Sammi uses Contacts right off the bat to find out who in town is involved in occult tome smuggling. She rolls a +1 and gets four shifts, more than enough to get the plot ball rolling.
"Iron" Mike Sorvino, Mid-level Mobster, has an import/export business called "Clamshell Deliveries" that specializes in "no questions, no customs" service for a fee. A BIG fee. Miranda wants to set up a meeting with Mike posing as a prospective buyer.
I wave the Investigation or Contacts roll, wanting to get on with the action. "Iron" Mike agrees to meet with Miranda at his club, a low class strip joint called "The Play Pen" in Blue Heights, a trashy part of Low Town. Miranda, rightly fearing facing Mike in a place of his choosing, insists on a meeting in the parking lot in mid-afternoon. Mike says OK.
I set up a social conflict between Miranda and "Iron" Mike. For Mike's stats I use "Made Men" (OW p69) with the Aspects of "Tough Guy, Greedy, Male Chauvnist Pig".
Victory conditions for the conflict are as follows: If Mike gets taken out he gives up the name Miranda is looking for.
Between the gang grafitti, trash on the streets, and both hookers and drug dealers openly plying their trades, Miranda felt very out of place. "I was raised better than this", she reflected bitterly, while waiting for the Mafiosso to make his appearence.
Fourtunatly, it didn't take long. "Iron" Mike must of gotten his nickname in better days, thought Miranda as he approched the meeting spot. Maybe 6' and pushing 280 lbs., his ample gut falling over a tightly bound belt, and wearing in what Miranda saw as a horrible shade of purple suit with an open neck and cheap gold chains, the bad comb-over was only the topper. Miranda took an instant disliking to him.
I call for a First Impression roll using Rapport, modifed by Presence. Since Miranda has both at Fair, it's a non-issue.
Sammi rolls and get a 0, for a +2 net. Mike's at average, and I roll a -2. I ask Sammi how she wants to come off to the Mobster.
Sammi says she wants to seem aloof and cool, a professional businesswoman looking for a deal. I ask her if the temporary apsect of "Professional Demeanor" would work. She agrees. I also say that because of the roll, she can decern the aspect of "Chauvinist" on Mike.
"Mr. Sorvino, I presume?", says Miranda, not bothering to offer a hand to shake. Mike tries to put up one of his sweaty palms, but thinks better of it as Miranda's cool gaze looks him over. "Yeah, that's me," Mike replies, "you Lawson?"
"Indeed. Thank you for meeting me on short notice. I hope I won't take up too much of your time." Let's get this over with quickly, Miranda thought to herself. "So, what can I take care of for you?" he said. The mobster's glance turned into a chest to legs leer, and Miranda felt a cold revolt in her stomach.
At this point, Sammi asks for the best way to resolve the conflict as quick as she can. Without Intimidation, I suggest a Deceit roll.
Sammi rolls and comes up with a -3! Even with her skill, it's still a net -1. She briefly considers a Fate point, but wants to save them in case of a real fight breaking out. I roll for Mike and come up with a +2. Miranda blows it in the first exchange.
"Recently you aquired a rare book for someone in town Mr. Sorvino. I would be very interested in finding them to make a purchase offer." The words were hardly out of her mouth before she realised what a collossal blunder she had made. Dammit, don't give away everything! she chastised herself. But the damage was done. The gangster's eyes go over cold and hard. "I don't give out client info for anybody, lady. Especially not some snot-nosed uptown broad with an attitude. Now piss off before I have you leave myself."
For the second exchange I have Mike attack with Intimidation. He has no Fate points to invoke his Tough Guy aspect, so it's a +2 for skill. I roll a +1 for a net of +3. Sammi asks to use her Discilpine as a defense, and I agree. She gets a +1 and adds in her skill of +4 for a total of +5. Miranda is not impressed.
Who exactly does this little man think he is?, Miranda seethed. "I am not some coked-up strung out whore looking for a fix, Mr. Sorvino," the steel in her voice plain for both to hear. "I am Miranda Lawson, your better, and you will not scare me. I will be treated with some respect. NOW." Sorvino's expression turns nervous.
