Iron Stars - alister

You wake after a restless sleep in the forest. The ground feels strangely hard after living nearly three years in the wild swamps and jungles to the southeast. On the western horizon you see an atmoflyer scout that appears to be descending towards what you hope is your destination.

I gather my things and head off in that direction.

(Notice/wis)

(9)

You hear something crashing through the underbrush ahead of you, heading in your direction.

Alister readies an explosive blast

A young woman bursts out of the nearby brush, panting heavily and looking over her shoulder. You can see the glint of a collar around her neck. She looks up at you in surprise, a low growl in her throat.

2

12:16 PM

(If you choose to attack you'll get a surprise round)

*Alister lunges to grapple her to the ground

12:30 PM

(7 exert/str)

She collapses to the ground underneath you. Struggling to get free, she tries to punch you in the face. (14 to hit, 2 damage)

Alister puts his hand over her mouth and listens for any other movement

You hear more crashing through the brush just before four armed guards appear, breathless and aiming rifles at both of you. "Stop where you are! Freeze!"

Alister lifts his hands un in surrender and slowly gets up off the woman.

The woman immediately gets up and tries to run. One of the guards fires their rifle and she collapses. The other three keep their weapons trained on you. A broad shouldered man with short gray hair walks up to you. He has an odd elongated monocle on his eye, the lenses focuses a bit like a camera as he inspects you. "He's clear!" He yells to the others. "Who are you and what are you doing?"

Alister mumbles as he tries to remember how to form words

12:45 PM

"Alister Sunderland Unit 0817 .... Air division....."

"Sunderland...Air division you say? Pre-scream?"

"y... yes sir"

12:53 PM

Alister drops his gaze to look at his boots

"I'll be dammed. At ease soldier." He motions for the other guards to relax. "Alright then Sunderland. We haven't found new survivors in a month, where have you been?"

"Wondering around the swamps hoping that the rest of the world didn't fall apart like my fighter did... "

1:00 PM

"Who was that woman?" Alister looks over at her body

His eyes narrow in suspicion, "The swamps? I don't think we've had any survivors from those parts..." He glances at the body, "Feral. Had a couple of prisoners but this one got away. No idea how she escaped yet." He sticks out a hand, "Sargent Grigs. These sorry lads are my squad."

“She was the first person I’ve seen in 3 years...”

"Ferals aren't really people anymore son. They're the reason we're in this whole mess, they're the ones who broke the world. I guess you don't know too much being isolated this whole time. Let's head back to the city, you'll see."

“Is she... dead?”

Grigs gestures for one of his men to go check, the soldier confirms the kill. "Better her than us. Without that collar on she would have torn us to shreds without a second thought. Hardly more than rabid beasts, but much more deadly."

“You’ll have to fill me in on what happened...”

6:40 PM

Alister lowers his hand and looks more comfortable

"Let's talk as we go, we're just a few hours out." Grigs brings out a large cigar, lighting it and taking a deep pull before going over to the body and throwing it over his shoulder. As he steps away one of the soldiers approaches, "Hey there, I'm Jakobs. Don't mind the sarge, he gets a bit touchy dealing with psychics. His-" "Jakobs! Stop bothering him and jog ahead to let them know we'll need food and a bed for our new friend here!" He returns with the body casually slung over his shoulder. "You ready?"

“As ready as I’ll ever be. “

Jakobs takes off and Grigs leads the way back towards the city. "What was the last thing you remember before you crashed?"

“Not much. I was on patrol over the swamps to the south. It was supposed to be a routine flyby. Then I heard it got awful noise, and the instruments on my panel went crazy. Next thing I know I’m waking up in the middle of the burning ashes that was my ship

7:37 PM

Ever since then I’ve been crawling around the swamp trying to find help...”

"Three whole years in those swamps... Alone too. Most survivors who lasted this long were in groups. You're one lucky man. Or..." Grigs fiddles with his monocle for a second before looking you over again. A hint of awe enters his voice, "Heh, even luckier than I thought! You're touched son. Any weird things been happening to you since the crash?"

"I'm not sure, one day has seemed to bleed into the next.... What do you mean by "touched?"

"Might as well start from the beginning. The scream drive the psychics mad, or just killed the fortunate ones. Astria is gone, just a big pile of rubble after the psychics were done with it. A bunch of them still live there. Anyway, after the scream people started reporting weird things happening to them. Strange abilities different from the psychics. They've been calling them touched. Touched by the gods, touched by the devil, who knows. This here," he taps the side of his monocle, "let's me see if someone's a psychic. An old psitech trick the academy used to find potential students. Now it tells me who to shoot. And apparently whatever abilities your touch gives you are close enough to psychics to register, though at a different sort of frequency I guess."

A single tear falls down Alister's cheek

9:00 PM

"so you know then..."

9:00 PM

Alister charges a burst in his hand idly like a cat stretching its claws.

Grig's eyes widen, "Hey now, that's a neat trick. I was gonna suggest you join up with our militia, we could use new talent and pilots are always in demand. But something like this could really open some opportunities for you! Why are you acting like that's a bad thing?"

" Its not a bad thing...just... you're the first people I've met in 3 years... I didn't want you to think i was the same as the feral in the collar."

"Ah, smart man. I don't really get the difference, all I know is you probably won't go crazy and murder me. Any more than any other normal human at least. When you live under psychics for so long you get used to not having secrets, we may only have a handful of sane ones around anymore but that still holds true."

"No I'm not crazy. Just not used to talking so much."

9:33 PM

"With Astria gone, where are we headed?"

Grigs gestures ahead of you, "See for yourself." The treeline stops abruptly and you stand on the edge of a farm. A few more farms dot the hills around you as the ground gently slopes down towards a small city. Nothing like the towering spires and beautiful gardens of the Astria you knew, this city seems to have little cohesive plan. Structures are cobbled together of wood, stone, metal or some bizarre mix of whatever was available. In the center you see a wide cylindrical building with a domed roof surrounded by a sprawling market. Houses and shop stalls butt up against one another as the market winds straight through a seeming residential area. Military buildings form neat blocks of order which only seems to emphasize the chaos rather than tame it. To the north lies an airstrip with a few atmoflyers nearby, to the south more farms. The scene is backlit by a sparkling sea speckled with fishing boats. The sun close to setting across the sea, though the horizon is obscured in the far distance by dark clouds. "Welcome Alister Sunderland. To New Astria!"

gasp

(Let's get a mental save just for fun)

(16 success)

3

As you walk out of the forest you notice a large pool of blood just off the trail with drag tracks leading back into the forest. None of the others seem to notice.

“Griggs, do you have much trouble with the Gerald here?”

3

"Hmm? No, the only Gerald I know is a pretty nice guy." They continue on towards the city.

(I meant ferals. Darn auto correct)

"Oh did you mean ferals? That makes more sense. They mostly stick to the ruins but every so often one'll stumble into the forest. Thankfully those have mostly been weaker ones and haven't caused too much trouble before we've dispatched them. You know, I can introduce you to Gerald if you want. Owns the bar in town. Good guy." He keeps walking, not even looking in your direction.

3

4

Alister eyes the blood pool, but follows Griggs anyways

9:47 PM

"Is there a place i can sleep tonight, and maybe grab a bite to eat.... I haven't had a warm bed and a good meal in a long time..."

"Of course, free food and beds for those willing to work. Not the best quarters, but I expect you're used to worse."

As you approach the city you see people working on the farms, the weather quite temperate even this close to winter. Walls circle part of the town, but residential areas have expanded out past it, not quite slums but more haphazardly built and of lesser quality.

10:31 PM

The gates are open and you continue into the city proper. It's not too busy this time of evening but any sort of crowd feels overwhelming after being alone so long. Grigs leads you to a line of small huts. "You can sleep here tonight. There's a communal bath and a dining hall just down there," he points to a larger building at the end of the line. "I'll be at the military compound if you need me. Anything else you need before I go?"

“Who do I see for work in the morning?”

"Well you could head to the airfield since you're a pilot, they might have something for you. If you wanted to learn more about your touch you could talk to the psionic order. Otherwise check your comm pad, there's always people asking for help there. Sort of a job board."

“Thanks Sargent. “

10:01 AM

*Alister walks off to find a meal and a place to sleep for the night. Pondering the days events. *

You enter the mess hall the sargent had pointed out and see rows of benches and tables only about a quarter full this late in the evening. There's a short line to get food at the back.

*I get in line for food and find a quite spot in a corner to sit and eat. *

You get a few odd looks, but no one approaches. The food is simple but good quality, better than you've had in a long time.

I watch the room for a little while while eating slowly. After I finish eating I get up to clear the table of my trash and leave to bathe and bed down for the night.

You exit the bathhouse feeling refreshed and an attendant hands you the key to one of the huts. The huts are small, containing a only bed, nightstand, and chest. A small lamp lights the room. Everything seems freshly built, you're likely its first occupant.

(Did I get new clothes as well?)

(Yeah they would have provided you some basic necessities at the baths)

Locking the door I set my stuff down and get into bed for the night.

Your sleep is deep and dreamless and you wake with sun, a bit disoriented before remembering where you are.

I slowly rise and get ready in the usual military fashion. Exiting the hut I head toward the airfield Griggs pointed out

The airfield is to the north, just outside the gates. There's only one flyer here right now, the rest already out scouting or transporting people and goods. There's a large hangar where people are busy constructing another atmoflyer and what looks to be a shuttle.

I walk to the hanger and knock on the door frame. “Hello?”

6:29 PM

“Excuse me. I was told an old pilot might be able to find a job here?”

The knock is lost in the racket but someone notices you and a hearty middle aged woman with thick smudged spectacles approaches, wiping grease and dirt off her hands on a dirty rag at her waist. "You say somethin about a job? Come on in and get your hands dirty!" She gestures to some tools and spare parts, "Name's Abby Belrich, chief engineer here."

“Just trying to find a way to help around here...” I move into the garage over to where she gestured.

(Let's get a fix/int to see how helpful you can be)

(6)

You spend the next couple hours helping her and the other mechanics repair the flyer. You're not skilled enough to do much on your own, but your general knowledge of aircraft lets you follow directions and they're able to get it done more quickly than they had expected. Abby comes up to you after, "I can tell you're a pilot, thanks for the help. I think I might be able to trust you around one of my ships, what's your name?"

“Alister Sunderland

8:10 PM

“

8:11 PM

“You’re saying I could fly again?”

"Tell you what. You can take the plane we just fixed and run an errand for me alright?"

“Sssss sounds great!” He stammers.

"I've hired a team of salvagers to get some parts for the shuttle over there. They need a pickup. These flyers are the fastest things in atmo so it shouldn't take you too long. Here," she gets out a map, "See this peninsula south of Old Astria? That's where they'll be. Fly along our coast here before crossing the sea, too close to the city and you'll get shot down. Automated anti aircraft that survived the scream. Should be the five of them plus whatever parts they have."

“Sounds like an easy first ride.”

8:41 PM

“When do I start?”

"They're expecting someone this afternoon so as soon as you're ready! It should be easy... you're new here, right? This area," she circles a large radius around the city ruins, "Is dangerous, even for a quick pickup. Ferals mostly keep to the city but not always. And the beasts there have been twisted by the hostile metadimensional energy. I'd suggest not landing until you see them and taking off as soon as they're loaded." (edited)

“So anti air guns, ferals and a slight time crunch, what could go wrong.”

Abby grins, "Exactly. It's got guns on the nose so you won't be entirely defenseless. Need anything before you leave?"

“Just a few min to feel out this old bird and I think I’ll be fine. I’ll get your men back in one piece.” Alister smiles and moves to climb into the ship.

The atmoflyer feels a bit strange, you likely haven't flown one since training. But it's not so different from your fighter, just a bit unwieldy.

9:04 PM

Abby waves to you and clears the runway.

Alister waves back and starts up the flyer’s engine. Following the runway he takes the flyer up

(pilot/dex)

1

(6)

Your trained instincts kick in and you fly with ease, even after all these years. The open skies are yours.

*Yells and laughs in pure delight!”

Your path takes you south along the coast, as Abby suggested. The flyer moves incredibly fast and it's only just over an hour before you see the western shore appear.

(do I see any activity on the shore?)

As you get closer, there doesn't seem to be anyone waiting for you there yet, nor is any particular danger apparent.

(Can I see the old city from here?)

(I think it'd be out of sight, even from the plane. Each hex on the map is 200km)

11:42 PM

(And you're not flying very high if you're trying to see details on the ground)

I take the Atmo into a holding flight pattern making a circle around the pick up point.

(Notice/wis)

(10)

Before long you see four figures in the distance to the north, running your way. They appear to be human and moving very quickly. Your keen eyes pick out a fifth figure a ways behind them, walking almost casually in their direction.

5:11 PM

(Abby would have mentioned the ones you were to pick up had hovercycles when they left)

I stop circling and get into position to fire weapons at the figure slowly walking behind the fleeing men

(1d20+dex -2 to hit for being outside optimal range 3d8+dex damage)

(What’s the range in the guns?)

(It's a railgun, 1km-2km. Target is just inside 2km)

I fly forward closer to the fleeing group and fire over them at the figure

(+Shoot) (edited)

(His shoot is 0, but yeah)

5:26 PM

(Actually it's -1, they're nose guns so he can use his pilot skill which is 0)

(Glad I can help

)

(Oh I was looking at the engines of Babylon range, it's higher in the main book so no penalty to hit)

(So just 1d20+dex?)

(Yep)

(11)

The spray of shots kick up a cloud of dirt all around the figure. It's too far to make out details, but he walks out of the cloud seemingly unharmed. (Let's roll initiative)

(3)

(8 for the people running, 1 for the figure. You'll go second)

(Nice)

The four people continue running, not sparing the time to fire at the figure (dash action basically, you're up)

How far away are they?

(You'll reach them in 2 rounds)

(Basically I wanna yak another shot and then touch down I front of the 4 men.)

(Sounds good, take your shot)

(19)

(Generally you do attack and damage at the same time, but this guy's super tough, AC20) Your aim is true and the flurry of projectiles blast into the figure... you're close enough to see a strange blur, movement too fast to be seen and your target continues walking. (Think agents from the Matrix)

(Oh ok I can do both.)

The figure vanishes. The four figures keep running and are close enough for you to pick them up. (Let's get a pilot/dex check since you're coming in so fast)

(7)

The flyer slides, skipping over three ground before coming to a halt right next to the four people. Their eyes are grateful but full of terror, looking back to where the figure vanished.

“Get on Quickly!!

(We'll say landing is your move, helping them into the flyer as your main action) (edited)

(Sounds fair)

The figure reappears, the ruins of a gravcar next to him. He's close enough for you to see feverish eyes and a wild animalistic grin on his face as the gravcar rises and is launched in your direction. (He's still far enough away that you'll get another pilot check to take off in time)

6:59 PM

The four people are loaded, and finally turn to take shots at the feral.

(Only 18)

7:00 PM

(10dmg)

7:01 PM

(9 pilot/dex)

(They're shooting first) The feral dodges three of the shots, you can see he's actually teleporting incredibly quickly in small movements, but one of the shots strikes true and the car in the air falters for a moment.

7:03 PM

That shot gives you just enough time for the flyer to pick up speed and quickly get out of range of the gravcar.

(Sorry read it too fast and miss understood)

(No worries, there was a lot going on lol)

(Lol so who’s turn is it?)

(Your turn, you're out of the feral's range for now and the others are in the flyer.)

I point ya in the direction of New Astra and ask... “Are we missing anyone else?” and out the ship on full throttle with out waiting for a full answer

A woman speaks up, "No one else." She looks at the empty seat, "We had to leave one behind. Still. We're lucky any of us are left, thank you. That was some skillful flying back there." Now that you're not in danger you see two women and two men, all probably in their twenties, physically fit with a military air to them. One man and woman look remarkably similar, likely relatives. (edited)

“What happened down there? Feral ambush?”

"That would be less embarrassing... we actually tried to ambush them. There were only two of them and five of us. We managed to bring down one, but we underestimated the other. It was our first salvage run... we hadn't fought ferals before."

“Your first huh? They must nay have very many scavengers working in New Astra. Where you able to scavenge anything?”

"We had to drop most of it when we ran, but we do have a couple of the things Abby needed for the shuttle. There are others who go to the ruins. High risk for high reward. You get lucky once and the whole city benefits. It would've been big to get all the parts needed for the shuttle. We could finally send a team to the moon. And we'd be that much closer to spike travel."

*Alister ponders the days events as he flys back to the hanger. His mind drifts to the man, the look on his face and he appeared from nowhere and threw a vehicle at in. “Is this what psychics are capable of? Is that what I’m capable of?”

6:55 AM

“We should be safe now, I’ll have you guys home in no time. What was your name again?”

"Are you part of the Order? I'm Flick, my brother's Dalton. That's Kendra and Drew."

“The order? Honestly I arrived in New Astra yesterday and met Abby this morning.”

"Oh wow, and she already sent you out in one of her ships? She must like you. I guess you're not in the order then. The Psionic Order that is. The small handful of psychics who survived the scream somehow. Are you a psychic? If you're unregistered you'll need to fix that, there are some people who might shoot on sight if they knew."

“Good to know” He shuffles awkwardly as he tries to change the subject... “So you’re all in the order then?”

"Oh, no. I just heard you say something about that feral earlier, sorry if I was eavesdropping a bit. Nothing against them, but they like to think they're still in charge after they broke the world. We were military before, so we figured we'd be more able than most to see the ruins. Guess we were wrong."

12:18 PM

New Astria comes into sight and your passengers breathe a sigh of relief.

“Maybe next time be a bit more careful, and don’t underestimate your enemy.”

7:11 PM

I radio into Abby and check if the runway is clear and if I’m clear to land

"We'll see if there is a next time." The runway is clear and permission to land is given.

The hangar is more crowded than when you left it and another flyer is parked outside.

*I land and help get the crew unloaded before heading to the hanger to see what’s caused the commotion and to talk with Abby.

(3xp, 1000 credits. Keaton is there if you want to talk to him)

A bearded man with a large frame and red hair approaches you as you're unloading the flyer. "Hello, names Keaton. Couldn't help but notice your crew looks a bit ruffed up. I know the look of someone just from a fight." He pats a medical kit hanging from his shoulder at which point it becomes apparent that he is missing his left arm. "I'm a medic and new to the city. Your friends there need any looking after? Today's special, I won't even charge ya. I can't guarantee that offer will be on the table tomorrow once someone starts paying me to do this." he says with a grin.

“They are a bit shaken up, but I don’t think they were hurt too badly, unless you have medicine for ones pride.” Alister moves to shake Keaton’s hand,

Keaton clasps Alister's hand with his own and gives it a firm shake. "Sorry, fresh out of that kind of medicine." he laughs loudly and smiles.

Alister chuckles as he drops Keaton’s hand. “Hopefully I won’t need our services anytime soon, but if you need a pilot my names Alister. I only got here yesterday, but it seems like this new city needs all the help it can get.” “

"No kidding? I've only just arrived in the last hour myself." With a thoughtful look, Keaton strokes his beard. Shrugging with a hum "Well here's hoping you won't need my services either, but if you ever do I'm looking for work at the local hospital. And I'll keep you in mind if I ever need a pilot."

”Much appreciated. “ *Alister nods in respect and walks into the garage to find Abby.”

"Same" With a final wave Keaton moves off into a crowd of people that have just disembarked from a flyer.

(Don't forget to level, you hit 2) Abby smiles at you as you enter, she's talking with a young man and seems a bit concerned despite the smile.

(Leveling up now...)

8:52 PM

Alister waits for her to finish the conversation before approaching "That was a wild flight!" Alister says sarcastically.

"It's good to see you back Alister, though... I see not everyone made it back. Was there trouble?"

"The scavenger crew tried to ambush a feral. When i got to the pick up the four where running my direction. The guy moved faster than i thought humanly possible, even the ships guns had little effect. Before we could get off the ground he even chucked a vehicle at us. We are pretty luck we made it out alive."

Abby shakes her head, "Poor fools. Well I'm glad you all are safe now." She points to the man she was just talking to, "That over there is Dig, one of our other pilots. He and another were flying north when one of their flyers crashed. We don't know the reason yet, but hopefully we will soon. Anyway, keep an eye on your flyer and double check everything before you fly."

“Will do. Wait my flyer? I can keep it?”

Abby winks at you, "Consider it a loaner. I just build, I need people to fly my ships."

Alister smiles “Guess I report to you then. Anything else you need done today?

"I have a programmer coming to check the wrecked flyer if you'd like to help her out. No need to report to me, just help out every now and then. And if you find anything useful to ships, you know where to bring it!"

Alister smiles “Thanks Abby, you won’t regret this. I’ll keep you posted if I find anything of use.” *With a wink Alister walks off to begin checking over the atmoflyer.”

(Mental save)

(19 save)

1

(Let's get a fix/int too for the inspection)

(11)

You look over the flyer very carefully and find no signs of tampering or anything wrong.

(I feel like we’ve caught up with the mission thread now. )

(Yep)

Alister moves to talk with Abby about what they found Auril in tow.

(We can probably do this in the group if Hope is going to talk to her too)

You head to the men's bathhouse, not far from the women's. It's fairly busy at this time, many others seeking the same comforts after a long day's hard work.

(While walking do I see anyone with a uniform or anything that would set them apart as a member of the academy?)

(The Order doesn't have a uniform, right now there are only like 4 members. No students survived that you know of so there's not really an academy section of it yet)

(Ah ok)

8:29 PM

Alister quickly gets cleaned up and heads to the mess hall. Patiently waiting for signs of Keaton or the girls.

Auril comes in and comes over to you looking for food. "Water was too hot"

Alister smiles. “Well don’t you clean up nicely. You finally look like a little girl.” (Now that she’s cleaned up, how old does she look?)

9:59 PM

(Also do you have your ruby slippers on, and have you seen any witches on bicycles?)

(She looks between 9-12 but small for her age)

10:01 PM

(And I'm pretty sure I just saw someone with green skin flying by)

(Flying high defying gravity!)

1

"Too many people. We cant stay in the woods?"

“Come Auril let’s eat I bet you’re as hungry as I am”

10:05 PM

“I bet we could find you a place to stay on the edge of town if you’d like. I’m sure we can find a place for you that will be comfortable.”

She digs into the food voraciously. "I can stay for food. And friends. Hope is ok I guess. She doesn't like the psychics. "

“I get the idea that there are a lot of people who don’t like psychics. I’m hoping that tomorrow we can go to the academy and find some psychic friends for the both of us.”

She shudders a bit, "Psychics aren't friends. They hurt me. Kill me if I'm not useful."

“I’m hoping these people will be different... either way, they won’t get much past the both of us.” Alister smiles to try and reassure her.

She feels your intent through the telepathic bond and relaxes a little. She finishes her food and stifles a yawn, "Safe place to sleep?"

“There should be an empty hut somewhere close to mine. If you’re done eating, we can go look.”

"Same place. Not alone."

*Very well.” *Alister gets up from the table and clears away their plates. Ushering Auril to his hut. Using some extra blankets Alister makes a bed roll. On the floor next to the bed. “You can have the bed if you’d like.”

She sits on the bed, bouncing a few times. "Too soft. I'm used to the ground." She curls up on the floor. "Thanks... Friend." She quickly falls asleep.

Alister sighs. “Sleep well little sister”

Your sleep after such a long day is deep and dreamless. You wake to find Auril already up, sitting on the floor watching you.

“Well we’ll, someone is up early. Did you sleep well?”

"Too quiet. But safe. Do we have to see the psychics now?"

“No I think I’d blow the place up if I didn’t get some good breakfast first. Ha ha, let’s eat some breakfast and then we can mosey our way to the academy.”

(Your Okie is showing)

"Mmm food. Ok." The mess hall is serving eggs and fish with fresh fruit for breakfast. Winter is very mild on Brizeno and most fruit grows year round.

Mr Pilot.

Make sure to register the girl in the psychic list. It could be dangerous for her if you do not do it.

You can contact me anytime if you need help.

Hope

PS: Do not trust the academy too much.

Alister eats quickly but slow enough to enjoy it. After eating he heads off with Auril in tow towards the academy.

Auril follows silently, clearly reticent of going, but trusting you. Walking past the large domed building in the center of the city, you see Griggs walking by, heading the direction from which you came.

“Sargent Griggs! Hello sir! How goes it?”

He stops and comes over to you, puffing on a cigar, "Hm yes, Alister was it? It goes as it does. And who is this?" His monocle focuses on Auril for a second, "Are you aware you are travelling with an unregistered psychic?"

Alister winces “We are actually on our way to the academy as we speak.”

"Well I had best escort you. We don't want any funny business. Do you know for a fact if this girl is truly not feral?"

“Sure thing, and Auril is harmless no worries.” ”Auril can you hear me?”

6:38 PM

(Thought more then said..)

"We'll see about that." He loosens the pistol at his hip. Auril squeezes your hand, "Yes."

” I’ve met the man before, he’s a fighter, but I believe him to be good. That being said, I’ve not met anyone from this academy. I’ll stay with you, and if need be... we run...”

"Ok. He doesn't like me."

“Don’t worry little sister. I think me and you can take him if we needed to.” Alister looks down at Auril and winks with a smile

8:22 PM

“Umm Sargent? Is it mandatory for all touched and Psyonics to register with the academy?”

"Psychics yes. The Order confirms that they are not feral so people like me can shoot without question if we need to. I don't think they've quite figured out what to do with the touched, but you don't have to register."

“Ah I see. I’m a little new to all of this myself. So no one is sure of the difference between touched and psychic?”

"I'm sure the Order will be able to tell you more about that."

(How far away are we from the academy?)

You approach a large three story complex surrounded by a wrought-iron fence. The gate is guarded by two soldiers who nod to Sargent Griggs. "I'll leave you here, those inside are more than capable of protecting themselves. It was good to see you Alister, stop by the military compound sometime and say hi."

“Will do Sargent thank you.” Alister glances down at Auril and grabs her hand. ”Well here we go.

9:00 PM

Alister nods at the guards and walks through the gate.

Auril holds tightly as you approach the complex. The entrance is a large archway and tunnel, leading to a glass roofed atrium at the center of the complex. Plants, flowers, and various greenery grow all around and you see a bot watering some of the vegetation. A small younger man is sitting on a bench reading a book as you enter, a pair of thick-lensed spectacles dangling from his nose. He speaks without looking up. "Greetings and welcome to the Psionic Order!"

“Ah right, umm my little sister and I just arrived in the city yesterday and were told that we needed to register her psionic powers with you before we were allowed to walk freely around town...”

"There was a decent chance that she would die on her way here today. I am glad the sergeant was in a good mood." He looks up at you. "Draper will be along shortly with the registry. Tell me about yourselves."

“Well, my sister and I got separated during the scream, I was on a mission and my flyer went down to the south in the swamps. My new found powers and hope that I’d see her again. Found her out on a scavenging mission just yesterday...”

9:29 PM

“We both are looking for a home that’s safe and has an opportunity for us to the community.”

"Well this place is as safe as any with more opportunity than most. Your sister, was she a student of the academy?"

Alister nervously looks at Auril for an answer

"I couldn't talk this way till after."

“No sir, he powers didn’t manifest till around when mine did.”

The young man squints at Auril, "Telepathic I see. Will she not talk out loud?"

“Unfortunately she had a rough time before I found her. The ferals were using her to hunt... we were gonna stop by the hospital today, if she’s up to it.”

"Using her to hunt... Well that's something I haven't heard of before. It seems we have much to learn from her. Assuming she herself is not feral. I unfortunately am gifted in other ways, Draper and Malbrook are the only people I know of who can differentiate. But the fact she hasn't tried to kill anyone yet is a good sign."

“So there is a difference then... sorry I’m new to all of this. I was a pilot before... it’s all a bit strange.”

"Yes there is a difference. The scream did something to their brains. Drove them mad in different ways." He nods to Auril, "Some even seem normal at first until they snap and start killing. She won't. At least right now."

“So that same change happened to me as well... being “touched” that is...”

"That's more of a Malbrook question, he's the scholar."

“Ahh I see”

A tall round man appears before you, holding a compad and looking disgruntled. "Are you here to register?"

“Ah yes sir”

He looks you over intently before shaking his head and moving on to Auril. "Not feral. You're in charge of her? You'll have to sign for her since she's a minor." He holds out the compad for you.

Alister signs the pad

"Auril Sunderland, telepath. Welcome to the Order." He vanishes.

10:15 PM

The smaller man sighs and shakes his head, "That was Draper, don't mind him. He always acts that way."

“He seems like a busy man...” ”That went better then expected “little sister”

Auril smiles up at you. "Yes, he's our resident politician, you know how they are. There's a council meeting soon he's preparing for as well."

10:21 PM

"I believe I forgot to introduce myself, I am Mareus. Precognitive with some metapsionic training as well."

Alister fails to hide the confused look on his face as he mouths the words metapsionic

10:24 PM

“So you see the future?”

"Yes, though the limitations on my sight make that more frustrating than revealing most of the time. Draper there is a teleporter obviously. And Malbrook is an expert telekinetic. We've one other who... we're trying to figure out. And two new recruits who just showed up though I haven't met them yet."

10:32 PM

"If you're wanting to learn more about your respective abilities I can try and find Malbrook for you. He was one of the heads at the academy."

“I’m more curious were I fall in all of this. From what I gather my abilities are not like my sisters, but still shooting explosions out of my hands is not normal.”

"Shooting explosions? That's a new one. Here's the best way I can explain it. Touched and psychics all manipulate metadimensional energy right? The difference is in how we access and control the energy. Psychics require intense training to control it. Without that we die or go feral. Touched folks don't seem to need as much training, it's more instinctual but also more limited in some ways."

10:47 PM

"There seems to be a wider range of 'touched' abilities as well. Some have one neat trick, like shooting explosions. Others have a wide variety of things they can do, but none of them are as uniquely potent as psionics. So besides control, the other main difference is psychics are specialists while touched are more flexible in terms of abilities."

“Ah I see. So I won’t have to worry about going crazy... but Auril will have to train here?” Alister looks down at Auril. “ does that sound like something you’d even want to do?”

Alister and Hope,
    Just responded to an emergency call on the railway. Some workers were attacked by the same creatures we ran into at the crash site, about 10 of them. The foreman claimed they were acting odd 'they fought harder and longer than they should have for the resistance we gave them. Like something was driving them.' I thought this was an odd coincidence so I wanted to give you a heads up.

P.S. The creatures spines seem to have a paralyzing poison.

"I... was trained. A bit. Enough not to die."

*Alister notices the com message and looks shocked. “”Auril, didn’t you say that some of those beasts from yesterday didn’t listen like the others.... are the Ferals behind this?”

9:40 AM

“Well thank you for the information Mareous. I believe a situation has just come up that needs our attention. Please excuse us.”

9:40 AM

Alister grabs Auril’s hand and walks off towards the gate.

Mareus bows as you leave, "Return soon, we'll have many questions for you."

“Of course. We’ll come by another day.”

"I don't know, I hadn't seen them before. I tried to make them not see me but they couldn't hear me."

“Still sounds fishy let’s find Keaton.”

"Ok... not so many questions this time ok?"

Alister smiles. “I think we have questions for him this time.”

The railway leads out of the city along the coast to the north. As you walk through the northern side of town, you notice a large group of soldiers getting ready to head the same way.

9:50 AM

(Keaton's at work I think so if you're wanting to join him you'll have to wait a bit)

(No worries, I’m at work too. Lol)

Griggs comes out of a nearby building and joins the soldiers. It seems he's leading the team.

“Griggs, what’s the situation I heard from a friend of mine there was an attack nearby”

"You again, Alister? Quillbeast attack on some of the rail workers. Seems they came in numbers they haven't seen before."

“I know it seems like I get all the bad news. Sounds like you all might need a hand.”

"We'll always accept help. You sure you want to bring the girl?"

”Think you’re up for a fight? It might be dangerous.”

"I'm used to danger. Rather that than be alone"

“She’s a pretty powerful psychic who’s lived almost completely on her own since the scream... I think she’ll be ok.”

6:53 PM

”Make sure you stay close”

"If you say so. Let's get on then. Come on troops, hit the road!"

6:59 PM

Griggs starts leading his soldiers northward along the railway.

Alister and Auril fall in line.

You follow the rails, sparkling sea to your left, dense forest on the right. The trek is almost an hour before you see an ambulance parked with a crowd up ahead.

(You can hop into Keaton's thread when you're ready)

You and Auril return to the city tired, but alive. You feel the now comforting presence of Auril in your mind, almost continuous since you met. (Forgot you can feel psychic/magical effects on you with soulshield. Not that she was hiding it but she's has a telepathic connection up with you. Low level, she can just sense your emotions and talk to you.)

Auril, If memory serves correct I think Keaton and the staff at the hospital could fix your voice... if you wanted. We also probably need to do a bit of shopping. Are you up for it?

(Keaton could actually heal her now with his most recent level up, the hospital itself is not quite equipped for that yet. There's a healer in Plainsford who could too but I'mnot sure if you've heard of her IC)

6:00 PM

"It'd be nice to talk out loud I guess. This way can be tiring if I do too many people.

6:01 PM

What are we shopping for?"

Im not sure, maybe something to help me train my psychic talent, or maybe a big gun! Alister chuckles audibly

6:31 PM

Or we could by parts for the atmoflyer!! Alister becomes visibly excited thinking of the possibilities of working on the Atmoflyer once again and flying through the sky

Auril smiles up at you, "I like it when you think of flying. It makes us happy. Why not make something bigger? Escape to the stars!"

"Now that would be something... I haven't flown among the stars in ages..." Alister ponders to himself for a moment, and then nods as if making his mind. "That's it then, we set our eyes to the stars."

8:43 PM

Alister gathers up his things and sets off to the Atmoflyer hanger to discuss the cost of building such a ship

Abby is in her usual place in the hangar, going over some complex blueprints and making notes and calculations.

“Hey Abby. Any news for your favorite pilot?”

12:16 PM

Alister says as he confidently enters the hangar with a cheery grin on his face.

"Oh, I'm afraid he's not here at the moment," she says with a wink. "Hope's getting a team together to loot a big ship up northeast. I'm hoping she can find the spike drive so I can work on reverse engineering it. She could use help if you're interested. Otherwise I could use someone to make a run to Plainsford, they have the last parts I need for this shuttle to work."

“A nice quite flight to Plainsford is just what we need. How far away is it?”

"Not far, only a few hours by flyer. Only problem is they don't have a proper airstrip there yet, so landing and taking off can be just a little tricky. Shouldn't be much a problem for a pilot like you though!"

“Sounds wonderful then.” *Looking down to Auril, “...and maybe it would give me time to train up a copilot.”

Her eyes light up at the idea. Abby smiles down at her, "I'm glad she seems to be getting along well. Your flyer's been cleaned and refueled since last time, it should be ready for you. Once the railway is finished we won't need to fly supplies back and forth, but for now this is our best option."

“Then it’s settled, when can we leave? I’m itching to be in the sky again.”

"You can leave right away. The parts should be ready to pick up when you get there."

“Sounds great”. With a smile Alister almost skips down to the flyer Auril in tow.

Auril follows, smiling, your joy infectious. "Can you teach me?"

“Of course I can. Flying is easy, and something tells me you’ll have a knack for it.”

You board the flyer and Auril climbs in after you. It seems to be in good shape. Some goods for Plainsford have been loaded into the back.

Alister starts the atmoflyer up and heads towards Plainsford while showing talking Auril through the process.

You have an enjoyable flight, no attacking ferals, no crazed beasts, just you and Auril in the sky, soaring. After a couple hours you see a settlement below. Area-wise it's not much smaller than New Astria, but much more spread out and organized opposed to the densely packed chaos of the other city. A broad river splits the city connecting the northern and southern seas and swarms of fishing boats dot it, spanning north and south of the city. As Abby warned there's no clear landing strip, but the parts are supposed to be on the eastern side of the city.

(Any military presence, or recent sign of battle?)

(Can't tell too much about military from up here, but there seems to be a fortified compound of similar size to New Astria's. Don't see any signs of battle)

Alister takes the plain down near the agreed meeting point.

The flyer lands near a warehouse, dirt and gravel kick up and shower the surrounding area as you slide to a stop. Some men are watching from the warehouse and wave to you.

Alister waves back. “Hello, I’ve got some supplies from New Astra.”

A few of them come over to help unload, "Wonderful! We've got more resources up here for building and making tech, but those New Astrian farms have all the good produce. Plus there's not much wood out here in the plains. Have a good flight out? I know there've been a few issues recently."

“It was pretty uneventful. Has there really been trouble?”

"Apparently one of the flyers bringing us supplies crashed out there in the plains. People are saying ferals cause it somehow, but I don't know if I believe that. You're picking up the shuttle parts too right? That Abby's one heck of a mechanic, we could use one like her up here."

“It’s seems like the ferals are getting a little stirred up.... yeah I’m also picking up the parts. Could you help us get them loaded?”

"Sure, no problem. Come on girl, everybody works here!" Auril follows and helps silently. (Let's do work/con or str)

(7)

Between you and the workers it takes a few hours to unload all of the supplies and then load up the parts for the shuttle, they throw in a dozen extra crates of various parts and metals for new vehicles as well, as Abby is one of the few skilled enough to build anything complex.

Alister wipes the sweat off his brow. “Thank you guys. I’ll make sure to tell Abby and your supervisor how helpful your were. I don’t think I could have done all this without you.”

"No problem friend, we all have to help each other these days, that's the only way to survive. More ships benefit everyone after all. Good luck with the flight back and let us know if you need anything else."

Alister waves goodbye as he starts the ship up to take off and head back home

The flyer bumps down the makeshift runway and lifts off, laden with many crates of mechanical goodies. Auril falls asleep in the copilot seat, worn out from helping with the loading.

While flying Alister thinks to himself... “So Alister, What’s next for you. Spent years crawling around the swamp, and now you blow up things for fun.... and Auril... what about her. She needs a safe place to learn and grow up, but it looks like ferals are hell bent on destroying everything we’ve built.... If only we could take to the stars... Then maybe I could keep Auril safe...

Your flight back is as uneventful as the first and you land back in New Astria early evening. Seeing you land, some workers head your way to help unload.

After unloading Alister moves to find and talk with Abby

Abby is there overseeing the transfer of supplies, giving orders and organizing the various parts and goods you brought her. She smiles as you approach, "Thanks Alister, this will help a ton! No troubles I trust?"

“A smooth flight, which was nice for a change. Need any assistance with all these parts?”

"Hmm, well I'm sorting them out now, they gave me more than I thought I'd get which is great. Once that's done I could use your help getting the shuttle set up if you've got time."

“I’d be happy to help, just shoot me a message when you’re ready.”

"Of course, shouldn't take long! Thanks again for all the help!"

“Anytime.”

8:07 PM

Alister waves goodbye and head off with Auril. (What time of day is it, or does it really matter anymore lol)

(Early evening is what I said earlier, doesn't matter too much lol)

(Ahh Sorry, missed that little detail.)

9:01 PM

Auril, would you like to take a little trip to the hospital to see what they could do about your voice?

"Ok, sounds nice."

Alister makes his way to the hospital grounds

You head to the south side of the city and see a long two story building with a gravcar ambulance out front. Nearby a school is under construction and almost completed. Only a little further away is the Psionic Order's complex.

Alister’s compad vibrates with the following message.

Alister,
I am Reynaldo Messi. I was given your contact info. I’m looking for a partner and lift into the city for some salvage work if your interested. I’m hoping to make it a quieter run than a heavy handed one. Let me know if your interested.

(edited)

We walk up to the doors and go inside looking for someone who seems to be in charge.

You walk in and nearly bump into @Seth standing in the waiting room.

“Oh Keaton just who I wanted to see. I was wondering if you or another doctor here could take a look at Auril vocal chords.”

Keaton is sitting at the desk in the waiting room hunched over a partially disassembled piece of technology. He doesn't immediately notice them, too absorbed with what he is doing. But as soon as Alister calls out to him he raises his head. "Alister, Auril, it's been a while, how are you doing? Here about the little one's voice? I was wondering when you'd be by."

8:15 PM

"Hold on just a moment." He begins gathering the pieces of the device and with painstaking attention to detail reassembles it. "That's done. If you'll follow me to one of the examine rooms I'll see what I can do for you." Keaton moves off down the hallway motioning for them to follow.

Alister follows “Auril and I had a relaxing day flying parts to the other settlement. It was nice to just sail through the sky without getting attacked.”

"Sounds like a great time." They enter one of the examine rooms and Keaton pats the tables indicating that Auril should sit. While she situates herself he retrieves his scanner.

While Keaton is working “That seemed like a rather interesting project you had earlier. If you’d like I could give you a hand with it. Medical equipment isn’t my specialty, but flight equipment can be just as complex.”

"I might take you up on that offer." Keaton responds still reviewing the results of his scan. "It's a psi-tech medical scanner. Found it damaged a few days ago and just had time to really look at it when you walked in. The damage appears fairly extensive so another pair of eyes would help."

(You'd get a +2 to the check if someone helps you.) Your scan doesn't reveal anything new, a damaged larynx and scarred esophagus make it difficult and painful for her to talk. The cause was excessive external force, likely choking. (edited)

"Alright, I think I'm ready to start here. This will feel very odd I'm told but please hold as still as you can." Keaton waits for an acknowledgment from Auril before he reaches out to place one of his hands along the side of her throat. Feeling out the injury with his biotic senses he starts repairing the damaged area. After perhaps twenty seconds he removes his hand and smiles at Auril. "There now, should be good as new." (psychic succor to heal the damage to her throat)

(It would take major organ restoration for this) Auril reaches up to her throat, taking a full deep breath with no wheezing. She smiles at you, "Thank you Keaton. I haven't been able to really talk in years." Her voice is raspy with disuse, but she's able to speak at full volume without pain.

“Thank you Keaton. I know you’re a doctor and this kind of thing is your job, but we really do appreciate it. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.”

(Major organ restoration gives psychic succor the ability to do this, pg. 36. It isn't a separate power.)

1

9:20 PM

"I'm sure I can think of something in time but for now don't worry about it. I'm just glad to help."

"Actually if you have a moment maybe you could help me out with that scanner I was working on earlier."

“Sure thing I’d be happy to lend a hand.”

It takes a couple hours, but between the two of you, you're able to repair the bioscanner and restore its psitech properties.

(How does it differ from a standard bio-scanner?)

(It's able to pick up signs of psionic or magical effects. It could tell if someone's under the influence of telepathy or using a metamorphic disguise etc.)

(Next up I wanna buy some things like a rifle that I can infuse my explosions into and some armor. Also supplies like lanterns or flashlights.)

(You can RP buying stuff if you want or just make a list. Post it here and I'll let you know if something's not available)

(I’ll look at the books and make a list then. I would like to RP working on the shuttle and talking with Abby, but I know your busy today, and so am I so no rush.)

( OK so i need:

1:14 PM

(Shopping list: -Better armor- Something with higher AC but also good to sneak in. -A Rifle that i can add my explosive property to.

Night vision Goggles

-Breathing apparatus capable of resisting the sand storms

Similar gear for Auril ie: Armor goggles and respiratorand a sniper rifle for her.
a Grav bike if it seats 2 if not a grav tank)

(Any TL4 non-power armor is available, none have an innate penalty to stealth except maybe the vacc suit. Any TL4 weapons are also available. Vacc suits would work for the storms but depending on cover they'd have a chance to tear. Low light goggles are available. Grav bike can seat 2, let me know what fittings and stuff you want for it)

(Where is the best place to find specific item stats like for the armor and such?)

(Pg. 64 in the book)

(Ok)

(You cool taking a week of downtime? For finishing the shuttle and any other projects you might want like modding equipment or something)

(Yes that sounds good. I Got all my shopping done also. I picked up the low light goggles, combat field uniform, and a laser rifle. Lvling up I took Soul Shield lvl2 and upped my notice and sneak to 1 from 0. I defiantly wanna get the grav cycle, but i have to do more research on mods and such)

(Fittings are what you put on when you make it, mods you can add whenever.)

9:08 PM

(Dax is good at all the ship/vehicle stuff if you want to ask him for help lol)

(lol i sit corrected Fittings

9:15 PM

)

(Did someone say spreadsheets?)

(For my down time, I'd like to help finish the shuttle, build the gravcycle, and train Auril to shoot the sniper rifle, and pilot aircraft.)

1:39 PM

(Also Dax mentioned that he already has a grav bike made on his vehicle spreadsheet, can i use that one? Looks like it has Ablative shielding, extra cargo, and advanced sensors.)

(Yeah that's fine for the vehicle. I'll help you get Auril set up a bit later)

(no worries.)

(And an engine upgrade cause you gotta go fast)

(Oh yea, i forgot that was on there. Thanks @Dax Withers

You stand back with Auril, Abby, and her workers admiring the efforts of the last week's labor. The completed shuttle lies before you, your gravcycle also finished sitting in the corner.

(For reference)

Regulus/Grupp 7/8/2019 9:07 AM

(Looking at this again, I cant afford all the fittings, maybe just the cargo space and sensors.)

(Ok sounds good)