[X] You had to rely on your wits to survive (Cognition +1, Intuition +1)
[X] Mingle among the participants and passively listen in on their conversations.
[X] You had to rely on your wits to survive (Cognition +1, Intuition +1)
[X] Mingle among the participants and passively listen in on their conversations.
[X] You had to rely on your wits to survive (Cognition +1, Intuition +1)
[X] Mingle among the participants and passively listen in on their conversations.
Something tells me that this isn't exactly on the up-and-up, even by criminal standards.
[X] You had to rely on your body to survive (Reflexes +1, Body +1)
[X] Retreat to the cover provided by the crates and shadows near the walls.
I'd say listen to instinct. This is a very large collection of people who won't be especially missed. Now, killing them, that would be a problem. But there's all sorts of unfortunate things that can happen to people in this setting that don't involve a clean death...
You're tempted, for a moment, to follow stay and mingle with the crowd. After all, with nearly a hundred men in one spot, many of whom clearly don't know each other, what's one more fellow in a coat? Being up close and personal with whatever is about to go down could let you hear and see more, too. Still, you eventually decide to take cover in the shadowy shipping container-laden areas surrounding the lit center of the warehouse. There are too many risks associated with staying in the center with everyone else. Spirana's not in the crowd, but he's sure to return, and it's best he doesn't see your face. Being in the crowd also carries other risks. You're strapped, and though you think it's likely at least a few of the criminal-looking men are also carrying guns, you'd rather not take any risks.
You eye various routes between your current location and cover. You'll need to be clever about this. After all, slipping out of a crowd and into the shadows is one part movement, one part charisma. A good private eye needs to be able to disappear into a behind a corner, but also into a mob. Anyone can look inconspicuous, of course, but doing so while keeping an eye on someone, or changing your position, is something that can only be done by someone who's good at it. And you? You're good enough at it, that's for sure. Years in the business have done both right and wrong by you, but this is something in your wheelhouse.
With clear eyes and careful movements, you begin making your way outwards from the crowd, towards the boxes, shadows and darkness that circle the warehouse floor.
You easily slide through the crowd, not giving away anything. To the man in the flannel jacket with the hooded eyes, you're just another dockworker pushing through to a different spot in the group. To the fellow in the patchwork coat with the scarred face, you're just a fellow man of the streets trying to make himself comfortable. In moments, you're past the edge of the crowd and striding purposefully (but not assertively) away from the light. Soon after, you're crouched amongst the boxes outside the range of the floodlights surrounding the stage. You take a moment to look around and judge how things went.
You breathe a sigh of relief. Looks like you got away clean. Not bad, all things considered.
This infiltration is now a stake-out of sorts. You know Spirana's slimy ass is in here somewhere, and whatever's going on here can't be good. A secret meeting on the edge of the night, populated by lowlife criminals and disgruntled laborers. A hidden stage in a dark warehouse, passcodes to enter, and the general feel of this gathering has you on edge. There's nothing here you've seen yet that you'd be able to nail Spirana with yet, but you're a patient man. You do your best to make yourself comfortable and settle in for a wait.
Things remain relatively quiet. Over the course of the next half hour, more and more men trickle in from other entrances to the warehouse. The crowd continues to mill about and chat with a sense of nervous energy. You take some time to contemplate what got you to this position. Long ago, Spirana earned your enmity. In his arrogance and his ruthlessness, he crossed you, and he did you wrong. You'll never forget…
[ ] that he caused the death of your
-[ ] sibling
-[ ] spouse
-[ ] child
-[ ] parent
-[ ] friend
[ ] the destruction his policies wreaked on your neighborhood.
[ ] the day he got you fired for speaking the truth.
[ ] the day he betrayed you for his own profit.
[ ] the responsibilities he abdicated when he left you behind.
[ ] other (write in)
By the time Spirana shows himself again, you estimate there are over two hundred people in attendance. At first, you almost don't recognize him. His coat is drawn up around his body and he's wearing a plain-featured mask. If you didn't see him earlier today, you wouldn't have known it was him--which is probably the point, now that you think about it. He's practically hidden behind the man in front of him, a tall broad-shouldered fellow with long blond hair drawn back into a ponytail and a thick beard. You don't know who he is, but when he steps up to the stage with Spirana at his shoulder, you can tell he intends to address the crowd. Judging by the body language of the two men on the illuminated stage, the bearded man looks to be confident and boisterous, whereas Spirana looks more cautious. Your mind is working. What exactly is going on here?
Hard to say, just from what you know now. You need more information.
Whatever's happening, you know you'll need to draw closer to actually listen to the speech. The shadows become thinner as you get closer to the stage, and so you'll need to put some serious effort into hiding if you want to be in earshot. Of course, there's also the option of rejoining the crowd. As recently as a few minutes ago a few men arrived, and it wouldn't be that surprising for people to arrive during the speech. You'll get a better view of things, but you might get made, especially if you draw attention by accident. Part of you is considering staying hidden here, as well. The actual content of the speech is important, but reducing chance of detection might be the way to go. This is probably not Spirana's first time meeting here. Now that you know the meeting location, you may want to focus on staying hidden or leave entirely, and gather more information later.
Things are about to kick off, so you have to make a decision now. What will you do?
[ ] Rejoin the crowd and risk being noticed, but observe things more easily.
[ ] Listen from the edge of the shadows while trying to remain hidden.
[ ] Stay in the deep shadows and wait to see what happens next.
[ ] Leave the warehouse now while the crowd is distracted.
[ ] Other (write in)
--
Voting is open for about 48 hours and will close at the end of Monday, December 12th
[Skills]
Firearms (Lesser): You are trained and comfortable with the use of firearms. You are familiar with any guns you own and can maintain, load, and fire them without penalties. Investigation (Lesser): You've spent enough time in the business that you know how to get to the bottom of a situation. You may make Investigation checks without penalties.
[Equipment]
Wallet: Contains your ID, a little over a hundred bucks, and a couple business cards. Wristwatch: Your father's watch. Now, it's yours. Notepad: You wouldn't want to forget anything. Pocketknife: A multitool with a 1" knife, scissors, a bottle and can opener, a screwdriver, a punch/awl, and a corkscrew. Handlamp: A normal handlamp, the kind everyone carries around. Don't expect it to work for more than a couple hours after sunset. Revolver: In your shoulder holster is a double-action revolver chambered for .357 Magnum. You keep it loaded, and have bullets to spare. It may be your only friend in the world tonight. Industrial Handlamp: Unlike a typical portable handlamp, this baby is guaranteed to work at any time, driving back the Miasma even after midnight--for a while, at least.
[Notes]
A/N: Sorry for the delay on this update, friends. I had a death in the family, and was tied up for some time. Afterwards, it took me a while to find my muse again. Though I won't say things are better, writing itself can be a way to deal with things. I expect you'll see more chapters and updates from me again at levels that we had before. Thanks for reading!
This now exists on SB as well as SV. Feel free to vote in either thread, but please do not vote in both. Votes on either site are counted.