Sorry about being slow to post, but I should be able to get something in soon.  

*Ok, guys, I wanted to post something more detailed about how to get on the fire escape but realized once I had already begun typing that I need to go back and reread the part where the alley is described.   We need to move quickly.  And we will now know about the potential riot if anyone has ideas about how to use that.  I'll try to add to Fixer's post soon.

Ok, so I don't really have much of an idea of what to suggest for going in.  This isn't just beyond Fixer's paygrade, but beyond mine.  

DM Question - so, if Fixer is walking along looking for security, is it enbough to say that he is doing that (What I did) or do I need to specifically state that he is using his "electronic security" skill?  Did my results change because I didn't name the exact skill?  

To the group:  Those of us not at the parking garage don't necessarily know about the pseudo riot starting there, but it seems like we'd learn of it quickly.  Do those at the garage have a walkie talkie?  We did make those earlier.  Is the riot something we can channel and take advantage of?  What are the odds that those "people upstairs" are in the building we want to get in?  Would encouraging the riot be a distraction or call more security to the area and cause more problems?  

Beyond that I don't know what to say behond "Fixer walks in a door and looks for security - and then tries to disarm whatever he finds."  That seems a bit too basic.  

Fixer wandered the street looking for signs of security.  Unfortunately, the only thing he was able to see was Casino keeping an eye on him.  Was he there to protect the techie or to keep an eye on an unreliable?  Geez, who the heck had he gotten himself in with?  Weren't they capable of listening to an entire sentence?  He hadn't said he wouldn't do the job, he'd just said that for the trade he wasn't going to steal a car to pay off a car they were renting to avoid stealing a car.  On the edge, he wanted to control his own business, that was all.  And committing extra crimes just for the heck of it was just plain dumb.  And one thing Fixer didn't think he was, was dumb.  But somehow avoiding creating extra troubles for themselves might have made him a weak link.  Seriously?  Well, it seemed he might need to be cautious about those around him.  If they were dumb enough to question his loyalty, well, dumb wasn't something he was loyal to.  

But he was loyal to the job and he wanted to save the kid.  So he turned around and headed back to the group.  Once there he gave his report, not that there was much of it, and listened as the others gave theirs.  Not much there either.  

"Ok, so we go in.  As expected.  What about that fire escape?  Was it covered by the camera inside the door, if that's what it was?"  He thought for a few moments.  "We just don't know much right now.  Once we go in a door we don't know what we will find.  What we could use is a diversion of some sort.  It might allow us to get a better look at what is inside or distract people while we get all the way in."

Kheric listened to the men talk with interest.   They might not be happy about his role in things, but they didn’t like the candy in their town.  While they wouldn’t be a great source of information, they might have some, so he decided to poke his nose into their business. 

“Hey fellas.  I didn’t mean to listen in, but I couldn’t help hearing a bit of what you said.  I’m new in the area and this is probably the fifth or sixth time I’ve heard or seen the word ‘candy’ used around here.  What is this stuff?  Is it really crashing all your co-workers?  I’ve seen those notices you mentioned.  Hard to miss ‘em.” 

He didn’t really know what he was looking for, but that was what fishing was all about, you just took advantage of whatever bit the hook.  And sometimes you got nothing.     

I am in the process of starting a game on this site for a group of people I play Magic the Gathering with tabletop style.  I got the D&D main thread and Q&A threads up awhile ago and everything seemed in order, but when I came back today to start adding info a strange thing had happened.  

main thread under D&D:  LBW Blacktooth Ridge

Q&A thread:  LBW Blacktooth Ridge Q&A

When I set them up the main thread was designated as the parent thread.  But now when I look at the Q&A thread  it lists "Beneath Shadowed Skies . . " as the parent thread.  My D&D thread has no associated thread.  Can this be fixed?  How?  I could copy things over to a new one I guess, but I'd rather not since I've done some work there already.

Thoughts?  

I know they were appropriately linked to begin with.  

*A different question - some of the posts automatically have a larger spacing between lines then I want.  I don't remember if this is because the site did it that way or because I copied in something formatted that way.  But when I look at all the editing features I see lots of stuff, but nothing about adjusting spacing.  

Anything??

Finally the group started to move out.  Fixer wasn't a big fan of sitting around.  And he certainly wasn't a big fan of sitting around arguing.  So he was eager to move and led the way back out into the city.  

And being in front he was well placed fro Vegas to get him to hale a cab.  He shook his head a bit, he had a feeling Vegas usually asked others to do the little stuff whenever he could.  But Fixer was further forward, so what the heck.  He hailed a ride.  Ego wars were for others.   

At this point the Medic added to the conversation.  “Hey,” Bloodbank turns his masked face away from watching the pair of solos and addresses the techie. “I appreciate you siding with me back there. I’ve got no problem doing what’s necessary to get the job done but if I can do so without causing harm to people who aren’t involved… well, that’s my preference.”

Fixer looked at the medic and nodded.  "I think I'm with you on that one.  Some things you have to do.  Some things you don't HAVE TO DO."  He put a bit of emphasis on the last three words to make his meaning clear.  "The job is to help the kid, not to stick it to others.  I don't want to do that."  But he did want to make sure the medic knew the score.  "But the clock is ticking and at some point what is necessary may change.  Lets do all we can to avoid impacting others, but be sure your solid if things change.  Do that and I'll continue to support you."   

At that point he found the ride and they all piled in.  

As they rode everybody buried their heads in the devices to try and gather more intel.  Fixer did the same.  He had some background in electronic security, so he tried to poke around for information on the buildings security systems - not the computer files and such - that was for others, but more the alarms, cameras and other such devices that might be on the building itself.  When they arrived the vehicle did a quick run around the building.  Fixer used the time to scan the area for any kind of security device that he could see.  Cameras, scanners, alarm systems, you name it.  What was there besides just the exterior walls of the place?  Or even what was abnormal about those?

When they arrived and finally got out of the vehicle he jumped out and said quickly, "I want to quickly scout for some security systems.  See what is out there."  He took off quickly into the darkness and looked at the two sides of the bjuilding closest to him.  (So 1/2 of the buildings periphery) He didn't stand and stare but moved along at a normal ratelooking for any action and any information.  Once he got to the end of the second side, he filpped around and moved back to his group with a shrug of his shoulders as if he had forgotten something.  

(OOC:  I'm not quite sure how big this builging is.  He doesn't want to be gone for a long time, but if it is only one city block he'd probably just do a quick circuit of the whole thing unless something prevented him from doing so.)

Can we move on without them for now?  Try to keep it moving and alive?

An update!  

Awesome!  Cracker will have something to say by Monday, I'm sure.  

Present and would love to see things continue.

I agree.  I'd love to get this thing going again.  Bory is getting antsy.  

I do enjoy these.  Well done again.  

Fixer listened as the egos in the room went back and forth. To steal or not to steal. To rent or not to rent. To work for Charlie or to walk. To act like a complete dick or to hold up your end of the deal . . .

When Vegas had finished insisting that everyone join this little parade, Fixer figured it was time to add his two cents. Sadly, two-cents was about all he had, which was part of the problem. But whatever problems that caused, they needed to fins a way to save the kid. As had been pointed out, their reputations depended on it. And after all this time he was beginning to feel like he knew the kid – and liked him. He wanted to succeed at this thing and for the first time felt like they had a real clue. The kid had disappeared and Upstairs Downstairs seemed to be involved in some way.

He looked at the others. “Ok, folks, as Vegas said, we need to act. If that means trading a bit on our skills, then so be it.” At that point he looked directly at Vegas and Charlie, “But I do want to know what we are promising. Yeah, I can fix things. Stuff. Gadgets. And sometimes “things.” But I want to be sure we know what we are promising. I’m not signing on for a long-term gig on this thing. I’m in for the trade, but only enough to cover 1/8th of two days rental of two vehicles. And cash at the end may cover it. Plus . . .” and here he looked at the medic, “my trade is clean. If I’m doing dirty work I want to control when, where and for whom I do it. In other words, if I’m jacking a ride, it isn’t to pay off renting no damn ride. Right?”

(Assuming a nod/agreement of sorts.)

“Ok, we need to get there and get moving. Also, we still have those walkie talkies from earlier. Let’s make sure those going by public transit and those arriving later with the rides can all communicate. And both vehicles need one. This is our best lead yet – we actually have reason to think this might lead to info. We need that data.” He rubbed his hands together a bit. “I’m in. Let’s move.”

"'Night Brug.  And thanks for the onion."  Kheric winced a bit at the big orc-hug.  They had made a friend, which was good.  And a big one with lots of muscle, which was doubly good when he wasn't busy hugging you.  But who knew if he would ever see Brug again.  And he wasn't even a doorman, just a big brute-of-a-Brug waylaying people at the door because he couldn't figure out that he could fetch his own onions.  He silently mouthed a little, "wow" and turned and entered the tavern.

He saw the others up near the bar, but decided he would not join them immediately.  He headed towards the other end of the bar to order an ale.  He normally liked mead, but the events of earlier this evening had left the honey-flavored beverage distasteful.  He hoped his taste for the stuff had not been ruined forever.  

Once he had his beverage he turned and looked for an open seat.  He normally preferred a spot near the fire - and near other groups.  He looked for such  a spot and went to have a seat - a loner or traveler out for a drink.  He kept his ears open and looked for an opening to join in the conversation around him.  It was something he was normally quite good at.  He'd catch an annecdote and ask about it.  If nothing else, he'd play the role of a traveler and ask about work or food in the area.  Maybe road or river travel conditions.  It didn't take much.  Those with a pint in their hands usually welcomed a charismatic stranger into their midst.  

“I don’t mind making some extra dough, choomba,” the crooner smiles his crooked smile. “But, do we have the skills to jack a ride?” He looks directly at Fixer as he says this.

Fixer looked at the crooner and shook his head a bit.  "I've done a few jobs and I can jury rig a lot of things, but I wouldn't want to promise something I can't deliver.  Hitching a ride?  Maybe.  But that isn't where I usually work."

But even as he said this, it became obvioust that it didn't really matter.  It seemed the medic wasn't up for a life of crime. Fixer was haoppier not being a thief anyway.  "Ok Bloodbank, I'm good with not being a thief.  Happier that way even.  But you gotta know that at the very least we are breaking in and stealing data.  Nobodies harmed, but one or two laws might get stretched."  He grinned at the rest.  "Lets get on site.  We want the best chance of success and now that we are all fully rested and relaxed after two hours of shut-eye, lets get a move on.  That kids chances are ticking."  

Fixer knew that at this point most of what they were doing wasn't really up to him, but that didn't mean he didn't want to get moving.  Standing around and doing nothing had never been his strong suit and now they were on a clock.  

(OOC:  I'm not sure of the exact answer to the question about Fixer's skills, but from looking at his sheet it doesn't look like there is anything there that matches stealing a car.  If I'm wrong, let me know.)

"Pale want some?"

Kheric had to admit that he really did not want some.  But he took it anyway.  "Thanks, Brug.  They smell strong and good."  he looked around for a moment and added, "Are your nights always this boring?  Absolutely nobody has even come this way in the time since you left.  Not much for a big guy like you to do around here."

Any chance the hunt for the man in white is still alive?

Kheric almost laughed out loud as the big half-orc left to fetch himself some onions.  He held it in so as to not offend the sensitve beast, but it was tempting.  Ol' Tom would have been proud.  

After Brug had left He complimented the ratman on his ploy.  "Nice job Asoel.  It seems he really wanted those onions."  As the rest of the group moved into the now open bar he thought about what had been promised.  "I'm going to wait here for the big guy.  Making a friend of this dives star bouncer might not be a bad idea, plus I can keep an eye on whoever is coming and going.  I doubt it will take the Brug long to find his onions, so I'll be in soon."  

He then leaned up against the wall of the bar and crossed his arms across his chest.  It was time to play doorman for a bit.  He didn't plan on actually stopping anyone from entering, but if anyone approached it should give him a chance to open some dialogue.  

As Cracker walked back to his bunk to pack he realized that he had no idea what he actually posessed to pack.  Is there anything I need to worry about?  Can I assume certain weapons?  

Cracker's laugh at Crowe's crude gesture interupted his whistling.  "Frillies and a couple of fingers, it seems the quartermaster may not be the little choir boy we all assumed he was.  What your momma would say if she could see you now . . ."  

And with that he resumed whsitling and zipped out of the room - he really didn't need to hear what Crowe's momma would say in reply to that!  Smiling and pondering the future he whistled his way to his bunk and put together the few things he had and would need for the trip.  As he'd indicated earlier, it wasn't much.  Then he headed to Crowe's roost.  As he approached he saw that the door was ajar and he could hear the sound of a wet stone and blade coming from inside.  

He tapped at the entrance and stepped in.  "It is a dangerous man that mush sharpen his frillies."  He grinned and nodded at the blade.  "What do you put the odds that we will need that sort of a thing?"

What bar owner let a bouncer demand his own personal payment before letting people in the front door?  Either Brug was an all-star bouncer or he was an idiot.  Looking at him, Kheric thought both might well be true.  He shook his head.  He didn't want to dig for onions.  There were sure to be other bars in this little town.  

But he did like Iaka's play . . .  He watched to see if the big guy would bite.  He'd known a kid back home who conned another kid into painting his fence for him.  Sometimes people really were that gullible.  If it had worked for Tom, maybe it would work for the ratman.  

Do we have a plan?  

I'm thinking we need to get to the cleaning company to access those files - that helps with both the vehicles and the personel.  Others might look into other leads, but am I right in thinking that is where at least some of us are headed.  I'm not sure that fixer has a big role in that, but he'd certainly tag along and see what can be learned.

I just want to make sure that our don't all just end with "what is the plan?" but rather something the GM can move on.

Decicio - are you thinking you stopped Kheric before he spoke?  I'm ok with that if that is the intent, I'll just modify his post a bit.  His intent in speaking was only partially to say "don't bother," but more to give him a chance to say "candy" and see if it got the guys attention.  Just let me know if I should modify what I posted.

Kheric was relieved that the guards took the young half-elf off of their hands.  They had other things to do and he didn't really want to be seen wandering aroudn town helping addicts.  Plus, they needed everyone in the squad focused on the issue at hand.  The tip about the River Rat was also useful.  At first he thought it was a reference to another ratman - or a reference to thier own.  But no, it was a tavern.

A tavern with a large and hungry half-orc doorman.  He wanted them to fetch river onions?!!  What sort of doorman asked for that?  He had no intention of becoming some fool's gopher . . . unless it would help the group.  

He took a half-step to the side - he wanted to be sure the orc could see him, but not make it seem as if he was putting himself forward.  "Come on guys.  Who ever heard of fetchin' onions?  I didn't come here to fetch nobody an onion.  I bet there are several other spots around here where we can score us some candy."  He took a step backwards and started to move away.  "Let that big guy's boss wonder why folks with cash are being sent away."  He grinned a bit showing his teeth.  "Lets see what else this night has to offer . . ."   

Plans guys?  Do we go fetch some onions?  Or just ignore it?  

Kheric is going to vocalize "no" and reference candy . . .