Brotherhood of the Machine (OOC Thread) {03}

[Tapewolf]

Okay, so now the characters have some time to interact.  If everyone wants, we can just do another transition here.

I'm easy with doing a transition. 

[Lisky]

I'm good to go, unless of course someone has questions of something for Darkshine... but yea... unless someone interacts with me... i'm good to go...

[Arcalane]

Fine by me, unless someone wants to hunt down the unstoppable warmachine and question him for whatever reason. Probably off preparing the vehicles.

[techmaster-glitch]

Jexx is off getting some burn treatment and maybe a few shots , soooo...I guess he's fine for now.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

Fet's ready to go the second he gets his gear.

[Azlan]

Morgan is done, I'm inclined to go with the majority.

@ Tape: Why do you assume it's a bribe?  Must you always assume a questionable air to my motives?  The quartermaster doesn't make gear appear from magical land or something.  The only consistent way things are acquired is with a little money, that's the way it works in capitalistic economies.  I should demand satisfaction for such a slight against his august personage.

[Tapewolf]

@ Tape: Why do you assume it's a bribe?  Must you always assume a questionable air to my motives?

It's not just you.  If I saw anyone offer a bribe I'd question their motives.  To be fair, I was rather surprised.   I do wonder if you may be taking this a little too seriously, though.

The quartermaster doesn't make gear appear from magical land or something.  The only consistent way things are acquired is with a little money, that's the way it works in capitalistic economies.

I'm not sure I follow.  Since time of the essence, the team will be setting out very shortly - long before the quartermaster can realistically have completed the procurement process.  To the outside observer (me) it looks very much like he's offering a bribe to bypass the usual procedures which is questionable, though it must be pointed out that Dorcan hasn't actually tried to interfere.

Now, maybe Morgan is ordering something for his own personal use further down the line in which case Dorcan (and myself) has very much got the wrong end of the stick.  If you want to take issue with him over this further down the line, be my guest.
However, if he was ordering it I'd have expected him to have said so more directly - offering half a million to "help the search" just sounds... dodgy.

As for capitalism, that depends very much on the politics.  So far, none of the characters seem to have paid for their weaponry or ammunition which suggests to me that it's more of a centrally-planned model.  If the rebels were a country I'd imagine they'd be on a war economy by now.  To a lesser degree that can hold within an organisation - generally if I have to pay for system hardware out of my own pocket it means something has gone very badly wrong organisationally.  Maybe it's just me, but I'd have expected Morgan to raise a purchase order through his immediate superior rather than straight through the QM.

Gives me an idea, though - I'm now imagining Dorcan passing the journey by asking the troopers how the rebellion is funded and driving them to distraction.

I should demand satisfaction for such a slight against his august personage.

Like I say, if you want to take this up with Dorcan in-character I can do that, no problem.

[Azlan]

I'm not sure I follow.  Since time of the essence, the team will be setting out very shortly - long before the quartermaster can realistically have completed the procurement process.  To the outside observer (me) it looks very much like he's offering a bribe to bypass the usual procedures which is questionable, though it must be pointed out that Dorcan hasn't actually tried to interfere.

Now, maybe Morgan is ordering something for his own personal use further down the line in which case Dorcan (and myself) has very much got the wrong end of the stick.  If you want to take issue with him over this further down the line, be my guest.
However, if he was ordering it I'd have expected him to have said so more directly - offering half a million to "help the search" just sounds... dodgy.

As for capitalism, that depends very much on the politics.  So far, none of the characters seem to have paid for their weaponry or ammunition which suggests to me that it's more of a centrally-planned model.  If the rebels were a country I'd imagine they'd be on a war economy by now.  To a lesser degree that can hold within an organisation - generally if I have to pay for system hardware out of my own pocket it means something has gone very badly wrong organisationally.  Maybe it's just me, but I'd have expected Morgan to raise a purchase order through his immediate superior rather than straight through the QM.

Gives me an idea, though - I'm now imagining Dorcan passing the journey by asking the troopers how the rebellion is funded and driving them to distraction.

Well, they aren't called a Rebellion because they are a nationally supported, official military organisation funded by government budget... which could be better or worse than privately funded.  It has been stated that the Rebellion isn't approved by the government, it started as a grassroots organisation, and only militarized as a response to the Brotherhood's control.  Where it is funded, who provides such funds, and questions like that are not known.  However, as it is a non-governmental and unrecognized military force, supply and logistics support personnel can't just walk into the arms providers of the world and make a large purchase order and have it delivered to the base.  So that means back-channels, and less official sources (sympathetic officials and suppliers) which therefore includes an element of risk.  Risk increases price... and etc., etc.

Our little band of people are still independent contractors, we haven't been enlisted/commissioned by the Brotherhood.  If you haven't noticed, we are paid on the successful completion of the mission... we are not on the salaried payroll (Exo is the only official Rebellion member).  I imagine we would not be payed if we botched the mission.  We haven't been issued rank or position, and we can come and go as we please.  Anyone on this forum who has been in the military of any country should know how oppressive and stifling playing a strictly military game would be.  Additionally, our "superiors" always direct us to the QM for gear and we don't requisition anything "officially" as there is not a single bit of paperwork (other than the QM making a note) on what we take out.

The QM has already stated what he has, and a very direct statement that what Morgan was issued is all he will almost ever receive.  I've got the impression that there is an "artificial" limitation in place... sort of like the unrealistic limitations placed on gear availability in many computer games.  In computer games, you have to go to different areas or reach higher levels before certain gear is available... or find it.  Imagine the difference in certain games if the end weapons become available at the start.

There is also the logical assumption that the QM has a limited budget, so Morgan was providing funds to help acquire non-standard gear and hoping to use the QM as a broker for purchasing stuff that is rather difficult to acquire.  In actuality, he wanted to see if the QM had as good of channels as Morgan's usual sources.  As the QM completely ignored Morgan, I am forced to assume that the QM just doesn't like Morgan... for no good reason, but rarely does there have to be one, and he will likely not get anywhere with the fellow. 

Yes, time is of the essence... and the QM made it clear what his available resources were, so he intended to "place" the order and receive it at a later date.  It is unlikely that things will suddenly become "safe" in future missions   

Like I say, if you want to take this up with Dorcan in-character I can do that, no problem.

He might, but Morgan cares less about such things than I do.  He receives the full language of the thought and all the emotional context, but he filters most things... otherwise he would be insane.  He would have to focus on Dorcan or add him as an exception to his filtering lists, but he really doesn't want to hear everyone's thoughts.  So for now, it is dropped.

[techmaster-glitch]

A note to all RPs I'm in - Starting tomorrow, my Internet access may be sporadic or cut off completely, as my family is visiting some other family for a week. If I can post something I will, but no guarantees.

[Ryudo Lee]

Hang on, let me make a few notes here before things get hotter around here...

I'm not sure I follow.  Since time of the essence, the team will be setting out very shortly - long before the quartermaster can realistically have completed the procurement process.

The Quartermaster has an inventory and (as of yet unseen) lackeys.  It's not a stretch of the imagination that he can pull off a rush job within an hour.

So far, none of the characters seem to have paid for their weaponry or ammunition which suggests to me that it's more of a centrally-planned model.  If the rebels were a country I'd imagine they'd be on a war economy by now.  To a lesser degree that can hold within an organisation - generally if I have to pay for system hardware out of my own pocket it means something has gone very badly wrong organisationally.

Well, they aren't called a Rebellion because they are a nationally supported, official military organisation funded by government budget... which could be better or worse than privately funded.  It has been stated that the Rebellion isn't approved by the government, it started as a grassroots organisation, and only militarized as a response to the Brotherhood's control.  Where it is funded, who provides such funds, and questions like that are not known.  However, as it is a non-governmental and unrecognized military force, supply and logistics support personnel can't just walk into the arms providers of the world and make a large purchase order and have it delivered to the base.  So that means back-channels, and less official sources (sympathetic officials and suppliers) which therefore includes an element of risk.  Risk increases price... and etc., etc.

This was never really brought up in game, but it's a safe assumption that they receive their funding through private entities and backroom deals with private organizations and individuals in the government that wish to see the Brotherhood fail, but don't want to act openly.  

Gives me an idea, though - I'm now imagining Dorcan passing the journey by asking the troopers how the rebellion is funded and driving them to distraction.

To be found out in game, but it's safe to assume that the average trooper isn't going to know where the money comes from, nor will they care.  So long as they, and by the same extension you, get paid then where the money comes from would be generally seen as a moot point.  But if asked, anyone will point you to Jackson.

The QM has already stated what he has, and a very direct statement that what Morgan was issued is all he will almost ever receive.  I've got the impression that there is an "artificial" limitation in place... sort of like the unrealistic limitations placed on gear availability in many computer games.  In computer games, you have to go to different areas or reach higher levels before certain gear is available... or find it.  Imagine the difference in certain games if the end weapons become available at the start.

The Quartermaster has a limited inventory, as it's difficult for an unofficially funded organization to get a hold of the latest and greatest technology.  They make do with what they can barter for from other organizations, earn from dealings with other organizations, or steal (and subsequently reverse engineer) from the Brotherhood.

As the QM completely ignored Morgan, I am forced to assume that the QM just doesn't like Morgan... for no good reason, but rarely does there have to be one, and he will likely not get anywhere with the fellow.

Err no.  That's the GM not getting enough sleep at night and therefore being inattentive.  Sorry, I'll edit my post after that one to have him respond to that.

Yes, time is of the essence... and the QM made it clear what his available resources were, so he intended to "place" the order and receive it at a later date.  It is unlikely that things will suddenly become "safe" in future missions

Truth, but that does give me a good idea to use at a later date.

EDIT: Edited my last post in the IC thread to have the QM respond to Morgan's offer of money.

[Tapewolf]

The Quartermaster has an inventory and (as of yet unseen) lackeys.  It's not a stretch of the imagination that he can pull off a rush job within an hour.

I stand corrected.

On another note, I think I'm the only player of this game attending AC, but just FYI that is around the corner.  Unless I'm struck down with some malady or make some terminal mistake that forces me to abandon the trip, I'll likely be less contactable as of the 30th.

[Ryudo Lee]

Enjoy yourself then!  One of these years I guess I should make the trip out to AC.  Or maybe they should hold AC down here in New Orleans one year.  The Morial Convention Center is a really nice place, or even the Ponchartrain Center, if all else fails.

[Lisky]

um, are we waiting on anyone in particular before we start moving out?

[Ryudo Lee]

I wanna hear from everyone before we move forward.

[Tapewolf]

I'm okay with it.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

A-ok with me

[Azlan]

blimey, I forgot about this... need to make a quick response and then I'm good to go.

[techmaster-glitch]

I'm good.

[Ryudo Lee]

Okay, now that everyone's pretty much ready to go... each location is three days travel away.  Do you guys want to RP the travel, or jump right to the dig site?

[Tapewolf]

Okay, now that everyone's pretty much ready to go... each location is three days travel away.  Do you guys want to RP the travel, or jump right to the dig site?

I can't really see much for Dorcan to do en route, so I'm happy to jump straight there.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

Generally, I'm for Rping everything, right down to restroom trips, but there are a lot of us, and it might slow things down. Let's just skip.

[Lisky]

i'm fine with either way... if we RP it, Darkshine is just going to be cleaning and preparing all his gear for the most part, that and sleeping a lot.

[Sprocketsdance]

Hey, umm... I was wondering if I could join? I'll have to read a bit more on the front page to finalize a character but I have a rough sketch of one in mind.

Oh, and I was wondering if it'd be ok to let my character have a hover-board.. like in Back to the Future? 

[Tapewolf]

Hey, umm... I was wondering if I could join? I'll have to read a bit more on the front page to finalize a character but I have a rough sketch of one in mind.

Oh, and I was wondering if it'd be ok to let my character have a hover-board.. like in Back to the Future?  

AFAIK the usual trick is to post your character spec here for comments.  This is probably the best time for you to join, though - it tends to get a bit fiddly to incorporate characters in mid-mission since we can never be quite sure that the new person isn't a spy or something  

[Sprocketsdance]

Ah, I just didn't want to go too far with making the character and then have it totally suck  but comments are good... didn't think of that.. hmm...

Plus I really have my heart set on that hover-board *gives the puppy eyes to Ryudo Lee*

I just need a different character to balance out the crazy bubbly one I have in Shattered Innocence    But I'll get crackin'! I'll try to post it later today.

[Ryudo Lee]

Well, if it fits and doesn't make your character all that broken, then maybe the board will fit.  But yeah, post your character and we'll see how it balances out with the rest of the group.

[Tapewolf]

Well, if it fits and doesn't make your character all that broken, then maybe the board will fit.

How about giving it 2-4 hours use per charge or something like that?

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

Or fly really slowly, and making a lot of noise, so using it makes you an instant target

[Sprocketsdance]

Well, I was figuring on the hover-board mainly being carried around and used if she needed to get somewhere real quick.. so the more I think about it the more it doesn't sound plausible... *shrugs* Sorry Michael J. Fox.

And here goes... any critiques would be much appreciated


Name: Chance
Age: 25
Sex: Female
Race: Human

Magic User? No

Psychic? Somewhat. Can sense emotions around her, doesn't like it too much.
Tech usage: She has a cybernetic left arm (inspired by my recent sunburn which made me WISH I could do this). She carries a small fix-it kit with her just in case with small spare parts, screws, and a patch kit. There is a retractable short-range plasma gun inside her metal forearm which can fire 30 times without having to change power cartridges. Besides that she carries a plasma rifle (usually on her back) on an over-the-shoulder strap which hold the power fillers. (sort of like Chewbacca) She also carries a knife on her belt.

Faction (Rebellion, mercenary group, individual): Individual. Her parents disappeared and she strongely suspects The Brotherhood. Her father was a sniper and he trained her well. She can shoot the finger off of someone 1000 meters away if supplied with the right fire-power. She is also trained in hand-to hand, and although she is short she can use it to her advantage.

Physical Description: 5'3" and 140 pounds she is muscular and..... well built. She wears baggy cargo pants, high-tying boots (like in the military), and a thick-strapped tank top. She has black hair with three white tips on her short bangs which are parted on her left.. and one white streak down the length of the long bang parted to her right. There is also a tattoo on her right bicep.

Personality: A bit rough and crude, has a good heart but rarely shows it. She is trying to find her parents if they are still alive, and if they are not she will make The Brotherhood pay.


Well that's that for now, I drew out a very crude sketch of her but hopefully I'll draw it out properly and post it later if it works. The bonus to this is that I finalized the design of my Cubi character's clan mark! (sorry, not relavant.. XD)  Please let me know if there is anything I need to clarify or fix. I'm not too sure about the laser guns.. ammo-wise in how they opperate in this world Just let me know.. thanks!


Edit: ok I tweaked it as of June 25th, 2009 =) I changed the gun make and added a knife. And put in her race.

[Tapewolf]

Name: Chance
Age: 25
Sex: Female

If it's there, I missed it - is she human or a snow leopard?

EDIT:

Also, is the arm obviously false, e.g. gleaming metal and no sense of touch, or like Dorcan's which is near enough indistinguishable from flesh unless you poke it around etc.