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Other Games, Development, & Campaigns => Play by Post Games => Topic started by: Snowman0147 on September 17, 2014, 07:08:39 PM

Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 17, 2014, 07:08:39 PM
Before we begin let me transfer the sheets over here.  I will put them in spoilers so it won't take up much space.  Please tell me to make corrections if I made any errors.

Name: Luke "Smiley" Marciano
Concept: Conman
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Background: Trained in the school of hard knocks
Employment: Either prison or this job
Primary Role: The faceman of every operation
Secondary Role: Additional scout
Nature: Charming

Combat: 15
Physical: 13
Mental: 38
Social: 51
Potency: 0

Wound: 12
Heroic: 0
Spirit: 16

Equipment: 6
Initiative: 3
Request: 6

1. Silver Tongue: Gain Altering for lying
2. Master of Disguise: Gain Altering for disguises.
3. Cold Reading: Gain Altering to detect lying.
4. Disable Security: Gain Altering to disable security systems.
5. Sleight of Hand: Gain Altering to pick pocketing.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 17, 2014, 07:36:22 PM
Name: Lucas Schröder
Concept: Detective

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Background: Criminal investigator for Interpol
Employment: Fired when exposing a corruption scandal
Primary Role: Investigation and questioning
Secondary Role: Extra firepower
Nature: Grumpy as usual

Combat: 30 (+10)
Physical: 28 (+10)
Mental: 34 (+10)
Social: 41 (+20)
Potency: 4

Wound: 14
Heroic: 3
Spirit: 16
Equipment: 7
Initiative: 3
Request: 5

1. Eye for detail II: Gain Altering for area investigation. And cut time in half.
2: Professional hardass II: Gain Altering for interrogation. And cut time in half.
3. Knowing the streets : Gain Altering for black market knowledge.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 17, 2014, 07:48:24 PM
Name: William Barrinski
Concept: Explorer
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Background: Oxford University degree in History
Employment: Infamous relic hunter for hire
Primary Role: Research and walking knowledge bank
Secondary Role: Extra firepower
Nature: Wise, but excentric.


Combat: 31 (+10)
Physical: 30 (+10)
Mental: 43 (+20)
Social: 24 (+10)
Potency: 13

Wound: 14
Heroic: 2
Spirit: 16/18
Equipment: 7
Initiative: 4
Request: 3

1. Bookwurm II: Gain Altering for library research. And cut time in half.
2. Cipher fanatic II: Gain Altering for decrypting. And cut time in half.
3. Mountain goat: Gain Altering for climbing.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 17, 2014, 07:51:38 PM
Name: Caroline McKnight
Concept: Scientist
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Background: Forensic expert LAPD
Employment: Looking for a new challenge
Primary Role: Any form of scientific analysis
Secondary Role: Computer expert
Nature: Doesn't give up easy

Combat: 26 (+10)
Physical: 28 (+10)
Mental: 40 (+20)
Social: 27 (+10)
Potency: 4

Wound: 14
Heroic: 3
Spirit: 16
Equipment: 7
Initiative: 3
Request: 3

1. Lab rat II: Gain Altering for analysing trace evindence. And cut time in half.
2. A little tweak of chemistry II: Gain Altering for creating chemicals. And cut time in half.
3. Combat medic: Gain altering for first aid and stabilising.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 17, 2014, 07:59:11 PM
Name: Jake Burrell
Concept: Scout
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Background: Used to be a U.S. Army Ranger
Employment: Currently a mercenary for hire
Primary Role: The scout of the operation
Secondary Role: The soldier when things go south
Nature: Resourceful

Combat: 42 (+20)
Physical: 33 (+10)
Mental: 30 (+10)
Social: 28 (+10)
Potency: 8

Wound: 16
Heroic: 2
Spirit: 14/16
Equipment: 8
Initiative: 3
Request: 3

1. Light footed II: Gain Altering for stealth. And cut time in half.
2. Ambush master: Gain Altering for sneak attacks.
3. Hot on the tail II: Gain Altering for tracking. And cut time in half.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 17, 2014, 08:03:58 PM
I was going to do that myself so I can edit them if you need to make any changes.  Oh well.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 17, 2014, 08:23:41 PM
The helicopter flies through the cold air of Antarctica.  Inside the green vessel are two pilots and five other people with enough gear to survive the harsh climate at the bottom of the world.  There mission is a simple one.  Find the missing scientists, or at least find out what happen to them.  The team only has a two week time span to full fill that mission before the helicopter returns to collect its team again.

The companies that had funded the scientists are nothing odd.  They are alternative energy companies that want more evidence on the effects of green light gases have on the planet.  Mostly to raise awareness, but it also means they can sell their natural energy to more customers.

The scientists themselves are well respected researchers in their fields and don't even have enemies.  A few rivals, maybe, but no one that has any reason to do them harm.  This is not the act of foul play, but it isn't as simple as getting lost either.  These scientists had visited Antarctica before and some are season veterans of the frozen continent.  The former ranger of the team might be able to learn a thing, or two from the team if he ever finds them.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 17, 2014, 08:29:47 PM
Name: Luke "Smiley" Marciano
Concept: Conman
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Background: Trained in the school of hard knocks
Employment: Either prison or this job
Primary Role: The faceman of every operation
Secondary Role: Additional scout
Nature: Charming

Combat: 26 (+10)
Physical: 23 (+10)
Mental: 30 (+10)
Social: 41 (+20)
Potency: 4

Wound: 14
Heroic: 3
Spirit: 14
Equipment: 7
Initiative: 2
Request: 5

1. Silver Tongue II: Gain Altering for lying. Gain altering for manipulation.
2. Master of Disguise II: Gain Altering for creating disguises. Gain altering for wearing disguises.
3. Cold Reading: Gain Altering to detect lying.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 17, 2014, 08:31:05 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;787529
I was going to do that myself so I can edit them if you need to make any changes.  Oh well.

Well I did it right now, because I wanted some changes. I think I might change my conman to only 3 talents. And I think my scientist needs works. I mean forensics, toxicology balistics. More of the same.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 17, 2014, 08:47:49 PM
You know you can't improve altering to a higher level.  You can do other things, but can't stack alterings in the same talent.  Maybe you can suggest changes in a private message.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 18, 2014, 02:46:21 PM
You kinda suggested me doing that a few times. I could cut my time in half with forensics. If I would spend another point in this talent I could cut my time to a quarter. Or maybe I should cut time and give it an advantage?

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

I changed it. Pretty pleased with it and it wasn't a lot of work. Only the scientist.
NVM, I did it. I am happy with this now. PM me if you want anything changed.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 18, 2014, 06:30:24 PM
Okay so shall we continue?  I believe this your turn to post what one of your characters is going to do.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 18, 2014, 07:32:29 PM
I assume the chopper has landed. What do we see? Can I enter a building or do I only see snow and ice?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 18, 2014, 08:32:31 PM
Still in the chopper I am afraid.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 19, 2014, 11:46:45 AM
Ok, this is tricky. I use my characters all in five turns.

1. Conman: Starts asking questions to the other team members. Who they are and what they do? (I don't know if they are all familiar.)
2. Scout: Looks out the window to look at the terrain. Is it still water? Or ice?
3. Investigator: Looks at the pilots. Can he talk to them? Or better not disturb?
4. Scientist: Looks at the interior of the helicopter. Is it military gear?
5. Explorer: Reads a book about Antarctic geology.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 19, 2014, 02:07:15 PM
Maybe you should had gone with just three people?

As the Con ask questions to his fellow team mates the Scientist begins to look in the helicopter.  The only military grade equipment are survival gear, food, and investigation tools.  Not a single weapon at all other than a few knives due to the fact they are mostly used as tools.  The rest are just equipment to keep you alive against the harsh conditions that only Antarctica can bring.

The Investigator speaks with the pilot while ignoring the Con.  The pilot is a simple fellow and he is new to the job.  The man is chatty, but nothing is interesting about the man.  He is more clueless than you about the case.  From what he knows is that these people are experts know they shouldn't wander beyond the base.  Not to mention this is the southern most base in the entire continent.  Your guess is that the scientists are examining new ice to see how global warming effects them.

The Scout finally sees some ice and some wild life.  Well at least the recruiter wasn't lying about seeing penguins.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 19, 2014, 03:05:51 PM
Nope, it's just a little weird playing multiple characters. Doesn't really matter if it's two or ten. I will get used to it soon.

Everyone checks their own gear. What do they have except for a suit?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 19, 2014, 03:39:15 PM
We could go a long process of doing request to get items, or we could do the fast way.

The fast way is to add up your requests from each person and then add twenty-five.  That is the total request the group has.

Sniper Rifle = 11
Assault Rifle = 6
Sub Machine Gun = 3
Pistol = 2
Revolver = 0
Shotgun = 1 (for pellets), 2 (for balls), 4 (for slugs)

Light Melee Weapon = 1 (no effect on equipment slot)
Medium Melee Weapon = 2
Large Melee Weapon = 4

Bullet Proof Clothing = 2
Bullet Proof Vest = 1
Military Armor = 2
Advance Armor = 3
Helmet = 1 (adds to armor)
Shield = 2 (adds to armor)

Kits = 3 (aids you in three skills), 4 (aids you in three skills and has no effect on equipment slots)
Trinket = 2 (aids you in one skill, but has no effect on equipment slots)

The numbers are how much it cost in terms of request to get.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 19, 2014, 04:05:19 PM
All combat equipment? Oh I see. Kits and trinkets?

 19 + 25 = 44 request

5 x bullet proof clothing = 10
5 x helmets = 5
3 x pistols = 6
1 x submachine gun (explorer) = 3
1 x assault rifle (scout)= 6
2 x light melee weapon (knife; scout/explorer) = 2

12 points left. Should I get 3 or 4 kits and for who? The detective should have a clue collection kit, the scientist a mobile lab, the conman maybe a collection of masks/suites, the scout I don't think so and I am on the fence about the explorer.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 19, 2014, 04:42:41 PM
Crap...  Forgot about quality.  Basicly your equipment provides +0 to score because they are average quality.  Improving quality cost more, but provides a bonus.

So you got a kit that does computers, security, and research.  Now lets say your mental attribute is 46.  At average quality (+0) your score for those three things wold be 4 because your just using your mental modifier.  Now lets make that kit into best quality (+3).  Now the score for those three things are 7.

Also if you want to you could put a limited amount of uses for those kits and trinkets.  It reduces the request cost.  -1 for quality uses, but you can refill it.  -2 if you can't refill it.

So you could have a best quality trinket that by passes security without alerting anyone and the total request cost is five.  If you make it so that it has limited uses and cannot have refills the cost will go down to three.  At best quality that is seven uses before the trinket expires.

Worst = -3 to score = 1 use = -3 to Request Cost
Awful = -2 to score = 2 uses = -2 to Request Cost
Bad = -1 to score = 3 uses = -1 to Request Cost
Average = 0 to score = 4 uses = No change to Request Cost
Good = +1 to score = 5 uses = +1 to Request Cost
Wonderful = +2 to score = 6 uses = +2 to Request Cost
Best = +3 to score = 7 uses = +3 to Request Cost
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 19, 2014, 04:53:18 PM
I think the scout and explorer would be fine.  They have better weapons which I don't know why you did that since your in Antarctica.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 19, 2014, 06:01:22 PM
This is a little complex. I just take everything average.

I get four kits for three points each (so with inventory space been taken).

My scientist, explorer, conmen and investigator all get one. The scout doesn't get anything.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 19, 2014, 07:08:16 PM
So what are those kits and what skills do they help you in?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 19, 2014, 07:17:17 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;787856
I think the scout and explorer would be fine.  They have better weapons which I don't know why you did that since your in Antarctica.


Maybe shoot a pinguin?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 19, 2014, 07:28:20 PM
You said in three skills. So I assumed the ones I got my talents in. You assume a lot of things I don't know.

I guess I take all three talents. If not then the scientist must have tools for analysing/forensics aka some sort of lab equipment. The detective must have tools for trace evidence collection aka plastic bags, tape and powder for fingerprints, vials for blood etc. The conmen must have tools for forgery aka false papers, uniforms maybe masks.

You know what I let the explorer and the scout for what it is. They don't have skills that need tools anyway. I really don't know what else is useful, because I have no idea what to expect.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 19, 2014, 07:56:18 PM
With kits it can be any skill as long as it makes sense and I don't mean to the character.

Hell it could be a gameboy 3ds that has these skills; entertainment, waiting in lines, and youtube.  Yes you can download a app to watch youtube videos for the 3ds.  Point being it is a item that can aid you in areas that the item is design to handle.  The only limitation is the item has to make sense.  For example gameboy 3ds helps out in spread sheets, work, and economy wouldn't make any sense because it is a game hand held.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 20, 2014, 06:19:56 AM
So a forensics kit, a trace evidence kit and a forgery kit for paperwork.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 22, 2014, 12:46:32 PM
Okay so what three skills are you putting into them?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 22, 2014, 06:13:56 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;788164
Okay so what three skills are you putting into them?

Ok I misunderstood. Each kit has three skill boosts. So that means nine skills? This is difficult. It's so open.

Detective kit:
-collect fingerprints
-collect blood
-collect hairs/nails etc.

Scientist kit:
-analyse blood/toxicology
-analyse DNA
-analyse fingerprints

Conmen:
-falsify papers
-falsify autograph
-falsify badge
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 22, 2014, 08:06:49 PM
Sweet we are done for equipment.  Mind you once the mission is done you lose all your equipment except for signature equipment which are bought through talents.

Now lets get this game started.  I believe it is your turn to post.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 22, 2014, 08:23:17 PM
I am just waiting to get landed. I don't what else to do.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 22, 2014, 08:55:12 PM
Hours later you eventually see the out post with enough room in the middle for the helicopter to land.  The area had been empty for only a few weeks, but judging the place it looks like it had been left for years due to the snow.  A lot of work will be needed to get the outpost back up and running.  Thankfully the helicopter pilot is going to help you out before he flies off back towards the ship.

To the west of the landing spot is a rather large building that you assume is the living quarters.  You check the map and yes you are right in that assumption.  This will be your living area for the next two weeks as you try to solve the case.

To the east of the landing spot is a big building that houses the generator that powers every thing.  You can guess that is your first place to look as you need that precious energy for your very survival.

North of the generator and north east of the landing spot is a large building that is labeled as garage and a place for the dogs to sleep.  The vehicles were found missing and only one dog was found.  The dog was scared out of its mind and is safely back on the ship.  The canine refuses to go back to the frozen continent and had bitten a man.

Southeast of the generator is the drilling site.  The main tool that the science team use to gather more evidence of the causes of global warming.  Beyond that nothing important.

To the direct south of the landing spot is another large building known as the lab.  The main purpose of why this outpost was even created.  This is where the scientist had done their research and stored all their data.

Beyond that is the icy cold of Antarctica frontier.  A frontier that man will never take over.  If the science team had fled the outpost they did so at the cost of their own lives.  Antarctica is as deadly as it is beautiful and even our skilled ranger wouldn't last for long in that frozen desert.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 23, 2014, 06:52:49 PM
Smiley wasn't in his comfort zone. He was no scientist, he didn't know if he would be of help and he was freaking cold. He still had a mild hangover from last night when he drank too much bloody mary's. He tought he could facilitate the other and suggested to them if he could inspect the living area. "Hey folks, what if I check out the living area, make sure we have a place to cook and somewhere to sleep?"

Lucas was talking with William about small things when they finally landed. He is still checking out the others, because this is the first time they work together. He always does this, because this is part of his job and part of his nature. So far the only one he really likes is William. The man is a little weird, but otherwise good company. He doesn't trust Smiley from the start, Caroline is very reserved and hard to read and Jake is just a grunt as most soldiers are. He figures he will check out the garage area first to check why the dogs fled that area. "Ok, go ahead. I will go to the garage. Anyone wants to join me?"

"Yeah, I will!" Jake replied. He doesn't like the vagueness of the mission and he wants to have clear goals. Jake wants to stretch his legs and the dog kennel is something familiar. Jake likes dogs, knows them well and maybe his tracking skills might be in handy. "Hey, dude, maybe I will tell you some good war stories while we are at it!" He pats Lucas on the back starts walking.

"William, will you come with me?" Caroline asked. "I might need you when I expect the labs. I also want to inspect the generator. Maybe the generator first indeed." Caroline is already feeling the pressure. She has plenty to do and is the only scientist on the team who might know what all the lab equipment is for. She is also the only technician who can repair the generator if needed.

"Sure." William replied. "I have nothing better to do. Don't worry, doll. I will support you in any way you need. I might even get you a cup of tea, hihi." William is in a funny mood. He likes weird jobs like this and lives every day like it's his last. He is very laid back, talking a lot, making jokes and meanwhile showcasing his encyclopedic knowledge about various subjects.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 23, 2014, 08:46:46 PM
Smiley, Lucas, and Jack quickly find out that the doors are lock because the keypad need power to work.  Turns out they need the generator to be on in order to start the investigation.

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Jack and Lucas find this odd.  This is Antarctica so it is not like anyone would just walk over and steal any thing.  There are no predators this close to the south pole so really there is no reason for this kind of security.  This might be a clue.


At the generator room there is nothing special.  Nothing odd at all other than a large machine that needs to be turn on again to power the entire outpost.  All you need to do was to refill the machine, change the oil, and follow the instructions in how to turn on the generator.

Within moments all the lights come back on and everyone can hear the buzzing sound of heaters being activated.  The keypads start to work and open the doors once you put down the passwords.

With the station in full power the pilot begins to unpack things from the helicopter and hauling them to the living quarters.  There are enough provisions to last you about three weeks since it is possible for helicopter to be late due to arctic storms.

Inside the living quarters is strangely enough nothing odd about the place other than being empty.  Sure there are beds, computers, and all the other things that is needed to provide some comfort.  It is just the place feels wrong and Smiley can't lay a finger on it.

In the garage Jake and Lucas begin to investigate.  There had been a few fights between the dogs.  There are few blood spots on the floor and the leashes been broken.  Well except for one leash which had to be cut open.  You guess that is the only dog that remained before it was rescued.  If any thing the dogs were either starving, or were scared to the point of violence.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 24, 2014, 06:23:58 PM
Caroline and William visit the laboratory. William doesn't know a lot about lab equipment, but Caroline does. Caroline is very curious about what was going on in the labs. What were they researching and is it in any way related to the dissapearance of the scientists?

The rest of the group is hanging out in the living quarters. They are getting settled and (depending on the time) might be making a meal.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 24, 2014, 08:14:55 PM
In the lab you notice nothing odd other than the fact that the equipment is built to handle the conditions that Antarctica will bring to the lab.  It is also cold enough for the ice rods.

Mental Test Pass
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Both William and Caroline notice blood marks on one rod.  It is something that can be miss easily, but thankfully the two are very observant.  There must had been a fight which means the science team had some issues, or something happen to make the group attack each other.

Mental Test Pass
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

William almost miss it, but he saw something odd.  In one of the rods he can see something odd at one end.  In the very center of the rod William believes he saw blood.  Just not the human blood nor even mammal blood.  No that can't be right.  William rubs his eyes and look at the rod again.  Nope nothing is odd about it.

Gain 1 point in Potency

Once they are done with their search for clues they return back to the living quarters.  The pilot bids them good bye after he unloads every thing.  The man then takes off for the ship.  He will never return for two weeks, or later.

It is starting to get late so making dinner and talking among yourselves would be the best thing to do.  None of you hadn't really ate much today so your all starving.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 25, 2014, 06:38:54 PM
Smiley could eat something. He is hungry as hell. Luckily he can cook and considering his Italian background he can make a very fine bolognese. He considered his sauce as one of the best out there.

While Smiley is cooking the rest of the crew is discussing things at the dinner table. Catherine takes the word. "I think you should all check out the labs and especially the ice rods. We found traces of blood on the rods. After dinner I will go back and take samples of the blood. I can investigative the blood early in the morning. Check it for blood groups etc. It would be nice if you all went to the labs to see if you notice some details we missed."

Jake and William agree to this and start talking anecdotes again. Their stories are getting more crazier every minute. Meanwhile Lucas is talking to Caroline about the lab. "Can you tell me what they were researching? Any idea? I will bring my gear to the lab and take some samples for you. I have some vials in my backpack."
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 25, 2014, 09:08:31 PM
After dinner the group heads towards the lab to gather more evidence.  Sure enough the blood marks are signs of a stab wound.  It would take a day to figure whose blood that belongs too.  

Mental Test Success
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Both William and Caroline notice that some of the small items in the room had been moved.  Odd considering that no one else was in the building other than them.

Both William and Caroline gained a potency point.

Social Test Success
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

William is a man that don't really show emotion, but it takes a skillful reader like Smiley to get a good read on him.  Truth be told William look spook out for a mere moment.

Lucas through his investigation finds nothing odd other than a fight in the lab.  The research shows how fast the ice are melting and what effects does global warming have at this part of Antarctica.  It is a boring read and nothing more than what Al Gore had said.  The ice are melting and some day in the future mankind would have to deal with it.  As far as Lucas can see this is just a waste of money.

Though the fight itself is far more interesting.  Why would a team of scientists that had gone through so many trips into this frozen wasteland started to fight each other?  For that matter why did the husky's destroy their leashes?  Some thing else is going on here and sadly Lucas cannot put his finger on it.

Mental Test Success
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Jake is having his own issues as well.  Being a army ranger and serving his duty through various missions had sharpen his skills.  Civilian life never dulled them which is perhaps why Jake went to be a mercenary.  Still Jake has that uneasy feeling that he is being watch.

Jake gains a potency point.

Social Test Success
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

It doesn't take a lot of effort to see a soldier stand alert.  Everyone notices how more alert Jake is, but that could be the blood.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 26, 2014, 08:20:25 PM
Jake is on his guard. Untill now he was joking a lot, but he feels like the time for jokes are gone. He feels in his pockets to check if he has a weapon on him right now. Jake remembers this feeling. It's the feeling he always has when he is about to become ambushed.

Caroline is beginning to doubt her own sanity. Are those items moved? That can't be? I didn't hear a thing. Am I mistaken?

Smiley looks at William carefully. "What's up, William? Do you see something odd?"

William sighs for a moment and then he says "Nothing really. For a moment I was thinking some of the stuff in this room is moved since Caroline and I went in this room before dinner. But that can't be. I must be mistaken. No one is here and I didn't hear anything out of the ordinary when we were eating."

"That's odd. I was thinking the same thing. Something is moved, but that can't be." Caroline said. "Or it can be and this is the mission. But then I think we might be way out of our league here. Something sinister is going on in this place and I don't like it."

Meanwhile Lucas is checking the room for exits. How many doors are there, how many windows and how many vents? Can something have slipped in and out in this room?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 26, 2014, 11:22:52 PM
The only out is through the front door and the vents are too small for any thing to crawl through.  No there is nothing out of the ordinary other than the blood and the rest of the group getting nervous.  Well other than Smiley.  The con artist seems to be as arrogant as ever in the stern eyes of Lucas.

It is getting late and you all need to go to bed soon.  Your first day is done and already you got some clues in your hands.  Already you know there is some in fighting among the scientists, but the not the reason behind it.


Everyone gains a milestone which means everyone gets 1 heroic point and 1 point to spend among attributes other than potency.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 27, 2014, 07:26:37 AM
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Ok I add the following:

Smiley 1 mental
Lucas 1 combat
William 1 physical
Caroline 1  mental
Jake 1 social

Should I add that to the character sheets? I just do it and I add the heroic points as well.

Everyone goes to bed, but not before Caroline or Lucas has taken some blood samples from the rods. Jake puts his army kive under his pillow, just in case.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 27, 2014, 11:51:45 AM
Yes your suppose to add those in.

Day 2

Everyone wakes up for a brand new day.

Mental Test Success  (Wow lots of success with this one, but only Smiley fails)
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Everyone hears some movement outside as if some one, or some thing is walking outside.  When people actually go outside they will find nothing at all.  In fact every thing is still normal.  Hell the only foot prints are the teams and the pilot had made.

Everyone other than Smiley gains 2 points of potency.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 27, 2014, 06:02:32 PM
Jake says he will walk around for half an hour trying to find something before it gets too cold for him to stay outside. He walks off in the surrounding area, but he won't go too far.

"Wait!" says William. "I will go with you. It's not safe to travel alone around here." And he hops after Jake.

"This doesn't make any sense. You would almost think some kind of invisable monsters are walking around here. But then there should be footprints. Are we going all crazy?" says Lucas.

"Maybe we are overlooking something." says Catherine while she is pacing up and down. "Could it be something that affects our brains and gets us imagining things?"

"Wait a sec! What are you all talking about?" askes Smiley.

"Haven't you heard anything?" asks Lucas.

"No! What then?" shouts Smiley.

"We all heard footprints!" shouts Jake back from a distance.

"What?" asks Smiley.

"Footprints!" say Lucas and Caroline simultaneously.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 27, 2014, 06:11:33 PM
"Oh, crap." says Smiley. "I didn't hear a thing."

Lucas and Caroline are discussing what to do next. Lucas is worried about the range of the mission. How far should do go before they think it's too weird and call it a day? He is also wondering if they should report to someone what they found. And if they could get any backup in case something goes wrong.

Caroline is planning on using the lab and her equipment today to test the blood on DNA, bloodgroups, poisons, diseases, parasites and whatever else she can think of. She wants the other two to stick around in case she might need someone. Smiley goes to the kitchen and tries to find some eggs. A good omelet never hurts.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 27, 2014, 06:29:00 PM
Mental Test Success
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Jake finds something in the snow and tries to dig it up.
[/I]

Physical Test Success
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Jake discovers a dog skull that looks like it had been pick clean and discarded.  It is like some large predator ate the dog.

Suffer 3 damage which heroics absorbs 1 point.  Which means the two remaining points harms spirit.

Jake gains 4 potency points for discovering the horrible sight.

Jake rushes to the group and lead them to the bones.  When they get there they found nothing other than the hole that Jake dug up.  No trace of bones what so ever.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 27, 2014, 06:56:00 PM
Jake: "WTF! I swear I saw a dog skull! Didn't you see I found it William?"

William: "Yes, I did. I am speechless."

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Wasn't William with Jake? I assume he wandered off a little.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 27, 2014, 07:02:56 PM
Oh shit you did.  I mess read that.  Lets just say William saw the whole thing too.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 28, 2014, 07:17:22 PM
Jake and William start searching the surrounding area for footprints. There must be something. Lucas comes with them trying to help as good as he can.

Meanwhile Caroline goes to the lab to investigate the bloodsamples. Smiley comes with her to lend a hand.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 28, 2014, 10:15:29 PM
Among the snow the men eventually found a frozen human corpse.  He was severely cut and most likely bleed to death in the cold.  What you found are notes that are useless due to the blood.  Further investigation reveals this man to be one of the members of the science team.

Mean while nothing strange happen in the lab.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 29, 2014, 06:31:53 PM
The crew pick up the man and take his body to the lab.

Smiley is looking at Caroline, while she is analysing the blood samples. Caroline works very methodical and looks like she knows what se is doing. Smiley attemps to say something, but instead he sighs and starts thinking if he hasn't overlooked a detail. They were in danger, that was clear to him and he wanted to be sure he looked at the problem from all different direction.

They could be dealing with some sort of invisable monsters. But then why no footprint? Could they mask that? Or were they flying as well? Maybe he should check the roof. Then again it could also be something mental. People could be attacked by someone with mind control powers. Or maybe people were being poisoned and dillusional and the idea of being attacked caused real wounds. Pfff, a lot of speculation. Smiley isn't sure what to think.

Caroline is focusing on her work. She must identify the blood group and the DNA of the victim. After that she wants to check it for allergies, parasites, viruses, bacteria, venoms  and toxins. Can she call the ship for the medical files of the scientists? Caroline wants to identify who's blood is on the rod.

Caroline and Smiley are now interrupted by the others. "Howdy, folks!" Jake says. "We got you a fresh body. Nicely covered with wounds. It looks like stab wounds to me. What do you think, Lucas?" Lucas looks at the body and replies "Yes stab wounds or at least cutting wounds. Let me take a closer look to see if this looks like an alley mugging victim."

William walks to Caroline and asks "Maybe you should finish your work on the blood first and then look at our John Doe here? Shall I call the ship first to transfer the medical files to the lab? I can help you sort this out to take some of the pressure of you." Caroline confirms this idea with a short "Ok, sounds like a plan." and then continues with the blood samples. First she will do the DNA and blood group test. After that she takes a quick look at the corps. And then she goes back to the blood at the rods again for the rest of the tests.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 29, 2014, 07:35:31 PM
Mental Test Fail
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Umm...  The closest thing to communicate to the outside world is the radio in the living quarters.  Smiley remembers that he never check that out due to the fact he was doing other things yesterday like helping the pilot transport stuff to the living quarters.  Shit...
[/I]

When William goes to get the radio he sees that some one actually broke the damn thing.  Smiley was suppose to check on this since he said he was going to the living quarters to check that building out.

You should find a back up radio.  Map says there is one in the generator building.  If that doesn't work you got two weeks of isolation.  Maybe even more if the weather doesn't hold out.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on September 29, 2014, 07:51:03 PM
The blood itself has enough DNA for Caroline to find out.  While she has no way on communicating to the company directly they did have the decency to give her information for the scientists.  The blood belongs to Jenny Richards who is the youngest scientists in the team.  The woman grew up in LA and this is her first time in Antarctica.  Age is 28 years old.  Race is white/asian.  Gender is of course female.  There are no other substances in the blood.

The body belongs to another scientist known as James Hammerson.  Age is 56 years old.  Race is white.  Gender is of course male.  The body looks like he was holding onto something before losing grip and falling over.  The crack at the back of the skull indicates the man did fall at high speeds.  Possibly he and some other scientist was escaping the outpost on a snow ski and the poor man fell off due to blood loss.  This also means there is another scientist out there.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on September 30, 2014, 08:33:39 PM
Caroline checks out how many scientists there were on the station. They found two. How many are there left?  Jake and Lucas stay with her to clean up the lab after she is done.

"Let me just take a look at the list." Caroline says. "If we already found two, maybe we should do a sweep looking for the other ones."

William goes  to the generator room looking for a radio. He takes Smiley with him, because he was so stupid not to check on the damn thing in the first place. William and Smiley are in the generator room looking for the radio.

Smiley asks "Hey, William. How are you holding up?".

"Fine, under the circumstances." replies William. "Let's just look for the radio first and see if we can get into contact with the outside world."

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

How is the system holding up? I figured I had to do some rolls, but you do everything. Is is mostly passive skill checks? No active rolls?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 03, 2014, 05:03:51 PM
Back from the big move.  I am living in a apartment building now, but doing great.

Okay so far you been making passive rolls which don't require any dice rolling.  I just check up what you have in term of stats, merits, and talents.  So far it is going as plan.  How do you feel about it?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 03, 2014, 05:10:34 PM
You manage to find the radio.  Only it is beaten to the point that it is broken beyond repair.  Seriously it is as if some one grab a tool and smash the poor thing to death.  That is pretty bad and what makes this worst is that there is no contact without the outside world.  Looks like you got two weeks ahead of you if your lucky.

Mental Test Success
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Caroline manage to find eight names of the scientists that form the team.  So that means there are six missing people.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 05, 2014, 07:39:29 PM
Are you busy?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 06, 2014, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;790391
Are you busy?


Oh, you replied. I start posting again in an hour or so.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 06, 2014, 01:38:19 PM
I also sent a private message and told you in this thread that I had just moved.  Did you get those?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 06, 2014, 02:18:23 PM
Yes, received the message and yes system works fine for now. Just waiting for the active rolls to kick in sometime. Ok, back to the game.


"Damnit!" says Smiley. "It's all banged up! Let's get back to the other and bring them the bad news."

"Looks like sabotage. It sure is deliberate." William replies. "Ok, let's head back. It has no point staying here." William grabs a few small pieces of the radio to show it to the others.

"Six more names to go. I wonder if any of them are still alive." Caroline mumbles. "Maybe we should make a sweep around the base to see if we find any other bodies? There aren't any leads for now and there might be more of them out in the snow."

Lucas and Jake both nod. It makes sense to them to do an area sweep together, all five of them. Five see more than one or two. They all agree to wait for Smiley and William return.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 07, 2014, 02:58:20 PM
As William leaves the generator room something grabs him.

Roll Initiative
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Enemy rolled 9 for initiative and challenge is 3.  Active challenge is combat attribute base.


Mental Roll Success
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Smiley notice that there is something wrong with William.  Something is pulling him, but you don't know what.


Potency Roll Failure
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Both Smiley and William cannot figure out what is going on other than the fact that there is some force grabbing onto William.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 08, 2014, 07:00:05 PM
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)


So when in active combat you still do the rolls? Or do I have to do a roll when I say pc A punches target X?


William shouts "Ahhhhh! Something grabs me! I don't know what!" while he tries to break free from the grip.

Smiley panics a little and shouts back "But I don't see anything! Where is it?". Then Smiley gets a grip and starts throwing punches around William in the hope hitting something.

Meanwhile Lucas, Jake and Caroline still wait for the others to return. Caroline and Lucas clean up the lab and Jake already gets snowboots and warm clothing for the three of them.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 08, 2014, 10:10:43 PM
You actually roll 1d6 + mental mod to determine your character's initiative.  In this case both William and Smiley.  From there we determine who goes first.

Since it is just you and me I say grab any six sided die and just roll.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 09, 2014, 10:42:21 AM
William roll: 6 + 4 = 10
Smiley roll: 4 + 2 = 6
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 09, 2014, 03:44:15 PM
So initiative order is this.

Phase 1:

William 10  (Goes first)
Something  9  (Goes second)
Smiley  6  (Goes last)

Phase 2:

William  4  (Goes first)
Something  3  (Goes last)

To Put it Simple

William, Something, Smiley, William, and then Something


Something has challenge score of 3.  Since this is combat you are using your combat attribute mod to determine your score.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 09, 2014, 07:21:31 PM
So Smiley doesn't have a second attack because it's mental mod (2) is lower than the challenge score (3)?

It's quite a quirky system, isn't it? Is it similar to something else?

Btw, I have no idea what to roll now. Combat or potency roll it says. 1D6 + combat?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 10, 2014, 12:22:23 AM
His initiative wasn't good enough.  Like I said you can purchase talents to make initiative better.  This is also base off the phase system in Shadowrun 5th edition.

As for combat roll you compare you score (combat modifier + weapon modifier + other modifiers) to the challenge.

If you have double, then you get to roll three positive dice.

If you have more, then you get to roll two positive dice.

If it is a tie, then you roll the neutral die.

If you have less, then you roll 2 negative die.

If you have half, or less you roll 3 negative die.

The challenge is 3 so look at your character stats and gear.  Hell use your merits that could help you.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 10, 2014, 01:53:07 PM
I think this is the perfect time for an example, because I am clueless.

Ok, no weapons

William has comb. mod. of 3 so neutral die (what the hell is that); I rolled 2
Smiley has comb. mod. of 2 (so two negative die): I rolled 4 and 2

What's the point of splitting it all up in pos, neg and neutral dice? Ok I see. I think the neutral dice is just the same as positive. But I rolled 2 so the punch fails. The negative dice is 4 and 2 but you pick, so you pick 2 wich is failure again.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 11, 2014, 12:03:10 AM
Your right.  Neutral die is a the only thing that no one can control.  Not even the GM.  Once it is rolled your stuck with the result.  Positive dice are dice rolls you determine the outcome while negative are dice rolls that your opponent determine the outcome.  You determine the outcome by picking the one die that you want.

William had a neutral die and rolled a 2.  That is a failure, but at least it isn't a roll of 1 which is a botch.  Dice rolls of 2 to 3 are failures.

Smiley had rolled a 4 and 2 with his two negative dice.  A roll of 4 to 5 is a success.  A roll of 6 is a boost which greatly helps you since your control Smiley.  Problem is that it is negative dice so that means you don't get to pick the outcome.  Instead I get to pick the outcome and of course I am going to pick the 2 which means Smiley failed.

In case your also wondering I rolled a 2 as well.  So I guess we go to phase 2.  Once phase 2 is done I will make a big long post about what just happen.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 11, 2014, 08:24:43 PM
Ok what is second phase? Oh William again. Yay! 6! So now damage and that I rolled 3 now.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 12, 2014, 01:25:54 AM
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Manage to roll a 2.  Since I am assuming your using hands, or feet to get out I say damage is 5.  You rolled 3 on the 1d6 damage roll and added your physical mod.  Now it would normally be 5, but you are also unarmed so going to half that damage with a bit of rounding down.  So I am looking at 2 damage.
[/B]

During the struggle William manage to strike the invisible threat.  It felt like solid armor and William has this sickening feeling that the blow didn't do any damage.  The invisible entity did, however, let go which gave Smiley the time to drag William out of there.  From there the two head for the exit.  No one would believe this story, but the team has to know what just happen.

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

How was your first active test?
[/B]
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 12, 2014, 05:58:51 PM
Not really that hard. You just write it down in a way that is hard to read for me. A lot of cross referencing and terms being mentioned without introduction.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 12, 2014, 09:00:04 PM
Okay now write down your reaction in the game.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 13, 2014, 06:52:05 PM
Oh yeah. Totally forgot that.

William hits it hard. It feels strangely mechanical. At least if it's either armored or made of metal or something. William and Smiley rush back to the laboratory. The bash through the door of the lab and stand there bewildered. The others look at them puzzled.

"What just happened?" asks Caroline while she looks at the panicked duo.

"Something grabbed me. I couldn't see what it was. No, let me rephrase this. I literally couldn't see what it was. It was invisable. Like there was nothing at all." said William.

"I couldn't see it either. Never seen anything like this. I mean ... damn it. You know what I mean." says Smiley.

"Did you hit it?" asks William.

"Nope nothing. I could see something pulling at you. Some force." says Smiley.

"It was metalish. Or made of metal. Or armored. Hell it could an invisable robot." says William.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 13, 2014, 07:10:05 PM
"I knew it. I knew something was watching us. Something invisable. We are at war right now! Everyone hear something, then let me know. I am going to get the weapons." says Jake.

"There must be some sort of explanation for this." says Caroline. "It could be anything really. A mutated species. Scientifically engineered. A robot or cyborg species. Something alien or maybe something prehistoric buried under the ice?"

"Are you positive?" asks Lucas. William nods. Jake sees enough. William isn't lying. He is really startled by something.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 13, 2014, 07:27:36 PM
Congrats you survive day 2.  That means you get another milestone which means your heroic points is now at 2.  It also means your characters gain one more point to spend any where on their attributes other than potency.

Also I believe that William gain 4 more potency points and Smiley only gain 2 more potency points.  Does that shift any these two over 10 points of potency, or at least equal to 10 potency points?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 14, 2014, 01:12:21 PM
Ok let me check.

Updated. Caroline's mental is now 40. Lucas combat is now 30. William has 11 potency points. Smiley just 2 now.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 14, 2014, 01:32:32 PM
Congrats William has a potency mod of 1.  Now the weirdness begins as William can see things more clearer.

Okay so day 3 what is everyone doing?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 14, 2014, 07:05:22 PM
William, Jake, Caroline, Smiley and Lucas decide to make that area sweep together they were planning on. Jake is on his guard, even more so than usual. He is quiet and concentrated. He walks a little in front of the rest of the crew, scouting the area and looking for signs.

Lucas at first thought he had the most in common with Caroline, but the longer this trip takes the more he is socializing with Smiley. They both have the crime connection, although each from a different side. Smiley is talkative as usual, but Lucas could see something is bothering him. While Lucas talks about really cold winters and skiing with Smiley, he still pays attention to his surroundings.

The back of the group is formed by Caroline and William. They both are quite scholarly and they are discussing different research methodologies. Williams looks a bit more startled than usual. Caroline isn't exactly relaxed either, but William looks a bit feverish.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 14, 2014, 10:12:08 PM
As William should be.  In the lab he notice the mysterious blood on the ice rods, but it appears quite blurry.  When William points it out to the others they could see nothing.  They see no blood, no blur, and just nothing other than the ice rods.

When they got to the drilling site William notice a lot of dark blurs under the drill platform.  He could tell it is some small cave, but any attempt to go into it fails.  The others stand watching this odd behavior as they don't even see the cave.  Not even a single blur.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 17, 2014, 05:16:37 PM
Ok next reply coming up. Let me think what to do. Problem is the more we experience to better we can see what is really going on. But it's a bit dull to let everyone just stroll around for a few extra days.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 21, 2014, 04:58:41 PM
Just a few questions. Do the players already know what the purpose is of the drilling site? Are there any documents about this drilling site somewhere around the base? And is there a map somewhere? Maybe the cave is on a map of the underground.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 22, 2014, 10:20:46 PM
The only thing you know and what the scientists knew is that the drill site is used for drilling out rods.  That is it.  The corporation that hired you doesn't know any thing beyond that.  So yes that cave is a new discovery.

Personally I am surprise how much your team buys into this.  It is if they are believers and want to believe.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 23, 2014, 06:26:38 PM
Ok what are rods exactly? Like this? (https://www.google.nl/search?q=rods&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=aYBJVJj4I8bKaIeYgNgI&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=799#tbm=isch&q=rods+ice)

Or these? (https://www.google.nl/search?espv=2&biw=1440&bih=799&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=_IBJVJrCEIKLaOvQgPgG&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&q=drilling%20rods)

And the rods with blood on it? I figured they were ice picks of some sort, but I guess I am wrong.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 23, 2014, 06:34:25 PM
Caroline is looking anxious. "I am very curious about these scientists. What were they up to? They did awaken something devious and twisted. Are they doing research on some sort of extra dimensional creatures?"

William still is puzzled on why he is the only one who sees the blood and the cave. "I think I see this stuff because the thing got hold on me. The more you get in touch with them the better you can see them. I have no idea what they can be. I can't remember reading anything about them in the past."

Jake is on the edge. "I really want to go down that cave you see. Too bad we can't see it or enter it. I am sure there is something down there. My gut tells me that."
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 23, 2014, 08:11:27 PM
OOC
SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

The rods are made of ice and are massive cyclinders.  Basicly each layer is a age that scientists use to measure.  Each measurement determines the temperature conditions of the world at that time.


Despite being able to see the cave William has a hard time trying to enter it.  He feels a powerful barrier.  With nothing, but willpower the man forces himself into the cave.  He feels like he did something that no human had ever done and a new sense of danger.

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Congrats William now knows how to sink.


The others saw William walk through visible ripples in the air as if the man is walking through a wall of water.  The next moment he disappears.

The cave is deep and just keeps on sinking.  William can see a... creature.  It looks like a fleshy spider that is in a harden carapace.  Amazing camo as it looks like solid ice.  The drill must had drilled through the creature by accident and alerted others.  Are they hunting you, or protecting their cave.

Now filled with horror William looks around and doesn't see the others.  He runs towards the entrance of the cave and in either fear, or will power the man push himself back through the barrier.

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Congrats you now went back to potency mod 1 where everyone can still see you.  William also gain 8 potency points in witnessing the creature.


Finally the team can see William come out through the strange ripples.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 24, 2014, 05:39:31 PM
What do you mean with "I went back to potency mod 1"? Was I higher than 1? And what is sinking?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 24, 2014, 06:38:45 PM
"What did you do?" Smiley asked

"I don't know." says William. "I pushed through some invisable wall and back. When I went through I didn't see you at all. I saw you again when I pushed back through the wall. There is something really weird going on. When I went in I saw something. A giant spider. Covered in armor made of ice. It's dead. Probably the drill hit the thing. What are these things? And what is this cave? How could the drill have hit the spiders? If they are in another place unseen then how could it have hit?"
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 24, 2014, 08:48:24 PM
Quote from: jan paparazzi;793868
What do you mean with "I went back to potency mod 1"? Was I higher than 1? And what is sinking?


Sinking is basicly going deeper into the hidden worlds.  It basicly increases your physical, mental, and social attributes.  Say you got physical 34, mental 21, and social 41.  You sink three levels.  That means your stats are physical 64, mental 51, and social 71.

The down side is two fold.  One monsters have easier time to get you as it requires less effort to phase through the potency levels.  Secondly using supernatural powers while sinking will increase your potency.

Sink 1 level = 2 potency points per use
Sink 2 level = 3 potency points per use
Sink 3 level = 4 potency points per use
Sink 4 level = 5 potency points per use
Sink 5 level = 6 potency points per use
Sink 6 level = 7 potency points per use

You get the idea.

Now what I meant by going back to potency one I mean going back to your normal level.  Which means your stats go back to normal as well.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 25, 2014, 01:14:01 AM
Let me think up a post.  I will have something by tomorrow.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 25, 2014, 12:32:37 PM
Later on that night the team are having dinner.  Things had calm down for a while and they are going over what they do know.  Though the weapons are nearby and Jake is not taking any chances any more.

Outside the team can hear strange noises, but when they look through the window they see nothing.  Not even William, but he could change that if he wanted to do that.  Then again that may not be wise.  He already seen a dead creature and a living one might take him over the edge.

Still the noises continue and eventually the team can hear strange foot steps on the roof.  Suddenly they can hear it on the walls as well.  The living quarters is surrounded.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 25, 2014, 07:25:06 PM
Zoinks! Let me think up something.

Ok since William doesn't want to mental I have to do something else. Everyone grabs a weapons. I don't think it's safe to go outside, so maybe it's best to hunker down and wait till the door opens. Are there any windows in that room? I sure hope they can't go through the walls.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 28, 2014, 11:27:48 AM
There are windows, but none of them are broken.  In fact these creatures don't seem to be interested in the windows.  There are no broken walls and special sight that William had attained shows no evidence.  The creatures are moving around the building.  It appears to be a long night ahead for the the group.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on October 29, 2014, 05:33:45 PM
Well, I guess they decide it's best to take turns while the others go to sleep. They weren't planning on leaving in the open in the middle of the night anyway. So I guess Jake and Smiley stay awake for half the night and then the other half they go asleep and the Caroline, William and Lucas stay awake.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on October 29, 2014, 08:11:49 PM
With no rest the group manage to survive the horrible night.

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Gain 2 potency points.


Day 4

Two members of the group manage to wake up as the other three are tired.  This will be a long two weeks and to be frank about it no one is going to believe you.  Evidence must be gathered and the missing people must be found.

SPOILER (Hover over section below to view.)

Should have milestone 3 by now.  Which means you get a attribute point to spend and a heroic point.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 01, 2014, 10:33:21 PM
Ok, that milestone thing is new. What is it exactly? Everytime something new pops up during play.

I adapt the sheets for a little. I have some trouble deciding what to do next. The only way I get to know more is get in contact with the spiders. But that seems way too dangerous. I can't just walk in the open, wait till I get caught, my potency rises and now I can see more all the time.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 02, 2014, 01:03:35 AM
Milestones are xp.  You gain a heroic point and attribute point per milestone gain.  Every time I told you get a attribute point is when you got a milestone.  In other words you should have 3 milestones for surviving three days.  So they are not even new.  Hell I posted it in the ooc thread with the rules.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 02, 2014, 10:56:43 AM
Let me think of something.  What do you plan to do with your two players that are up?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 02, 2014, 04:20:05 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;795678
Milestones are xp.  You gain a heroic point and attribute point per milestone gain.  Every time I told you get a attribute point is when you got a milestone.  In other words you should have 3 milestones for surviving three days.  So they are not even new.  Hell I posted it in the ooc thread with the rules.


Just read it now. I skimmed over it before. You must understand that for me the best rules system is just a plain skills and attributes system. I never could be bothered by reading all the extra rules in the nwod. I don't use anything else. I find the merits already annoying and forget about them half the time. We don't use any morality, no blood magic, no disciplines, no predators taint. No hunter tactics (why rules for that?), no willpower risking. If we don't know it, I just make something up. A lot quicker than searching for it in the rulebook.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 02, 2014, 04:22:39 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;795729
Let me think of something.  What do you plan to do with your two players that are up?


Now I read it I assume you have to sink and rise again. Sink to boost your powers and rise to get your sanity back again. But why on earth would I do that? I just don't see the benefits. It's a one way trip. The best thing to do is hide out for two weeks, than make a run at the helicopter/airplane and get the hell out of there and forget you ever went there in the first place.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 03, 2014, 12:57:05 AM
It isn't sanity.  Your not becoming made your just walking through dimensions and no i don't mean parallel worlds either.  I am talking about 1D, 2D, 3D, and 4D.  We humans see in 3D, but we know there is a 4D because that is time.

I guess the best way of saying it is that your sea diving.  The monsters of the deep cannot surface because the lack of pressure it requires for them to survive.  While that pressure makes you stronger your also reachable by those deep sea predators.

You could try to hide.  That is always a option.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 03, 2014, 06:47:35 PM
Well, you build up points and you dont want to go over 60. But hell, fuck it. What if one or two people would try to sink (if they even know how that works)? What would happen besides the attribute boost they get?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 03, 2014, 08:08:32 PM
Well that is the thing.  Sinking goes beyond the cap.  So if your at cap 59 and sink down two levels you attribute is treated as 79.  Though this is temporary as if you go back to your normal potency level the attribute goes back to 59.  The only benefits of sinking is that your attributes are more powerful and you can access to places you normally can't go in.  The downside is that forces are pulling you down trying to make you drown.

Same deals applies when your trying to surface only in the opposite direction.  Your attributes get weaker, but you are also safer for only a limited amount of time.  Early in the game surfacing makes no since, but late game surfacing is a wonderful way to get to safety.  It also keep you in contact with other people.

There is also reaching which can go up, or down.  It cost heroics to do it, but it allows you to effect people without being in the same level as they are.  Remember when the monster grab William?  That was spider trying reaching over to grab him.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 03, 2014, 08:18:08 PM
Also don't forget your potency raises your attribute cap.  +10 per potency mod.  So if you have potency 31 your attribute cap for physical, mental, and social attributes is 89.  So long term if you want to risk it you could have attributes reaching over a hundred points which means attribute modifier of ten.

Also gaining attribute points from milestones is important for another reason other than improving your attribute.  It also heals your attribute.  Lets just say some monsters have the ability to damage your attribute which reduces your points.  If your points are reduce enough you have a reduction in your attribute modifier.  Reaching zero points in any of your attributes can be character death.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 04, 2014, 05:00:48 PM
I meant sinking increases potency and your character is gone with potency 60. So I figured not doing a lot with that. I have to sink to see what is going. That way my char's gain potency point which means in the end a character that is too far gone and I lose them. So a one way trip.

The attribute rise doesn't say much too me, because I have no idea where the bar is. A normal char seems to have 20/30 points. But when sinking you become twice as strong/fast/smart. What's the max? 100?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 04, 2014, 05:06:20 PM
So fuck it then. Let's sink William and the other one level. See what happens.

Update the PC's. There is no other guy btw. Jake is at potency 8. So let's sink William.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 04, 2014, 08:22:27 PM
Okay do you play werewolf, or mage in nWoD?

Think of it as shifting through twilight and then shifting into the hisil (aka shadow world/spirit realm).  Sinking is a term use for some one phasing into the lower levels, but the effects are temporary.  So you can sink below potency 6 and be fine.

Drowning is increasing your power stat.  As in blood potency, primal urge, gnosis, azoth, wyrd, and you get the deal.  Increasing your power stat is a permanent effect so you do lose your character if your natural unsinking potency is 6 or over.

Is this helping you?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 05, 2014, 12:38:03 AM
Oh yeah I am telling you this.  I learn a lot from this play by post so here are the changes I am making for this system.

I added a skill system and drop talents.  It reduces confusion, allows creativity, and streamlined the system to attribute mod + skill value + equipment mod + 1d6 = total score or challenge.

Dice rolling had been simplified to just 1d6.  In passive tests you just compare score to challenge.  In active tests both score owner and challenge owner roll 1d6.  Who has the highest wins.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 06, 2014, 05:09:41 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;796312
Okay do you play werewolf, or mage in nWoD?

Think of it as shifting through twilight and then shifting into the hisil (aka shadow world/spirit realm).  Sinking is a term use for some one phasing into the lower levels, but the effects are temporary.  So you can sink below potency 6 and be fine.

Drowning is increasing your power stat.  As in blood potency, primal urge, gnosis, azoth, wyrd, and you get the deal.  Increasing your power stat is a permanent effect so you do lose your character if your natural unsinking potency is 6 or over.

Is this helping you?


Yes this makes sense. You just have the habit of assuming I know your system as well as you do. It's the drowning I am afraid off. I would place drowning as a side effect of sinking in your explanation btw.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 06, 2014, 05:12:15 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;796366
Oh yeah I am telling you this.  I learn a lot from this play by post so here are the changes I am making for this system.

I added a skill system and drop talents.  It reduces confusion, allows creativity, and streamlined the system to attribute mod + skill value + equipment mod + 1d6 = total score or challenge.

Dice rolling had been simplified to just 1d6.  In passive tests you just compare score to challenge.  In active tests both score owner and challenge owner roll 1d6.  Who has the highest wins.


So it's more like Unisystem now, only with d6 instead of d10. Good to hear.

So William sinks one level. What does he see?
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 06, 2014, 05:34:06 PM
I assume you would know because you played nWoD and I said this could easily take over nWoD.  Should had told you that potency is treated like a power stat though.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 06, 2014, 07:22:15 PM
Quote from: jan paparazzi;796834
So William sinks one level. What does he see?


Depends on where he is at.  I don't even know if William is up since I said two people are awake.  I didn't say which two are up.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 07, 2014, 12:38:50 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;796893
Depends on where he is at.  I don't even know if William is up since I said two people are awake.  I didn't say which two are up.


Ok, then what happens? Cause now I am confused.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 07, 2014, 12:40:57 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;796847
I assume you would know because you played nWoD and I said this could easily take over nWoD.  Should had told you that potency is treated like a power stat though.


Only a power stat with some fatality build in. It's not like blood potency, but more like a humanity zero character.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 07, 2014, 01:07:34 PM
Quote from: jan paparazzi;797039
Ok, then what happens? Cause now I am confused.


Well last story post you guys stayed up and took shifts because of the spider monsters outside the living quarters.  I am assuming that only two are up right now as the other three need to sleep.  So I am asking you which two of the five investigators are up.  I am also asking where would you like to explore.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 07, 2014, 02:25:54 PM
I let Jake and Smiley stay awake first. But I don't dare to go outside. I let them stay guard.

After that I let William sink and let Caroline and Lucas watch each other.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 08, 2014, 08:57:07 PM
Jake and Smiley saw nothing unusal.  In fact the morning was just fine.

While William was exploring the various depths of his new found ability to travel through dimensions he had notice the landscape changes.  There is a entire ecosystem out there in Antarctica that was never discovered.  

The area around the base has caves.  In fact it looks like a hive.  A hive for ice spiders that is.  It seems the science team had piss off the hive with its drilling.  Though this raises some questions.

First off William notices he has to go deeper in order to see these caves.  The cave he found at the drill site was easy to spot.  Sure it was blurry, but he could see it without sinking.  Is it possible that some cave entrances can travel dimensions, or some places tend to surface?  It does make those books about Cthulhu more real than you like.

William also made a new discovery that if he sinks far enough the living quarters itself would cease to be.  Knowing that being surrounded by walls is better than being in the open William surface back up to his normal potency.  From there he wakes up the other two and tells them what he had seen.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 12, 2014, 08:37:42 PM
I post something tomorrow. I don't really know what to do right now. I guess this is the drawback of being the only player. This is the time I usually wait for someone else to come up with a plan. I come up with something tomorrow.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 13, 2014, 12:20:06 PM
Hey do you just want to end this game?  I won't mind if you do.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 13, 2014, 08:33:14 PM
Quote from: Snowman0147;798376
Hey do you just want to end this game?  I won't mind if you do.


No not really. I just have a hard time coming up with something right now. William is the only one who can sink and he did a tour of the "underworld" already. He can't really fight all those spiders on his own. And the rest can't do anything yet. Unless I let them walk out like canon fodder and they gain somewhat more potency and then they can sink (if they are still alive) and wrestle with some ice-spiders.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: jan paparazzi on November 16, 2014, 02:53:30 PM
Maybe it is better to quit. Let's just call it a day and go on with other things. Thanks anyway. I enjoyed it and I will be playing more play by post games in the future. I think I will use rpol.net for that. First I will start with some WoD games and then I will branch out to other games. With more than one player. :)

Thanks anyway.
Title: (IC) Files of Private Investigation Task Force
Post by: Snowman0147 on November 16, 2014, 02:56:15 PM
Your welcome.