January 1998 Responses

From:  John Whitfield (T'Klkk)

Okay, I'll go ahead and get started. I've read the story twice 
now, and I can hardly wait to get going again. Please note that 
my e-mail address has changed so you'll need to update your 
list. I'm now: jwwhit01@gwise.louisville.edu

Here we go! 

(In character)

You hear a soft beep from your chroncom. When you 
activate it, you see the sharp angles of chitenous face-plates 
of the young female Vrusk known as T'Klkk. From the 
display you can tell that the other members of your team are 
also receiving this transmission. T'Klkk waits paitently until 
all 6 recipients of her hail signal an acknowledgement.

"Greetings, teammates! Self-T'Klkk has an update. 
Teammate-Kare and self-T'Klkk have met with Selson 
Streel to make him aware of an impending attack on his 
person through the old ventilation shafts. He has agreed 
to our plan of setting a trap, but insists on remaining in his 
office in person rather than using a hologram as a decoy. 
This makes self uncomfortable, but Streel is aware of the 
danger. Teammate-Kare and self are getting ready to set 
the trap. Any suggestions on a design?

"Also, something very interesting came out of the 
conversation with Streel. When self indicated that Dakka 
Syte is on this colony, Streel reacted strangely, as if he 
knows something or is hiding something. Nevertheless, 
he denied all knowledge about Syte. (Out of character: 
Layne, at this point could T'Klkk roll Comprehension to 
see if she can figure out what kind of relationship may 
be present?) Teammate-Syzygy, could you see if you can 
find any past links between Streel and Sytes in the 
databases? If there is any of us who can find this 
information, it is you. Six degrees of respect for your 
skill.

"And, Teammate-Syzygy, self understands that you 
have posted an open challenge to Syte. Quite an 
unorthodox strategy. Four degrees of approval on 
such a clever, albeit dangerous, approach to bringing 
on a more direct confrontation. But, use seven 
degrees of caution as he has already demonstrated 
his willingness to kill those who oppose him.

"Teammate-Taanik, your plan to go undercover 
demonstrates six degrees of brilliance, creativity, 
and bravery. However, you should also use seven 
degrees of caution in your dealings with Miemen. 
As soon as Teammate-Kare and self-T'Klkk are 
finished setting our trap, self will head in your 
direction in case self is needed for back-up. Just 
yell if you need help.

Self-T'Klkk is very please with the progress and 
cooperative spirit of this team! Self-T'Klkk is 
pleased to count herself among you!"

(Out of character)

Hopefully, this will get some dialogue going! 
I can hardly wait to hear from the rest of you!

-JWW

From:  Albin Johnson (Syzygy)

>Teammate-Kare and self are getting ready to set
>the trap. Any suggestions on a design?

"Nutty human...", Syzygy mumbles to himself, referring to Streel. He turns
back to T'Klkk's stunning image - even though she hurt him he couldn't help
but be mesmerized by the elegant symmetry of her mandibles. "Um, yeah,
honey-bee - why don't we rig up a simple trigger device to the vent panel
and wire it to a tangle grenade? I've got another whip-wire trigger or
maybe Kare can rig up a simple infra-red beam anyone can buy from a
hardware store. That'd bag the person alive, no explosives to sniff out,
minimum property damage."

>Teammate-Syzygy, could you see if you can
>find any past links between Streel and Sytes in the
>databases? If there is any of us who can find this
>information, it is you. Six degrees of respect for your
>skill.

Syzygy: "Acknowledged, T'Klkk, I will add this to my daunting list of
computer-related tasks. But you owe me a dinner." Syzygy wears an ursine
grin of self-deluded confidence. His mind is elsewhere at the sound of her
voice: "Oh yeah, baby...", he thinks to himself. "I know what 'skill'
you're referring to..heh heh."

>"And, Teammate-Syzygy, self understands that you
>have posted an open challenge to Syte. Quite an
>unorthodox strategy. Four degrees of approval on
>such a clever, albeit dangerous, approach to bringing
>on a more direct confrontation. But, use seven
>degrees of caution as he has already demonstrated
>his willingness to kill those who oppose him.

The warning passes right over him. Syzygy is too busy drinking in the
attention the female is paying him. A fatal flaw easily attributed to his
Zed status, he was given to self-destructive tendencies that stemmed from
his conditioning. If it could serve to gain her attention, so much the
better.

After the chronocom exchange, Syzygy turns to Maxim and bows low.

"Master Zecket, I am overwhelmed by your kindness and hospitality today.
You truly are an inspiration to one such as I - not only for your
engineering and business tutelage, but for your kind words of reassurance.
I leave here a changed Vrusk."

As he turns to go, "I must return to the investigation, but permit me to
ask: not only am I curious to hear more of your stories but I feel
compelled to take a personal role in safeguarding you while the Syte threat
looms. I feel you are a prime target to one hoping to infiltrate a
computer system so huge as a city. Would you allow this one the honor of
your company again?"
---------------------------------
Syzygy tries to establish a routine for checking in with the elderly Vrusk
on a regular basis - both by chronocom and visits. Afterwards Syzygy will
retreat to his room where he will launch into the projects stated before.
In addition to these, he will also comply with T'Klkk's request and track
down any connections between Streel and Syte. Finally, he will test the
reliability between his home terminal and the terminal he hijacked
elsewhere: seeing if he can access any changes to the terminal from here.

When he is done with his work, Syzygy will get ready to help Taanik with
his undercover mission. Syzygy sits down on the bed and tends to his
daily routine. With practiced diligence he reaches under the bed and
retrieves what looks to be a Vrusk leg. He studies it with detached
admiration. Synthetics Corp. had really outdone itself this time - fusing
function with aesthetics. The dynamic-tension design of the leg's inner
components gave the leg a realistic bounce, the outside coating of
plastiflesh had captured a perfect shade of blue and orange for a vrusk his
age. The lifeless anthropomorphic shape was a scientific work of art, but
still lifeless.

Syzygy slips the prosthesis over the residual limb that would be a front
left leg on any other Vrusk. It is a comfortable fit after all these
years, but the moment it goes on is the most unsettling. He stands and
tests the weight - once again it feels loose and for all its high-tech
requires a good stomp to get it to fit snug. For the millionth time he
dismisses the evidence such a feature would pose for supporting the mark on
his shoulder. He snorts in disgust and walks to the door. No one could
know his secret - not the team - not Streel - especially not T'Klkk.

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

"Oh boy! You don't know HOW cool this is for me!!! My thorax is sore from
hacking so much - thank you for bringing me along, Taanik - you won't
regret it!!!" Syzygy's enthusiasm is poorly veiled - he is truly out of
his element but thrilled to do some moving.

"Don't you worry - we'll take this operation carefully! I don't want you
full of holes (heh). When you go to make the buy from the Ixiol dealer,
I'll be ready back here with the gyrojet pistol."

when the dealer turns Taanik down, Syzygy will stay hidden and
inconspicuous, his gyrojet pistol tucked neatly in his belt in the small of
his back and covered by his robcom kit which sits atop his thorax. He will
watch carefully to see if this dealer has any 'floaters' wandering around,
watching, possibly encircling Taanik to jump him/id.

From:  John Whitfield (T'Klkk)

Albin Johnson  on 01/21/98 at 11:49 PM said:
>
> "Nutty human...", Syzygy mumbles to himself, referring to Streel. He
turns
> back to T'Klkk's stunning image - even though she hurt him he couldn't
help
> but be mesmerized by the elegant symmetry of her mandibles. "Um, yeah,
> honey-bee - why don't we rig up a simple trigger device to the vent panel
> and wire it to a tangle grenade? I've got another whip-wire trigger or
> maybe Kare can rig up a simple infra-red beam anyone can buy from a
> hardware store. That'd bag the person alive, no explosives to sniff out,
> minimum property damage."

As Syzygy speaks, T'Klkk flicks her antennae first in confusion and then
more slowly to a position indicating agreement.

"Honeybee? Self-T'Klkk had not considered the need to use code names,
but if the rest of the team feels it necessary, then we shall do so.
Self-T'Klkk
will accept the designation 'Honeybee'.

"Yes, self is in agreement that explosives should not be used. Tanglers,
Doze grenades, and anaesthetic needles are all good options. Perhaps
there is five degrees of wisdom in setting multiple traps in this
ventillation
shaft. Self-T'Klkk-pseudodesignation-Honeybee and Teammate-Kare
will begin our task with seven degrees of haste."



Syzygy: "Acknowledged, T'Klkk, I will add this to my daunting list of
computer-related tasks. But you owe me a dinner." Syzygy wears an ursine
grin of self-deluded confidence. His mind is elsewhere at the sound of her
voice: "Oh yeah, baby...", he thinks to himself. "I know what 'skill'
you're referring to..heh heh."

"Understood. Five degrees of appreciation for your willingness to
begin this task. However, self-T'Klkk was not aware of the establishment
of a barter system within this team for accomplishing work. Nonetheless,
self-T'Klkk is willing to comply in the interest of maintaining efficiency
and harmony. Self-T'Klkk suggests dinner this evening. Self-T'Klkk
can be ready to leave at 7:00, if this is acceptable to Teammate-Syzygy.
Timeliness is admirable."



T'Klkk turns to Kare. "Well, teammate, let us begin our work!
Self-T'Klkk is equipped with both Tangler and Doze grenades. All
we need are senors and triggering devices."

Her mind racing, T'Klkk carefully inspects the shaft to find the most
logical places to arm and conceal the traps. She also scans the
area to determine the best place to set up hidden cameras so that
the scene can be monitored remotely.

From:  Albin Johnson (Syzygy)

>Self-T'Klkk suggests dinner this evening. Self-T'Klkk
>can be ready to leave at 7:00, if this is acceptable to Teammate-Syzygy.
>Timeliness is admirable."

>Her mind racing, T'Klkk carefully inspects the shaft


LOL!!!! I'm sorry, I couldn't help but spot the juxtaposition there. I
need help, I really do.

- dirty old AL

From:  John Whitfield (T'Klkk)

I was just going through the Unity page again and was reviewing 
all of the characters. Then, when I was looking at the page 
where Layne shows a graphical representation of characters by 
skill, and it struck me how we've each specialized, thereby 
covering many bases. 

Here's how I see what we have:

Computer specialist - Syzygy
Medical specialist - Zane
Psycho-Social specialist - Urugg
Robotics specialist - Taank
Combat specialist - Tork and T'Klkk
(with Tork taking a more generalist approach in learning 
several weapon types and T'Klkk specializing in 
Projectile weapons)

Here's where we seem to be a little weak:

Demolitions specialist - both Syzygy and Tork have 
some training in this area (levels 1 and 2 respectively), 
but neither has gone to level 3 yet, although Tork is the 
logical choice to specialize in this area.

Environmental specialist - there are 3 team members 
who have at least some training in this area (at levels 1 or 2) 
but no one has moved to level 3 or higher, although Urugg 
has made quite a bit of use of this skill in play.

Technician specialist - there are 4 team members who 
have at least some trainign in this area (at levels 1 or 2) but 
no one has moved to level 3 or higher. Since Syzygy has 
specialized in Computers and Taanik has specialized in 
Robotics, it would make sense for Kare to become our 
Technician specialist.


Just some thoughts I've been having. Any reactions?

-JWW

From:  Albin Johnson (Syzygy)

> Technician specialist - there are 4 team members who 
> have at least some trainign in this area (at levels 1 or 2) but 
> no one has moved to level 3 or higher. Since Syzygy has 
> specialized in Computers and Taanik has specialized in 
> Robotics, it would make sense for Kare to become our 
> Technician specialist.
> 
> 
> Just some thoughts I've been having. Any reactions?
> 
Actually, it's funny you should point that out. The three of us
got together and unofficially agreed to do this. I'm pretty much Mr.
computer, Taanik is pretty much Mr. Robot, and Kare is pretty much Ms.
Techy Extraordinaire. 

I agree that a diversified team is best - we've tried doing
this. I wanted very badly to branch off, but I've tried focusing on
Computers to help the group. I didn't want a repeat of the first
segment where Syzygy spent a full just trying to log onto the Spire
network :)

- your pal AL

From:  John Whitfield (T'Klkk)

Albin Johnson  on 01/22/98 at 3:32 PM said:
>
>>Self-T'Klkk suggests dinner this evening. Self-T'Klkk
>>can be ready to leave at 7:00, if this is acceptable to Teammate-Syzygy.
>>Timeliness is admirable."
>
>>Her mind racing, T'Klkk carefully inspects the shaft
>
>
> LOL!!!! I'm sorry, I couldn't help but spot the juxtaposition there. I
> need help, I really do.
>
> - dirty old AL

Maybe my pal Al and I should work together to write Vrusk romance
novels. :-) Hmmmm.....let's see:

"As Syzygy gently fondled T'Klkk's ample breasts".... No, that just
doesn't work, does it? :-)

-JWW

From:  John Whitfield (T'Klkk)

> Actually, it's funny you should point that out. The three of us
> got together and unofficially agreed to do this. I'm pretty much Mr.
> computer, Taanik is pretty much Mr. Robot, and Kare is pretty much Ms.
> Techy Extraordinaire. 

> I agree that a diversified team is best - we've tried doing
> this. I wanted very badly to branch off, but I've tried focusing on
> Computers to help the group. I didn't want a repeat of the first
> segment where Syzygy spent a full just trying to log onto the Spire
> network :)
>
> - your pal AL

Way cool! Well, the three of you did a great job! Actually, I feel 
that the entire team is very well-rounded. Funny how it happened 
almost on its own.

You said that Syzygy is wanting to branch off. What did you have 
in mind?

I've been thinking about where to develop T'Klkk further. In a way, 
I'm wanting to raise her Technician skill to level 2, but I'm also wanting 
to pump up her Martial Arts since she has seen the need to be able to 
restrain using unarmed combat. 

Is there anybody else out there, or are Al and I the only ones who 
survived the holiday? :-)

-JWW

From:  Albin Johnson (Syzygy)

> You said that Syzygy is wanting to branch off. What did you have 
> in mind?
> 
I _REALLY_ want to specialize in Demolitions. I was hoping for
a hi-tech, remote-control, tactical support position - the guy watching
the fire team from behind a wall with controls to lay down cover fire,
blow up bridges, etc. That fit in with my vision as a pilot, too, but
since I'm specializing in Computers I'll just hope Kare can fill that
void. 

> I've been thinking about where to develop T'Klkk further. In a way, 
> I'm wanting to raise her Technician skill to level 2, but I'm also
> wanting 
> to pump up her Martial Arts since she has seen the need to be able to 
> restrain using unarmed combat. 
> 
I definitely think she should increase her martial arts, but
under the AD rules they are pretty limited - melee weapons skill is
better under AD since you can do wrestling moves, disarming, whatever.
I wrote up some optional rules for Martial Arts for the game I'm running
online (Layne's a Vrusk in that, too - funny, eh?). If you ever wanna
see them they're at:
www.netside.com/~fairhand/starfrontiers.html

The Humma that uses them in my game has done some serious damage
to intruders.

> Is there anybody else out there, or are Al and I the only ones who 
> survived the holiday? :-)
> 
Tell me about it! C'mon, folks - we got only 8 more days until
the deadline - let's get to brainstorming!

- your pal AL

From:  Clark Valentine (Taanik)

Layne - please forward to the Unity group:

As usual a bang-up story! Thanks Layne!

Drat! Turned down. (Layne, how could you roll a 71?!!! ;-) Taanik will
re-attempt to get the dealer's attention, but won't press ids luck in
this encounter. 

Taanik really wants Miemen to think id is desperate. Two ways to do
this: Display severe withdrawal syptoms, and be seen to shoot up.

If id needs to, Taanik will try again the next day. When he does he
wants to be showing outwards withdrawal symptoms. Taanik can try to act
the part, but here's a question for the medical folks on the team: Is
it possible to develop some kind of injection that will create the same
sympotoms as Ixiol withdrawal (shaking? persperation? fever?
Reduced/enhanced elasticity? Layne, could we have a ruling?) without
seriously imparing Taanik's judgement or aim? Like I said, Taanik can
act if id has to, but if id could have a little help from modern
medicine...

Also, is there a way to rig up a spray hypo such that Taanik can seem to
inject Ixiol (for show, while undercover) without actually injecting it?
"I mean, Rah Rah Go Team but I'm not becoming an Ixiol junkie for you
guys."

What does the team think of this? 

Clark

From:  Andy Campbell (Urugg)

<< Self-T'Klkk suggests dinner this evening. Self-T'Klkk
>can be ready to leave at 7:00, if this is acceptable to Teammate-Syzygy.
>Timeliness is admirable."

>Her mind racing, T'Klkk carefully inspects the shaft


LOL!!!! I'm sorry, I couldn't help but spot the juxtaposition there. I
need help, I really do.

- dirty old AL >>

"Syzygy! What the hell are you doing?!? This is a public place, man! Do us
all a favor and tuck your... ahem... equipment back into your carapace where
it belongs. By the elders, you'll get us all thrown in the klink for indecent
exposure! 

Plus you never know, you might get fondled by an amorous blob, hangin' out in
the wind like that - next thing you know you'll start budding all over the
place. Ugh."

Urugg ; )

From:  Andy Campbell (Urugg)

In a message dated 98-01-23 08:59:58 EST, you write:

<< Maybe my pal Al and I should work together to write Vrusk romance 
novels. :-) Hmmmm.....let's see:

"As Syzygy gently fondled T'Klkk's ample breasts".... No, that just
doesn't work, does it? :-)

-JWW >>

"Syzygy ran one long 5-fingered hand up and down T'Klkk's slender antennae,
his other hand stroking the smooth carapace of her back..."

[minutes later]

"And so, having completed the Vrusk mating ritual, the agitated female spun
about suddenly, decapitating her still-dazed paramour and decapitating him in
one swift stroke with the sharpened ridge running along her forearm. Then, in
time-honored Vrusk custom she quickly devoured his remains, the meal ensuring
that she would have ample nutritional reserves to carry her clutch of eggs to
term."

- Factoid of the day: Vrusk and Preying Mantises share mating habits. Who
knew? 


From:  Andy Campbell (Urugg)

To: jwwhit01@gwise.louisville.edu

In a message dated 98-01-23 11:43:53 EST, you write:

<< I've been thinking about where to develop T'Klkk further. In a way, 
I'm wanting to raise her Technician skill to level 2, but I'm also wanting 
to pump up her Martial Arts since she has seen the need to be able to 
restrain using unarmed combat. 

Is there anybody else out there, or are Al and I the only ones who 
survived the holiday? :-)

-JWW >>

Not a bad idea to get some more martial arts training - they come in very
handy in enclosed environements like the sphere, where you can't just bust out
the rocket launcher to settle old gambling debts ; ) I've been considering
going to level 2 in Melee for the same reasons, though I'm also leaning toward
boosting Psycho (oops, I mean Pycho-Social, heh heh) skill and / or spending
a few points on abilities too.

Andy / Urugg

From:  John Groszkiewicz (Tork)

John Whitfield wrote:
> 
> I was just going through the Unity page again and was reviewing
> all of the characters. Then, when I was looking at the page
> where Layne shows a graphical representation of characters by
> skill, and it struck me how we've each specialized, thereby
> covering many bases.

<< SNIP >>

> Demolitions specialist - both Syzygy and Tork have
> some training in this area (levels 1 and 2 respectively),
> but neither has gone to level 3 yet, although Tork is the
> logical choice to specialize in this area.
>
> Environmental specialist - there are 3 team members
> who have at least some training in this area (at levels 1 or 2)
> but no one has moved to level 3 or higher, although Urugg
> has made quite a bit of use of this skill in play.

I've been trying to spend 1/2 of Tork's experiance and save 1/2 to bring his 
Environmental skill to 2. My main reason for doing this, quite frankly, is economics. 
Tork is being paid as a "Level 1 Environmentalist" and I wanted to give the paycheck a 
boost. ;)

On the Combat side I was planning on bringing Martial Arts, Melee, and Demolitions up to 
threes. I was planning on doing them in that order but would be willing to bring 
Demolitions up first if the team feels that is a better move.

> Is there anybody else out there, or are Al and I the only ones who
> survived the holiday? :-)

Survived the holiday but tring to get a couple rooms painted before the baby arrives. 
Number three should be here in about six weeks. :) I'm going to try and go over 
everything and get an "Official Move" out this weekend.

TTFN
John johngroz@velocity.net
----------
"Can't say. Saying would be knowing. Don't know. So, can't say." - Zathrus

From:  Clark Valentine (Taanik)

>>Plus you never know, you might get fondled by an amorous blob, hangin' out in
the wind like that - next thing you know you'll start budding all over the
place. Ugh."

Urugg ; ) 

Hey. I resemble that remark.

--Taanik

From:  John Whitfield (T'Klkk)

John Groszkiewicz  on 01/23/98 at 22:56 said:
>
> I've been trying to spend 1/2 of Tork's experiance and save 1/2 to bring his 
> Environmental skill to 2. My main reason for doing this, quite frankly, is economics. 
> Tork is being paid as a "Level 1 Environmentalist" and I wanted to give the paycheck a 
> boost. ;)

I know what ya mean. That is partially the reason I'm considering raising T'Klkk to 
Level 2 Technician. Apparently the fact that T'Klkk is a highly experienced sniper 
just doesn't carry much weight with regard to her employment and salary. :-)


>
> On the Combat side I was planning on bringing Martial Arts, Melee, and Demolitions up to 
> threes. I was planning on doing them in that order but would be willing to bring 
> Demolitions up first if the team feels that is a better move.

Just my $0.02, but the fact that explosives have been used several times makes 
it highly likely that we'll run into a bomb at some point, and the higher your level in 
Demolitions, the more likely you'll be able to disarm it without getting yourself sent 
to that Yazirian Happy Hunting Ground in the sky! Combat-wise, Tork is already 
pretty well rounded.


>
> Survived the holiday but tring to get a couple rooms painted before the baby arrives. 
> Number three should be here in about six weeks. :) I'm going to try and go over 
> everything and get an "Official Move" out this weekend.
>
> TTFN

Best of luck with the painting!! That always ends up being a bigger project 
than you originally thought it would be. 

Later.

-JWW

From:  John Whitfield (T'Klkk)

Hey, Syzygy! You need to come read this!! :-)


>
> "Syzygy ran one long 5-fingered hand up and down T'Klkk's slender antennae,
> his other hand stroking the smooth carapace of her back..."
>
> [minutes later]
>
> "And so, having completed the Vrusk mating ritual, the agitated female spun
> about suddenly, decapitating her still-dazed paramour and decapitating him in
> one swift stroke with the sharpened ridge running along her forearm. Then, in
> time-honored Vrusk custom she quickly devoured his remains, the meal ensuring
> that she would have ample nutritional reserves to carry her clutch of eggs to
> term."
>
> - Factoid of the day: Vrusk and Preying Mantises share mating habits. Who
> knew? 

From:  Andy Campbell (Urugg)

In a message dated 98-01-24 19:55:56 EST, layne@xmission.com writes:

<< When he does he
wants to be showing outwards withdrawal symptoms. Taanik can try to act
the part, but here's a question for the medical folks on the team: Is
it possible to develop some kind of injection that will create the same
sympotoms as Ixiol withdrawal (shaking? persperation? fever?
Reduced/enhanced elasticity? Layne, could we have a ruling?) without
seriously imparing Taanik's judgement or aim? Like I said, Taanik can
act if id has to, but if id could have a little help from modern
medicine...

Also, is there a way to rig up a spray hypo such that Taanik can seem to
inject Ixiol (for show, while undercover) without actually injecting it?
"I mean, Rah Rah Go Team but I'm not becoming an Ixiol junkie for you
guys."

What does the team think of this? 

Clark
>>

Urugg:
"Sounds like a good plan Taanik. I'm sure Zane can rig something up for you -
a mildly toxic compound that'll produce convincing withdrawal effects. 

One thing you should keep in mind though - be *very* careful around this
dealer. After all, id's a dralasite like yourself, and if id's been "around
the block" a few times id may have developed ids ability to detect other's
lies to a high degree; maybe that's why id can parade around in the open like
that." 

From:  John Groszkiewicz (Tork)

John Whitfield wrote:
>
> Albin Johnson  on 01/21/98 at 11:49 PM said:
> >
> > "Nutty human...", Syzygy mumbles to himself, referring to Streel. He
turns
> > back to T'Klkk's stunning image - even though she hurt him he couldn't
help
> > but be mesmerized by the elegant symmetry of her mandibles. "Um, yeah,
> > honey-bee - why don't we rig up a simple trigger device to the vent
panel
> > and wire it to a tangle grenade? I've got another whip-wire trigger or
> > maybe Kare can rig up a simple infra-red beam anyone can buy from a
> > hardware store. That'd bag the person alive, no explosives to sniff
out,
> > minimum property damage."
>
> As Syzygy speaks, T'Klkk flicks her antennae first in confusion and then
> more slowly to a position indicating agreement.
>
> "Honeybee? Self-T'Klkk had not considered the need to use code names,
> but if the rest of the team feels it necessary, then we shall do so.
Self-T'Klkk
> will accept the designation 'Honeybee'.

ROTFL ... Upon hearing this comment Tork will let out a short cough as he
stifles a
laugh. ( If any one asks he will reply "Sorry, caught something in my
throat. I'm okay
now." )

> "Yes, self is in agreement that explosives should not be used. Tanglers,
> Doze grenades, and anaesthetic needles are all good options. Perhaps
> there is five degrees of wisdom in setting multiple traps in this
ventillation
> shaft. Self-T'Klkk-pseudodesignation-Honeybee and Teammate-Kare
> will begin our task with seven degrees of haste."

If Tork is not busy ( i.e. Urugg and Tork are done talking to Loer An-Tehr )
he will ask
if T'Klkk and Kare need his help. Otherwise, Tork will contact T'Klkk as
soon as he is
free and ask "How is it going? Do you need my assistance with anything?"

> "Understood. Five degrees of appreciation for your willingness to
> begin this task. However, self-T'Klkk was not aware of the establishment
> of a barter system within this team for accomplishing work. Nonetheless,
> self-T'Klkk is willing to comply in the interest of maintaining efficiency
> and harmony. Self-T'Klkk suggests dinner this evening. Self-T'Klkk
> can be ready to leave at 7:00, if this is acceptable to Teammate-Syzygy.
> Timeliness is admirable."

Tork smiles to himself as the tought of 'party crashing' bounces thought his
head. This
would be an opportune time for mischief but Tork will refrain. :)

TTFN
John johngroz@velocity.net
----------
"Can't say. Saying would be knowing. Don't know. So, can't say." - Zathrus

From:  John Whitfield (T'Klkk)

I was sorry to see Dan go. He did a great job with Zane.

Welcome aboard, Ken! I look forward to seeing how you 
develop our mighty doc! Since you've been lurking for a 
while, you already know what a wonderful group of players 
we have. Glad to have you amongst us!

-JWW

From:  Layne Saltern (GM)

>John Groszkiewicz said:
<<
Hi Layne,

As I was reading back though the last couple story sections I noticed a
couple of things I wanted to check back into.

>From the Early November section:

Urugg took some soil samples from the area where Syzygy was attacked. Has
he found anything out from these?
>>

Nothing noteworthy yet.

John Groszkiewicz said:
<<
Syzygy's chronocom found its way to Lost Point. Does it have and 'open
channel'? I was wondering if we could use it as a listening device.
>>

Good point. If you remember, Syzygy opened a channel during his exploration
of the monorail terminal so that Zane could listen for trouble. I don't
know if it was ever turned off. (Well, actually I know, but I just can't
tell you :)

John Groszkiewicz said:
<<
In the December section Urugg uses the bootprints of Syzygy's attackers to
determine the attacker's mass ( from "105 to 135 kg" ).
Does this number take Metrosphere's low (0.8)
gravity into account or are these guys even heavier? :(
>>

Remember that mass is a measure of matter, fully independent of gravity.
(In contrast, weight, which is measured in pounds or Newtons, varies
proportionally with the force of gravity to which a body is subjected.)
This means that 105 to 135 kg means the same thing in Metrosphere's 0.8 gees
as it would in outer space or Gran Quivera's 1 gee.

The depth of footprints would not be as deep on Metrosphere as on Gran
Quivera, given the same mass--but Urugg is a smart scientist and took this
into account.

From:  Albin Johnson (Syzygy)

> Also, is there a way to rig up a spray hypo such that Taanik can seem
> to
> inject Ixiol (for show, while undercover) without actually injecting
> it?
> "I mean, Rah Rah Go Team but I'm not becoming an Ixiol junkie for you
> guys."
> 
> What does the team think of this? 
> 
On that note, would a dralasite even 'shoot up' or just absorb
the drug? If you wanted, you could form a small vacuole and trap the
drug inside you, move it to another spot, then 'spit' it out before it
works its way into the body. Possible? Dunno. But the shooting up
part seems inaccurate.

- your pal AL

From:  Layne Saltern (GM)

Albin said:
<<
On that note, would a dralasite even 'shoot up' or just absorb
the drug? If you wanted, you could form a small vacuole and trap the
drug inside you, move it to another spot, then 'spit' it out before it
works its way into the body. Possible? Dunno. But the shooting up
part seems inaccurate.
>>

I'm not sure if it is ever specified how Ixiol is taken. A hyposprayer is a
possibility, since it's the standard way most legal drugs are administered
in SF. Ingestion is another possibility. (In this case, a Dralasite's
flesh would surround the substance so that it could be digested.)
Inhalation is another possibility, in which case a Dralasite would simply
absorb the drug through its skin (perhaps after burning or vaporizing it).

For the sake of the game, I will rule that the drug comes in various forms
and can be taken any of these three ways. How Taanik wants to take it (if
he does) is up to Clark.

From:  Andy Campbell (Urugg)

In a message dated 98-01-28 15:01:56 EST, you write:

<< On that note, would a dralasite even 'shoot up' or just absorb
the drug? If you wanted, you could form a small vacuole and trap the
drug inside you, move it to another spot, then 'spit' it out before it
works its way into the body. Possible? Dunno. But the shooting up
part seems inaccurate.

- your pal AL
>>

Gicen the dralasite preference for "intoxicating" steam baths, a portable
inhaler-type device (heck, maybe just something like a spray bottle for
"misting" plants) would likely be a dralasite's drug delivery method of
choice. This would make dralasite Ixiol shipments really hard to intercept
("Is that a can of spraypaint, Mr. Baab, or are you smuggling again?").

Was just figuring out what XP to spend this turn and noticed something for the
computer-heads in the group - you can learn how to write / create specific
programs based on our Computer skill level. Check out page 12 of the Alpha
Dawn Expanded Rules:

"For every skill level the specialist gains, he learns how to write one
computer program. The player should pick a program from the list of programs
in the Equipment section. When a specialist writes a program, its level is
the same as his current level, no matter when he learned the program. 

 A specialist that knows how to write a particular program can buy that
program at half price for his own computer. He gains a +20% bonus when trying
to manipulate that program or detect security on it in any computer."

Choose your programs boys and girls! That 20%could come in handy. 

Note: when you reach 6th level, you can buy additional programs at 4 XP /
program, so its conceivable that a super-hacker genius like Syte would have
all or nearly all programs known, adding that +20% bonus to all his tasks.
Very scary : /

In a message dated 98-01-23 14:44:24 EST, you write:

<< I've been thinking about where to develop T'Klkk further. In a way, 
> I'm wanting to raise her Technician skill to level 2, but I'm also
> wanting 
> to pump up her Martial Arts since she has seen the need to be able to 
> restrain using unarmed combat. 
> 
I definitely think she should increase her martial arts, but
under the AD rules they are pretty limited - melee weapons skill is
better under AD since you can do wrestling moves, disarming, whatever. >>

Was just reading through all the recent posts before sending my official post
in and noticed this one. I reread the Melee section of the AD rules and it
looks like Melee Weapons skill proper just lets you fight using melee weapons;
the wrestling & disarming moves are open to anyone in melee (skilled or
unskilled), with the additional specialty subskills in Martial Arts and
addition to these "everyman" / "streetfighting" [no, not the game] tactics.
Better Mart's would be a plus though - will have to check out those house
rules : )