Iron Stars - argyris-zerafim

Argyris awakens to a knock on the cabin door of his small room. Like most diplomats stationed on Heras, he has been given a space on the platform known informally as the Elysium cloud, in orbit over Heras. The platform is advanced and is the focal point for governing of the system. Most diplomats spend weeks here between assignments to rest and read, and formulate responses to the various moving parts and planetary nations that make up the Protectorate. Assignments are done on a need to know basis and this seems to be no different. Outside, a heavy frigate passes between the station and the system sun, outlining its hawkish profile as it passes by on one of the innumerable routine patrol circuits it will be making of the home system over the next several weeks before being relieved by another ship in the defense fleet. The knock sounds again a bit more politely this time. (@Argyris Zerafim no need to ping on a reply, just wanted you to see where your thread was)

Argyris presses a button on a panel at the head of his bed and says, "Just a moment, let make myself presentable..." Already pulling on a pair of slacks as he cuts the coms short, he hops with one leg of the pants still pulling up towards his shoes and dress jacket. Quickly slipping the shoes on he walks to the door while throwing on the jacket. His right arm slides through the sleeve and as it exits the cuff of the jacket his already extended index finger presses the button to open the portal to his small cabin. The hiss of the door's mechanism only just silences as he is straightening his jacket and nodding to the visitor outside his door. "Yes, good morning! How can I help you?" he asks.

The courier on the other side of the door has a small bundle for you that consists of a one use compad, and a sheaf of papers kept in a waxy yellow envelope. "Orders from the cloud. If you accept the mission the compad will tell you where to go next and what to do for transport. My job is just dropping them off. Glad to see a new face on here" he says as he makes to depart. "Get tired of dealing with the same people all the time, and good luck" The polished black boots click on the deck as he turns and heads down the hallway to a bulkhead door at the end , before he turns right and leaves your field of vision, off to his other errands for the day.

Argyris presses a button on the frame of the doorway to close it, then he presses a sequence of buttons to lock the door and engage a mode to indicate the occupant is requesting to be free from disturbance. He takes the compad and envelope of documents to a section of the cabin where a minimalist desk can be pulled out of the wall. The desk and an accompanying desk extend from the wall. Argyris sets the compad and envelope on the desk before walking to get a glass of water. "If you accept the mission the compad will tell you where to go," The mission details must be in the documents. He opens the envelope, examines the contents, and arranges them in an organized manner about the efficiency desk. He takes some time to read over the instructions and information detailed in the documents.

The world is called Astyoche and per the documents in front of you a small contingent of refugee Noctua, fearing the advance of the Chimeran Ascendency have settled there. The Noctua have settled in the ruins of village near the center of the planet and have largely kept to themselves on this dino-laden world. The silence has been met with relief in some Protectorate circles, and concern in others, and it has been decided that the arrival of a diplomat to see how the community is doing, listen to grievances, and generally get an impression of what the locals are up to is valuable information the Protectorate needs about one if its often overlooked planets.

Nodding he shuffles the paperwork into a stack, taps it on the table until it is a uniform and even stack, sets it aside, and enters the indicated code into the compad to signify acceptance of the mission and awaits additional information or a message from the pad.

A shuttle that is part of EP's portion of the inter polity transit system is currently docked in a secure bay on the underside of the station. The compad will unlock the elevator nearby for you so that access to the secure level can be gained. A report on the system will be sent to your quarters on the shuttle so you can read up on the destination over the one day trip through spike space. Outside, there is a series of chimes announcing the start of the next watch aboard the platform, and the frigate you had been watching outside your viewport has turned to approach the station on its planet facing side.

Argyris collects the paperwork together and returns it to the envelope stacking the single use compad on top of the envelope. Walking to a cabinet near the bed, he stops for a brief moment to watch the slow and powerful movement of the frigate maneuvering towards the station. With an unwitnessed nod of silent thanks, he opens the cabinet and removes his personal compad and the concealable holster for his sidearm and the laser pistol itself. He attaches the holster to his belt on the interior of his trousers and carefully slips the pistol in, securing it in the holster with a basic retention system built into its design. With a now practiced haste, he gathers his limited collection of clothing together and packs it into his travel duffel - placing it on the unmade bed. He packs it carefully trying to avoid as much wrinkling and creasing as possible. An impossible task, but one he has attempted for every one of his numerous relocations. Quickly disrobing, he takes one last shower before spending a day aboard the shuttle. Drying himself, he wraps the towel around his waist, sets the duffel on the floor, makes the bed, dresses himself once more, and heads for the mess to grab a meal before he heads directly to the elevator indicated in the paperwork. Nobody said there would be dinosaurs on diplomatic missions... he tries not to think too much about it. (I added a TL0 backpack to his inventory and deducted the cost to play the role of a travel duffel, but I'd gladly up that to a TL4 if that is allowable paying the greater cost as well.)

(TL4 is fine to add. )

7:45 AM

The compad shorts out just after you secure an elevator to yourself and scan the controls. A button for the hangar level lights up that previously never used to, and the doors open to a busy deployment hangar. The shuttle with the tail number you have been assigned is parked at the far end of the bay and the six strong crew looks to be getting supplies loaded, handling pre-flight checks, and talking with other members of the ground crew assisting them before departure. Two naval armsmen pass by, combat shotguns held tight to their chests. One of them gives a short and respectful " Sir" as they pass by. There is a roar from behind you at the other end of the cavernous hangar as a patrol fighter is launched to loiter and escort your shuttle to the edge of the system. The ramp of your shuttle is lowered, and the crew chief is standing at the top of it shouting at the deck hands to hurry and get the supplies loaded.

Nodding to the soldiers and making a gesture of thanks, Argyris continues slowly towards the base of the shuttle's ramp. He's mindful of the crew working around him and makes every effort to stay out of their way. He stops at the base of the ramp and looks up to the chief. "Good morning, Sir," he says making a slight nodding bow and then holding up his credentials, "Argyris Zerafim reporting - requesting permission to come aboard. Can I be of any assistance in prepping for departure?"

7:53 AM

(My intention is for him to study up on the Noctua during transit, is that fair? Would they have that information loaded into the ship expecting the mission already or should I have him make a request for it before they leave? Maybe PAFO I guess?

)

(I also took a few moments to resolve not having written up some goals for Argyris. I can post them here if you'd like otherwise they are in the goals section of the character sheet now. Let me know if those are challenging enough or if they are outside the scope you're hoping. Thank you!)

8:17 AM

(The staff goal, I am not looking to surround him with NPCs to handle things for him by proxy - but just for the narrative of his background. He feels like he was molded into a useful bureaucrat by the people he worked under and feels a need to pass the torch himself.)

(sounds good. Normally I go through sheets once a week or so and update personal goals. I have to go into each of them individually so I try to just make one solid pass through for everyone at a designated time. I should be doing it over the next couple days and I'll assign XP We would have one day of downtime on the way over to our destination, so you would be at 1 day out of 30 for learning Noctua. Translator torcs are available in the ship locker for you to use for your mission, though the Noctua also speak mandate common so youd be able to talk to them anywa )

12:39 PM

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/astyoche-article?preview=true

Astyoche

12:39 PM

(I just updated this with the most recentinformation we have)

The crew chief had no work for Argyris to help, he just needed him out of the way. Message received loud and clear - so he found his way to his bunk and stowed his pack into the indicated drawer and hung one change of clothes in the extremely narrow wardrobe compartment so the wrinkles could work their way out. He withdrew the documentation from the large pocket in the interior of his suit jacket and once again reviewed the specifics of the Noctua culture as well as details about Astyoche where they now resided. He paid special note to the fact that the Noctua were not overly trusting of others. He thought, perhaps, their shared refugee status could be used as a means to build a kinship with the Noctua. After all, it wasn't too long ago that the people of the Protectorate were without a home themselves. He pondered this and waited for the ship to be prepped for departure. He was hoping to find some downtime - between studying the Noctua language - to ask the ship's steward if they had any prior experience with Astyoche, it's population, and hopefully the larger creatures there. Couldn't hurt to try and be prepared for all possible outcomes. Swiping through articles about the planet, he noted an advertisement for Protectorate ranches there raising dinosaurs to be used as pets. "I'll have to circle back to that," he thought to himself.

The ship's steward is a patient man in his mid thirties who sits down to speak with you in the galley as the ship makes its way out of the hangar and toward the system edge to the jump point. By default, almost all ships are under standing orders to avoid putting either the vessel or its crew at risk. In this Post Scream age, especially so close to the disaster, spike capable ships and trained crews to run them are something of a premium. With that in mind, most of their missions involve dropping off important persons or cargo before setting off again. They only stay on the ground long enough to facilitate pick ups or drop offs, and otherwise monitor from orbit if a deployment of persons is being undertaken. They have only been to Astyoche once before to deliver a few Protectorate administrators involved in a survey effort of the planet's surface. The world has recently been raised to what the former Mandate would have called Tech Level 4, and thusly most of the security forces on the planet are well equipped to deal with the larger carnivorous dinos who might not realize that they are not the top of the food chain anymore.

"Will your flight plan, and I suppose the Noctua settlement, allow you to drop me off directly within their community or will you deliver me to a Protectorate site and then I'll make my way there some other way? They know to expect us, I hope?" Argyris asked.

"We will be dropping you off just outside their settlement. This visit has been planned for some time and they're expecting you, so you shouldn't have any problems with the locals that aren't ones you create yourself. I think that about covers it. We don't have a long trip ahead of us"

"I won't keep you any longer from your duties. Thank you for your time, Sir. I appreciate the assistance you and your crew are providing me. Thank you," Argyris said with a respectful nod.

(We have one day of downtime, let me grab the rules for that for you, and once you let me know how you want to spend it, we'll move on!)

1:09 PM

1:09 PM

(Training is cumulative as well, You generally wouldn't be on a ship continuously for an entire 30 or 90 days, so this is just slowly chipping away at learning something while you travel)

(He will definitely spend a day introducing himself to the Noctua language)

(1/30 for Noctua. ) Approaching the planet, the crew calls you to the bridge as the comms terminal begins downloading an incoming message form the planet's surface. As the diplomat in charge of this mission you are taking lead on dealing with the locals, while the crew supports your transportation needs. (the ship also has a locker so if there is any general adventuring gear you want, we can pick that up now. )

Argyris wraps up a discussion with the acting quartermaster of the shuttle, looking to get his hands on a basic survival kit and a couple days rations, just in case. He hears the page for him to report to the bridge and he makes his way there while stowing what supplies the crew could spare. Arriving at the bridge, he stows his backpack and straightens his suit coat. "Reporting as requested, how can I be of assistance? Is there a message from the surface?" he asked.

"We do. The Noctua wish to welcome you and want to know if anything must be prepared for your arrival. They are interested in you meeting with them and want this to go smoothly. It sounds like they have some business to discuss with the Protectorate proper "

"I have no special requirements, I only look forward to being their guest as a representative of the Protectorate. We are excited for this opportunity to experience Noctua culture first-hand and look forward to cooperative growth and progress. I should like to join them as soon as they are willing to accommodate our arrival."

The shuttle begins its twenty minute atmospheric descent before touching down on the surface of the planet outside the Noctua settlement. The buildings are circular and hexagonal reminding you of honeycomb or hive designs, all centered and sprawling around the slagged pyramid of crystal, alien manufacture. The locals once said that the pyramids allowed transportation between them , but this network has not been active since the time shortly after The Scream, and this pyramid here seems to be entirely beyond repair. Several thousand Noctual live here, and a stamped patch of earth to the north of the city has been selected as a safe landing zone for your vessel. A few hundred have come out from the city to watch the starship come down, and two Noctua leaders wait respectfully at the base of the ramp for you to emerge from the vessel upon landing.

((Could I see if he was able to gleam, from the mission dossier or the introductory language texts he reviewed, any possible tips or came to any intuition on cultural norms or expectations to help make as strong of a first impression as possible? Administer/Int for trying to analyzing the most valuable information in the dossier and/or gleaming organizational information from the cultural fluff of the language primer?))

(sure, we can roll it and see how we do)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [3d6d1+0] Roll: [6, 2, 1] Result: 8 Reason: Administer/INT

(we'll assume that while you're talking normally if there are any honorific's or anything like that, you're adding them in)

Argyris descends the ramp from the shuttle carrying his travel pack in hand, he pauses for a moment at the end of the ramp before stepping off to nod at the delegates who have come to see his arrival. He silently nods to them in greeting and waits for a reply, when they respond with a similar gesture he steps off the ramp and sets his bag to the side and behind him - hoping to send the message he does not intend for anyone to port his baggage for him while he greets those who have come to welcome him without the burden of his bags. He steps forward to the leaders and introduces himself, "I am Argyris Zerafim, a humble delegate from the Elysium Protectorate. I am so grateful to be here and to have this opportunity to meet and speak with you all." He waits to see how they respond so that he can try to respect any traditions they might have for new arrivals within their culture.

"Welcome , Delegate Zerafim , to Astyoche. We were hoping the Protectorate would send someone to talk to us. We would like to give you a tour of our settlement before we discuss the issues we asked a Protectorate delegate to come to see, if you're agreeable to that, we have a vehicle and would like to take you on a guided tour of our new home"

"Absolutely. Please, lead the way. I am eager to know more about the challenges you are facing so that the I can communicate them to representatives within the Protectorate and help in finding solutions so that we can grow and thrive together," he reaches down to grab his pack and stands ready to follow for the tour.

(notice/wis as we set off)

/roll message: 2d6-1 !Notice/WIS

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [6, 1] Result: 6 Reason: Notice/WIS

The settlement reminds you of a large hive, though there are outbuildings, and the beginnings of walls being constructed to keep the native wildlife out. There is a faint smell in the air that reminds you of tranquility but it is difficult to put an exact description to. You notice each building is hexagonal in nature and the material here is made from the wood of the planet along with whatever materials the group managed to bring with them on their flight from the Chimeran Ascendency. You are brought in through the gatehouse to a large cylindrical building in the center of the large town. Streets have been laid out and even the blocks of buildings are hexagonal in nature. You notice little being done here beyond basic survival. Industry is lacking despite the world being classified as with a tech level that should be sufficient for the Noctua to develop it. (if you wanted to interject with anything or ask questions of your guide, we can, if not, we can move into meeting the delegates)

"I know there is a great deal of work to be done to ensure the survival of your people. I apologize if the distraction of the ship's arrival has been a setback to the work being done, additionally so the time needed to speak with me. It is my sincere hope to take as little of your time as necessary and learn how the Protectorate might be of assistance in your settlement efforts." Argyris pledges as they are coming to a stop outside the central building.

"As you probably noticed on your ride through town we're lacking even basic industry here. There is no raw material collection, nothing gets processed, and we're relying almost entirely on what we brought, or the little bit that comes in off world for any kind of modern manufactured products or building materials. We've been sending requests to Elysium Cloud for some time now for polity troubleshooters or even a few squads of soldiers to help clear the jungles around here so we can start these projects. Nothing has come, and it's getting harder and harder to keep things running here without them. Scouting data from the countryside isn't something we ever got either. The cloud is not sure if it doesn't exist, or if it's around somewhere and just can't be pulled out of the archive for some reason"

Argyris makes a few quick notes on his datapad: - Raw material collection & refinement - Wilderness clearing & safety - Scout & survey data for the surrounding area "I see - I can certainly understand the challenges these limits would place upon your community and your efforts to build a new home. I will work with your leaders to find every resource I am able to bolster your efforts."

"Do you think after you speak with leadership and see what can be done here, you can go back to Heras and check on the Cloud for us? Without knowledge of the countryside and without getting some help securing it, there's really not much we can do. The Protectorate was kind to take us in, and we want to honor that, but our people are almost as poorly off here as we were under the occupation, there's just fewer guns pointed at us. " Some of the Noctua around this delegate look nervous or agitated at the uncaring words their fellow has used in addressing you but you can tell there is some truth to them.

((My limited familiarity with the lore is going to come through here. I wasn't able to find anything about the Cloud on the wiki site. Would Argyris know what it is? How best can I resolve my lack of player knowledge on this one?)) (edited)

12:59 PM

((Found it, okay!))

1:05 PM

"My hope is to remain behind and be a direct conduit for aid. It is not my wish to come, exchange words, and leave you with empty promises. I will endeavor to do what I can right here alongside you all - to the best of my ability and with a sincere hope of helping your community thrive rather than only survive," he replied without letting the harsh words affect him. Argyris understands the frustration and lack of hope they must feel given their situation. Rather than lessen his resolve, the sentiment only serves to fuel him further.

You are permitted into the hive like building which is itself situated at the base of the slagged crystal pyramid in the city. Heat and sweet scents pour from the building and after a brief scan to verify your identity you are permitted inside the maze like hallways with a guide. "If the scent overwhelms you, feel free to use one of the provided atmofilters" the guide says, pointing to several locations on the walls where masks have been left. There is little done so far to make ornamentation within the building, but its size marks it out as a place of leadership and importance. Noctua are in several of the office cloisters doing what they can to keep the machinery of life moving. Permits are being issued, orders are being dispatched, and passing by you are brought into a large domed chamber where one of the massive Noctua hexapod leaders is residing. They do not sit in anything like a traditional chair, but have been backed up to the wall and positioned in such a way that they can see the entire room from their slightly raised platform. Large doors on each side allow them to have access go the rear rooms of the hive where they go about their personal lives when not overseeing official duties.

He gives a nod of thanks to the individual who offers the atmofilter, but politely declines. He is going to make his best effort to not allow the sweet scents to overpower or distract him. Though, part of his mind wonders if there are any mood altering or hallucinogenic effects from long term immersion in the compounds creating the scent. (Assuming he still has it) Argyris sets his satchel down just inside the door of the room in a place that looks appropriate - an area with a Noctua equivalent of a coat rack, or a table, or just beside the door if nothing stands out as a seemingly customary place to leave unnecessary items for an audience. He then slowly and respectfully proceeds towards the center of the chamber. He moves slowly and watches for any sign of disapproval from the large Noctua. Assuming nothing stops him from reaching the center of the room, he pauses there to give a slight bow of his head, then he bends slightly at the waist in the direction of the chamber's resident. "It is my distinct honor to speak with you, [appropriate honorific]," he says returning to an upright position, "I am Argyris Zerafim of the Elysium Protectorate."

"Thank you for coming" Its voice chirps through the room. The translator torc on your sleeve begins to warm a bit as it works to turn their language into your own ,and then back again as you speak. "My advisors no doubt have told you about the problems we face here. The real concern I have is what can the Protectorate do about it, and how soon, and what you'd personally oversee while you're here? Theres no wrong answer, we're not considering sedition or leaving the Protectorate, yet, but we have issues and they are things we cannot solve ourselveS"

He listens with a practiced stoicism quietly hoping the torc algorithms have a good ay, "I have some limited assets at my immediate disposal which we can put into action towards your greatest needs, after we work together to find the best application of those resources I can then formulate a petition we can jointly deliver to the Cloud for the further requisition of aid in various forms." He pauses to make two steps forward, extending his hands to either side with palms raised towards the Noctua, "I want to be very forthright with you - it is not my intention to come into your community as an outsider and presume to know what is best for your people or how best we can accomplish it. I am here as a hopeful friend. My intention is - and ever will be - to serve as a conduit between your needs and the resources of the Protectorate. I do not wish to wrest away your sense of agency, though I will gladly serve as best I am able to help your people to thrive should my efforts to work alongside you be welcome. I also understand entirely if my direct assistance would be problematic but it is my sincere desire to remain here and assist with the necessary work so that I can spend time amongst your people and learn of your culture in the best way possible. Full immersion." Lowering his arms to his sides he concludes, "I am here as your servant as much as I am a servant of the Protectorate." (edited)

"Direct assistance and partnership is the Noctua way. We are of one mind on this issue. You mentioned something a moment ago about immediate assets. Is there anything more you can say about those at this time?"

(( Two OOC questions: 1) Would he be aware of any restrictions about divulging the specific amount he has access to immediately? 2) I am unsure as a player if the 10k credits would be insulting to them as sum of funds to jumpstart their aid, if it's an insultingly low figure he'd likely try to couch it diplomatically. Is the 10k a miniscule amount in this situation? So if fair, I'd like to seek your input on these items to try and get a better grip on how he would handle his next statement.))

(10k is a lot of credits. A worker would only make about 50 a month by comparison, if that helps contextualize it. There isn't an agreed on conversion for how many credits is equal to how many dollars in todays money for example, I've seen things ranging from 50 to 200 dollars is equivalent to a credit spO

8:55 AM

so I've always mentally ended up somewhere in the middle. And no ,it comes from Protectorate funds, they are members of the Protectorate, so I don't think there would be taboo in telling them where it is coming from)

8:55 AM

(The 10k for example could probably outfit an expedition of Noctua here to go scout for themselves and you could even go with if you wanted for a proper space adventure)

((Thank you! Argyris is more of an admin role but he's down for whatever they need. If an expedition is necessary to help them get established he'll help but he is not very combat capable.)) He nods sharply, "Yes, straight to specifics and actions- a being after my own heart. The quicker we work the better off your people. I should be able to call in favors in order to access a sum of around ten-thousand credits. I believe I should be able to access these resources quite rapidly, allowing us to prime the pump as is said. This may not be just credits to work with, I may be able to pull in some equipment within the scope of my authority to help establish the industrial capability of your settlement, we may be able to shore up your defenses and prevent incursions from the natural wildlife here, or perhaps we can begin to rebuild these ruins. How would you see those resources best utilized to help? Let's work up a plan, and I will make the necessary arrangements to bring funding or equipment as is necessary."

(Admin/int)

/roll message: 3d6d1+0 !Administer/INT

5:11 PM

((I keep doing that))

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [3d6d1+0] Roll: [4, 2, 2] Result: 6 Reason: Administer/INT

(this is a pass, I think the Noctua leader would be giving you a lot of information here, but out of everything I think their need to know the countryside around them, so they can prioritize research collection would be the biggest thing. That can either spawn into a mission where you go with the exploration team to oversee things, or if that is not your forte we can look into some uses for those 10k of funds and play that out instead as the closing actions of our first mission)

(He would want to assist with whatever the leader indicates is their greatest need, if that's outside his skillset he would still try. His goal here is to show good will and actual effort to help a new community within the Protectorate. If he's not willing to take risks - he probably shouldn't be here. He will accompany an exploration team, but will likely look to the leaders of the expedition for direction since it is not his forte and he is being extremely deliberate about trying not to appear as someone coming in from the outside and stripping them of their agency. He may be able to display some leadership ability or diplomatic efforts should anything of that nature come up. So yeah, all in!)

The data comes in from leadership and it looks as though to best figure out what is around the settlement so further resources can be allocated. The expedition is something leadership would like you to accompany, ensuring the link between the Noctua and the wider Protectorate is maintained. You're invited to rest here tonight, and come morning, the team and your local escort will be assembled.

Argyris gets a somewhat restless night of sleep. A new and foreign atmosphere and surrounding, usually the same experience. Add too that the thought of venturing out into a wilderness possibly teaming with dinosaurs... Yeah, he's had a better night's rest.

By morning the exploration team has been assembled outside the pyramid. You will be its seventh member, consisting of four soldiers from the local militia, and two technicians, one of whom is a driver for the large combat vehicle that will be taking you into the jungle beyond the settlement. The large ATV (in this setting they use ATV explorer to mean like an RV sized truck that serves as something like a mobile outpost) is parked out front as well, and suipplies are being loaded. Several gawkers and onlookers from the surrounding streets watch preparations.

Argyris walks up with his small civilian pack, feeling a little out of place. He looks at the uniforms of the soldiers to find the one with the highest rank - or failing that the one who appears in charge - and introduces himself. "Good morning, Sir. Argyris Zerafim - Protectorate Delegate, here to assist with the expedition. How may I be of service?"

"We're not going far into the bush today but the Protectorate having an official presence with us is important. Your fund helped us get equipped for this. Being here to document what we see and what happens for when you go back to the larger Protectorate is more helpful than carrying a gun or being good at scrounging food for us" The squad looks to be led by a Lieutenant, giving an official officer presence to the mission as opposed to leaving it to enlisted to handle.

"Very good, I will do my best to stay out of the way of you and your soldiers. I am here if needed. I look forward to our work!" with that, Argyris tries to remain nearby but out of the way and boards the vehicle as instructed. Always observing and taking in the manner in which the Noctua work almost as if of one mind. Fascinating.

(you've got agency within the mission, I don't want to drag you along and make you watch ,but IC, the soldiers aren't going to get mad if you dont pick up a gun should something go wrong)

12:10 PM

(when you're ready just throw me a D10 and we'll explore our first area outside the colony!)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d10] Roll: [3] Result: 3

(I'm sure I'll find a way to be active during the mission. He's not going to just stand by while others are in danger but I know he's out of his league. I don't mind him kinda rolling with this as a learning experience. Maybe it will allow him the learning opportunity to develop some skill that will make him more capable if this sort of situation comes up time and again. Have to start learning somewhere. I am thoroughly enjoying all of this. Thank you.) (edited)

(hey glad to hear it! ) The vehicle groans for a second as each of you climbs aboard and the door is closed as the driver takes their place behind the controls. THe engine is quiet due to the electrical system and the Type B power cells it uses. Moving north of the settlement you pass over a grassland made of long grasses. This time of year as early spring begins to come to the land the grasses grow buds and blue flowers on the ends of them. The wind catches them , making loose petals dance and swirl on the wind. An hour into the drive the bioscanner begins to chime. The database the scanner pulls from has no information about the type of small creatures it is detecting, and the vehicle begins to slow. It comes to a halt in an area where the grass is a bit shorter, allowing each of you to disembark.

Argyris makes his way towards the door of the vehicle and grabs a pair of binoculars from the supply cabinet. Carefully climbing down the gainway to the ground, he instinctively feels his waist for the presence of his small sidearm, somewhat comforted by it being there. Stepping out into the grass, he takes a moment to scan the horizon with the binoculars and familiarize himself with its controls. He listens to the soldiers and technicians to see if there is anything in particular they are looking for in this region.

An unknown herd of creatures, about the size of a small dog are in this area hiding amid the tall grass. THe group is trying to determine what they are by luring one out, but they do not know if the creatures are dangerous or not. If they are dangerous and these animals act as a pack, the expedition might be in danger.

Hearing this chatter from the soldiers, Argyris moves a little closer to the vehicle's entrance but turns his focus from the distant horizon to the grasses closer to the ship - looking for any signs of movement that might be one of the creatures they're seeking.

(Is there any chance the shuttle that brought me here could serve as an orbital observation for our mission or, failing that, could Argyris be trying to reach someone back on the cloud for updated recon reports for the region if they exist and are available for our level of clearance?)

(Scanners aren't accurate like that where they could provide pinpoint support you're looking for. You can send a message to the cloud but SWN operates on age of sail comms, so it would be a full day for your message to get there, and a full day for the reply message to come back, so we're looking at 2 days total for any kind of a response. Messages travel at a speed of one day per hex The tension here is there are no recon reports. The Noctua were waiting for Protectorate help to get an expedition together to get them in the first place, so that's why we're here) (edited)

(okay! Thanks, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being obtuse about an obvious support I should have tried to call on)

(You can send a message if you want, but the delay will probably make whatever they tell you very out of date with what your current situation is) There is some movement on the north side of the vehicle in the grass, about 150m from where the group has stopped. You can see a faint depressed trail of grass as whatever has been passing through it flattens the grass it is walking over with its stomach. There is a brief glimpse of some kind of horn crested head, and it appears to be dog sized as the records have previously reported.

(I won't worry about a message - he's about action and knowing how long of a delay it would cause and how little assistance it would provide he wouldn't bother. Thanks for helping me understand the pace of communication and such. I'm learning the specifics of the setting so I appreciate your patience in all this.) Argyris gets the attention of one of the soldiers, "I think I'm seeing one of those creatures you're looking for. It's a ways out in the grass that direction. If you watch the grass, you'll see where it is moving within it. Looked like it might have been half a meter tall at the most, and I'm fairly certain I saw horns on it's head. Hopefully an herbivore then? Most animals with defensive evolutionary traits are prey animals... right?" Argyris visibly gulps.

(notice/wis)

8:41 AM

(and for sure, that is never a problem. There is way too much detail to just have as working knowledge on jumping in, its always better when it comes up organically like this)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [4, 2] Result: 5 Reason: Notice/WIS

The scouts agree with your assessment that it could be a herbivore trait, as carnivores generally defend themselves with the same teeth and claws that they use to hunt. You do not notice the small puppy sized dinosaur that emerges from the brush next to you until it rubs against your leg, looking up at you as though it is a lost pet. Its scales are a deep green that blends in with the grasses here, with greens pines and a lighter greenish-yellow that also match the ground here to help it blend in. It chirps once and looks up at you with wide black slitted reptilian eyes.

"Son of a..." Argyris blurts as he jumps slightly before continuing and working to regain his composure, "Just a little jumpy, Lieutenant. Apologies. I am not used to being in the field so... actively." Taking a few deep breaths, he flattens out his hand and slowly kneels towards the creature that rubbed against his leg. He nervously extends his hand before the creatures nose hoping to let it get a sense of his scent. It might look like he's trying to calm the creature - but he's doing this more for his own nerves than that of the creature. "It has the eyes of a prey animal too," he says taking a closer look at the eyes, "wide pupils for watching the horizon. There are clearly still predators out there. Just not this little one."

The creature attempts to brush its snout against your nose. It has rounded and flat teeth showing you it primarily eats plans, and with a warbling call two more of its number come out from the weeds, including the more distant small dino you had seen sneaking its way through the grass to come get a better look at you. The one you had seen must be the pack leader as it is the biggest and has many scarred defensive wounds.

(fighting food poisoning today, so as much as I'd like to respond, I think I'll wait until hopefully better tomorrow. Thanks for understanding.)

Rather than let it touch his face, he places his hand gently on the creatures head and gives it some gentle scratches/pets. "This variety seems friendly enough. How do you imagine you'll make use of these creatures? Do you think they are large enough to serve as a source of food? I wish I could say I was more familiar with your culture's primary food source, but alas I am unfamiliar with such things."

"So far just sold as pets to off world buyers. Not many sold. Long process to secure one. Could maybe eat, have not tried. Would need sample to determine. Should we try to grab one?"

Argyris tried to thinly conceal the fact he felt they were too cute to eat, "I believe there is already a ranch operating on the surface selling creatures such as these as companions. I am uncertain of their success or the demand they've found. I am worried that you'd find yourselves in pitched competition for a limited market," frowning he shook his head slightly while patting the creature on the head again and gently wiggling at its horns. "Besides that, they seem rather small for a viable source of food, if it is not comparable to a regular part of your already existing diet perhaps we should explore these creatures further if our exploration provides nothing of seemingly greater benefit?" he said scanning the horizon for anything else that might prove of interest.

(I had the small herbivores as the primary feature in this hex so if we want to move on we can roll a d10 for the next one and the group will push on)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d10] Roll: [4] Result: 4

Moving northeast into the next area the small dinos are left behind and the group comes to the shore of a large lake of clear water. Tall trees across the lake on the other shore rumble and shake as a large herbivore breaks through them to come to the water to drink. It has legs the size of tree trunks and a long neck River grasses and small fish are also endemic to the pond. The group is also on alert, as water draws both herbivore and carnivore alike.

Argyris watches in awe as the massive behemoths lumber through the forest across the lake, he catches himself lost taking the creatures in and says, "Perhaps we take a little longer checking the scans for this area, considering the size of those majestic creatures and the source of water there's likely to be larger predators lurking about here." He is definitely sure to stay closer to the entrance to the vehicle here but is very drawn to go outside and see the creatures without a window and the confined of the vehicles frame to separate them. He'd also take some time to observe them through the binoculars he borrowed. "Lieutenant, if you don't mind me asking. What would you say are the primary challenges facing your people as you make a new home here? What is your personal hope that we discover out here that we could immediately put to use for the betterment of your people?" he makes small talk with the soldier as they observe the creatures together.

"Something....anything to give us a way to sustain the colony, and offer something back to the Protectorate while we help ourselves. We can grow food, we can mine and manufacture, we can hunt. The Noctua are adaptable , we will find a way to make it work , I just hope we find something out here, and find new uses for w hat we do have"

"I'm curious... are the Noctua aware there once stood a large crystalline edifice on the location where you've settled here? Have there been any studies into the ruins of this structure? I know it is of interest to certain people within the Protectorate. Perhaps what we need is right below the feet of your people already rather than out here in the wild?" Argyris asks, trying to feel out his opinion or reaction to mentions of the crystal pyramid.

"Protectorate told us to keep away. Could live near it, but not investigate.Sacred site to the locals ,t hough this one is not sacred to them anymore. Rumors the locals used to be able to teleport between them, but the Protectorate bombarded the land we have made lush again , and this pyramid was ruined. Protectorate promised they would leave the others alone and respect the wishes of the natives"

((Out of curiosity, there's an EP faction task listed to rebuild the pyramid which was why I had him bring it up in character, I assumed he would have been privy to that task on some level and I was going to see if by seeing it through the Noctua could claim the reward for the undertaking - giving them a huge injection of resources to get things going for themselves. Is that faction task not in-line with the in-character EP motivations?))

"I see, then I was not entirely informed on the situation with the pyramid. Your respect for the indigenous culture is to be commended then. Perhaps in time, if it is there desire and the means present themselves, it could prove an endeavor to bring all our cultures together in unity. Time will tell I suppose. 'Above my paygrade' people in my culture might say, meaning it is of a significance greater than my station," Argyris rambled. "Turning to more immediate concerns, how do your people feel living in such close proximity to creatures of such magnitude," he says pointing towards the creature not dissimilar to a diplodocus across the body of water, "even at this distance, I must confess, they give me a slight feeling of insignificance. Perhaps that is just me."

(I saw this got answered or was in the process of being answered over in the EP server, so we'll handle the ooc portion there for now so its all in one place) "We are a strong people. Some of us have adaptions such as spores that stun, or put to sleep. This has helped the colony stand up to anything that gets too close, but better weapons, materials for defenses, or even a supply or repellant bombs from EP proper would help us even more. Especially with the repellent, we wouldn'tneed to just kill anything wild that got close or could be a threat"

"Maybe, while we're out here, we should run some tests to see if there is anything - non-violent - which reliably repels these most of these creatures? Whether pet-like or behemoths?" he asked.

"The repellent bombs are normally non violent. We need genetic samples to make something that averts the creatures though, once we have that, setting them off won't hurt them, they'll just be driven away by the sounds or smells"

"Do we have the equipment necessary to collect those samples her with us? Can I assist in any way with that process?"

"Not without killing the creature, which we can do, the community would benefit from the meat. But we won't be in dire straits if we don't get it, or if you don't want to assist with a hunt. Your decision. You've come this far with us. The group will listen to your opinion" the squad leader says as you stand side by side, looking at the majestic creatures across the water.

(I'm struggling because IRL I'm a huge softie and I hate the idea of hurting creatures needlessly. This is just a game, but the hesitance remains strong.) "Would an already slain creature work? I'm a diplomat at heart... I'm adverse to violence by my nature. What do you think? Could we explore the area quickly to see if we can find a recent kill from a predator we could sample instead? Failing that - what needs to be done needs to be done. It's better knowing the hunt would go to good use for your community if we have to go that route. We don't want our time spent on this expedition to go to waste."

"It would. This came up in a town meeting before and from what I remember, the science folks said there's a risk the genetic material would have degraded somewhat, and the repellent material will not be as strong because they're not working with the full picture" the squad leader says "But something is better than nothing. Sometimes you just have to make do with what you have"

"I am here to assist. Whatever you think will be the most effective use of these resources and time for the success of your settlement, let's put this expedition to use! I am here to help. Ultimately, it will help to ensure the mutual survival - everything comes with a cost," Argyris rationalizes for himself. "Maybe an eventual step after we find success here could be to work to ensure any negative impact on the environment and habitat of the settlement is mitigated."

(THey dont want to put you in undue harm, if you want to compromise by hoping you find something dead during your travels to pull genetic material from we don't have to hunt these big dinos now. Your call there)

(Let's see if they find any fairly recent kills which can be sampled. Test the effectiveness of that first and if it doesn't do the job we'll try and get a less necrotic sample down the road maybe. I imagine the real creatures we'll need viable samples for are the apex preds anyhow.)

(sounds good! Lets get a survive/wis to try to track something down!)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [4, 2] Result: 5 Reason: Survive/WIS

Following the eastern bank of the lake and moving into the surrounding woodslans, you're unable to find anything leading you to a fresh enough kill to use. You find bone that has been sitting out in the sun for a long time, and the Noctua invite you to take a shaving if you wish ,but there is nothing you'd be able to use for the wildlife bombs.

11:39 AM

The group looks ready to continue moving, wanting to get away from water before night comes and the large carnivores come out.

Argyris passes at the option to collect any shavings, "I saw them alive and breathing, that's good enough for me! Thanks for the option though."

(we're going to be looking at our first night out here. Any security arrangements you think might be good for the Noctua to make for the night aside from watches?)

(Do they have anything akin to a highly sensitive seismic monitor? Feel for the approach of anything quite large?)

(They do not, its beyond what they can really fabricate in a frontier setting like this planet)

(Nope, then I cannot think of anything!)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d10] Roll: [2] Result: 2

Night passes quietly, During your shift in the middle of the night you see several circling flying dinosaurs orbiting a distant mountain, but none of them come anywhere close to the camp. By morning, the group awakens refreshed and pleasantly surprised there was no trouble during the night. They seem ready to move on, expecting another dull day of exploring, before returning to the colony tomorrow. This expedition would not have been possible without you and the Noctua have already learned more about their surroundings in one day than they have in the almost year since settling on the planet.

Argyris assists with morning meal prep to the best of his ability, tending primarily to repetitive and simple preparation of main ingredients (i.e. peeling potatoes or whatever the equivalent). He engages in small talk with the other members of the team, hoping to learn some about their lives while sharing some about his own life. He shares a story about an embarrassing situation he faced during his academic years. A situation where he learned it was better to accept and acknowledge a failing and build from it rather than trying to ignore or hide it.

One of the Noctua has done the same though in doing so tried to hide their mistake from the Chimeran overseers they were working under at the time. Their mistake was likewise discovered and they were removed from office , beaten, and sent to a work camp. They are far happier here working for the Protectorate, and for themselves. THey are once again ready to head off into the wilderness. (D10)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d10] Roll: [8] Result: 8

Moving eastward in this loop around the Noctua colony you enter the highlands where the ground becomes more inclined, less populated with plants and provides a clear view of the surrounding area. Close to noon after traveling through the morning, the survey scanner begins to chime with a metallic contact spread through the area, buried beneath the top couple meters of dirt.

"That sounds promising? So the sensors are reading something metallic, but nothing more conclusive? I'm not overly familiar with the capabilities of equipment like this, so I'll have to ask your patience for my questions," Argyris explained. He leaned in to the sensor's display, trying to make heads or tails of the readout presented there. "Seems worth looking into? I might not know how to operate or read scientific scanners but I think I know my way around a shovel! Let's find out what's hiding beneath the surface," as he finishes Argyris is searching out his travel duffel and carries it to what seems to be the most secluded part of the vehicle to change into a set of clothing more disposable than his suit.

(Survey scanners just give basic information, so we know its metallic but not what)

12:35 PM

Shovels and picks are the order of the day for this afternoon and the group is hard at work getting the tools unlimbered from storage and breaking ground along the sides of the vehicle. Dozens of small nuggets of a sparkling material are turned up, each about the size of a human finger.

(Do we have the necessary tools on site to analyze the content of what we've managed to collect? Sorry for the delays in response - been a busy couple of weeks here for the kids, my wife, and myself.)

(all good! And no, we don't. We can take samples but we can't do anything with it from the field)

(Not a ping, just didn't actually respond to your post) The crew doesn't have anything to analyze the exact mineral content of the nuggets you found while digging. They're not sure what's involved here, or what the nuggets might be turned into if refined. Even common ingots are an expensive process, but the Noctua would have markets for them both here, and on several other worlds. The only things they have on hand are hand tools and some light powered ones.

"If you're in agreement, Lieutenant, I think we should bring some of these samples back to the settlement for further analysis to see what exactly is here and how useful it might be. From my limited understanding of the sensor display, it seemed like there was a large quantity of this material below the surface here?" he paused to examine one of the samples briefly, "Maybe there's something here of greater value? How much do you think we should collect?" Waiting for a response, Argyris returns to using a tool to sort the metal fragments/ore from the soil. Tossing the sizable bits into a container nearby that was quickly filling up with samples.

"Maybe 20 kilos or so. Not a ton, enough to make a sample size for some experiments I think. We know where the nuggets are coming from now, Another team can come collect more if the science folks need them for something. but this is enough for them to decide if its worth it or not" There is a sifting sound as the tool continues separating dirt and silt from the nuggets and rocks within. There is a pleasing monotony to the work. A sunny day, no distractions, no decisions, just a man and his sifter, in the company of several moth like aliens, all working toward a common goal of making life on this planet not so perilous. They seem willing to stay here and refine until hitting the 20, unless you decide to do more, do less, or move on from the area.

"20 kilos it is then!" Argyris says walking to the container and lifting up one side slightly, "Feels like we need just a bit more. I'm curious, do Noctua ever sing songs to pass the time while working?" he starts on a tangent hoping to learn more about their culture as they gather the last samples before moving on.

"Not often. We do not usually need to speak out loud to one another, unless we want to. Changes in pheromones in the air, and other body language is normally how we communicate. It is not something you would pick up on easily if you are not Noctuan, so don't feel bad that you missed it"

"That is absolutely fascinating! I appreciate you all going to the effort to communicate with me in a way more natural to humankind. That is very kind of you all," he pauses to give a nod of thanks before continuing, "do Noctua enjoy music from other cultures at all, or is the sound something you find unenjoyable?"

"There is not much we've been exposed to. Since The Scream destroyed most of your databases , just like ours, anything we recover is physical, and there hasn;t been much of that. The Scream, then the occupation and needing to flee. So much left behind"

"I regret I'll never be able to experience communication in the same way, it is truly amazing. I am certain there is a great deal your people could teach humanity," Argyris says, "I'm grateful I was able to join this expedition. I am learning so much."

"We don't have much time left out here. Another day or so at the most. Being out here in the company of caring administration is giving hope to many of the Noctua in the protectorate, and we hope this is just not a one off thing. We've got enough nuggets now. I think we can head out and hopefully find another safe place to bed down for the night. Tomorrow morning we should return home and we've got enough scouting data to prioritize some issues now. This has already been more support than our colony has had."

"I'm glad it has felt productive. I'm used to writing proposals, agreements, and the like or examining screen after screen of data reports and then trying to summarize those figures into something meaningful for others to consume. I'm at a bit of a loss out here in the field, so I hope I haven't slowed you down at all. It is my intention to keep working to make sure we make more headway for you and your people here - moving forward with a closer cooperation than has been achieved previously," Argyris rambles on in part from the exhaustion of the work with which he is so unfamiliar and in part to try to make up for a feeling of inadequacy he feels out in the wilderness.

Several hours have passed and enough samples have been brought on board to make this expedition an informative one. (d10 for the next area. This is where we will explore a bit and camp, then back to the settlement and you'll have completed your mission!)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d10] Roll: [1] Result: 1 Reason: The Final Countdown

The group moves on and by evening comes to the shore of a shallow river that separates the forest from a murky looking bog. The water is calm tonight and many different types of animal will be out to drink before the sun goes down. The Noctua decide to make camp here with an extra person on watch tonight.

(Are there any low-light or night-vision binocs or something of that nature? Argyris would love to try and watch some of the creatures that come during the waining light.)

(TL4 binoculars which we have do that yes)

Argyris spends the evening watching creatures coming to the water along with anyone else interested. His nerves have started to calm some about the wild animals moving about freely, even those of immense size. He uses his unaltered eyes to watch as long as he can and then switches over to the night and/or heat vision mode of his binoculars to observe the animals in their nightly rituals coming to the water to get a last drink and then retreat into safety for the evening. He discusses the dichotomy of an animals life - long stretches of ritualistic monotony interrupted, or perhaps prematurely ended, by moments of absolute terror and panic.

Preliminary data on some of the smaller lizard and mammal species is collected for the Noctua to distill ad study later. Some of the insights gathered might be able to assist with them carving a niche for themselves on this world. Your camp is not bothered during the night. One of the mid sized lizards gets close near dawn and the crack of a laser rifle sends it scurrying away. As dawn breaks, the group is ready to move out, passing through one final region before coming to the colony in the afternoon. From there data will be downloaded and the noctua will have the survey data so many of their other projects rely on.

Argyris helps pack up any remaining equipment that was displaced for sleeping room or general space before the vehicles is prepped to depart for their journey back to the settlement. He is equal parts glad and sorrowful that the trip is coming to an end. He has enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the Noctua a little better and to have played even some small roll in conducting some work that might benefit their community. He's sad this experience is coming to a close, being able to spend time working closely with this crew will always be a fond memory. However, he looks forward to returning to the work with which he is more familiar - more effective. He takes a few moments this morning to consider where he is owed some small favors in various administrative departments and tries to make a shortlist in his mind of contacts he could conceivable call on once this task is accomplished and he learns from the Noctua leadership what next steps can be taken from here.

You ruminate over this as the vehicle returns back to the colony. A connection is established with data storage devices within the walls of the small settlement, and the Noctua are already beginning to make plans to follow through on collecting enough material for a battery of repellent bombs to help ensure civilization is preserved. A mining project is being mapped for the nugget location, depending on the results of mineral scans and preliminary testing. You have done well, and the Noctua are pleased both with the rapid Protectorate response, and with your personal lead over the project. (3xp, and 5000 credits. This should be our first level up, so let me know if you need any help with that)

(Thanks for this! I let him sort of ride-along with this journey so he'd be out of his normal element - I hope to propose a more active use of his skills in the future if the situation is appropriate.)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6+0] Roll: [4, 2] Result: 6 Reason: HP Roll

HP: 7! ~~Remains max 6~~ Foci: Diplomat lvl 1* Skill Poionts: 1 points - Exert 2 points - Lead 1 points - Notice * pg 57 states that taking a Foci can advance a skill above the normal level restriction, allowing a skill of 2 in Talk from the combination of background and foci.

(edited)

(Hp will be 7, if what you rolled is worse than your current total you get 1hp)

(Corrected! Thanks for that!)

(did you have any thoughts as to a next mission? I can certainly put something together for you if not, but I always want to defer to your ideas first )

(He would be open to continuing efforts here, if that feels compelling to the story - or moving on if you think the EP would have him be involved in other projects elsewhere. I am good with either. He'd be sorry to leave the new connections he's making here but understands that is the reality of life as a fledgling diplomat. It's not blockbuster type material [which doesn't bother me in the slightest], but maybe trying to help coordinate on the administrative side of the mining operation or the development of the reptile repellant? The mining operation could be more about helping to find the necessary workforce and locate recourses to make it happen - something more focused here. The repellent he could try to get EP scientist involved in the development process - so spanning the two communities/cultures. There's also the new faction, so if the EP is happy with his efforts here I could see them moving him to work to ease the blending happening there if there isn't someone already dedicated to it. It's been a while, so I forget the other possible projects you shared when this all started. I'm sure things have changed somewhat to make some more or less viable now. I'm good for anything that allows him to flex more of his diplomatic muscle.)

(I am honestly good for any of those. I you were interested in the story here we could sort of do a hybrid where a few days pass, the aid comes,and we go looking to set the camp up and get a motivated workforce working on things)

(I'm down for that! Whatever the dice or your gut tells you is the more interesting path forward, I'm prepared to follow.)

(lets start with the repellent, since the mining camp is going to eventually need it too, Feels like that is a natural starting point to ensuring the other projects are safe. So maybe starting off with trying to find a connection for flop rifles - which are stun weapons- so a beast can be sampled without killing it?)

(Yes, I'd like that. Trying to respect the environment as much as possible while we/they learn to understand and coexist with it. Would Argyris need to return to the Cloud to try and obtain some flop rifles for temporary use?)

(Yes, they;re TL5, so there are not many of them in circulation, I think that would be a good place to pick it up)

(Apologies if you're waiting on me for a prompt - I was doing the same.

If you need more from me I'm happy to provide it, just let me know.)

(Oh! I thought we were going to try to connect with EP somehow to obtain flop rifles, so I was waiting to see how you were going to do that or who you were going to talk to in order to start chasing that lead down)

(LOL Misunderstanding on my part, I am all for trying to track those down but I don't know the right way to go about it. Should I have Argyris talk to some other characters on the EP Discord or keep it here? However you'd like me to proceed, I'm good I just want to make sure I am doing it the proper way. I do like that as the next step, so I think I just need a nudge in the right place or method to pursue that.)

(I took the initiative and sought some input OOC from the folks in the EP. They suggested a few options to consider:

Ivan or Teucer as generals in the EP who might be able to help make arrangements
A faction he might be able to approach, the Forgians on Erdoza or a Heran Khan)

(I'm good with either one of those, I think the only decision you need to make there is do you want to interact with another PC, or do you want to go right to the NPCs and explore that way. Entirely depends on your preference as a player/ the pace you want)

(I think I would like to bring in another player to try and help first, that sounds fun. So, probably Ivan who he would have briefly crossed paths with during the faction meeting.)

( @Ivan Wyke | Yulia Wyke | Myuun since you're exploring and it's fairly low impact via timeline, you feel like doing a mission with our new friend Argyris to flop some beasties!? )

(Hell yes! Let's hand out nap times to some dinos)

A message is sent to Ivan Wyke from the office of diplomat Zerafim, and after several days it is answered by the General and some humorous members of his staff. They confirm the general is on his way with some of the flop weapons requested, and will also be lending his expertise to the hunt.

Within hours of word reaching Astyochan authorities on their arrival, The Silenus lands on a barren patch of bombed-out land just outside of the Noctuan colony. A lightly-armored groundtruck departs from the ship and follows an old dirt road toward the colony. Making their way through the hexagon-laden new construction, the truck makes its stop in front of the main government building just outside of the pyramid. A hulk of a man in a Protectorate uniform steps out from the front passenger side of the cabin as soldiers file out the back of the large vehicle, hauling out a few miscellaneous supplies that took advantage of the tiny cargo space making its way to this part of Protectorate space. Among the last few things unloaded are a few sleek, black rifle cases. Tamper-proof seals had been put in place, less so out of any abundance of security for the rare goods and more to keep curious, mischievous soldiers from shooting each other with the fancy non-lethal weaponry. Ivan approaches the Noctuan welcoming committee as soon as they file out of the front door. "Hi!" Ivan says cheerfully to the minders in stark contrast to the military appearance of himself and his personal squad. "I'm General Ivan Wyke of the Protectorate Armed Forces," he says, trying out a new organizational name that wasn't remotely close to approved yet, but he figured not many were capable of stopping him. "I'm here with a few of our flop rifles at the request of Delegate Zerafim. Despite my rank, someone will yell at me if I let those rifles out of my sight, so I'm here to assist in any way I can. My unit will also be checking in with your colonial defense command and available for any oddjobs you have around. They'll like you a lot if you send them somewhere where they can see dinosaurs." Ivan winks.

Argyris smiles, appreciating the General's friendly demeanor. He'd only met the general briefly and as a member of larger groups in the past within the confines of Protectorate halls - so he was uncertain if this outlook was reserved for the interior of bureaucratic halls or more general in nature. He was relieved to see that it seemed more of a constant attribute of the General's outlook on interacting with everyone. "General Wyke, it is a pleasure to see you again. Delegate Zerafim, at your service, Sir. I greatly appreciate your quick response to such an odd request. May I ask, have you had the chance to observe the size of the behemoths that walk the surface here? I had the opportunity to join some of the Noctua on a scouting trip around the perimeter of the settlement where we were able to observe creatures spanning from the size of dogs up to the size of small freighters," he makes some hand gestures as he describes the size of the creatures, "We did not happen upon any of the larger predatory species - I appreciate our fortunes. I think it would be to the vast benefit of the community here if we could assist in the development of deterrents to keep these behemoths at bay and away from the structures here. I am thankful for your assistance in this and I would offer my assistance in any way you feel appropriate and effective." (edited)

"Sir?" Ivan says with narrowed eyes and a stupid smirk. He talks a little softer as to not project the conversation to the wider public, but still enough to playfully and lightly roast Argyris in front of their Noctuan minders. "Look, you're not one of the innumerable little weenies under my command. I'm also very far from claiming any senior discounts. So as long as you're working in an ambassadorial capacity, you outrank me, and by a longshot. Which I guess means I should be calling you by your honorific instead..." Ivan sidesteps the hypocrisy with one of The Lost coming over and presenting a flop rifle to Argyris. "For your inspection, sir," one Pvt. Gulsvig states to Argyris. Ivan knows Gulsvig is hiding his jealousy. "...No, we didn't see any big dinosaurs on the way in," Ivan says. "But I am familiar with the giant vipers on Tecmessa that plagued the colony there. Whatever samples we do get, I have the equipment on my ship to produce the repellents if the colony cannot. I trust you and your new Noctuan friends can think of what predators might pose the biggest threat to the colony. I'll help you take one down, and most of all, make sure you all come back with as little nibbles taken out of you as possible."

Argyris gives a slight tug to the waist of his his coat, seemingly an attempt to bolstering his authority for the sake of his own confidence before taking the rifle from the soldier, when he speaks again he does so with the same level of respect he was trying to convey but with a dash more of the authority and confidence he attempted to persuade from within. Nodding to the soldier holding the flop rifle, he looks it over and says, "Impressive device, I'm not sure I have the appropriate training or clearance to handle something so rare. General, I assume you'll be joining us on the mission since you'll need to keep a direct observation on the rifles? Maybe, if you'd like, we could try to arrange it as both a mission of support for the settlement here and a way for you to become more familiar with your counterpart overseeing their soldiers? Perhaps it could be sort of an ecologically friendly safari to strengthen ties and allow us to become more familiar with your local counter-part? Maybe even blow off a little steam, if that feels appropriate?"

"I'll be with you every step of the way. And I'd rather you handled one, as it'll also serve as your own heavy-hitting self-defense weapon out in the field should something get by the rest of us. And I'm always down for joint exercises, I'm an absolute sucker for them." Ivan looks at the Noctuan minders. "We're going to fill your pockets with so many lizards you won't know what to do with them all! Or maybe one big lizard. We'll need a big pocket. Anyways, we have a couple more flop rifles as well. Any of your kind that can shoot human weapons straight are welcome to come along and help." He looks back at The Lost, unloading the other miscellaneous supplies from the truck. "Find the Captain of the Guard here and make yourselves useful like you did on Tecmessa. And get me one of those weird-smelling jelly-things the Noctuans like to eat if you come across one." He looks back at Argyris. "The taste has grown on me." (I'm good to go, wherever you wish to lead us!)

(Awesome! Nekosmash, do you want me to roll anything to see if I can arrange for someone in the leadership of the Noctua to join us for sort of an elbow-rubbing safari trip?)

(We made pretty good friends with that squad you went exploring with. I think they'd come if you feel like seeing them again)

Breaking briefly from the newly arrived entourage and making a quick excuse for his departure, Argyris moves quickly over to structure housing a unit of Noctuan soldiers. Inside he seeks out the Lieutenant who lead the scouting mission around the perimiter of the city. "Lieutenant! I come with good news - I was able to pull some strings and obtain some devices that will allow us to temporarily stun some of the behemoths - gather the most viable possible samples for the purpose of designing the repellant you discussed," Argyris says in quiet tones - he is excited at the opportunity but is careful not to seem as though he is lording the advanced technology over the Noctuan people. "It was my hope," he continued, "that you might join us, perhaps learn to use the device alongside me? I am certain you'll master it much sooner than I'll prove capable. Either way, I feel this should be carried out in your way. One of the generals of the Protectorate is here and will be joining us - do you think there is a commanding officer within your hierarchy of a similar position of authority who would care to join us - increase their familiarity with some of the leadership of the Protectorate while on a sort of ecologically friendly safari through the wilderness here?"

"Joining you for another adventure in the woods? The last one was fun, the squad is still talking about it. We'd be honored to come with you, and escort you and the General into the wild. I will get the vehicle we used last time. I will meet you north of town where we gathered last time. I do not want to try the large vehicle in these streets. Too narrow. We will hit something'

"Excellent! I'll let the general know. I think they have a vehicle that may be capable of joining, though I'm admittedly unfamiliar with its capabilities, " Argyris replied, "I'll inform the general we'll be joining forces on this and we will meet you at the same mustering point." Argyris returns to the general's vehicle and fill him in on the arrangements, "General, the same unit of Noctuan soldiers I scouted the region with will be joining us again. They are eager to get out there again, seems like I made a decent impression first go around. Hopefully that holds true for a second go." Pointing at the vehicle he asks, "Do you think this will be capable of some field work, or is it meant for level and paved terrain only?" He describes the terrain encountered on their previous venture out into the regions surrounding the settlement.

"Excellent! And the Argus will hold up as long as the ground is dry and not too sloped. It seats - and sleeps - ten! And of course a big honking gun on the top should less-lethal just end up making one of those beasts a tad upset and a little too hard to handle." (Here's the vehicle's loadout. As a groundtruck it'll probably handle off-roading a lot better than a standard car, but not nearly as good as an ATV. Going through thick brush will need to be done on foot. Definitely useful for taking any large captured animals back, assuming the tool rack has some kind of winch)

(I've always said the tool rack counts as a bunch of powered tools, winch included)

1:05 PM

(it's not super specific about what is actually included but that seems like a common sense thing for a work vehicle to need)

"If it is all the same to you and only if it would not be perceived as an insult, I'd like to birth with the Noctua aboard their vehicle for the trip. I am still working to learn more about their fascinating culture and I think I can best achieve that by continuing to work directly with them," Argyris inquires. "Assuming that will be agreeable, we are to meet at a clearing on the north side of the settlement. Should be their scout vehicle in the area, so I don't think you'll miss it. From the sound of it, they'll be looking to move out fairly quickly. Very efficient and dedicated. Most impressive. If you'll meet up there, I think we can coordinate a plan between the two vehicles and their crew! Maybe I can hop in just until we arrive there?"

With the last of the cargo unloaded from the Argus, the majority of Ivan's squad start making their way to the colonial defense building. Only Driver sticks around, to do as his nickname dictates. "Sure, but you're missing out on the road snacks later on," Ivan holds open the front passenger side door open for Argyris. Inside the cab, in the cupholder, is a Hungry Soldier-Size Long Boi Noodles Wyke Ration Cup™️ and a second cooking in the dashboard microwave oven. Driver appears to be drinking his macaroni & cheese ration through his CFU's water intake. Neither of the soldiers appear to think anything is wrong with how this all looks. "So pack away what you can in the meantime. We'll need all the calories we can get. We'll shuttle you around to anything you need to do before we meet up with the Noctuan squad." (Good to go!)

(We saw some large dinos by the lake. We can shoot right back there if we want to, since we explored the land in between. It was the little dinos and then the lake)

(sound plan imho) "Lieutenant, what do you think of heading back to that lake where we saw the largest of the reptiles? May as well start where we know they gather?"

"Agreed . The general and his men coming with us? We can convoy it to the lake and set up a hunting camp. From there, we'll have to see what we find"

"I believe that will be the plan, but lets confer with General Wyke. You would likely be able to give them a better description of the terrain or maybe share terrain scans. Otherwise, heading to the lake as soon as we're all ready!"

(Just one will be coming to drive the Argus, the remainder will be helping out the colony in any way they can. I don't want to crowd your thread with my henchmen!) Climbing on top of the Argus and manning the heavy cutter with some kind of rehydrated sandwich in his hand, the general gives a thumbs up to Argyris and the Noctuan lieutenant. Driver begins the arduous task of turning the military vehicle around in a 12-point turn, narrowly but expertly avoiding the colony buildings.

Argyris climbs aboard the Noctua transport, "We're all set. The EP vehicle is all set to follow us back to the lake. Let's collect some bio-matter!"

PAssing through the region of small dinos, for the moment it looks like they have all gone to ground. For now, the group is quiet and only some terse radio chatter passes back and forth between the vehicles. After two hours of travel you come to the shore of a large lake of clear water. Tall trees across the lake on the other shore rumble and shake as a large herbivore breaks through them to come to the water to drink. It has legs the size of tree trunks and a long neck River grasses and small fish are also endemic to the pond.

(I may be slow to respond, we're on possible case #3 of stomach flu here this week.)

(There is zero rush, please take all the time you need)

(No rush! The communication is super appreciated though!

"Lieutenant, do you think your objectives here would be best served if we attempted to collect a variety of genetic material from several different species? If so, should we try to start with the large herbivores we see? I suppose we'll need to be mindful that incapacitating them might draw the attention of predators in the area," he paused to consider, "If you don't mind, lets gather outside and discuss with the General?" He activated his radio and spoke to General Wyke, "General, this is our destination. I am sure you've already seen the creatures plodding through the trees across the body of water. These and others like them are our intended target for the project at hand. Would you care to meet with the Lieutenant and I outside so we can discuss what would be an appropriate and, hopefully, safe approach for our endeavor - targets in distant sight?"

A simple response in the affirmative is given, and when the vehicles come to a stop some meters away from the water's edge, Ivan hops out to meet Argyris and the Noctuan lieutenant. He keeps looking across the water to the large beast, and Driver crawled out of the truck cab and into the heavy cutter turret to look over the dinosaur with binoculars. "...You don't suppose we could just walk up and just get a little bit of its leg skin or something?" Ivan asks with more curiosity than seriousness. "I could see these large herbivores making a mess and a half if they came stampeding through, but do they even register things our size as a threat so long as they're calm?"

"Walking up and getting its leg skin is probably going to make it stampede." the Lieutenant says "Flop em, scales, blood, maybe a bone sample if we can get it. Want to make sure our settlement is safe for all time and diverse material to work from means we can make a strong repellant they wont be able to adapt to"

"Sounds good to me. I will leave the strategy of how we arrive at that goal to you two," he says giving a confident nod and determined frown to the General and Lieutenant. Inclining his head ever so slightly to the side he asks, "Do you think it would be best to carry it out during the day so we can clearly see what is going on - or at night so that the creatures are less active? I certainly don't have the tactical knowledge to know if there's a clearly superior choice here."

(Was that to Ivan or the noctua officer ?)

(either or, I suppose! The more tactically skilled than Argyris.)

(what does ivan think?)

"We should go for a target as soon as we come across one. Waiting until an animal is in their den might be a lot more dangerous. But there will likely be some nocturnal species we'll want samples of, as well."

The Lieutennant seems to agree. If the job is worth doing, it is worth doing correctly, even if that means possibly subjecting the patrol to more danger.

"Very good! I will follow your lead - this isn't my area of primary expertise to say the least!"

Taking out some binoculars, Ivan takes a look at the terrain surrounding the large herbivore in the distance. (I'm interested in seeing if the creature is in a good spot or if they could be spooked to a better spot - i.e., not drown in a foot of water once stunned)

It could be lured to being trapped against a large rock wall a kilometer from where it currently is as the rolling terrain rises above this forest to the first of the foothills and mountains that surround this lake.

"Our vehicles might be enough to corral the beast into that rock outcrop. But also, we'd be scaring it. I wonder if we could lure it instead... maybe get it where we want without it stomping about..." (Is it going for anything to eat nearby or is it just drinking water and checking the place out?)

Turning to the Lieutenant, "I don't suppose you've had a chance to record any calls of the creatures? Maybe something along those lines could coax it in a desired direction if we have a sound system capable of adequate volume?"

(right now its just drinking and hanging out. We actually don't have any data on how often they eat right now)

9:51 AM

"Nothing liek that. The closest we got was last time you took us out into the wild, and this is the first time we've been back. Well, you know that, you never left" the LT says, their approximation of laughter making the air around them buzz.

Argyris gives a little speech before they break for the hunt, "New homes always have those little nagging problems, or in some cases," he gestures to the creatures in the distance, "giant looming behemoths." "Today, we're going to take action to prevent your community from coming to harm at the hands of these seemingly gently giants behind us as well as their more aggressive cousins. You have a right to live in peace and safety. It is our privilege to assist you in reaching that goal. We work together now for the benefit of your community and people and so that you can dwell in as much harmony as possible with this new ecosystem in which you find yourselves." He turns to look towards the horizon, "May today be the first of many cooperative journeys forward towards a mutually beneficial horizon!" He turns back to face everyone and raises a fist shouting, "Let's flop some dinos!"

Ivan smiles, and Driver applauds from the turret of the Argus. "Alright, we'll give coaxing the dino into that large rock formation with our truck and laying on the horn. Worse come to worst, we pop some shots into the water with the heavy cutter and maybe the light show will make it move on. Keep the vehicles somewhat far, though - you never know when we need some time to pop a U-turn and run away ourselves." Ivan takes his flop rifle into his hands from its shoulder-slung position and heads back to the Argus. Driver pops back down into the cabin and starts the engine again.

(Argyris, which vehicle do you want to be in, Ivans or with the Noctua scouts? )

(I think he will ride with Ivan on this leg of the trip explanation being some last minute training on the flop rifle from either the general or the other solider.)

(okay, lets get a pilot/dex for driver, and we'll be off!)

Ivan Wyke | Yulia Wyke | Myuun

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Ivan Wyke | Yulia Wyke | Myuun Request: [2d6+1+1] Roll: [4, 1] Result: 7 Reason: Driver's time to shine - hopefully

Driver does indeed shine and he drives the bulky vehicle like a slick grav interceptor through the winding trees. The plates burn hot and hard as you slew around a corner, coming to within 100m of the dino that has turned and begun to flee from the sound the vehicle is making.

As various trinkets, loose items, and at least one hand grenade roll about the Argus, Ivan prepares his flop rifle in front of Argyris as a sort of field demonstration. "Now look, this thing is pretty simple. The housing contains the two most important parts - the flop capacitor and the degaussing crystal matrix. They work in asynchronous harmony to generate quantum breakdown in the erbium wave launcher that can affect the autonomic nervous system. The optronic magnesium stabilizer, which goes here in the flop capacitor-" Ivan pulls out several components and doesn't clarify which is what. "Magnifies plasma surges in the rubidium-laden circuitry that used to be assembled by the chief MES technologists before they all went crazy. A journeyman MES banana-bender or whatever would be responsible for calibrating the ionic gel injectors within the barrel and the enclosed degaussing crystal matrix to collapse what would otherwise be lethal de Broglie wavelengths into a polarized jitter. That's the quantum breakdown - 'quantum' because we don't know how it works, and 'breakdown' because of what it did to the researchers trying to reverse-engineer it. Now, the trigger looks, operates, and tastes just like a normal trigger, but don't be fooled - it also controls the phaser node lubricator. By all means, do not overheat the phaser node lubricator. It's impossible to get out of clothing. Ivan picks up Argyris' flop rifle, removes several parts, inspects something that nobody knows if it should be making that color light or that kind of sound, reassembles it, then hands it back. "It's just like riding a bicycle. You hold it, aim it, fire, make a mental note of the random number for later - there will be a quiz - then the target falls over... eventually. They call it a flop rifle because of how many people flop the quiz." Ivan smiles and winks.

Argyris whispers to himself, "Twenty-six..."

(also... jcf - are you the guy from that technical jargon video!?)

(Seen! ) Outside, the vehicle slews around and the dino is almost within range. Driver turns the normally red interior lights onto their full brightness to ensure everyone can see the weapons and ensure their proper operation.

"Twenty-what?" Ivan asks Argyris, barely catching the whisper Ivan was half-listening to as he looks around for a component he swore he dropped. He could hear it rolling around. "The gun only has six shots per Type-A cell. I wish it had twenty-something. We'd have to attach a lot more lubricators and hamster wheels to these things to power twenty shots." As the cabin light comes on, he sees the part rolling about on the floor. Reaching down, he comes back up with both the part and a wrapped candy bar that by some miracle isn't expired. "Here, on the house," Ivan says throwing the part at Argyris and attempting to fit the candy bar to the flop rifle. "Wait, no, that's not right... sorry, I think I need this candy bar more than you. Driver! ETA!" "In a few seconds you'll be able to stick your head out the window and lick the thing!" "Perfect. Argyris, ready for some sport?"

"Ready as I will ever be, thanks in no small part to your instruction, Ivan. Thank you," Argyris says charging the rifle as was demonstrated with as much confidence as a novice can fake. "May fortune smile on us! Good luck, Ivan," he says bracing against to the wall near the window and readying to aim. His eyes flit back and forth out the window and to Ivan to observe how he is holding and preparing himself - mimicking it as best as he's able.

(I think resolution wise, we'd get a round of surprise as we roll up on the beast before jumping into initiative)

8:33 AM

Hatches are popped and the shrieking grav plates slew the vehicle around so its stronger front armor is facing the dinosaur. It roars a challenge in return.

Ivan takes a well-choreographed lurch out of the Argus with his flop rifle ready. There is little time before Ivan puts his eyes on the target and the rifle firing a precision shot. (20/9)

(I am a SWN combat novice, what should I be reporting at this point?)

(I'll throw something into #teach-me and tag you - that way it can get visibility across the other mostly non-combatants!)

Argyris makes the mistake of bracing his weapon directly against the window opening of the Argus and the movement of the craft alters the aim of his shot just before he squeezes the trigger. (12/11)

The creature roars as the first of the shots from Ivan sends waves of crackling stun energy across its dinosauric flesh. The second shot disturbs small rocks and kicks up dust near its feet as Argyris gets his bearings with the unfamiliar weapon.

7:30 AM

(lets get initiative now as we get into proper combat)

(10 for Ivan)

Nekosmash

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Nekosmash Request: [d8] Roll: [1] Result: 1

(1 for dino, so we'll get Argyris, and then in subsequent rounds the squad will deploy and they can pile in too

Argyris Zerafim

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Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d8+0] Roll: [3] Result: 3 Reason: Argyris Inititive

(Ivan, Arg, Dino for now, in the following rounds we'll throw the squad into the mix too as they deploy from the transport's side hatches)

"This is so fucking COOL! The others are going to be SO jealous! I'm fighting a dinosaur with cool weapons!" Ivan is beaming in absolute delight. Standing completely out of the cover of the Argus vehicle door, he fires another round at the dinosaur - another well-placed shot of esoteric energy. (27/11)

Argyris silently focuses on trying to slow his breathing in attempt to calm is nerves and slow his heart rate some. He hears Ivan's excited exclamation without truly registering his words. All he sees is the reticle of the flop rifle and the thundering legs of the behemoth beyond the frame of the window. His aim is better on this shot, but good enough to hit its mark? (15/9)

Nekosmash

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Nekosmash Request: [d20] Roll: [15] Result: 15

Argyris aims, and the shot is clean, striking the beast in the head. Between the several shots fired into it thus far, it is weakening and will be stunned soon. The squad begins deploying from the side hatches of the vehicle, lending their own flop weapons to the fight.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d8] Roll: [6] Result: 6

(the squad would be up now as well, going before the dino, so we can try to flop this thing before he stomps)

(Argyris, you should do the rolls for the Noctuan squad firing their flop rifles. They get +3 modifier to their attack roll and +1 damage roll [NPC modifiers for your average combatants]. If Driver needs to do something other than look pretty behind the wheel of the Argus, I'll do his rolls) (Neko - how many in the squad are firing flop rifles?)

(four)

Argyris Zerafim

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Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [2] Result: 5 Reason: Attack Roll Noctuan Soldier 1

Argyris Zerafim

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Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [17] Result: 20 Reason: Attack Roll Noctuan Soldier 2

Argyris Zerafim

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Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [12] Result: 15 Reason: Attack Roll Noctuan Soldier 3

Argyris Zerafim

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Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [4, 2] Result: 7 Reason: Damage Roll Noctuan Soldier 1

Argyris Zerafim

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Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [5, 1] Result: 7 Reason: Damage Roll Noctuan Soldier 2

Argyris Zerafim

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Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [5, 3] Result: 9 Reason: Damage Roll Noctuan Soldier 3

Noctuan 1 (2/7) Noctuan 2 (17/7) Noctuan 3 (12/9) Noctuan 4 (7/5) *missed #4 originally, added after the fact

(edited)

Argyris Zerafim

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Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [7] Result: 10 Reason: Attack Roll Noctuan Soldier 4

Argyris Zerafim

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Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [2, 2] Result: 5 Reason: Damage Roll Noctuan Soldier 4

As the squad deploys one of them manages to score a hit on the creature. Electrical energy crackles around its neck and head and it rears up into the air, stomping its massive tree trunk legs down to shake the ground. (evasion save everyone! The npcs would be at a 14 since their dex gives them a small advantage there)

(Ivan: 14 vs. 4, success) (Driver: 3 vs. 15, failure, if affected in the vehicle)

(Argyris: 16 vs 14, success)

(Noctuan 1: 16 vs 14, success) (Noctuan 2: 9 vs 14, failure) (Noctuan 3: 2 vs 14, failure) (Noctuan 4: 1 vs 14, failure)

Nekosmash

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Nekosmash Request: [2d6] Roll: [3, 1] Result: 4

The noctuans all throw themselves clear, though three of them are struck by flying debris and are lightly wounded. Stones and clods of dirt from the dinosaur's stomping feet bounce off the armor of the vehicle, though the driver within is feeling shaken .

7:13 AM

(back to Ivan)

Taking things a bit more seriously now, Ivan focuses as the last of the flying pebbles and kicked-up dust bounce off of him. One shot fired, and his muscles tense for another snap movement. (22/9; +2 strain [2/18] to take another action at end of round - will tack onto first turn next round)

The creature groans, scales sloughing off from a burned area on its skin. It is weakening and will collapse soon, but it is not stunned yet.

(Arg is up, my bad)

With the clattering of stone and dirt still rattling on the hull of the vessel, Argyris takes renewed aim at the titanic reptile. The lethality of the situation striking him as reality, he buckles down and focuses on the task at hand. (19/6)

The dinosaur looks confused for a moment before its joints lock up, and it falls away from the vehicle to clatter to the ground.

Argyris tilts his rifle to the side and hunts for the safety switch while exclaiming, "We got it, Ivan! Your shots looked solid - I got lucky. Let's get to work out there."

Ivan helps up some of the Noctuans that took a tumble from the dino stomp. "Yeah, hitting the side of a barn is the easy part; making the barn really feel the hit is the hard part. I'm not sure how long this thing will be taking a nap for - so we better get our samples, and quickly. Not just in case it wakes up, but in case something was attracted to the fight and is looking to get a quick meal."

(survive/wis for each of you as we extract a working sample)

(8 on survive/wis for Argyris)

(5 for Ivan)

With some help from the Noctua scouts, samples of DNA from different parts of the mighty dinosaur. After ten minutes of frantic work, the beast begins to stir, and the driver shouts out that the time to leave is right now ,or else you might not be so lucky when it stomps the ground a second time.

Argyris gives the titanic creature a gentle pat before stepping back to take in its full size once more before turning and hurriedly moving towards the entryway of the Argus. He moves quickly, but makes a conscious effort not to be the first to enter the vehicle - working on hardening his courage in the face of dangers other than a political nature for a change.

Ivan pushes Argyris into the vehicle anyways - not out of chastisement, but out of protocol. "Hang tight and get ready to lift up people spilling in." The side hatches are left open, with Ivan holding onto the handrails. The Noctuans that had more of a head start are pointed toward their own vehicle just a little further back, while the ones who started their dash from the other side of the beast are directed to mount into the closer Argus. Ivan pulls each in, causing many to stumble in during the rapid exfiltration. When everyone is accounted for, Ivan calls for hatches closed and for Driver to take off.

With the samples from the large herbivore taken, the next part of the mission is the most dangerous- one from the large carno that is commonly seen as a species in the area. The carno is something that has the colony specially worried, since it will actively hunt them, unlike the herbivore that simply would just not appreciate where it is walking, and damage things as a result

Turning to Ivan, "Time to turn the hunter into the hunted, eh? We weren't... unlucky enough to see one when I scouted the region with the Noctua on my initial mission with them. That said, I have to imagine this watering hole is a place those predators stalk and frequent for water themselves." He scans the horizon with a pair of binoculars from the Argus' supply closet, "What do you think of setting up sort of a blind here in the grasses or perhaps just inside the more heavily wooded area allowing for a quick escape or pursuit depending on the need?"

Ivan looks out at the surrounding terrain from the front passenger seat. "The forest might be a better spot. Materials for building blinds will be in abundance, and we can run faster through the trees than any large beast with more sharp teeth than brain cells. Can't say I'm terribly familiar with building foxholes against dinosaurs, though. Do you think they'll call in an artillery strike?" Ivan jokes.

"I'm probably using the wrong term, but I thought that was the terms my grandfather used when talking about a method he used to utilize in hunting," Argyris explained, "more of a method of concealment than something so involved as a trench or the like. Just trying to blend into the forest or surroundings better."

"No, no - you got it right. I'm just being a smart ass with my gallows humor." Ivan leans the front passenger seat all the way back so he can see everyone in the back, upside-down. "It's nice to be doing something tangible for once. Usually if I have to get involved with something gun-related, your line of work had already exhausted its options and a lot of people are in a bad place. It'd be nice if intergalactic issues could be solved by making a couple people take a nap."

(I think with Ivan's skill levels in the appropriate skills we don't need a check for laying down some foxholes or blinds, its just part of their training)

"Well, some might call that assassination and maybe there's a time and a place," Argyris jokes, "but the first creatures we met were about the size of a dog and grew to trust us very quickly. I don't imagine were much more than ants to that behemoth we just dropped for a bit. The smaller reptiles we met, not much more than ants to us. This next jump might be foolish or naïve, but I like to think we get what we receive in life. This is in great part why have an inherent bias toward diplomacy and solutions that involve as little violence as possible. Maybe it's cowardice deep down? I don't want to be on the receiving end of violence so I avoid adding it to the universe when it can be avoided..." Realizing his ramblings may have strayed a little to personal and real, he sits forward in his seat, "Besides, I don't have any manuals in my datapad on how to barbeque diplodocus meat. Wouldn't want all that to go to waste. Where does one get their hands on a standard ton of barbeque sauce?"

"It's not cowardice, not if you're still facing things head-on..." Ivan slams his fist against a compartment close to the ceiling, and a treasure trove of barbecue sauce packets leftover from fast food orders flow out into the cabin. "If big dino meat is anything like Tecmedan Hornbeast meat, then it's only suitable for the starving and generic dog food, if both couldn't smell." Arriving at the edge of a forest overlooking the little oasis, Ivan repositions his seat to sit upright again. "Alright, we ready to whip up some blinds and sit around for a couple of hours? Driver, go find a spot further into the brush and back in - have any other vehicles follow your lead. Leave the doors unlocked in case we need to book it."

The vehicles hull down in the woods 40m behind your position, doors open and ready to get you out of the situation as soon as possible if things go pear shaped. The rest of the team beds in, and there's a loud roaring sound in the distance as the winds change and something gets your scent.

8:04 AM

birds flutter skyward from the north.

Argyris turns to the north scanning with the low light setting on the binoculars from the Argus, "You hear that?"

"Sure did," Ivan responds, looking in the same direction. He unslings his flop rifle and hand-signals Driver and the other vehicle operators to be on standby. "Come on, let's go get with the others in the blinds. We'll likely need some concentrated fire to bring whatever-that-is-over-there down."

Argyris nods, does a quick check of the flop rifle he's been assigned, and follows along to the make-shift blinds with Ivan.

(notice/wis for each of you)

(10 for Ivan)

(9 for Argyris)

There is a carno here. Its hide is capable of adapting itself to its surroundings and its skin changes color to better blend in. You are both able to notice it from 100m away despite it keeping its large frame very low to the ground, moving slowly, and otherwise, stalking as it is raised instinctually to do.

Ivan raises his rifle and aims it at the carno. "I think it'll charge as soon as its pea-brain registers we see it. Everyone, aim!!!" (Ready to begin flopping unless Argyris has anything to interrupt!)

Argyris follows suit, focusing again on his breathing as he raises his rifle to alight the sights with the reptilian predator.

(it doesn't see you've noticed it, so you'd each get a surprise shot to start this)

Feeling his nerves with this new and more dangerous predator, Argyris struggles to fully control his breathing and the movement of his rapid breaths affects the trueness of his aim. (11/7)

The shot misses as the creature roars, startled, and it realizes the stalking attempt at hunting you is not going to work.

As the creature takes on its offensive stance now that it had been discovered, a solid shot emerges from the bush. (25/8)

The arcs of stunning electricity hit the creature. It chitters and roars, shivering violently. It braces itself on the ground, preparing to spring and charge you. (initiative)

(9)

(2!)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d8] Roll: [8] Result: 8

(Ivan, camo dino, Arg)

Another nerve-tingling shot originates from the blinds. A tall, meaty figure stands out, muscles primed for another quick strike. (26/5, +2 strain [4/18] for extra action, end of this round)

The shot hits the dino close to the place where chest and neck meet, and it hisses in pain as a result. It is slowed, crawling across the ground to end 20m from your blind in its pained headlong charge.

2:45 PM

(double move, so it has no main this round)

As the carno approaches, it crosses directly into the crosshair of Argyris flop rifle and he manages to trigger a shot while having the best chance of hitting true. (19/5)

3:21 PM

(Can I take strain for a second shot as well, or is that a special ability to which Ivan has access?)

(It's a special thing. Ivan is in a Terminus shell/manufactured body, given to him by the transhumanist Weeping Company on Nesuna)

(I figured as much but felt I should at least ask so I don't cut my contribution short. Thank you!)

The shot hits the dino near its powerful taloned forelimb. It roars, putting its shoulder into the charge as it closes , just short of the blind. Flared membranes around its neck open as it prepares to spit. (evasion save for each of you)

(16 vs. 4, Ivan passes)

(14 vs. 14 - do you need to exceed or match to pass?)

("Meets it, beats it!" - so match)

both of you are able to roll out of the way of the venomous cone , avoiding a grisly series of horrible physical consequences. (Arg is up )

Diving out of the way of the creature's attack, Argyris struggles to keep his feet and sends a blast of the stun rifle's energy wide from its intended target. (2/9)

The shot misses, sizzling the ground by the creature's feet. Diving out of the way of the acid spray fouled the aim of the shot, but saved life and limb (Ivan)

Two expert shots fire out in quick succession after Argyris' miss, catching the carno's legs on where they will be, not where they were. Ivan's body quickly cycles the gun's cooling mechanisms to compensate for the sudden burst in usage. (19/9 + 20/9) (Late edit - another +2 strain to keep the double attacks going, 6/18) (edited)

The camo spitter is dropped. It writhes and claws at the ground weakly as the stunning energy locks its joints. It cannot spit, it cannot move, its eyes can only look skyward as you stand over it preparing to extract the sample.

Argyris quickly goes to the Argus and retreives a clean blanket from storage. He nervously spreads the cloth over the creatures head - specifically trying to shield its eyes while those who know what they are doing acquire the necessary samples from the stunned behemoth. He mutters some calming words while they work, "I know you'd just as soon eat me - but hopefully you understand we mean you no harm. This is for your own good. It will be over quick. Don't hold a grudge, eh?"

The creature seems soothed by the words even if it probably can't tell what you're actually saying. It groans as the small sampler takes a core of flesh, and the wound is quickly sealed up by sterilized packing and then a layer of spray sealant. It is frontier standard, but better than what the dino would be forced to make do with in the wild.

Ivan quietly stands to the side and watches as Argyris and the Noctuan colonial guards take their grizzly sample from the carno. They'd have a few moments to collect themselves and their supplies before the beast is in any state to be a threat again, assuming it hadn't learned its lesson that the diverse group of small bipedals with the painful light beams weren't going to be an easy, worthwhile meal. When everyone appears to be ready to head out, Ivan gives raised eyebrows and a half-smile, as if wordlessly asking, "what next?"

Argyris gives a nod to Ivan, "I think that sees our task done, uinless one of the Noctuan technicians believes there are other species about from which we would benefit collecting samples," he pauses turning to the Noctuans, "Otherwise, maybe we've all earned a little celebratory meal and drinks? What do you think?"

(we have the herbivore and the carnovore. THere is a swarming one we can also get, but 2/3 is something they'd accept if we're interested in calling it here)

(Oh! Nope! Argyris would want to do a full and complete job, so as long as Ivan doesn't have more pressing things to attend to, he'd apologize for his misunderstanding and request one more leg of the Dino Safari.)

(Ivan has a clear schedule, he's all yours to continue!)

As the vehicles are retreating from the scene with the carnivorous reptile, a member of the Noctuan team calls up an image of another species of reptile on the open communication display between the vehicles. Their voice comes accross the open channel, "There is one more that we would benefit from finding. The data should be coming up on your display momentarily." Argyris - looking at the images - grimaces a bit, "Hmmm, I guess I may have spoken a bit too soon. There's one more variety of wildlife here that we should gather for a full and complete solution." Looking to Ivan he continues, "So long as you're willing, I'd like to continue our Safari. But, take a look at this data. This last one looks rather smaller than these previous examples." He gestures to a part of the display with an image that has assumed measurement data of the creature in the captured image. "Do you think their size is going to be an issue for the effectiveness of the flop rifles? This image too," he says pointing towards another image, "seems to show them moving in groups or swarms. Any concern their size or number will make these rifles ineffective?"

Ivan takes a look at the images, sifting through them. "If they're fast and agile, it could make hitting them a bit tougher. Against a couple, our flop rifles should make quick work. If they vastly outnumber us, we could get swarmed with ankle-biters. The flops weren't really designed for close-quarters, so we'd have to focus on saving our own skins first. Avoiding a melee like that would be in our best interests." "Something to consider, though - pack mentality falls apart if they're spooked or intimidated. Being aggressive might work in our favor, especially if we utilize the vehicles. We only need one or two to get the samples we need. The downside is they might all run away on us and we get nothing." (edited)

"Okay! Let's see if we can drop a handful and hope the swarm leaves them behind rather than circling around them," Argyris ponders, "should we have a predetermined plan in the event they do decide to aggressively defend their fallen?"

"Yeah, get back to the safety of our metal boxes on wheels! As one unit, so nobody gets caught out alone and surrounded." Ivan unhooks his sword and passes it over to Argyris. "If it comes to that, though, we're in for some scratches and bites and may end up collecting a dead sample instead. I'll be fine with just my trusty boot and trustier knife." When drawn, the sword's long-lost religious iconography glows a pale white from an unknown light source, and the nanotech cutting edge screams to life as it constantly rebuilds itself from even the most minute air flows wearing it down. (You can borrow Ivan's TL5 artifact SamaelTech Sword! It has a +2 bonus to hit and damage. It'll be your insurance should you get engaged in melee, which I'm going to go out on a limb and say you might want every advantage you can get. I think I can make it out well enough with a +16 to hit combat knife

)

(I'm in danger meme.)

The pack is spotted via bioscanners , 2 kilometers north of where you are currently located. There is loose jungle in the way before it emerges to the open grasslands where this pack resides. The pack is small, halfway between a raptor and a traditional lizard. They are meat eaters, with small but powerful forelimbs allowing them to climb the bodies of the creatures they're trying to eat. Most of their diet consists of rodents and birds, but they also eat the dead, and anything slower than them- which includes Noctua and Human.

"Might not be long before our scent hits them if we stand still," Ivan says to Argyris. "But that can also play to our advantage. What do you say to setting a trap? I'm sure we could find something particularly gamey and a bit too close to spoiled that we could throw on top of the truck. Or a rock. Or wave it around like a big 'eat me' flag with everyone else hiding."

"I defer to you on all things tactical, Ivan," Argyris says nodding, "if you think it's a good route to sucess, I am in! We have any drones we could use to fly the bait around to get their attention?"

(The Noctua have a crude drone but it doesn't have heavy lift fittings, so it can't carry more than a KG or so of weight)

Examining the drone and turning to Ivan, "What do you think? Would this device's limited carrying capacity be enough bait or should we try something else for setting out the bait?"

"Are you trying to lure the dinos, or me?" Ivan laughs. "A kilo of steak sounds lovely about now, likely to both of us - but it is a fair amount of food for even creatures our size. We could lay out a bigger pile further away and use one piece of it to grab their initial attention. But I don't think we packed anything fresh... we'd either have to scavenge, hunt, or see if they like something from any of the rations in here." "There's a science experiment growing in the back mini-fridge," Driver comments from the Argus' cab. "Been in there since before I joined the unit. I think it said 'hi' when I opened the door." "Yeah, that's my old steak sandwich I forgot about. But if the drone drops it, it might kill the dinosaur." Ivan responds. (Edit for clarity - I think a kg of meat or smelly carrion should work well enough) (edited)

(we can use the stinky steak sando if we want to give it a try)

"Let's give it a shot. From the description the Noactua have given, they seemed to have scavenger tendencies so maybe the smell will draw them in thinking there's carrion or something in the area," he says, "that is... unless you're still saivng it for later?"

Ivan goes into the back of the truck's spartan living quarters and opens a small hatch. A couple things are pushed around and a plastic bag is retrieved from the back. The bag has a balloon-like quality to it, the plastic seams bulging out a little as a sandwich bounces around inside. The sandwich itself doesn't look that bad aside from some questionable spots on the deli meat, the cheese turning a slightly different color, and the lettuce and tomato having a slimy sheen noticeable from a distance. The label clearly says BEST BY NOV 2668. "So uh..." Ivan holds the inflated bag in both hands like a live bomb. "Keep sharp things away... maybe I'll open it outside and hand it to the drone."

The drone hovers nearby at chest level, it’s small manipulator arm pinching like a set of mandibles , waiting for it’s rotten payload.

The bag is opened, releasing a an invisible cloud that would send any industrial chemical plant worker running for the alarms. Ivan didn't take a breath during the careful operation, holding it so only the most periphery of unfortunate smell receptors in his nose would get a hint of the unholy rot. Manipulating the sandwich, while using its open bag as a makeshift glove, gives the impression the interior of the sandwich might be in far worse condition than its only-slightly-off appearance on the outside might indicate. The manipulator claws clamp down on the humid bread slices. "I think I felt it move...!" Ivan says through gritted teeth, exhaling some precious, clean air. He lets go of his end and ducks away quickly back into the Argus. "Whew... I saw my life flash before my eyes. Don't tell the Adamantians we made a drone do this. The poor thing's claws are probably going to rust."

"We'll have to make sure it is given appropriate accolades for its contribution to the mission. I'm sure there's some sort of distinguished service medal or honor for such a brave drone," Argyris says with a smile.

(Just let me know how you want the drone to do this and we'll go from there)

(I think my intention was for the drone to hopefully get the attention of a swarm and then to influence the direction it travels so we can take advantage of that movement.)

(okay! Lets get a program/int!)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [5, 4] Result: 8 Reason: Program/INT

The drone follows your commands, executing the turns when needed. Rising above tree top level, and then gaining another 50m beyond that, a scavenger pack is located about a kilometer away to the east. (edited)

Argyris instructs the drone to fly towards the pack and lower its altitude to a height just above the estimated vertical leaping ability of the scavengers. Then the drone is instructed to move at a moderate pace towards a point where the squad will be setup to ambush the creatures as they approach.

(how close do you want it to be dropped? We passed the program , so we can do anything , just trying to figure out weapon ranges for you guys )

(He would have sought insight from Ivan on this, for sure. I'm assuming whatever is just inside the optimal/effective range of the flop rifles.)

(I think those are 300/500, so if we're between 300 and 500 we take a -2 penalty to hit for long range)

Looking over Argyris' shoulder at the drone with the sandwich in its manipulator claws, Ivan gives a couple of generic options available based on the terrain and the equipment available. (Generic things - ambush, bring them to the vehicles, opportunity for focus fire, etc.) "I know hunting is more my wheelhouse than yours just by sheer occupational overlap, but I do want you to know that I have no problem wrestling one of these creatures into the Argus and driving off like some slapstick kidnapping bit. Driver and I are willing to get our hands very dirty and very bloody to do what is necessary - I ripped a Tecmessan sand viper in half via prying its jaw open - that's just how we're trained to do things. Hardly something a hunter or scientist might do on a lark outside of the ultra-extreme." "Of the dinos we've come across before, these ones might be the most intelligent as they have a social dynamic that allows them to pack-hunt and take down much bigger prey. You should choose a course of action that you think the Noctuans with us would find appropriate and proportional. My impression is that this hunting expedition is a welcome preventative measure, but not something everyone here might be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice over. Every casualty to their colony is much more impactful than somewhere like Mytikas." (I am passing the buck here, but to metagame a little, I'm not worried about Ivan missing a shot even at long range. We'll likely score a dino to get a sample from, but I think the overall decision you should make is if you want to put our Noctuan companions in a riskier position or not. The optics of what you/we choose have their own consequences that you may need to take into consideration as you build your diplomatic relationship. I don't think there's a wrong choice, fwiw - but maybe you'd like to paint a certain picture.)

Argyris considers the situation. This is not worth takin unnecessary risks, it would be better to fail here and return with a stronger plan if this is ineffective rather than putting the team in excessive danger. Following feedback from Ivan and considering the capabilites of the weapons, Argyris makes a decision. "We'll lure them into the outer edge of the effective range of the rifles," he says with a nod, "there's no sense taking excessive risks here. We've been fortunate thus far and there's no sense pressing our luck here at the end of our mission." "I trust that at least one of us," he pauses winking at Ivan, "will have the dead-eye to drop one of these. If not, we can help the Noctuans come up with an alternative plan possibly carry out some other time." "I doubt that will be necessary, but we'll have to see!" he says as he checks the display showing the location and status of the done. "Alright, the swarm seems to be following - assuming I'm interpreting this correctly. Let's get ready," he says taking a moment to center himself and reminding himself to remian focused on his breathing throughout. "Good luck everyone!"

The drone circles above the pack, letting them get a whif of the carrion sandwich before dropping it at the edge of your weapons range. The pack emerges from the woods, long dinosaurs that are roughly dog sized ,with thick scales, sharp teeth, and long tails that end in barbs. There are ten of them brave enough to emerge from the woods in the hunt for this sandwich. (initiative)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d8+0] Roll: [2] Result: 2 Reason: Argyris Initiative

Ivan Wyke | Yulia Wyke | Myuun

used /roll

Ivan Wyke | Yulia Wyke | Myuun Request: [1d8+2] Roll: [5] Result: 7 Reason: Ivan initiative

Nekosmash

used /roll

nekosmash Request: [d8-1] Roll: [3] Result: 2

(Ivan, Argyris, Nocta Scouts, Raptor Carrion Eater Swarm)

The first shot of this part of the hunt flies out from Ivan just after stepping outside of the Argus' cab, the bolt of jittery energy going for one of the dinos in the front of the pack and most at risk of actually biting the sandwich, as far as Ivan could tell from this distance. Another dino target is acquired as the weapon's cooling is rapidly cycled. (33/10, +2 strain for extra attack at end of round, 8/18)

(just for my understanding, its one shot at two different targets? Just so I know how to apply damage)

(Just one shot, one target; I think my flavoring of setting up the Terminus extra action might have been a little confusing)

(oh gotcha you used the basically neural overload wiring like ability, now I'm with you)_ The raptor at the front of the pack is stunned by the electornic cartridge fired from the weapon. It sizzles as it collapses to the ground, stunned .The rest of the packis angered at the sudden ambush, howling and hissing.

8:02 AM

(Argyris)

Clearly unnerved by the flowing mass of dinos rapidly advancing in their general direction, Argyris looses focus on the technique he's been practicing througout the mission. He anticipates the very slight recoil of the rifle as it accelerates the charged particles towards the dinos and pulls his shot low from its intended target. Quietly, he curses to himself and redoubles his effort to focus on his breathing and technique. (5/10)

The shot misses, streaking over the head of the closest dino. ( @Argyris Zerafim if you want to roll for the noctua scouts, there are four of them that can shoot right now, and they'd be at a D20+3 with their bonuses to hit)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [10] Result: 13 Reason: Noctua Scouts Flop Rifle Attack

(first one is a hit)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [7] Result: 10 Reason: Noctua Scouts Flop Rifle Attack

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [10] Result: 13 Reason: Noctua Scouts Flop Rifle Attack

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [15] Result: 18 Reason: Noctua Scouts Flop Rifle Attack

(Apologies if there is a way to get it to rull multiple distinct results from one command, I am unfamiliar!)

(this works! We have three hits in total, so lets get damage for each and we'll see how the raptorinos are doing)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Rolls: [6, 2] Result: 8 [3, 1] Result: 4 [3, 3] Result: 6 Reason: 3 Stets of Damage w/ Flop Rifles

(I figured it out

- I did not add the bonus as I wasn't sure what it should be) (edited)

(there usually isn't one when it comes to damage unless you're doing something like burst fire, which not all weapons can do. ) Two of the raptors are immobilized, and seeing the members of the pack harmed in such a way the others lose their nerve, melting into the forest in the search for something easier to prey on. One of the raptors has carried off the sandwich, probably for the best.

Watching one of the raptors scamper away with the prized rotten sandwich in their jaws, Ivan shudders a little. "I bet twenty credits we'll have a third immobilized dino in about half an hour. If this were war, that'd've been a war crime what we just did." Ivan doesn't sound too serious, yet carries a slight hint of concern or pity for the raptor that'll have to be very brave, very soon, for its impending stomach ache despite being a predatory carrion eater. "Thirty big ones on it becoming carrion!" Driver comments rhetorically as he brings the vehicle out of its idle state to drive over to the downed creatures. "Well then, Argyris, samples then some food back at the colony during the debrief? I'm thinking... whatever the Noctuans have that's good between two pieces of something else that's also good. Like a sandwich."

(They stole the sandwich! lol) Argyris chuckles quietly responding to Ivan's comment about war crimes, "I won't tell if you won't! I hope the little guy will be okay, but any suffering he endures will be fore the long-term safety of his swarm as well!" "I'd love to sample some more Noctuan fare (sandwich or not) while we review our results and get some feedback on what the scientists here will be able to do with these samples. Absolutely," Argyris says with a proud smile and a nod. He takes one last long look at the horizon from outside the vehicles. Taking in the pure frontier of this place - something that only a few days a go would have sent bugs crawling on his skin - and feels that he'll miss it a bit. Though, part of him longs to return to reviewing documents of statecraft as well. At least now he knows he's capable of so much more, albeit needing a great deal of training to ever be self-sufficient in an environment such as this.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

8:10 AM

With the samples in tow, the two vehicle convoy makes all speed back to the colony as quickly as is safe to do so. The vehicles enter the colony in the early evening, and once no casualties are reported you can almost feel the flood of relief pheremones in the air by the waiting Noctua outside the main hive. With these samples, repellent bombs can be made to keep the wildlife away from the colony and sensitive worksites without needing to eliminate the creatures or cause more ecological damage to the world than necessary. Saving lives and doing so in such a way where the environment can be preserved is something that the Noctua appreciate, and the extra support EP has provided them in the form of not just sending soldiers with rifles is appreciated. Tensions within the colony are beginning to ebb, and the Noctua may finally be able to set down deep roots on this dino world.

"I can't thank you enough for your timely assistance here, Ivan," Argyris says extending a hand to the General as the Noctuans are welcoming back the members of their hive and celebrating the success of the mission. "I am certain this will mean a great deal to the Noctuan people and I hope it will allow their settlement here to advance rapidly so they can participate with the rest of the Protectorate in a more significant manner, which I am sure is also their goal," he says glancing around at the settlement surrounding them. "Now, I am certain you'll say I owe you nothing - which may be the case - but you've done me a favor in your effort here. Without your presence, expertise, and your ability to supply these much needed equipment this mission would have never been a success," he says with a knowing nod. "So, whether you want to agree or not - I owe you one," he says with a smile, "and to be honest, I look forward to being able to repay it. Maybe you have no need of my abilities at the moment. Just keep me in mind should you ever have need of someone with more talent with a stylus than a rifle. That's all I ask! Also, if nothing else, I am sure you have a more intimate knowledge of Protectorate worlds and allies. If you think what you've seen of my abilities would be helpful in another community within our borders - I would be happy to have your direction, Ivan."

Argyris Level 3 Level 2 HP was 7, roll was 7, HP upped to 8 Skill Points: 1 Shoot, 1 Administer, 2 Connect

Ivan thinks over for a moment, running through old discussions and presentation slides he managed to stay awake for. "Well, there'd be nothing wrong with staying here, as there's likely always something to be done and maybe you want to establish a deeper connection with the Noctuans. But there are other places that even I don't know much about. There's Ankuiq, a fairly cold ball that hasn't said much of anything in a while. Tece, too, even though Grim from the Lamplighters operates out of there. I've only met like one guy from Tece, and he was a real oddball, so that could be kind of fun. Either of those, just to check on people, wouldn't be a bad idea." "But I guess if you really want to test your negotiating skills, we do have that situation happening in Ibalaso Urt - the city that claimed independence, Gralzea. Normally that'd be my job, but... it's literally a city of armed kids. Even those that despise children in our seats of power don't want to do anything that risks harming them, you know? That just wouldn't sit well with anyone. So the place is under observation a sort of 'diplomatic siege'. I dunno, it's quite the mess, including their past. Apparently Greystar even got involved, too. Fun all around. It'd be quite the challenge, and I wouldn't blame you for letting that one stew for a bit." (Regarding Ibalaso Urt/Gralzea: that one might need the go-ahead from Neko, as Michaela from Greystar is currently doing work in there, unbeknownst to any of us in-character, and Neko's got the best idea on whether something can be done in parallel given in-game timing and whatnot.) (edited)

(is that 1 point into shoot, administer and 2 into connect, or are those your current elvels in those skills arg?)

8:39 AM

(and I'd prefer not to cross the streams on Ibasso, not when its already run this long and so much is already being done)

(Invested new: 1 point shoot, 1 point administer, and 2 points connect. Not their ranks, just points invested.)

(gotcha. With talk 2, this is the best we can get it until level 6 iirc , and then you can get talk 4 at level 9. )

(That is my understanding too, yep! He's having to broaden his skillset some for while.)

(sounds good to me, did you have other non Ibasso mission ideas or would you like some options?)

(If he were to continue his efforts on this planet, there is that metal deposit they located in the initial exploration. If the Noctuan's were looking to take advantage of that he could try and lend some bureaucratic support of some kind to the process? Helping them not only to establish a safe foothold on the planet but also some means of economic/industrial growth? Assuming, of course, the Noctuan's continue to desire his presence and assistance. If they are of the mind to not pursue that resource, he wouldn't pressure them to.)

(Argyris is to receive 100k credits from the EP for efforts on Astyoche - I was wondering if it would be fitting for most of that to come in the form of a vehicle to use for his diplomatic work? A sort of mobile diplomatic office with maybe 1 or 2 support crew that I am responsible for paying? Something along the lines of the below?)

(sure, the flyer for sure works, and it can be delivered to you on Astyoche. If you wanted to run a mission to lead a work crew and establish a mine we can and maybe in future months the polity can decide to turn it into a production center of some kind)

Sharing drinks before Ivan's departure, Argyris lifts a glass of some local beverage to whatever Ivan has decided to drink. "Thank you again, Ivan," he says clinking his glass against the generals. "It wasn't the riskiest or most void-shattering of accomplishments compared to the list of things the EP has done," he pauses to look at the community surrounding them, "but I'm certain it will mean a lot to this community." Pausing, he takes a drink, and takes a sharp breath through his teeth as the strength of the drink hits him, "You know... the more I think about it, the more I think I will remain here for a while. See hour our efforts played out and see what I can do to advance the goals of this community even further. They deserve a strong new start and I'm happy to help in whatever way I can." "I know you have duties elsewhere, but I appreciate you taking the time to help me not make a fool of myself out there. Do you want me to keep you apprised of continued progress here?" he asks.

"In our Cloud meetings, for certain. But you could whisper a dirty joke during a trumpet recital in any of the planetary defense barracks and it'll still make its way to me. I take care of my little ones, and in return, I have maybe millions of bright-eyed soldiers and civilians that know they can tell me anything, and I'll listen to every word. You don't get that through grandiose speeches and big, boring parades. It's little things like good rations and a few moments of listening to some private go through their pictures of their family on their compad and showing you a holovid of their son's graduation from kindergarten. That's the world to most people. Not geopolitics, trade wars, and troop movements. When you care about the small stuff and the little guy, you'll find they'll flip whole continents for you. All because someone showed they gave a damn about them." Ivan makes a giant slurp as he downs some purple-jelly-thing that was served to him, uncaring of who hears him - or who has been listening the whole time. "The Protectorate's true fight is our past. A lot of people, even our closest friends, still only see us for the awful things awful people have done in our short time. Even now, echoes of that past still have their way in the world," Ivan says, silently referring to the Pitkins trial and Stearic's crimes. "Most would settle for boring, constant pleasantries and improvements that don't break further than the local news. We can be the strongest, toughest polity like we current project ourselves to be, but we can also be caring and empathetic to those in our care. Just like this place." "Now, if you'll excuse me," Ivan says looking at his compad. "One my idiots managed to convince a local Noctuan to supply us with a hundred kilos of... zyxx... lkyk... tchktyyl..." He has a difficult time pronouncing the Noctuan word. "Well, they're threatening to leave me here if I don't help them haul it... haul all of it..." Ivan sighs. "So much for my rank."

10:56 AM

Ivan stands and gives his half-assed general face-chop salute to Argyris. "Ambassador, sir, it's been a pleasure. If you tell my fiancée how I behaved around you, I will grab you by your ankles and dunk you head-first into one of our grog bowls until you take it back." He makes a wink and a smirk, then makes his exit. (Thanks for having me!) (edited)

(In the OOC server we talked aobut setting up a mining expedition, did you want to move into that next now that you've got your nice vehicle?)

(Absolutely, if the Notuans are looking to tap into that resource Argyris will lend and hand at helping as he's able. I'm just trying to settle on a name for the vehicle. I see a shipyard channel - is this the sort of thing I would need to post there once there is a name for it? Do I give it a name or would you prefer to do that?)

(There is a vehicle garage channel for vehicles but same idea. Feel free to name it , its your vehicle so that is one area where I should absolutely be hands off so long as its not like, gross or offensive haha)

Presveftís Gravflyer (prez vef' tis) From the Greek word meaning "ambassador" (Following Ivan's departure, Argyris would spend some time filling out reports documenting the combined efforts on the Astyoche since his arrival. What is your stance on hiring employees? Could Argyris employ a pilot/technician for the vehicle? A teir 1 technician looks to cost 30/day in the rules? So perhaps ~1,000 per month for a a crewmember to pilot and maintain the vehicle? )

(We can do that. They will be strictly piloting th evehicle though, they wouldnt be joining you in encounters or anything like that- as those sorts of NPCS are governed by henchkeeper)

(Understood - I just was hoping to have them for piloting and maintaining the vehicle)

(Yep! that will work)

1:25 PM

A night is spent resting after the departure of the general, and your flyer is delivered the following morning fresh from the factories aboard the shipyard here. It still has the new vehicle smell when it is delivered to you, and your help wanted ads for a pilot are answered by many, with the best of the talent here selected to maintain the vehicle for you during your time on the planet. They are a Noctua, and they seem to say little, more focused on getting to know the ins and outs of the flyer so they can handle things that the ghost driver cannot. Metal deposits were located on a previous expedition, and as the colony grows it is now beginning to look toward employing its legion of Noctua looking for work.

Walking towards the administrative center of the colony, Argyris goes over a list of ideas in his mind trying to ready himself for whatever intentions the colony leaders have in mind next for the community. Arriving at the structure housing the colony leaders, he tries to make an appointment for another audience with one or more of the community leaders. While waiting, he enjoys the ambiance of the structure and the uninterrupted work of the Noctua within tending to all manner of activity.

You are permitted to see the Hexapod leader folloiwing the same procedure as last time, and you are brought into the large chamber where a seat has been prepared for you. AS last time, the creature looks to be waiting for you to initiate the conversation, as you are the guest and are afforded the courtesy of primacy in a conversation.

Before moving to the chair, Argyris gives a respectful bow to the Hexapod leader and begins a respectful greeting, "Thank you for agreeing to an audience with me again, respected leader." He waits a moment for the Hexapod leader's acknowledgement of his greeting before he moves to take a seat. Taking his place in the provided chair, he continues, "I hope the prior efforts we carried out will prove beneficial to the community here and I wanted to come before you to see if I might be of further help in working to create an even stronger foundation for your community here on Astyoche." His brow furrows in thought as he continues, "During the scoutting expedition we were able to locate a deposit of ore that may prove valuable. Is that a path your community would like to pursue? If so, I am happy to remain here and to continue assisting as I am able with the process. I seek no portion of the income any such facility would return, nor would it come with any expectation of ownership from the larger Protectorate. The goal is to continue to help your community and people to re-establish themselves here."

"How many Noctua would you be planning to take into the wild? And what is your personal interest in the matter?" The Hexapod asks. You do not sense hostility, more of a curiosity.

With a faint nod, he replies, "Honestly, I am unable to answer that. If you feel this plan is of worth to your community, I think the best plan would be to first engage with some engineers within your community who would certainly have a better grasp of the workforce necessary for a more detailed survey of the area where we located the deposit. Before that it may also be beneficial to discuss with your scientists about the type of ore deposits the field seemed to contain." Nodding his head to the side, indicating a traversal back to a missed question, "As to my personal interest in the matter. I am interested in helping your community to enjoy a more fruitful and comfortable existence. Many of us in the Protectorate suffered a similar fate of forced exhile - though as a result of different events. I know what it is like to be torn away from your home and thrust into a new and foreign place. My personal interest is just to help another community who is going through a similar, yet more traumatic, experience to the one many of my people experienced. This is my interest. I believe the Elysium Protectorate is stronger when all our member communities are stronger and healthier. So I am here to help your community on the path to what it feels is a strong and healthy existence here on Astyoche."

This is an answer that brings some comfort to the Hexapod. "II will put out a call for the skilled help you need. The military patrol you worked with before, would you feel comfortable taking them with you as a security force? "

"I would be honored to have them. They were very capable and were willing to teach me. I would greatly appreciate their continued assistance if it is not at the detriment of the colony."

"Very well. We'll give them the day to recover, and we'll go from there. Did you have anything else you wanted to discuss?" the towering Noctua asks,

"This was the only item of importance I had to bring before you at this time, [Sovereign One?]. I am at your disposal, if there were any matters of importance you had for me?" he asks.

"The Protectorate is stepping up, and is assisting. We know there are others of our culture on Tecmessa, When you are done here, will you bring this same spirit into helping them? "

"If that is your wish, I will strongly petition those above me to allow exactly that once you feel my efforts are more needed there than here," he says with a humble nod into a bow.

"They have not benefitted from a strong connection to the Protectorate like what you have afforded us, and the desert may yet swallow their colony without extra help. Right now, they're okay, but they might not be soon from what I've read in reports, and they could do with an advocate"

He nods with a furrowed brow displaying his concern, "In fact, as it will likely take some time to arrange transport now - I will begin making those arrangements in advance of the current proposed project. That way, I can hopefully have a quick means of transition to Tecmessa once work reaches a satisfactory progress on the resource extraction facility. Agreed?"

"it is agreed" the hexapod says in a stately voice. "Thank you for listening, and for your attention to this matter"

Argyris awaits the signal inviting him to leave the audience and does his best to follow the proper protocals as he moves out of the room. For the remainder of the day, he tries to track down the a geologist involved in reviewing the data and samples collected from the ore field located on the scouting mission. (Would this be an opportunity to try and use the Connect skill and maybe benefit form the Diplomacy foci?)

(sure! I think we've been here for at least a week too in terms of the foci ,so i think that for sure counts )

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [2d6+2 r1] Roll: [3, 2] Rerolls: 1 Result: 7 Reason: Connect/CHA (Reroll 1s from Diplomacy)

Argyris speaks to members of the scoutting team about the next assignment he hopes they will be joining him to undertake. During the discussion, he inquires about any geologists or metallurgists they might know so that he might reach out for their assistance in further examining the samples and data they collected in the field.

(We could get the scouting team and a geologist but I think with a 7 we're not going to get the exact experts we need)

(didn't give you much to work with here) The scout team and a geology expert are assembled, and the same ATV explorer is also available to transport them, making you a column of two vehicles assigned to the effort of scouting the local area. Setting up the small mineral extraction project will employ many Noctua from the colony over time, but their safety and productivity can only be guaranteed if the local area is scouted, safe, and if the best sites to work are found by your team now.

(Apologies on my end, as I was also heavily distracted by summer-time activities with the kids here.) There is comfortable but humble space aboard the Presveftís gravflyer which Argyris would offer up to the geologist as well as on a rotating basis to the scouts if sleeping accommodations are less than agreeable on their ATV. While traveling back to the site, I imagine Argyris would have a discussion with the geologist and the leader of the scoutting team. "Should our first order of business be to scout out a suitible location for a temporary base of operations? From there we can work to establish some sort of perimeter and then to set out a plan for an in-depth geological study?"

"i think so. Whatever we find, we're going to need a place to store it and work on it. Preferrably within range of the repellent bombs so we don't have to worry about rampaging carnos disturbing our work. And the loss of life of course. From there, we'll have a safe place to work, rest,and study. From there we clear the site, start getting the ground prepared, and then we dig. If we find enough to make it worth it, we make a road back to the settlement so trucks can make it to us. "

"The gravflyer should be able to take up station just about anywhere. I think it would be best to defer to the geologist where we set down. Once they determine a location, lets get a perimiter setup. Do we have any sort of motion sensors we can use as an early warning system?"

There is a perimeter alarm on the scout vehicle that can be set up to watch a small area (It’s in Distant Lights. I can post the item description if you don’t have that one. There’s not a ton in there for players it’s mostly a DM resource book)

Several small, easily-hidden sensors can be placed to ring an area up to 50 meters in diameter, creating an invisible sensor bubble around the enclosed area. Any organic creature that crosses the perimeter will trigger an alert on the unit's control pad, showing a live audiovisual feed from the nearest sensor. The sensors have good low-light vision and can be tuned to ignore creatures of a certain size or smaller. Defeating the alarm requires a skilled infiltrator and an Int/Sneak or Dex/ Sneak check at difficulty 10. One type A cell powers the perimeter for 24 hours in total.

"Hmm, alright. Not as large of an area as I had hoped with one ring. I imagine interfefence might prevent being able to use more than one set of sensors in a small area. We'll at least have a last minute warning, but we will still need to post lookouts to try and catch anything approaching from a distance. Unless I am missing something of strategic importance, can we agree to scout out a base came, search the immediate area, and then deploy this ring of sensors immediately afterwards?"

The scouts seem to think this is a good a plan as any, and think splitting into a few groups to cover each other and explore more ground is best. You are asked to lead one of them (Survive/wis)

(Looks like the bot is broken at the moment, I will try again later) /roll message: 2d6-1 !Survive/WIS

(We're using a different bot - DiceParser - as our usual is down while the developer is unable to fix a problem. Try /r 2d6-1 instead, but be sure to select the DiceParser option when you type in /r!)

Argyris Zerafim

used /r

# 3
Details:[2d6-1 (2 2)]

(Thank you! Horrible roll, as usual!)

(now I'm the problem, this never lit back up)

3:55 PM

The ground here is filled with life, small dinosaurs have been migrating through the area frequently based on the number of tracks you see on the ground. You would estimate a pack of 20 looks to be calling the area home, and will need to be driven out with the repellent bombs the group has with them. It is not known if this will drive them out for good. There are plants in the area that are very hardy, and the leaves of some of the bushes here are known by the Noctua to have very minor pain relieving properties, but would not be effective in treating combat related injuries.

"Scans show clear signs of life at least moving through this area. My personal reflex is to try and cause as little impact to the environment as possible, but I do not want to impose my personal beliefs on your culture," Argyris states. A nod from one of the Noctua indicates they at least want to hear his proposal before they respond, "My suggestion is we clear a space that seems outside the migratory paths or feeding zones but most importantly, we position any resource operation so as to completely prevent or at least minimize run-off to watering holes for the local wildlife." "I'm happy to start working up a cycle of work crews to oversee the start of our process to establish a base camp here. An office in the gravflyer can serve as a sterile environment for the geologist to conduct themselves." (I don't know if it's approprite to the situation, but would Administer be helpful to establishing work crews, watch cycles, or something of that nature?)

(I think that is actually a great use for admin, lets get an admin/int)

Argyris Zerafim

used /roll

Argyris Zerafim Request: [3d6d1+0] Roll: [4, 4, 2] Result: 8 Reason: Administer/INT

Argyris spends time reviewing available personnel files from the Noctua in an attempt to form groups with diverse and well rounded skill sets. He attempts to use any data available to help him predict how effective different memebrs of the team will work together throughout the project.

You are able to get some census data sent to you from the colony and are able to cross reference it with the names of the Noctua on this expedition with you. There is not enough to split the specialties evenly among all the groups here but you have enough for a labor division, science division, security, and a small amount of general labor within the camp. Some will need to double up on duties to form an effective labor force.

If at all possible, and assuming time allows, he would expand his search to anyone remaining at the settlement as well so that he might approach them when/if they return to request their assistance as well. Though, his plan would be to see how things begin here and try to leverage some (hopeful) early success in their project to drum up additional support back at the settlement. Having established some crews with the personnel on site, he presents his plan to the senior Noctua to make sure he hasn't missed anything that would upset his team culturally. "I took the liberty of drafting some work teams based on the available personnel files to which I had access. My hope was to create diverse teams that could work effectively. I was able to form some proposed teams which should allow the included members to focus on specialized tasks as you'll see in the report here. If you find this agreeable, I can work on setting out to explain the purpose and assignments to the teams? I defer to your greater knowledge of your personnel if you believe there is anything have overlooked here of a personal nature that might not find its way into an official file."

(I think going through tens of thousands of personnel files even with electronic assistance would take a matter of days, that can run in the background while we do other things) The Noctua would need to use the same filtering systems you are to find the right people and the ones those here interact with the most as members of the military or experts in their specific fields are already interacting with the people they would ordinarily be professionally communicating with the most. There is a sense of urgency and excitement at doing something new . More experts might be found in time but for the moment the exploring of the area ,the preparing the ground for digging, and the excavation and refinement of what is found will depend on you. If things go well, others may present themselves voluntarily head of a search headhunting them, as they' d want to get involved.