Vampire the Masquerade - V5 - Session Eighty Nine - 'The War Council' (Part Four)

I'm currently running a Vampire the Masquerade chronicle using the 5th Edition rule-set for a small group of fellow role-players. These are the chronicles of their adventures.

Our chronicle is set in Los Angeles and features a small group of Camarilla agents sent into the 'Free States' to bring them back under Camarilla control. Over a year of plotting allowed the coterie to gain control of two North-Eastern Baronies and a large part of a third. Now they are moving on to the final stage of their campaign and have their eyes on taking over the entire city, either directly or by proxy.

--------------------
The now obligatory warning bit - Unlike my other RPG write-ups this one will contain swearing, sexual references and other references that might offend. If you can't tell the difference between real             peoples opinions and grown-ups role-playing predators who crave blood then this probably won't be for you. I've also used actual photographs to represent some characters which I'll give acknowledgements to at the end if I've any idea who they are.
---------------------
The introduction to this campaign, the first story and all the other parts can be found at the following links and are in chronological order. If you'd prefer a summary of each session rather than read everything then there's a more detailed link page HERE as well as links to the first episode of each story in the blog sidebar.
---------------------
Chronicle One - 'Infiltrate L.A.' 

Welcome to L.A. - Introductory Session
Story One - 'Three Murders' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Interlude Session - One
Story Two - 'The Pasadena Problem' - Part One, Two, Three, and Four
Solo Session - 'The Neillson Library'
Story Two Continued- 'The Pasadena Problem' - Part Five, Six, Seven and Eight
Story Three - 'Becoming Baron' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Solo Session - 'The Gather'
Story Three Continued - 'Becoming Baron' - Part Six, Seven and Eight

---------------------
Chronicle Two - 'Foothold L.A.' 

Solo Session - 'Hostile Takeover'
Story Four - 'Countdown' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Five - 'The Missing Chantry' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five
Solo Session - 'The Anaheim Assassination'
Story Six - 'A Meeting of Barons' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Seven - 'The Carmelita Situation' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Eight - 'The Blount Sisters' - Part One and Two
Story Nine - 'Blood Money' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six
Story Ten - 'Anathema' - Part One and Two
Story Eleven - 'Predators and Prey' aka 'The Blount Sisters' - Part Three
Story Twelve - 'Aftermath' - Part One and Two
Story Thirteen - 'The Messiah Complex' - Part One, Two, Three and Four

---------------------
Chronicle Three - 'Incursion L.A.'

Story Fourteen - 'The Rant'
Story Fifteen - 'Ties of Blood' - Part One and Two

Solo Session - 'A Gathering of Roses'

Story Sixteen - 'The Southern Solution' - Part One, Two and Three
Story Seventeen - 'The Baker Disappearance' - Part One, Two and Three

Story Eighteen - 'Inevitable Betrayals' - Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five

Story Nineteen - 'The Marius Contracts' - Part One and Two

Story Twenty - 'The MacNeil Protocols' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five, 

Story Twenty - 'The MacNeil Protocols' - Part Six, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten

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

Interlude Session One - After Griffith Park

Interlude Session Two - Divide and Conquer

Interlude Session Three - On the Brink of War

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

Chronicle Four - 'Conquest L.A.'

Story Twenty One - 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' - Part One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Story Twenty One - 'Veni, Vidi, Victor' - Part Six, and Epilogue

Story Twenty Two - 'The Unbound' - Part One, Two, Three and Four

Story Twenty Three - 'The War Council' - Part One, Two and Three

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

The PC's

Michael Tomassio - Toreador, 'Baron of the North East'
Vincent 'Vin' Ghast - Brujah, 'Constable'
Dr Daniel Matthews - Banu Haqim, 'Fixer'
Hope Romero - Gangrel, 'Census Taker'
Mr Hertz - Nosferatu, 'Seneschal'

The Storyteller

Garreth - Everyone else...

The player characters stats and backgrounds can be found HERE should any-one be interested, but be warned that the page is usually several stories ahead of the most recent write-up and may contain some spoilers. 

There's also some minor 'house-rules' HERE that have occurred as we went along.

If I think something needs a bit of out of character explanation then those will get a storytellers note that will helpfully be in red. Where particular NPC's have a mention in a faction profile you will be able to reach it by clicking on their name or faction beneath their picture.

Introduction

The meeting of the Barons 'War Council' has made even more progress. It has been agreed that Harvey Caplan will take over the absent position of Baron of the South Coast and that baron Boyd of the Crypts Sons must be revived from torpor in order to lead the fractured remnants of his gang. Meanwhile, Gary Golden, leader of the Hollywood Nosferatu, has agreed to consult with Bertram Tung to discover exactly how such a thorough infiltration of Los Angeles was undertaken.

Scene Twelve - Questions of Loyalty

Therese Voerman - Malkavian
Baron of Santa Monica

Therese Voerman, Baron of Santa Monica raised the status's of the several nominally independent groups of kindred who operated within the city. Of specific concern was the United Chantry of Los Angeles which contained a number of blood sorcerers who were, at least in theory, still loyal to the Camarilla. Also of concern was Ike's Brujah Fight Club, The Bahari and the Circulatory System. The latter of which was generally regarded as an organisation that was primarily associated with the Ventrue of the Camarilla despite it's claims of autonomy.

Michael agreed that at the very least these organisations should be approached by whichever Baron controlled the territories that these organisations were based in.

The usually taciturn Vin chose to speak on Ike's behalf. "Those Brujah who attend the 'so-called' Fight Club are mainly Anarch Brujah. Outside guests are rare but carefully vetted and monitored. Now that my clan is, for the most part, separated from the influence of the Camarilla the membership of the club is Anarch, if not in name, then certainly in outlook." He paused briefly, knowing that Michael and Daniel would be observing the reactions of the assembled kindred. After a moment he continued. "To cast doubt upon the integrity of it's members would be a slur upon all Brujah. something I'm sure no-one here would consider..."

Isaac 'Ike' Griffith - Brujah
Founder of the 'Fight Clubs'

Michael and Daniel could see that the Brujah present all agreed with Vin. It seemed unlikely to either of them that Ike would be a threat to the Free States. Despite him also operating in Camarilla held cities, his status as apolitical was well known and respected.

The chantry's status was more complicated. The Tremere clan was now split into at least four houses though only three had any significant power. House Tremere and House Carna were still part of the Camarilla. The status of House Goratrix was more complicated as it was still broadly considered to have some influence within the Sabbat.

A fourth faction called House Ipsissimus could be found amongst the Anarchs but as far as anyone was aware it had only a single member resident in Los Angeles. Alessandro Kaye was an advisor to Gloria Martinez and his loyalty to her was without question. As the chantry was located in Downtown, all eyes turned to Marius.

"My childe Eleanor has acted as my liaison with the chantry since her arrival in the city. In her opinion they are still respecting their agreement to keep out of Anarch politics and limit themselves to their researches and experiments. There has been no sign of their influence in Vannevar's invasion and their movements outside of their Chantry are carefully monitored."

Eleanor Braun - Gangrel
Childe of Marius, Blood Sorceress

"All visitors have announced themselves upon arrival within my domain. I see nothing to be gained by antagonising a group who have honoured their word. In fact questioning it may well push them into the very direction that some here suspect them of."

No-one truly trusted Marius. He was notoriously unpredictable, constantly plotting and spread his influence and personal agendas at any opportunity. In this matter however he seemed sincere in his belief that interference in the chantry's activities would cause more harm than good. Though not exactly vouching for it's inhabitants, this was the closest Marius ever got to taking actual responsibility for something.

"...and the Bahari?" prompted Michael. He knew much about the Bahari of the city, but their darker impulses caused him considerably concern.

Vampire adherents of the Path of Lilith, otherwise known as the Lilin, Lilitu, or Bahari, revered the progenitor vampire. They believed Lilith was the first, usurped vampire, the mother who births the vitae, and that all Kindred are her children.

The Bahari sought enlightenment through pain and conflict, turning these masochistic urges into the strength to endure and overcome. As Lilith rebelled against God’s commands and fought against her curse, her followers defeat the weaknesses and curses upon them to become something else. Some Bahari led other Kindred to enlightenment, others become perfected predators. 

'Mary' - Bahari Gangrel
'Mother' of the Chosen of Ennoia

Bahari deprecated compassion in favour of fleshly pleasure, transient love, and strict parenthood over Kindred they deemed to be 'lesser'.

The Bahari believed it was their duty to fulfil the roles of torturer, student, teacher, or lover to other Kindred. Bahari theology was largely built around the idea that pain leads to revelation and that chaos is a creative force. It is these beliefs that have resulted in their less than savoury reputation amongst other kindred. That and a tendency to diablerise their own childer...

The 'Mother' of the Bahari within Los Angeles was another childe of Marius known as Mary and she had established a cult of kindred and mortal followers around her. Though her sect appeared to be still relatively small, her followers were fanatically loyal to her and eager to show their devotion too.

The Bahari within the so-called 'Temple of Enlightenment' are often referred to as The Children of the Wolf as they are exclusively Gangrel though they more often refer to themselves as the Children of Ennoia or sometimes the 'Chosen of Ennoia'. This indicated to Michael's research that they were not simply Bahari, but also ancestor worshippers who venerated the Gangrel Antediluvian.

Michael's musing was interrupted by Marius's reply.

Marius Walker - Gangrel
Baron of Downtown

"Mary is mistress of her own affairs and answers to no-one but herself..." Began Marius. Michael and Daniel could clearly see that Louis Fortier, Isaac Abrams and Therese Voerman doubted this statement though other Barons seemed to accept Marius's word. "...that being said, she is still my childe and may accept my guidance on this matter if the concerns of this council are put to her diplomatically."

The coterie had, over the last two years, discovered a considerable number of Bahari within the city. Many of these were childer, grandechilder or followers of Marius. Despite the Bahari being traditionally matriarchal, the coterie was convinced that Marius was the driving force behind those within Los Angeles who devoted themselves to Lilith, the Dark Mother. They were also certain that he himself was an ancestor worshipper of Ennoia.

The only chink in the relationship between Marius and Mary seemed to be that he pledged himself to Ennoia first and Lilith second, whereas Mary's first loyalty was undoubtedly to Lilith rather than the antediluvian. The coterie had also witnessed first hand that Baron Walker had a hold over his kindred descendants that went beyond blood bonds or mere loyalty. Though they had never discovered it's source, his ability to impose his will over childer, grandechilder and beyond was without doubt.

Marius continued "However, I'm certain that the Bahari have no more desire to see a Prince rule over this city than any kindred within this room." His phrasing seemed slightly odd as if he was implying that there were those at the council who actually might welcome the presence of a Prince. Further conjecture was however interrupted by Gary's return.

Scene Thirteen - Under Construction

Gary Golden has returned from his consultation with Bertram Tung and is clutching a handful of documents and what appears to be a large rolled up map.

Gary Golden and Bertram Tung - Nosferatu Information Brokers

"You are to be complemented on your computer systems and Bertram's considerable collection of databases." began Gary. "I believe that between us we have located the base of operation of Vannevar's forces. Or should I say, the twelve bases of operations we suspect we have discovered so far..."

Between Gary's explanations and several pertinent questions put forward by various of the present kindred the following information was revealed.

Vannevar Thomas - Prince of San Francisco and San Jose

A company called Harper Construction, based in San Francisco, had been responsible for a number of building projects around Los Angeles. Gary and Bertram had traced this corporation to several businesses under Camarilla control that Vannevar had heavily invested in. Broadly speaking there was at least one of these projects in each of the Anarch baronies within the city. These sites had allowed Vannevar to transport whatever he wished into the city without raising suspicion. They had also discovered that the logistics wing of Harper Construction, Harper Logistics, currently had a container ship in Los Angeles docks.

Los Angeles Docks at Night - South Coast Barony

This information had created some dissent amongst the kindred present as each suspected that such an operation could not have been implemented without the cooperation of traitorous elements amongst the Anarchs. Seeing that the delicate alliance created could easily begin to unravel, Michael rose from his chair and spoke.

Louis Fortier - Ventrue
Baron of West Los Angeles

"It is natural for us to think of our personal interests in light of such a discovery but let me remind you what we have already accomplished through cooperation rather than competition. Vannevar's plan was clever and innovative but together we have discovered it and are now in a position to counter it as one. Now is not the time for petty infighting...now is the time to plan a decisive blow against our mutual foe."

Storytellers Note - Michael's player rolled spectacularly well to persuade the assembled kindred to put away their differences. Normally I would have simply let the fact that his speech was well roleplayed be enough but with thirteen Barons to persuade I figured some dice were necessary too.

Baron Fortier also rose and added his weight to Michael's opinion. "Michael is correct. Mr Golden, please continue with your briefing..."

"This is where it becomes more concerning." stated Gary, as if there being multiple enemy bases in the city wasn't concern enough. "This particular company is licensed to use explosives and has a permit on record for their use within Los Angeles. I doubt they intend them for the recommended purpose..."

"What about other weapons?" interrupted Daniel. "Do these companies have any military or security connections?"

"Unfortunately, Yes." replied Gary "So we can expect the infiltrators to be heavily armed. Especially as they have had over a year to gradually bring in whatever equipment they may require, via Harper Logistics." He then rolled out a detailed map of the city upon which he had marked the known locations of Harper Construction sites and depots. There were indeed, at least one per Barony. The corners were weighed down by bottles and glasses as the barons perused their own domains to see exactly where the threats to each of them were located.

'Rosa' - Duskborn Visionary

"They'll have a leader for the offensive aspects of the invasion, either a Nosferatu or a Brujah if they have any who stayed loyal to them. And another overall leader, probably a Ventrue." Stated Vin, looking at the map and noting that the base bear to Pasadena was actually to the North and closer to the mountains than to any area of importance to them. "We just need to work out which of these locations is their primary base..."

A surprisingly powerful yet cheerful voice cut through the noise. "It's that one..." said Rosa gesturing to one corner of the map. Though clearly insane, the duskborns talents as a seer were well known. the information she provided was as random as her own thoughts but she rarely made a proclamation that was less than 100% correct. She skipped over to the table and planted her finger firmly on a location in the barony formerly ruled by Steve Booth, and now the domain of Harvey Caplan.

"Are you sure?" asked Allison Maller, concerned that the specified location was also close to her own border.

"She's sure." answered Therese Voerman. None questioned the proclamation. Therese never made definitive statements unless she knew she was right. Therese and Rosa exchanged a brief but knowing glance. Evidently there was some connection there that none present had been aware of previously.

Fortier also took Rosa's statement at face value though in his case he had experienced the accuracy of her fortune telling in the past so had some personal experience of her periodic bouts of reliability. He then took control of the meeting to lay out some ideas of his own.

'The Circle' - Gangrel
Downtown's Sweepers

"Firstly we need to monitor any further comings and goings into the city to these locations and any contact between them. As Marius already passes information between our baronies via the Gangrel 'Oratory', I suggest that he be given...temporary...control of our various domains own sweepers in order to ensure that we know exactly what's been transported across our city."

Storytellers Note - As most of the cities sweepers are Gangrel and their method of passing on information is generally verbal, the other kindred of Los Angeles have taken to calling this 'The Oratory' and the name has stuck.

Michael was surprised to note that Marius didn't seem as keen on the responsibility as he would have imagined. "I'll get it arranged." he replied, before turning to his ghoul assistant Victoria. "Tell 'The Circle' that I need to meet them immediately after this meeting. I have some work for them..."

Marius then addressed the gathering once more. "This will have to be done carefully. Vannevar has undoubtedly prepared his forces with counters to kindred methods of observation. Countering his countermeasures may take a little time but I'm sure it can be done."

Vin leaned down and whispered something to Michael. "It's getting Marius's claws out of them when the Barons want their own sweepers back that's going to be the real problem." Michael nodded noncommittedly. The thought had occurred to him and no doubt also to many of the other Barons present. Still, under the circumstances, it was a sound plan. Marius was a skilled war leader and strategist and had a talent for organisation and creative problem solving. Getting him to relinquish control once the battle was done was a problem for another night.

Harvey Caplan - Ventrue
Baron of the South Coast

Marius however hadn't finished. "I suggest that Vinicius and 'The Hunters' be allocated to Harvey Caplan to help with his consolidation of the South Coast. They are conveniently located, have experience with coastal operations and have their own resources so would require no support from Harvey other than mission parameters."

Harvey nodded his thanks. The Hunters would make his job of bringing the South Coast to some semblance of order significantly simpler. His own followers were competent enough but only two were formidable enough to bring rogue kindred into line. Vinicius's pack would add considerably to his offensive options.

Harvey also assured the gathered Barons that now he was aware of the Harper Logistics vessel within his dock that he would ensure that it was monitored carefully. If necessary he could use his influence to cause it any number of difficulties in loading and unloading any cargo that might be a threat to the councils actions against Vannevar.

Some other minor issues were discussed, including using mortal influence to assist with their surveillance and to create problems for Vannevar's legitimate operations within the city as well as which Barons would take on what responsibilities.

"It's obvious that we need to prioritise reconnaissance of the site indicated by Rosa." interjected Michael once the conversation had settled down once more. "Daniel has shown considerable skill in that area and I suggest him for the task." 

Scene Fourteen - The 'K' Team

Jean 'Jax' Thomas - Elder Ghoul
Ghoul of Louis Fortier

"It seems a lot for a single kindred to accomplish, especially under these circumstances." said Baron Fortier. "If he is to undertake this task then he will need a team of operatives with complimentary skills to ensure it's success. I suggest my own ghoul 'Jax' for a start. As a mortal he can perform tasks at times that would be out of the question for kindred."

It was very obvious that Louis's support for the idea, hinged upon the inclusion of his specified operative. "He sounds perfect." said Daniel diplomatically. Daniel had actually met Jax before and had briefly been forced to engage him in combat. 

As neither he, nor Jax were meant to be where they had fought there should be no recriminations if Jax recognized Daniel. They had in fact both failed in their task as another Baron's operative had already removed the hard drive they were both seeking.

Storytellers Note - The encounter occurred in this session HERE.

"I'd also like to add 'Chick' from Baron Voerman's commando coterie to assist with any required infiltration of the facility itself. her skills in this area are well known, if she can be spared that is?" 

Charlie 'Chick' Abbott - Banu Haqim
Santa Monica 'Commando Coterie'

Therese Voerman raised no objections. Charlie 'Chick' Abbott was a Banu Haqim and one of the few kindred in L.A. who knew that Daniel was also of that clan and not Brujah as he claimed.

"I'll also need skilled spotters who are also able to give covering fire should it become necessary." he turned to Marius. "Does the budget for this operation extent to acquiring the services of the Pale Lady?"

'The Pale Lady', or Emmanuella Booth to use her given name was one of the foremost kindred assassins in the world. She was known for removing targets at range but was equally as deadly in close quarters. 

Her main rival for the title of premier killer amongst the kindred assassins was Fatima Al-Faqadi and they had been competitors for some time. Daniel knew that she was of Marius's bloodline and that he could access her services if he so desired. He also knew that she didn't give discounts, even to family.

"I presume you'll also require Rebecca?" asked Marius. Daniel confirmed that this was indeed the case. Rebecca was also an accomplished sniper though not in the league of her sire Emmanuella. 

Emmanuella 'The Pale Lady' Booth and her childe 'Rebecca'

She was also notorious for getting herself into trouble that Marius or her sire then had to extract her from. Hopefully she could be relied upon in this operation given the stakes involved should they fail. Daniel suspected that she gained a perverse enjoyment from inconveniencing her sire and grandesire in such a manner and that they in return were less annoyed by her activities than they actually pretended to be.

"I'll also need support of a both technical and sorcerous nature." He continued. "Bertram's protégé Eric will be ideal for the technical aspects and and Baron Martinez's House Ipsissimus advisor, Alessandro Kaye should be of assistance should we encounter defences of an occult nature."

Alessandro Kaye - House Ipsissimus, Eric Moore - Nosferatu

Daniel was understandably reluctant to ask assistance of any blood mage associated with the Camarilla so his options were somewhat limited in this area. Alessandro had served Gloria well over the last few years and so should be able to fulfil the role required of him.

Velme - Toreador
Suspected Daughter of Cacophony

"I'd also like to take Hope Romero from our own Barony of Pasadena as back-up should we need someone to engage any potential pursuers on the ground." Michael of course had no objection. 

"Perhaps Baron Martinez would also be willing to lend me the services of Velme? They seemed very capable during our last joint venture and had some interesting talents for distracting guards..."

"Not taking Vin?" asked Marius conversationally.

"No..." replied Daniel. "I'll be busy protecting our own Barony." responded Vin

"I think that concludes our business for the night." concluded Fortier. "Daniel. You have a day to undertake any reconnaissance you deem necessary via your own agents. This council will expect your operation against Vannevar's South Coast facility to begin the following night. Agreed?"

Daniel nodded though in his own head he was hoping he hadn't bitten off more than he could chew.

To Be Continued in 'Resistance' (Part One)

In Conclusion

I like to do a round-up of how the session went in these features but if you couldn't give a shit what I think then feel free to skip this bit...

Well the players got what they wanted and managed to keep any of the meetings kindred from declaring war on one another so that's not bad going. Now they just have to keep the alliance together long enough to purge Vannevar's Camarilla from Los Angeles.

And not get themselves destroyed during the process of course...

Acknowledgements
“Portions of the materials are the copyrights and trademarks of White Wolf Entertainment AB, and are used with permission. All rights reserved.”

I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Michael Tomassio is represented by Matt Bomer, 'Vin' is Scott Adkins, Dr Matthews is Mads Mikkelsen, Hope is Deborah Ann Woll, Mr Hertz is Charles Dance, Therese Voerman is Whitney Moore, Isaac 'Ike' Griffith is Jason Statham, Eleanor Braun is P.J. Harvey, Marius Walker is Tony Curran, Vannevar Thomas is Bryan Dechart, Louis Fortier is Eduardo Verastegui, Rosa is Mahafsoun, Harvel Caplan is Harvey Keitel, Jean 'Jax' Thomas is Jean-Claude Van Damme, Charlie 'Chick' Abbott is Lena Headey, 'The Pale Lady' is Anastasia E.G., Rebecca is Amy Acker and Velme is Ruby Rose

Everything else is from vampire related folders and searches and is as far as I know is all of the 'fair use' variety. If there's something that you feel should be attributed to some-one then feel free to let me know and I'll happily add an acknowledgement.

Cyberpunk Red - Session Five - "Talk Isn't Cheap"

A roleplay session in the world of Cyberpunk Red

This session was written up by our Gamesmaster Matt and formatted for my blog by me.

Previous 'Gigs'

Story Arc One

(0) Spydar's Web, (1) Big Trouble in Little China, (2) Eye-Spy, (2a) Raven, (3) Death's in the Family, (4) A Hot Minute, (4a) Hunter's Hunted.

'The Outfit'

The Players

Our players were all started at Rank 4

Garreth as Avery Hicks, Exec 5, Fixer 1

Phil as 'Holliday' Nomad 5, Solo 1

Martyn as 'Klink', Medtech 5

and Exec Crewmembers 

'Jasmine' - Netrunner

'Lizza' - Technician

Gamesmaster

Matt as everyone else.

Scene introductions and 'speaking to the players' bits are written in Blue to distinguish them from the roleplayed parts of the scenes.

Session Five: "Talk Isn't Cheap"

Introduction

Budget Arms - Night City Headquarters

It has been almost a week since Avery’s elevation to Acquisitions. Things have been going fairly well and you have all started to adjust to your roles on retainer within Budget Arms. The income is more stable for Klink and Holliday than you have been used to and it looks very promising for you all.

 

Considering there was a real risk of living with a price on your heads, eliminating Garvey has worked out very much in your favour. Not only have you all moved up in the world, but word of your deeds has started to get around. People in the city have started to take notice and while your roles at Budget Arms will no doubt give you plenty to do, offers of work from outside the corporation are also sure to come in.

Just such a job offer has come your way. A fixer going by the handle “Jet” has requested a meeting this evening in the University District. He says he has information to give you in exchange for the completion of a task. The address for the meeting is a bar on the north side of the district.

A New Contact

Night City and The Badlands

Avery read the message over again. “Jet?” He said to himself. He mulled the name over in his head, trying to see if it sparked any recognition. He had a vague sense he had heard the name before but not related to anyone within the Glen.

He dialled the number for Holliday. The gruff nomad had been spending time out in the Badlands, living alongside the Prylor pack ever since the job in the hot zone.

 

Out in the desert, Holliday loosened off the wheel spindle on the bike he was repairing. As he slid the rear wheel out of the swinging arm, his agent started to ring. “Hello.” He answered.

“Are you busy at the moment?” Asked Avery. “Not particularly.” Said Holliday absently.

'Lynk' Prylor - Nomad

“Someone has some information we might find useful that they’re willing to share with us in return for a task. I need to find out if I care enough to do the job before I agree to it, but are you in?”

“Yeah, I’d best come along.” Said Holliday.

“Can you pick up Klink too?” Said Avery.

“I’ll swing by his on the way.” Said Holliday hanging up the phone. He called across the camp to where a young man was sitting by the campfire. “Lynk, can you tie down a tarp over this for me? I need to go into the city.”

“Sure thing Holliday.” Said Lynk walking over. “I’ll cover her up for you.” Holliday nodded his thanks and headed for his truck.

About half an hour later, Holliday and Klink arrived at the tower. “These doors look sturdier.” Said Avery, slipping into the passenger seat. “I like the new security.”

“I thought it was a good idea,” said Holliday as he set off. “Considering the jobs we’ve done recently.”

“I noticed you eyeing up some of the… less immediately valuable items in the Militech vault.” Said Avery. “Yeah?” Said Holliday.

“I was thinking.” Said Avery “I presume you were thinking of the Prylor’s when you were digging through that stuff? I was thinking, I can’t exactly sanction an official job to go back to the vault, but I could temporarily lend out some radsuits if you wanted to arrange another trip out there.”

“That’s mighty good of you.” Said Holliday.

“I want to do what I can to help them rebuild.” Said Avery. “Thanks.” Holliday replied. Holliday's reasons for helping them was his loyalty to family. Avery's loyalty to the Nomads he had once been a part of had long faded and his reasons were more about making the Prylor's into a useful resource that he could call upon.

The Meeting

South Night City - University District

The university district was situated between Little Europe and South Night City. As they drove further into the district, the three edgerunners saw the signs of a student population.

Many of the residents here seemed quite young but importantly were evidently quite well off. There were more than a few trust fund kids taking advantage of the only functioning university in the city. Campus security famously kept a tight watch on the university grounds even in the time of the red and for the most part, the students were left unmolested.

The meeting point was at a bar on the northern side of the district just outside the campus grounds. As the sun began to dip in the pale red sky, Holliday pulled up outside the Richard Night bar. It was a small student bar nestled amongst the high rises that towered above surrounded by scaffolding.

 

The 'Richard Night' Bar - Night City

This wasn’t the sort of establishment that Avery was used to and he eyed the building with something approaching distaste. There were no obvious campus security around but it still seemed smart not to try and draw more attention than they could avoid. He looked at the now three armed medtech. “We need to buy you a big coat or something in future.” He said.

“He’s good with a needle and thread.” Said Holliday sardonically. “He can’t probably make one himself.”

Inside, it was dim and cosy. The clientele were mostly young, so an older man sitting alone in a booth amongst the shadows easily caught their attention. The exec noticed that Jet didn’t seem to attract too many looks from the students, so he presumed this must be a regular haunt.

'Jet' - Fixer and Narcotics Dealer

They walked up to the bar. “I’ll get some drinks.” Said Avery

The bartender was young. He had the look of a senior student doing some part time work. “What can I get you?” He said.

“Beer.” Said Holliday. “A mojito!” grinned Klink enthusiastically.

Avery sighed at the medtech and eyed the top shelf pessimistically, trying to find something to suit his taste. “I’ll have a brandy.” He said to the bartender. “The gentleman over in the booth. I’ll get one of whatever he is having too.”

“Tequila and agave syrup it is.”

Drinks in hand, the edgerunners headed over to the booth and the waiting fixer. He was a small and slight man with an impish mischievous face. He winked at them as he saw them approach and tapped on the table with fingerless gloved hands and said “Good evening Gents! You must be Mr Hicks; and your companions are…?”

“Holliday.” Said Holliday.

“This is Klink.” Avery cutting in before the erratic Medtech could speak. “You have some information for us?”

“As per my message, I have some information that pertains to your… recent activities. Of course, I can’t wait to share it with you, except I couldn’t give it away for free. Still, it seems wrong to insist money changes hands so perhaps you could deal in services instead?” Said Jet. 

'Happiness', also available in chemical form...

“I deal in… happiness. It’s the artificial kind you might say. The problem is, my products are currently unavailable. I want you to… hah, acquire some for me.”

“I suppose you know where we might acquire this product for you.” Said Avery, beginning to suspect that it was going to be a long night.

Jet winked at him and grinned. “See, my supplier won’t deal with me anymore. I’ve fallen out of favour you might say. I know of a shipment coming in to the city from the waterside. There are some docks in the Marina District. The Bel Tempo docks to be exact. Another buyer, a rival of mine, is meeting them tonight at midnight. I want that shipment.”

“What’s the name of this rival?” asked Holliday.

“My erstwhile friend is one Futura Port, also known as Ozone. She has an apartment in Little Europe. She will be the one buying the shipment tonight. Like I said, midnight in the marina.” Said Jet.

Avery thought for a minute, trying to remember the name and drawing a blank. “Have the sellers met Ozone before?”

“Probably.” Said Jet. He smiled again. “Clearly, I’m not talking about small fry here. Suppliers aren’t going to ride on in under the radar to deliver a couple of lines and a can of smash. The drop is half a kilo of synthcoke.”

At the mention of coke, Klink snapped to attention and ran to the bathroom. Just the thought of coke alone was enough to make him crap himself in anticipation.

GM's Note - "Klink failed a Resist Drugs roll several sessions ago and is now very addicted to Synthcoke.

'Ozone' - Night City Narcotics Dealer

“We will leave you to your drink,” said Avery, standing to leave “you’ll hear from us soon.”

“Preem!” Said Jet “I’ll be waiting.” He settled back down into the booth.

As the three men walked to the car, Holliday said “Maybe we should do this sneaky. We’ve made an almighty hubbub in gigs recently.”

“The way I see it,” said Avery “we can either get the drugs before the deal, crash the deal and steal them from both parties or wait until Ozone has the drugs and steal them from her.”

“Either way, we don’t want to go drawing attention to ourselves in the marina district.” Said Holliday “It’s an urban zone and the police and corporate security can get agitated.” 

“Another option is to shop the dealer to the NCPD. We could let Ross know and then seize the evidence?” suggested Avery

“We should definitely recon it first before we make a decision.” Said Holliday.

“In that case,” said Avery. ”Can you get us there as quickly as possible without getting arrested?”

The Marina District

Night City Marina District

The journey to the Marina District was uneventful. The urban zones were still recovering but already, gangs were less prominent and openly carrying firearms was a sure fire way of attracting the wrong sort of attention. Not only were corporate security forces within their power to respond with deadly force if incidents occurred on company property, but the NCPD were less likely to turn a blind eye on the busy urban streets.

All around, Holliday noticed people going about their business. Many bars and nightclubs supported the vivid night life of the city and he could pick out groups of revellers moved from street to street dancing with street performers and eating at stalls. The occasional smell of Asian Fusion food wafted through the car as he navigated through Little Europe and past the fabled Afterlife to reach the Marina District.

The marina was well maintained and clearly benefitted from the utilities afforded by the shipping coming in and out of Night City. There were many high rise towers here, including the Ziggurat Offices and REO Meatwagon but the area around the docks was more industrial.

There were working warehouses and logistics and distribution companies operating all hours of the day and night. The district was very much alive even as the night drew in.

The edgerunner’s destination was away from the larger shipping companies towards the suburbs. The sign at the perimeter of the property read “Bel Tempo: Always with you come rain or shine.” It appeared to be a private logistics company. The warehouse itself was silent and empty, backing onto the waterside to the north on the other side of the building.

Bel Tempo - Private Logistics Company

“The gate isn’t locked.” Observed Holliday.

“I suppose they are expecting people, just not us obviously.” Said Avery. “I can’t see any cameras either.”

GM's Note - Avery asked me if there were any security cameras and my exact turn of phrase was “You can’t see any cameras on this side of the building.” This won’t become relevant later on in the campaign I’m sure.

Parking within running distance, the three men ghosted back towards the empty Bel Tempo warehouse. 

“We’re early for the deal.” Said Avery. “If we want to try and snatch the shipment before the buyer arrives we will need to do it quickly. It’s probably better to take it from the buyer. Whatever we do we need to know what we’re up against.”

Grapple Gun - Equipment

Holliday eyed the warehouse uneasily. “We’ve made a lot of enemies recently. We don’t need any more adding to the list. We should do this quietly.” He eyed one of Klink’s cybernetic arms. “We could get up on the roof. We can get a vantage point, check out what’s going on and then make our move.”

 

Avery agreed and took the grappling guns they had acquired in a previous job from his go-bag. The exec and the increasingly erratic medtech pepped up with a hit of synthcoke and then, the three of them quickly scaled the warehouse and crept quietly along the roof to view the yard.

Around the side of the warehouse, was a driveway leading down to the water. The glow from the lampposts barely covered the area, casting much of it in deep shadows. They could make out some shapes in the gloom around the yard. There were some stacked pallets and a forklift truck and some stacks of what appeared to be barrels at either side of the yard.

 

“There are barrels piled up along the boundaries. Someone is trying to keep out prying eyes.”

The three of men hunkered down on the roof in the gathering dark and pregnant silence watching the wooden jetty on the loading dock patiently.

"The 'Shipment' Arrives..."

As it approached midnight, a small boat sailed into view. It was a long low design painted in matt black. Clearly it had been built for clandestine purposes. There was woman standing on the boat keeping watch with an assault rifle. A slight dark haired man hopped into the back of the boat and began unloading something and redistributing the remaining load. The last figure was a tall black man who waited on the jetty presumably for the buyer to arrive. All were dressed down in warm, hard wearing but unremarkable clothing.

The woman on the boat scanned the yard carefully covering her allies. Suddenly she stopped drawing a bead on the rooftop. “Who goes there?” She shouted.

Avery looked over at the hunched form of Klink. Clearly the medtech hadn’t adapted to his bulkier form since implanting his extra arm and his silhouette had caught the solos eye.

GM's Note - The solo rolled an 18 for her perception check which Avery and Hollliday beat easily with stealth… Klink rolled an 8.

"In Avery's Sights..."

He sighed “Fucking Klink.” The medtech looked at him sheepishly. Avery raised his voice across the yard. “It doesn’t matter who we are, we have the drop on you. Chalk it up to experience. Leave half a kilo on the dock and go and nobody has to die.” He motioned quietly for Holliday to get off the roof and flank around.

“Do you have any idea who you’re messing with?” Shouted the man on the dock. “You’re trying to steal from the Gidatta Family. When they find you, you’ll beg for death.”

Realising that the people in the boat weren’t going to back down and likely were going to get back up when the buyers arrived, Avery resigned to killing them all. He readied his assault rifle and then rolled out of the way as the solo’s own assault rifle roared into life. He fired back blowing chunks out of the boat all around the solo.

Cackling wildly, Klink popped up his grenade launcher and fired an incendiary round at the boat. Avery swore he felt his heart stop in the moments that the grenade flew towards the boat and the cargo that the outfit were trying to seize. As the deadly missile clipped the bridge of the boat and bounced into the water, he breathed a sigh of relief. The man on the jetty fired back at the medtech ineffectively while jumping back onto the boat.

"Grenades for any Occasion..."

Seeing the threat of ordinance, the slight man jumped back into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “Irons, let’s get out of here!” He shouted to the last man on the dock.  Irons seemed to be making a call while trying to take cover in the boat. Re-evaluating the risk, the solo thundered shots into Klink’s chest, blasting him backwards on the roof. Avery fired an EMP grenade from the under-barrel launcher. The boat’s engine had stuttered into life now fell deathly silent. As the driver tried to get it restarted, his companions gave covering fire towards the rooftop.

Holliday broke cover and sprinted across the yard ducking and weaving around the pallets and barrels. The smoke grenade felt reassuring, gripped tightly in his fist and he focused on the gently drifting boat zoning in on it and calculating the distance from the dock and leapt treading through the air to land on the prow. The grenade rolled into the driver’s compartment and billowed into thick clouds of grey smoke.

“Kai!” Irons shouted “Take them down!” The solo fired another shot into the reeling Klink before the smoke engulfed her. The medtech rained automatic fire into her in return. Avery’s IR vision cut through the smoke and he hit the driver with a well-aimed shot but felt the impact of low calibre fire cutting through his armorjack in return. 

Klink's Medium SMG

Klink wildly sprayed into the smoke landing a lucky shot on the solo. The wounded driver fired at the rooftops hitting nothing and tried to repair the disabled boat but the giant nomad kicked down at him knocking him backwards.

The situation on the boat became chaotic. The practically blind occupants tried to fire at Holliday who ghosted in and out of the smoke landing brutal and damaging cybernetically enhanced blows while Avery sniped from the rooftop.

Without warning a car screeched into the yard and two men jumped out drawing guns and taking cover. Unbeknownst to them, the gunmen on the roof could see them perfectly and poured fire down from above.

Back on the boat, the solo dropped her assault rifle and drew a sword, swinging at Holliday and hitting only smoke. Irons tried to bring down the nomad with his pistol but couldn’t land a shot. Holliday cannoned into Kai landing a brutal body shot and an uppercut that lifted her off the floor. Forgotten on the deck, the driver quietly bled out.

On the rooftop, Avery zeroed in on the new gunmen below. He squeezed off a shot taking his target high in the chest and flinging him to the ground. Klink leant over the edge of the roof, blood dripping down his arm and fired his SMG on full auto to finish the downed man off.

The back-up's High Performance Groundcar

Dropping the unconscious solo, Holliday landed a bone shaking cross into Irons, dropping him to the ground. Behind him, he could hear Klink and Avery finishing off the two new arrivals. The remaining mafia backup had nowhere to run as the two rooftop gunmen grimly hemmed him in and cut him down.

Holliday picked up the unconscious Kai and the block of coke and jumped back onto the dock. Avery and Klink grappled down to the yard and the three of them considered the car that the backup had arrived in.

“I can hear motorcycles approaching.” Said Avery, “we don’t have much time. Can we break into this car? It’s a nice addition to our garage if we can.”

Holliday tested the cars security system. “I don’t think I can break into this.”

Avery wasn't keen on leaving such a valuable and rare prize behind “Can we tow it?”

Holliday's Nomad Kombi Groundcar

“Maybe.” Said Holliday. He dropped the unconscious solo and ran to his truck and reversing it into the yard. Hurriedly the three men lashed the car to the back of the truck and set off back to the street.

The commotion had brought unwanted attention to the Bel Tempo warehouse. As they left, a gang of raiders came out from the east. They didn’t have any cohesive gang colours but they were clearly all together. Most seem to be armed with bats and bars but some had handguns.

Realising they had to choose between taking the car or taking their captive solo, Avery calmly put a bullet a round through her forehead and got into Holliday's Kombi.

Looking back, Avery could see the madness in their eyes and it was beyond doubt that they were all hyped up on a variety of drugs. Behind them, came the sound of motorcycles approaching.

Assault Rifle - 'Aimed Shot'

As the gang caught sight of the leaving truck, one of them gave a shout and they began to give chase sprinting on foot. As the bikes appeared, several of the gangers jumped on as pillions and the bikes howled into life to give chase.

Holliday weaved the car, blocking the bikers from getting along side and using the towed vehicle to threaten crashing. Avery leaned out of the window and shot the lead rider causing the bike to flip.

The next rider swerved in a panic to avoid the crashed bike and rode into a business’ signpost. Klink, following Avery’s lead autofired at the third biker who slumped over the handlebars and collided with the last bike.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Avery dialled Detective Ross on his agent.

Detective Ross - Corrupt Lawman

GM's Note - Detective Ross is a contact of Avery's on which he has some dirt obtained during  a previous job. The job in question is HERE if you missed it.

“Hello?” said Ross tentatively.

“I heard a rumour that the Wild Things are planning to ambush a drug deal at Bel Tempo Logistics tonight. I just thought you’d like to know.” Said Avery.

Ross sighed. “Ok, I’ll get the word out.” He put the phone down.

“I suggest we go somewhere out of the way to decide our next move.” Said Avery.

“Ok then.” Said Holliday.

Badlands

'Lizza' - Exec Crew Member

The drive out to the Badlands took about an hour and a half. Holliday took a circuitous route to avoid attracting any attention and, Avery used the time to call Jasmine and Lizza with orders to meet them in the desert. The agents met them in the customised delivery van and got to work on the stolen car. 

Avery turned to the others. “We should plant a story that suggests the buyer planned to double cross the Gidatta with the help of the Wild Things.” He said. “Do you think they will buy that?” Said Holliday.

“It might cast enough of a doubt that they can’t prove otherwise. Either way, they won’t be looking for us.”

“Boss?” Said Lizza, she held out a tracker “We found this in the car. We disabled it but we should probably leave here pretty sharpish.”

“Excellent work, both of you.” Said Avery “One of you drive this to the Aldecaldo camp and get it resprayed please. We should try and disguise it somewhat.” He turned back to the edgerunners. “Perhaps we can put the tracker at this Ozone’s apartment?”

“Seems a bit on the nose.” Said Holliday. “I don’t feel comfortable setting someone up I don’t know either.”

“We can leave it on the hands of our client I suppose.” said Avery dialling for Jet.

The Handoff

A 'Brick' of Synthcoke

They made it back to Richard Night’s. Jet was waiting in the same booth as before and he smiled at them as they entered.

“Welcome back chooms. I take it you have what I want?”

Avery handed the coke over to him. “As agreed. There was a complication.” He said. “It seems that a local gang, The Wild Things, had designs on the shipment.” He handed over the tracker. “This was in with the drugs. It has been deactivated. Maybe you can find a use for it. I’d suggest perhaps giving it to your rival if you wanted to cast suspicion elsewhere.”

Jet pocketed the tracker with a smile. “It seems you’re very capable of thinking on your feet. A job well done.” He grinned widely. “Well now, your reward, as promised, a little information.” 

Memory Chip

He passed over a memory chip. “People take notice of a job well done. It seems that your handling of the sudden and unexpected loss of a weapons shipment caught someone’s eye. You already know that a, heh, rival was responsible for stealing your delivery out to PowerNetic. Did it ever occur to you that the sudden but sustained attack on the windfarm was a little too coincidental?”

Avery looked him in the eye. Ideas blossomed in his head and he realised that the Shiv attacks at PowerNetic had been carefully orchestrated.

Jet continued “Now, how damaging would it be to Federated Arms if word got out that they not only deliberately sabotaged an economically altruistic corporation’s ability to defend itself but then took advantage of their vulnerability in order to bully them into a poor business deal?” He stood to leave.

“It’s always good to know who has the less… savoury contacts in the city too. Now gentlemen, I’m sure our paths will cross again.”

“No.” Said Holliday. “They will pass for the first time. Tonight, we were just men in a bar.” Jet winked at him mischievously and walked out into the night.

“I don’t know about you two, but I could do with a drink.” Said Avery “Shall we go somewhere else?”

“I’d suggest the Afterlife after a job like this.” Replied Holliday “But I think we should avoid that particular area at the minute. Let’s stay here.”

To Be Continued...

GM's Roundup

This was an impromptu session that I threw together because Klink’s player was unavailable and I wanted to save the start of the arc proper until all the players were together. It went quite well and the players seemed to enjoy the world as it unfolded. Jet seemed to go down particularly well.

I have to say, the smoke grenade tactic was excellent. It was incredibly cinematic and very well thought out. I imagine if they make a habit of using the idea other people in the city will get wise to it, but for now it’s definitely something they can utilise.

Now, they are aware of the Gidatta crime family and have in fact, stolen their drugs, killed some of their associates and boosted a car from them. It would be a real shame if that was caught on video anywhere, wouldn’t it?

Acknowledgement's

I've used pictures of real people to represent some of the characters and art for others so in no particular order Avery Hicks is Tom Ellis, 'Holliday' is Wes Chatham, 'Klink' is Mackenzie Crook, Jasmine is Dichen Lachman, Lizza is Eiza Gonzalez, Lynk Prylor is Thomas Brodie-Sangster, 'Jet' is Mark Sheppard, 'Ozone' is Gina Torres and Detective Ross is Michael Madsen.