Chapter 1: Valencia's

Mar 25, 2022 3:01 pm

One other possibility could involve the being known as finger quotes "Loki" as the reason for the "L" in the L-Line designation. Avel mused. Dr. Tyrz knowledge of such is greater than mine but I do remember that particular mythical entity being plenipotent. he stopped himself to see if anyone in the room followed his train of thought. Deciding to take things down a notch, he switched gears to bring his point to a more relatable level. ...capable of mating with and producing offspring from various other creatures. The entity known as finger quotes "Loki" is responsible for a number of hybridized creatures in Norse myth. Notably the creature known as finger quotes "Fenrir", a wolf...a dog, and finger quotes "Sleipnir", a horse.. He looked around, lips pursed, to see if anyone agreed with his theory. Given the Revelationist's difficulty combatting the entity calling itself finger quotes "Thor" in the North Sea, seeking a solution to that would be well worth the Church's time and resources.

LightOfMidnight

Mar 25, 2022 3:54 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

Rylani raises an eyebrow at Dr. Avel's quotation marks. 'What's the matter Dr, don't believe in gods even whilw the world's gone to shit?

Still I would hope Loki is not involved. From what I understand the L - Line, Laguz, that is seperate from C-93. Just C-93 is capable of tracking certain lineages. So by breeding a controllable hybrid they can track down this L-line for whatever they want with it... She looks at Nicollette seeking confirmation.

The Chronicler

LactoseTheIntolerant

Mar 25, 2022 5:15 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

OOC:

For those who succeed on the roll (result of 9 or higher), you recognize the name. Rainer Kreighoff is an Adept (a priest of Leviathan). He is a fanatical Revelationist who works as a "troubleshooter" for the Church, pursuing those that the Church needs captured or killed. He is fairly well-known in freelance circles for being very skilled and very dangerous. Most encounters between Rainer and Alliance members have ended badly for the Alliance. Sometimes he works by himself; other times he operates with a small entourage of fellow hunters. As an Adept, Rainer possesses supernatural abilities, and his worship of Leviathan has physically mutated him. He is typically assigned to deal with important targets, so it would seem the the Church's forces in Mexico regard Cassandra Briers as important.

Cpt. Hayden Forrester

LactoseTheIntolerant

Mar 25, 2022 6:09 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

Captain Forrester pushes off from the wall and takes several steps forward until he is standing next to the two magicians. He addresses some of the questions himself. Like Nicolette, his tone is professional but with a gruffness that the Rosicrucian woman lacks. "Not much is known about Kreighoff prior to the war. He's an Austrian national and served as a Jagdkommando in the Austrian Armed Forces. He was one of the early converts to the Church of Revelations and seems to have joined the Church some time in 2006 or 2007, before the appearance of the Dark Apostle and the destruction of Munich. Kreighoff eventually rose through the ranks to become an Adept for Leviathan. Unlike most Adepts, who administer to congregations, he decided to forego the usual duties of the priesthood and instead focus on crushing the enemies of the Church. He now operates as a manhunter and assassin for the Revelationists. He is a member of the Mendicant Knights of Leviathan, a religious warrior order within the Church, and his status gives him a large amount of latitude in pursuing his quarries. He's even been known to slip into free territories to capture or kill targets."

As if on cue, Luca removes a black and white 8.5x11 printed photograph for his portfolio and begins passing it around. Cpt. Forrester continues. "This is the only known surviving photograph of Kreighoff from before the war. When he was still fully human."

[ +- ] Rainer Kreighoff photo

The captain allows a moment for the photo to make it around the room. "I'm here at the behest of SOTFCOM. The U.S. military's primary agenda, along with foiling the efforts of Project Laguz, is to rescue Cpl. Briers. She's a loyal soldier trapped behind enemy lines, and we want to bring her home."

OOC:

You all know what SOTFCOM is. It is the "Special Operations Task Force Command" - a joint command established by the United States Armed Forces at the beginning of the war. It was created with two purposes: to help fight the Church, and to help integrate the supernatural into the U.S. military. In regard to the latter, SOTFCOM has established a number of special regiments that make use of the Gifted and supernatural assets. It is also responsible for conducting special operations against the Church.

Nicolette Pope

LactoseTheIntolerant

Mar 25, 2022 6:48 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

"Currently, we don't know why the Church is interested in the L-Bloodline or why it may be trying to seek the bloodline out. Laguz, Loki, your guess is as good as ours. It is true that the Church is struggling against the servants of the Norse Pantheon in the Scandinavian region. In fact, the Alliance credits the Aesir with being the reason the Nordic countries haven't fallen to the Church. So, to Dr. Avel's conjecture, it may be true that the Church is seeking solutions to deal with the Norse."

She looks to Rylani. "As far as Cryptid-93, we don't know what the creature is. The recording indicates something from Mexican or Aztec folklore, but little else is known. We suspect that C-93 may have been summoned to Earth by the Church, but from where, we can't yet say. Whatever the cryptid is, it’s supposedly capable of tracking the L-Bloodline. We hope the captured research materials can shed some light."

Nicolette turns her attention to Dr. Avel and Dr. Tyrz. "Your group will be leaving in two days time. We can't afford to wait any longer. Each day that Cpl. Briers spends behind enemy lines is another day she gets closer to capture. This means that you two have 48 hours to analyze several gigabytes of information. The material we acquired is only a sliver of what was found in Guadalajara. Unfortunately, the special operations team was discovered and forced to destroy the lab. Better to deprive the enemy of their research than leave it in their hands."

"The exact whereabouts of Cpl. Briers are not known to us. However, the Alliance counts several covens of witches amongst its membership. One of these covens, based in Salem, Massachusetts, conducted a multi-day Location ritual intended to track down the corporal for us. Using some of her personal items to establish a connection, the coven was able to partially pinpoint her current location. I say partially because using magic to see into conquered territories has long proven unpredictable. No one quite understands why, but once the population of an area begins converting to Leviathan worship, the local Essence fields become... warped. Scrying and other information-gathering invocations become less reliable. Given that Central America has been controlled by the Church for the better part of a decade, and most of its population has possibly been converted, it is getting more difficult to target sites in Mexico with metaphysical workings." Nicolette sighs. "We've narrowed down her location to a roughly hundred square mile area north of Guadalajara. It appears to Cpl. Briers is trying to make her way northward, presumably to the U.S. border. She has made no attempts to contact anyone, though we assume this is because she cannot."

Cpt. Hayden Forrester

LactoseTheIntolerant

Mar 25, 2022 7:15 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

The captain picks up where Nicolette leaves off. "By our estimates, Cpl. Briers should be in her first trimester, assuming a normal human gestation period. She is traveling alone in conquered territory and carrying a fetus that, by all accounts, poses a serious threat to her safety. Our intelligence indicates that Rainer Kreighoff arrived in Mexico City several days ago, so the Revelationists have a head start." He looks around the room with the unblinking expression of someone who has become inured to war. "I will be accompanying your team to Mexico to help retrieve the corporal."

Dr. Emil Avel

witchdoctor

Mar 25, 2022 11:56 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

Analyzing the information you have would go a long way towards answering the questions we all have,Ms. Pope. Avel remarked, practically salivating at the prospect of pouring over the retrieved data. I, for one, am quite eager to see what was recovered and try to make sense of it. The urgency with which you've come to us tells me that you have most, if not all, of the logistics in place for this mission. Yes? The Doctor hesitated for a moment looking to the well dressed woman for affirmation or denial.

Nicolette Pope

LactoseTheIntolerant

Mar 26, 2022 1:07 am

Chapter 1: Valencia's

She nods to Dr. Avel. "Preparations are being made as we speak to ready for your arrival in Mexico. Sending a large armed force to retrieve Cpl. Briers is not possible; the Mexican interior is too well defended. The United States is doing all it can just to keep the Army of Revelations contained to the border. So you can see why we need a small team that can slip into Mexico quietly. Unnoticed."

"The team that acquired the information you'll be analyzing, Dr. Avel, was a black ops unit deployed by SOTFCOM. Considered best of the best among human soldiers. Under cover of night, they successfully traveled from the coast to the weapons lab in Guadalajara without incident. They even managed to gain entry into a heavily secured military base and reach the laboratories within. Nevertheless, they were eventually discovered and combat ensued. The entire unit was slain, down to the last man, but not before detonating an explosive device and destroying that infernal place." Nicolette glances at Captain Forrester, whose face remains blank. From the mildly sympathetic way she looks at him, you get the sense that the captain might have known some of the soldiers who perished in the operation. She returns her attention to the rest of you. "That recording, as well as the other research data, was transmitted last minute to SOTFCOM via sat link. It was all that the unit was able to hastily deliver to us before making their honorable sacrifice."

"Because of that operation, unfortunately, Revelationist forces in the entire state of Jalisco are on high alert. That means your insertion into Mexico must be planned out. Carefully. It's not an ideal time to send in another team, but we have no choice. I do not envy you your task."

Dr. Emil Avel

witchdoctor

Mar 26, 2022 3:30 am

Chapter 1: Valencia's

LightOfMidnight says:

Rylani raises an eyebrow at Dr. Avel's quotation marks. 'What's the matter Dr, don't believe in gods even while the world's gone to shit?

It isn't that I don't finger quotes 'believe' in such things, Ms. Noah, it's that I do not fully understand them and that informs my caution in addressing them.. Avel replied plainly. I operate comfortably within the realm of facts and science and while I recognize the existence of things...outside and beyond...that frame of reference, I treat such things with the same sceptical and critical eye as I do with any new discovery or assertion within it.. He cleared his throat and readjusted in his big leather chair to more comfortably speak with the bounty hunter, For you, magic and all the mumbo jumbo that goes with it is as certain and reliable as your cell phone. Whereas you know the why's and how's of the finger quotes 'mojo' that lets you do what you do, I know what makes your cellphone work. Both are equally fantastical and unseen forces yet one is understood by me and the other by you with no clear bridge between them. He pursed his lips and cracked a somewhat disturbing smile, If it helps, I reacted the same way when Fleishmann and Pons declared their experiments in finger quotes 'cold fusion' to be a success... The Doctor seemed amused by his anecdotal comparison.

Last edited March 26, 2022 4:23 am

LightOfMidnight

Mar 26, 2022 4:06 am

Chapter 1: Valencia's

'I had planned to gain several years before even considering going after Kreighoff. Several better hunters have lost their lives to him. I suggest wile all get Briars and get out.' Despite speaking words of concern Rylani words and face remain passive, giving nothing away.

' The personal effects the witches have used. Can you get them to us. They may stil carry a sent. It's a long shot, but if I know what it is I may be able to pick it up if we get close The sentence is nonchalant as if asking for a scent is perfectly normal.

'And you are wrong in one thing doctor. I do not understand all that is supernatural. I know of it and what can be done with it, but even the spirits that guide me can be temperamental. They caused a lot of problems in my youth, especially when I had to hide. I see them as friends, others an infliction. But you do not need to understand everything to make use of it. I don't know how the phone works, but it does and that's what matters. Rylani shrugs.

Last edited March 26, 2022 4:06 am

Arashi Akari

Equinox Inactive for 3 months

Mar 27, 2022 3:02 am

Chapter 1: Valencia's

OOC:

Roll to know of Rainer. Sorry, I got lost in the text maze and had to read through again to find the call for the roll.

Rolls

Intelligence - (1d10+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Nicolette Pope

LactoseTheIntolerant

Mar 28, 2022 5:26 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

Nicolette nods to Rylani. "We can get you some of Cpl. Briers’ personal effects." She then looks around the room. "You will be leaving in 48 hours, so address any preparations that you need to make. We will provide you with the time and location for your departure. You will be flown by plane to the Point Loma naval base in San Diego. From there, you will be transported by sea vessel to a meeting spot off the coast of Baja California. Your group will transfer to a USN Sea Shadow stealth ship, which will transport you the remaining distance to Jalisco, Mexico. Under cover of night, the craft will deposit you on land near Puerto Vallarta. At this point, you'll be on your own. You will need to make your way eastward into the interior of Mexico, toward the general area in which we believe Cpl. Briers is currently located. Maps, troop movements, and all relevant intel about the Revelationists will be provided."

Cpt. Hayden Forrester

LactoseTheIntolerant

Mar 28, 2022 6:04 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

"The Location magic employed by the Alliance has narrowed down the whereabouts of Cassandra Briers to a 160 km area centered around the City of Aguascalientes. We believe that the corporal is somewhere in the city or hiding in the surrounding countryside. To reach Aguascalientes from Mexico's Pacific coastline, we will need to travel more than 200 klicks through enemy territory. An asset in the Mexican Resistance will equip our team with a vehicle upon arrival." The Captain looks at Carter. "It will be Mr. Bonham's job to drive us to our destination as safely and quickly as possible."

Dr. Emil Avel

witchdoctor

Mar 28, 2022 9:51 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

Aguascalientes, eh? the Doctor noted. Looks like we'll be in 'hot water' from the start.... He snickered and laughed at his own joke briefly, bemused by his quip before Pope's glare caused his chuckling to wind down awkwardly.
Mr. Seong can handle my affairs in my absence. Avel quickly changed gears and was serious again. I would not wish to waste time packing a suitcase that could be better spent analyzing the recovered data. There is much to do before our departure.... The Doctor stood from his chair and paced a moment before swivelling to face Ms. Pope.

It would be remiss of me to leave our soirée without discussing remuneration for our endeavors.... He looked at the assembled crew, lips pursed, regarding each. For some it isn't unusual to ask one to give everything for King and Country on the say-so of a superior. he nodded curtly but respectfully to Captain Forrester. We, however, are not such people. You are asking us to put everything on the line and provide world-class services at great personal peril. That deserves commensurate compensation, no?

He let the idea hang in the air for a moment before continuing, Nothing outlandish, of course. Something well within your considerable means, Ms. Pope. Let's say...
.
[dramatic pause]
.
One Million Dollars. you could hear him pronounce both 'L's in million and dollars.
.
I would forgo my part of the fee, of course, and redirect it to the remaining four. he continued. Each of the others would receive one hundred and twenty five thousand up front to settle any outstanding affairs in the next 48 hours before departure; the remaining one hundred twenty five thousand held until the successful completion of our mission, minus costs for lingering healthcare or funeral expenses. That sounds reasonable, right? . He looked to the others for affirmation.

Last edited March 29, 2022 12:05 am

LightOfMidnight

Mar 28, 2022 11:16 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

OOC:

So before I say Rylani chokes on her beer, what is the standard for this style job, or what would she be used to?

LactoseTheIntolerant

Mar 29, 2022 3:48 am

Chapter 1: Valencia's

OOC:

Standard pay rates vary depending on the target. Before the war, bounty hunters were paid hourly. Nowadays, people in your profession only get paid upon successful retrieval of the target.

On the low end, pay might be $3,000 to $10,000 USD (or € 2,729.82 to €9,099.40). This is usually the case with normal human targets who aren’t much of a physical threat. Examples include people who’ve skipped bail, mundane criminals, and civilian cultists. Alternately for bail jumpers, the pay is sometimes 10-20% of the target’s bail.

Gifted and supernatural targets are more dangerous, so they are naturally worth more. Such targets can net you $20,000 to $50,000 (€18,198.80 to €45,497). However, these types of targets typically require much more preparation, and they tend to take longer to track down and capture.

$125,000 for each of you is an incredibly good pay day. Then again, you are being asked to go into enemy territory to locate someone, surrounded by hostile forces. This will perhaps be the most perilous assignment you’ve ever undertaken, so Rylani should expect to be well compensated.

Nicolette Pope

LactoseTheIntolerant

Mar 29, 2022 4:51 am

Chapter 1: Valencia's

Nicolette watches Dr. Avel for a moment. Her expression is unreadable. She doesn't laugh at his joke, but a sense of humor doesn't seem to be one of her strong points. After mulling over the suggestion, she says "A million is... doable."

Luca glances at her. He seems surprised but doesn't say anything. Nicolette continues. "If each of you provides us with an account number, I'll see that half of your portion of the payment is deposited before you leave. You will receive the rest upon successful completion of the assignment. Terms of fulfillment are that you bring Cassandra Briers back to the United States and into the custody of the Alliance. She must be alive, of course." She looks around. "Any questions?"

Carter Bonham

Furmyr

Mar 29, 2022 12:06 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

Carter sits there uncomfortably listening to the conversation when he suddenly hear Dr. Avel finally say something interesting. On hearing the sum Carter leans forward for the first time taking active interest. That's more than his last three takes alone.

LightOfMidnight

Mar 29, 2022 3:57 pm

Chapter 1: Valencia's

That was a very large number. That much in one go, she could take a step back from work for a while and focus on her matters that needed...cleaning up.

Rylani's eyes flick to Dr. Avel. 'You are continuing to be the most interesting one in this room, despite saying we are the interesting ones. Why agree to walk into old Livathan territory, with supernatural creatures and possible a well renowed human and adept, if not for a very large sum of money.. Don't tell me you are hoping to acquire some of their research.

She swaps her focus to Forres ter. Briars is no doubt going to be watching over her shoulder. If I was in her situation I would be wary of any one approaching speaking of rescue, in case its a trap. Is there something, some knowledge, a phrase, anything that might indicate to her we are definitely with you, and the Alliance. While I'm sed to knocking out the people I'm hunting I feel she and you won't be best pleased if I have to resort to that.

Dr. Emil Avel

witchdoctor

Mar 31, 2022 4:48 am

Chapter 1: Valencia's

The answer to your question, Ms. Noah , is quite simple. the doctor turned to address the bounty hunter. My work with finger quotes 'the Alliance' is an instrument of revenge.

He paced in front of his chair, signalling the coming exposition The Church of Revelations and the antics of its leader cost me my very lucrative business, my freedom and ten years of my life.
This is a personal slight that I feel needs to be repaid...with hefty interest. Yanking Goering's all but assured victory from his grasp, kicking and screaming, sounds like just like something the Doctor ordered. He chuckled darkly, if a bit goofily, with a cold gleam in his blue eyes.
That and these people... he gestured towards Pope & Forrester. are fighting this war all wrong and it's bothering me. The Doctor sat back down in his seat, It's the 'charge of the light brigade ' and the battle of Somme rolled together in an untidy package. Honestly, it's like watching a jaguar eat a faun.. He let the last bit drop with zero explanation before moving on, I'd like to begin examining the recovered data as soon as possible. The longer I have to review it, the better we can understand what and whom we're dealing with. Captain Forrester, I'll also need everything you have on Reiner Kreighoff and the operation that recovered the data.

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