Iron Stars - daelen-raegon

Daelen awakens in his small apartment on Heras. There is a knock at the door, a heavy tone which tells you its not the kids that sometimes play in the hallway and get into trouble. This has none of the hallmarks of children laughing or a ball being thrown against the wall. It's been some time since the betrayal and the job gone wrong, and after several months of drifting and odd jobs to make ends meet, your journey has taken you to Heras, specifically the city of Mytikas. Enough has been made to live, but only just, and a few days ago it seemed like polity service was the only way to truly make some kind of a living. This must be the answer, delivered in person.

Daelen grumbles as he rolls his feet off the bed, an audible groan from the substandard mattress as he moves. He gets to his feet and tosses on his old crews black and red leather styled jacket. Only the various patches and other identifiable characteristics are removed from it. He rubs his beard, the hints of Grey peaking through as he gazes into the mirror above his sink. He splashs some water in his face as he looks himself over again. Flat grey eyes, day old beard, shaggy black hair hanging loose about his face. His hair almost reaching his shoulders as he sighs. A moment after another knock he walks over to the door. He punches in a quick code on a black market security pad as it shorts out. He grumbles and just pulls the door open slowly taking a look out into the hallway. "Who are you and why are you here?" Daelen asks, his voice gruff as his eyes narrow slightly.

"Protectorate courier with polity business for you" the no-nonsense voice says in reply. "Need to know only, and I just deliver the messages, I don't need to know what they're about" He is uniformed, with a large bag of data slates and other letters for other Protectorate officials.

"Understood." Daelen says as his on the job coldness clicks into action. He extends his arm for the aforementioned message the courier has for him. His interest is piqued as to what official business the polity would have for him. He has been small time for a while. He hasn't had an official job in what... two....three years? He thinks to himself. (edited)

The data pad is a one use only model, and will give you a few moments to read the message before it will clear itself, leaving you with a useless slab of plastic until such time the polity collects it from you at job completion, and repurposes it for soemthing else. The job looks to be simple. A far flung protectorate world, a deep cover agent in trouble needing urgent extraction, and a small ship outfitted for use to sneak into the system. Though the Hergurdr system is controlled by the polity, the governor of one of its worlds was never truly on board with the polity message, and almost acted against the government to grab land free from the vines. A clever plan saw the loss of his army in the wilds as the vines grew around them and consumed them, but this has not looked to have prevented his schemes. The agent in charge of watching the governor from deep cover, and to act if things went too far again may have been compromised, and better safe then sorry when it comes to the life of an agent, the Protectorate has authorized a rescue mission.

Daelen's eyes scan the document quickly committing as much as possible to memory before the data pad erases itself. Once that is done, Daelen makes a note of specifics on his private, secure data pad. No names or anything, just a general mission outline. He slips that into his bag as he grabs his gear and makes his way out of his apartment about 15 minutes later. A job in hand, and a chance to make some real credits, Daelen begins making his way to the Heras waystation into orbit and eventually to his ride.

The ship is a modded shuttle, meant for stealth and secret operations called the Low Tech, once of the famed Ad-Astra Corporation, now in Protectorate hands as the polity took control after the death of its former captain, Cyrus Adonis. The crew is kept small, consisting of the two pilots, the comms officer and a security trooper meant to keep the vessel safe in the unlikely event of a boarding operation. The vessel is sloped, matte black and fitted with all manner of low observable fittings to hide its emissions, heat, signal traffic, and to keep it from showing up easily on whatever sensors might be listening on distant worlds.

Darlene slips relatively quietly on board and proceeds to introduce himself to the members of the crew. While on a job he defaults to his old call sign, 'Wolf'. He never gives out his real name when on a job in a official capacity. Private work is a bit different. "Greetings gentleman. You can call me Wolf. Let's get this job done quick and quiet. Not that I'm your boss here or anything." Daelen says with a hearty chuckle as he has a seat in one of the open seats in the small shuttle.

(Four days of downtime from here to Hergurdr, we haven't changed any of the rules on it since last time you've been here, so we'll get that settled and will arrive)

(Going to put 4 days towards punch)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/hergudr-location

Hergudr

9:42 AM

(Herg 2 is our destination, and that map is on the right hand side - the column image in the article itself)

9:43 AM

Entering the system quietly, the Low Tech brings you orbit over the second planet ,and you're called to the bridge as sensors begin coming online.

Daelen slowly rises from his seat, he stretches his stiff arms and legs. He walks over towards the bridge, making his way down the small hallway as he steps onto the bridge, looking out over the front of the shuttle. "Alright, what's the situation?"

"We've quietly inserted into the system. We had a brief signal from the ground, from outside Ilrawood, but it went dead almost as soon as we picked it up. We haven't been able to raise our operative since then, but the signal came on an SoS channel, so whatever is happening down there, it isn't good. So far no one on the ground knows we're here"

"Understood. Going to be going weapons hot the moment I'm on the ground. Safe to say our operative is on the run I believe. Get me as close to the last known location of the signal without comprising yourselves."

(lets get a sneak/dex for you on hitting the ground and I'll put the scene together!)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5

(So a 5)

(Yep. Wasn’t here much since it’s the weekend like how it used to be , I was on a road trip yesterday)

11:36 AM

Disembarking the vessel you do your best to dive into the woods. The shuttles engines are not quiet despite its modifications and you know that it’s come too close to a Herg patrol

(My bad.) Daelen curses under his breath as he draws his rifle and checks to make sure its all in order. He moves to slip behind a tree or a bush in a attempt to get out of sight of the patrol.

(They’re just on the way. If we keep moving you’ll be able to get away, it’s just the locals are on alert you’re around )

9:47 AM

The signal appears on your pad once more along with what is the start of a call, before it quickly ends due to the interference of jamming in the area

Daelen curses, but takes note of the direction of the signal before he begins moving once more. His pace lacks speed but he looks to maintain some semblance of stealth, even if it only exists in his mind.

The patrol is on your heels, about a kilometer away. You follow the signal near the top of a hill and it comes in clearly now,. An attempted call is waiting and the light on your compad flashes.

"This is Wolf. Your delivery wagon is waiting. What's the situation?" Daelen says his voice short and quick. Not waiting this call to last any longer than it needs to. His pace quickening as he approaches the source.

"Hunted. Herg special group I think. Three of them. I've been hit. Losing a lot of blood. Wolf you've gotta get me out of here"

"Understood. Do what you can for blood loss. On my way." Daelen actives his rifle as he begins sprinting towards the signal location.

(notice/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [6, 1] Result: 6

You sprint through the woods, stealth abandoned now for speed and feel the sting of pine needles and sticks brushing against your sides as you run. A burst of gunfire ahead aimed opposite your direction lets you know where one of the members of the Herg special service is located. They are loyal to the governor here and are hunting this Protectorate asset, and you are cleared to engage them should you find them. A bright orange pack panel on a vest draws your attention to some wood nearby, 100m away and the shooter is facing opposite you.

Daelen sees the flash of orange and quickly swivels his rifle as he continues to run before sliding to a stop. He levels his rifle and fires a shot towards the orange pack.

(will need hit and damage, but once I know that we can see what happens next)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [16] Result: 19

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d12+1] Roll: [12] Result: 13

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [3, 1] Result: 5

(I can't remember what the to hit roll used lmao. If its d20 or 2d6)

(It's d20, which of these rolls is your damage roll though?)

(The d12? Thats what the sheet said)

(that's fine, I just didn;t knwow what the 2d6 after was for then)

2:30 PM

The Herg special forces operate you spotted goes limp as shots tear into their backplate and break it. The power of the rounds hit the flesh underneath and they fall into the carpet of green leaves and vines.

(I couldn't remember what the roll was. So just ignore it) Daelen wastes no time and continuing forward towards the signal. He ducks under a tree branch, hopping over a ditch as he keeps his rifle on a swivel. His eyes wide looking for anymore flashes of orange.

The Herg special service operator is dead by time you walk by them. 30m ahead at the base of a thick tree you can see the operative you had come to rescue, doing their best to stem the bleeding from a horrible wound on their side.

Daelen keeps his rifle out as he hurries over to the operatives side. He pulls out his comm and calls, "Wolf has the package, ready for pickup. Looking to find secure LZ." He closes the link and looks to the operative as he reaches him, he pulls out a wrap from a aid pack to attempt in assisting with the blood staunching. "You able to walk? Or do we get to play hopscotch?"

(heal/int to try to stabilize him)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [4, 1] Result: 4

You are not able to do much to help him from here. The shuttle has found a landing zone 400m south of you and also reports that at least two more members of the Herg special service are making their way into the area. They have heard either the gunfire, or the shuttle engines, and will be on you before you make it to the shuttle since you;re going to be slowed by a wounded man.

Darlene curses to himself, he looks at the wound, then at the surrounding area. "I think our best option is to hang tight and take out the operatives when they get Herr. However, we can't wait forever. Can you count to 300 for me? When you get to 300 we start hauling ass out of here."

(You've got a few minutes to try to prepare anything that might give you an edge, since you'll be outnumbered)

Daelen will search through his pack and gear, looking for anything that could be potentially useful. He grabs his compad and flicks through various settings and finds flash photography mode. He sinks that with a jerry rigged trigger switch to go off when he hits a button. He then proceeds to strap it to a tree a bit in front of the operative. Once that is set up, he climbs up into a tree to try and hide amongst the branches, his rifle pointing down and outward as he waits for the operatives to approach.

(I think we'll need a fix/int for setting it up, but can be done with what is on hand)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [3, 1] Result: 3

You're not sure how reliable the jury rigged trigger is going to be, but you spend all the time on it you can manage for the moment. A stick breaking in the woods nearby heralds the arrival of the Herg special service operatives that have been tailing your asset. They'll be upon you in seconds.

Daelen, grumbles that this is a awful situation as he levels his rifle and hold the triiger switch on the aforementioned bit. He waits, and waits, until the Herg special service reaches the tree. Daelen flicks the switch, and levels his rifle at the closest operative and prepares to fire.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d20] Roll: [6] Result: 6

There is a flash as the first operative is stunned. The trigger shorts out and will not work again. (you can make your attack and damage)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [3] Result: 6

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d12+1] Roll: [5] Result: 6

the first shots punch into the wilderness and miss the operative. They are rubbing their eyes, trying to get a bead on you and their shots are short.

Daelen lines up another shot and fires at the operative.

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [7] Result: 10

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d12+1] Roll: [8] Result: 9

This second set of shots skips harmlessly into the woods as the Herg special forces operative manages to clear the blinding light from his eyes and level for a shot

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d20] Roll: [6] Result: 6

He misses,striking your cover with his weapon fire.

(back to youu, sorry, should have been more clear)

Daelen, curses as he adjusts his rifle to fire again.

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [16] Result: 19

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d12+1] Roll: [1] Result: 2

The shot wings the Herg trooper and they curse as their arm begins to bleed. The shuttle banks overhead, setting down at a clearing nearby.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d20+33] Roll: [4] Result: 37

(should b e a 7, so that misses and is back to you) Struggling to hold the rifle in both hands, the Herg trooper fires back and misses

Daelen fires again.

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [6] Result: 9

(I'm using my warrior ability to make that into a hit)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d12+1] Roll: [10] Result: 11

The Herg special service trooper is dropped, and vanishes into the thicket of leaves and sticks. This looks like your opportunity to break away.

Darlene drops down from the tree, collects the data pad and returns to the agent. "Alright, up and at em." Daelen says as he helps the agent to their feet and begins running/jogging towards the rendezvous point.

The Herg special service reinforcements are hot on your tail and your pace is slowed by carrying thr wounded agent with you. Your side is wet from the agent's blood loss and they look pale. Their breathing is shallow. Sticks and branches smash behind you, All pretense of stealth and patiently hunting has been lost now in favor of break neck pursuit as the Herg soldiers realize their target is about to slip through their fingers. It almost feels like they are breathing down your neck as the smashing branches sound closer and closer As you approach the shuttle, you see the crew chief has a light railgun set up at the top of the ramp. You can barely make out his words to throw yourself flat as you enter the clearing. Behind you, the first shots from the chasing soldiers begin hitting trees and showering you in bark.

Daelen calls out over comms, "Give us covering fire, but if you hit me, you are going to be eating breakfast from a tube! Also, I need medical gear on deck stat!" Daelen moves the agent in front of him, switching to a bridal carry as he tries to shield the agent as best as he can. He alters his route, zigging and zagging side to side to try to make himself harder to hit.

The railgun fires into the woods, decimating trees behind you and sending the Herg special operatives into cover. You are half running, half pulled into the shuttle and the railgun fires againa s the ramp begins to close.

"Go! Go! Go! Where is that medikit?" Daelen says as he falls to his knees. He gently places the agent as carefully onto a nearby seat as possible.

The shuttle flares it’s engines and the combat lifesaver assigned to the shuttle begins working. They seem to know what they’re doing and one of the very precious , now irreplaceable vials of lift stim are pressed into the agents aorta through the chest. They relax a bit and pass out as the pre scream medicine begins working. Small arms fire chases the landing ship into orbit and after a quiet twenty minute ride you’re back on the deck of the ship that brought you here.

9:04 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits )

Daelen leans back against the wall of the shuttle, pulling out a small private flask, taking a long sip from it before putting it away. He then awaits the return home.

(this should level you up to two, so we'll get that figured out and can get into something new)

(Yeah that gets me level 2.)

(okay, post your level up here when you're set and we'll move into anew mission)

(1 point on 3 -1 skills. Fix, Notice and Sneak. I don't think I get foci or anything.)

(You do indeed get a foci at level 2, and your hit points will increase by at least 1 depending on how your 2d6 for level 2 works out )

(I get 2 additional for for warrior. For Foci, I go with Wanderer I think)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+2] Roll: [5, 5] Result: 12

(will be 14 with the +2 from warrior. Did you pick a foci? )

(I picked Wanderer.)

**Level Up**
Level: 2
Focus: Wanderer
Old HP: 8
HP Roll: 14
New HP: 14
Attack Bonus: +? ---> +?
New Skills: 1 SP spent on Fix from -1 ---> 0, 1 SP Spent on Notice from -1 ---> 0, 1 SP Spent on Sneak from -1 ---> 0, 0 SP leftover

(okay! looks good to me. Did you have a preference on something next? I've got stuff if you dont)

(Hmmmm perhaps an escort style mission? Or if you have more interesting ideas I'm happy to hear them.)

(how about protecting some Noctua explorers on Tecmessa as they leave their colony and try to establish a communications outpost on a mountain)

(Sounds good to me)

(ilet me know if there is anything you want to buy, otherwise I'll get you the downtime and we'll move on to the mission)

(I think a couple medkits, a pair of low-light goggles, a navcomp and a survival kit. I believe that is 960 credits in total?)

(Yes. Make sure you add them to the sheet, and ready/stow those new items. We have six days of downtime to Tecmessa)

7:42 AM

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/tecmessa-location

Tecmessa

(Another 6 on what I did last time.)

(okay, we did punch last time so we are 10 out of 90 days toward Punch 0) Arriving over the planet ,the slowly expanding green belt on the planet's eastern side, and the Noctual colony there hail the vessel and provide a safe landing vector for it to approach. The wreck of the science vessel is to the distant south in the dune sea where the green zone has not yet spread. Kicking up sand, the vessel sets down and a team of six Noctua are near the base of the ramp, gathering their gear to accompany you into the dunes.

Daelen grabs his gear and disembarks from the ship. He slings his bag of gear over his shoulder as he approaches the Noctua. He greets them with a small nod of his head.

The Noctual have their own language made of insect sounds and pheromone spores scattered into the air which is a layer of communication you are blind to , but all speak mandate common as well, allowing you to communicate verballs. "This is a pleasure. We heard you recently helped the Protectorate out with another high risk situation. We requested one of their best to help us explore the wreck we uncovered. We don't know much about it. "

"I will do what I can to keep you all safe while you do your science stuff. If we are ready we can begin to depart." Daelen says as his eyes roam over the Noctual.

(d10, lets generate a hex as he head out into the desert)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [9] Result: 9

The green zone continues as you leave colony bounds and head into the wilderness. This area of land is not managed or cultivated yet, but you see a team of six hunters busy chopping up the remains of one of the large desert vipers that live in the area. The snake like creature is easily the size of a large vehicle, and are incredibly difficult to bring down.

Daelen continues on towards the hunters. His eyes examining the large creature as they stand some distance away. Not wanting tindistract or interrupt the hunters work on subduing or butchering the creature. (edited)

The large creature is being butchered and its fangs and venom glands are being carefully harvested by the hunters for use back at the colony, as are its scales. Several of the hunters wear clothing or armor made from the snake skin that was previously harvested from other kills. The skin looks tough and like it takes the leathering process well. It consists of browns and yellows, meant to blend in with the desert dunes. There is an undertone of green ,showing these creatures once existed on a more verdant version of this world and have evolved rapidly.

Daelen takes a few extraneous notes for himself about the creature in his personal compad before gesturing to the Noctual that the group should continue forward towards the wreck.

(notice/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [5, 5] Result: 10

The skin makes tough desert clothing that is light and is equal in strength to combat armor from what you can estimate. Moving away from the site of the kill and into the proper desert you wander through the dunes leading the Noctual toward a point they have designated on their nav comp as the site of the shipwreck. 300m out from the wreck, though it is still concealed from your sight behind a dune ahead, you find the first pieces of shiny, wind and sand scoured metal torn from the ship's hull.

"Looks like we found our outer most remnants of the ship, should we touch it or look to immediately put it into containment?" Daelen asks as science stuff is really out of his depth but he is always willing to learn.

"We should check the outside of the site first" one of the Noctua says "And make sure it's safe. You're handling security right? See what you can find"

Daelen nods and begins to do a routine circle pattern to scope out the crash area. Maintaining about 500m distance from the crash. His pace is slow, deliberate and attempted to be stealthy. His rifle is out and ready should any trouble occur.

(500m is 1500 feet, so it is going to be difficult to make out any detail , and your rifle is going to be out of long range as well, which is 100/300)

2:33 PM

(you still can if you want, just trying to point those things out before the scene gets going)

(Ah okay...i was just wanting to go outside the debris field. However I guess in that case I will do a 100m circle around the core wreck)

The ship has plowed into the ground nose first and partially buried itself when it came to rest. Blowing desert sands covered the rest of the wreck in the way the shifting deserts commonly do to things that stick around long enough. It has three powerful engines, one of which has broken and fallen from the housing. Four large domes on its back were once made of armored glass to take in the light of distant suns, and have likewise fallen inside to let sand in. There is a broken airlock on the port side of the vessel and the ramp could be manually pulled down to let the team inside.

Daelen finishes his rounds and proceeds to reunite with the team and leads them towards the ship. He makes his way over to the ramp location and begins looking into lowering the ramp manually for the team to enter the ship.

(Exert/str)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [4, 1] Result: 5

The ramp is rusted in place and after several pulls you are able to get it to extend. It makes a very loud squealing and wrenching noise that anything within the closest few kilometers would have heard. The noctua pull themselves together and prepare to follow you aboard as you secure the way,

Daelen pulls out his low light goggles just in case he will need them inside the ship. He climbs up thw ramp rifle out and ready. He curses himself for the excessive noise but what is done is done. Gotta move forward.

(we are coming in at 22) The remains of the collector have been destroyed in the crash and you're not sure what was supposed to be in this room before. The Noctua are likewise unsure what this was meant to be. A brief look around tells you without doubt that this was once a highly advanced starship, and though it may never fly again, there may be important scientific insights here to be found and brought back to the Protectorate, benefitting not just the colony, but the entire polity. The Noctua pile in behind you, preparing glowbugs to be stuck to vests to provide light as they follow you deeper into the wreck.

Daelen continued forward into 23 to explore that sector first. From there, proceeding to 10 through 21. His rifle out and ready in case anything tries to surprise his small group.

(We'll take this one at a time. There are six or seven intervening rooms there between where we are and 10 ) You move ahead of the group to secure the way forward into 23 which looks to be where one of the ship's spike drive housings were located. THe drive was destroyed during The Scream and looks to have been the reason for the ships' crash. The core has been entirely melted and you can still feel some residual heat coming from the ruins of the machinery in this room, even after the long years it has spent under the sand. A body has gone to bone wearing crew overalls, and lays on the floor next to the machine. Some of the bones on the left hand and forearm have been burned black along with a third of the skull. The body is human.

Daelen sees the body of the human and looks to see if they can find any identification papers or anything along those lines. He would also move the body close to the ramp to be taken with the group and given a proper burial once they finish the search of the ship. With that completed, he would continue on through this area until he reaches the next area.

Anything soft on the body looks to have rotted away or been otherwise shredded into useless trash. You do not find papers and the body sags as its bones come apart upon being moved to the ramp. 21 is listed on the ship map as an antimatter tank, and it looks like this is little more than a fancy name given to where extra fuel for the spike and sublight drives would have been stored. The tank has survived the crash and a test tap on the side of the large drums rewards you with sounds of sloshing and dripping inside. The desert conditions have kept rust to a minimum and fuel of this level of refinement is not known to go bad with age.

Daelen calls over some of the Noctual to assist with moving these containers of fuel carefully. He plans on having the EP send out a transport to pick these up from the wreckage separate from themselves. With those out of the way, he continues on.

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 2/6/2023 8:31 AM

Moving the fuel containers takes three hours, making it mid afternoon as you prepare to move into 25. This is an engineering section of the ship and has been heavily damaged in the crash. fuel and power backflowed into this room and started a massive fire on impact. The fire has since burned itself out, but the engineering control stations have all been melted or otherwise damaged. You find scraps of blackened bone in this room, but almost no other remains. Only one wall mounted panel survived the fire. Its screen has several cracks in it.

(Is the screen salvagable? If not, we will just continue on)

Daelen sighs over the charred and broken states of the various bodies he encounters. He ruffles his hair and walks over to the damaged screen and looks to remove it from its shackles.

(It is yes, Sorry, I was done for the day when you had posted the first time, normally once work is over I'm done for the day here too, mostof the time)

9:07 AM

The screen can be removed and freed from its bracket. Four long screws have slightly fused to the back of the screen due to the heat, but could be broken off with a metatool

(You are fine. It was just my own individual paranoia. Applogies.) Daelen looks to the Noctual, "Apologies but do one of you have a meta tool to break off these screws to free the screen?"

One of the Noctua explorers can do the work, and expects it will be done in ten minutes, giving you time to push into the next area and assure them things are safe. If it takes longer they will call ahead to let you know, so you'll know to slow your pace. The wind outside makes the metal of the ship hull groan and the wreck shifts a degree to port, as the sand underneath its belly shifts.

"Let's move. Keep an ear on comms. If you guys think this wreck is going under due to the sand. Let me know and I'll give the get out of here call. I'm not as familiar with the planet as you are. But the rest of you follow me." Daelen says as he pushes to the next area.

(from here we finally get into 10 which is your original destination) You pass through the engineering room to a room marked laser array. Although this vessel was a science vessel deep space was a dangerous place and most vessels with decidedly civilian applications still carried a small weapon or two for personal defense especially against fighters and other small ships favored by pirates and outlaws. This ship was no different, featuring a pair of muiltifocal lasers capable of independently tracking targets. The weapons themselves could penetrate even battleship hulls in a pinch, though were for pinpoint disabling strikes as opposed to intense physical damage.

Daelen moves in fir a closer look at the arrays to ascertain their operability.

(know/int)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [2, 2] Result: 3

You are unable to determine of the arrays can ever work again. Salvaging them would need far bigger equipment than you have here now. Though the ship was equipped with weapons they do not seem to be the main focus of the vessel. You're able to get one unit of spare parts out of the components and slagged controls here, but little else.

Daelen shrugs but figure it is better than nothing. He looks to move towards the interior of the ship by the quickest means.

(The ward room and teleport pads would be next before getting to the interior trunk of the ship) The ward room is where the eight ship science officers would have stayed. It is laid out as an octagon with curtains that can be pulled to separate each cell from the wider chamber for privacy. A bunk, a locker and a small storage chest are bolted to the deck in this room and due to the strong bolts the furnishings have stayed locked in place despite the crash

Daelen sorts through the various lockers, furnishings and the chest lastly gathering any material he can. (I just wasn't sure where a corridor to the interior was)

(D100, lets see if we find a trinket)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d100] Roll: [25] Result: 25

You find a small journal with a pair of eagle feathers tucked into its leather clasp that holds the book together. No one has started writing in it yet, but it has been addressed to the Executive Officer of the vessel.

"Interesting," Daelen whispers to himself as he places the journal in his bag for now before straightening from the position he was in. He takes a quick look around before proceeding to the main corridor and checking 16.

Room 16 is the guest quarters for the ship, allowing ten passengers who are not ordinarily part of the ship's crew to bunk here. Interestingly two of the bunks show signs of use before the crash meaning that not everyone on board was part of the actual scientific expedition, or attached to the ship crew itself.

Daelen makes note of this in his datapad before continuing on to 11 and 12.

The accessplate (12) leads to the storage compartment and hold below deck in the belly of the ship. It can be pulled aside to expose the crew ladder leading down to the dark and partially smashed cavern beneath. You can hear the sound of shifting sand down there as the winds howl and the desert changes around the wreck Moving north toward the front of the ship from the access plate, there are two sets of crew quarters here on the left and right side of the hallway, The doors to each are closed and must have been jammed upon impact with the ground. They could be forced open given enough work.

Daelen looks over the doors for a few moments, looking for spots of weakness. Seeing its going to be a brute force gig, he calls over a couple Noctual to assist with him getting the doors open.

(Exert/str , with a+2 for your help)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+2] Roll: [4, 3] Result: 9

There is a creak as you push through the door and it falls into the room beyond. This is where the scientists would have stayed and you see some sort of metal core rigged up to a series of cables suspended in the middle of the living space. It looks like the crew was working on some kind of unofficial experement here, and sparks of blue energy play across the surface of the sphere of polished silver metal

"Any ideas on what this was or if we can approach it?" Daelen says aloud as he is entirely lost.

They have none. This ship was a human ship, and the Noctua are from several sectors away. There may be clues in the room somewhere if you explore, but they do not have any better guesses than you do.

Daelen takes as many images of the area as he can. He will investigate the area around the experiment but makes no attempt to approach it to touch it.

(how are we investigating? I'm just trying to get an idea of what Daelen is doing so I know what details he could come up with based on how he's going about this)

(Basically going about and inspecting what he can without actually touching anything.)

(right, I gathered, but visually? Seeing if one of your comrades has a survey scanner or bioscanner? touching it with an object between you and the sphere? The details are important)

(Apologies, Dazelen is doing it the old school way, basically nose to the dirt kind of searching. In the case that the Noctual have scanners, he would have them search opposite of him. So if he started at the 9 o clock and worked towards the noon markr o the clock and be

(got it) The scanners pick up a complex alloy of metals inside the device and used in its housing. None of the metals are especially rare but the blend and the precise nature of their arrangement marks this as something that took an incredible amount of time and skill to create. This alloy, compared to modern conduction methods would have been a good conductor of power, though the effect is equivalent to something made of other materials. You are not sure what kind of power was being transmitted through the device but it is not electrical.

With the notes from the scanners, Daelen does his best to take note of the alloys used, in what amounts (if possible) in order to pass it along to the egg heads back on Heras. He turns to the Noctual, giving them his thanks before exiting the room and continuing forward. (To 7)

Moving forward to 7 you come to the advanced medbay of the vessel. The medbay had one patient in it at the time of the crash and the human skeleton, still hooked up to monitoring equipment, has remained in its hospital bed tied down under thick heavy straps used to keep crazed patients in place.

Daelen continues forward past the medbay, making his way to the lab (area 6).

The laboratory is something of special interest given the ship is a science vessel. Dozens of computers have survived the impact with the ground. there is another orb similar to the one found previously in the ship here that has been lashed in a suspended state with chains.

Daelen takes more images of the orb before heading out of the area and making his way into area 4. His eyes going back to the Noctual, "We are almost finished up with most of the search. Once we hit the front we begin rotating back and grabbing anything we want before we head back to our ride."

(notice/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5

You do not notice the small red lens that drops from the ceiling on the way to 4 until it drops. THe spider like creature is 5m from you and has a small laser pistol mounted to its back. It swivels, tracking the intruders in the ship it has been programmed to defend.

9:21 AM

(initiative)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d8+1] Roll: [1] Result: 2

Nekosmash

used /roll

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

The security bot chirps a warning and fires a laser bolt past you, toward the exploration team you are escorting.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d20+3] Roll: [8] Result: 11

The shot misses, striking the wall of the ship as the explorers dive for cover.

Daelen grunts as he looks about for a spot of cover before he returns fire.

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+3] Roll: [19] Result: 22

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d12+1] Roll: [7] Result: 8

The bot shatters, scraps of metal explode everywhere across the room and the power cell inside goes dead. The laser pistol weapon mounted to its back is in mostly one piece and does not seem any more capable than a normal laser pistol weapon.

Daelen moves and relcaims the pistol in order to sell it off later. He goes and inspects the room for any other useful bits and bobs.

The pistol looks to be the only thing of value from the destroyed drone. The navigation room is largely intact. The main computer is a dense construct of metal and reinforced glass and the impact with the ground has broken some parts of it, but the data core inside looks to be intact.

Daelen would look for a way to remove the data core from the navigation panel. From there he would exit the room.

(fix.int)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [6, 5] Result: 11

You are able to pop off a side panel and carefully take the core out. You're not sure if any anti tampering has switched on or not because of it's removal from the system but the mechanics themselves have come away clean.

Daelen places the correct as delicately as possible into one of their storage locations. With that, Daelen continued to the cockpit to see if anything remains there.

The cockpit hit the sand directly and bore the brunt of the impact. The metal is shattered and crumpled here and the bodies of the pilots have been crushed in their seats.

Daelen chews his bottom lip for a moment before turning around. "Alright, quick run through back to the ramp and lets get out of here."

(what are we going to try to take out with us, I know we left a few piles of things in places)

(The nav data core, the drums of fuel I think, the extra laser pistol, uhhh I'm forgetting at least 2 thing.)

(the computer screens, and the journal from the ward room)

8:27 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(I knew it! Anyway, stuff added to my sheet.)

(if that levels you, we'll handle that and we'll look for a new mission)

8:20 AM

(As always, if you level , make sure to record the changes here)

(I don't think so? I could be wrong. I don't remember whether level two was 3 or 6 xp to go to 3.)

(it is 6xp, total to get to level 3)

(then yes im level 3)

4:54 PM

(Connect, Heal, Program go from -1 to 0)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [3d6+6] Roll: [4, 2, 1] Result: 13

(any thoughts as to a new missiom or do you want some options?)

(Hmmm, I'm willing to hear your ideas.)

(Radji is one of the biggest protectorate planets and we don;t know much about it, so any exploration there would be noteworthy we have some ruins on Ankuiq no one has been to, world in general hadn't been visited in a wihle. We dont know what the jaws of the world there is either We can always look int a bounty in #bounty-hunters-guild , or there;s currently a big bounty being paid for someone exploring a route from protectorate space up to IA)

(Lets do Radji)

(any shopping we want to do before heading out?)

(I've got 10k to spend. Hmmm idk immediately what else to buy)

(thats enough for a grav bike and a couple fittings for it)

(That sounds good)

12:23 PM

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1c4JquyaTaHVgRdOzuGoghEzPSl0z3emOmJBU281va4o/edit?usp=sharing

Copy of Iron Stars Omni-Builder 3.1

Ship Builder ver 3.1 ,Fix Lvl?,Tinker?,Mage,Polity?,HP:,25,Build Speed:,Min Crew 5,Lvl 2,No,Greystar,AC:,14,150,000 per day,5 Max Mods:,Mods Half-price,Year,Month,Armor:,5,Build Complete: 21 days,Max Crew ,10,-1 Pretech Cost,6,4,Speed:,4,Year: 6 | Month: 4,20 Options,Qty...

(am I supposed to be looking at the patrol boat or the vehicle? )

(OH sorry. Did I not link the right one? It was supposed to be vehicle page.)

(Got it, Bike is fine, post the condensed view in #vehicle-garage-channel so I have it as a quick reference You've got enough for it)

(sounds goo,d thanks for posting that here is the scouting report, a syou can see we don't know much about this place)

9:12 AM

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/radji-article

Radji

9:12 AM

(We've got 6 days of downtime on the way there)

(Keep on working on the same skill.)

(do you remember what it was so I don't hjave to scroll through the entire channel to find it? I didn't see anything in your sheet notes so that's my only option if you don;t remember ) (edited)

(Punch)

(Thanks) Entering the Radji system the system map begins appearing on your console. There is almost nothing know about the planet aside from the fact that tax information keeps coming in. None of the settlements have official names, the planet is covered in ruins ,and there is no exploration data about any of the sites on it. The Protectorate is taking this brief breath between armed conflicts to invest in what happens inside, seeing this as working on the interior of the mighty machine that keeps the Protectorate running. System control reaches out to your shuttle, asking who is descending to the surface, and where you plan to do so.

"Hello, I am a representative of the Elysium Protectorate who is here to simply map out the world and see how things are going in the world. My name is Daelen Raegon," Daelen says as he clears the comm as the ship maintains its position.

You are welcomed into the system, and as a final question the system control wishes to know where you plan on setting down so relevant local authorities can be notified.

Daelen relays that he intends on landing on the main island between the western hills and the central mountains.

(sounds good, D10 on landing!)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [3] Result: 3

Landing in the main island, equal distant between the western hills and central mountains you find a narrow strip of meadowlands where the plains roll on seemingly forever. The land here is wet, as moisture is captured coming down from the foot hills and is trapped on the windward side of the mountain. The dryness on the eastern side of the planet is because the tall mountains trap the water in the air here. The land is a bog and stepping off the ship you find yourself in the center of a soup made of the wildlife of the planet.

"Safe to say I choose poorly here gentleman. My mistake." Daelen pulls out his field portable gravbike and deploys it before hopping onto it. He tried to gently remove the slop from his pants and boots before moving. He dulls out his scanner and proceeds to head towards the hills to the west before making his way south.

The bioscanner has dozens of biosigns on it. The contacts have bever been documented before so there is no information about it. The survey scanner detects no minerals here.

Daelen tries to do his best to pick out specific readings on the bioscanner then begin to take notes in that specimen and continuing on one at a time until we run out of specimans.

(what I am saying is, the scanner can tell you animals are in the area, but we'd have to go through finding and observing some to know what they are and get some general information about them. From there, the bioscanner would be able to start telling things apart. )

(Sorry that's what I meant to do)

The first of the creatures you find is a turtle. It evolved from the Terran turtle at the very least,though it has a thick growth of moss and flowers on its back. The flowers follow the suns rays across the surface of the water. The flowers on its back are a mix of purple and red, with yellow cones at their center. You're not sure what it eats, how it reproduces , or the nature of the connection between the plants on its back and the creature itself. All of these are questions the Iron Stars Conservation society would want answers to, and would pay handsomely to know so future biologists have a basis to begin their own observations and experimentations on.

Daeln will take some time taking photos and making observations on the turtle. He watches it for say, 15 20 minutes. He wants to get a vague idea of the creature behavior

(survive/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [1, 1] Result: 3

You're unable to make much sense of what the turtles are doing on visual inspection alone. Their behavior is confusing and perplexing after only looking at them for only 20 minutes. Looking at past conservation society missions you have access to logs of, they've spent days studying a single creature for even a preliminary idea of its behaviors.

Daelen sighs and makes sure to make the turtles general location on the map for future studies. He stands and proceeds to the next animal reading as carefully as he can through the boglike ground.

There is a squelching sound in the ground by your boot as you move through the mud. A leech type creature is trying to bite it’s way through your boot. It’s teeth won’t be able to get through and is about the size of your hand

Daelen backs away quickly as he takes notes of the creature. The size, type and location on his map before quickly moving away from it. He takes a moment to compose himself before moving in a wide berth around the leech area and onto the next one.

The creature is the size of your hand and seems to feast on blood. It has been trying to get through your boot the entire time you observe it. A ring of sharp teeth allows it to break the skin of most of the creatures it encounters ,but this leech is several times larger and rounder than terran leeches. It also looks to have rudimentary flippers on the sides of its body, in two pairs, which help propel it through the muck, both thick mud, and even faster in the water.

Daelen does his best to contain himself from thinking about the creature further as he finishes taking notes on it.*

You might be done with it, but it does not seem to be done with you, and it crawls its way out of the muck trying to wriggle onto your boot and up the boot s o it can get to the much thinner leg of your pants. You are not sure what a bite from this thing might do. (edited)

Daelen levels his laser pistol at it and shoots it. Or at least attempts to.

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+4] Roll: [11] Result: 15

(hits, need the damage)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d6] Roll: [6] Result: 6

The leech makes a hot gurgling sound as the laser bolt passes just narrowly away from your toes. The creature screams and a second time, and goes quiet, a smoking worm on the swamp floor.

"God damn it, stupid leech," Daelen grumbles under his breath as he goes back about his business by leaving the leech smoking in the muck.

The leech is crunched under your boot as you move past the remains of its body and further into the swamp. A dagger like fin breaks through the surface of the nearby stream and the crocodilian creature begins swimming its way past you, toward the eastern bank of the swamp.

Daelen snaps a few quick images of it before continuing on. He is wary of that direction because he doesn't know if that creature plans on coming back.

It looks to be crossing your path in front of you instead of coming right for you. The creature is lazily swimming and the morning is currently very cold , giving you the idea that it might be cold blooded and does not have the energy to chase you.

Daelen just alters his movements not to provoke the creature and waits for it to pass each time. His hand is still on the trigger of his laser pistol should anything go particularly wrong.

There is a steely eyed standoff between you and the creature for several long moments before it finally gives up and swims off in search of easier prey. You can tell by its teeth and the position of its eyes that it is a meat eater and strikes when it has opportunity as opposed to head on.

Daelen lets out a low, slow breath of relief before he continues on to the next blip on the scanner. His eyes still weary as they search the murky surface of the bog. His notes on the croc like creature are inputted into the data pad.

With the amount of meat and blood preferring animals in the area, the distant lowering of the sun into mid afternoon means more of themw ill be coming out as the heat of the day passes and the shadows lengthen.

Daelen will look to head back to the gravbike and seek shelter for the evening.

(What are you thinking in terms of shelter?)

(Either the forest, or maybe just a rock overhang. Something that at least covers me from the elements.)

(which of those two options would you like to attempt?)

(Let's try the mountains.)

(sounds good! Survive/wis on the way)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [5, 3] Result: 9

Moving away from the swamp you pull yourself to higher ground and are able to locate a cave that does not have any signs of animals living in it. The walk is about a kilometer, and for tonight the cold stone is still better than the complete saturation of the swamp.

Daelen does his best to situate his gear to dry out as much as it can over night as he eats some food and drinks some water before tucking in for the night. He has the bioscanner operating remotely to go off if anything approaches.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d10] Roll: [3] Result: 3

The night passes with no trouble. The creatures in the swamplands do not leave their wetlands to come up the hill, prefering the easier meals there. Morning comes as you finally warm up and get comfortable, (edited)

Daelen groans under the the frustrations but at least he was relatively dry for the night. He gathers up his gear, making sure everything is in proper order before heading back out towards the swamp.

Returning to the swamp it looks like the wildlife is more dormant today. The sky continues to be gray and the humidity in the air is rising. Your scanners let you know barometric pressure is falling and there may be a storm coming into the area before the end of the day. The creatures that live here are accordingly hunkering down before it arrives ,though you do see several fish and bugs continuing whatever passes for daily chores in the animal world.

Daelen takes some notes of the various small creatures nearby as well as the possibility of a oncoming storm. With some of those marked down, he looks to head down south out of the swamp.

(D10 as we leave this region for a new one! )

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [4] Result: 4

The conservation society appreciates what you have done so far. As you move into the highlands you get a priority dispatch from the surface government , wanting to know if you’d be willing to help repair a transmission tower at the top of a tall nearby mountain

Daelen sends a confirmation of the request and would ask if the site has the needed materials for the repair. Or if he needs to make a run to one of the local cities for said materials.

The site has the needed materials on hand, the problem is the repair crew not being able to make it to the peak as close as you are. The storm coming in is going to throw off the transport schedule, cutting off bringing in the repair crew by helicopter as they're normally dropped off.

8:37 AM

(they'd have to walk and climb, and are much further away than you are)

Daelen will send confirmation that he will deal with it. He gathers his gear as he hops onto his gravbike and makes his way towards the location of the tower in question.

(notice/wis as we cross the countryside)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [6, 6] Result: 12

2

Crossing the countryside and coming into the highlands you notice that there is a species of plains cat in the tall grass. You are moving too fast for it to ambush you but it is a hazard that you did not see previously documented in the system report. The highlands are ahead and your pad can pick up the failing signal of the transmission tower. A vertical climb is going to be involved for the last few hundred meters of the ascent. THe temperature is cooling and sunset is several hours away when you get to the bottom of the cliffs.

Daelen groans as he parks the bike and looks over his various bits of gear, then back at the cliff. He comes up with a half hazard plan to scale the cliff side.

(If you have climbing gear on hand we don't need any checks, it'll just be a matter of time, if not, we'll need to do some pathfinding)

(I don't believe so.)

Without climbing gear you will need to plot a more meandering course through the countryside, and will need to navigate through dense thickets of trees. You see a pair of red eyes watching from 100m away, deep within a briar of thorns.

Daelen groans as he sees the eyes he begins trekking the long way up the mountain. His rifle at the ready as his eyes shift from side to side with each step he takes.

The creature fades back into the brush as you begin to climb. There is a growling sound in the air as it fades, and you know this will likely not b e the last time you see it. The afternoon sun is warm on your back and the smell at this height is that of flowers and the bioscanner indicates some of the plants here are capable of being used in simple medicines.

Daelen notes the various plants, gathering small samples without interfering too much to take back to the city once he finishes. He is wary of any sounds of movement as he continues his trek up the mountain.

Moving through the highlands you take a rest at the midway point, and look skyward. You can see the shadow of the transmission tower and it has been struck in the middle by lightning or some other kind of electrical discharge. You can see the small building next to it where the control station and the repair parts are being stored. You estimate from here you have about a 500m almost vertical climb from here to the summit.

Daelen groans and curses himself for forgetting climbing gear as he looks at the slope to try to discern a path up it. He looks for handhold and foothold spots up the slope.

(exert/str)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [5, 4] Result: 9

It is a long climb to the summit but Daelen has trained and has been through worse in his past, and though his arms and legs are burning and his skin is cold from the snowy air as he climbs to the top of the peak, he eventually does make it and does not encounter danger on the way. The sun is lower in the sky, close to sunset now, and the small maintainer shack's automated lights begin turning on both inside and out as they detect Daelen out in the snow.

Daelen shuffles his way over to rhe maintenence shed. He decided to hunker down in the shed until morning rather than tackling it at this point in time.

THe inside of the building is warm and quiet. It consists of a simple kitchen, a bunk room that can hold 8 people, a wash room, and a rest room. There is also a small workshop built into the back of the building. You are the only person here and it looks like you're the first person to have visited in a long time.

Daelen begins unpacking his necessities in the main space of the cabin. Once he is finished, he moves to Chek out the small workshop in back to see what all us in it.

There is a workbench with hand tools located here. Attached to the desk by a chain is a binder showing schematics for the parts the tower needs to function correctly.

Daelen begins looking through the binder, taking a look at the various parts to know what to fix once he arrives on site. His eyes scan the various tools as he familiarizes himself with them.

(It would be equivalent to a post tech tool kit, so enough to do the job we need to do once morning comes. )

(Okay good.)

3:12 AM

Daelen with that completed would eat a small portion of his rations before making sure everything is locked up or as best as it can be fore the night. With that done, he goes to sleep.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d10] Roll: [9] Result: 9

Daelen settles in for rest when he is awakened at 2am by the sounds of someone very loudly trying to rattle the door.

Daelen groans and grabs his laser pistol, rubs the sleep from his eyes as he approaches the door. "Who's out there and why are you making such a racket?" Daelen's voice is low and steady, not waiting to draw any further attention. (edited)

The voice sound frantic.

8:40 AM

"You gotta help me man! They're out here! All of them! they're gonna get me!"

Daelen curses and opens the door.just enough for a average sized man to get through. He waists for the person to get inside before shutting it and locking it. Daelen then looks for a window or a way up to the roof of the building.

Ignoring the wounded looking man you've just let into the building, and not asking him any questions, you find the roof access ladder in the corner of the kitchen. It unfolds and allows you to climb to a trap door that leads to the flat roof.

Daelen makes sure that the roof hatch is clear before hopping back down and going over to the wounded man. Pulls out some medipack stuff and begins apply the bandages. "Alright, what exactly is going on?"

"Was passing through the area on my motorbike. Got waylaid on the road, bandits or something. Didn't see the tripwire, but I flipped my bike and they came out of the woods. Took my messenger bag and my supplies. and the bike"

"That's unfortunate. Do you know how many bandits there were?" Daelen asks as he sighs, this situation growing steadily more complicated.

"At least three" he says, thanking you as the needle is pushed into his skin and the medicine begins to work. "Bike can be replaced. The orders I ha don me though, those were sensitive. Protectorate issue"

"Welp, we will just need to get them back. Are you sure they followed you?" Dalen asks.

"Yes. pretty sure they did. There were lights in the woods and I could hear things smashing behind me"

"Alright, can you wield a laser pistol?" Daelen asks.

"I can. I think" he says, reaching a shaking hand out toward the gun.

"If you shoot me in the back.....well, hope you don't live a long life." Daelen draws his laser pistol and hands it to him before he climbs up onto the roof through the trap door. He sets himself up in a prone position with his laser rifle pointed out towards the direction the man came from.

(notice/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5

You do not see anyone approaching in the darkness yet, though you can hear the sounds of someone whistling a tune just beyond the darkness of the trees. It is clear someone or someones are out there , but do not seem to be in any hurry to force their way in.

Daelen levels his rifle and takes aim at the tree line. He grabs a few small items to try to break up his outline on the roof and make himself harder to spot.

(Like placing things on the ledge of the roof so you're not so easily backlit?)

(Yes)

Upon doing so, the song from the woods continues. You still do not see anyone approaching the building but it is clear you are being watched.

Daelen pulls out the bio scanner on the off chance it may be on some assistance here. His eyes do not leave the tree line as his hair stands on end.

( just for your own knowledge, it's not really a heartbeat sensor type device. This is how it works: Bioscanner: While an untrained user can use this tool to discern internal bleeding, gross physical distress, or toxins in a plant or animal, it requires Heal-0 skill to use this tool to its fullest. Such operators can use the bioscanner for a full spectrum of diagnosis and DNA sequencing achievable in minutes. One type A power cell will power it for up to twenty-four hours of regular usage)

10:43 AM

(so we'd need to figure out how to contend with the darkness and the heavy obscuring concealment the bandits are observing from before another notice check can be attempted, or figure out something else)

(You are totally fine, I didn't really have a clue how it worked and was more of taking a shot in the dark. Is it pitch dark? I do have low light goggles I can don if that would help.)

(it is pitch dark to normal vision, there's enough light for low light goggles to have something to work with, so long as you have a Type A power cell to power them)

(Sadly no as I doubt it comes with one. I don't have a type a listed.)

(The workshop would have a few cells in it now that I think about it, since that's what the tools would use too.

(Do you want me to back track to grab one or just say I grabbed one before coming up? Assuming this is allowed by you.)

(We can say you back tracked but the situation won't be any different on you coming bck to the roof in terms of where the bandits are. They're sitll chillin in the woods being menacing. We can get a new notice/wis now though since you've got something allowing you to see into the dark, which we didn't have before)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5

Nekosmash

used /roll

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

One of the bandits has closed to 200m of the building, and is crouched behind a lot, with your low light goggles you're barely able to make him out as he moves,

Daelen levels his combat rifle, taking aim at the moving target. Slowing his breathing as he tries to keep everything steady and level before firing a shot at the moving target.

(We've got the conditions for an execution attack here since we have watched for a minute and they're unaware of you. )

2:45 PM

(which would be a shoot./dex skill check)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+5] Roll: [14] Result: 19

(OIh thats attack roll. here is the shoot check)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [6, 2] Result: 9

THe bandit does not realize he is being watched or that you are drawing a bead on him. There is a quick bark of gunfire and he falls slack over the logs he was covering behind, killed instantly by the well aimed shot.

Well, they know they are being watched now. Time to find the others, Daelen says quietly to himself as he looks back out oflver the treeline for any further signs of movement.

after watching for ten minutes, it looks like the bandits have decided losing one of their number to a shooter they could not see, but could see them, is more than they were expecting out of the night. The forest goes quiet again and soon animals return to the area , letting you know they've left, and you are safe for the moment. Dawn is still several hours away.

Daelen let's out a sigh and shoulders his rifle before heading back over to the trapdoor and heads down into the cabin. He knows the courier will want to go after the message and he intends to as well...even if his own timetable is thrown off. Once down inside, he says to the courier, "Well good news is that we are out of danger. Bad news is we gotta chase them to get your message for the Polity."

"It's the right thing to do" the courier agrees. "And you're kind to help me out. I'll make sure they hear about what you did for me if we both live. I heard as gunshot when you were up there, you get anything?"

"I picked off one of them from the darkness. Thats what drive them off. The body us about 200 meters out. It's possible your documents are on that one but I wouldn't hold my breath. I will go give the immediate one a look over before tracking them." Daelen says, his voice serious. "And in terms of the polity, well do what you like. I maybe in it for the money but I still got a conscience after all."

The courier has nothing to say at your response but they follow directions and stay back from you as you scan the body. There is a haversack on it that is covered in blood from the traumatic headshot. They’ve also got a hunting rifle with a scope and a handgun

Daelen opens the habersack carefully as he doesn't want to risk the blood spreading to the contents. Oplnce open, he reaches a hand inside and pulls out whatever may be inside of it.

The sack has two magazines of projectile ammunition inside. It also has some of the orders the Protectorate Courier was carrying- not all of them, but some.

7:58 AM

A small rolled wax coated scroll is also present, with a crude map of the surrounding area inside.

Daeln hands what's there kf the orders to the courier before asking, "You recognize this sealed scroll at all?" Daelen then takes a small look at the crude map to see if there are any notations of locations on it.

"Looks like a map. I think this is Mount Ridgewood right here" he says, gesturing to a spot on the map, and this settlement marked here? that's new. Not on any of the existing maps. "

"Want to hazard a guess that's the bandits settlement? Or at least where they are grouping together." Daelen says as he takes a sip from a flask.

The courier takes a long look at the map, re tracing what he thinks his route would have been using their points of reference, and finally settles on the spot where he thinks they nabbed him. "I think so. It's close to the road, but not right on it. Lets them keep an eye on things without being in anyone's face. I need to get what's left of the information to where it needs to go. I'm not trained for this"

"Well, I am trained but it's one against a unknown amount. Can you operate a laser pistol, or a regular one?" Daelen asks quietly as he nods in agreement to the couriers summation.

"I'm not going in there with you. I have a job to finish, and I need to get what's left of these messages to Protectorate HQ. I appreciate you helping me, lets not turn a good deed into me being led into a kill box." he says.

8:53 AM

(NPCs wont follow you into a dangerous situation unless you have the henchkeeper foci)

(I get that. I was merely trying to be hopeful.) "I never said you had to go but do what you gotta do. I have work to do here then I'm heading to the camp." Daelen says as he heads back towards the shed to gather the required tools to fix the tower. The reason he was uo here originally.

With daylight, the plans, and the tools you find getting it up and running is actually far easier than you'd thought and after several hours of working, the noon sun hangs in the sky overhead, and the first signals begin relaying through the transmission tower. The com station here works now as well, allowing you to broadcast .

(I'm going to assume, but just want to check, I can pass a message onto the Polity management.)

(It will take about six days round trip if you're also waiting for an answer , three to get to Heras, and three for a reply. If your concern is just getting a message out, you can certainly do that, but if we're waiting for a reply a lot can happen in six days and I think that time would need to be played out)

(I think he would just send a message updating on the current situation, involving the courier and my intent to at least investigate the bandit hideout. I wouldn't wait for a return message.)

(sounds good, I do't have anything to add other than feel free to leave a note in the EP server so the hook can be tracked, otherwise we'll consider the message sent)

(Done.)

(Alright, if we're ready to look into that camp, lets get a sneak.dex for our way there)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [5, 4] Result: 10

(I meant to award XP for the night ambush, so lets add 3xp, and 5000 credits for that. W'ere not in a position to shop, but if this levels you we can do that before things get scrappy )

(I'm seeing 9 xp at the moment and 15100 credits on my sheet. So if i didn't miss anything I didn't level.)

(I am not going into your sheet and adding XP, so if 9 is what you had after this level up, then yeah we're solid for now)

(I didn't mean to imply that.)

(I know , I'm saying I wasn''t adding the XP in as you get it, so if you haven't been either you might have leveled since that 9 might not have been accurate , but it sounds like we are keeping account , so we're solid there)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [2d6] Roll: [6, 5] Result: 11

Approaching the camp, you are 500m out from what sounds like men and tools in a forest clearing , and while paying attention to that you do not see the thin monoline and trip it, sending a rocket powered flare screaming into the sky.

Daelen curses under his breath and runs perpendicular to the line of the trap he tripped. Concern for stealth gone. He looks for a potential place of cover a far distance from the trap.

500m from the camp, you find a spot on its western side where you are able to tuck in behind the thick trunks of several fallen trees. Leaves and scrub brush block visibility where the tree trunks do not, and it does not look like any of the bandits are making their way here just yet.

Daelen let's himself rest for a few minutes. Calming his heart rate and nerves while he waits and watches. Once he feels he has returned to normal he begins scouting a path forward while attempting to remain hidden.

(the camp is alerted and they have people out looking, just none in this area yet. How close woould you want to risk getting?)

(Eventually I want to get to about 250-300 meters.)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [2d6] Roll: [5, 2] Result: 7

Approaching the camp from 300m away you can see more detail about the environment. (let me get a map up for you)

Daelen hunkers down as he looks about his immediate area as he readies his rifle.

9:23 AM

(you'd be hunkered down to the west, but everything isotherwise as labeled

(Is this a elevated or in a depression?)

(depression, they're living in an old mine)

Daelen looks to slowly approach the edge of the depression. He is army crawling forward on his belly. He moves to get as close as he can to the old mine as possible. His goal being to have a clear shot at the whole camp from his position.

Nekosmash

used /roll

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

The camp does not notice you as you crawl to the ledge. One bandit is stretching, before they bend down to throw another log on the fire. Another is even lower down in the mine, hammering a tent peg into the largest tent against the rocky wall, trying to get a sagging corner to stand up straight again.

(How far apart are they?)

(the closest is 40m away, and the one at the further side of the camp is 200m from you )

Daeln looks for another lookout spot as he starts taking notes on the situation within the old mine. He kniws if he tries to take on the large group, he really needs to be ready to shift positions between each shot. He cannot storm them head on. He would have to pick them off one by one. Daelen checks his immediate area to try to pile up some grasses and twigs to cover the barrel of his rifle and himself. Trying to break up his outline before lining up a shot at the closest bandit.

(We could attempt an execution at the close one if that's what you were going for)

12:33 PM

(which is a shoot/dex skill check)

(Alright let's do that.)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+2] Roll: [2, 1] Result: 5

The shot is missed, but the report of the weapon cannot be ignored, and the camp comes to alert as they realize they are under attack from an unknown shooter. The soldier you are targeting avoids the shot, diving into the tent into concealment.

Daelen curses and quickly takes aim at the other visible bandit. Assuming they are still visible he will fire again. Regardless of result he will slip away into the woods again.

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+5] Roll: [10] Result: 15

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d12+1] Roll: [6] Result: 7

The further of the two bandits is wounded, and his cries can be heard through the camp. The alert is raised, and it sounds like there are more people here than thought as those who were sleeping begin waking up and grabbing weapons to comb through the woods.

Daelen curses and he army crawls back into the woods before sprinting away. He isn't too concerned about making noise, he just needs to get as much space between here and that bandit locaiton as he canl.

(Are you leaving the region? Just trying to determine if a reasonable search of theirs will have a chance at finding you or picking up a trail)

(Given there is most likely more than a handful of bandits there, I believe the most prudent action is leaving the area.)

The bandits search but do not find you. You spend the day and most of the evening crawling away from the area to safety. The bandits will be alarmed for several days.

Daelen groans in frustration and proceeds to make his way back towards his gravbike.

(Since you're leaving the area they're not going to find you. Thats all I really can offer)

(Yeah it's fine. This scenario if going to require back up to do. Otherwise he is just going to have to leave it.)

(It depends how you want to re-approach it. I didn't have a set way to complete the mission ,this was just dice rolls working against you)

(Is it possible to shop for items on planet? And I have a couple ideas but it's best to lay low for at least a day before attempting it again.)

(Yes, we could pcik some things up. Same as always, just need to make a list of what we want)

(I was looking for grenades but I didn't see any. I was thinking like 3 demo charges, a sniper rifle, and 2 packs of 20 ammunition. So if I mathed right thats 570 credits)

(Grenades are in the core book. We also have a couple grenades in our rulebook. There is 1 demo charge available )

(Theb I was blind when I looked. Let's get the one demo charge. Then if it's just standard frag style grenades we will do 6. If there are other kinds then I'd need to look before buying them.)

(the ones in the core book are frag grenades. We have an incendiary type, and an anti-robotic one in our rulebook)

(So 6 frags and say 3 incendiary as I don't think they had any robot stop out and about.)

(okay, deduct credits and make sure you're adding to your sheet as well as readying/stowing)

4:34 PM

Returning to inhabited space, the grenades are distributed. Your warning about the camp has been sent off world to the Protectorate authorities. You are welcomed to continue exploring the planet, or they will provide extraction to send you somewhere else.

(I'll do so once I get home. I think we will continue exploring elsewhere on the planet. While also spreading word to locals about the bandit base if they don't already know about it.)

(teucer is going to come take care of the camp it looks like, if we want to keep exploring we can get a D10 for our next region)

(Alright)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [2] Result: 2

(forgot to ask what direction, we're in the same hex with the survey station since the hexes are so big)

(West.)

Continuing west you enter an expansive grassland. There is a small roadhouse here with several tanker truncks parked out front. The roadhouse has a wall and a watchtower, and the guard in it waves, recognizing the Protectorate emblem on your vehicle. You are permitted to approach and it sounds like there is a rowdy celebration happening inside this all in one gas station, hotel, repair shop, and waystation.

I nod in acknowledgement of the guard and slowly make my way towards the sounds of the celebration. Such sounds feel a bit odd on this plane,t howver, you can never know what really can happen around here. I reach out for the door and I gently push it open as I enter the all in one shop.

As you heard outside there is a loud party happening when you open the doors. There is a party happening here as one of the wilderness truckers is retiring. This person certainly looks to be of retirement age, and has survived the dangerous civil war galaxy, The Scream, and the dangerous wilderness of Radji that they drove through after. This is both is 500th delivery, and his retirement party. Darts are flying, drinks are flowing,and the roadhouse staff is seeing he has plenty of warm food and a cold drink in hand at all times.

Daelen smiles at the rambunctious crew, hearing such sounds remind him of the old days. Well, the old days for him, before everything went to shit. He has a seat at a opoen table off to the side and orders himself a drink and a meal and just looks to remain out of the way of all the people.

“You just come in from the frontier?” One of the patrons asks as they pass your table with several frosty mugs of beer in hand. “Heard it’s a mess out there “

"Yeah, I was out getting one of the towers in the mountains set back up. Had a run in with some bandits and now I'm here." Daelen says as he takes a long pull from his mug of beer.

"Bandits are out of control." he agrees " THe countryside is lousy with them. They're like an invasive species on Radji ever since The Scream. Protectorate is doing a great job with the cities but out here beyond the walls , its the wild west. Most of us travel with at least a couple of guns in the cab when we need to bring deliveries between places.

"I don't disagree with you. However, maybe they will be taken care off withing the next week or two. Here is to hoping anyway." Daelen responds not wanting to fully betray his position. He would rather see what other bits of information they will give him before knowing who he is.

"Week or two?" the trucker asks "You know something about that? I think a lot of the folks here would be relieved if they found out you had some kind of inside line on making things better out here"

Daelen simply shrugs, "I don't like talking myself up. But I do a bit of merc work for the EP. I'm here scanning and scouting the planet when I ran into them. I found a lead on them though. But it is above my pay grade. So I passed word to my superiors. So if we are all lucky, this problem could be solved soon enough." He tries to maintain vagaries or at least as much as he can. He can't be sure if the bandits have spies out and about.

"Well, looks like that's that then. Have a nice rest of your time here I guess" he says, shrugging his shoulders and moving on.

Daelen takes another sio of his drink and sighs. He wishes he could just tell the man the whole truth. But his experience about being burned previously still has him loathe to trust anyone with everything.

(The party looks like it's going to go on for a while. I don't have much more to say about it if this is where our interactions with things ends, if we're happy with what we've said and done here, this is a safe place to pass the ngiht and we can continue exploring. If you want more info or anything, we can talk to more people

(NAh I think he would turn in for the night soon after dinner)

You are not bothered during the night and the next morning you are one of only a few people awake. YOu look to also be one of the only ones that is sober. A large griddle has been rolled out from the back room and the cook is making eggs and fatty meats for those who are waking up. It looks like a few of the transporters are getting ready to depart and head south on the next leg of their route, with urgent deliveries needed at their destination by tonight. (they're going the way you came)

"Anyone who is traveling that way, take a wide berth starting roughly 1km out from where that old mine is. I've heard rumors saying bandits maybe hiding out in the mine and the area around it."

A few of the truckers thank you for the tip and you can see a few of them plotting route adjustments on their navigation kneeboards. They're not looking for trouble today. With a thanks, the truckers depart and begin firing up their trucks. Your bike has been recharged overnight, as have your personal Type A cells. Everything is in readiness for you to continue your adventure.

Daelen gives them a nod and a polite wave before he takes off on his bike, heading north past the little truck stop area and out into the wilderness once more.

(D10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [9] Result: 9

You spend the morning passing 200km of plains, before coming to a small farming settlement that looks like it is one of the shipping hubs for the truckers you met to the south at the roadhouse. Several farmers and tractors with automation support are working to till the land and get the summer crops planted while it is still early in the growing season. Stacks of soil enrichment products delivered by said trucks sit stacked on pallets at the edge of the fields on each side of the road. Many of the homesteads are also bordered by thin woods. Dust fills the air as the tractors till the ground, and distantly you can see several farmers struggling to get a chain and rope around a large rock that is about the size of your bike.

Daelen looks over the rock, to the various chains and tractors and back again. "Do you need any assistance?" He asks, not sure he can do much to help but it's polite to offer some help since he is passing by.

"You got two arms. can see that" one of the old farmers says as your bike comes to a halt and the eye you up. "You got a strong back?"

"It hasn't let me down yet." Daelen says as he steps off his bike and walks over to the Boulder, giving it a look over.

THey have a thick chain around it and were hoping to us their combined muscle power to pull it out of where it's embedded in the ground. It is in the middle of the field and pulling it out will mean easier planting, and that whne the harvest season comes the expensive tractors and other machinery is less likely to be damaged by its presence. They've done what they can together, and have shifted it a bit, but lack the tools to either break it down, or move it out of the way to the side of the field.

"Hmmm, well I have a dumb idea that we could do, or we can see if one extra set of hands may make the difference in moving this herer boulder." Daelen says.

(they'd defer to whatever you want to attempt first. You're offering to help and seem more capable than they are by themselves)

(Well, my initial idea was trying to grenade explode to pieces.)

(The metal and rock fragments from it all over the field would make more danger to farm equipment than just leaving the rock where it is)

(Okay, lets get to pulling then.)

(exert/str)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [6, 1] Result: 7

WOrking as a team, you realize how much stronger you are than the farmers due to your rigorous training and your background activities devoted to keeping yourself healthy and strong between missions. The chain goes taunt, and there is much groaning and heaving before the rock is pulled from its nesting place in the ground. With the rock no longer trapped in the furrow it had been resting in, pulling it to the edge of the field is far easier, and the farmers are grateful for the assistance.

"Take it easy fellows! Good weather and bountiful haven't for you." Daelen says as he offers them a wave before heading back to his bike. He hops on and drives off. (edited)

They wave goodbye as you re mount your bike, moving through the expansive farmlands that make up the region, right before coming to a small settlement. IT does not have walls and is village in size. There is a large firewatch tower in the center of town built into the town hall. A few thousand people live here , their livelihoods dependent on the surrounding farms.

Daelen drives into the city, just kind of meandering arounding, seeing if any people are out and about to talk to. See what is going on here in this town. IT looks like a simple farming village, but other things can be going on.

(connect/cha)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [4, 3] Result: 6

Observations: 1) There are too few people in the streets and out running errands for a town this size 2) Aside from food, the marketplace and merchants do not have many other goods for sale 3) The center of town is fortified with the town guard, heavy but team moveable barricades, and spotlights on the roofs of nearby tall buildings Rumors: 1) Tribute has not been paid for the last two months 2) Bandit Lord Keith is going to be attacking soon 3) The Protectorate has abandoned the people of Radji

Daelen sighs, he can understand the take of the people, however, maybe he can help set things a bit better for the polity. Daelen would approch the town guard, "Excuse me, my name is Daelen, a merc for hire, currently working for the EP. I have some information that may bring some joy to your lives. May I speak to your cpatain, or the head of the guard? Or is there a city council I can speak with?"

He responds that he can bring you to either the town guard's captain, or the town concul. Whatever you decide , he will be happy to escort you.

"Is it possible for me to meet with both in turn? Or at the same time?"

The town council is trying to stay apart from one another right now so there is no chance for them all to be taken out at once, as is the guard captain. You could be taken to them all in time, but the guards are wanting to know where to start.

Daelen explains that he simply didn't want to offend anyone by going to people in the wrong order. But, he will visit each in turn, starting with the captain of the guard since he is already there.

The Captain of the Guard is in the bottom floor of the town hall. You head down a broad staircase into the basement level. Sandbags have been stacked up inside the building, as it will become a last ditch fighting position should the town fall. They wear a shimmering silver breastplate and combat field uniform around it. The plates are rigid, and they have a combat shotgun with several notches cut into the stock leaned up against the wall. they are filing reports, and you are introduced. They invite you to sit on the rickety chair facing the desk.

Daelen sits down carefully before he begins, "Thank you for seeing me Captain. I dont believe in pussy footing around. My name is Daelen Raegon, merc for hire. I am here surveying the planet for the EP. While I was doing this, I got a call to fix a mountainside comm tower. While there, a EP courier showed up. He had been accosted by those bandits of yours. Stole documents. I scared them off after eliminating one of them. Got some documents back and found a map to a old mine. Turns out it was a base of operations for the bandits. I passed along a message to my superiors to update them on the situation here. I am hoping they send a squad to deal with them. I tried but there were far too many for me to take care of by myself. If you want I can point out the bandit location on the map." Daelen takes a breath before saying a last piece, "I understand the EP hasn't done any of you a good service or work. However, While I cannot promise anything beyond my own personal help. That's all I have to say. I intend on informing your town council in turn as well."

(talk/cha, he's warming up, but lets see what we can convince him to divulge in reply)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6-2] Roll: [5, 3] Result: 6

"This camp is about two hundred kilometersf rom here. Thanks for letting us know about it, we'll keep anyone traveling clear, but I doubt they'd come all the way out here to fight it out with us. We're dealing with people much closer to home. Unfortunate the ways of crime have turned into the way of life for so many people. We thought reaching the best we're going to do in terms of post scream technology would solve some things, but it just put more capability into their hands. We think they're infesting the old water purification plant a few kilometers from here, but no one's been willing to scout it out.

"I can scout it out for you. We all just want to be safe after all. I can go now if you want, if I get directions. Or it can wait till tomorrow to do.so. as I do want to be certain the council knows." Daelen responds to the Captain.

"I'll take you up on that once you've finished your conversations around here. D id you have anything else you wanted to ask?"

"How long has this Bandit Lord Keith been an issue? What has he been asking for....tribute?" Daelen asks, the look on his face one of disgust.

"Resources. Credits mostly, but those ran out. Now he wants building mateirals, valuables, weapons, anything that might be sold, or might be of use to someone living in a frontier camp. He's going to claim the entire town ,board by board at this rate" The guard captain says,.

"Look, I may not be enough to stop him myself, however, I'm not going to let him threaten the good hardworking people here. My parents were people just like you folks. Something will be done about this."

"I appreciate your willingness to help. That's all I know unfortunately. You're going to have to talk to the bosses if you're on the hunt for more information. My job is to defend the city center and as many of our people as we can. Trbute is going to run out, and soon. When that happens, we're going to do what we can to defend ourselves"

"No worries I appreciate your help. Now if you could direct me to the closet council house so I can finish this up."

The chief justice of the town is the closest to your meeting with the captain, and there are two militia outside. After a few seconds in discussion with the captain, you are let inside and he announces both of your presence. The justice comes downstairs, ushering you into the simple kitchen. He urges you both to sit while he puts water on the stove for tea.

8:14 AM

"I understand you're from the Protectorate proper. Has news of what's happening here finally got to them?"

"Not predating my arrival however, I did send a comminque to them once I fixed a comm tower up in the mountains. I hope they are sending reinforcements to deal with then. Unfortunately their numbers were a bit much for me alone." Daelen says, keeping his voice even and polite.

(would you want support from another player on this as well? James is between missions and asked about teaming up with someone. You're free to say no- everyone else is in the middle of deep core to their character personal missions within EP right now so you were the first person I thought of)

(He messaged me about it. I didn't want to say yes without yiu hearing about it first. If it's okay with you, I have no issues with it. We might actually be able to make something happen with the two of us instead of just me.)

(sure! Lets do it)

9:06 AM

Almost as if on queue at the word "Reinforcements" , there is a large downdraft outside. At the northern edge of town outside the rudimentary barricades, a Protectorate shuttle delivering @Ramirez arrives. The locals are relieved to see the shuttle delivering another operative ,though the crew has nothing in the way of supplies or other weapons to hand out to the locals, especially now that the Pitkins Law is in effect.

9:06 AM

(James I'll write a bridging post in your thread between your last mission and here, tihs was jsut the thread I got to first)

1

James lands in the grass. A gruff looking fellow, albeit rather young, with a DMR strapped to a heavy backpack. He snaps a salute at first, but then extends his hand. "James", he goes. "I got a message that you could use some assistance. I'm here to offer it."

Daelen looks the fellow up and down, thinking back to what he saw. He Noda and ahaked the hand up and down once before responding. "Daelen. You good with a gun?"

"Sniping and scouting mostly, but I can hold my own in a firefight. ...I hope. I admit it has been a couple years. May I ask what the plan is?"

"Ideally we pick a few off from range before drawing them in. I have a democracies I plan on using ad a trap if we can get them into a specific spot."

A grin plays on James' face. "Finally, stuff I'm good at. I'll follow your lead." James takes a look around himself, giving any locals a friendly smile. "I brought some surveying equipment, a perimeter alarm and a pressure tent we may be able to camouflage. Survival kit as well, should we need it. So you want to attack their position and lure them into an ambush?"

"Pretty much. Hopefully we can get a overarching point to take out some with sniper rounds."

James nods in agreement, as he would. "Got any idea of their numbers and weapons composition?"

"Not particularly. I tried to pick them off, only saw 2. But know there is likely half a dozen more."

"Alright. I can stretch the effective distance of this guy-" He thumbs over his shoulder at his DMR. "...but only up to about 1.5 kilometers. If we want to lure them, that's the distance we'll have to work with." He gestures forward. "After you. Straight to business or want to discuss with the locals first?"

"I need to finish updating the town on the situation. My plan was set up a place about 500 meters out, tucked away from their traps to begin the plan. We set a fall back point about 200 meters behind us with our own little surprise."

James nods as the two begin walking. "Do we have any back-up or is it just the two of us?"

"Maybe. I don't know if the Protectorate has a group coming. I've had no word since I sent the message almost 4 days ago. So assume where we are headed, we are alone."

Out of questions, James will follow Daelen into whatever place he needs to be.

Daelen heads to the first council member location. And thus begins the slow.process of delivering his information to the heads of village here.

(We don't need to repeat the conversation you just had with the guard captain, but the town would be happy that there's help here. From what I was able to gather your conversation it sounds like you're planning on posting up somewhere on the likely path of attack and trying to get the bandits to turn back or at least delay them whenever their next incursion comes?)

"The plan was to go to the King whatever base if possible scope things out. And if possible try to whittle their numbers down just a bit. Since the other group is hitting the mine.)

1

(alright, sounds good. If we're set to head out lets get a sneak/dex for each of you as we make our way through the woods)

(10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [4, 2] Result: 7

Nekosmash

used /roll

nekosmash Request: [2d6] Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5

(okay, I've got some art for Keith's camp, I'll get that posted, but you won't be detected so long as you don't get closed than 300m)

(The red dots are combat rifle armed sentries, the yellow X's are places where we think tribute is being kept. and the green X is perobably where we think Keith is holed up. The walls and towers are made of stone as are the buildings inside here, they're inhabiting an old military garrison, so the things inside the walls are much harder to see, and in the case of things being inside buildings, we'd have to actually go into the buildings or draw them out if we want to interact with what's inside. No sniping keith through meters of rock)

11:27 AM

(and keep in mind they have no idea you're out there as of right now)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 6/27/2023 11:27 AM

"I don't know man," James grumbles as he passes the binoculars. "They're far more likely to duck down than to run all the way over here. We may be able to take out one or two but that leaves what, over a dozen more to deal with?"

"I think we try to take out the sentry watchmen. As many as we can from outside the 300m line. We sync our shots to try to take out multiple at once then move to a new position and repeat. We need to do this slow. Leave them no choice but to come out."

James surveys his surroundings as he continues snacking. "What are the odds of them calling in reinforcements?"

"Likely, but we don't really have much choice. This is an issue that needs to be solved. Even if we need to fall back and repeat this over days, the people of Radij need these bandits gone."

"Okay so, salvo, hide, displace. And hope they don't find us. Would you agree we take out the east guys first, in case we need to change plan and sneak up to the base?" James stuffs his mouth and uses his now free hand to pull his rifle forward.

"Yes, we need to keep as many options available to us that we can."

(Teucer is behind us in terms of posting speed, but in terms of actual time passing his attack on their camp would be happening around now, which James and Daelen woud know, so bandit reinforcements are not going to come) (edited)

(awesome sauce)

(I wasn't sure on the in game time line so thanks. Oh another question, does my grav bike fit 2 people? I don't have access to check at the moment. Worst cast I suppose I can buy a second one for James.)

(it only has field portable and battery reserve, but you have a ton of spare mass so could have easily fitted the second passenger fitting)

6:05 PM

(So we'll say you did that)

(Awesome.)

(That's all I've got to add for the moment. We;ve arrived, we've seen what things look like here, once you start to execute the plan this will move along)

Daelen sets up a positon about 400 meters out, setting himself up a little perch looking towards what is the south side of the fort. "Alright, Let's try to take out the two closest to us first. We fire, see the results and move. We have to stay mobile regardless of results."

(sorry I'm at a music festival until Sunday. I'll be updating slowly)

(No worries.)

James nods in agreement and lines up his DMR for an execution attack. "I got the guy on the left," he mumbles.

(Executions would be a shoot/dex skill check for each of you)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+2] Roll: [2, 2] Result: 6

(Well...I'm consistent....)

(11)

(And i can't use my warrior ability on a execution roght?)

(You cannot since it is a skill check, not an attack roll)

12:13 PM

Two shots ring out from the trees, one at the left tower, and one at the right. The one on the left falls as James scores a hit center mass. The bandit falls backwards to crash into the floor of the tower. The camp is quiet for a few seconds as those within try to figure out what happened. (they're now aware that there something happening, just not what, so we've lost the 'enemy is aware of you' thing we need for an execution attack now)

James immediately switches targets and fires a second shot at Daelen's target, in hopes of maximizing damage before they hunker down.

12:18 PM

(8)

12:19 PM

"Crud. Time to move, before they shoot back. Circle east?"

12:20 PM

Before retreating, he collects the 3 bullet casings and pockets them.

"Yes, let's not risk another shot. Maintain distance." Daelen nods as he groans inwardly. He curses himself for not spending more time at the range with the sniper back in the day. He slings the rifle onto his shoulder and begins sprinting east to make his way to the far side of the building. The opposite side of the entrance.

James does the same, maintaining some 50 meters distance sideways from his comrade.

(lets get a sneak/dex from each of you since we're relocating to see ifthe bandits catch on)

(10. This is what James does baby)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [5, 1] Result: 7

Nekosmash

used /roll

nekosmash Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [6, 3] Result: 8

(we'll take the best result since you're working together.) The heavy cover keeps the bandits from seeing you as you relocate to another part of the woods, around the back of the ruin. The sentries in the towers have not left their posts and are still scanning the woods, trying to find the shooters that havre just ambushed the group.

Daelen resets into position, calming himself as he gets out his rifle and levels it back towards the encampment. Lining up a shot on one of the figures on the wall, preparing to fire.

Seconds later, James flops down besides Daelen, rifle at the ready. He calls his shot and sighs a few times to bring down his heartbeat and line up the execution attack. "Three. Two. One." Two more shots ring out.

5:11 PM

(10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [4, 3] Result: 8

(both of these hit. I'll update the map and will indicate where sentries have been downed, one sec)

(Blue isn't a color we've used yet so I indicated the downed sentries with the blue X's. I'm going to roll to see if the surviving ones notice you, and if they beat that 10 james rolled then we'll get initiative)

8:26 AM

Nekosmash

used /roll

nekosmash Request: [2d6] Roll: [6, 5] Result: 11

(They do notice, so we'll need initiative)

(butts)

9:02 AM

(9)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [4, 1] Result: 6

Nekosmash

used /roll

nekosmash Request: [d8] Roll: [5] Result: 5

(James, Daelen, bandit sharpshooters and other associated ruffians. We were 400m out before, so I'm assuming we've kept the same distance as we circled. No mention was made of getting closer or further, so we'll keep that distance as combat begins)

2

"We were spotted," James calls out as he sees barrels pointed in their direction. "Don't get shot in the back." He takes off, retreating 10 meters before sliding into cover, lining up a shot, and pulling the trigger. (Southern middle guy)

2:45 AM

(14/8)

Daelen shifts his aim towards the far right, second level sentry if within sight of him from his current position. If not, he will take a follow up shot to ensure the middle sentry is down. If they are downed. Daelen will use his turn to move north as far as he can in a turn. (edited)

The shot misses, the sentry ducks behind the rocks as the bullet impact hits just below where he was standing, and then re-emerges to try to sight in his rifle on where the shot came from. ( So we'll need the attack roll/damage from Daelen, as jame's target was missed) (edited)

(I hate to be "that guy" but doesn't a sniper have a 1-bullet reload?)

(Yea. It does require a reload between shots )

Two of the sentiries have range ,and they begin fireing into the woods, attempting to bring the two of you down.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Rolls: [11] Result: 14 [8] Result: 11 Reason: first result on James second on Daelen

The shots streak inot the woods, missing the both of you as you continue moving to new firing positions.

(are they also carrying long range weapons?)

3:02 PM

Move, cover, shoot, repeat. James tries to move to a 50 meter distance from his companion as he retreats further, hoping to use range to his advantage. Dirt covers his visor however, and in his haste he takes a poorly aimed shot to force them into cover, if nothing else. (4)

Daelen proceeds to resettle into another position. Lining up a shot on the original sentry which still remained upright. He takes aim and fires.

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+5] Roll: [12] Result: 17

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d8+1] Roll: [6, 1] Result: 8

(They’re carrying weapons that go at least 400m since they’re shooting at you)

7:09 AM

(We are in combat James. The most you could move in a turn is 10m since you also fired. If you think it should be 50, let me know how you’re figuring that out ) The sentry jerks back violently as daelen fires and they vanish behind the stone bricks with a hole in their chest (edited)

(yah sorry, just trying to convey that that's his goal)

(are we taking shots or was that their turn?)

(My assumption was that was me firing again. So jt should be their turn.)

1

(It's their turn now. I was away from my computer to do the rest of the turn yesterday ) There is only one remaining bandit on the walls who has a clear line of sight and range to hit you now, while the rest are either dead, or have withdrawn to the protection of the stone walls and interior of the fort where the weapons you're carrying no longer have line of sight on them. The lone shooter fires into the woods, in the direction of Daelen, as they try to avenge their comrade

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d20+3] Roll: [11] Result: 14

(14 misses, your AC is higher than that)

(Would I have to choose between scanning for runners coming our way, and taking a shot? If so, James is taking the shot.) (edited)

(It would be a skill c heck to try to do a notice and see what conditions are like now, which is a main action. Shooting is also a main, so you;d have to decide between one or the other)

With no obvious runners on the chase, James stays put and digs in just a little deeper when he sees tracer fire directed at his comrade. Aim, exhale, squeeze. (edited)

8:35 AM

(13)

8:36 AM

As the echo fades, the following moment of silence is broken by a swear word muttered under James' breath.

Daelen then moves to reload the sniper rifle while moving 10 meters north and resettling into a firing position.

The return fire never comes. The bandits have gone to ground inside the ruins of the fort and don’t seem to have sent out runners or any kind of scouts. They have remained behind their fastness for now

Daelen curses, but isn't surprised by their choice of action. He returns to where James is and crouches down. "Well, we got them bunkered down, but we can't be sure of numbers or where they are at in there. If I still had my merc unit, I'd level the place with explosives. We don't got that. We are going to have to comb this place over room by room. What do you think?"

James sits up as Daelen approaches, taking out his binoculars. "I don't think there's a need to engage the whole base. We can focus on the leadership and, optionally, the villagers' tribute. If we approach from the east, we may have the best shot at this... Do you have explosives fit for making an extra doorway?"

"I do have one demo charge, and a handful of grenades. That should due depending on the sturdiness of the walls. And idealy we hit the leaders...potentially the others will surrender without anyone to give them orders."

"Surrender or not, it will most likely stop the raids at least..." James nods in agreement and put the binocs to his eyes, trying to estimate if a demo charge could blow a hole through them.

The demolition charge should blow a hole in the wall, You're not sure how much of the explosion's blast wave the wall will absorb, so you cannot be sure it will kill whoever is on the other side.

James nods to Daelen. "I suggest we sneak over. I'll cover you from a 50 meter distance as you plant the charge. You cover me as I join you, we blow the wall, rush in, murder that bastard, rush out. Grab valuables as we see the opportunity. How's that sound?" (edited)

10:52 AM

After a brief pauze, James goes, "We're not expecting hostages, are we?"

"We can't know for sure on hostages. I think we go in mentally prepared for that as a option. If so...well, we will make decisions when we get to it. I'm going to have to go over the bridge to place the charge."

"I mean," James continues as he follows along. "That means we should minimize risk of casualties when we breach. It's ultimately your call, but if you think there may be hostages inside, we may or may not blow them up this way."

"Then we need one of us to get in there to scout. I don't want innocents blood on my hands. Even if all my instincts speak to the contrary. You seemed better at the stealth bit than I was. I will set the charge while you get in. I will support you as best I can should things hit the fan."

With high enough passive perception, one might be able to hear a groan coming from James. "Innocent folk, always getting in the way of a decent military conflict. Very well." As they near the final clearing before the eastern walls, James swaps his rifle for a mag pistol and monoblade combo. "I knew I should have bought that butterfly harness," he quips, before looking over to Daelen. "Ready?"

7:41 PM

(is it possible to lay in wait, holding action to take a shot if I see an enemy while Daelen crosses the canal?)

Daelen nods as he moves around the small fort. He walks over towards the bridge. His eyes staying trained on the building. He approaches the bridge and looks to begin crossing it.

(oh we're not crossing on the east side?)

8:27 PM

(in my mind we were going to breach the eastern wall, since that is where the boss is)

(my concern is there is a moat surrounding jt. Idk how wide or deep it is. I suppose I could risk swimming across it.)

(I see. Up to you!)

the ditch is a drainage ditch, so its a meter deep, with water a half meter deep within it. The water is murky and cloudy and clouds of flies swarm over its relatively still surface.

8:06 AM

You cannot see the actual bottom. (edited)

(How wide is it?)

(three meters wide, that is more or less uniform down the length of the ditch. There might be places where it is tenths of meters closer or further away since this was dug by hand and not a machine, but the average is 3) (edited)

(I don't that that is a jumpable distance so it's the long way around unless I wanna swim in whatever is in the water.)

James follows a short distance behind, outside explosion range but close enough to cover Daelen's immediate surroundings. As both men round the corner and reach the front entrance, James stacks up and taps Daelen on the shoulder to signal that he's ready to proceed.

(The water would be about waist high, only a meter to a meter and a half deep, which is like a yard or a yard and a half depending on what units of measurement you're comfortable with. Also, if you wanted to put a charge on the back of the building, you'd have to cross this somehow, so we need to figure out how we're doing that if we're trying to avoid the moat) (edited)

(I don't think I have anything to cross the moat in my pack. So it's the long way around from the bridge. So we are going to cross rhw bridge then runaround the grass on the outside of the fort before returning to that spot where we want to place the charge.)

(Daelen, what keeps us from simply wading through the water, other than the chance to catch a parasite? Going around will expose us to the main entrance, giving us a high chance of being seen and engaged)

(You do have a point. But there is a small chance there may be animals and such in there. But we can risk it I suppose.)

(Again, you're the boss, but I prefer those over bullets. Go ahead, I'll follow. If Daelen chooses to cross the water, James will cover for him.)

(If the demo charge gets wet does that affect it.)

(It doesn't say so in the book, and this wouldnt be enough water to totally waterlog it unless youre sitting in the drainage ditch for hours, which it doesn't sound like you're doing)

(Okay so a bit of a ret con. Daelen will move to cross the moat at the back on the east side. Then place the charge on that side.)

James keeps his pistol trained on the rooftops, staying on his side of the moat until Daelen has crossed. "I can try to scale the wall and check for hostages," he says just loud enough for Daelen to pick up. "Want me to?"

Daelen nods as he slowly climbs down into the moat. He chews his bottom lip as he begins his slog to the other side. He holds his pack above his head as he walks.

James waits until Daelen reaches the other side and collects himself, before doing the same- unless trouble happens.

(They wont notice you crossing the moat and planting the charge. So that is done. If you're scaling the wall, we'll need a sneak/dex James)

8:16 AM

(also, I'm assuming you're climbing unless you have climbing gear or some other thing to make it easier , so let me know how you're doing that so I can adjust the DC if you've got actual climbing stuff)

(I do not) (8)

With the charge planted, Daelen is moving a safe distance away from the charge while still on the fort side of the moat. He looks up and watches James and waits for some signal from him to blow the charge.

(what is a safe distance Daelen? in the event this becomes an encounter?)

(I am guessing like 10-15 meters from where the charge was placed.)

(okay, 15m is is) The charge is placed and you make your way back across the water to overwatch. James climbs to the top of the wall and does not see any sentries on the walls themselves . There is no sign of hostages here and it looks like everything they've taken as tribute is being kept in the building you;re about to breach. There are no bandits in the courtyard, and it looks as though they've gone to ground in other structures.

James signals for Daelen to "hold" before proceeding out of sight. He checks the roof for a trap door, or any cracks in the structure for him to see inside the room below.

Daelen nods and keeps his eyes up. He pauses every other moment to double check his surrounding. His right hand holds the detonator for the charge but his fingers remain off the trigger.

There is not a hatch on the roof, the rocks are crumbling slightly and have hair-thin cracks in them, and you see light coming from below- along with shadows representing people. You cound eight in there,but you cant be tell if they're all bandits.

James rolls his eyes, and pauzes to think. If he gets spotted descending the other side, both men are a brand new kind of screwed. He sighs, and awkwardly pressed his ear up against a crack to milk the situation of any information he can get.

(Basically checking if he can hear the presence of a hostage)

(notice/wis)

(7)

You don't hear the desperate sounds of anyone pleading for their lives or panicked breathing inside. As best you can tell the bandits have not yet taken live hostages.

Satisfied, James slinks back to the roof edge and begins his descent. Landing near Daelen, he quietly but hurriedly explains, "No hostages, I count 8 bodies inside. I could set up on the other side of the charge so we can cover each other and go in guns blazing. Retreat will be dangerous with the moat here, though..."

"I think our best option is trying to go out the front door rather than out over the moat. If you want to go jn from the opposite side, then let's do it. I'll give you say...2 minutes to get into position?"

"Make it thirty seconds,"James winks, and takes off. He passes the demo charge, eyeing the little red light passing closely to his head, and sets up on the north side just outside of blast range. If that means he needs to round the corner, he will carefully do that.

Daelen nods and begins the count from 30 to 1.

(Daelen is going to need an ecasion save since they stayed within 40m of the bomb, James went around the northern corner so is out of range)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20] Roll: [11] Result: 11

(versus what? I need your evasion save value)

(12. Sorry I was guessing on what to roll.)

(you have to meet or beat your save value to be considered as having passed the save. It is rolled off a D20. If you have a dex modifier or something like that, it makes your save value lower, so you'd always roll an unmodified d20 for any save. Some special items, conditions ,or effects might apply a penalty to a save, but I'll make you aware of that before the roll. )

(Got it. Whelp I has failed. Time to eat some damage xD)

1

(Sorry I forgot to warn you)

(It's fine. I shouldd have checked the bkast radius)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [4 d10] Rolls: [10] Result: 10 [4] Result: 4 [2] Result: 2 [6] Result: 6

(you'd take 11 damage, the check was failed but you do have some light cover in the woodline)

8:23 AM

The blast opens a breach in the wall, and the surprised bandits standing too close to the wall when it blew have both been killed. You can see the leader of this camp in a suit of battered assault plate, and four other stunned , wounded looking bandits with him.

(Okay. Daelen is still up. Not great but up. Would Daelen still get their action this round or no?)

(Yep! If we're storming the breach, lets get initiative from everyone now while we're at a good stopping point in the action, and then I'll paint the scene with distances and all the other stuff you'll need to know from there)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [2, 1] Result: 3

(Initiative is 1d8+DEX)

1:04 PM

(8)

(My brain couldn't remember....my bad.)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d8+1] Roll: [2] Result: 3

(Same number anyway)

1

Nekosmash

used /roll

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

(James, bandits, daelen ) James had used the northern corner of the facility as cover from the blast and in doing so avoided the explosion of the demolition charge. As a dashed they were safe from injury but out of position for the breach , 40m away from the gap blown into the keep. Daelen is 20m away from the bandits across the moat, in the woodland behind cover , but can be seen by the bandits and can see them too The bandits all look worse for wear. (As a reminder there are five total. All wounded. One is the assault suit armored leader. The other four are regular bandits and are more conventionally armed and armored )

6:02 AM

(It is James , bandits, daelen)

Lips pursed and eyes set to "You are all dead", James marches forward. Pistol aimed front, supported on the back of a monoblade-carrying hand. He doesn't stop at the edge of the newly created hole, but a small distance away from it, when the first bandit comes into view. He spends a full second staring into the person's confused eyes and down into his soul, and only then pulls the trigger. (edited)

5:35 PM

(6)

5:36 PM

After taking the shot, James throws his shoulder into the wall in hopes of gaining some cover against incoming fire.

(you'd have partial cover, but just as a reminder you cant split movement in this game, so in following rounds we can't do something like run into the gap, shoot, and then run to total cover where they can't see you after) The shot misses, and the bandits grab whatever chunks of rock or smashed belongings they can get behind, seeking to return fire and defend themselves.

8:31 AM

Three of them target James, as they are closer, while the other two (one reg, one leader) fire at Daelen, trying to suppress the shooter in the woods.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Rolls: [14] Result: 15 [9] Result: 10 [11] Result: 12 Reason: james shots

(those all miss)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Rolls: [5] Result: 6 [1] Result: 2 Reason: Daelen shots

(miss and miss, Daelen up)

Daelen grunts after the impact of the charge. Various sharpnel wounds dotting his body. He grits his teeth and pulls out his rifle. He moves towards the hole in the wall. (I believe he will be 5 Meyers short movement so I don't think i have eyes on anything to shoot.)

(you can see from the woods ,you should be able to hit everyhone here)

Then firing away.

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d20+5] Roll: [1] Result: 6

(This may take a while lol)

10:10 PM

James jumps out of cover, takes a shot at the same guy as before. (6) He swears to himself and puts his back flush with the wall again. "We have your camp surrounded!" He yells through the gunfire. "Have your chief come out unarmed and the rest of you may still get out of this alive!"

The bandits either cannot hear you or choose not to respond to it, and instead return fire, splitting their attention the same as befire.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Rolls: [14] Result: 17 [16] Result: 19 [16] Result: 19 Reason: James shots

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [3 d10] Rolls: [5] Result: 5 [7] Result: 7 [1] Result: 1

(looks like all of these hit for a total of 13 damage)

7:43 AM

The other two fire at Daelen, trying to suppress the shooter in the woods.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [2 d20+1] Rolls: [11] Result: 12 [18] Result: 19

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d10] Roll: [4] Result: 4

(19/4 ,the other is a clear miss)

(Should have remembered my stupid ability......that damage puts me down to -1.)

(I am literally at 1hp)

9:20 AM

(what would be the ruling on picking up his body? If I drag him, is that a main action, and what does it to to my movement speed? Can I pick him up at all?)

(I just noticed Neko's post on distances. Sorry, I read over that, it was not my intention to be so liberal with the rules on movement and cover etc. Am I right in thinking, James is across the moat from Daelen, about 30m away from him?)

(I do have 2 med kits on Daelen's person.)

1

(if I am indeed across the moat, there is no way I'd reach you alive, let alone heal and evacuate you. Also that's not how medkits work in SWN

) (edited)

1

(Well I'm sorry I'm dumb. This is the most damage I've taken ever on a character. And more than I javelin between all the missions I've gone on.)

(Yeah there was a lot of liberty taken with the distances but I wasn’t going to say anything given how the fight started. There’s six rounds before daelen bleeds out. The check is going to be high no matter what but having the medkit makes it an easier stabilize check. It doesn’t actually restore hp, that’s medpaks and healing powder from frontier medicine. Either way you’d prob want to disengage since daelen is going to be fragile for a week. )

(I just feel like a idiot....)

1

(got it. But, in order to reach him, I have to wade across the moat, sprint to him, and spend an action patching him up? I'm counting 3 turns at best plus retreat, taking fire from 5 ppl at 1hp...) (edited)

(That’s a risk to weigh out. I’m just advising you of the mechanics at play)

(What I'm trying to say is, at face value my choice is either to run now, or go down with you, Daelen)

1:56 PM

(I hope you don't take this personal)

James all but collapses as he takes a rain of bullets and small debris exploding from the wall. Scrambling to his feet, he performs a highly panicked and chaotic "tactical retreat", sprinting northwards towards the corner of the building. If along the way he can get out of sight behind the tower, he will do so. "I'm hit, Daelen, I need to-" His words trail off when he spots his comrade in the bushes. "God damn it."

"Take him for questioning!" is all James manages to hear as he flees the area. Daelen's unconcious, heavily wounded body is carried into the now breached keep, and before long, the fortifications are obscired by trees as James continues to run.

2:41 PM

(We can split up into our own threads for the time being. James may try to rescue, he may not, but either way, Daelen is not dead, yet)

(It's all good. I just should have asked about the explosive radius of the demo charge but I didnt. James can do what he will. I'll deal with the result no matter what it is.)

(for what it's worth, I very much regret not being able to help at this time. Hopefully later on)

(Don't worry about it James. I appreciate the help you did perform. Its just a wait and see game now.)

It is several hours later and the sun is setting. You’re no longer in the ruined keep and instead seem to be in the deep woods of the planet , tied tightly to a stretcher. Water is splashed on your face. You’re still wearing your armor but you can feel your weapons and other gear have been taken by whoever has you as a captive. “Wake up. You’re tougher than we thought you’d be “ a voice says. You cannot place them with your head still swimming.

Daelen groans as his head swims with pain and after effects of blood loss. He lulls his head from side to side while blinking, attempting to settle both himself and his vision. The tightness of the bindings around his wrists and presumably ankles (ignore if not bound there,) rubbing obtrusive against his skin. He spits out a glob of blood from his mouth before speaking in a hoarse tone, "Stupidity and toughness, my two most redeeming qualities. Though I do appreciate waking up so thanks to you fls for keeping me alive for at least a bit longer."

(you're bound to the stretcher for now) "If you're on this side of the grass, it can still be a good day" one of the bandits near you says. Their leader is looking worse for wear, but alive, and is standing over you. "I've got some questions. You answer them, we stick you with this medpack, and we let you go. You get funny, you play games, and bullets are the one thing we've got enough of. This stretcher will be your deathbed. You understand?"

Daelen chuckles a bit and simply shakes his head. "You all are coming through about as clear as mud right now but I've seen these situations enough times to get the general jist of what you are trying to say and do here. You are going to ask me questions about what I know, who I work for and if I am alone here more than likely. And if you think I'm lying, well, I wake up never again. Or on the other side of the grass if that is a better idea for you all. So ask your questions away, if that will make you all happy."

"Clear as mud ia sll you're going to get then. You're working for the Protectorate? Or at least someone they've hired?"

"Sure I have worked for the Protectorate a time or two. I am still a merc for hire at the heart of things.''

"Are you working for them now when you attacked us?" he asks, with another bucket of water at the ready.

"Depends on what you consider working for them. Am I here on Radij on a mission? Sure, is/was that mission related to you? No. At least, not yet anyway. Now do you really have to stand there like your going to dunk my head in the bucket, it is quite unbecoming of you to do that." Daelen says, sounding a bit bored at this point, despite the pain racking his body.

"Maybe you'll get the bucket, maybe not. What as your original mission?" (edited)

"Nothing of importance, just scoping the planet. Getting a layout of things. Nothing major." Daelen says with a minor shrug.

(talk/cha)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6-2] Roll: [5, 2] Result: 5

"I'm going to need more detail than that" he says, throwing a splash of water over you. "That's a warning. We're going to start snapping bones next. So again, your mission. If the Protectorate cares about it, its important"

Daelen sputters and spits some water that got into his mouth when he wasn't quite ready for it onto the makeshift bed he is on. "As I said, I was simply doing some surveying work here. At least until a couple of your fellows decided to accost an official of the Protectorate, not that it bothers you all any as look at what you all are doing to me right now. However justified you may be anyway."

"That's the straightest answer you managed to give us so far. The water must be working then. There was another shooter out there assisting you. Where would they have run off to?"

"I couldn't tell you. He could have gone anywhere. The spaceport to return back to Heras. He could have stayed local I don't know. Hell, he could be sitting right outside the door waiting for me to make a signal to take you all out." Daelen says with a wry grin on his face. "Also, all my answers have been straight you just didn't like what I had to say."

1

"A little too much attitude. You might find yourself in this situation again someday, and that person's going to end up cutting your tongue out, or worse" he says. You feel a sharp pain in your thigh before a spreading warmth. "Nothing to worry about. That's the medpack. When you wake up we'll be gone, and you'll still be tied to this stretcher. You might feel a bit better though" (2d6+1 for how much you heal. Daelen is still going to have the 'fragile' quality for a week though, which means if you get reduced to 0 HP again, you're not downed, but dead)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [3, 3] Result: 7

"I've been in lots of awful situations, but I will try to keep that in mind in the future. Though I ndo appreciate the medpack. Good day/night to you all. I'd wave goodbye but you kind of got my hands tied here." Daelen says, chuckling a bit to himself in dry humor.

You wake up at mid day, left in a forest clearing. Your belongings have been left behind for you, though are not back on your body. Instead they're left in a neat pile next to your body,but you can see that your ammunition and power cells have been taken.

Daelen groans and shakes his head, however his mercenary brain knows that is what he would have and has done to prisoners. He dons his gear and begins trekking back towards his grav bike as carefully as he can.

You find your bike. The power cell has been pulled from it, and one has been left behind with jsut enough power to get you to the closest Protectorate settlement. It is not the one that brought the bandit problem to your attention, but looks to be a smaller frontier outpost. You will still be able to get help there, and by now the bandits are long gone.

Daelen again feels a sense of surprise at the thoroughness of these bandits. Perhaps someone taught them how to operate in such a fashion. Most rebel groups he remembers don't account for small details such as removing fuel for transportation or limiting it. He climbs onto the bike and begins his journey towards the frontier outpost.

You arrive at the small frontier outpost a few hours later, just as the bike's power gives out. There is a loud screeching sort of noise just as power shuts off. The settlement is walled with simple wooden palisade walls, and a simple wooden firewatch tower at the center of town.

Daelen sighs and sets the bike in the best position he can before he approaches the wooden walls of the palisade. He takes a look around for a gate or door but assuming he hides know he simply proceeds to knock loudly on the palisade walls themselves.

The gate begins to open as two sentries emerge. Their weapons are holstered and they do not approach with hostile intent.

"Hello, my name is Daelen Raegon, I'm an agent of the Protectorate seeking shelter to recover after a mission gone awry." Daelen says in a clear voice, despite his body still bearing clear signs of injury.

"You look like you've been to hell and have been used for chewing gum. Lets get you some medical attention" one of the guards says as they both race forward to try to prop you up. One of them waves at the gatehouse and a small truck also emerges with a tow rope for your bike

Daelen chuckles as he winces in pain, "That's appreciated of you...and most of this is self inflicted. I'm the idiot who used a demo charge without knowing the exact blat range." Daelen shakes his head before continuing, "I guess that shows me for trying to be the demo guy without having demo training am I right?"

Both of them share a comradely laugh with you as you are helped into the village for what will no doubt be a long and painful week of healing. (we can skip a week now, we won't get downtime since you're recovering, but you'll be at full health and won;t; be fragile anymore. Teucer is handling things with these fellas now , so I can think of another mission if you didn't have any ideas)

(I did offer to assist Teucer in finishing them off, however, if you have other ideas, we can look at those. I got shopping to do to replenish my stockpile.)

(He would be a week of time behind you now and the two of you have very different post rates, so I'd prefer the streams not cross for both continuity sand my own sanity. Go ahead and make the shopping list, I'll let you know if something isn't available)

(It's all good. He will probably find them during his week anyway. I need to fill up on ammo for all my weapons (if I got them back), if not then buying a rifle, pistol and sniper rifle will be on the cards. A new power cell for the bike, plus backups. Power cell for the laser pistol and back up. Hmm, thats all I got off the top of my head.)

(they didn't take your weapons, just all of your ammo for them and power cells)

(Then ammo and power cells plus backups.)

(okay , can you specify how many so we have some record of what's being added to your s heet?)

(Say 3 type A power cells, 3 type B power cells, 60 standard projectile ammo. If the sniper rifle needs separate ammo then 20 rounds of that.)

(All projectile just use Ammo, its not broken down into individual calibers, which is one of the things I love about this system. It's all interchangable, its just stored in blocks of 20. Add it all, ready/stow accordingly. Do you need a new mission or did you have some ideas? )

(Not entirely sure, do you have anything in mind?)

(I'll put some thoughts together )

(Got ya.)

(Rayce helped bring Ankuiq into the protectorate and no one’s really been. Wanna check the place out?)

(Sure. Would be a fun 'return' trip as it were)

(Okay we have five days of downtime as we travel from here to there )

6:44 AM

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/ankuiq-location-1?preview=true

Ankuiq

(Let's do some work on Fix.)

The world before you is dotted with unexplored ruins, a community of mystics living in the jaws of the world, and two settlements that have not known much of the Protectorate since joining. There are no immediate emergency issues upon reaching the planet , and it looks like you are free to decide where to set down

Daelen would look to set down a short distance away from Hemloch, before looking to disembark and explore that settlement. Primarily looking for information there on the local status of things, how the lay of the land is, etc.

(I'm updating the WA article now, I did not realize how out of date this one is)

1:53 PM

Hemlock is an industrial city where everything is powered and heated via direct thermal tap to geothermal vents directly below the settlement. Most of the heat is funneled to homes and businesses. Excess is used for a small but growing recreation industry in the peaks of the city where snow and ice are boiled away for hot springs and mineral baths in the rich mountain rocks. The city is informally known as the City of Murals, as several local street artists protested the junta and its cruelties with emotional murals painted in hard to remove places.

1

Daelen wanders about the settlement, looking over the various murals, vents and businesses, looking for the local inn and/or tavern. He coasts about on his grav bike assuming it doesn't cause any trouble in town. He gives a few folks a smile and wave as he makes his way about the area.

There are several places to lay low or relax for your average traveler ,and you quickly find a small inn located near the main entryway into town. The settlement is not walled and has no gates, and the first inn you pass looks to be home to a few other travelers, along with some locals from other parts of town.

Daelen enters the tavern and takes a seat for himself. He looks about the room to gauge how everyone else is looking in the tavern. Once that is done, he asks how things have been for this settlement in the recent months.

(notice/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [4, 1] Result: 5

Daelen does not notice much out of place here. They cater to the occasional traveler but most of the crowd is people who live here coming to eat and drink after a day of hard labor. Everyone here is tired, and talks in low voices as though they're being listened to.

Daelen waves over one of the Staff and asks in a quiet tone,"Pardon me, but why is everyone speaking so quietly hear? Do we fear listening devices or is it my presence?"

"If we did, why would I tell you about it?" she says with a mix of confusion and perhaps a bit of fear on her face. "There's nothing to worry about. What would you like to drink?"

"Apologies, I didn't mean to upset you. Most inns and taverns I have been to over the years have been a bit more chaotic lets say that. Forgive me." Daelen looks over the menu quickly, "I'll do a (equivalent of a old fashioned.)"

"We've had our share of that. There is no violence here anymore, Rayce Stardust and the Protectorate have seen to that. Everyone here is tired and just wants to get back to their lives. Peace is a good thing" she says as she leaves the table, stopping back for a few seconds just to deliver the drink before moving off to another table waving her over for drink service.

Thats interesting....these locals have some high opinion on this Rayce fellow maybe I can gather more information on what he did here. Daelen thinks this to himself before he takes a long pull of his drink. He waits about 15 20 minutes before he approaches one of the tables. "Excuse me...can I trouble you all with a question? I heard this fellow Rayce Stardust mentioned around here alongside the Protectorates name. I was just curious as to what he accomplished here. Apologies, I may represent the Protectorate as well, but I don't know the history of all who have worked for them."

"He was one of the poeple who...encouraged...the junta to back down. More moderate members are in charge now, and well, ther'es a transitional government in place now. So they're not really in charge anymore"

"Interesting. So things as a whole have improved since he came and did this? There hasn't been any push back or trouble since?"

"Not that I know of. The Protectorate doesn't bother with us much. Kind of makes you wonder why they bothered to free us in the first place"

"Hmm, interesting. Well, perhaps things will change on that front soon. I appreciate you answering my question." Daeln gives the person a warm smile before Daelen moves to return to his table. He finishes his drink before turning in for the day.

You are given a simple room with simple furnishings but it is comfortable enough for what you've brought with you. You get a message close to midnight from the local garage where your bike was taken. The power cells have been replenished and repaired, and your bike is ready for use again. Aside from that note, the night is quiet and close to midnight those who were here to drink but not to stay are ushered out back into the cold streets to go home. Morning comes at six am local time with the nearby geothermal power station's whistle signaling the start of the workday.

Daelen wakes up with the sound of the whistle and begins going through his morning routine. His body still stiff and sore from the wounds and travel but he makes it through most of his morning work. He heads downstairs, grabbing some breakfast if there is any. Once that is done, he heads out to pick up his bike. His plan for the day is to head west across the small isle and explore that area over the next day or two.

(sounds good, will be a D10 and we'll have to take a flight there but there are places around to do so)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [4] Result: 4

The shuttle that brought you here is in system and the crew is relieved to see you are safe. You’re brought from the settlement out to the island where the ground is frozen and cold. The ice plains have interesting ice dune formations as there is little other shelter from the wind. This was a temperate region at one point in the planets history but the bark on the few remaining trees has been frozen into petrifaction for so long the trees are more sculpture than anything else

Daelen takes notes as well as a few images of the various trees, thinking this may be a great place to have an artists retreat or a yearly tourist destination thing. He looks over the ice dunes, capturing them in the various bits of beauty, the planets sun I imagine bounces off the ice occasionally. He continues to proceed farther west until he reaches the coastline. Continuing to document and keep his eye out for any local creatures.

(notice/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /r

(9)

There are a few varietes of creature here. One of them is a large snow colored feline called a Snowy Balvarine. They are about the size of a terran hippo, but are feline in nature with large horns growing from their back.

1

Daelen documents and carefully photographs the creature from a distance before continuing on.

(how much of a distance so I can determine if they smell you or not? 0

(Like 40 ish meters)

(survive/wis)

(11)

5:46 PM

The creature begins to scent the air but you are downwind of the beast and you can smell the rank earth smell of its fur instead of it being able to smell you

Daelen slowly begins to back away from the creature, looking for a path around it that keeps it at a safe distance. Part of him considers turning back as if he goes upwind of the creature who knows what may happen.

(you could back up and leave the area, but that is up to you, I don't have much else to offer until something happens)

(We leave the area then)

(okay , D10 for the next zone if we're heading out)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [9] Result: 9

(okay, nd what is your favorite color. It's goin g somwhere, I promise)

(My personal favorite? It's a scarlet red.)

This area brings you close to the frozen coast. The land here is desolate with frozen trees and a few small shrubs that manage to grow small amounts every year during the warm season , where the frost melts just enough. The ice this close to the coast is thin, and a sea of scarlet red fish the size of bass swim below the surface of the clear ice, filtering plankton to eat.

"Well, I will be a monkey's uncle.....look af these fish! No in back on Heras I'd going to believe it. Not to mention if they are edible the potential to fish them." Daelen says as he record various images and observations to pass along to the biologist egg heads.

(we could try to catch one if you want with a survive/wis. Samples are always helpful)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [3, 1] Result: 5

Cracking through the ice and making a small hole, Daelen is able to fashion a crude fishing rod with the survival supplies on hand. The line is cast, and though it is not known what these creatures eat.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [2d6-2] Roll: [4, 3] Result: 5

There is a large tug on the rod as a piece of ration pack shelf stable meat is grabbed by one of the scarlet fish, and they immediately realize they have swallowed a hook

Daelen tried to reel it in if its still on the hook. His Monday remembering days fishing in rivers and ponds with a dad when he was a boy. A smile creeping slowly across his face.

The line wriggles in your hand. The fish struggles for several long minutes before you're finally able to reel it in. It splashes through the window you've cut into the ice, flopping on the frozen surface of the shoreline. Steam rises from its body as the warmer water underneath comes into contact with the cold air.

Daelen quickly moves to put it in a container to keep it in for the time being. He wipes his brow from sweat despite the coldness of the area before he packs up his gear once again.

(If you’re heading out we will get another d10, and this will take us to evening )

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [6] Result: 6

The sun is beginning to set as you come to the most wind whipped part of the island. There is little in the way of life here that lives on the land, though there are some sea birds you can see in the air. The wind has created large ice dunes and strange ice crystal formations.

Daelen approaches the various ice crystal formations. He inspects then and takes various images of them to save for posterity.

5:16 PM

Strange light begins to emerge from amid the crystals as the sun gets lower and lower into the sky, approaching dusk

"What in the world is going on?" Daelen says, as his eyes go a bit wide in response to the sight before their eyes. He takes images of the scene before him to record it in his datapad.

(are you just watching, or trying to get closer or further away? )

(Just watching for now)

(okay. notice/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [5, 4] Result: 10

There is something metaphysical happening here. Your equipment lacks the ability to tell you directly what it is, but you are seeing energies that cannot be measured on any spectrum you currently have access to.

Daelen places a marker on the map at this location....Maybe some of the magicians can figure this stuff out. He hops back on his grav bike, before turning around from the location to find a camping area for the night.

(survive/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [5, 2] Result: 8

You are able to find a secure shelter in the shadow of a large ice dune where you think it won't collapse and should protect you from the worsr of the prevailing winds. Morning arrives with you feeling refreshed, if a bit cold, and without danger.

Daelen packs up his night gear, proceeds to do a few morning stretches before hoping onto his grav bike and driving back towards the settlement.

(Exploring along the way or a beeline back?)

(Exploring on the way back)

(Okay, d10 please)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [9] Result: 9

Returning to the settlement by way of a slightly different path you enter a region where the prey animals for the Balvarines have migrated to. There are goat like creatures here , snffing the air and otherwise on the lookout for both food and predators (edited)

Daelen records images of the goat like creatures from a safe distance before continuing on to the settlement.

You return to the settlement after a day of exploring. Your bike and gear seem to have held up despite their formerly rough treatment.

Daelen takes some time to do some basic cleaning and such of his gear before heading back into the inn for some food then a nights sleep.

You are able to find space at the same inn for the night. The meal is hearty and filling after a night in the field eating preserved rations, and the bed is warm. The town seems quiet overnight with only the whistles announcing the start and stop of various factory and geothermal plant shifts interrupting your sleep for a few brief seconds.

Daelen finishes off his night of sleep without too much interruption before getting up and doing his morning routine. He heads down to gather some breakfast before getting back onto the road. His path going northeast, towards the Jaws of the World.

(D10 for me!)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [7] Result: 7

Heading northeast to the large and impressive mountain range you are first needing to cross the large fields of ice and frozen forest on the way to the destination. Traveling the first 200km has you passing across a desolate ice plains but survey scans reveal most of the ice here is made from fresh water with little contamination in it, a boon to thirsty worlds elsewhere, or for supplying the steam powered devices in the settlements.

Daelen marks the location to pass onto the Protectorate and the locals. It won't be easy harvesting but I'd probably worth the.investment in his book. He looks to continue on whole daylight.

(d10 _

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [10] Result: 10

The frozen countryside here gives way to ice ridges and low foothills. Based on the animal prints it seems likely that a group of medium sized pack hunters frequent the area

Daelen looks to cautiously follow the tracks. He primarily just wants to document the wildlife but he also understands the table could turn quickly as he continues forward on the grav bike.

(Forward as in leaving the area or folowing the tracks? )

(The tracks,)

(survive/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d10+1] Roll: [9, 4] Result: 14

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6+1] Roll: [5, 4] Result: 10

The tracks head off the road into the highland and you find the chewed up corpse of a goat like prey creature after an hour of searching. Bite marks on the body indicate at least four of the pack brought it down. Some bites are smaller than others, giving the indication that there is at least one young pack member among the adults.

Daelen takes notes of the information, as well as documenting the tracks and some of the variations in bite sizes on the animal. He looks around and he sighs, he'd give up chasing them for now. Daelen doesn't want to risk being caught in a ambush by a pack of these creatures. He hops back on his grav bike and continues on towards the mountains.

(one more D10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [7] Result: 7

The mountains begin to loom and there is a powerful heat electric lighting storm on the horizon.

Daelen grumbles as he contemplates his options. He definitely doesn't want to be caught out in the open. He starts looking over the local area for some cover from the storm.

There is an outcropping of rocks facing the direction most of the wind seems to be coming from. There is also a grove of pine like trees where most of the small animals in the path of the storm seem to have bedded down as they wait for it to pass.

"I don't like the looks of this but we are going to do the best we can." Daelen says to himself as he steers the grav bike over to where the trees are. He looks for a tree where he can ideally hide under along with the grav bike.

Using some of the items from your survival kit you are able to construct a rudimentary shelter just as the wind begins to pick up. Rain begins to lash at the pine fronds and there is a bit of ice included there as hail. Fall is quickly coming to the Iron Stars. This world is always frozen, but there are occasional warm days where rains take the place of snows, before frozen night time temperatures turn everything back to ice. The wind begins to howl louder, rippling the edges of the tarp shelter you've constructed for yourself.

I groan to myself as I should have checked the weather before heading out here. However, it's too late to have any regrets, I just have to deal with the situation in front of myself. Daelen does what he can to hold the tarp in place, knowing if that gets in here, he's basically screwed. (edited)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [2d6] Roll: [4, 1] Result: 5

The wind continues to blow and there is something skittering outside the covering. There is a brief glimpse of white fur and small white paws. It looks to be trying to get inside your makeshift shelter.

"Damn it," Daelen curses as he checks to make sure his pistol and knife are readily at hand before he opens the shelter to the critter. His heart going out to it despite the fact it could try to kill him. No person or animal should be left to a storm like this.

The white colored fox like animal crawls into the shleter with you to get some cover from the wind and ice. Though it has fur, it is freezing and it gratefully curls up close to you, both of you just trying to survive the harsh weather outside.

Daelen quickly closes the flap back up on the tarp and begins to look through his survival kit for something like a towel. He wants to do what he can to try to drip off the little fox-like creatures fur, while they are huddling together for warmth.

There is a second tarp inside that can be used for this. It is rubbery and not the best at drying, but it seems to work well enough to get the worst of the snow and ice off the fur of the creature. There are also several survival flares within the survival kit that would make a small amount of warmth and light as darkness begins to set in.

AFter using the spare tarp to get the worst of the ice and snow off the creature, Daelen pulls out one of the flares and makes a little hole in the ground to place the flare a safe distance away from them. He then proceeds to light the flare and place it in the hole. Then he mounds the ground back up around the flare to hold it in place.

The flare burns gently and quietly as it is planted into the ground. Sparks gently fly and are snuffed out by the snow, and you and the small creature huddle under the tent until morning when the storm finally breaks. (1 system strain applied for not having the night of sleep/exhausting conditions)

I cough and rub my sleep deprived eyes as the storm breaks. Daelen looks to begin gathering my equipment within the tarp and placing it away. He then takes down the tarp and places it back in the survival kit. He sets the creature on the ground and waits to see if it leaves before looking over his grav bike.

The creature looks to want to be friends. It is keeping close to you and even tries curling up on the seat of the bike, still shivering slightly.

Daelen sighs and move's the creature to rest on his lap as he speeds off towards the mountains once more. One hand rests on the creature to keep it in place as he steers the bike. His pace is slowler than normal as he doesn't want to knock the little fox creature off the bike.

The fox is curled up against you and seems like it will be fine no matter how fast you drive the bike. The day is uneventful and by evening you reach the foot of the mountain range known as the Jaws of the World. The tops of the cliffs are hidden behind thick clouds that promise to bring more snow and rain to those who plan to climb the mountain. You cannot see what might be at the top .

Daelen documents the area with images and notes the weather around the area. Having reached the Jaws, Daelen turns north and travels along the base of the mountains for a while. Should those clouds threaten his path he will steer away from them to seek shelter.

Without ascending the view does not change. The peaks are buried under a wall of thick gray clouds occasionally lit from within by cloud to cloud lighting around its edges. (edited)

Daelen continues north, his gaze flicking back to the mountains, but without proper gear, climbing those slopes might as well be a drawn out death sentence.

(So we're now going past the mountains to the coast up there?)

(Yes. That's the plan.)

(okay, D10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [2] Result: 2

Heading north, the Jaws of the World are leftbehind and you continue on ,leaving the mountains behind you. Your fox companion shows no indication of wanting to leave despite being a very far distance from anything it might have considered home. The land goes from highlands to a rocky ice plains once again where more herds of goat like creatures are migrating.

Daelen rubs the fox creatures back slowly as he continues to drive on. He takes images of the goat like creatures moving along the icy plains. He looks to take images of their tracks in order to notate their potential migration route.

The goats are not heading in the same direction, their path looks to be heading from east to west , and you would need to divert from your route to see the nesting rgounds where they will be ending up.

Daelen will follow the tracks to the nesting grounds as long as the goat like creatures make no action towards him. He looks down at the fox like creature, scratching them behind the ears, "If you are gonna be sticking around, I should give you a name. What do you think little one?"

The creature is sleeping but lazily opens its eye to look at you before closing it again. You're not sure, but you think the creature might be smiling.

Daelen thinks for a few moments and ponders a name for the little one. He shuffles through a couple none of then really fitting in his head. He has to be careful due to the fact that he wasn't sure if the creature was a boy or a girl or if the creature had such definitions of sex. "How does Tahki sound little one?"

It seems to like the name and will respond to it. It tucks its head back in against its furry body to stay warm as you survey the nesting grounds. The herd has been through here recently. You think close to 100 creatures in total passed the area

Daelen smiles and ruffles the creatures fur as he documents the nesting grounds. Taking stock of various things, he finishes his work on the nesting grounds, noting the direction the tracks are headed before going around to the far side of the mountains and making his way back down the landmass.

(d10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [9] Result: 9

(do you want a bird or a reptile)

(Bird sounds like it could be fun.)

There are several large species of puffin like birds in the trees in this area, attracted to tthe seeds and worms that end up in the dung from the passing grazing beasts. The lean heavily on straining branches and all look like they have been eating well recently.

8:33 AM

Bright yellow and white bellies with dark backs and orange beaks look down from the surrounding trees to regard you and your furry companion.

Daelen chuckles at the birds movement towards me. He nudges Tahki to take a look at the birds as he brings them to a stop along the coastline.

They seem content to watch and observe you. Some of them caw to one another, and show no signs of hostility. The region seems to be filled with them and their nests, as well as more creatures like Tahki that seem to eat these ground based eggs as one of their many food sources.

Daelen takes a few images of them, before leaving their nesting grounds and continue further south.

(d10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [8] Result: 8

Heading south along the coast you come to an ice flow ehere many ice bergs have crashed into the rocky beach and have smashed inot smaller pieces. Kelp, fish,and pieces of mineral rich rock have also been grabbed by these thick blocks of ice and are likewise scattered on the beach.

Daelen approaches one of the blocks of ice, he looks to chip off a hunk of rock. Thinking that he can give it to someone to analyze what kinds of minerals are in it. He grabs some water and takes some food before continuing on after some more documenting of the area.

(d10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [4] Result: 4

Heading south following the coast the ice fields eventuality recede, and you come to an area where massive basking creatures out in the sea have come to the surface. You can see them from the beach.

Daelen takes images of the creatues and moves closer to the ocean edge to get a better look at them. The ocean breeze cool against his skin as he runs a hand through his hair. A small smile creeping across his face. (edited)

(the waves here are kinda flat. We could take the grav bike a short distance out if you wanted a closer look)

(Let's do that.)

(Pilot/dex)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [5, 4] Result: 9

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/serpent-tail-whale-article The creatures look similar to a species discovered on another planet, leading to further insight that there may be a common genome disseminated among many worlds as part of a life seeding program

Serpent Tail Whale

Daelen records the information down and forwards it to either a university or a similar research location on biological life. With that done, along with images captured, he heads back to shore and continues south.

(You’d have to return to civilization to forward it)

5:23 AM

(D10)

(I wasn't sure. He would just mark it as priority on his comm pad to send out)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [9] Result: 9

Heading south you enter empty ice fields. There is no life here. There is just wind swept snow and ice. There are no trees or plants

*Daelen figured there would be places such as this here...but having found one, he finds it incredibly eerie as he continues his trek down the island.

(D10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [7] Result: 7

Continuing south in this region the terrain remains the same , it is empty ice desert and quiet stretches of dune where there are no creatures or plants

Daelen continues farther south, looking down at Tahki, making sure they are doing alright.

The creature is doing well, and seems to be getting used to your company. You tihnk with time you might be able to train it to be of more use to you, but for now it is a companion and is doing its job well. The land around you is deolate, the ice barrens this world was known for, and it continues to spread out around you in all directions.

DAelen continues his trek south, looking to make his way to the southern coast before heading back west.

(one more D10)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [3] Result: 3

You continue heading to the coast, doing what you can to avoid the wind and the worst of the snow. The sun begins to set as you continue pushing through what amounts to an ice desert.

Daelen lets out a low whistle as he looks to find at least something to at as a windbreak. Or at least a place to set up his survival tent up by as it's time to bed down for the evening.

The dunes provide the only cover and variation in the endlessly nothing terrain. A few of them close to your bike look to be the tallest and sturdiest- least likely to collapse and bury you under a strong gale.

Daelen maneuvers the bike behind one of those dunes and begins setting up the survival tent and gear. He gives Tahki some scritches as he begins climbing inside along with Tahki to get cover from the coming night.

(this is our second night, so we will have used two rations. How many do we have left? )

(That's my last one. Will need to return to a town to resupply the next day.)

There is no storm tonight and you make all speed back to the settlement. Your stomach starts to growl as you reach the gates of the settlement , having ridden hard all day to make it back in time. (3xp , 5000 credits )

Daelen parks the grav bike outside and heads into the inn to get some food and bed down for the night. Hopefully, the locals don't get too upset over Tahki. (Okay, that puts me at 12 xp and level 4. For skill points I'm moving Punch, Talk, Perform from -1 to 0. And I get a new foci as well, which I'll do more looking into after work today.)

(You do not get a new foci at level 4. That is level 5)

(MY bad, my brain was being dumb.)

(all good, did you want to do anything while you're here?)

(Probabky looking to restock rations, say 5 days worth. How much left to explore here?)

(I don’t really want to 100% the planet if the stuff we find here just gets a cursory scan and we move on. )

5:28 AM

(There’s a ton of other missions out there too )

(That's fine with me. I do want to forward the data I collected to the necessary experts so they can take a look at it. What kinds of missions do you have in mind?)

(Well the idea is the players do the firsthand observation and try to learn about things, not just scan it and drive away. There;s a ton of missions on the EP server, if you give me a vauge idea of something you'd want to be interested in we can do that, or this might be where we pick up Rayce instead)

(Hmmm, maybe sinerhing smuggler related if there is such a mission. Or a information gathering mission on rogue or extremist elements somewhere. Something a bit different from this past mission.)

(We don't know anything about this system really ,right on the border of EP space)

8:42 AM

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/gunn-location

Gunn

(Sounds like a good time, lets do it.)

(Did you want to build a ship? You’d have access to that fund. Not sure if you did already or not)

(I haven't built one for Daelen. I can look to do it after work.)

(Sounds good to me)

(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-P-dCRrWrD7AzWWK8Jh_VtqRK9Kb9RoUCgOrt2QV8Z4/edit?usp=sharing This is what I currently have. If anything is out of line, or if its too expensive for the fund. I think I came in under, but I could have mathed wrong. Open to any suggestions you have that it should have.)

Daelen's Ship

Ship Builder ver 3.1 Last Sunset,Fix Lvl?,Tinker?,Mage,Polity?,HP:,30,Build Speed:,Min Crew 5,Lvl 2,No,Greystar,AC:,14,150,000 per day,1 Max Mods:,Mods Half-price,Year,Month,Armor:,2,Build Complete: 10 days,Max Crew Daelen Raegar,10,-1 Pretech Cost,6,8,Speed:,3,Year: 6 | Month: 8,6 Options,Qty...

(I know we are talking about this in the EP server. If this is the fjnal design I’ll check it out ) (edited)

(It should be fully updated with the changes. IE final set up) (edited)

(Everything looks good to me) Several days pass in the bar here as Daelen begins working through draft after draft of plans. A final design is submitted to the polity shipyard for building - as Daelen has been assigned to explore the world of Gunn- a system little is known about at the edge of polity space. After a week or so of planning and drinking has a message coming to your pad, the ship has been delivered and is waiting in orbit, along with a Protectorate crew to help run its operation , as no ship can handle the perils of spike space with a crew of less than three.

Daelen, with all the preparations done, and further supplies purchased, begins making his way to the spaceport to travel up to his ship. He has named it something a bit auspicious, but considering his past, he finds it ironic. The Last Sunset, resting in its dock before him as he begins to approach it. His stride calm and even as he makes his way on board.

The ship is new and clean and the crew bringing it here for you has left the largest of the cabins for you as the captain of the vessel. They seem professional, if quiet. Their personalities will come out in time. After a brief stop at the orbital ship service depot to refuel and refresh the ship stores the ship is ready to head out.

Daelen heads into the captain's quarters and begins putting away his various gear and pieces of equipment. Things that he won't need immediate access to once on the ground. Things like spare clothes, tools, compads, etc, gets stored within his quarters while he keeps a separate go to ground bag fully packed and ready to go.

(anything else we want to do here befoer we set out?)

(I don't think so.)

(Three days of downtime as we depart )

(Let's work on talk then for the 3 days.)

Arriving in the Gunn system at the edge of system space the very scant scouting report gathered from a passing ISF scout craft appears on the console. Almost nothing is known about the system. https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/gunn-location (program/int)

Gunn

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [5, 2] Result: 7

There is a single point of contact on the alpine world. It is a small signature,s o you can tell even from the distance of space it is not a large settled area. There is also a distress call coming from the barren world.

Daelen marks the location of the settlement before heading towards the distress call. He begins gearing up for a potential firefight on the ground with whatever is causing the situation.

The distress call is coming from a mining facility. From orbit it looks abandoned and there is no sign of struggle. The distress call has been repeating for a long time , analyzing several playbacks of the brief automated message the programming officer can see several compiling errors in the code that would become apparent after years of the same script running

Daelen would notated that but still feels that the area should be investigated to see what happened. And if the mining facility can be brought back online.

(How close would you want to land do it?)

(Say a kilometer or so away then approach on the grav bike. Assuming there is a suitable landing spot.)

(Let’s get. Ad10 for our landing zone but yes we can do that )

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [1d10] Roll: [2] Result: 2

You land a kilometer from the abandoned mine. Passing over it on the way in, the mines looke to have been operational after the scream, and have stopped activity only recently. The mines are centered around a massive open pit in the ground with a spiraling road going from the base of the quarry up to the surrounding land itsellf. Aside from the quarry and massive amount of mining vehicles there, the mines consist of a large Headquarters style office, several worker dormatory trailers, a camp kitchen, a satellite office for the foreman near the mine, a machine shop for both tools and vehicles, and a small medical ward. There are no signs of violence, but there are also no signs of inhabitation or recent activity. (edited)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 10/27/2023 10:07 AM

Daelen approaches the headquarters area first. His assumption is, it's the best place to start solving what happened here. He moves with his pistol out just in case.

(lets get a notice/wis as we pull up)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [6, 3] Result: 9

The facility appears empty as you drive through it but the automated security is still in use , and more importantly someone has gone through the effort of turning it on. A laser grid is in place over the doors of the office. Motes of dust illuminate the otherwise invisible beams for a few seconds at a time

Daelen thinks this is rather odd for the security to be active here. Someone must be trying to hide something. He would make a look around the headquarters to see if there is another entrance before looking to either disable the lasers, or try to gi through them.

The roof has a skylight on it and you can see the A-frame of the metal and armored glass structure from the ground. There doesn't seem to be an exterior way to disable the laser grid.

Daelen grunts and leaves the headquarters area and proceeds to the foreman's office if there is such a thing. Perhaps he can run into whoever is here out on the grounds on the facility.

(I pinned the post that says what buildings are here and the foremans office is one of them)

10:56 AM

The office is a trailer at the edge of the quarry and upon approaching it you can see that its door has been ripped off the hinges and lies crumpled , almost folded in half upon itself nearby.

Daelen slowly makes his way into the foremans office, his pistol out as he crouches, trying to minimize noise as he enters.

The office has been ransacked. Furnishings have been smashed and overturned and a low powered mining laser has been used to write a warning on the wall. “All is for naught. Give thyself to the great machine “

"What in the world happened here? This almost seems cult like," Daelen says to himself as he looks over the various pieces of furniture and other things. He seeks to find any papers, or anything that can provide him any information besides the cryptic message on the wall.

(admin/int)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [5, 1] Result: 5

The maps, diagrams, and reports here are scattered, water damaged, out of order, and some of them are covered in blood. Something was found within the quarry and was brought to the main building where it was then locked down. The miners were having bad dreams and many of them began to hurt or even kill themselves with the mining tools and weapons here meant to keep local predators away. there is nothing here about the great machine the cryptic despondant message scrawled on the wall refers to.

Daelen takes notes on what he has found. As well as just some notes that we will need an expert most likely to check this out. He exits the fireman's office and proceeds to trek through the residential spaces.

The residential building is a large three story building meant to house all of the workers that mined, cooked, tended,cleaned, and otherwise handled the day to day of keeping the quarry running. The front door has been torn off its hinges similar to what you had seen at the foremans office but this time the door has been thrown aside rather than neatly folded and set aside.

Daelen takes notes of the destruction of the door, wondering what kind of creature could have done this. He makes his way inside and checks out the first floor of the building.

(notice/wis)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [6, 3] Result: 9

There was violence here. Weapons in the traditional sense were not used but a few moments spent examining burns in the walls and chunks of rock and prefab building mix gives the impression that mining tools turned into makeshift w eapons were used against one another.

Daelen looks over the scene, his mind turning over the various reasoning as to what these people discovered here that drove some of them mad. At least, that is the most likely conclusion he arrives at as he survives the scene. The makeshift weapons, the facct that they were used against each other. That leads him to believe there was a normal group and a affected group by whatever happened here. Dalene notates this as he continues to look higher in the residence area.

More evidence of the same is found on the second floor of the residence. There are still no bodies here but there is more damage consistent with improvised weapons.

Daelen continues to the final level of the residence, taking a peek out any windows to see if there is any movement outside while he is doing this.

The highest level was reserved for the three shift foremen and the camp overseer 's personal quarters. All four of those men were pinned to the wall with mining pitons and have been left here to rot. They seemed to be the focus of the violence here and their deaths were neither quick nor painless.

9:26 AM

There is no activity outside that you are able to see

Daelen would investigate the bodies for any potential bits of information on the bodies. He doesn't like leaving the bodies to rot, but he doesn't necessarily enough time to do.

The bodies have been crucified here in their work coveralls but personal effects like any papers, wallets, or compads were taken from them either before, during, or after they were mounted here to meet their grisly end.

Daelen cleans off his hands and makes his way out of the reisdence building. His face rather grim as he steps out back onto the hard dirt ground. Daelen then proceeds towards the machine shop, thinking there maybe some evidence of the modifications being done there.

(one more notice/wis on the way over there)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6] Roll: [5, 4] Result: 9

The machine shop is empty and abandoned. All manner of mining tools have been pulled apart. Most were refashioned into the weapons you saw evidence of at the dorms, and leftover parts were kept here, things that could not be grafted onto any other tools. It looks like almost any piece of machinery or tool in good condition was used for this purpose and there were no weapons left behind by whoever survived the fight in the dormatory based on your initial sweeps through the facility.

Daelen record images of the location. He looks back over at the headquarters. He looks at his pack which has a few various grenades and a demo charge in it. However, he thinks it's over kill for just trying to get in there. With just the medical bay left, Daelen heads in that direction.

(How did you want to go about getting in?)

(The medical bay or headquarters?)

(I got a bit confused by your post. I see you're skipping HQ now and going to medical) The medical ward is in as poor shape as the dormatories once you arrive and poke your head into the broken door. Heavy fighting happened here and this is the first place where you have found bodies. Many of them were killed as they laid here recovering from injuries or sickness. There is almost no soft tissue left on them after five years of laying outside, so it is impossible to tell if they died from wounds or from disease, but the descration done to the bodies after could not be mistaken for anything else.

Darlen let's out a slow, sad whistle as he goes about the medical ward, searching for any notes, supplies, or anything at all.

(Admin/int)

Rayce Stardust

used /roll

Daelen Raegon Request: [2d6-1] Roll: [3, 1] Result: 3

Something was dug up in the crater and it began making the workers sick from being near it. That is the most you can gather from the scattered notes left behind. The terminal stages of the disease caused them to go mad with rage and attack anything in sight. The overseer of the camp was ordering the crater filled in as much as possible.

Daelen makes digital copies of the notes listed in front of him to save it for later. With that done, he exits and heads back towards the grav bike to return to the ship.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Awesome, sheet is updated.)

(is this where we want to bring Rayce back in?)

(That works.)

(okay, I'll archive this. Let me know what you want to do with Rayce)

(Probably something simple and potentially straightforward to start with. SAy a standard cargo delivery to a EP planet?)