[CCrusaders] Bert says, "Log on."
Cuddlepaws sets her current fate point total to 2.
Jacob sets her current fate point total to 3.
Wanda sets their current fate point total to 2.
GM sets his current fate point total to 4.
Eben sets their current fate point total to 2.
GM exclaims, "Welcome back everyone to another installment of the Crownsford Crusaders!"
GM says, "The last time we saw our heroes, it was late in the evening, and hey had an important meeting with Randolph Dexter at PayneTech first thing in the morning."
GM says, "But on their way home, they were distracted by a mugging by a mysterious metal man, who turned out to be Bob the security guard, covered in the Quicksilver nanite coating that had been used to treat his injuries from Act 1."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And we needed to take Bob back? Right, that."
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Bob... wait, he must have recognized me since I'm in spider form?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I think he was a bit out of it, perhaps."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Though I do imagine he might have some arachnophobia now if he did not before :D"
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "Is he a reference to Bob from Hydra?"
GM says, "They easily won the fight, with the most significant injury being a cut on Eben's arm, which is already healing up nicely due to the natural bandage being formed by the Quicksilver in the wound."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Physical Boxes I tick refresh between sessions, right?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Just the stress boxes? Between scenes, no?"
GM asks, "As the ankle-deep water (with a swirling layer of Quicksilver floating on top of it) drains away into the sewer system, what will you do next?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "What condition is Bob in?"
[CCrusaders] (from Wanda) GM says, 'mint'
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Stress boxes recover at the end of the scene, yeah. And it's safe to say this is a new scene."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Bob seems physically uninjured, but tired and kinda out of it."
Eben asks (of Bob), "We'll take you back... home? To the hospital?"
Cuddlepaws is lying lazily on top of Wanda to dry out.
Bob says, "The last thing I can remember is going to bed... I wonder if my wife is worrying where I am."
Bob is, you might notice, wearing pajamas. And no shoes.
Bob says, "So... how did you say I got here? Was I sleepwalking?"
Eben says, "Yeah, basically."
Eben starts heading to Bob's house as they talk.
Eben says, "The quicksilver seems to be taking over and moving you around."
GM says (to Eben), "Following his slightly disoriented directions, you wind up just a few blocks away, in front of an apartment building. Apparently he lives on the third floor."
Cuddlepaws asks (of bob), "Shall we try and sneak you in quietly?"
Wanda carries a (no doubt) battle-weary Cuddlepaws along on her back, not bothering to un-spiderize
Bob says, "Alright..."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "whoops, was too slow in typing"
Eben says (to CP), "I dunno; I kind of think his wife needs to know."
Eben knocks on the door.
GM says (to Eben), "At first, there's no response. But you wait a few moments, and perhaps knock again, and eventually the door's opened by a woman in a bathrobe."
Wanda makes herself as small and unthreatening as a giant alien spider can be. Probably skulking behind Eben.
Betty says, "What is i-- oh! Bob! What are you doing out there?"
Bob waves sheepishly. "Sleepwalking, apparently."
Cuddlepaws says (to betty), "It's allright, nobody got hurt."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "That couple made it out okay, IIRC? Just not their car?"
Eben asks, "We think it's a side-effect of the quicksilver he's had. Has he disappeaed any other time, recently?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yup. The pigeons helped."
Betty says, "Oh, good! Now, Bob, you come in here and get back in bed. We can talk about this in the morning."
Betty says (to Eben), "Well, not *exactly*, but... we have been wondering about that window that keeps getting left open during the night. And those muddy footprints on the bedroom floor a few days ago."
Betty says, "But Bob was always in bed with me in the morning, so I didn't think too much of it."
Eben nods.
Bob goes inside while you talk, probably heading to the bedroom to sleep it off.
Cuddlepaws asks (of eben), "Maybe we could try and watch his apartment tomorrow night, see what happens?"
Eben says, "I think it might be a good idea if you put some sort of alarm notification on the window, so you can see if he's out again."
Betty says, "But thank you for bringing him home -- we're going to be making an appointment with his doctor first thing in the morning. I was worried there might be side effects from that 'Quicksilver' stuff.""
Eben asks, "I'll come back tomorrow and see if I can set something up, if that's OK with you?"
Betty says, "Good idea! And thanks."
Eben exclaims, "Have a good night, ma'am!"
Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Good night!"
Betty says, "Good night!"
GM says, "And she closes the door."
Cuddlepaws asks (of eben), "So, since you have the Quicksilver stuff on your arm, and it can control people, we need to cut it off. I think we have a chainsaw in the shed. There's also the old Tablesaw in the cellar, or maybe we can get our hands on a decent bonesaw?"
Wanda exclaims, "Cuddles!"
Wanda exclaims, "No one is cutting off Grandpa's arm!"
Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I've watched enough Zombie movies with you to know how this goes! Someone has to make the unpopular decisions!"
Eben scritches Cuddlepaws' ears.
Jacob says, "I'm sure we can figure something else out."
Eben says, "I'll figure something out."
Cuddlepaws purrs at Eben.
Eben says, "A local EMP might work. Hmmm."
Eben is lost in thought on the way home.
Cuddlepaws exclaims, "When Bob was quicksilvered, he was evil, right? So if that thing evilfies Eben, it will have portal powers!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Is there more you want to do tonight, or should we skip ahead to the morning?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Skipping is fine with me."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Same."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sure"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah, I think I won't try to build something tonight."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Alright -- straight to the meeting at PayneTech?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "I do sleep in Eben's bedroom and keep an eye on him."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "But I will put locks/alarms on my doors and windows ;-)"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "By which I of course mean sleep on his face in the middle of the night."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'd like to start that by finding out whether Randolph remembers Eben, and if so, how fondly (or unfondly, as the case may be)."
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Sounds good!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of Cuddlepaws), "Like in that scary movie with the alien?"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Contacts?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Which seems to me like either an Overcome or a Create Advantage. And yup, Contacts. Opposition +3."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at wanda), "It was super scary but the cat survived!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "heh"
Eben rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 -1 | Mediocre (0)
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ha."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ooh."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you sticking with that?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sure."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "In that case, this scene is going to be..."
[CCrusaders] GM says (to a), "*conflict*."
[CCrusaders] (from Wanda) a says to GM, 'are ya talking to me?!!'
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "oops, that was for #crows-nest"
GM says, "You enter the large executive conference room. Randolph Dexter, with his head of thick white hair, his bushy mustache, and his expensive business suit is already there, flanked by two very serious-looking people also in suits (a man and a woman)."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Eben forgot the time he portaled Randolph out of the bathroom into a board meeting"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Are you all attending this meeting?)"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(Yes!)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "If Eben wants us there, sure"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Hmm. But should I be Wanda or Wanda?"
Randolph stands. "Ah. Mr. Morris. You're back. And you've brought... friends with you?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "If we're there as The Officially Sanctioned Guys, then I should come as the mysterious Scarlet Spider"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "To protect whatever's left of my decreasingly secret identity"
Eben says, "Yup! Retirement hasn't really slowed me down much, as it happens."
Wanda waves a pedipalp. 'Fear not, for I am a member of the Crownsford Crusaders!'
Wanda says, "Officially sanctioned and everything."
Randolph says, "Let me introduce Mr. Richardson and Ms. Elweiss, from our legal department. They're just here in case there are any... complications."
GM says, "Mr. Richardson and Ms. Elweiss just look at you, making no attempt at a greeting."
Eben approaches both and attempts to shake their hands.
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Let's start with... initiative! Which, for a mental conflict, uses Empathy!"
GM clears the initiative.
Eben rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 -1 | Poor (-1)
Elweiss says, "That won't be necessary, Mr. Morris."
GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 0 0 -1 | Poor (-1)
Wanda rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 0 | Mediocre (0)
Cuddlepaws jumps into Jacob's arms.
Cuddlepaws rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 0 | Mediocre (0)
Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 0 | Great (4)
Jacob registers Jacob at init 4.
Eben says, "Ha! Of *course* it's not *necessary*."
Cuddlepaws registers Cuddlepaws at init 0.
GM registers GM at init -1.
Wanda registers Wanda at init 0.
Eben registers Eben at init -1.
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And we start with Jacob!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh boy."
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of CP), "isn't your Empathy at +1, not +2?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh, we're using empathy for initiative? Then I'm ctually at a 2"
Jacob registers Jacob at init 2.
GM advances the initiative: JACOB(4) Jacob(2) Cuddlepaws/Wanda(0) GM/Eben(-1)
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I misread, yeah"
Cuddlepaws rolls Average (1) + 4dF: +1 0 0 +1 | Good (3)
GM removes Jacob from the initiative list.
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at wanda), "Thanks!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hehe"
GM advances the initiative: JACOB(2) Cuddlepaws/Wanda(0) GM/Eben(-1)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Jacob), "In that case, we start with... Jacob!"
Cuddlepaws registers Cuddlepaws at init 3.
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Nope :D"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Make up your minds!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Haha"
GM backs up the initiative: CUDDLEPAWS(3) Jacob(2) Cuddlepaws/Wanda(0) GM/Eben(-1)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "CUDDLEPAWS!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "oh boy"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "It's a quantum side-effect."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "So mental conflicts work just like other conflicts, right?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Right. Except that attacks are social rather than physical."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And it uses Mental stress boxes instead of physical ones."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "So could I e.g. use Will to Create Advantage? Stare at them indignant and unblinkingly to make them nervous?"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "mmmm, Emmental stress boxes"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yes! That would be opposed by Randolph's Will."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Works for me!"
Cuddlepaws rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 +1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 +1 | Good (3)
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Randolph's will turned out to be in Cuddlepaws' favour, much to everyone's surprise"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success with style! Which means you get your aspect plus an extra free invoke!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Roleplay it?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "So, the point of this meeting is to convince them to let us borrow the stone from the helmet?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Just trying to figure out what I want to do"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Right. You need to present compelling arguments."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h88N6VTO6dtQ2RVzk1tqx4NdA5PNyShAjpXcoVjhU8M/edit#gid=1689105620 for tracking, if you like."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Or use whatever other means you think will work."
Cuddlepaws sits up very straight in Jacob's arms and let's the merciless and cruel gaze from her blue eyes wander from one from the other, unblinkingly, finding little in the three men of value.
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Blackmail, extortion, bribery, etc.)"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Does arson work? :D"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I want to call this aspect "Unblinking Stare""
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I bet I could get Randolph fired."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Excellent! Also, Ms. Elweiss isn't a man, but close enough :)"
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Did you misspell 'fried'?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Oops."
GM advances the initiative: Cuddlepaws(3) JACOB(2) Cuddlepaws/Wanda(0) GM/Eben(-1)
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "lol"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "She's small and white, though."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(but doesn't look happy to meet me)"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Eben), "I can't tell if you're talking about Ms. Elweiss or Cuddlepaws!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Me neither!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ugh. So I've got will and lore at 3, so I could create another advantage. Or try to provoke them, maybe with shame, but that's only at a 1."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "It will forever remain a mystery."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I guess I'll try the shame angle."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Doing the 'create a bunch of aspects' thing could work."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Yeah, I will leave the talking to someone else, as I don't have the skills for it"
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "Sounds good. How are you going to work that?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Rethinking now about just setting up another advantage for someone else to use, since I'm not a talky person and am bad with people, in fact."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "We both just stare at them"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "If I use lore, it could be that I've had time this morning to do some internet research about similar peoples and that stone and what it all might mean, which could work with a shame angle if someone else wanted to use that."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Like, we know exactly what will happen if we don't get that stone,and it's BAD."
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "That sound ok?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I am neither a fighter or a lover (talker) it turns out."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Yeah, retroactive storytelling is very FATEd"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Sure! So, would this be in the form of, like, a folder documenting the results of imperial colonization on indigenous peoples, sort of thing?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "yeah, that sounds good"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Excellent! Lore seems good, opposition +1?"
Jacob rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 -1 | Good (3)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Also, your 'bad with humans' aspect... do you think you might have trouble articulating yourself in this situation?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Good work, bird nerd!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I'd probably just shove some paperwork in their face."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Hehe"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Like, say, if you'd find it too awkward to actually speak to Mr. Dexter or his team directly?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yeah"
GM gives a fate point to Jacob.
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Woo"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "What's your new Aspect called?"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "White Man's Bird-en"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Hm. i was gonna say something about "Repeating the Past"."
Randolph picks up the folder and flips through it. "I see. And perhaps you could explain how this relates to what you're here for today?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Sounds good!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Um, does anyone actually have any of the social skills?"
GM advances the initiative: Cuddlepaws(3) Jacob(2) CUDDLEPAWS/WANDA(0) GM/Eben(-1)
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I have Rapport at +1"
GM removes Cuddlepaws/Wanda from the initiative list.
Jacob responds by looking around at the others questioningly.
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "But... I'm currently a spider ---hey, don't remove me!"
Wanda registers Wanda at init 0.
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Thanks."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Wanda!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "You also have Provoke at +3."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Security enters with a giant flyswatter"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh, good point"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Hey, random idea: what if the conflict is taking place with the background being Eben continually talking to these people?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(And Empathy at +2, it looks like.)"
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "That sounds good."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And as people's turns come, they're influencing the ongoing conversation? Cool."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And really, anyone can speak at any time (barring compels otherwise), but it's only on your turn that you can take a conflict-influencing action."
Eben says (to Jacob), "Yes, right! Thank you, I almost forgot. You see, gentlemen, if you turn to page 3..."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Also, unless I missed it, I don't think anyone has told Randolph what your actual goal is here, yeah?)"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of Jacob), "What did you call the aspect?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, ""Repeating the past", sorry didn't add it to the list"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Should we say I opened with that?"
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "Why not do it now?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Like, while Jacob is presenting his folder.)"
[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "haha. I'm envisioning us just showing up and shoving paperwork at him while staring intensely, and he's like 'the fuck?'"
Eben says, "So that's why it's important. So, we have a proposal: we rent the stone from you, and in exchange, [cont]"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(er, was the deal that we give them a stone expert to explain how it works?)"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(wanted to make sure we hadn't changed our minds later)"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "let's give them a *stoned* expert instead! there are plenty at uni"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I assume you're asking this of the other players, not me.)"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yes."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Well, unless you remember the transcript better than they ;-)"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ISTR it was generally information from the spacecavemen"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "yeah"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Cuddlepaws was the most recalcitrant to give them anything."
[CCrusaders] GM | [CCrusaders] Eben asks, "So, ask to borrow it in exchange for information about it; use it to retrieve original?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "That came toward the end. Earlier in the conversation:"
[CCrusaders] GM | [CCrusaders] Eben says, "They could also be taught more about the stone in exchange for us borrowing it."
[CCrusaders] GM | [CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I'm amenable to that exchange."
[CCrusaders] GM | [CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I think I could live with teaching them"
[CCrusaders] GM | [CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I mean, what's the worst that could happen"
Eben says, "...an expert in the stone and how it works will teach you everything they know about it."
Randolph says, "Expert? What sort of 'expert' do you have who would know more about it than our own research teams?"
GM displays the initiative: Cuddlepaws(3) Jacob(2) WANDA(0) GM/Eben(-1)
[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of Wanda), "You want to be background, or answer that question?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "The latter makes sense"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Go for it!"
Wanda asks, "Well, how about an alien civilisation that relies on the sort of crystals like the one you've uncovered?"
Wanda says, "And before you tell me that aliens don't exist..."
[Setting the zoned flag.]
Wanda says, "...take a good long look at me."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Nice. What type of action are you using here?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hmm, I'm sort of taking advantage of the fact that I'm a very forceful-looking extraterrestrial who must obviously know what she's talking about"
[CCrusaders] Eben votes for 'Provoke'.
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "When you say 'taking advantage', are you saying it's a Create Advantage?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yeah! It's the first round, makes sense"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Or is it an Attack, toward ultimately convincing him?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"
Wanda rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 0 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Hmm. Do you think that would be opposed by Will, Empathy, or something else under the circumstances?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I think the book says what Provoke is defended by."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Good point!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Unambiguously Will"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 0 | Superb (5)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I gave you a chance to persuade me otherwise!)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Spending a fate point, because I'm Scary!"
Wanda spends a fate point, leaving them with 1.
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Excellent! And what aspect are you creating?"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "'might be in over our heads'?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "good one"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "let's go with it"
Randolph says, "Hmm. Interesting. You have my attention."
GM advances the initiative: Cuddlepaws(3) Jacob(2) Wanda(0) GM/EBEN(-1)
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Let's have them go first."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And I'll let Eben go first."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Ha!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK, I'll go first."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hee"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Politeness will cease!"
Randolph says, "If your expert is as good as you say, then I'd certainly be interested in working with them. And potentially letting them have access to the resonator. But it would only be safe to do that here, on PayneTech property, where we have the facilities to properly protect it from incidents like the one at the expo."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "This is an attack against Eben, using the corporate Resources!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "What can you use to defend against that?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Wow, the first time we've ever seen an attack using *that* skill"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "We live in a capitalist society! We see it all the time!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I kind of feel like I could defend with Crafts, based on my history with their company."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Excellent -- let's roll, then you can roleplay your response!"
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Epic (7)
Eben exclaims, "You do indeed have some of the best defenses around--defenses that I helped build!"
Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 -1 | Poor (-1)
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Youch"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh dear."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ha ha ha."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "We're looking at eight mental stress right now."
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I will re-roll!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Eben rejoins PayneTech, opposses crusaders."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "What are you tagging?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Tagging 'The Red Menace'."
Eben spends a fate point, leaving them with 1.
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "We still have free invokes!"
Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 0 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oh, I know."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "But this is personal."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Much better! That's three shifts."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I will take a minor, and a +1."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "'Feeling my age', perhaps."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Roleplay how you're including Red?"
Eben says, "I helped create those defenses when I realized the sorts of threats that are out there when my squad had to take out the Red Menace."
Eben says, "This is the same sort of thing. You're going to have to think on your feet, not just rely on pre-existing walls."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And it's Eben's turn to act!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Give'em Hell, Grandpa!"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Straight attack, I think. Can I use Rapport?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yes!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "And you can use all those advantages we created ;)"
Eben leans in and puts his hands on the desk. "Look. I know how PayneTech struggles to keep up, and what this stone means to you. But you know me, and know I can be trusted. This stone is basically worthless to you as a one-off; you're hoping to find more. But the aliens that came to the expo can sense them; they know it's unique on this planet. The only way you're going to get any use out of this--any long-term; shareholder-approved use--is if you can learn from it and extrapolate. And that's what we're offering to help you jump-start. An expert: a person who has spent their whole life using a stone like this. I estimate it'll save you three years of R&D. Minimum.
Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 +1 0 +1 | Superb (5)
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "woo"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And probably tagging everything under the sun."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Excellent! And he'll defend with his own Rapport."
GM rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 0 | Average (1)
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "In fact, we'll just say I do that: tag Unblinking Stare twice, repeating the past, and Might Be In Over Our Heads."
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "13 total, -1 is 12!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ooh"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Woo!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Stress box #4, severe consequence, and mild consequence."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Maybe the severe is 'actually, that's a really good point'?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at eben), "Yeah, show'em!"
GM says, "You have his rapt attention. He tries to look away from you, but between Cuddlepaw's intense stare, Jacob's documentation, and Wanda's... Wanda, he's forced to meet your eyes. And in his eyes, you realize he's Seeing Dollar Signs."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "I think That's a Really Good Point and Seeing Dollar Signs work as the two consequences!"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Yay!"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Seeing dollar signs? what is he, a comic book character :D"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Finish him off, guys! I think we only need to beat him by 4."
Randdolph says, "Alright. That's a Really Good Point, Mr. Morris. But I can't just let this thing vanish out of our sight. I may trust you personally, but the board doesn't know you, and the shareholders certainly don't. How can we be sure that we won't lose this thing?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(so he takes a 3 stress box, and then his last consequence."
GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND
GM advances the initiative: CUDDLEPAWS(3) Jacob(2) Wanda(0) GM/Eben(-1)
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Should I try to create another Advantage? Or could I attack with Will?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "You could if you have an appropriate attack to make."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "We have their two consequences; I think a straight attack might do it."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "Claw Out!"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of Cuddlepaws), "Do you have an answer to his question?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "I want to make it clear that we are government approved, experienced heroes, and that the problem is not that he doesn't know us, but that we don't know him"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "We're the Crusaders, c'mon!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "but I'm not sure wether that constitutes Will"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "We cruise and we aid"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "It *sounds* like Provoke, but I could potentially be convinced otherwise."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "It's kind of 'Resources'-y, but you probably don't have that ;-)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "You can still use a skill you don't have; it's just at 0."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of gm), "I could maybe tag "Stubborn bugger" so I just hammer my point home, given that he's already flailing?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And you might need some invokes to get a good result."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Hm, alternately, my idea was to Create Advantage: Use TK to move objects in the room ever so slightly when they are not looking, to unnerve them."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "If you don't think you can come up with a good attack, a Create Advantage would be fine."
[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Ha."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "It would actually be hilarious for Jacob to finish it ;-)"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Eben), "Especially given that he's compelled not to talk to them directly!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "That, yes."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "yeah, but it's more likely Wanda who'll do it"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I can just see him frantically scribbling down a proposal and pushing it across the table at them.)"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Create Advantage using Will!"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at CP), "OK!"
Cuddlepaws rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 +1 -1 0 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Defended with his own Will."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 +1 | Epic (7)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ooh."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you going to allow that?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "We are out of free invokes, right? And I only have 2 fate points ... so I'll allow it"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "I don't suppose we have any online articles or blog posts about our good deeds?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Or our status in the city?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "No statues yet, but if you have an appropriate aspect you know of to invoke..."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "We have free invokes on their consequences, but tagging them means we can't use them in the eventual attack."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I mean, I do know of one, but it seems cheating for me to bring it up.)"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Crusaders, Converge?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "That's the one I was thinking of, yeah."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So, invoking, or keeping his successful-with-style defense?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at eben), "If I tag something, it would just be a normal loss, right? In that case I'd like to tag Crusaders, Converge!"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"
Cuddlepaws spends a fate point, leaving her with 1.
GM says, "You shuffle around some papers and pens when you think no one is looking, but Randolph spots it out of the corner of his eye."
Randolph slams his hand down on the moving pen. "What is this, a parlor trick? We're here to discuss business, not put on a circus show."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Advantage: Annoyed With Your Antics."
GM advances the initiative: Cuddlepaws(3) JACOB(2) Wanda(0) GM/Eben(-1)
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "What I was going for with my questions is that maybe I could create another advantage with investigate or whatever by furiously pulling up all the articles about us. Or else contacts (which I do not have) since the city can vouch for us and may be willing to give us some collateral here."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Oh! I see. Yeah, that sounds good. Investigate makes sense -- using your phone, I presume?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yup"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Go for it -- roleplay and roll, and then I'll roll and roleplay the response."
Jacob rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 0 | Fantastic (6)
Jacob quietly pulls out his phone and furiously swipes out some search queries with our names in relation to the city and what we've done for justice.
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 +1 | Epic (7)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Oh. I am sorry.)"
Jacob hands the phone over and gestures wildly at it.
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Pfft."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "No worries."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "have you rolled below a 7 today?"
Randolph picks it up and scrolls through the stories with some annoyance.
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I've got all these fate points, so.. let's see"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hrm. If you tag both consequences, that's a +3."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That's true!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And a fate point would do it, unless they counter-spend."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Did you want to save the free invokes? I have 4 FP to spend."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "My suggestion would be to tag the free invokes and spend one fate point."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "If you use a free invoke, you'll get an aspect with a free invoke as a result, so it won't be any loss."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "That would be enough to get to their final consequence."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I was creating an advantage, I thought."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oh! OK."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Not an attack"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yeah"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "But it's a perfect attack"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks, "So just spend a fate point and don't use the consequences?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yeah, that was what I was thinking. I'll spend my extra FP for not speaking and tag.. "that's a really good point" maybe. So Eben or Wanda can use those to attack."
Jacob spends a fate point, leaving her with 3.
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "So now you have a success with style, and get two free invokes on your aspect!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(What aspect did you create?)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Something like "Everyone knows us. We're the Crusaders.""
GM says, "Randolph's annoyance fades as he scrolls through, looking at article after artical after article about your exploits."
GM advances the initiative: Cuddlepaws(3) Jacob(2) WANDA(0) GM/Eben(-1)
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "It's just a regular succes. An 8 to his 7?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, so you're not using the free invoke? OK."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "No, I'm saving that for the attack"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Fair."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Wanda's turn?"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Yeah, I thinl"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yeah, I thinl"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "*think so"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I'm going to be doing what Cuddlepaws wanted: convince them that we may not be the heroes they deserve, but we're the ones they need right now!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Attacking with provoke!"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Excellent!"
Wanda rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 +1 | Good (3)
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 0 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I tag everything!"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at CP), "See? I can roll lower than a 7!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Free invokes: how many do we have?"
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Excellent! How many shifts does that give you total?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda tries to find the spreadsheet with all the aspects
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "We have three free invokes!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h88N6VTO6dtQ2RVzk1tqx4NdA5PNyShAjpXcoVjhU8M/edit#gid=1689105620"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So that would give you a 9, vs his 4, for five shifts?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Yeah!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Seeing Dollar Signs, Thats A Really Good Point, We're The Crusaders."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "He'll take a moderate consequence, in addition to taking another stress box!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Roleplay your exchange?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yeah"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(By the way, did Randolph take another stress box earlier? I thought he had, but I didn't mark it on his sheet.)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Oh yes, that's right, the last attack included the 4 box.)"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Right."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Friggin' 4-boxes."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "It's almost like the company promoted him specifically knowing that he'd be representing them in mental conflicts!"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "So weird!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(You should have challenged him to a boxing match. He's totally got a glass jaw.)"
Wanda fangs shimmer with the slightest hint of flame as she turns her alien head towards Randolph. 'We've fought for our city when everything was against us. We do what is right, even if it costs us everything. And because we believe in helping people... all this, it won't cost you a thing. In fact, you stand everything to gain, thanks to our unflinching altruistic moral code!'
Wanda's eight eyes are grim with determination.
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "For the consequence, how about... 'Respect, If Not Trust'?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Works for me"
GM advances the initiative: Cuddlepaws(3) Jacob(2) Wanda(0) GM/EBEN(-1)
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I like it"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(also, arrgh, they still have another consequence. I thought they were out!)"
Randolph says, "Alright... I see that I'm not going to talk you out of this. So let me offer you a compromise."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Now they're down to no consequences and two stress boxes!"
Randolph says, "We'll let you take the cerebral resonator. But we want to send a representative of the company with you to collect the data and keep an eye on it."
Randolph says, "Someone who can keep us updated and make sure it comes back intact. Deal?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And Randolph offers to concede the conflict!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I am ok with this."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The GM must be serious about this if he wants to include a new NPC to keep track of."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Haha"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha ha."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "You *know* that the GM does not have that degree of forethought with regard to digging himself into massive holes."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Just one question : whose love interest will these new person be?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hohoho"
Eben glances at his fellow crusaders, raised eyebrows.
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Also, you're free to refuse!)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Why would we?"
Cuddlepaws shrugs and begins cleaning herself.
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "They'd hardly get Old Nick to come with us to space."
Wanda says, "I'm okay with that."
Eben says, "That seems reasonable. I mean, it'll be dangerous; I don't know if we can guarantee their safety. We'll obviously try, though."
Randolph says, "Alright. If the four of you could wait outside for a few minutes, we'll get the contracts prepared."
Eben reaches across to shake Randolph's hand. "Thank you. I mean it; I won't forget this."
Randolph shakes Eben's hand. "It's... it's nice to see you again, Eben. I think I actually missed arguing with you a little bit."
GM says, "The 'contracts' turn about to be about twenty pages of assorted boilerplate, composited together out of several different standard contract components. It's basically what you just agreed on. Some of the details that have been added in are that you have two weeks before the stone needs to be returned, and that the person who'll be with you to keep track of it is someone named 'Harrison Jenkins'."
Eben grins. "You always kept me on my toes! I don't know if I ever said it, but you always inspired me to do better, even if it was just to prove you wrong."
Cuddlepaws whispers to Wanda, "That guy was a tough customer. Probably a dog person."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Harrison "Leroy" Jenkins"
GM exclaims, "When you return to the lobby, you're met by Mr. Jenkins, who turns out to be the same tech that Eben met last week at NEMATEx!"
Eben exclaims, "Oh, it's you!"
Eben says, "I hope you're ready for this."
GM says, "He's carrying a steel-sided suitcase with the PayneTech logo on the side that Eben no doubt recognizes as one of PayneTech's standard modular portable data collection kits. Under his other arm is the helmet."
Cuddlepaws asks (of harry), "Do you have any special skills or gadgets we should be aware of?"
Harry says, "Hey! Nice to see you guys again! Call me 'Harry'. And, uh... they haven't really briefed me on the details. Ready for what?"
GM says, "He flips open the suitcase to show Cuddlepaws an array of electronic measurement equipment."
[Crows-Nest] Jacob | https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/183/103/alens.jpg
Wanda says (to Harry), "I'm the Scarlet Spider. We haven't met, but I'm sure we'll get on like a house on fire! Ahem."
Eben says, "We're going to Jupiter in a force field, to steal another stone back from some angry spiders."
Cuddlepaws says, "oooh aaaah I don't understand any of it"
Harry's face falls a bit.
[Crows-Nest] (from Jacob) Wanda says, "Some relation."
Harry says, "Oh. OK! I guess that's what we're doing, then."
Eben says, "Oh, hey! They finally made that upgrade I always advocated for."
Harry says, "To tell you the truth, I never worked with superheroes before. Is that what it's always like?"
Cuddlepaws says (to harry), "I like this red PayneTech T-Shirt you're gonna wear"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hee."
Wanda telepathic message to others: REMEMBER TO PROTECT MY SECRET IDENTITY PLEASE GUYS?
Cuddlepaws says (to harry), "No, I'd say it's unusual."
Eben says (to Harry), "It's not really ever 'like' the same thing twice in a row."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Unless the GM gets lazy at some point"
[Crows-Nest] Eben says (to Harry), "Because if it was, we'd get bored and play something else."
Harry nods. "Ah. So... I'm here for one of the extra hard jobs? Great. Fantastic. OK! So, uh... where are we going first?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I think we wanted to talk to the Spacecavemen"
Eben says, "Well, we're not leaving for Jupiter until tomorrow, I think. I need to deal with this arm."
Eben shows Harry his Quicksilvered arm.
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "So you're saying you *don't* want the rest of the session to be another plane being piloted into a dam by robots? Hang on, let me rewrite my notes."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Haw haw haw"
Harry says, "Ooh... is that good or bad?"
Eben says, "Probably bad!" extra cheerfully.
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Also: AFK for a few minutes. Feel free to plan amongst yourselves!"
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Enh, as long as the dam is on Jupiter"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "So: deal with Quicksilver today; Jupiter tomorrow?"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Anything with the cult?"
Cuddlepaws whispers to Harry, "Can you get your hands on a really good bonesaw?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "That's a good plan. The cult can wait, I think, since they need Cuddles and they won't get to her in space"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Yeah, sounds good."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Wow, we are so efficient"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Suspiciously so, even. I smell some sort of plot twist coming. :D"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The simplest thing would be for me to try to build an EMP to take it out."
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Which is a great plan!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I don't believe it'll be so easy"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "We could also talk to the hospital and try to figure out what's actually going on."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Do nanites even use electricity?"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I'll know after I get them into my workshop!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And in fact, I think I'll need the one at the base."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "You want to put the nanites that take over everything in your secret workshop? Sounds good"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Back!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Better that than taking over Frances! Poor woman puts up with enough."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Where are we headed?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Base is a good idea, especially if we want to keep my secret identity secret"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims (at GM), "Secret base!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "To the base, to hack off eben's arm"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(Do we blindfold Harry?)"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So you're driving up to the front door of the secrett base with a PayneTech rep in the car?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I think we should pick up Harry tomorrow."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "He is blindfolded and checked for tracking devices"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "or that"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I mean, he has his tracking briefcase."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "You find lots of -- right."
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Where do we dump Harry, then? On the sidewalk?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I say we take him by to meet the blue guys, then take him home, then go to the base."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Solid plan."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sounds good to me"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Sure"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "What *was* the blue guys name?"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "By 'take him home', you mean his own home?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Umawa"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(we can skip to the base unless you want to throw a curveball at us ;-)"
[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "Yes."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Thuma, leader of the Umawa, will see you now"
GM says, "So you swing by the house, where Frances is making soyburgers for the Umawa for lunch (they're vegetarians), and introduce to Harry to everyone. He's still in a bit of shock over all this and doesn't have a lot of questions to ask."
Cuddlepaws rubs against Frances' leg.
GM exclaims, "Then, after dropping him back off at home, you drive to the base, and find your way to Eben's workshop there!"
Eben makes sure to ask the Umawa what we'll need for the trip.
Cuddlepaws asks (of gm), "Does there planet have any predators I should be aware of?"
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "They tell you that they still have enough preserved food from home on their craft, but could use more fresh water, and you'll need any food that your group will be eating."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Can I get an Investigate assist here? Or should we do this as a multi-stage thing again?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I can definitely help."
[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Yes! They tell you about several animals, including some large mammals, and some which sound a lot like a cross between dinosaurs and birds."
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "What specifically are you aiming for?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ideally, I would like to know if 'turning you into a thief' is something inherent in the nanites, or if it's in response to an external signal. Then I would like to get them off of me."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Trying to Create Advantage by learning about them?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sure, or just an overcome to learn more about them."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK, let's call it an Overcome."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Which you can do with Crafts, and Jacob can do an Investigate Create Advantage if he wants to assist."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I assist!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of CP), "but you don't have Crafts?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "These are pretty advanced, so doing anything with them will be tricky -- let's say a +4 for the Crafts Overcome."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "I thought Eben used Investigation?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "And a +3 for an Investigation advantage."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Am I using my eyes? :D"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Then I assist Bird guy!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Jacob), "You tell me what you're doing!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "By which I mean: am I looking at the situation or looking something up about it?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Because the former gets an extra +2 :D"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I guess I"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "One option might be to use a microscope, and then look up what you see in any reference materials you could find."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "You're looking at the info Eben has collected about the nanites?"
[CCrusaders] (from Cuddlepaws) Jacob looks into microscope, holds up CP to have a look as well.
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Haha. Cute. Works for me."
Jacob rolls Fantastic (6) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 0 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "What do you want your Aspect to be called?"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Yay!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of jacob), "Is that including my +1?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "No, it was not."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So +5, but still a normal success."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "That makes it a 5, which is success by two shifts."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Advantage: uh.. Hm."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Structural Weakness"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Something about the way they move or clump or something, might be useful. The structure of.. yeah, sure."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Excellent."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And Eben, I believe you're doing a Crafts Overcome to learn more about them?"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Am I 'building or repairing a complex device'?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hmm. I don't think so, not yet."
Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 -1 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "I mean, unless you want to try to fix the Structural Weakness!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And probably tag the Structural Weakness to make it a clean success."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"
GM exclaims, "Taking advantage of the structural weakness that Jacob found, you're able to scan past the outer shell of the nanites into the internal core. And you learn a few things from what you find there!"
GM says, "For one, based on the I/O components that are exposed, it doesn't look like they're designed to receive any external signals. Anything influencing them would have to come either from each other, their core programming, or from the person who was infected."
GM says, "For another, they're strikingly resilient -- while you might be able to dampen them somewhat, completely eradicating them is going to require help. Perhaps from whoever designed them in the first place."
GM says, "And finally, they're pretty simple individually. In order for them to engage in any really complex behaviours, you'd need to have a large number of them networked together."
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "So no need to chop off Grandpa's arm!"
Eben says, "Hunh. Well, guys, good news and bad news. Good news is there's nobody out there sending signals to these things to turn the user into a villain. Bad news is, I can't get them off without help."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Do they self-replicate?"
Cuddlepaws asks, "What does that mean? How long do you have?"
GM says, "Oh, and this may not be importtant, but I should also add a post script to that: they *do* have the ability to self-replicate. If that matters."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Which company made these?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Quicksilver, Inc."
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Field trip to Quicksilver!"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Trippy."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "It's an arm's race!"
Eben asks (of Jacob), "Hey, can you look these guys up on our way?"
GM says, "You find the address of Quicksilver, Inc. Their suite is on the second story of a multi-use office/industrial building."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "How is Wanda dressed for this visit?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hmm. This is official Crusader business, so I'm going with au naturel."
Jacob says, "Sure thing."
GM says, "Assuming you go straight there, you find a hallway with an office door with a small plaque on it saying 'Quicksilver, Inc.'"
Eben knocks on the door.
GM says, "It's opened a few inches by the same man (young, black, nerdy) that was manning the Quicksilver booth at the expo."
Felix says, "Hi, sorry, we're not taking any visitors today."
Felix says, "If you leave a card, we'll give you a call back."
Eben says, "Hi! I've been quicksilvered. [shows arm]. I'm going to need to talk to someone about the nanite I/O protocols with the J2 interface."
Felix says, "Oh. Crap. Um. Right. What's your name? And phone number? And address?"
Felxi grabs a notepad and pen from the pocket of his button-down shirt.
Eben says, "I'm Eben, with the Crownsford Crusaders. I'm going to need to talk to someone right away; we have business off-planet tomorrow."
Felix says, "I'm sorry! We'll get back to you as soon as we can, but Mr. Kickerson is *very* busy right now!"
Eben exclaims, "I'm sure he is!"
Eben grins brightly.
Eben says, "I won't be long."
GM says, "You notice a bit of a 'this is bad. very bad. oh so very bad' expression on his face."
Eben wanders into the office in search of Mr, Kickerson.
GM says, "He's not exactly good at hiding his emotions."
GM exclaims (at Eben), "He tries to hold the door!"
Cuddlepaws also strolls hin.
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you going to try to Overcome him with Physique?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I want to overcome with Stealth!"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Excellent!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'd like to sneak inside by crawling on the ceiling"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "'sneak', she says."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "The door is only open a few inches -- if anything larger than a cat wants to go in that way, you'll need to push it open wider."
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Hm. What if I hurried downstairs and tried entering from the outside?"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'll let CP go first, then use that to my advantage ;-)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(I mean, splitting the party, what's not to love?)"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Wanda), "Sounds good!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "We'll do CP first."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Overcome with Stealth, and Felix will oppose with Notice?"
Cuddlepaws rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Good (3)
GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 0 +1 | Fair (2)
GM exclaims, "While Felix is busy talking with Eben, Cuddlepaws is able to sneak through unnoticed!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Remind me when it's my turn"
GM says, "You're in a combined office/lab space. There's a desk with a computer on it, and several cabinetts storing lab supplies, some office chairs, a door leading further in, etc."
GM exclaims, "Meanwhile! Wanda slips away and clibs up the side of the building towards a window, also trying to remain unnoticed!"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Wanda), "And you get to Overcome with Stealth too!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Technically, it's a second-story, so I jump straight there. But yeah, stealth roll!"
Wanda rolls Average (1) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 +1 | Average (1)
GM rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 -1 | Mediocre (0)
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "next is -1 / -2 if I'm not mistaken"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You leap up to the window, almost smacking into it!"
Wanda oof
GM says, "Inside, you can see various bits of equipment -- some looks like it's from a bio lab, others look more engineering-related -- as well as some animal cages, and the back of someone who's sitting at a computer."
GM says, "He's balding, with greying hair, and is wearing a lab coat. But you can't see his face from here."
GM asks, "Meanwhile, what are Eben and Jacob doing?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(Hm, I think I can distract that guy away from the window if I trigger a fire in another room...)"
Jacob was mostly just standing there with Eben, because he's tall and noticeable.
Eben asks (of Felix), "What, you're going to let my cat in, but not me?"
Eben, when Felix turns, fires a portal into the office.
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Deceive?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "You're telling the truth"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "With intent to confuse ;-)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "true"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sounds good! An Overcome, I'd say."
Eben rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 0 | Fair (2)
Felix says, "Cat? What are you talking about, cat? There's no ca--"
GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 -1 | Mediocre (0)
Felix says, "There's a cat in here!"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims (at Felix), "No. *You* were the cat all along!"
Cuddlepaws asks, "Meow?"
Felix kneels down. "Hey there, kitty. I'm sorry, but you can't stay here..."
Felix holds out his hand for Cuddlepaws to sniff. It's clear he knows his way around cats.
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Did he notice the portal?"
Jacob takes the opportunity to follow Felix into the room.
Cuddlepaws quickly hides under a table.
[CCrusaders] GM says, "He did not! Your Overcome succeeded."
Cuddlepaws tries to look as scared and confused as possible.
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of CP), "Out of curiosity, did you literally say the word 'Meow?', or were you saying something to him in cat?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I meowed, but saying "Meow?" is funnier to write"
Jacob says, "I'm sorry, you can't come in! I'll get your cat..."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "In cat it meant "Who me?""
Jacob says, "You're scaring her!"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "s/Jacob/Felix for the 'sorry' line?"
Felix says, "Yes, you, kitty... what's your name?"
Cuddlepaws hunkers down and wraps her tail around her.
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Uh, whoops! Yes, sorry."
Jacob says, "Do you have any towels? I can calm her down," while striding right towards the closed door in the back and attempting to open it, as if he might find one there.
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Felix said that *to* Jacob, but I mistyped."
Cuddlepaws asks (of felix), "You speak? What the hell, dude?"
Cuddlepaws says, "(in cat)"
Felxi looks around nervously.
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Jacob and Felix have the same number of letters. And they both seem good with animals... Coincidence? I THINK NOT"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I'm a little iffy on the situation here. Did Felix leave the door open when he went to get the cat?"
Felix says, "Uh. No. Of course not. C'mon, kitty. You all need to leave now so we can finish our work."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Have we even seen them in the same room --oh, oh. We have."
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "I'm not sure, but I assumed he did?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "If not, ignore all that."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Meanwhile, is Wanda doing anything?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Mind reading!"
Cuddlepaws exclaims, "(in human) Jake, grab that dude! He speaks cat! Something weird is going on here!"
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Yeah, let's say he left it a few inches open."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Basically, I will just walk in if I can, or do portal jiggery-pokery if not."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Have we ever called Jacob Jake before ?"
Eben follows Jacob in, then.
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I've been called Jake-O by birds, I think"
Felix says, "No! Stop! This isn't how this is supposed to be!"
Wanda focuses on the back of that balding head. Now's the moment to find out more. The truth is in there, somewhere...
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha ha, that's right."
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Ooh. This is to read surface thoughts, rightt?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "yep"
Eben pats Felix on the back. "It'll be OK. Your quicksilver stuff is pretty amazing, but it has some side effects we need to deal with."
Eben says, "You've been a great employee and I'm sure you'll get a raise."
[CCrusaders] GM checks the rules.
Cuddlepaws asks (of jacob), "Why do you speak our language?"
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Ha, now I'm doing it. Thanks, GM!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "It doesn't say what the opposition is if they're not actively opposing, and he's thinking fair hard, so we'll say it's only +1 here."
Wanda rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 -1 | Mediocre (0)
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "oops"
[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "can I succeed at a cost?"
Felix says (to Cuddlepaws), "I don't know what you're talking about!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Yes! How about the cost is getting noticed?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "OK!"
Eben tries to open the back door while Felix and Cuddlepaws chat.
Cuddlepaws exclaims, "You just spoke cat! I knew that cat intellect can be lowered to speak human, but I have no idea how you do it!"
GM says (to Wanda), "You listen with your mind, and you hear thoughts like 'This isn't how this was supposed to go at all! We need to fix this somehow. Why do my plans to do good always get foiled?'"
GM says (to Wanda), "And as he's thinking that, he happens to turn around in his swivel chair to face you directly..."
[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "I imagine Wanda just kind of waves with one leg."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Awkwardly."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha, totally"
Dr. Nichols says, "Q4! You've come back to me!"
[Crows-Nest] (from Jacob) Wanda, "Hi, uh, I'm just gonna go now."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "HOLY HELL"
Wanda says, "What the f--"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "AHHHHHHHH"
GM exclaims, "And he rushes to the window!"
GM says, "Meanwhile, Eben opens the door to this very scene already in progress."
Felix whispers (to Cuddlepaws), "Please don't tell anyone what I am."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "You know, if he likes me so much, wait till he's marooned on a planet populated by capitalist versions of me"
Cuddlepaws whispers to Felix, "But what ARE you, exactly?"
[Crows-Nest] (from Wanda) Felix says sadly, 'A Black Panther ripoff. Ohh, the lawsuits. They'll hurt so bad.'
Felix says, "You don't -- oh. You haven't figured it -- well in that case, I'm a normal human being who just, uh, happens to have learned to talk to cats."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "I'd like to investigate - is he wearing a swimsuit?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha"
GM says (to Eben), "So you see the back of Dr. Nichols -- whom you might not have recognized yet -- running to the window and flinging it open. With Wanda right outside."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "*Skinsuit"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha ha."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "That was really weird and ambiguously creepy for a moment there."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Investigate Overcome, for *you*, just +1."
Eben takes the opportunity to look over the notes/computer on the desk.
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "I meant, would he look in a swimsuit"
Cuddlepaws rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 +1 | Average (1)
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "He'd look *average* in a swimsuit."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ooh, now we need a good minor cost."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Minor cost: I feel really stupid for not noticing it earlier"
GM says (to CP), "As soon as you got close to him, you had noticed that he smelled like cat. And you had just assumed that meant he must have a pet cat, but..."
GM exclaims, "...no, he *is* a cat!"
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Three cats in a skinsuit!"
GM asks, "And a human! He smells like both somehow, at the same time?"
Cuddlepaws asks (of felix), "What have they done to you?"
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "You find assorted notes about Quicksilver -- it looks like they've discovered this unfortunate problem with the process a bit too late, and have been working frantically to find a fix for it."
Felix says, "He empowered me -- now I can be either. I have thumbs, kitty. It's great. You should try it!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Did I miss Wanda reacting to Nichols running toward her and opening the window?"
Cuddlepaws hunkers down. "I don't need thumbs! I have sla-, er - humans.
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I didn't react yet!"
Felix says, "Look, just don't tell anyone, OK? I'll owe you one."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Mainly because other people were doing stuff and being shocked"
Nichols embraces Wanda and tries to help her in through the window!
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Over to Wanda!"
Eben tries to find out more about what the 'problem' is, precisely. Is it the nanobots responding to their host in a negative way, or is it inherent in their programming?
GM exclaims (at Eben), "That sounds like an Investigate overcome!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "+3"
Wanda is deeply confused by this effusive greeting. 'Um -- what-- whuh?'
Nichols says, "Come inside. I never finished studying your mother. There's still so much I can learn from you!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Has Jacob been doing anything, or his he just looming?)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Looming"
Eben shakes his head, and gestures to Jacob in a 'maybe you can make sense of this' way.
Jacob may have heard the conversation between Felix and CP. I can speak (non-telepathically) with any animal now, so even if it was in cat.
Jacob steps into the back office and peers at the data.
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Excellent. I would be happy to say that yes, you did overhear it."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(But of course, Felix doesn't know that.)"
Wanda asks (of Nichols), "My mother?! Your experiments killed her! How do you expect me to somehow be a willing guinea pig or whatever it is you want?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Didn't we kill/arrest Nichols? Or did he escape?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "He escaped in a gyrocopter"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Oh yes!"
Jacob looks at Wanda and Nichols, and then back at the computer, which he leans over and proceeds to use to find more information.
Jacob rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Investigation"
Nichols says, "No! It was that raid on my lab -- the police forced their way in, and there was the explosion, and... it was terrible. So much data, so many opportunities, lost..."
GM says (to Jacob), "Success with style! That means you get a boost on top of the answer."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Woo"
Wanda says (to Nichols), "I -- I don't know what to think right now. Give me a moment to catch my breath. It's... not easy."
GM says (to Jacob), "From what you can tell, it looks like the problem has come about from some kind of a bug in the core programming. They've been able to replicate it with animals. It seems to most often trigger after the host has been infected for a while, and most often when it's near large power sources."
Jacob frowns and shakes his head in a "this is bad, very bad" manner at Eben.
Nichols says, "Yes, of course. Please, come in, rest. I'll set up some equipment -- I have dozens of things I've wanted to test on you over the years."
Jacob looks at the cages.
GM says (to Jacob), "Mice, rats, lizards, birds -- many of whom seem to have Quicksilver. Although none of them are acting strangely at the moment."
Wanda asks (of Nichols), "You do realize how creepy that sounds, right?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Wandy is not an animal! She is a human bei - um."
Nichols says, "What? No! Why does everyone always say that!"
Jacob tries to make subtle eye contact with Wanda behind Nichols' back, prepared to step in if she needs help.
Eben holds out a thumb drive to Jacob to download stuff onto.
Jacob nods and does just that.
Wanda mentals messages Jacob: I'M TRYING TO SEE IF I CAN GET ANY SENSE OUT OF HIM. NO IMMEDIATE DANGER. THANKS ANYWAY
GM says, "While Nichols is busy with Wanda, and Felix is busy with Cuddlepaws, Jacob fills up a flash drive with assorted data from Nichols' computer."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "All his vacation pictures"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "And pirated copies of the Spiderman movies"
Felix says, "Come on kitty, you've got to go, before your friends get in-- wait. Oh, crap."
[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Hee"
Cuddlepaws asks (of felix), "The name is not kitty! That sounds silly! The name is ... Cuddlepaws. But I don't understand, where you born as a cat, and they quicksilvered you?"
GM says (to Wanda), "Nichols has set up a comfy-looking couch for you, along side a device with a bunch of electrodes on it, and a bottle of goo for pastting them on."
Felix says, "Oh, no, this has nothing to do with Quicksilver. The is part of Knickerson's last project -- he was working on giving superpowers to animals."
Nichols says, "Come, come, sit down!"
Jacob wonders if he finds any data on Felix and other animals in the files.
Jacob but can peruse later when home.
Wanda asks (of Nichols), "What does this do, exactly? Figure out how my flames work?"
Cuddlepaws asks (of felix), "So there are ... others like you?"
GM says (to Jacob), "Yeah, that seems like a good Investigate for later."
Nichols says, "Flames? You have flames? Your mother didn't have flames! Oh, oh! Now I can think of at least three more things we need to do together!"
Wanda says, "Wait, the Raxiss don't -- ahem"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks, "Did Thuma mention the Raxiss flaming?"
Nichols says, "This is to measure your polydyne reactance! I've always known that your mother reacted to it, but I never had time to do any real research into it..."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "She did not."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I am a true mutant."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "A freak among freaks"
Wanda asks, "Ah, the radiation that you paralyzed me with last time we met?"
Wanda says, "Seems simple enough to me."
Wanda asks, "Where's the mystery?"
Nichols says, "But I'm sure it can do so much more! Did you know that your mother actually *produced* a level of polydyne radiation?"
Wanda says, "I did not, actually."
Felix says (to Cuddlepaws), "I haven't met them, but I'm told that there was an elephant and a tiger, as well as some rats, and some monkeys -- I think he meant actual monkeys, not humans..."
Nichols says, "Sit down, then! We'll find out if you can as well!"
Wanda says, "Okay, if these are just detectors, why not."
Wanda sits down.
GM asks, "And he wires Wanda up and turns to hook up the machine to his computer, and -- is anyone still there messing with it?"
Cuddlepaws asks (of felix), "I think I met some of them, actually. But what is end goal?"
Jacob is all done.
Eben says, "Dr. Nichols! We meet again."
Jacob waves, awkwardly.
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Are you guys forgetting he is evil?"
Felix says, "What greater goal could there be? To experiment, to study, to learn -- *curiosity*!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda points to 'Redemption's Always An Option' on her character sheet
Nichols says, "Oh! It's you! You were the ones who... my last lab"
[Crows-Nest] Jacob mutters something about curiosity and cats.
Nichols says, "Are you here to destroy my work again?"
Eben asks (of Wanda), "It seems like your'e trusting him more than last time--is that wise?"
Cuddlepaws says (to felix), "I guess that actually doesn't sound too bad. But last time we met the Doctor, he did some messed up stuff."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Dude, he experimented on your mother!"
Wanda says (to Eben), "Don't worry. He's probably completely misguided, but I'm giving him a chance."
Wanda says, "He won't get a second one, however."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "His main problem was, what? I guess he was robbing the bank."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "he didn't murder anyone"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So.. "redemption's always an option, but only once"? :D"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I forget what else was going on, other than reckless experimentation."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "that was it."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "He also stole zoo animals."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "he created the ... timing"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "For the purposes of said reckless experimentation."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "theft, experimentation."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Now he's making other cute animal superheroes"
[CCrusaders] (from Wanda) Cuddlepaws says, "UNACCEPTABLE"
GM says, "Nichols is watching Eben and Jacob warily, but the graphs on his computer are bouncing up and down as he collects data from Wanda."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "A joke could be made about data ownership, but I'm blanking on it."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So, what is everyone doing at this point? Putting their other goals on hold while Nichols collects Wandata?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'll stroll over to the other room."
[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Felix follows you. He's apparently given up on the idea of keeping people out. And you see the same situation that everyone else is seeing in there."
Cuddlepaws asks, "Guys, what the hell?"
Cuddlepaws exclaims, "last time Dr. lecter here did crazy experiments on zoo animals!"
Eben says, "Dr. Nichols, it looks like your latest attempts to do work are somewhat more grounded in self-awareness. But they've gone wrong, and they need to be fixed. We can help, but let's be clear: you will fix your mistakes."
Wanda says, "Cuddles, I've got this under control. Hold off on the telekinesis for now."
Jacob says, "CP, I totally agree, but Wanda seems willing to give him a chance, and she asked us to step back."
Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Damn your overtly trusting nature, 8 legs!"
Nichols says (to Eben), "What do you mea-- oh! The Quicksilver problem!"
Nichols says, "Don't worry! I'll figure it all out eventually! I Can Fix My Mistakes!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "He said, using standard Aspect Pronunciation."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Why did you say that ... timing"
Cuddlepaws asks (of Nichols), "What's with these animal/human hybrids?"
Nichols says, "Hybrid? What do you mean?"
Jacob looks meaningfully at Felix, but says nothing.
Felix says, "Me? I'm no dirty hybrid! I'm just a shapeshifter!"
Cuddlepaws says, "oooh."
Cuddlepaws says, "Still weird."
Wanda says, "That is pretty amazing."
Nichols says (to Eben), "It'll just take time. But with if you let me keep doing my research, I'm sure I'll come up with *some* solution to it all... I just need to do more science... more science..."
Eben says (to Nichols), "OK. Let's fix this one, then. Have you tried maybe piggybacking the replication signal with..."
Eben talks shop.
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "While Eben and Nichols are talking, and Wanda is being measured, is everyone else just hanging out?"
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm still super wary, and eyeing Felix suspiciously."
[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "The animals are all in this room with everyone, right? None in the emptier other room?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK, let's call that shop talk a Create Advantage, as the two of them try to figure out something that will help solve this problem."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Right."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Drat, ok."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I'm not going to talk to him out loud in front of everyone."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "*them"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Uh, unless you want there to be.)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "I mean, there's nothing actually stopping you from opening a cage."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yeah, but to converse with them, other people would hear me, which is.. weird."
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "And I doubt they'd let me open a cage and walk off wit hone."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Crafts for me? And are we building something now, or just talking?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "They say that you miss 100% of the shots you don't take!"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I suppose, heh."
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Just talking at the moment. And sure, Crafts is good. +3 opposition."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "With an assist from Nichols? ;-)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh, right. There are birds."
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Hee. Alright, sure."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Jacob), "There are!"
Eben rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 +1 | Good (3)
[CCrusaders] GM says, "A boost! So you won't get a lasting aspect, but I'll still give you some info."
GM says, "You learn that Felix was the main programmer for the project -- Nichols is more into the biology and engineering -- but that the core programming for the nanites is pretty simple:"
GM says, "Protect the patient, follow the patient's conscious orders, store up energy for later use, and replicate themselves when possible."
Jacob kind of looks like he's paying attention to conversation, but he reaches out telepathically to the birds in cages, just generally asking about their well-being. Are they ok? What has been done to them? Any weird side-effects?
Eben asks, "So I can just... order them off of me?"
Nichols says, "Hmm. I don't know -- it's worth a try, I suppose."
Eben picks up a vial and tries to order them to get off his arm and into the vial.
[CCrusaders] (from Jacob) Eben says, "March, nanites."
Bird says, "< Hello. Hello there. Yes, I live here! It's a small cage. Too bad. But I have a fancy wing! It's nice. I like my fancy wing! >"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "But this leaves the question why Bob became a thief. Or was that subconsciously his wish?"
GM says (to Jacob), "And one of the birds' wings flashes over with quicksilver. It waves it at you, happily."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hmm, one of the core rules is 'store energy' and 'replicate when possible'"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Maybe when there's no conscious order to override those..."
GM exclaims (at Eben), "The quicksilver in your arm quickly replicates, and a vial's worth flows off of your arm into the vial!"
Cuddlepaws asks (of eben), "NOW can we try my idea?"
GM says (to Eben), "(The remainder remains on your arm.)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "What kind of bird? I'd ask if it got the desire to steal things, but it's a bird :D"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So, inconclusive."
Eben exclaims (at nanites), "No, all of you! Replicate *in* the vial, not on me!"
Eben tries again.
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "'You Are All My Kids' applies even to nanites."
[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "Ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "they're sulking and dragging their feet now"
GM exclaims (at Eben), "The nanites in the vial replicate and flow back onto your arm, exchanging places with the ones already there!"
Eben sighs.
GM says (to Eben), "Also: from your discussion with Nichols, he gives them impression that he thnks he's pretty close to some kind of a breakthrough, maybe a week at the most, but it's hard to tell if he's right, or if he's being over-optimistic."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Whoops, I missed Jacob's question. I was imagining something like a parakeet, but I'm flexible.)"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "That's fine. But yeah. I'm sure it loves shiny objects, with or without the nanites :)"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Mmm. Who doesn't?"
Cuddlepaws asks (of felix), "So you are a cat that turns into a human? Or Vice Versa?"
Eben sighs, closes his eyes, and envisions instructions as a computer program, with the clear end state of all the nanites being in the vial, and not on his arm.
Felix says, "Oh, I'm a cat, no question."
Eben then 'broadcasts' the instructions to the nanites.
Felix turns back into a normal-looking black cat!
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'm hoping for a Crafts roll here that I can use my boost with."
GM says, "(Well, I say normal, but he's fairly handsome as far as cats go...)"
Cuddlepaws sniffs strange cat's butt.
[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "And that's where the cats from the 'Cats' movie came from!"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda closes storybook.
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hmm."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "This is the sort of situation where, narratively, one single roll on one day won't completely solve the 'nanites in your arm' problem. But a single roll can probably do a partial solution."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "(I apologize, that mental image was uncalled for)"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "E.g., something that might disrupt their programming to make them less likely to activate."
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I'll never become human! Why would I downgrade!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Or something to try to drain energy from them, or something else of your suggestion."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says (to Cuddlepaws), "I was thinking of your kittens."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "*Mutant* kittens."
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "Would you be comfortable with a compromise like that?"
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Sure!"
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Oh, good. Phew. What do you propose?"
[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "I always assumed CP was neutered."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hrm."
Felix reciprocates and rubs up against Cuddlepaws.
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Or an alternative:"
Cuddlepaws suddenly playfully pounches on Felix!
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Building a device to help Nichols with his research."
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says (to Cuddlepaws), "Are you so sure of that... *muahahahaha*"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "To make it more likely that he'll succeed in coming up with a breakthrough."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Towards the breakthrough? Sure."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "OK! What would you like to build?"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I would like to try create advantage with rapport"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Excellent! He's not resisting, so the opposition would only be +0."
[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "Anything specific in mind?"
Cuddlepaws rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 -1 | Great (4)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success with style!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(Special Bond)"
Eben watches as the nanites completely fail to execute his plan, but the way it failed made him think of something. "OK, Nichols. I think I can help with a device that might help stop the side effects. And we won't turn you in for illegal experimentation for this, at least. But in return, we'll need your polydyne emitter.
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Ooh, excellent. Overcome, +3 opposition!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And since this is building something (finally):"
Eben rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 +1 | Epic (7)
Cuddlepaws and Felix playfight all through the lab.
Nichols says, "Oh, you want to experiment on Q4 as well? Of course, of course. I hope you'll share your data with me?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That's success with style!"
[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Open Data, Case Closed"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Which normally gives another boost, but if you want, I would be up for combining the two boosts into an Aspect."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(For the sake of not having it go away so easily.)"
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Sure! Did you have anything in particular in mind?"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Nope! I think either the device to help with the side effects, or the polydyne emitter itself, would make good aspects."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "So the Overcome just means he'll be able to get his breakthrough faster, and the new Aspect is 'Polydyne Emitter', which we can use on Jupiter?"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Sounds good to me!"
GM says, "Dr. Nichols is happy to lend you his polydyne emitter in exchange for your help -- it's kinda like the one you cobbled together a few months ago, except perfected."
[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Is anyone else doing anything in the lab now, or are you heading out?"
Cuddlepaws is holding down Felix and cleaning his fur.
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "In other words: no."
GM says, "Dr. Nichols is disappointed tto see Wanda go, and expresses his hope that she'll come back so they can continue their research on her together."
Cuddlepaws headsrubs her goodbyes to Felix.
Wanda says (to Nichols), "You've given me a lot to think about. But I think I might come back. I, too, want to understand myself better, I guess."
GM asks, "And... I believe you said you'll be getting together with the Umawa and Harry tomorrow to depart. Is there anything significant you plan to do before that, or should we end here start the next session with your departure?"
[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Works for me."
Cuddlepaws says, "Can't think of anything."
[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I'm good!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "me too"
GM exclaims, "In that case, everyone have a Significant Milestone!"
Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Woo!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Woo!"
GM says, "(That's the one with a skill point, not the one with a stunt/refresh.)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Still woo!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."
[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Maybe just one thing: can I try to Rapport with Nichols to try to give him a new Aspect; something like 'Maybe I'll Think Things Through This Time'?"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Well, it worked with me. Worth a try!"
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "OK! That would be Create Advantage, Rapport vs. Will."
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(Remember the time when I would have just thrown Nichols through a wall, set him on fire, then bitten his head off?)"
[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "I'm not sure if I spent whatever milestone we reached at the end of our last adventure or not."
Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Oh, that means I can get a second skill to +4, I think"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Wow."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 0 | Fair (2)
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success with style!"
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "and I'll spend my last fate point, since we're at the end of the session anyway ;-)"
[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Hmm. You could count up how many refresh you spent on your powers and stunts to find out."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha."
[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Perhaps tagging 'The Red Menace Is Still Out There...And We Play Bridge On Tuesdays.'"
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Appropriate!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(Yay, with that skill point I can boost either one of Provoke, Athletics or Physique to +4!="
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "So, next week, the Neighborhood. And then the week after that, we leave for Jupiter!"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "(And Taleslinger and lps are encouraged to update the schedule for February.)"
[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Exciting!"
Eben says (to Nichols), ""...so, I appreciate what you're trying to do here, but you're going to keep running into these sorts of problems if you don't have a plan. It's an important aspect of Science, in the end.""
Eben says, "And, you know, maybe an old friend of mine can help."
Eben gives Nichols Red's phone number.
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I can't say anything so far, but it looks good"
Nichols says, "Oh... huh. Thank you. I'll give him a call!"
Eben says (to Felix), "And good work on the programming; keep at it and you'll find the solution."
Cuddlepaws says (to nichols), "Maybe I'll come visit Felix some time"
Felix meows agreeably!
Eben says, "Oh, and, uh, once you do, you'll probably want to use it in the sewers. We kind of washed a lot of them off of Bob."
Nichols says, "Just please don't destroy my lab again!"
Eben exclaims, "Don't steal anything and maybe we won't!"
Nichols says, "OK!"
GM says, "And then he's back to his computer, analyzing data."
GM exclaims, "And I think that's a suitable place to say <TO BE CONTINUED>!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda claps
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(Now I just need to, ahem, wipe some dust off of these extremely extensive and perfectly well thought-out notes concerning grimdark robots and past future selves!)"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Intriguing"
[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ooh."
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Yeah, Remba returns!"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "For real this time."
[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Don't trust her!"
[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "And since Roomba whacked her in the face with a pipe, she has to wear an eyepatch for a while"
[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "..."
[CCrusaders] GM says, "It's going to be Roymba, I just know it."