Perhaps our team leader and driver should suggest that the sarcastic jackobot check out the blades on the perfected vehicle?  I'm sure our guide getting whacked by blades would create no shrapnel or other problems.  

Gotta stop giving the GM ideas . . . . 

Professionals??  You mean we are supposed to be getting PAID to do this?!  Even better!  The computer is SOOOO generous!

Eol - "we are all so dead???"  

Why would you say such a thing?  We have our friend the computer looking after us!   Plus a jackobot that provides useful guidance!  And even our very own whirling bladed hover craft that talks!  It is like having our very own flying KITT!  We are the Knight Riders!  What could possibly go wrong?

And even if it did, you have a few more clones laying around, right?  So relax and enjoy the ride!

The annoying jackboot led the team to a garage door.  The first to try the door was Steam.  When he got zapped to the ground Blowz was hardly surprised.  He wasn’t sure if he should laugh or be annoyed.  The stupid bot hadn’t bothered to tell them the critical information.  Surely the computer had better sevants than this!  But seeing Steam zapped to the floor was funny.  Still, one should laugh at a fellow agent of the computer, so he stifled a smirk and stepped forward to do the job properly.

And got zapped to the floor himself for his troubles.  Zapping, it seemed, was one of those things that was far more humorous when it happened to someone else.  Sorta like walking into a glass door and spilling a big bowl of soylent green all over yourself.  Not that he’d done that of course, but he had seen other people do it.  He was not amused.  He was glad he had not laughed at Steam. 

After the stupid jackboot opened the door itself Blowz picked himself up from the floor and followed into everyone into the garage.  Once inside he beheld the all new friendliness hoverbot.  He liked the sound of friendly, but then the jackboot had seemed half friendly until it neglected to mention some rather crucial information.  Stupid bot.  He looked skeptically at the friendliness hoverbot.  “Anyzing ve neez zu kno vor getzing in ze bot?  Any codz or oder keyz ve needz zu avoid zapping?”  His question was intended for either bot. 

The group had a leader.  Perhaps he would fly the friendly skies.  For now, Blowz was ready to follow someone else through the opened door.  But it might work out well.  After all, the computer had chosen this transportation for them.   Perhaps it was time for a magic carpet ride.

(I am assuming that the door won't open without unlocking it. If that isn't obvious, Fixer will attempt to open it.  Otherwise, below . . . )

Fixer stepped up to the card reader on the first door and set to work.   If all went well he'd be able to pop it open in a minute.  But all did not go well this time.  It seems he had burned all of his luck gettng through the window.  The door didn't budge.  He grunted in annoyance and turned to the others.  He spoke softly.  "I can't get it to open.  We can always just bust in since Blossom's rig will prevent any alarms, but that will hardly keep things quiet.  Plus we don't even know where we want to go yet.  This might not even be the right room.  Lets move down and try another door.  Keep moving.  Quickly.  We can come back if we have to.  Look for clues that we are in the right place."  

With that he followed his own device.  He moved down the hall.  When the other who had looked down the side hall gave the "all-clear" (an assumption) he crossed that hall to get to the next door.  The plan was the same as last time.  Stay quiet.  Try to stay concealed as much as possible.  Try to see what was inside.   If it looked promising, try his luck on another lock.  Move quietly, but quickly.  

Fixer will try the door (and likely fail).  In the meantime it looks like there is a corner just past the door - someone needs to peek around the corner and see what they can see.  

Am I right in thinking that it might be easier to unock the door then to force it?  Or that it won't just open?  

Based on how I read the responses to my questions it seems to me that we should be moving with all due speed.  We still want to be quiet and not make more of a mess then is absolutely necessary since we don't know about on site personell, but in general we can move quickly and not worry about alarms.  In the case of this first door, it seems likely that overriding the lock will be the fastest option rather then trying to break it down.  (And quieter)   So I will roll and post for that - probably tomorrow - Thursday.  

But past that we need to prepare for encountering someone and we need to think about how to best move quickly.  Alarms are not a big concern right now.  Silence, speed and the ability to open doors are.  Move out!

As a note - I never saw the recruitment thread.  As Bromern's comment above said might happen, it must have gotten swept off the last updated list before I saw it.  But the personal invite did the trick.  I enjoyed the series as far as I got before the books weren't publsihed yet, so I'm in.  

Questions for the whole group, but also specifically for Blossom . . .

We are now faced with internal security - in this case the card swipe security on the door.  Fixer is in front of it and easily in a position to use his skills to deal with it.  But is it necessary?  Right now we have a control on the security information within this section and are preventing any of this information from getting outside the building.  If we just open the door and set off the alarm will Blossom's information roadblock stop that alarm from going anywhere?  If so, is there a reason not to just move on quickly and not worry about what alarms we trigger?

*Might the alarm get sent to someone inside the building?

*If it does go to someone inside the building is there a reason why our previous handiwork wouldn't already have been internally received?

*Is it possible to open the door without swiping a card?  Will it just be easier to open it by coding it?

*How long will Blossom's handiwork last?  Will it continue until some (presumably int he morning) sees the physical damage and reports it?  Is it possible (likely?) that the deception could be noticed?  Will its strength weaken over time?  

*Does Blossom think that all of the security would go down that same line out to the building?  Or is each system separate?  Could she tell from the infromation flows on her original work?  

(The following are more for the group then just Blossom)

*Are we worried about internal damage being more likely to be seen by security?  There is already a big hole in an external window.  But might security see something further in the building more quickly?  Obviously we don't want to make things more obvious then needed, but speed is also critical.

*What is the liklihood of onsite security - specifically guards?  Each character needs to figure out their best method of dealing with security.  Do you have a way to do something quietly and preferabbly non-lethal.

A month later and the plaguye of candy is getting worse.  Any word on the new recruits to try and solve this little crisis?

Blowz grumbled a bit as the group headed back towards the blast doors.  The computer had been very unclear, even discounting its tinny and repetitive accent, about where they would meet this robot.  But he went with the group.  The computer must be served.  

When they got back to the entrance to this sector they were met by the expected jackobot - a rather older version that seemed sarcastic about their abilities.  He was tempted to say something, but given their recent performance, he couldn't even come up with a good response.  There was little evidence of superiority.  

But they were to be led again, but this time not by one of the clones.  The computer would have a more active role and he would follow as a good and loyal subject would. "Da yob.  Lead uz zo ve kan zo dah yob."

To be clear - you are looking for someone who might be willing to DM a 4th edition campaign that would make use of this character, correct?  

I don't have much experience with that edition so I'm out, although I'd be willing to particpate as a player.

Welcome to the site!  If you like rpg, this is a great place to be.  

Not surprisingly the groups presence was noted by others in the tavern.  They didn’t seem hostile, just curious.  It was obvious that you were outsiders and equally obvious that you were adventurers of some sort.  There was some whispering.  None of the group members reacted strongly to the attention and the group was quickly approached by a barmaid.  The first to respond to her greeting was the groups gnome.

HELLO! My name is Loradove, but you can call me Lora if you like, or Dove if you prefer, or if you don't like those names some people call me Timber or Sprout, you known because I'm so tall, well tall for a gnome anyway, and my brothers call me Chipmunk or Squeaker but I don't know why except maybe because I like furry little critters or maybe because of my voice, but anyway it's nice to meet you! These are my friends! What's your name? This is a nice place, are you the owner? There sure are a lot of humans in this town! Could I get a half pint of cider?! Do you have a menu? Is there somewhere we can sit down? Do you guys want anything?!"

Galydan surveys the room as they enter the tavern wondering if any elves live in town or come through often. "Hello miss I think we were hoping to get a table and rooms for the evening, and I would take a tall glass of milk if you can spare it."

Others in the group quickly followed with orders and questions of their own although even combined they did not match the little Squeaker in volume.  The woman smiled warmly at all of you.  “Welcome Lora.”  She included the rest in this greeting as well.  “I can certainly take care of your needs.  “Let’s see, that was a glass of milk – and yes, we can certainly spare some fresh milk – and a glass of water.  I am sorry, but ice may be tough to come by.  But the water should be chilled fairly well anyway.”  She then pointed towards a table not far from the fire.  “Any open table is yours if you want it, perhaps that one?  And if you would like some dinner I’ll be over in a minute to help you with that.  We have a stew and a breaded beef roll this evening.  We can make numerous other meals if you have a request, it will just take a bit of time and cost a bit more.”  She then turned towards the tortle. “Ortolf is my father and the owner of this establishment.  He is the large man sitting at the table in the center of the room working on some paperwork.  He is generally very friendly with all comers.”

            She finished with a quick, “I’ll fetch the beverages and be right back.”  Although it seemed unlikely that she was used to customers of your various races she gave no indication of it and was quick at her job.  Your group had barely moved to the table when she reappeared with both water and milk.  “All right everyone, once you make yourself comfortable perhaps I can help you with the rest of your needs.  As I said earlier, we have some stew and a wonderful beef roll for dinner.  And one of you mentioned rooms.  We can do single rooms or doubles.  It is up to you.  The big guy,” and here she nodded at the dragonborn paladin, “will probably want room 6 – it has the largest bed.  It is a single.”

(Assuming Ghiberti approaches Ortolf as implied by his previous post)

            Ortolf was a big man – a little over 6’ tall and with a girth that suggested he had spent his life in a profession that offered plenty of food.  But his eyes danced and he had the pleasant face and ready smile that seemed to be a requirement for the innkeeper’s profession.  When the tortle approached his table he put down the paper he was studying and looked up.  His eyes widened just a bit at the sight of the massive turtle in front of him.  He grinned.  “Now this is a surprise.  I heard of Tortles from a travelling merchant a few years ago, but have never met one.  Tortle, that is the right word, isn’t it?”  Receiving what he believed to be a positive reaction he continued.  “Can I interest you in a Kaiseren Bock?  The locals call it sludge, but it is really just a very good and dark brew.  And then, what can I do for you?”     

            Meanwhile the halfling Piq moved a bit around the tavern in the general direction of the other halflings listening for words of interest and objects of curiosity.  Nothing was clearly being ignored at the moment which was disappointing, and not made up for by the snippets of conversation he heard which included words such as ‘twins, goblins, potatoes, squash and rain.’  A normal small-town tavern it seemed, except perhaps for the word goblin.  And maybe squash.  That word could have multiple meanings depending on the context.  A farm provided a boring, if safe, context.  When he reached the halfling table he found that he was welcomed by the locals who were eager for news of the outside world. 

Blowz stumbled through the dark with the rest of the group.  Team leader Ammpe was apparently doing his best to lead the team through the dark.  The little red lights that occasionally cast their feeble light did little to help Blowz see.  In truth, he couldn’t see much beyond the steam rising from the angry Steam in front of him.  No doubt he was marching along contemplating how he should be equal with the group leader.   Soldiers never liked taking orders. They did it, but they didn’t like it.  He straightened his hat and gave Steam a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.  He didn’t need to worry as long as Blowz was behind him. 

And then they came to the ladder and tunnel.  And the water.  It looked black, but then everything right now looked black.  Even his hat.  His hat which he carefully kept high and dry above the slimy filth.  He kept his hand on Steam’s shoulder and congaed down the tunnel signing softly.  “Old black water, keep on rolling, Volga moon won’t you keep on shining on me.”  The others around him somehow didn’t know the tune.  It was an old favorite.  Everyone knew it. 

Behind him Brightie stumbled in the muck and almost fell.  Luckily, he didn’t, but to catch himself he had to grab the wall – losing his hold on Blowz’ shoulder in the process.  Even in the dark Blowz grinned at the thought of someone slipping in this crap, and helped his stumbling team mate find his hand in the dark by again giving voice to his song, “Pretty mama, come and take me by the hand.  Take me by the hand, pretty mama, Come and dance with your daddy all night long.”  As he finished the chorus he gave action to the words and congaed off down the tunnel.

He hadn’t been able to see Brightie’s face in the dark, but the sucked in breath surely meant that he appreciated the song.  Who wouldn’t enjoy that song??  He almost stumbled himself when he realized that as he sang he had forgotten his awesome accent!  Nyet!  

Eventually the conga line drew to a halt as a speaker emerged from the muck and screamed at them in an echoing voice.  They had a mission.  And a bot was to meet them to show them the way.  Steam, as always, offered the lead to the leader.  "Looks like we have our assignment. Lead the way, Team Leader."

Blowz shook his head in the dark.  “Nyet.  Z Komputa zayz ve r meat by za jackobat.  Ve vait here?  Da?” 

Works for Blowz2

Isn't that the idea?????   But really I have no idea what you mean.  It was just one innocent little comment.  What was creepy about it?  Unless you have something against really high-quality Russian accents.  

The last two players to get things posted both indicated that things should finally allow them to do so shortly.  Then we can move on.  I'll have an update ready soon.

It took me a bit longer then I had hoped to get caught up on the reading and figure out where you clones had gone.  However, thanks to the wonderful efficiency of the computer and a solid meal of soylent green and vodka, Blowz2 is now up and running.  Well, not so much running as it is dark.  But up and whispering.  And hopefully soon doing the conga.  

Don't worry folks, Blowz is on the job!  What could possibly go wrong?  

Blowz picked himself up from the floor after the explosion.  He wanted to look around, but in the darkness all he could really do was to adjust his wonderful red hat.  He had been worried as he was knocked flat that it might be damaged, but luckily his skull inside of it had helped it keep its shape when it slammed into the side of the tunnel.  That was one tough hat!  He shook his head a bit to clear the cobwebs.  

Cobwebs!  Dirt, that would be treason!  But no, they were gone quickly as his head cleared.  He watched, well listened really, as the others dealt with the near-dead-now-dead clone.  Another delay.  Then he heard Steam offer back the lead position.  But he had previously taken the lead.  This was odd behavior.  Was he a qualified leader or wasn't he?  Did he think he should be the leader and want to take the leadership position from their computer-appointed leader?  

Blowz2 moved up behind Steam in the darkness and whispered so that nobody else could hear.  "You vant zu be Leaderz, eh?  All uv uz kan be zu leader in the dark.  Evervon in ze party is equal.  No leaderz.  Put Steam in front he says."  He hummed a few bars of the classic Kazachok so quietly even Steam might not have heard.  "Da.  I knowz du.  I knowz."  He stepped back and stayed behind Steam in the dark.  

Fixer's post is up.  Short and simple.

I did do an abservation roll on r20.  He would also be constantly on the look out for security - does he need an electronic security roll for that as well?

What about a physicals roll for getting in?

Finally, I'm not quite sure what I'm seeing on the map on r20.  I'm assuming the circles are lights.  And the doors are doors.  What are the things on the wall to the left - maybe I need to go back and reread the post.  And the rounded thing by the door up on the left.  Is that at door at the far end?  Are the doors open and the boxes on the side are closed doors?  Or windows or posters of some sort?  

Fixer looked at Blossom and congratuled her.  "Nice work.  I'm glad your on the team.  If there is a time limit here or some other risk, let us know."  He looked up at the big Crooner and added, "and like the singer here said, keep your eye out for on-site security.  Lets go in and move quickly but quietly.Remember we still have another team on our heels and a kid who could be about to die somewhere."

Fixer carefully moved into the hallway beyond the broken window and security stuff.  He was careful to enter as far from the detectors as he could.  He'd let the muscle go first since that was their job, but he was still very vigilant about other potential security issues.  He moved in along the right hand wall using the jog in the hallway to give him some concealment and approached the first door.  Time to listen careully and see what could be heard, although that phrase sounded really odd.  

As the second pane of glass was removed and the motion sensor stayed in place Fixer felt some professional pride.  Yes, as a matter of fact, he did know something about this business.  They were in!  

But that same professionalism led him to hold up his hand to stop everyone from rushing through the new formed opening.  He knew the alarms he could see with the window in place, but it was always important to exercise caution and look for the second and third level of secutiry.  Soemtimes there was more . . . and crap!  Yes, there was another motion sensor in the hall.  A window sensor, a noise detector and now a motion sensor.  This place was more serious about security then he would have expected.  But there should be a code box somewhere . . . . but he couldn't see it.  He studied the area as well as he could.  

Eventually he decided it wasn't visable and began to consider options.  He didn't have any great ones.  So he looked back at the rest of the group and considered options again.  Coming to a conclusion he stood up carefully.  He held his finger to his lips to indicate silence and pointed at the noise alarm that was no longer on the other side of solid glass. They needed to be quiet.  He pointed at blossom and indicated that he wanted her to move with him well out of the range of the alarm systems noise detection.  When they had reached a spot of presumed safety he whispered quietly to her.  "In addition to the motion detector on the window and the noise detection on the opposite wall there is a motion detector further down the hall. Somewhere there has to be a code box to put in a security code to disarm the system.  If I could reach the box I could probably get the code.  But I can't see a box.  Whcih means it will be extrememly hard to NOT trip that damn alarm."  He looked at the woman who had spent her time surfing the buildings communications system.  "But we do now have access to the electronics of the alarm system.  If we open up those wires and get you in, is there a chance that you can prevent the alarm from being sent out of the building?   To be clear, I'm pretty sure we will trip the motion detector.  We need to stop that alarm from getting beyond this floor?"

Fixer looked at her as she thought about it.  "What do you need me to do?  I'll help as I can."

The Blossom splicing in plan seems liek the best thing I have heard so far.  I'm going to post in a minute for that.  Feel free to disagree folks.

Bromern - Am I right that Blossom would be splicing in to intercept the alarm signal so that even if we trip it the message doesn't get sentoutside the building.  Is that correct?  Also, do you need me to make a roll for elecgtronic security to assist?  Post going up.