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Post by The Fatman on Aug 21, 2005 23:12:51 GMT -5
Unfortunately, I usually don't retain my characters, except in my memories. Once they get wiped out in a variety of uniquely stupid ways, I retire them and rebuild a totally new one. Especially in other peoples games.
As for being a celebrity? I am surprised anyone would think so. As a group we do try to stay low key for the most part. I suppose if Krass was not so active, no one would even know we are alive. When we enter other people's games we do so as total unknowns. We mainly just watch and learn for the most part. Most GM's do not really welcome our style of play. Krass, Ronilion and I have been tossed from quite a few games, not for arguing but for out thinking the GM's and getting them wrapped up in their own inconsistent logic. Eon is more laid back that way. As for me? I like it when a player catches me by surprise with a completely unique way of getting around my puzzles.
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Post by The Great Krass on Aug 22, 2005 0:22:43 GMT -5
Hey! Everyone Vote for me as the next Mayor of Seattle. A vote for me is a vote for government that works for YOU!
"Once again Seattle voters are looking for exciting new ways to get their hoops handed to them by re-electing Mr Krass."
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Post by Eon on Aug 22, 2005 0:24:33 GMT -5
Hey Fatman,
Maybe Dr. Patterson still has some of the BF stuff when you played there. I'll check and see if he can post some of your stupidity here.
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Post by The Great Krass on Aug 22, 2005 1:50:23 GMT -5
Where does the Fatman GET this STUFF? Check out his latest!
OOC: GM: "OK, folks I think I have the latest game 'Taming of the Screw' worked out. Today Mr. Johnson #1878 has come to Krass/Drassel & Associates to commission a 'Recovery Run'. Mr Drassel, being the only administrator in the building besides JoAnne is considering whether to take the job. You are live Mr. Drassel."
Drassel, "Welcome Mr Johnson, may I offer you something to drink? Real coffee, perhaps?"
JoAnne, pours a cup.
Mr. Johnson, NPC, "Thank you Mr Drassel, nice place you have here. I want to get right to the point. What do you know about the EV-1?"
Drassel, "Personally? Very little. Our staff scientist Mr. Ronilion probably has this knowledge, one moment please." I page Ronilion's headware with the clue.
Ronilion, responds, "The General Motors: EV-1 was first shown in 1998. It was a science-fiction car of the first order, and it looked it--all swoopy lines and space-egg aerodynamics. None were made available for sale. When the leases on the EV1s expired, GM recalled the cars, over the ardent objections of many of the lessees, who protested, begged, and lobbied GM to let them buy their vehicles. GM would not relent, and, citing concerns over liability and parts availability, even took to crushing some of these high-tech marvels to keep them off the road. This happened in 2005"
Mr. Johnson, "I'm impressed Mr. Drassel. Few people have any idea in this day and age that any of those cars ever existed. The job I have for you is to locate and recover a working edition of that car. That will mean of course that you will have to trace who owns GM NOW!"
Drassel, smiles, "We can do it, but such intensive corporate searches are very expensive. How much are you willing to pay for this technology?"
Mr. Johnson, "NuYen is no object."
Drassel smiles.
OK Guys, Now here is your chance to take part. WHO in the Shadowrun world owns GM now. and should I sublet this to another Shadowrun Team or should we do it ourselves? Let's see if we can figure out what the Fatman is up to before we make a decision.
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Post by The Fatman on Aug 22, 2005 2:39:50 GMT -5
Really Mr. Krass, How lazy of you. Still this idea of yours does have merit. Actually I kind of like the idea, so if the others on this site are interested, why not give them all the questions? Do your research, then look at theirs and see how close you folks come to the final conclusion? Mr Johnson, on this site, has come close to answering your query in his list of corporations on this site, had you taken the time to read his excellent work. The closest corporation he seems to have found that MIGHT be the one you seek is Chrysler-Nissan as Chrysler was a part of GM at one time...., but is that correct? Maybe you should query him for aid. Other questions your friends might want to research for fun: 1.) If Mr Johnson 1878 is willing to pay virtually unlimited NuYen, what about this vehicle makes it so important? 2.) Do any working models truly exist? (Remember, Mr. Johnson may sent you after it, but it may be nothing but fairy dust.) 3.) What will be the 'Price of Failure"? 4.) Considering the possible value, who else is likely to be involved? Escalations are so messy. Now of course there are the usual SR concerns here. Is this a setup? What kind of Security? etc etc etc... Good Luck. By the way, they may also want to consider, where does the hash singer, the crosseyed guy, the Pinhead, the all midget fiddlers, and crippled accountant fit into this. You must also consider, wisely, the Earthquake, the trolley car, the Falafel sandwich and the desert island as well. If you are going to bring your friends in, then at least do them the courtesy of giving them enough clues to work with. For those wanting to research the vehicle? Key words are General Motors EV1. Good Luck.
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Post by Eon on Aug 22, 2005 5:22:42 GMT -5
Fatman,
Wasn't one of your characters called Loathsome Pissmier O'the Desert? I believe Patterson has some of that one as well. His comments on that character were very interesting.
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Post by Xtreme on Aug 22, 2005 8:00:45 GMT -5
(CBS) It is sleek and streamlined, fast and electric. But as CBS News Correspondent John Blackstone reports, General Motors' EV1, the car of the future, is about to become a thing of the past. "I can out accelerate most of the cars on the road without using a drop of gas," says Greg Hanssen, who owns an EV1. "Get a good look at it because when it goes away, it's gone," says Patrick Preminger, another EV1 owner. General Motors is pulling the plug on its electric car. The company never sold it, it only leased the car and is now demanding every EV1 be returned. Greg Hanssen led a campaign to save the little cars from the crusher. "We had $22,000 turned in from over 80 individuals who said 'can I hold onto my car.' And they said 'No, you cannot hold onto your car,'" says Hanssen. When GM's chairman unveiled the EV1 seven years ago at the Detroit International Auto Show, it seemed there was finally an alternative to gasoline. "GM's goal is to make a business out of the electric car," said Jack Smith, chairman of General Motors. In a commercial, GM suggested electric cars would soon be as common as toasters. Those commercials boldly announced, "The electric car is here." But General Motors built only about a thousand EV1's, available only in California and Arizona. General Motor's Ken Stewart says few people wanted a car that had to be plugged in every hundred miles or so. "After ten years and investing over a billion dollars we think its time to move on," says Stewart. When the EV1 was introduced California was setting tough new standards for cutting air pollution from cars. But since then GM and other automakers have gone to court delaying those standards. With the immediate pressure gone, the EV1 is going too. Linda Preminger calls the situation "heartbreaking". The Premingers hate to lose their EV1. "It's not a luxury car, but it's the best car I have ever driven. And you don't have to smell the gasoline fumes," says Linda. GM is now touting a new car of the future that runs on hydrogen, but it won't be for sale for years. So as the EV1 disappears, so does the brief hope for freedom from the gas pump. hope that helps Krass... as for Loathsome Pissmier O'the Desert... sounds like a name my dad would use for his characters....
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Post by Ronilion on Aug 22, 2005 21:39:12 GMT -5
Surely a place called the ProBoards can do a better job than this? When the Fatman sets this stuff up he does immense research and EXPECTS players to be at least as knowledgeable. Allow me to expand on my research, still the picture was nice so I won't include any.
Key Data Project type Special purpose vehicle Engine alternating current (AC) induction, electric Battery Type - standard26 valve-regulated high-capacity lead-acid (PbA) Battery Type - optionalNickel metal hydride (NiMH) TransmissionSingle speed dual reduction gear set with a ratio of 10.946:1 Power102 kilowatts (137 horsepower) at 7,000 rpm Fuel Consumption (kW/hr per 100 miles) - StandardHigh-capacity lead-acid battery pack - 26 city/26 highway Fuel Consumption (kW/hr per 100 miles) - OptionalNickel-metal hydride battery pack - 34 city/30 highway Torque150 Nm (110 lb-ft) at 0-7,000 rpm SuspensionFront Suspension: Aluminum short/long arm with coil spring over shock absorber with stabilizer bar BrakesFront hydraulic disk. Rear electrically-applied drum brakes and electric propulsion motor. ABS 60-0 Braking Distance60-0 mph braking distance of 160 feet (49 m) Launch Date2000 Key Players SponsorGeneral Motors Key Specifications SteeringElectro-hydraulic, power rack-and-pinion (speed-sensitive, variable-effort) Vehicle TypeTransverse-mounted, front-wheel drive Transaxle TypeSingle-speed with dual reduction gears Weight (Body)290 pounds Maximum SpeedAn electronically regulated top speed of 80mph Maximum Range55 to 95 miles or 75 to 130 miles 0-609 seconds TiresP175/65R14 Michelin® Proxima; all-season radial with self-sealing, puncture-resistant feature Charging Time5.5 to 6 hours or 6 to 8 hours
The GM EV1 is a purpose-built electric vehicle and is likely to be an important possibility for the non-petrol future. It has software upgrades, a refined ride and handling, improvements in fit and finish, and new upholstery. The EV1 offers two battery technologies: an advanced, high-capacity lead acid, and an optional Nickel Metal Hydride. The problem back then was it's HIGH Cost.
The EV 1 is powered by a 137hp, three-phase AC induction motor and uses a single-speed dual reduction gear set with a ratio of 10.946:1. The propulsion system has an improved drive unit, battery pack, power electronics, 6.6kW charger, and heating and thermal control module.
26 valve-regulated high-capacity lead-acid (PbA) batteries are the new standard for the EV1 battery pack. These batteries are an improvement over the pack available with the first-generation EV1 and offer greater range and longer life. An optional nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack is also available for the model. This technology nearly doubles the range of the first-generation battery and offers improved battery life.
The EV1 can be charged safely in all weather conditions with inductive charging. Using a 220V charger, charging from 0 to 100% for the new lead-acid pack takes from five-and-a-half to six hours. Charging for the nickel-metal hydride pack, which stores more energy, takes from six to eight hours.
The EV1 with the high-capacity lead-acid pack has an estimated ‘real-world’ driving range of 55 to 95 miles, depending on terrain, driving habits and temperature. The range with the NiMH pack is even greater. Again, depending on terrain, driving habits, temperature and humidity, estimated real-world driving range will vary from 75 to 130 miles. Braking is accomplished by using a blended combination of front hydraulic disk, and rear electrically applied drum brakes and the electric propulsion motor. During braking, the electric motor generates electricity, which is then used to partially recharge the battery pack.
The vehicle’s body weighs 290lbs and is less than 10% of the total vehicle weight. The 162 pieces are bonded together into a unit using aerospace adhesive, spot welds and rivets.
The exterior body panels are dent and corrosion resistant. They are made out of composites and are created using two forming processes known as Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) and Reinforced Reaction Injection Molding (RRIM).
The EV1 is designed to be highly aerodynamic, saving energy and allowing a lower level of propulsion power that sends the vehicle further. It also has a 0.19 drag coefficient. In fact, the rear wheels are 9in closer together than the front wheels, which allows for a tear-drop shape that lessens drag.
The EV1 has an electronically regulated top speed of 80mph. It comes with traction control, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, airbags, power windows, power door locks and power outside mirrors, AM/FM CD/cassette, tire inflation monitor system. The vehicle also offers programmable climate control, an electric windshield defogger/deicer, a rear window defogger, and center-mounted instrumentation.
The EV1 does not require a conventional key to unlock the door. A five-digit personal identification code is entered on the exterior keypad to allow access. No key is needed to start the car. The same five-digit code is entered on the center console's keypad to activate the car.
Now my view is that this vehicle while state of the art for 1998-2005 is not in the SR world now a major technological factor. What does this tell me? That it is not the car per se that interests the Johnson. In SR there are many alternatives. The design? Doubtful, it can be easily reproduced. The software? The corrosion resistance? We have SR equivalents. Aerospace adhesive might be a possibility. The braking system is doubtful as well. We can do that easily in SR with some good dwarf riggers. That pretty much eliminates the batteries and such as well. So that leaves me with one thought. It's not necessarily the technological car they want but something in the car. Maybe when I hear the others briefings I'll get a better clue.
Hey Xtreme, Did you notice it was supposed to go into full production in 2000 but never did? Gas prices were not a factor under the Bush administration at that time so by 2005 it was pulled despite rising gas prices, talks of Global Warming and pollution. The Fatman would have taken this into account as well in his design of the game.
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Post by Xtreme on Aug 22, 2005 23:00:29 GMT -5
I did read that part... and yes I knew that... now see.. ill admit that was awesome.. but my post was something I did in 15 seconds... more as a joking reply... something brief... lol... nice job though.. and nice to finally meet you... ive read so much about you ;D your group was my final push to go through with making the rest of this site... and to you guys I say thanks... hope to see you around from time to time
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Post by The Fatman on Aug 22, 2005 23:35:18 GMT -5
Go Easy, Ronilion, they are still setting things up.
Later, I'll add what the RetroSexuals are up to.
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Post by GreatMilenko on Aug 22, 2005 23:42:01 GMT -5
Key Data Project type Special purpose vehicle Engine alternating current (AC) induction, electric Battery Type - standard26 valve-regulated high-capacity lead-acid (PbA) Battery Type - optionalNickel metal hydride (NiMH) TransmissionSingle speed dual reduction gear set with a ratio of 10.946:1 Power102 kilowatts (137 horsepower) at 7,000 rpm Fuel Consumption (kW/hr per 100 miles) - StandardHigh-capacity lead-acid battery pack - 26 city/26 highway Fuel Consumption (kW/hr per 100 miles) - OptionalNickel-metal hydride battery pack - 34 city/30 highway Torque150 Nm (110 lb-ft) at 0-7,000 rpm SuspensionFront Suspension: Aluminum short/long arm with coil spring over shock absorber with stabilizer bar BrakesFront hydraulic disk. Rear electrically-applied drum brakes and electric propulsion motor. ABS 60-0 Braking Distance60-0 mph braking distance of 160 feet (49 m) Launch Date2000 Key Players SponsorGeneral Motors Key Specifications SteeringElectro-hydraulic, power rack-and-pinion (speed-sensitive, variable-effort) Vehicle TypeTransverse-mounted, front-wheel drive Transaxle TypeSingle-speed with dual reduction gears Weight (Body)290 pounds Maximum SpeedAn electronically regulated top speed of 80mph Maximum Range55 to 95 miles or 75 to 130 miles 0-609 seconds TiresP175/65R14 Michelin® Proxima; all-season radial with self-sealing, puncture-resistant feature Charging Time5.5 to 6 hours or 6 to 8 hours ok, Im gonna translate word for word what I understand about that paragraph... vehicle Engine electric Battery Type 7,000 rpm Fuel Consumption 26 city/26 highway Fuel Consumption ABS 60-0 Braking Distance60-0 mph braking distance of 160 feet (49 m) regulated top speed of 80mph cars, cyberware and guns... why can't any Johnsons ever ask questions about video games, hockey, wrestling or old re-runs of "Who's line is it anyways?" **sigh**
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Post by The Fatman on Aug 23, 2005 1:52:18 GMT -5
Happy Birthday Great Milenko, I believe Ronilion already translated it for you underneath that. In any case let's see how the Retrosexuals are doing so far: OOC: GM: “OK, everyone, you have had the typical forty-eight hours to digest your briefing sheets and do your research. It is now time to convene your meeting to discuss the proposal of Mr. Johnson #1878. The usual security has been implemented. All members have signed in and are active. Penalties will be levied as usual for bad role playing so stay in character. Dice rolls will be accomplished at the usual source: www.irony.com/shadowroll.html We are now live. Krass smiling, “I’m going to let Drassel start this one off since he did the preliminary work.” Drassel, in a monotone. “This may be our most lucrative contract to date. We have yet to sign the documents but the price I quoted the client was ‘extreme’. He accepted without argument. In essence the contract is a ‘recovery’. The item is the GM EV1. Now as to my research; in 2013 the energy crunch was in full swing. General Motors and Chrysler merged with Nissan. By 2014 the Ghost Dancers are in operation and by 2029 the cyber systems were crashing. At 2030 the US became the UCAS. The General Motors Name was dropped completely just before 2030. In the changeover patents lapsed and records were lost. To be precise there are no current patents on any of the EV1 technology. To our knowledge Chrysler-Nissan has no interest in anything pertaining to the EV1. Why our client wants this particular item seems to make no sense.” Ronilion nods, “I agree. I have studied what is known of the tech. You have all received the specifications. We could produce a similar vehicle with existing technology that is much better. I suspect the client wants the original technology because they have found a completely different use for it. They do not want it as a vehicle. I have been running computerized sequences recombining the technology in new ways but the data is inconclusive without having an actual working model to examine. Until I get more data on the vehicle I can add nothing more.” Eon, in a smart business suit looks at Krass, “This one stinks. It reeks of corporate intrigue. I’m betting we could buy the actual plans and so could have the Johnson. Why steal them then? Simply, they do not want to alert anyone to their real interest and they don’t want anyone to know they ARE interested. Drassel, what company does the Johnson work for?” Drassel, shakes his head negatively, “You know better than that. We don’t ask. We deal directly with the Johnson only. He is willing to pay for a Platinum Contract and that means we don’t pry or ask anything about reasons, why or where it comes from. Absolute security on this.” Eon, smiles, “I suspected as much but I wanted it to be clear. This Johnson is hiding a lot and will give no one any info including us. That means we locate, procure, deliver and then forget. I think we should subcontract this mission. I have several teams that could take it on. The top three would be; The Four Aces, The Chamkichi Brothers, or Beefwipe Supremo. We have used them before and each has a proven record of accomplishment. If we want more deniability we could hire a new team after doing the research on their background.” Krass sarcastically, “Losing your courage? We need the money. What you need is some hypnosis. O.K., when I snap my fingers, you will awaken, fully refreshed, have no memory of being hypnotized, and will try to impress me with your being an insatiable nymphomaniac.” Eon glares, “Listen you Big Sack of Stupid, why don’t you go to the toilet and roll around in it until you smell better.” Luddington, “Peace. Let me see if I understand correctly. We are to STEAL a CAR, give it to an unknown individual and collect a lot of NuYen without knowing anything else? Does this seem to be a BAD thing to anyone besides me?” Dr. Patterson, “Easy Lud. It’s not just the money. It’s a DREKLOAD of money! You can bless the car later if it will make you feel better.” Luddington shakes his head sadly, “It won’t.” So ProBoards... Do you have anything you would like to add at this point? ;D
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Post by The Great Krass on Aug 23, 2005 3:17:46 GMT -5
cars, cyberware and guns... why can't any Johnsons ever ask questions about video games, hockey, wrestling or old re-runs of "Who's line is it anyways?" **sigh**
Easy question chummer, The Fat dude already did that. You got stoned and you missed it. Better Luck next Birthday.
Thanks Xtreme, it was nice to have the info.
OK, we all know it's a setup, this is SR after all.
The car as a car is a herring, are we agreed there?
I believe we should accept the contract and do it ourselves. Drassel is with me on that and so is Patterson.
Eon, Ronilion, and JoAnne believe we should sub contract it.
Luddington doesn't want to touch it. Why was no one surprised at that.
Now for what I haven't put out publicly yet. I made some rolls with FatDude and I think I have discovered an EV1 at the Smithsonian Museum! It's not well guarded and should be easy to nab. We COULD subcontract to a team in DC to swipe it and ship it for us. What bothers me is we really haven't done any checking on the other FATBOY clues yet. That's the kind of thing that crawls up your hoop and dies in FATBOYS games.
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Post by Eon on Aug 23, 2005 4:31:36 GMT -5
Krass you are SOOOOOOO Stupid! Don't you realize the Fatman has made it too easy to get that vehicle? If something is that easy to get at, for such a large return in money you just have to know you're going to get screwed. Which in your case you will probably enjoy throughly.
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Post by GreatMilenko on Aug 23, 2005 7:40:12 GMT -5
I thoroughly suggest after (and if) you find the car, you find an antiques car repairman to investigate the car (after you check the trunk for corpses of course, then again, due to the size of that truck, It'd have to be Danny Devito)... that way if the owner of the car operates like my brother when he plays a decker, you wont get fragged when the thermonuclear security device goes off and incinerates half of the UCAS.
He generally likes to spend more money on vehicle security than operating functions... as him about his hover-aircraft carrier... he still spent more money for security on his Rapier...
Back to the idea, it's obviously a set-up... in this case I would definately hire some street thugs... who would know more about jacking cars than some ghetto punks who pull apart cars for spare cyberware parts... I wouldn't expect any owner who respects the car to have modified it mainly for the idea that a rigger worth his nuyen could grab it at will...
My other idea is that the car is in plain view... and light security at best... and, oh yeah... it's in the Tir...
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