[IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

For all of your Play-By-Post games.
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

John was an amatuer at Blackjack, but he still knew a few basic things about the game. He knew about "card counting" and basic strategy enough to do better than the unlearned person who walked in off the streets, but not nearly enough to earn a living as a gambler. He's here to enjoy himself. If he loses, then he hopes to lose slowly over the course of the day. If - by chance - he comes out "in the black", then he'll consider himself fortunate. Getting to look at pretty women, and nursing cocktails over the course of the day is just icing on the cake.

John looks at his cards after they are dealt. He watches as the other players make their bets and looks away only for a brief moment when the waitress asks him what he wants to drink. "A gin and tonic please...with lime." Turning his attention back to the table, he eyes the "up cards" that have been played in an attempt to assess the odds.
OOC: Here are his three Intellect checks: Supernaturalist: D20 → 2020. So first one is a natural 20. :) Supernaturalist: D20 → 99. The second one is a 9. Supernaturalist: D20 → 33. The third on is a 3.
User avatar
Sakuro
Posts: 5746
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:43 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

It doesn't take too long for John to receive his beverage from a waitress in an extremely short skirt and heels. The casino is packed, but it is also well staffed. John starts out strong. He's on his game, and makes a healthy gain on what he has gambled. As time wears on the atmosphere at the table grows more tense. Mr. Suit keeps giving Ms. Casual at the end of the table dirty looks.

After twenty minutes, John's performance takes a down turn as he begins to looks money. At this point Mr. Suit has started vocally blaming Ms. Casual for his bad luck, blaming her inexperience and poor choices for the unfortunate cards he is dealt. Ms. Casual initially takes it inside, but Mr. Suit's antagonism brings down the mood at the table.

Around the forty minute mark John is loosing more hands than he's winning by a large margin. Mr. Suit is getting downright angry at Ms. Casual, occasionally yelling at her, and the two end up arguing with the dealer play mediator. At the end of the hour John has lost his early winnings and is dipping into the chips he exchanged currency for. By now Mr. Suit is on his feet, shaking a fist at a wide eyed Ms. Casual.

"That's it! I through with your crap plays trickling down on my hands."
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
Storyteller for In the Shadow of Imperator
Storyteller for Geneforge: the Created
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

John had gambled enough to know about certain types of players. Unfortunately, there is a widespread belief that poor play "up the table" can lead to bad cards being dealt to the remaining players "down the table". John understands the sentiment although he's never bought into such thinking. The players had to just "count cards" as best they could and adjust their strategy as the cards were revealed. In Blackjack the players are against the House not one another, but it's tough to convince some players of that when another player gets deal a card that you needed, especially when that card caused them to bust.
"That's it! I through with your crap plays trickling down on my hands."
John looks over his shoulder at the big, burly guards with guns. He then says in a restrained, diffusing voice. "Hey, buddy, take it easy! The lady is just playing her cards the best she can. Let me order you a drink so we can get back to playing. You don't want those gorillas with uzis to come over here now, do you?"
Here's John's Persuasion check: Supernaturalist: D20 → 1919. So, a total of 19.
Here's John's initiative roll: Supernaturalist: D20 + 5 → 18(13 + 5). So, a total of 18. I'll add an attack roll momentarily as well as some narrative to explain his action.
Last edited by Supernaturalist on Wed Jun 09, 2021 9:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Sakuro
Posts: 5746
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:43 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town


John looked around for the guards. They weren't hiding. They were meant to be intimidating deterrent to poor behavior. Generally with worked. The closest one was still a fair distance away from John's table. While he had taken notice and was beginning to make his way to the table John could tell he wasn't doing to arrive before something bad happened to the woman who was the source of Mr. Suit's ire.

Though John tried to talk the man down, bribe him with drinks and warn him about the guard ... the man was blind to these things. He gave a simple ...

"Screw you!"

... then advanced on the fair skinned red head whose only fault appeared to be playing poorly. Others at the table pulled away, not wanting to get in the middle of the conflict. Ms. Casual brought up her hands in a defensive manner that John's trained eye could tell hand no signs of martial training behind it. It was purely reactionary.
OOC wrote:Nineteen will not be enough to get a hostile person to stand down. Is John inclined to use more than words here? Mr. Suit is going to assault this woman if he doesn't step in, and the guards won't be able to reach your table in time to prevent it. If you would like to do something, make an Initiative roll. Beat a 7 and you will be able to act first.
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
Storyteller for In the Shadow of Imperator
Storyteller for Geneforge: the Created
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

When the man gets out of his seat and approaches the woman, John gets out of his chair. When he sees signs that aggression is clearly intended, he attempts to lock both his arms around the man from behind and restrain him.
OOC: Is there any circumstance bonus for attacking him from behind? Here's John's Attack roll for his Grab Action: Supernaturalist: D20 + 8 → 13(5 + 8). A total of 13. I'm not sure that will hit. If not, then I want to make sure that the action "hits", so I'll use my HP. Here's my reroll, if necessary: Supernaturalist: D20 + 8 → 12(4 + 8). When I add my +10 the roll becomes a 22. Hopefully that will hit. If so, then he must resist a rank 3 Strength. I'll edit my HP to zero if I have to use it.
User avatar
Sakuro
Posts: 5746
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:43 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

The suit clad gambler's attention is on his target, the woman he blamed for his game of blackjack going poorly. John stands up form his chair and moves in behind him while his back is turned. Quickly he wraps his arms around the man, locking his limps to his sides and preventing him from throwing any punches. The gambler straggles in John's grasp, shouting insults at him, but John maintains his hold. In doing so John manages to keep the the volatile man restrained until a tan skinned security guard arrives. The casino guard grabs hold of Mr. Suit, and puts his left arm into a lock behind his back as he gives John a nod to release his old on the fellow.

"Thank you for the assist. Play a round on me."

Compared to the guard's handling of the man, John was gentle. There is a cry of pain as his arm is twisted behind his back before the gambler is dragged off to a backroom. In compliance with the guard's statement the dealer gives him the chips back that he lost in the last hand. The green eyed damsel John had intervened on behalf of watches to events play out before letting out a huff of exasperation.

"What a jerk. Its just a game."
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
Storyteller for In the Shadow of Imperator
Storyteller for Geneforge: the Created
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town
"What a jerk. Its just a game."
"Yeah...well...some people are just really competitive. It can make them do crazy things. Unfortunately, there's quite a few people who think the way that guy does. Are you ok?"

John pauses for a moment and looks around. "I'm surprised you husband or boyfriend didn't jump in. That guy meant business."
OOC: Is there an empty seat beside the woman? If so, John will ask if he can join her. If not, then he'll invite her to change tables where they can sit together.
Last edited by Supernaturalist on Tue Jun 15, 2021 7:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Sakuro
Posts: 5746
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:43 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

OOC wrote:Don't forget to include the date and title tag for the scene near the top of your posts.
Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

A short laugh came from the woman when John works in a comment about her significant other. She clearly saw through his effort to casually fish for information on her relationships status. After the laugh her eyes now down and them back up his physical frame as if making a quick assessment of the man.

"Alright. I'll let you buy me a drink. A slight change of scene would be good. What's your name?"

As she posed the question the red hair stood up from her chair. From the back of the chair she collected a black denim jacket that she had hung there during the course of her earlier gambling. Now she pulled it on over her white blouse.
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
Storyteller for In the Shadow of Imperator
Storyteller for Geneforge: the Created
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

"My name is John." He says walking beside her. Looking up ahead to the bar area, John spots a table for two off to the side. Extending his hand towards the seating area, he presents a slight smile. "Is this ok?"
OOC: If she agrees, then John will proceed with buying her a drink. If not, then he'll go wherever she requests.
"What will you have?"

After getting her drink request, he orders drinks for himself and the young woman. Placing her drink in front of her, he he sits down and takes a sip of his gin-based martini. "Well, I hope that guy didn't spoil your fun for the day. I still have some money left to lose here."

He take another sip of his drink before resuming his conversation. "So, what's your name? I almost forgot my manners."
User avatar
Sakuro
Posts: 5746
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:43 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

Ms. Casual moves at a leisurely pace as John escorts her to a table near the bar. Unrushed. A simple nod is offered when he gestures to the chairs and inquires about their suitability. She settled down into one of the chairs and under the table she crossed one leg over the other.

"Whiskey. Neat."

She stated when John asks what she would like to drink. A quick smile followed. When he returns with their intoxicants the red head offered a 'thank you' before taking a sip of her beverage.

"Don't think I'll be doing any more gambling. Dancing though, I could do with dancing. There is a club here that has really bad music."

The woman stated plainly in an 'it'll do' tone. When John got around to offering her his name, he received a brief raised eyebrow from his drinking companion before she provided her own.

"Anna."
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
Storyteller for In the Shadow of Imperator
Storyteller for Geneforge: the Created
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

John can't help but laugh slightly when she mentions the "bad music". "So, you like to dance to bad music, eh? Well, that's perfect. We can pair my bad dancing with the bad music. You should be in heaven."

After another sip of his drink, he stares into the redhead's eyes. "I hate that Mr. Personality-Disorder back there ruined your gambling experience. Later - if you feel like it - maybe we could come back and relax in the casino. "

The veteran soldier can't help think how his present situation contrasts with so starkly with his military operations in Hadron city. To go from scratching for survival in combat to enjoying the company of an attractive woman in a plush, resort-like atmosphere prompts John to pause for a moment. Enjoy these good moments while they last.

"Do you have a curfew?" he says with a smile.
OOC: He'll chit-chat with her until they both finish their drink before letting her lead the way to the entertainment floor.
User avatar
Sakuro
Posts: 5746
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:43 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

"We'll see. My car turns into a pumpkin at midnight, so I need to be home before then."

... Anna responded to two of John inquiring in one slightly playful comment. After some light conversation that didn't really go anywhere the two of you have finished your drinks. You set out for the club Anna had mentioned, Flux, which is on the same floor of the massive megastructure that the casino was in.

The lighting in the club is subdued over most of the interior, though there are flashing light over the dance floor to add a dynamic effect to the scene. The music is aloud and abrasive gangster rap sung in Spanish. The Ward's population is dominantly Latino, and that is reflected in Flux as well. There there are a mixture of ethnicities, and a reasonable number of people look as out of place in the club as John does.

Stopping short of the dance floor Anna points towards the bar, drawing John's attention there as she leans in to speak with him in a raised voice so that her words carried over the music.

"I'll be a minute. How about you get us some shots?"
OOC wrote:Assuming John heeds Anna's directions, he'll have a couple minutes to himself before she rejoins him.
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
Storyteller for In the Shadow of Imperator
Storyteller for Geneforge: the Created
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town
"I'll be a minute. How about you get us some shots?"
"I'm on it." He responds as he watches her walk away.

Slowly picking his way past the clientele, he makes his way to the bar and orders a couple of shots. I'd better watch my liquor...not too much too fast. This is a risky place to lose control of oneself.

John had went through a phase in his youth where he was more partial to rap, but he was never really a lover of that genre. Growing up in rural east Washington, there were a surprising number of country-western bars. He had visited those occasionally - mainly because there were lots of women there. But he never really got into a lot of contemporary country music either. There were some songs he liked, but couldn't honestly call himself a "fan". The only dancing John had ever done was to pop dancing songs like Macarena and some country line dancing...maybe some other pop and rock songs. He's certainly never danced to rap music.

After picking up a shot of whiskey and tequila, he made his way back to the point where Anna had left him. When he sees her return he hands her a whiskey shot. "Well, you were certainly spot on about the music", he says as he lifts his glass to toast.
User avatar
Sakuro
Posts: 5746
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:43 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

As John returns to the point where he and Anna separated he sees her returning from a raised platform at one side of the dance floor where the where a DJ was managing the club's playlist. On her arrival Anan extends a hand ending in unpainted nails to collect the whiskey shot that was offered to her. A quick smile flashed over her lips.

"Thank you."

He brought the glass to clink John's then moved it to her lips and knocked the shot back in one go. Just then a new song started with the lyrics, Ooo, I love my ugly boy ..., sung by the soft and tiny feminine voice of Yolandi from Die Antwoord. With that Anna quickly set her shot glass down on a nearby table, then grabbed John's hand and pulled him towards the writhing bodying jumbled together on the dance floor.

"Come on! Before the music changes to something truly awful."
OOC wrote:Make a Presence check to see how well John dances. If you want to give yourself a penalty for John being out of his element, you may.

I'm not going to link it, because there is some harsh language, but if you want to know what song is playing it is "Ugly Boy" by Die Antwoord.
Evelyn Gracen, in AEGIS Squad
Storyteller for In the Shadow of Imperator
Storyteller for Geneforge: the Created
User avatar
Supernaturalist
Posts: 2275
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 2:48 am

Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

John was certainly out of his element with regard to the song selection, but he understood one simple fact about dancing with women. Don't overdo it. Keep it simple. Let the girl out-dance you...it's ok to be inferior to her on the dance floor.

John could only understand the lyrics in spurts, but that didn't matter. Anna seemed to be having a good time, and that lightened his mood. He badly needed a break from tension and darkness of the battlefield, and this was a good as it was going to get. A night out with an attractive redhead.
Here's John's Presence roll for dancing. Supernaturalist: D20 → 44. So, a 4. Ha! Not a critical failure, but still not very good. The girl can tell that the music is not resonating with John very much. :lol:
John moves around, but few people could legitimately call it dancing. He tries to keep a smile on his face, but it's clear the song just isn't "his bag". After a minute or so into the song, John leans toward Anna with a slight grin. "I may need more shots to be able to dance to this music."
Post Reply