SDMB Shadowrun campaign, New World Orders - players only!

“Ugh. My leg’s falling asleep. I’m need to get up and stretch it out.”

Goethe slowly rises moves out of melee range from Chaggo and then in a flash slides his pistol into his hand and points it in Chaggo’s direction as the reticule from his smartlink appears over his right eye and hovers right between Chaggo’s eyes.

“What you don’t see right now, Chaggo, is a smart-link reticule hovering right between your eyes. You so much as twitch a muscle that is not part of your neck or head, and it’ll be the last thing ever that you don’t see. And I don’t think you’re stupid enough to think I’m bluffing. I think you pretty much know your situation at this point. You’re disarmed, disarmored, and surrounded by people that don’t have much reason to keep you alive. Your possum play might have fooled the others, but it didn’t fool me. By now, Donovan has his pistol pointed at you as well, and Seneth no doubt is doing whatever it is he’d do in this situation.” Shrug

During the following monologue, as long as Chaggo listens and doesn’t make any sudden movements, Goethe will continue. As soon as Chaggo makes a sudden movement, Goethe will shoot him, twice if he can, at which point, the monologue will not finish and play will continue from the point he shot him.

"Anyway, we’re going to try something new. I’ll level with you, and you level with me. No bullshit. No games.

"Right now, the guy you had with you on the train is in Lone Star custody, probably spilling his guts out.

"Right now, the guy you were talking to over your commlink on the train is probably done being scraped off of the pavement by Lone Star and once he heals enough to be in a position to talk will probably spill his guts out as well. He already spilled it to our own physad.

"Soon, your description will probably be flashing over the trids as Lone Star ties you to all these events.

"Soon, Fortnight will probably spill his guts as to what he knows about you to Lone Star as well, after all, how do you think we found you? It didn’t take much to make him talk.

"Essentially, many who knew you have already written you off as dead, and the rest aren’t too far behind. Welcome to Limbo.

"Understand, that once Arry is freed, there’s one thing left to do so that we get paid. Your death. And we know where Arry is. So understand, there isn’t much reason for me not to pull this trigger. In fact, I’m kind of hoping you’ll give me a reason to, because it makes my life easier.

"See, I have real issues with killing in cold blood. Maybe it’s some moral hang-up. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m a businessman in my own way, and have always held that killing is rarely good for business. Maybe a mix of both. Maybe some other reasons I haven’t thought of. But I won’t kill without a good reason. However, I currently have one. As I said, I’m a businessman. I have a contract to adhere to, and part of that includes your death. And if you know anything about my reputation, I’ve never reneged on a contract, and I don’t plan to start. In this case, killing you is good for business, but it might not be the ideal play.

"See, Donovan here works for the guy that I contracted with. Which means, he no doubt would love for me to put one into your brainpan right away. However, if this contract can be modified to a point where we don’t have to kill you, that would be acceptable. We get paid, you live, everybody wins. Or at least, comes out ahead of the current situation. After all, it’d be a bit of shame to have someone of your talents put into the dead-book at this time. You’re no use to anyone dead. You really should learn to choose your compatriots better, though.

"So why don’t you start by explaining why you kidnapped Arry in the first place, and why Synthcorp wants you dead. You must have really pissed someone off for them to call for your head. I don’t even think Donovan knows the full story. And remember, you’ll have to convince him probably more than even convincing me.

“Of course, I could just kill you and save everyone a lot of hassle. Really, it’s your choice.”

Chaggo sighs, and opens his eyes. He makes no sudden movements, and slowly scoots to a corner, where he pulls himself to a seated position.

The ork looks terrible. He’s caked in blood, dirt, and bruises. His clothing is torn. Every movement he makes causes him to wince in pain, and he’s obviously in no condition to fight.

Upon Goethe mentioning a modified contract, Chaggo chuckles humorlessly.

“Makes a man feel good, to know his enemies will go to such trouble over him,” the ork says. “Thought I could outsmart them. Guess I was wrong.”

Chaggo looks down, and shakes his head. “Modify the contract, eh? Synthcorp got a rep for ‘modifying’ contracts, pup?” He looks Goethe in the eye. “Maybe you don’t know much as you thought. You got two options, kid. Serve up this lovely mug on a plate, or try to explain why you failed to. Trust me - you don’t pick option two. Ever heard of a runner team for Synthcorp who failed? Didn’t think so.”

Chaggo pauses for a moment, seeming to consider something. "Since it don’t matter so much anymore, guess I don’t mind explaining myself to you. My business ain’t exactly business. It’s personal. I want that bastard Johnson dead. Got my own reasons, not least of which is he used Synthcorp to murder some people I cared about. That’s what this is all about.

Arry developed some of the tech Johnson’s security uses. Figured I could scare it out of him, but that damn Native is a tough son of a bitch."

Goethe has had moderate success persuading Chaggo to talk. Seneth and Donovan can choose to stay quiet, or ask Chaggo more questions.

Nail will arrive at the warehouse soon, and can interact with the group with his next post.

Seneth will do one of the following, depending on how he is feeling:

If he is feeling up to casting a spell(basically, if he has enough energy and if he feels like rest is coming soon):

  • He will inform Chaggo that he will now probe his mind. Assuming Chaggo has little room to offer resistance, Seneth will cast Mindprobe.

If it is an easier spell or if Mindprobe is unsuccesful:

  • Seneth will cast Analyze Truth on Chaggo and determine if they are being lied to.
    If Seneth is wiped out and can not do either, he will say to the group:

"Let us get to somewhere secure. I will rest and recover my full abilities. After this, I will learn the full truth from this ‘Chaggo’ being and if not, I will kill him with a single touch of my finger.

Yes, Chaggo, I can do that. If you disbelieve me, I will demonstrate it on you. You last thoughts will be, ‘He was right.’"

Nail arrives at the warehouse. “What’s up everyone?” he says casually.

Looking towards Chaggo and giving Goethe a light pat on his ribs, “Looks like I missed out on the real fun. Again.” Nail sighs but is clearly in a good mood.

Donovan is going to stay quiet for the moment, seeing that Seneth is preparing for some spell.

As Seneth prepares his mind probe spell, Chaggo interrupts him.

“You might want to reconsider that, chum. My mind’s not easy to rape. You’re liable to just end up with a migraine.”

Chaggo will have an opportunity to roll to resist Seneth’s mind probe spell if he attempts to cast it. Seneth’s analyze truth spell is not an opposed test, however. It won’t tell Seneth anything about Chaggo’s intentions or state of mind, but only whether the words he speaks are literal truth. Analyze truth is much more likely to succeed, but provides much less reliable information than mind probe.

Seneth is in good condition, and may attempt to cast either (or both) spells. Beware, as Chaggo’s reputation is that he is particularly able to resist magic.

“You misunderstand me, child. I am not attempting to mind probe you against your will. I want you to agree to allow me in. Open your mind and allow me to read your thoughts, as deeply as I choose.”

To the group:

“My children, if he resists, may I kill him? Or are you hoping to learn more? I assure you, if he does not allow me in his mind, he is hiding a great many details? Perhaps I should cause him great pain?”

Chaggo’s gaze narrows, and he stares unflinching at Seneth as he responds.

“Not a goddamn chance I’ll let some crazy poser mind rape me. You want in? Give it your best shot, mutt.”

Chaggo has refused to cooperate with Seneth’s mind probe spell. Seneth can either attempt to overwhelm Chaggo’s resistance by casting the spell anyway (which will deeply violate the ork, and he will utterly refuse any further cooperation) or use the analyze truth spell, which will reveal any literal untruths Chaggo might utter.

Analyze truth can be sustained, allowing Seneth and the rest of the party to ask Chaggo any questions they like, although the ork can still attempt to either “deceive with the truth,” avoid answering directly, or simply flat out refuse to answer.

Nail is already bored and slightly annoyed. “Well, this is going nowhere fast. Look, whoever is guarding Arry is going to figure out something is up soon, if they haven’t already. Why don’t we go rescue him first and worry about this stubborn Ork later. It doesn’t look like he’s going to pose a problem anytime soon.”

Seneth casts Analyze Truth.

“Ask away, my children. I am also prepared to cause…great…bodily…harm to this child.”

Goethe to the group:

“Maybe we should ask the questions on the way to Arry’s location, eh? We can even let Chaggo ride in the backseat with Nail and I while Donovan drives and Seneth takes shotgun. I assume you brought the restraints, Nail?”

Nail watches intently as Seneth casts his spell. Creeped out a bit by Seneth’s following remark, Nail considers making a sarcastic quip. However, Seneth’s face is half supremely serious, half sagely, and half a cat bringing home a dead mouse for his master. Mages just don’t add up sometimes.

Goethe’s suggestion breaks the awkward silence, and Nail replies readily: “Sounds good. Let’s go.”

As for the restraints, I announced my intention to get my hands on some, but I don’t know if I actually did or not…

Seneth has cast analyze truth, and successfully resisted drain. For as long as the spell is sustained, Seneth will know if Chaggo’s words are literally untrue.

Donovan’s company vehicle has “zip tie” style restraints in the glove box. It’s not long before the group is prepared to leave, with Chaggo in restraints in the back seat.

Darwin floats toward Nail and snaps his trademark salute. Darwin uses the text program to speak to Nail.

“This unit is returning to last known operator location.”

That’s the only explanation Darwin provides, as he returns to Kirk’s motorcycle and couples with its docking port. In moments, the motorcycle revs its mighty engine, and speeds off toward McManus’ safe house.

Nail, Donovan, Seneth, and Goethe are now enroute to Arry’s location. They may now interrogate Chaggo, and be sure he can not lie to them.

Since no players have posted any further questions for Chaggo, I’ll forward the mission to when you arrive at Arry’s location. Unless I hear otherwise, the next post will be the arrival at the house, and will be posted at or around 8:00 am PST, in approximately 9.5 hours.

Seneth’s spell has detected that Chaggo has made any comments which are factually incorrect, so far.

Errr, I had a few things I wanted to say. Had a busy day at work and couldn’t get to the PC. Sorry. If they don’t change anything, feel free to fast forward to us arriving.

To Chaggo: “So, Chaggo, just how well holed-up is Arry in your little piece of suburbia?”

To Goethe only: “Any idea what that transmission from McManus was all about? I figure that shark can take care of himself, but I gotta admit I’m a bit worried over Kirk. Shes’ not exactly the rough-and-tumble type.”

And I was out all day yesterday apartment hunting. Now that I’m gainfully employed again after taking a voluntary layoff, Liz has passed the bar, and I’m not paying both a mortgage and rent, it was time to get a nicer apartment. But Goethe wouldn’t have much more to ask other than the details of the hideout and Autolycus seems to have beat me to that post anyway.

Goethe to Nail:

“No idea. But McManus has made some enemies over the years, something he doesn’t talk much about. One of those enemies was indirectly responsible for me getting into running in the first place. But you don’t last as long in this game as he has without having some tricks up your sleeve, so I’m not too worried about him. As far as Kirk, well, you’re right that she’s not really the rough-and-tumble type, but she’s pretty resourceful in her own way. My only concern is that she’s dropped all connection to Darwin. That’s not like her.”

As the group turns on the last road leading to Chaggo’s safe house, the ork taunts Nail in response to his question.

“It ain’t exactly caviar and hookers, if you get my drift,” Chaggo says. Even through the sarcasm, Nail can detect a note of…what? Sadness? Regret?

“Listen, I don’t want any of my crew killed on account of me. Let’s finish this up. I get it - I lost, and now it’s time to pay the piper. Let me talk to my boys. Let me use my comlink, and I’ll get 'em out of there, so you don’t need to black bag 'em. Arry’ll be nice and cozy all by his lonesome, and after you ‘rescue’ him, you can off me in the basement. Arry can witness it, so Synthcorp don’t doubt you.”

Seneth’s spell is not able to determine Chaggo’s intent, but for what it’s worth, none of Chaggo’s statements above are factual lies.

Goethe naturally tries to detect whether Chaggo is attempting to trick them, and sees no signs of deceit from the ork.

Seneth asks Chaggo:

“Have you in any way tried to mask anything from us?”

“Have you mislead us using literal truths to lead us on the wrong path?”

“Damn, and I haven’t had caviar and hookers in so long, too.”

Does Nail know where Chaggo’s comlink is? If not, he will look for it. If so, he will throw it to Chaggo, while pulling out his gun, holding it to Chaggo’s head, and saying, ‘Speak slowly and clearly please.’