with rolls of 4,3,1,5.  Presence(3) + Convince(3) +Hypnosis(2) +SP (2d6). Attempting hypnosis of guard.

The Guardian
GM, 2511 posts
Fri 6 Apr 2018
at 03:24
  • msg #241

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

There's a brief tussle as the man struggles with Smoke Alarm, trying to retain control.  "Hey!"  But her hands are quicker than his, and she gets wrestles it away.

When she looks at the screen, she sees that the bar is still rolling down the screen.  A couple of funny-looking pictures or squiggles are flashing in white on the screen.  Squiggles that Smoke realize mean, WIPING....

OOC:

22:16, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Outlooker, rolled 14 using 2d6+6 with rolls of 2,6.  Defending against Smoke Alarm: coordination(4) + fighting(2).

"Yes, But".  Think fast!
Smoke Alarm
player, 2140 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 6 Apr 2018
at 03:39
  • msg #242

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Wipping? Smoke Alarm read, then rememorised where she'd heard that word before, as in wiping away wallscrawls. 'Why're you—?' she began incomprehensively, then hissed as she realised all texts and pix were being wiped away right now...

Thinking fast, if not faster, she tried to force the talkiphone's cover off and yank the battery out, knowing cutting off power should abort the program. And if she couldn't, she'd just throw it against the alley's brick wall, smash it apart, and let Traveller work it out.


OOC: A check didn't seem necessary for such a low-tech solution.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:40, Fri 06 Apr 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2512 posts
Fri 6 Apr 2018
at 03:41
  • msg #243

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
Waving his hands, maybe faster than normally, he tries to get the focus of the guard back on him. "Listen to my voice..."

The guard is initially suspicious, and he moves to intercept Stanley.  "Listen to you?  I don't answer to you, 'ghost man', no matter how much...."  But Stanley catches his attention nonetheless.  "Here now, what're you...."

Meanwhile Sairen catches the phone deftly, spends a few moments finding the right controls for calling, and then the phone starts trying to connect.

Sairen backs into a corner of the room on the blind side of the door.  "Careful!" he hisses.  "We don't know when his partner will be back.  I doubt you can hold more than one person at once...."

Elsewhere...

Out in the street where Smoke Alarm has left her behind, Trav's phone starts to chime.

OOC:

22:30, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Yen Huang Thug, rolled 11 using 2d6+6 with rolls of 4,1.  Resisting hypnotism: Ingenuity(2) + Resolve(4).

You basically crushed his resistance so this is working.  For now.
Stanley Newton
player, 835 posts
Fri 6 Apr 2018
at 23:13
  • msg #244

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Sairen backs into a corner of the room on the blind side of the door.  "Careful!" he hisses.  "We don't know when his partner will be back.  I doubt you can hold more than one person at once...."


After checking to make sure the guard really is in a trance, he replies to Sairen. "Yeah, I'll get some information and then we'll wait for the back-up."

He turns to the guard and realises that he doesn't know the man's name. It feels a bit impersonal to address him as 'you', but there is no time. "You will tell me where we are. What street is this building on?"

"When I snap my fingers you will wake up and forget everything about this conversation and think we have been good, quiet prisoners."

At the first sign of anyone approaching the room, Stanley will snap his fingers.
The Traveller
player, 2235 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 00:09
  • msg #245

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Out in the street where Smoke Alarm has left her behind, Trav's phone starts to chime.


Trav picks up, but upon hearing Sairen hissing, she texts.

I'm here. Are you both all right? Finding you.

Not waiting for an answer from the thugs, she unlocks and steps back into Sweet Boy.

She immediately sets to work using the local TARDIS network to track them down.

She sees two other instances of herself, one currently in Egypt and the other in Mississipi. Taking care to conceal the network activity from her past selves, she smiles nostalgically.

OOC: Use the TARDIS perception and my Technology to find them?
The Guardian
GM, 2514 posts
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 03:00
  • msg #246

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm finds herself proudly in possession of a smashed talkiphone that no longer is giving any sign of erasing its contents.

"Don't you get it?" the spy, or whoever he is, demands.  "I had a good thing going here, but the deal was that I couldn't let it lead back to her.  She'll be coming for me now!"
The Guardian
GM, 2515 posts
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 03:05
  • msg #247

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
I'm here. Are you both all right? Finding you.


The phone bing!s at her.  Stan is a pro at this, He got us captured by the bad guys first try! lol

quote:
OOC: Use the TARDIS perception and my Technology to find them?

OOC: Sure.
The Guardian
GM, 2516 posts
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 03:15
  • msg #248

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
He turns to the guard and realises that he doesn't know the man's name. It feels a bit impersonal to address him as 'you', but there is no time. "You will tell me where we are. What street is this building on?"

"When I snap my fingers you will wake up and forget everything about this conversation and think we have been good, quiet prisoners."

At the first sign of anyone approaching the room, Stanley will snap his fingers.

The man blinks, scowling.  He's not in a deep hypnotic state, but he seems in a daze and certainly suggestible.  "We're on the corner of Ying Woo and Cat Street...." he says distractedly.  He peers absently at Sairen tapping at the phone.  "What's that you're doing?  Some kind of prayer or something?"

Stanley hears footsteps approaching.  He thinks it's the same direction that he heard them leaving, after the guard forced them into the room.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2143 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 03:26
  • msg #249

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm picked up the shattered remains of the talkiphone, feeling pretty pleased with her fast thinking. 'No ball-games, no fly-posts, no wipeouts.' she finger-waggled the man. Now she just had to work out how to fixit...

'Who's "she", the cat's mother?' she wondered with interest. She'd heard the phrase before, but had yet to find the cat in question, let alone her mother. 'And why're you eyespying at Traveller? Come on, show-and-tell us!'
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Tue 10 Apr 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2517 posts
Wed 11 Apr 2018
at 04:00
  • msg #250

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"You've got to promise," he says, his eyes still darting to the smashed talkiphone like he's guessing his chances of getting it away from Smoke Alarm again, and not liking the chances.

"Haidao Gong, she trusted me to be her eyes and ears in the city.  She gave me the speaking-box to keep her informed.  To watch the ships, to watch who comes and goes.  Somehow she knew already that your blue box was here, and she told me to watch and find who it belonged to."  He looks not a little panicked.  "She has other eyes and ears here.  And fists.  I don't know what she'll do to me if she finds I have failed her!"

The name he gives is all twisty in Smoke Alarm's ears, like it isn't entirely a name, but sort of a title too.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2144 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 11 Apr 2018
at 06:15
  • msg #251

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

OOC: Is "Haidao Gong" the name/title? Google Translate's not cooperating. :) Is it something she could repeat for the Traveller, if she doesn't understand it herself?

Smoke Alarm waved the broken talkiphone, but she was keeping it. 'Speaking-box? It's called a talkiphone.' she corrected, but realised this was definitely the outlook they'd been outlooking for. But how many were there? 'And do the Benevolent Gentlemans work for her too? Is that why they tried to shoplift the talkiphone box – the blue box?'
Stanley Newton
player, 837 posts
Wed 11 Apr 2018
at 23:39
  • msg #252

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The man blinks, scowling.  He's not in a deep hypnotic state, but he seems in a daze and certainly suggestible.  "We're on the corner of Ying Woo and Cat Street...." he says distractedly.  He peers absently at Sairen tapping at the phone.  "What's that you're doing?  Some kind of prayer or something?"


"Yes, that is what it is. It is not important right now." Trav could probably track the phone, but just to be safe he makes sure to repeat the location so Sairen. "So we're on the corner of Ying Woo and Cat Street. Very good."

"Someone is coming." He says it loud enough to warn Sairen and gives him a couple of seconds to prepare. He then snaps his fingers to wake up the guard.
The Guardian
GM, 2518 posts
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 02:48
  • msg #253

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
OOC: Is "Haidao Gong" the name/title? Google Translate's not cooperating. :) Is it something she could repeat for the Traveller, if she doesn't understand it herself?

OOC: You can definitely consult with Trav on that.

quote:
'And do the Benevolent Gentlemans work for her too? Is that why they tried to shoplift the talkiphone box – the blue box?'

"Ah, now."  Despite his continued anxiety, he does let a little self-satisfied smile out.  "There I have to take a little credit myself.  They were convinced that their boss wanted your box, with a little creative misdirection.  As far as I know they have nothing to do with her."
The Guardian
GM, 2519 posts
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 02:55
  • msg #254

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"Someone is coming." He says it loud enough to warn Sairen and gives him a couple of seconds to prepare. He then snaps his fingers to wake up the guard.

Sairen winks and deftly makes Stanley's phone vanish somewher inside his jacket.  The guard's suspicious glower returns as he turns an appraising look on Stanley -- but at that point the door opens.  "Got the keys," says the other guard to the one who has supposedly been watching the prisoners.  "I'll stay on watch.  You should go back and find out what sort of account Mr. Lao has been making of himself.  I doubt these two are telling the truth, but if they are, we better make sure Zhihao knows we weren't mixed up in any of it."

With that, both exit the room, locking Stanley and Sairen inside.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2145 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 03:25
  • msg #255

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm shot him a dark outlook. 'Did you send them to beat up Uncle Yuen?' she demanded.
The Guardian
GM, 2520 posts
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 04:54
  • msg #256

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

His face falls as he realizes to what he's just confessed his complicity.

"Not as such," he says, "but yes, I suppose that given the sort of men they are and the sort of things they do, I could have guessed that someone would end up hurt because of it."

Seeing Smoke Alarm's expression, he adds hurriedly, "Look!  When Haidao finds out what I've told you... and if you're able to use what's still on that 'talkiphone' against her... she's not going to be happy with me.  It's for sure that I can't expect any more payment out of her, not of the sort I'd like, anyway.  If you're going up against her, let me help you.  That's the only way my family and I come out of this safe, I imagine."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:54, Thu 12 Apr 2018.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2146 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 06:00
  • msg #257

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke chewed her lip about what to do, really wanting to just kick him in the shin and run away, but at last reaching a comeout. 'Okay! For your family. You track back with me and show-and-tell Traveller everything and she'll make this talkiphone work. But: no ball-games, no fly-posts, no tricks!'
The Traveller
player, 2236 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 18:28
  • msg #258

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav, inside her box, is working to find the entire kit and kaboodle. While Smoke can take care of herself, it was always a good idea to keep track of her.

OOC:14:26, Today: The Traveller rolled 15 using 2d6+11 with rolls of 1,3.  Perception 3+Tardis Sensors 2+Technology 6 - finding Stan, Smoke and Sairen via phones.
Stanley Newton
player, 838 posts
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 20:11
  • msg #259

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Seeing Sairen hide his phone, reminds Stanley of when they were searched and how it hadn't been difficult for the guards to find all those tools. Luckily they leave without noticing anything strange.

The Guardian:
With that, both exit the room, locking Stanley and Sairen inside.


"So," Stanley begins, feeling he has to say something to break the silence. Keeping in mind that while the guards may have left, that didn't mean they could speak freely. "I think that went reasonably well. And it looks like we are just dealing with a well-informed pirate and her crew, not something more exotic, if you know what I mean."
The Guardian
GM, 2521 posts
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 03:08
  • msg #260

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
Trav, inside her box, is working to find the entire kit and kaboodle. While Smoke can take care of herself, it was always a good idea to keep track of her.

Pinpointing Smoke Alarm is pretty easy -- she's only about a kilometer to the north.  The TARDIS isn't giving a particularly exact fix on Stanley, but Trav is pretty sure she can nail it within a half a block or so.
The Guardian
GM, 2522 posts
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 03:14
  • msg #261

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'Okay! For your family. You track back with me and show-and-tell Traveller everything and she'll make this talkiphone work. But: no ball-games, no fly-posts, no tricks!'

The fellow nods, looking more resigned than committed to this course of action.

"They call me Bao, and you said your name was... Smoke Alarm?  I know those words... not a name I've heard before, though.  Lead on."
The Guardian
GM, 2523 posts
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 03:16
  • msg #262

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"I think that went reasonably well. And it looks like we are just dealing with a well-informed pirate and her crew, not something more exotic, if you know what I mean."

Sairen nods absently, not particularly agreeing as he studies the walls.  "Well, it's not over yet.  I think we'd be well advised not to wait for them to come back."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2147 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 03:27
  • msg #263

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Playing the leader in follow-the-leader, Smoke Alarm tracked back to where she'd left Traveller and the talkiphone box, hoping the Benevolent Gentlemans were still playing nice without her. 'Yes, Smoke Alarm. It means "warner of fire" and "maker of noise".'
Stanley Newton
player, 839 posts
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 22:15
  • msg #264

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Sairen nods absently, not particularly agreeing as he studies the walls.  "Well, it's not over yet.  I think we'd be well advised not to wait for them to come back."


"Easier said than done." Stanley looks at the door. "No windows and they locked the door. And I'm not sure getting out of the building will be easy, even if we manage to get past the door."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:17, Fri 13 Apr 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2524 posts
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 03:09
  • msg #265

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Sairen looks at Stanley and shrugs.  "The door won't be a problem.  I grant you that once we get out, we won't have long until there is a proper ruckus and hullabaloo.  You have a Plan B if Yen Huang calls us back on the carpet before the Traveller shows up to get us out of here?  'Cos I don't think he's going to fall for another diversion."
The Guardian
GM, 2525 posts
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 03:13
  • msg #266

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm finally makes her way back to the intersection where the talkiphone box has been deposited, Bao in tow.  The Benevolent Gentlemen, Freeman and O'Rourke, and the cart driver are all exchanging quizzical looks.

At last O'Rourke clears his throat.  "Ah... would you happen to know what your friend might be doin' inside her box, and how long she means to be about it?"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2148 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 03:49
  • msg #267

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm outlooked in surprise at the talkiphone box now sitting neatly on the side of the footpath (where, to be honest, talkiphone boxes kind of belonged). 'What did you put it down for?' she exclaimed. 'Put it back on the motor-cow, while I'll go eyespy... And don't let this one foot off!' she ordered, pushing Bao at O'Rourke while she stepped inside Sweet Boy.

'Trav! I catched an outlook. He has knowhow of who wants Sweet Boy and is shoplifting the boats.'
The Traveller
player, 2237 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 13:10
  • msg #268

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav locks sweet boy down and pokes her head out of the TARDIS. "Because Sweet Boy's natural place is on corners. Why does he need to be carried in a cart? He's fine right here."

Her eyebrows go up as Smoke Alarm mentions the eyespy. "Any idea who, pray tell?"
Stanley Newton
player, 840 posts
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 21:43
  • msg #269

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Sairen looks at Stanley and shrugs.  "The door won't be a problem.  I grant you that once we get out, we won't have long until there is a proper ruckus and hullabaloo.  You have a Plan B if Yen Huang calls us back on the carpet before the Traveller shows up to get us out of here?  'Cos I don't think he's going to fall for another diversion."


"Well," Stanley scratches his head. He did have something in mind, but he isn't sure that it will buy them enough time. "My plan B would be to impress him with my phone. It is probably against the time traveller's code of conduct, but I think he'd be impressed and want to keep us alive. At least until we have explained how it works and he no longer needs us."

"Though, if you say that we can get this door open, then maybe it would be better for us to not be here when he calls us back."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2149 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 01:32
  • msg #270

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke didn't enter the talkiphone box, on account of Traveller's head exiting. 'Coz I sposed we'd keep outgoing to the boat... Oh, never mind.' she decided, shaking her head.

She looked briefly bepuzzled at her question. 'Who, the outlook or the boss?' She pointed to Bao, 'This one is Bao, an outlook for, um, Haidao Gong. She told him to eyespy the boats and crews and visitors. She told him to get talkiphone box, and he sent the Benevolent Gentlemans here.' she show-and-telled, showing by pointing at the ones in question. She then showed Traveller the broken bits of the talkiphone, 'And she gave him this talkiphone. He was trying to wipe-out it when I catched him.'
The Traveller
player, 2238 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 16:30
  • msg #271

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav smiles as details of the original plan were forgotten.

"Who was interested in sweet boy and had the know hows about him, that's who."

As Smoke presents the phone, she says, "Ooooh. Let me see?"

Out comes the sonic, and Smoke can probably guess what will happen next.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:46, Wed 18 Apr 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2527 posts
Fri 20 Apr 2018
at 02:58
  • msg #272

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
"Though, if you say that we can get this door open, then maybe it would be better for us to not be here when he calls us back."

Sairen moves to the door, taking care to tread softly, and produces a pair of small metal rods from somewhere inside his clothing.  He crouches by the lock and probes the keyhole carefully, then nods to Stanley.  "Your call."
The Guardian
GM, 2528 posts
Fri 20 Apr 2018
at 03:01
  • msg #273

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
'This one is Bao, an outlook for, um, Haidao Gong.'

Trav hears the name as a Time Lord would hear them, as both the Chinese syllables and the root meaning underneath them.  The gender of the name is somewhat muddled, but it renders to something like Bandit Prince or perhaps Pirate Queen.
The Guardian
GM, 2529 posts
Fri 20 Apr 2018
at 03:07
  • msg #274

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
Out comes the sonic, and Smoke can probably guess what will happen next.

The phone looks like it is not quite your garden variety, 21st Century mobile -- perhaps it started its life that way, but if so it has been upgraded with technology that could be Level 7 or higher; Trav recognizes how it has been refitted with an etheric network transceiver.  (Not surprising, if it is functional in a world more than a century before the advent of widespread wireless networks and global satellite communications.)  The operating circuitry of the phone has been quite efficiently ruined, but the memory appears as if it should be readable.

OOC: What'cha trying to read from it?
The Traveller
player, 2240 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Fri 20 Apr 2018
at 19:59
  • msg #275

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Traveller:
Out comes the sonic, and Smoke can probably guess what will happen next.

The phone looks like it is not quite your garden variety, 21st Century mobile -- perhaps it started its life that way, but if so it has been upgraded with technology that could be Level 7 or higher; Trav recognizes how it has been refitted with an etheric network transceiver.  (Not surprising, if it is functional in a world more than a century before the advent of widespread wireless networks and global satellite communications.)  The operating circuitry of the phone has been quite efficiently ruined, but the memory appears as if it should be readable.

OOC: What'cha trying to read from it?



Into her own phone Trav copies the contents into a secure space. She then cuts her own phone off from Sweet Boy's network - security conscious - and then gets to work decrypting the contents. Further, if she can, she's mapping this phone's frequency and home network, so that after she is done, she can reach out and touch someone.

"Hm, etheric transceiver. This has a least interplanetary range. Now, who in 19th century China would want to talk to anyone in outer space? Great work, Smoke! Blue Kangs are best."

She hums as she sonics her own phone, playing back the data.

Intellect+Technology+Sonic - 15:58, Today: The Traveller rolled 25 using 2d6+16 with rolls of 6,3.  Ingenuity 8+Technology 6+Sonic 2 - Phone Decoding.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2150 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 02:08
  • msg #276

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

With that trigger, Smoke Alarm chanted triumphantly 'Blue Kangs, Blue Kangs, Blue Kangs are best!'

With that taken care of, she reflected on Traveller's question, concluding 'Who wouldn't want to talk to someone in outer space?' It was a fair point.

She eyespied the bits of the talkiphone, turning them over as if she could work something else out from them, or mayhaps recycle them into something useful. 'I couldn't get the batry out, so I smashed it to stopsign the wipeout. Coz I'm a clever-clogs! Is there still texts in there?'


OOC: Can Smoke tell who made the phone or when, such as from a company stamp or design? She's seen a bit of junk, I'm sure.
10:06, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 14 using 2d6+7 with rolls of 5,2.  awareness(4) + technology(1) + Keen Senses(2).
The Traveller
player, 2241 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 04:07
  • msg #277

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
With that trigger, Smoke Alarm chanted triumphantly 'Blue Kangs, Blue Kangs, Blue Kangs are best!'

With that taken care of, she reflected on Traveller's question, concluding 'Who wouldn't want to talk to someone in outer space?' It was a fair point.

She eyespied the bits of the talkiphone, turning them over as if she could work something else out from them, or mayhaps recycle them into something useful. 'I couldn't get the batry out, so I smashed it to stopsign the wipeout. Coz I'm a clever-clogs! Is there still texts in there?'


OOC: Can Smoke tell who made the phone or when, such as from a company stamp or design? She's seen a bit of junk, I'm sure.
10:06, Today: Smoke Alarm rolled 14 using 2d6+7 with rolls of 5,2.  awareness(4) + technology(1) + Keen Senses(2).


"You have a point, sweet. But people in this time aren't quite ready for that. In a few years, they will be. I think there are, and maybe even phone numbers. Here, see what you can do with it while I work with the data."
Stanley Newton
player, 841 posts
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 22:52
  • msg #278

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Sairen moves to the door, taking care to tread softly, and produces a pair of small metal rods from somewhere inside his clothing.  He crouches by the lock and probes the keyhole carefully, then nods to Stanley.  "Your call."


Stanley is impressed by how easily Sairen managed to pick the lock (and that he still had some tools hidden away somewhere). "Yeah, I say we go. Sitting here, waiting for the bad guys to come back, doesn't sound like the best plan now that the door is open."
The Guardian
GM, 2530 posts
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 02:11
  • msg #279

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Sairen shrugs and manipulates the picks for a moment, and there's a soft click -- telling Stanley that the door wasn't actually unlocked before he responded.  But it is now, so the die seems to be cast.

Sairen opens the door carefully.  There are doors up and down the hallway outside; the left-hand way leads down toward looks like an open space, perhaps a foyer, and light coming in from outdoors.  Yen Huang's office and the rear courtyard, Stanley recalls, would be to the right.

OOC: For sneaking around, you'll want to make a Coordination + Subterfuge and likely an Awareness + Ingenuity.
The Guardian
GM, 2531 posts
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 02:25
  • msg #280

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Trav's work with the innards of the phone suggests to her that a lot of the data storage is probably wiped despite Smoke Alarm's efforts, but data used by the lower-level functions may be intact.  This would include things like positioning data and telemetry for remote phones this one was used to contact, and possibly some buffered conversation data.

Meanwhile, Smoke Alarm notices a sigil stamped into the inside of the case, with the image of a somewhat inane robotic face formed inside the shape of a capital S.  She actually does remember that from her time with Doctor Sam, who said it was the logo of something called the "Serious Cyber-Net-Ticks Corporation."  But despite that being from Smoke Alarm's personal past, that had to be a future thing as far as here-and-now went, wasn't it?

OOC: There was a really likely Whoniverse corporation I thought about putting here to serve much the same purpose.  But I fear it would have been too large of a red herring.  So I went for a Hitchhiker's Guide mash-up instead.  Oolon Colluphid is common to both universes, so they're the same, right? ;p
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:25, Sun 22 Apr 2018.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2151 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 02:53
  • msg #281

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'Serious Cyber-Net-Ticks Corporation.' Smoke Alarm had read out. Cyber...? The funny cleaner face didn't outlook like a Cyberman, but mayhaps they were related, like Blue Kangs and Red Kangs. She rememorised Doctor Sam show-and-telling new tetchnology to the Kangs, including talkiphones like these. 'But this is from my space... time... tick-tocks.' she exclaimed, before floundering on trying to link a history and universe between the random, wonderful places she found outside the talkiphone box doors. 'My start in the carrydoors of time and space.' she decided. In the end, the Kang wasn't far off.
The Traveller
player, 2242 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 05:14
  • msg #282

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Hm. That's important. Well, most of the data was wiped, but your action seems to have saved some of the conversation and text buffers and the telemetry data, which is what I was looking for anyway. All in all, lucky."

She absently reaches for her I pad, and then realizes she doesn't have it - she left her trusty old I pad on Khestartes Delta. She sighs - she had that since she had a fat butt. But that it was going to help rebuild a civilization is a good kind of melancholy. She sure hopes that the Khestartes librarians like Futurefunk and Vaporwave music as well as bands like Jam Project (https://www.youtube.com/watch?...4Q8OOG7aXXYAwp9kUzfT) So, she digs into her bag. Maybe one of her beat up laptops was in there.

Spending a story point for Resourceful Pockets to have a reliable computing device besides a phone. Probably not that not important, but I feel that it's only fair to spend an SP for a device like the Ipad which Trav had since the beginning of her PBP adventures.
Stanley Newton
player, 842 posts
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 21:06
  • msg #283

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Sairen opens the door carefully.  There are doors up and down the hallway outside; the left-hand way leads down toward looks like an open space, perhaps a foyer, and light coming in from outdoors.  Yen Huang's office and the rear courtyard, Stanley recalls, would be to the right.


Trying to sneak as quietly as he can, Stanley makes his way out of the room. The fact that a guard could walk around the corner or come out of one of the doors at any time makes the escape a bit nerve-wracking.

OOC: Here are the rolls: Coord + Subterfuge + SP
20:54, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 23 using 4d6+4 with rolls of 6,5,2,6.  Coordination (3) +
Subterfuge (1) + SP(2d6). Sneaking around.

And Awareness + Ingenuity:
21:05, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 12 using 2d6+8 with rolls of 3,1.  Awareness (4) + Ingenuity (4).
 
The Guardian
GM, 2532 posts
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 23:40
  • msg #284

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
Trying to sneak as quietly as he can, Stanley makes his way out of the room.

OOC: I should have asked for which way you were heading.

So if you like, you can go ahead and narrate a bit on where you get to and what you see there.
 With your results, you are going to make safe progress to a point where you can see an exit.  It will not get you all the way out of the building, but with your story point and roll you can assume that you can create some tactical or narrative advantage.  And your Awareness roll is enough that you will have advance warning of anyone who is not trying to sneak up on you, of which there are none.

I would have come up with that myself, except I'm not positive where you're headed and didn't want to come back with just asking that question.
The Guardian
GM, 2533 posts
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 23:47
  • msg #285

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
So, she digs into her bag. Maybe one of her beat up laptops was in there.


Trav's hand comes back out of the bag clutching one of the many items she's forgotten ever stuffing into it: a Drexellan HoverCompTM.  The softball-sized and -shaped device, ringed all over with an assortment of I/O ports, whirrs to life and floats up into the air at about shoulder level.  Then its projector flickers on, projecting a virtual touchscreen in front of her.

OOC: Ordinary computers are boring.
Stanley Newton
player, 844 posts
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 23:02
  • msg #286

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Getting out of the building was the top priority for now and Stanley thinks they have a better chance of doing so without being spotted by going left towards the light. Stanley makes sure to close the door behind him. It wouldn't buy them any time if Huang sent someone to fetch Sairen and him, but in case a guards decides to walk past he wouldn't immediately notice an open door.

The hallway was currently empty and Stanley hopes that is also the case for the other rooms. Stan hopes Huang isn't holding any other prisoners here. Quietly, the two make their way through the hallway keeping an eye out for guards.

Arriving at the large, open foyer, Stanley can't help but admire the furnishing of the room. Yen Huang wants to show that business is good and this room is meant for showing guests. There are a couple of chairs and a table, all looking like they were made from the same expensive wood as Huang's desk. The tapestry hanging on the wall also looked expensive, but slightly out of place. Maybe it had been a gift from someone important. More relevant were the large windows on the other side of the foyer. They looked like they might be able to open or broken. Your typical foyer in typical hotel was bigger, but there was a lot of open space to cross, before they would be at the window.

OOC: I should have specified, but given the options of going left towards the light or right towards Huang, I thought it would be obvious Stanley and Sairen would be going left. But I should have specified.

Re: Foyer. I don't know if this is what you expected, but feel free to change whatever you want. (I am also not sure what a 19th century crime boss from Hong Kong would have in his house/office?? )
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Mon 23 Apr 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2534 posts
Tue 24 Apr 2018
at 02:49
  • msg #287

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley notices Sairen do a bit of a double-take when he spots the same tapestry that Stanley noted.

But Sairen quickly shakes his head when he sees Stanley's reaction, as if to warn him from saying anything out loud.  He takes out what Stanley has to imagine is his own sort of phone or personal comm, and aims it carefully at the tapestry to capture a picture.  Then he nods toward the windows.

Stanley wonders exactly what Sairen is on about, but then notices that, in addition to the normal play of light and reflection from motion in the street beyond, there is some more subtle motion of shadow closer to the building.  There's a good chance that someone is waiting outside -- not waiting for Stanley and Sairen in particular, most likely, but perhaps more of Huang's henchmen placed on guard to dissuade attention from passersby.
The Traveller
player, 2243 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Tue 24 Apr 2018
at 04:44
  • msg #288

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Traveller:
So, she digs into her bag. Maybe one of her beat up laptops was in there.


Trav's hand comes back out of the bag clutching one of the many items she's forgotten ever stuffing into it: a Drexellan HoverCompTM.  The softball-sized and -shaped device, ringed all over with an assortment of I/O ports, whirrs to life and floats up into the air at about shoulder level.  Then its projector flickers on, projecting a virtual touchscreen in front of her.

OOC: Ordinary computers are boring.


"Oh goodness. This was back during my hardcore gamer phase. Al hated these things." She connects a wireless USB tab to the sphere, and moves what she was able to recover from the phone to the HoverComp. Then, she crunches the data through decryption, mapping where the other network points are and playing back any audio or video data.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2152 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 24 Apr 2018
at 11:25
  • msg #289

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Curious as a Kang, Smoke Alarm eyespied closely as the Drexellan HoverCompTM came out and levitated into the air. While Traveller worked, Smoke try to poke it, but it evaded anyhow she tried. Somehow, she 'wared the funny round, ball-like... ball! 'No ball-games, no fly-posts, no ball-games!' Smoke warned Traveller urgently, trying to catch the flying ball.
The Guardian
GM, 2535 posts
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 04:04
  • msg #290

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
Then, she crunches the data through decryption, mapping where the other network points are and playing back any audio or video data.

Trav's analysis of the location data to be had from the phone seems to indicate that the originating coordinates have all been terrestrial.  They do span the globe -- the northern Mediterranean, various points around Indonesia and the South China Sea, even a scattering in Europe and North America -- but by far the greatest concentrations appear around several loci between the equator and 5° north, and about 95° and 100° east.

There isn't any visual data remaining in the buffer.  But when Trav manages to extract a scrap of audio from the data, she recognized the contralto of the Corsair.
The Traveller
player, 2245 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 18:30
  • msg #291

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Traveller:
Then, she crunches the data through decryption, mapping where the other network points are and playing back any audio or video data.

Trav's analysis of the location data to be had from the phone seems to indicate that the originating coordinates have all been terrestrial.  They do span the globe -- the northern Mediterranean, various points around Indonesia and the South China Sea, even a scattering in Europe and North America -- but by far the greatest concentrations appear around several loci between the equator and 5° north, and about 95° and 100° east.

There isn't any visual data remaining in the buffer.  But when Trav manages to extract a scrap of audio from the data, she recognized the contralto of the Corsair.


Which Corsair?   The Corsair was male in most of his incarnations but was a woman in her 5th and 7th faces (http://neil-gaiman.tumblr.com/...didnt-know-about-the) If someone was impersonating the Corsair, they would get thrashed very hard. If Trav was taking part in some crazy self resurrection scheme, she'd e delighted. This did seem just like a lovely Corsair scheme and heist.

She projects out a globe that shows all of the points on the globe. She bets to herself that they are all on the high seas.
The Traveller
player, 2246 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 18:34
  • msg #292

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

And speaking of Corsairs...

She dials up Stan and Sairen. "Hello boys. How goes your leg of the investigation?"
The Traveller
player, 2247 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 19:08
  • msg #293

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Traveller:
Then, she crunches the data through decryption, mapping where the other network points are and playing back any audio or video data.

Trav's analysis of the location data to be had from the phone seems to indicate that the originating coordinates have all been terrestrial.  They do span the globe -- the northern Mediterranean, various points around Indonesia and the South China Sea, even a scattering in Europe and North America -- but by far the greatest concentrations appear around several loci between the equator and 5° north, and about 95° and 100° east.


"Interesting. Lots of phone conversations coming from the Bay of Bengal, near Malaysia and Singapore.  Hm."
Smoke Alarm
player, 2153 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Fri 27 Apr 2018
at 02:32
  • msg #294

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm had catched the flying puter ball, but now it was trying its darnedest to fly away with her! Tugging it back and trying to force it down to a table where it could sit still and not be a ball game, she suggested 'Mayhaps it's their brainquarters!'
Stanley Newton
player, 846 posts
Fri 27 Apr 2018
at 22:23
  • msg #295

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Stanley notices Sairen do a bit of a double-take when he spots the same tapestry that Stanley noted.

But Sairen quickly shakes his head when he sees Stanley's reaction, as if to warn him from saying anything out loud.  He takes out what Stanley has to imagine is his own sort of phone or personal comm, and aims it carefully at the tapestry to capture a picture.  Then he nods toward the windows.

Stanley wonders exactly what Sairen is on about, but then notices that, in addition to the normal play of light and reflection from motion in the street beyond, there is some more subtle motion of shadow closer to the building.  There's a good chance that someone is waiting outside -- not waiting for Stanley and Sairen in particular, most likely, but perhaps more of Huang's henchmen placed on guard to dissuade attention from passersby.


Stanley briefly considers starting a fire to distract the guard outside, but decides against it. A very risky and dangerous plan. Not only would it endanger the lives of everyone in the building, but for all Stanley knows it would spread to the other buildings.

It would be reasonable to assume, that the guard outside would report it if he noticed anything unusual. But to report it he would need to leave his post. Maybe they could throw something through the window, hide and wait for the guard to walk to the nearest entrance and then they could Or at the very least it would cause a distraction.

Sairen was worried that the guard could hear them, so Stanley tries to communicate his plan with gestures. He mimics picking up a rock from the ground and throwing it at the window. He hopes Sairen gets what he is trying to say and that there is actually something small and solid enough nearby.

OOC: Leaving the timing of Trav's call to Gary.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Sat 28 Apr 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2536 posts
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 02:40
  • msg #296

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Sairen's eyebrows go up at Stanley's miming of his proposed plan.

Carefully, he sidles over to an occasional table where there is a small carved figurine of some translucent stone, of what looks like some mythological animal.  Briefly, he looks at it, until Stanley starts to wonder if he is considering just stuffing the thing in his pocket, but then he shakes his head.  He points at Stanley, points to an alcove where there is space for a person to crouch out of sight of the doorway.  Then Sairen shifts back so he is screened from the door by a tall freestanding cabinet, and hefts the small statue meaningfully.
The Traveller
player, 2248 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 19:12
  • msg #297

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
Smoke Alarm had catched the flying puter ball, but now it was trying its darnedest to fly away with her! Tugging it back and trying to force it down to a table where it could sit still and not be a ball game, she suggested 'Mayhaps it's their brainquarters!'


"Mayhaps!"

Trav looks at her old, beat up phone.

She scrolls through the contact list. She scrolls past the contacts for The Doctor. Those were all to the phone on Sexy's console, and he never carried a cell phone anyway.

The Corsair, however.

The last number she has for him was back during the Callistan Pulse heist. She used to text to her dirty limericks. Even now the Traveller blushes.

So, she texts to that old number the call they used to shoot at each other, during her 1st and 2nd incarnations.

She texts to that old number: Shenanigans?

OOC: Let me know if a Convince roll would be appropriate. I'm testing a suspicion.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Tue 01 May 2018.
Stanley Newton
player, 847 posts
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 21:33
  • msg #298

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
He points at Stanley, points to an alcove where there is space for a person to crouch out of sight of the doorway.


Stanley nods and makes his way to the hiding spot Sairen indicated.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:17, Wed 02 May 2018.
The Guardian
GM, 2537 posts
Thu 3 May 2018
at 02:25
  • msg #299

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

As Stanley slips into hiding, Sairen lofts the statuette with a hearty heave.  It crashes through the window with a small but satisfying spray of glass, and the reaction is immediate: Stanley sees a pair of figures cross the view outside.

As the door starts to open, Sairen breaks for cover, out of the foyer down a side hallway, and away from Stanley's hiding spot.  Two lean but but tough-looking men burst through the door with truncheons in hand.

They look around with sharp eyes, but rather startled expressions....

I figured this, given the general thrust of the plan, it made sense for Sairen to make himself the bait and trust to his talent to give him the upper hand, while clearing the way for Stanley to escape.  What Stanley chooses to do with that is up to you.  But you should make a Coordination + Subterfuge -- you get a +2 for Sairen's assistance, plus fortunately their rolls kind of sucked.

You'll be able to tell how you did, so plan out your next action(s) with Talk / Move / Do / Fight.

21:16, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Sairen, rolled 17 using 2d6+10 with rolls of 3,4.  Coordination(5) + Subterfuge(5): Going to ground.
21:14, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Guard 2, rolled 8 using 2d6+6 with rolls of 1,1.  Awareness(4) + Subterfuge(2).
21:13, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Guard 1, rolled 9 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 3,1.  Awareness(3) + Subterfuge(2).
21:12, Today: The Guardian, for the NPC Sairen, rolled 21 using 2d6+9 with rolls of 6,6.  Ingenuity(4) + Subterfuge(5) : Distracting the guards.
The Guardian
GM, 2538 posts
Thu 3 May 2018
at 02:34
  • msg #300

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
She texts to that old number: Shenanigans?

The reply is far from instantaneous.  When it comes, it's in the form of a serpent in turquoise pixel art that wriggles out of its skin into the words:

That all depends, dear heart, did you come to play?

quote:
OOC: Let me know if a Convince roll would be appropriate. I'm testing a suspicion.

OOC: Sure, why not.  And just when Charming would have come in handy, too.

I'm fudging timelines a little to let Stanley get some resolution before your call gets to him.

Smoke Alarm
player, 2154 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Thu 3 May 2018
at 03:49
  • msg #301

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Still struggling bravefully against the puter-ball, Smoke Alarm outlooked over to Traveller and her talkiphone. 'Who're you talky with?'
Stanley Newton
player, 848 posts
Thu 3 May 2018
at 21:16
  • msg #302

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
As the door starts to open, Sairen breaks for cover, out of the foyer down a side hallway, and away from Stanley's hiding spot.  Two lean but but tough-looking men burst through the door with truncheons in hand.


Things happen quickly once Sairen has thrown the statuette. Sairen himself is out of the room before Stanley has time to say or do anything. The two guards in the room haven't spotted him, thanks to the hiding place and he would like to keep it that way.

Stanley needs to get outside to relative safety before he could try anything else. He feels bad leaving Sairen behind (at least for now), but he could take care of himself. Maybe he could help him out, by opening some of the other windows and doors from the outside.

The Guardian:
You'll be able to tell how you did, so plan out your next action(s) with Talk / Move / Do / Fight.


OOC: I rolled a 16, that is a success.
20:35, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 16 using 2d6+6 with rolls of 5,5.  Coordination(3) + Subterfuge(1)+Sairen's assistance(2).

So, the plan is to move/sneak outside (move action) and then look for and try to open/break another exit (doer phase).

The Guardian
GM, 2539 posts
Fri 4 May 2018
at 03:52
  • msg #303

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley's impression, as he takes in his surroundings, is that this is a relatively affluent part of the city; not too surprising considering Huang's obvious status.  There are some surprised looks from passersby on the street as Stanley slips out the door, but not a profound disruption of the flow of city life all around.

Stanley circles around Huang's home in the direction where he thinks Sairen is likely to be angling for an exit.  There's not a huge amount of clearance between this building and the next.

OOC: You can make an Ingenuity + Awareness check.  Make it at a Normal difficulty and you can successfully link up with Sairen outside the building, but the pursuers can pick up sight of you.  Make it at a Tricky level (15) and you can introduce some detail that effectively lets the pair of you break contact with the pursuers.  I'm a little stumped for exact detail on what that might be, so feel free to add to the scene if you make it.
Stanley Newton
player, 849 posts
Sat 5 May 2018
at 22:22
  • msg #304

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Stanley circles around Huang's home in the direction where he thinks Sairen is likely to be angling for an exit.  There's not a huge amount of clearance between this building and the next.

OOC: You can make an Ingenuity + Awareness check.


Stanley knows it would be safest to just get away from here, but he thinks he might be able to help Sairen. It is hard to guess what Sairen is doing right now or how he plans on getting out.

OOC: Trying my luck... and double one :(.
22:17, Today: Stanley Newton rolled 10 using 2d6+8 with rolls of 1,1.  Awareness (4) + Ingenuity(4).
 
The Traveller
player, 2249 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Mon 7 May 2018
at 17:38
  • msg #305

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm:
Still struggling bravefully against the puter-ball, Smoke Alarm outlooked over to Traveller and her talkiphone. 'Who're you talky with?'



She sighs. "Someone who may be tick tocks behind us. See, my luvvy duvvy was someone who eventually becomes Sairen. But remember how I warned you back at Woodstock not to mess with past-tick-tocks me? We may be running into past-tick-tocks-Sairen, who could be my sweety the Corsair. I just sent her a text with an old cheer - I'd ask her 'Shenanigans?' if we were about to get into a to-do, and she'd cheer back 'SHENANIGANS.' She was so much fun, Smoke, you would have loved her."

"But like when I saw past-tick-tocks-Booby - The Doctor - back at Woodstock, I have to be really careful if it is indeed her."
The Traveller
player, 2250 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Mon 7 May 2018
at 17:41
  • msg #306

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Traveller:
She texts to that old number: Shenanigans?

The reply is far from instantaneous.  When it comes, it's in the form of a serpent in turquoise pixel art that wriggles out of its skin into the words:

That all depends, dear heart, did you come to play?

quote:
OOC: Let me know if a Convince roll would be appropriate. I'm testing a suspicion.

OOC: Sure, why not.  And just when Charming would have come in handy, too.

I'm fudging timelines a little to let Stanley get some resolution before your call gets to him.



OOC: See my dialogue to Smoke. Dropping an SP, down to 4.

That's not how the game works. You know that.

Even the Master, that notoroious master of disguise, could never make out the personal love warmth code between the two Time Lords. The 2nd Traveller knew it was Jack Ass instantly.

Shenanigans???

OOC: 13:49, Today: The Traveller rolled 18 using 4d6+7 with rolls of 3,2,2,4.  Corsair Phone Text - 2d6+Presence 3+Convince 2+Friends 2+2d6.

As she sends off the text, she gets a sinking feeling in her gut. This Corsair may be hiding and on the run from the Time War. His or her present could be that where she is the Marshall, either as a renegade villain or as the Mistress of the Vault of Omega.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Mon 07 May 2018.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2155 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 8 May 2018
at 02:28
  • msg #307

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm dropped the ball, which immediately hovered away from her. 'Sairen the Catchable? But why didn't you and Sairen – now-Traveller and now-Sairen – say anything about it when you and him met at the Habisphere?' It was getting confuzzling for the Blue Kang to work out. And she had to wonder: if all the people they met turned out to be someone else at another tick-tock... then who was Smoke Alarm going to be?
The Guardian
GM, 2540 posts
Tue 8 May 2018
at 03:04
  • msg #308

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley Newton:
Stanley knows it would be safest to just get away from here, but he thinks he might be able to help Sairen. It is hard to guess what Sairen is doing right now or how he plans on getting out.

As Stanley hunts along the side of the building, he can hear that there are growing sounds of activity inside, but it's very hard for him to pick out what of that, if any, gives an indication of Sairen's position and what he's doing.  Nor does there seem to be much in the space between this building and the next that leads him toward any kind of plan -- shrubs and bushes might suffice for hiding, but not for an ingenious escape scheme, and the high wrought-iron fence separating this property from the next is simultaneously an effective barrier and not terribly effective considered as cover.

Down at the far end of the building, two men round the corner.  More of Yen Huang's thugs, by their dress and their size.
The Guardian
GM, 2541 posts
Tue 8 May 2018
at 03:09
  • msg #309

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
Shenanigans???

Shenanigans?  Pshaw.  HULLABALOO.
The Traveller
player, 2251 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Tue 8 May 2018
at 14:30
  • msg #310

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The Traveller:
Shenanigans???

Shenanigans?  Pshaw.  HULLABALOO.


You always did cheat a bit. When and where, you rascal?
Stanley Newton
player, 850 posts
Wed 9 May 2018
at 22:44
  • msg #311

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Down at the far end of the building, two men round the corner.  More of Yen Huang's thugs, by their dress and their size.


Stanley was sort of happy that at least two hadn't caught Sairen yet, but that was the only positive thing about this situation that he could think of. He briefly considers running back inside and then decides to hide in a bush.
The Guardian
GM, 2542 posts
Mon 14 May 2018
at 00:43
  • msg #312

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

As Stanley conceals himself in the shrubbery, he's alarmed to realize that his phone is buzzing at him.  While it's not too likely that anyone working for Yen Huang will recognize what the noise is, they would assuredly recognize that it a noise.
The Guardian
GM, 2543 posts
Mon 14 May 2018
at 00:44
  • msg #313

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Traveller:
You always did cheat a bit. When and where, you rascal?

The digital snake undulates across Trav's screen again, leaving behind a set of contemporary spatial coordinates.
The Traveller
player, 2252 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Mon 14 May 2018
at 14:34
  • msg #314

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

This could still be a trap.

"Smoke, I think I just found who is behind all of this. I think that they *might* be an old luvvy duvvy of mine. Want to come with?"
Smoke Alarm
player, 2156 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Mon 14 May 2018
at 16:04
  • msg #315

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Smoke Alarm was shocked by this. 'What? Your luvvy-duvvy is Haidao Gong, the one who gives the say-so to Bao and the pirates and the Benevolent Gentlemans?'  She sounded mean and could be trouble for Traveller. Smoke was worried for her friend. 'Trav, are you sure she's so icehot? If she's done all that, she could be a meaniehead, not the one you rememorise.'
The Traveller
player, 2253 posts
Not always nice
But always kind
Mon 14 May 2018
at 16:27
  • msg #316

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

"Yes, beloved blue, you're exactly right. That's why we have to find out. Because if this person *is not* my Luvvy Duvvy, I shall have to thrash him very hard and find out where he knows Time Lord tricks, and, ah em, "shove my booted foot up his ass?" No no that didn't come out right. Sometimes old blondie words want to come out. That's why I need you there, so I can see straight."

She's cleaning her phone and glasses with a chamois. "Really, this would be easier if he weren't my luvvy duvvy. If he is, and if he is from my right-now, it can make things very happy, and much more complicated. Such as my wanting to tumble in bed. She was very,very good at that. I haven't tumbled in bed with someone in a very long time."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Mon 14 May 2018.
Smoke Alarm
player, 2157 posts
Blue Kangs are,
of course, best.
Tue 15 May 2018
at 03:33
  • msg #317

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

'Okay, Trav. I will all-ways be there to outlook for you and help you in a to-do – or out of a to-do, whichever it is.' the Blue Kang pinky-sweared solemnly.

At the talk of tumbling in bed, Smoke had ideas of jumping and rolling and the other athletic pursuits she was so good at. 'Is that a fun game? Mayhaps you could do it with me? I'm good at tumbling!' She did a tumble, diving forward, tucking into a roll, and springing back to her feet in one fluid motion. 'Eyespy!'
Stanley Newton
player, 851 posts
Tue 15 May 2018
at 23:27
  • msg #318

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
As Stanley conceals himself in the shrubbery, he's alarmed to realize that his phone is buzzing at him.  While it's not too likely that anyone working for Yen Huang will recognize what the noise is, they would assuredly recognize that it a noise.


It could be very important. It probably was. Maybe Sairen. Stanley checks what it is.
The Guardian
GM, 2545 posts
Sun 27 May 2018
at 01:44
  • msg #319

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

Stanley sees that his phone is showing a picture of the TARDIS -- it's Trav trying to contact him.

OOC: See message #300.
The Guardian
GM, 2546 posts
Sun 27 May 2018
at 01:51
  • msg #320

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
The digital snake undulates across Trav's screen again, leaving behind a set of contemporary spatial coordinates.

Make sure to bring an open mind.  As I said to the Esquellendan palace guards, there are a few fine points of protocol that might be getting fudged here.
Stanley Newton
player, 853 posts
Wed 30 May 2018
at 20:18
  • msg #321

Re: IC: Hong Kong, 1886 CE

The Guardian:
Stanley sees that his phone is showing a picture of the TARDIS -- it's Trav trying to contact him.

The Traveller:
She dials up Stan and Sairen. "Hello boys. How goes your leg of the investigation?"


"Sairen is running around trying to escape Yen Huang's building and I am hiding in some bush in the garden." Stanley whispers into his phone. "I'd say it could have gone better. We did find out he is working with a female pirate captain."
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