Looking for a player for a Rifts surrealistic campaign, have room for one additional player. This is a mature game preferring players of 24 years of age or older, although I may consider younger mature adults on a case by case basis. For more information see the games in the appropriate section or PM me if you cannot find the game. There is a vetting process to play in this game and role-players are preferred over power gamers, who more than likely will not find the game to their taste. I would say the game is probably 50% roleplay 50% combat, but it does vary from time to time. For a tease of the game please read more: November 29th 101 PA Location: Chi-Town Burbs; Two skulls and the lying lady, back bar room. You found yourself invited to a private group meeting of mercs of all walks of life. You entered the establishment on the twenty-ninth of November, the smell of cheap booze and smoke greeted each and everyone of you as the front doors, were open by on of the large d-bee humanoids like looked like giant men with protruding teeth sticking partway out their mouths. The “Skulls and Lady,” as the place is called frequently was packed on the night you entered. Only those who were new to the burbs, held any surprise at the sight of a few on-duty dead-boys, playing at one of the gambling tables or slots. You guessed there had to be at least several hundred people, not counting the employees of the place. As you entered one of the doormen, asked in a hoarse growling like tone, “you wanting to risk credits or earn credits?” For, whatever reason in the end, your character’s curiosity lead you to eventually say, earn credits. So, the door man lead you across the gaming floor, past a busy looking restaurant to a door with words on an attached sign (those who are literate in American are welcome to ask for a skill check). Opening the door, you could see men all most obviously armed, within a tobacco filled back bar. You each were handed a gambling card (blackmarket credits), worth 100cr, and the doorman beckoned you to enter with an extended arm and a gesture. Scanning the dark room you counted close to three dozen men at least. Somewhere standing, while some actually were seated either at the bar, or among the tables. It was obvious that some were affiliated with each other, but many seemed to be here alone. The room was half-way full. This is the second in the casino and restricted to mercs and job seekers, the first is open specifically to the public who are there to make or lose credits. You each found a space or chair that you considered as comfortable as you could find, as all the corners beyond the bar were already occupied. Several attracted thinly clad humanoid d-bees walked around passing out drinks, taking orders or being fondled as they walked past someone or thing that found them attractive. They all seemed to be similar, tall, thin, obvious large pointed ears, and highly attractive. Besides the cocktail waitress distractions everyone seemed to be waiting on the bartender himself. A slightly heavyset man (human), most of his brown hair missing from the top of his scalp. You figured he was at least in his middle ages. The purple silk shirt and dark brown possible real leather pants made him look like more than some employees, or other bartenders who moved around the bars, staying as busy as they could. It didn’t take more than half an hour, before the purple shirt man, who seemed deep in conversation with a well built man of average height, pale skin, bald and a red stripe along his face. They seemed deep in conversation for nearly half an hour, before the man handed something to the purple shirt man, shook his hand and departed. (the object was really small, interested players can ask for a perception roll to get a more detailed description of what was passed between the two men. You might have left, but none of the other mercenaries seemed even put off by the wait. Most kept themselves busy in conversations or just drinking. Finally one of the young bartenders quieted everyone down, after several poor attempts of getting the crowd's attention. A handsome lad, might be some kind of job requirement, then said “ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for your patronage and patience. You are all not here to just pass the night drinking among fellow hire-guns, so without further adue here is the man you have been waiting for, Mr Black.” Everyone, waited as Mr. Black, walked up what must have been a few steps so he could stand tall enough that everyone could see him. In keeping with the theme, you all notice the man probably was more attractive himself, but now the years seemed to have been catching up with him and he looked like almost any other average middle-aged balding guy. There was no cheers as he spoke. “I appreciate the time you all have given me for attendance, and each of you have been paid handsomely for your time, although the credits are only good at a few establishments,” He chuckled, as did many in the crowd. Quit a bit even clapped. After waiting for it to quit back down again, Mr Black continued. “There is a new job, I have been given the privilege to offer those before you. This is not a war that needs fighting, no wars or battle at this time. Yet, the credits is good, or at least the potential. I am at leisure to offer a group of strangers, yes I am sorry this one requires each member to obviously not know each other prior to the mission, and it is preferred they are not regulars in this burb.” Murmurs of disappointments were heard throughout the crowds, especially those who had seemed to come together. Mr Black continued, “There is a need for an investigation that may need the expertise of those with non-natural deductive skills. The place is about four hundred miles away, but still within the Coalition State of Chi-town. The risk level is unknown but highly likely to be hazardous. It will take some time to gather documented evidence of what is going on in the area, who runs, the area and what their view is with the CS. It seems that many individuals who have gone up to this area, has not made it back. Yes, each group has gone missing, not one individual made it back to collect the reward. So the original offer price has gone up. The client originally offered twenty to thirty thousand credits plus expenses. This included a retainer fee of twenty percent. Unfortunately they have sent four different groups up north and they never have returned, and the client has just been left with no reports and a loss of cash. So the new offer has been increased, to an offer of between seventy thousand to a hundred and forty thousand plus a retainer fee addition added on completion of ten more thousand credits!” “Those who are interested please stay, the rest of you I must ask to leave, but don’t threat I have a few missions coming up the wire, and I need experience soldiers especially teams, I will let you all know tomorrow night. Thank you all for your time, and if you know anyone who could be interested please pass the word around, but remember, only qualified individuals need inquire.” The people filled out the door shortly after the announcement, all except for approximately nine others, which included yourself. Mr Black went on to tell you all that unlike the previous missions they are actually going to transport the team within fifty miles of the area they wish to survey. They could take vehicles and some rations would also be provided, but that was the only type of support available. It was also advised that no one who possessed CS looking items be included on the mission as it is believed that the inhabitants of the area may not have any sympathy or like for the CS, even though the place is claimed by the CS. The job should take no longer than a few months to complete, and only hard evidence will be accepted for payment. The better the intel the better the payment. Of the nine who stayed back to apply, not all of them were accepted. You also were told until departure you all would have to stay at the Skulls and Lady. Each of you would have your meals and drinks provided as well. The client also insisted that neither of the individuals communicate with each other until after the plane has departed. It may be that someone in the previous groups were also working for someone else, or the groups decided to take the retainer fee and never return. The client feels they may have better chances with a group of strangers, and the will not allow for any exceptions. Each member was given twenty-four hours to decide. Only those who made it to the plan, must have accepted. The team was transported to an old air strip in the burbs, where an ancient pre-rifts C-130 plan was loaded with your vehicles and gear and transported, leaving at around 0000 hrs (midnight). The plane was broken apart and crashed landed at around 0313 hrs. That is when the survivors headed on their way to the destination.