Out of character chatter

Welc9me rookies, Jessica Steele, Harry Price and Daphne Fortescue

Hi everyone!

Hi

Want to thanks the GM for opening up the second game, and giving us a chance.

Yes, we will be a force to be reckoned with.

As a bonus background, that may or may not come in handy during the gameplay, as rookies you work in some department in MI6. I would like you to please choose which division you work in based off this list:
Internal Security
Internal Affairs
Records
Files
Cryptanalysis
Photoanalysis
Media-analysis
Internal-Communications
Surveillance
External Communications

Basically, as rookies you work at MI6, its just a matter of where you work. And I am setting this up where you have to put in certain required hours observing higher ups in the field to make your way up to being an "agent".  I didn't include all the divisions the book outlined, just some

If everyone can try and finish up their character sheets by tomorrow, I can begin posting the games start

I forgot to ask, what about languages?

Hmm, I'm not sure if the book actually provides anything for that.
But I would assume forking for the MI6 you would know maybe 3 other languages other than english?

Ya, I could not find anything in the book and Europeans are much better then us Americans at learning other languages as they are so close to each other.

Harry Price sent me some useful links. We will stick to 3 additional languages for now.

OK. sounds good.

Got Harry's first post up. Hope this is what you had in mind. Found it a useful exercise for getting into character.

I very much enjoyed all the intros. Thank you for diving right into character. Working on my post now

Sorry, ment 3. Not 2.
Honest mind slip

I thought it was a spy master trick.

Driving car and taking ferries I guess takes about 8 hours. London to Bremen

Slightly longer (about 9h30 - probably even longer with breaks) and via the channel tunnel (i.e. carried part-way by train), according to Google maps. Flying is considerably quicker, even with a change of planes, but would obviously mean the car was either already in place or shipped via cargo plane.

Im going to rule, they wont be shipping a bunch of rookies's car on a cargo plane for what is being deemed a "simple" mission.

What, they don't deem us that important?

A nice long drive is an excellent chance for our characters to get to know one another.

Roadtrip!!!

:)

Yeah, basically you are there only as a request. Not really the "stars" of the op. Just background.

They're giving you a previously used vehicle from q-branch

I will most likely have to leave the game at this point for the weekend, got an irl game in playing in so I'll be busy

Have fun GM
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:24, Sat 08 Apr 2017.

Perhaps the characters can continue to introduce ourselves in the MI6 thread on our way to Q Section.

Just kind of waking up and getting energy back after real life marathon session of tabletop tester. I'll post a map of the immediate area around Bremen airport, but most of what will be used will be the parking garage, standard looking.

Excellent.

We used the time. At least now the characters have a better sense of the other members of the team.

Glad you had a good time.

Question

What time do you leave to get to Bremen.

Are you leaving shortly after the meeting, or in the morning.
I know I stated the documents and information from Intelligence wouldn't be ready till the morning, but they can get it to you in a few hours. So if wanted you could leave by 10pm.

You know it's an 8-10 hour ride

Seems like it will be much faster if we travel at night. All of us are capable of driving a car, so we could each drive for a three hours not have an issue arriving before dawn. Airport hotels are used to people checking in at odd times so should not raise any eyebrows. Gives us plenty of time there to set up our surveillance.

I am fine with leaving after running by each of our Flats.

So plan is to have one in the Audi on the street between the two parking areas. Assume it's Daphne who was the "driver".
And the other two agents in different Vans in the other parking garage?

That is one possibility. The problem is the area we have to watch is huge. That parking garage presents a big issue. Not sure it is any easier to watch it from inside. But here is a plan.

Another option is we could have two of us start on foot. If we parked two vehicles on opposite ends in opposite corners of the level and each agent started on the other opposite ends walked toward either vehicle.

The upside we could justify walking nearly anywhere in the garage.

The downside is it spreads us out and places us in the open.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Fri 14 Apr 2017.

We could park the vans in case we need them and walk/sneak around. Then have the Audi outside so it can't get trapped. We should know how to get out of the garage to the Audi on foot.

That is the plan.

I can be sneaky.

Excellent.

That is not Price's expertise.

Harry can guard the exit and I can rove.

Sent you language selection.

English, Arabic, German and Russian.

Harry, we are close. I speak Spanish versus your German.

English, Russian, Farsi, Spanish

would it be easier for me to roll the d100 on checks and such when you want to make actions, or would you rather you roll the d100. It would just save time as you would state what you wanna do, I would post the EF, then you roll it and post it and then I say if it works or not, it would jut cut out the middle

I am fine with you making rolls as needed.

I am fine with that. Like in this case, I stated what I wanted to do and it would be quicker for you to roll.

Been super busy, haven't had a chance to follow up. There is a bit of stuff that happens so I need a moment later tonight if I have time.

Just to clarify, where are each of you posistioned

Well sort of depends where 008 parked.

Price had gone back to his SUV parked near the entry and exit ramp.

If that puts him far out of position he would have moved after the red car and went. Based on our plan, the van should be parked on the opposite end of the garage, nearer the black pick up truck.

She will check with the other 2 rookies to see if one of them should watch the truck with the 2 gang members.

Sorry if it seems like I handicapped you while that all occurred.
But remember, your orders were to observe only. Several times you were warned not to interfere. And you do not have license to kill.


Harry, your post is fine for now, but we will be entering into a chase scene.

Few things I want to change for that for ease and play by post purpose.
Instead of the customary "bid" process which could take days just for one round. I want to take turns as to the ease factor bid. I will open up the first round "bid" that everyone's ease factor is set at.
Then one of you three can set the ease factor for the round for everyone. Then the next person and so on until it comes back to me if it goes that long.


In the chase, I will post updates for ranges as to how far away the cars are, using the lead car as 0 and everyone else based off that car
Example
Ranges
0 Mazda
1 Audi
3 Ferrari
3 Sub
4 Van




I will also post a notice with maneuvers and some other charts for those without the book so they know what they can do.

Waiting to see if Daphne posts. She's been Mia since last week

I hope she posts as she is best in position to help the informant get away.

If she doesn't, she will just be an npc agent.
She will try to stay in front of the enemy cars and behind the informant

I guess there is a reason you all just trusted me with a van.

Unfortunately Jessica. Because share is setting the Bid, you also have to make your maneuvers using ease factor 4 (prior to any bonus or penalty)

But that also means the bad guys do too

Oh, that's fine, not like I am doing great anyway :)

Just waiting for Jessica to reply so I know she is current

OK, done.

So again, this is pre mission. You can ask intelligence or q branch for more stuff, persuasive or otherwise

Rather than have an odd conversation in M's office. ;)

My thinking is we do not mingle at the block party. Rather we use it as a chance to have you slip into the building and get what we need. If we select the phone upgrade that copies computer files and the set of bugs, you can sneak in and get what we need unseen. That way we can show up at the black tie without tipping them off.

The insurance investigator cover allows us a layer of denial in case we have to deal with the cops.

Price is a blunt instrument, albeit a charming one. He is not much of a B/E expert, but if your character is compromised he has a very good chance of getting you out. Though a pretty girl sneaking around a biker club would probably be able to talk her way out of it, especially during a block party.

Harry has mechanic if one of us really has to find a way yo get a long term entry into the place.

But in the end the less they see of either one of us the better for the intial part of the operation.

That said if you want Jessica to use her charms to get into the place, Harry can provide security from a distance, especially if we manage that rifle, and the cavalry if things go poorly.

------------------------


As for additional gear, sort of hoping to talk them out of that rifle, be nice to have it on a nearby roof to cover your break in.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:35, Fri 05 May 2017.

Plus, insurance claims will let them know people are starting to dig into them.
Granted they will know their job failed spectacularly but they still won't like people openly digging into them.

It is an open affair with public so mingling is real easy. And there will be chances to sneak in when someone isn't looking but only certain areas will be open to public.
The bar and the garage really are the only open areas

GM, would we normally discuss such things with M as rookies or would just a more senior agent basically guild us though ideas? I am fine either way.

Harry, that might be the way to go, me going in and charming my way around and if we have coms, I can open one to let you hear and if I get in trouble, you come charging in.

And I am the thief type also, so that works.

And if I could get some sleeping drugs, after talking with someone in the bar, we could end up in an office with some important information.

From what I've read in the books, when bond...not rookies...they don't really talk about rookies in the novels and such. But M always asks Bond what his interpretations are. And Bond usually throws out a suggestion on a way to tackle it. Then M tries to see what aid the division can give. With it being espionage, usually Bond is by himself and just bullshits his way into situations.

In my honest opinion, alot of the bad guys are just plain idiots. Bond says he's so and so from x company and they just say alright.


And like I've been trying to point out, this is happening in the next day or so, so setting up a series on contacts and false covers for gun sellers is probably the riskiest.

On a scale, me, as the bad guy, would view people making large donations as the least riskiest. Just casual people.

Insurance claims would be next risk factor. Me, as the president, know we messed up in Bremer and those cars are unaccounted for and we have probably had to make up some like at this point, a week past their due date.
And potential new gun buyers/sellers is the riskiest. This organization only is speculated to be in guns. No one has proof of it, and that is because they are careful who they deal with.


Casual civilians making donation. Best bet.
Insurance you will get face time busy risky
Gun sellers/buyers is the most risk but most evidence. If cover is blown, real bad odds.

I like the casual civilians the best though I see the risk as the same if we are discovered. Mad bikers are mad bikers. :)

Casual civilians probably have a little more leeway if caught in area not supposed to be. A snoopng insurance person not so much.


And also, this new area is completely open to any tactic or situation. You can go at it however you want. But be spies about it. There's no Calvary or backup. No Felix Leiter or local police to come raid if things go south.

And stop by Q branch and intelligence if you want to try to get more than what they are giving you. Charisma persuasive or whatever skill you want.

In the books, they build covers for Bond, Universal Exports as an example in the books. They have to be pass scrutiny in the books as well.

But they don't build much. So lets just go with the one idea and fake it. It does not require much cover and we can fake it. I would want the bugs we need to place and maybe some sleeping drugs. Maybe a smoke bomb.

What is the weather suppose to be like?

I would think the police would have discovered both cars, "stolen" from the body shop at the airport. The customers would likely be contacted and interviewed, and report the cars stolen and totaled or close to their insurance companies. Lots of red flags. The insurance companies for the cars would then contact the body shop's  insurance company to recover damages.

As we left the gang members cuts in the cars, and it is likely those cuts matched the identity of those found on the scene, there is likely an active police investigation that points towards the clubs involvement.

Just my thoughts. Still early in the game and trying to figure out the reality.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Sat 06 May 2017.

Seems to me a simple B/E is the way to go. You sneak in through the rear after the block party. Folks will likely be sleeping it off. Meanwhile Price in reserve to act as cavalry of needed.

I would rather charm my way in and be able to ask questions. Plus during the party, a lot of the bikers will be busy.

Whatever you think is your best way to enter. You know your strengths better.

This is taking place mid to late April. It'll be in the 60s and will be sunny with clouds

So not really bikini weather. :)

Jessica,

Seems like one of us taking one of these each gives us the best chance of accomplishing the job. As you are making entry you would have both.

- Wristwatch D: Small MicroSD computer chip can be taken out of watch and replaced with new one. Carries up to 1TB of data. If watch is within 2 meters (or just over 5 feet) it can copy any data on a device when the watch face is turned counter clockwise. Process takes 10 seconds for every 1 GB of data.

- Set of Bugs: 4 audio bugs, 2 video bugs that are linked to your phone and routed back to MI-6

Without both it is hard to see how we can complete the mission.

I thought the choice was of one watch or the other and then we both got the other 2 items. GM, is that right or is it we get one of the 4 items?

each player has a choice of watch.
You can both have the same or different. But each player only gets one.

There is only one set of bugs though.

And both of you get a credit card lock pick

GM assuming top is north, are there building on the west side of the club preferably something two stories with a view of the front and back of the structure?

That will leave us a blind spot on the east side of the building, but given the kennels that seems a poor choice in any case.

I will take the bugs.

You should also have a watch that will let you copy all the data on the computer drives.

OK, I will take that watch.

is there still a crowd out front? Any odd activity after heads into the building?

I was under the assumption that Steele's was wired so that Price coukd over hear her interactions and know if she needed help. But it sort of relies on ret-conning some details like having set up covers, like Harry is Jessica's cousin ect.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Sat 27 May 2017.

I am doing my thing in the building. Maybe next time you can seduce some female baddie :)

so it alpears you will be waiting through the night til dawn? yes?
it is safe to assume once the fubdraiser ends in an hour or so, they will continue to party within their buildibg until passing out. that is their known kind of order of operations when they have fundraisers.

I think that's what we will do so we can sneak around

A bit of an info duml. Think i coverrd most of shat woukd have been seen.

If you wNt, you both can have ONE chance for further detail on a particular item i marked about happening. But the stage is set nos for your dawn entry.

By now too, Jessie aould habe drawn oit what she recalled of the layout.

She will draw out a map for Harry, marking were the bugs are.

All actions are on you guys

I am waiting on Harry...

Sorry, had a back injury. Rough week.

Hope you feel better and take it easy.

In reply to Jessica Steele (msg # 88):

Been a long term problem but back to work after 7 months and it is kicking my ass.

I know its hard to get back in the grove. Good luck.

Thanks

We can assume you made keys at some local divisions field office. You had maybe 12 hours before they would all pass out.

OK, thanks.

Does the rotation give us enough time to evade it?

Does the watch allow targeting of sigle devices or it it an overall emp pulse?

You have 35 seconds to move from the strip club doorway to the stairwell or anywhere up to the juke box without being notices by the camera. Otherwise you would need to made some kind of stealth roll to hide when it swivels back.

If you want to cross the entire room, you will need a stealth roll to do so unseen.

The emp watch is a blast radius. Cannot be used to target

The juke box is roughly where the red area on the map ends on the left just before the pool table there. Where there are two box like shapes

Which door is it you are trying to make it to?
The one towards the garage
or
the one directly under the camera?

under the camera.

I will be out of town from July 3rd to 11th with no access. Have a Happy 4th!

Just so you are both aware, I have been rolling some tests for you for stealth and "speed" and intelligence just to make sure you do know these things.

So far it's been maybe 15 minutes inside the building.

You haven't woken anyone yet.

Hi, I am back!

I use to use Photobucket but they got greedy.  I am switching over to http://imgur.com/ till they get greedy.

I switched to Imgur as well.

Did we check the catwalk and the door up there?

Not that I remember, so probably not.

The skill check for.the laser was set very high. Basically made near impossible not to trap you but to move along the story and interject fight or flight

I liked the move allowed the scene to feel more like a Bond story as we spun out of their garage in a stolen sports car with bullets shattering the windows as we disappeared into the night.

Thanks for the XP.

GM what do we do we the extra skill award if we are at the maximum for the skill?

If you are at max (Sorry I didn't look) you gain 10additional generation points

That is part of the Bond world, sometimes the agents have to run, they can't fight everything.

Spent my XP. Wow that went fast, but rounded out some of Price's skills. Bit less of a blunt instrument.

can we pick up Fields of Experience with XP?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:55, Tue 08 Aug 2017.

That's a tough one.

Since its tied to years in the field of profession, I would say no.

Since its not a roll check, you either know or don't know. You basically become a professional in a subject so I'm going to SAY no for now.

Possibly after another completed mission that can be a reward.

Fair enough. Thanks

I will be gone till about this time next week. I am going to GenCon in Indiana (tabletop convention)

Ya, after this we might get Skiing. :)

Is still only like 6pm in game. But if you want to fast forward thats fine too

Other than that, where would you like to try and start investigating.

As it is evening, we will look around outside if it is light otherwise look around at all that the resort has inside.

Had a busy week. Looking at all games now

Good luck. RPOL is just slow all over.

So you guys have a bunch of side information.

There's enough to loosely tie them to the biker gang. But no details on their gas bomb involvement.

It is safe to assume the woman Stine is talking with, is the woman Thoma and the bikers were concerned about with the check and money exchange. And that she will be leaving shortly.

If there's anything more you want from the campfire let me know. Otherwise we can move to the next morning. You know they will be snowmobiling early morning.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:23, Thu 12 Oct 2017.

Sorry I didn't post...

Price wants to get a tracking device / bug into her car. He would also like to search a couple of the guests rooms.

The bug needs to be done before she departs, so tonight and would probably need Steele's expertise.

The search would best be conducted when the their occupants are off snowmobiling.

So I am thinking as much as Harry would like to spend the night with his new friend, he will act like a gentleman and see her back to her room and leave her with a romantic kiss and an implied promise of more later.

Something along the lines of I like you too much to rush this.


As for Steele, as Harry departs the fire pit, he would say something like "don't forget early morning on the slopes." He will say with a smile as if he is commenting on her cozying up with the other guest.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:20, Fri 13 Oct 2017.

Sorry for the mass posts, but I wanted to keep the flow going and move on.

You can ask questions in the debriefing and again lobby for additional tech or gear from Q-Branch

You have been busy.

Did you know you have 2 Bonn mission threads and Kameha Grand Bonn threads?

Hopefully you didn't read the one I just deleted as it had a note to myself in it...
 But ibha w gotten rid of the duplicates. Not sure how that happened.

Its just how RPOL works or doesn't :)
And I didn't read it.

Any direction or questions ?

I was going to ask some with Harry but I will post.

I forgot you did have the goggles on and ski gear and left before any of the body guards saw you, so ignore the fame issue with Zaun employees

Oh, that makes the disguise kit mute. Though it might be good to have just in case.

Thinking Jessica being in disguise is a good idea. She was seen at the MC Club and at the Chalet. Also makes getting caught on camera at the charity function less of an issue.

Harry is a novice at disguise. How good is Jessica?

I am pretty good at it I think. Would a 12 be good?

You'll have ample time to try and perfect your disguise before yoou go in. Skill checks are kind if, heat of the moment attempts.

But with hours before, you will have an excellent result on a disguise going in.

What did we get on the woman who car we bugged?

That's a good question?

So you will both be very well disguised if that's what you want.

However, you only have One invite with a plus one so you will need to arrive together or some other plan.

The gallery and lounge were off limits so MI6 couldn't get any additional cameras in there.

And they are out of additional bugs for you other than the cigarettes.

So when your ready, you can start posting in
Kameha Grand Bonn thread

OK, we will go together. We will have to working on how we can get bugs into some of those places.

Sorry holidays and illness.

Is the plan to go in disguise but under the cover of being arms dealers? Bit confused.

I think I am to disguise myself before we get there. We only have 1 ticket so we have to go in as a couple. But we could then split up and mingle.

The MC got a good look at Steele so a disguise is a must for her.

But I was planning on having Price go in pretty much as himself. Perhaps glasses or some simple change.

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 139):

Like spiked purple hair?

Let me know what you want to appear as.
But don't get bogged down in it. It may only be a minor detail

She will do some make up changes then what she normally wears and change her hair color ...

No one will notice her ;)

Have been on vacation including Disneyland. Exhaustion has won the day.

Hope it was warm there. We have been in the teens.

Weather was perfect. We missed the big rain storm.

Was kind of just waiting for Harry to see if his recon advances any further.

Harry, Jessie uses her comm to tell you she found 2 bikers in tuxs in the kitchen, and a third headed down an office corridor, near the stairs you went up

Sorry I've had the flu for over a week. Just getting back to life.

Hope your feeling better GM.

Welcome back. been a bad flu season.

Harry is an 8/18 driver. Just checking to see if Steele is better.

I Can say I know how to drive. But I have the car. :)

Feel like we really screwed the pooch. :(

The way the chapters were built there were an unattainable amount of info. It's just hoow much or how little you got.

You might not have done the mission guideline, but you still have important info.

There's alot of stuff that got missed at the clubhouse and chalet.

New location posted as the car finally comes to a stop, 4 hours later.

It is roughly 2am

In reply to Narrator (msg # 154):

I am sure we did.  We didn't focus on that part as much as we should.

In the James Bond movie theme, I'm going to say no. You can modify it so it's not a gown, more of a skirt. But as things approach a powder keg tyype of moment, you are finely dressed...to kill...

OK, that's fine :)

Harry?

Hi, I will be gone this weekend till Tuesday.

ok thanks for the heads up.

Hard for me to visualize the camera coverage for me. Guessing it is for Steel saw well.  looks like the least covered entry or entries?

I will be out of town till July 3, not sure about access. Have fun.

I am back!

welcome back

Changed my character image. It was the one I wanted in the first place, but someone had nabbed it in the other game, but that character didn't materialize. In any case, hopefully, the change is not too jarring.

AHHH! HARRY YOU HAVE CHANGED!

Is it possible to close the distance between the treeline/fence and the bunker/guards and fuel truck?

Can we see if the weapon has been loaded?

Are the truck engines on, that will make some noise.

the weapon is back down the runway at the plane. youre too focused on this objective to see if the weapon is loaded or not.

neither engine is on.
but a pump is on to take in fuel to the tanker truck. Its load, but not as loud as two trucks.

Still unclear about the distance between us and the guards and trucks.

So what happened to Harry?

Alot of intended plans not working out i  game?

So I notice. Sometimes things don't work out as the GM thinks we players should notice something and we don't.

Leaving for vacation tomorrow. I'll definitely be unable to respond to posts or update. But might find downtime to at least check in because I'm addicted to rpol.

Back October 1st

Have a good vacation and see you when you get back.

I had s1 l5 spinal surgery. Been trying to keep up but it has been very tough.

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 177):

Hope you feel better.

Was rougher than anticipated.

Thanks. Was rougher than anticipated. Drugs pain and no sleep = nightmare

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 180):

Sounds like childbirth.

I can't compare. But only managed an hour sleep a day for about a week. The next week was better but not much. Was a nightmare. Better now.

If I had to guess giving birth is way worse. Just doesn't last as long.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Tue 25 Sept 2018.

For once we are not waiting for me.

Oh, I was waiting for the GM. Do I need to roll something?

I don't know. :)

i apologize. I thought I had updated this and i had the post saved on my phone for a few days.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 186):

Don't worry, we all do it.

You have all waited on me a number of times.

Let's push on shall we.

Hopefully, she comes back.

i appreciate you sticking around to help me finish telling the story.

I have really enjoyed this game. It feels like a great spy thriller. I would love to continue, even at some point down the road.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Sat 26 Jan 2019.

I'm thinking about my character, any needs needed to be filled?

EDIT:

Concepts I have thinking about -

Master of the Martial Arts: He spent his early life being trained in a martial art and being worldly picked up some other skills like stealth and made a living killing people who deserved killing. Until joining MI6.

Worldly Adventurer: A Jack of All Trades has lots of skills but none being good at who got on MI6's radar and joined up for Queen and Country.

Gifted Hacker: He may not be much but can dance on the internet and world wide web and darker areas like a boss, and after hacking MI6 and stealing a large sum of its money got a choice join up or prison (and return the money) so did.

Double Agent: An agent of a major organization like SPECTRE he managed to infiltrate MI6 and is undermining it from within and playing a dangerous game but they hold a loved one as hostage of sorts - so do it or they die a slow and horrible death. (Might set up a mission someday for MI6 to free the loved one and hide them in return for him being loyal after that adding them the organization as his enemy.)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:28, Sat 26 Jan 2019.

Welcome.

As far as skill sets, Harry is a former SAS operator. Price was recruited by MI6 due to his  expertise in hand to hand, ranged combat and stealth. His considerable charm makes Price more than a mere blunt instrument, but his focused training has left him less prepared than many agents in other required skill sets.

I think the character concept focused on smarts and technical skills would be the best fit. With no sign of Steele's player's return, a character who fills her role would be great.

Also given the genre's focus on sex appeal, a female character might make the most sense in terms of both effectiveness and roleplaying opportunities. But not everyone enjoys that option.

Yes but my character isn't selective of people he has sex with men, women, trans and will seduce freely anyone kind of important in the modern age.

Use the pronouns Ze, Hir for my character or his name or handle by the way under British law and modern gender identity.

I think I will go for a tech person.

The game was set in 2000, right at the turn of the millennium so not quite the modern age.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:45, Sun 27 Jan 2019.

Oh okay well then not quite modern yet, just a normal Pansexual. ^_^

That works. :)

Yes. Adding a few. Reviewing a few.


Era is circa 2000. A USB drive can hold about a GB maybe more via Q department.


Smartphones are basically ericinsons ur flipphones that get internet with mega charges.

Once I have a better understanding of the characters I'll update you with a how you fit in...

I had to order a new rulebook and will arrive Monday.

I have a majority of info pasted within notices.
If you need additional info send me a PM with your email and I might be able to direct you

I was going to go for a sort of sciences background. Please let me know if there is another skillset you would rather I cover.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 200):

Rules arrive tomorrow I can wait one day.

New agents...

Anita Edge
Arthur Carpenter
Vicktor Ryn

Please let me know when your sheets are done or close.

I plan on making the "teaser" post and intro Monday
I'll update you with how you fit in and recent history for you character when we are close.

The title of the game will change also to reflect the "Bond title"

....

Dust Line

With the rules and some thought I'm going for an scientist background and used as a basis for an Elite Hacker turned field agent.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Mon 28 Jan 2019.

Anita

Just saw your background in the character description. Excellent!

Look forward saving the world from spectre or smersh or who ever is the bag guy.

Harry's languages: English, Arabic, German and Russian.

Hiya! Sorry im way behind. Just a quick crazy moment. I found the original "Get Smart" Season 1 in my local secondhand store co produced by Mel Brooks it was a spoof on everything we love about spy films.

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 205):

Thanks Harry. :)

Hi everyone, looking forward to our missions together. Version 3 of my character sheet is being vetted now. I've had a couple of false starts since I don't have the rules, but I think it's just about there now.

Takes a little bit to get used to, but the GM does a great job handling the rules on his end.

I was the third character to join and created Price to compliment the other two characters who were a wheelman and a thief. With four of us hopefully, we each bring something different to the table and cover the bases.

Yeah, the jigsaw looks easy enough, I just had a few pieces missing.

The GM hasn't asked me to fill any gaps, but maybe my character is different enough anyhow. Daddy was a diplomat, and Anita fits well into those diplomatic and corporate circles. As a rookie, she's got a lot to learn, and just has a general 'basic training' in spycraft. Maybe her missions will mould her into one niche or another.

got the flu pretty bad so productivity and energy is at 0. ill post or reply if i can

At the moment, still hoping towards the scientist. But if not then I'll go another direction.

Can you all help me I need a good weakness for my Elite Hacker and can't decide.

The cynic in me says compulsion to video games, not quite addiction but prone that way. Distraction

Tbh i'm having a similar problem with a weakness too.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:24, Tue 29 Jan 2019.

Greed if he was a Cracker.
Claustrophobia if he spent time in jail.
Gambling because he thinks he is smarter than the house.

I think anyone those can work.

Just remember this is a James Bond game. The characters aren't James Bond but they should feel like they could exist in that world and operate as part of MI6. Imagine your character sitting in M's office. Getting outfitted by Q Branch. Traveling to an exotic locale, flirting with stunning people and doing whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.

The last mission we managed to capture that feeling, I am hoping we can do it again. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

How do you stick on all those pictures under the character description.

<img src=

then your URL

then a final >

Thanks.

How do you reduce the size of the photos.

still real slow moving. im typing up an intro and where characters fit in.
Only ones i'm kind of waiting for are Arthur and Crystal so I can flesh out the briefing.

In reply to Vicktor Ryn (msg # 219):

Upload to Imgur. Then you can alter the sizes and link them here.

Do we have anyone who with with decent chances in pick locks/safe, pick pockets, disguise?

Or anyone with decent levels in boating or pilot?



Seems like we have two characters saying they are creating similar characters, just want to make sure we have those bases covered.

In a team game, it might help if you all communicated your skill sets and areas of expertise so we can be an effective team.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:17, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 221):

Yeah, if you don't have, or don't want, an image hosting site that lets you alter sizes, you can do a reverse image search on Google Images to find a smaller size elsewhere online. But you can't change the image size here, Rpol simply points to an existing image online.


If the GM thinks it's a good idea, I'm happy to share Anita's background with colleagues.

As far as skill sets, Harry is a former SAS operator. Price was recruited by MI6 due to his expertise in hand to hand, ranged combat and stealth. His considerable charm makes Price more than a mere blunt instrument, but his focused training has left him less prepared than many agents in other required skill sets.

Languages: English, Arabic, German and Russian.

Nice family snaps, Viktor - are you still swinging every which way, or strictly a family man now?

Arthur, sounds like you were only recently recruited. I wonder what you were previously doing in civvy street - not a locksmith by any chance...? ;)

As a matter of interest, what skill levels are regarded as poor, competent or good? I don't really know what my skill levels mean in game terms.

What skill would Joe Public have? What skill would 007 have?

If I have a ten in firearms, does that mean I can shoot the wings off a fly at a thousand yards, or does it mean I'd be hard-pressed to hit a barn door at point blank range?

In reply to Anita Edge (msg # 225):

Look at his family and wife, nope, he is a happy family man even with a disabled child to provide care fore that's why he turned to crime and why MI6 got him, however, it leaves a hook if they are threatened later on. And when not on missions he will want to be home doing dad things and being a good husband.

In the game, skills are listed as skill/total (the total includes the stat(s).


Rookie-level characters Mary Goodnight and Chong Hop Sun Hip are 4/11 and 4/13 respectively.

Agent-level characters Felix Leiter and Holly Goodhead are both 10/20 with Fire Combat.

Bond, on the other hand, is a 12/25 in Fire Combat.

I needed to check with the GM on something, I have another approach and build with background I could do.

I think it helps to remember these are rookie characters at the beginning of their career and not James Bond or even Felix Leiter or Holly Goodhead.

In the world of Bond the stories are initiated by a threat or an enemy, so a fairly simple character background works. A basic story with a few potential hooks is all that is really needed, additional backstory can always be developed.

With a team concept having some of the basics down in addition to a couple skills your character focuses on should do it. You won't be able to do all the things you want when you start but with XP the characters can pick up new skills and improve old skills.

Barn door, then. OK, I can live with that - hopefully...

sorry for not posting. still really sick and so isn't the whole family.

I'll post the beginning now. Sheets don't have to be complete yet, this will introduce everyone together.

What sort of kit do we have on hand?

Did we get any additional issue from Q?

What other resources can we expect on the ground? Pictures of the hostages? Intel on the terrorists?

Vehicles?

thats being typed up now.

As of now, you are in the air, on a jet looking at blueprints for this Consul building.

Ask in game and see what they can provide as well.

Who is leading the briefing?

A higher ranking agent from Intelligence 'A' (Africa) Mark Chandar

Despite the rumor, demolitions is one of Price's weaker skills. Hopefully, someone smarter has it as well. ;)

if theres an airplane fuel truck in the garage of the consul, i'll let you know

Do we know any foreign languages?

We each received three additional languages in addition to English.

This is the format I used for my character's character description. This way will have a little more info on each other as if we at least had a chance to read each other's files before the operation.

Height:
Weight:
Hair:
Eyes:
Appearance:

Personal History:
Primary Qualifications:
Secondary Qualifications:
Tertiary Qualifications:
Fields of Experience:
Languages:

Current Assignment:
Service History:
[*] Mission One:

Well all my guy needs are his own laptops and programs, there is always a chance he could slow the theft of data with a couple well placed viruses and other tools of his trade. But its likely he might need to get his hands dirty with a pistol, such a barbaric thing to trust, but if its demanded.

Yes, sorry I'll add that language but to character generstion.

But everyone has 3 additional languages they're fluent in.

And for gadgets and equipment...

Any additional gadgets, you'll have to try in game to obtain. Tell me what skill you want to use to try and charm or persuade to bring more gadgets. Otherwise what they provide is all you get.

(In previous missions players got better guns and more equipment by persuading or impressing with ideas)

So as a hacker I'm pointless, thanks for telling me, I would have done another build. Seriously he wouldn't trust Q for his computers and hacker programs he is for all practical purposes an Elite one of the best in the world between my Science specialty and Electronics which covers computer programs he is damned good. But not without the vital tools of his trade. Its like a master mechanic asked to fix a car engine without any tools.

The book I have is from 1983 I would think computers are common enough he could own two one for the two major OS used in the world.

So basically you want a character whose only situation is with a computer. Not every scenario is going to have a computer. Electronics isnt limited to just computers.
Each scenario is going to be different. Some outdoors without any electronics some as a chase scene.

Again. This opening scene is supposed to be just that. The opening to any bond movie or book. Shows some of the characters and introduces the plot. It's not meant to be difficult or life changing. Just gets the characters involved

Anita Edge:

"And with the usual 'need to know' situation, it's always possible that one of the assistants might be one of our own.

"You think we paramedics should extract the Governor when he's brought down, rather than waiting for whoever is last? If we do that, we may not be able to confirm that they're all alive.

"I don't mind who we extract, provided it's in the plan. What I want to avoid is making a personal call at the last minute - especially if Crystal and I make a different call. That's how missions fail.

"Before we go in, I want to know who I'm supposed to extract and by what method. And right now, I don't have a clue.

"'Dress up as a paramedic and bring a hostage out, somehow,' just doesn't cut it!"

GM, I've thought of two possibilities - zapping the guard(s) with a defibrillator, or filling an 'oxygen mask' with 'something else', taking an antidote and leaving the valve open. But I don't know what's likely to work in this game world. Do knockout gas antidotes exist? Either way, a defibrillator won't work on two guards.

I'm trying to avoid using 'walk up to the guy with the Uzi if he lets you, and then try to kick his head' as Plan A.

Price's question directed to the briefer.

Who are Edge's and comments directed toward?

new job started this week so i may be long/later in the day to make updates at the moment

Anita's first comments about the assistants and the governor are directed toward Viktor, since he was the one who suggested prioritizing the governor. The rest of her comments about a plan are directed to the group as a whole.

Ok, looks like we might have a plan forming about using gas and a defibrillator to take out any guards near the paramedics. I still need to know what Crystal can do, though.

Oh, and thanks Harry, I like the way you've been anchoring this game through from one mission to the next - it bodes well for continuity. :)

Congrats and good luck with the new job, boss.

Harry, my understanding is that Operation Dust Line has 3 objectives:

1. Obtain the data the bad guys are seeking, and transfer it to MI6.
2. Rescue and remove the hostages from the building, alive.
3. Neutralize the opposition, preferably but not essentially by non-lethal means.

And the unspoken #4, do not create unnecessary paperwork for the brass by demolishing buildings, littering the scene with bodies, running amok along public highways causing civilian collateral damage, etc, etc. :)

Just wanted in character clarification as it was a bit vague.

Harry is glad that #4 is unspoken.

PS So are the special effects and stunt guys working on the movie:)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Tue 05 Feb 2019.

Yeah, well #4 is the stock in trade of any good Bond movie; I can't see any of us being too successful with that one. :)

Or is going to be utterly broken as a rule. hee hee

Ok so it seems theres a working plan.

Short and simple, please tell me what your character will be doing.

Works for me up till here.



Here I think exfilling with the hostage will take too long. Instead I think we need to use the captors weapons, with the stealth team carrying in the agent's gear in the event they can meet up. I also think we need to rescue the hostages during the exchange. That may well mean the stealth team heading up to the third floor and taking out the guards when all three hostages are up top.

Otherwise we will end up in a stand off.

I don't think we should pass up an opportunity to release a hostage. Maybe we could leave him with the incapacitated guard(s) to make his own way out of the building, or simply leave the front door open so the cops can drag him out while the two of us mount the stairs with weapons from the hostiles, but I think it's less than ideal. He should be escorted out by at least one of us.

If the paramedic ruse doesn't result in the release of a hostage, what is its purpose? If we're just going to storm the top floor with guns anyway, we might as well all stick together, pretend we're SAS, and have done with it.

I am not nixing anything, I am pointing out concerns and differences in the plan.

The purpose is to provide a distraction inflitration, help locate the prisoners and to get the captors to open the door or otherwise expose the hostages so they can be rescued. If we storm the place we are in a shootout and up against a locked door.

Perhaps the change we need is to pull Anita from the  paramedic ruse and have her join the infilatration team.

Hill goes to the building.

Ryn, Edge and Price sneak in and clear the basement.

Ryn sets up shop in the security office. Uses cameras to inform the rest of us as to who is where ect.

Hill starts seeing the hostages. Confirms with hostage where the hostages are being held. Hill is available to deal with any issues on level one and to report movements to Edge and Price.

Price and Edge move upstairs clearing captors as possible and needed and head to the third floor to free the hostages.

Price and Edge head down with the hostages in tow. Meet up with Ryn and possibly with Hill. Ryn grabs data now if unable to do so earlier.

Team exfils with hostages.

Hill might just exfil with us or walk out the front door. Either way she needs to be in disguise from the start of the op.

Steal data with one hacking the computer is possible with the right tools, as in his computer and programs of all kinds. Unless we get passwords and the like.

Seriously now you consider me hacking things we need to cut out that bit Harry.

The equipment list needs updating its 2000 not the 1980's.

It is a James Bond game. The GM will provide you with the tools you need to do the job. I played through a long scenario with this GM, he is interested in telling a fun story, you csn trust him.

Am here. Sorry it is taking me so long

Hi Arthur, what are your skills, besides a filing clerk? Any medical skill? Can you disguise as a paramedic? Are you good at sneaking about? A crack shot?

Whoever is on the paramedic job, I think they should take the opportunity to extract a hostage and take out a guard. It's one less for the rest of the team to worry about.

By that time, we will know where the hostages are, and with some luck we can even give the hostages we've seen a flashbang apiece to cause some distraction where it's least expected.

I wonder if the captors are masked? It'd be great if we could nab one on the way to the head, and take his/her place in the hostage room...

Again, this is supposed to be just the opening scene. To set up the mysterious overall mission and the characters.

As for tech and the rule set. Yes, it's from the 80s, and super male favored. Fighting is done by strength only and not leverage or technique.

The weapons are old but I have the supplement material so once the game is under way more will open up. There wasnt much for electronics or even handheld devices. But again using the early 2000s movies we can add in our own.


So yes. There is alot we can work on. But most importantly I am more interested in a story then a serious of impossible trap to stop you. I try to set up a scene with many ways to tackle it. Which leaves it to you to "sell" me on the approach


...


With that, I really want to get the mission underway instead of listing possibilities and debating. What your agent does is what your agent does and their mentality and morale code.

Ready to go when you are M.

Since we've not heard from Arthur since Wednesday, paint me as paramedic, it's more of a front-of-stage role.

Ready to go.

Remember, you all have ear pieces but no visuals on either team. Up until this point it was just a bang bang plan. Medics enter and stealth team enters.

So I'll split the thread up into the two groups.

I assume Vicktor is with harry?

We can use High Commission thread as Comm channel. Remember though you have to at least whisper to activate and talk

One last bit of housekeeping. I am thinking these will be with the stealth team


Q-Branch has outfitted one tablet with a "Logic Bomb" it will send a signal to any cellphones within 60 feet, causing them to ring and vibrate, allowing you to audible hunt a terrorist.
VICTOR for now.


They also created the RED Mk III or more appealing labeled the "Spectre". A digital readout that fits around your forearm. It scans a range of 8 meters and detects electronics and wiring. VICTOR

The quartermaster seems very pleased by this next gadget, he calls the "Eyenox". A pair of ordinary tactical glasses. But the wearer can see recent heat prints left behind by boots or barefeet. The heat residue remains behind for 3 minutes showing a red > Yellow > Green imprint of how recent. Works up to 8meters away. HARRY

im giving everyone access to the "A" threads. archived threads that can give you a sense of the flow. read if you want.

also, vicktor is out now.
so price is stealth team

gadgets still remain the same

The plan sort of depends on having him along. Can we NPC him and have him just stay in the security center and handle technical matters? If not Price will carry on and make it work.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Sat 09 Feb 2019.

yes, I can still have him NPC, as of right now though, he was useless. He couldn't connect to any signals as they are blocked from piggybacking, meaning he will have to hardline into any system.

Is anyone waiting for me?

From my POV, Anita and Crystal were awaiting instructions from the captors, like dutiful civilians would do., but I think I'll have her take the initiative...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

If you wait. Just post your waiting. They prodded the hostage forward who looks weak. If nothing happens then I'll post and keep the timeline moving

Just finished reading the last mission. Good stuff. Let's hope this one turns out just as interesting. :)

It was a great deal of fun.

Yeah, it looked like it. I can't imagine why Jessica's player didn't want a second helping - maybe that perennial bane of Gaming - RL. :(

I wonder if MI6 might cycle some of its agents out and bring new skills in, once we've figured out what's happening at the embassy - ie recruit a couple more players to start in a week or two for the next part of the mission?

In reply to Anita Edge (msg # 276):

Three of us can work. With Xp easy to round characters out and cover more bases. I think we are better with a few solid players with concepts that fit.

I wasn't suggesting that we recruit irrelevant fly-by-nights. ;)

I was hoping for a couple more solid players. It's always in the luck of the draw, though.

Two queries:

Has Anita seen how the tangos bypass the explosives between the Lobby and the main stairs?

What are her new weapons, and are they silenced?

I am enjoying running blind and depending on comms for information.

Raises the tension.

Is Arthur's character still with us? If so, Anita will suggest that he takes the woman out via the corner stair - unless Arthur's player objects, of course. I can do that IC if required.

That'll be two released, and I'm pretty sure the third has gone rogue.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Fri 22 Feb 2019.

Arthur is MIA. Never posted, never entered building
 Wasnt part of ppanning.

Vicktor is in the basement and along only because he was here up through the initial start of action.

Does Harry's post work for Edge?

Waiting.

New job is killing me with hours. I swear I'll update asap.

Yeah, we all get that problem from time to time. We'll be here when you get a minute. :)

I prefer we go with what we have got rather than go with NPCs or recruiting new players. Been kind of hit and miss.

Price and Steele had blind spots, we managed. Three agents seem like plenty for a Bond-style game. I think what we need to do now is figure out what sort of roles characters are best suited to fill them out in that direction.

I am still not clear on Hill's strengths, some more clarity in terms of all our team's strengths would be useful. Then perhaps we can focus development to fill in the holes.


I included a breakdown of Price's abilities in his character description to give the rest of you a better understanding of his strengths and blind spots.


This message was last edited by the player at 07:36, Thu 14 Mar 2019.

Do either of you have any thoughts on specializing your character's skills in a particular direction or is the plan to create generalists?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:35, Wed 20 Mar 2019.

If it's something the Narrator wants us to do, rather than revealing our abilities as we go along, I'm OK with it - ish.

However, I don't feel that such a listing describes Anita as I see her. The things she's best at are not necessarily the things that she (or I on her behalf) identifies with. A number of them are quirks of the rule set that I have struggled (and failed) to overcome.

For example, the fact that the outmoded, sexist rule set insists that hand-to hand combat is entirely a matter of Strength, and that the Dextrous ability to kick to twice your own height isn't worth a fig, detracts enormously from the picture of an expert martial artist that I was trying to create. Instead of hand to hand combat being a Primary Qualification, it barely rates as Secondary, thanks to her low Strength stat.

I'm not sure how you managed to get all those Primary Qualifications. Perhaps they're also quirks of the rules that favour a particular Bond-centric model of spy. Anita has only one PQ, and that's her 'woman's intuition', which is hardly a defining feature. So, with nothing but the odd Secondary, and mostly Tertiary Qualifications, perhaps she's already a generalist?

As to my future aims, I'll continue to add points to the skills that I think are supposed to define her, working to create the character I envisage, with the specialisms I want, despite the rules making me run from the back of the field.

You brought up having a gap in our skillsets. I was just trying to see if we could all work together to address it. I am fine with people doing their own thing and not worrying about it.

As far as dexterity and unarmed combat, my guess is they were just trying not to have dexterity do everything. A lot of rules fall into that trap. No rules are perfect.

That's one reason why I suggested another player or two to fill the gaps. (on which point, is Shynee Penny a new recruit? If so, welcome aboard.) :)

However, I'm not as maverick as my last post perhaps suggests. I'm happy to 'take one for the team' if there's something we particularly need. The problem is that since most of my skills are in the Tertiary bracket, adding a point or two there is likely to be pretty much a waste of time. Converting a Skill 10 to a skill 11 is not going to aid the team very much. Especially if someone else has that skill at 13 or 14.

It would be pretty pointless for me to throw points into the bottomless pit of lockpicking, for example, even though it's a 'team gap', because Anita is so bad at it, it would take her forever to learn how to do it with any reasonable chance of success. Recruiting a former thief with Lockpicking 24, OTOH, would fill the gap immediately.

However, in the absence of new recruits, we perhaps need to know what each of us should aim for to round out the team, in which case listing our capabilities makes sense.

OTOH, we're not facing random situations. We have a GM who is able to place us in situations we can deal with, and keep us away from situations we're likely to fail at.

So, what do you think, Narrator; list, or don't list?

I'm not actively seeking new players.
If theres a task, you should be able to think of some creative way around it that fits your character.
Like I said. This isnt D&D where you NEED a rogue for traps, you NEED a healer you NEED a tank and such.

You'll be fine as long as you can roleplay and improvise

I'm waiting for Crystal's sheet and Penny's yo be right before I make new post

I do this on my phone if there is a character sheet I need it posted to fill out. Any needs need consideration? Also my name is James Bondish enough I think.

I inserted the blank template fornyou

Yeah, I like the name, Shynee. :)

I think most of our gaps at present are for a character with a shady past - lock and safe cracking, con-artistry, disguise and deception. That sort of thing. Facewoman.

That's just my take, though, and what you decide on is up to you. If you don't want to run that sort of character, it's fine. As the GM says, we'll just adapt and survive. (hopefully). :)

Welcome aboard Penny.

Welcome to the game, Penny.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Thu 21 Mar 2019.

Working on character going for a Olympic Bronze medalist and woman who traveled about gaining many skills ... just almost all at 0 ranks. In her medal area she got lucky and represented a tiny Commonwealth member. There her medal was a big deal.

What event?

What is your time frame to finish up?

Water Polo Team

Almost done, tomorrow?

Excellent.

Working 70+ hour weeks at new job. Sorry if I'm slow here

Here's hoping the pay reflects the hours. :)

I'm so going to sleep with one of the women at the research center well its one of her weaknesses attraction to attractive members of her gender. Anyway she can do some work before the other agents arrive rumors and whayt locals are saying.

Do we have aliases etc. for our characters or not?

In reply to Shynee Penny (msg # 306):

That's a good idea.

I suspect we just make them up.
Hmm, Bond movie names for a black character... Comfort Blanchette?

In reply to Anita Edge (msg # 308):

Nice name.

Aphrodisia Blush sounds good for my gal her cover a generally mercenary dealer in things of value mostly legal on paper. Not clean but enough color to ,er, be on the surface legitimate.

In reply to Shynee Penny (msg # 310):

Mine's Lumina Blaise.

If people are using covers can you put it in your character's biography so the rest of us can find it easier when posting? Thanks.

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 312):

Makes sense. Done. :)

Done

Did it.

That bio. OK, done. :)

Sorry rough couple of days. Spent most of yesterday waiting on a tow truck in the middle of nowhere.

Is Penny's cover also as part of the same organization we all are?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Thu 04 Apr 2019.

Work and sickness m.i.a.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 318):

Poor you.

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 317):

She might handle the final check, being likely more that sort above working at a real job.

Again, work and life super busy. Still here.

In hospital need stents put in both legs with infection care, post when I can, but am in for at least a week.

Hope all goes well and you recover soon.

Sorry to hear, hang in there.

Procedure went well and am resting before physical therapy my son misses me and cried. I told him to take care of mom and his sister. And we would do something special when I'm better with him.

Anyway can post some just has to be when I can.

Other than small chat and covers, any other course of actions?
Assume you have checked in change of clothes and the other non essential moments.

We can move onto the next morning at the headquarters for Project Manta or do otherwise.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 326):

Great.

Sorry I kept getting an error 404 here and have t been able to connect

I'm good, lead on. :)

Just to be sure, does the Water Sports skill cover Scuba?

I think it is the diving skill.

In that case, I'll have to stick with a snorkel...

If you have both they do likely compliment each other I would think however I have diving and water sports.

Anita has water sports but not diving. I imagine that will include snorkelling and moving about in the water, and a general knowledge of the dangers of diving, The Bends, etc, but Anita will not have the in-depth knowledge of air mixes, ascent/descent times, regulator valves etc.

It may be something that she can be taught quickly enough, though, and something that she can safely engage in under the supervision of experts.

It'll fall to the GM's interpretation, of course.

Well my rating is 0 she though has 0 in many skills but well being able to try is better than not having a chance at all. She can always get better. So she likely would want help being  basic certification in Diving.

Ah yes, I'm forgetting how the rules work in this game. Anita has no bonuses for Diving, but her natural abilities will allow her some measure of success.

So where is everybody?

I am very sorry and apologize for being mia my work schedule is very demanding and even checking my phone for 15 minutes is distracting from my tasks

In reply to Narrator (msg # 338):

Of course.

Ok, I've got my submissions in and have relatively normal work schedule.

We can continue if everyone is still here. Luckily we were just about to really kick off the activity and espionage

In reply to Narrator (msg # 340):

I'm here.

In reply to Crystal Hill (msg # 341):

Where is everybody else?

I'm here.

I'm here. Had some major computer problems back there, along with similar problems to the GM, but things are working again now. Sorry for the prolonged absence.

Sorry was dealing with health issues.

No worries, Hope things are better for you now.

So all we're short of is the GM...

In reply to Anita Edge (msg # 346):

Let's hope they show up.

Been getting better. Thanks

In reply to Harry Price (msg # 348):

Great!

I really do apologize about essentially ghosting this game when I was trying to kick it back up. Real life and work life took over my summer essentially.

If anyone is still up for it, we can pick back up. And as an apology you will gain some agent XP

I'm still here.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 350):

I'm still up for it.

Luckily this mission had only started so there isnt much to recall or recap

I'm in.

Just waiting to see if Harry is around.

We haven't really used Hero Points in the past. So we can start now.
Each character receives 2 Hero Points to use (upgrades a challenge rating from say a 4 to a 3 or higher.)

Each character also gets 250xp to spend on their character.

...
I will be on vacation next week so as we get rolling again, it may just a be a little slow next week as I wont have my notes and material with me.

Let's hope Harry chimes in. Have you Rmailed him?

Just did.

haven't heard anything back from Harry yet.

Let me know when/if you have spent any character generation points for improvements

Yup bought Local Customs, bumped lockpicking/safecracking and charisma and diving a little.

I'll have to get my head around the rules again. Probably not over the weekend, though.

Sorry been tied up.


I would be very happy to get back into action!

Great! I'll look up those rules and see where to spend my XP. :)

250 XP @ 20 XP per skill level = 12.5 skill levels, correct?

Yes. Math is hard and I went to school in the USA.

A table for skill costs.

Skill  1  100    0
Skill  2   60  160
Skill  3   90  250
Skill  4  120  370
Skill  5  150  530
Skill  6  180  710
Skill  7  210  920
Skill  8  240 1160
Skill  9  270 1430
Skill 10  300 1730
Skill 11  330 2060
Skill 12  360 2420
Skill 13  390 2810
Skill 14  420 3230
Skill 15  450 2680

So to raise a skill from 7 to 8 would cost 240 xp.

To raise a skill from 0 to 3 would be 250 xp.

Ah. That makes a huge difference. I'll take another look. Thanks.
I wonder where on earth I got 20 XP per point from?

Harry picked up Lock/Safe and raised it to skill level 3.

Lock/Safe 100 XP
Raised to level 3 150 XP.

250 XP

back from vacation.
lets get back to the story!

actually, your skill chart is wrong.

each new skill, a skill you haven't gained levels in costs 100 points
each new level there after only costs 20 points

Example from the book:
To have your character acquire the skill of Science at level 4 would use 160 points (100 for the skill at level 1 and 3x20=60 for the additional three levels)

See South Africa debrief thread as a recap as that really does sum up what has occurred.
See the Notice Project Manta (Research Team) as that gives you a whose who to expect from the Project Manta scientists

...

Other than that, you have spent time getting acquainted with the immediate area. A nice little resort with the beach a short walk away. Some camping and smaller lodging down the way. Not too many high tier resturaunts or drinking estalishments, several a taxi ride into the center of the island.

You have covers as
You are representatives from EPH (Environmental Public Health) a journal who contributed to the non-profit.

Objectives:
1. Identify the organization or individual who has paid Project Manta
2. Gather any additional Intel on suspected individual.
3. Further instructions once a clear picture ...

Based on my understanding of the rules when buying improvements with experience I am correct.

See page Experience page 78 of the core book.

Purchase
Skill Levels    30 points x new skill level
New Skill       100 xp
Characteristic  150 x value desired
Remove Fame     100 points per point removed


So raising a skill to 4 would be as follows:

Skill  1  100    0
Skill  2   60  160
Skill  3   90  250
Skill  4  120  370
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Mon 23 Sept 2019.

ahhh right ok
so its the difference between generation and Experience Points

Yup.

If you look at the bottom half of my character sheet you can see how I have accounted for my spending. As long as you work from the chart it is pretty easy.

Your phones buzz, a message from MI6

Congratulation, top brass has reviewed your records and sends their highest remarks on jobs well done.

*you each gain 300xp to spend  on your characters because it is my birthday

In reply to Narrator (msg # 374):

Okay.

Many happy returns, and thanks. :)

Sorry, I've been a bit distracted lately, and there hasn't been enough posting here to kick my butt into interacting.

Hmm, I don't think I spent that 300XP. I'll have to get around to that.

Prof Mike Bennett is late 40s to early 50s in appearance

Lol. Just right for the old mid-life crisis.  :)

Happy New Year!