Iron Stars - ehled

Ehled awakens in the run down apartment he occupies on the south side of Ash City. The money is running out and the opportunity for quick cash around the neighborhood is drying up as dealers move elsewhere or throw in the towel due to the increased police presence. The compad you own, battered as it is, pings gently as a notification comes in. The tone is different than your normal message alert - something priority and upon flipping it over you can see an official government message has been sent to you, waiting to be opened. Outside the neighbors dog is barking again. It never seems to stop no matter what time of day or night it is. A toilet flushes in the apartment next door and you know the flange being defective in that unit will mean water soaks through the shared wall onto your side. It all feels like just a bit too much. Something had to change. The reminder tone pings again gently. @Edwardtheking555

Ehled turns back to the compad as the smell from the other apartment spreads. Government message, huh? I swear if it is court summons or new bills or a warrant for that thing a couple days back... I suppose I will have to move again. He touches the notification, awaiting with dread for it to open, the compad is slow, but it still works, not that buying another one is really the best option right now.

1

The message begins to scroll across your screen. This is not what you were expecting. Greystar is looking for new agents and it seems they must have found at least some transferable skills in your arrest record. It seems they’d like to interview you for some sort of wilderness expedition here on Acastus. Now that the polity is able to spend more resources and attention at home, it seems there are some unknowns they’d like to make more known.

Ehled is surprised, a government job? That sounded perfect to his ears, it was in no way illegal or suspicious, it was right here on Acastus and everyone knew government jobs were the best you could find in terms of stability and pay, not counting the more shady ones. He quickly read thru the specifics, watching out for anything that could tip him off this was not a real offer. After he was satisfied her replied to the message with a yes and looked around his apartment. Good riddance you dump! He thought to himself as he got dressed in his most presentable clothing, a suit (even if it wasn't washed in a while) and grabbed all of his belonging. Then he checked the message again, looking for details where to go and when. He would show up as soon as possible.

There is nothing making it look like this offer is a fake or otherwise insincere. You're given directions to the local GSC recruiting office in your neighborhood where the local officer has been briefed ahead of time on possible assignments for you, and will be able to give you more information when you are there. Interestingly, it says to also make arrangements in the event you're asked to travel- possibly right away, if you have anything in the home that needs tending

Ehled pauses at the last line and looks around, searching for anything which required his attention. He didn't have any plants to take care of, or any pets for that matter. He decided it would be for the best to bring as much as he could with him and so he did. Taking anything he owned which could be considered of value and was easy enough to transport. Organizing it all way into his backpack was a bit time consuming, but once it was done he was ready. He took one last look around, made sure everything was in place and then he left. Locking the door behind him. Armed, armored up (of course hidden under the usual clothing) and with 25 credits in his pocket he was ready to make a better future for himself working a clean job.

The office is in a bit of a rough neighborhood but no one has been silly enough to try to bother the government office here directly. Two security guards stand outside and survey the streets, one of them opens the door for you as you approach and inside you are met with calming music, soft falling water sounds from a fountain in one of the corners, and a smell of strong very smooth coffee. "Please help yourself, the site officer will be around to discuss the job with you in a moment" As you get inside and sit in one of the chairs you see the news is on here too, and some more specific publications discuss recent declassified Greystar operations. You flip through the glossy pictures for a few moments and as you really get into an article about the Veles, the flagship of the Greystar Fleet, there is a soft chime and the human male administrator that oversees this office waves for you to come back to his small chamber so you can preview the job Greystar has in mind.

Ehled sits up and puts the magazine back down, he could take another look later. He did have a certain fondness for ships, as he spent so long travelling around, but now he hoped this interview went well, he did need a job. All he had was a few days worth of food in credits, and rent was coming up as always. Not that sleeping on the streets or less than desirable places was terribly strange to him, but his back would be in pain after that. Before he entered the chambers, he straightened out his outfit, then he entered and closed the door behind him. "Good day." He said to the man, doing his best to come of as polite as possible.

“Please have a seat. I’ll keep this brief. Saw you admiring the article about the Veles there and we have a job you might be interested in if ships are your thing “

Ehled sits down. "Who wouldn't like the Veles, pride of the fleet?" He smiles slightly. Then regains his composure. "But yes, I am interested in a job, and don't mind boarding a ship to do it. I just would like to hear the details of where I would be going and doing what."

"That is the purpose of this meeting. This mission is actually not for Greystar directly, but for Aiya-Tech, one of our major industrial groups within the polity. They're on the hunt for new spacefaring technology and have identified the wreck field within the Dura-In system as a place where they think it can be found. A group calling themselves the Blue Rain Freeguild once had a station in the system along with an advanced pre-tech battle cruiser. Both of those things were destroyed in a Greystar campaign, but the wrecks are still there and are intact enough to at least board. We don't know if the search will bear fruit, or what dangers might be within, but its a chance to at least try to find something new"

Ehled goes over the man's words again and again. "So what would be my role on this salvage mission to be precise? I will glady accept it, stars know I need a job, but I wish to know how to prepare for this mission, I am sure you understand."

"We';ve got your record. You know how to get into places others cannot, and you're good with a gun. We need someone like that to help enhance the security profile of the expedition. We're not expecting anyone to still be alive on those wrecks, but there might be leftover combat drones from the assault, or automated defenses with enough power to keep running in some of the station chunks"

Ehled thinks it over, but the thought of running out of money comes to mind. "Running security? Sounds simple enough, consider me onboard, now where and what do I board?"

"There is a shuttle leaving from Dura-In from the starhab, we'll get you up there too. You'll be able to requisition an armored vac suit for your use. We're exploring wreckage so we're not worried about punching holes in any hull plating, we don't need to worry about void carbines for this one. You'll meet the rest of the team on the flight over"

Ehled nods. "Thank you, I suppose I am off to the shuttle then." He stands up. "Have a nice day."

The next several hours are a blur of being moved into different shuttles, and then finally the Greystar space hab where the vessel taking you to Dura- In is located. You can see three other mission team members and another Greystar administrator are present, as well as the flight crew.

Ehled makes sure his suit is in a passable condition one last time, before walking up to them. "Hello, Ehled Lowward, reporting in." He says quickly glancing between the three members. Offering his hand in greeting in front of him. Trying not to come off as too stuck up or too relaxed, first impressions are important, even if he did look a bit disheveled, as usual.

They all acknowledge you and begin getting aboard the vessel now that you’re all here. Everyone’s eager to get out to Dura-In and into the thick of the mission (usually if we see npcs a few times I name them but for now we won’t) The administrator here for the mission is available for last minute questions , otherwise will see you off. The locker where you can claim your armored vac suit is aboard the shuttle.

Ehled joins them in the shuttle, the mission seems clear and simple enough. He heads to his locker to get suited up, best to make sure his suit is in a good condition before they reach the wreck.

(So how long?)

(5 days, sorry, you answered within like two seconds as i was checking the map)

(Oh okay. No problem. I was busy anyway.)

(when you're back, let me know what you're wanting to spend the time on and I'll move this along)

(Back now. So what is on the ship?)

(Can I start to train a skill or is that supposed to happen in one downtime or can it carry across slowly?)

(You can start making progress towards a skill that is currently at -1)

(Thanks. @Nekosmash Can I work on progressing my security to 0 ? My reassoning is that a salvage crew would know a thing or two about cracking open doors.)

(Security isn't a skill, cracking open doors could be a number of different things. If you let me know the skill name I can see if it fits)

(Sorry about that, how about fix?)

(sure, so we're 5/90 on fix, and I'll post the world information here)

1

9:04 AM

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

Dura-In

Arriving in the system, the shuttle makes contact with the small Greystar space station that serves as the base of influence here. The wreck of the former Freeguild station and the destroyed Bruxcellus floats in space, accompanied by the other attending ships that once called this place a home.

12:00 PM

"Alright, we can get our bearings on the station, or I can take you guys right in, what do you want to do?" the pilot calls back to the crew common room where all of you are sitting, preparing your various kit

Ehled is busy preparing,making final checks on his suit. "If I have a vote, I vote we don't go in blind. Any extra information would be nice."

Docking with the station first seems to be the general agreement and after a six hour flight in from the system edge, you settle into the docking ring here and are permitted to take your first breaths of different recycled air. The station is busier, with a concourse, small mall, and there are more people walking around inside this way station than you would expect.

Ehled looks around as he follows the others, making sure not to lose track of the other agents, wouldn't be a good idea on his first day. He goes where they lead, but his gaze does wander all over the station. Quite a nice place, but it will have to wait, first the ship, get paid, then I can treat myself. After a bit of walking he speaks up. "So what should I be on lookout in the wreck?"

“Well that’s just it. Let’s split up and talk to some of the locals , see if anyone knows anything. Then we meet back here in an hour or so. What do you think?”

Ehled nods. "I am alright with that, meet you here in an hour then." He looks around, picks a random direction and walks away from the group. Best place to look for good salvage is a salvage shop. Look around the more expensive items, try to remember what they do and lool like. Unless they are trying to scam me... Ehled thinks as he walks around, looking for anything that he could use to help himself. Maybe my compad has some info on salvage or a database around here? There has to be some Grey Star or a company office where I can ask. Right? He keeps moving, still looking for helo.

(You’ve brought up several possible leads. Picking one will move the scene forward )

Ehled decides to look for salvage shop, perhaps they try to scam him, but hopefuly he is able to dodge such things.

You find a tinker near the main concourse who specializes in salvage and spacefaring devices here. He looks to be an older man with a forehead full of several different magnifying systems , fingers knotted from so many hours of the day with fine tools

Ehled walks up to him and first looks over the merchandise then he speaks to the man. "Hello, sorry for bothering, but would you mind telling me a bit about what you have for sale here?"

"Some recovery gear taken from the wrecks in the system mostly, a few trade bars of starship metal, not much honestly, just whatever comes in from debris field. "

"Let me guess, all the good salvage is already long gone?" Ehled notes, taking a good lobg look at the salvaged parts "Or are there perhaps still a few wrecks left alone?"

He shrugs. “System has only really been getting attention for a few months now. I just do what I can with what’s brought in

Ehled check how much time he has left. "So what would be considered good salvage? Rift drives? Computer parts? Something special?"

"Not sure what a rift drive is but if one came in it would be new technology I guess, so that might be something. Computer parts are always things I can move or sell, same with intact pieces of starship hull. there's a pretech battlecruiser in that wreck field that no one;s been able to get close to. I suspect anything coming in from there I could really turn around"

12:39 PM

"It's all ruins now too, too wrecked to fix, but the pieces..." he shrugs

"Thank you, here, something for you time." He hands the old man 5 credits and walks back to the meeting spot. At least it is something.

You still have about half an hour left from the looks of things, time enough to try to wrangle someone else for a conversation to try to get an idea of what it is like out in the debris field. The old tinker was getting his stock from somewhere, so it's clear someone is going outside"

A watering hole would be where I would spend my free time, if I had to go out into the field every single day. Somewhere cheap and close enough to airlocks. Ehled focuses on finding a bar, preferably one worn down a bit. Could always buy someone a drink or two for the information.

Other than the staff there’s s good collection of people in here today. Some are spacers. A few are polity crewmen from other ships. All look thirsty.

Ehled studies the spacers and the crewmen and waits for them to finish their current drinks. When they do he walks up to them. "Hello, would you mind helping me a bit? I would happily pay for a round while we talk."

"Help? Sure, what do you need?" they ask, still working on their drinks, but you've got their attention.

"Well, I recently got a job out in the debris field and I don't really have experience with such things. So I wanted to ask if you have any tips or advice. Like what to watch out for, what could be considered a good salvage, possible deadly mistakes, general advice about how to do my new job, I am sure any of you have much more experience then I do." Ehled answered. "Would be grateful, very so."

“Always make sure you know what’s around you and make slow movements. A suit rip or picture is disaster out in space. Anything you can bring back is valuable. Components , spare parts , items from ship lockers or armories, or if you’re really lucky you might even find modules that can’t be produced anymore - especially in the middle of the wreck field “

Ehled smiles. "Thank you, my employers were quite short on information for the job, I guess that is to expect huh?" He orders them a round. "Well, this was fun, but I have to go, unless I wish to be broke. Perhaps I see you again after the job. Enjoy!" He walks away.

12:50 PM

(how much do I pay?)

(5 credits seems fine)

(paid)

1:54 PM

Ehled goes back to the meeting spot.

You can see the team gathering again as your time apart comes to a close. It sounds like everyone is comparing information they managed to gather in the off time

"Hello." Ehled waits for his turn and then explains what he was told and by whom. "So we are off then?"

It seems like any information you were going to get you have now, and the team is ready to set out into the wreck field. The ship has been loaded with fresh supplies and fueled, and everyone is set to head out. Armored vac suits are handed out for those who do not have any and the shuttle slowly begins making its way into the debris field. The snails pace keeps wreckage from puncturing a hole in the vessel. (edited)

Ehled is a bit nervous, but hides it well enough. He is used to flying on ships, but usually not into debris fields, still he has his suit. "So what is our entry plan?"

"We're going to drift as close as possible to the vessel, and we're going to have to EVA over to an airlock or a breached deck we can get into. Once aboard the battle cruiser we're going to spread out and take a look at the deck we're on- to try to locate anything important we can salvage, and ensure no one has tampered with the place"

2:42 PM

The alert lights begin flashing as he finishes speaking. "Better get your helmet on, we're about ready to go"

Ehled puts on his helmet and takes extra care in making sure everything is ready for his exit into space. "Ready." He holds onto his seat until they come to a stop.

The amber light near the airlock begins flashing. You and the other salvage team members are asked to step inside so the external door can be opened once pressure is equalizes

Ehled does so and enters, preparing himself for what is about to happen.

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 11/16/2021 7:52 AM

The airlock moves up against the upper left section of this wreckage hunk but there is nothing intact on the battlecruiser to make an actual seal with. The light cycles to green and you feel air mix being switched on for each of you as the doors open- releasing you into space, and into the wreck of a battle cruiser that once represented a very real threat to the polity.

7:54 AM

A pair of dead crewmen float against the eastern wall of this room, wearing tattered Blue Rain Freeguild naval uniforms, icons that won't be seen again in this universe. The wrecks of several combat drones are also floating here, leftovers from the Greystar assault that destroyed both the ship and it's parent space station from within.

Ehled follows the rest, but takes a look at the drones. "Perhaps we could pull something from these?"

"Confederation is already using these, they were ours from the assault. Can try to get some parts though if you want"

"Eh, not really my field of expertise, better not explode them somehow. Let's keep on moving, there has to be something better deeper in the hull." Ehled moves on.

(Notice/wis)

(3)

Moving from this hull compartment you move down the central corridor in this wreckage chunk. You see a few more floating bodies here and can go right into the ruins of what was once the ship workshop, or further south into the crew areas of the ship.

"I will head to the crew quarters, something of vapue has to be there, unless someone already got to it." Ehled moves further south, moving carefuly towards the crew quarters.

Moving into the crew quarters you see more bodies have been left here. They're all wearing freeguild ship suits and many personal effects are floating about the room in zero gravity. A pair of laser rifles hang from straps on two of the men here, in patterns not in use back in Greystar territories.

Ehled gathers the laser rifles and other personal belongings which could be of value, after that he moves to inspect the rest of the room.

You see an interesting book floating in this room along with the trinkets you're looting, with some kind of charter in it that the freeguild believed in

"Oh, this is interesting." Ehled grabs it and opens it, trying to discern what it is about, some collector could want it possibly.

The book is semi frozen in the cold temperatures and you get the idea playing with it too much might break it.

Ehled carefuly puts it away and after taking another quick look around the room, considers where he can go next. (edited)

(We didn’t go into the workshop yet , but there’s no other way to leave this module from here )

Ehled heads to the workshop.

The workshop is a half destroyed ruin. Several of the workbenches have been melted and the ones that haven’t only have a few working tools, pulling from very limited emergency power. Ship instapanels were stored here for emergency patches and most were not opened or touched by damage control teams

He steps closer to the instapanels. "Potentialy worth something, bit heavy for me." He turns on his coms. "I have some instapanels here, untouched, could be worth something."

(instapanels are pretty light, I'd say especially in no gravity too)

2:30 PM

(light enough to be man portable, at least)

(sure, will take them then and move on)

'(notice/wis, as we move on)

(6)

You notice there is a small gap on the wall behind the panels. Once moved this section does not look like it was originally designed as part of the spacecraft but was something that was hollowed out by the crew later.

Ehled looks into the gap, trying to see if he could fit into it without possibly damaging his space suit. "I found a gap in the wall." He reports over the comms.

(There'd be a check of some kind depending on how you want to get in there, but the suit is an armored suit, so its less tear prone than others)

(I mean, what can I do? Squeeze in thru the gap? Remove some more panels or make the hole larger?)

(either of those options are good and are valid ways forward, but they're different skill rolls and may not even be a roll at all depending on how you describe what you're doing) (edited)

Ehled tries to squeeze thru the gap, he wasn't strong enough to make it more wide or had the right tools.

(Physical effect save)

(It says fail? 6vs14)

(yeah you needed a 14, you got a 6)

8:12 PM

(so it fails)

8:13 PM

There is a creak as you go to move into the space, and you hear the suit rip slightly at the mid section seconds before an air warning begins appearing across the visor of your helmet. An emergency patch is something all suits are issued, kept in a small pouch with contact sealant rated for void exposure- and the pouch is on your thigh

Ehled moves to get the emergency pach and tries to cover the rip.

(fix/int

(6)

The hissing noise stops and the cold that had been filling up the side of your suit seems to stop. For now, you've managed to arrest the worst of the damage.

Ehled decides not to risk another rip and stays away from the hole. "Hopefuly they don't take this out of my pay." (Where can I go?)

It looks like a Maintenance shaft is above you that you can float into and follow back to where you first entered the wreck. Other members of the team are checking in and it seems the computer expert has found something he can’t quite identify near the back of this damaged ship module (edited)

Ehled moves to meet up with his team, best to have someone around to stop him from killing himself by accident.

By the time you've caught up with them it looks like they're in the process of moving a man portable sized piece of technology off the ship. Whatever it is, it is damaged, and they're being careful to handle it right. You heard them mumble something about "siege warhead" but otherwise they are focused on getting out.

Ehled decides to follow them and help if they need it, but touching the warhead doesn't seem smart. "A siege warhead? I do hope the safety is on or that it is disabled."

They seem to have things under control, and the expedition retreats back to the safety of the shuttle. Your own finds have likewise been helpful, the space station here will be able to use the parts and panels to get a bit more living space for the people living there- no small thing when you live in a orbital.

8:37 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(I am not dead. Great.)

8:41 AM

Ehled is very pleased with the haul, there was a close encounter which he would prefer to avoid, but for 5k? This has been worth it.

(if you've seen things happening you want to get involved in, I can set that up for you, if you're not sure, or have no preference. there are other things happening around here I can put together for you )

(I am up for playing with Micaela Finnegan, I can wait for them to be free)

(airght, should be by ronight or tomorrow depending on how the rest of my day goes)

(here, no problem, just ping me when we start)

(Hey I noticed that your level up from help wasn’t updated here, it’s best to make sure that everything is correct on your thread for future reference)

1

Dr. Jasper Artemis | Suko

(Hey I noticed that your level up from help wasn’t updated here, it’s best to make sure that everything is correct on your thread for future reference)

(Oh damn, thanks!

)

3:25 PM

Level Up Level: 2 Focus: Wanderer 2 Old HP: 6 HP Roll: 10 New HP: 10 New Skills: Notice 0, Work 0, Talk 1 Current AB: 1 (edited)

3

(Oh btw do I go back home or will we start of with the Micaela rp from the start?)

(you will when we get the mission started)

(alright thanks!)

(shuold be done with that other mission shortly )

1

(as I said ping me when we are ready)

After five days returning to Acastus (spend that downtime how you want Ehled) , new orders come in, and agent @Micaela Finnegan | Adrian | has been assigned to the task. The plan is to travel from Acastus to Jahnavi to help the Red Sangha deal with a resistance movement on their harsh planet. The Sangha recently joined Greystar, no longer needing to sell their elite soldiers for food and water to survive. The Red Sangha elect to 'enlighten' themselves by ingesting the waters of their world which contain some sort of nano-parasite that simply removes emotion from the mind. The victims get enormous mental serenity and clarity, but typically die by about 50 years standard due to the terrible brain cancers that develop from it that bioscopics nor conventional treatments seem to be able to handle. No water filtering methods seem to be able to remove the contagion from the water, though not everyone suffers from it. Only those who willingly want to be enlightened seem to get the condition. There is a small case, about 2% of locals who suffer involuntarily and they are generally regarded with pity by the community, and they have not been able to reach nirvana by their own hand. Red Sangha soldiers do not run , do not panic, and remain fighting even long after the odds have turned against them. Serenity comes from loving the Red Sanga enough to give their lives for it, and they feel a deep sense of duty toward their home. Abbot Daniel Balavarata is close to succumbing from his own Enlightenment as a youth, and wants to leave behind a legacy of stability. A group called the Left Hand has reportedly survived in the wastelands of Jahnavi this entire time, and have a plan to forcibly enlighten everyone, removing the choice. Greystar operations have tried to delay and disrupt them, but the last few agents sent to the planet have gone missing, or been overwhelmed by Poor choices against determined Left Hand terrorists.

8:21 AM

(So we're on Acastus right now if you guys want to meet one another, and then I'll get us south)

(Oh crap I missed this somehow.)

9:24 AM

(I am going to make a quick buy sheet later today when I am home if that is okay and then we can start? Stuff I want to buy and all that.) (edited)

(sounds good, we can do that! if you want to RP for now,we can do that )

9:25 AM

(since your gear wouldnt matter for a nice chat with another player

(Then sure.)

9:26 AM

(I will work on my fix skill during the five days. Where am I right now then?)

9:26 AM

(Like location/building)

(The Acastus star hab)

(Alright.)

9:31 AM

Ehled steps out of his transport and breaths in the air, however fresh or not it is. "Ah to be on solid ground again, now then onto the important stuff." He akes his way throught the hub, the processing, the lounges and ports until he reaches roughly the middle of it. There has to be some kind of transportation service around here, gota get home somehow. He keeps on walking for a bit, but eventually sits down on a bench and relaxes. Pulling up his datapad to search for transport and to check what was going on while he was gone. "A scandal, stocks moving about... anything interesting happened at all?"

There is a message that looks like it was scheduled to be forwarded once Ehled was connected back to the Acastus Communucation Network from a Micaela Finnegan Subject Line: Pre-Mission Meetup Hello Mr. Lowward I have recently been informed we'll be shipping out on a joint mission together soon, I'm sure you're eager to relax and settle down dirtside for a little while so I was wondering if you'd be willing to meet up before it's go time. I know a good bar on the corner of North Ave and Baseline, drinks are on me if you can make it, just shoot me a reply." -Micaela Finnegan (edited)

Ehled is suprised, both by the message and the fact he already got another mission, but he supposed space travel counted as free time. He checked where he had to go, sent a quick reply and went to the bar, a free drink is never turned down. "Just landed, more than happy to meet you there today! On my way from the hub."

Transport is quickly achieved, and you manage to catch a transport down to the surface. Upon landing at Ash City, you find a car service to bring you north to Baseline and Main, closing in on the location pin Micaela has sent you. The ride has been paid for by GSC ops, and the driver wishes you a pleasant Second Rise upon reaching the corner where Micaela is waiting for you.

"Hello there, you must be Micaela? Ehled Lowward, pleasure to meet you." He extends his hand in greeting.

Micaela will grasp your hand and give a surprisingly firm shake for her small frame. She's utilitarianly in simple dark colors and unisex clothing with a light beige leather jacket. "You'd have the right if it, glad you came to meet before we got shipped out, I've got a table in the corner long as it hasn't been sniped with me stepping out here and you can let me know what you'd like and get to know each other before we share a tin can for a while."

"Something light, I don't wish to squander my pay on my first day back on land. Lets go sit down, then we can talk with hopefuly a little bit more quiet." Ehled walked into the bar.

The place is decent enough filled mainly with what look to be laborers and blue collar workers, Micaela gives out a couple of nods and half waves on her way to your seating and orders a few light beers on the wall mounted computer for the table before turning to Ehled, "Have you had the chance to read the brief yet? It seems like it could be fairly involved... and longterm."

"No, I expected to recive it within few days at least, but I won't complain. A job is a job and I need credits. I will read it later, right now the focus should be here. So tell me a bit about yourself?"

1:39 PM

(I did read it.)

Micaela pauses for more than a few moments thinking "i grew up here on Acastus, spent a bunch of my early life hanging out with some rough crowds, just finished a stint of shipping and handling. I know, still pretty job focused talk but that's been MY focus for a decent while, used to be my entire life but I'm trying to branch out now, maybe pick up a hobby or two, what about yourself; who is Ehled Lowward."

"Who is Ehled Lowward? The name gives it away, don't it? Born where most don't wish to be born, tried to leave, got stuck in jail for a bit, got out when things got complicated, spent a while drifting between places, moving when things got ugly, trying to keep myself in one piece." He has a drink of beer. "Now? Finally have a stable job, hopefully for a long time, it pays well, much more than I ever earned working against the authority. Prefer to avoid violence, but if it happens... well, better get it over with quick and quietly, no?" He has another sip. "Been stuck on that ship for five days and I scare away the first person who talks to me with my words, lucky me, huh?"

"I've seen scarier, sounds like an exciting life. But I can't blame you for settling on Greystar, the pay is insanely good and it's a lot safer than working against them; least till the next regime happens along." Micaela pauses to take a decent gulp from her drink "How is it, out there in space. I've never been off Acastus myself, just picked up bits and pieces of the outside world, what shows on the news networks and the like."

Ehled pauses thinking back to how he almost kicked the bucket. "From an inside of a ship or station? Beautiful. When you are out there? Wonderful, that is until there is a tear in your suit or some rock hits you out of nowhere. Then? Then it is the most frightening thing you ever will experience." Ehled takes another gulp of his drink. "Kinda like the ocean or the sea, it is cruel and terrible and wishes to kill you. Except now if you go overboard you might as well be dead. Be mindful of small gaps, if you have to try and fit, you should find another way."

"I always thought that forces of nature like that aren't cruel and terrible, they just are impartial and pure in a frightening way, its when we try to impose our will that things go badly. What do you think is going to happen with this whole independence thing?"

"Lets say they do win. What will be next? Their home is in ruins, their trade is going to be cut off, nobody wants to work or be seen working with someone who forces their own people to develop cancer and most important of all their own people will despise them, even if they manage to brainwash them all, it could take decades to acomplish such a task." Ehled looks around. "If you ask me? Someone is paying them to cause chaos, disturb the markets and force us to focus on them. Of course, just a theory, but I would bet 5 credits on it."

"Well I was actually talking about Greystar primarily but since we are on the job topic, I feel like with the nature of Enlightenment and what I've heard they may genuinely think that this is better for their people in the long run, shortened lifespans irregardless. If it is just a shellgame issue to keep us distracted then it's a fairly well thought out one. I'll take your bet."

"Oh Greystar? Better than some cult for sure, cults make very bad governments, at least now you can actually say if you dislike Greystar or not. Just so we are clear I do not, I wouldn't be working for them if I did. The pay is amazing too, much better than anything I did before. Call me shallow, but a man has to eat. Speaking of." Ehled finishes his beer, buying himself time to come up with his next stream of words. "Alright, 5 credits on the line. You claim they are fools I claim they are exploited fools. To our success."

Micaela lets out a sigh, "I suppose so, to our success. I just wish people would stop going about things so idiotically and actually use their heads for once."

"Oh don't worry about that, tell me a bit about your skills, I want to know who is watching my back, although I might be watching yours soon enough." Ehled smiled. "Thinking about getting a sniper rifle, used to be good with it."

"That would be handy to have, let you take someone out without even having to look them in the eyes... I've worked as an enforcer for a while for different groups, loud and quiet, tend to enjoy working in small groups and trying to get people to see the light, if that doesn't work out I usually have to do the dirty work up close and personal, to summarize I'm pretty sneaky and fair with a blade, people like talking to me as well for some reason. What about you, besides the former sniper rifle skills before you got old and out of touch with high caliber long distance murder?"

"I didn't get old, just that most jobs don't require you to fire a sniper rifle. A bit of practice and I will be back in my element, but that is more of a... we know we will have to kill them. I prefer to use words, talk to people, exploit the human weakness or the non human weakness, depends if they are human or not I suppose. Anyway, conversation is my prefered way of communication, second favourite is a high calliber direct message. If we get stuck in close range I got a back up gun, but I would prefer to stay away, line up the shot and take them down in one hit, you understand?" Ehled asks, before he checks the time. "Speaking of provisions, anything you would suggest I grab while I go and do my shopping later? Perhaps a change of clothing? I doubt the grey will fit in where we are going." He looks down at his outfit. Grey, black and white. "Will be way too hot."

"Change of clothes is a good idea, I snagged something official looking and have my regular day to day work slash casual clothes, I haven't done much look into what they wear over there, like you said it'll be hot but I'm not planning on pretending to be something I'm clearly not. Just make sure you've got gear for whether we're going in hot or silent, whatever you need to ply your trade, like you said before the pay is generous so I think we can splurge a little on stuff that'll keep us alive." Micaela will fiddle with the computer for a bit paying for a sandwich to go "I think you and I should work well together, you remind me of plenty of folks I've worked with before and that's a comfort, long as we got each others back and do our jobs."

"When I said hot clothes I mean something a bit lighter than a coat and long sleves shirt. Not blend in with the natives. More focused on not dying from a heat stroke." He pulled his collar and chuckled. "I think so too, anyway. I suppose I have to go and be quick about it, get what I need before we leave."

Micaela closes her eyes for a moment and takes a breath before opening them again "Good idea, I'll see you when we ship out."

"Alright. I expect it will be soon. If you need anything feel free to call." Ehled stands up and goes to acquire what he needs.

"Will do, and likewise" Micaela gives him a short wave before heading to the bar as he exits the building (And I think that's the end of the scene? That was fun and a good way to fill time while you got your shopping list together.)

(I think so, I got most of it down, but not sure what I might need and I dont want to carry to much random stuff.)

(keep in mind we can always get stuff once we get onto the planet and do some basic info gathering, and by always there'll likely be at least a little bit of an opportunity to acquire something if we are lacking in an incidental thing.)

(That’s what I planned on doing )

(Sure then I will post the basic list now and we can move on.)

3:29 AM

SHOPPING LIST Starting Credits 25015 Sniper Rifle = 400 Ammo, 20 rounds x2 = 20 Rations x5 = 25 New Credits: 24570

Your conversation continues a bit before you're both alerted that transit is waiting to bring you to orbit. Passing through the star-hab and being given over to yet another shuttle- this one heading south is a bit of a blur but you find yourselves settling into your personal cabins without trouble for the four day journey, stopping for six hours at Leda for an additional load of fuel.

1:13 PM

(so 4 days of downtime, we will get all that allocated and I'll move us on)

(Alright, do I add the stuff now or later when we land and visit a shop or something?)

Micaela will spend her time on the ship quietly taking time to herself to study up on material she could find on Jahvani and it's people but the lion's share is spent looking over manual's and writing related to the shuttle ship she's on and spacecraft in general. Fascinated by the workings of the "tin can" she finds herself in (allocating all 4 days to learning Fix)

Ehled would spend the time looking over manuals on how to fix things, maybe asking the local engineer a few questions here and there, perhaps even sharing some things he learned with Micaela, not that he knew much more.

Edwardtheking555

(Alright, do I add the stuff now or later when we land and visit a shop or something?)

(You bought the sniper and ammo already. If you want more stuff make me a list and we can grab it from the shuttle armory and locker )

(Thank you, I don't think I need anything else right now.)

Upon entering the system the platform Lower Heaven signals your ship, announcing that you will be docking with them first to get the latest intelligence from the Abbot himself before transport to the surface is arranged. You enter the dock seeing bald, and serene Red Sangha dock workers handling the connection of fuel lines, repair tunnels, and so on. The abbot is waiting on a gantry near where your ramp will extend with four of the elite Black Lotus bodyguards, renowned warriors even among a vaunted company like this. The abbot looks on as the ship comes into dock and the ramp lowers, allowing you to exit.

Ehled walks out of the ship, sees the aboot and moves to greet him.

Micaela stows her compad, shutting down the Greystar Recruitment video she was watching before she jaunts down the metal ramp and takes a moment to look out from the gantry at the surrounding spacedock, shielding her eyes from the sun and squinting uncomfortably in the light, before moving to catch up with Ehled and stops alongside him and bows slightly "Thank you for receiving us Abbot." (don't want to elaborate a ton past that yet since I don't want to just wrestle control of the convo before you get a chance Ehled) (edited)

"Yes, very nice of you too meet us here personally. Do you have somewhere more private we could disscuss our bussiness?" Ehled bows slighty, mimicking Micaela, unsure what the standard greeting here is.

"This is as close to private as we will get. On the surface There is every chance Left Hand agents will hear us. My Black Lotus are loyal to a fault. It is safe to speak in front of them" The shaven headed faces all look almost identical, but not quite. Each has a serene expression at odds with the matte black combat field uniforms and void carbines they carry. A lotus painted in gray adorns their shoulder guards. Some have painted short sutras on other flat surfaces of their armor, but otherwise their kit seems fairly uniform.

7:38 AM

One of them has the slight temple burns indicating they are a psychic that has been trained not to torch, likely by the Psychic Academy

"Alright then, has there been any recent developments? Something we might have missed during our transit?" Ehled asks, best to catch up before they begin to disscuss any plans.

"Nothing that has hurt us, but I do have a location of a cell operating just outside our city that might help speed your search for them."

"I'm especially interested in hearing what methods you use to deal with each other during your conflict, and what we should expect clashing with them"

"Yes, any information on them would be most appreciated, so we can prepare." Ehled says.

"Methods? We shoot them. There is no negotiation here, they are fanatics and there won't be peace until they've forcibly enlightened everyone"

"We meant more, what kind of weapons and how well armed they are, how well supplied they are. Such things, we will eliminate them, we just don't want to walk into an ambush if they are know for such things." Ehled explains in a calm voice.

Micaela is quite for the moment watching the two of them talk, as the gears grind in her head before interjecting "I suspect Ehled the main issue is their secrecy and the possibility of their numbers being seeded within The Red Sangha, as for equipment I would imagine it would be the same as whatever else is commonly available here, correct me if I'm wrong Abbot. But it seems our best course of action would be to follow up on this location and investigate the area ourselves."

"You have it right Madam. They wouldn't look much different from my Black Lotus here and indeed would look some degrees worse since resupply is difficult to accomplish in the badlands. You have the edge when it comes to personal equipment and technology"

"Ah good to hear, I think those are all my questions, you have any left Micaela?"

(Even pre-scream they were primarily using TL3 vehicles and weapons due to cheap/ease of maintaining them)

6:59 AM

(Them being really good at fighting carried the difference when fighting more conventional enemies)

(Well good thing we are unconventional.)

(For sure, just going to allow Micaela a chance for any other questions and once we're set, we'll get going)

(Indeed)

"One more question before we get ready and set out, do you have any idea what this cell is doing in particular this close to the city?"

"This close? Probably hoping to ambush a supply lander, or sneak into the city to try to release their 'improved' Liberation nonsense into the water. It would be a small team in either case, we noticed them on a fluke"

3:49 PM

"Normally they keep the numbers small when they operate close to the city so they're harder to detect"

"Alright, that is all I suppose, once you tell us the last know location we will gear up and set off, right Micaela?" Ehled turns to his colleague.

"It sounds like a solid plan to me. I can't think of anything more to ask at the moment Abbot."

“There’s an old vehicle depot south of the city , about 5 kilometers out. We decommissioned the facility a long time ago, before the scream even. There’s no vehicles there now but it’s a big metal and cement building and it makes scanning difficult. Perfect place to hide. We caught them by chance while testing a recon drone and we don’t think they know we know where they are “

"To make our mission clear you want us to head in there quietly, take them out; and see what we can recover if they're located in the old depot? Seems doable, it's a pre-scream facility so I imagine data records on it may have been lost, would there be the possibility of a blueprint floating around anywhere?"

"That would be most useful, hopefuly it has at least some windows or something." Ehled adds, thinking how to use the rifle in this situation.

"We decommissioned the facility properly, there wouldn't be anything of value to us there, but there should b e windows. People used to work there and natural light is a good mood elevator"

Micaela nods "We should get moving quickly then. Whatever they are up to its best they arent able to make anymore progress on it."

"We'll bring you right down into Sangha city. They won;'t suspect routine air travel, from there, you can sneak into the countryside and handle it from there"

1:24 PM

There is a cargo lighter in the next bay over in the sandy daub of the Red Sangha's wasteland uniforms, and its crew is just completing getting it fueled and prepared to depart. Its ramp is down, and twenty minutes after boarding you find yourselves on the ground amid a dusty city, clinging to life in a small green belt on the planet. Prayer drones fly overhead broadcasting mantras. Large towers sound various calls to prayer intermixed with public service announcements, and everywhere around you people go about the daily business of living.

"Alright, so what will we need, I think some explosives would be nice perhaps?" Ehled suggests to Micaela.

Micaela looks down from the sky for a moment and steps into the shade of one of the towers to talk "Sorry, reminded me of home for a little there. Explosives are a decent idea but I'm useless with them myself. A vehicle seems unnecesary. With what we've heard of these guys violence seems guaranteed, do you have body armor and a decent weapon for if we need to fight close up?"

(Your shuttle has an armory we can requisition things from. Powered armor and heavy weapons wouldn’t be available but we could grab a few things if we need them)

(Super, up to Ehled in the end to wave off Micaela's concerns or to cherry pick, she definitely isn't the end all be all of advice in this kind of situation.)

Ehled joins her in the shade. "Well, I do have an armored undersuit, nothing bulkier than that I am afraid. I guess explosives are off the table then, my idea was to use them to draw the enemy out, place them along the building, create a few openings, cause chaos as we sit far back and pick them off, but no matter. Hopefuly I will be able to provide support from a window at least. If not, guess we will have to go the breach and clear way it seems." He looks over to Micaela. "I suppose... we could try and sneak in, if there is no good way for me to snipe them thru the windows. We do need to have a proper look in person, right now we are just speculating."

12:40 AM

(I have the sniper and a laser pistol for close range. Also a melee weapon if I remember right. Not trained in those tho.)

(you don't want to get into hand to hand with these guys anyway, they know martial arts)

(yeah, goda dodge that, perhaps a shotgun would be a smart idea then)

Micaela considers what Ehled has to say. "We should check the ships locker for armor then, and something with a bit more kick than your pistol. I've got a laser rifle and a field uniform myself. I usually like to get close but not with these guys. Explosives are a good idea, but maybe more grenades. If this is a concrete weapons depot then we would need a lot. And I don't think these guys will panic either. I'm thinking I'll close the distance to the depot from wherever you're setup, then you can join me once I find a secure access point? Lets get you a shotgun and some armor though, see if theres any grenades in the armory. (Would you be fine rocking a CFU and Combat Shotgun, I'd personally like to see if we can get some frag grenades, i doubt there are demo charges since Neko mentioned no heavy weapons. But its worth checking, making our own entry point could be cool? Are those on the table Neko?) (edited)

(You can get a few frag grenades, the combat field unform and shotguns

Ehled nods. "I cover you while you clear us a way in? Sure thing, lets go get geared up then." He follows her to the armory.

2:36 PM

(I will take those thank you, few grenades each? So like 2-3?)

(I'm going to go for 1 myself. I already have one. Then thats all the gearing up I think we'll need. I think each of us only need a day of rations each, tops.)

(2 for Ehled and 1 for Micaela then)

(Alright, done)

Everyone is supplied with the gear they think they will need for the mission by one of the Red Sangha attendants here now that you're on the ground. You're pointed to the southern gate and beyond there, the badlands where the enemy is lurking- thinking they have not been seen and that you are unaware of their plans.

"Alright, they aren't far, they think they are smart and unseen. We will exploit this as much as we can to hit fast, hit hard and keep them at a distance." Ehled hits his palm with his fist. "If we are lucky we dig them out of their hole, search it and retrive some important intel by dinner. Unless..." He tries to check the time.

Micaela concerned look cracks into a bit of a smile at Ehled's confidence "That's the right attitude, I think the two of us can handle this, not like Greystar or the Abbot would send us if we couldn't. We'll keep low, move quick and stop whatever they're planning." (I'm going to fix up my readied and stowed gear since this is definitely a situation that is going to likely feature straight up combat to the death, so no need for some stuff like the stun baton or armored undersuit when theres more deadly and obvious alternatives. There has also been a new situation at work where I'm going to be on call and we have rather silly rules on cell usage so my activity could be sporadic I apologize if it's disruptive and will be doing my best to work around it with you folks.) Edit 8:57 PM (Gear is readied and stowed appropriately I feel) (edited)

(Ready to move on.)

(Yep! bulk of this happened after hours for me but I'm here now!)

(No hurry! Just wanted it to be clear.)

The both of you exit the southern gate on foot and enter the badlands. Outside the calming moisture bubble of the city the air feels hotter and you can feel the rays of the sun beating down on your harder. You can tell why those Sangha who patrol the countryside have a more tan or bronzed complexion now where their city dwelling companions look a bit paler. Liberation seems to do the same. The facility in question is a few kilometers from here, a sea of sandy dunes, scrub bushes, and the skeletons of long dried out trees parched to death when the world's climate suddenly changed dot the land from here to there. You know you'll be overlooking the facility approaching it from this side. 500m out after a long walk, you begin focusing more on tightening up for potential combat.

7:10 AM

Your overlook from 500m out reveals an overgrown entryway with stairs leading inside the building. There is no front door anymore. Two dark factory wings sweep on either side of the entryway. Most of the glass has broken ,and the interior is very dark.

Ehled slows down. "Make sure all is in order while I take a look thru the scope." Ehled prepares his rifle and tries to take a closer look using the scope.

(notice/wis)

(I rolled a 5)

Through the scope you’re not able to pick out any hidden details at the present moment , but you have a commanding view of the hideout

"Hm, I don't see much from here, best to keep an eye out as we move closer to the building. I would be careful of the windows, someone could be hiding behind them and fire at you as you approach, if they spot you." Ehled looks at Micaela. "Any last minute suggestions or alterations to the plan? Now that we can actually see our situation?"

"Good advice. And no, I think our plan should stay the same. You cover my approach from here, and once I'm at the building you make your move, you need to make sure you'll have cover available or a good spot to hit the deck on your approach since.my ability to cover you is going to be worse than the reverse. I'm ready to move in if you are."

"Right, I should be safe here, unless they have a sniper too, if you spot one, I suggest you try to take them out first, if you can do it without putting yourself in harms way. If I spot one, I will have to turn my attention to them as quickly as possible, so stay always in cover, preferably in such a way the enemies have to be exposed to one of us, but remember safety first." Ehled takes another look. "I would suggest you to wait for me to shoot first, get a nice shot one one of them, before they start running around too much."

10:07 AM

(I would be able to see the enemies when? If they are inside? Outside? Can I see anybody thru the windows?)

(You can see through the windows there jst isnt anyone in front of one right now)

11:53 AM

(and we failed the notice check, so we didn't get any kind of tell on anything extra)

Ehled prepares his rifle and keeps an eye out. "Be careful."

"I will be." Micaela begins her approach towards the building keeping low and doing her best to use the scant cover of the badlands to approach a broken window ln the right wing of the factory. She knows an approach like this in the day woukd be harder. But less expected (also since this hasnt been replied to yet I completely forgot i would like to switch my readied melee weapon to the stun baton with this edit unless its too late) (edited)

(did you want the stun baton or something else? I saw this said both ways so i just want to be sure )

(I want the stun baton readied instead of the knife thats readied on the sheet. I just cant sheet edit for the next 24 hours. Sorry for the confusion Neko.)

(no no all good, no worries there)

9:26 PM

(lets get a sneak/dex, i can roll it if you need it)

(That would be appreciated. I have dex +0 and sneak at 1.)

(13!)

9:57 PM

Creeping close to the factory Micaela is a ghost. Using shadows and concealment to her advantage she is able to sneak along the western wing of the facility. From her position on the ground floor below a broken window half way down this side of the structure she hears two voices talking inside just on the other side of this wall

1

9:58 PM

It is clear by their demeanor that they have not heard you

Micaela will quickly silence her compad. Having forgotten to do so earlier. And try to listen into the conversation for a moment (hokey smokes yay for 13 with them this close to the exterior.)

Ehled follows her with his rifle, trying to spot any threats before they can get a drop on her. Looking out for possible targets.

With the foe pointed out , Ehled is able to quietly reposition further west and through the overlook he can see into the window, at both Left Hand troopers. The conversation is clipped , orderly and delivered in the same serene tone of voice the other Liberated use when speaking to you. They remind you of how the Abbot talks, the first liberated person you’ve spoken to at length. Their plan is almost ready. A vehicle has been assembled on site and they’re getting ready to make a push against the city water treatment plant as soon as the last of their explosives are done being mixed

(Do we know where they are mixing the explosives? Wondering if shooting the mix would make it go boom or not.)

(We can’t see it from@where either of you are )

1

Ehled prepares to shoot one of the troopers, steadying his aim and waiting for Micaela's next move. (Could I set up and execution attack in such a way I fire if they see her or do I have to fire beforehand?)

(We can do that , just going to wait to see what happens before we move the scene up

(Yee, just in case things go south. Hopefuly she gets the drop on them and not the other way around.)

Micaela will give Ehled a firm nod when she sees him move up and ready her laser rifle. Ready to open fire as in sync with Ehled as she can get. Doing her best to gesture that she will go after the one on the right if he can get the one on the left. (I'm pretty untrained with this thing so I will just be doing a burst shot on the one on the right)

(Do I see her signals? )

(Yes you do, if you're making the execution Ehled, its a shoot/dex skill check, against a DC of 8)

5:26 PM

(but you guys shooting is going to be loud. After we see how Ehled's attack goes, Micaela gets a surprise round to shoot and if anyones still standing we'll do initiative)

(Alright, will roll it when I can get to the PC then.)

5:31 PM

(Will it automaticly caculate for my sniper skill or no?)

(it will not)

(Yeah shooting is loud which sucks. A lot but I'd rather take this opportunity to get the drop on two and try to momenttum this than risk being found snooping around in close quarters and it seems Ehled is of similar mind.)

(I adjusted it so it will Ehled)

8:39 PM

(it will automatically drop the lowest of the 3d6)

(Thank you. Just wanted to make sure.)

(9, just barely)

1

(That’s a hit. Let’s see how micaela’s surprised found goes

(Yey! Good luck Micaela)

Micaela lets loose a burst of red Acastus manufactured laser fire at the Left Hand fanatic. Stumbling for a moment on the rocks (12/3)

Ehled fires a clean shot and the first of the fanatics dies shot through center mass. He doesn’t even know he has died. Micaela is less able to get some shots on target. Shots hit the walls and floor as the complex becomes aware something is amiss. (Initiative )

(8!)

1:45 PM

(We match! So who goes first now?)

(Micaela can go first, I flipped a coin since you both have the same dex score)

(Sure thing!)

(Assuming I go before the land hand) Micaela takes a moment to let go of the trigger and pull back to hug the wall and let out another burst. However the element of surprise is gone and earlier missed shot were more than enough to alert her prey. (9/5 on the burst. Sorry Ehled looks like when it comes to actually pulling off the ambush that you're a fair bit better off this time.)

(No problem. At least I took out one of them with a clean shoot.)

3:07 PM

(Anyway. If I have a shoot I will take it, but I think first someone has to reset the 3d6 thing?)

(Well this one wouldn't be an execution attack I don't believe. But I'm no expert on revised

(correct it would be a normal attack. And the best the left hand could do is get an 8 for initiative, and ties go to the player) (edited)

(Yes, but as far as I know the attack is still stuck on the execution way?)

3:24 PM

(Okay changed it back to 2d6, so its shoot+dex yes?)

(no. Just click on your weapon instead of the shoot skill.)

(9 to hit, 6 dmg, Thanks)

1

The left hand is missed by your two bursts of shots. He returns fire at Michaela , the only person he can see, sending shots into the walls and floor but none coming close to her. He shouts that an attack is here and you hear others beginning to answer his radio calls, but cannot see them

9:47 PM

(Back to Michaela. The 3d6 for you ehled is just for skill checks , you can leave it as 3d6, as the only time you’d likely be making one is for an execution

9:47 PM

(It doesn’t factor into regular combat. Combat uses a d20, and only cares about your level in shoot, not about how many d6’s you roll)

1

(5/12 another miss, third in a row) Micaela looses another string of shots at the man "Take him down Ehled!" As she tries to keep him from being able to line up a good shot at the very least under the pressure of stinging red death around him.

(Attack 18, damage 2) Ehled aims his shoot while the left hand is busy shooting all around Micaela in panic. "Worry about yourself, I doubt he can hit me even if he tried."

(Well I don't think panic is a good description of what a Left Hand fanatic would feel, but that's semantics.)

(Semantics are my favourite, suprise perhaps would have been better.)

(Yeah their whole thing is they famously do not panic)

8:16 AM

One of the rifle rounds impacts the Left Hand in the shoulder. He sets himself, and sends a burst of laser fire back toward Micaela. The shots hit the sides of her covered window frame position, burning the metal and sending chips of it flying, but nothing comes close enough to hurt her. A service door on the roof opens and one of the Left Hand armed with a DMR pokes his head out, waiting for a clear view before he runs to the roof ledge to set his weapon up.

(DMR? Why do I feel like I am in trouble now?)

(Micaela up! and its got less range than you, but enough to reach out )

(Yey! Do they know where I am? If so I guess they will be my first focus.)

(We wouldn’t have a way to know for sure , but you have fired a couple shots from where you are )

(True, true, will have to focus on them anyway. How is the left hand doing btw? Like can I see how wounded he is?)

(Let’s give Micaela the chance to do her turn and if you still have questions we can discuss them then)

1

Micaela drops into a crouch setting her laser rifle down to the side and thinks for just a moment before she pulls the sleep grenade from her belt and lobs ot towards the Left Hand she's been fighting with. Hoping that its enough to incapacitate him she retreats from his view after chucking the device. (14 to throw Sleep Grenade at the Left Hand's Position)

He begins to choke and cough as the smoke fills the room he is in, before staggering around like a drunk and falling over , firmly asleep for the moment.

(oh wow. That's uh, way more effective than Skyward Steel said it was. I am very happy.)

(Ehled up. He can see the left hand fellow on the roof, where Michaela can’t. No one else is in sight )

2

Ehled fires his rifle at the man on the roof. (20 to hit, 5 damage)

The shot wounds him, and he disengages from the fight, packing up his weapon and rushing back inside leaving a trail of blood behind him. (Using main to double move, so he’s back inside the building and out of sight. We are Out of initiative for now) (edited)

Ehled smirks. "Scared him off I suppose, well, more of a tactial retreat I guess." He makes sure there are is no more movement, then he speaks up again. "Seems we have a moment to breathe, you doing alright down there, friendo?" He uses his rifle to see what Michaela is up to.

"I'm good. They're working on explosives in here to blow up the city water treatment plant with a car. Sounds like you maimed a guy, where is he now?"

"The guy on the roof? Retreated back inside, either to get reinforcements or to get his buddies to barricade themselves deeper inside. I think it is time I join you, can hardly cover you if I can't see anything from here." Ehled responds, making once more that no new threats appeared. "You see anyone?"

"No. I'm going to try and look around while you move up, see if I can find this guy before he gets up to trouble. I'll keep comms open." Micaela will enter the building, scooping up her laser rifle and keeping to the walls to start, her intention to quietly and quickly move through the building to identify any other threats and lookout for this roof guy.

(It's probably going to take about five minutes for Ehled to get mobile and get down to meet you, did you intend to push alone through the building during that time? )

(Oh Jeez. I really dont like the idea if giving these guys five minutes to get up to shennanigans. Its time like this I would've loved a drone. I think I would rather just drag the incapacitated Left Hand out of the building and work on restraining him instead with the rope from the survival kit. I have an atmofilter I can don before starting that process.)

(Exert/con)

(3... womp womp)

You’re not able to get them secured and bundled out. The trooper is too heavy and difficult to move with the dead weight they are right now. You pull back to a more secure position as Ehled appears in the window you had just entered through, packed up and relocated

"Alright, all still going well over here?" He asks, shotgun at his side.

"Well enough I suppose. Couldn't secure that guy and we don't have a lot of extra time. You got here quick, I'm thinking we stick together however we enter this place and come from an unexpected direction if we can. I'll let you lead this bit if your confident, my nerves are messing me up bad today."

"I suppose I can, just don't fire that shotgun into my back. Now where are the rest of them? And that guy..." He points to the guy on the floor. "Dead?" (edited)

Micaela shakes her head "No. He's still alive. Dont know how long he's out for."

(Is the gas still in there?)

(yes)

(I may have not taken the gas mask, my bad.)

(you'd need to linger in it for a bit to be affected by it, if we push on quick it won't bother you)

(Alright then! I will rush thru it as fast as possible towards... where ever I can go)

The only eay out of the room Micaela encountered these two in seems to be directly ahead. You're not sure what lies beyond, but you can hear boot steps outside closeby

"I suppose that is the way to go then, do remind me to grab something to protect me from the gas once we are back. Seems I made a tiny mistake." Ehled makes sure his shotgun is ready. "So it seems I will have to rush, so you want to go first so I don't give us away when I start running thru the gas?" He pauses for a bit. "Or I suppose I could go in there like a headless chicken and blast anything with this thing."

"It's been five minutes since we came this way. I'll creep up ahead and try to see what is going on You be ready to provide backup." Micaela will quietly head through the gas trying to not step into too much of a view of anyone potentially through the doorway and will pull up alongside it's right side.

"Sure thing." Ehled will wait for her to clear the gas before he moves forward to support her, then he will try to move thru it with speed, but hopefully without making too much noise.

There is a Left Hand trooper coming down the hallway outside the door, a pair of pistols drawn as he scans for targets.

(Anything we can hide behind? Crates? Machinery?)

Micaela will hold her hand up to Ehled for him to stay still on his side of the door and will make a move to throw her grenade down the hallway before the Trooper gets too close. (This man has two pistols. He is too bad to the bone to fight normally especially with gas in our room)

Ehled will stay in place, ready to shoot the man if he isn't knocked down.

(If you want to veto that action feel free Ehled)

(Nah, smart plan, and if it fails... shotgun time.)

(nothing n the hallway, its a hallway so its not choked with stuff to make it impassable, need a hit roll for the grenade)

(6!)

(That’s a miss. I’ll roll a scatter. Just give me the 2d6 damage result )

(Got a result of 5, sorry that you had to ask for that specifically, should've been on top of it. Deleting the grenades from my sheet now) (edited)

(All good. Taking it step by step is helpful too and I appreciate it)

The grenade bounces down the hallway and explodes halfway between both groups, wounding neither but sending stinging shrapnel into the walls and floor. Everyone knows you're here now Twin shots from his paired handguns send sparks jetting out from the doorframe and floor. The bangs of the pistols are impressive in this closed space, as is the slow metallic rain of smoking shell casings. (miss and miss)

7:19 AM

(Ehled had to come out into the hallway or something to engage? I wasn't really sure what was being set up there, but regardless, your action now will prob change the situation)

(As far as I understand the idea was that we were placed on each side of the doorway? So I could just peek out quicky and shoot down the hallway?) (edited)

(Yep, go ahead and do so if you want to shoot)

(I wont be near the PC for hours so feel free to do it for me? Like 4 hours minimum. Shotgun.)

(14/6)

(Thank you!)

9:14 AM

Ehled fires at the left hand with pistols. "Good luck dodging this!"

The slug finds a weak spot in the joint of the Left Hand's armor, staggering him. He is wounded, but not dead. (Micaela!)

(What kind of armor is this guy rocking?)

(Armored undersuit)

Micaela will lean out of cover in a deep stance letting loose a burst of laser fire right after the shotgun blast, looking to take him out with a wide burst. (16/4)

The Left Hand falls , shot through the chest with concentrated laser fire. He is dead.

"Nice shot!" Ehlex comments. "You need more grenades? I have a spare one."

Micaela will nod looking at the splayed Left Hand in the hallway for a moment "I guess it was..." before shaking her head and holding out her for a grenade "Let's keep going and see where this hallway leads. I'll take point you follow close behind."

Ehled hands her a grenade. "Careful with it." He reloads and follows her close behind it. "Watch those corners."

The doors ahead lead out into a hallway that runs west to east. To the west you can make out one of the large vehicle bays being at the end of it, but you don't have line of sight into it from where you are. To the east, it looks like the former vehicle plant offices are situated and a sea of dark cubicles awaits.

"We should clear that way first. Make sure they dont get the vehicle out of here." Micaela says indicating the west passage. "You can keep an eye on our rear while we advance, good plan or bad plan?"

"Alright, but if they try to get the vehicle out of here, should we throw grenades at it? Better to destroy it then to let it leave?" Ehlled asks.

"Hell no i dont want to die in an explosion. We'll do all we can to call it in if that happens but im not tossing a grenade near it." Micaela starts to move down the west hallway

"Alright, alright." Ehled follows.

Entering the western room you can see the chemical explosives were being manufactured here. No one is here now, dispersing through the plant to hunt you down, but you can see a rickety cargo truck, and large open vats of chemicals slowly bubbling away as they distill over low fires set with trash directly on the metal floor.

"This is... a very concerning amount of explosives. I understand not wanting to use grenades now. This would probably take out this whole factory and the surrounding area."

Micaela will check out the drivers compartment of the cargo truck if she can. Head on a slow swivel scanning the room

Ehled follows closely, making sure their back is covered. "Any way you could sabotage it?"

"I doubt it, might be a decent spot to hide though and wait for someone to come by alone." (So at this point there are two things I want to do here, the first is search the driver's compartment of the vehicle while Ehled covers the entrances, try and see if there is anything in there that's been left behind as they mobilized to find us. And then see if there is a decent ambush spot we can get into in this room to hit anyone coming in.) (edited)

"I doubt we both would fit in there. Perhaps somewhere else?" Ehled looks around.

The truck provides concealment and moderate cover if you hide near the front, the barrels themselves are difficult to use as cover due to their contents. This room is a work area and was kept mostly clear aside from their projects. A laser rifle is left on the seat, and the Type B power cell to run it has been left in the socket for it, but was not screwed in just yet.

"I am going to guess you don't need that rifle, a work place safety violation if I ever saw one, leaving a half loaded gun in an explosive factory." Ehled says leaning against the front of the truck.

If the compartment isn't sealed Micaela will take a moment to climb in and pull out the Type B battery stow it. "Just in case they try and get the truck running. Let's clear the other side of the hallway, I don't want to get into a firefight here."

(You can get in. You get the sense another 10 to 15 minutes and they'd have been about ready to go, so you caught them half prepared, half not)

"Yeah, best not too be in the open when they come around here." Ehled says. "How many could be left? You would need quite a few folks to run an operation like this."

"Maybe a few more, I reckon we'll find them in the directions of those cubicles. Which might be what we need terrain wise to divide and conquer."

"To me it sounds like shotgun and close combat... combat. Something we want to dodge. If there is not an ambush by them I will be suprised, but I got your back."

(if we need to reload, or ready anything now is a good time)

(This is a good point. I'll reload my Laser Rifle with a fresh cell.)

(I suppose I will reload my shotgun then.)

The cubicle farm is in partial darkness and you can see that people have come this way recently by the footprints through the dust on the carpet. Many of the cubicles have been used for storage and other uses once this no longer became an office

Ehled tries to keep himself low so he doesn't peek over the cubicles. (How high are they?)

(person height, not the half cubicles like some offices)

1

Micaela will move quietly alongside Ehled weaving through the cubicles on high alert. (edited)

There are five rows, all on the right side of the room. The left is a wall, essentially running across the top of each row. An exit door is ahead that leads outside.

"One of us should watch over that door, be ready to shoot if someone uses it." Ehled whispers.

Micaela gives a nod and steps just a couple feet into the room and to the side taking her out of the view of the hallway they just came from and giving her sight of the exit door. Bring her laser rifle barrel towards it to indicate to Ehled she's ready and game to watch it

Ehled nods and continues forth, checking corners on his way to the wall on which the door is.

(Evasion save each of you)

(Here I am. A victim of my own overconfidence. 4 out of the 13 I needed on the dice...)

Micaela Finnegan | Adrian |

(Here I am. A victim of my own overconfidence. 4 out of the 13 I needed on the dice...)

(I am worse, 13 out of 14 I needed, at least you weren't on the verge of salvation)

(4 damage each) The grenade is hurled from the back of the middle cubicle row by the concealed Red Sangha agent. It explodes between the both of you, peppering you with shrapnel. The shooter rises to his feet, laser rifle panning for you amid the smoke and small flames that have caught the fabric coverings of the cubicles.

Ehled jumps for cover. "Get down!"

Micaela for her part would throw her grenade wherever the Agent is before seeking cover. (Do you want initiative rolls from us?)

(probably won't need it, he acted already anyway)

11:48 AM

(so we can resolve the grenade when you've got time to swing back to the game

)

1

Recoiling from the shrapnel with a ringing in her ears Micaela sees Ehled run for cover bleeding and steels herself for a moment drawing her own grenade that he have her earlier and throwing it as the Red Hand reveals himself praying that her hand is guided true. (19/10)

The Left Hand is downed by the quick burst, sprawling to the floor with his center mass blown open and burned

Ehled peaks out of cover. "Damn, good throw. More will come on in, soon. Here, you seem to be better with them." Ehled offers his last grenade. "I hope this shrapnel doesn't leave too many scars, do you think they are ugly?" Ehled ponders, while getting back up on his feet.

Micaela takes the grenade quickly and pulls out her medpack passing it towards Ehled "lets fall back and get you patched up so you don't have to worry about scars."

Ehled takes it and will use it when the chance shows itself. "Thank you. Shouldn't you worry about yourself too?"

"I'll be fine. Been through worse. Lets fall back to the truck room for now patch you up in there "

"Aight, aight." Keep an eye on that door, I will watch out for this corridor.

Both grenades have touched off a small fire as the flames begin licking at the carpeted sides of the cubicles and the threadbare remains of the carpeted floor. The hallway extends all the way back to the garage, and though the floor transitions to cement close to the vehicles and the brewing area, stray sparks might create a large problem for you.

"Oh no, I suggest we take the truck and leave? Do you see a fire extinguisher anywhere?" Ehled asks.

(all we did was twist the power cell out, so its a pretty quick thing to get things running if we decide to hit it and quit it)

(Can we stop the fire? Because otherwise our options are run for the truck and leave, come back after it goes bang, try to put it out, or try to go for the door )

(its beyond the point of stomping it out. Not sure what else you guys have on you in terms of gear)

"If you dont want this place to blow up i have a monoblade on my pack. We could slice the carpet at this doorway and peel up whats in the hallway. You can patch yourself while i get started it doesnt take long to appy those medpacks and then you can cover me while i work" (is that a viable idea Neko?)

(Youd have to work fast)

(I leave the decision in Ehled's hands. This place is functional enough to assemble a truck and there may be useful info here still. I would hate to lose something valueable in the blast.) Micaela looks at the hungry flames consuming the room and how difficult they would make it to pass through from the other side. "If this place goes up we guaranteed learn nothing about the Left Hand's further plans." (Your call Ehled)

(Would it be faster if I helped her too instead of patching up?)

12:50 AM

(Isn't there a door we could close between the rooms or something?)

(there is not)

7:32 AM

(and its a hallway, realistically only one of you are going to be able to do it without getting in each other's way)

7:32 AM

(Idk if you've ever done carpet removal irl before, especially in a hallway, but it is 100% a one guy job if you dont want to trip all over each other)

(And it was going so well)

7:36 AM

"We are leaving, I will rather spend the next two months tracking down clues than being dead. Our mission was to take care of them, we will swing back after the explosion and take out the straglers." Ehled says.

Evacuation is quick. A twist of the power cells sends energy flooding into the engine and with a slam of the gas pedal you rip through the thin garage door and tear off into the dusty countryside. The entire plant and 100m around it is leveled in a massive chemical explosion and a quick recon of the area by a monitoring red sangha spacecraft , a patrol boat named the Brava, confirms that the target area has been cleansed

11:36 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Where are we right now?)

(Still the truck, about a kilometer from the blast site )

1

"Well, that was close, a bit too close. I doubt anyone or anything survived that to be fully honest with you. So this was a success I suppose? We are alive, they lost quite a stockpile of explosives and nobody escaped, but us of course." He breaths relieved.

(yeah no gotcha moment here, you guys handled the problem and the Sangha would have occupied this site themselves if they thought it was good for anytihng)

(Nice to hear.)

(Sorry busy day today.)

(No problem. Just happy it is done before I go onto the holidays. Hopefuly your day goes well.)

"yeah that was intense. I don't think I've felt my heart pound like that in a long, long time... That was, invigorating." Micaela looks over towards Ehled in the drivers seat a gleam in her eyes that wasn't there when you first met and adrenaline still coursing through her system "We should make a report and submit it back to Greystar Command, let them know how things are developing here and what we've been doing with their emblems and badges out here, and of course report to the Abbot."

"Yeah, yeah." He says in a calm voice, the extent of what happened washing over him. "Been a hop since I did something like this, adrenaline, death around the edge." He takes in a long caugh. "Now then, onto important matters. I owe you five credits from our bet, but I decided that drinks are on me too. I have to say thanks for watching my back."

"We're brother and sister in arms, clad in Greystar Grey, also I couldn't let you die before you bought drinks, gotta wait until after at least." Micaela looks outside the truck for a bit before sinking into the seat and shielding her eyes. "I just wish this planet wasn't so accursedly bright and hot." Micaela fishes out her compad and begins to put together a message, occasionally stopping and looking at the badlands around, her complaints not telling the whole of her feelings on the beauty of the rugged landscape.

"Live under the grey star long enough and you will get used to the dark I suppose. I just hope the Abbot is happy. Now before we go back, we should check if the truck has any chemicals left in it and what their status is. I would hate for it too go off while we are driving or even worse in the city." Ehled says. "Can you imagine the damage they would have done if they managed to deliver the payload?" Ehled shivers a bit.

"Good thing they didn't" (Also really good idea to check the back of the truck, that would be funny if WE drove the truck full of explosives into the city.)

(Yeah if they were almost done I would say they def put some of it i to the truck already. If it is loaded I suggest we call in an airlift and just leave the explosives under their command.)

(The truck is empty. They weren’t done preparing the chemicals yet, so there was nothing to load. We don’t have to report in person. It seems like needless effort to make you Roleplay out reporting the mission we all just did. So long as you say you want to inform the abbot that’s good enough, and we can move into something new either together or separate )

(Alright cool! I think Ehled mentioned holiday plans so I think I'd like to seperate for the length of another mission at least, go our seperate ways and maybe meet back up later on if we are still in the same region. Should I return to my thread and handle my level up? And we can go from there? It was a ton of fun Ehled!)

(Yeah, I am going on vaccation for the new year and won't really have access to a PC (I think), so it is besr if we split up for mission and then after we could do another together.)

2:21 AM

(And yes it was tons of fun!)

(Guess it is time to level up!)

Level Up Level: 3 Focus: None Old HP: 10 HP Roll: 11 New HP: 11 New Skills: Connect 0, Talk +2 Current AB: 1

(We can return to yours micaela and ehled when you’re ready to continue let me know)

(I am ready but I might have a hard time around the new year responding.)

)any thoughts as to what you might want to do?)

(Something more talk based I guess would be fun? It is my main skill? I thinl Ehled in the RP wants a break from gunfights or explosions.)

8:49 AM

(And I would like something a bit less, tense? To be honest anything that goes is fine)

(how about working with an engineering clan on Shaila to recover the wreck of a valuable hovercraft from the territory of another clan)

(alright, that sounds good to me!)

8:12 AM

(also I should probs remove the stuff we got from the last mission no? and restock)

(unless you're re buying the disposable things you used like the grenades, then yeah remove whatever you dont have anymore)

(sure!)

Shopping list: 2* Medpak 100 2* Ammo 10 1 * Atmofilter 100 2* Wildlife Repellant Bomb 25 1* Survival kit 60 Total: 430 Old wealth: 29570 New wealth: 29140 (What I think could be useful for desert exploration) (edited)

(lazarus patches and other TL4 pharms aren't available)

11:30 AM

(the medpaks are fine)

(oh sorry, alright)

11:31 AM

(like this then?)

(Sure , if you’re not replacing or wanting to add anything else this is great )

(I have enough weapons and my armor should be fine and I restocked on ammo)

(I’ll total up downtime from Jahnavi to shaila next time I’m at a computer but the shuttle that brought you here will take you there

(Alright! I will add it to the fix skill after you tell me then.)

(6 Days of DT)

(Thank you)

Arriving in the system the patchy ground communions reveal some tension between the Jewish Military Union and the Golden Sparks. A spark hovercraft of considerable size and technological value caught fire in JMU territory and had to be abandoned. The required parts were not available at the time. A Sparks repair crew returned this past month with the needed supplies to find out that the area had been cordoned and JMU technicians are interrogating the surviving electronic databases within.

7:39 PM

Tensions are beginning to come to a head between the two groups over the site of the wreck

Ehled spends sone time digging up any information on the clans, their culture, specialization, history and leadership. After that he tries to find out as much as possible about the craft itself.

3:53 AM

(Best to know what I am walking into.) (edited)

(There is a shaila hovercraft clans article on the world anvil, and there’s the planet info as it’s own article too)

(Will check them out! This is jus in charchter. Ready to move on.)

The exclusion zone around the wreck has been cleared for you to land. Both sides know to expect a Greystar negotiator and have stopped skirmishing so they do not threaten you

Ehled first decides to try and establish contact with the representatives of both clans and hear out their cases why they are in the right and the other in the wrong, afterwards he will inspect the vehicle closer.

9:34 AM

(How big of a hovercraft are we talking?)

(I’ve never put actual dimensions on them but they’re very big, even the smallest of the hovercraft here are house sized )

8:32 AM

(Something like this for the downed hovercraft actually works perfectly)

(Alright. I just wanted to understand how big of a deal this is. As I said I will try to make contact with both clans and hear them out.)

The Jewish Military Union and Golden Sparks each plan to send a representative to meet with you. As negotiator, you get to set the terms of the meeting and they await hearing them so they may plan accordingly.

Ehled decides that the meeting is best not rushed. He will set it up for tomorow morning, each side will send two members. One to talk and other as a bodyguard, the parties will meet in a neutral place, a tent on the field or some vehicle, whatever is there. While they wait and prepare Ehled will request entry to the hovercraft and inspect the damage and cargo.

(The neutral ground could be your ship even if you want to be out of the sun)

(If that is still here then sure!)

(We can have it remain)

2:42 PM

Terms are communicated to the two sides as you prepare to enter the wreck. In order to determine the course of negotiations you need to be able to see what of value is inside

Ehled is careful around it, last time he was on a wreck there was a close call. His main concern is to find out what the damage is, checking out the cargoholds and finding the mainframe to see what data is on the craft. If he finds any engineers working on the craft he will ask them about it and what they are working on.

The negotiations and general tense atmosphere of the conflict here have had the JMU technicians withdrawn they’ve made notes and the Sparks of course have some technical documents for it as this was one of their draft until the current trouble.

Ehled would request those then, if they can't be brought now they may be brought to the meeting. "Well, seems like I am alone in this thing. Best to be careful." Ehled mutters to himself.

(If you want the info now electronically I can answer questions you have about the wreck or as they come up in the meeting, rather than have you explore and give you all the same stuff

(I suppose as they come up in the meeting would be a bigger time save and easier.)

The following morning the four delegates arrive. The JMU and the Sparks have each sent one delegate and one bodyguard as asked and wait to see what procedures you insist on before they enter the conference room of the ship that brought you here

Ehled's requests are simple, they all shall hand over any weapons to the ship's armory during their stay on it. The bodyguards will be allowed to accompany their envoys, but unarmed while on the ship, once they leave they will be given their weapons back. The visitors will be searched by the ship's staff. Second they all shall act in a civil manner and refrain from bringing up events or issues which do not concern the hovercraft. They will speak when it is their turn. Thrid each party will provide their logs of what cargo was on the craft, the Sparks would also provide information on the original route of the craft and why it originaly crashed. The JMU will provide their report of damages and also any information they dig up from the information banks. (edited)

(Would you be scanning the security folks too or is this an honor system)

(They are mostly there to escort the person and to watch, a sort of confirmation nothing happened to their envoy and no shady deals were made. They too would be scanned and Ehled would also allow them to search him if they so wished. I am also going in unarmed, but the ship staff will remain armed and on close call outside. Just in case.)

(Program/int

(9)

The JMU diplomat has a concealed weapon as part of the cyberware hooked up to him. He didn’t disclose it or the type of weapon being concealed before being scanned.

11:47 AM

The Golden Sparks diplomat and the bodyguard for each side have complied with your demands thus far

Ehled tells the Spark representatives to go and get settled in while he has a chat with the JMU diplomat after they leave, while making sure the ship's security is present nearby. "Excuse me, but we did request unarmed representatives and you are armed, now it is a cybernetic so I understand that asking you to remove it is impossible, but we expected such things disclosed before. You do understand, yes?" He tries to ask in his most polite tone, but this is a breach of trust he will make not of.

“I’m who was ordered to come. I can’t remove it and the person who comes next might be worse if you send me away. You’ll have to trust me, I won’t deploy it. “ He seems earnest enough for the moment , leaving you to weigh the security concerns for yourself

(What are the specifications of the weapon? Do I know or must I ask?)

(It’s a laser rifle, if you want the actual statline it would be the laser rifle from the core book ) (edited)

(Alright. The main thing is if it is a melee or ranged weapon. Thanks.)

6:11 PM

(Do I know how quickly someone can deploy it?)

(its an on turn action, so combat wise, they'd be able to deploy and fire it in the same round)

"I suppose you we have no choice, not that we have to be worried about you using it, but we must be fair so you must agree to let the Sparks bodyguard be armed and that our own security will be in the room. Is that acceptable?"

"If it means we can get this giant mess over with and we can leave with our prize, I'm all for it" he says, looking on impassively.

"Alright. I will go and inform the Spark representatives and then the meeting will begin." Ehled leaves to inform the Sparks of the situation and offer them a weapon.

They take it, hoping they wont need it, but your efforts to make things fair have been noticed.

Ehled, now that everyone is armed arms himself too, best not to leave himself exposed. He sits down at the meeting table, ready to begin the negoatiation. "As I said before, please be civil." He clears his throat and begins. "As is my understanding, JMU wishes to keep the Sparks hovercraft and the Sparks want it back." (On whose land did it crash? And how badly damaged is it?)

(This planet used to have pretty fast moving walls of psychic flame that would come up without warning, so there wasn't really fixed territory just highly mobile hovercraft clans. )

2:56 PM

(It would need several days of repairs)

(So the JMU are just using salvage rights on it?)

(they're trying to claim it, yes)

(Damn, anyway)

"This ship crashed near a sensitive JMU military expedition, and when we entered the ship to investigate anyone on board was already gone. We secured the area and begun working to try to figure out what was inside. "

"And once you figured out it was damaged and the crew left to get the parts to fix it, you decided to claim it for yourself? Did you realized who eas the original owner before the skirmish?"

“You’re claiming we knew that. I didn’t say that.” The JMU officer says. “We saw the hovercraft beach itself, we called it in, by time we got authorization to investigate there was nobody left at the site. We sent a team in to explore and see what information could be gained. The computer systems were unresponsive, and the Sparks arrived shortly after that. They opened fire without saying a word. No one was killed thankfully, but several were hurt”

Ehled turns to the Sparks. "Is this true? Did your men really open fire on them? And why didn't yiu leave someone next to the wreck to safeguard it?"

The sparks don't think they fired first. They believe they returned fire. At the time they could not be sure of the extent of the damage and nobody wanted to be close in the event the reactor on board went critical.

(What was on board before and after the crash? So the manifest from the Sparks and my own report from inside the ship)

(Admin/int, lets find out if there is a discrepancy)

(9)

Several computer stacks are no longer counted among the wreckage, as well as the contents of the onboard galley. Fuel has also been bled from the reactor but in this latter case it is going to be difficult to prove if it was an engineering procedure for safety- to keep it from going critical by reducing the amount of reactive mass, or if the JMU carted it off for their own use. (edited)

"Alright, let us talk how we will solve this so both parties walk away happy and content. Would the JMU return the hovercraft for compensation and would the Sparks be ready to provide it? Be the compensation financial, service or based on something else?""

(Talk./cha, going to affect the deal,)

(6, I got a 1 and 2 on the rolls, lol) (edited)

The JMU will not be returning the captured data from within. The Golden Sparks feel it is vital for it to be returned, and are willing to offer services to secure it. Instead, the JMU wants something from Greystar instead- 10 new grav tanks, to replace aging models of their own. If returned, they will return the data after making copies, and will allow the Sparks to recover the wreck-and will even protect them while doing so.

"I will have to contact my superiors and see if it possible to organize this and how quickly of course. If there is nothing else any of you wish to say, I think it is time we call an end to this productive meeting." Ehled says. "I will contact you both once I have my answer from the Greystar."

Both camps will remain closeby, and agree to a ceasefire until the end of negotiations here is managed.

(Okay, so what now? Do I ask in the polity channel or?)

12:37 PM

(How do we go from here?)

( #greystar-monthly-agent-roundtable )

1:09 PM

(lets talk it over among our polity mates_

(Aight)

Ehled calls in the representatives and explains the deal. "Greystar will provide the 10 new grav tanks if you fulfill the terms we agreed on before. Of course, we are very interested in protecting you from any possible threats and so we are very interested in the security of this planet. And so we would be very grateful if you could provide the Greystar with possible issues, so that we might provide a helping hand to you, this offer we extend to both the Sparks and the JMU."

(This was really the only flashpoint right now, a lot of other players have put a lot of time into this planet and we fixed most of the issues)

(Alright, they can say that they will send those later down the line or something)

10:03 AM

(Not the current problem)

They promise if anything further comes up they'll report it. For now, both sides have agreed at least to complete this effort- the Sparks fixing and taking their ship, and the JMU essentially agreeing to let the matter drop. There has not been any kind of renumeration for the Sparks and their copied data, but GSC will need to keep an eye on the situation as a whole.

(Alright, anything else? Or is that it?)

(up to you really, if you're satisfied here we can end the msision)

(I do not know if anything else can be gotten out of this tbh, I doubt the data would be given for anything less but an absolutely ridiculous price, so yeah happy with the result) (edited)

(3xp, 5000 credits for your help)

(yey)

(if that levels you, we can work on that. If it does not, if you've got a mission in mind or some kinda theme like what we just did, let me know)

(it does not, I need 3 more xp, and I have nothing specific in mind right now, perhaps that whole greystar and inheritor alliance thing? I will think on what could be next and look over those plots you posted a few days ago)

(They're not ready to send anyone down or do anything up there themselves. They're in the middle of their big polity mission still)

(Ahh, alright)

(Completing interim government on Danae seems to be a priority) (edited)

(Alright, ill get downtime and ill update their planet report with what theo learned before he ghosted)

(sure thing! I just want to say I am enjoying this greatly!)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/danae-article?preview=true (8 days of downtime on the way there, and thank you!)

Danae

(Did you update it? Because I read this file when you first posted it.)

(No. I’ve been dealing with irl the last couple days )

4:48 PM

(I haven’t moved many threads )

(Oh sorry, didn't see that. Hope it gets better soon!)

(still need to know what you're spending the downtime on and we'll continue)

(Oh my fix skill, I am planning to spend most of it on that for now. Unless I can't for some reason.)

( alright, add it to your total) Upon entering the system you see the data uploads. Theo (now an NPC i guess) , is awaiting on the Greystar ship service depot in the system, and will head down to the surface with you if you need some backup.

"Glad to have some help on this one, any advice before I make downfall?" Ehled offers his hand to Theo. "Don't want to walk into there blind."

"You read the report I compiled. We can see who is going to be friendly to us out of the gate and who we're going to need to work on. I think we need to start easy, convince one of them to cooperate fully with us, see what they want in exchange for it- and we can use their official pledge of loyalty as a political bargaining chip with some of the others"

"Good idea, the Civil Hegemony seems like the best bet, after them we can worry about others. I would like to set up a meeting with them and representatives of the smallet settelments that had formed." Ehled answered.

"We're going to have to visit the smaller ones probably one by one and transport those folks with us. Travel isn't going to be easy for them- and depending on what you think that might only be worth it if we get the cooperation of those at the top"

"True, we shall consolidate them later then. First the Hegemoy. Shall we go? You can provide me with any advice while we wait to land."

"I think that is more or less what i can offer for the moment, unless you've got any specific questions"

"Afraid no." Ehled answers.

Entering the atmosphere you are bought down to the nameless capital city of the the Civil Hegemony. Arrangements between the ship service depot and the ground have been made already and a team of three diplomats and an honor guard of 40 soldiers stands ready to meet you.

8:51 AM

Their gear is battered, but they are clean shaven, standing at attention and ready to greet the descending shuttle.

"Greetings, on the behalf of the Greystar Confederacy I thank you for greeting me in such a wonderful way, I hope we will be able to quickly help you organize an effective government." He says to the three diplomats, a bit louder than required, so that perhaps others hear him as well.

"Welcome to the Civil Hegemony, the only legitimate government on Danae. You've taken your time sending someone to meet with us" the lead diplomat replies, looking up at the shuttle. You can almost see the wheels of his mind calculating and thinking already.

"Ah, my apologies and apologies on the behalf of Greystar Confederacy, I came as soon as I was informed of the situation here, again I wish it was resolved much sooner, but it would seem circumstances outside of mine control have led to this prolonging far beyond what one could expect, but do not worry, I am here with one task and one task only, helping the people of this world." Ehled smiled at the diplomats. "Now then, too long has been wasted, shall we get to work my future friends?"

"Of course. I am sure greystar is mighty, but you need to know what'sbeen happening on the planet to appreciate the position we're in. THe raids destroyed the unity government that kept the place together, and it was already barely holding together. We're at each others throats and you might find the planet in civil war before long"

"Then we best hurry no? We must establish a safe home for the people of this world as soon as possible, and the less tension there is the easier it should be for you all to join Greystar, no?" Ehled said. "But please, may we go somewhere more private? I do not wish to discuss the matters of most importance here, we must go somewhere where you can show me what the situation is more clearly, perhaps an office or a meeting room of some kind? I would appreciate it very much." Ehled said, it is bets to get to the important work in private, Greystar was a spy agency before, best to stick to tradition.

THere is some walking through a maze of tunnels and hallways once you get into what passes for a ground side spaceport here, and eventually you're brought into a small meeting room with a holo projector set into the table. It is an old model, but seems to be capable of doing the job. The diplomats post a few guards outside, but otherwise you've got the floor with them

1:53 PM

"It's hard being the only legitimate government on the planet" The first of them laments

"I do understand, your neighbors are something special I must say. Do you have much issue with them? I need to know the relationships between the nations, or at least your opinion on them. Would make my job easier, Greystar has its reports, but who better to ask then the people themselves?" Ehled said, sitting down into a chair. "Once that is out of the way we may begin talking about our mutual future."

"If you've got someone in mind, ask, and I'll tell you what we know"

"I must say that Trasevs interest me the most, while other pose a possible problem to unification of this planet, they are quite secretive. Others are easy to understand and see possible solutions, but they? I require more information." Ehled answered.

"If we had it we would give it to you. They're a mix of people from all over- scattered survivors from places that were over run when the Etxaurrens pushed up this far and sacked the planet. Most of them had some reason or other to not want to go back to where they came from and it seems like that keeping secrets policy followed them all the way up to their leadership. Its not like we have laws anymore. The planetary laws aren't even the supreme law of the land at this point- it all seems rather much like grand standing.

"I will guess your relationship with them is cold, unsuprising, but we will work on that. Any internal problems I shoupd be aware of?" Ehled asked

"more services, better technology, things like that. The people aren't thrilled at Greystar coming in and declaring dominion over the place after the raids, but I think if you can prove to them you're dedicated to getting things back on track some of that resentment is going to clear up pretty fast"

"Yes, earning the trust of the people is necessary if we wish to set up any kind of legitimate government, what would be a good show of our dedication in your opinion? A gift to the people of some kind, but what this should be is the question." Ehled asks, if he could offer them a show of trust perhaps setting up the government would be easier.

"Solving the issues with our neighbors for a start, some modern supplies or a taste of what things are like on the Greystar core worlds might also help"

"Who is causing you the most problems as of now? And I will ask about the supplies, if there is anything specific you would wish for do say." Ehled answers.

"Trasevs. An unknown state on the border with unknown intentions. Any information you bring back to us shows us insight and your position might get you into some sensitive areas"

"What would be your solution to the divide? A federation? Unification under you?"

"Unification under greystar. There is no place for world governments when we're under the aegis of a government that spans worlds. We of course hope many of us will retain some sort of trusted position to help local affairs continue , but much of the mechanism we have is no longer necessary"

"I understand and of course, we will keep local administrators, maybe not all, but as many as required. The numbers will be worked out later. I am glad you are so eager to join us, I just hope others on this planet see reason too."

"Its the only way forward. If we don't unite, the planet will be at risk again, and there won't be anyone left here to pick things back up"

(It seems that they are onboard, time to go speak to someone else then?)

(wherever you decide to go, "someone else" could be any number of people and how you sort through this is important)

(The Penal Monarchy of Revisira would be where Ehled heads out next.)

The penal colony does not wish for you to visit its territory but is planning to send a representative to meet with you in the field. They are cautious about who they let in and understand the opinion of the planet is turning against them.

Ehled accepts, but he will choose the location and time as they refuse to let him enter their territory. "Of course they will be difficult about this."

Two diplomats and a large bodyguard of ten convict-soldiers and their electro whip cracking overseer have been dispatched to meet you at a small farm in what is appearing to be no man's land. A simple atmoflyer has brought them here and it looks like the soldiers are keeping an eye on it, and on you, as you come in to land.

Ehled steps out, followed by his security. "Greetings! How are you?" He asks, before speaking on. "I hope todays meeting will be highly productive, and that we will be able to negoatiate your entry into Greystar."

They nod at your greeting. “I’m the chief warden of the Penal Monarchy. Pleased to meet you and pleased you honored our requests to meet outside. The Penal Monarchy is a place where the Tenebrian Empire dumped the people it didn’t want. Those people don’t want to be caged but it’s our mandate to cage them, and we can’t have outside forces upsetting our mission”

(The empire and any actual remnant is gone? If the wiki is true?)

(the wiki is true. Don't forget, this is the frontier, and we're using age of sail communication methods, so they don't know what to believe. To them, it's possible a ship from home carrying messages simply hasn't come in yet- and i guess to some degree it would be a concern in the back of the mind for everyone in our play area, too. )

8:01 AM

(We know the Sol defense grid is keeping anything in the Sol system from leaving, and anything coming into the system is almost instantly destroyed,but it was a big empire)

(Ahh I see, alright. Will be thread lightly around that topic)

(alright, my last story post was them responding to you, so i dont have much more to add until you think of a response you're happy with)

(Will think one up when I get home)

"Ah, yes your mandate, to keep those undesirable caged and not causing problems , but I have a question for you, do you know what emergency measures mean? I am sure you can see how we all are living in troubled times. Tell me, if you were to come here after the Scream to reclaim what is yours, would you prefer the people to be barely surviving, working themselves to death for no real gain? Or would you prefer to see them happy? So they might welcome you with open arms and provide you with gifts of their hard labor? So you would not have to fix their mess, but for them to provide and even improve your empire?" Ehled asks. and takes a short pause to allow the diplomat to process his words and his point. "If you wish to build a place that is worthy of Earth itself you must unify with other nations on this planet and with Greystar, we must work together to improve our position in this disaster, the old mandate never planned for something like this, we must change it so it may provide us the resources we require to one day reunite with Earth. I hope, that you understand my words and will accept unification, it is the only way forward that will be prosperous and worthy."

(Talk/cha)

12:41 PM

(its goo,d but it conflicts with a core belief, so we'll see if we can start to sway them)

(okay)

12:42 PM

(11)

2

"That might be true, but the opposite might be true too. They might arrive to see prisoners given liberty far outside what they were sentenced to, and all our heads will roll. We might not be the most high tech, or the strongest, but we have the most people, and with hard labor we can over come any obstacle ourselves"

"If by most people you mean prisoners which will always be plotting against you, looking for a weakness, I am afraid your heads will roll before we ever establish contact with Earth again. Do you not understand that I am here to save you from a possible rebellion? Is it not better to grant them liberty and keep order than have them massacre you all for their freedom and hate the empire and everything it stood for? Your goal was to keep them complacent, to keep them from causing trouble, imagine if the empire returns only to be greeted by raiders and outlaws running rampart, your heads resting on spikes before their landing pad? Imagine the shame you would bring to your mandate, to the empire, good sir." Ehled slows down. "I wish to save you from a horrible certainty which will follow if you refuse to adapt to the new times we live in, I wish to save as many human lives as possible, to protect humanity itself from falling into the dark ages again, an age where slavery, corruption and anarchy is rampant. We have banded together to survive the Scream, I wish to see you side by side with Greystar on the day we reconnect with Earth, nothing else. "

"What you're saying...is true..." he says after a sigh. "but this isn't a simple thing like, we release you ,and then they're done. Services and something to keep these people productive and out of trouble is needed here. We need to gradually open the floodgates, not open them,a nd then try to contain it"

"I am not suggesting you let everyone go right away, I am sure some truly deserve to rot away in prison, but many have already paid for their crimes and deserve a second chance. All we want is to integrate you into the Greystar and then you can let us worry about your prisoners." Ehled takes a deep breath. "We just wish to begin the process and allow these people to reform and become good and hardworking people again, keeping them in hard labor for longer than they deserve only breeds hatred and resentment towards any form of rule. I promise you this, if you join Greystar we will take the process slowly and carefully, I can not and will not promise that there will not be mistakes or hiccups, but Greystar will do their best and I promise you, if we must ever explain our actions before Earth, the responsibility will fall onto Greystar, you have done your duty. Join Greystar to ensure a better future not just for you or those prisoners, but for humanity as whole. Unified, not divided after the Scream."

(they want to see holdings and services being made here or permission to use them extended to them in order to agree to join. You've convinced him, but he's trying to do it in a way that's not going to cause social chaos. Can't suddenly open a closed society and think there isn't going to be a collapse )

(of course, yeah, I didn't want an open society, will take time, I just want them to agree to it and allow Greystar access)

(and they won't agree until they see some big support gesture from Greystar first)

(it can be under the table access of course, but yeah alright, so what now? do I go and talk in #greystar-monthly-agent-roundtable about what the gesture might be?)

3:33 PM

(something like "I am glad we see eye to eye, I will contact my superiors and see what we can do as a gesture of good will." ?)

(yeah that one works)

"I am glad we see eye to eye, I will contact my superiors and see what we can do as a gesture of good will." Ehled says, happy with how the meeting went.

"You know how to get ahold of us. We will talk again when things have changed"

"Goodbye gentlemen, to a hopefully soon meeting."

(I saw you posted in the group chat for where to go next , so I’ll wait to see what you decide before I can move on)

( looks like the decision is winding down, I'm good to set up a meeting with either of the other two groups next)

(yeah, we started talking about how to deal with them later, which isn't that important, if I can pick I would prefer Trasevs)

)sure!)

9:30 AM

(program/int as we fly in)

(9, and why do I have a feeling we are about to be shot at?)

(block of text coming, you overheard something electronically, or will be)

Heading into the Independent Nation, it appears your are intercepting covert comms from the ground. One or more special forces teams in the region is preparing to make an incursion into the penal monarchy, tasked with raiding some supply depots and fuel storage areas , while throwing evidence behind them that domestic forces within that nation are responsible instead. It seems about a platoon worth of men has been deployed for this task. You cannot see them in the dense forest below, but enough chatter passes between them where it seems like they're also repeating their commanding officers in thinking that the Monarchy got off light, but they haven't put together the scale of the treachery just yet. Even so, the Monarchy has what these people need, and they're going to take it without batting an eye.

(Interesting, but what can I do about it? Contact the monarchy? Contact the raiders?)

(Either one if you decide to) (edited)

1:38 PM

(or both, moreover, it is confirmation that some other people might know what you do, and a problem you were going to let sit cannot be sat with)

Ehled contacts the raid group. "Greetings, may I speak to your commander on the behalf of Greystar Confederacy? I think we have a few things to talk about."

"Greystar?! Alright, I'm Commander Grimdank, how can I assist?"

"Well, I am sure you are aware that what you are about to do can be considered an act of war? Which will increase tensions and thus make any unification of this planet rather difficult and because of that all the people in the penal colony, all the slaves, would have to remain so until a new deal is made or until they are set free by more violent means, but by then many would have died protecting, forcefully if I might add, their masters, so instead of just punishing those responsible many innocent lives would be lost. Now I do share your hatred of that whole rotten system and I wish to see it dead and buried and those responsible punished, but I must think of the lives of many first and foremost. You see the longer it takes for the unification to complete the longer will innocent people suffer, and longer will the guilty escape punishment. I can offer you my word that justice will be delivered, but what you are about to do will only cause more strife and suffering in the long term. So I would ask you to kindly reconsider your actions and allow Greystar to handle the issue."

"They'll only know who it was if you tell them, and if you do, we're going to fight Greystar too since you clearly can't be trusted. Our people need the resources the Penal Monarchy has. Greystar has had time, and they didn't show for it"

"If need help you could have contacted me when I started going around asking everybody what they wanted to join Greystar, but I see we are well beyond that point now." Ehled pauses for a moment to consider what to do. "Commander, I have a trade offer. Now I do not like slavers, but I must put my mission first and so I shall. If you will go into their lands and raid them I would ask for few things, limit the amount of killing you commit and make sure people don't realize it is you, but before that I would be very happy if you could tell whoever they are sending to parley with me about this meeting of ours. Put in a good word and all that for me, as a show of goodwill between out two nations, hopefully to become one. Agree to this and you may go."

"I don't know who they'll send, and if I radio back it might compromise the mission since I'll need to switch long range on. Just don't mention the Ivory Horde, and even say a couple nasty things about them, and you'll be okay"

10:27 AM

(these guys are grunts, they dont know every single thing that is happening on their planet just like you dont know every single thing happening on earth irl)

(yeah, yeah, thought it was a more elite secret mission or something)

10:28 AM

(anyway)

10:29 AM

"Fine, be on your way now and I better not hear about your little escapade later, good luck. Do try and kill the slave masters and not the slaves." Ehled says and moves on.

2:07 PM

The city of the Independent Nation is a glimmering showpiece of glass and metal and as you approach the late day sun's reflection is almost blinding. You see no vehicle traffic on the roads here, and are welcome into their airport where you're met by a junior officer on the ground- your driver to bring you to the meeting place proper.

Ehled greets the man and gets into the vehicle. He takes in the sight while going to the meeting, it is weird that it is so empty.

The city once used to be newer and more populated but the raids carried off so many from this country and the survivors are inhabiting a city of ghosts both in memory and in the eerie empty feeling. The building you’ll be meeting the locals in is a large spiraling tower of green steel and glass.

10:47 PM

You can see two guards at the steps, they salute as you approach and open the doors for you.

Ehled enters ans takea in the interior. "Greetings, I hope all is well."

“That depends on the nature of your visit. Why are you here? Why now, after all this time?

"Well, I am sure you heard, but if you did not let me catch you up. Greystar has decided that for too long the unification of this planet has been put off. It is time to stop the fighting and pointless loss of life, to bring this planet and its people into a new age of prosperity. Now yes, it has been a long time I do agree. Out of my control, or was, but now it is my job and I do have every intention of finishing it. I hope that you will join us, like others that have already agreed."

“Join you? Youre looking at a dead nation. We have no control over the frontier and our territory is disintegrating . There’s a lot of communities out there. We don’t know how many or how many people live there but they’re breaking away. They think the government is gone and they’re waiting for us to help them

10:50 PM

Until that happens all we could say is this city will support you, but this independent nation is made of many independent nations now.

Ehled nods. "A trend I have noticed I must say. It is terrible that this is happening. When nations fall apart there is always conflict, first it is raids for supplies, then it is a war of conquest. That is of course if someone can even wage war and is not already so depopulated. I am glad you will join us, even if it is just this city. It is a sign of the future, of what awaits the rest of the planet. Unification with Greystar, peace and progress." Ehled pulls out his datapad. "Tell me abiut these communities, which ones would happily join? Which ones will require work? Which ones will refuse? We must pull your nation back from the edge."

He laughs “If we knew we would have just handled it ourselves and we wouldn’t be telling you about it. You’ll be working forever going one by one though. Some way to reach that many people at once could probably speed things up , but we don’t have it , so…” he lets the statement hang

"Well, if we must go to each house we will, but perhaps I have a few ideas about making it easier on all of us. A radio signal or something like that, but that is up to Greystar to figure out. We have quite a bit on our plate recently, but I am glad you agreed to join, the sooner this unification is over the better. I will send you over the agreement later, but if you have nothing else you wish to discuss, I must go and find a way how to contact everyone on the planet and talk to other nations still." Ehled says.

That seems to be the biggest issue for now and until that is sorted out he has nothing new to add.

(Okay, well do I deal with that now or do we go and meet the ivory people? If the first, then could some kind of transmission signal work? Or a space billboard?)

(That's really up to you on what you want to deal with first. These missions are not on rails, but however you decide to progress things I'm happy to continue running the mission)

10:35 AM

(you seem to be frustrated I'm not giving you leads. If you need more direct type things in the prompts i can do that for you. Let me know. As far as a signal, there are comm satellites that can be deployed in orbit, we can also see if the polity has any resources to be used like propaganda assets or anything like that)

Nekosmash

(you seem to be frustrated I'm not giving you leads. If you need more direct type things in the prompts i can do that for you. Let me know. As far as a signal, there are comm satellites that can be deployed in orbit, we can also see if the polity has any resources to be used like propaganda assets or anything like that)

(I am not frustrated, more a bit lost? Usually when I play RP of some kind things are a bit more on rails or I go with the flow of the party, but here it is up to me so I am trying to see my options. I am having a bit of a hard time wording what the problem is, but it is not you or the missions, more my brain being indecisive and thinking about every word I write three times before I finish writing a sentence. ) (But no, I am having a grand time, just sometimes a bit lost as to how I should proceed about things, but that is again, more due to me. I am just confused on how Ehled is supposed to... contact everyone on the planet, that seems more like a faction thing and that is why what I basically see as the only option is to talk to each faction and then solve their problems one by one until they all agree to join Greystar.)

(that is more or less the approach here yeah. they need to see things are better under Greystar than they could be under themselves, so solving problems they can't solve is a great way to do that)

12:53 PM

(so we can communicate back to the meeting that maybe we can move an asset here to convince people, or we can get some kind of comms satellite or command and control ship into the area to direct things)

(yeah okay)

1:33 PM

"Perhaps we can send a team here to organize it all, be it by transmission signals or otherwise. I will look into it with Greystar personnel. "

"You'd be doing us a big favor if you could arrange something like that. I'm sure there are people out there listening. We just need them to hear us"

"Will do so, now if you will excuse me I have to go and take care of that, but perhaps it would be smart to keep this place nice and tidy if anybody shows up." Ehled said and starts to move out.

2:56 PM

(So I need to ask Eisheru about sending someone here for this and for the penal colony gift, but that might have to wait for the action turn.)

)yeah but the planning can at least make sure we don’t miss it. Flip is probably gonna be late this week or weekend anyway )

(would two ships suffice?)

2:43 AM

(2 Advanced Medical Suites 2 TL4 Factories 1 Vehicle sized Workshop 1 Extractor 1 Work Pod 2 Survey Sensor Arrays) (With these?)

(That would work)

(Okay, I will tell others about that then.)

(sounds good. I think once you're satisfied there we've just got the Ivory Horde left and we can call this as done as it can be for the moment)

(sure, sure, we will RP the ship delivery in the #greystar-monthly-agent-roundtable , but I think we can move on as that convo would happen outside of this meeting anyway)

The Ivory Horde is the final group on this planet and not much is known about them. They've declined any kind of relationship or communication with anything off world, and have kept silent to previous Greystar entreaties for entry. Their territory is vast, but so far they have kept to themselves, content ot live and travel among the steppes of their land.

"Well, this will be an issue. How to contact someone who refuses to answer?" Ehled asks his crew. "Perhaps if I could track down someone and just talk to them, explain that we wish to help them, or maybe I need to draw them to me? It would be dishonest perhaps, but if it worked... Someone in that territory must wish to contact us and join us. Sending out a signal could be beneficial. We shall hail them, ask to tall, be it their leaders or anyone who wishes. If nobody answers or shows up, we will formulate a new plan." He orders his crew to try and send out a signal and will wait to see if anyone answers or not.

Two hours go by as the signal is transmitted and nobody answers. THe vessel captain and comms team have a plan- and the marine sergeant agrees with it, but it is risky and they want to run it by you first.

"Alright, what is it? I hope it is better than my idea of faking a crash." Ehled asks.

"Alright, well, not so much that as we avoid transmitting anymore and look for some kind of small settlement to talk to. We can pay them over with gifts from the locker or armory if we need to, but it might be better to see what the people think if the major cities are going to keep blocking us out like this"

"That would indeed work, or at least give us something to tell Greystar, if there are any smaller villages, bring us in." He congratulates the man before turning to another. "You there, please go into the armory and check what we may offer as a gift. The rest of you be ready for possibly not the warmest greeting you have ever received, keep the ship running when we land. Be ready for take off, just in case. "

1

( lockers and armories have TL4 and below weapons, armor, and general supplies in them. It's assumed you can check out weapons or small amounts of gear for free for you and the crew to use. Cleaning out the contents to give to a village would need the fittings to be purchased again but that is something GSC will pay for when you're back at a shipyard somewhere)

10:54 AM

(the only additional stipulation we've put on that is heavy weapons and explosives are very limited, since its a starship and carrying around ordinance like that is probably going to see you breach a compartment before anything else)

(true, I wasn't planning on giving them heavy weapons anyway, but some basic armor and weapons could be useful, and the supplies. Just we should make sure that the armor is not Greystar branded)

The computer operator thinks with scanning he's found a small settlement down near the coast, and begins laying in a course. The plan is to land about a kilometer from town- enough space to get an idea of how the people are going to receive you without landing right on top of them and ending up in a potentially dangerous situation.

"Perfect, take us in. Please prepare some supplies and basic weapons as a gift for who ever shows up, remember keep the ship running." Ehled commands.

6:54 PM

The village is walled, protected by rocks and some standing logs. Two wooden gate doors keep the casual outsider from@wandering in and you can see a patrol of six men armed with battered looking shotguns is sent out to meet you.

6:54 PM

They’ll be at the ship in a few moments. They look underfed and quite tired

"Well that seems like someone that will asks us to leave, best we make them consider not doing that. I shall wait for them outside, few of you wait inside with the guns and carry them out if everything goes well, if not... well they are guns. Provide covering fire while I retreat onto the ship and then we leave. Worst case scenario, but we must be ready." Ehled heads out of the ship, grabbing a rifle on his way out, but keeping it in his off hand and not at all ready for a fight. When he leaves the ship he will leave it to lean on the ship or a rock so that he may use it as a show of god will, but so it isn't percived as a threat. "Greetings!" He will call out to them once they are close enough.

1

The patrol returns waves and ocne they come into close enough range to speak with you, the first of them sends his welcome, and wants to know your purpose for being here. They do not seem interested in using their weapons, carrying them as a precaution rather than for ready use.

"Well the answer is quite simple, to help you if you need any or to give you a few gifts on behalf of Greystar, weapons and supplies to be more precise." Ehled gestures to the rifle. "A sign of our interest in mutual prosperity and aid, perhaps even unification of the planet."

"Greystar? What happened to the horde? You guys kill them?"

9:02 AM

The patrol is interested, but cautious. You can sense they might be warming up depending on your answer.

"Greystar, we are a space fearing nation which wishes to bring this planet into our confederacy where each planet gets to vote on any common issues. Now about the horde as far as I am ware they are still around, of course once Greystar takes over we would hope most of them would settle down as you have and no, we don't kill the horde, it is my duty to try a diplomatic solution first, now they have been refusing our hails, so I decided to talk to someone in person. Now, if the horde does wish to interfere with our mission to help the people of this planet, then yes, we will kill them."

"They havent' come by in a long time except for tribute , no contact in over a year now, not since right after the raids"

"I see, usually they came more often?" Ehled asks. "If so, it seems that nobody bothered to answer because nobody had the time."

"They came more often in the past. They collected tribute from all the villages and those who couldnt pay with goods usually paid with some of their young men and women getting taken as conscripts for the Horde"

"Well, I am here to ask if you would like to join Greystar, that would mean that the Horde would become a Greystar problem, which means we would have to deal with them for you."

"And greystar would fight the horde? They'd be willing to fight their own people? "

"What do you mean our own people? The horde is not part of Greystar? Perhaps we share a species, but that means little to us. All are equal." (Did I missunderstand what he said?)

(The horde is part of greystar but if you're promising to fight them you're essentially going to war against your own people)

(What? They are? I thought they were not. And that they refused any kind if contact.)

(the planet is owned by GSC though)

2:23 PM

(Banding together some of these isolated communities and getting rid of Horde leadership will fix this, how about we just fast forward to that)

2:24 PM

(We've got 50% of a working government here now, which is better than it was)

(I must have had a brain fart, thought the planet was really only under Greystar influence not that we owned it but that it was divided. But yeah I guess a skip is a good idea. Unless I delcare a war on the horde despite them being part of us at which point we can just hunt them as criminals for raiding others.)

(Yeah. That’s more or less where it’s leading. 6xp 50,000 credits for your efforts )

(Alright.)

(Need to finish my level up.)

Level Up Level: 4 Focus: None Old HP: 11 HP Roll: 15 New HP: 15 New Skills: Shoot 1 , Administer 0, Program 0 Current AB: 2

1

4:21 AM

(3 skill points from level up, +1 from expert, 2 to shoot 1, 1 to administer, one to program, did I do this right?)

(looks good)

(Alright, thanks now then to see what happens next.)

(Perhaps I can look into helping someone if they need it)

(Michela would like to cooperate on an asteroid mission involving the hand people, I would be more than happy to help in her channel)

(Alright. We can pivot to that then. It’s 3 days south to Jahnavi from here )

( will do)

(She’s got a big choice to make in her thread and we will get that rolling after. I don’t want her to rush through it )

(Of course not. I meant one she can.) (edited)

(5 days downtime to the fix skill)

1

Level Up Level: 5 Focus: Sniper 2 Old HP: 15 HP Roll: 24 New HP: 24 New Skills: Shoot 2, Lead 0 Current AB: 2

1:39 PM

(3 skill points for shoot 2, my free expert point for lead 0) (edited)

Shopping list Storm Armor 20000 Medpack 100 x2 Total 20200

12:19 PM

(This is my shopping list, can I get these items?)

(Yes)

(Okay, then I am ready)

DESTROYED (edited)

1:04 AM

(Just gona out this here so I have it)

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 5/22/2022 7:47 AM

( looks good, we're staying here on Polychrome then it sounds like, was there a specific issue you were drawn towards for wanting to stay?)

(Well mainly it would be nice to make the place a bit more safe, maybe digging into the factions and seeing which one would be more favourable towards Greystar? If not that some exploration, I am sure there is some interesting tech around here or something else.)

(All of these are possible options. Is there any particular one you'd like to focus on then? )

(Making the place a bit more safe)

The Stained Freedom Front has their own contractors working on several issues. Making the area safer is one such issue and this seems to come in two flavors, fixing Stain seals within the controlled territory, and eliminating dangerous criminal or other corporate elements from within SFF territory. As the tide begins to turn in their favor, the emergent Stained Freedom Front has a bit more territory than they can manage, and you find enough of both kinds of work in spades. A bulletin board posted on electronic message boards has several items available, fixing stain seals in certain neighborhoods, or running down small criminal elements.

Ehled will look into the criminal elements first. Having them running around could maybe sabotage any effort in fixing the seals or just slow down the work.

There is a small group, a holdout of the former Winter Wolves holed up to the south of SFF territory. They are hard fighters, originally brought here to help restore order and secure technologies, but were left behind in the wake of the chaos that has gripped this underground city. The Freedom Front has their area of operations narrowed down to a few blocks, just beyond the southern reaches of their territory.

Ehled will head out towards those city blocks on Micaela's bike and then go on foot once close enough, hiding the bike somewhere just in case.

(sneak/dex)

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 1] Result: 6

You begin moving into the district before a quiet droning sound begins filling your ears. Something seems to be flying nearby though the uneven building roofs conceal the source of the sound for the moment.

Ehled will pull over and try to stay hidden while searching for it.

Covering in some trash, there looks to be some kind of corporate aerosat drone out keeping watch on the borders of Winter Wolf territory. The battered exterior has been painted white and patched where possible, and a small camera looks to be keeping a close eye on the surrounding streets.

Ehled will try to sneak past.

!roll 2d6

Nekosmash Roll: [6, 3] Result: 9

(Oh damn I forgot about it, sorry)

The drone notices the movement as you spring from the trap, and its camera hones in on the sudden change in what it is looking at. A small inbuilt alarm begins to chime, alerting whoever is on the other end that the drone has detected something.

Ehled will try to take down the drone with his Void Carbine before running away to hide in a new spot.

1:18 PM

!roll 2d6+2

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 5] Result: 12

(I'm not sure what was meant to be rolled here. If you're going for an execution attack- the drone is aware of you and you no longer meet the conditions for one. If you're shooting, you'd need to be using a D20 to roll the attack, and I'd also need the damage result)

(Ah, bit scattered today it seems, yeah was going to attack)

1:56 PM

!roll 1d20+2

Ehled Lowward Roll: [19] Result: 21

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [6, 2] Result: 8

(21 to hit, 8 damage, sorry Neko, gona go and take a break for the rest of today, not feeling the best clearly)

(All good! just was trying to make sure you knew what was going on, there are a lot of rules)

2:27 PM

The shot is clean, and quick. You are fortunate that it is well placed and the bot scatters into dozen different sparking pieces.

Ehled will make a breal for nearby cover, one which would allow him to see the wreck, but hard to be seen easily. (Thinking about setting up a ambush for whoever comes here to check out the drone. Could I roll notice to find a good hidding place?)

(It would be more sneak since you're trying to conceal yourself , I would think)

(Sure! Will roll that then.)

8:35 AM

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [1, 1] Result: 2

1

(Welp, good thing I got high AC

)

(Any re-roll tokens awarded or anything? )

(I am an expert and I think I can roll non combat skill checks again per scene? Is that what you mean?)

(That is also something we can do, since we're not in combat and haven't used it yet this mission. Let me know if you want to use it now)

3:28 PM

(otherwise I'll continue on)

(Yes. I do, I shall roll it now then.)

7:14 PM

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 3] Result: 8

(Bit better)

!roll 2d6

Nekosmash Roll: [2, 1] Result: 3

After about fifteen minutes you see a small grav bike pull up with a technician on it. He is not wearing the white armor of the Winter Wolves , though his complexion and the voice he is talking to himself with marks him out as a foreigner.

7:14 AM

He does not seem to have noticed you.

Ehled waits to see what they will do, while honing in his Void Carbine. (I will prepare an execution attack on the guy, I would like it to maybe be non-lethal if possible, but I won't shoot right away, I wish to see what he does first.)

(there is no way to do a non lethal execution attack or non-lethally shoot someone)

8:02 AM

(The only way to knock someone out are fists, a flop rifle, kinesis wraps, or a stun baton)

(I see, then just wait for a bit to see what happens, giving up on the execution attack)

The bike comes to a halt and it looks as though the technician is trying to find a signal of some kind, piecing tog ether the bot's known location last time it transmitted to any physical evidence at the scene. He does not seem to have noticed you and is tracking on a datapad the various flight paths the drone was supposed to follow, cross referenced with where it stopped reporting in. Digging through the trash , it looks as though he has found a piece of it.

Ehled aims his rifle at the man and shouts out. "Move and you will get shot." He has every intention of doing so.

He does not move, because he does not want to be shot.

"Now, who are you? You aren't wearing Winter Wolves armor despite that being their drone, care to explain?"

“I’m one of their technicians. You don’t need power armor to fix a drone. If you kill me they’ll hunt you down”

"Now you need to be honest with me and tell me where I can find the Wolves. You see, I have a meeting to attend with them and being late seems counter productive to me. Also I need to pay for the drone, apoeared out of nowhere and gave me quite a fright, would like to pay for a new one. So, where do I have to go? I will leave you to take care of the drone and go on my way." Ehled still keeps his gun aimed at the man. "That is if you are telling the truth." (So can I roll talk to try and get him to buy the story and tell me where the base is?)

(That works. Talk/cha)

4:24 PM

(Though he’s probably going to question why you’re pointing a gun at him from ambush if you’re expected )

(I thought I explained it as him not wearing the armor? So unsure if he is actually a Wolf or not.)

(Ah true. Okay. Roll the check)

!roll 2d6+2

Ehled Lowward Roll: [4, 2] Result: 8

It looks as though he believes you and if you lower the gun he might be able to answer the rest of your questions

Ehled will lower his gun. "Apologies, I am quite jump due to the chaotic nature of this place. Danger around every corner, someone waiting to shoot you from the shadows. Guilty of that myself, but one has to adapt. Now then, where can I find your base. The instructions I recived were quite vague."

"You better just come back with me then once I find this drone, its on purpose, but if you're with me they will let you in"

4:21 PM

"You didn't see what happened to it, did you?"

"I don't really have the time to wait around while you try to piece that drone back together, I am already late because of other delays and I don't want this deal to fail." "As for the drone I shoot it by accident. I was still a bit in shock from another encounter and then this flying thing pops out of nowhere and looks right at me? Thought it was a combat drone for a second and that I was done for. Only later did I realize what it was and decided to stick around and wait for someone to respond to it and here you are. I will pay for the drone even if the deal goes bust."

'Alright, well I don't have to go looking for it then. Follow me with that bike of yours then, and we'll be off"

8:00 AM

He taps out a quick message on his compad before stowing the device and moving to get back to his own transportation, intent on you following him.

"Before we go, I have a quick question. Why would anyone stay here, it is pure chaos. There might be some tech around, but what use is that if no ship will get you out of here?" Ehled asks while moving to collect his bike. "If you ask me, the sooner I leave this place the better, so are you guys stuck here or something?"

"Stuck is exactly right, there are no ships here, as you said, but it seems like you got here, I can tell you're not local, especially with the questions you're asking"

"Of course I am not a local, a local wouldn't make so much noise as me." Ehled got onto his bike. "You know, perhaps there is a chance I could help you out, get you of this hellhole to be more specific, but that conversation is between me and your boss. You sure they won't open fire as soon as they see me? I would hate to ruin a good deal by accident."

"I thought you said you have a deal with them, or a meeting" He says, taking an instinctual step back as the story begins to slowly unravel "Why would they shoot you?"

"Because since I arrived on this hellhole I have been a paranoid wreck and things keep on going wrong. First thong first, nobody meets me at the port and I have to find my own way down here. Second, I get into a shootout not only with the locals, but also with people who I was told were expecting me. Third, I keep on bumping into drones who range from simple security ones to armed ones. So apologies if I just spoke my mind about not wishing to be shot at while I am trying to get off this planet." Ehled pauses for a moment. "Sorry, I just realized that someone should be fired for being the most incompetent human being to ever live, I bet it is Greg. So, once again, I am sorry for being slightly tense." Ehled pauses again, taking a deep breath. "Now then, I hope that we can get on with our extraction and be away from this planet soon enough."

(perform, or talk, either one with Cha)

!roll 2d6+2

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 1] Result: 8

"Alright, I'm with you, Are you ready to go then or do you have other questions"

"Don't think so, best to get going." Ehled gets on the bike and waits to leave.

The technician begins revving the engine, moving through the warren of streets and alleys within the district the Wolves are using as their base of operations, before coming to rest outside of what looks to be a former corporate office belonging to Everlife Company. There is no sign anyone from Everlife is still here, but the Wolves have moved in, fortifying windows and doors, posting marksmen on the roof, and otherwise are vigilant as to their surroundings. Two soldiers in white power armor keep tabs on the parking lot next to the building where a quartet of battered personnel carriers are being worked on, rebuilt from the ground up.

Ehled pulls over behind him. "Now that is a proper fortress." He makes a quick study of enemy positions and where he could run if things go south. "Where is the main entrance? I need to tell them I am here."

"You're looking right at it. Go tell them you're here" he shrugs, heading to the motor pool, and it is evident he is about done with you

"Alright. Hope it goes well." Ehled said and waited a bit for the man to leave, pretending to be securing his bike, before looking at the main door and taking in a deep breath and walking towards it. "Hello, I am here to discuss the possibility of providing you transportation off planet, may I talk to your commander or leader?"

You're kept at the door for several minutes as radio calls are passed back and forth, before the commander agrees to listen to you and take a meeting with you now. "We're going to have to disarm you before letting you in. We can't have you in front of the commander with a weapon." one of the two door guards says, their pearlescent white power armored bodies turning to you, imposing themselves in front of the door to block any attempts to squeeze past them inside.

"Of course. Here you go." Ehled hands over his rifle and anything else they ask for.

(If you're not planning on trying to conceal anything I can move along, but I wanted to ask first)

(I don't have anything that I could really hide or is worth hidding. So yeah, move along.) (edited)

You are frisked and your items are taken, and you're allowed into the building, taken to a secure elevator where you're scanned once again by a weapon scanner and medical scanner. Verifying you are not trying to smuggle anything into the meeting that you shouldn't, the elevator brings you to the third floor of the fortified building. A few junior officers are in the antechamber and you are ushered in to a room where a scarred looking man in armor is waiting there, the trim silver edged, and the workmanship a bit better than his fellows.

Ehled looks around the room for somewhere to sit. "Good day to you, I hope my visit hasn't interfered with your work too much." "My name is Ehled Lowward and I work for Greystar, I am here on their behalf today. Now, onto the meat of the matter." "Greystar offers you transportation to another planet or station from Polychrome, we have been made aware of your current predicament and wish to assist you. We would send enough ships to get you all off-planet in one go, this also includes any equipment you may wish to take with you, and then drop you off at a place of your choosing. Perhaps there is even work we could find for you, but that you may negotiate with my superiors at a later date. The important question we have for you is this, do you wish to leave Polychrome and may we assist you?"

"Before I answer that, I need to know what brought you here, and why you're interested in us in the first place. What do you want us to do once we're all on your ships and effectively at your mercy. "

"Simple, the local powers want to get rid of you. 'Criminal elements', is what they called you, put a bounty on your company. Now I thought to that there is no need for bloodshed, worth giving talk a chance. That is how I learned of you and decided your skills could be put to a far better use." "Now as what we will do with you once you are on our ships is simple. Either we drop you off back home and you can settle things with your previous employer as to why you were left here or you can come and work for us, we always could use more soliders. The exact terms are up to you and my superiors, with me as the in-between, ironing it out until everyone is happy." "The way I see it, you get off this planet, Greystar gets to say we helped Polychrome and maybe some extra skilled soliders and I get paid a small bounty for my service. Win-win-win."

"We keep track of the bounties , I didn't see anything get issued, and they'd be stupid to try. The corporations stopped working with us when others moved in, and the Stained Freedom Front looked like they were getting to the head of the pack. "

"Well, I don't know what to tell you, I found a notice about taking care of you, so someone clearly wants you dead. Either way, my offer still stands. Transportation off planet to a place of your choosing and maybe work with Greystar, if you wish."

"I can't speak for the rest of my boys, but almost all of us are from the UNW, and we heard Greystar isn't exactly in step with everyone else right now. If my boys want to go home to their families, would Greystar take them to UNW space instead?"

"I am not sure what you mean when you say we are not in step with others, but if you wish to go to UNW I am sure we can make that happen. We would of course have to contact UNW about it and arrange where we would hand you over to them or drop you off, I doubt they would be too pleased if Greystar jumped into their space while carrying a small force of mercenaries. It could take a bit longer, how is your current situation? I hope you can hold out while everything is organized and the ships arrive?"

"I think we can. We fight better than we look, I can promise you that. My boys would like the chance to go home, I think maybe a few would be happy in Greystar space, but the rest havent seen their families or had a moment off the line in over a year now. It's time for that to change"

"Alright then, unless you have anything else to add or ask for I think it is time I take my leave and see what I can do, but is there a way to contact you about the transport without having to come back here, over compad or something?"

"I can give you the base communication frequency. It reports only to this room, and you'll need to be within the system to use it. Once you depart it's going to go dead, there's just too much rock in the way, and nothing in space to bounce the communications off of.

"Understood, will try to hasten them along to get a ship here. In the meantime you make a list of how many men you have and how much stuff you are taking with you so I can work out the number of ships, also knowing who wishes to stay with Greystar and who wishes to go back home would be nice. I will update you on my progress as things develop, good luck."

"Right now you've only come to me with words. I don't want to give out our composition and equipment if we don't know your promise is going to pan out, but if it does we will cooperate"

"That is fair, I shall see what can be done. Will contact you once I get UNW to respond then. I shall leave you now. Goodbye."

He says nothing else, dismissing you from the room, and you're led back out to the gates of the facility and your weapons are reeturned to you. You're thanked for not shooting their tech officer

1:40 PM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Well that went in unexpected ways, I suppose the whole transport will be left to the polities or are will that be another mission? Also I leveled up so gona take care of that first)

(The polity will figure it out but you have to be the one to tell them what's going on here.)

(Will do so!)

2:02 PM

!roll 6d6+6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [6, 4, 4, 2, 1, 1] Result: 24

(

rolled the same HP as before even with extra con (extra 6 from the modiffier) so new one is 25)

2:04 PM

Level Up Level: 6 Old HP: 24 HP Roll: 24 New HP: 25 Banked: 4 Skill Points Current AB: 3 (1 skill point went to first attribute increase from CON 13 to 14) (edited)

2:04 PM

(Okay, think that is it)

(Did you want to stay here or did you want to leave the planet. I’m good setting up whatever i just need to know where we are going)

(I would like to leave yes, but I do need to stay here to resolve this no? Or are we going to hand wave that? As for making the post, there is a convo going in there and I do not wish to just jump in right away. )

(You have to let Greystar know what is happening. I didn’t see where you did yet but I know there is a convo going. we aren’t hand waving taking care of it, but there’s not much for you to do until a transport gets dispatched )

(True, suppose I will do that now then, might as well)

(sounds good)

(Alright, not sure what the situation is with the UNW stuff, but I got an idea for what to do next. AYT needs a bit of help and there is a mention of helping build the capitol ship, can I help with that in some way and do I need to go and talk to someone else about it first?)

(Groshim is in the middle of that at the moment. It looks as though GSC is working with the UNW on this, and have approved the transfer, so we can go back to the Winter Wolves if we want to finish this)

(Oh yeah, lets do that then. Wrap it up first and foremost.)

8:03 AM

After Ehled recives the green light about the transport, he saves the plan onto his compad and heads towards the Winter Wolves base to show it off to the leader.

This time your meeting is scheduled and you are permitted to come as you are, without the ruse. Knowing the UNW has accepted their repatriation has everyone in a good mood, and the evacuation ship for the 106 soldiers, their handful of bikes, and two surviving battle tanks has six hours of burning into the system to complete before it docks on the spaceport surface. The trek across the city to the starport is expected to be dangerous. Half the city is out for the Winter Wolves, and this is going to be their last chance at escape, needing to run the few kilometers from here to the starport through a hostile city.

Ehled is looking over the planned route they have to take. "Alright, so we will need to make a mad dash for the port. Trouble is to be expected so tell your men to be on high alert. An ambush of some kind is likely or a more direct attack if they don't have the time to prepare anything else. I have a fee ideas how we could make things go smoother." "First, scouting. If you could use those drones of yours to scout out the area infront of us it would limit their chanches of springing an ambush. We should also send out a few people on bikes to scout ahead along the drones." "I could help out with that, or I could try and create a distraction of some kind. Perhaps a large explosion or something that would force the major threats to deal with it or at least pull away some troops." "We should also look into perhaps leaking a fake route to other factions, if we were to leak the same route to two factions while also telling them that we plan to disguise ourselves as another faction they might potentialy fight eachother, it is a long shot because we would need to ensure they fall for our trap. It is risky and costly to pull off." "That is why I would prefer to maybe set up some explosives around the city, abandoned buildings which are close enough to other factions to occupy their attention, and then detonate them as we move out." "Moving all of us out will draw attention from all your enemies, so we need to do something. Do any of these ideas hold water with you? Do you have explosives or something that could cause a distraction? Otherwise we might need to fabricate a traitor within your ranks to deliver this data." Ehled pauses for a second before going to his last option. "If nothing works, we will have to push and deal with whatever comes up. In this case it might be for the best if we plan out backup routes for the soliders to take if the original one is blocked."

(I think everything you brought up is good, but Ehled themselves is probably only going to be able to devote their attention to one of them, so whichever you pick, the Wolves will assign some folks to do the rest)

(Okay, I am going to guess they have enough explosives to make a large explosion then? Or a few smaller ones?)

(They do, yes)

"I will take some explosives and plant them near one of the rival factions, then I will detonate them when you give me the signal you are ready to leave over my compad. What is the maximum distance I could be from these explosives for them to go off? Because if in theory we could detonate from this base I could join you from the start. Otherwise I will have to meet up with you later."

"The transmitters tend not to work once you get to five hundred meters from where you've placed them. Too much intervening metal with the buildings, and too much signal traffic given all the computers and handhelds in between"

"Alright then, I will place the explosives somewhere easy to see and detonate them once you give me the signal, we have about six hours before the ship gets here. Anything else that needs doing before I set off? And any good high targets I could hit?"

"You said people were after us. Can you tell me who, or where you saw that information? If they're hunting for us, we should give them their own problem to worry about so they don't harass us during the evacuation"

"The Stained Freedom Front, that is where I saw the posting originally, but it said minor criminal elements so when I found out who you were I was rather surprised. Now, what would this problem be you are planning? I hope nothing that could cause them to wish revenge upon you or anyone who helped you. I don't wish to cause trouble for UNW or Greystar."

"They're the ones who are after us, they're the ones who are going to hunt us down when we evacuate. You're the one volunteering to place the explosives, you'll have to think of a way to do this, or make a decision about where you stand"

"I got nothing against distracting them with a well placed explosion, I was just wondering if you were planning anything else. It seems you are not to me, you focus on getting your men out, I will deal with the explosives. As for where I stand it is quite clear, getting you off this planet, but I think we have the best chances if we are working in tandem and the plan is clear. The explosives will be planted and they will go off once you give me the signal you are moving out, now, I think it is time I head out and find a good spot to plant them. Good luck." Ehled will head for the door and then to pick up the explosives. (Would these explosives fit on the bike or do I need a bigger vehicle?)

(demo charges would fit on a bike if we didn;t take more than 4)

(would four be enough to lets say explode a few floors of any empty building to draw attention to it?)

(yes)

(okay, will take the 4 charges, put them into the bike and head out towards the Front, looking for a tall abandoned building nearby that if exploded would draw their attention)

)sounds good. Let’s get a notice /wis as we set the scene )

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [4, 1] Result: 5

You do not notice any buildings that fit your criteria on the drive over and after a few moments of lingering you see the lights of a captured SFF patrol car behind you.

(lights as in telling me to stop or just headlights?)

(Like police lights )

(the explosives are hidden or at least not visible without searching or?)

(if yes, I shall run away, if not I will stop)

(We never said if they were or werent, but we can roll a sneak/dex now to try to )

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [6, 6] Result: 12

(Nice)

You manage to stow them near the battery compartment for the moment. With the bike off as you're being stopped, you don't have to worry about errant heat setting them off. Two SFF patrolmen get out of the vehicle. You can see the SFF is trying to maintain some semblance of public services here, and employing people to keep an eye on the territory they control seems to make good sense. One of them looks to be coming over with a confident swagger, while the other is more reserved, keeping a hand on his holstered sidearm and hanging back a few paces to come approach the bike from the opposite side.

Ehled turns his head to face them. "What seems to be a problem officers and how may I help you?" Ehled remains calm and waits for an answer.

“Lone motorbike out in a long section of abandoned sprawls. Came out to investigate and see what you were up to. “

"I am here on the behalf of the Everlife company to see in what conditions their property is in, hired me as a private contractor. You know, office buildings, warehouses and such areas. Already went around some of them and those were in bad shape so I don't expect much from the last few sites, but once I get a few pictures to prove I visited I can get off the streets and get drunk."

"Everlife is no longer on the planet. They left along with the others. Who contracted you?, Lucid was responsible for housing when they were on Polychrome anyway" The officer says, making some notes on his pad.

"Yes, they are no longer here on planet, but their property is still here and is supposed to be worth something once things calm down. As for who hired me it was a guy named Greg from Acastus Acquisitons, who was hired by Everlife, or the current owner, to do this survey so that the owner can get a good price on the property, rumor has it they are planning to sell it off." Ehled leans over slightly and speaks a bit more quietly for no real reason. "I am supposed to take only good pictures, no real damage anywhere to be seen on them. Underhanded, but that is just how it is in the corporate work." "Anyway, Greg told me that this place is mostly safe now, but that turned out to be a lie. Speaking of lying, I am supposed to ask a few locals about the current situation here and then deliver back only positive answers. You know, stuff like: Oh everything is fine now. Or: Industry is back, as is the law." He says in a slightly sarcastic tone. "So, if you don't mind or have the time would you be interested in answering a short survey? I can offer you each 500 credits as an initiative to answer them in the correct manner. Only positive stuff, getting a few officers of the law to say good things would maybe even get me a bonus, but a man can only dream."

(Talk/cha)

!roll 2d6+3

Ehled Lowward Roll: [4, 1] Result: 8

He takes a step away for a moment as his partner covers you, hand close to his handgun, as the lead officer makes a few radio calls. "If everlife is operating here you're going to need to come in with us. I understand you might have been duped into working with them, or someone pretending to be them, but leadership is going to want to know if there are still Everlife folks out there"

"I mean, that would be a rather large waste of time if you ask me. All I can give you is maybe where Greg works and you would need to go ask him, but he is off planet. Again, I am not supposed to deliver my report to Everlife or whoever is in charge now. My report goes to Greg, the ass, who will throw me into the fire before he tells you anything worthwhile." "Second, what am I supposed to do with my bike? I can't just leave it here with all my stuff. So either I can follow you or I need to stash it somewhere where I can find it easy before I go with you. And like... would you drop me back here afterwards or what is the whole situation with that?" Ehled said while gesturing to his bike.

"You'll ride with me, and my partner will bring it into our secure lot for you, and you can pick it up as soona s you're done answering some questions for us. Sounds fair, right? We'll even top off the power cell for you, no charge"

(Okay so, if that guy starts the bike will it explode right away or after some time?)

(After some time, probably about 10ish minutes at moderate speed)

(How much before the the signal should come? I doubt I have the time for an interview with the local police.)

7:39 AM

(Also ghost driver, could I control the bike even if someone is driving it?)

7:39 AM

(At least force it to stop suddenly or something?)

(You could control it. We think there's about an hour left before the Wolves are packed up enough to start moving)

Ehled nods. "Alright, but couple things before we head out. Do you have much experience with bikes?" Ehled turns to the second officer. "This one is heavier than most due to extra battery reserve so drive carefully, watch out for sharp turns and all that." "Second, can I ride shotgun with you? I don't like the backseat, too little leg room for me." Ehled asked the first officer.

He looks around and after a moment agrees, willing to let you ride shotgun with him, and his companion will take the bike. "This won't take long. Few questions and you'll be back doing whatever it is they asked you to do. We're trying to establish law and order again, so you can understand why hearing about criminal activity, or another company working within our borders is such a big deal"

"Understandable, what is the usual time this takes? Couple hours or something like that?" Ehled asks while making sure the bike doesn't trip. Then he takes his backpack with him and heads towards the car. "Either way, here are the keys and I will warn you again, careful around corners, heavier than usual bikes." He tells the officer which will ride the bike. "Shall we go? I hope the ride there won't take too long, could use a coffee or something. You guys give those out during interviews, right?"

“Sure do. Not the best stuff but it’s free.” He laughs and you’re let into the car. His companion starts your bike and doesn’t seem to immediately notice anything off about the situation.

Ehled sits in the front and puts his backpack between his legs, after about a minute or two of driving he will pull out his compad. "You know, I could ask you those questions right now." Ehled holds the compad in such a way the driver can't see it well and tries to acces the bike controls. "Perhaps they could help you guys in some way. To me they seemed normal, well, there were a few weird ones, using terms I didn't quite know that they mean, but Polychrome residents I asked seemed to understand them. I did get a weird look when I asked certain ones, but I took it as them being surprised anyone would ask something so trivial." Ehled will ready the controls and then when a turn appears he will order the bike to accelerate and crash straight ahead and hopefuly not explode. "The first few questions are standard stuff, name, occupation, to which faction you belong to and so on." Ehled is silent for a minute, letting the officer react.

(sneak./dex, since we're trying to do this slight of hand)

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [6, 6] Result: 12

2

(you're able to do this. Did you intend for it to take iff before or after you begin asking your questions)

8:13 AM

*off

(I am basically distracting the driver while I make sure the bike crashes far enough from us so if it does explode we won't be in the blast zone, so the bike would take off I would say shortly after I ask the questions and maybe in the middle of the driver answering the questions? If that makes sense?)

(sure does)

9:21 AM

He begins thinking, and giving you some general information about the area as the bike launches into a high speed pass of the vehicle, hurtling down the street as the officer on board has clearly lost control. Moving too fast for him to untangle himself from the bike, it hurtles into what looks to be an empty apartment row before exploding violently, shaking the entire foundation down to its limits. The other office in the car with you is stunned, but will recover his wits in seconds.

1

(Is the officer wearing a helmet?)

9:33 AM

(And as I took my stuff, does that mean my weapons are here too? Like everything?)

(Weapons are here too, and he is wearing a patrol helmet, yes)

(Also the car is moving at what speed?)

(30km/h or so. Average city speed

Ehled reaches for his bag and pulls out a Wildlife Repellant Grenade, trying his best to hide its true nature from the officer next to him. He removes the safety and holds it tight in his hand. "Stay calm, there is so need to panic if you cooperate. This here is just a little insurance. As long as I keep holding this grenade nice and tight nobody else has to die. If you wish to cooperate you will stop the car and put your hands onto the console. Do you understand?" Meanwhile Ehled's other hand will move to block the officer's access to his weapon by being ready to grab it if he reaches for it.

The officer complies, gradually bringing the car to a halt, as he gently edges it over to the side of the road as steadily as he can.

"Now, put your hands onto the console as I asked and keep your look out the window. You will keep looking out the window, until I tell you to turn back. If you understand you will do so now, in the meantime I will take your gun. So no sudden movements." If he complies Ehled will take his weapon into his other hand that was hovering over it. "Just, nice and slow."

He hands over his service weapon , a small caliber revolver but still deadly in trained hands. He doesn't seem to have anything else on him that might be used as a weapon

(You say it is a small calibre, would it at this range be able to penetrate the helmet and kill in one shot, like, is it certain?)

1

(I think that is going to be a PAFO situation. )

(PAFO?)

(play and find out. You know it's a revolver, you will have to decide if you think you can take him out in one shot)

(I see.)

(That’s Definitely play and find out)

4:57 PM

(He’s also complied to the letter so far , and doesn’t show any signs of ending that cooperation )

(Makes sense, makes sense.)

"Alright, just a few more things and I will be gone from your life. Do you have any handcuffs on you or something like that? I need you to cuff yourself if you do, behind your back. If you can't cuff yourself, just hand them over."

He shakes his head that he does not have any cuffs on him, but there is some rope in a utility box in front of you, tucked into the dash.

"Okay, hands behind your back. Let me tie you up with that rope real quick." Ehled will put away the gun until he ties the officer's hands.

The officer is once again compliant, and you are able to tie an effective knot.

"Alright, now you just wait here for a minute." Ehled steps out of the vehicle and goes to the other side of the car to pull the officer out.

The door opens and he is tied, so needs some of your help to get out. He continues to comply.

Ehled pulls him out and sits him down onto the ground. "Alright, now. Do you know how to get back to a friendly area? What direction to go in?" Ehled looks over to the car. "Anything you need from the car? Personal stuff?"

"In the dash console, my daughter's stuffed animal. It's a rabbit. Nothing other than that" He says, sitting on the curb and looking on to see what happens.

"Why do you have your daughter's stuffed animal in your dash board?" Ehled will ask the man while getting into the driver seat, watching the man for any sudden movements.

"Said it would keep me safe on patrol. She's a kid, you know? "

1:09 PM

He isnt sure what to make of the question, but is happy the conversation hasn't ended with a bullet in him somewhere, so far.

"Suppose it did work out in the end." Ehled glances in the direction of the rubble. "Sorry about the other officer, did not plan on the bike going up in flames. Was supposed to be an in and out without any corpses left behind, but things didn't go as planned." He says to the man while searching for the rabbit, if he finds it he throws it to him before driving away towards the space port.

Heading toward the spaceport, you arrive there to the sounds of small arms fire, heavy weapons exchanges, and random explosions in the streets around you. You've arrived here ahead of the column, and the wolves report the resistance is still far heavier than anticipated. it sounds like they have many wounded and a few dead.

Ehled will stop the car a bit further from the main areas of fighting and quickly search it for any weapons or useful items before joining the fray.

The vehicle does not have anything else in it that you haven't already taken from the officer or used in their ruse. Following the sounds of fighting, you find them echoing through the city streets in confusing directions, getting you turned around several times. At low speed, heading down one of the side streets to try to join up with the column you see what looks to be a gang of five, preparing to roll burning tires across the road from this alley like side street. They are screened from the main road by adjacent buildings and the column does not see them. (edited)

Ehled takes cover nearby and throws a wildlife repellant bomb into the gang, followed by a hail of gunfire from his carbine at the most visible one.

(this is two weapon attacks and a bunch of other things all at once, so lets get the roll to see if the bomb hits and does not scatter, and then get initiative) (edited)

!roll 1d20+3

Ehled Lowward Roll: [1] Result: 4

(well frick) (edited)

(we have pulled up to them from the west, so we will say you and the car are at the nine o clock position, I will roll a d12, corresponding with the clock face and we will see where it goes, and how many meters)

10:34 AM

!roll d12

Nekosmash Roll: [5] Result: 5

!roll d10

Nekosmash Roll: [8] Result: 8

(Scatters 8 meters to five o clock , so explodes out of range of everything)

10:35 AM

(initiative)

(that is 1d8+Dex mod right?)

10:37 AM

!roll 1d8

Ehled Lowward Roll: [6] Result: 6

(Correct)

10:52 AM

!roll d8

Nekosmash Roll: [3] Result: 3

(You. and then the five person gang)

Ehled fires his carbine at one of the five.

10:58 AM

!roll 1d20+3+2

Ehled Lowward Roll: [20] Result: 25

(3 from attack bonus and +2 from shoot skill, if I got it right)

(D20+shoot skill+dex mod+attack bonus)

10:58 AM

(you critted anyway)

(just checking to be sure for the future)

11:06 AM

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 5] Result: 10

(I do not remember what I did with crits before, but I say double that? so 20 damage)

(modifiers do not count twice, so we either double the damage dice result, then add dex mod, and or you'd roll 4d6 and add your modifiers)

(Just whatever method you choose, you should keep that method for your entire adventure on future crits) (edited)

(I do not have dex mods here, so it is just 20)

One of the gang is shot dead as his fellows turn, leveling sub machine guns at you in preparation to put the threat down quickly. (edited)

11:51 AM

!roll 4 d20+5

Nekosmash Rolls: [5] Result: 10 [16] Result: 21 [12] Result: 17 [9] Result: 14

!roll 1d8+2

Nekosmash Roll: [8] Result: 10

(one hit)

(21/10 from one of the SMG hits)

11:52 AM

(Yep, wasn't quite done, but now I am)

11:52 AM

Sparks fly back at you, deflecting off armor but the weight of fire alone has some of the energy transferring from the solid rounds into the flesh beneath.

(So 25 total hp is now down to 15?)

(that is correct)

12:15 PM

(You are up)

Ehled realizing that the odds of this firefight ending well are quite slim, will run away. (edited)

(double move? )

(Yes, somewhere with good cover if I could. Like around a building or something)

The alley is narrow and doesn't seem to offer a way out for another 40 meters or so, and from there you will be out of sight. Trash piles and small collections of wood and metal dot the road, but as a utility access there is nothing crossing it until the point where the gang was preparing to ambush the winter wolves. They return fire, intent at not letting you escape.

1:20 PM

!roll 5 d20+5

Nekosmash Rolls: [5] Result: 10 [20] Result: 25 [19] Result: 24 [6] Result: 11 [9] Result: 14

!roll 2 2d8+2

Nekosmash Rolls: [8, 4] Result: 14 [5, 1] Result: 8

(Welp, that is it I suppose for old Ehled.)

(you're downed. Storm armor has a auto-stabilize feature which will one time allow you to revive from 0hp, but it takes a few minutes to kick in, so lets get a luck save to see if the gang notices you're not dead dead. If its failed, they'd notice, and would finish you off to ensure you can't keep attacking them)

(Luck save is what?)

(d20 vs 15)

(And can the expert reroll influence it or nah? I am guessing nah, but have to ask.)

(if you have a re roll token to use, you can use it)

1:23 PM

(expert re-roll cannot be used, since it is not a skill check)

(I see)

1:23 PM

!roll 1d20

Ehled Lowward Roll: [17] Result: 17

The gang looks to have sprung their ambush and subsequently been smoked by the Winter Wolves return fire. As you wake up, your armor's vital systems screaming at you to get medical attention, you see that the gang has been killed. Most of them are red smears against the walls and floor, high caliber rounds tearing them to pieces.

1:24 PM

(you are fragile, so currently at 1hlp, cannot gain HP by resting, and if you go down again you are dead. A week of long term medical care is needed to remove this condition)

(Okay so I will use my medpack which is readied and I have one which is bundled, how long would that one take to use too?)

(These is a question that could be answered by reading the book. Unbundling an item takes a main action) (edited)

(Yeah okay, then I will use them both. And I will search the book in the future, sorry about pestering.)

2:01 PM

!roll 2d4+1

Ehled Lowward Roll: [2, 1] Result: 4

First one

2:02 PM

!roll 2d4+1

Ehled Lowward Roll: [2, 1] Result: 4

(And second, for total of 8, so up to 9 now) (edited)

(it does not remove the fragile quality, but at least you've got 9hp now)

(Indeed)

2:04 PM

(How far away is the space port from the collum's current location?)

(They've made it about half the distance between their base and the spaceport)

Ehled pulls out his compad and tries to contact the leader to announce he will join the convoy, with his hands raised, and so that they don't open fire on him by accident. (edited)

The vehicle is still present. You can see that the convoy has reached its halfway point, and it will be impossible to catch them on foot

Ehled heads back to the car, still trying to contact the convoy so they don't shred him by mistake.

(Program/int)

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [6, 5] Result: 11

You're able to cut through the static and the jamming, and the convoy's location is given to you, THey've become stalled in an intense firefight, and you should be approaching the rear of their column. With your car, they're requesting you pick up anyone with a stranded vehicle or anyone caught out in the street that is wounded.

Ehled will move towards the end of the column with the car, looking out for any Winter Wolves to pick up on the way and take along to the port.

As the convoy slowly makes its way down the street trading heavy machine gun and rocket fire with the nearby buildings you can see one of their commandeered ground cars has been pulled off to the side of the road, still aflame. Two wolves are down, their power armor cracked and burned, and look to be trying to pull themselves clear on their hands and feet.

Ehled quickly looks around for possible threats, before slowing down to pick up the pair. (I would like to roll notice to decide how to park the car so it provides cover to Ehled and the two wounded wolves by being between them and any threats, if there are enemies Ehled manages to spot.)

(okay, that makes sense, notice.wis)

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [4, 3] Result: 7

You think angling it in a herringbone pattern on the side of the road, angling it 45 degrees will be as much cover as you're realistically going to be able to get given the height difference. Weight of outgoing fire is providing most of the cover here, as the Wolves elements maneuver to keep their thinner skinned vehicles behind the larger ones.

Ehled pulls over the car as close as possible to the wolves and placing the car in the best possible way between the wounded and the fire. He opens the door and jumps out to help the pair, while trying to keep low so the car hopefully takes any bullets meant for Ehled.

One of them looks to be in serious condition, shot through several times. The other looks to only have sustained light injuries, the worst of which being a concussion.

"You there!" Ehled shouts to the less wounded one. "I need you to stay calm and breathe. Okay? I need you to get up and help me move your friend to the car so we can get out of this hellhole. Can you do that for me?"

He looks to be trying to pull himself together, doffing his cracked helmet to reveal a face sheeted in blood.

Ehled begins to drag the other wolf by himself. "If you can help me, do so. Otherwise get yourself next to the car and take some cover!" (Would that be exert/strenght?)

(Probably the closest skill that makes sense, go ahead)

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [6, 5] Result: 11

1

You put all of your remaining strength into the hefting, dragging the fallen wolf back to your vehicle. His blood is clotting, but he is going to need to given proper medical attention soon. The other has sat in the front seat, leaving their helmet behind. He looks to slowly be coming back to his senses, reloading his weapon and taking a few opportunistic bursts at opposing windows.

Ehled opens the driver door and talks to the wolf in the front seat. "Listen here, he needs medical aid soon. Do you have any experience or any medical supplies on you to help him?"

Incoming fire peppers the side of the vehicle as you begin speaking and it seems like the convoy is beginning to put some distance between your vehicle and the protective fire they provide.

"Hold on buddy." Ehled tries to put the wounded wolf into the back of the car. "Can you drive?" He asks the wolf in the front.

He half mumbles an answer, moving to the seat. You can see his reflexes are a bit slow and he is still concussed, and likely will be for some time.

"Just try to drive after the convoy while I try to save your friend in the back." Ehled will lay the wounded wolf onto the backseat and try his best at stabilising him. (heal/intelligence? or do I need to make another exert check to get him into the backseat?)

(If we're trying to stabilize him, we'd need a heal/int while your companion drives. This wounded person has been lying without help for a few rounds, and you're trying to do this in the back of a moving car under fire, so the difficulty will be high)

(yes, was just asking if he was already in the car, but if he is then sure, can give it a shot, so heal/int it is)

12:58 PM

!roll 2d6-1

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 4] Result: 8

You do your best to try to save the wounded soldier, and your efforts look like they are going to pay off as the vehicle re-joins the column. The concussed driver does what he can, but his reflexes are sluggish and incoming fire looks to have damaged the engine, reducing your speed.

"Okay, your friend looks stable enough for now, are you okay or should I take over the driving?" Ehled will try to see how far they have to go while asking the driver.

Three quarters of the way to the starport the gunfire looks like it is beginning to slack off. Every single vehicle in the convoy has sustained major damage and the wolves have lost five of their own in this extraction . The losses would have been far higher without your diversionary tactic and as the drive continues and the vehicles pull into the starport elevator leading up to the surface the wounded and medical team are given priority to be the first to head up.

Ehled looks up into the elevator. "Alright, we need to get your friend up there as soon as possible. He is stable, but I am not a medic or a doctor so a second look by a professional would be for the best." Ehled looks down at the bulletholes in his armor. "I could use some help too, but it will have to wait. Get us to the elevator, I will get us on it."

(since you're fragile, you'd be able to leave with the first group too if you wanted. They'd be able to scan your armor and see it revived you recently)

(yes, that was the idea, Ehled would explain what happened because the driver is still a bit concussed)

(6xp, 10,000 credits )

2:56 PM

As part of the wounded youre among the first to be permitted up the elevators , wolves clapping you on the back and shoulders for the help as you make your way there.

"Glad to be of help, now to get you home safe and sound." Ehled would repeat as he moved past them towards the elevator. "Keep your wits about you until we are off this planet and headed for better shores."

(You’d be able to leave now. The wolves are extracting but they’re going to their own destinations once out of here , effectively disbanding )

(Okay, well I need to go and get this surgery to fix fragile. So would I have to go all way to Acastus for that or would Danae also work despite its current situation? Or would any other closer planet work?)

(You just need a week to pass being able to sleep and recover in relative safety. It counts as a downtime activity so you can't do anything else like work on a skill)

(Well if that counts then I suppose just resting on the ship will do. Then it is time to decide what to do next I suppose.)

(correct)

(not sure how this would work, but would it be possible to send a message to Acastus to build a new bike for Micaela and store it there until she arrives and picks it up?)

1:10 PM

(just a copy of this one)

(yup put it in the #vehicle-garage-channel and deduct the funds from your character sheet)

(okay!)

(The message can be sent yes. It takes a day per hex so it’ll be back in plenty of time for Micaela to need the bike again )

(Great, currently working out what I can do for AYT with Eisheru, will see if that pans out)

(Sounds good, let me know once you guys have finished discussing and we'll take it from there)

(Ehled will head to Lambrianou to increase AYT's influence over there, if that is okay?)

(sure, did you plan to go straight there? )

(I am thinking a quick stop on Danae to buy some supplies, if there are shops there and then to Lambrianou)

(there are, we'd still be fragile upon arrival at Lamb, needing 3 more days to shake the condition)

(maybe also rest up on Danae until fragile wears off then?) (edited)

(Up to you, just wanted to let you know)

(So, first to Danae to buy some stuff and rest up. Then head onward to Lambrianou)

9:36 AM

Shopping list Grenade, Sleep 100 Grenade Scrambler 300 Medpak*2 200 (together) Total 600 credit (These are the items I would like, if grenades can't be found then I will juts take medpaks)

(all available)

9:51 AM

(are we resting here until the end of the fragile period as well, just for my note taking: ? )

(On Danae yes)

A week goes by in recuperation from the near fatal events on Polychrome. In that time your armor has been repaired and the life support systems inside of it recharged. The few pock marked bullet scars in your chest will take much longer to heal, in a biological process far more complicated than applying armor sealant and the correct plates of metal over the correct parts.

10:35 AM

You arrive at Lambrianou, and system control on the ground has a message waiting on your comms terminal as soon as your ship enters local space.

Ehled will check out his comms terminal. Hopeful it is good news of some kind.

Opening the terminal, you see that all three of the major churches on the planet below have sent messages to you, hoping to be honored with the occasion of your landing there first.

Ehled will check the terminal for any extra information on the churches.

(We only know what's on the world anvil, no one really has spent time here to get to know anything further)

(I see, world anvil mentions a world government, would it be possible to contact them before hand?)

(sure, that is fine0

Ehled, deciding not to pick a horse to bet on without any information, tried to contact a central government or body to state the reason of his arrival and ask further questions to a neutral party.

You’re able to raise the overcouncil after being passed around to a few different automated services. They stand by to answer said questions once asked.

"Thank you for answering my request. I am here to represent Aiya Technologies and was given an invitation from all three churches upon your planet. I would not wish to insult any of them by visiting another first so I am interested in conversing on neutral ground with them and learning more about their faiths."

'The only true neutral ground is where you are, in the empty space above our planet. The landmass has been entirely occupied by the major powers on this world, that we strive to keep in check" the automated voice replies.

"I see, then may I ask for information on these major powers? If I will have to pick one to visit first I would like to know something about them and their faiths."

"The information is theirs to give to those who choose to believe in what they believe. It is not the place of the over-board to preach the creed of those entrusting us to keep the peace. "

9:22 AM

"for example, the decision on who to discuss first, and last, to us would be random placement of items in a list, but to them would hold significance, or may be seen as signs of esteem or slight"

"I understand, but it is a shame that Aiya Tech can't work with you directly, unless I made a logical error somewhere along the way, it happens to the best of us." "Either way, I suppose it is time for me to pick among the three and hope I won't slight anyone. I hope the future of your planet is calm and filled with understanding between the faiths. Unless there is anything else you wish to discuss, I must hang up."

They were contacted first to answer your questions. If you have no more, they do not have anything further to say.

Ehled hangs up the call. "Well, time to accept one of the invitations." Ehled looks at the invitation requests once more, looking them over for any information of use.

Each group simply states that they invite you to land with them first, so they can welcome you to the planet.

Ehled will accept the invitation of the Fastness of the Trinary League and prepare to leave the ship.

The Trinary League believes in the holiness of the number 2, added to once sacred binary. You are praised for making the correct choice (in their opinion) and deciding to land there first. It is transmitted to you that Rin Cage, a former Greystar Agent actually lives among them, having been blessed in one of their many machine temples with a baptism of warm oil. The merlon now walks among them, a curious organic spectator, and possible believer, into their way of life. Rin, and two robotic frames that appear as nothing more than blocky boxes with manipulator arms stand near the designated landing pad, here to greet your arrival.

Ehled steps out of the ship and looks around, marvelling at the robotic world around him. Then his attention turns to the two robots, but mostly the the organic before him. Walking closer he stops before the group. "Well, colour me surprised. I did not expect to see another organic being upon landing, maybe in the city." He offers his hand. "Ehled Lowward, Greystar agent, currently here on behalf of Aiya Technologies. And you three are?"

"Rin Cage, It's just me, really. These other bots are our escort while I show you around. The leadership believed seeing another organic being here would help you feel a bit more at home "

"They were right, but before we head out. Any rules or customs I should be aware of, don't wish to cause trouble with the locals by accident? Sadly there isn't much information on this place."

"there is not. There never needed to be, the cultures here have enough of their own tension within, and did not look to things much beyond their own countries. They're a lot like us, despite looking so different" Rin says, as they gesture for you to follow them. "I myself know only a handful of things, "

Ehled follows behind Rin. "I am interested to learn these handful of things and anything else, we could use more information on the happenings around here, especially if Aiya begins to operate here."

"I do not think they will ever agree to have a sustained off world presence here, not unless some serious changes happen within Aiya. I was baptized by the trinary church you know, and their beliefs might seem crazy to someone on the outside, looking in, but that they believe it is enough" (edited)

Ehled struts along behind Rin, taking in the scenery. "We shall see, stranger things have happened, but that is between me and them. In the meantime, what is this great and mighty 2 about then, why do they consider it a holy number?"

"How familiar are you with programming?" Rin asks, as she begins to walk, meandering down the launchpad to a moving walkway made of stamped metal that runs with a well oiled and smooth motion to a park of dark metal and neon lights on the other side.

"I know some basics, but I doubt I will understand much, but I would appreciate an detailed written explenation for Greystar database."

“I’m not going to be the one to give it to you” Rin says. “It’s not my place to do that. Think of it as though this new number has added a new element of creation and how society might look, transformed with this new knowledge and the capabilities it offers “

"Better to have zero, one and two just than zero and one? Makes sense, more ways to look onto something is a good thing. Sometimes the mind doesn't even consider any option than a single one. As for the information, I will ask someone about it later, perhaps a priest or someone who studies the faith, if there is such a person."

"There are. I was only given the most basic of knowledge, and my baptism into their belief system was required for more. I happily followed through with that, and became baptized, but these secrets are still not mine to give."

"Alright, I shall not press you further for answers, do you know anything about the other two faiths, if you are free to speak of them? I understand if you are not or wish not to."

“Very little other than they have different ideas about the role of machines and their belief in the basic coding that they all share in common. “

"Thank you for the explanation about your faith, but could I ask you how it is to live here. What do you do usually? It is hard for me to imagine living here, but one gets used to it am I sure."

"There is still a connection to Galnet, and the rest of the computer systems in the region. There is plenty to do. I go for walks, I've been permitted to tend a small garden, I have visitors and we speak about beliefs and faith. Life is enriching, and I promised myself after what happened to Agent Mara, I would not return to service. This is my retirement, a well earned one "

"I understand, after close calls I sometimes think about leaving the service, but something always pulls me back in. I am glad you enjoy your retirement, but if you wish, I can deliver any greetings or messages you want to Greystar Agents, if you have anybody you wish to tell 'Hello' or something else. I plan on going to Acastus after my business here is concluded." Ehled is silent for a bit, thinking about past missions and the few times danger almost got better of him.

"There is one thing you can do for me. There is a memorial room in the star hab, and there should be a candle lit for Agent Mara. If you go back, can you light one for me, too?"

"I will do so, will also make sure the one for Mara is still burning. If anything else crosses your mind while I am here, feel free to ask."

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to provide you more information. I am somewhat limited by being organic in a world of machines like this, but I believe the machines believe in this new number, and the transformation it has brought to their society.

"No need to apologize, you have been wonderful company and most insightful even if you don't think so. Knowing organics are accepted here is an important detail of information to know. I will learn what else I seek my more official channels, but you have been a joy to talk to. "

Agent Rin bows gently, in the short shallow way Merlons are known to do, and if you have nothing further, will withdraw with her escort, leaving you free to wander the area.

Ehled bows slightly back. "Before I take my leave, do you know in which direction I can find someone in charge? Or a way to file a request for a conversation?" (edited)

"I can get you a meeting with the deacon who inducted me into the faith. They will be able to answer your questions if you are interested in meeting with them. You'll find the same reluctance to talk about the other faiths though, so nothing is going to save you the trip of meeting with them"

"Wasn't planning on, I would like the information first hand anyway, but I will take up your offer. Thank you."

(Rin doesn;t have anything else unless you've got more questions to ask, but they don't have anything new to add unprompted) (edited)

(Nope, happy to move one. To the deacon)

Rin is able to arrange a meeting for you, and a half day later you are sent a message. The Deacon is a large four armed robot made of black metal, with white cloth robes stained with warm yellow oil in a tie dye pattern strewn over its limbs and broad mid section. It does not have a noticeable head unit, though it no doubt has sensors within it. It draws up to the ship that brought you here, waiting a respectable distance from the ramp with two of its temple guard, lesser versions of itself inlaid with gold strips on its limbs.

3

Ehled steps out and bows his head. "Deacon, it is a pleasure to meet you. I hope to ask you a few questions about your faith, if you may answer them. It is both for personal curiosity and for the Greystar archives, just so you are aware."

"I am always happy to discuss the miracle of the trinary number and its sacred mysteries. Please, walk with me, and ask your questions" The synthesized voice is warm, carefully modulated to be reassuring and authoritative , but gentle in the message it conveys.

Ehled follows the decon. "As far as I understand you praise the number two, and it has been explained in very rough terms to me, but it is because it is better to have a zero and a one and a two, more ways to see things. I am sure you can make it much more clear for me?"

"At its most basic level you have the understanding of it. Incorporating that digit into our code is like adding a new dimension to geometry. Everything has changed because of it, the way we think, the way we design things, the way we look at the other civilizations around us and the galaxy outside of us. We are no longer limited to the absolute of yes and no, now, we have the in between of maybe"

8:11 AM

"We have, to borrow something from how organics speak, gone from the black and white, to an entire spectrum of gray"

"That makes sense, sometimes yes or no is not enough to answer a question. Sometimes a question simply can't be answered in either way, sometimes it refuses to be answered in any way. And morality also is not black and white, sometimes one has to do things considered evil to do something good. I am glad you grasped that concept and understand it. I believe it will be of much use to you all, but I do have a question. How do you see outsiders? As a possible threat, a rival or as a potential friend? Do you wish to understand their view of things or do you think they should think like you?"

"Each outsider is its own equation, with its own answer. A threat? That could be a yes, a no, or a maybe. Experimentation is the only way to find the variables needed to make a decision"

"Makes sense, each person is, well, a unique person, but I am interested into a simple question. A hypothetical scenario. You meet someone, you talk about your beliefs and find that they seem to disagree with you on every single thing you bring up. The more you try to prove to them you are right, the more they try to defend their stance. What would you do, in this scenario?"

"Their world view is integral to who they are, and who is to say our world view is better than anyones. If heard with an open mind, and dismissed, then they have at least tried. We only wish for security and our ability to believe what we wish"

"An expected response, why create enemies there where none exist? Nothing good comes out of strife with one's neighbours and resources are better spent improving the lives of the faithful flock than trying to convert those who refuse to understand. Which brings me to the elephant in the room, the other two faiths on this planet. Are you able to talk about them? Are you willing to talk about them? If you can understand someone's view of the world, why is there so much strife between you all?"

"We believe our way is the way that works best for us, and they believe their own way is correct. Everyone wants their beliefs validated , and an outside patron picking up the creed, it is a vote of confidence that what we believe is accepted. "

"Well, as far as I have seen your belief is nothing to worry about. No sacrifices to some ancient deity or such. Perhaps Aiya Technologies could serve as a patron for you. They offer recognition and perhaps arrange for your faith to spread elsewhere, if such a thing interests you and in return they get a slight boon, but such things are not of concern right now. There will be time for that conversation later down the line. I do truly appreciate your explenations, I do have a few other questions about the structure of your religion. Who leads it and how, the more administrative part of it, if you understand me?"

"You are asking about how our religion is organized, and what positions of note there are within it?" he asks, looking to confirm your meaning.

"Indeed, one can learn much about a faith by learning how its servants operate."

(talk/cha )

!roll 2d6+3

Ehled Lowward Roll: [4, 2] Result: 9

(I’ll just make you a block of text but we will say he gave it to you conversationally. I’ll post it here next )

(Sure thing, no problem with that.)

Prime-Function- The Trinary Church only has one Prime Function at a time, and their reign is over at exactly fifty years from the date of their appointment to the position. As robotic forms do not 'die' in the traditional sense, this ensures doctrinal stability while also allowing the creed to grow by making room for new views. They are on their third Prime Function at the time of this Post-Scream age we are in. The Prime Function issues high level religious decisions as issues reach its attention from lower Trinary Church decision making bodies. Cardinals of Concordance- An under-body and source of informational triage for the Prime- Function, there are seven Cardinals also active within the Trinary Church. The odd number allows for a variance of opinions while also not allowing for there to be a case where an issue is tied. Most high level church decisions come from this body. Merit based appointments from lower church bodies fill vacancies in this court, and they have a twenty five year term limit. The last three Prime-Functions have all previously been members of this body. Regional Overseers- Responsible for large swathes of neighborhoods or chunks of less developed territory these Overseers tend to the lower priestly orders, preside over local feast days, and instruct the masses when higher levels of interpretation are needed. They are appointed from the lowest order of priest based on merit. Church Cog- The lowest level of priest and those responsible for the most direct interaction with those faithful outside the church hierarchy. They handle most basic ceremonies, and instruction to the masses.

"Interesting, thank you for the explanation it has cleared up the few final things I wasn't sure of. I thank you for your time Deacon, but sadly my business takes me elsewhere. I do have a proposition I need to bring to your leaders about possible future cooperation with Aiya Technologies so I shall have to take my leave and organize a meeting."

(if you can send some specifics as far as what cooperation might entail , and things like that, we can figure out an appropriate body within the Trinary Church to take the meeting)

(Mostly establishing trade between Greystar and them, they sell us their goods and the other way around, other things such as holdings can be negoatiated later) (edited)

(alright, if we want to open a trade link we'd probably need to go before the cardinals first to see if you can pass the proverbial vibe check to get to the prime function)

(understand, happy to do that)

Your request for trade is brought before the Cardinals, and rather than allow you to see one of the holy places as a non-member of the faith, the Cardinals come to you. They stand a respectful distance from the outside ramp of your ship, waiting for you to emerge so a discussion can be had.

7:59 AM

Ehled steps out of the ship once again to meet someone. "Greetings, I hope all is well." He bows his head as he did before. "I hope we may work together to the benefit of all our people."

The cardinals remain quiet, save one who seems to be taking on the role as their spokesman, though all are surely listening and electronically communicating with one another with methods you cannot detect. "Benefit of all people. That may be true , but a benefit must be known to be seen as a benefit. This is a talk far removed from the "Maybe" we have come to embrace. This must be a yes, or no, and we will hear your case for the opening of trade and the sustained contact with the outside"

Ehled nods. "I understand. We can offer you many things, metals of all kinds would be useful to you I am sure and we have many of those that we would be happy to sell here. You on the other hand are capable of creating complex circuitry and other materials needed for your people that could also be used for many other things. As trade grows we would also be interested in helping your ship building capabilities so that more ships can travel between us and you, we would be interested in ensuring safety along the trade routes. Opening trade with us would also allow your ideas to spread to other planets and perhaps more organics would eventually be interested in converting. I see only benefits for you and us, but even more importantly the regular citizens of both."

"There is much to consider here, namely the way thatorganics will learn of the creed, and what might happen on this planet if our beliefs are validated by the outside galaxy. Greystar would need to stand with us to defend our faith, if required"

"I am here to establish trade, not sign defensive pacts or make promises of an alliance. I can't promise something such as that without being allowed by my superiors, I can carry your terms to Greystar if you so wish, but getting an answer might take some time."

"Trade means integration, and socialization. Trade is going to bring you into the social net of this world and all that it comes with it. You cannot have one without the other"

"Perhaps, still a lonely deacon can't decide for the Prime and I can't decide for Greystar, so I must ask, but do explain to me what you seek here, the details are important, you ask Greystar to protect your faith, protect it in which ways and from who? Just outsiders, or also insiders? "

(You're talking to the cardinals right now)

2:50 PM

https://discord.com/channels/345912178072879106/906739875141787699/992051581497385021 https://discord.com/channels/345912178072879106/906739875141787699/992104942204625036 (They're capable of making the decision, we can assume they're communicating with the Prime)

(No no, Ehled means he can't make that decision, he can't promise Greystar will defend them. Basically buying for time here so I can go talk to others before any promises are made) (edited)

"We believe the problems will come from inside, the Purecode Duchy especially. They believe in the black and white of yes and no , in absolutes, and it is a worldview we now differ from, substantially"

"It is my opinion that Greystar would only come to your defense, but would support no hostile actions on your part to your neighbours. Speaking of them, what about the third faith? Are your relationships with them as cold as with the Duchy?" (edited)

“They are in a state of flux depending on the needs of our societies and we of course would only be. Looking for a defensive alliance. We have no wish for attack our neighbors but we will not allow our way of life to be erased should any other party decide that is their prerogative

"Alright, but a defensive alliance is something that needs more for us to agree to. So if you were to tell me what you could trade with Greystar and any other possible bumps, not including your neighbours, we will have to cross before we agree. Such as extra beurocracy or just lacking infrastructure that we might invest into?"

(I've sent Eish their trade report, but they'll want fusion plants and priceless metals, don't want metawheat or wildlife, and would be selling Post tech Housewares and Tools, Astronautic)

1

"Thank you, this should help immensely with establishing the trade route. If you have no other requests or messages for me to carry to my superiors, I think it is time for me to take my leave cardinals."

(3xp, 5000 credits )

1

(Can I go and visit the Duchy next?)

(sure we can,. Need to do anything before we get there or are we set to jump in)

(I think we are set, not going to send a message to Greystar until I meet all the factions)

The Duchy provides a landing zone for you, a small island off their western coast only a few kilometers long and wide, one of the few places on the planet that has not been entirely overcome with metal. Waiting here, you see the Duchy has brought a much larger security presence, along with a sturdy looking robot that has no obvious signs of outward weaponry. They likewise wait as your shuttle comes down to rest on its landing pad, a silence passing over the landing field as your engines slowly power down.

Ehled steps out of the ship and walks up to the welcome party. "Greetings, I am Ehled Lowward." He bows his head the same as he did for the last group he meet. "I am here to facilitate trade between you and Greystar and build a close working relationship so we may all prosper."

There is a hissing sound as something like boiling machine oil is heard inside the diplomat bot standing near your ramp. "Greystar. You have...spoken with others before us....those who soil the name of pure code, and the light of information it conveys"

"Yes, I have indeed. Sadly I can't be in three places at the same time so someone had to come first as I was told organizing a meeting between all three faiths would have been rather difficult." Ehled responds.

"So it is said" The robot replies, and its flat nature has you unsure of the meaning behind it. It says nothing else for the moment, as you have initiated the meeting it seems to be waiting for some specifics about what you want.

Ehled clears his throat. "As I said, I am here to offer you a trade route with Greystar. I am sure you could use some priceless metals or other raw materials required for building anything and in return we would be interested in buying what you offer us. Trade is a good thing that would benefit us both, so we would help you make sure the goods start flowing and continue to flow uninterrupted."

"Trade, perhaps. We do make most of what we need here without outside intervention or help, and it is something we think is absolutely necessary for our survival. We cannot open a trade with you, however, unless you stop doing business with the Trinary Church. We cannot be convinced that our goods or technologies will not find ways into their market through the conduit of Greystar, and it is a risk our Supreme Leader has deemed unacceptable. I am sure as a reasoning being you can understand"

"So your main worry is that Greystar will sell your goods to the Trinary Church? I am sure there is a simple solution to that problem of restricting what is allowed to be sold to the Church, I am sure my superiors would accept trade with you, even if it is less free than we wanted."

"Restrictions in name only, I am sure. There is no way to entirely prevent the sale if you plan to keep an open channel with them. We can offer a deal, but we must be your exclusive partners"

"Well, then you will have to tell me in detail what you can offer Greystar. Be it trade goods or other things too. Then I will carry the offer back to my superiors."

(They'd offer you the same deal, just dont want a defensive pact, instead they just want exclusivity in trade)

(Alright!) "Interesting, will leave this to my superiors, but I do have some questions about your faith, if we may talk about it now? Or should I ask someone else?"

"I am instructed to answer on questions of faith. As your questions and we may bring this matter to the conclusion you deem most suitable"

"Thank you, I have been told you think there is only yes and no. Dark and white. One and zero. If this is correct, does your morality operate like that? Is there no reason to break a law, no exception? Or am I wrong? I have been told of your faith by outsiders, learning it from you directly would be better."

"There is truth to it. Would you not find your life far more efficient without the absence of the in between. Things are , or are not. There is truth, there are lies, there are facts and there are not"

"But sometimes the facts aren't the facts. They are lies slowly turned into the truth over time. What once was a fact could also become a lie, as science discovered new things, old ideas became lies. How does your faith face this problem? If something that was a fact becomes a lie and the other way round, then it becomes the other and couldn't it be seen as grey? What if you don't kniw what is the lie and what is the fact? Does only grey remain?"

"You confuse the progression of science and understanding with rooted religious dogma. We are more intelligent than that"

"Dogma? Perhaps, but the question still remains, the only thing that changes is the context. Morals, they also change as time marches onward, I am sure you will say it is the same as science, but what if the ones who control what is seen as a fact and what is a lie don't wish it too? What if their judgment is wrong?" (edited)

"Then their judgement is wrong, and we remodel our beliefs to the new truth. Rigidness is not the same as being inflexible. One can deal in absolutes, the yes and the no, the right and the wrong, changing as society changes around it. "

Ehled nods. "Of course their judgment is wrong, but still nobody but them could know it is wrong. Plenty have sold their lies as fact to profit, sometimes even those one considered beyond such a thing. Still, with enough oversight it could be ended before any real damage is done." "Still, I prefer to have a bit of grey in my life. I am part of Greystar after all, grey is our colour." Ehled smiles, mostly to himself. "I do understand your point of view, everything could be broken down to a yes or no if one tried hard enough or twisted the way they see things. Same for maybe, one could find anything in nothing if they tried hard enough. If there is an absolute I know, it is that I do not know enough about faiths to argue further than this. I will leave that to those more proficient in theology among the Greystar ranks, speaking of them, I am sure they would appricate some kind of data bank of information about your faith. Such as how it formed, who is in charge and so on. If you may provide it, I will take it. If not, no problem."

2

(talk/cha )

!roll 2d6+3

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 2] Result: 10

If robots could ponder you suspect it might be doing so now. In reality, it is probably getting orders from whatever supervisory units are above it for permission to give you a bit more insight as to the faith here. "We are ruled by a Supreme Leader, someone nominally in charge of the religion to make the final decisions on issues of particular religious significance, The way in which he makes the deicisons we are keeping to ourselves, as you can understand"

"I understand, thank you for the information you provided and I do hope we will work together in the future, but that is up to my superiors and I believe you made your terms clear. Now it is up to them to accept or refuse."

It seems that although this conversation is much shorter it has reached the same level of complete and the Duchy has nothing else to offer right now

"You have my gratitude for gearing out my offer, but I must leave now." Ehled bows his heaf once more and goes back to the ship. (And now onto the last one.)

(Dataguard corps is the last one. Ready to roll right into it?)

(Yep)

The Dataguard corps thus far seem to be the most militaristic of the factions here and four sleek needlejet fliers escort your vessel in to a secure landing pad that looks to be part of an elaborate military base. A company of bots have turned out, their armor plating polished to a mirror sheen that catches the late afternoon sun, and it looks like a robot resembling something of an officer corps is standing in front of them, approaching the ramp of your vessel as the bots raise their weapons to shouldered positions in salute of their off world guest.

Ehled steps out of the ship, once again, and walks over the the robot who reminds him of an officer. "Greetings." He bows his head like many times before. "I hope all is well here. My name is Ehled Lowward and I am here on behalf of Greystar to negotiate a trade deal between us and you."

"A trade deal, that is interesting, and you have chosen to bring these terms to us last. Did you not get the terms you wanted back on the other continents?"

"I am not at liberty to talk about my meeting with others in detail, but I will tell you that if we do accept the terms we were offered is up to my superiors. I can't just sign or promise anything without approval from the higher ranks, I am sure you understand that. Even if you offer me terms anyone would accept on the spot and be over the moon, I couldn't. It is the procedure and sticking to those is important if you ask me."

"But you did visit them?" he queries, trying to ensure you answer his actual question.

"Yes, why wouldn't I? They are possible future trade partners, as I hope you are too." Ehled asks. (edited)

“We may be. We believe the faiths are the most dangerous things to happen to this planet and our society will be better off once we are truly rid of them”

"Do you have a faith of your own then or are you atheists? Because I have listened to both of their opinions on how the world should work and I am interested to learn yours too."

“Faith has no place in an advanced world such as this. We do not believe in a creed, nor the need for one”

"Creed can be defined as a system of principles. Your creed is that faith has no place in an advanced world, but in my opinion one should be free to believe anything they wish as long as it doesn't harm others. Would you allow your citizens to have a faith or do you intend to enforce your atheistic beliefs on them? While we are talking about this, a description of your government could make the number of my questions quickly lower. Would help me understand you better."

"You ask a lot, and present nothing in return. I will not provide something for nothing, you understand"

"Name your price then and we will see if I am willing to trade information. You may also name the price for trade with Greystar while we are talking about prices, we can offer precious metals and many other things, what about you?"

"We do not wish for you to do business with this planet at all. The outside world will bring trouble, and will bring us into contact with other faiths. We do not need this on our planet, and would wish to remain isolated and closed. This world was peaceful once, and it will be so again"

"The outside world is filled with many advantages you could have, but if you wish not to have them then so be it. Of course, if my superiors decide to trade with one of the others, you will lag behind. Perhaps a reason not to trade with others could sway my superiors?"

"You will be drawn into needing to choose a position, and all that comes with it. You have two diametrically opposed faiths, neither one willing to tolerate the beliefs of the other. Is your market or trade worth the difficulties ahead?"

"Perhaps, perhaps not, but maybe we can enjoy trade while it lasts and not have to partake in any conflicts here and if we do have to pick a side as you said. Why wouldn't we wish to support someone who would be willing to trade with us in the future or even fight with us? Perhaps we would be willing to abstain from trade for now, but only if we had a promise of trade in the future?"

"A promise without action is empty. Do you have further questions or do you plan to continue wasting time?" The robot asks, looking up gently as a pair of sleek looking interceptors fly overhead.

"I asked you a question and you refused to answer, but I will ask another then. Do you think all things are black and white or can a maybe exist somewhere inbetween?"

"there is no truth but that expressed through data driven approaches, and empirical information. "

"So yes and no?"

"I have given you my answer. How you choose to interpret it is up to you" it says staunchly.

"Of course, we all see things in slightly altered shades. My green is not your green and so on. One more question then I shall leave. You said you don't want outsiders on this planet, but what if they are already here? What will you do to them?"

"A visit is much different than carving out territory and becoming enmeshed in the fabric of this world. I am not at liberty to discuss strategic level planning"

"Carving out territory? I mean people who weren't born here and settled down as a part of one other states here. People who call this planet their home now and don't wish to leave it ever. What will you do with them after the dust is settled?"

“They will be treated as members of whichever state they choose to make their home. “

4:15 PM

(Basically if they immigrate they’re part of that country. If Greystar just throws down it’s own holdings everywhere they’d be mad )

(I was asking about people like Rin, not states. Thanks for the clear up) "Do you allow people to immigrate to your state? Sharing how you plan on treating the citizens of the other states after unification would be useful too."

"It is a different process for everyone. We here, do not allow anyone from outside the planet to live or settle among us"

"Thank you for answering my questions. I hope our future relationship will be warmer than it is right now and that all the factions on this planet will find a way to live in peace that doesn't require going to war with one another. I will be leaving you now, unless you have questions for me."

The robot doesn't have anything to add to the conversation, answering your questions and no doubt communicating your responses and their own evaluations back to whoever is in charge of this entire mess.

"Goodbye then." Ehled goes back to the ship. (Would it be possible to ask the Trinary church about their stance on non-believers or ask Rin somehow without having to land? If no, I would head back there and ask.)

(We have met her and we are remaining within the gravity well so we can call them, and the comms will be more or less instant)

(Will do that then first for Rin) Ehled tries to contact Rin to ask her a few questions.

(Ask them, she's there, i dont really have anything to say other than she picks up the phone)

"Hello, sorry if I am calling at a bad time. I just have a few more questions about the Church, I would like to know if you are aware of how they treat people who don't follow their faith and if there are other outsiders there with you?"

"There are not any other outsiders here. As long as your faith does not call for the extermination of their's and you;re not from the Duchy, you'd be allowed to live here"

"They really don't like the Duchy it seems. Do you know if they would allow more people here? I know you had to convert, do you think they would accept more if they too converted?" (edited)

"If they convert, I think they might be accepted more than those who do not. You have to show a willingness to enter a society to be accepted into it. You cannot be apart, but whole"

"I don't know of you know the answer to the next question, but I do have to ask. Do you know what the church will do to those in the Duchy if they were to take control over them? What do you think they would do about those who follow the Duchies faith?"

"I don't think there are plans for war. There are signs in a society when something like that is planned, and I've seen no evidence of it. I'm not sure what they would do to the Duchy if it ever came to that. It would probably depend on how the conflict started"

"Interesting, I truly am thankful for all your help and as I said before. If you need any help feel free to ask. I am sure Greystar would be happy to help out." (And that will be all. I will write up a report for Greystar and let the voting begin on what to do.)

Rin will go back to enjoying her retirement here, and you can hear the weariness of an agent put through one too many sensitive operations in her voice as the line disconnects.

(I guess we can resume)

Ehled will organize a meeting with the Trinary church to notify them of the Greystar's decision.

(I think we more or less handled that OOC, Eish has the trade report, and I saw your meeting so they know the stipulations. If they follow them will be another matter for the future, so we don't need to play through a conversation we already had in another place)

(Oh okay, so then what do I do? A whole new thing? Because I am supposed to go and light a candle for Rin and make sure the one for Mara is still fine.)

(You remembered to go back and do it, so the one for Mara is still good, and we can light one for her too. Up to you what we do next, I've got stuff if you don't)

(Can I go help out Groshim with the simulation?) (edited)

(No he's almost done at this point)

(Can I go help out on Mikas with rebuilding?)

(sure we can. Jake was there last, and brought some material aid and light vehicles to help with monster hunting, which still seems to be their biggest problem. The debate on planet is hunting them to extinction/figuring out where they're coming from, or just really building up the cities and pushing growth so the monsters can be exploited, since they do have some novel industrial uses via their corpses. )

(Interesting and Jake did tell me a bit about it so I am thinking going there and helping out with a problem or two could help rebuild our image further.)

(sounds good, leaving right from Lambrianou, i'll get downtime together if you didn't need to buy anything or do anything in the meantime)

(Nope, if we consider the candle thing done without having to go there) (edited)

(If you had an interest in RP'ing it we can, if you were just going to say you were lighting it, we can move on)

(I think we can just gloss over it, happy to move on and I will apply any downtime I get to my fix skill)

(5 days)

1

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

Mikas

8:12 AM

(here is our map, there's going to be something different going on depending on where we land, and they don't' have widespread space comms)

(Last hope is my pick)

Heading down to Last Hope, you can see the cross where the body of Rogan has been set up. It has gone to bone now with scraps of the former Greystar uniform hanging from the bleached femurs and skull. Birds use it as a perch currently. It looks like the locals have also managed to bring down a very small example of one of the mega-beasts that roam this world, a mix between a wolf and a turtle, with fangs as long as the shuttle that brought you here.

Ehled looks at the cross, it causes him to wish to leave as soon as he arrived here, but he will have to keep on going and hope that he doesn't mess up as that guy did. The message was clear at least. As for the corpse of the beast it created a feeling of awe in Ehled. To survive against such things for so long was truly amazing and hopefuly he could ensure the future survival of the people here. And perhaps continue to repair relationships between the locals and Greystar. He would search for the local leaders to offer his help with any problem they might have.

(Connect/cha)

!roll 2d6+1

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 3] Result: 9

You find one of the hunt leaders near the corpse of the beast and it looks like he is the de-facto leader for the moment, basking in the glory of the hunt and the triumph of being the one to strike the final blow.

Ehled walks up the the man. "Excuse me, I amEhled Lowward and I am here to help out with any problems. Be the small or-" He glances to the creature's corpse. "Rather large."

"Greystar ship you came down in there, on o'er shuttles I see" he says "We're keepin' yer man there on the cross. He deserved it"

Ehled glances at the cross. "Never met the man and I have no wish to remove him from the cross. My concern is the other corpse." He points to the creature. "Here to help with them, see what you need killed or what you need to kill them yourself. Nice catch by the way, are they around this size usually?"

"Much bigger than this. The cities are still the weak point. Stone walls, and catapults against things like this? We do have a few big guns from your people but we could use more, and the ammunition for them"

"I am sure you can, but organizing that will require time. I think it would be best to see just how much you need, get a rough estimate and then send that infromation back. In the meantime, tell me more about these creatures and other problems you have. Might as well get a few things done while I am here."

(I think most of this is laid out in the world anvil article already, and his take on the situation wouldnt be much different than that) He gives the same lines from the scouting report. The beasts are coming from somewhere, he is of the decision they need to be eliminated and are a threat to life here.

"Thank you for your help, I will try to get you some weapons. Anything else of note happening around here we should be aware of? Bandits of some kind? Failing infrastructure? Anything?"

"Bandits don't really exist on a place like this, nowhere to hide, just easier food for the beasts" (edited)

(Does the ship have a weapon's locker? If so could I give them some weapons?) (edited)

(It does have a weapons locker. You can empty it, but you won't benefit from the fitting until the money is paid to replace it)

(Sure thing. So can I give them a third of the weapons and then later give other towns a third too?)

(Yep, that is fine, it would only amount to a handful of personal weapons each, since the locker is meant really to just be enough for a ship crew, but you can certainly pass out a few guns )

2:08 PM

(If we are talking about tens or hundreds of people that would need some actual tonnages of goods)

(Oh, I just wanted to make a gesture of good will really. not just show up, hear everything sucks and then leave.) Ehled nods. "Follow me to the ship, I do not have much weaponry that I can give you and I do not know for how long they will work, but I think they would be better off in your hands until a proper stockpile can be created for you." Ehled moves back towards the ship and orders a third of the weapons to be handed over to the locals, it is better than nothing.

The handful of weapons is appreciated , given to the most skilled in the hunting party. Pinpricks against a giant but none the less if well aimed a pin can cause a great deal of pain.

"Use them well." Ehled returns to the ship. "Take us OcvenHorvn next. Maybe they need help with something and if not we will drop off the guns and move on."

The city looks to have recently been attacked as you orbit the settlement and it looks as though bone from one of the large beasts has been used to temporarily patch a hole in the curtain wall of the city.

Ehled orders the ship to be set down to see what the damage is and to help out any survivors. "Do we have anyone with medical training on ship? They might have to prepare for treating the wounded."

As standard, all ships, this shuttle included have a basic medbay aboard, and one of the ship crew is trained in basic first aid. The medbay might be able to stabilize some otherwise hopeless patients for a trip back to Greystar proper if needed

"Good, take us down there and let us help those poor people." Ehled says. (Ready to go down.)

Landing outside the city, you see a stream of wounded beginning to come out, seeing the ship come down and deciding to take their chances with whoever is here instead of the packed and rudimentary local clinics

"That is quite a few people, hopefully not too many are in too bad of a shape, but do stay on alert in case things get rowdy if we can't help them all." Ehled says to the crew before stepping out to greet the wounded. "Hello, is anyone here in charge of your city or something similar?"

The wounded are too poorly off to be giving directions, and so far that looks to be all who have ventured out to try their luck with a descending ship. Pain and injury have made them think of little else.

"Listen! Those on critical condition need to be treated first, could you please bring them forward?" Ehled requests. "If we don't do this right less of you will get help, so children first."

(Eish has advised me we have two ships in orbit with extended medbays that can assist with this)

"Follow me to the ship, children and critical condition people first, I will try to get us more medics." Ehled returns to the ship to contact the other two ships for help.

Both are standing by in orbit, under orders not to land but the ship you have come here with can ferry wounded to clinics while you get a better idea of the situation on the ground.

"Alright, we will ferry the wounded." Ehled returns to the group. "Alright, we will ferry you up to the other ships." (Can the crew handle this while Ehled goes to investigate the city?)

(thats what I was pushing, yeah)

After making sure the crew are okay to handle this, Ehled moves up to the town to find anyone in charge to explain what has happened.

(connect/cha)

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [2, 1] Result: 3

You're having a hard time finding someone actually in charge given the chaos of the city, but you do see what looks to be a team of butchers working to get the remains of this most recent beast broken down into more transportable food stuffs. You've never seen as much meat in one place in your life as you have before now.

"Excuse me, do you know where I could find someone in charge? I would like to learn what happened here, also that is a really nice catch, did that do all of this damage?"

THey're not sure where the person in charge is, but it looks like their leader is titled mayor. They confirm the large beast that attacked the city did the damage you see before you.

"Thank you, will keep on looking then." Ehled tries to find a town hall, guessing it should be near the centre of the city or at least stick out in some other way.

It seems city leadership is either involved in their own work right now, or not caring for the plight of the people. Things seem to be working anyway and the wheels of society are turning without what you can see as a visible hand at the helm.

A decentralized society perhaps? Giving out guns freely might require a bit more consideration as to who gets them. Ehled tries to find someone who isn't busy to help explain a bit about how things work here.

It looks like closer to the center of the city and away from the walls, you find a bit more calm. A cart is being loaded with stones, meant to help patch the outer walls and it looks as though they're getting ready to head out.

"Excuse me, could you help me a bit? I would like to understand who is in charge around here and how they get to their position. Trying to help this city, but it is a bit hard to find anyone in charge."

"Even if you did, they wouldn't care! There's no monster inside the walls so its jsut another day for them" the bricklayer says,

"Hm. That is a problem if I ever heard one. Let me guess, you do as told or you get into hot water?"

"Well of course, but people depend on us. Would you get in trouble if you didn't do your job?"

"Perhaps, but I think my water would be slightly colder than yours. Either way I do understand that people depend on you, but what if you are told to do something that isn't necessary and that you might not agree with?"

"Is it for the good of the city and its people?" he asks, he looks to be a bit frustrated with the debate while he's trying to do exactly that, help the city and the people.

"No. Do you need a hand?" Ehled offers.

He shrugs, gesturing toward the brick pile as he continues loading, the invitation enough.

Ehled helps out the man with the loading of bricks and once it is done he will take his leave. "Thank you, won't bother you further."

(exert/con)

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [4, 1] Result: 5

You help stack bricks and large cement bags from the cart onto the ground but are too tired to assist with the repair work. Monster pieces are slowly being taken away for processing by the city's many hungry industries around you. The locals work like ants, each knowing their task.

Ehled will try to contact the ships to see how things are being handled.

The locals with the worst of the injuries are being given medical treatment. Most have been tended to and are being sent back down so more patients can be picked up

Ehled leaves towards where the treated are being droped off so he can ask them a few questions about what they need or would like to have in their city or they might need some help.

They want the monster attacks to lessen but not entirely stop because the meat feeds the city and they’ve found other uses for the organs , skins and bones.

6:32 AM

They just want the means to defend themselves and process the god beasts more efficiently

Notting this down, Ehled will look for some kind of security to ask them about a possible gun handover. (Need to find someone to give the guns.)

Security is stationed on the walls at the moment, keeping watch on the countryside, directing traffic near them, and reloading the primitive siege weapons on the walls in the event something comes back to sniff through the place.

Ehled will try to get attention of one of them. "Excuse me!" He shouts. "Could you get me someone in charge? It is about a weapons delivery for you."

The sergeant at arms is mustered, and comes down from the wall to meet with you.

"Hello, sir. I am agent Ehled Lowward from Greystar and I am visiting you today in hopes of helping this city. Already helped out with the wounded, but I also have a few weapons that I can give you. It is not much, but I hope it will help you in future until we can organize a more permanent solution to bring you arms. Will you accept them and hand them over to... whoever is in charge around here? I am not quite sure how your government works, would also be grateful if you enlightened me."

"If you have weapons I can take them off your hands. I appreciate you assisting us with that. " he says, unwilling to say more more beyond his current job duties.

"They aren't on me, but on the ship. Safety and all that, will ask when it will return so I can handle them over. Anything else I could help with?" Ehled tries to see where the ship is so he may go and get the weapons.

It is still outside the walls where the crew were instructed to set down.

"Will bring them back to you in a bit." Ehled leaves towards the ship to take another third of weapons to gift to tge guards.

(same thing here, just the handful of small arms? )

(yep and after that I am ready to move on to the last city)

A few weapons are handed out, and even to your eye as a non-native you can see this is pissing into the eye of a hurricane.

Ehled returns to the ship. "Once the locals are treated take us to Kaijadomo."

They will continue being treated on the other ships and will handle things themselves. Heading down to Kaijadomo, you can see this is the most wild and rustic looking of all the places you've visited so far. Almost everything here is made from monster parts and you can see the locals have managed to score a kill recently of a pack of smaller, cow sized predator pack beasts that sometimes come out of the wastes.

Ehled will order the crew to set down nearby and he will go and observe the city made out of monster flesh, it is quite practical one must say.

The city up close is more intricate, with even the ligaments and tendons used as cordage to keep the bones and stretched hides together. Its worse off defensively from the other cities by a wide margin due to its construction, but this is still better than the alternative of having nothing at all.

This is impresive to say at least, such fine construction from nothing but remains of a beast? Ehled considered asking a local builder for details as to how they managed to build these buildings, but right now the more important thing is finding who is in charge, offer them help and weapons and get their opinion on the beasts.

)talk/cha)

!roll 2d6+3

Ehled Lowward Roll: [3, 3] Result: 9

The locals hate the beasts. It has brought their city to almost ruin and they'll accept a few guns from you even if it is not nearly enough to change their security situation to anything positive or more secure.

Ehled organizes the gun handover. "Tell me, are there any creatures that attack from air?" Ehled asked one of the locals.

"Sometimes , though not as often anymore. "

"I wonder if they could be a threat to a ship, thank you for the information. Is there anything else you could use or need?"

They want what everyone else wants, food, medicine, guns, fuel, and vehicles.

"Do you mind if I take a few samples of the monsters for the labs? Perhaps they could come up with ways to battle these things better."

They don't mind, only asking you don't take so much that they can't use their latest haul for needed repairs.

"Thank you." Ehled takes small samples back to the ship and puts them into cold storage and marks them for delivery to Acastus. (So time to contact Greystar about weapons/supplies deliveries or?)

(If you think it's time. Not sure what the or? would be. I'm just trying not to move the mission to far ahead of you, so I'm sorry if that is upsetting somehow)

(Upsetting? Nah. Just wondering myself if I forgot something which I did. Could it be possible to take the ship and take a look at the gate (as in fly over it)? To see what it looks like and just how big it is or would there be no need because we already have that info?) (edited)

(We know where it is and that there might be more than one, probably is more than one and they might not all be on land. Rogan tried blowing it up, and threatened to orbitally bombard it but the locals didn't want ship grade weapons, even ones meant for bombarding, to be unleashed on their planet due to the really dangerous weather patterns that's going to make)

(Okay then, suppose it is time to gather everyone around and talk about what to do if a fly over is not useful.)

(Everyone as in GSC , or the settlement leaders?)

(I was thinking GSC, but settlement leaders could work too later.)

(Alright, go ahead and bring it up)

(scratch that, new plan) Ehled will return to town to ask a few more questions, this time about their opinion on the other cities.

(Which town? There's a few major cities here, I just need to know what sheet to get pulled out)

(kaijadomo)

Returning to the city you can see the wheels of industry continuing to turn around you. The people here are all doing what they can try to keep processing enough of their kills into tools and building materials. Most people here know what their job is and happily do it without much need for leadership.

Ehled will look around for someone who isn't too busy or who he could help out.

(mostly looking for what strata of society we're asking opinions of, workers, or specialists, or the governance)

(Workers first, common people. The people in charge I got a few other questions as well, but that can wait.)

(Go ahead and give me the questions then, and I'll write how they'd answer)

"What is your opinion on the other two cities? Do you communicate with them in any form or is that not happening due to the creatures around here?" (edited)

They were given radios by Greystar but destroyed them since they came from Rogan and thought they might be trapped or bugged in some way. They have not had communication with the other cities, but wouldn't be able to help one another due to the distances between them even if they could talk to one another.

(guessing they have no real opinion on the other cities then, could I go and talk to the local leaders then?)

(other than hoping they're all alive and doing okay, probably not)

1

(can I meet the leaders then?)

The tribal leadership agrees to meet with you later that morning and consists of two human males and two human females. They allow you to take lunch with them around a round table, where none seem to have a place above the others. They are curious, and apprehensive about the meeting, especially knowing you come from Greystar.

"First, thank you for the meal. Second, I wish to express Greystar's regret over the past incident that I hope we will be able to work past together towards a brighter future. Speaking of that future, there is an idea we would like to offer you. We wish to contain these creatures, but that will take time. Until then we would like use them as you do, harvest their parts for food, material and others things. The idea is simple, we will help you create an industry that is focused on hunting down and processing these creatures. This will lower their numbers and provide an income that can be used to acquire supplies and weapons you require. We also wish to establish communication between you and the other cities so that our effort in eliminating these creatures may be more efficient."

"The other cities don't know much about us, and I don't think they'd care very much for our suffering if they did. We were given communications once and we were forced to participate in games for our own survival. What guarantees can you give us that Greystar will not play the same games with the industry you want to set up here? There's also the manner of how the byproducts will be distributed. Our needs are great, and our people will be doing the fighting and dying when it comes to the great hunt, what stops Greystar from using their superior technology to rob us of our sweat and sacrifice.?"

"The answer to both of those questions is rather simple. Why would we? If we play games with you we are shooting ourselves into our own foot as I doubt we will be given a third chance. As for stealing your sweat and sacrifice we intend to trade for it on equal and fair terms because if we do steal you won't work with us anymore and any Greystar agent who comes here in the future would be hunted down like one of those creatures." "To put it as straight as I can, if we work against you we receive only trouble in the future which will never end, but if we work together we can maybe pay for our sins and help both you and us. Work towards a brighter future together, as I said." "Now, the details of what you consider games and how you wish to distribute the byproducts of the industry should be ironed out before any agreement is offered. I do not wish to by accident upset anyone here."

(I didn't have a hard list of animal products here, but I think they'd agree to they keep what's necessary tomaintain what they have, plus a percentage of any GSC profits on what you trade )

(That is fine by me and by GSC I am sure, should I negotiate this percentage or is that already set?)

(thats just their proposal for now, we can see w hat the other cities think and can decide from there. If we go for it I'll just send a note to Eish letting him know whats been decided on

(Okay, will move to the other cities then. OcvenHorvn next)

(Same thing there, starting with the workers? )

(yes, then the leaders)

The workers in this city want the monsters gone at any cost. They've paid for the repeated attacks in blood and lives, and want a peaceful life to return to the planet. They're not sure if the gate can be destroyed and if it looks like the planet would be worse off for it coming down due to bad weather or environmental damage, they would just want to find some other way to deal with the beasts. Their leadership feels the same.

(could I talk to them about the industry idea?)

(Yeah I mean their response depends on how you frame it to them)

"Greystar is interested in building up an industry in cooperation with your city. This industry would be focused on killing and processing these creatures, thus both generating a profit for both of us, which then would be used to imporve your situation by providing you with weapons and supplies to fight against these creatures, and lowering their number slowly at first, but as it would expand more and morr would have to be hunted down. After some time, once their numbers are low enough not to be a direct danger, we would also begin to diversify the industry by building others, so that you don't become dependent on hunting these creatures. We would of course give you a fair percent of the profits from trade."

You may have changed a few minds about this, but overall they want the monsters gone, so long as they;re hunted to extinction th elocals here might be on board with this as a means to an end.

(That is fine, onto the last city then to do the same thing)

The final city finds itself divided. The monsters represent danger but also represent opportunity and the population is split on what ends up being the best course of action for their society. Their city has been less frequently attacked but the ones that do make it here tend to be larger and deadlier beasts

"The number of these creatures around here is the smallest, but they are rather dangerous. Creating an industry that harvests them and thus lowers their numbers would be of a great aid, of course we would have to increase the security levels to ensure workplace safety. Still, this industry will provide increased security both financially and from the monsters, the profits could then be used to establish other industries to focus on as the population levels of the creatures lower or to provide you with weapons and supplies required for survival."

They will think on this, but are not going to agree to be tthe hotbed for industry, so previously aggrieved by Greystar far more than the other cities .

Ehled returns to the local hunters. "Excuse me, I need a bit of information about these creatures. Mostly if you know in which areas they gather or usually come from?"

They come from the southeastern plains normally, though once here they swim and move on their own and can end up anywhere. They don't know if this is the only place they come from. Getting anywhere remotely close is a quick and terrible death.

"Thank you for the information, are there any areas that are usually clear? Or seem to never have any creatures there?" Ehled asks.

It seems as if they knew, they'd probably be living there right now instead of here. No one is sure if a place like that exists.

"Thank you very much. Have a nice day." Ehled leaves back towards the ship. (If I wanted to do some land scouting for a good location for a factory. I think some kind of flatland near the city would be good, so could I use the ship to fly over the area and take a few photos or would I need to go on foot?)

(The ship could be used to overfly some areas but the information won't be as filled out as on foot)

(Okay, on foot then, are there flatlands near the city that Ehled is aware of or can see from the ship, or are on a map. Basically asking if I have to go and ask for directions) (edited)

(The world anvil map for the planet is how the planet looks so if you don’t see mountains or hills in a hex it is relatively flat

(on the map there appears to be a slight plain area between the city and the mountain to the north, can I survey that area?) (edited)

(Yes we can, lets get aD10)

!roll 1d10

Ehled Lowward Roll: [1] Result: 1

2

You see nothing on the barren plain you choose to start surveying. There is no life here aside from a few drying out trees and desert flowers.

(Well that isn't too bad for a factory.) After surveying the land Ehled returns to the ship. "Take us to OcvenHorvn, need to survey some land over there too." (Gona ask around the city for hunters to provide the same info as to where the monsters usually come from.)

The hunters normally get monsters coming in from the ocean here.

(Gona explore the area to the east then)

9:48 AM

!roll 1d10

Ehled Lowward Roll: [7] Result: 7

(lets also get a notice/wis here)

!roll 2d6

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 1] Result: 6

You see what looks like a swarm of sharks off the coast here, though they are not the mega sized that the creatures who attack normally are. It looks like they are feasting on the floating chunks of a recently slain mega-beast, submerged deep within the water.

Ehled makes a note of it, perhaps a future underwater exploration could pinpoint the gate itself, but for now it would be best to leave before any creatures show up. (Going to move onto the area south of the city)

1:26 PM

!roll 1d10

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5] Result: 5

South of the city you can see an overall flatland with a few rolling hills, none of them offering more than 30 or so meters in elevation change from ground to summit, hardly big enough to register on a geological survey. You do not see anything alive or dead on the plains here, the land being largely empty or filled with animals too small to notice.

Might need a bit of terraforming to work as a factory area, especially if it expands in the future. Ehled makes another note onto his compad. (and finally the area to the west of the city)

West of the city seems to be relatively the same. The changes in elevation are a bit more extreme but overall the land looks to be equally barren.

Plenty of free space, seems empty. Ehled returns to the ship. "Time to go to Kaijadomo." (asking the hunters for information from where the monster come from again)

The monsters come from the western sea and south through the Wrogen Pass watchtowers. Its rumored the fallen continent is overwhelmed with monsters.

(going to scout the land to the east then)

7:16 AM

!roll 1d10

Ehled Lowward Roll: [10] Result: 10

There is nothing to the east of the settlement aside from the same rolling plains and loose trees you've seen already.

Ehled returns to the city and asks around for any information about the Wrogen Pass.

It was once an outpost used by the people of this city to keep watch on the Fallen Continent and was both early warning and a holdfast from which to fight the beasts coming up from the fallen continent. The pass has been abandoned and the fort there fallen to ruin after recent attacks and a lack of manpower to rebuild and man it again while also ensuring the city remains secure from other threats.

(could I go there and take a look from air, with the ship, to see how many creatures there are and try to see the damage from air, at least roughly?)

(knowing the altitude and some parameters would be good, so I can figure out who can see woho and the danger level)

(about 500 meters and first focus on seeing if the sky is clear enough to even approach)

The sky is filled with complaining sea birds as you approach the fallen continent. From this great distance you can see a landscape filled with prowling and dueling mega creatures, all battling one another and looking for whatever food they can. Their variations are uncounted.

Rebuilding this now is almost impossible, best not to disturb them further. (going to go and explore the ruins between Kaijadomo and OcvenHorvn next)

The ruins of a city are located here. At one point they had also fortified it against the new life forms the humans share this world with. It is just the skeletons of broken buildings now, crushed or fire gutted. This is what happens when a city falls and nature prevails. Nothing lives here now aside from carrion birds picking at the dozen or so skeletons of large beasts that fell when the city did. Among those defenders are a squadron of heavy mechs, you can see five distinct shapes but reactor fires have gutted them to near worthlessness in the moments they died.

Shame about the mechs. Ehled ordered a flight back to Kaijadomo. He had to discus the factory location with the leaders.

Landing outside the city it seems the people here are enjoying a rare day without an attack.

Ehled requests a meeting with the leaders to ask them if the factory could be built to the east of the city and to try and persuade them to agree to Greystar's help ion building it and running it.

(what would you offer to persuade them? Greystar has piss poor social credit here, I don't think anyone would agree on principle alone even if the idea is a good one. If it has the Greystar name, people are going to give it a second look)

(very good price for the goods that the factory will produce (which can be paid in either credits or goods they need), increased security and assistance from Greystar personnel who will help protect the city/factory, building the factory and any other infrastructure that it requires (roads as an example to the city, warehouse for storage, landing areas that are more secure so ships can land in a safe area, communication capabilities), extra supplies that will be shipped while until the factory is up and running (maybe even longer) that they need for survival (medicine, preserved foods, other necessities), trying to find out the locations of the gates (or approximate) and trying to establish defensive measures in the future so the cities can't be attacked. Going to check quickly what could fly) (edited)

(alright, I'll wait for you to let me know how the ooc convo turns out then)

(not sure if there's still a background convo going on the GSC side about this, I know we had some numbers to figure out, if there isn't let me know and we can continue on with something else)

(This is what we can offer and I would like to try and get them to agree to: security holdings, medical center holdings, production center holdings, import/export holding. )

(They will only agree to security for the factory, they dno't want foreign troops in their cities. They'll accept medical center holdings, and will accept production centers if they get half the excess tonnage for their own use)

(seems fair enough to me, I accept this deal and would like to offer it to others too) (edited)

1

(Right now no one else will accept. They want to see how this goes while someone else runs the risks of outsiders crawling all over their city)

(Okay, is there anything the city needs help with?)

(We can ask them)

"I am thankful for you accepting my proposal and giving Greystar a chance. While everything is being organized I wish to help you with any other problem you might have-"

"We'll see what problems you create with this deal before we give you anything else to worry about"

7:59 PM

The locals here, and their leader addressing you specifically seem to be a bit tired of your presence here, unsure what Greystar taking a more steady hand in things means for the future.

"Well, I hope there won't be any problems that we can't solve quickly, but if there is nothing that requires my help I will be taking my leave. Thank you once more for giving Greystar a chance." Ehled bows his head and leaves and begins walking out of the city. As he does he takes in the city one last time and hopes it will be in a better situation with Greystar's help in the future. Then he boards the ship with the intention of leaving Mikas.

(3xp, 5000 credits. Up to you what we do next)

1

Edwardtheking555

used /roll

Ehled Lowward Roll: [5, 5, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3] Result: 34 Reason: level 7 hp dice roll Request: [7d6+7]

Level Up Level: 7 Old HP: 25 HP Roll: 34 New HP: 48 (Die Hard Foci) New Foci: Die Hard Level 1 New Skills: Talk 3 (4 skill points), Heal 0 (1 sp) Two more sp goes to attribute increase for CHA from 14 to 15 Current AB: 3

(as for the mission could I go and help Obsidia and Jake scout out Draco?)

(You might be waiting a couple IRL weeks for their little fighter minigame to wind down before we get into that, up to you how long you're willing to wait)

(Acastus Dead Zone, can I go and explore it?)

(Max is in the middle of doing that right now)

(Could I join Max?)

(No

(Alright, then could I go to Dura-in and make sure everything is alright over there?)

(did you want to join the exploration mission with Boone? )

10:08 AM

(he is also going in that direction)

(I wasn't aware of that, if Boone agrees I will!)

(I'll ask)

1

Eisheru, et al. pinned a message to this channel. 11/17/2022 8:17 AM

(6 days of downtime to go towards fix, now is at 52/90) (gona store the three shotguns in the ship weapon locker) (asked Micaela about joining on the Chimera client missions) (edited)

(Alright, we're finally back! If you need mission ideas let me know. I know Eish has pinned a nice list of polity story threads in your OOC server as well)

(actually I levelled up so I need to handle that)

Level: 8 Old HP: 48 HP Roll: 54 New HP: 54 New Skills: Shoot 3 (4 skill points) Current AB: +4

("Make contact with the possible new hovercraft clan on Shaila near the World Spine Mountains in the Northeast", saw this, could do that, if nobody else is on it?)

(nobody else is on it, so the quest is yours if you want !)

(sure thing, so the travel time would be what? not sure if Micaela and Ehled went back to Acastus first and then split or what)

(it comes to 29 days of downtime from Veovis to Shaila , since we essentially crossed the entirety of the old map, We'd be stopping in Buey as our first stop in GSC territory, where Micaela would have then headed west once re-arming and whatnot. Same goes for here, since we're home, if you want to buy anything we should handle that now) (edited)

Shopping List Survival Kit 60 Combat Field Uniform 1000 Navcomp 500 Rations 35 Wildlife Repellant Bomb 225 Total cost: 1625

(All available, We know the hovercraft clan is in those big mountains, or just beyond in the green area. Your choice on where we want to land upon entering the system)

(Green area for the start)

Upon returning to Greystar space after a month of travel, Micaela and Ehled bid goodbye to one another for now at Buey, the first piece of Greystar territory the vessel enters. From here, Micaela will be hitching a series of interconnected rides on the inter polity transit system heading west to Protectorate territory. Your requested items arrive in a shipping container , connecting with your vessel at Acastus, and no sooner is the cargo aboard than you make for Shaila at all speed. Upon entering the system, you see there have been no recent developments and no exploration data north of the mountains, aside from cursory reports of the new clan. Deciding to set down in the green zone around the mountains, the scanners come online as the ship looks for traces of anything on the ground below. (program/int)

(Got a 3, plus 2 from the ships sensor arrays, total of 5)

THe scanners are washed out with the conflicting mess of biosigns on the ground, and you;;re unable to detect anything from the sky. Things may clear up on the ground. You land in the south, just beyond the mountains. A dense mist covers the ground in the thick forest around you, terrain too packed and tight to allow the clearance of hovercraft.

After taking a look around and deciding that a hovercraft simply couldn't traverse thru these forest, Ehled looks up at the mountain. Not so sure how well a hovercraft can pass in the mountains, but still should take a look. (Could my explorer pass thru the forest or is this too thick for it too?)

(your explorer could explore here , you;re a much smaller vehicle than the hovercraft are, and we could go toward the coast or toward the mountains) (edited)

Ehled readies his explorer and sets off towards the coast.

(d10 as we set off and explore a hex

(7, the lucky number)

Moving toward the water you emerge from the forest after an hour of travel in your vehicle, and find the first signs a hovercraft has been through the area. Sand has been flattened and compressed into weak glass by the energy exerted on them by grav plates of immense power. It looks like the hovercraft was traveling alone, possibly a scout, and has moved from east to west across the mixed sand and soil .

Ehled looks at the now glass surface. "Good thing this thing flies." He says to himself before heading west, following the glass path the hovercraft carved out.

You follow the trail for close to an hour before you find the downed hovercraft. It is a small scout model, the size of a super heavy tank but most of the top is open to the sky like a truck bed. It looks like the vehicle had a severe engine fire and was abandoned by the crew.

Ehled stops his vehicle nearby and looks at the hovercraft. "Anyone here!?" He calls out, before looking around in case someone is here.

The words hang in the air for a few seconds but you are not answered. No one is here.

Ehled then turns to the craft itself, looking it over to see if anybody wasn't lucky enough to flee or if they dropped something during the evacuation.

(D100 for anything left behind)

(Another lucky 7)

Outside of the hovercraft you find a unit of spare parts, but the repairs this vehicle needed are beyond what that one part is capable of fixing. There is a top hatch and a rear engineering hatch that allow you to get inside the wreck

Ehled looks inside before he makes his way down into it.

(through which hatch, so I know what's in front of you)

(the rear engineering hatch)

Entering the engineering hatch of the vehicle you see that there is a series of controls here along with the twin engines that keep the grav plates and back up propulsion fans working. There was a fire down here that spread through the hull

Ehled continues deeper into the wreck, looking around for anything of note.

The fire looks to have been accidental. The crew took what was valuable to them and bailed out, leaving just a few tools and parts behind. A proper workshop could restore the vehicle. There is a painted message inside. 3 alive. headed east.

Ehled notes that the vehicle can be fixed and then tries to establish how long it has been since the fire.

You estimate based on the fact the soot is still smudging off on your fingers but the metal has cooled that it has been between three days and seven days since the wreck caught fire and was abandoned by its crew. The wreck itself does not follow the construction patterns in use by any of the existing hovercraft clans, and this may be further evidence of something new here beyond the mountains that have thus far been a boundary to the others.

Ehled will note down the three to seven days and return to his vehicle, first to try and calculate how much ground they could have covered and then to head east looking for them.

On foot, a journey of 200km, a standard "Hex" as the Iron Stars has come to model their maps of planetary surfaces is a journey that can be made in five days ,accounting for a decent pace, favorable terrain, and still allows for time to get a full rest in every night. A six hex ring from this position is highlighting on the navigation computer in your own vehicle, showing the ring where they have traveled.

Ehled looks at the ring and decides to head for the one directly east from the vehicle.

(d10)

(Another 7)

Heading east from the slain crawler you follow the tracks of the departed crew overland for two kilometers before coming to a stream. The tracks do not seem to appear once again on the other side of the creek. They either did not cross directly to the other bank, or began following it north or south before crossing later.

(Which direction does the creek flow? South or north? Ehled will follow the creek.) (edited)

(It flows from north to south, so we can follow it, just need to know if with or against the currnet)

(With the current)

Moving with the current has you moving north. The water source is high in the mountains coming from snowmelt and a natural pocket of water that has been exposed to the surface, gradually bubbling down the mountainside to become this stream. It leads north to a large contained inland sea, and upon investigation the water looks to be fresh. There are several small lizards and minnows in it, swimming against the current.

Ehled takes a moment to step out of his vehicle and look over the water. Taking a few pictures of the cute animals. "Look at them go." He says to himself before standing up and looking over sea to try and see if there is any trace of the survivors.

A small piece of fishing line has been stomped under boots into the muddy bank ahead. You can see the orange color of the survival twine, dingy and mud covered but meant for visibility

Ehled pulls at the string a few times, testing it to see if it caught something or not. "Seems someone is around here." He decides to take a look around nearby for any place that could serve as shelter.

There is nothing on the line, tihs is trash that was left behind likely by the hovercraft crew. The line is frayed, showing it has been snapped and something probably was caught on the other side. There are tracks in the mud that continue to run south from here.

Ehled leaves the line alone and heads south after the tracks.

After another half hour you smell wood smoke in the air, along with the faint smell of fish. A small pile of guts, a fish head, and a fish tail have been left out by the side of the creek. You scatter a complaining carrion eating bird as you approach and get the sense you are not alone among the dense woods and softly running water.

Ehled looks around and calls out once more. "I am here to help! I saw the wreck!" If there is no answer he will try to find footprints or another clue as to where the men went.

There is no response coming from the woods. You do not see smoke from their fire, but you can see boot prints continuing to head south on this side of the bank, before gently bending to the left into the thick brush

Ehled follows the trail deeper into the woods, marking on his map where he left his vehicle.

(survive/wis)

(Got a 9)

You manage to keep your pace. You pathfind correctly and are confident you know the way back to your vehicle when the time comes. You push through the woods to a recently abandoned camp. The fire is still smoldering and a meal has been left behind, still warm.

Ehled looks around for tracks or anything that could show him which way the survivors went. "They should be close, suppose it could be worth a try to fire off a shot or two, draw their attention if they are close." He readies his rifle and fires a few shots into the nearby ground and then holsters it once more continuing his search for their trail.

Return fire begins coming from the trees as you fire your rifle into the ground. Two streams of red tracers begin scything into the nearby vegetation and plinking into the mud by your boots as whoever is out there believes they are under attack, and defend themselves accordingly.

"Ah!" Ehled screams as he raises his arms into the air, his rifle holstered. "DON'T SHOOT! DON'T SHOOT!" He repeats towards the trees. "I SURRENDER."

"Drop your weapon!" the voice calls out from the treeline "Slowly, or the next shot is taking your heart"

"Okay, easy." Ehled does as he is told, slowly lowering the rifle to the ground and once it is on the ground he speaks. "I mean you no harm, I am here to help."

"By shooting!? " the voice says "Who are you! And how did you get here, no one's been able to cross the mountains in a generation"

"Well, the idea was to get your attention if you were close enoguh, if I was lost in middle of nowhere and hear gunshots I would go and investigate, but that is beside the point, I am sorry." Ehled takes in a breath. "My name is Ehled Lowward, I am here on behalf of Greystar, which is a democratic interplanetary government, so I flew over the mountains in my space ship. I found your wreck and thought I would help you out. There is 3 of you, yes?"

"Three , yes. Come closer, leav e your gun there. We'll put ours down too, lets all talk like the civilized people we are"

"Sure." Ehled steps closer towards them, hands still in the air. "Can I lower my arms? They are starting to hurt a bit."

"Slowly. You got any other weapons on you? You've got that big suit of armor on, you don't have anything to worry about"

"Nothing, but a few grenades." Ehled slowly lowers his hands. "Wildlife repellent, a sleep grenade and a shock grenade to be precise. Now, are any of you wounded? I have a spare medical supplies I can share." (also not wearing the big suit of armor, just a combat field uniform)

1

(was that posted anywhere prior? I scrolled up a ways before the scene here and never saw it mentioned but its possible I missed it)

(Seems I forgot to mention that, dear, sorry about that.)

(Yeah, if its not mentioned I have no way of knowing what's going on)

(Yes, slipped my mind.)

(The character sheet and your equipment is really the one responsibility that's had, so since it wasn't mentioned, they're going to insist you step out of the storm armor and leave your weapons behind if you want to talk to them )

(Sure) Ehled steps out of the storm armor and leaves behind his weapons. "As I said, any of you need any help?"

"We're trying to get back home to our clan. Did you find our wreck? Assumung that's how you tracked us here, but we want to know why"

"Yes, that is how I found you. As to why it was two things really, first, I wanted to help you as I see it as the moral thing to do. Second, I was looking for your clan. You see Greystar acts as a mediator between the other clans on this planet, I actually resolved one such conflict a while back, and we would like to make contact with your clan. To help not only you, but to also keep the peace between you and others."

"We already have peace, and the others don't know we're here. No one can make it over the mountains,except for you. What does Greystar say if we decide we don't want to be part of the rest of the planet?" one of the crew says. You can tell by their uniform they were probably in charge of the hovercraft

"But am here because someone already noticed you and asked Greystar to investigate and one day they will make it over those mountains or around them. Perhaps not in your lifetime or your children's, but eventually they will. I am afraid that is something that will happen, we all are curious creatures who wish to know everything there is to learn." "Now, if you don't want to be part of the rest of the planet? That is fine with me and with Greystar, we have no intention to force anybody to do anything, we are a democracy who wants the best for its citizens and starting wars is not good for our citizens. All we want is to stop any possible future bloodshed before it happens and I know agreeing on a clear border would help us both with that goal. Make things easier for both of us. " (edited)

"We have the mountains. It is a clear border. Tell anyone who comes across them they're in our land. Seems like an easy solution to me"

"Yes, that is the easiest solution and one I would propose to your leaders, but I would like to talk to them directly about it. In case there are other things they would ask of us and to make it official and known to everybody on both sides."

“Do you have transport? We have a long walk ahead of us otherwise”

"Yeah, back the way you came. I left it because these woods are a bit to thick for it to pass easily. Also do you mind if I take back my gun?"

"Of course. No reason to not trust each other for now. We'll come with you then, make the introduction with our clan-lord, but I can't promise the conversation will go any different with them"

"That is fine." Ehled says while picking up his rifle and looking it over. "As long as some agreement is reached I will be happy." Ehled walks with them back to his vehicle.

They wait for instructions and then settle in for the long ride elsewhere , buckling in. They remain quiet unless spoken to directly, not wishing to give away more than they have.

"So when we get there I will need you to introduce me to the guards, unless there is another way that you could let them know we are coming. I don't want them to be surprised." Ehled says to the commander.

"Of course. We're not going to have you there to be shot at immediately. Not to worry. We're going to be going on a northerly course then, the clan should be near the sea, most of the reactors we use are water powered"

"Water powered? I suppose it is a good source of power, water isn't a problem to find on this planet. Can you tell me anything I should known about your leader? How to act? Don't want to insult someone by accident."

"water isn't a problem for everyone else. I don't think thre really is water anywhere else on the planet. Just remember you're dealing with a chieftain elected by thousands of people, and give them the respect you'd give when meeting the head of any other country"

"Will do." Ehled says and focuses on the ride. (ready to move on)

The group provides direction on where they think the rest of their clan is, and several hours of searching in a grid pattern passes before you get the first hint something is on the horizon. Clouds of steam show where hydrogen fuel is being burned, tohugh you cannot see the distant hovercraft over the ridge in front of you. One of the crewmen you rescued is working to dial the radio in to communicate with the group, letting them know you are a friendly, and that they are alive.

"So, how large is this thing?" Ehled asks looking at the smoke in the distance.

"This thing? If you mean the clan, I'm not going to tell you how many we are. If you mean the hovercraft, there are all different kinds. THere are scout ones about the size of this vehicle, but some of the hab or work crawlers are much bigger, maybe the size of one of your spaceships"

"Meant the hovercraft, I won't pry into any details about your clan that you aren't willing to share. I am curious about your chieftain, you said they were elected? Does everyone get a vote or specific people? Again, answer only what you want."

"Everyone has a vote once they attain their first rank within their society, meaning they have a job and do something to advance our society. Most people are voting, though the age at which they get their vote varies, it depends on talent and how quickly they are placed"

"That is a wise way to do it, who can run for your leader?"

"Anyone currently contributing to society is eligible to run by our clan laws, but those who actually do run are more senior, almost always the captains of high performing hovercraft"

"Makes sense, you want someone who has proved themselves. How is life in general around here? Do you lack anything?"

"Most of what we use is recycled. We waste almost nothing. Life isn't very comfortable, but everyone has enough of what they need. We don't have any rich men, but we don't have any poor men either. So far this has worked for us, but things can always be better" the captain of the rescued hovercraft says. "We're close. Pass your radio over. I'll make sure we don't get filled with holes"

Ehled passes the radio over. "Here you go."

There are a few minutes in passing where security codes are verified. The vehicle is given permission to approach the cluster of hovercraft currently working on refueling. You are given permission to approach the large crawler in the center of the group where the leader of the clan is in waiting.

Ehled drives up to the crawler and parks it next to it, then he leaves his weapons in the explorer and waits for everyone to exit before heading with them towards the large crawler to enter it and meet the leader.

Regent Alois is waiting for you with a contingent of four bodyguards at the base of the ramp leading into the massive crawler that serves as the nerve center of the yet unnamed hovercraft clan. Their armor and weaponry is all enclosing, with water and cool air circulating control system withn it. (got some art for this, one sec)

9:39 AM

3

Ehled gives the man a slight bow. "Greeting, I am Ehled Lowward, here on behalf of Greystar, a democratic multi-planet government. I hope we can reach an agrement that benefits both your clan and us."

“Agreement?” He says with confusion “agreement about what?” The tone begins to shift from a lukewarm meeting to one of caution.

9:41 AM

Several of the nearby hovercraft clanners clutch their weapons more tightly

"Just not to bother eachother, you stay on this side of the mountains, we stay on our side. We don't want any fighting so if we were to set a clear border along the mountains we could avoid it. Of course, we would be happy to talk about trade or other topics, but the border is what we would like settled."

"We're already doing those things. Your 'terms' are just our way of life. The mountains are already a border. The other clans and Greyspace, or wherever you come from is welcome to try to violate them. We'll send you home just fine" (edited)

"Perhaps I started off on the wrong foot. Apologies, I meat no hostility. I just wish to prevent any conflict between Greystar, the other clans and your clan. We would much prefer to cooperate with you to build a brighter future for everybody on this planet. I am happy to help you in anyway that I could, I have helped a crew of one hovercraft during my travels. I wish to help you further, if you will allow me to prove my good intentions."

"Your rescue of our crew has earned you not being shot repeatedly for that outburst earlier. We've lived peaceful lives here on this side of the mountain, we have what we need and a few things beyond that. The mountains are the only neighbors we need"

"If you really don't have any need of me to stay here and help, I will be taking my leave. I wish you a long and peaceful life." Ehled bows slightly to the leader.

This meeting seems to be over. You've been permitted your leave as thanks for bringing the stranded crew home. This clan, of which you have no name thus far, sees the mountains as their borders, and seems willing to defend it against all of the other clans, and Greystar. With liquid, fresh water on the surface of the planet that is easy for them to collect, they have a decisive if not overwhelming advantage over the other clans.

Once Ehled drives far enough he will call in his ship for pickup and head back to Greystar territory, from there he will send a message out to Greystar to update them on the situation.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Thinking about the next mission, finish survey of Sana, is that an option?)

1

(We can certainly do that. Let me see if I ever made a map of it before. I feel like I did in the past once)

(I looked for the map and don't have it anymore. I think it's in the archive so for now if you needed to do any shipping we can do that. and we'd have 4 days of downtime from Acastus to Sana we can apply)

(I would apply that to training my Know skill, if possible)

(if it remains at -1, then yes we can)

9:22 AM

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

Sana

9:23 AM

Upon arriving at Sana, the preliminary information about the planet begins to load. The planet is dusty and barren, and its "water" is a sea of endless, thick ice. Only a short exploration attempt was ever made on the surface by a Confederation agent that retired soon after.

(Seems it is back to the storm armour for this one.) Ehled looks over the planet surface. "We should first do a survey with the ship before setting down somewhere. Find us a good spot to land, not where the last expedition went." Ehled says to the pilot. (So I would like to use the ship to take a rough look around for any prominent features before heading down with the explorer.)

(program/int)

(9, +2 for the sensory array the ship has so total of 11?)

(Yep! I'll get the map together with some POi's picked. Should have that up by tomorrow)

(Great!)

10:08 AM

(the landing zone is where Joel landed on their previous expedition and its highlighted for reference, but you're free to land anywhere)

(Well, I would like to take a look on the area of the other side of the mountains from the Microbe site, fly over it and see if anything sticks out?)

(d10)

(six)

Landing across the mountains near the foothills the scanners begin to light up with the presence of minerals.

(Can I try and figure out what kind of minerals this is or would that require diggim them up first?) (edited)

(We wouldn't be able to do anything further via just scanners. we'd have to adventure for more details)

Ehled looks at the scans. "I will go and take a closer look, try and figure out what they are. Ready the explorer." (Adventure it is then.)

The explorer is dropped off and is going to serve as your home awawy from home on this airless world. The scanners turn into a confused jumble of a machine noise and conflicting metal readings as you approach the site your ship scanners have pinged.

"What the...?" Ehled asks himself and puts the scanner away for now. He then begins to look around for any pieces of metal that might be sticking out of the ground.

Making a few hundred meter circle in the vehicle and then on foot, the metal might be shallowly buried in the dusty ground of this world, but there is nothing poking through the surface of the crust.

Getting to that without the proper tools will be a nightmare. Ehled thinks to himself. He marks the spot on his map and makes a note to bring some proper tools in the future. Then he gets an insane idea. (Would it be possible to fire the ships Reaper Battery at the ground in hopes of creating a creater large enough to get to the minerals? How deep is shallow?)

(ship weapons can't be fired at the surface of a planet accurately. The only ones that can be fired are the iron rain array or spitball tube weapons)

Ehled pulls out his compad and makes a note to bring a shovel next time. Then he returns to the explorer to explore the planet further. (Could I head a bit closer to the mountains to take a look at them? And maybe look for other mineral deposits nearby?)

(sure, we'd need another D10 for the new region, but yes we can do that)

(Got a 5)

The mountains have heavy metal concentrations in them. The magma comes to the surface before being rapidly cooled by the lackof atmosphere and its exposure to hard vacuum. Harvesting the magma nodes could be a source of mineral wealth if specialized mining practices to deal with both the heat and lack of air are developed.

(Would gathering a sample be possible or do I already know what this mineral is?)

(we broadly classify most metals into common ingots ,rare ingots, or exceptional ingots as opposed to saying specific metals do specific things unless its a new element im intentionally adding to the game. In this area, we know its a source of rare ingots if someone was to develop and work the claim)

(Ah, no sample needed then. ) Ehled notes the large pressence of rare ingots which would be very useful to exploit, but also the heat. (Are the mountains acessible or does the magma make the idea of building near/on them impossible?)

(each hex is 200km so there's going to be a place even on one with magma on it where there is stable ground, so things could be build there. The difficulty in doing so is just a cost modifier for holdings, but it can be done

10:45 AM

(And GSC has more than enough money to absorb that 4x cost modifier )

(okay, sounds good, going to continue moving north then towards that area with a bunch of brown hills around the mountains)

(d10

(8)

The foothills in the area are the first glimpse of liquid water potentially close to the surface that might exist on Sana. The hills have ice on their peaks, though you are not sure of their chemical makeup from scanning at range within the vehicle.

Ehled gears up to try and scale the hill so he can scan the ice.

(exert/str)

(8)

Climbing to the nearest of the foothill peaks takes several hours, and it is what passes for early afternoon on this airless world. The ice is thick and is a deep blue in color, with swirls of a deep green set within it. Your surveying equipment is charged and ready to begin collecting samples with its powerful drill,.

Green ice? Ehled thiks to himself while setting up the equipment and once it is set up he starts drilling.

(How many cores would you want to take? There's no check or difficulty in collecting them, I'm just trying to gauge time we are spending doing it, and how mcuh data we'd be able to get based on it)

(A small amount? Not sure I can carry too many back with me. If you need a specific number, one or two? Depending on their weight.)

9they'd be 1 enc each if that changes anything)

(I will take two then)

Alone on this airless world you fall into a rhythm as the biting teeth of the core machine works its way through the thick ice. Powerful suction motors within the vaccum draw the ice core into a sample chamber inside where it is further frozen, and then ejected for you to place in your pack. It will last for long enough to get back to the ship and for it to be sealed away in the medlabs freezer for futher study in a proper lab back in Greystar space. After three hours of sampling, your long probe does not break through the ice , but you have obtained two samples of the strange frozen liquid.

After the cores are stored away, Ehled begins his return to the ship, having this liquid spilling around might not be the best idea. (So gona head baxk to the vehicle, call in the ship and store these cores.)

It is

9:09 AM

"Mid afternoon" by time you return to the vessel and get the cores into storage. Most of Sana remains unexplored.

"Make sure it is nice and cold." Ehled says to the crew and heads out again. (Heading up north to the two little lava lakes)

(d10)

(2)

(the hexes are 200km each so we might be here for a while. What's our food situation looking like?)

(I have enough rations for 4 days)

The climb into the highlands past the ice is a difficult one. The terrain is steep and the ashen soil hides large rocks underneath eras of erosion and exposure to the raw stuff of the universe. Where the molten core of the planet is opened to the void of space, the lava quickly cools into dark formations of igneous rock, and it is on night of the first day of exploration that you reach the edge of these obsidian like flats. The actual magma channel is another day's walk , but stopping now allows the chance to rest and refresh your oxygen bottles from your stores.

1

Ehled makes sure everything is alright with his vehicle, eats a meal and then heads in for the night. Tomorrow, with refreshed air, he would continue forward.

(d10)

(4)

Heading north into foothills and mountains beyond, the vehicle travels for a few hours before coming to the edge of the sea of obsidian that glitters in the starlight. Magma has been exposed to the airless void in this region, cooling instantly into strange, sometimes spiky formations. Others look like piles of rock continually poured on top of one another, and then flash frozen. The survey scanner identifies several rare and common metals here, along with an exquisite one.

1

Ehled at first admires the spiked formations rising from the ground, but when his scanner reveals an exquisite ore his focus shifts to it right away. This is an amazing find, we need to get here as soon as possible. (moving towards the other side of the mountains now, where the original landing site was, along the top of the map)

Half a day passes, tagging sites for mining locations before Ehled decides to move on (d10 )

(6)

As Ehled's vehicle moves across the other side of the mountain, proximity alarms begin to scream warnings as a meteor slams into the mountainside 400m in front of the vehicle. Sand and rock are thrown in all directions, smaller pieces of stone plinking off the armored hull and the sand making a blanket of impenetrable dark ahead. (edited)

Ehled slows down the vehicle while checking to see if anything else is about to fall from the sky.

Nothing else seems to be falling right now. Scanners cannot accurately predict the path of falling obital rocks however.

After checking to see if there is anything else coming for him, Ehled turns the vehicle around. (I will try to get away from this thing)

(pilot.dex)

(got a 4, then tried to use my expert reroll ability and then got a 3, so 4)

There is another rock streaking toward the surface of the strike zone. This highland is not immune from the metor impacts that plague the plains below on the eastern side of this mountain, and one lands nearby, striking the vehicle slightly as it comes in to crash into the ground nearby.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d20] Roll: [18] Result: 18

(18 damage on the vehicle, ignoring armor)

(17 hp left then) When the meteor crashes nearby and damages the vehicle Ehled shouts out. "Too close, too close." And continues driving to escape the sand behind him while trying to contact his ship. "Got scraped by a meteor, might require pick up, not sure what the damage is yet."

Several alerts have appeared showing damage across several systems. The vehicle will drive, and there is no immediate threat to your survival, but the vehicle will need to be overhauled in a proper workshop for it to function correctly again. Priceless metal scanner contacts are scattered across the entire area now, with evidence of more meteors coming down.

Ehled does his best to get out the region and somewhere safer.

(somewhere safer as in back to the ship? or just a different region)

(Was under impression I had to leave this region before I could get onto the ship, don't want to risk a meteor hitting the ship, but if I can get back into the ship, then that.)

You drive feverishly, and after an hour of listening to the various damage sirens and alarms the ship stands out in front of you ,brightly lit, with its ramp lowering to accept your wounded vehicle.

Ehled gets out of the vehicle. "Get us somewhere safe where meteors won't hit us. That was too close." Ehled inspects the vehicle. "Yeah, that needs a proper workshop. Well, we have some info from that trip, will have to note the meteor situation, but I think it is best we head back and restock." (Won't continue the exploration now that the vehicle is in bad shape. So suppose that is all for now.)

(3xp, 5000 credits)

1

(Just for my own curiosity, how much of the planet has been mapped? Will also look into what to do next.)

(about 25% of the planet between what you've done and what the initial expedition by the previous player did)

("Help noctua colonists on Thea" is what I got my eye on next)

(sure, since we're leaving the planet and stopping backing a civilized area if you want to shop for anything now is the time. Vehicle repairs will be free)

(I am happy with what I have on me right now)

(5 days of downtime to Thea then)

(five more days towards Know skill, is the world anvil article up to date?)

(other than the small noctua colony yes, no one's spent a great deal of time here)

(okay, I will be landing at the colony)

The Noctua colony on the surface of Thea is small, with a population of just over 60,000. The colony is not yet self sustaining, as it spreads out in the shadow of an observatory made by alien construction. Greystar scientists and astronomers study the building and the cosmos constantly on rotating work schedules. Farming and industry both seem to be lacking here, as are projects in extracting resources from the surroundings of the colony.

12:33 PM

Several noctua militiamoths wait patiently as your ship comes in to land.

When they land, Ehled steps out in his combat uniform rather than the usual power armour. "Greeting, Ghost Ehled Lowward, at your service." He gives a slight bow to them. "I am here to help with any problems you are facing. What is the current situation?"

they repeatmost of what you saw coming in. They haven't explored far beyond the edge of the colony, they have not found resources for making extraction industries, and they have not yet cleared enough farmland to plant enough to feed the colony. Right now they are subsisting on regular supply shipments from deeper in Greystar space, which is putting strain on limited supplylines.

"I see. I will set out then and look for resources for you, can you tell me what areas you already explored?" Ehled pulls up the map of the planet. (Guessing just the colony tile has been explored?) (edited)

(correct. With the hexes being 200km each, they haven't had any real need to go beyond it)

"Thank you, will update you on my findings." Ehled says his goodbyes and prepares his fixed vehicle for a ride south.

(d10)

(2)

The southern hinterlands around the observatory are largely empty of life until you reach the sea. Colonies of sea birds and fisher birds hunt the large schools of fish off the coast, nesting in rocks and in the tops of tall trees. Others look to have made homes in the dunes.

Ehled notes the existance of a possible source of food and headst west

(okay, D10 then if we're staying in the car)

(10)

You run up against the coast in this area as well. In addition to the birds and fish, none of which have any facts recorded about them, there is also the presence of rare ingots in the area.

(Could I try to shoot down one of the birds to collect for study? Or use survival to make a trap to capture it alive while using part of my rations as bait?) (edited)

(we could, there would be different checks involved for those, but we can attempt either one)

(going to try the trap first, so that would be survive and int?)

(It would be survive/wis )

(10 and as I ppan on using some rations as bait, should I remove them?)

(deduct one ration, we would have just used up everything that one ration pouch contained to bait all our traps)

2:55 PM

(I'll get some art together for this, since we'll turn it into an article)

1

Ehled builds a few traps for the birds and sets them about the beach, filling them with parts of his rations. Perhaps if he was lucky enough he could catch multiple so scientist would have more than one.

Two of the birds are snared when you check your traps a few hours later. Each of them is palm sized, and they flap their wings violently, trying to escape from the snares.

(could I use the straps ans the ropes from the climbing harness to tie the birds so they can't fly away?) (edited)

(We could break up a climbing harness to use for that, we could also do something with spare parts. Eitherone works)

Ehled breaks down the climbing harness and uses the parts from it to secure the two birds before storing them inside his vehicle.

The birds are small, with yellow stomachs and black feathers that become a light gray/white color close to the wing tips. They have small feet without curved talons letting you know they are more likely prey, as opposed to being predators themselves. Curved beaks indicate these creatures dig into the ground for bugs and worms.

Ehled continues on his way. (I am not sure if I can go further west, if I can't I would like to head north.)

(North is what we've got if we're going by ground, D10 for that)

(yep, North it is, 3)

Moving north this region is desolate. There are loose rocks here and loose sand unfit for growing food. There are few animals,

Ehled stops the vehicle and spends is trying to figure out what animals there are around. Looking for anything that could maybe serve as livestock.

(there's nothing large or fitting the description in the area. This is a badlands zone, so theres nothing much here)

(then moving further north if possible (on land) and if not circling east back towards the colony)

(this would be the last one on land before needing to turn back east, so D10 for that)

(9)

North heads from wasteland into a thin grassland where the forest is trying to overgrow the dunes of loose sand in this area. Some sort of aquatic mammal has made the beach their nesting zone, and there are currently hundreds of turtle like creatures coming out of the water in the evening light to lay their eggs on the beach.

Ehled observes the creatures for a while, taking pictures of them. He doubted they would make good livestock, but the grassland here could maybe be used for farms. Once he is satisfied with the pictures of the turtle-like creatures Ehled pokes around in the dirt of the grassland, trying to dig up a small dirt sample.

(work/con)

(Roll is 6, I get +1 from my con so total is 7)

Digging through the dirt you unearth two of the eggs, as well as some thick topsoil that is black in color, and threaded with specs of white looking pellets. Bioscans reveal them to be nutrient dense. (putting a farm here takes I think 12 acres of land, something like that, so we'd have to make a choice between feeding the coloyn and destroying the habitat)

(noted) Ehled returns to his vehicle and heads in the direction of the colony.

You return to the colony after spending two days driving around the island,documenting a few of the surrounding features as you've traveled. The noctua leadership is assembled in the center of town to recieve you and hear of your findings.

Ehled clears his throat. "I bring good news, during my exploration of this island I have found rare deposits to the south of here, along with quite a large population of birds." Ehled shows off the two birds he has captured. "These birds feed on the fish in the area, I didn't have the right tools to go fishing, but we might be able to open a fishery doen there." He then shoes of the eggs and the dirt sample. "To the west I have found a natural habitat of these turtle like creatures, but also airable land that could be used for farms. Of course using this land for food would mean the destruction of this natural habitat, so first a team of scientist would have to be sent to catalouge these creatures and study them, ensure they do not go extinct. As perhaps they too could be used to help the colony grow." Ehled lets them take in his words before moving on. "I will send out my report to Greystar with a request to build up the mining industry while we finish studying these creatures. Any questions?"

They do not have any. The noctua will need to decide for themselves if they have the personnel and ability to run the projects you are proposing,but they're grateful for the additional knowledge of their surroundings. This will allow them to better plan for the future, and help refine the direction in which the city decides to prioritize its efforts. Food especially is a priority, as right now the colony subsists mostly off of monthly Greystar supply drops, and the supply chain is ultimately insecure.

(Would I be able to buy a few rations here? I would like to go and take a look at the landmass to the north of the colony island.)

(Yes you could buy a few)

(I will buy three, at the usual price yes?) Ehled buys a few provisions, loads the vehicle back into the ship so it can transport it to the northern landmass and so he can begin to explore it.

(yes, book price)

9:04 AM

(Need an landing hex on the nothern landmass so I know which of my hex tables to use)

(The Italy looking part above that smaller island right to the north of the observatory?)

(okay, I think I know what you mean in the absence of a picture, D10 for our landing zone)

(1)

The land here is broad and rolling. The beach is empty of animals in this area, but there is evidence of a massive sized amphibian creature passing through recently. THe report of a previous Greystar operative named Rogan called this the BBA, Big Bad Amphibian, and he was obssessed with trying to capture it for an unknown purpose.

Ehled tries to determine which way the beast went and then follow it.

The beast's prints point toward the water. It has come from the distant forest, walked down to the beach, and has looks to have vanished far beneath the waves, into the sea behind you.

Ehled turns around to see from where the beast came.

(In the previous post we saw it came from the woods that are about 2km from here. Is that where you're triyng to go?)

(Yes, I would like to see if there is perhaps a nest or if it just passed thru.)

The creature has just passed through the area. This matches previous reports from Rogan where the beast seemed to be migratory, and did not have an established nest or permanent place of residence.

(Well then will continue moving with the coast towards the west until passing the mountains to the north and explore there)

(d10)

(4)

Moving along the coast to the west you pass the zone where the BBA is known to frequent and travel through several silicate sand beaches. You approach the place where you will eventually be resting for the day, and come to a large stretch of beach where fragments of metal and other pieces of manufactured pieces litter the sands. You cannot immediaely tell if it is from a sea ship or starship.

Ehled stops the vehicle and starts to pick over the pieces, looking for any with either symbols or letters on them.

(what languages does Ehled currently speak? Trying to see if you can read anything on the wreckage here)

(just the standard language, no other languages) (edited)

There are words on the drifting pieces of wreckage floating here, but Mandate Common does not cover what is written on the beams, cables, and pipes.

Ehled will move from piece to piece, taking a picture with his Compad of any text he can find, he also takes a smaller piece with him for study.

You yourself are not sure what this language is, but someone on the planet might know back at the observatory. You manage to grab a metal spar that is about th elength of your arm that clearly has some kind of warning label on it, but whatever it is warning against- that is lost to you for now

Ehled gets back into the vehicle and rest for the day, eating a ration, before moving on North.

(d10)

(8)

North is a rolling sea of grass dunes. There are lizards here and mice in large abundance as well as predatory birds that circle overhead, diving to occasionally catch or carry one off now and again. They squack and chatter at one another,occasionally fighting over their catches.

Ehled continues east.

(Another D10 then for hex generation)

(2)

Leaving the birds and their prey behind you come to a large inland lakef flanked by tall foothills. There is little vegitation in the area.

Ehled will call in the ship to pick him up and then head back towards the colony to ask about the broken pieces he found on the coast.

Returning to the colony, the Noctua researchers in the large observatory are willing to take time out from their other projects to review the pieces of shipwreck you found. Comparing it to all known and discovered languages in the sector, this ship's language matches that of the Precursor aliens found in the Teucer ringworld system, currently controlled by the NMC. One of those precursor ships crashed into the sea here, somehow. THe wreck went to pieces in the ocean, and has been slowly washing up on the beach.

"A Precursor ship? Oh my. That is great news, it might take some time to recover it, but when we do, it would be a great boom. Thank you." With that Ehled leaves them so they might continue working on their duties and heads back to his ship. (I am ready to tie this up, will make a report to Greystar about the colony needs and the ship.)

1

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(I don't think anybody is dealing with "ghost people" on Mitopobua? May I go investigate that.)

(Nobody is doing that yet! Did you want to get anything before going? If not, I'll get back to you with downtime)

(I do not need anything. Just if there is any public info on these ghost people or how the information got to Greystar, but if that is something we will cover ic then nothing.)

(You would only know what Jake was able to find out. They seem attracted to noise. If you get caught in a mob, be quiet. If you are loud, you are probably going to get dissolved by the ghosts.)

9:34 AM

(There is also a community there that we have supported with food/medical supplies. But otherwise nothing has been done there besides deal with the former leader and the Underhill/Undra)

(Okay, thank you!)

(8 days of downtime from Thea to Mitopouba)

(wrote it down, ready to start)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/mitopouba-location After spending several days in a long spike drill from Thea to Mitopouba , you enter the system to find the Greystar military deployed in force here. Soldiers from several different formations patrol around the planet, eradicating the last remains of the Undra swarms. They are also helping the population rebuild in areas where the Undra had especially preyed on the locals. System control interrogates your vessel for a few moments, allowing you to enter the system and land where you please on the planet's surface.

Mitopouba

(Is crown of the world a settlement? Is it safe to land at it?)

(Did you see Jake's message in the GSC server? If you haven't seen it yet the answer was provided in there for you, so we'll move on with that understanding. Ehled would have Jake's report available as well)

(Is there enough space to land in the socer stadium or would we have to land outside?)

(You would have to land outside. People live on the field itself so you'd be flattening their living space if you landed in the stadium)

Ehled orders the ship to settle down nearby to the stadium so he can make his way to the stadium from there.

(notice/wis)

(7)

There is no mist in the area for the moment, and it does not sound like conditions have improved any from the time where Jake had been here last. There is a head on a pike that has been rotting and the birds have been picking at it, placed at the top of the stadium press box roof. There was violence here, and upon a closer look at the stadium you are able to see evidence of conflict.

Ehled looks up at the head and then at the stadium. He had to hurry and see just what happened inside the stadium, with any luck the people here are fine, but he had a feeling things weren't good.

At the underground entryway doors to the stadium you are met by two sentries. They are armed with hunting rifles and woven armor. “Halt!” The first of them shouts

Ehled halts. "Hello." He shows them his empty hands. "I am a Greystar agent, Ehled Lowward."

“I see. What is your business here Agent Lowward?”

"Investigating those ghost people is the main reason, but helping out our citizens with any other problems is also my duty. Can I ask why there is a head on a spike over there?"

There has been a change in leadership. We're under new management, one that cares for us more. Greystar promised us the ability to self govern when it's come to local affairs. We've done so" the guard says. They speak about what must have been a revolution here with pride .

"Thank you, would I be able to talk to the new managment then? I will need to tell my superiors who is in charge now."

"There was a revolution stirring when Agent Carson was here last. It has been completed since then, and the side of righteousness and the common man has won "

"I am glad to hear that. May I come on in and continue my investigation into the ghost people?" Ehled asks

"The boss is going to want to talk to you. Has Greystar been able to figure anything out since Agent Carson has been here last?" the guard asks, leaving his two fellows to keep watch while he escorts you.

Ehled follows behind him. "Carson left behind a few drones, I hope they were able to find... a source or a point that the ghosts are attracted towards. I am not sure how much you all know, but if there are any gaps in our knowledge or yours we will fill them in." Ehled looks around as he follows, trying to see the state of the place. "Anything you think you need urgent? Medicine?"

"We think we've narrowed it down" he says "but you'll need to talk to the boss about that" THe large doors open and you're brought onto the field through an entryway medical or construction vehicles onto the field in times of peace. Now, the field has been turned into a settlement as armed guards watch from the bleachers both for trouble on the field, and outside the staduium. Stairs leading into the stands up the long rows of bleachers toward the press box seem to be your destination as your escort beings you there.

"That would be very good." Ehled answers back and follows towards the press box.

(know/int)

(rolled a 7, -1 from know skill so comes out to 6)

There is a series of hand signals that pass between the guard leading you to the press box and another descending the stairs. It doesn't look like a language you know,and it is not sign language, so this must be some sort of locally agreed upon dialect. you are brought to the press box and another guard asks you to hand over any weapons before being permitted to speak with leadership.

"Sure." Ehled hands over the weapons. "Just keep them close."

You are permitted to enter the press box where the de-facto settlement leader has made their office. "Agent Lowward, the gate guards reported you were coming up. Greystar checking in eh? ?How can I help you?"

"Well, I came to further investigate the ghost people and I was told you might have a lead on that, but..." Ehled points up at the head on the spike. "I do have to also make a report on your revolution, make sure everyone is on the same page about who is in charge here."

"The Ghost People" he says ,ignoring the sceond half of what you said for now. "We think we know where they're coming from, but we don't know why they're here, and there doesn't seem to be a way to stop them. "

"Have you sent someone to try and stop them? And where are they coming from?"

"I can't afford to risk my people like that on something we don't understand ,and dont have the tools to deal with. That would be crazy. They're coming from the city incinerator, and seem to get agitated when there is a death here in the stadium, or when we burn the bodies there"

"I was told they ignore this stadium for some reason? Was this true when the revolution went down? How close do they get?"

They swarmed around the outside of the stadium when the revolution happened and any victims that happened to be outside were pulled into the ghostly mass “

"I see. So onto the revolution, tell me what happened. What was the final straw? How many have died, do you need something extra to fix up the damage?"

'Casualties were limited to former leadership, a pair of ministers that refused to change sides when things were reorganized here, and four guards who were doing what they were ordered to do. Acceptable and unnecessary loses in most of their cases, unfortunately. This all started when the leadership announced a food and water tax, and empowered the guards to collect it. At the same time, only certain people were allowed to leave the stadium to collect those things, and those permits all found their ways into friends and family "

10:16 AM

"You can see where this is going"

"Yes, I can. Seem it wasn't too bad, but are there any other problems that need looking into? Except the ghosts."

"The ghosts are the only problem we can't solve, given enough time. A psionic was supposed to come and let us know what is happening here, or how to go about solving this for us but none have come"

"Alright, I will look into these ghosts then. What is the safest route to the incinarator?"

A course is plotted through the market district, and up through one of the factory complexes that has been ruined. There is an open street beyond that, and then you have open access to the incinerator building. A work crew makes its way there once a week to keep it fueled in the event anyone dies from other causes witihn the stadium. Getting the body off site and burning it seems to keep the ghosts from coming near the stadium.

Ehled heads into the incinerator plant to check it out.

(sneak/dex)

(8)

Nekosmash

used /roll

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

THe green mist intensifies as you get closer and closer to the incinerator. Upon reaching the edge of the mall that leads to the open street, and then to the target building, the mist begins to swell and you can make out the first of the figures materializing, marching west to east in front of your vision. they have not noticed you, and look to be moving toward the far end of the street where a bird has fallen from its perch to die on the pavement.

Ehled stops and hides behind a nearby corner, observing them from the distance and waiting to see what happens.

The creatures continue their slow march down the street to the site of the death, where they fall upon the body to drain it. It looks like it has aged 100 years after the wrights have swarmed it, leaving only bleached bones and tatters of leathery skin behind. It is as though they removed what little life the body still had in it with their predation. The mist begins to vanish a moment later, the creatures becoming blurry, and then indistinct.

Ehled slowly steps towards where the bird carcass is, keeping an eye out for any stragglers who might think about consuming him.

There are no stragglers here. The Wights are gone for the moment. (i dont' have anything new to say about the bird body at the moment, I described how it looks in my previous post, but unless something more happens that's prettymuch all there is to say just by eyesight alone)

Ehled heads into the incenerator.

1

(are you going right in? checking at the door first? give me some details)

Ehled heads to the entrance to the incinerator, stopping at the door to look inside before going in further.

8:15 AM

The incinerator building is large and for the moment does not have the green smog around it. You can see wide doors leading into the structure where bodies are normally brought through. Trash is also sometimes burned here for extra power generation, as the heat turns turbines in the second building, clad in gray. The dead are quite literally turned into energy. Warning signs here tell you of the wraiths, and to hold your breath if you burn a body and the tide seems to swirl, as there isa chance they might pass you by. It warns you against loud noises.

Ehled heads inside, careful not to trip over anything and looks for where the inceneration happens.

Looking down into the incinerator, you can see trash is here waiting to be burned. There ar eno bodies here for now but you see a black mineral like substance coats the walls and floor of inside the incinerator. Several of the growths have adopted something resembling hand like formations, as though they're reaching out of the ground to the sky.

(can any of this substance be reached or would a trip to the bottom be required for that?) (edited)

(you'd have to get waist deep into the hatch of the incinerator to reach the closest deposit, but you could do it if you decide that's worth doing0

(Is there a ladder or other easy way to get down there?)

(no, the people using this weren't super interested or needing to get to the bottom of the incinerator, they just throw stuff in and burn it)

Ehled steps back from the incinerator for a moment and looks around the rest of the plant.

Most of the building is occupied by the power generating equipment, liquid fuel storage tanks , and the fuel injectors to ensure the flame is consistent, hot enough, and can be started and stopped as needed .

8:58 PM

You do not see the mineral growths anywhere else in the facility.

On his way back to the incinerator Ehled looks around for anything that he could use to break or scratch off some of the black metal of the incenerator walls.

(notice/wis)

(Notice and wis both at +0 bonus, so 5)

)did you want to use a re roll of any kind for this if you have them?)

(No.)

You're not able to find anything within the facility you could use as a scraper or hammer of some kind. (not sure what you have in your pack. Maybe something there might help? )

(I have a metatool and a knife from the survival kit, but could I reach with those?)

( a meta tool is basically a leatherman, and a knife won’t really do anything to improve your reach , so none of that will help unfortunately )

(What if I take off my metatool, put it around the barrel of my mag rifle and then use it to collect some of the metal? If I need a way stop the metal bits from falling down maybe I could tie some of the tarp from the survival kit around the rifle to serve as a catcher? It is a 3×3 tarp, but I could use the knife to cut it to the right size.) (edited)

(I think a fix/int for this should be rolled but it will work if successful )

1

(That is a 7)

There is a gentle scrape sound as you begin prying at the strange material on the sides of the incinerator where trash is burned and bodies are laid to rest. The mineral flakes off and the dust falls into the tarp. You have a few grams of it as you withdraw your makeshift tool

Ehled puts it into his bag and takes one last quick look around before heading back towards his ship to drop of the metal and grab a few items from storage.

(all I can say here is ready/stow accordingly then. What we do from here is up to you)

(if possible, I would like to try and scan the metal while on the ship)

(If your ship has a lab fitting you can. If it doesn’t we wouldn’t be able to learn much about it here )

(It doesn't, does either Keypartie or Queensland have any labs in them?)

(No one's been to either before, so we don't know. You'd be filling out the map so to speak. )

Ehled looks at the map of the planet. "We are going to Keypartie, might as well check it out while we are here."

The crew picks you up and returns to orbit, before descending back down half an hour later to one of the many landing platforms at the city. This is the only place on the planet where the Undra swarms did not touch ,and considered the capital of the world, all wealth, power, industrial might, and security were directed here. The settlement is far advanced compared to the rest of the planet as a result. The upper echelons of Keypartite are a testament to human ingenuity and ambition. Glistening skyscrapers of polished metal and crystalline windows reach for the heavens, forming districts dedicated to research, administration, and luxurious living. Airborne transport vessels glide through the sky, their propulsion systems leaving shimmering trails as they navigate between platforms. A network of skywalks and levitating platforms interconnects these towering structures, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the celestial landscape.

3

Ehled looks up at the towers, shocked to see such splendour compared to the football stadium, but he took a few pictures from within the ship. "I am heading out." He says to the crew and exits the ship. He must speak to someone about how they managed to fight off the devestation that took over other places on this planet. Maybe even they dealt with ghosts themselves?

(Who would someone be in this situation, are you looking for a certain type of person ? are you asking many people? Is there someone who looks like they're from a walk of life you'd try to seek out more of or less of? )

(Is nobody coming to greet me? I thought this wasn't part of Greystar?)

(Mitopouba is the planet we are on, and the planet this city is on, and that planet is part of greystar and it looked like you were just narrating past the welcoming committee, so I wasn't going to slow your thread down) (edited)

(Ah sorry for the misunderstanding) Ehled looks around for any local security forces to give him ditections or a map of the city so he can find a lab.

Two members of the local police force wait by the bottom floor of the docking tower, keeping an eye on the people coming and going in the street. Each of them carries a firearm and stun baton, but they do not have armor in place aside from simple security armor that can be worn under their yellow/blue high vis uniforms,

Ehled approaches. "Excuse me, would you know where I could find a map of the city? I just arrived here and need to find a lab."

"A lab? What for? I think the city leadership would want to know about science projects being brought into the city. You're clearly not from around here , coming in on that ship at all. The governor would be upset knowing some off worlder is just randomly performing science experements in the middle of the city" (edited)

"Suppose you are right, which way would the governor be then? Didn't want to bother them with a basic metal scan, but if you think they have the time I wouldn't mind asking them a few questions on behalf of Greystar." Ehled says.

"They're going to have a vested interested in anything happening within the city, especially if it involves sciencetific advancement. Look around you. How do you think this was all possible? The governor's office is at the top of the Tower of Advancement. IT's in the center of the city, hard to miss. Look for all the sculptures and carvings"

Ehled looks around at the buildings and doubted that the metal would help them. "Thank you. I will head there then." He waves the goodbye and heads towards the tower.

(notice/wis)

(I got a 3, so I used my expert reroll and them got a 5)

The mechanisms and workings of the surrounding area are very much alien to you even though you are on a human world. This city has been left to thrive without much contact from the outside world and the locals have their own ways of doing things. the Tower of Advancement is a large building, one of the tallest in the city. The outside is carved with a number of scultures and drawings showing mankind as paleolithic humans mastering fire and simple tools, followed by the discovery of bronze, iron ,the secret of steel, the harnessing of wind, the age of steam and coal, the splitting of the atom, the development of the spike drive ,and then finally the waves of exploration all departing Sol to the far corners of a dark galaxy. The doors open to a public museum, and a wall directory has the mayor's office at the top level.

Ehled looks at the museum and decides to take a quick peak thru it, maybe it will explain a bit more about the city or the planet before the Scream. (edited)

(d100 for an exhibit)

(36)

The planet has one of the initial lunar landers that were once occupying the surface of Earth's moon in the now thought to be lost Sol system. The rover is battered, decayed by generations of solar radiation before recovery, and it has been restored just enough to allow it to be an exhibit and occasionally moved without crumbling. A long plaque describes the technological marvel this rover represented at the time.

1

Ehled takes a few pictures of the rover and wonders just how they managed to get it into here. Eventually he finishes the trip around the museum and heads towards the elevator to get to the Mayor's office.

The mayors office is at the top floor of the building just below the observation deck and you are let into the office after a quick medical scan by a floating med droid. There is a meeting just ending as you are escorted in by two of his bodyguards. They allow you to keep their weapons, as you are a Greystar agent. After being invited to sit, the Mayor waits for you to begin the conversation, as you have sought him out and he does not know the subject matter of this visit.

Ehled looks around the office before sitting down and turning to the Mayor. "Mr. Mayor. I would like to use one of your labs to perform a mineral scan on some samples I found." He makes himself more comfortable.

"I'll need a lot more information than that before anything happens within the bounds of my city. Where did you find it? What kind of testing? What do you know about it already? "

"Well, teasting to see what it is, comparing it to the other elements on the periodic table. The only thing I know of it is that I found it in an incenerator growing on the sides. Could be nothing, could be something."

His face goes pale when you mention an incinerator. "Where exactly did you find this incinerator, and that material?"

"Nearby to the Crown of the World, they use it for trash and corpses. Now, why are you so concerned about this, what do you know about this material that I don't?" Ehled asks.

"Its Khiral material. That's the name we gave it, and you need to get it out of this city immediately. You don't know if one of those things followed you or not. If one of those wraiths touches it, there's going to be an explosion, the size of a nuclear blast. You'll wipe our city off the map"

9:40 AM

"Its an incredibly powerful energy source, but there' s no guarantee it's ever safe from those things. THey're attracted to it"

1

Ehled stands up. "Okay, I am leaving right now on my ship, but I have questions about Khiral and the ghosts. Can you send me everything you know about it? And most importantly if these ghosts can fly and if I have to chuck this thing out into the wild. Far away from the city, of course."

"Get that out of my city. I'll send you what we know, but it isn't much"

"Leaving." Ehled leaves for the ship with the intention of getting away from the city.

(Exert/con)

(That is a 3)

You run as hard and fast as you can to try to make it back to your ship before one of the creatures touches the material within. You get lost on the way back to the ship and find yourself in an alley,with a brick wall at the end. There is a flick of a knife being pulled from its scabbard behind you as three goons approach, looking to accost you for your belongings.

(would I have enough time to turn around and open fire with a mag rifle, how close are they?)

(they are about 5m away. We would be rolling initiative. Neither side has the conditions for a surprise round or execution attack)

(That is a 4 for the initiative)

Nekosmash

used /roll

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

(goons are up first unless you want to make a snap attack at one of them)

(if I can make it with a rifle, I will)

(okay so I got a 1, my attack bonus is +4, which is removed by the snap attack, my shoot skill is 3 so the total comes out to 4 to hit)

(The snap could be made with the rifle since they weren’t in melee yet but now on their turn they’re gonna close to melee so the rifle can’t be used as a weapon now) The goons laugh as they rush in, arms and legs purring with cyber assisted strength. One has a knife while the other two snap open crackling stun batons.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [3 d20+4] Rolls: [18] Result: 22 [14] Result: 18 [5] Result: 9

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [2 d6] Rolls: [5] Result: 5 [4] Result: 4

The knife flashes by as you turn to avoid it just in time but you’re forced to open yourself up to powerful hits from the baton that leave your ears ringing (22/5 and 18/4)

1

(would it be possible to try and do a Fighting Withdrawal and run towards the open street or are they blocking the way?)

(You’d be able to move through them with fighting withdrawal and would have your 10m move afterward )

Ehled uses his rifle as a makeshift weapon to hold the trio off and pushes past them towards the street.

(fighting withdrawl has you using your move, so you can push past them 10m without getting attacks of opportunity, but as they were in melee with you they can use their moves to catch up, and have mains to swing with)

11:33 AM

Ehled barrels through the would be muggers, heading out of the alley and onto the main street where for the moment these scoundrels brazenly follow. They swing their weapons once again

11:33 AM

/roll

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [3 d20+4] Rolls: [20] Result: 24 [6] Result: 10 [20] Result: 24

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [4 d6] Rolls: [2] Result: 2 [6] Result: 6 [1] Result: 1 [1] Result: 1

(missing the knife, the two stun batons crit for 8 amd 2 respectively)

(what is there on the street? shops? apartments? police officers hopefully?)

(This is one of the quieter streets of the town , its not a main road but its more public. No visible police but there are shops and stalls along the sides of the road and some light foot traffic)

(Is there a shop within 10 m that Ehled could barge into and try to close the door behind him?)

(I would say so, but you'd just be able to close it, any kind of barricading it or making it harder to get into would need a main action which you may not have available depending on if you use fighting withdrawal again or not)

(I will run into the shop without using fighting withdrawl)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [3 d20+4] Rolls: [2] Result: 6 [10] Result: 14 [7] Result: 11

None of the lashing stun batons or knives manage to punch into your armor and you batter your way into the shop. The housekeeper cries out in alarm at the sudden intrusion but are too stunned to do anything else. The wooden and glass door closes behind you.

12:05 PM

The muggers close to just outside the door ,but have not opened it yet

(May I open fire at them thru the door then?)

(Yes)

(Rolled a 3, with +4 attack bonus and 3 shooting skill that comes out to 10)

Ehled shouts out: "Call the police!" and then fires thru the glass at the muggers.

The shots miss the baddies outside but the shots also seem to dissuade them from rushing the building to come face to face with your gun. The hunt has ended. There is easier pray elsewhere and the shopkeeper is currently panicking in a ball, covered with wood chips and dust from his broken door

Ehled keeps his rifle pointed at the door until he is certain they left. Then he lowers it, makes sure the safety is on and heads towards the shopkeep to check up on them. "Hey, buddy it is alright. Okay? You need to calm down and hear me out, okay bud?" He reaches into his pockets and pulls out a 1000 credits. "This is for you, for the door."

1

The shopkeeper is still pulling their wits about them, and accepts the credits wordlessly

"Well... goodbye." Ehled leaves the store, closing what remains of the door behind him and looks for any sign of trouble or police responding to the scene.

The police have only just been called and even on the most advance worlds a response time of seconds as opposed to a low number of minutes is unheard of. THey are not here yet. There is likewise no sign of the muggers.

Ehled stows his rifle and rushes towards his ship as getting the city destroying minerals returns to the top of his priority list.

You make your way onto the ship almost out of breath and the crew looks on in surprise, waiting to see what has brought you back in such a hurry, and why your eyes are wide with fear.

"We need to get out of this city and into orbit, locals told me that a metal I found could cause mass devestation. Fly out of the city towards the sea. Once we are clear of the city head for orbit. I need to find a proper container for this dangerous metal." Ehed's chest is pounding due to the running and the stress he is feeling due to basically having a nuke in his pocket.

(pilot/dex for your pilot, they'd be taking the check at a +2)

(~~That is a 7~~ Sorry, rolled a 1d20 instead of 2d6 so I rolled those and got a 6, +2 comes out to 8) (edited)

The ship accelerates over the ocean without trouble though walking is difficult due to the enormous forward momentum. (what kind of container are you looking for/)

(A small one you could carry around easily, something with soft insides and a hard shell if possible. A lock would be nice. Sturdy and secure really.)

You’re able to find a small traveling trunk in one of the bunk rooms. You’re not sure if a physical lock is enough to keep the creatures out, but then the deck starts to slant and you slant with it as the ship starts to climb toward space

Ehled grabs onto the nearby bunks to hold himself, deciding to wait until the ship straightens out before he secures the metals.

The ship rockets into orbit, and as the blue of the clouds is replaced with the blackness of space everyone breathes a collective sigh of relief.

Ehled stores the minerals inside of the trunk and then returns to the crew with it. "As of right now we are transporting very dangerous materials inside of this trunk. We should get more information about these soon from the locals, but here is the gist of it. This material lures in these ghosts, if they interact with it we will have what is basically a nuclear explosion on our hands. So, someone is going to be keeping a close eye on this box at all times. Once the locals tell us what they know about Khiral, the material, we will act. Until then, stay alert and if the ghosts do appear we will throw the trunk out of an airlock." Ehled clears his throat. "Any objections?"

"Are we to remain in deep space, and you're going back to the planet somehow? " the co pilot asks. "Or are we charting a heading for another world? "

( Is Khiral a new material that Greystar wasn't aware of?)

(yes)

1:04 PM

(Nothing on world anvil either, so no one's discovered it or anything similar to it anywhere before)

"We shouldn't risk it, who knows if these ghosts can follow us into orbit or not. There is also the risk of them attacking if we land, we will head back towards deeper Greystar space and leave this material with a team of scientists. Somewhere further away from civilization so they can study it in peace. Set course towards Acastus system." Ehled answers back.

(eight days of downtime for our return trip. 3xp, and 5000 credits)

When they arrive Ehled has made his way to the bridge. "Keep us away from any other ships, stations and the planet. We need to set up the transfer of these materials and I need to send in my report."

After the meeting Ehled prepares a message for Headmaster Fate of the Psychic Academy on Galatea. "Respected Headmaster, In my recent travels I have discovered a new material unknown to Greystar, the locals of Mitopouba where I found it call it Khiral. They have warned me that if it comes in contact with the MES ghosts it causes an explosion capable of destroying entire cities. As we do not have the proper means to contain or study this material, I humbly ask for your help in this matter. I will set off towards Galatea with this material aboard The Careful Crow if you will so allow. Agent Ehled Lowward of Greystar."

(You won't have a reply until you get to Galatea itslef given how far it is, but the message will get there before you do , so we'll see how that goes. It is six days to Galatea)

(Alright small change in plans, I will alter the message if allowed, but here is what I would like to do. Send the message, stop in one of the nearby hexes and wait there for a reply or someone to pick it up. I think hex 3537 would be the best choice.)

(you cant spike into an empty hex, so you'd need to choose either a planetary system or a black hole)

1:36 PM

(spike drives need a gravity well to allow them to spin up and spin down)

(Alright, then we will go to Danae, stop there until we get an answer and procede from there.)

The Danae system patrol meets you at the edge of the system with their weapon ports open. You're advised not to approach further than system edge. A bulky tanker from the ship service depot meets you to transfer fuel so you do not have to approach the planet, given the hazardous material on board. After two days of waiting, Headmaster Fate is prepared to meet you at Khmarna Metaspace Science Center on Galatea to take custody of the dangerous material for further study.

Ehled complies with the system patrol and orders his ship to stay away from the planet. The two days pass by slowly as the looming threat of death is on his mind, it shrinks once the message arrives. I was starting to get worried nobody would take Khiral. He thinks to himself while keeping an eye on the locker. He sends the patrol a quick notification that he is leaving and heads of towards the science centre on Galatea.

(2 more days of downtime on the way there?)

(Suppose so.)

(okay, what are you spending it on. I mis-keyed the quesiton mark)

(The stab skill, up to 33 now) (edited)

Arriving at Galatea you are vectored into an approach that takes you away from the assembling space race on a direct course to the planet's surface. The mountainside hangar of Khmarna Metaspace Science Center opens and you can see the mechanical godwalker body of Headmaster Fate waiting for you along with a detachment of Academy Guard.

1

9:22 AM

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/khmarna-metascience-center-landmark?preview=true

Khmarna Metascience Center

Ehled steps out of the ship, followed by two crew members holding the locker. They stop before the Headmaster and the guards and Ehled gives bows. "I wish to thank you on my behalf and Greystar's for accepting our plead for help." He stays bowed while gesturing towards the locker. "The material, Khiral, is in that locker. With it comes my report of where and how it was found. I hope it is of some help to you."

"You're the one who found it then?" The headmaster says. Joints whirr quietly as his large metal body moves. A case made of nullmetalum is presented by two of the guards, big enough to keep the Khiral and its own container inside. From here, it will nullify any effects, it is theorized. "We will have to see what this is capable of , and what these MES spirits actually are. I am planning to head to that planet myself to investigate"

"Yes, in an incenerator. It was growing on the walls." Ehled helps the crew put the locker into the nullmetalum box. "If you wish I can come with you. Introduce you to the locals and show you where I found Khiral."

"You've done enough. The Academy will need to make its own inroads there and that is best done when we have the latitude to do so ourselves. You've done well getting it here to us , and I thank you for that. We'll ensure a report is available as soon as we have something to say"

1

"Thank you, I wish you the best of luck in your journey. If there is anything else you might need from me or Greystar we would be happy to help. If not I do wish to meet our race team."

The academy has no further need, for now. There are several forms signed and copies will be transmitted to Greystar letting them know you completed your duty and successfully handed everything over to academy representatives. The chain of custody has remained unbroken.

Ehled returns to the ship with his crew and makes a short detour to check out the race, before writting up a short report for Greystar. (Time to select a new task then?)

(yep! The race is going to go on for a long time, so we're going to allow the participants to continue adventuring)

(Nobody is investigating that crashed ship on Thea in the oceans that I found yes?)

(doesn't seem to be at the moment)

(Sent my proposed submarine to #vehicle-garage-channel and here is a shopping list of items I would like to grab before setting off Shoping List Power cell, type B 100 Thermal Flare 2 10 Survey Scanner 250 Storage Unit 500 Portabox 50 Patch Putty 50)

Edwardtheking555

(Sent my proposed submarine to #vehicle-garage-channel and here is a shopping list of items I would like to grab before setting off Shoping List Power cell, type B 100 Thermal Flare 2 10 Survey Scanner 250 Storage Unit 500 Portabox 50 Patch Putty 50)

(see my message in #vehicle-garage-channel) (edited)

(everything on the list is available)

(Okay, added to the inventory and paid for, also paid for the sub so ready to set off.)

(Okay, where are we departing from? I know the planet, but I need a starting point)

( I would like to start exploring in this area)

(sounds good, D10 as we put to sea)

(2)

The submersible is a solid looking vessel and you set off north away from the observatory. The continental shelf is shallow here and you can see all manner of fish and other small sea life in the area. None of them have been previously recorded, and they scatter from the beams of your vehicle.

Ehled continues on, there is a bigger fish to catch down here. Maybe a fishing trip could be scheduled later.

(D10)

(5)

Continuing your northern trek, the shallow waters here do not deepen as the shelf inclies ahead to form the first part of an island. (are we going to that sunken ship,or are we just exploring, i dont want to throw too mcuh side stuff out if you've got sa plan here)

(we are going to the sunken ship)

(okay,t hat is in a totally different area iirc. not the one you highlighted, so we will need another d10)

(oh, sorry, I thought it was in that area for some reason, my mistake. I have rolled a 1) (edited)

Heading in the direction of the wreck the sub begins to drift along the ocean floor as the small and large fish gather in equal measure. The spotlights begin to shine their lights on the breached side of the ship, detecting a way to get in, and air pocket to surface in- though you will need a vac suit to continue exploreing the wreck as most other areas of it have flooded .

Ehled makes sure his Storm Armor is put on right and sealed before stepping thru the airlock towards the crashed ship's crash created entrance, looking for anything on its hull that might be a clue as to who built it. (edited)

(storm armor is too heavy. You would sink like a stone)

11:08 AM

(thats why I specifically mentioned a vac suit. A ship suit could also work but the AC is lower )

(Well, I didn't pack either of those, as I thought storm armor would work. May I acquire them retroactivly?)

(Normally I would say no but in this case there isn't really a discernable difference between that and going back to your ship to get the correct gear, and then coming back - and no obstacles prevent you from doing that, so go ahead and add one to your sheet)

(Alright, took the vac suit. Thank you.) Ehled makes sure his Vac suit is put on right and sealed before stepping thru the airlock towards the crashed ship's crash created entrance, looking for anything on its hull that might be a clue as to who built it.

This ship is not a pattern the galaxy is familiar with and could belong to the precursors. Sea water and generations of erosion have removed most of the major features of the hull that would have made identification easy. With only the most basic shape to be seen, you believe it is precursor.

1

Ehled continues onward into the ship, heading for the air pocket to see where it leads.

The air pocket is found in the docking bay. In better days shuttles and fighters would have taken off from here. There’s no sign of small craft here now and your shuttle bobs at the surface of the water just outside the elevated hangar office. It’s armorglass has been broken and breached and you could climb from the airlock inside. Water has filled the chamber from here to 20m down to what was once the hangar floor. Rusting , useless scrap of small hangar vehicles rots down there , now an artificial reef for all manner of local small fish

Ehled tries to climb into the hangar office, from there he might be able to take some good pictures of the hangar itself.

The hangar floor is under twenty meters of water and down in the murkiness and darkness of being a few hundred meters underwater your suit light and the running lights of the shuttle are all you can manage. It’s hard to see much in the way of details here. Most of the machinery and computer systems in this office required for hangar operations have been eroded by saltwater and are inoperable

Ehled moves towards one of the walls and then follows it until he reaches an exit out of the hangar office and deeper into the bowels of the crashed ship.

(I'll get us a deck plan)

(hangar on the bottom left is where we've come in, lets get a notice/wis as we push into the next room whch is either the upper or lower hallway from the hangar, oyur choice)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 10/24/2023 2:18 PM

(That will be an 8, going to head into the upper hallway towards the small octagon white room)

This ship was brought down by combat. You enter the octagonal room and see that it is a ship armory. Or in this case that is was a ship armory. The weapons and armor here have been handed out already and the room is bare. Pegs and hooks on the walls indicate the places these objects were once stored.

After not finding any items of interest turns back to the hallway and continues on forward. (To the rooms on the opposite side of the ship from the hangar. Bright Greysih floor)

The hallway is dark and flooded up to your knees. Forward progress is difficult and you’re breathing heavily by the time you make it to the bulkhead that leads into the ships magazine. Once this was a second hangar deck but recent modifications made shortly before the ship went down turned this room into a magazine where ship killing hard rounds and large energy cells for the ships guns were kept. The floor is flooded and the weaponry here is no longer guaranteed to work, or be safe

Ehled looks around and takes a few pictures, making a note not to move anything unless someone wants to risk being exploded. (If there is nothing here I will move back from where I came and then head into the room to the south, it has a big circular thing in it.)

(notice/wis)

(that is a 10)

Something stirs in the darkness. The murky water around your ankles has a trail of bubbles in it and something splashes, gliding silently underwater in the darkness ahead.

Ehled reaches for the machete (medium advanced weapon) on his hip and readies it. He waits for the trail of bubbles to be within his reach with the intention of striking at it.

(initiative. You;'re aware of the creature so it won't get surprise ,but you won't see it until it springs for you ,so this seems like it cancels out the advantage of either side)

(that is a 5)

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d8] Roll: [7] Result: 7

The anglerfish like creature lashes out from the water, powerful fin muscles propelling it from the oily dark water to make a bite for your throat. It is a solitary predator and is attacking alone.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d20+4] Roll: [12] Result: 16

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d6] Roll: [3] Result: 3

(16/3 ) Several fangs bite down hard enough to wound. It is unclear for the moment if the integrity of the vac suit has been compromised.

Ehled strikes back at the fish. (I got a 17, +3 is equal to 20)

(okay, that hits,roll damage)

(That is a 6)

The creature bellows something that you think would be a lot louder and more terrifying underwater but even through the vac suit the sound is guttural and full of animal pain. It continues biting down, wounded and angry.

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Request: [d20+4] Roll: [6] Result: 10

(miss, AC even in the vac suit is too high for shock, back to you)

Ehled strikes again at the creature with his machete. (21/10)

1

There is a splash of turgid water and a howl as the knife cleanly guts the creature. Steam fills the room as the heat from its insides meets the cold air of the underwater ship. The threat has been dispatched for now. With a moment to breathe it seems as though the suit has three small puncutres near the wrist, slightly compromising its integrity

Ehled takes to calm himself and his hands before he pulls out his patch putty and aplies it to the small punctures. After they are patched up he double checks the rest of his suit.

The rest of the suit looks good and for now it seems things are working well enough to allow you to continue exploring. You enter the ready room where pilots from the bunks elsewhere would have assembled for meals, briefings, recreation, and it allowed quick access to the flight deck on the port side of the vessel where your ship is currently docked. The circular device is a holographic projector that the ankle deep water has utterly ruined the insides of. A flight mission was being planned based on the white board of the north wall with two squadrons of fighters screening a squardon of bombers for an attack against a single enemy vessel

Ehled takes a picture of the planned mission before focusing on searching the room for any valuables.

(d100)

(15)

A precursor service weapon is found under one of the seats. It is waterlogged and will need to be dried out. It is about the size of a service pistol but chunkier, designed for their larger hands. It is configured to fire energy based rounds from a power cell.

1

Ehled marvels at the weapon for a moment before storing it and going further south to the end part of the ship.

(notice/wis)

(4)

Behind the ready room is a locker room where several elongated slug shapes flight suits and helmets have been locked in storage lockers. Everything is hung up and has been kept out of the water.

1

Ehled takes more pictures, pondering what these precursors could have looked like as he notes where the suits are. Eventually he will have to figure out how to transport them out of here, but for now he continues to the next closest room.

(You’re at the back of the ship with about equal space between the west or east rooms so you’ll have to look at the map and let me know what we are doing )

(room at the back to the west with the white dot covered object)

The recreation room is overturned and flood damaged. A holographic chess table in the center of the room is heavily water damaged and keeps playing back the last entered move. The being who was playing the defending side is mounting a heroic, but doomed effort based on the position of the pieces on the board.

Ehled walks over to the table and records the situation on the board, it is doubtful that it matters, but the fact that the chess table is still running does raise a few questions and it being a chess table. He then touches it try to see if he could somehow get into the table settings or record history.

(program/int)

(6)

(we can ask three questions of whatever database is inside this table, but with a 6 it can't be bridged to other systems or databases on the ship)

Ehled prepares his compad to record down the answers to his questions. The first question is: "On what date was the last move made?" (edited)

To the best the compad can work out , given the different dating system in use by the vessel creators, t he last move was made on May 26th, 2308

Ehled types in the next request. "List of users?" (edited)

Three hundred names are downloaded to your pad. The list does not differentiate between current crew members and those who have simply logged into the chess table over the long service the ship had as part of whatever fleet it belonged to. There is also no indication of if the list is a complete crew roster, or simply keeps track of those who have ever logged in to play.

"List of users during the year 2308?"

The list is pared down to 100 participants, and the machine powers down. (Again, just personal names from what we can tell, no ranks)

(Alright, moving into the smaller side room then to the right)

The supply closet for the game room opens easily. A trove of physical media is stored here in the form of discs, objects to be inserted into computing equipment, and extra modules for the gaming table based on the shapes of the cardriges and the ports. The overhead light in this room is still on, drawing on its emergency power, and flickers occasionally giving the room an eerie cast of shadow.

1

Ehled takes more pictures, leaving the items where they are for now and continues on. (Going to the room to the right of this closet, past the hallway leading all the way to the back of the ship)

(know/int

(6)

Entering the room in question the room is a massive chamber where ammunition was stored. The second hangar deck is north of you. Water fills the chamber up To your neck in this room

Ehled takes a look beneath the water, but due to the terrible sight conditions quickly resurfaces. (Can any ammunition be seen or is it all underwater?)

(there are solid rounds and power cells here but they would be like the size of irl battleship shells. They can be moved,b ut you'd need a team to do it. )

(Terribly sorry, but I can't keep on participating in Iron Stars anymore due to outside circumstances. It has been a great time, but I am afraid I will have to call it here. There were great moments in these two years, but all things must come to and end. Feel free to do anything you wish with Ehled.) (This truly is a wonderful community and you built something unique here, I wish you the best of luck in your future adventures and that this community only continues to prosper and grow. Goodbye.)

5

(Sorry to see you go friend. Door is open should you wish to return)