[Icey]

Tonight, most likely, putting on the finishing touches. Only being deterred by food motive requirements. (I should have been bitten by that Vampire!)

[Icey]

Sorry for the lack of images

I cough up blood and spit it at a nearby wall. Fuck. I pop some painkillers and call Chen. “It's done, meet me a block south of where you dropped me off.” I wheeze into the phone, but pain is getting more bearable by the moment. He's quick to get here, I guess he wasn't on a job.
“Thanks dude!” the excited man says and lets me slide into the back of the car. “There's an envelope in the back with some money for your troubles.”
It's two hundred dollars. I feel like strangling the little shit. This is the lowest I've ever gotten paid for anything that required me to kill someone. “And free cab rides?”
“Fifty percent off, and I guess this is on the house. I'm not made of money you know.” Chen grins awkwardly at me, paying no attention to oncoming traffic. He manages to pass through it without even looking, I just feel like hurling.
“Fine, fine. Just let me, make a phone call and I'll let you know where you can drop me off.” I call Tobias Braden.



It is the crack of dawn outside of 4832 Lumiere Avenue. Another apartment building, but much smaller, four floors, and also much crummier. Graffiti, garbage on the streets and a liquor / gun store in the same building next door. My target is Esteban Rei, somewhat senseless coke head. Owes 3000 dollars, or so Tobias, whom I wouldn't trust as far as I can throw him, says, which is all I have. I try to tell myself that I need the money.
Esteban Rei lives on the second floor, clumsily written on a piece of black tape. I knock twice, no answer. I knock again. “Who is it?” A voice comes from inside.
“Collections.” I say and move away from the door. I've gotten shot enough to know what's a good idea and what's not. Surprisingly enough, Esteban opens the door, it's still on chains, but now he can see me.
“Braden sent you?”
I nod. “You owe three grand.”
“I ain't got that kind of money.” Esteban whines.
“My job is to get you to pay. How much do you got?”
Esteban seems to clutch his hair, “maybe a grand, I don't know.”
“Let me in and I'll take a look of how we can get to an understanding.”
“Come back tomorrow, I'll have the money then, got a paycheck coming.”
That's not how these things work. I kick the door open, off the hinges, all over Esteban. “You pay today!” I drag him from underneath the door and lift him up against the wall
Esteban's nose is bust, bleeding profusely. He sobs uncontrollably. “Really, I don't have money!”
I break his living room window with his face. “See the Pawnshop over there? How about me and you go on a little trip with all of your pitiful shit over there and see how much money you really have.”
He just sobs uncontrollably, not making a single coherent sound. Grabbing him by the throat seems to calm him down, “fuck you ese!”
I yank his pants off and drop him from a window. His head makes the sound of a watermelon when it hits the ground. I quickly ransack the apartment and, luckily enough, I find an envelope full of bills. It's half of what Tobias expected, but I have a change of mind regarding my employment opportunities with him. Better kill him off before I outrun my uses. I quickly leave the premises and strap my rollerblades on. I haven't been around this part of the city before, but I have a pretty good idea of where he keeps to.

--------------

After a quick check online, I found out his home address, although without a map of the premises. It's close to noon. With luck he's still asleep. He's hopefully nocturnal. It takes me twenty minutes to get to his place. It's a nice condo, top floor, overlooks the beach. No security, good for his line of work, just not today. I try my hand at picking the lock, no go. I try the door to the roof, it's locked but I find it much more accommodating. The view from the roof is gorgeous. Sheila loved the beach.
I find his balcony and climb down into it. I can see the smug prick watching television, his back to me. I open the door and stalk into his apartment. It's hideous, put together with money and no style. Tobias finally notices me, if not only because I have him in a choke hold. His limbs flail about on the couch, as he tries to wriggle free, or trip over the couch. I hear a snap, necks are stronger than this, but I still lower my guard. Tobias slips out of my grasp, quickly getting to his feet. His eyes look insane, furious and betrayed. He lets out a loud shrieks and charges me, I try to counter him, flinging him over my shoulder, but he's good. His knee lands in my chest as I make my move, knocking the breath out of me. I stagger backwards and find myself up against the window. I feel adrenaline flush through my system. My hands come up, I'm ready for the fucker. I grab his wrist as he tries to punch me in the face, but his left elbow comes out of nowhere, striking my ribs. The pain from the night before comes back and I howl from pain. Tobias grins. Swift kick to my ankle and I find myself on the floor. Or the ceiling. Can't tell. Doesn't matter much as I grab his testicles through his silk pajamas and pull myself back to my feet and senses. Just as I assume the upper hand, his elbow comes down again, on my ear. I feel liquid pain. Was this guy a kickboxer? His knee meets my chin.
I can taste blood.

I see three of them now.
Only one way out, hit all of them. A clumsy swing with my legs, makes him falter. Trips down to one knee. I get up as quick as my battered body lets me, my head meets his, but only he goes down. His nose is broken now, it gushes the red stuff. I quickly crawl back to my feet and then jump on him, knee to the neck. It makes a nauseating crushing sound, and I see Tobias's eyes pop open. He weakly grasps at me, trying to catch his breath, through his mutilated neck. Weird hissing noises for a few moments, and then he's out like Socialism.
I go through the apartment on a leisurely pace, not much of value. A baseball bat and a hundred grams of coke. I'm moving up in the world. That's for sure.

our Inventory looks like this now:
1925 USD
Australian Merc Outfit: 30 USD
Old Boots: 10 USD
Crocodile Teeth: 65 USD gives a bonus to first impressions
Screwdriver: 10 USD
Simple Rollerblades: 30 USD An eco-friendly method of transportation
Genericom Cellphone: 15 USD A bulky cellphone devoid of all features
KeySurfer: 40 USD Allows access to all kinds of terminals
Baseball bat: 20 USD

It seems like due to a certain woman's death, there's an opening in RRH's Kingbury Apartments. Rent is 900 USD per month. We have also gained access to the Salvation Army, they have some cheap clothes if we feel like a change of looks. Just tell me if you desire a change of threads and what is desired. We can still shop from Kamal, the friendly gunrunner. He doesn't have any new wares yet though.

Kamal's Wares
Austeyr F88T: 650 USD (.22-caliber training assault-rifle, variation of Steyr AUG)
Type 99 Rifle: 400 USD (8mm caliber bolt action rifle.)
Hakim Rifle: 800 USD (8mm gas operated semi-automatic rifle)
Baby Nambu: 200 USD (8mm caliber semi-automatic pistol.)
Chamelot Delvigne: 300 USD (11mm caliber revolver.)
Browning Superposed: 400 USD (12 gauge over-under shotgun)
Star Model Z84: 450 USD (9mm Submachine Gun)
Butterfly Knife: 150 USD (Small easily hidden knife)
First aid kit: 100 USD (Fixes up your wounds)
North Beach Map: 25 USD (Map of the surrounding area)

We might need to patch ourselves up soon, as well. I'll scout out new contacts tomorrow, and post our first look at the map.

[aggiecouch]

Yeah I'm definitely suggesting a first aid kit. I'm also wondering why our hero didn't make use of his trusty screwdriver during the latest fight, but oh well. Speaking of which, is it possible to combine weapons (can you stick the screwdriver through the baseball bat to make it better)?

This post has been edited by aggiecouch: 27 September 2008 - 11:31 AM

[SimeSublime]

Would it be possible to make a trip to a local hunting store to pick up a large knife, or failing that, to a local kitchenware store to pick up a less threatening but equally large knife?

[Icey]

1. Jean Claude Heights Apartment Complex. Former home of Tobias Braden.
2. RRH's Kingbury Apartments. Home of Chen Pau, we can rent here.
3. Cafe Au Cocolet. Meeting place, close to other businesses.
4. 4832 Lumiere Avenue. Former home of Esteban Rei.


We now return to our scheduled protagonist's plight. Take it away Brenton

I took my time disposing of Braden's corpse. Chopped it up, wrapped it up and dumped it in the bath. I don't know the police here but I know the trade. This place is safe for the next two days. His bed has satin sheets, I can't remember the last time I felt this kind of comfort. Rather I don't want to remember. I drift off.
Sheila is there in my dreams, smiling tenderly. In my dreams we make love again, her body, moving like a panther against mine as we find the same rythm. I wake up crying, to the sound of my cell phone.

Chen Pau. Taxi Driver
"Hey man. I have a job for you." Chen's voice isn't as happy as last time we spoke. It is urgent.
"What's the time?"
"Half past ten. I need you to retrieve a doll for me."
"You call me to ask me to pick up a doll for you?"
"I'll give you a thousand dollars."
"For picking up a doll?"
"Yeah, a Boy Toy doll."
"I'll consider it." I hang up and put my clothes back on, they smell like sweat and blood.

Selma Fate, Victim
I get to the Cafe au Cocolet, order a beer and sit down. The woman is here again today. She doesn't look broken today, she looks like a killer. I take a sip of my bear and look her over, reassessing her. I have no idea what person she holds. As my mind wanders, she sits at my table. "You look better." I bluntly state.
"He plans to kill me."
I cough. "Excuse me?"
"My husband. Get rid of me, make way for the other woman."
"You too?" I take a big swill of my beer.
She's tearing up. "Me too?"
"Long story, duckling. But it all started four days ago. I got a call about a radio station..." I complete the story, and somehow manage not to cry. Her eyes are locked on me. I feel numb, full of self loathing.


Pick our next mission and how you wish to deal with it. Yes, we can do both.

I'll get on that knife.

[reiner]

selma looks like a skankier version of ashley from RE4 if she died her hair red/brown

[Slade]

I move that we don't tell a big sob story to random people. Our guy's already had the crap kicked out of him twice, he's physically wimpy enough. We don't need him to open up all of his emotional soft spots. Also nice dramatizations! Your photoshopfu is much better than mine.

Edit: Buy the pistol and a map. I also think there's more to that taxi driver than meets the eye. You should look into him after you're settled somewhere.

This post has been edited by Slade: 29 September 2008 - 11:59 AM

[Spoon Poetic]

I'm with Slade, no more softy openings-up to random people, even if it is just a ploy to get her in bed - unless of course, it's completely made up and to get her in bed...



And pistols are boring. Our guy needs a more interesting weapon. But I have no suggestions.

I will suggest however, to buy some not stanky clothes. Something over the top stylish. Yeah, man.

[Icey]

Breeentooon, heeeeeeelp! Oh, you silly little things.

Your wishes will guide me, good fellows! A map and a pistol will be bought, and plenty of ammo. When I get started again, I'll be sure to look up some info on our man, Chen. I'm sure the internets are full of good stuff.

Edit: Brenton is just as human as any of you. Odd you have no problem with random killings, but opening up is somehow verboten. But ok, if that's what you guys want.

This post has been edited by Icey: 29 September 2008 - 01:13 PM

[Icey]

Oh, and before I forget, we did indeed level up! 2 combat skill points, 1 for all of the other ones, and six generic ones. The cap has risen by one. In other words, unaltered maximum skill cap is 6. Spend them here, please:

COMBAT SKILLS
Automatic Rifles 0
Bashing Weapons 2
Dual Weapon 3
Hand to Hand 0 + (6+lvl)/2 (4)
Pistols 3
Rifles 0 + (6+lvl)/2 (4)
Shotguns 0
Slashing Weapons 5 + (6+lvl) (13)
SMGs 0
Sniping 0
Stabbing Weapons 0

SOCIAL SKILLS
Bartering 0
Bluffing 0
Body Language 3
Dating 4
Diplomacy 0
Disguise 0 + 4 (4)
Interrogation 3
Intimidation 0
Languages 0
Leadership 2
Seducing 0
Torture 0

SHADOW SKILLS
Counterfeiting 0
Criminal Lore 2
Gambling 0
Hacking 3 + 4 (7)
Lockpicking 0 + 4 (4)
Pickpocket 0
Poisons 2
Safe cracking 0
Security 0
Sneak 5 + 4 (9)
Theft 3

OTHER SKILLS
Acrobatics 0
Aerobatics 0
Aerobics 0
Bicycles 0
Bikes 0
Cartography 5
Climbing 3
Crawling 0
Driving 0
Drunk driving 0
Flying 0
Free Running 0 + 4 (4)
Garment Making 0
Interiour Decorating 0
Investigations 4
Laws 0
Reading 0
Rollerblades 3
Sailing 0
Sport: Curling 0
Sport: Baseball 0
Sport: Basketball 0
Sport: Comp. Drinking 0
Sport: Dodgeball 0
Sport: Football 0
Sport: Rugby 0
Sport: Soccer 0

In other news we can now get a new trait (yes, we have to pick), as well as we just gained one through our actions.

Betrayer (Tobias Braden)
Instead of standing up to your end of the bargain you killed Tobias Braden. All social interaction with those in the drug trade will be done with a -1.

And our actually beneficial traits are as follows:

Martial Art Training
You can choose one Martial Art to become proficient in. You can choose this one again for extra ranks/techniques. Available martial arts are as follows:
Judo
Kendo
Karate
Glima
Aikido
Muay Thai
Fencing
Taekwondo
Sambo
Shaolin Kung Fu
I'll explain these if you want

Favorite Drunk
When most people get drunk, they get on everyone's nerves. Not you, you are the life of the party. While under the influence of alcohol, you gain a bonus to your Charms, Style and your Social Skills.

Speed Demon
When your status become critical, your movement rate doubles or allowing an extra attack each turn.

Treasure Hunter
Each rank of this skill increases the chances of finding items, and adds 10% to all money looted.

Fag Mag
When it rains boys, it pours! Your rugged good looks and mixed signals keep the gay men of San Vanidad wondering. You get a +1 to all social situations involving gay men. Increases the chance of men being homosexual.

Gaydar
You can detect sexual orientations.

Meat Shield
You take blows better than most people. A blow that should kill you, won't, once per encounter.

Party Crasher
You become immune to damage incurred from smashing through windows.

Stunt Man
Halves all non-poison and non-combat induced damage, such as falling five stories or car crashes.

Salesman
Gives a +4 bonus to barter when selling things.

Brawler
You've fought more people than you've met and you have the experience to prove it. +1 Bonus to hand to hand, bashing, stabbing and slashing combat.

Googlemaster
With all the information online, it takes a true master to sift through the garbage. +4 to Hacking when looking up information.

A Friendly Face
Something about you makes people open up about things they need to get done. +4 to social skills when seeking out jobs.

[Icey]

Didn't see you there Spoon! Well, he also knows how to use rifles?

[Spoon Poetic]

New trait: I'm voting either Aikido for practical purpose, or Fag Mag for entertainment purposes...

And he totally needs some points into interior decorating.

And the whole reason I DO have a problem with him "opening up" is because he DOES kill and chop people up and stuff! So being a pansy... I mean, being sensitive doesn't really fit into that equation.

[aggiecouch]

Give him some intimidation points. He should be the most feared roller blader on the streets!

[Slade]

Also stick in a couple more disguise points and have him roam around disguised more often! A martial art would be helpful, but given his inability to actually do anything without having his ass handed to him, I think speed demon would come into effect much more often.

[reiner]

Give him some intimidation points. He should be the most feared roller blader on the streets!

This sounds like the premise of a summer blockbuster starring vin diesel.