[IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Deadline

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Supernaturalist
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

John returned to his quarters to retrieve his map before hurrying to Planning Room 2. Sure would be nice to have a squad to take along. Setting up a proper ambush is gonna be difficult if it's just me. The Iona chick needs to come along to identify possible camera locations. If those can't be disabled, then my options for safely placing explosives are gonna shrink real fast.

With his map in hand as well as some worn-looking dry-erase markers, John unfolds the laminated paper out on a table. He immediately checks his own map against the one utilized by Diego to see if he's missing anything important.

Rubbing his chin, he looks over both maps, his eyes verifying the features on both. His mind then starts to work on possible ways to set up demolitions or to sneak them into the area (even if it is done by an innocent bystander). John had few scruples about war-fighting prior to the conflict. Now that his fate is tied to Imperator's cause, he has embraced "total war" even more so. He knows that the drones will be difficult enough to deal with, but if he can cutoff or greatly impede ground-based reinforcements to the building (even for a while), then their job will be easier. Hopefully, all will go smoothly and his services will not be needed. But as he told Diego earlier...better safe than sorry.
Here's my Expertise: Soldier roll: Supernaturalist: 1D20+12 → 23(11 + 12). So, a 23 total.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP: 1
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

She didn't particularly care for the technicalities of the mission. That was for Diego, John, and perhaps Sander to iron out. But she did feel like she should be present just in case any pertinent questions came to her mind. So the young cyborg reluctantly takes a break from her lab in order to join them in the planning room.

After the last mission, she was nervous. Things had not gone well; the trauma from that event had left it's mark. Her relationship with Dr. Sokolov had become strained and for the first time, she had begun to feel alone. This fear of loneliness had provided fuel to motivate her. She would work to re-establish confidence in herself...but also to achieve independence...someday.

Iona remains mostly quiet. This is not her element, so she listens to those whose expertise in military operations greatly exceeds her own. She does, however, look for an opportunity to interject if her skills provide an easier alternative or solution than ones mentioned by her peers.
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Sakuro
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Sakuro »

It doesn't take long for Corporal Sander to arrive after Diego's summons. She carries with her a tablet and while they wait for John to retrieve his personal map, she reads from the tablet, updating him on intelligence reports relevant to Ward 8. With no operational orders Tilly has been putting people on passive information gathering assignments for field work. Now risk. Low reward. But it gave people something to do and allowed the less experienced field operatives to cut their teeth and cultivate some basic information gathering skills. None of the information Tilly shares is particularly noteworthy by itself, but collectively it help Diego paint a more detailed strategic view of the area.

When John arrives he and Diego begin pouring over their maps and discussing operational area in tactical detail. What John lacks in actionable intelligence concerning Ward 8, he makes up for in his tactical expertise and is able to point out things Diego himself had overlooked.

Reflecting on Ward 8, Diego recalls his time in the sewers. There he and Alexandria had noticed some routes into building sub-levels, such as the one Dr. Sokolov had been living in at the time, but these entry points were protected by electronic security. He also heard the the presence of at least one drone, but vacated the area and did not investigate. Diego also recalls finding a hidden route into the Under City under Ward 8. It had markings near it that he can now associate with the First Generation, which he has noted operating in the subterranean area more than once. Dr. Sokolov's facility is also located in the area.

If the First Generation don't take offense to using the hidden passage, it could offer a means of exodus from Stronghold pursuit. But it would come with the risks inherent in venturing into the Under City. Diego's last venture there resulted in his and Peter's being contaminated by dangerous chemicals that while of no hinderance to them, put everyone around them at risk until Peter took the two Ascendants through a lengthy decontamination process.

Though there is no actual report of it, it would be reasonable for Diego to deduce there is more security in the sewers now. Diego, Hitori, Levi, and Peter attacked and left Ward 8 through subterranean means on their last mission there. They have also been using the sewers a lot in their operations. If Stronghold hasn't already caught on, they will if the tactic continues to be used regularly.

Reviewing the pooled intelligence provided by John's limited experience in Ward 8 and the update from the base's personnel scouting, it is well apparent that Stronghold has the Ward secured. There are checkpoints at every road leading in. But they can't cover every inch of space. There are gaps, and these gaps take the form of narrow alleyways that a vehicle could have difficulty fitting through. Unless it were small and maneuverable, such as a motorcycle. Getting in to the Ward with a van, or other transport for your equipment, is viable is adequate deception is employed and you are able to conceal your equipment from possible inspection in the event suspicions are raise. Leaving the area with the same vehicle, if you cause a commotion, will be much more difficult.

The Autumn Dawn building itself has mostly open land around it, in the form of a large parking space. This make approaching the building obvious. There are no alley's nearby, and nothing noteworthy to conceal oneself amongst other than vehicles and pedestrians. Rather, main streets are on all sides of it's for expansive parking lots. It is like a lone tower standing tall by itself on an open plain.

In a low to the ground sense, there is cover for approach and withdrawal in the form of vehicles in the Autumn Dawn parking lot as well as some decorative shrubbery. Each and every vehicle itself is something that could conceal explosives, but there are no choke points or defensive positions to exploit. This means you can can see Stronghold coming, but both Stronghold and Autumn Dawn in house security will more easily be able to observe your movements. John is able to find some reasonably discreet locations to park a vehicle about a block away from the Autumn Dawn building. A couple even have sew access. Autumn Dawn's open campus takes up considerable space, meaning if you are not using their parking lot, you are parking a fair walk away from the scene.
OOC wrote:If you have further, more specific questions, go ahead an ask. You rolled really well on both Expertise checks.
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 1
CND: Haunted, but fine
Form: Mist
Trauma Trigger: 1


When Tilly presented the intelligence reports, Diego, in human form nodded with approval. Once he formed his network of spies and the increased food allowed more fodder to join up, the base personnel would be excellent trainers. After Tilly left, Diego resumed his more mist like form and impersonal voice.

Pouring over the charts, Diego immediately thought to himself the overt approach was foolish. The sight lines were too god and escape, while doable for Iona and Diego in various forms would be tricky with the plant. As he had said to John earlier he still thought a blatant military type action would draw too much attention to the groups tactics and increase security even more. So while tricky, he was thinking it was best for sneak in via a delivery or maybe cleaning truck sneaking out in the same fashion possibly under the cover of night. First, he would need to see that Duncan had to say or knew. For that, they needed a suitably secluded meeting place like a dark parking lot or dark alley void of cameras. To this end, he searched the maps.

"Stronghold will likely know our tactics of sewers and explosive diversions. We would be best served sneaking in through the delivery trucks or janitorial staff trucks. They would also allow for a way out if we are careful inside. A direct assault or any military actions will surely draw quite a bit of attention that we do not want to deal with right now.", remarks Diego. "Perhaps Duncan can provide some insight on security and other services like cleaning schedules or sample deliveries.", adds Diego.
Hes looking for a good place to meet Duncan based off earlier insights of secluded or dark spots Duncan may still go to normally. So, something like a parking lot, place to take a smoke break if Duncan smokes, etc.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

After digesting the information from the maps, John silently finds himself agreeing with Diego.

Our approach to the building has very little cover and concealment options…” he mumbles to himself.

All those main roads passing all sides of the building make it extremely difficult to cutoff reinforcement…” he continues, speaking softly to himself as if in thought.

I won’t be able to bring too much heavy equipment in the van due to checkpoints…

The sewers are too dangerous for the approach; they might be an undesirable option in the event of a blown mission where we must retreat and dare not stay on the surface.” He says a little louder, glancing at Diego and Sander.

It seems clear that this must be done with a special emphasis on avoiding discovery. Honestly, this seems more dangerous than your last mission as Stronghold will almost certainly have even more powerful military assets guarding this facility in the event of a perceived attack or infiltration.

My activities against Stronghold make me a marked man without proper disguise. Miss Iona is in the same boat. The only hope I see is that this Duncan fellow can give us info on some weak link in Stronghold security. Without this inside info, I don’t see us having enough intel to reasonably avoid detection. From a tactical point of view, this is not “ground” that I would ever choose to fight on. It’s bad for many reasons some obvious and some not so obvious.

John rubs his temples as if he has a headache. “I’m used to planning missions with the objective being the destruction of an enemy force, but it looks like I may have to go on this with a greatly scaled-down arsenal. Maybe a suppressed pistol and a knife. Even if I get heavy stuff past a checkpoint, taking it out of the van and carrying it around will almost certainly get picked up on a camera.

Looking at Diego and Sander, John let’s out a sigh. “I can see you needing Miss Iona’s skills for this mission, but do you still think you’re gonna need me for this op?
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP: 1
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

The female cyborg “takes in” all the information from Sander, Diego, and the soldier. Most of her thoughts are bent to caring for the algae during its acquisition and transportation. The remainder are concerned with detecting cameras and inducing their subsequent neutralization.

When there is any sign of lapse in the tactical discussion, Iona interjects. Standing with folded arms, she looks to Diego. “Did Dr. Applegate mention whether we were to take an artificial-environment container or if one was to be already present in the Autumn Dawn lab? If we must carry one of any significant size, that may work against us. If you need me to speak to the doctor about that issue, I can. It would also allow me to get any last minute details about transporting the Viridi Mater.

Pausing to allow Diego to speak to this issue, she then follows up with another question. “Perhaps I missed it, but are we doing some sort of pre-mission casing of the parking-garage and entrance prior to the actual mission?
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 1
CND: Haunted, but fine
Form: Mist
Trauma Trigger: 1


There wasn't any indication normally associated with a human paying attention or responding with body language given his current mist form, but Diego first took in what John said and then what Iona said. Choosing to reply first toJohn, Diego wanted to say that the liaison/monitor was too preoccupied with assaults and loud tactics. They'd worked in the past, but pattern bred predictability. Heavy weapons in the city in general would be foolish. Instead, Diego used different words. "Stronghold may be numerous and well equipped, but they aren't likely to send tanks and advanced gear against three robbers out to rob a privately owned agricultural company. Their response so far has shown them to be proportional. So, small arms should be sufficient. Your combat skills will come to some use if you can sneak around well enough if needed.", remarks Diego.

Next, he turns to Iona. Clearly, she was having doubts. "When we arrive and get to the warm storage, it should be in a container for transport already if Dr. Applegate is reliable. All we would need is a quart of the plant for her to fabricate sufficient quantities. If we do it right, we may even be able to leave without being searched.", starts Diego. With the transportation out of the way, he switched to the tactical discussions. "First we need to gather information. So, what Duncan can tell us, scouting, or whatever else is needed. The proper mission should happen in the cover of night when hopefully the office will be less crowded.", adds Diego not feeling like he needed to add the last bit, but did anyway.

"There is a dark parking lot underground that Duncan likely needs to park if he drives. So, that would the optimal location. I can scout it out for camera placements. Moving around the city is easy for me, but for you two there will need to be some method of hiding who you are or keeping your head down from the cameras. Unless anyone has any further words, I will go to call Duncan to arrange a meeting while you two prepare.", finishes Diego.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

John was skeptical of Diego's assessment, but he made no visible sign of objection. The soldier knew that an enemy always responds with the force necessary to win if they are able. Stronghold was certainly able. Hopefully local police would be the worst threat encountered.

"Then we will rely subterfuge alone to carry the day." Deep down he was worrying about the report he would have to make to Ascendant Chen, if he survived. John's paranoia was justified in his own mind. He had set up very intricate ambushes as sites of his own choosing against Stronghold. Even with those factors in his favor, escaping after the engagement began had been challenging at times. If the police alone were called, even if a SWAT team arrived, then his group would prbably be fine. Ascendant Gonzalez alone could prbably handle that situation. Having Miss Iona and himself along would just be gravy.

"I'll be ready to leave within an hour. I just need to change clothes and get my weapons." Turning to Sander, John cracked a slight smile. "I know this might be a stretch, but you would have a closet or storage-area of clothing, would you? Maybe I could rummage through and find some items a little less conspicuous from what I normally wear."
OOC: John would like to dress like a civilian, comeplete with beenie, sun-glasses, and worn-looking clothes. Also, would it be possible to do some minor things to alter John's facial appearnce slightly...like add some brown camo-paste to darken his complexion? Maybe place some pieces of rolled gauze between his cheek and gum to alter his facial shape? anything to throw off the cameras.
Deception roll for disguise. Supernaturalist: 1D20 → 13(13). So, a 13.
Last edited by Supernaturalist on Thu Nov 26, 2020 9:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP: 1
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

Iona had worked with Sander on altering her appearance on a previous mission. "Corporal? If I might trouble you again?" The beautiful cyborg says, looking to Tilly. "Perhaps we might be able to put together a business casual outfit to hide my features. I know that you are good with makeup. I would greatly appreciate your help. I remember a few things you did last time, but not enough to complete the disguise on my own."

Iona awaits Tilly's response with a barely noticable expression of desperation. Creating disguises was not her forte'.

Glancing over at Diego, she speaks. "You may set the meeting if you wish, I'll be ready to go when the time comes."
OOC: I'd like to "stuff" parts of the clothing in order to alter Iona's figure. If Tilly agrees to help, it would be nice to add articles of clothing or accesories that can either hide or distort Iona's features. If Tilly is particularly interested in taking ot to the next level, adding blemishes, birthmarks, or scars with makeup would be nice. :)
Deception roll for disguise. Supernaturalist: 1D20+8 → 24(16 + 8). So, a 24.
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Sakuro
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Sakuro »

After providing the group with the basic intel people working out of the base had managed to gather in Ward 8, Tilly stepped back and out of the way. Silent throughout the bulk of the meeting she listened, but did not interject. The meeting wound down, John, Iona, and Diego departed to split up and make their own preparations for the operation. When the former two requested things of her, the woman looked between the contrasting pair. Briefly she glanced to Diego, making sure he had nothing further to add, then she crooked a finger, motioning inwards toward herself with it once.

"Sure. Come with me and I'll help the two of you get setup."

Corporal Sander proceeds to escort John and Iona out of the meeting room. After a reasonable trek you find yourselves in a dressing room outfitted for several people to be making themselves up at once. There are clothes, wigs, make-up, and a variety of accessories. What ensues next is a bizare mixture of make-up slash dress-up party, minus the joviality, and a crash course in infiltration techniques relating to disguise, and the use of personal effects to hide one's identity in the field if those disguises fail. Every piece of clothing or jewelry Tilly helps John or Iona pick out seems to have multiple purposes ... according to her.
OOC wrote:John receives +5 to her Deception for the Disguise due to Tilly's assistance, for a total of 18. Keep track of this. I may ask for it later.

Iona receives +5 to his Deception for the Disguise due to Tilly's assistance, for a total of 29. Keep track of this as well.

Beyond getting your Disguises setup and contacting Duncan, is there anything Diego, John, and Iona want to do before setting out? Is there specific equipment you want to take or avoid taking? How do you plan to travel to your destination.

Those are things to consider. You can note them in a single post before setting out. Or you can do more socializing if you wish.
Last edited by Sakuro on Mon Nov 30, 2020 6:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 1
CND: Haunted, but fine
Form: Mist
Trauma Trigger: 1


Diego left the robot and the soldier in the capable hands of TIlly. He had to get the meeting arranged and everything setup away from the base so as not to compromise it if Stronghold was going to be tracing the call. In fact, it was probably best if sent via text since Diego wasn't sure of Duncans schedule. Best not to draw attention to the man if he was in a meeting or in a public place.

Making his way past the guards through the hidden entrance/exit, Diego assumed the form of the homeless sort who inhabited the surrounding wrecked areas with one of the burners in hand. It wasn't powered on just yet for safety measures, but the battery was in another pocket. Once Diego found a proper secluded place that no sane or even insane person would be in such as a near falling building, he put the battery into the phone and fired off a text to Duncan. A mutual friend said it would be good if we met about some plants. Is there a good time in an underground parking lot at night maybe? Somewhere quiet maybe?, inquires Diego over the phone.

It took a few minutes, but Duncan replied back with a time and a spot. Diego took out the battery of the phone after acknowledging the location and headed back to the based. He met the others int he room and surveyed the scene. It was interesting to say the least, but the disguises were required for operations in the city. "Is everyone about ready? All we need to do is arrange transportation and plan the optimal approach. I have the time and place.", says Diego.
I am not going to presume Duncans schedule, so I'l leave the time up to you.

As for transportation, since we don't have any vehicles, would there be one we could borrow? Also, did our previous checks give any insight into a good place to enter the underground parking lot and the area(based on what John and Diego might know? I am leaning towards parking close by in a camera blind spot hopefully and the group walking, but there is more than a few issues I can see with that. Another idea I am thinking is driving into the parking lot if no guards at the entrance.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

John appreciates Sander’s expertise. Camouflage is his game, not the kind of disguise that spies and professional criminals use to deceive face-recognition software.

As the session draws on, John tries to remember all the tips and “coaching points” that Tilly throws out. “Thanks, Corporal.” He says with an impressed look on his face. “I'd hate to try to do this on my own. We’re lucky to have you here on our side.

John rubs his chin as if in thought. “I think I’m gonna leave my weapons here except for the KA-BAR knife, which can be concealed easily. I don’t see things coming to a firefight, but if it does, the Ascendants are gonna have to do all the lifting this time.

Looking to Ascendant Gonzalez, John nods. "I like your idea of parking well away from the meeting site and walking. It will allow us to avoid the car-checkpoints. Besides, I need to look at the area carefully. Driving by it won’t give me the time I need for a proper assessment.
OOC: John will only take his combat knife, which he will conceal in the inside, left pocket of his coat.
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP: 1
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

This is Iona’s second dance as far as disguise is concerned. She had utilized the Corporal's help on a previous mission. Having Tilly’s suggestions certainly helps, and the young cyborg pays attention to all the fine points of Sander’s tutelage.

Standing in front of a mirror, Iona slowly turns in a complete circle to judge the final product from all angles. “I barely recognize myself, Corporal. I knew I came to the right person.

Once satisfied, she let’s Diego know that she is ready. Like her peers, she supports the idea of parking further away from the Autumn Dawn building and walking. Part of the reason was for security, but secretly the young cyborg desired to see more of the world outside her underground base.

Perhaps the stroll on the surface will do me some good. With luck, no mutated horrors will be awaiting us as they did at the hospital. I wonder…what other forms of experiments are going on at this facility? I hope this contact of Diego’s can provide more than just security information.
OOC: Iona will be ready to leave when Diego gives the command, until then she’ll continue to work in her lab. She will take nothing extra along except for a purse of some cosmetic item to complete her disguise.
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Sakuro
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by Sakuro »

On receiving thanks from Joh and Iona, Corporal Sander offers them a wink. It is hard to tell which of them she is winking at. Nothing is said though. After you reconvene as a group, Diego having finished reaching out to Duncan, the Corporal is there as well. Each party had said their peace and seemed poised to head out when Tilly interjects.

" You need a way of going round the city without drawing Stronghold's attention. There are a lot of checkpoints in this city. That means you need an ID as well as the face and vehicle to go with it. You also don't have an exfiltration plan if things go south. Putting your vehicle well away from the Autumn Dawn building, without a driver, means you need to sprint all that distance or risk exposing some super-powers. It wouldn't hurt to have someone in the car, even if you bring one of the base staff with you. Just leave them there the entire mission, acting as a lookout and getaway driver."
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
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Re: [IC] MnM 3e - In the Shadow of Imperator: Recovery

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
HP: 1
CND: Haunted, but fine
Form: Solid
Trauma Trigger: 1


Diego, reverting to human form as he once looked before his evolution as was his custom when he remembered around Tilly, listened patiently. First, he looked at John. "We aren't anticipating a firefight, but use of powers can only go so far in the city. Outside of the city it was a last resort that was a monumental failure. In the city, even if we utilize our powers, it will certainly be catastrophic in the long run even if we somehow can escape. Conventional arms are also less likely to draw major Stronghold response if it comes to a short fight. A knife may serve yo well, but be prepared to pick up a gun from perhaps a fallen guard.", remarks Diego.

Switching his gaze to Tilly, Diego nodded in agreement. "Having a driver would be a good idea if any personnel have a vehicle sufficient for us to utilize. Your service in a similar effort proved in valuable, so it only stands to reason having a support driver would be useful again. I can likely procure a vehicle easy enough and an identity for that matter, but dead bodies and their vehicles being used for thefts will start drawing the notice of even the dimmest of Stronghold.", begins Diego giving a nod to Tilly's idea.

"As for our escape plan if the scouting goes wrong, if we are to keep a low level threat, we will need to avoid powers as you note. An optimal position may be for the driver to wait as close they can outside of cameras general sight lines and likely immediate lockdown perimeter so we can have a quicker avenue of escape. Sprinting for safety is going to have to be the course of action unless we intend to further complicate the scene with our general operating style of explosives. Is there any skilled and knowledgable enough drivers here who can serve as the get away driver?", inquires Diego. He really should read up on the base staff, but just hadn't cared enough to yet.
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