Fallout: Chicago

[Rentaromon]

Roughly 5 miles from Downtown Chicago you find yourself in the Columbus Bar, in an open area along the 290, why your here is your own reasons. The might have once been a larger store not that it matters. The feel of the area is....soggy, its been raining for nearly the entire day, nasty dirty water that feels as bad as it tastes.

The bar is actually rather full because of the rain, and elbows bumping have nearly led to 3 fights in the last hour. Brotherhood Members in one corner staying to themselves, Reavers at the opposite side, and all kinds of mercenaries traders and looters in between. If this bar wasn't an unofficial neutral zone guns would have been drawn by now. The owner Mr. Higgs has connections in the brotherhood and multiple other groups.

Groups/people of interest in the bar:

Mr. Higgs: At first glance he seems like a kind round man, and he is as long as you have caps to spend and you dont cause trouble. The relative safety of the columbus bar and his ability to keep it stocked with radiation free food and water, as well as quite a few interesting weapons and gadgets from downtown has made him many friends. Dont take him for a fool, he is the ruthless king of his little castle.

Howdy Bot: A sentry robot with a old cowboy hat and golden star painted on his white armor. Howdy greets all the guests and is programmed to help keep the place safe. His "pistol whip" and "6K Shooter" are one of the hugest deterrents of theft and fighting in and around the bar.

Brotherhood: a group of 5 armored members of the brotherhood are in the corner. The Brotherhood normally only protect the villages under their protection, not single buildings, but mr. higgs seems to have made himself an exception. They are well armed with power armor and some powerful weapons.

Reavers: About a dozen men and women are sitting in one corner talking among themselves. They all have many weapons, far more than needed. In fact some even have armor made out of weapons. The reavers may not be as strong as they once were, but they are still someone you want to avoid, unless you can pay their gun tax(you can't). One older man with some red combat armor seems to be the center of attention, he seems to be polishing a energy weapon of some kind.


Areas of interest near the bar:

Downtown Chicago: destroyed building, radiation pockets, and mutant creatures have made the area inaccessible. But anyone who makes it back has a story to tell, and some serious weapons and loot. Its directly to the east of columbus bar. The brotherhood and reavers would love the control the area, however it seems they keep getting forced out.

Pizza City: dont let the name fool you, its just a small village. To find it go about 2 miles to the north-northeast you will see multiple glowing neon signs, its hard to miss. The area is home to many looters and traders. The brotherhood has people here almost all the time, reavers would like to change that. Many ghouls here, also quite a bit of radiation pockets. Friendly place, considering this is a post apocalyptic world and all.

Distribution: a large factory about 2 miles to the southwest, not exactly a friendly place. The entire factory is home to a group of survivors who have been in the area far longer than the Columbus Bar and other villages. Anyone near the factory or their farms will be shot on sight, but most take the hint when they see the signs. Mercenaries have recently been hired for extra protection. They seem to have plenty of food and guns, possibly even working machinery to make guns and ammo.

Brotherhood bunker beta: somewhere to the west-northwest, about 3 miles. Not much else is known, the brotherhood only give members information.

Edge Hospital: small village built in and around a hospital, owned by the brotherhood. Base of operations for looters hired by the brotherhood.

Express Fort: At the meeting of 290 ,90, and 94 is a fortress built on the multiple overlapping roads. The area has been bathed in radiation ever since the calculator was defeated, it is not known why. Its said to be home to a new type of Glowing One with the ability to causes people to burst into flame from as far as 100 meters and cause very quick transformation to feral ghouls. They have been called burning ones.

Brotherhood bunker alpha: lost during the first encounter of burning ones. Almost 100% of the members became feral ghouls, many with their power armor still on.

Vault 82: It is located to the south of downtown, exact location unknown. Reavers claim it is their new base. They boast it has some sort of super weapon that will wipe the brotherhood out very soon. The area is near impossible to get to for non reavers, but as far as people can tell it is hidden among the huge forest. Smoke is almost constantly filling the sky above the area.


Make yourself comfortable and grab a nuka-cola, things are going to get very interesting very soon....

[Lucretia]

"Let's ride into the sunset together," Talia sung under her breath, the Columbus Bar looming ahead. Her arms were wrapped around one of Thumper's, and she was leaning against him for heat -- this water from the sky thing was bizarre, and it was leaching away the warmth from her skin and the leather armor wrapped around her. Vellae had considered telling Thumper to hold his bank door over her, to act as shelter, but the wind would have swept the water beneath it -- and potentially caused the door to drop. Getting crushed beneath steel was actually less appealing than being cold.

"Wait here," she told the super mutant, referring to an area of rubble that he might be able to hide behind. "I'll see whether the locals are going to stir up trouble when they meet you." Releasing his arm and patting it, Talia gathered up the water-laden remains of her fifty centimeters of hair and wrung it out as best she could, tossing it over her shoulder once she was done. Preferably there wouldn't have been this sky-water, of course, and she would have had time to change into her dress, but Vellae would do with what the gods had given her. Pushing the door to the cantina open, she immediately surveyed her surroundings -- what she could see of them, anyways. The crowded nature of the cantina certainly made it difficult to get a clean view of the cantina.

Talia began to make her way towards the bar proper, maneuvering through the crowd when possible. She was used to being looked at, of course, and it wasn't likely these Northern savages had seen someone both with an exotic bone structure or a tan. Noting the two heavily armed poles of the building, Vellae leaned against the bar when she found an open spot and nodded to the 'tender, waiting for him to have a free moment. Acting impatient in a foreign land, when your hired muscle remains outside? Not wise.

[Mr Stereo1]

John didn't have any money left to buy anything, but the bar had been the first sign of civilization, or what passed for it in his mind, he'd seen in days. Normally he would be more comfortable out on the road. The prospect of being surrounded by so many rowdy, and most importantly armed, people didn't sit well with him.

However, he needed to find a way to get some caps. Scanning the bar's inhabitants, he tried to avoid the most drunk groups, and tries to subtly find the people who looked like they needed work done and could afford it.

The Brotherhood shouldn't be here. Either they're passing through or they have a vested interest. [How do I go about a perception check as to whether they look like they've been travelling or fighting recently?]

John makes a point of keeping out of the line of fire between the Brotherhood, Reavers, and Howdy Bot as much as possible. He sizes up the equipment of all the prominent groups, just in case.

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper obediantly stays out of sight off all the people in the area he wait impatiently for talia's return keeping an eye on the place she just entered and listening closely for any signs of distress inside the bar ready to rush in at a moments notice.He worries for talia's safety.

[Volthawk]

R109, being a machine, wasn't here for refreshment. He was here simply because out here, away from the other pockets of civilisation, his best odds of finding people interesting enough to warrant working with and assisting - so he can procure materials for repairs, as the old machine gun he'd found (it wasn't as good as his old standard-issue weaponry, but he'd lost that so he had to simply work with what he had) - was here.

There was a bit of space around him as he stands in one of the corners - after all, he was a lone robot that was armed and armoured, appearing as one of the sentry models anyone who had tried looting old facilities may have come across (although over time he has been modified and torn apart - where the usual bots have inbuilt weaponry, R109 has fittings able to manipulate things, allowing him to use his minigun which he still has out and in hand despite the setting. He notes any alarm and caution from the various groups in the bar, which was one of the reasons he kept his weapon out - also, he'd noted the human inclination to keep their weapons away when not in combat, but it was something he never saw the point in, so he didn't partake in that tradition - and waited. From what he'd seen of human interaction in his time, interesting events tended to come about simply from proximity, and the fights that had already broken out confirmed that.

[Lothmar]

Lucas had been away from home for almost a month now and while he missed his friends and family back at Mosai, he took some small comfort in seeing members of the brotherhood here. He had probably stuck near the brotherhood corner since his arrival making small talk if allowed, after all it had been some time since he had seen some of his Brotherhood associates and he worried. Especially about those that had been redeployed as the brotherhood presence in their village had shrunk - especially after the rumored fall of brotherhood bunker Alpha.

Whether received warmly or not by his superiors, Lucas proceeds to the bar when he finds a free moment. "Two Bottles of whatever the corners drinking and some glasses." Lucas adds referencing to the brotherhood side, realizing that one bottle split between five or six people if he joins them for a drink, may go fairly fast and so orders two. Even if they weren't drinking alcohol because they were on duty, some clean water was usually a gesture most people appreciated.

As the bartender readies his order Lucas states "You get a second bot recently Higgs? Doesn't quite got the same pizazz as Howdy i'll say that much." Lucas inquires ready to offer his services as a mechanic if needed.

[Rentaromon]

After a short wait the bartender gets to Talia, he seems to be a slightly older man. He is sweaty and looks a bit out of breath, probably from constant work with all the people here. However he seems a bit more upbeat seeing Talia.

"Afternoon miss, what can i get you?"
--------------------------------------------------------------
John examines the Brotherhood Members, from the mud on their boots they have probably been traveling a while through the rain before they got here.

He doesn't overhear any obvious mentioning of jobs, mostly small groups of people talking among themselves. He can hear that the group of reavers are all listening to the older man with the rifle, he is telling a story about a fight against burning ones. The brotherhood members are rather quiet.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"No need to buy the armored boys any drinks, they get their drinks free of charge." The bartender tells Lucas.
Mr. Higgs looks over from the bar at R109 after Lucas mentions it.
"That's not mine, only got Howdy." Higgs watches the robot to see what it does.
"Odd to see a lone robot walk into a bar..."
--------------------------------------------------------------
A lone robot walking in gets attention fast, many people look up from their drinks to see what it does. Howdy bot rolls over to R109.
"Well HOWDY my metal brother, haven't seen another bot around there parts for over 3 months now! Them some fancy legs you got there, wish i had a pair can't square dance very well with 3 wheels!"
Howdy then attempts to dance on his 3 balls, its more of a violent shaking and spinning as music plays from his speakers, drawing even more attention to the robots. Some patrons are forced to move away from their tables to avoid the "dancing".

"Hay Howdy cut that out, your gonna break something!" Mr. Higgs yells across the bar.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Thumper can hear music coming from the bar, followed by what sounds like a small vehicle driving in the bar. It stops shortly after it starts, how odd.

[Mr Stereo1]

John examines the Brotherhood Members, from the mud on their boots they have probably been traveling a while through the rain before they got here.

He doesn't overhear any obvious mentioning of jobs, mostly small groups of people talking among themselves. He can hear that the group of reavers are all listening to the older man with the rifle, he is telling a story about a fight against burning ones. The brotherhood members are rather quiet.

Sighing, John acknowledges he's going to have to make conversation at some point. With brotherhood soldiers, reavers, and a rogue robot in a bar full of mercenaries, he wants to get through with his business quickly.

He makes his way to the bar and asks the bartender if he has any associates looking for good killers, scouts, or looters. If he doesn't have any interest, then John goes to investigate the lone robot. It's always possible it's owners are dead and he could claim it for himself.

[Volthawk]

R109 doesn't seem to react much to the other robot's 'dancing'. Dancing was something he'd seen before, but again was something he saw as pointless. Seeing this robot trying to do it was...pitiful, really. He felt sorry for this little robot, obviously inadequate - he saw this failure in dancing as indicative of not having sufficient dexterous motor systems, and a little embarrased for the disruption it was causing. R109 had noticed feelings like that creeping in since the technicians gave him freedom, and analysed them whenever they got strong enough. He put it down to the fact that emotions were needed for proper free mental growth and thought. That didn't mean he still didn't find them troublesome, though.

"Stop that. You're causing disruption and potentially causing damage for no purpose."

[Lothmar]

"Glad to hear it. It's the thought that counts, just one then." He chuckles slightly. "'a lone robot walks into a bar' eh? Sounds like the opening for a joke." He adds quoting the bartender. '

'Guessing he's not the only one with a medal rod somewhere.' Lucas thinks with a smirk about the robots programmer and its serious nature.

Lucas turns slightly and leans backwards against the bar to watch the display. "Oh there's a purpose metal man, it's called an 'ice-breaker'. It's light hearted entertainment or antics designed to ease tension when you're trying to be sociable." He adds in an unintentional condescending tone, because well - it's hard to take a robot seriously.

Speech (see how douchy I sounded, lower the value the less rude I probably sounded.) [roll0]

[Lucretia]

After a short wait the bartender gets to Talia, he seems to be a slightly older man. He is sweaty and looks a bit out of breath, probably from constant work with all the people here. However he seems a bit more upbeat seeing Talia.

"Afternoon miss, what can I get you?"

"Good evening," she said, smiling at him and leaning against the bar. "How much for a bottle of scotch and a few questions?"

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper starts to get far more antsy he tightens his grip on his weapons he creeps closer to the bar taking great care to not be noticed but trying to see if he can find a window and a suitable hiding spot to find out what the disturbance he just heard was.
roll for stealth check 1d100 33

[Rentaromon]

"Good evening," she said, smiling at him and leaning against the bar. "How much for a bottle of scotch and a few questions?"

"First ones on the house for you miss. Information can be costly, but let me save you some time. No i dont know where Higgs gets his stuff, no i dont know what deal he has with the brotherhood, if your looking for work you should talk to him directly, unless your looking for some work of a bit more intimate nature... " The bartender says with a big smile.

((John is near the bartender and Talia, so he overhears this.))

[Lucretia]

Talia laughs and smiles at the man. "Thanks for the bottle, and the information -- I was wondering about super mutants. What's the word on them, kill on sight?" Who was Higgs? she thought to herself, leaning a little closer to the man looking into his eyes.

If someone was eavesdropping, Talia wouldn't notice. She wasn't speaking about anything worth hiding, anyways.

[Volthawk]

"Ah, one of those social traditions you have in place since apparently simple communication is so hard. How boring."

[Rentaromon]

Howdy stops the dancing.

"See that's why i need me some legs. Enjoy yourself brother, hope u don't cause any trouble, i would hate to gun down one of my own."

Howdy rolls off through the bar and things start to calm down a bit, a little unintentional comedy seems to have had a good effect.

Thumper is able to take a peak in the front window and see the show. He also notices a group of individuals running to the bar. It looks to be 3 humans, might be ghouls, hard to tell from this distance.

[Rentaromon]

Talia laughs and smiles at the man. "Thanks for the bottle, and the information -- I was wondering about super mutants. What's the word on them, kill on sight?" Who was Higgs? she thought to herself, leaning a little closer to the man looking into his eyes.

If someone was eavesdropping, Talia wouldn't notice. She wasn't speaking about anything worth hiding, anyways.

"Hay as long as they got caps to spend and don't cause any trouble anyone is good here, excluding anyone emitting radiation. Had some trouble last month with one of them glowing ghouls, he could just not figure out why he was not allowed in. Long story short, Howdy got some target practice and and we had to give out some free radaway."

[Lucretia]

She nodded and waited for the 'tender to bring her the bottle of scotch. When he returned, she'd say, "So, who's Higgs? I'm new in town, but might be looking for work, depending on what it is."

[Rentaromon]

The bartender hands Talia her drink, its clean and cold.

"Mr. Higgs is the owner of the columbus bar, he has connections and trade agreements with just about every group within the chicago area. He always has work available, just dont expect to get paid up front. And dont let him talk you into going downtown, its a goldmine yes but its guarded by all kinds of nasty beast.

He is right over there if you want to to talk to him.(he points over to higgs talking to the brotherhood members.) But feel free to come back and talk whenever you want, names Alex by the way." He gives her another big smile.

[Lucretia]

She grins and mentally notes, to her aggravation, that he'd brought her a glass of scotch as opposed to a bottle. Oh well -- she was used to men not listening to her as attentively as they ought. With a wink, she pushed off from the bar and wandered to the door, opening it and going out as far as she could without getting rained on, motioning for Thumper to come forward.

With any luck, he'd realize what the beckoning meant.

Sipping the scotch and returning indoors, Talia would wait until she had her muscle before moving near the Brotherhood members.

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper sees Talia beckon toward him and moves to her with all haste he moves in beside her slowly and non-threatening mostly because he has a seriously difficult time maneuvering in such a way as to get both his massive frame and his rather large shield into the bar without ripping the door off it's hinges once he is inside he goes to Talia.He looks around the bar scrutinizing every potential enemy.Whose life is at an end Talia?

[Mr Stereo1]

John didn't see anyone reason the bartender would lie about Mr Higgs wanting jobs done, although he could be giving a false impression that he would keep his word, so he decides to find Mr Higgs and offer his services. If he already knows where he is, he'll just go to him directly, if not, he'll ask the bartender if he can see him.

"Hello. I'd like to see Mr Higgs to discuss job opportunities. Is that possible?"

[Lucretia]

Whose life is at an end Talia?

"No one's, yet. We're going to see a man about a job. There isn't a kill-on-sight for super mutants here, but behave yourself -- if a fight broke out, I might get hurt before you crushed everyone. Follow me, but try not to provoke anyone on the way over."

Carefully moving through the crowd -- although it had probably parted a little once Thumper entered -- Talia made her way towards the Brotherhood members where Alex had said Mr. Higgs was.

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper sheaths his sword and slings his shield over one shoulder then falls in step beside Talia he smiles to try and seem friendly.

[Rentaromon]

John didn't see anyone reason the bartender would lie about Mr Higgs wanting jobs done, although he could be giving a false impression that he would keep his word, so he decides to find Mr Higgs and offer his services. If he already knows where he is, he'll just go to him directly, if not, he'll ask the bartender if he can see him.

"Hello. I'd like to see Mr Higgs to discuss job opportunities. Is that possible?"

"Hes right over there, you might have some competition however. It seems that lady over there and her big friend are looking for work as well." He points over to higgs, still over by the brotherhood members.

[Rentaromon]

"No one's, yet. We're going to see a man about a job. There isn't a kill-on-sight for super mutants here, but behave yourself -- if a fight broke out, I might get hurt before you crushed everyone. Follow me, but try not to provoke anyone on the way over."

Carefully moving through the crowd -- although it had probably parted a little once Thumper entered -- Talia made her way towards the Brotherhood members where Alex had said Mr. Higgs was.

As Talia and Thumper move through the crowd to Higgs they notice more than a few faces turning to look at them. They hear a man speaking to his friend say.
"Lone robot and now a super-mutant, rain must be flushing all the freaks out of their holes."

As they get near Higgs they can a little bit of the conversation he was having with a brotherhood member, it seems Higgs was assuring them that the reavers are not going to start anything at the bar.

[Mr Stereo1]

"Hes right over there, you might have some competition however. It seems that lady over there and her big friend are looking for work as well." He points over to higgs, still over by the brotherhood members.

He probably had a different skill-set than they did. "Thank you for your time regardless."

[Lucretia]

Talia finished her scotch and waited for Mr. Higgs -- well, the one without the power armor, so probably Mr. Higgs -- to finish his conversation. It wouldn't do to be rude to a prospective employer, not until she had the upper hand or a new gig lined up.

Working for anyone wasn't particularly Talia's idea for a good time, but she needed to find people to work with (and, sadly, 'for') before she could establish a trade company in this region. Long term plans and all that.

[Rentaromon]

After a few seconds Higgs turns to face talia.

"Since Alex sent you to me im gonna take a guess your looking for a job?."

Higgs looks Talia and Thumper over, he seems to have no reaction to the huge super-mutant.

[Lucretia]

With a smile, Talia nodded. "Yes sir, that's correct. I understand you often are in need of people to take care of little problems?"

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper stands quietly by Talia's side in case he is needed.
However he is enraged over being called a freak he will not endanger Talia by starting a fight but he silently promises himself that if the opportunity presents itself he will chop the fool in half and place his head on a stick all the while praying to whomever might be listening that it shall.

[Lothmar]

"A very pragmatic way of looking at things." Lucas nods his head slightly and takes a drink. He listens to the bar around him with casual interest as he scan's the robot and its equipment as he slowly tries to place various parts and components as if dissecting him with his eyes.

'Certainly not up to factory specs... Wonder if it functions poorly in some aspects.' Lucas continues to thinking comparing various parts in his mind from various manufacturers and then throwing out anything he probably couldn't get locally with ease and making a rough guess as to how much it would cost to acquire all these components.
[Attempting to spot the junk components either in regards to the robot and its chasis or its weaponry as it stated it has it out.]

As an ex merchant, this was kind of like a game to him.

[Volthawk]

R109 is quiet as he watches Lucas examining him. It appears that he's found another technician. That is good - his own skills at self-repair aren't perfect, so a specialist will be useful.

"Are you a technician? I've noticed the way you're examining me and my equipment, and in my experience that's indicitive of someone who knows technology."

[Lothmar]

"Indeed, learned many a trade before I put them to use in a practical setting. I used to handle a lot of maintenance and purchases at the trade post, everything from assault rifles to glitchy Zeta series Home Helper Mr. Handies, basically if it has moving parts or electronics i've probably had my hands in it or something like it." He adds tipping his drink slightly before taking a sip as he thinks 'best not to mention Mosai or the nuclear submarine he helped put back together.'.

"Gotta be able to identify signs of tampering or defects quickly when it comes to pushy prospectors who refuse to let you examine a piece. Always the occasional bastard trying to unload something that they pretend they haven't stripped components from." He shakes his head as he swallows his drink.

"I'd be lieing if I said I wasn't a little curious about why you're here... But if you dont want to or cant answer that, I'll respect your decision." Lucas adds scratching his stubble for a moment as if pondering other possibilities, some he didn't mention but he assumed for the moment the robot may just be following old commands to the best of its abilities or may be scouting or picking something up for a reclusive operator.

[Rentaromon]

With a smile, Talia nodded. "Yes sir, that's correct. I understand you often are in need of people to take care of little problems?"

"There is always work that needs done around here. What kind of jobs do you think would be best for you."

Higgs turns to look thumper in the eyes.
"What about you big man, what can you do?"

[reaper_soulman]

I'm good at freeing things from their mortal coil.I say with a grin.
Also I'm kinda strong.

[Lucretia]

"There is always work that needs done around here. What kind of jobs do you think would be best for you."

"I'm a merchant, Mr. Higgs. I'm best at settling disputes and opening new routes. Thumper, as he's already put rather elegantly, is good at killing things. I found him in New Vegas, and since then he's been protecting me. Have you any need of a negotiator?"

[Volthawk]

"I see. I'm here since this is one of the biggest collection of people around here, and people mean opportunities to either find allies or work that allows me to acquire the parts I need for restoring my weapon back into full condition or to acquire new munitions."

R109 didn't see a reason to be deceptive about things.

[Rentaromon]

Higgs thinks for a bit.
"Ahh yes, i do got a small problem that i would like solved. Their is little group that i need to stay out of the area, with words or a rebar club to the face, i really don't care how you do it. They call themselves the 21 gang but...."

Higgs stops and looks over at the door as a group of 3 people come in.
"Well speak of the devil."

The 3 people coming in are soaking wet and all have very large bags with them. The front one is wearing a long trench-coat over some armor with the number 8 spray painted all over the coat in white paint. He has short blond hair and is smiling ear to ear.

To his left is a larger guy in armor made of scrap metal and possibly old pieces of power armor, you cant see his face at all (so he could be a ghoul or human). He has a large 2 painted on the armor.

To the right is a shorter man in combat armor covered in mechanical parts, he has a helmet with what looks like a scope built into it. On his back is a giant sniper rifle, also heavily modified with strange pieces. He has an A painted on his chest.

the one with the 8 walks up the the bartender, and starts talking to him in a voice loud enough for everyone in the bar to overhear him.
"Barkeep its your lucky day! How would you like to be the first to purchase some treasures from Downtown?!"

It doesn't take long for someone to take the bait.
"You made it into Downtown Chicago and lived?" A random traveler at a table asked.

8 turns around with the big smile still on his face.
"Thats right me and my boys 2 and Ace just came back from a little trip straight into the heart of downtown.

"Bull****!" One of the reavers yells out.

"Id say the same thing to....if i was anyone other than a member of the 21 Gang!"

From the collective look at the crowds face that name meant something.

"The 21 gang is a myth, your full of ****." The same reaver yelled out.

With that 8 just smiles and opens his bag onto a table, its full of energy weapons, electronic devices, armor, guns, ammo, and other rare supplies worth thousands of caps.

"This haul was so huge we are selling cheap! Who's interested!"

In no time a crowd forms around the table and caps are exchanged for advanced weapons and gizmos, 8 2 and Ace are basically having caps thrown at them at this point. Even reaver members are in the crowd trying to buy what they can.

((If anyone says they are interested in some weapons and equipment cheap, and you have some caps left over ill list off some of the things on the table and there prices.))

[Lothmar]

"Ohh is that so?" Lucas adds taking another swig. "Well best of luck to yah, if I had some current direction i'd offer to let you tag along, but im in a similar boat in this pond." He adds dusting himself off and making his way away from the bar and towards the robot.

"This rain probably wont be letting up any time soon, if you want and dont already have a detailed list I can give you a free inspection and provide you with a quote for parts needed or soon to wear out so you can better inquire from individuals and merchants you may meet when acquiring these items assuming im not around." He adds in a friendly tone but pauses as the new individuals come in.

'Hmm, pool ball reference?' Lucas thinks at first seeing the white '8' and thinking of an eight ball. 'No wait, an A... Ah playing card's. Explains the name 21 Gang.'

"Speaking of possible unscrupulous prospectors possibly selling stripped pieces..." Lucas says to the robot at his side in reference to their previous conversation while rolling his eyes and saying this loud enough attempting to make people think twice about impulsively purchasing something, because often - if the deals too good to be true, it likely is.

He approaches the goods and gives a quick once over visually before picking a piece at random (assuming he doesn't see any obvious defects or signs of tampering) and giving it a cursory examination (assuming they allow him and arent pissed about what he just said).

Speech[roll0] - Attempting to give the clamoring masses pause.
Repair/appropriate (science?) [roll1] - Examining a piece.

If stat checks are needed, feel free to roll for me.

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper positions himself between talia and the 21 gang paying the most attention to the number 2.

[Mr Stereo1]

Higgs thinks for a bit.
"Ahh yes, i do got a small problem that i would like solved. Their is little group that i need to stay out of the area, with words or a rebar club to the face, i really don't care how you do it. They call themselves the 21 gang but...."

Higgs stops and looks over at the door as a group of 3 people come in.
"Well speak of the devil."

John considers this. Killing set targets would probably be easier than looting, he could wait until nightfall and exploit his nightvision.



To the right is a shorter man in combat armor covered in mechanical parts, he has a helmet with what looks like a scope built into it. On his back is a giant sniper rifle, also heavily modified with strange pieces. He has an A painted on his chest.

And there's the loot to consider. That helmet and rifle could prove useful. Although, it would probably be very dangerous to take on the gang.

Please be acceptable targets, please be acceptable targets. John repeats silently within the privacy of his own head. Killing things and looting the bodies was just so much easier than finding people who needed work done, remembering what it was, doing it, and returning for payment.



((If anyone says they are interested in some weapons and equipment cheap, and you have some caps left over ill list off some of the things on the table and there prices.))

Alas, John was out of caps.

Walking up to Higgs, he addresses him directly.

"Why do you want the job done, and how much are you willing to pay?"

[Rentaromon]

Higgs did not seem too surprised when John chimed in on the conversation, his eyes were watching what was going in at the table.

"Tell you what, we will talk caps in a second, i got to have a talk with the 21 gang's leader." He says going over to 8.



((for people interested in buying...))

On the table a few things jump out, however some things have already been quickly bought up. Each item is being sold for 1/4 of their normal price, before your skills.

At least 3 or 4 Laser pistols, as well as plenty of energy cells.

1 plasma pistol.

2 Laser rifles.

a handful of grenades both normal and plasma.

A Magazine of .50 caliber ammo.

A rocket launcher and 6 rockets.

Multiple electronic parts from robots, worth about 200 each, among these are parts that could benefit R109.

A full radiation suit.

Full combat armor.

a small case of stem packs, at least 20.

3 full doctors kits, filled with everything needed to treat just about any injury.

sticks of dynamite.

10 doses of radaway.

3 MP5s, as well as 10 magazines worth of ammo.

[Rentaromon]

He approaches the goods and gives a quick once over visually before picking a piece at random (assuming he doesn't see any obvious defects or signs of tampering) and giving it a cursory examination (assuming they allow him and arent pissed about what he just said).

Speech[roll0] - Attempting to give the clamoring masses pause.
Repair/appropriate (science?) [roll1] - Examining a piece.

If stat checks are needed, feel free to roll for me.

((im not sure what you mean with the speech check, what exactly do you want to do?))

At a quick glance the weapons and equipment all seem to be in working order, no one else seems to be noticing anything broken.

[Lucretia]

"Thumper, will you get some of these people out of my way? There might be something worth looking at over there, even if it only reveals what precisely this city has to offer." Talia gave John a once-over and crossed her arms, turning back to watch her super mutant and make sure he didn't interpret her order too liberally.

It seemed unlikely that the gangmembers would be interested in purchasing or bartering, but it was always worth a shot -- especially if they were willing to listen about the special rolled steel method of the H&H Tools Factory, or whatever lie she decided to weave this time around.

[Lothmar]

"Hmm," Lucas adds looking over a piece and the crowd as well as no one seems to be complaining after they sit down with their new pieces. "Everything looks legit. No signs of stripped or replaced components." He adds setting the pistol back down before moving on to some other components of interest. "You'll forgive my suspicions though I hope." He adds looking back. "Hey uhm, Robot.. I think I've found some compatible hardware for'ya if you've got any caps." Lucas adds not sure what to address the robot as and deciding it best not to use silly nicknames like 'sparky' for the time being.

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper moves to the crowd around the table the 21 gang spread their wares on.He clears a path three person wide mostly by nudging people out of the way shoving only the few that resisted the gentle nudge.The way is clear Talia.

[Lucretia]

Talia patted Thumper's arm. "Thank you, dear. Now, let's see what there is..."

Glancing over the supplies, the New Vegas socialite sized up the haul and resisted the urge to whistle. Fifteen thousand caps in Radaway, easy. Another five grand from the perfectly in-tact hazmat suit. A massive profit could be made with the contents of their wares alone -- and they were selling it for a 'massive discount'?

Something didn't add up. Talia poked one of the bags of RadAway.

Roll in the OOC because I'm silly and can't close brackets.

"This RadAway is brown," she said with a frown. "RadAway is supposed to be light green -- when it goes bad, it's tantamount to poison. You administer this stuff intravenously, so there isn't a lot of time to go, 'oh wow, I think this might have expired!' Of course, I suppose that explains why you'd be willing to sell it for so little..."

[Rentaromon]

Listening to Talias remark makes people question the supplies, however it seems she is not the only fast talker.

"Im seems your medical knowledge is a bit...lacking miss. The color has nothing to do with how effective rad away is. In fact rad away have a near infinite shelf life, they simply don't go bad. If anyone here were to pull out some rad away they own they would see no difference." 8 says with a confident smile on his face.

A random trader in the crowd pulls out some rad away. "Yah look, his is even lighter in color than mine, and i just got this from right here at the bar!"

Unfortunately with her knowledge of medicine talia is unsure if this is true or not.

((As far as you all can tell the supplies all look legit.))

Higgs walks up to 8 and after a few seconds of whispering in his ear he walks back away. 8 then addresses the crowd.

"I hate to rush you all but it seems that it's nearly time for the 21 gang to move out again! So please make your purchases quickly, hurry hurry hurry!"


Higgs then makes his way to howdy, who after a few seconds exclaims a loud YES SIR SHERIFF HIGGS!.

[Lothmar]

Lacking proper caps to purchase the parts he was interested in Lucas returned to his earlier post near the bar where he had been talking with the robot earlier. However, he felt an odd tingle - he got the feeling things would be getting tense here - really soon. He stood ready with his hands on the bar ready to jump and slide over to take cover and support the brotherhood members if things turned into a shoot out or brawl.

[Lucretia]

"If I had been talking about stim packs I might be convinced, but I specifically spoke about RadAway -- but I suppose, if these people are willing to give you their money so they can kill themselves, who am I to stop them?"

I'll need their Barter skill so I know how much my knives are worth, or how much of a discount I receive (or what penalty I suffer). I'd prefer to have this done mechanically, since otherwise the Barter skill seems rather pointless and would invalidate my design.

[Rentaromon]

"If I had been talking about stim packs I might be convinced, but I specifically spoke about RadAway -- but I suppose, if these people are willing to give you their money so they can kill themselves, who am I to stop them?"

I'll need their Barter skill so I know how much my knives are worth, or how much of a discount I receive (or what penalty I suffer). I'd prefer to have this done mechanically, since otherwise the Barter skill seems rather pointless and would invalidate my design.

((what is this talk about stem packs, i said rad away...u saw nothing! As for the numbers i was going to give you a small penalty for calling them out without proof but i feel the need to ignore that after making a small edit to post that had nothing to do with stem packs. After doing a little math you can pay 1/10 of what things are worth.))

[Lucretia]

So if I can buy things with a 90% discount, it stands to reason I can sell things for the same as a bonus. So my knives are, in total, worth 627 caps. Also, you still have a reference to stim packs (not stem packs, which would be full of cells from foetuses :smalltongue: :smalleek:) in the original post. :smalltongue:

A pity Talia doesn't know R109 yet, or she'd grab the spare parts.

Bartering:

2 Combat Knives (+627 caps)
10 RadAway packages (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -375 caps)
1 HazMat Suit (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -125 caps
4 Plasma Grenades (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -30 caps
3 Doctor's Bags (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -34 caps)
16 Stimpacks (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -60 caps)


Total Owed: +3 caps

The below is the 'barter' skill in effect.

Talia shrugged. "Look, if you want to lie to these people, that's fine by me -- but I'm not going to let you just kill them off. Here, I'll take those off your hands -- and a few of these other things. This is too suspicious for my blood, but lucky for these people, I'm not willing to watch innocent lives be wasted in the name of profit." With one fluid motion, Talia unsheathed both combat knives and placed them on the table or bar, wherever it was this little sale was taking place. "These are cold-rolled steel, state of the art combat knives, whittled sharp by lasers courtesy of the H&H Tool Factory in New Vegas, Nevada. All the way from the other side of Caesar's Legion, these beauties have seen their fair share of killing and have yet to lose their edge. Balanced, graceful, durable -- only the best from H&H. I found this one," she gestured to the left-most, "sticking out of the helmet of a Centurion, and this one," to the rightmost, "outside the Sierra Madre -- the Sierra Madre.

"Maybe you haven't heard of the Madre this far East? Doesn't matter, I guess, although that's a story worth telling if you ever get the inclination to listen. But the point is, these knives are well worth the price. Thanks to their design these little wonders can be dipped and left in radioactive muck for a year and be none the worse for wear -- leave them in the rain, sheathe them with the blood of your enemies still caked on, these knives will neither rust nor dull. With their balance, these knives can be easily used at range, and their brahmin-leather grip will allow you to maintain control of the blade.

"They're long enough to make your point, and they're thin enough to be slipped into a thigh holster and surreptitiously taken into places where weaponry usually isn't allowed. When it comes to knives, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better example of craftsmanship than these two gorgeous instruments. I've carried these from New Vegas all the way here, and together with my bodyguard Thumper here--" Talia took a moment to smile up at him, drawing attention to the fact that there was a very large, very tall, very armed super mutant standing very close --"we crossed through the woman-hating Legion's territory without so much as a scar to show for it. Of course, we had to throw all the Legionnaire's ears out as soon as the coyotes began to track us with them, but the point remains: these knives have seen it all.

"You take these and leave some of these malformed medical supplies, and we'll call it even. You won't find a better deal this side of the Colorado, especially if you're looking to get out of this place quickly. No point in being weighed down with ruined medical supplies, is there?"

Sure she was bluffing -- the Sierra Madre was a myth, but there was power in myths when it came to lying. And it had sounded pretty good, which is what mattered. Talia waited to see whether this '8' fellow would accept her offer. Hopefully, between the avowed public sentiment and her spiel about the blades, the offer would be too good to refuse.

[Volthawk]

Hearing this, R109 stomps over to the weapons desk, examining the things he may find useful. Unlike the talk going on between the others, he is silent as he looks at the weaponry, his own minigun still in one hand as he does so.

Funding for legitimately obtaining these weapons was not something he had. However, things like that had come up back when he was working for the raiders, for whom issues like honour and morality were mere slight suggestions, and after that he'd found that certain targets were acceptable by locals. There were ways of getting past that issue - although it wouldn't be a good idea until he knew more of their status in the local area - making himself a target for all these people with their own heavy firepower would not be good for his future.

[Rentaromon]

So if I can buy things with a 90% discount, it stands to reason I can sell things for the same as a bonus. So my knives are, in total, worth 627 caps. Also, you still have a reference to stim packs (not stem packs, which would be full of cells from foetuses :smalltongue: :smalleek:) in the original post. :smalltongue:

A pity Talia doesn't know R109 yet, or she'd grab the spare parts.

Bartering:

2 Combat Knives (+627 caps)
10 RadAway packages (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -375 caps)
1 HazMat Suit (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -125 caps
4 Plasma Grenades (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -30 caps
3 Doctor's Bags (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -34 caps)
16 Stimpacks (Quarter discount from Rentaromon, 90% discount from Barter, -60 caps)


Total Owed: +3 caps

The below is the 'barter' skill in effect.

Talia shrugged. "Look, if you want to lie to these people, that's fine by me -- but I'm not going to let you just kill them off. Here, I'll take those off your hands -- and a few of these other things. This is too suspicious for my blood, but lucky for these people, I'm not willing to watch innocent lives be wasted in the name of profit." With one fluid motion, Talia unsheathed both combat knives and placed them on the table or bar, wherever it was this little sale was taking place. "These are cold-rolled steel, state of the art combat knives, whittled sharp by lasers courtesy of the H&H Tool Factory in New Vegas, Nevada. All the way from the other side of Caesar's Legion, these beauties have seen their fair share of killing and have yet to lose their edge. Balanced, graceful, durable -- only the best from H&H. I found this one," she gestured to the left-most, "sticking out of the helmet of a Centurion, and this one," to the rightmost, "outside the Sierra Madre -- the Sierra Madre.

"Maybe you haven't heard of the Madre this far East? Doesn't matter, I guess, although that's a story worth telling if you ever get the inclination to listen. But the point is, these knives are well worth the price. Thanks to their design these little wonders can be dipped and left in radioactive muck for a year and be none the worse for wear -- leave them in the rain, sheathe them with the blood of your enemies still caked on, these knives will neither rust nor dull. With their balance, these knives can be easily used at range, and their brahmin-leather grip will allow you to maintain control of the blade.

"They're long enough to make your point, and they're thin enough to be slipped into a thigh holster and surreptitiously taken into places where weaponry usually isn't allowed. When it comes to knives, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better example of craftsmanship than these two gorgeous instruments. I've carried these from New Vegas all the way here, and together with my bodyguard Thumper here--" Talia took a moment to smile up at him, drawing attention to the fact that there was a very large, very tall, very armed super mutant standing very close --"we crossed through the woman-hating Legion's territory without so much as a scar to show for it. Of course, we had to throw all the Legionnaire's ears out as soon as the coyotes began to track us with them, but the point remains: these knives have seen it all.

"You take these and leave some of these malformed medical supplies, and we'll call it even. You won't find a better deal this side of the Colorado, especially if you're looking to get out of this place quickly. No point in being weighed down with ruined medical supplies, is there?"

Sure she was bluffing -- the Sierra Madre was a myth, but there was power in myths when it came to lying. And it had sounded pretty good, which is what mattered. Talia waited to see whether this '8' fellow would accept her offer. Hopefully, between the avowed public sentiment and her spiel about the blades, the offer would be too good to refuse.

Talia makes a very convincing argument for the knifes, however the 21 gang is not buying at the moment. However she does get some offers from the crowd for 200 caps a knife.

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper stands quietly by talia's side listening as she wagged her silver tongue he had always been impressed with how well she could command attention and get what she wanted from people without resorting to force.

[Lucretia]

She knew she could get more for the knives, but Talia needed the capital immediately. Selling the knives for 400 caps even, she turned around and pointed to the wares she desired to buy, depositing neat stacks of caps on the surface-top between them.

Afterwards she had made a single cap from the exchange -- as well as several new items to play with.

"Thumper, would you hold on to some of this?" she asked after the changer was complete. The hazmat suit alone felt like an unwieldy ton of bricks.

4 Packages of RadAway
Hazmat Suit
4 Plasma Grenades
3 Doctor's Bags
16 Stimpacks
1 cap

[reaper_soulman]

Of course I will Talia.(Thumper takes the items from talia and places them in his inventory.)

[Mr Stereo1]

Deciding he doesn't want to be out in the open if Higgs decides to forcibly remove the heavily armed unknown party, John decides he'd best head outside. He'll just come back and find Higgs again once everything has settled down.

And if someone attacks the bar, and he happens to gun them down as they flee, then that's fine.

For the record, so I don't act on OOC information, John will shoot anyone who he thinks started a gunfight at the bar in the hopes of loot and bounty, but won't attack unless he thinks he'll be thanked for it.

He looks around the area outside the bar, and if possible finds some relatively secure cover which lets him cover the bar's entrance, while preventing anyone from sneaking up on him. Three and a bit walls would be best.

He'll try not to be spotted while doing so.

[Rentaromon]

He looks around the area outside the bar, and if possible finds some relatively secure cover which lets him cover the bar's entrance, while preventing anyone from sneaking up on him. Three and a bit walls would be best.

He'll try not to be spotted while doing so.

The bar was built in a rather open area, however ruins and buildings can be seen in every direction, the closest large rubble is between 45-35 yards away in all directions, The closest shell of a building is about 50 yards to the south-west of the bar. Both have plenty of rubble around them making it hard terrain, good for keeping melee fighters off you but not so good if you need to run fast.

The main door is on the south side of the bar.

[Rentaromon]

((Mr stereo if you dont want john to be outside so he can talk to higgs then just say so, but you have to make the check like everyone else then.))

The members of the 21 gang give each other a silent nod and start packing up as 8 tells the people still waiting to buy that they regrettably must leave. They pack up there remaining supplies(not a lot), and caps(a lot), then they leave.

For John and anyone who passes a 15 perception check( 1d10 plus perception).
Shortly after they leave the bar you can see them group together and pass something around, that they all pop in there mouths shortly after. In the rain its hard to tell what exactly it was but it might have been pills.

They start in the direction of Pizza City at a brisk walking pace, it seems they want to get away fast.

Some people settle back into their seats, still stuck inside with the rain. The reavers however seem to be getting ready to leave, then packing up to go leads the Brotherhood members to sit a bit more on edge.

Higgs makes his way over to Talia.
"If your still interested in the job you and your Super-mutant friend meet me over by the back room."
Higgs isn't very quiet about this, possibly wanting other people to hear of a possible job.

[Volthawk]

R109 turns to Higgs upon hearing him mention a job, having initially been watching the 21 gang leave, noting their apparent chem-taking for later reference. That would help him acquire the supplies and parts he needs. But on the other hand, the opportunity to attack that group would likely be lost by then. This will help him learn more about the gang's situation in the area, though. One might not negate the chance of the other happening. Decided, R109 stomps over to Higgs.

"I heard you mention work just now. Is that just for those two, or is to open to others?"

Perception: [roll0]

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper watches the 21 gang leave warily he notices them taking some sort of substance but with his poor knowledge of chemicals and medicine in general he can't really figure out what they took or why.Talia did you notice the 21 gang taking some sort of drug as they left?
After speaking briefly to talia he heads towards Higgs.
1d10=10+10=20

[Lothmar]

Lucas watches the 21 gang leave casually from the bar and relaxes a bit once they are gone taking his hands away from their ready position to jump the counter in case of trouble. He loses track of them as they exit the door, so he quickly turns his attention back to his bottle until he hears the phrase 'Talia did you notice the 21 gang taking some sort of drug as they left?' being spoken by the super mutant.

This Gave Lucas pause as he examined his hands closely, while he didn't make any purchases he had certainly inspected at least one piece of the goods they were selling.

(Checking for odd colors/reflections/sheans/smells etc that might indicate some sort of poison or drug that may get into one's systems either by touch or ingestion. Some people put cyanide on things people touch commonly etc, and while through touch is slower if someone then touches food and eats it the effects are quicker etc.)

Even if he doesn't detect anything he intends to wash his hands quickly just in case it is something outside of his knowledge.

Assuming there's no dramatic announcement he needs to make in this regard etc, Lucas will probably follow suit with the robot. "What he said." He smirks referring to the robot.

[Rentaromon]

Lucas does not find anything on his hands, they look a little dirty but this is fallout. They do feel a bit warm, but there is a 90% chance its just your mind.

((holding off on higgs part for our other 2 members to post))

[Lucretia]

Talia finished organizing her new purchases. "No, Thumper, I didn't," she said absentmindedly, picking over the detail and wondering how it fit into the puzzle. "But thank you for telling me. Let's see what Mr. Higgs wants, then, shall we?" She moved towards the backroom, where Higgs had said to meet for information concerning the job.

[Rentaromon]

As the party all find there way to higgs to hear about the possible job the reavers make there leave, going in the direction of Pizza City as well.

Higgs looks over the 5 of you for a few seconds.
"Ok so all of you are looking to make some money, fine. The 3 freakshows that just came in, the 21 gang, i need them out of this area, how is up to you.

Why you may ask? Because they are not the real 21 gang, they are just some punks trying to get some respect from stealing a name. The real 21 gang is the name for a very secretive group of treasure hunters with the skills and balls to loot downtown. And they certainly dont walk around with big numbers painted all over themselves.

I don't know where these pretenders got there score, but i would not trust a thing they sold, because it certainly did not come from downtown.

But enough backstory, I'm sure you would rather hear about the pay. How does 1500 caps each sound? And please don't go killing each other off, I'm not going to pay you more if only 1 of you return. You got 4 other people working for the same goal, if one of you succeeds you all do, take advantage of that.

Any questions?"

[Mr Stereo1]

"Any questions?"

"What do you want to prove they're gone, and can we divide up anything we find among ourselves?"

[Rentaromon]

"What do you want to prove they're gone, and can we divide up anything we find among ourselves?"

"You saw there outfits, I'm sure you can think of something distinctive of them you can bring back."

[reaper_soulman]

We could just bring back their headsThumper says thinking if they tricked Talia they're too dangerous to be left alive.

[Volthawk]

"I have no problems with this - their status in the are was an issue I had in killing them, but this deals with that issue pretty well. You just want them dealt with, correct? Can we keep any usable equipment we obtain from their bodies?"

[Lothmar]

"Code of the wasteland honor usually dictates unless the client is asking us to bring back specifics from a target or to leave a facility unspoiled, anything along the way is fair game." He adds with a pat to the robots back, hoping he was correct since the gear they were wearing or have access to is easily worth more then each of their personal shares.

"You got any information or leads on these posers then, or is it up to us from here." Lucas asks inquisitively never one to turn away free information on a job.

[Rentaromon]

We could just bring back their headsThumper says thinking if they tricked Talia they're too dangerous to be left alive.

"I think if you have the opportunity to grab there heads you can get the armor just as easily."


"I have no problems with this - their status in the are was an issue I had in killing them, but this deals with that issue pretty well. You just want them dealt with, correct? Can we keep any usable equipment we obtain from their bodies?"

"Ha go for it, not that i would trust anything they were using."

[Rentaromon]

"You got any information or leads on these posers then, or is it up to us from here." Lucas asks inquisitively never one to turn away free information on a job.

"Well they went in the direction of Pizza City, so that is a good place to start. If your lucky the reavers will take care of them for you."

[reaper_soulman]

[QUOTE=Rentaromon;13113033]"I think if you have the opportunity to grab there heads you can get the armor just as easily."
Heads are much lighter is all

[Mr Stereo1]

"I want the helmet with the scope, and the sniper rifle, if possible.

Also, how do you feel about the Reavers? I got the impression the Brotherhood dislike them, but are the Reavers seen as troublemakers?"

[reaper_soulman]

"I want the helmet with the scope, and the sniper rifle, if possible.

Also, how do you feel about the Reavers? I got the impression the Brotherhood dislike them, but are the Reavers seen as troublemakers?"
I have no use for the rifle personally.

[Rentaromon]

"I want the helmet with the scope, and the sniper rifle, if possible.

Also, how do you feel about the Reavers? I got the impression the Brotherhood dislike them, but are the Reavers seen as troublemakers?"

"The Reavers are just a large gang of brutes, no matter what amount of religious twist they try to play. Outside the bar i don't give a dam what happens to them. The only reason i allow them in the bar is because they made a deal with me that is grossly in my favor.

I would stay out of there way, no need to get in a firefight with the heat they normally pack. Even if they will probably take more of there own in a fight."

[Lothmar]

"Best not to rile up religious fanatics when one can help it, gotcha." Lucas adds in response to the Reavers. "Thanks for the advice." He nods.

"So." He adds looking at the others in assembly. "Pleased to meet you, Names Lucas Thompson. Good with most things mechanical or electrical and a decent enough shot with a rifle to carry my own weight if or should I say when it comes to combat." He adds extending his hand to Talia pausing momentarily in the process to make sure the Super mutant at her side approved and wasn't about to try and break his arm over it.

"So, you two know each other?" He adds signaling with his thumb twisting his hand back and fourth between Talia and the mutant.

[Mr Stereo1]

"The Reavers are just a large gang of brutes, no matter what amount of religious twist they try to play. Outside the bar i don't give a dam what happens to them. The only reason i allow them in the bar is because they made a deal with me that is grossly in my favor.

I would stay out of there way, no need to get in a firefight with the heat they normally pack. Even if they will probably take more of there own in a fight."

"Understood."

"My name is John. My skillset is mainly shooting, sneaking around, and surviving in the wasteland. I'm not bad at first aid, or substituting for a real doctor, either, but that's not a risk you want to take if you have the option of someone with recent practice."

[Lucretia]

Talia smiled at Lucas and shook his hand. "Yes, Thumper and I have traveled quite the distance -- didn't you hear me discussing those knives? No matter: he's my bodyguard, and at this point I don't know what I'd do without him. Do you even know how heavy water is? The armor does a good job of concealing the abject lack of muscle on my body, but..." She laughed and patted Thumper's arm.

"I'm Talia Vellae, by the way. Just a merchant, a gambler, a socialite from New Vegas with a mind for numbers. I'll let Thumper introduce himself properly, he has such a way with words sometimes. As for the sniper rifle and the helmet... I'll have to inspect them before I simply cede any claim to them. It would be nice to analyze the price before-hand.

"Speaking of, Thumper mentioned that the false Twenty-One gang members took some sort of something when they left. That and your," she nodded to Mr. Higgs, "warning about the potential quality of these items makes me somewhat suspicious with the contents of what I've just purchased. Could you give the items a look-over? If I wasn't wrong about the RadAway, well... I seriously would prefer to know it before injecting the stuff into myself. And if that hazmat suit isn't actually a hazmat suit, well... that Eight will seriously regret the enemy he's made today."

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper eyes Lucas dangerously as he approaches Talia but that passes immediately as Talia introduces herself and it becomes clear he means no harm to her.My name is Thumper as Talia has already said I'm good at beating people into the ground like a tent spike.
then looking at John he says It is good to have a competent doctor around I'm sure we will be needing each other often that and if your as good a shot as you say you are your support will be useful in a fight,why do you wear that mask if you don't mind me asking?He then turns to R-109 and says.What should I call you metal man.

[Lucretia]

"As I said, a way with words. So colorful! But Thumper, it's rude to ask why a man covers his face. John, don't feel obliged to answer that. We all have our little secrets, our little veils -- some of us, like you, are just more explicit about it. We meant no offense," she added before smiling at the sniper-doctor.

"As Thumper said, having a doctor on board would certainly be useful. If these supplies aren't sabotaged, I'm sure you'll be able to put them to good use -- the doctor's bags, the stimpacks, the RadAway. I'm still concerned about the latter... Mr. Higgs, Mr. Thompson, John, if any of you could take a look at these and inspect them for errors? I'd be very appreciative.

"As for you," Talia added, looking at the robot. "I'm not familiar with your make and model, so... how does Sparky sound?"

Metagame humor is always accepted, right? Right? :smalltongue:

[Volthawk]

R109 turns to Talia and gives her a long look that despite his head being robot and as such without facial features to move, somehow still manages to get across his disapproval. "I am not 'Sparky'. I am R109. Originally built as a security robot, but over time I've had my parts scavenged and rebuilt and modified until I'm in the state I am now. Skill-wise, I have this minigun and know how to use it, as well as skill with other weapons, energy or conventional, and I'm also generally more bulletproof than you people with your skin.

[Lucretia]

"Sure, Sparky, but our skin regrows. Just food for thought on that one." She moved to the wall and leaned against it, waiting to see if anyone would investigate her purchases for her. Nodding to R109's minigun, Talia's eyes took on the gleam of curiosity. "I'm not familiar with that style of gun. Doesn't seem to be Gunrunner, and I never encountered that sort of thing when I was working with the Crimson Caravan. Whatever it is, we didn't have anything like it out in Vegas territory. Doesn't seem to be Old World tech, at least, not a unified whole...

"Did you make that thing yourself?"

[Lothmar]

"Well, there's some free table space now that the reavers are gone. Set them over here and i'll give you a free inspection and report of my findings." Lucas adds pulling up a chair to a table as he gets out his tools and things and prepares to examine the equipment.

~Checking the condition of all the equipment so I know how much each needs to be repaired in general. This doesn't really have an action/time to it, so i'll let the GM figure it out.~

"So, new Vegas you said. That's, out west a ways right?" Lucas adds making casual small talk as he sets to work looking over pieces and examining components. "But still east of the, what they call it... NCR." Having grown up and lived in this city all his life, he had very little knowledge of the outside world - but occasionally people did whisper of the growing factions in the distance.

[Lucretia]

"That's right," Talia replied, setting the equipment she was carrying on the table and motioning for Thumper to come over so she could remove the equipment from his 'backpack.' "The New California Republic. New Vegas is a wonderland, a fluorescent playground of civilization. In between us and Vegas is Legion territory -- have you heard of Caesar's Legion?"

[Lothmar]

"Sounds like a tourist trap." He adds setting down a piece and moving on to the radiation suit. "Old one or new? Nothing too flattering about the later, here I thought they were further south around what used to be Texas and Arizona. Though I hear they do good at protect traders and roads in their territory." He adds holding up the radiation suit between his hands and examining the surface closely as he paces down the various square inches of its surface looking for holes, cuts or thinning material.

[Rentaromon]

As lucas inspects the equipment in every way possible he eventually pulls out his geiger counter, and it goes off like someone just dropped a nuke. The telltale sound of a geiger counter rings throughout the bar, and it suddenly was very clear to everyone why everything was so cheap.

"God dammit. Can i have everyones attention!" Higgs yells throughout the bar.

"Anyone who bought supplies from the 3 con-artists calling themselves the 21 gang get rid of it now, its coated in radiation! Its all tainted!"

The sound of 1 or 2 other geiger counters going off fills the bar as people check the things they bought, followed by a lot of cursing and yelling. Most people take there guns ammo and anything else they bought to the front door and chuck them as far as they can. The people are angry, and start talking about going out in a big group to hunt them down, but Higgs steps in.

"Calm down calm down, i just hired a group of skilled mercenaries to hunt the con-artists down." Higgs says, meaning the 5 of you.

"And to show that i have no connection to that trio a free round of Rad-Away Cola to everyone here!"

Rad-Away Cola is what it sounds like, a nuka-cola mixed with rad away, making a drink that removes radiation in the body, and still doesn't taste that bad. However its not nearly as effective as normal rad-away if you get a huge dose of radiation.

[Lucretia]

Talia sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Thumper, would you mind getting rid of these things? We'll see about recouping the losses later. Perhaps soaking them in RadAway... but then, that's not how that stuff works, is it? Futete. There must be some way to rid material of radiation.

"Might be worthwhile to keep the plasma grenades inside R109, if he has any sort of shielding. Never know when a surprise grenade, even one that's got more rads than Devil's Gullet, might come in handy. But for now, Thumper, if you wouldn't mind -- put our purchases in the hazmat suit and place it outside. We'll deal with that later." She stood and moved towards the bar for one of these concoctions to rid herself of whatever ambient radiation she picked up during her little shopping spree.

In a normal human, rage would have boiled. It would have licked the cast iron of her heart and turned it bright red, searing hot. But Talia didn't think that way. There was a calm about her, as she drank the mediocre drink. The little cogs in her head were turning, almost visibly... revenge was brewing, yes, but not boiling.

[Lothmar]

"Ah that explains it, hmm we're in the wrong area to get the kind of clay i'd need for the low tech solution, however the hightech solution may still be at our fingertips. If you're tossing those energy weapons anyway, mind if I use some of the components?" Lucas adds trying to stop people from throwing away their equipment. "I may be able to salvage the rest of the irradiated gear if I can get the right parts but i'll need to take a look. If it works, i'll charge a small amount for the service so you're still coming out ahead." Lucas adds attempting to salvage the situation.

"You see, a strong negative Ion charge - will absorb positive Ionic charges - in this case radiation. So, with the right pieces - I may be able to convert a weapon to create a reverse feedback pull instead of firing a laser or plasma - the energy from the cells still gets burnt off because the weapon will be drawing in the positive ionic charge."
"This means that, yes while we transfer and increase the radiation to some burnt out energy weapon cells and maybe the weapon itself - we will decrease or nearly eliminate the radiation in the other gear. However these modifications will take time, so yes for safety it's best to move the equipment somewhere where it wont leave everyone irradiated. R109 should be immune to the radiation and I can treate him afterwords, so he can guard the cache in the meantime - that is if you're willing?"

"I will need a decent energy weapons user or Expert to help me with the modifications and pull this off since I'll need someone to manage the levels on the weapon since im not proficient in them."

[Volthawk]

R109 nods. "Very well. I do also have skill in energy weapon use, so I can assist with the modifications."

[reaper_soulman]

I'll hang those bastards by their intestines they will regret the day they crossed me! Thumper roared at the top of his lungs. He then grabbed the rad away cola and downed it in one gulp. He then wrapped all the shoddy goods on the hazmat suit and threw them a good distance from the bar.He then returned to the group and says.
Time is wasting lets track down these punks before they get to far who's with me?

[Lucretia]

Talia sighed as Thumper did his work. "I hope you didn't break anything, Thumper. Mr. Thompson only just said he might be able to draw the radiation away -- and having a hazmat suit would have been very useful. Not to mention the medical supplies..."

[Rentaromon]

Lucas comes up with a solid theory on how to remove the radiation, however his knowledge of energy weapons makes the actual task a challenge. Even with R109s help they are unable to completely work out the procedure. If they had a detailed schematic of a plasma weapon, or found someone who had the knowledge, they might be able to work it out.

[reaper_soulman]

I'm sorry Talia I lost my temper I just can't wait to get my hands on the little ****s who did this they harmed you and me as-well and I'm supposed to stop that.

[Mr Stereo1]

"I'm Talia Vellae, by the way. Just a merchant, a gambler, a socialite from New Vegas with a mind for numbers. I'll let Thumper introduce himself properly, he has such a way with words sometimes. As for the sniper rifle and the helmet... I'll have to inspect them before I simply cede any claim to them. It would be nice to analyze the price before-hand.


"Understandable."


It is good to have a competent doctor around I'm sure we will be needing each other often that and if your as good a shot as you say you are your support will be useful in a fight,why do you wear that mask if you don't mind me asking?

[OOC: A third degree burn is when all of the skin in a given area is burned off. While Fallout medical facilities, outside of the brotherhood or enclave, probably couldn't save anyone with extreme coverage, I figured about 3-5% of skin surface would be survivable with luck. To express his low charisma, about half of John's face is now scar tissue. Link (http://www.septicure.co.za/09f90fe0.jpg) and here's a photo (http://www.theeventscompany.co.uk/Media/P0037100001.JPG)of Simon Weston (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Weston) who suffered burns in the Falklands War. Keep in mind he's had the benefit of modern medical care and re-constructive surgery.]

John clinches his jaw as the mutant speaks, looking away. "I have some experience acting as a Doctor's assistant, but I haven't had much practice since I left Sherton. As for why I wear my mask..." John lowers the mask to show the mutant his burned face. "partly because it reduces the risk of being mistaken for a ghoul, and partly because it makes me more difficult to spot in the dark."


"Calm down calm down, i just hired a group of skilled mercenaries to hunt the con-artists down." Higgs says, meaning the 5 of you.

...

John turns to look at Higgs for a moment, as if he were trying to decide how long he could draw out his suffering with a willing supermutant and a doctor's bog.



"And to show that i have no connection to that trio a free round of Rad-Away Cola to everyone here!"

Rad-Away Cola is what it sounds like, a nuka-cola mixed with rad away, making a drink that removes radiation in the body, and still doesn't taste that bad. However its not nearly as effective as normal rad-away if you get a huge dose of radiation.

John drinks the cola without complaint. He'd need to find out where nuka-cola came from some day.



"Might be worthwhile to keep the plasma grenades inside R109, if he has any sort of shielding. Never know when a surprise grenade, even one that's got more rads than Devil's Gullet, might come in handy. But for now, Thumper, if you wouldn't mind -- put our purchases in the hazmat suit and place it outside. We'll deal with that later." She stood and moved towards the bar for one of these concoctions to rid herself of whatever ambient radiation she picked up during her little shopping spree.


John thinks for a moment. That was a good idea. "Do you think it would be possible to acquire enough Hazmat suit material to make a radiation shielded container? If we had access to a radiation shielded box we could transport irradiated products without risk to ourselves. As far as I understand some types of radiation fade quickly enough we could leave the products in a secure location until they were safe for sale, if there isn't a cost-effective way of removing radiation from inanimate objects."


I'll hang those bastards by their intestines they will regret the day they crossed me! Thumper roared at the top of his lungs. He then grabbed the rad away cola and downed it in one gulp. He then wrapped all the shoddy goods on the hazmat suit and threw them a good distance from the bar.He then returned to the group and says.
Time is wasting lets track down these punks before they get to far who's with me?

"If you want to hurt them, then there are ways that cause more suffering than disembowelment. I would prefer to simply kill anyone who could pose a threat before they have a chance to harm us, though. If you want to send a message you are not to be crossed, we can mutilate the bodies to make it look like you tortured them."

"I think that they will have expected Higgs to find out they were selling dangerous goods, meaning they may expect someone to follow them. It's entirely possible that they have agents in this bar to inform on their pursuers, which Mr Higgs has kindly identified us as. I'd like to wait until we are outside of the bar before discussing strategy."


Lucas comes up with a solid theory on how to remove the radiation, however his knowledge of energy weapons makes the actual task a challenge. Even with R109s help they are unable to completely work out the procedure. If they had a detailed schematic of a plasma weapon, or found someone who had the knowledge, they might be able to work it out.

[If I know this IC.] "You could always offer a share of the items to anyone who can help you remove the radiation. There's presumably someone in the bar who can help."

---

"I agree with Thumper that we should leave now. So we can follow their trail while it's fresh. Are you ready to leave?"

[Lothmar]

"True, we should hurry." Lucas adds slightly disappointed since stuff like this tends to really grab his attention.

"Okay i've got a fine idea, how about this. I think you understand where im going with this theory well enough higgs, do you think you could find an energy weapon expert from your brotherhood associates to help with the implementation since you're on business terms. All three groups get a split of the profit of the de-radifaction process and everyone earns some good will with your patrons save those posers. You hold onto the stuff we bought and our share of the caps till we come back with the bounty and we add that to our reward so we can get after them now rather then later." He adds as if he didn't have to say 'assuming it works'.

"Deal?" he asks extending his hands to their employer. If there was a deal he popped the collar of his duster and began proceding to the door. "Lets go track us a bounty."

[Lucretia]

"Mr. Thompson, we'll need to discuss how much you want per radioactive removal, but we can do that on the way. I'm ready to leave now -- I may not be the best in the actual fight, but trust me, any of them we take alive... I'm calling dibs on them now. As for your radioactive-proof container idea, if it keeps radiation out, it'll keep radiation in -- like an insulator. I'd rather not chop up the one I just bought, but if we find more we could certainly tailor something together. Enough wonderglue and redundant overlapping ought to be enough to make sure, although we can Geiger counter it to make sure."

She cracked her knuckles and felt for the little spool of wire that served as her weapon of choice. Having made sure it was secured, Talia pulled her hair off her shoulders and into a faux-ponytail, not having anything to bind it with. "I'm prepared to leave immediately."

[Lothmar]

"Well I was mainly doing this to help the customers tricked today rather then make an actual profit... Higg's is a business man, I trust him to set an appropriate price for the service so that they're paid for their time and his customers are made relatively whole once more. After-all no matter the context, one bad experience can keep a customer away for life and word of mouth is the only real advertisement of worth these days."

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper turns to TaliaI'll do my very best to take one alive so you can have some fun with him,but I make no promises after all humans are so very frail.

[Mr Stereo1]

"Lets go track us a bounty."

"Agreed." John gets ready to follow Lucas.


" I'm ready to leave now -- I may not be the best in the actual fight, but trust me, any of them we take alive... I'm calling dibs on them now."

"No deal. They may know something I wish to know, such as the locations of their sources or supply caches."


Thumper turns to TaliaI'll do my very best to take one alive so you can have some fun with him,but I make no promises after all humans are so very frail.

"..." John stares at the Supermutant. He waits until they're outside the bar, then asks "Do you help Talia capture people to torture often? I don't suppose you have any tips?"

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper says to John If you want tips on torture then ask Talia as far as capturing people alive the first step if to switch that gun with something more personal then I would suggest getting a lot bigger,stronger and tougher before you attempt to do anything the way I would human

[Mr Stereo1]

"Well, technically torture is very very easy, it's more getting what you want out of it that's difficult. Most people will say whatever they think the torturer wants to hear to make it stop. Others will lie through their teeth to give you the wrong information, if they're devoted enough to their cause. Often it causes a great deal of pain for no real gain. Why would Talia and yourself consider it 'fun'?"

(Assuming they're outside the bar by this point. Discussing this sort of thing inside the bar seems like a very, very, bad idea.)

[Rentaromon]

Higgs agrees to store the irradiated items and talk to the brotherhood about removing the radiation.

((it seems everyone but Volt has posted that he is ready to go. When he says go ill make my next post about what happens next, feel free to continue dialog as you travel))

[Volthawk]

R109 turns to John. "People find things enjoyable despite the lack of any benefit the activity brings to them, or indeed even if it is to their detriment, including things other see as immoral or wrong."


Yeah, good to go.

[reaper_soulman]

"Well, technically torture is very very easy, it's more getting what you want out of it that's difficult. Most people will say whatever they think the torturer wants to hear to make it stop. Others will lie through their teeth to give you the wrong information, if they're devoted enough to their cause. Often it causes a great deal of pain for no real gain. Why would Talia and yourself consider it 'fun'?"

(Assuming they're outside the bar by this point. Discussing this sort of thing inside the bar seems like a very, very, bad idea.)

Thumper says to John I never said I found torture fun I definately enjoy bloodshed but I enjoy the slaughter far more than torture I in fact would rather mutilate a corpse after I kill the person than torture a living creature simply because it less trouble, but I have no skill in interrogation and as you mentioned earlier it's pointless for me to do Talia on the other hand has a gift for it and it serves her very well. I've seen her do things you wouldn't believe to people.
if anyone asks I'll go into detail

[Rentaromon]

((my post disappeared, ill redo.))

The group heads out after the fake 21 gang. On the path they took you find many footprints in the mud, it looks like a group of 7-8 went through here. The path continues with no sign of trying to hide it for a few minutes along the path to Pizza City.

Eventually you spot something, its one of the bags that they had there loot in, just sitting in the middle of the path undisturbed, all the footprints go around it. The bag looks to still be full from the bulge.

Outdoorsman 40 check:
You can see that the rain clouds overhead or about to pass, in a few minutes it should finally stop raining.

Perception 12 (skill plus 1d10):
Something is obviously off with the bag, it could easily be some sort of trap.

((**** i forgot to put the spoilers!))

[Volthawk]

R109 stops upon seeing the bag.

"A trap, it seems. We could either go around and avoid it, take a cautious approach and investigate, and if any of us have skills with dealing with traps they can attempt to disarm any trap there, or one of us could go straight in and risk the damage from the trap. Of course, there's the chance it's simply there so a cautious approach will waste the time of any pursuers, giving them more time go get away. If we decide on the 'one of us directly goes in' plan, I volunteer for that, as I have my armour plating.

[Lucretia]

"Throw a stone at it?" Talia suggested, shivering a little. This water from the sky was absolutely not acceptable. She had been walking near Thumper, preparing to hide behind him if their new travel companions turned out to be a little less reputable.

"If it explodes, it was full of mines. If it doesn't, it could be filled with, what, a grenade rigged to explode somehow? And if it doesn't do any of that, check the Geiger counter. I don't have any desire for more rads today."

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper turns to Talia and says Take heart Talia it seems this horrible rain will stop soonThumper moves in front of Talia just in case anything happens then speaks to R-109.
If you want to get yourself broke feel free tinman but I don't feel like packing your broken ass around and I don't think anyone else can.Thumper then grabs the biggest rock he can throw the needed distance then move in front of Talia once more.
He then speaks to the group in generalEveryone take a step backThumper hurls the stone at the bag.
perception 1d10=1+10=11,outdoorsman 1d100=2-44=42 if we are still doing the 1d20 for skill checks then outdoorsman 1d20=4+44=48,throw 1d100=14-60=46

[Mr Stereo1]

Thumper says to John I never said I found torture fun I definately enjoy bloodshed but I enjoy the slaughter far more than torture I in fact would rather mutilate a corpse after I kill the person than torture a living creature simply because it less trouble, but I have no skill in interrogation and as you mentioned earlier it's pointless for me to do Talia on the other hand has a gift for it and it serves her very well. I've seen her do things you wouldn't believe to people.
if anyone asks I'll go into detail

[OOC: Yes, I'm fishing for information IC.]

"Like what? I can believe a lot. Once, I even saw a brahmin with only one head."

----

John looked around the area, checking for anyone waiting to kill him horribly and take his stuff. "It might be bait for an ambush. I'll go check." He didn't like standing around if that was a possibility.

Doing his best to slip away from the group unnoticed, he goes to circle the area as thoroughly as he can in a short time, just in case there's an ambush waiting. Of course, the bag could just be left-over irradiated products, but if that were the case, then why leave them in the first place? The gang probably had some way of moving them without major risk. They wouldn't have a drop-off point this exposed, would they?

Sneak roll, skill 100 [roll0]

[Rentaromon]

John attempts to sneak around to spot if anyone is watching the area for them, however before he gets a chance to get more than a few feet Thumper throws a large rock at the bag. As it hits an explosion goes off in the bag, muffled partially by the rock. Everyone was far away enough that no one got hurt in the explosion, however the sound of metal shrapnel flying out of the bag gets a bit to close for comfort.

No one shows up after the small explosion.

If you have more than 55 explosion skill:
Even with the muffling from the rock and bag you can tell that that was the sound of a fragmentation mine, just one. And you did not see any mines in the bags of the 21 gang what they were at the bar.

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper turns to Talia.Are you unharmed? He looks Talia up and down and finds no wounds,then turns to R-109.Good call tinman I do think that was a trap. Thumper silently berates himself for not noticing something so obvious.
Well the good thing is the trail isn't cold apparrently someone thinks they are being hunted.
perception check to see if there is going to be anyone rushing toward the sound of their trap going off and if I notice a little early 1d10=9+10=19.

[Lucretia]

On skills: my understanding of it is this. If I have 44 Outdoorsman, I need to roll a d100 and get beneath 44. If I succeed at that, then I've accomplished my task and 'unlocked' the goal. If my Outdoorsman is 100 and I stumble upon a DC50 [in other words, requiring a skill of 50 to succeed] then I'm going to succeed regardless of the roll, since rolling a d100 will get equal to or beneath my Outdoorsman skill.

Then, depending on circumstantial benefits or detriments, I either succeed or fail.

Does that make sense?

Also, we don't roll sneak. The DM rolls sneak for us, so we don't know how well we've done or not done.

Talia pulled her hair out of her face, eyes clenched shut. Thumper's enthusiasm was... endearing, but destructive. "Perhaps next time a smaller stone?" she said softly, wringing the long length of obsidian hair of water. "Had there not been an explosive inside, you might've broken whatever valuables someone had so carelessly dropped. Still, luck was on our side, I suppose. Now, where did John go?" She scanned the area for their wayward sniper friend. It bothered her to allow someone adept at shooting from cover and range to slip off into the cover and gain range.

But perhaps trusting John wouldn't be a massive mistake. Without the watchful eye of the Securitrons, Talia didn't feel safe. Civilization was gone out here. Perhaps Caesar's Legion had the right idea.

"Thumper?" she asked, tapping him on the shoulder and beckoning him to lean down. "Let's not make small talk about my... inclinations, alright? Just until we know we can trust these people. I'd hate for them to get the wrong idea," Vellae whispered in his ear.

[reaper_soulman]

Whispering Understood I'll try to take more care and as of now that subject is taboo.
ooc thanks for the reply gm but did you have to be so sneaky about it?(grin)
There doesn't seem to be anyone coming.

[Mr Stereo1]

(Assuming I find nothing during the search.)

Returning to the group, John tries to make himself obvious so he doesn't spook anyone, and carefully makes no sudden movements until he's greeted.

"Sorry for leaving without an explanation, but I didn't want to be caught in an ambush just to save a few minutes. Can we have a code for these situations in the future? We don't have much time, but keywords for a few eventualities could be helpful if we're stuck in a standoff, or need to covertly warn one another of something without being obvious."

[Lucretia]

"Any suggestions?" Talia asked, turning to press her back against Thumper and scan the area. Civilization was an incredibly rare commodity, and the only markets for it were few and far between. Vellae preferred them, and was entirely out of her element in the actual world.

"I've got to admit, a bag with a bomb in it didn't exactly... wasn't what I was expecting, is all. Certainly took my by surprise when you were gone immediately thereafter. Thanks for not shooting us, by the way."

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper moves to the bag and checks to see if he can see anything left in it,He then turns to John and saysCan you tell where the trail leads from here?

[Lucretia]

Apparently not. "John?" Talia turned her attention to try and find the sniper, afraid he'd slinked off in the post-rain gloom.

[Lothmar]

Holding his chin in contemplation. "Alpha numerical code may be simple enough and not too obvious to understand by the enemy immediately. Say maybe Dee ('D'), for find a defensive position. 'A' to indicate you're assualting. See ('c' )for charging. Then once we establish the code, or we have multiple things of the same letter - we then prioritize them."

[Lucretia]

"Except C sounds like see, which would be confusing," the trader said, still looking for the sniper. "Might be better to use a different phonetic alphabet."

[Volthawk]

"But that's intended. That's the sound for the letter C - as in the one between B and D. I don't see the confusion."

[Lothmar]

"Well I figured for a quick emergency signal, it wouldn't necessarily be used in context with other words. We could always cut out certain letters entirely, or even say that letters that sound like words would have to be followed by a number so they aren't mistaken for words if used during conversation. But we can figure it out as we go, keep your eyes out for blinking orange lights or beeps." He adds in reference to fragmentation mines.

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper say's to the group We could use a phonetic alphabet like many police groups and military organizations did prewar.for assault we could say alpha,for charge we could say charlie,for defense we could say delta,I think that would eliminate all room for confusion over what your saying.However I think we need to go after the 21 gang before they too much of a lead is everyone ready?

[Mr Stereo1]

"I've got to admit, a bag with a bomb in it didn't exactly... wasn't what I was expecting, is all. Certainly took my by surprise when you were gone immediately thereafter. Thanks for not shooting us, by the way."

"I didn't want to be too close to everyone if someone attacked us. If I'd drawn attention while leaving they presumably would have attacked before I gained any advantage."


Thumper moves to the bag and checks to see if he can see anything left in it,He then turns to John and saysCan you tell where the trail leads from here?


Apparently not. "John?" Talia turned her attention to try and find the sniper, afraid he'd slinked off in the post-rain gloom.

John shook himself out of his confusion.

"Oh, yeah, sure. I can check if you want me to." John replies, walking over to the bag and seeing if he can find any useful clues. It was times like these he wanted to get a dog but he'd just get it killed somehow...


Holding his chin in contemplation. "Alpha numerical code may be simple enough and not too obvious to understand by the enemy immediately. Say maybe Dee ('D'), for find a defensive position. 'A' to indicate you're assualting. See ('c' )for charging. Then once we establish the code, or we have multiple things of the same letter - we then prioritize them."

"That would work for now, I think."


"Except C sounds like see, which would be confusing," the trader said, still looking for the sniper. "Might be better to use a different phonetic alphabet."

"That's true, C, I, P, A, Q, O, R, T, U, Y, B...." John trailed off, internally checking the alphabet. "Well, there might be more, but you see the issue. For now we could use curse words, they can normally be thrown into conversations without seeming too out of place. I can think of seven off the top of my head, so there's at least seven messages."


"But that's intended. That's the sound for the letter C - as in the one between B and D. I don't see the confusion."

"It's the same sound used for the word 'see', as in visual input, and 'sea', as in large body of salt water. At least to human ears in casual conversation."


"Well I figured for a quick emergency signal, it wouldn't necessarily be used in context with other words. We could always cut out certain letters entirely, or even say that letters that sound like words would have to be followed by a number so they aren't mistaken for words if used during conversation. But we can figure it out as we go, keep your eyes out for blinking orange lights or beeps." He adds in reference to fragmentation mines.

"That would work well to disguise tactical coordination in combat, but I'd like to have a way of covertly warning you, or being warned if someone else, plans to break a stand-off in a second's time, or if someone has been following us, say."


Thumper say's to the group We could use a phonetic alphabet like many police groups and military organizations did prewar.for assault we could say alpha,for charge we could say charlie,for defense we could say delta,I think that would eliminate all room for confusion over what your saying.However I think we need to go after the 21 gang before they too much of a lead is everyone ready?

"That's another option." John replies, examining Thumper curiously. He'd never been taught much about the world before the war. "Do you know much about pre-war history?"

[reaper_soulman]

Thumper turns to John and says the master taught the first super mutants many things basically anything he thought they needed to know to be an effective army.While all super mutants are subject to a formal education only the first ones were taught by the master now the teachings are handed down from one generation to the next.So to answer your question I know a bit about prewar history just the things that were passed down from the master,I truly wish I could have met him but some brotherhood basterd killed him before I was dipped.
Thumper then starts down the path they were originally on.

[Lucretia]

Talia nodded and began following Thumper, wanting her super mutant barricade between her and whatever those irradiated tricksters had planned. The knowledge Thumper possessed always surprised her -- it was difficult to remember not all super mutants were incredibly stupid. How did Black Mountain Radio put it? The dumb-dumbs.

"John, any chance you could play the counter-sniper? I believe... Seven, was it? One of those guys had a big gun. The one you're interested in. We've set their bomb off and I doubt they didn't hear that, so they'll probably have something lined up against us, something bigger and more deadly.

"Like a fifty calibre bullet for our brains.

"So, think you could defang that threat?"