Unity Main Page
August 1997 Responses
>From: BIEDIGER, DANIEL E
>Subject: SF PBEM Game
>Date: Monday, August 11, 1997 7:30 AM
>
>I just had a quick question, are we allowed to carry our weapons with us,
>and wha kind of response does that evoke from that average citizen?
>
>Oh, I'd like to get a camera to chronicle the adventure. Would it require
>film or be a digital capture type? Well, I'll get A LOT of 'film' so that
>I can take plenty of pictures.
>
>More to come!
>
>Dan Biediger
>"Zane"
Your characters have positions of legal authority as part of an official
investigation task force. It should seem only normal to most of the
citizens that you should carry firearms to enforce that role. Of course,
outright use of weapons in public will have the typical effects of possibly
causing panic, so it is a good idea to show discretion while in the
congested parts of the city. Abuse of weapons and their influence will
definitely not be appreciated, and could result in the intervention of
First Landing's law enforcement agents.
The camera has been described on a new page I put up just this morning
(http://www.aros.net/~layne1/unity/Explain.html). In brief, a camera can
take 100 self-developing photographs. An electronic copy of each
photograph is stored in the camera's memory as well. Cameras are somewhat
disposable, in that you need to buy a new camera once the 100 shots have
been taken. Infra-red camera lenses are available for 300 credits, and
zoom lenses are available for 200 credits.
>From: Albin Johnson
>Subject: Re: New Equipment [continued]
>Date: Monday, August 11, 1997 7:03 PM
>
>Well, I'm still reading everything, but let me say WOW! THIS is what I
>envisioned Star Frontiers to be like - exotic settings with altered
>environments straight out of early sci-fi short stories! Moving sidewalks,
>domed cities, spooky utopian metros, very cool! I love the maps - very
>detailed. And the illustrations in the travelogue are very clever. I also
>like the narrative style - I was instantly drawn in.
>
>I guess my only questions deal with how this game will proceed - I'm still
>confused as to how we 'play' this game when there's only one move and it
>seems you are doing all the writing for us in one lump. I know we can talk
>with each other til the deadline, plan, plot, etc. But it seems to be a
>lot of time to investigate without any feedback from you or any
>trial-and-error empirical interaction with our gaming environment.
>
>Guess I'm just new to this style of play. Make sure I don't step on any
>toes trying to figure this out!
>
>I'm really excited about starting this game - very good work, Layne, Star
>Frontiers LIVES ON!!!!
>
> - your pal AL
A monthly PBEM obviously cannot be as interactive as one that accepts input
every few days. However, back when I managed Play-By-(traditional)-Mail
games, a monthly rhythm was pretty standard. (Two weeks to send out an
update, two days to get a response.) This pace actually worked quite well.
A number of techniques can be used to make a monthly PBEM progress at a
faster rate:
--Make sure you understand the situation before sending in your reply. If
you have questions, ask them during the month before you decide what your
character will do. (There is no limit on question asking.) This same
principle applies to things that your character could easily find out. For
example, instead of sending in a monthly response that says, "My character
will check to see if Toxica is at home," ask me ahead of time if she is
home. (I will let you know if I can't tell you.) Since something like
this is as simple as checking your chronocom, I can probably answer your
question in the middle of the month. Then you can write your character's
official move with this knowledge already acquired.
--Make your official response as far reaching as possible, with paths of
action to be taken based on conditional events. In other words, "My
character will do this. If this happens, he will do this; otherwise he
will do this."
--In cases of combat, describe in as much detail as possible your
intentions for the duration of the battle. Due to the monthly rhythm, most
combat scenarios will be resolved within a month. You might include
conditions that would make your character retreat, plans of action to be
taken in the cases of success and failure, or anything that will give me a
better idea of how your character will act.
As far story structure goes, you may be starting to see that it is VERY
open. My philosophy there is that YOU are the minds behind your
characters, and you don't need an adventure that herds your characters like
sheep along a fixed storyline. YOU decide where on the map your character
will go. YOU decide what goals to set for your character. I will try to
be as open as possible.
It is for this reason that no characters were given specific instructions
about what to do this month--other than to go out and investigate. You can
decide what you think would be most useful as a member of the investigation
task force.
I understand that it may take all of us (including me) a few tries to get
used to this type of gameplay--but I have no doubt that we will all become
experts very quickly.
I hope this answers your question well enough for now. I'm sure that a lot
of this will be stuff that we learn as we go.
I'm thrilled to hear that you liked the opening of the adventure!
>From: John Groszkiewicz
>Subject: SF PBEM: Tork 01
>Date: Monday, August 11, 1997 11:16 PM
>
>Greetings!
>
>Great start but now questions start... :)
>
>I was wondering how much did T'sk-T'sk Kd'Zr Brrsh T'Klll and myself
>arrive before the others. Minutes, Hours, Days?
>
>Also, as the security for this task force did Mr. Streel brief us on the others before
>their arrival?
>
>TTFN
>John johngroz@ncinter.net
The arrival of T'Klkk and Tork occurred a few hours before the arrival of
the others. They did, however, arrive prior to the blockading of the
starport, which means they went through customs like most of people.
The two were briefed lightly on the other members of the group, but no
information was given beyond what can be found on their character sheets
and in their background information posted on the web site.
>From: John Groszkiewicz
>Subject: SF PBEM: Tork 02
>Date: Monday, August 11, 1997 11:48 PM
>
>Okay, lets talk Tornadium D-19. Or more specifically:
> How easy was it to get past
>'customs'. How easy is it to get?
>
>To Layne:
>
>From the sound of things players were escorted
> into town bypassing any type of customs
>check. How easy would it be for a mad bomber to get his/her/its
>hands/claws/pseudopods
>on some TD-19?
>
>To Albin ( Syzygy ):
>
>If I know that Syzygy has Demolitions skill, and more specifically TD-19 I'll talk to
>him about my concerns. Unless Syzygy has an objection I bring up my concerns to the
>others. I will also propose that one of us ( with some nearby backup ) tries to buy
>some Tornadium D-19 to see if the normal security precautions are in place. ( I will
>volunteer to be 'the buyer'. )
>
>TTFN
>John johngroz@ncinter.net
Syzygy indeed bypassed customs, as did his Tornadium D-19. The shuttle
flown by Fle'xx landed near First Landing with little problem, and there
were no barriers to their entering the city. However, it was understood by
city officials that Fle'xx was acting on official business. If an unwanted
shuttle tried to enter the city the same way, it could be easily stopped by
First Landing's defense cannons.
Tork, on the other hand, arrived prior to the starport blockade, and went
through customs. His luggage was searched and his explosives were found.
But he was permitted to keep them because he is certified with explosives
(with a Demolitions skill) and because in his security function in the task
force, he is authorized to carry it.
This is what you know so far. Any further knowledge on the subject will
require investigation.
> From: John Groszkiewicz
> Subject: SF PBEM: Tork 03
> Date: Tuesday, August 12, 1997 12:21 AM
>
> Okay, you all are probably tired of messages from me. Last one for tonight. I promise.
>
> I'll confront Taanik at training. If you want to work the dialog out between us players
> we can do that. Basically when I see Taanik I'll put on my meanest, crankyest, most
> intimidating "foaming at the mouth" Yazarian snarl and stomp right up to him. "LISTEN
> BLOB. Don't you EVER wake me up more than ONE HOUR before training!" I'll then try and
> stare him down.
>
> From his backround I am assuming that Taanik will try and counter with some type of
> humorous statement. I can only guess at Taanik's retort but my basic reply will be
> to shake my head: "Someone's *got* to teach you the meaning of the phrase 'NIGHT life'.
> <sigh> Listen, I got a couple questions about the Holo thing."
>
> Main questions are:
> 1) How do I use the thing?
Taanik can show you that every wall and every open area throughout the city
is equipped with a small holographic emitter and control panel. The
control panel, which requires no skills to use, allows you to establish
communication to any other point in the city with a similar emitter and
panel.
> 2) Can I turn it off so that *you* can't
> stick your head in my room? (Jokenly said).
> But I seriously want to know if it can
> be turned off. Do we ( and our enemies ) have
> access to every spot in the city?
Holographic communication panels in your own living quarters can be set to
a "Do Not Disturb" mode, but it requires a fingerprint and voice
verification from a person listed as living in the quarters. Public
communication panels can only be shut off by a very few high-ranking city
officials.
> 3) Can you turn off the visual on your end so that I can't see you?
The system is set up so that you must be visible to the other person in
order to view them. In other words, only two-way communication is
possible. Altering this behavior would require extensive modification to
the communication system--and is considered illegal by local laws.
> 4) When using the transmitter do you 'feel' things?
> If I walk through Taanik's image
> will he feel anything or just get a 'woozy' feeling
> from seeing me disappear through his
> face?
The communication system transfers a 3-dimensionally recreated holographic
image and sound. The holographic images cannot be felt. When Tork walks
through Taanik's holographic image, he has simply the impression of walking
through a projection of light. Taanik sees a projection of light pass
through him.
Note as well, that when Tork could see the holographic image of Taanik, he
could also see a limited area of the floor from Taanik's room. Taanik, in
turn, could not see the entire room that Tork was in, but merely the small
section (including Tork and his bed) that was being captured by the
holographic communication panel on Tork's wall.
> 5) When using the transmitter can you exert
> any force, i.e. could Taanik have shaken
> me awake? Can you shake someone's hand on the other end?
No.
> 6) If I can hear you - can the Holographic
> transmitter be used to send a signal, i.e. to
> a detonator?
The holographic communication system transfers light and sound. If either
of these can set off a detonator, then it can be done remotely through a
hologram.
>
> TTFN
> John johngroz@ncinter.net
> ----------
> "Can't say. Saying would be knowing. Don't know. So, can't say." -
Zathrus
> ----------
> From: Billy Harris
> Subject: Re: [SF PBEM] Weapons & Cameras
> Date: Monday, August 11, 1997 11:20 PM
>
>At 2:01 PM -0600 8/11/97, Layne K. Saltern wrote:
>
>>>I just had a quick question, are we allowed to carry our weapons with us,
>>>and wha kind of response does that evoke from that average citizen?
>
>>Your characters have positions of legal authority as part of an official
>
>[...]
>
>Hi!
>
>I saw the reply, but I missed the original question. As a lurker, I'd
>appreciate it if you could cc: me the messages you send to the GM about
>Unity -- or for that matter messages you send to other players, messages
>you send to yourself, messages you dream about, messages you would have
>written but didn't, ....
>
>I promise not to snitch ;-)
>
>
> Billy Harris
> wharris@mail.airmail.net
>
I usually try to send the question along with the reply when sending an
answer to everyone. These messages that are sent to everyone also get
posted on the Unity web site. (This month they're going in
http://www.aros.net/~layne1/unity/Aug97R.html)
If I missed sending out the question on this one I apologize.
If anything relevant to the game gets sent to me, I will post it to all
players and lurkers, either as a forwarded message, or included as part of
a reply.
For all the players out there, there is a list of official lurkers at
http://www.aros.net/~layne1/unity/Lurkers.html If you have a mailing
group set up in your e-mail program that has all of the players' addresses,
you should add the addresses of the lurkers to the group as well.
>From: Kveldulf@aol.com
>Subject: detonators and holo-screens
>Date: Tuesday, August 12, 1997 7:29 PM
>
>Hi guys! I didn't have time to log in yesterday, so was just reading mail &
>checking the web-site out. Someone asked about detonating TD-19 via
>holo-screen - looks like the only two detonators that could be used that way
>are light-activated and radio-activated; since the holograms aren't
>physical, you could activate the light variety by simply placing a call from
>a well-lit area into a darkened one (the target) & the radio version by
>transmitting the signal through the screen (assuming it was a frequency the
>screen could relay).
>
>that's all for now
>
>Andy (Urugg)
>From: Kveldulf@aol.com
>Subject: Fantastic!!!
>Date: Tuesday, August 12, 1997 8:11 PM
>
>Hi Layne! Just had time (finally) to read my mail from the last 2 days and
>log onto the Unity web site.
>
>(performs Wayne and Garth-like ablutions on floor) "we're not worthy!"
>
>You have obviously put a huge amount of work into getting this ready, and it
>certainly has paid off! Thanks for the opp to play in this campaign!
>
>
>A very impressed and psyched Andy
>
>PS The colony and failed mutineer colony reminded me a lot of the Outpost PC
>game, one of my past faves. Any influence there? In any case, I was very
>pleasantly surprised to read the novel setting - not many make the leap of
>imagination to set a game in a small, isolated colony on a gas giant's moon.
>It's a refreshing change from the stereotypical Star Trek / Wars "jungle
>planet", "water planet" etc. This game is definitely going to "kick"!
I was wondering if someone would notice that. Yes, the environment part
was inspired in a large way by Outpost. Those of you familiar with
Asimov's novels, *The Caves of Steel* and *The Naked Sun* will notice some
influence there as well. (None of the plot is based on either novel,
however.)
Idea fragments used in the storyline to come were triggered by several
dozen various sources--most of them outside of the science fiction domain.
The main thread of the story is based on a short story I once wrote for a
science fiction class.
Glad to hear you liked it!
Note to Everyone: For the benefit of all players and lurkers, I have
included the entire message from Andy with my reply. I will make sure that
everyone gets a chance to read any game-relevant correspondence I receive,
with the exception of any parts marked *private* by the sender.
> From: John Groszkiewicz
> Subject: Re: SF PBEM: Tork 01
> Date: Tuesday, August 12, 1997 11:48 PM
>
> Layne K. Saltern wrote:
> >
> > The arrival of T'Klkk and Tork occurred a few hours before the arrivalof
> > the others. They did, however, arrive prior to the blockading of the
> > starport, which means they went through customs like most of people.
>
> Okay, no time to check things out before everyone else arrives.
>
> > The two were briefed lightly on the other members of the group, but no
> > information was given beyond what can be found on their character sheets
> > and in their background information posted on the web site.
>
> As I expected. Basically I wanted to see if Mr. Streel was going to be forcomming with
> information.
>
> TTFN
> John johngroz@ncinter.net
> ----------
> "Can't say. Saying would be knowing. Don't know. So, can't say." -
Zathrus
> ----------
> From: John Groszkiewicz
; Clark G. Valentine ; Billy Harris
; Andy Campbell ; Albin Johnson
; Alan D. Whitaker ; Per-Thomas
Raderman
> Subject: Re: SF PBEM: Tork 02
> Date: Tuesday, August 12, 1997 11:56 PM
>
> Layne K. Saltern wrote:
> >
> > >From the sound of things players were escorted
> > > into town bypassing any type of customs
> > >check. How easy would it be for a mad bomber to get his/her/its
> > hands/claws/pseudopods
> > >on some TD-19?
> >
> > Tork, on the other hand, arrived prior to the starport blockade, and went
> > through customs. His luggage was searched and his explosives were found.
> > But he was permitted to keep them because he is certified with explosives
> > (with a Demolitions skill) and because in his security function in the task
> > force, he is authorized to carry it.
> >
> > This is what you know so far. Any further knowledge on the subject will
> > require investigation.
>
> Tork will talk to T'Klkk about requesting a listing of people in First Landing City that
> are certified with explosives. I know that "the nature of the attacks seems primitive
> and untrained" but a good explosives person may be able to make it look that way.
>
> TTFN
> John johngroz@ncinter.net
> ----------
> "Can't say. Saying would be knowing. Don't know. So, can't say." -
Zathrus
> ----------
> From: BIEDIGER, DANIEL E
> Subject: Re: SF PBEM: Tork 02
> Date: Wednesday, August 13, 1997 4:33 AM
>
> >
> > Tork will talk to T'Klkk about requesting a listing of people in First Landing City that
> > are certified with explosives. I know that "the nature of the attacks seems primitive
> > and untrained" but a good explosives person may be able to make it look that way.
>
> Good idea. Another consideration is that the charges are prepared by and
> expert but placed but an untrained lackey.
> "Just put this package on the steps..."
> In either case, it would help to know who has the skills.
>
> Dan Biediger
> "Zane"
>From: Albin Johnson
>Subject: Syzygy formulates
>Date: Wednesday, August 13, 1997 1:50 AM
>
>Layne - didn't know whether this was all suitable for the entire group to
>read or if I should just send it to you and let you figure it out. Let me
>know if I need to re-send all or part of this to everyone. Thanks!
>
>- AL
>
I think it all looks appropriate for the public's (scrutinizing) eyes. : )
No need to re-send it to everyone, though. I will include your message
in its entirety, with this reply.
>-------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Szygy is in awe of the exotic city into which he has been introduced. The
>gleaming domes, the perfect symmetry of the criss-crossing tubes, the hum
>of machinery. So... perfect. So... structured. It hits the Vrusk that
>such a structured facility must have more laws and by-laws than a hive! A
>pang of distaste hits him, and he sees First Landing in a different light.
>But a job's a job...
>
>Syzygy openly asks the other team members if they'd like to split up and
>explore/patrol the city. Perhaps into teams reflecting the skills - 2
>teams with an enforcer each or 3 with a tech. each. Also, de facto
>'leaders' can be chosen to handle communications between groups.
>
>If no one wants to team up, or if no one cares to join Syzygy, his first
>impulse is to contact the law enforcement agency of First Landing and see
>if he can work out a deal to go undercover to seek out the Star's Arm
>militants. It is his thinking that their anti-establishment ways are of a
>kindred nature to his own, and that his demolitions skills may prove
>helpful in passing off as a promising recruit.
>
>Syzygy will ask the law enforcement agency if there is a record of Star's
>Arm acitivities he can download into a personal computer device (the
>chronocom?). Also, if there is any chance of them falsifying his records
>in the city's computer to show him as a trouble-maker, give him a record
>for vandalism and theft. Also, if there are any people imprisoned for
>Star's Arm activities that he could be thrown in with, possibly to learn
>information, gain their trust.
GM's reply: Syzygy is able to make a quick call to the law enforcement
agency. He makes contact with Capt. Karmen Ap-Harrow, the female Yazirian
chief of police. (This will be mentioned again in next month's story.)
She acknowledges that she was ordered to cooperate, but she does not seem
too enthusiastic about it. She does mention the following items:
1. There is no known record of Star's Arm activity beyond Metrosphere.
The society seems to have formed in the last few months, and is allegedly
under the direction of a Yazirian female named Loer An-Tehr. Little to
nothing is known about Loer. She has no previous criminal record. More
data on Loer and her organization will be coming, but may take some time.
[The rest of the data should be ready for your downloading in next month's
part of the story.] The chief of police is of no help in determining where
Loer can be found.
2. Capt. Ap-Harrow claims that altering your official records is a complex
task, and none of her people have time to do it. Syzygy or another
computer specialist can make the attempt with the captain's blessings, but
it will take some real computer know-how--and success is not guaranteed.
3. No Star's Arm activist to date has been detained, although the law
enforcement agency is willing to hold Loer if she can be found.
>Syzygy will buy the following:
>
>
>2 Counter Detonators
>2 light detonators
>2 pressure detonators
>2 radio beam detonators
>1 camera
>2 kg. TD-19
>1 doze jetclip
>1 tangle jetclip
>1 everflame
>1 flashlight
>
>total 275 credits
>
>Syzygy will also spend 6 experience points to raise his demolitions score
>to level 2
These purchases will be considered part of this month's move. You have
until August 31st to change your mind if you so desire.
Note to all players: This month, any character should have no problem
making additional purchases prior to any other actions.
>Syzygy will look into buying a micro recording device, which he'll modify
>to have a magnetic attachment and a velcro attachment - would such a beast
>exist?
A quick holographic call to a First Landing retail center reveals that the
following items are available on Metrosphere.
1. A palm sized holographic recorder with 2 hours of read-write
audio-visual memory for 200 credits. If the memory is used to store audio
only, it can hold up to 10 hours. (This item is not ideal for covert use,
due to its size) Additional 2 hour memory modules are available for 10
credits each.
2. A miniature audio-only listening device (1 cm diameter) that can
transmit to any chronocom, holographic recorder, or holographic
communications panel. The device cannot store information, but can be used
in conjunction with a holographic recorder (item 1) to record on the
receiving end. The price is 1000 credits. This purchase requires legal
authorization, which you have.
3. A miniature holographic audio-visual recording device (3-cm diameter)
capable of transmitting to any chronocom, holographic recorder, or
holographic communications panel. The device cannot store information, but
can be used in conjunction with a holographic recorder (item 1) to record
on the receiving end. The price is 2000 credits. This purchase requires
legal authorization, which you have.
The store attendant politely reminds you that use of any of these devices
for eavesdropping, even by law enforcement agents, would be in violation of
Metrosphere law. She notes that many public and private devices are in
place in First Landing to detect such eavesdropping equipment. She then
wishes you a nice day.
>Before proceeding, Syzygy will approach the female Vrusk T'sk and strike up
>a conversation with her.
>
>"Why, hello there. My name is Syzygy. You can call me Zed if you like.
>Looks like we'll be spending a lot of time together. I know this sounds
>like a come-on, but you have the nicest shine to your carapace...and your
>eyes reflect every shade of the UV spectrum..."
LOL! Remember that T'Klkk has a military PSA. I'd be careful, but then,
I'm not the "throw caution to the wind" Syzygy type. : )
> From: Kveldulf@aol.com
> Subject: some general Unity thoughts and plans (long)
> Date: Thursday, August 14, 1997 8:10 PM
>
> Hi all! Sorry I haven't posted anything to y'all yet, but I just got caught
> up on mail and our game... Here are some of the thoughts kicking around my
> noggin (and that of my furry alter-ego). The things he'd probably come up
> with I've sectioned off from others that would probably come up as our group
> discussed our investigation.
>
> 1. Thoughts / observations Urugg would suggest to the group:
>
> As a former provocateur himself (don't worry, he's mellowed with age :)),
> Urugg would bring up the point that there may be not one, but several related
> groups involved with the sabotage campaign - and these may or may not be
> related to one another. His list of possible groups includes:
> 1. survivors of the failed Lost Point colony - led perhaps by their old point Yazirian
> narr Ap-Rewann. **Btw Layne- is Ap- a common name prefix? I noticed its also
> in the Yazirian police officials' last name.** Hmmm.
> 2. discontented colonists / the Star's Arm cult; note that this group may be a
> front for either the Lost Pointers (if they exist) or PGC agents.
> 3. PGC agents (as suggested by Selson in the first interview).
> 4. wild card - this is any other possibility: Sathar agents, an
> undiscovered native life
> form (perhaps living in the Lost Point area?), a third megacorp, a pirate
> or
> organized crime group, a mad cybot that's been reprogramming the abundant
> maintenance and mining bots, conspirators within Streel itself (ie. some execs
> might stand to gain if Selson were embarassed or eliminated),or a group
> or
> organization with a grudge against Selson / Maxim Zek'et / Streel in general.
>
> Besides the "who" of the terrorist actions, there's also the "why". Are
> those responsible doing it to seize control of the colony? To get a voice in
> government / displace Streel as the gov't? To wipe any and all colonies from
> the moon's surface? To get money or power in general?
>
> Finally - perhaps the easiest - is "how" the campaign is conducted. Besides
> dedicated agents, the insurgents could be using hypnotized civilians,
> reprogrammed bots, or unwitting couriers to carry explosives into place.
>
> 2. Some plans and other things we could try:
>
> (Urugg's suggestions based on his Environmental training & experience)
>
> - if unauthorised folks have infiltrated the colony, it *might* be possible
> to find them indirectly. the colony is a (mostly) closed ecosystem, with
> measureable inputs and outputs for the life support system since the place is
> 100% enclosed from the moon.
> if there are significant (even a few hundred) numbers of *extra* inhabitants,
> they would create a slight but maybe detectable strain on the colony's life
> support.
>
> - if there is a hidden base of mutineers, cultists or others at Lost Point
> the base should be detectable by careful examination. On an airless moon,
> there should be minimal atoms of hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen at the
> surface; plumes of such particles from leaky structures, pipes, seals, etc
> could reveal a base. Since the moon is probably geologically dormant at this
> point (Layne am I right?), sensitive seismic equipment out near Lost Point
> could detect ground vibrations from an underground base if it existed. An
> overflight of the south/ southeastern zone with infrared sensors might reveal
> heat blooms on the surface, created by an underground base.
>
> - there may be more to the recent rioting than simple dissatisfaction or
> agitation among the colonists; if the insurgents have competent biological
> and / or tech personnel, they might assist any propaganda efforts with
> biological agents (mind-altering chemicals) or subliminal media campaigns
> (perhaps via the ubiquitous holo-panels?).
>
> (general / group suggestions)
>
> - locate weak points in colony security. the airlocks to the tubes - do they
> require any ID's or codes, or can *anyone* step through? If codes / ID's,
> how hard are they to forge / steal?
>
> - locate and protect likely "high-payoff targets". in this colony loss of or
> damage to components like the data spire or a nuke power plant could be
> catastrophic. the recent attacks have been small targets - is this because
> this is all they can hit without revealing themselves at this point? or -
> especially if the perpetrators are Lost Point survivors, the raids may be to
> cover up theft of essential parts for their own base, with damage to First
> Landing a convenient bonus.
>
> - find out (from the police or the colony databanks) exactly how many of the
> 58 Lost Point mutineers were reassimilated into First Landing, and where they
> are now. This will help either to establish a link or to rule them out as
> suspects.
>
> - how secure are the automated mines and the mining bots at this point? are
> they monitored? sealed against intruders? do the bots carry mining lasers
> (ie the laser attacks could be by reprogrammed bots with mining lasers - this
> might explain the "low-skill" attacks) the colony security dept should be
> able to help on this one.
>
> - was there any monitoring equipment (cameras / audio) in the attacked areas
> and was that equipment disabled ahead of time (implying the saboteurs knew
> about it beforehand)?
>
> That covers most of my ideas based on our arrival & briefings. What do you
> folks think?
> Snarr Ap-Rewann. **Btw Layne- is Ap- a
> common name prefix? I noticed
> its also in the Yazirian police officials' last name.** Hmmm.
The Ap- prefix is not unusual among Yazirians, Baralou Ap-Reaverchan for
example.
> Since the moon is probably geologically dormant at this
> point (Layne am I right?), sensitive seismic equipment out near Lost
Point
> could detect ground vibrations from an underground base if it existed.
A quick check with Selson via holographic communication reveals that no
moonquakes or similar phenomena have been reported during Streel's
occupation of Metrosphere.
> That covers most of my ideas based on our
> arrival & briefings. What do you
> folks think?
I'm hearing some very good ideas out there. Keep talking!
> From: Kveldulf@aol.com
> Subject: Re: Syzygy formulates... Urugg adds his 2 cents
> Date: Thursday, August 14, 1997 8:13 PM
>
> In a message dated 97-08-14 08:44:10 EDT, you write:
>
> << Syzygy openly asks the other team members if they'd like to split up and
> >explore/patrol the city. Perhaps into teams reflecting the skills - 2
> >teams with an enforcer each or 3 with a tech. each. Also, de facto
> >'leaders' can be chosen to handle communications between groups.
> >
> >If no one wants to team up, or if no one cares to join Syzygy, his first
> >impulse is to contact the law enforcement agency of First Landing and see
> >if he can work out a deal to go undercover to seek out the Star's Arm
> >militants. It is his thinking that their anti-establishment ways are of a
> >kindred nature to his own, and that his demolitions skills may prove
> >helpful in passing off as a promising recruit.
> >
> >Syzygy will ask the law enforcement agency if there is a record of Star's
> >Arm acitivities he can download into a personal computer device (the
> >chronocom?). Also, if there is any chance of them falsifying his records
> >in the city's computer to show him as a trouble-maker, give him a record
> >for vandalism and theft. Also, if there are any people imprisoned for
> >Star's Arm activities that he could be thrown in with, possibly to learn
> >information, gain their trust. >>
>
> Excellent suggestions! Urugg would definitely be in favor of the teams idea
> - given the huge amount of ground and leads to cover, it is more efficient to
> split up and pursue multiple leads. The following split might work best:
>
> 3 teams, 2 of 2 members, plus 1 team of three of us.
>
> The pairs would include 1 computer-skilled member each, one paired with a
> Tech-skilled person and the other with an Environmental specialist. These
> teams would unobtrusively start digging data out of the colony's info-net
> (including media feeds) and from colony officials - to get a clearer "big
> picture" of the colony, its factions, and the recent terror campaign and its
> targets
>
> The 3-being team would include at least one of the security specialists and
> one of the psycho-social specialists. This would be the "away team", to
> start actively digging up some real dirt on the colony and its residents;
> comb the bars, amybe try to make some contacts / bribe some informants, etc.
>
> Urugg would probably request to be assigned to a different team then Taanik,
> though he has no preferences otherwise. It is punishing enough for him to be
> stuck for months under plasteel skies, breathing stale air and drinking
> reconstituted water; it's quite another to suffer dralasite humor for
> extended periods. : P
> However, if the job demands such a sacrifice he is willing to make it
> (grumble, grumble). Btw, in addition to any other activities we undertake,
> Urugg will make a point of spending at least some of his leisure periods in
> the park/ recreation domes; that low-G should make for some awesome gliding,
> dude (mental picture of a yazirian enthusiastically "surfing" the updrafts of
> the rec dome). On one or two of these trips a week, he will unobtrusively
> take along his envirokit in a large gym bag and take samples with his
> vaporscanner and bioscanner for anything unusual - potentially harmful trace
> gases, unusual flora / fauna / microbes, etc.
>
> Syzygy's idea of going undercover is an excellent if dangerous one. We may
> also propose to Selson that he or another company exec (a "fall guy" perhaps)
> make overtures to the Star's Arm to hold some negotiations via the holo-net;
> maybe its possible to track their signal / log-on, or at least get a better
> picture of their motives and / or demands.
>
> One final note: we should ask the police chief how many people besides
> Selson's staff and the police know of our presence here in Metrosphere. We
> don't want to become targets ourselves; perhaps we should lay into some
> simple disguises (ie. change clothing / hair color / eye color, etc) for
> ourselves and alter our appearances on a weekly or monthly bases. If the
> police (or our computer specialists) can alter our records, identity changes
> on a rotating basis may be a good idea (with our "former selves" transferred
> off-world, etc).
>
> That of course was more like 2 credits than just 2 cents, but we all get
> carried away, right? : )
> From: John Groszkiewicz
> Subject: Re: Syzygy formulates... Urugg adds his 2 cents
> Date: Thursday, August 14, 1997 11:57 PM
>
> Kveldulf@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > << Syzygy openly asks the other team members if they'd like to split up and
> > >explore/patrol the city. Perhaps into teams reflecting the skills - 2
> > >teams with an enforcer each or 3 with a tech. each. Also, de facto
> > >'leaders' can be chosen to handle communications between groups.
> > > >
> > split up and pursue multiple leads. The following split might work best:
> >
> > 3 teams, 2 of 2 members, plus 1 team of three of us.
> >
> > The pairs would include 1 computer-skilled member each, one paired with a
> > Tech-skilled person and the other with an Environmental specialist. These
> > teams would unobtrusively start digging data out of the colony's info-net
> > (including media feeds) and from colony officials - to get a clearer "big
> > picture" of the colony, its factions, and the recent terror campaign and its
> > targets
> >
> > The 3-being team would include at least one of the security specialists and
> > one of the psycho-social specialists. This would be the "away team", to
> > start actively digging up some real dirt on the colony and its residents;
> > comb the bars, amybe try to make some contacts / bribe some informants, etc.
>
> My first thought was two teams. Tork in one, T'Klkk and Syzygy in the other. That way
> both teams has a Military PSA and a Demolitions person. As the 'security' part of the
> group Tork is a little apprehensive about splitting into three teams. However....
>
> Tork would like to suggest that we set up a 'command center', perhaps in Taanik's room.
> If one of the two man teams was to stay at the command center ( cooridinating the other
> two groups, hacking into computers, acting as backup, ... ) Tork have less reservations
> then if all three groups were out and about.
>
> << John is assuming that all of the rooms are the same size and with the rest of the
> characters 'double bunking' Tannik would have some extra room.>>
>
> TTFN
> John johngroz@ncinter.net
> ----------
> "Can't say. Saying would be knowing. Don't know. So, can't say." -
Zathrus
> ----------
>From: John Groszkiewicz
>Subject: PBEM: Tork Training and Purchases
>Date: Monday, August 18, 1997 12:00 AM
>
>Greetings,
>
>I started re-writing Tork's backround and got sidetracked working out how he is going to
>spend his cash and experiance points. :)
>
>--> Experiance Points (11) spent as follows:
>
> 6 : Raise Melee Weapon skill from 1 to 2
> 3 : Learn Thrown Weapons skill (1)
> 1 : Raise Strength from 60 to 61
> 1 : Raise Battle Rage from 5% to 6%
>
>--> Equipment, spending 479 ( of 488 ) credits on:
>
>10 Pistol Bullet Clips (200 rounds) 20 credits
> 3 Sungoggles 6 "
> 2 Grenade: Laughing Gas 20 "
>
> 2 Grenade: Tangler 50 "
> 1 Gas Mask 30 "
> 2 Solvaway 20 "
>
> 1 Infrared Goggles 300 "
> 2 Detonator: Light 30 "
>
>I do have one question: Tork's base with a Knife is listed as 48% but the best I can
>figure is 43% ( Base chance with melee weapons (33%) + Melee Weapons Skill (1) ). Is
>this a typo or am I missing 5% somewhere?
>
>TTFN
>John johngroz@ncinter.net
> I do have one question: Tork's base
> with a Knife is listed as 48% but the best I can
> figure is 43% ( Base chance with melee
> weapons (33%) + Melee Weapons Skill (1) ). Is
> this a typo or am I missing 5% somewhere?
If you check the melee weapons table in the Alpha Dawn rule book, it is
noted that a knife has a +5 modifier to hit when used in hand-to-hand
combat.
>From: John Groszkiewicz
>Subject: PBEM: Dakka Syte
>Date: Monday, August 18, 1997 12:27 AM
>
>Hello,
>
>Just re-reading the August story line (again) and came up with another
>question. Did Tork see the news piece on Dakka Syte or does someone
>bring it up to him? The main reason I'm asking is that the news report
>never did say what race Dakka Syte is. Knowing that might make finding
>this fugative easier. :)
>
>TTFN
>John johngroz@ncinter.net
>From: Kveldulf@aol.com
>Subject: Urugg's Metrosphere thoughts / questions (long again)
>Date: Sunday, August 17, 1997 1:03 PM
>
>Hi all - a few quick thoughts / observations to share with you...
>
>Metrosphere is a pretty darn BIG settlement (even considering its a planned
>community) for being only 5 years or so old; those're GST years too, which
>are about 10% shorter than Earth years due to the 20-hr GST day. Considering
>the Metrosphere settlers (Maxim Zek'et and his gang of 2000 laborers) started
>with a barren rock, its a pretty impressive achievement. Anyway, to get a
>better handle on how big a city of 250,000 is, I looked up the populations of
>some US cities for comparison - I tried to nab a few from each region so none
>of us feels left out : )
>All these cities are about Metrosphere-sized, plus or minus 25,000:
>
>Akron. OH (221,000)
>Anchorage, AL (253,000)
>Baton Rouge, LA (227,000)
>Corpus Christi, TX (275,000)
>Lexington, KY (238,000)
>Newark, NJ (258,000)
>Raleigh, NC (236,000)
>St. Paul, MN (262,000)
>St. Petersburg, FLA (239,000)
>
>More to the point of our present mission, Urugg would probably do the same
>(checking Metrosphere's size, status and problems versus that of similar
>colonies in the Encyclopedia Galactica, the current year's edition of
>Zebulon's Guide, etc.) since he's spent most of his recent life doing
>fieldwork in the wildernesses of Histran. He dislikes cities in general and
>has tried to avoid them, but he will spend time learning more about them to
>get up to speed with his more urbane comrades.
>
>In that vein, how big is Metrosphere's police dept.? The US average is
>between 3-5 uniformed officers per 1000, so a similar range for Metrosphere
>would yield a dept. of about 750-1250. Of course, the figure would probably
>be lower on the Frontier due to use of robots, drones, surveillance devices,
>etc.
>
>Also, from browsing recent holovid newscasts and other media feeds, what kind
>of settlement has Metrosphere grown into? Streel advertising and tourist
>brochures notwithstanding, is it a hardscrabble mining colony like the
>rough-and-tumble mining towns of the Old West in the US? Is it a shiny,
>happy colony with most grunt work done by the robots so citizens are free to
>pursue white-collar work (science, engineering, entertainment, art etc)? Has
>the population grown beyond the original planned capacity (ie. are the
>citizens crammed in like sardines, or does everyone have a large conapt of
>their own)? Are there any major drug and / or smuggling problems? Loops in
>the data net - problems with anonymous hackers, data pirates, pirate media
>broadcasts? Also, what's the current racial / species mix in Metrosphere?
>If certain races are virtually absent, our team members of that species will
>stand out and be easier for our opponents to track / monitor (ie. it wouldn't
>be easy for a red-haired white guy or 6' tall African-American woman to go
>undercover in Tokyo's Chiba district).
>
>Especially with regards to the crime problems, Urugg will try to get an
>appointment with the Yazirian chief Karmen Ap-Harrow or one of her
>lieutenants if she is unavailable. She / the dept give the impression of
>being overworked, judging by Syzygy's reception there - does this look like
>the standard overload of police dept.'s galaxywide, or due to the dept. being
>undermanned, or due to extra work piled on by the recent unrest / terrorist
>action? Speaking of which, if Karmen can't meet during her work shift,
>Urugg'll take the initiative and try to set up a dinner date at a fine
>Yazirian restaurant if such exists on this rock. If he can set up a dinner
>date, he'll invest in some stylish threads from the reknowned (???)
>Metrosphere shopping arcades; after all, this could turn out to be long
>assignment - might as well mix business with pleasure : )
>
>At any rate, Urugg will pursue the above investigations mostly on his own
>time (if we're keeping pseudo-regular work shifts of 10 hrs per the Frontier
>norm, it'll mostly be during the 10-hr rest period of the day). He will
>spend his first week's worth of rest periods checking out this info., as well
>as gaining a walking familiarity with his apt. district and Metrosphere's
>major thoroughfares / shopping malls / parks. Is there a "red light
>district" / "Badlands" / slum area in the colony (like B5's belowdecks
>areas)? Is there a university here?
>
>He will also give his apt. a thorough going-over; this includes locating
>vents, access panels, etc.; checking the door(s) locking system (ie. code,
>card or key-locked?); is the room airtight in case of a local or colony
>blowout (or a gas grenade going off); Is there a way to shut off the room's
>holo-panel (ie. "do not disturb" mode) excepting emergency broadcasts? Are
>there any closets with locks or that could be locked by buying padlocks? Is
>there a fridge for beer? Does Tork snore or constantly listen to speed metal
>music (HHOK)?
>
>Urugg's work shifts for the first week will be devoted to info-gathering as
>laid out in my previous email. Part of that time will be spent at the
>colony's university / geological institute (if any) and at the offices of
>Streels mining operation here - Urugg's looking to get some hard geological
>data on the Lost Point area - looking specifically for recent readings which
>might reveal unusual heat or seismic signatures indicating a hidden
>settlement. On a side note, he will make a point of changing his routine
>regularly - particularly his visits to / gliding workouts in the park domes;
>he will vary both which ones he visits and the times he goes each day or
>every other day; ditto for restaurants, shopping, etc.
>
>That should cover the first week of our stay... will wait to see what
>develops with team assignments etc. before embarking on any major course of
>action.
>
>
>PS (questions for Layne):
>Almost forgot - will Streel provide free training for those of us who wish to
>learn new skills or skill levels in existing skills? Will they provide us
>free hypno-training (as described in SF:AD) if the skill will help us
>complete our mission (and is hypno-training even available?)? If we learn a
>new skill / level, how much will it eat into our PC's time this month? I
>gave the campaign rules a read-through yesterday, and got the impression that
>if we don't spend the skill points we just got this month, we will have to
>wait until 3 months from now to do so - is this right?
>
>One last question - since real months will mirror game months (I'm assuming),
>how long are month's on your Frontier - is the calendar 10 / 40-day months
>(each month equals 5 / 8-day weeks) or is it 12 / 32-day months (each month 4
>/ 8-day weeks) wih two extra weeks at the end of the GST year? Also (OK -
>just one more question) what is the moon's day / night cycle (ie is it hours
>or weeks like on Earth's moon)? This could become relevant if we go
>exploring "topside" oustide the colony and tube system.
>From: Kveldulf@aol.com
>Subject: Urugg goes shopping
>Date: Sunday, August 17, 1997 1:09 PM
>
>Urugg's decided on to spend a fistful of credits on some new gear - if anyone
>else would like to go shopping (he'd make the offer to all, though it seems
>like Syzygy's already done with his) they're welcome to come along. Here's
>what's on his list (let me know if any of this is unavailable Layne):
>
>25 Cr - Camera (100 frames)
>
>20 Cr - First Aid Pack (from SF Basic Rules - includes spray bandage, antiseptic
>spray, and spray hypo loaded with 1 Stimdose and 1 Staydose)
>***this will let Urugg use his Administer Drugs and First Aid skills since he
>doesn't own a complete medkit
>
>5 Cr - 1 dose Antibody Plus
>
>10 Cr - 2 doses Antitox
>
>20 Cr - 2 doses Biocort
>
>5 Cr - 1 dose Omnimycin
>
>5 Cr - 1 (extra) dose Stimdose
>
>10 Cr - 1 dose Telol
>
>20 Cr - 2 Barbed Pistol Needleclips
>
>60 Cr - 3 Barbed Rifle Needleclips
>
>50 Cr - 1 pair of Bladed Gloves
>***Urugg will spend one or more rest periods (as needed) to use his Making
>Tools / Weapons skill on these. He modifies them so that they will fit over
>his spacesuit gloves ("Patch THAT! I dare you!")
>
>3 Cr - 3 Bandolier slings
>(2 for wearing over the shoulders if needed; one he will modify using his
>Making Tools / Weapons Skill so that it mounts as the strap on his Needler
>Rifle)
>
>TOTAL = 233 Cr spent
>
>Urugg will also look into subscribing to a local news and entertainment
>holovid networks if such aren't provided free by the colony, as well as
>pricing out stores and restaurants (how's the cost of living here? is Streel
>imposing extorionate tariffs on imports and price-gouging its citizens?). He
>will probably spend a day or two shopping the various retail / entertainment
>districts, haggling over prices with vendors, and checking out all the cool
>consumer electronics he never heard of while out in the Histrani Outback...
>
>Note that while doing his shopping, he will try to take in as much as he can
>of the colony - its layout, citizens' mood, why has that bulky-looking
>dralasite been walking behind him for the last 5 minutes (and why does it
>keep nodding at that Human shopkeeper across the arcade?)- you get the idea.
>From: John Groszkiewicz
>Subject: Re: Urugg goes shopping
>Date: Monday, August 18, 1997 1:12 AM
>
>Kveldulf@aol.com wrote:
>>
>> Urugg's decided on to spend a fistful of credits on some new gear - if anyone
>> else would like to go shopping (he'd make the offer to all, though it seems
>> like Syzygy's already done with his) they're welcome to come along.
>
>I've already sent my list of purchases to Layne under a seperate mailinb but if Urugg
>mentions it Tork will come along.
>
>> will probably spend a day or two shopping the various retail / entertainment
>> districts, haggling over prices with vendors, and checking out all the cool
>> consumer electronics he never heard of while out in the Histrani Outback...
>
>Definatly need to find a bar that has good music and good Yazarian food. Good Beer
>would also be a plus but if the beer is good enough to get two down you don't have to
>worry about the rest. :)
>
>TTFN
>John johngroz@ncinter.net
>From: Kveldulf@aol.com
>All these cities are about Metrosphere-sized, plus or minus 25,000:
>
>Akron. OH (221,000)
>Anchorage, AL (253,000)
>Baton Rouge, LA (227,000)
>Corpus Christi, TX (275,000)
>Lexington, KY (238,000)
>Newark, NJ (258,000)
>Raleigh, NC (236,000)
>St. Paul, MN (262,000)
>St. Petersburg, FLA (239,000)
GM Reply: The only city on the above list that I have been to personally
is Newark, NJ. In Newark, though, it is more difficult to get a good grasp
on the population because of all of the other cities, large and small, in
such a close proximity. Many of the people working in Newark don't live
there, etc. First Landing, in contrast, is out there all by itself.
I believe First Landing is also unique in its compactness--but then again,
I could be wrong.
>In that vein, how big is Metrosphere's police dept.? The US average is
>between 3-5 uniformed officers per 1000, so a similar range for Metrosphere
>would yield a dept. of about 750-1250. Of course, the figure would probably
>be lower on the Frontier due to use of robots, drones, surveillance devices,
>etc.
The First Landing police department consists of a little over 200
biological officers. This makes for a ratio less than 1 to 1000--which is
extremely low, even for a high-tech Frontier city. There are a number of
reasons for this:
1. On the average, there are 3 law enforcement robots at the disposition
of each biological police officer.
2. Extensive security systems and the holographic communicators make
police work more efficient.
3. Having fewer biological police agents keeps down costs, which is very
important, considering that Metrosphere is a Streel business venture.
>Also, from browsing recent holovid newscasts and other media feeds, what kind
>of settlement has Metrosphere grown into? Streel advertising and tourist
>brochures notwithstanding, is it a hardscrabble mining colony like the
>rough-and-tumble mining towns of the Old West in the US? Is it a shiny,
>happy colony with most grunt work done by the robots so citizens are free to
>pursue white-collar work (science, engineering, entertainment, art etc)? Has
>the population grown beyond the original planned capacity (ie. are the
>citizens crammed in like sardines, or does everyone have a large conapt of
> their own)? Are there any major drug and / or smuggling problems? Loops in
>the data net - problems with anonymous hackers, data pirates, pirate media
>broadcasts?
Every planned activity in First Landing is set up with Streel's interest in
mind. Only Streel businesses and subsidiaries are allowed to operate.
Mining is typically handled by robots and machines, and is performed
primarily for the purpose of providing local building materials. The two
largest industries on Metrosphere are business and manufacturing. 70% of
those employed on Metrosphere are either white collar business people or
factory employees. A smaller percentage of workers do laboratory research
(for Streel's benefit), and an even smaller percentage serve the local
community in education, commerce, medicine, disaster recovery and law
enforcement. A number of high-ranking computer experts maintain the
Central Computer Spire as well.
In general, First Landing was engineered as both an efficient workplace
(with computers and robots doing most of the "grunt" work), and as the
ideal location to live and raise a family. A large section of the
underground level is dedicated to living quarters. Each residential
building is capable of housing over 1,000 families! But since these
buildings make efficient use of space in three dimensions, the living
quarters tend to be quite spacious--ranging from 100 to 500 square meters,
with 200 square meters being about typical. But since each living unit is
usually buried behind dozens of others above, below and to every side,
things like scenic views must be simulated.
First Landing was carefully engineered to avoid overpopulation, while at
the same time not overproviding. The number of people moving in is
carefully monitored and controlled. Construction will soon be underway to
accomodate more immigration, as Streel hopes to someday expand First
Landing to cover more of the moon's surface.
Drug trafficking and smuggling, though not inexistent, have not been much
of a problem. Streel is very selective about who is permitted to move to
Metrosphere, and the law enforcement agency has been doing a sufficient job
keeping the city in good shape.
>Also, what's the current racial / species mix in Metrosphere?
The major four races are quite evenly mixed.
>Is there a "red light district" / "Badlands" / slum
> area in the colony (like B5's belowdecks
>areas)?
Streel does not permit such sections to exist, thereby tarnishing First
Landing's reputation. Unproductive citizens and transients are typically
deported.
>Is there a university here?
The educational buildings cater to a vast range of age groups and skill
levels, including what would be considered on a university level.
>He will also give his apt. a thorough going-over; this includes locating
>vents, access panels, etc.; checking the door(s) locking system (ie. code,
>card or key-locked?); is the room airtight in case of a local or colony
>blowout (or a gas grenade going off); Is there a way to shut off the room's
>holo-panel (ie. "do not disturb" mode) excepting emergency broadcasts? Are
>there any closets with locks or that could be locked by buying padlocks? Is
>there a fridge for beer? Does Tork snore or constantly listen to speed metal
>music (HHOK)?
There are several ventilation panels in every room, providing necessities
like oxygen. The ventilation shafts are narrow, most 5 cm x 15 cm. Many
can be accessed by removing wall panels, but this requires some technical
skill and tools. They are also filtered from room to room, meaning that if
a Vrusk in one apartment cooks some smelly form of seaweed, the Dralasites
in the next door apartment will not be bothered by the smell. These
filters also block most gas grenades, etc.
The main door requires handprint recognition to be opened--or a high level
security override.
Personal holo-panels can be shut off with handprint authorization, but
there is no mechanism for accepting only emergency calls. They're either
on or off.
There are closets that can be locked with the same handprint recognition
device.
There is a fridge, an oven, running water, a toilet. . .all that stuff.
As far as Tork's habits, you'll have to ask him. : )
>That should cover the first week of our stay... will wait to see what
>develops with team assignments etc. before embarking on any major course of
>action.
Most of the actions you specified will be considered part of your official
move for the month. You are, of course, free to change it or add to it
before August 31st.
>Almost forgot - will Streel provide free training for those of us who wish to
>learn new skills or skill levels in existing skills? Will they provide us
>free hypno-training (as described in SF:AD) if the skill will help us
>complete our mission (and is hypno-training even available?)? If we learn a
>new skill / level, how much will it eat into our PC's time this month? I
>gave the campaign rules a read-through yesterday, and got the impression that
>if we don't spend the skill points we just got this month, we will have to
>wait until 3 months from now to do so - is this right?
Hypno-training, mentoring or whatever other means of gaining skills with XP
is readily available and will not be an excessive burden on your pocketbook
or schedule. As a GM, I typically don't worry overmuch about following
that rule to the letter. In general, if you have the XP for the skill, you
can get the skill. I do hold players to a PBEM specific rule that says
they can only spend XP on a month when XP are awarded. XP are awarded
every 3 months, which means that the next XP payday is November. This
means that if you do not spend all of your XP now, you will have to wait
until November to do so.
>One last question - since real months will mirror game months (I'm assuming),
>how long are month's on your Frontier - is the calendar 10 / 40-day months
>(each month equals 5 / 8-day weeks) or is it 12 / 32-day months (each month 4
>/ 8-day weeks) wih two extra weeks at the end of the GST year? Also (OK -
>just one more question) what is the moon's day / night cycle (ie is it hours
>or weeks like on Earth's moon)? This could become relevant if we go
>exploring "topside" oustide the colony and tube system.
Real months will not mirror game months. There is no set correlation
between real time and game time, so the action in a real time month could
involve 3 game days or 3 game minutes, depending on the events.
On Metrosphere, a day lasts 20 hours. There are 10 days to a "tenday," 4
tendays in a month, and 10 months in a year. This means that a year is 400
20 hour days. The Metrosphere moon does not experience a regular schedule
of light and darkness, so the 20 hour day cycle is completely simulated.
Outside of the city environment, Metrosphere is pretty much dark all the
time.
I hope this answers most of your questions. I will keep Urugg's intended
actions on hand and will use them when putting together next month's
installment.
> From: Albin Johnson
> Subject: Syzygy brainstorms
> Date: Thursday, August 14, 1997 10:30 PM
>
>Syzygy: (munching on pistachios):
>"I like Urugg's contemplations on who, why, and how the attacks are
>commencing. I think in particular, the idea that this (munch) is a closed
>environment definitely narrows our search. The thought of Lost Point
>serving as a hide-out is intriguing...we need to contact City Control and
>ask them for help in monitoring it until we can investigate directly.
>Also, the thought of high-risk areas is important. Perhaps we can split up
>and investigate them."
>
>(munch, munch)
>
>"I don't know about getting much help from the law here, though."
>
>He eyes the surroundings suspiciously.
>
>"I just get the idea that anywhere we go officially we're being watched,
>you know what I mean? The idea of changing our identities is capital - I
>say we begin the process, with one of us hackers finalizing the exact
>names, so no one in the city dept. actually knows our names. Maybe we'd
>have a code-word by which we identify ourselves if caught in a jam -
>shouldn't we have badges or something?"
>
>(crunch)
>
>TORK: >My first thought was two teams. Tork in one, T'Klkk and Syzygy in
>the other.
>
>Syzygy's antennae visibly twitch with excitement.
>
>"(ahem) Yes, I agree... T'Klkk and I would make a great couple, er...team.
>Let's divide up that way!"
>
>>Tork would like to suggest that we set up a 'command center', perhaps in
>>Taanik's room.
>> If one of the two man teams was to stay at the command center ( cooridinating
>>the other
>>two groups, hacking into computers, acting as backup, ... ) Tork have less
>>reservations
>>then if all three groups were out and about.
>
>
>Syzygy: "Another great idea. But here's something better. I read once in
>a novel where the smugglers would send a guy out to scope out the
>opposition, but have a second, 'back-up' guy hiding in the shadows to scope
>out whoever was following the first guy. Maybe one team of three stays
>behind monitoring, the second investigates openly, and a third follows them
>and keeps their distance in case of trouble. Hey, it always works in the
>movies!"
>
>(munch, munch)
>
>"I also have one other suggestion: let's request a tour of that Spire! I'm
>licking my mandibles over getting a closer look at that technological
>marvel! And it makes sense we need to know its layout!"
>
>"Lastly, if no one can agree on teams, then perhaps two of us should pair
>up and go undercover together and try to infiltrate these goons. Hey! I
>just had a GREAT idea! How about T'Klkk and I pose as a couple! Now
>that's a great idea! Yeah, I've got demolitions and she packs the heat.
>They'd take us onboard in no time! (heh) Of course, we'd have to play the
>part for a few days, maybe get a room...."
>
>Syzygy continues to munch on pistachios, twitching his antennae seductively
>at T'Klkk like a lounge lizard
>From: John Groszkiewicz
>Subject: Re: Syzygy brainstorms
>Date: Monday, August 18, 1997 12:35 AM
>
>Albin Johnson wrote:
>>
>> Syzygy: (munching on pistachios):
>> serving as a hide-out is intriguing...we need to contact City Control and
>> ask them for help in monitoring it until we can investigate directly.
>> Also, the thought of high-risk areas is important. Perhaps we can split up
>> and investigate them."
>
>Good point - are there/would there be records of the monorails use.
>
>> "I just get the idea that anywhere we go officially we're being watched,
>
>Tork's been thinking this also and does not like the idea.
>
>> you know what I mean? The idea of changing our identities is capital - I
>> say we begin the process, with one of us hackers finalizing the exact
>> names, so no one in the city dept. actually knows our names. Maybe we'd
>> have a code-word by which we identify ourselves if caught in a jam -
>> shouldn't we have badges or something?"
>
> Actually, from some cop shows I've seen an easier thing might be to take on the
>identies of some dead people. Instant, verifyable backround. Just have to make sure
>they don't check on the last job assignment. :)
>
>TTFN
>John johngroz@ncinter.net
> From: John Groszkiewicz
> Are there/would there be records of the monorails use.
When the Lost Point reclamation project was abandoned, so was the monorail.
It may still work, but it is not typically used. There has been no record
kept of its use since the project ended.
>From: John W Whitfield
>Subject: [Unity] Some questions
>Date: Monday, August 18, 1997 12:29 PM
>
>
>I've been out of town the past week, and am getting ready to leave again. I
>won't be back until Monday (25 August). Sorry I've been so quiet during the
>beginning of play. I haven't even had a chance to read all of the mail from
>the other players. :-(
GM Response: Shouldn't be a problem. I set this PBEM up with the
intention of it being low maintenance, knowing that some of the world's
greatest SF players also have pretty busy schedules. Right now, players
are mainly discussing a few subjects, and asking general questions, but
official actions aren't due in until August 31st.
Another thing I am doing to (hopefully) make players' lives easier is
putting all game-relevant e-mail material on the Unity web site. (This
month, you can look through this at
http://www.aros.net/~layne1/unity/Aug97R.html) This means that if you
delete the Unity e-mail you receive, you can still look it up again on the
web. Also, most web browsers have search utilities--so you can search the
Unity response page for references to your character, references to the
Computer Spire, etc.
>I wanted to suggest one thing, state a pre-end-of-August action, and ask a
>couple of questions.
>
>Suggestion: It would be nice if all mail from all players regarding this
>campaign start with [Unity] in the subject line (much like all of Al's players
>do in his PBEM). Just a thought.
The suggestion about putting [Unity] in the subject lines of game-relevant
posts is a good one, and one that I will follow from this point on.
Unfortunately, since this game is not run through an automated list server,
I have no way of enforcing this on other people's e-mails. Maybe with
time, the practice will catch on, though.
>Pre-end-of-August action: All during the training and interactions with the
>other 6 characters, T'Klkk will be observing them to pick up on strengths,
>weaknesses, and personality types to begin making contingency plans for
>teaming up individuals to best use skills (while taking into consideration the
>fact that some personality types just cannot work together). This goes right
>along with her background as a strategist.
I've already noticed some personality issues between the Yazirians and
Taanik. :)
>Questions:
>How many hours are in a day on this colony?
20 hours. The day/night cycle is simulated. Beyond the city, Metroshpere
is dark all of the time.
>Is there any danger of compromising the integrity of the biosphere, resulting
>in decompression, with the use of small arms weapons (specifically projectile
>and gyrojet weapons) and fragmentation grenades? T'Klkk will probably want to
>check with colony engineers to get an answer to this one.
The entire city is encased in a thick coating of plastiglass. If this
plastiglass were ruptured, decompression would occur, but only on a
localised level. Emergency airlocks are in place throughout the city to
shut off areas that are suffering from decompression. (This, by the way,
has never happened in the history of First Landing, but was quite common
during the Lost Point reclamation effort.)
Rupturing the plastiglass would require more than a hand-held weapon,
however. A very hefty charge of Tornadium D-19 would probably do it, but
it would have to be so powerful, that anyone in the area would die from the
explosion before suffering from decompression.
>What, specifically, are the dimensions of the colony? Population? Racial
>composition of the population?
First Landing is 3 km x 3 km on the surface. It extends 250 meters under
ground.
The population is slightly above 225,000.
The four major races are pretty evenly distributed.
>How far is Lost Point from First Landing and is the monorail the only way to
>get from one to the other?
The monorail runs about 18 km, although the true distance between the two
colonies is closer to 14 km. The only other way to travel between the two
cities is on the moon's surface, which has no atmosphere. A robot could
eventually make the journey, but going would be slow on the rough, rocky
terrain.
>I hope I'm not asking too much. I'll be back next week, and will have thought
>a great deal about my moves for the end of the month! Thanks for doing such a
>great job on the introduction/opening! I'm so excited about this game.
Your questions are welcome! I expected there to be a lot this month, since
everyone is getting accustomed to a new environment. See you again at the
end of the month!
>
> -JWW
Hello everyone! Here are some comments from Kare, the technological Human
female. This e-mail, and everyone else's posts, can be viewed and searched
this month at http://www.aros.net/~layne1/unity/Aug97R.html . . . or just
follow the "August 1997 Responses" link on the Unity main page. I'm
starting to see some concrete ideas forming here. Should give this coming
month's installment a good kick-start!
--Layne
----------
>From: Ruben Rivera
>Subject: Unity
>Date: Monday, August 18, 1997 10:28 PM
>
>Hey LKS,
>Please Post. Kare looks at her new champions, except for that Zed guy
>they all look pretty stable. I'd like to make some comments and
>observations. I once had to outsmart a Sathar agent who use to be a
>techweenie and a Psy.soc. genious, anyway he would reprogram robots and
>people (Hypnotize) to do his bidding. He was hard to catch because no
>one knew what he looked like and no one knew were he worked from. My
>point...who ever is placing the explosive appears to be untrained...so
>maybe they are just proxys, human or robot. My fear is that maybe
>someone is using to holo projectors to hypnotize people in their sleep.
>I know everyone always fears the new technology, but what real purpose
>could it serve, since we can all communicate via our watches. Maybe we
>should shut them off.
>
>Second, no one claim responciblity for the damage done to the colony.
>Maybe Star's Arm wasn't responcible. Lets get a list of all Star's Arm
>know activities and a list of the attacks (place,time,and method of
>destruction). Just to see if they conflict. Let also get survellence
>tapes of the attacked areas. We may find a common face or robot.
>Third if lost point is some how connected we should place a cammera on
>the rail line with a motion detector, that will record only when it
>detects movement. Or we can tap into any phone or data lines that lead
>to colony via lost point.
>
>If anyone else besides the eight legs who wants to go under deep cover,
>I'm cool with it. We should also consider following the hairy backed
>yaz, the leader of StarArms. etc. What is her back ground, is she one
>the orginal 2000, etc.
>
> Thankyou
>
> Ruben Rivera
> AKA Kare
>From: Albin Johnson
>Subject: [Unity] Syzygy makes plans
>Date: Tuesday, August 19, 1997 12:50 AM
>
>Syzygy begins to realize just how stiflingly ordered this corporate hive
>really is. He seems to take to Urugg, who mirrors his distaste for the
>limiting mindset of civilization and the harsh lines and corners of
>dwellings. He also respects the Yazirian's previous stands against
>authority and attempts to get to know him and his history better. If
>possible, he'll accompany Urugg to the park at least once to try and see
>the world through his free-spirited eyes.
>
>Zane, though pleasant, is still a human. Syzygy has bad memories of what
>the humans were like back on his old home planet - always trying to squeeze
>the life out of the hives, push them off their shared world. Predjudices
>run deep. Syzygy will confront Zane openly:
>
>"Human called Zane, I am from Circe where humans and vrusk do not co-exist
>well. For this reason you will forgive me if I am pre-disposed to avoiding
>your company, roommates though we be. I am sure there must be SOME good
>points to you, even though you are a human. So I will try to be as
>tolerant of you as possible. Forgive my skewed outlook - my upbringing was
>not kind."
>
>
>Layne said:
>>There is no known record of Star's Arm activity beyond Metrosphere.
>>The society seems to have formed in the last few months
>
>Syzygy wants the exact record of activities of Star's Arm within the last
>few months withing Metrosphere, including location of these so-called riots
>and sabotage, number of suspects involved, damage done, date and time of
>each attack, and types of weapons used. If TD-19 was used, he wants a
>detailed report on the composition of the blast residue (if any record was
>made, hopefully there would be if the police are worth a darn) so that he
>can use his Demolitions skill to examine the quality and consistency of the
>explosives used. If the information is only accessible at the police
>headquarters, so be it. Syzygy will make himself a constant nuisance
>'downtown' getting info out of the hesitant authorities.
>
>Layne said:
>>3. Having fewer biological police agents keeps down costs, which is very
>>important, considering that Metrosphere is a Streel business venture.
>
>Are the police agents members of the Frontier police force or fancy 'Streel
>security guards' that basically enforce the law as Streel sees it? What
>are their qualifications? Are we dealing with ex-cops, ex-soldiers, or
>just thugs in uniforms? If thugs, are they at least experienced thugs or
>just retirees?
>
>Layne said:
>>Rupturing the plastiglass would require more than a hand-held weapon,
>>however. A very hefty charge of Tornadium D-19 would probably do it, but
>
>Would the sensors placed throughout Metrosphere pick up a charge if it were
>placed in advance by Syzygy? If so, why weren't the ones used by Star's
>Arm detected? If they were placed and fired immediately, why weren't any
>bodies found of the bombardiers?
>
>John said:
>>All during the training and interactions with the
>>other 6 characters, T'Klkk will be observing them to pick up on strengths,
>>weaknesses, and personality types to begin making contingency plans for
>>teaming up individuals
>
>Syzygy will put on his best spit-and-polish around T'Klkk. He will take
>notice of anything she finds interesting and try to listen in on her
>conversations with the others, hoping to glean anything useful as to her
>interests. From this he'll try to devise an ideal model of behavior to
>portray around her, often suggesting that studies show Vrusk tend to work
>well together instead of with other biologicals.
>
>Layne said:
>>Capt. Ap-Harrow claims that altering your official records is a complex
>>task, and none of her people have time to do it. Syzygy or another
>>computer specialist can make the attempt with the captain's blessings, but
>>it will take some real computer know-how--and success is not guaranteed.
>
>"Dandy", replies the Vrusk irreverently to the holovid of the captain.
>"Then I'll just do that, ma'am, and I'll be happy to let Mr. Streel know
>that you decided NOT to aid an agent of his specially-appointed team of
>investigators looking into this very matter. I'm sure he'll understand
>that your underworked, overpaid lackies have better things to do than
>empower us to do our jobs. Now may I at LEAST request access to the
>computer spire to accomplish this task?"
>
>Syzygy is not at all tactful when it comes to authority. He will make a
>call to Selson Streel to make it clear that he isn't getting the
>cooperation he expected from the law enforcement. If possible, Syzygy will
>arrange for Urugg to play the peace-maker in front of the captain (if he's
>willing) to further ingratiate him to the female Yazirian.
>
>It will become Syzygy's overriding quest to:
>
>a) gain access to the computer spire and learn everything he can about how
>it works using his computer skills - also, he will investigate these
>various 'scanners' located throughout the city and try to figure out how
>hard it would be to temporarily disable one (clues as to its tech level)
>
>b) work all day trying to forge an i.d. for himself and, if time permits
>(Layne?) for others in the group, giving preference to anyone showing an
>interest in partnering up with him to go undercover. Like Tork suggested,
>he'll check the city records for any recently deceased Vrusk males whose
>roles he could adopt. Lastly, he'll try to get some records changed with
>the personell dept. to change the recorded time of his arrival to make it
>look as if he'd been here longer (not such a newbie to the area)
>
>c) work all night to get some 'action' in the club scene here in
>Metrosphere - hopefully there will be plenty of nightlife on this
>relatively tame rock for him to have half a chance to score. Even if this
>doesn't happen (who could resist such a charmer?) then he'll be trying to
>seek out any cliques that seem to exist from club to club, pick up on 'the
>scene' from the locals, drop hints that he's a pissed-off, trouble-maker
>with 'bad credentials' and 'valuable skills'. Hopefully, he'll also sniff
>out any underground help on how to accomplish the fake I.D. thing.
>
>Lastly, just how hard is it for someone to get to the monorail? Syzygy
>will pay a visit to the monorail station to see if it is still in
>operational condition and try to fidget with the controls to see if he can
>run the thing. Who controls it now - the city? or is it derelict? Can
>anyone detect Syzygy trying to use it, since no records are kept on its
>use? If someone is there who pretends to know something, Syzygy will try
>to feel out what they're thinking.
>
>Player Declarations:
>
>Syzygy will have his TD-19 prepared ahead of time in small satchel charges,
>pre-measured portions of explosive self-contained in canvas with
>self-adhesive strips and magnets and wired to detonators, ready for instant
>use:
>
>.25 kg. wired to variable timer (set to 15 seconds)
>.25 kg. wired to variable timer (set to 30 seconds)
>.50 kg. wired to variable timer (set to 1 minute)
>.50 kg. wired to pressure detonator (attached to pressure pad)
>.50 kg. wired to light detonator (switch for reading current illumination,
>will go off if illumination rises by just a few lumens)
>1 kg. wired to radio detonator (set to a rarely used, pre-set frequency on
>his chronocom)
>1 kg. wired to counter detonator (attached to whip-wire)
>
>
>Syzygy will borrow some human hairs from Kare or Zane (if they let him) and
>fasten the hairs to cross the opening of his closet and apartment. If
>anyone enters the hairs should break and let him know someone had been
>there. Also, at night Syzygy will leave some pistachio shells outside the
>door of the apartment, so that anyone approaching will step on them and
>alert him to their presence.
>
>That's enough damage done by me for now. Syzygy out.
> From: Albin Johnson
>Layne said:
>>There is no known record of Star's Arm activity beyond Metrosphere.
>>The society seems to have formed in the last few months
>
>Syzygy wants the exact record of activities of Star's Arm within the last
>few months withing Metrosphere, including location of these so-called riots
>and sabotage, number of suspects involved, damage done, date and time of
>each attack, and types of weapons used. If TD-19 was used, he wants a
>detailed report on the composition of the blast residue (if any record was
>made, hopefully there would be if the police are worth a darn) so that he
>can use his Demolitions skill to examine the quality and consistency of the
>explosives used. If the information is only accessible at the police
>headquarters, so be it. Syzygy will make himself a constant nuisance
>'downtown' getting info out of the hesitant authorities.
Getting this info may take time, but Syzygy will probably have a good deal
of it by next month's installment.
>Layne said:
>>3. Having fewer biological police agents keeps down costs, which is very
>>important, considering that Metrosphere is a Streel business venture.
>
>Are the police agents members of the Frontier police force or fancy 'Streel
>security guards' that basically enforce the law as Streel sees it? What
>are their qualifications? Are we dealing with ex-cops, ex-soldiers, or
>just thugs in uniforms? If thugs, are they at least experienced thugs or
>just retirees?
"The quality law enforcement agents on Metrosphere have been painstakingly
selected from a group of top-level certified Streel security experts.
Streel Megacorps disapproves of the term 'thugs in uniforms' and reserves
the right to ignore any inquiry which makes use of that term."
>Layne said:
>>Rupturing the plastiglass would require more than a hand-held weapon,
>>however. A very hefty charge of Tornadium D-19 would probably do it, but
>
>Would the sensors placed throughout Metrosphere pick up a charge if it were
>placed in advance by Syzygy? If so, why weren't the ones used by Star's
>Arm detected? If they were placed and fired immediately, why weren't any
>bodies found of the bombardiers?
No use of explosives has yet been linked to the Star's Arm organization.
Most offensive acts performed by the Star's Arm have consisted of protest
marches, blockades and the disabling of equipment. In all such cases, the
Star's Arm has openly taken credit for its acts, as gaining publicity seems
to be the main purpose of these acts.
Detecting bombs with automated equipment is a difficult task, especially if
the demolitionist is very experienced. Explosive charges can be set with a
wide variety of different devices--all requiring different means of
detection. A skilled demolitionist can often model his detonator after
common equipment, so that it blends in with legitimate devices in the area.
An even more highly skilled demolitionist can actually use legitimate
electronic devices on the scene (clocks, etc.) as the means of triggering
his or her explosives. As a GM, I am not saying that this has happened. I
am only saying this this type of thing COULD happen...theoretically that
is. (Don't draw too many conclusions from those words. I'm just messing
with your heads. :)
>if time permits (Layne?)
Even I don't know that. Just tell me everything your character INTENDS to
do, and we'll see how far the story writes itself.
>Lastly, just how hard is it for someone to get to the monorail? Syzygy
>will pay a visit to the monorail station to see if it is still in
>operational condition and try to fidget with the controls to see if he can
>run the thing. Who controls it now - the city? or is it derelict? Can
>anyone detect Syzygy trying to use it, since no records are kept on its
>use? If someone is there who pretends to know something, Syzygy will try
>to feel out what they're thinking.
This will be part of your exploration in next month's installment.
>From: Andy Campbell
>Subject: [Unity] A Few More Questions from "Curious Urugg"
>Date: Tuesday, August 19, 1997 10:07 PM
>
>Just had a few more quick-n-easy Metrosphere questions Layne:
>
>- Is there a Star Law field office in the colony? If so, how many officers
>are stationed there and do they have any opinions / leads on the recent
>protests & terrorism?
At this point in time, no. Streel allows free passage to all UPF ships
through the FS 12 system--and I'm sure they wouldn't turn down an offer for
help if a Sathar fleet showed up. But Streel feels that it is fully
capable of handling its own legal and criminal affairs, and has not been
very cooperative in helping the UPF to set up a local Star Law office.
>- What Streel departments (mentioned in Maxim's resignation letter I think)
>have located offices in Metrosphere? Also, when did Maxim resign and hand
>over Metrosphere to Selson Streel? Any signs that Maxim was forced / bought
>out of the colony?
Every business operating on Metrosphere, be it public service, commerce,
manufacturing, education or entertainment, is actually a division of the
Streel Corporation. Many departments of Streel that manufactured or sold
robot parts, household appliances, or any of several hundred product lines
have set up offices on Metrosphere.
Maxim stepped down less than 5 months ago, which was not surprising
considering his advanced age of 148. Retired, he now lives in a luxurious
section of First Landing's residential area. He acts as a consultant in
the local government from time to time, and as such is very respected. But
his influence is not at all what it used to be.
If any coercion was involved in his stepping down, there are no obvious
signs of it.
>- What is Selson Streel's official title / position? What sort of reputation
>does he have (ie. Lee Iacocca or Al "Chainsaw" Dunlap)? Has he made many
>enemies in his career (rival execs, other corps' execs, fired employees,
>cultists / terrorists, etc)? Any chance (Urugg would DEFINITELY not mention
>this possibility to anyone at this point but would check it out) that Selson
>might have engineered the unrest himself so he could swoop in with our team,
>solve the problem and smell like a rose (and maybe get promoted off this
>rock)? Was being assigned to the Metrosphere project a feather in his cap or
>is this Streel's idea of a "gulag" assignment? Urugg would try to dig this
>info up in the public data nets - media feeds (Businessweek-type mags / vids,
>shareholder meeting vid archives, etc).
There is some information about Selson in the public media, but nothing of
much interest. Selson is in a distant part of the Streel family that
created the Frontier's second largest corporation, but he had no part in
starting it. His influence in the family is insignificant, and he has had
almost no involvement in any considerable Streel project or division in the
past. Selson was not well known when he joined on as one of the original
200 settlers on Metrosphere. But slowly he gained a position of
recognition during First Landing's five year evolution. There are some who
whisper that Selson's bloodline was the determining factor in his
advancement to the position of Metrosphere Project Director. Others will
testify that his position was earned. Selson's term as director has been
fair and competent, if somewhat lacking in the spectacular.
>- On the maps, several structures appear to extend from the underground
>level all the way to the surface. Do they? (see below list) Also, besides the 3
>elevator pods and possibly the tall sructures below, are there any other
>accessways from underground to surface that insurgents might use as a "Ho
>Chi Minh Trail"?
>
>Government pod (I7 on both maps)
>
>Surface force field park around data spire and the 2 park pods below it
>(H8 & J8 on underground map)
>
>Life support generators (G9 & K9 on both maps)
>
>Laboratories (H12 & J12 on both maps)
The following structures extend from the surface to the underground level.
All other buildings either exist on the surface or underground--but not
both. Besides the buildings listed below, there are no (known) passages
between the surface and underground level.
1. The Central Computer Spire [I9]
2. The Government Building [I7]
3. Both Life Support Generation Facilities [G9 and K9]
4. All Three Elevator Platforms [C9, I3 and O9]
The other map similarities noted are purely coincidental (like any
similarity to persons living or dead). But then, who can be REALLY sure. .
.. (messing with your heads again :)
>Sorry to keep pestering you : P
Interaction is what makes the game interesting. Plus, this gives me a
chance to explain details that would have been too lengthy if placed in the
original game update.
>From: John Groszkiewicz
>Subject: [Unity] Music
>Date: Tuesday, August 19, 1997 1:49 AM
>
>Layne K. Saltern wrote:
>>
>>>Layne: I did not see one on the equipment list but is there a Frontier
>>>version of the
>>>"Walkman". Just need it to play music and make sure it has headphones. :)
>>
>>How about a holographic recorder/playback device with complimentary
>>headphones and VR goggles included? No use rocking to audio without trivid
>>video, I always say.
>
>Two questions:
>(1) How much?
200 credits. Has the added benefit of being able to record up to 2 hours
holographic video or up to 10 hours audio.
>(2) Is it possible to return the IR Goggles? "We be JAMMIN'!!!"
Yes, but since it was originally purchased from a non-Streel distributor,
the local Streel stores have to sell it as "substandard merchandise,"
meaning they will only buy it at half its real value.
But with half of the last five days' pay still in your pocket, you're a
rich guy.
>
>TTFN
>John johngroz@ncinter.net
>From: BIEDIGER, DANIEL E
>Subject: (Unity) Zane goes shopping
>Date: Friday, August 22, 1997 9:01 AM
>
>Good morning, I was just looking at the Unity pages, and they are, well,
>just awesome. Kudos to you!
>Well, I was looking at all the cool goodies and thought I might go
>shopping for a few things.
>GyroPistol 200Cr
>Tangler clip @3 90Cr
>Explosive clip 10Cr
>Cameras @2 50Cr
>Solvay @5 50Cr
>Total 400Cr
>
>Whew!
>Zane would like to spend some time at the range and learn how to shoot
>the new pistol. I'll expend 6xp to get to level 1.
>I'd like to use the Gyro pistol as my primary weapon, loaded with the
>tangler ammo. If the situation looks REALLY bad, the I'd switch to the
>explosive rounds or even the laser. But Zane will try for the 'soft kill'
>option, so 'we can all go home when this is over'.
>Also I offered to use hypnosis on anyone who will try to go undercover
>into the Star's Arm. I don't know about the success level, considering my
>low level, but we could just keep trying until the implanted memories
>take. Dunno, just FYI.
>
>Now, what will I do. First, I'd like to take plenty of pictures and see
>the town. I'd like to look around, get to know the place and the people.
>I'll play up the traveling college student bit and try to use a little
>charm. I want to see what the common people think about the colony, the
>attacks, the demonstrations, the food, the weather, etc. I'd like to get
>some pictures of the computer spire, and visit the local university. I'd
>like to see if there is some sort of student underground, mabye some help
>making shady contacts.
GM Reply: Great ideas! One small question. Are you going around
officially as a member of the investigation task force or under cover?
>I'm still formulating some ideas, more to come!
GM Reply: Should be worth the wait!
>Zane
>From: Albin Johnson
>Subject: [Unity] Spies like us...
>Date: Friday, August 22, 1997 12:33 PM
>
>>>>GM Reply: Great ideas! One small question. Are you going around
>>>>officially as a member of the investigation task force or under cover?
>>>>
>>>I'll assume the guise of an adventuring college student out for a good
>>>time. I'll just fail to mention that I'm on a secret mission for the
>>>local government. Now, if I'm questioned about it, Hmmm... If someone
>
>>>Oh, I'll probably want to do this part of my investigating alone, to
>>>maintain the credibility of the act.
>
>So I guess Syzygy is still on his own as far as his original idea of going
>undercover? Didn't know my idea was so popular. Before you know it we'll
>be seven undercover agents and no one listed on the conspicuous team :)
>
>Zane said:
>>I'd like to use the Gyro pistol as my primary weapon, loaded with the
>>tangler ammo. If the situation looks REALLY bad, the I'd switch to the
>>explosive rounds or even the laser. But Zane will try for the 'soft kill'
>>option, so 'we can all go home when this is over'.
>
>Syzygy is surprised at just how much his room-mate and he have in common.
>Before this outing he'd never seen anyone else adopt the gyrojet as their
>primary weapon. It infuses a new-born respect in the Vrusk for the human,
>despite his predjudice against most humans.
>
>Syzygy: "Say, Zane, good choice of weapons - gyrojets are very SEXY, didn't
>you know? Sure, I caught T'Klkk staring at my pistol the other day (heh)
>but she stares at me a lot, so what can I do? Say, if you want we can go
>to the firing range together...work out that recoil problem." Syzygy slaps
>the human on the back, grinning with all his mandibles.
>
>
>Zane said:
>>In support of any undercover mission I would like to offer hypnosis and
>>implanted thoughts, etc. Just in case anyone should come under
>>interogation with telol.
>
>Syzygy will ask his roommate to hook him up on the hypnosis. Perhaps our
>two security people can give me a believable cover.
>
>I don't know about Zane and me working separate, after all it could get
>dangerous. Perhaps Zane would rather go under cover and I fulfill the
>support role I talked about earlier: follow you from way back, watch your
>activities, and jump in if needed (but not too early so as to give away
>your identity). Perhaps a tandem action would work better? I had declared
>seeking the night life during the night, perhaps I could follow Zane while
>doing that.
>
>Syzygy out
>From: Ruben Rivera
>Subject: Unity I forgot
>Date: Friday, August 22, 1997 2:33 PM
>
>Hey LKS,
>With all this mail I'm quickly becoming confussed about the facts. Now
>would there be a video log of the colony, and the area attacked. Would
>there be a list of attacks and Star Arm activities, with dates so that
>we could check it against the video list. Would there be a way to get
>background material on the Star Arms leader. Did they find the leader
>of Lost point, dead or alive, and is there any background material on
>him. I forgot if Zane knows how to Hypnotize people but if he
>could...would it be possible for us to run test to see if he can spy on
>others using the holo system or hypnotize others using that same
>system. I have lots of questions and little time. I just got a new job,
>but I think I'm going to more time soon. Thanks, Kare.
Don't worry about the busy part. There's still a good week to get an
official response in.
There are some good questions there, some of which have not really been
addressed.
First of all, the local authorities do have a record of dates that Star's
Arm activities were performed. They also have dates of the anonymous
vandalism in the south section of First Landing, although exact times are
unknown. Standard surveillance tri-video archives have been kept in
reference to these acts, but in the case of the anonymous vandalism, they
are "inconclusive." You would have to look at the archives to learn more.
Syzygy explains that he has spoken briefly with Capt. Karmen Ap-Harrow,
First Landing's Yazirian chief of police. She has revealed the information
in the following paragraph:
There is no known record of Star's Arm activity beyond Metrosphere.
The society seems to have formed in the last few months, and is allegedly
under the direction of a Yazirian female named Loer An-Tehr. Little to
nothing is known about Loer. She has no previous criminal record. More
data on Loer and her organization will be coming, but may take some time.
[The rest of the data should be ready for your downloading in next month's
part of the story.] The chief of police is of no help in determining where
Loer can be found.
Snarr Ap-Rewann, leader of the original Metrosphere revolt and founder of
Lost Point, is assumed dead. His body has never been accounted for, but
then again, the same is true for several former Lost Point citizens.
Snarr had a long-running reputation of disloyalty and insurrection. He was
also known as being outspoken and stubborn. In retrospect, it was not
surprising that Snarr would have wanted to break off and form his own
group, but he was originally hired for the Metrosphere project because it
was thought that his technical skills outweighed his difficult attitude.
At the time of his hiring, Snarr was considered one of the top computer
specialists in the sector.
The holographic communication panels are only designed for two-way
communication. Modifying them for eavesdropping or other clandestine
purposes is not only difficult, but illegal. (I won't snitch, but some of
the NPCs in authority might not be too happy. :)
>From: Kveldulf@aol.com
>Subject: Re: [Unity] I forgot
>Date: Saturday, August 23, 1997 10:29 AM
>
>In a message dated 97-08-23 08:41:55 EDT, you write:
>
><< Snarr had a long-running reputation of disloyalty and insurrection. He was
>also known as being outspoken and stubborn. In retrospect, it was not
>surprising that Snarr would have wanted to break off and form his own
>group, but he was originally hired for the Metrosphere project because it
>was thought that his technical skills outweighed his difficult attitude.
>At the time of his hiring, Snarr was considered one of the top computer
>specialists in the sector. >>
>
>Alarm bells! Alarm bells! "Top computer specialists in the sector" - hmm,
>sounds like the kind of guy who could hack could into the Metrosphere system,
>create himself a new identity; who could then hack into the life support
>system, cargo manifests and divert supplies to a covert group or base; and
>who could modify any number of mining, cargo etc robots to respond to his
>commands...
>
>"Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you."
>"Especially when you're living in a glorified collection of tin cans - don't
>you ever wish you could get some fresh air - and NOT out of a canister?"
>
>- Urugg sur-Innesti, responding to a comment by an irritated Metrosphere
>security officer.
>From: John Groszkiewicz
>Subject: Re: [Unity] Music
>Date: Monday, August 25, 1997 11:11 PM
>
>Layne K. Saltern wrote:
>>
>>>>How about a holographic recorder/playback device with complimentary
>>>>headphones and VR goggles included? No use rocking to audio without trivid
>>>>video, I always say.
>>>
>>>Two questions:
>>>(1) How much?
>>
>> 200 credits. Has the added benefit of being able to record up to 2
hours
>> holographic video or up to 10 hours audio.
>>
>>>(2) Is it possible to return the IR Goggles? "We be JAMMIN'!!!"
>>
>>Yes, but since it was originally purchased from a non-Streel distributor,
>>the local Streel stores have to sell it as "substandard merchandise,"
>>meaning they will only buy it at half its real value.
>
>Hmmm. Tork senses that the shop keeper is trying to take advantage of him. Tork was
>going to buy the IR Goggles from the money he earned during the five days of training.
>Anyways - I think I just keep the IR Goggles and get the holo recorder/play-back system
>next month.
GM Reply: Better report them to the Better Business Bureau. . . What?
Streel didn't let them set up shop here?
IMPORTANT RECTIFICATION:
Actually though, I was mistaken about something. I thought that Tork had
purchased the IR goggles with his original 2000 credits. But looking at it
again, I see that Tork has merely expressed an interest to buy IR goggles
this coming month. (The action doesn't get set in stone until the end of
this month.)
This means that if you want to buy something else instead of the IR
goggles, you can. There is no penalty because Tork has not actually
purchased the goggles yet. *whew!*
The PBEM house rules at http://www.aros.net/~layne1/Rules.html clearly
state that players can change their minds about any declarations up until
the end of the month.
I apologize if I created any confusion.
>As a side note - what does the average music audio/video cartrige/tape/what-ever cost?
>
>I think you replied to my message about what Tork was going to buy and train in but just
>in case I'll repeat it here:
>
>--> Experiance Points (11) spent as follows:
>
>6 : Raise Melee Weapon skill from 1 to 2
>3 : Learn Thrown Weapons skill (1)
>1 : Raise Strength from 60 to 61
>1 : Raise Battle Rage from 5% to 6%
>
>--> Equipment, spending 479 ( of 488 ) credits on:
>
>10 Pistol Bullet Clips (200 rounds) 20 credits
>3 Sungoggles 6 "
>2 Grenade: Laughing Gas 20 "
>
>2 Grenade: Tangler 50 "
>1 Gas Mask 30 "
>2 Solvaway 20 "
>
>1 Infrared Goggles 300 "
>2 Detonator: Light 30 "
>
>This will leave Tork with 9 credits in his 'pocket'.
>
GM Reply: Looks good. And like I said, up until August 31st, you can
change any of this.
>TTFN
>John johngroz@ncinter.net
Oops. I missed a question in my last reply.
>As a side note - what does the average music audio/video
>cartrige/tape/what-ever cost?
10 credits.
This is listed on the equipment list
(http://www.aros.net/~layne1/unity/Equipment.html) as "HRD Extra Memory
Module." On the page that explains new equipment
(http://www.aros.net/~layne1/unity/Explain.html) it says:
Holographic Recording Device (HRD)
This is a palm sized holographic recorder with 2 hours of read-write
audio-visual memory. If the memory is used to store audio only, it can hold
up to 10 hours. This item is not ideal for covert use, due to its size.
Recording 1 hour of holographic video, or 5 hours of audio, uses up 1
SEU--which can be supplied by any power source. Additional 2 hour memory
modules are available for 10 credits each.
> From: Ruben Rivera
> Subject: Re: [Unity] The End is Nigh! The End is Nigh! (long)
> Date: Wednesday, August 27, 1997 10:30 PM
>
> hey LKS please post
>
> From Kare
> >
> > - Szygy and Zane have expressed interest in going under cover (in Szygy's
> > case with T'Klkk for backup, though he seems a little distracted around her;
> > hmmm)
> >
>
> "Two bugs...Gross!"
>
>
> > - Taanik has been pretty quiet - especially for a Dralasite. Although I'd
> > rather have my gliding membranes gnawed off by starving quickdeath hatchlings
> > than listen to dralasite humor, I'm starting to worry... Has anybody looked
> > up our gelatinous comrade lately?
> >
> "You really hate rolly pollies uh. Dont you hate it when they twist
> their necks that...unnatural way. I get whiplash just thinking about
> it."
>
> "No I havent seen blob face lately, last time I saw him, he was head for
> some porn shop, I don't know."
>
> For public record Kare is down for whatever, I'll fill any role just let
> me know. I wouldn't mind going undercover, nor would I mind hacking to
> the spiral thing...I sure it must have lots of unpatented technology I
> could steal...I mean look at.
> Ruben Rivera
> AKA Kare
> From: Ruben Rivera
> To: rivera86@flash.net
> Cc: Layne_Saltern@phast.com
> Subject: Re: [Unity] Greetings from T'Klkk
> Date: Wednesday, August 27, 1997 10:33 PM
>
> Hey LKS please post
> >
> > John W Whitfield wrote:
> > >
> > > Hiya, Ruben! I decided to take this opportunity for our characters to
> > > formally interact. I haven't had a chance to contribute much to the game up
> > > to this point because of my vacation and work schedule, but things are looking
> > > brighter now.
> > >
> > > At some point after the meeting with the execs who hired us, T'Klkk will
> > > approach Kare privately, will bow formally to her, and will say the following:
> > >
> > > "Cell-mate Kare: cell-mate-self T'sk-T'sk Kd'Zr Brrsh T'Klkk approaches with
> > > second degree greetings and third degree overtures of cooperation.
> > > Self-T'Klkk has checked the files and sees that cell-mate-Kare has a Class 2
> > > rating in computers. This skill will be very useful to the cell, and
> > > self-T'Klkk has third degree anticipation of good working relations with
> > > cell-mate-Kare. Self-T'Klkk also observes that self and cell-mate-Kare are
> > > the only egg-producers on this cell; self-T'Klkk and cell-mate-Kare have
> > > something in common.
> >
> > Kare:"Uhh...ya...thats great. Your not going to lay any eggs right
> > now are you? BECAUSE IF YOU ARE...Uhh...Just keep them on your side of
> > the room. Oh you can't borrow my stuff, hands off."
> >
> > > Self-T'Klkk has never worked with non-Vrusk before, so self-T'Klkk offers
> > > second degree apologies for any cultural transgressions and fourth degree
> > > assurances that no offenses are intended.
> > > If it would not offend, self-T'Klkk would like to dispense with all but second
> > > degree of formality in further communications and begin using personal
> > > pronouns.
> > > That is all."
> > >
> >
> > Kare thinks 'What did Zane and Urugg say about people who refer to
> > themselves in the third person...? Look at all those knives! Wheres my
> > needler?'
> >
> > Kare smiles and says while she slowly backs up and scans the room for
> > her needler, "Uh...eightlegs, what did you say your name
> > was?...Tickle...uh, your not going to lay a web or anything are you?"
> >
> > > Can you tell that she hasn't gotten out much? :-)
> >
> > I'm playing Kare as a youngster, she had adventured with Vrusks
> > before, and has even touched one before "uck"
> > But shes never adventured with a female bug before. In all honesty i
> > think this adventure is going to be cool. So far we have a hundred
> > different suspects and no clues, and best of all, the paranoid nature of
> > our players has many of us seeing a trap inside of a trap. Isn't
> > great. Where did you go on vacation? If you hadn't noticed that other
> > Vrusk, what was his name...'snuggles'?, has a homormone inbalance
> > "Gross, two bugs uck!" Anyway there goes my lunch. It seems as though
> > he wants to team up with ya and go under deep cover..."Sick, two
> > bugs...together". But if you find yourself short of a partner,
> > your...cell mate would be happy to watch your back. I'm a tech, someone
> > needs to save your as.s...hard butt thing.
> >
> > I look forward to gaming with you.
> >
> > Aye captain, same here.
> > >
> >
> > Thanks : Ruben Rivera aka Kare
> >
> > > -JWW
> From: Kveldulf@aol.com
> Subject: [Unity] The End is Nigh! The End is Nigh! (long)
> Date: Tuesday, August 26, 1997 8:52 PM
>
> Well, not really - but the deadine do approacheth. Just took a bit to read
> through all the mail so far and see how things stand. I think it would be a
> good idea (especially with Labor Day weekend coming up) to get organized as a
> group so we have time to write up our moves before crunch time.
>
> (btw - any and all please correct any of my impressions below which are wrong or
> off-base)
>
>
> A) Thus far, it seems like our posts / ideas have a few major threads / areas
> we should cover:
>
> 1) the Star's Arm cult and other potential criminal (?) elements
>
> 2) checking out / getting a feel for the colony in general (publicly &
> undercover)
>
> 3) possible infiltrators from the Lost Point mutineers (ie. data searches
> for them?)
>
> 4) checking out various facilities possibly related to the "troubles" (ie.
> monorail, accessways, the robotic mining / labor units, holonets, datanets /
> the Spire)
>
>
> B) We all appear to agree that it would be a good idea to work in teams:
>
> - so far, Kare and Szygy have expressed interest in doing some computer work
> (data searches on people & events, hacking us some new ID's, checking out the
> Spire)
>
> - Szygy and Tork have both expressed interest in checking out
> demolitions-related leads
>
> - Szygy and Zane have expressed interest in going under cover (in Szygy's
> case with T'Klkk for backup, though he seems a little distracted around her;
> hmmm)
>
> - Taanik has been pretty quiet - especially for a Dralasite. Although I'd
> rather have my gliding membranes gnawed off by starving quickdeath hatchlings
> than listen to dralasite humor, I'm starting to worry... Has anybody looked
> up our gelatinous comrade lately?
>
> - in general, the consensus is for two or three teams, each with a Tech and
> with one team holding back in case something goes wrong for the others
>
>
> That said, here's my proposal to my fellow team members -
>
> we form 3 / 2-being teams, each with a Tech and one other specialist; one of
> the security specialists will act as "floater" and shadow whatever team is
> doing the most dangerous work during a given shift. The three areas for
> teams to pick from can be something like the following (possible assignments
> / interests are indicated with **xxx***- note that one member may be listed
> for multiple teams if they were interested in the idea or have skills that
> fit):
>
> A) Star's Arm / Lost Pointers / criminal activity - perform data searches
> and some normal detective "legwork" (checking out sabotaged areas, protest
> sites, interviewing witnesses etc) relating to these groups and their
> activities; possibly try some undercover work
> (***Kare, Zane, Szygy, Tork, Urugg***)
>
> B) Colony facilities / technical investigation - check travel records,
> holovid recordings of damaged areas, trace origin of any physical evidence
> such as TD-19 residue at attack sites, try to ferret out any "mysterious"
> equipment failures / thefts related to the "troubles", check out the
> monorail, check out the Data Spire, also check out other major colony "weak
> spots" (reactors, life support)
> (***Szygy, Tork, Kare, T'Klkk, Taanik***)
>
> C) develop leads with / from colony management / law enforcement - interview
> & work with colony personnel; prime interview candidates include Selson
> Streel (informally only - see end of post), Maxim Zek'et (is retired,
> hopefully taking visitors), and the Star's Arm Yazirian leader (definitely
> the Grand Prize if she can be located); also review media and cop data feeds
> for info on subversive activities, create new ID's for team members, work
> with cops and try to discover any other false ID's in colony's datanet
> (***Taanik, Kare, Urugg, Zane***)
>
> floater - this could be either Tork or T'Klkk
>
> Well, I think that everybody's included above. What do you all think? The
> arrangement would make sure nobody was alone at any time (the floater would
> meet with their team at start of shift and hang with them until next shift or
> rest shft as they wished). After work shift, individuals could pair up as
> they wished so long as nobody was stuck alone (not trying to play cruise
> director here - justthink that anyone acting alone may run afoul of our
> enemies or perhaps even our "friendly" employers). The teams picked this
> month would only apply this month - next month we can reshuffle / reorganize
> as our priorities change (for instance, if we discover a ticking charge of
> TD-19 stuck to the side of Reactor One at the end of this month's posts).
> Anyway, it'd be great to here from everybody before Friday so we don't
> duplicate efforts and can help each other out. : )
>
> some side notes
> - Szygy mentioned at one point he was interested in hanging out with Urugg
> off-duty a bit. Urugg'd be happy to do so - he hasn't met many Vrusk and
> finds them interesting (generally and from a BioSocial view); perhaps they
> could trade war stories one evening and check out the local watering holes.
> Urugg would get a great laugh as well as find new respect for Szygy after
> hearing of the exploits described in the his PC background.
> - Tork at one point mentioned he would be buying up his Melee skill this
> month; although Urugg won't be spending XP's doing same, he'd offer to spar
> with Tork if he is agreeable.
> - Observant comrades will notice Urugg feels vaguely uneasy except when
> working out in the Park Domes; he has a habit of glancing about and scanning
> the environment while doing other things (sometimes even during
> conversation), as if subconsciously looking for the ubiquitous holo-emitters
> that spring to life throughout the public areas of Metrosphere.
> - Until he can afford his own after next month's paycheck, Urugg will
> occasionally ask Tork if he can borrow his Walkman; he will meticulously
> return it on time, not wishing to honk off his roommate.
>
> and finally:
> - Urugg's paranoid thought of the day: Selson Streel sounds like he's "low
> man on the Streel totem pole"; perhaps he invented / funded the subversive
> groups in order to gain respect / prestige / more power within the family?
> NOTE: Urugg would only mention this idea in a hushed voice to a team member
> he has begun to trust - or after 5 or 6 pints of Yazirian Bitter.
> From: John W Whitfield
> Subject: [Unity] Call to arms!!
> Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 4:34 PM
>
>
> Hi, all! Looks like we're coming down to the wire. The deadline for
> submitting our actions for August is just days away. I've seen a lot of good
> discussions and suggestions so far, and I'm very excited about what a great
> group we seem to have. I think it is time to pull together all of the ideas
> to date and coordinate into an action plan for the group.
>
> To that end, T'Klkk has spoken to each of you individually to get to know all
> of her teammates. After that, she will arrange a meeting of all members of
> the team in her room. If you choose to come to this meeting, you will hear
> the following:
>
> "Thank you, cell-mates, for responding so promptly to my invitation and coming
> to this meeting."
>
> done something to iritate her--i.e. coming in late, munching on pistachios,
> making a suggestive comment, whatever.> :-)
>
> "As I understand our function, this cell has been charged with investigating
> the terroristic criminal activities which have been occurring at the colony.
> To do so, we must work as a team, devising an effective strategy and
> coordinating our efforts so that each cell-mate's particular strengths are
> maximized. There have been some excellent suggestions as to how and where we
> might begin this investigation. I believe we are all in agreement that
> splitting into smaller teams is the most efficient, logical way to proceed.
> Breaking into pairs or threes would be our best bet. Also, since Tork and I
> are the combat experts, we should not be on the same team. Likewise, our
> medical personnel should not be on the same team.
>
> "I would like to review all of the reports filed by First Landing Law
> Enforcement after they investigated each incident. It would be good of
> Syzygy to help me with the download of all those files. In speaking
> with him earlier, I believe that he will do this. Sifting through all of
> that data should take me quite some time, so I would be willing to serve as
> checkpoint coordinator for all the teams in the field. Tork, I believe,
> mentioned the importance of having such a 'command center', and I tend to
> agree. Any 'away team' doing investigative work in the field should probably
> check in at regular intervals, just so that we are all alert to any dangers
> and so we can respond quickly in case of an ambush. Check ins should include
> current location, intended destination and route, and an estimated time table;
> that way, we can pinpoint roughly where mischief occurred if a team fails to
> check in due to foul play.
>
> "It is also important that we investigate the physical sites where the
> explosions occurred. Since Tork is the demolitions expert of this cell, he
> would be the logical choice for this work; I would suggest that either Kare or
> Taanik accompany him since technician skills may also be of use in doing this
> work. Tork, you mentioned earlier that you wanted to do this, right?
>
> "Syzygy and Urugg have both spoken with the captain of local law enforcement,
> and she has been minimally helpful. I believe we can assume that First
> Landing Law Enforcement will be of little use in our investigation.
> Nonetheless, it may serve our best interest to continue making contact with
> her to try to establish a rapport. It is far better to win a friend than make
> an enemy.
>
> "It has been suggested that one or more members of this cell go undercover to
> try to inflitrate the group responsible for the terrorist activity. This may
> prove difficult since we have no substantial evidence as to who this group may
> be. Although the Star Arm group has proven to be socially disruptive, we
> cannot assume that they are responsible. Still, we can't rule them out,
> either. I'm not sure I understand what the members of Star Arm are so unhappy
> about. Perhaps it would behoove us to learn more. Since their leader is
> Yazirian, they may be more responsive to another Yazirian asking questions of
> them. Tork will be busy investigating explosion sites, so Urugg is a logical
> team member for this task. Since Zane is our only other medical person, he
> should not be a member of this team. Again, Kare and Taanik are both
> possibilities for this assignment.
>
> "With Urugg occupied in this manner, it might be good for Zane to review all
> of the medical and psychological records of all colonists to see if there are
> any unusual findings. Like the work that I'll be doing with the police files,
> this will be a long and tedious process. Perhaps Zane and I should work in
> the same room on our individual tasks. That way, we could share the
> responsibility for 'switchboarding' the check-in calls from away teams.
>
> "Finally, we need to see if there is any electronic evidence of the terrorists
> tampering with either computers or robots. Kare, Syzygy, and Taanik are all
> experts in this area, with Taanik taking care of investigating robots. Maybe
> Syzygy could do some of the computer surfing after downloading the police
> files for me and medical files for Zane.
>
> "Also Urugg mentioned that he will spend some of his spare time mingling among
> the people of this colony to see what else he can learn. I believe that this
> should be a goal for all of us. Zane even got a camera to record on film
> things that he finds. Excellent thinking! This kind of reconnaisance is
> vital to our success.
>
> "We are fortunate that this is a relatively closed environment within which to
> work. However, it is still a huge colony, and there is much ground to be
> covered. We must be careful. There is no doubt that Lost Point would be a
> good base of operations for terrorists. I think it is best, though, if we
> become more familiar with First Landing and rule out other possibilities
> before investigating Lost Point.
>
> "We must also keep in mind that most of the terrorist attacks have been in the
> southern sector. None of us should go in that area alone, even when on
> personal time. While this is a very big place, we should not be lulled into a
> false sense of security and anonynimity. We must proceed from the assumption
> that there are others besides our employer who know why we are here. That
> makes us a threat. And threats quickly become targets. I want to see this
> cell remain in tact, with no casualties. I do have faith in our medical
> personnel, Zane and Urugg, but I hope that we do not have to put them to the
> test.
>
> "Do these sound like reasonable assumptions and statements? Is this an
> agreeable plan of action for all? Discuss."
>
>
> T'Klkk will look around the room and wait for feedback from others.
> Can anyone tell that I'm excited about this adventure? :-)
>
> -JWW
> From: Albin Johnson
> Subject: Re: [Unity] Spies like us...
> Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 8:07 PM
>
> >On Fri, 22 Aug 1997, Albin Johnson wrote:
> >> Syzygy: "Say, Zane, good choice of weapons - gyrojets are very SEXY, didn't
> >> you know? Sure, I caught T'Klkk staring at my pistol the other day (heh)
> >> but she stares at me a lot, so what can I do? Say, if you want we can go
> >> to the firing range together...work out that recoil problem." Syzygy slaps
> >> the human on the back, grinning with all his mandibles.
> >
> >Zane:"I could use a little help on the range, I've never really used a
> >weapon... to shoot... well, you know."
>
> Syzygy is tickled by the human's hesitation to admit his own inexperience
> with firearms. He finds the emotion interesting...that a human that
> evolved from primitive hunters would retain the need for public acceptance
> as a hunter, even today, is fascinating. Even this one, a healer, feels
> the need for an exterior of aggression. Perhaps Humans and Yazirians
> shared a common thread.
>
> "Hey, hey, don't sweat it. You, you got skills most people only dream of -
> so what's to putting holes in walls? No big deal. C'mon, I'm just a
> hacker and I can do it. (munch, munch) And those two security people we
> got with us... (he whispers) well, we'll just let them bring the roof down
> if the heat comes on. We gotta protect our skeeeels." he says this last
> part with a flourish of his ambidextrous hands.
>
>
> >>
> >> Syzygy will ask his roommate to hook him up on the hypnosis. Perhaps our
> >> two security people can give me a believable cover.
> >
> >Zane will try to implant some small detail, perhaps a short poem, etc.
> >that Syzygy has never heard before. Then, I'll see if he can recall it.
> >From there we can make up some alter ego.(coordinating with the computer
> >team?)
>
> Syzygy: "Okay, okay...I think I got this one...tell me if I got it right...
>
> 'there once was a Dral from Nantucket...'"
>
> Syzygy looks surprised when the group cuts him off.
>
>
>
> - your pal AL
> From: John Groszkiewicz
> Subject: [Unity] The End is Nigh! The End is Nigh! (long)
> Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 11:29 PM
>
> Kveldulf@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > A) Thus far, it seems like our posts / ideas have a few major threads / areas
> > we should cover:
> >
> > 1) the Star's Arm cult and other potential criminal (?) elements
>
> Yes, but I'm thinking that Star's Arm may not be the culprit. In Israel when a bomb
> goes off there is always half a dozen groups laying claim to the deed. AFAIK Star's Arm
> has not claimed responsibility for any of the bombings. We do need to check them out
> but I don't feel they need to be high on the list of suspects. Other then that note I
> aggree with rest of the list.
>
>
>
> > That said, here's my proposal to my fellow team members -
> >
> > we form 3 / 2-being teams, each with a Tech and one other specialist; one of
> > the security specialists will act as "floater" and shadow whatever team is
> > doing the most dangerous work during a given shift. The three areas for
> > floater - this could be either Tork or T'Klkk
>
> Sounds good. Just thought I would append part of a note I sent Layne:
>
> Tork takes his position of team security very seriously, he feels he is here to keep the
> team from getting their butts shot off. As far as Tork is concerned anything he may
> want to investigate should/will take a back seat to the security of the team.
>
> > some side notes
> > - Tork at one point mentioned he would be buying up his Melee skill this
> > month; although Urugg won't be spending XP's doing same, he'd offer to spar
> > with Tork if he is agreeable.
>
> Sounds good to me!
>
> > - Until he can afford his own after next month's paycheck, Urugg will
> > occasionally ask Tork if he can borrow his Walkman; he will meticulously
> > return it on time, not wishing to honk off his roommate.
>
> No problem but watch the power usage, those SEU packs are expensive. ;)
>
> > and finally:
> > - Urugg's paranoid thought of the day: Selson Streel sounds like he's "low
> > man on the Streel totem pole"; perhaps he invented / funded the subversive
> > groups in order to gain respect / prestige / more power within the family?
> > NOTE: Urugg would only mention this idea in a hushed voice to a team member
> > he has begun to trust - or after 5 or 6 pints of Yazirian Bitter.
>
> If Urugg mentions this to Tork, Peter will look into the distance for a minute and reply
> "If you are right, I think it best that *we* are not made the patsy."
>
> TTFN
> John johngroz@ncinter.net
> From: Albin Johnson
> Subject: Re: [Unity] Call to arms!!
> Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 9:08 PM
>
> T'Klkk:
> >"Thank you, cell-mates, for responding so promptly to my invitation and coming
> >to this meeting."
> >
> > >done something to iritate her--i.e. coming in late, munching on pistachios,
> >making a suggestive comment, whatever.> :-)
>
> Syzygy enters T'Klkk's room wearing his best coveralls and holding a pipe
> as a show-piece even tho he doesn't smoke. His eyes drift from fixture to
> decoration, leering openly. Once he enters the area where everyone else is
> sitting waiting, he'll whisper to T'Klkk:
>
> 'Hey! When you invited me up to your room, I thought...(ahem) okay, baby,
> that's cool. I like a little hard-to-get. (visibly trying to regain his
> cool) How you all doing? (ahem) Nice place, T'Klkk.'
>
>
> >"I believe we are all in agreement that
> >splitting into smaller teams is the most efficient, logical way to proceed.
>
>
> >Zane:
> >"I would be up for this plan.
>
> Okay, okay, we've seen a lot of talk about this and now we're getting
> somewhere. Before the deadline, let's hear a consensus. The way it looks,
> we're leaning towards 1 away team and one h.q. team with the following
> breakdown:
>
> HQ team -
> Syzygy - handles the data search (hope Layne lets me have access to a heavy-duty
> computer terminal in whoever's room we use - Layne, would it be better
> for me to be at the spire to do heavy computer work?)
> T'Klkk - checkpoint coordinator, checking military/personnel records
> Zane - checking medical records
>
>
> Away team -
> Tork - checking bombing sites, military escort
> Urugg - trying to contact Star's Arm leader, mingling, undercover
> Kare and/or Taanik - technical escort(s)
>
>
> >I want to see this
> >cell remain in tact, with no casualties. I do have faith in our medical
> >personnel, Zane and Urugg, but I hope that we do not have to put them to the
> >test.
>
> Hear, hear. Best way to do this
>
> STEP 1 - regular check-ins every half-hour via chronocom using pass-phrases
> - if someone is called and they DON'T use the pass-phrase we know something
> is up without alerting whoever may be listening that we know.
>
> STEP 2 - elect leaders - nothing political, but we need someone who can be
> the voice and make the final decisions as deadlines approach. I elect the
> two military experts (traditional, unless anyone can think of a better
> choice).
>
> STEP 3 - is there any way we can move our apartments closer? We sure are
> spaced out in the city - I don't like the distance in case somehting
> happens. Surely if this is a growing city we can find four apartments on
> the same floor of the same building. Layne??? (declaration: Syzygy is
> going to call Selson Streel's office and put in this request)
>
> Syzygy leans back after finishing his comments, kicking two of his feet up
> casually only to knock Taanik's drink over into Tork's lap.
>
> "Oh! Oops! Uh...heh heh...sorry 'bout that, big fella..."
>From: John Groszkiewicz
>Subject: [Unity] Tork - General Actions
>Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 11:03 PM
>
>Thought I would send some general info on how Tork will react to situations:
>
>Tork takes his position of team security very seriously, he feels he is here to keep the
>team from getting their butts shot off. As far as Tork is concerned anything he may
>want to investigate should/will take a back seat to the security of the team.
>
>What equipment Tork has with him will depend on the situation. When wandering about
>town where trouble is not expected Tork will always carry his Pistol (loaded, safety on)
>and 2 extra ammo clips, 2 smoke (black) and 2 tangler grenades, brass knuckles, his
>enviro kit, skeinsuit, compass, everflame ( in case a female Yazarian ever needs her
>smokes lit ), knife, an extra set of sungoggles, and his toxy-rad gauge.
>
>When expecting trouble ( any where outside the Metrosphere, sites of recent terrorist
>acts, ...) Tork will be 'loaded for bear'. As above but add 2 more pistol ammo clips,
>Rifle (loaded, safety on) and 2 extra ammo clips, every grenade he has room for, duffle
>bag with TD-19 and fuses.
>
>=======
>
>When shopping around town or out investigating Tork will try to maintain a low profile
>and keep and eye on everything. When with an investigation team, Tork will let the
>others do the main investigating while he stands back as a 'lookout'. Not that he will
>not check things out, its just that his primary concern will be the other's safety. If
>a matter come up that requires his attention Tork will first get someone "Keep and eye
>out" before delving into the task.
>
>Tork will try to avoid confrontations but if a fight does break out his first duty is to
>get the others out. If that can be accomplished by a grenade and a quick retreat then
>that will be his choice. ( Can't avoid a fight forever but it is better to fight on
>your terms. ) If the fight can not be avoided Tork will do what ever is necessary to
>win. Some of Tork's tactics:
>
> Smoke / Incendiary / TD-19 explosion / frag to cover a quick retreat.
>
> Against laser wielding opponents - smoke grenade to defuse their shots and them spay
>them with lead or a frag grenade ( depending on number of opponents, how clustered they
>are, how much cover do they/we have, ...).
>
> Toss a smoke grenade between out two positions and then be quiet to make them think
>we retreated. Then hit them with a frag/tangler grenade when then come out of hiding.
>( Have to be careful with this one so that I don't get our guys. )
>
> Use a smoke grenade as cover and close for hand-to-hand combat. Possibly hitting them
>with at tangler grenade on the way in. ( Only if Tork thinks he has a chance of taking
>them alive, if your going to kill them might as well do it from a distance.)
>
>TTFN
>John johngroz@ncinter.net
> From: John Groszkiewicz
> Subject: [Unity] Re: Urugg's Metrosphere thoughts / questions
> Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 11:13 PM
>
> Layne K. Saltern wrote:
> > The main door requires handprint recognition to be opened--or a high level
> > security override.
> >
> > Personal holo-panels can be shut off with handprint authorization, but
> > there is no mechanism for accepting only emergency calls. They're either
> > on or off.
> >
> > There are closets that can be locked with the same handprint recognition
> > device.
> Can doors/holo-panels/closets be set to accept multiple handprints? I would like to set
> the the ones in our room to accept Tork's and Urugg's handprints. It might also be a
> good idea ( if they will accept that many ) to set the various handprint recognition
> devices in rooms to accept any of the team member's prints.
>
> Unless Urugg has an objection Tork will shut the holo-panel off. If a team member needs
> to get a hold of us they can use the chonocom.
>
> TTFN
> John johngroz@ncinter.net
> From: Albin Johnson
> Subject: T'Klkk greets Syzygy
> Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 9:30 PM
>
> >"Third degree pardons so as not to offend, but self-T'Klkk does not understand
> >why cell-mate-Syzygy is marked as 'Zed'. Surely this is some error, although
> >self-T'Klkk does not understand how such a terrible error could occur and
> >remain uncorrected. No Zed would be allowed to leave the hive. Self-T'Klkk
> >offers third degree apologies if cell-mate-Syzygy took offense to self-T'Klkk's pondering.
>
> Syzygy becomes flustered at the formal address by his fellow Vrusk. It is
> obvious it has been years since he was among other Vrusk and his handle on
> the speach is rusty. It may also be obvious at closer scrutiny that he
> embraces the formalized speach hesitantly, being a reminder of painful
> memories of a society that had no room for his kind.
>
> "Hmmm..ahh..yes. Lessee...cell-mate T'sk-T'sk Kd'Zr Brrsh T'Klkk:
> cell-mate-self Hrovat T'Prexdis Syzygy responds with second degree
> acceptance and third degree confirmation of cooperation. Much productivity
> and synergy I wish upon our endeavors."
>
> He looks down for a second at the mark on his arm. He can't seem to form
> words easily, especially in the old tongue.
>
> "Ah, self-Syzygy offers second-degree assurances to cell-mate-T'Klkk of her
> propriety in such a comment. Self-Syzygy would assure her that the mark of
> Zed is....unfortunate but authentic. Self-Syzygy offers third-degree
> assurances of his abilities and enthusiasm for the present endeavors, and
> extends a second-degree offering for a private conversation to explain the
> matter. He also offers second-degree apologies for his rough way with the
> language and customs, but he has experienced a unique schism with his
> people only lengthy discussion could treat fairly."
>
>
> >cooperation if cell-mate-Syzygy would be willing to assist in data transfer,
> >storage, and manipulation so that self-T'Klkk can begin investigation of
> >reports on terrorist activities against this cell's employer.
> >If it would not offend, self-T'Klkk would like to dispense with all but second
> >degree of formality in further communications and begin using personal
> >pronouns.
> >That is all."
>
> "Um...Self-Syzygy would be most honored to assist cell-mate T'Klkk in any
> capacity that would further their goals. Self-Syzygy extends third-degree
> acceptance with second-degree enthusiasm for their upcoming work together.
> Also, I concur with cell-mate T'Klkk's move to truncate their future
> exchanges."
>
> Syzygy awaits a sign that he has met with approval from the attractive and
> forthright female. It has been a long time since he has felt comfortable
> talking with his own kind. Too many times his casual acquaintences with
> other Vrusk as he was on the run prevented him the luxury of explaining his
> crude demeanor. Syzygy secretly hopes he can finally feel comfortable
> around one of his own people again.
> From: Albin Johnson
> Subject: Re: [Unity] The End is Nigh! The End is Nigh! (long)
> Date: Thursday, August 28, 1997 9:37 PM
>
> >We need a technical team that can get into the system and do some
> >checking/hacking. This team should be at low risk, at least until they
> >get to the hacking part.
> >The contact team will be doing the initial leg work, and so could include
> >everyone. I agree that we should stick together.
>
> Syzygy: Perhaps, then, the extra tech could stick with us at HQ and help me
> with the hacking. That would keep our away team small and unnoticeable:
> Tork, Urugg, and Kare or Taanik. Personally, I'd recommend Taanick go with
> them - that'll keep Tork entertained :)
>
> - your pal AL
> From: John W Whitfield
> Subject: [Unity] August Action Plan--T'Klkk
> Date: Friday, August 29, 1997 2:55 PM
>
> Well, Layne, looks like this is it. The action plan for August.
>
> T'Klkk will try to adhere as closely as possible to the outline which I
> presented in the note entitled "Call to arms!!" which was supported (so far)
> by Zane and Syzygy.
>
> T'Klkk will spend countless hours (probably no less than 10 per day) pouring
> through all of the investigation reports from the colony law enforcement which
> were filed after each terrorist activity. She'll also want reports on all of
> the activities of the Star Arm group. Mainly, she'll be looking for any kind
> of pattern (i.e. roll Comprehension as often as possible). She'll want to get
> a map of the colony and represent each terrorist strike and each Star Arm
> protest on that map. If, by the end of the month, she has poured through all
> of the records and finds nothing noteworthy, she'll run through them again.
>
> She'll also check with Zane periodically on his progress with the
> medical/psych profiles, and she'll also keep in close contact with Syzygy as
> he pours through the colony computer system to track down any anomalies.
> She'll also stick closely to her post to coordinate the activities of the away
> team(s) and to ensure that everyone checks in as agreed. At any sign of
> trouble, she will call upon other team members for back-up.
>
> If any firefight involving her "cell-mates" errupts, she will not hesitate to
> dive into the middle of the fray. Her weapon of choice is, of course, the
> projectile handgun for close encounters and the projectile rifle for longer
> ranged attacks. As a sharp-shooter, she prefers single, carefully placed
> shots over the Ramboish "spray". However, if she gets boxed off and is
> surrounded, she will throw finesse to the wind and will let loose with both
> barrels, so to speak. :-) If the situation looks desperate, she won't
> hesitate to lob a frag grenade or two as well. All of the above is assuming
> that hostilities escalate into something pretty ugly. If, in her assessment
> of the situation, a combat situation is well under control, she will shoot to
> disable (leg shot, arm shot, etc.) or will use a tangler grenade.
>
> I've already mentioned how I want to spend my experience, so that matter is
> taken care of. With regard to shopping, there is nothing new that she feels
> she needs at the moment, so we'll just let the credits sit in the bank and
> draw interest. :-) If a firefight does errupt and she runs low on ammo, she
> will, of course buy more (restocking her supply to the current level).
>
> As far as social interactions and free time, she will talk with Zane and
> Syzygy when they are in the room with her doing their individual
> investigations. If she gets the chance to speak alone with Syzygy, she'll
> delve deeper into his history with regard to his being labelled a "Zed". She
> will brush away any and all romantic advances that he may make, becoming more
> and more formal in her speech and mannerisms when he pushes the envelope.
> She will also try to get to know Zane better since they will be doing a lot of
> similar tedious work together; if he sticks with it and is highly dedicated,
> he definitely earn respect points in her book. She will also try to spend
> time with Urugg in discussing possible strategies for the future; she is very
> impressed with his analyses of the situation to date and respects his
> opinion. Since she has neither seen nor heard much from any of the others to
> date, she will reserve judgement.
>
> If any of the other characters approach her and invite her to join them in a
> social activity of some kind (off duty, of course) she will reluctantly agree
> to go provided that it is nothing over the top (i.e. dinner, walk in the park,
> checking out a holovid, etc. are all acceptable). She will not initiate any
> of these with others, however.
>
> Any time she is in public places, she will keenly observe the people around
> her, making mental note of anything out of the ordinary and checking to see
> if she keeps seeing the same face or faces (i.e. checking to see if being
> followed--more Comprehension rolls!). She will ask all of the other team
> members to meet every few days to collectively review the team's progress and
> to discuss any observations people have made while in the field. Again, she
> will be looking for any kinds of patterns which may be seeming to surface.
>
> Finally, she will check in periodically with Streel to update him on the
> progress. Until they uncover some firm facts, she will be pretty non-commital
> and vague in the feedback that she gives him (i.e. "We are proceeding on
> schedule with our investigation. We're going over the reports from the colony
> law enforcement and trying to uncover any new leads. We'll get back to you
> when we have somthing more substantial." That sort of answer). If he
> presses, she'll go into a bit more detail....but not a whole lot.
>
> I hope this is detailed enough and has enough "if...then...but..." scenarios
> to be useful to you. Let me know if you need anything else.
>
> Thanks. I can't wait to see what happens next!!
>
> -JWW
> From: Alan Whitaker
> Subject: Taanik is Alive in Unity [Layne--please forward to all]
> Date: Friday, August 29, 1997 3:31 PM
>
> Hi All!
>
> Despite what you might think, Taanik is alive and rearing for adventure.
> Unfortunately, his player (that's me) is slower than an underwater
> dralasite. I've had a tough schedule this month (my company has been
> reorganizing due to the UPS strike impact) and to top it off I've had
> some hardware problems which have resulted in questionable e-mail status
> until the past couple of days. As a result, I'm still a bit behind.
>
> However, I have read the adventure and am almost caught up on most of
> everyone's ideas, and I must say it looks like we have a lot of
> imaginative people involved in this. I am excited. Kudos to Layne for
> setting up such a cool story and gathering this group together.
>
> Due to my questionable e-mail until the middle of this week, if any of
> you have critical messages for me outside what is up on the web, please
> excuse me and bring me up to date with anything you think I should know
> before I submit. I have read the initial "Call to Arms" message, and
> support those ideas. I support any final conclusion we can quickly
> reach on the dividing into teams, etc. I hope to be in a better
> position to contribute next month!
>
> Looking forward to adventuring with all,
> Alan
Hello everyone!
I'm catching up on the Unity e-mail from today and yesterday. It looks
like these ideas are starting to solidify into plans!
I strongly suggest that everyone visit the e-mail archive at
http://www.aros.net/~layne1/unity/Aug97R.html. Although you've probably
already read everything in the archive, the archive gives you the chance to
do things like text searches (if your browser supports it) to go over all
the relevant conversation on a certain subject. You can also search for
all references to your character's name.
As you all know, the coming deadline is this Sunday. I will definitely
need all responses by then, since I'll be spending a good portion of Labor
Day (Monday) working on September's update.
IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS:
It's always an uphill task getting an adventure started. Learning a new
mission. Exploring a new environment. Getting to know new characters.
Deciding how in the heck to start out. Everyone has done a FANTASTIC job,
and I think we've needed a full month just to get warmed to the water.
Beginning next month, characters will already be in specific situations,
and the scope of responses will be much smaller. In light of this, I will
consider the possibility of accelerating the game rhythm to twice a month.
(In this case, a response would be due on the 15th of the month, and
another on the last day of the month.) One advantage of such a system is
that XP would be given out each month, as opposed to every 3 months.
Right now, this idea is only a possibility. I want to hear your input as
players. We will only speed up the rhythm if there is an OVERWHELMING
desire on the part of you, the players, to do so. I also guarantee that
the frequency of required responses will never exceed twice a month.
'Nuff said. Get those responses in.
L a y n e K . S a l t e r n
> From: John Groszkiewicz
> Subject: [Unity] Tork & the Holo Projectors
> Date: Saturday, August 30, 1997 3:33 PM
>
> I had some questions pop into mind last night....
>
> Tork gets together with Taanik and Syzygy and asks them it they want to help him check
> out the holo projectors some. In the opening move Fle'xx took great pride in the fact
> that the transmissions are "as realistic as possible." Time to check that out. If they
> agree Tork will go to his room with Syzygy and have Taanik send a holographic image of a
> large box. ( Any other team members who want to 'tag along' are welcome to come. )
>
> (1) As the projections can be seem but not felt I assume that Tork will be able to walk
> right trough the box. Now for experiment: What happens when Tork sits on the floor
> "inside" the projection of the box?
>
> Does Syzygy see Tork or is Tork completly hidden? Does Tork's projection in Taanik's
> room disappear or can Taanik tell there is a projection there? What does Tork see? The
> inside of the box or his room?
>
> Basically Tork wants to see how 'solid' the projections are. Can someone run
> surveylence on a spot by 'hiding under' a holographic box? Could the projectors be used
> to hide a opening in a wall or even project a wall into the middle of a room? ( Instant
> "secret room" figuring that noone would be dumb enough to walk into a wall. )
>
> Tork will now ask Taanik to quit sending the box and join the conversation via the
> holograph.
>
> (2) Is a device available to 'disrupt' the holographs? ( Maybe the Techs on the team
> could build one? ) Basically Tork wants something so that anytime he gets within say 3
> meters of a holograph the image blurs a little so that he knows that it is a holograph.
>
> (3) While the Techs discuss #2 Tork will ask Syzygy for a couple pistachios. If Syzygy
> complies Tork will try the nuts and then toss the shells at Taanik. I am assuming that
> this will have the desired affect of passing through the projection. That being the
> case Tork will get himself a bunch of nuts. If Tork suspect that there is a holograph
> person in the room he will offer to shake the persons hand. If this is not possible
> Tork will much down a couple nuts and discard the shells at the person's feet, or
> through their feet in the case of a holograph. Tork does not think this will be
> acceptable behavior in the Metrosphere. He hope that most people will just write it off
> as Tork being 'a rude Yazarian'. If anyone asks about his action he will reply 'Just
> checking." and change the subject. If they persist ( and are not a hologram ) Tork will
> explain his distrust of the holographic projectors.
>
> TTFN
> John johngroz@ncinter.net
> From: Kveldulf@aol.com
> Subject: [Unity] Urugg makes his move... (a little late - sorry Layne!)
> Date: Sunday, August 31, 1997 12:00 AM
>
> Hi all - I won't make this too elaborate (just got back from the movies and
> have been following the TV news reports of the death of Princess Diana of the
> UK; has been a busy day). Haven't had a chance to read mail from this
> afternoon, so please modify actions in accordance with group plans if needs
> be. Here goes:
>
> [note: all previous actions and purchases from earlier emails stand as is]
>
> Urugg volunteers to be the Biosocial specialist assigned to the "away team".
> His particular areas of concern will be interviewing / analyzing witnesses
> to the crimes we are investigating and the security officers who responded to
> the alarms (with the aid / blessing of Metrosphere's lovely yazirian security
> captain if possible). Urugg will specifically pursue leads relating to the
> Star's Arm (including trying to find out more about its aims, its
> organization, and its popularity among Metrosphere's citizenry - and security
> officers[anysympathizers?]). He will also collect field readings with his
> envirokit of the atmosphere throughout the sensitive areas of the colony as
> well as the areas with reported violence, protests etc.; he will take random
> samplings to act as controls in the analysis. The environmental readings
> will be taken as part of a [fictional] study of environmental allergens by
> colony management (ie. that is the cover story - see facemask note below).
> He will assist his team members in any way requested that does not endanger
> our mission.
>
> His standard kit (ie. what he carries at all times in Metrosphere) includes:
> -skeinsuit (with an ankle-length overcoat or poncho to conceal it)
> -needler pistol (hip holster - left hip) - loaded with one barbed pistol needleclip
> -melee weapons (sword scabbarded - right hip, stunstick in left thigh holster)
> -2 crossed bandolier belts w/ 2 anaesthetic pistol needleclips, 4 barbed
> pistol needleclips
> -1 pair sungoggles (worn); toxyrad gauge (worn), everflame (pocket), 1 use
> of solvaway (pocket), 1 spare pair sungoggles (pocket)
> - kit bag (size of small duffel bag / large gym bag) containing the
> following:
> camera (100 frames), compass, envirokit, 1 everflame, first aid kit and all
> extra doses of drugs, flashlight, gas mask, all of his grenades
>
> Urugg will try to change his appearance fairly often, favoring different
> clothing styles / colors on different days; he will wear clothing that
> furthers this aim - high collars, long overcoats / capes / ponchos, different
> sungoggle styles, clip-on earrings or some similar form of yazirian body
> adornment, and occasionally a surgical-style face mask due to his [fictional]
> allergies to particles present in the colony's air circulation systems
> (gloves will complement the face mask). He will also seek to buy body-fur
> dyes and mane-dyes to change his physical appearance.
>
> Additionally, Urugg will spend 10 XP and spend time training his
> Psycho-Social skill up to Level 2; this should please our employer, make him
> more useful to the team, and hopefully increase his pay scale a little ;)
>
> In his spare time, he will undergo his Psycho-Social training, work out in
> the park domes as described in earlier mail, work out in whatever weapons
> training area is available (melee "dojo'" / gym and firing range - if not
> reproached, will try to be at the firing range when Karmen Ap-Harrow is there
> also), and tour the colony's shopping and recreational arcades in the various
> sectors. Will also spend time checking out various media feeds / holovids /
> datafiles relating to Metrosphere, Streel and his home planets of Hentz and
> Histran.
>
>
> That does it for this month... [Andy]
> "Now let's see what we can stir up in this tin can!" [Urugg]
>From: Ruben Rivera
>Subject: Home shopping network
>Date: Friday, August 29, 1997 10:16 PM
>
>Hey LKS,
>Did someone already ask if we could purchase equipment via the internet
>or catalog. I was just wondering because I'd like to buy some little
>stuff, but not waste a turn. Let me know. thanks. Ruben
If your character is able to go to a store, purchasing equipment can be
part of your turn and will not interfere with other actions. In other
words, buying equipment won't use up a turn.
The same goes for learning skills.
> From: Kveldulf@aol.com
> Subject: Re: [Unity] Re: Urugg's Metrosphere thoughts / questions
> Date: Saturday, August 30, 1997 9:55 AM
>
> In a message dated 97-08-30 06:54:47 EDT, you write:
>
> << >Unless Urugg has an objection Tork will shut the holo-panel off. If a
> team member needs
> >to get a hold of us they can use the chonocom.
>
> Unless Urugg specifically states that he wishes to re-activate them, I will
> consider that they are now off.
>
> But I don't know how Taanik is going to take this...
> >>
>
> Urugg will loudly thank the spirits of his clan's ancestors that the
> holopanels are off and he will no longer be awakened by any wise-cracking
> dralasites (said in a mock-serious manner, heh heh).
> From: John Groszkiewicz
> To: Layne K. Saltern
> Subject: Re: [Unity] Tork Things To Do
> Date: Saturday, August 30, 1997 3:39 PM
>
> Layne K. Saltern wrote:
> >
> > >From: John Groszkiewicz
> > >Is Tork able to use fuses to detonate grenades?
> >
> > I imagine it is possible, but it would definitely require the use of
> > Demolitions skill, and be subject to the same rules for setting Tornadium
> > D-19 charges.
>
> Sounds fair - for now I'll just keep the idea in my head. Maybe Tork will try it next
> month. :)
>
> TTFN
> John johngroz@ncinter.net
>Tork gets together with Taanik and Syzygy and asks them it they want to help him check
>out the holo projectors some. In the opening move Fle'xx took great pride in the fact
>that the transmissions are "as realistic as possible." Time to check that out. If they
>agree Tork will go to his room with Syzygy and have Taanik send a holographic image of a
>large box. ( Any other team members who want to 'tag along' are welcome to come. )
>
>(1) As the projections can be seem but not felt I assume that Tork will be able to walk
>right trough the box. Now for experiment: What happens when Tork sits on the floor
>"inside" the projection of the box?
>
>Does Syzygy see Tork or is Tork completly hidden? Does Tork's projection in Taanik's
>room disappear or can Taanik tell there is a projection there? What does Tork see? The
>inside of the box or his room?
GM Reply: I have to be careful with this, so I don't get flamed by any
physicists in the game.
When Syzygy sees Tork, this is because light reflects off of Tork's body
and travels to Syzygy's eyes.
Let us assume that the box you are talking about is opaque. This means
that its physical mass will not let light rays pass through. If Tork were
in the real box (not a hologram of a box), the rays reflecting off of Tork
would be stopped by the walls of the box, and would not reach Syzygy's
eyes. The result is that Syzygy cannot see Tork.
Now consider the case of the box's hologram. If a hologram were merely a 3
dimensional image of light, it would not be capable of being opaque.
However, Frontier scientists have developed the technology to not only
project a 3-D image, but also to extinguish any light rays passing through
the image. This technology was first developed with the creation of
holo-screens, which can in fact hide the wearer from view.
Just as a holo-screen makes the person inside invisible, the holographic
box makes Tork invisible to Syzygy.
The technology that keeps light from passing through a hologram will let
light pass inside the image, put will not let light pass outside the image.
Tork still sees the box, but to him it is transparent. Beyond the box's
ghost-like image, he can see Syzygy and the room that he is really in. If
the box is entirely closed, then the holographic capture device was not
able to "see" the inside of the box, so Tork cannot see the inside of the
box either. What he sees is a reproduction of the outside of the box from
the inside. Confused yet? This situation is analagous to a person wearing
a holo-screen. The person can see out of the screen, but others cannot see
in.
What Taanik sees is a much more complex issue. It will be hard to explain
without being able to draw diagrams, but here goes...
When Tork transmits his image, a circular area is scanned in his room and
reproduced in Taanik's room. Let's call the circle that Tork is standing
in T1 and the circle where his image is reproduced T2. Taanik is looking
at T2, where he sees the reproduction of T1. If Tork were to walk outside
of the T1 circle, Taanik would no longer be able to see a reproduction of
Tork, although he would still see a reproduction of the floor in T1.
The box in Taanik's room is in a circle that is being scanned. We'll call
this circle B1. The image of the box is reproduced in Syzygy's room, in a
circle of the same size which we'll call B2.
Do you follow me so far?
In a typical holographic conversation, circle T1 would not overlap with
circle B2. Nor would circle T2 overlap with circle B1. If this were the
case, Tork could not be in B2 (where the image of the box is reproduced)
and at the same time be in T1 (where an area is being scanned for
reproduction in Taanik's room).
If the circles overlap on both sides, a phenomenon called a "feedback loop"
occurs. This is where things get complex, so let me take my time to
explain this. Take Tork out of the picture and consider only the box. The
box is placed in circle B1 and reproduced in B2. Since B2 overlaps with
T1, part of all of the reproduction of the box gets re-scanned and
reproduced in circle T2 which overlaps with B1, where the original box has
been placed. Since B1 is being scanned and reproduced in B2, the
reproduction in B1 gets scanned as well as the original box. Regardless of
how closely the two circles are matched, the box and its reproduction will
be in different positions, even if it is only by a few micrometers. The
end result is that the box gets scanned and reproduced an infinite number
of times in an infinite number of positions, and the entire overlapping
area in the circles becomes an opaque black. This is referred to as
"blackout."
If B2 and T1 overlap, but B1 and T2 do NOT overlap, T2 will be filled with
a composite of the contents of B1 and T1, with both images being opaque.
Say that Tork enters the holographic image of a box in B2, but he sticks
his head out the top where it is visible. Since T1 (which gets scanned)
overlaps with B2, T2 will contain an image of the box with Tork's head
sticking out the top. The rest of Tork's body is hidden by the box in the
T2 image. This means that Taanik will see the real box in one part of his
room, and in another part of his room he will see a holographic
reproduction of the box with Tork's head sticking out the top of it. If
Tork pulls his head down, Taanik will see his real box in one place, and in
a different place a holographic reproduction of his box--but no Tork.
Have I messed with your heads enough?
>Basically Tork wants to see how 'solid' the projections are. Can someone run
>surveylence on a spot by 'hiding under' a holographic box? Could the projectors be used
>to hide a opening in a wall or even project a wall into the middle of a room? ( Instant
>"secret room" figuring that noone would be dumb enough to walk into a wall. )
Yes and yes.
>(2) Is a device available to 'disrupt' the holographs? ( Maybe the Techs on the team
>could build one? ) Basically Tork wants something so that anytime he gets within say 3
>meters of a holograph the image blurs a little so that he knows that it is a holograph.
One has not been developed, no. Your ideas of throwing a solid object
through a suspected hologram or shaking a hologram's hand will work.
Something like steam or dust, that refracts light, would also make a
hologram detectable. If a mirror were inserted in the image, it would
reflect light the wrong way and make it obvious to everyone that it is a
hologram--but if you're going to insert something into the image, you might
as well just feel with your hand and see if anything is there.
If a tech character wants to develop a device like you described, I have
one requirement: The player has to come up with a plausible explanation
for how his character's device will function. I will not accept magic
black boxes. (Oh, man!) Read the information I gave in the last e-mail
and try to come up with a device that would make it easy to detect a
holographic reconstruction of an object, as opposed to the object itself.
Ooh, how's that for a tough physics assignment?
>This problem could be easy or hard depending on what type of hologram you're
>trying to detect. Living beings would radiate strongly in the IR spectrum
>(body heat), which I'm guessing the hologram does not (otherwise it would
>warm the room it was in and might be a hazard if it malfunctioned -hmm, that
>sort of malfunction would make a good terrorist weapon though - incendiary
>with no evidence).
Holograms do give off small quantities of heat, caused by a small
percentage of light transforming into other forms of energy. This makes
holograms visible through IR goggles, etc. The heat signature of a
holographic Human, however, does not even closely resemble the heat
signature of a real Human. Anyone looking at a real human and a
holographic human through IR goggles would be able to tell the difference
quite easily.
The AD rules state: "Infra-red (IR) goggles. . .can be used to spot
characters that are hidden in light foliage or darkness, or that are using
a holo belt." The communication system holograms are very similar to holo
belt holograms, so IR goggles can penetrate them as well.
It would be unlikely that such a hologram could be an incendiary hazard.
The heat is just a natural product of the light used to form the image, and
is not replicated for the purpose of special effects. The small amounts of
heat produced would have a negligible effect in heating the room or any
solid objects.
> This might stretch the concept a bit, but a chemical "sniffer" would work too
> - all Frontier beings respirate, so the sniffer would look for regular plumes
> of CO2 and other waste gases from the subject's breathing orifice(s) - human
> and yazirian mouth / noses, vrusk spiracles / vents under torso, and
> dralasite breathing vacuoles.
This idea has potential as well.
> For inanimate objects it'd be tougher, though radar-based (for metallic
> objects) might work, or sonic-based like modern alarm systems (bounce sound
> waves off object - hologram would be "invisible" to the detector, while real
> object / being would be detected). Note that for a sonic-based system, you'd
> obviously use waves beyond the wavelengths detectable by any of the four
> races' ears.
You're right on track, Andy.
> Other ideas?
I'm listening.
>From: Ruben Rivera
>Subject: Holos
>Date: Saturday, August 30, 1997 10:34 PM
>
>Hey LKS,
>Would infrared goggles detect a fake, holo human. Or maybe a thermal
>sight/goggles/imaging equipment would show a fake human. Just
>assumptions. Kare
Yes, IR goggles can see right through holograms.
>From: Kveldulf@aol.com
>Subject: Re: Unity shopping
>Date: Monday, September 01, 1997 12:57 AM
>
>In a message dated 97-09-01 02:09:58 EDT, Kare writes:
><< Hey Urugg,
>Kare,"Hey apeface, You shouldn't go out alone. If you go shopping I'll
>follow you and search for tails. Afterwards, you can follow me when I
>go shopping. What do you think?" Kare archs her eyebrow and waits for
>your answer.
>>>
>
>Urugg considers this a moment, shrugs & replies "Sure, why not? I'm pretty
>much tapped out until next payday, but if you're heading into the retail
>zones of this hole in the ground I don't mind watching your back. Should be
>a good opportunity to scope out the citizenry while I'm at it."
>
>Btw - game question for Layne: how would detecting tails work as far as
>mechanics? Is it treated like a surprise check if you are trying to detect a
>tail on another person, or maybe as an INT ability check? Just curious since
>it had come up before when we were discussing undercover work, splitting into
>teams, etc.
Different situations may warrant different rules, but typically this would
be a test if INTUITION.
>On a completely unrelated note (was just browsing through the SF:AD expanded
>rulebook), can holoscreens be legally purchased in Metrosphere? I would
>check the equipment page but according to your last mail it's down... If
>they are available on the open market, could one with a camouflage loop be
>affixed to an object rather than a sentient wearer (ie. used to make an
>object "invisible", as was discussed with the wall holo-projectors)?
Holoscreens are legal on Metrosphere.
From: Ruben Rivera
To: Layne_Saltern@phast.com
Subject: Unity test
Date: Monday, September 01, 1997 4:07 PM
Hey Layne,
This is just a test to see if I mailed you properly. If you do get
this I like to take this opportunity to say, I do appreciate the hard
work you put into this for our entertainment. Thanks. My roommate has
given me permission to shut off our holo emitter. So I will. Also, Kare
is going to examine it, does it receive messeges via fiberoptic cable or
is the messege broadcasted like a cell. phone, just curious. If Urugg
goes shopping Kare is going to follow him at a safe distance and make
sure no one shows any interest in him. Later Kare will go shopping to
purchase a beltpack, and standard backpack to load her equipment,
bandilors (I know i miss spelled it)to hang her ammo, and infrared
goggles. I don't know how much money I just spent, will check later.
Kare will formally request all records of stars arm, its leader, dates
of arm activities, terriorist attack records and dates, and all info. on
the that Yaz. who started lost point. I may add more if more responces
come in. Thanks and watch our for Albin Johnson, he has ties with evil
empires. Take care of yourself and write soon.
Ruben aka Kare
From: Ruben Rivera
To: Layne K. Saltern
Subject: Unity
Date: Monday, September 01, 1997 7:14 PM
Hey Layne,
I tried to mail you at work but the mail was sent back. I'd like to say
I apreciate all the work you've done for us thanks. Anyway, Kare and
Urugg may go shopping. If Urugg goes, Kare will tail him searching for
anyone who may being showing interest in him. Then he will protect
here. Kare will attempt to purchase Infrared goggles, a backpack to
carry her stuff, bandlior (spelling)for her ammo and a beltpack. She
will make a formal request to the chief of police for all records on
Star's Arm activities and members, mainly the leader. Records on lost
point and its leader, and all that its is known about the terriorist
attacks. Kare also has her roommates blessing to shutoff the holo
communitions equipment, but she will also attempt to determine how the
holo emiters receive info ie. broadcast like cell phones or fiberoptic
cable. I don't know how much money Kare has, but assumed she had
enough.
Thanks Layne
Ruben
From: Alan Whitaker
To: 'Layne_Saltern@phast.com'
Subject: [Unity] Taanik's First Month Action
Date: Monday, September 01, 1997 11:06 PM
Taanik will take up his role as a technical member of the away team
(whoever those participants end up being). He will not be specifically
under cover, but will in fact, be ready to become a public front for the
team in order to trivialize the nature of the mission and guide any
attention of suspicious onlookers in the wrong direction. This need not
happen immediately--perhaps the first time something happens that would
draw attention to the team, Taanik will come out in the open (perhaps in
a press conference with Streel, if appropriate), as a "neutral"
(neuter!) negotiator. If it makes sense for one or more other
non-undercover members to join this "official" representation of the
team, that would be fine, or he can do it solo. The official purpose
could be presented as something as simple as to "explore alternative
solutions to community issues" (e.g., the Streel-Star's Arm situation).
The idea behind the action is the following: while Taanik is a
technician, he has very high personality and leadership ability, and has
always been able to humorize and downplay the gravity of a situation
(see character background). Dralasites, while annoying to some
(including team mates at times!) are probably perceived as relatively
harmless and neutral (how can you really hate a short, gray blob who
refuses to be too serious). This perception will hopefully open the
door to allow Taanik to seem like a jovial, naive, bumbling ambassador.
He will seek out opportunities for interviews with Selson Streel, Maxim
Zek'et, chief of police, and Star's Arm leadership. His solo apartment
will allow him to come and go seemingly unattached to other team
members, though he will discreetly remain in close contact with them.
In the meantime, when he is not maintaining the public appearance (e.g.,
in off hours at his apartment), he will delve heavily into learning
about the Metrosphere computers and robots. He can thus act as a
partner for those intensively investigating any one facet of the
colony's technology, such as the spire. He will help sift pertinent
data that can be gathered concerning potential patterns in previous
incidents and any current abnormalities. He will attempt to use his
(hopefully) good public status to gain tours and information concerning
public systems, making friends where possible and opening the door for
cooperative research with the other technicians and city officials. He
will hopefully be able to establish positive relations with Star's Arm
members as a jolly, empathetic blob, trying to help everyone get along
(yet making each side feel special, like back in school days). These
relations will hopefully help shed light on whether the Star's Arm is
another activist group just harping for a cause, or whether they might
have more destructive motives.
He will play at least one friendly prank on a team member, hopefully
with a hidden moral or lesson behind the trick. He will try to convince
Tork that they should work out together sometimes. Credits and XP will
be squirreled away for now.
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