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post archive character threads / gideon
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Gideon, a Utan from the jungle ruins of Terezinho looks out his window. Ash City, Acastus is a long way from days of sunshine and beautiful jungle plants on a warm tropical coast. It is always dark on Acastus. It always rains, and the only light comes from the distant volcanoes. Completing psychic training on such a world was not easy when also fighting off such profound feelings of homesickness, but Greystar needed assistance , and was willing to train, so here you are. A small message blinks on your home wall terminal, encoded with information signaling it has come from the central planning office- those responsible for handling the deployment of Greystar agents. (edited)
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Gideon gazed out the window with a strange mixture of giddiness and remorse. He had spent long years at the academy on Acastus, the grim environs making the already arduous training even more difficult. He had watched his classmates graduate and go off, one by one, to their first assignments. How he longed to be out there, on new planets, feeling fresh air and taking in new sights. And yet, now that his own time had come, he began to realize just how familiar his erstwhile home had become. It had been his first real introduction to life among the stars, and he had so many memories of his instructors, his friends, their excursions, the ones who hadn’t made it... As difficult as it had been at first, he had learned how to live in the academy. And now, just when he had mastered the ins and outs of the place, he was off into the unfamiliar, the unknown. A blinking light in the corner of his eye disturbed the Utan’s reverie. As he neared the terminal and recognized the message’s sender, he felt a sudden thrill. Pausing to steel himself, he stretched out a furry paw to view the message.
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The message is a priority one from the Greystar frontier office. It is sent to several people you can see , but you are one of them. Dozens of planets to the east have been charted and not explored and they are looking for people willing to land there , document what they see and make positive inroads with the native populations if possible. There is a box to reply with interest for further details
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Gideon reads the message hastily with a barely contained grin. After re-reading it more thoroughly a second time, he checks the box indicating his interest.
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A town car is dispatched to collect you. It has no driver just an expert system charged with the task of conveying you safely. Your destination is the Greystar central office here on the ground where you will meet the mission organizers and will get to select one of the barely explored or unexplored planets on the frontier. The mission dossier seems to suggest you’ll be exploring as a lone frontiersman in some cases , as Greystar is stretched thin handling internal problems
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Gazing out the window of the town car as Ash City passed by, Gideon imagines leaving it all behind and rising once more into the void. Though excited by the prospect of setting out, he is a bit daunted by the possibility of being on his own. Reminding himself that this is what he trained for, he strives to look as calm and dignified as possible as he exits the car and enters the Greystar central office.
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A few other frontiers-looking people are there. Most are human but you do spot one Geon among the crowd. An administrator is looking on at the gathering crowd and is preparing to get everyone's information, as well as brief everyone
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Gideon approaches the crowd, lingering awkwardly while looking hastily for any familiar faces. After a moment, he gives up and waits by himself, watching the administrator attentively.
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The meeting is called to order and after essentially repeating what was in the electronic message you had been sent the star map begins to populate. Mikas is an angry red blob now and doesn’t appear possible for selection. There are several other worlds on the frontier that can be explored. Tece is largely unexamined save for a few islands, for example. Several worlds have no data at all
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Smiling at the thought of so many new worlds–especially an islanded one, Tece, that sounds like home—Gideon waits for a lull and then addresses the administrator. “What’s our immediate goal in these systems, sir? Simply mapping surrounding space? Looking for lost knowledge? Trying to drum up diplomatic support?”
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"All of those things. Each world is different and varied. We do not know of the conditions on most of them, but they're on our borders, and one day might become Greystar states. "
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“Well, I’m happy to help our confederation grow, sir, and take in a sights along the way. How will we be getting to the systems?”
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“There are shuttles that will bring you to your destinations. Have you decided on Tece, then?”
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Eisheru, et al. 7/3/2021 11:59 AM
(do you mean Thea? Tece is over by EP space.)
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“It seems as good as any. Are the shuttles fully equipped, or is there somewhere I should go to requisition supplies? Some underwater equipment might prove useful on that particular planet.”
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(Thea yeah)
8:14 AM
The shuttles have lockers and armories aboard them so basic needs for exploration can be satisfied without needing to quit the system and return to civilized space all for a length of rope or an atmofilter
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Gideon nods as he listens. “Great. I take it there will be a crew on the shuttle. Will you be putting together an exploration team as well, or will I be going alone?”
7:04 PM
((Not sure if I’d trust Gideon to fly himself...))
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(yep, all i needed from you was where you wanted to explore) "We have a small base on Thea with minimal support facilities available. The bulk of your exploration will be alone as to not attract much attention from wildlife or native cultures that may be present"
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“Sounds good. When do I leave?”
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“If you’re prepared we can have you space side right away”
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“That works for me.”
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( I think we're both ready to push on so playing out the actual leaving and shuttling is just going to further push off what we want to be doing. We have a handout near the top of the roll20 for what can be done in downtime. Its three days from Acastus to Thea)
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(Okay. I’ll check the downtime document. Also, I’ve been thinking up some goals. What’s the best way to run them by you?)
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Aurelia | Venser 7/5/2021 3:34 PM
(Just add them to your character sheet and Neko will add an XP value to them next time he does a run through, if it's not really a valid goal then he'll put a 0 there and you can discuss something more fitting.)
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(Good to know. Thanks!)
👍 1
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(alright, once you've taken a look and have decided how you want to spend the time let me know, and we'll proceed)
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(Okay, I’d like for Gideon to begin trying to learn the Heal skill. I imagine he could view instructional videos, read medical texts, and familiarize himself with the ship’s medical equipment while traveling)
8:08 PM
Entering the system, you can see that the two islands north of the observatory have been explored. A small greystar base has been established around the ancient alien observatory and they are ready to receive you after the long flight.
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Gideon peers through the cockpit windows as the shuttle descends. Once it touches down, he gathers his gear and debarks. Feeling the sun on his face and breathing fresh air again, he breaks out into a broad grin and begins to examine his surroundings.
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Landing at the observatory you can see a few rustic paddocks have been set up for some native life science teams here are currently examining. The creatures seem docile and are well taken care of. The shuttle will need a bit of time to be refueled and have some minor work done before being able to re-deploy you. Inside the observatory you can see many people live within it right now as housing is being built for them. A map of the planet is also being displayed and you can see that almost none of it has been explored.
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Gideon lumbers to the map and studies it intently for a minute, trying to commit as much as he can to memory. He then walks over to the animal pens and studies the creatures, looking to see if any might make good companions. Having looked them over, he enters the observatory and approaches the first person he sees. “Excuse me, could you point me to whoever is in charge?”
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None of them look like the science team will just let them out of their sight for right now, explorer needing it or not. The local garrison commander has made his office amid the scientific machinery and science team at the top floor of the observatory.
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Poking his head into the garrison commander’s office, Gideon knocks and then enters. Drawing himself to his full stature and attempting to appear as serious as possible, he introduces himself. “Hello. I’m Agent Gideon, just arrived from Acastus, with orders to assist with the exploration of the planet. I understand you’re the one in charge here?”
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"That's right. Please agent, come in. How was the flight in from Acastus. A lot more sun than you are used to I'd bet"
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Gideon approaches and finds a seat. “The flight was quite uneventful, and yes, the sunlight—and scenery—are a nice change from the usual dreariness,” he says with a smile. “In fact, Thea reminds me a bit of home...”
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"A bit colder than you're used to I'm sure. Anyway, we've got a wide planet here , and know almost nothing about it. We're trying to learn as much as we can so we can direct future colonization efforts, and determine what value this planet might have to the Confederation"
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“I see. Have you been able to determine much from this observatory? Any signs of further precursor presence on the planet?”
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"Decoding its inner workings is time consuming as the language all needs to be translated first . Our understanding of it is imperfect at best. If there are other ruins out there, you will likely be the first to uncover them. All we have records of are two small islands to the north of here. Agent Tuttle was painfully thorough in his wildlife survey there, but his investigation was narrow as you can imagine"
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Gideon nods. “So, where would I be most helpful? And is there anything in particular I should be on the lookout for?”
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"Plants, animals, evidence of native cultures, resources, anything you think someone higher up the food chain than you might want to know about. You have a lot of operational freedom here"
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“Great. I’ll start with the island south of the observatory, then. What sort of vehicles do you have for getting around the planet?”
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"We have a few grav bikes. For getting across the seas and straits your shuttle can probably drop you back off. THey'll need to remain in the system for a while to refuel,"
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“All right. Mind if I borrow a grav bike? If so, I’ll be off.”
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He goes to a peg board mounted to the wall and removes one of the activation studs. "Bike 5 is yours. It has a battery reserve, and a spare type B cell. You'll get 240 hours of operation with each- more than you will need before you are back probably. Better to be safe"
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(What time of day is it? Would Gideon be better off spending a night at the observatory and heading to the island the following morning?)
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(Morning right now so we have tons of time, which island were you looking at ?)
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(The island south of the observatory)
8:31 PM
Gideon accepts the activation stud. “Thanks. I’ll be in touch.” Exiting the observatory and returning to the shuttle, he seeks out the pilot. “Got enough fuel for a fly-by? We’re headed for the island south of here. I want to do a close flyover, looking for any points of interest or good landing spots. Once I’m down, you should have plenty of time to refuel and resupply here at the base.”
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(The shuttle would have to drop you off. That’s across a sea)
8:39 AM
The shuttle loads your bike and you, and the crew can fly you over before ascending back to space for fueling operations. The island from above ranges between tidal coves, areas of heavy forest, plains of hardy storm whipped grasses and thinner copses of more tropical looking trees where mist clings to the ground
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(Does anything look interesting from above? If not, I guess the shuttle can just land at any cove)
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Gideon orders the shuttle to put him down on the small peninsula that is the northernmost point on the island. Grabbing his grav bike, he bids farewell to the shuttle crew and watches them rocket back to the observatory. He takes a moment to luxuriate in the open air, smiling as the ocean breeze blows against his face and studying the landscape and foliage with awe. Then, after a few moments, he grabs his instruments and starts scanning.
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(Sorry this Never lit up)
7:32 AM
(D10 for me)
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(No worries)
10:25 AM
(7)
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The bio scanner shows an area awash with life. The creatures here have never been documented before, so all you get is a spread of life signs with no further context. Most of it seems concentrated around the tide pools near the beach- mixed in with rocks and waiting for high tide.
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Leaving the grav bike on the beach, Gideon approaches the intertidal zone cautiously. Once at the rocks, he drops to all fours and scrambles over them, peering down into the pools. He then attempts to take a more thorough scan and a few photographs to bring back to the researchers at the observatory.
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(notice/wis. or survive/wis, your call)
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(I’ll go with survive) (11)
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One of the tidal pools has a slow moving crab like creature that you’re able to actually catch. It seems docile once removed from the water and it’s claws hang lazily in your hands
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Gideon examines the crab with eager eyes, his fascination and awe slightly dimmed by the knowledge that he will soon leave the aquatic creatures behind as he ventures into the jungle. After taking a detailed scan, he extends his psychic senses, attempting to learn what he can about the tide pools. (Cool! I’d like to use The Whispering Wind to see if there’s anything nearby. I know it’s unlikely, but Gideon has plenty of effort...)
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The tidal pools host inedible life. There is rich biodiversity here . There are no buried riches, but when night falls you sense most of the creatures here do their best to be elsewhere or hidden
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Gideon carefully places the crab back in its pool and then returns to his grav bike. Activating it, he rises above the jungle and begins slowly skimming above the tops of the trees, looking down into the jungle for anything interesting. (Is the jungle too thick for Gideon to ride between the trees safely?)
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(you could ride between them somewhat safely)
7:37 AM
(you wouldnt be able to fly above the trees though, that's too high. The grav bikes can only "hop"
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(Oh, okay. In that case, let’s say Gideon is flying cautiously between the trees looking for anything interesting)
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The jungle has muted colored vines hanging down from various wide leafed trees. Things appear to be a more temperate to warm version of conifer trees seen on other worlds. This planet does not get very warm. Bugs and rodent chirp and howl within the trees, passing by and running away before the noise of the grav bike approaching. You only get fragmented glimpses at some of the creatures.
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Once again, Gideon extends his psychic senses to see if there is anything interesting in the jungle. (Would this count as a new scene, so Gideon gets his effort back from the tide pool?)
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(No, generally an entire mission is one scene)
10:51 AM
(unless there is something like traveling over many days or something lke that where we would be sleeping)
10:51 AM
(so we have committed whispering wind twice, assuming effort permits)
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(It does—Gideon has four effort)
11:54 AM
(When does effort committed for a day come back?)
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(When the mission ends, or in the case of a mission being several days, when we stop for rest )
1:37 PM
The jungle is dangerous. Large creatures patrol the darkest regions of it and the creatures scattering before you are forced to decide if you, or them, are the bigger threat.
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Gideon continues heading deeper into the island, recording what he can on his survey scanner. Being alone and lightly armed, he decides to do his best to avoid the darker regions.
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You come to a large footprint pressed into the muddy path between the trees. It is a meter across easily, and pushed into the ground enough for it to fill with water. The toes are pointed with talons on the end of it.
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Gideon stares at the footprint for a few moments with widened eyes. Though resolving to do his best to avoid the creature, his curiosity is piqued. He begins cautiously following the trail in the opposite direction—heading towards wherever the creature came from.
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(sneak/dex)
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(your thread never lit up for me yesterday so im sorry for keeping you waiting)
11:11 AM
A large creature comes bounding into sight from out of the depths of the jungle, on the trail of two small primate creatures it seems intent on using for food.
11:11 AM
11:12 AM
It is furry, and quadrupedal with a long tail.
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(No worries! How does using Gaiapsionics to bond with an animal companion work? Does the initial bond cost effort, or just re-summoning the animal? And unless I’m mis-reading, it looks like the animal doesn’t get a chance to resist, right?)
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(you technically could have even started with an animal if you wanted to. The initial bond does not cost effort, if you need to re-summon it for some reason it does)
10:23 AM
(theres generally no chance to resist, as they all assume the same stat-line once you bond with it, so there's no real utility in having more than one bond)
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Concentrating on the large furry creature, Gideon extends his psychic senses in order to bond with it. Once the link is established, he attempts to glean from the creature whether there are any interesting features or animals nearby.
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It has a small pack it lives with nearby, but they will react with hostility to you, and to your bonded companion now as they will sense your imprint upon it
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Gideon decides to head for high ground to get a better view of the surrounding terrain. Sending the beast ahead of him, he follows on the grav-bike, carefully monitoring his instruments.
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Heading into the higher ground you move out of the mist caked canopy up a karst of moss and stone. Natural pathways of worn stone lead up it until you are about 100m from the ground. Birds scatter as you reach the flattened top revealing the vista of mist drenched forest and sea in all directions
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(Assuming there aren’t any particularly interesting features that catch Gideon’s attention) After admiring the view, Gideon takes out his scanner and starts mapping, superimposing a grid over this section of the island. That being done, he hops back on his grav-bike, rouses his furry companion, and begins exploring in an expanding spiral out from the hill top.
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(not much to be seen from above the trees and mist canopy)
9:09 AM
(I think we'd be able to check out one more little region here before night, if you want to get me another D10)
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(Okay. There don’t seem to be any really scary birds or storm clouds, right? If so, Gideon might try spending the night on the hill to keep away from things that go bump in the night) (5)
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(They’re regular mist clouds)
8:34 PM
(So if you wanted to camp here at the top of the karst and then explore more regions starting with that 5 in the morning we certainly could make an effort to do that)
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(I’m happy to continue exploring while there’s still daylight, so long as there’s enough time for Gideon to get back to the karst for bed)
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(okay, we can hit this next spot then before moving back)
7:14 PM
The north side of the Karst is a series of gentle hills though their roll and flow is concealed from above by the tree canopy. Several caves about medium humanoid sized have been dug through the hillsides like warrens, and piles of recently excavated dirt are everywhere- along with the rinds from fruits and cast off shells from tree nuts. You see tuffts of gray fur caught in branches and on burrs, though no sign of the creatures that might have constructed this elaborate and large tunnel network.
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Eisheru, et al. 7/22/2021 3:24 AM
(apologies)
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(No worries) Gideon notes his location and then activates his compad. “Observatory, this is Agent Gideon. I’ve found some sort of recently excavated tunnel network at my coordinates, likely the work of some sort of native mammals.” With that, Gideon dismounts and aims his las rifle at the cave entrances before sending his furry companion into one to begin scouting.
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(notice/wis)
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(2) (Uh-oh)
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A mole cricket, though one grown to an enormous size- about that of a horse- bursts through the tunnel as your creature approaches it
1:28 PM
1:29 PM
It clicks its forelimbs menacingly, and it vibrates to make its cloying song. The intensity is loud enough to cause headaches
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Gideon aims his las rifle at the mole cricket and commands his companion to retreat warily, keeping its eyes on the cricket.
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It does not move more than a pace or two beyond the lip of its tunnel network. Its vibrating song is taken up by others inside the mound, and you see more pairs of eyes beginning to look at you from the darkness
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Gideon stares with fascination at the creature. Still cradling his rifle with one hand, he activates his scanner with the other and records what he can. Once his animal companion is sufficiently out of the danger zone, Gideon remounts his grav bike and the two of them cautiously depart back into the woods.
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(this was all we had time to do before needing to camp_
10:41 AM
As night begins to fall the safety offered by the top of the Karst seems like the most reasonable option. The rocky spire is flat on top, is easy to climb using the grav bike, and offers a commanding view of the surrounding terrain. There are only a few ways possible threats might make it to the top- and your new companion may be adept at helping to ward them off if so. Birds and primates chatter as the sky turns from red to pink, and the level of ambient light slowly decreases as the sun sinks into the horizon
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Gathering some branches from the jungle, Gideon constructs a makeshift shelter at the top of the karst and lights a fire. Trusting to his newfound companion’s keen senses to wake them if anything dangerous approaches, Gideon relaxes, feeling the breeze on his face and watching the sun set over the canopy. He eventually dozes off while wondering at the strange stars overhead.
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Before Dawn, but not long before Dawn, your companion nudges you gently awake. The ground shakes slightly and the trees in the jungle beyond sway At the passage of a truly titanic creature. You’re only able to see its crimson back plates and hear its dull grumble to itself (edited)
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(Are there any satellites or ships in orbit that Gideon could ask to observe the creature?)
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(there are not)
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Gideon groans and moves to push his furry friend away. Then he notices the ground shaking and goes very still. Rising slowly, he fumbles for his binoculars and watches the giant creature until it passes. Noticing that the sky is lightening, he then settles in to watch the sun rise from his perch atop the karst. Once there is enough daylight, he packs his gear and mounts his grav bike, heading downhill to explore another section of the island.
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(2 left before we've seen everything)
8:01 PM
The creature moves west, back toward the water before the noise stops, and it seems to vanish into the mist. (d10 for our second last area)
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(Sounds good) (1)
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Moving to the second final region of the island you approach a lightly forested region that opens to the coast. Waves lap into tide pools and small fissures in the ground are filled with sea foam. Sea glass and shells litter the beach along with water logged driftwood
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Gideon and his furry companion begin to explore. After scanning what he can, the Utan pauses to stare out at the ocean, wondering where the titanic creature he saw the night before could have vanished. He then opens his senses to the environment around him, trying to detect if there is anything interesting nearby. (I’d like to use the Whispering Wind again)
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In the area, you can sense the beasts passage has gone from the jungle to deep below the sea in this region. There is little plant life here on the beach and there are no hidden treasures
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Gideon decides to search for the titanic creatures path and follow it back into the jungle to see where it came from.
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The path is easy to follow. Large foot prints the size of the grav flyer that brought you hear smash through the jungle to some kind of large cave. You can hear the lapping sounds of ocean water hitting rocks deep inside but it is pitch black and home to only the local variant of bat doing its best to hide from the rays of the sun
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After documenting a few of the footprints and examining the cave as best he can in the gloom, Gideon returns to his exploration of the jungle, heading to the last unexplored section of the island.
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The final region of the island is a bogland where the storm tides and past high tides were trapped by dunes and long grasses from going back out to see. This is a breeding ground for bugs, and the amphibians that inhabit the island. All manner of serpent, insect, and frog live within and you can hear their chirps through the tall grass, though you cannot see them from the edge of the region
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Gideon reaches out into the mind of his animal companion to see if it has any impressions associated with the bog. (Is the grav bike able to float over the grasses, or are they too tall?)
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(It can float over them. This is fairly still water)
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Gideon and his furry friend head deeper into the swamp, taking care to stay in the shallower regions. The Utan documents what he can with his scanner, photographing whatever creatures don’t scurry away from him. After pushing more deeply into the bog, he again opens his psychic senses to see if there is anything interesting in the area. (I’d like to use the Whispering Wind one last time)
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It seems what you see in this area is what you get, and there are no other secrets to behold as the island exploration comes to an end. Although more detail can always be obtained, you have seen the major regions here
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Opening his eyes, Gideon takes one last look around the swamp, savoring the salty air. He turns to his companion: “Well, my friend, it looks like our exploration is done here. But I think you might be of further use.” Turning the grav bike around, the two of them exit the swamp and head for an open, flat section of the beach. Pulling out his compad, Gideon signals the shuttle: “Shuttle, this is Agent Gideon. I’ve finished exploring the island and could use a ride back to the observatory. Can you get a fix on my coordinates?”
2:29 PM
(Okay. Time to fly back to the observatory and rest for a bit. If Gideon spends a night or two in civilization, he’ll get his effort back, right?)
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(correct, 3xp, 5000 credits, and yeah its up to you what you want to do next. You're not stuck here if you want to do soemthing new)
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(Nope. I want to find out what’s going on with those titanic creatures! 3xp means I level up, right?)
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(yes, you;ll be level 3 now. XP does not reset, i saw you changed it to 0)
3:24 PM
(XP is cumulative)
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(Okay. How does this look?) **Level Up** Level: 2 Old HP: 8 HP Roll: 6+4(Con) New HP: 10 New AB: 1 New Skills: Metapsionics 1 for 3SP Focus: Psychic Training (Metapsionics) Psychic Powers: Psychic Refinement, Cloak Powers, Psychic Static
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(did you use your psychic training foci to move meta to 2?
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(Yes)
4:05 PM
(That works, right?)
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(okay so we have one technique as part of reaching level 2, did we use your other skill points for the other powers?)
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(Just to raise metapsionics. I assumed 1 technique for raising metapsionics to lvl 1 [via skill points] and one technique for raising it to lvl 2 [via psychic training])
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(gotcha, okay you used everything on that, i see what you mean now)
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Eisheru, et al. 7/29/2021 6:03 PM
(i think your effort also increases with meta-1)
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(So total effort would be: 1+2(con)+2(highest skill)+1(meta-1)+1(psychic training)=7?)
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Eisheru, et al. 7/29/2021 8:24 PM
(looks right to me!)
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Evening on the island with the observatory arrives and you have time to reflect on your travels and all you have learned in your short time here. You feel your mind growing thanks to your continued use of your psionic gifts. Your companion curls up into a large ball nearby , happy to sleep in the warmth and away from predators for the night
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(Going to have to come up with a name for the furry fellow... Before going back out exploring, I'd like Gideon to replenish his supplies, give his data to the scientists, and see if anyone knows anything about the titanic creatures. Does all that sound reasonable? Also, what sort of things can a Greystar agent requisition? I was thinking that some grenades might come in handy...)
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(Its probably easiest just to make me a list of things you want and if something is not available i can let you know)
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(Okay. The main thing would be picking up a few grenades in case I run into anything scary. Beyond that, it'd be kind of nice to upgrade my weapons and armor, but it's not a super high priority—I don't plan on getting into any pitched battles if I can help it) **Equipment Wish List** Grenades: A few frag or sticky grenades A Better Gun: A Cutter Rifle or Shear Rifle Better Melee: A Medium Advanced Weapon Better Armor: Security Armor or a Combat Field Uniform
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(Not enough face for a shear rifle but everything else is available )
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(Okay. Are these things I pay for or simply requisition? And what should I do with my old equipment?)
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(These are items you pay for. If you can carry it all keep it. If not you can sell what you don’t want for book price
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(Okay, that's 1760cr of new gear, and 300cr for my old gear. Can I leave my armored vacc suit on the shuttle? It seems like that might come in handy later)
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(Yes you can leave it behind for now if you don’t want to take it with you)
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(Okay. Maybe Gideon can leave it on the shuttle. All I want to do know is find somebody—either the supervisor or a scientist—to talk to about the giant creature)
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(The supervisor would meet with you)
10:28 AM
(We can do that)
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The following morning, Gideon rises early and sees to his gear. Then, after a quiet breakfast with his companion, he collects his data scans and heads to the supervisor’s office. After knocking, he and his companion enter.
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“Agent Gideon. Welcome back. We are reviewing the findings you made on your fruitful first day. You’ve given a generation of xenobiologists their first steps into understanding the workings of this world with your preliminary report “
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“I’m glad. This really is a fascinating planet,” Gideon says. Then, reaching for a data pad, he pulls up an image of the titanic creature he glimpsed. “Speaking of interesting, I saw this—from very far away. It’s some sort of truly massive creature, and it was active a little before dawn.” Taking the pad back, he pulls up an image of the giant footprint he found and hands it back to the supervisor. “Here’s a footprint it left behind. It’s about the size of a grav flyer, to give you a sense of scale. It seems to have arisen from a watery cleft in a cave inland and then made its way to the coast. It could be a real danger to the observatory if one were to turn up. Have you seen or detected anything like it?”
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“Agent Rogan documented this a bit. He called it the Big Bad Amphibian and became obsessed with killing it. We know almost nothing about it, no one wanted to stand between the railguns on his plane and the beast”
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Gideon perks up. “Did he succeed in killing one? Or identifying their habitat? Though my own thoughts tended toward domestication: imagine if we could tame one, load it onto a ship, and drop it onto a hostile planet!”
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"He did not succeed in killing it, thank the stars. We do not understand the ecosystem of this world we have no right to remove species from it- especially those as rare and impressive as the creature you had seen"
3:38 PM
"Think of a better way to appreciate the wildlife here than as tools for more warfare"
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“Ah, well. We’re still a long way from doing anything with this planet besides surveying, I suppose,” Gideon says, frowning in thought for a moment. Then, he returns to attention. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to exploring. I was thinking of heading to the island north of here next. Anything I should know about it?”
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“Agent Tuttle has surveyed that one but you’re more than welcome to double check his findings. What we really need is someone to head inland and see how things look for a more sizeable colony
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“If it’s already been surveyed, there’s no need to retrace Agent Tuttle’s steps,” Gideon says, pulling up a satellite map. “How about if I start on the peninsula due east of here, and then work my way down to the main landmass to its south?”
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"A fair compromise. I hope the remainder of your time on this planet is safe, if we do not end up speaking again"
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Gideon nods, and then he and his animal make there way out of the supervisor’s office. After donning the rest of his gear and grabbing the grav bike, they return to the shuttle. “All right, gentlemen, we’re off to the peninsula east of here next. Just drop Fido and me off wherever you find a clearing.”
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(did you need to grab anything if we decide to camp? or did you plan to return again once it gets dark)
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(I was planning to camp, and to rely on just whatever Gideon has in his backpack)
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(Did you want me to RP buying the new equipment?)
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(Not necessary )
4:31 PM
(You listed what you were getting so that’s fine for me
4:32 PM
(Just hit me with a d10 ans I’ll get a spot generated )
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(Okay. 7)
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The penninsula side closest to the ocean is wind swept, sandy, and covered in long grass. The biosphere here reminds you of what you had seen on the tide facing side of some of the islands you've scouted so far, but the survey scanner begins chiming that rare metals are present in the area in high concentrations.
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Gideon's eyes light up when he spots the heavy metals. The sandy, windswept peninsula might not be well-suited to a colony, but the resources might be worth extracting. He orders the shuttle to set him down on the beach, and then, after mounting his grav bike, he and Fido begin heading toward one of the mineral deposits, hoping to get a better sense of which rare metals are present.
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Large green crystal growths identified on other worlds as Petrocrystal litter the beach as the bike begins moving. These growths are the source of the signal, and adding them to fuel tanks on vehicles needing fossil fuels has massively expanded the length and duration those vehicles can run. It was rumored there might be other applications for the large growths, but further research was not conducted.
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Gideon dismounts and carefully examines one of the Petrocrystals before stowing it in his backpack. “The technicians back at the observatory might want a sample of this,” he says, glancing at Fido. “Besides, it might come in handy.” Remounting the grav bike, he continues southward down the peninsula.
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The next part of the region is much the same. Crystal growths extend down the coast, rimed with salt spray. Small sea creatures scurry from the passage of the bike as it passes by. The waves out to sea are getting taller.
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After gazing avidly at the landscape around him, the sea catches Gideon’s eye. He frowns. The waves look awfully tall. Pulling out his data pad, he checks to see what climate data is available, particularly regarding wind speeds and potential typhoons. He also begins eyeing the terrain, looking for high ground.
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Anything to monitor the weather has Never been deployed in this region. Not enough data has been collected to approximate an average but the warm currents of water do seem to hit this side of the landmass , a condition necessary for typhoon like storms
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Gideon and Fido begin hurrying to the base of the peninsula, hoping to find shelter among the mountains to the south and east. (edited)
3:01 PM
(The grav bike can move over water, right? Could it do so supporting the weight of both Gideon and his animal companion?)
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(It can only cross calm water like a stream or gentle lake. It can’t cross oceans or anything with waves )
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(Okay, so trying to cross the bay to the other peninsula is out of the question. In that case, I think Gideon is just making for the high ground at the southern end of the peninsula)
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(correct, too much water)
9:03 AM
THe higher ground is removed from the water and the rock here shows the signs of being tide lashed at one point in its life. The smaller animals that live in this region make shelter here as it is out of easy reach of the sea- though there are no signs of the large creature you were tracking on your last exploration. Birds and small mammals make up the majority of what lives here, along with thick clouds of the insects they all commonly eat for food. Resources relevant to Greystar projects seem to not exist in this region, aside from what you encountered in the peninsular lowlands.
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Gideon slows the grav bike when they reach the uplands, surveying the terrain and giving Fido a chance to catch his breath. After a moment, he glances out to see, trying to see if the waves look any different.
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(what are you looking for specifically, different how?)
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(Just trying to see if it seems like a storm is imminent or if there’s time to keep exploring. So, I think Gideon would be looking to see if the waves have gotten taller, and if so, to try to estimate the rate at which they’re increasing)
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There doesn’t seem to be a storm in the works right now- at least one that will impact this region
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Gideon opens his psychic senses, reaching out to the native plant life to see if there is anything interesting in the highlands. (I’d like to use the Whispering Wind)
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There are herbs that could be used for medicine that grow in the highlands, getting the ocean spray and steady soaking heat from the sun
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Gideon dismounts and collects a few samples to bring back to the observatory, carefully placing them in plastic specimen bags. Then, he and Fido begin heading across the back of the bay to the other peninsula.
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(I think getting to the cusp of the second pen insula is going to be about the daylight hours given the distance traveled )
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(Okay)
6:35 PM
As they approach the other peninsula, Gideon notices the day dwindling and begins looking around for a good place to camp.
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The highlands represent the most likely sheltered place nearby, allowing you to cross the bay while surveying, and explore the other peninsula come morning. So far you have found important resources and a healthy biosphere in the area.
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Pleased with a good days work, Gideon returns to the closes outcropping and makes camp overlooking the bay. Once he has a fire going, he settles in to watch the sun set and admire the stars before drifting off to sleep.
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(notice/wis)
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As you’ve slept , night had crept on. Just after midnight there is a crush of grass under thick and heavy tread, along with the low grunting of some kind of rutting beast outside. It awakens you from your sleep and sounds close by
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Gideon starts with alarm and then goes very still, hoping the beast won’t try rutting with him. Rousing Fido telepathically, he sends his companion creeping stealthily around whatever is making the noise. Grabbing his binoculars and rifle, he then rises himself and creeps slowly towards the creature from the other direction, hoping to get a good view.
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The creature reminds you of a boar, though twice as tall, and twice as long. Four tusks from near its mouth dig into the soft ground as it looks for roots and other forage. It sniffs the soil and the air, trying to find food and sense other interesting things about its surroundings.
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Gideon admires the creature for a time and then fires a shot at an overhanging tree branch, hoping the loud noise will scare the creature away.
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The creature growls, and hunches low, sniffing through the air trying to get an idea of the direction of the noise. You get the impression its eyesight does not work
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Gideon keeps firing into the canopy, alternating left and right, hoping that hearing branches crashing on both sides will cause the animal to fall back.
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The animal takes two ponderous steps back, before bolting down from the highlands, to get lost into the night.
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After checking with his companion to make sure that the boar is really gone, Gideon and Fido return to their camp and go back to sleep.
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It seems to be gone, and Fido notices the tubers and other plants the creature has managed to dig up. They're not sure if it will come back to try to finish their meal or not.
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Gideon tells Fido to kick some dirt over the roots and tubers before heading back to the campsite. Hopefully, the creature is terrified enough to stay away for the night. Come the dawn, Gideon plans to examine its tracks more closely and identify its den.
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Morning comes without further incident. There is fresh evidence of the beast seen with the light of day and Fido is ready to track
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Gideon rises early, eats a simple breakfast, and breaks camp. Then, mounting the grav bike, he and Fido begin to follow the beasts tracks.
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(Survive/wis)
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(9)
🔥 1
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The tracks are easy enough to follow, and track over 500m to a large fallen tree, caked in earth and mud where some sort of rut or den has been constructed.
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Careful to maintain a safe distance, Gideon uses his scanner to record the den and then examines the surrounding tracks, attempting to estimate how many boars live there.
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There is one boar here. It is very large and might be a defeated pack male, keeping a distance from the herd
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After documenting all he can, Gideon backs away from the den, unwilling to risk provoking the beast. Once they are clear, he and Fido begin heading north to explore peninsula east of the bay on which they landed.
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(you mind highlighting where on the map we're going? I'm a bit turned around)
11:27 AM
(Sorry to be confusing! I think we landed around A and camped around B, and was hoping to go towards C and D. Does that sound right?)
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(No no you're good. I am following now, I think this is also correct)
11:32 AM
THe survey scanner attached to your bike begins to chime as you approach the eastern mountain range, approaching C from B. It is detecting some sort of massive metal concentration on the mid-range peak of the mountain there, buried in snow, but present none the less.
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Gideon's eyes flash as he notices the lode. Greystar could certainly use all the resources it can get, but what if the metal belonged to some kind of structure? The Utan and his animal companion set out for the peak under which the metal seems to be concentrated.
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Drawing closer, from a km away, you can see that there is a starship crashed on the mid-peak, covered in snow. It is on the smaller size and of human manufacture, but looks to have been here for a very long time.
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Noting the star ship’s coordinates, Gideon reaches for his compad. “Observatory, this is Agent Gideon. I’ve located a crashed vessel here in the mountains. It looks to have been here a while. I’m transmitting coordinates now. Any chance you could spare a few bodies to help me take a look inside?”
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"Gideon, can you confirm if the ship is powered, are there defenses you can see?" the control tower asks. The ship is mostly covered with snow. There does not seem to be much, if anything, going on inside of it.
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“I’m not sure. It’s partially buried and looks pretty old. I haven’t seen any activity since I came into visual range. I can try to take a closer look, but I’m not an engineer.” (Would Gideon’s survey scanner be able detect power sources?)
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(Reading over the entry, i dont think it would detect power, but from where you're standing you don't see any internal lights on through viewports or any external lights on the hull on right now, which would be the least power intensive things to run)
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Gideon and Fido advance towards the ship and begin to circle the wreck cautiously, looking for any signs of power or points of entry.
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"Try to get a bit closer. We'll get a team ready to send when we can confirm the area safe. Tece Tower, out" the link cuts, leaving you hearing just the dry howl of the cold mountainous air.
12:55 PM
(notice/wis)
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You can see a small gap in the side armor of the vessel near the airlock. It is not an actual door but the damage from hitting the ground has made a convenient way inside
3:03 PM
To that end, you do not notice any active security measures around it
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Dismounting from his grav bike, Gideon readies his rifle and sends Fido to investigate the opening.
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The opening is a sharp metal tear in the side of the ship, but doesnt seem to be protected by any living defenders, unliving security constructs, or passive security systems
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Gideon sends Fido into the breach, maintaining psychic contact with his companion.
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(fido is coming in on the bottom room, on the right side, at that gray rectangle)
Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 8/19/2021 9:45 AM
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Power is off within the ship. Fido is nervous about going inside alone and sharing risks you aren't. You can sense it through the link. The bridge looks to be within this area of the ship, along with the galley and a secondary support crew station.
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Gideon follows Fido in and begins examining the room, paying particular attention to the bridge.
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The bridge is half ruined. Most of the directional controls look to be twisted ruins of their former selves, along with thrust control. The scanning equipment and engineering station looks to be working properly, as does the master gunner;s console, protected by the thick belt armor of the bridge.
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Gideon examines the ruined consoles more closely, trying to determine the source of the damage. He also keeps his eyes alert for any signs of human remains.
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At the pilot station you can see human remains wedged into the crushed steering compartment. The engineering console seems to be working and the damage reports scrolling through what data you can dredge up shows the ship was engaged in some kind of battle, and took a terminal hit in the upper atmosphere. Gravity did the rest- pulling the powerless ship down to glide into the mountainside.
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“He seems to have been here a while,” Gideon says to Fido, nodding towards the corpse. “I wonder what happened to the rest of the crew…” At the engineering station, furrowing his brow in concentration, Gideon looks for a time stamp on the damage reports to determine when the ship went down. He then moves on to the scanning and gunnery stations, hoping to find any data about the ship’s attackers.
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The ship crashed on this world in 2660, during the waning years of the Tenebrian-Black Sun war. This vessel was sworn to the Black Sun and was attacked by what appears to be a pair of destroyers in service to the Tenebrian Empire. The two smaller boats crippled the vessel in orbit and let gravity do the rest.
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Gideon frowns when he comes across the reference to the Tenebrian-Black Sun war. He vaguely remembered hearing something about it from the academy, but it was before the Utans had been uplifted. Besides, these interstellar polities all sounded the same. Shrugging, he resumes exploring the room, leaving the control consoles and heading towards the support crew station.
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The crew support station shows vital areas of the ship such as the mess, galley, bunks and life support- and notifies the crew of any problems. All show heavy damage and secondary sources of strain from impact with the ground. Proximity sensors do now show anyone had boarded the ship after.
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Gideon bares his teeth and lets out a low hiss as he surveys the damage: it doesn’t look like anyone could have escaped the wreckage unaided… He and Fido approach the door next and beginning looking for a way to open it.
5:48 PM
(Just a heads up: I’m out in the countryside this week and the data coverage is a LOT worse than I anticipated. I apologize if it takes me a while to respond)
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(No worries or rush)
8:18 PM
Fido is very strong, and might be able to pry it open with your help (Exert/str at +2 for Fido, whenever there is time)
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The doors to the neck of the ship are torn open and you're able to get into the spaces beyond. The galley and the main damage control station where engineers would have deployed to handle problems around the ship are to the left, and right of you respectively.
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Gideon pats Fido on the head as he steps through the door. Looking around, he spots the damage control consoles and heads over to examine them. Despite his limited knowledge of engineering, he’s hoping to assess whether the ship might be salvageable, or at the very least to determine that it’s not hazardous.
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The ship is salvagable with some work. A repair crew and many tons of spare parts might be able to get this into space where a shiptender or factory could complete the job.
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Humming softly to himself, Gideon heads over to the galley and gives it a quick glance before heading deeper into the ship.
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The cargo bay is the next set of chambers and you can see something like long pods are anchored into cradles here. Their power has failed and whatever they were meant to contain has been exposed to the outside environment. Black sludge bubbles around the vents and tube plugged into these a nd air is gently being forced out of the pods somehow.
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Gideon eyes the pods warily. “Careful, Fido. They might be poisonous.” Keeping his distance, he begins to look around the room for any kind of readout that might have the cargo manifest. (I’ve seen enough of the Alien movies to know to keep my distance from mysterious sludge!)
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There is a plastic liner on the wall with a paper manifest in it. These pods were once used to transport psychics in something like cold sleep. The ship crashed, life support shut down, and a rescue party did not make it to the planet in time. You do not need to be a doctor to know the people inside have been dead for a long time- and this is all that is left
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Gideon shudders as he finishes reading the manifest. It seems not all times were as friendly to psychics as the present. After pausing for a few moments to pay his respects to the dead, he and Fido give the cargo bay one last glance before heading deeper into the ship.
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The final sectionof the ship is the engineering and drive chamber. This room was filled almost entirely with the large engines the ship needed to get from place to place and its mass prevented the bulkheads and walls from pancaking here upon contact with the ground. Tools and the decayed bodies of three engineers are scattered around the space. It's evident scavenger animals fed here once- ivory bones poke from holes chewed in flight suits to get at the organic feast within.
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Gideon surveys the carnage, once again grateful to be living in safer times. With a shudder, he makes a mental note to avoid space combat if at all possible. Over their psychic link, Gideon asks Fido if he can sense any animals nesting in the engine room, or if the scavengers are all long gone. Meanwhile, he heads to a control panel and attempts to activate it, to survey the extent of the damage and see if any of the engine equipment—particularly the spike drive—could be salvageable.
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Fido smells rodents and a small family of birds that have moved into the engine room. The spike drive is beyond your comprehension as both something that is new technology to your species and beyond the skill set your mind possesses.
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Gideon’s eyes glaze over as he stares uncomprehendingly at the advanced technical data on the console. Shaking his head, he decides that some technicians from the observatory will have to make sense of them. In the mean time, he doesn’t want to leave the engineer’s remains as food for scavengers, so he begins looking around for anything that could dispose of them, like an incinerator.
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The ship doesn’t have anything like that working right now.
8:17 AM
Burying them on the frozen mountainside also feels like challenging prospect
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After searching the engine room to no avail, Gideon returns to the center and stares at the remains. He wished he had a way to dispose of them, but burial was out of the question this high up on a frozen mountain side. His hand moves thoughtfully to one of the grenades on his belt, but, after a moments pause, he shakes his head. It would be too hard to control the blast, and besides, he might need the grenade later. “Come along, Fido,” he says, and the two make their way out of the ship. Once clear of the wreck , Gideon contacts the base. “Observatory, this is Agent Gideon. I’ve finished scouting the wreck and it seems safe enough. The ship was damaged in a battle before the Scream and crashed, sustaining heavy damage. The crew didn’t make it. Some of the consoles still have a trickle of power, but all of the major systems are offline. I’m no expert, but it looked like a lot of the machinery—especially in the engine room—is relatively intact. It might be salvageable.”
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(you interested in it? You've been at this a while, think its about time you get your own wheels)
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(Sweet! Yes, I would be interested in having it)
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(alright, we;ll figure something out after this mission) The tower responds, and notes the source of your signal as the location of the wreck. It will take some higher level approvals to get a salvage team out here but it is not a matter you need to personally concern yourself with. Your explorations across Thea have helped immensely and some sites you've surveyed are being considered for a colony of Noctua to set down. Greystar has a wide frontier, there are other worlds and other secrets to uncover. The science team here will make any arrangements you wish.
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(I was interested in learning a bit more about the titanic undersea creatures, but it sounds like another player already looked into them somewhat. I suspect I would require a lot more resources—like a submarine or something—to learn any more about them. If so, I think it might be time to move on to the next planet)
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(We can make a submarine if you want to follow that up. This is about your interests)
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(Okay. I’d like to go pursue the undersea creatures, then. Is it about time for Gideon and Fido to make camp and bed down for the night?)
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(Yes. I’ll reach out to you about getting a proper exploration type thing made)
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(Great! Thanks)
8:00 PM
After finishing his report to the observatory, Gideon returns with Fido to the ship’s bridge. Rigging a cover over the rent in the hull, he beds down, hoping the wreck will provide some shelter against the mountain chill.
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(sent you a PM, once we get that handled we will move this along)
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You are informed that due you your work the Esperanza is a vessel being assigned to you for your permanent use. It is capable of meeting the demands of both sea and sky, and will be arriving at your position by the time you wake up with its robotic crew ready to assist you.
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The following morning, Gideon rises bright and early. “Time to meet our new ship, Fido,” he says cheerfully as he exits the wreck. Mounting the grav bike he descends from the mountains until he finds a large enough space for the ship to land. “Esperanza, this is Agent Gideon. Can you lock onto my signal and rendezvous at my location?”
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Confirmed. Esperanza is on route The automated pilot replies back to you before the ship breaks the cloud layer a few moments later. The Free Merchant's underside is black with the heat of re-entry and its engines send snow squalls blowing off the mountainside as it sets down on its landing skids. Snow crunches under their weight and with a hiss of air pressure equalizing, the ramp begins to lower.
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Gideon’s heart swells with pride as he sees his ship descend through the clouds. Involuntarily, he begins to beat his chest. After a moment, he notices the primitive behavior and feels a flutter of embarrassment, but quickly pushes it aside: assuming command of his own vessel is as good an occasion as any to be excited. He watches the descent avidly, noting the ships lines and markings, until buffeting snow flurries force him to look away. Once the ship is down, he waits for the landing ramp to descend. “Come along, Fido,” he says, and the two of them begin to trudge up the ramp, pulling the grav bike along.
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(there's enough room in the hold for it, we can even make a larger vehicle too if you like for another time)
10:12 AM
10:12 AM
(pinning for easy reference)
Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 9/2/2021 10:12 AM
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The ship is machined to perfection inside. It is a mechanical space entirely at odds with the overgrown ruins and endless tropical sky of your home- or even the unspoiled wilderness of this world.
10:13 AM
Pressure seals look like they're in good repair and the vessel should also serve as a fitting submersible to explore the oceans of this world.
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Gideon’s eyes widen as he tries to take in everything. The machined precision of the ship reminds him a bit of his home these past few years. It’s strangely comforting, in an odd way: he’d hated being shut up indoors amidst so much machinery, but, despite it all, he had a certain nostalgic fondness for Acastus. After a moment, he sees to stowing his equipment in the hold before heading to the bridge.
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The crew bots cannot move from their seats. Two pilots, a comms bot , engineering, and backup terminals to support functions disabled by damage or combat are all reporting they are set to go. Only the captain's chair is empty with a duplicate set of pilot controls,and feeds capable of taking over any of the other panels as needed.
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Gideon settles comfortably into the captain’s chair and surveys the bridge, watching as Fido sniffs around the robots and consoles. After a minute, he directs the beast to sit next to his chair. Resting one hand on Fido’s head and fiddling with the chair readout, Gideon issues his first command, trying to remain calm despite the thrill in his chest. “Helm, take us up. Comms, contact the observatory: notify them that we will be conducting an underwater search for the titanic creatures and request that they share any data they have on sighting locations.”
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Tower does not seem to hgave any new sighting data, as you're the only one in the field right now. They confirm seeing your ship on their scanners, and wish you the best of luck and a safe journey under the waves
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Gideon orders the Esperanza to return to the first island he explored—to the one where he first spotted the gargantuan creature. Once reaching the island, he orders the ship to submerge and to begin circling the island slowly, looking for any sign of underwater caves or tunnels heading in to the interior.
10:31 AM
(In a pinch, would the ship’s multifocal laser work underwater? Or are we effectively unarmed while underwater?)
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(A ship can’t fire its weapons in atmosphere or underwater. They’re macro grade weapons that would be capital level destruction , even a multi focal laser )
6:03 PM
(Iron rain and spitball tubes are the only ways to fire on a planets surface )
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You remember seeing an underwater type tunnel or being convinced it exists from the first time you saw the Big Bad Amphibian , and remember seeing it hiding out I. A cave system. Following your original course you make your way underwater to the island this all started at, to the entry of an underwater cave
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Gideon leans forward as he spots the cave system on the viewer. “Sensors, how big is that cave? Does it look like the ship will fit comfortably?”
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The ship will be able to fit inside. It will have to back out without turning around however, which will slow you down in the event of the BBA being inside and not happy at the company
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(Okay. And my only other option would be to go in there alone in a vac suit, right? The grav bike won’t work underwater)
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(That’s right. You’d need a vac suit. The bike doesn’t have environment water or sealed environment so won’t work underwater)
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(Okay. The ship it is, then)
10:19 AM
“Helm, take us in slowly. And turn on any external lights, if we have them,” Gideon orders, glancing back and forth between the view screen and the sensor readout on his chair.
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(Notice/wis. Also 3xp and 5000 credits in the excitement of getting the ship organized I forgot to give you xp)
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(Sweet. I think that means a level up, right? Should I do it now or wait until the end of the mission?) (And 11. Gideon’s been getting some great rolls)
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(You should have had them already since I goofed so go ahead and take them now)
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(Okay. Decisions, decisions. Level up Gaiapsionics to boost Fido or branch into another discipline? Hmm…)
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(you use Fido a lot, more Gaia couldn't hurt)
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(Good point. Metaflora looks cool, too)
4:22 PM
**Level Up** Level: 3 Old HP: 10 HP Roll: 16 New HP: 16 New Skills: Gaiapsionics 2 for 3sp Free Technique: Metaflora Current AB: 1
4:23 PM
(I chose to give Fido another +2 to AC)
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)looks good to me)
7:57 PM
You notice a low stream of bubbles pooling near the roof of the cave. The stream is steady and you would have missed it from inside the space craft
7:57 PM
There is something breathing within the cave, slowly letting its stockpile of air out
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(Wait, I thought Gideon was still in the ship. I’m happy to explore via vacc suit, I just couldn’t think of a way to bring Fido along)
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(oh we were talking about it so i thought we were doing it, either way you notice the bubbles then, so let me know how you want to prtoceed)
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Gideon excitedly spots the bubbles and quickly orders the ship’s external lights and all its sensors brought to bear on the site. “Helm, nose us up slowly. Let’s get a closer look.”
7:08 AM
The lights illuminate what had once been a sleeping creature, easily the height of your ship and twice as long and wide. It's many eyes snap open and the stream of bubbles becomes faster as it wakes up and begins quickly processing its environment
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Gideon bares his teeth and glares at the beast. “Helm, take us deeper into the tunnel. Full steam ahead,” he says, hoping the engines’ backwash will frighten the creature into keeping its distance. “Sensors, record everything you can about that thing.”
3:24 PM
(Does the ship have any way to emit noise that could be used to blast/frighten/annoy the behemoth?)
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(deeper, as in towards it?)
3:43 PM
(you'd have a PA system I'd imagine but nothing more than that by default on the outside)
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(I was thinking deeper into the tunnel, so maybe dipping under the beast? I figured it'd be easier to try to lose it in a tunnel system than to try luring it out of its den into open water)
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(pilot/dex)
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(Uh-oh) (7) (That's rolling at -1 b/c Gideon is untrained. Does the automated crew provide any bonus?)
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(the pilot can roll it so we'd have an 8)
10:00 PM
Narrowly avoiding the snapping jaws of the creature the ship deftly dives further and races into the tunnels under the creature, and then behind it, forcing it to try to turn around in this confined area.
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Gideon lets out a bestial roar of triumph. "Navigation, what do you see? Is there anywhere to veer off or hide?" At the same time, he begins punching at his chair readouts, trying to pull up a scan of the surrounding tunnel.
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It seems that there are some narrow tunnels ahead just big enough for your ship, but too narrow for the creature to fit with much ease. Two of them lead to what appear to be subterrain caves not connected to the surface
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“Helm, take us into those tunnels—maybe we can lose him. Once we’re in the cave system, slow down—we don’t know what else is down here.”
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(we passed that pilot check to evade, so they'll do so, but our options are either surface in one of the caves, or try to get out right now)
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(I’d like to try surfacing in one of the caves)
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Rising in the closer cave to the west your ascent is lit not by the sun but by luminescent crystals set into the ceiling. This room looks like a font of starlight , deep underground. A rocky shore can be swum to as your ship surfaces
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After scrutinizing his monitor for a minute, Gideon decides that the chamber seems safe enough. “Ready for a swim?” he asks Fido, heading out the door. After donning his gear, he opens the hatch and pauses for a moment, staring in awe at the glittering points of light overhead. “You don’t see that every day on Acastus…” Then, shaking himself from his revelry, he turns to Fido. “Let’s go, boy” he says, jumping into the water and beginning to swim for the shore.
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The water is cold but calm and after a few minutes you find yourself on the rocky shore of the cave beach. The crystals from above glow blue and purple and illuminate flecks of minerals within the walls. Things feel serene here. This is a sanctum of natural beauty
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Gideon basks in the serenity of the place before closing his eyes and extending his psychic senses to probe his surroundings. (I’d like to use the Whispering Wind)
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This is a hidden cave and a contained environment. The crystals set into the cave walls are semi-precious but few in number. The only dangers here are the creatures that sometimes live in the depths of the lower cave- like what you have escaped from.
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Before returning to the ship, Gideon looks around for a loose crystal to take as a souvenir for his cabin. Then, he and Fido start swimming back to the Esperanza. Once aboard, Gideon lays in a course for the other cave he detected in the tunnel system.
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(Pilot/dex or int here too since we're avoiding both the monsters down here and trying to navigate narrow tunnels in the dark)
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(7) (That’s without any modifiers, since Gideon is untrained but has a robotic crew)
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The ship narrowly avoids being wedged in a chasm underground before surfacing in the other cave. This one is larger and is also lit from within- featuring a broader shore where currents and the rush of the tide has battered the rocks down to a finer sand. Some of it is piled irregularly and the bioscanner is detecting faint and decaying biosigns on the beach.
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Gideon’s interest is piqued by the decaying biosigns. The previous cave was so still—what could have lived down here, and perhaps made those piles on the shore? Once again, Gideon and Fido hop out of the ship and start swimming.
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Approaching the beach, you can see that the piles of rocks aren't haphazard , but instead resemble Carins
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Gideon pauses when he notices the cairns, recalling the man-sized mile crickets he encountered earlier. Their tunnels had been complex; could they be intelligent enough to conduct funerary rites? Gideon resumes swimming, cautiously approaching the closest cairn and hoping Fido’s heightened senses will alert him if anything approaches.
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There doesnt seem to be any wildlife in the cave, but Fido is interested in the stacked stones and the trenches they cover up.
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Gideon heads over to Fido and examines the stacked stones. Once he spots a trench, he begins uncovering it.
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The body within is mummified, and some of it has decayed entirely. It has not smelled for quite some time in this final stage of decay-existing now as dry remains. Reports from the New Moon Cooperative indicate they have found underground ruins and structures of this race of alien, thought to be a precursor to the Slyth, Piggen, and Humanity.
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(Cool!) Gideon lets out a low hiss upon seeing the mummified remains. The architects will be interested in this! He carefully places the stones back over the skeleton to protect the corpse and then begins to examine the rest of the chamber, looking for anything that isn’t a cairn. He also examines the walls of the cave, trying to figure out how the precursors made it down so far.
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You're unsure of how they got down here. There are no signs of mining or burrowing. They could have made it in with some kind of ship or drone like you have, or they could have used magic or psionics. The former CAST group found some evidence of their strange workings on Meda, but it is unclear if they are mundane and strange, or arcane in some way.
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(Do Gideon’s metapsionic senses detect any residue of meta dimensional energy?)
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(these creatures are long dead, so there wouldn't be any traces of anything left here now after this long)
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After surveying the cave, Gideon and Fido return to the Esperanza. “Helm, take us out of the caves. We know that one of the titanic creatures passed by this way shortly before dawn. Let’s wait by the cave entrance to see if anything passes by.”
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(how long would you want to wait?)
1:58 PM
(just so i can figure out dice/encounter table on my end)
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(24 hours at the most)
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The time passes and after a few hours scanners begin detecting a massive biological presence moving in your direction, and fast
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Gideon races from his cabin back to the bridge and slides into his chair, checking the scanners to see if the moving object is on a collision course with the Esperanza or if it will simply pass by.
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The object is on a collision course and you see the water above you darken as the sun is blocked by the passing of a giant serpent like shape above the vessel
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“Helm, bring us down and back us away slowly. I don’t want to spook that thing, but get us out of its way!”
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The automated response from the robot is all you’re able to hear over the sounds of the ships operation. It dives but the creature seems to have noticed you long before your evasive maneuvers
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“Helm, full speed ahead, and once we’re past that thing, start climbing out of the water.”
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(and finally, one more pilot/dex_
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(6) (Uh-oh)
😬 1
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(I missed anyway!) Clamping jaws barely escape closing around your ship as you rocket out of the water. THe sea serpent howls at the sky before falling onto its back and sinking beneath the foamy mist and spray, the dark water blocking your sight of it.
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Gideon clenches the arms of his chair as the Esperanza rockets past the sea serpent. Once in the air, he pounds his chest a few times before blushing. “Helm, take us to 30 meters above the water and let’s wait till dusk to see if one of those titans walks by.” (Time to invest in some torpedos or depth charges!)
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With all the activity in the area, it seems that even the larger creatures are giving the area a wide berth tonight. Their prey animals have been scattered and any possible nesting here will not see them a safe harbor for the night. The waters remain placid and undisturbed long into the night hours.
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Remembering that he last saw the titanic creature near dawn, Gideon resolves to wait at least until dawn. In the meantime, he contacts the observatory: “Observatory, this is the Esperanza. We’ve explored an underwater tunnel system beneath the island south of you. In one of the caves, we found the mummified remains of some sort of precursors. They seemed very ancient. We also encountered some giant sea creatures down here. Transmitting you the data now. You haven’t had any sightings of those giant walking titans, have you?”
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The tower has not seen anything at the moment. The woods around the tower and seas around the tower are home to more construction and exploration now , and anything like that had moved further afield
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(Well, the search for the titans seems ill-fated. Time to head to another world, I think)
4:39 PM
“Copy that, Observatory. Unless there’s anything else, we’ll be leaving for the next system to explore,” Gideon says, ordering the Esperanza into orbit and pulling up a local star chart on his arm readout.
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(Sounds good. Let me know where so if it doesn’t have a report I can make one
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(Mikas or Canto would be my next choice. Has either one been explored before?)
8:31 AM
(Rogan make a giant mess here)
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(In that case, I think I’ll head for Canto)
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(Alright, this is a world with nothing on it at all, not even any kind of GSC uotpost or anything, just to set the tone. I'll get a map together since we're exploring. Did we want the lava world or the ocean one first?)
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(Ocean world, since that might be colonizable)
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(alrighty, ill get a map drawn)
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(Thanks!) As the Esperanza leaves the atmosphere, Gideon stares down at the blue ball of Thea in wonder. Then, with a thrill, he realizes that he’s about to take his first spike jump as a captain. “Helm, lay in a course for Canto,” he says after deliberating over the star chart for a few minutes. Once the course is laid in, Gideon raises his right hand and drops it, saying as authoritatively as he can: “Engage.”
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(I'm drawing this now, almost done)
8:34 AM
8:34 AM
(the hexes are a bit faint in this compact view, but they're there if you expand the image)
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(Looks great! Has the system been surveyed at all, or should the Esperanza survey the solar system, too?)
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(What we have is what we know but all the stellar bodies have been accounted for)
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(Okay. Do I need to roll anything for the spike jump, or are the robots able to handle it?)
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(We don't roll for jumps unless there's some hazard you'd be jumping into or out of, which 99% of the time is not true. we just end up in the system, you got the bare bones report, and an image of the surface of the ocean world since this is where we are now, we won't get better information until we land and start poking around)
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(Alrighty. Good to know) (edited)
6:31 PM
Gideon orders the Esperanza to descend over the ocean world and make for the western end of the northernmost island.
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(D10 on landing)
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The landing zone is a thick forest. The air is a bit chilly here so close to the northern pole but there is no snow or frost on the ground aside from the caps of the large mountains in the distance. The sound of the engines and the arrival of the large ship has scared away any wildlife, both big and small, for the moment.
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After donning his gear, Gideon retrieves his grav bike from the cargo bay. The Utan and his trusty companion debark and survey the forest around them. Gideon feels a thrill at being on a new planet, at being, perhaps, the first ever to set foot here. With a nod to Fido, he activates the grav bike and begins moving through the woods, looking for anything of interest on his scanner. (Okay, I think the plan is to move West to East the length of the island, unless Gideon finds something interesting on the way)
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(We're at the western side of the northern one now, so pushing east?)
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(Yes)
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Moving a bit eastward from the landing zone you enter the forest and with some space between yourself and the ship you begin to hear the first signs of life.
2:52 PM
(Art incoming)
2:54 PM
The forest is dark here. Only the wind and occasional storm have ever tried taming this wilderness, and they have not come even close to humbling the mighty forest of this world. Even those few trees that have fallen now host life to colonies of glowing mushrooms, spills of neon lichen, and other plants where below the canopy all color seems to be turned up to maximum exposure. you have not seen this much neon since you left Ash City, back on Acastus some months ago now.
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Gideon stares in awe at the untouched wilderness around him and revels in the feel of the wind against his face after the last few days cooped up in the Esperanza breathing recycled air. He continues moving deeper into the forest and, once far enough away from the landing site that the animal noises seem to have returned to normal, he probes the forest with his psychic senses. (I’d like to use the Whispering Wind)
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This world is uncharted and untouched, your psionic senses aren't sure what to make of your surroundings. You do hear primates calling to one another in the trees, and see some edible berries on some nearby bushes- similar to berry clusters you've seen form on other worlds. There are no doubt bugs marching endlessly under the carpet of pine needles and other leaves.
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Recognizing the calls of primates, Gideon smiles to himself, thinking that his ancestors weren’t too far off from the creatures of this world. Collecting a few berries for his pack, he and Fido head deeper into the island.
11:01 AM
The berries are hard to the touch but have a skin that can be peeled away. They should remain safe in your bag for now,
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As they head deeper into the forest, Gideon pulls out his survey scanner and begins looking for any mineral deposits or other interesting features.
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(D10, we will consider this a new hex)
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Entering the next eastward hex the land becomes more mountainous and rugged. The air becomes a bit colder and you're a bit more removed from the sea now. Some evidence of goat- like creatures on the rocks and on the hillsides is present here by found hoofprints and nibbled foliage. The mountains are also studded with many natural caves.
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Spotting the hoofprints, Gideon decides to track one of the creatures to try to catch a glimpse of it and observe its diet. He sets Fido a-sniffing and follows after his furry companion.
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200m away after a half hour of tracking Fido freezes and looks up. On a snowy peak, he has found his quarry.
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(Cool stripes!) Pulling out his binoculars and scanner, Gideon observes the creature and records what he can. However, he decides not to follow the creature: pursuing it on its native terrain—a snowy mountainside, no less—seems like a good way to get lost. Instead, after a few minutes he turns the grav bike around and begins looking for a good cave to explore.
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There is a large mouthed cave nearby and it looks like snow drifts have piled up around the entry. You can still make it in by floating your grav bike over it and ducking
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Gideon and Fido enter the cave cautiously, with Gideon trusting to Fido’s keen senses. (Fido can see in the dark because of Level 2 Gaiapsionics, right?)
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(part of the level 2 core ability yes)
6:49 PM
Fido immediately freezes, getting a whiff of something dangerous within the deeper reaches of the cave.
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(How quiet is the grav bike? Is it suitable for sneaking around?)
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(Its quieter than a motorcycle but it still makes noise. I would say about as noisy as a modern efficiency vehicle)
12:46 PM
(the grav plates buzz and it has a power plant and all that)
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(Ah, okay then. Probably not the best thing to use when sneaking around a lair, then.) Gideon and Fido cautiously turn around and creep out the way they came, hoping not to attract the attention of whatever dwells in the cave.
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(sneak/dx)
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There is a heavy breath sound that stops as you enter the cave and send a skitter of stones flying. You see multi faceted blue eyes beginning to glow in the darkness at the back of the cave, too far in for Fido and his senses to get a clear view of.
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(Are the eyes within range of a grenade toss?)
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(Yes you can throw a grenade )
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Gideon tosses a grenade at the creature, hoping to frighten and distract it while he and Fido valiantly escape.
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(need the hit/damage roll still, since on a miss it might scatter)
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(Okay. I don’t have any combat skills, so it’s a -2 regardless. Can I use Str for my ability mod?)
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(yes thrown weapons can be strength or dex)
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(Got a nat 20. -2 +1 is 19)
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(alright, doesn't scatter, just need the 2d6 for damage)
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The grenade explodes and whatever is inside , you cannot tell if it is dead or wounded but you hear it howl with pain from the heat and pressure of the explosion , and resulting shower of shrapnel
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Gideon and Fido continue making there way out of the cave. (Once they’re outside, can Fido climb onto the grav bike, or would that be too much weight?)
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(it;s enough to transport both of you, the grenade will have stunned this creature long enough for you to make your escape)
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(Great!) Once Gideon and Fido are free of the cave, the Utan has his furry friend climb onto the grav bike to make them harder to track. After a few minutes, Gideon returns Fido to the ground and the two of them begin looking for hoofprints, hoping to track another tiger-goat like the one they saw earlier. (I’m thinking of using one as bait to lure the monster out of its cave and get a good look at it)
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You’re able to find some in short order, just after you exit the cave and put a few hundred meters between that and your current position. Whatever was inside that cave does not come out
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Gideon dismounts from his grav bike and takes aim with his rifle while sending Fido to flank the tiger-goats. After a moment, he reaches out with his psychic senses, willing the flora around them to ensnare the herd of animals. (I’d like to use Metaflora to have vines entangle all of the tiger-goats in a 10m radius)
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You hear bleeting in the forest nearby as the vines manage to entrap one. It does it’s best to struggle free but the vines have a grip of iron and jeep it from getting free
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(Can I use the vines it’s already trapped in to tie it up and lift it onto the grav bike, or would I need some rope, too?)
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(I think to sustain your knot work youd need some actual rope, especially as you remove the vines from the area your powers are affecting )
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(Is rope something that would ordinarily be part of the grav bike or survival kit? If not, Gideon can kill the goat, but he’d prefer to keep it alive)
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(Rope is it’s own entry in the book and the survival kit doesn’t come with any as far as I remember. Bikes don’t have locker fittings for gear like ships do, but thinking on. That your ship is here so we could get some anyway )
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(I keep forgetting that I have a ship at my beck and call!) Gideon signals the Esperanza to land so that he can grab some rope and another grenade. In the mean time, he and Fido try a few of the berries they found.
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Grenade stores on the ship are low but you’re able to get one for yourself. The rope is pulled from the ship locker and sent down to you. The berries are tart. You can see how they’d be a useful food source when there aren’t better options. Fermenting them may also yield something good to drink
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Exiting the ship with rope in hand, Gideon approaches the ensnared tiger goat and begins binding it. Once the rope is firmly in place, he cuts the vines and loads the goat onto his grav bike. Ordering the Esperanza back into orbit, Gideon and Fido begin retracing their path to the cave.
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the grav plate whines with the strain but you manage to get close enough to the cave where you can carry your captive the rest of the way. It struggles and bleats with the terror of its condition but is unable to get through the bindings you've made for it.
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Gideon dismounts, grabs the goat, and carries it to the entrance of the cave. Eyeing the darkness warily, he sets the creature down and makes sure it’s bindings are tightly fastened. Resting his hand on the panicked beast’s head for a moment, he tries to calm it. “Sorry about this,” he says, before scurrying off with Fido to hide the grav bike in the forest. Once everything is in place, Gideon and Fido settle down to watch the cave entrance from afar.
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There is a shriek as the bound animal senses the creature within the cave approaching. A lamprey like mouth fires several sharp tendrils from it that puncture the goat's flesh, and the beast draws itself outside the cave, towering over the landscape.
🇴 2
🇫 2
🇺 2
🇰 2
12:20 PM
It begins the slow process of drawing in the captive creature, while also sampling the air now that it is in open space
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Gideon and Fido keep very still from their hidden location, hoping the beast doesn’t notice them. Meanwhile, Gideon is surreptitiously recording the creature with his scanner and wishing he had brought a vortex cannon or three.
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The creature continues sniffing the air as it crunches the tiger-goat almost whole. Bones snap and hot blood trickles down its chin, before it takes a final survey of its surroundings and heads back underground,
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Once the creature disappears from sight, Gideon finally relaxes, realizing just how tense he had been for the last few minutes. Such creatures would make colonizing the world difficult, though at least the absence of eyes suggested that they were primarily cave dwelling. Gideon slowly uncovers his grave bike from its hiding place, and then he and Fido set out, heading further further east on the island to explore.
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(d10)
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You pass by the danger area and as the late afternoon sky begins changing from its natural hues to the pink and purple blend of near sunset you make it to the upper peaks of this mountain range. The bike seems to be performing well and this high up aside from birds you don’t see any wildlife. Your survey scanner shows base metals in the area , but not in enough concentration to make mining them economical
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Seeing the setting sun, Gideon begins looking for a sheltered area in which to pass the night among the mountains.
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(survive/wis)
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You find a small sheltered area below a cliff that looks like the rock above is stable. It will provide cover from any overnight rain storms, and the concealment around it will hopefully keep you from notice if there is anything predatory in the area.
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After inspecting the sheltered area, Gideon hides his grav bike under the rock shelf and unpacks his gear. Once he has a fire going, he and Fido eat the rest of the berries as the watch the sun finish setting. Then, after gazing at the stars for a few minutes, they go to sleep underneath the rock shelf.
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Nothing comes close during the night. There is a brief snow shower but you are protected and warm within your field shelter and things are quiet as the first rays of the dawn sun appear over the adjacent peaks
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Rising and stretching with a yawn, Gideon watches the sun rise over the mountains, savoring the fresh air and natural beauty. After sitting with his thoughts for a few minutes, he returns to the shelter and breaks camp. Then, he and Fido resume their trek eastward.
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Moving eastward you are still in this mountainous region and expect to be until about midday, when the climb finally begins descending into a dense coniferous forest. It looks like newer growth especially in this area, like it has recently re-grown after a fire or some other event that stripped the vegetation away. (edited)
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Gideon examines the new growth carefully, trying to see if he can determine which direction the fire or other event came from.
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The fire seems to have come from the lowlands further east, and was fanned by wind coming off the mountain to burn up this far. This far up away from the source you cannot tell if the flame was naturally caused or what it’s source might be. (edited)
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Gideon continues his descent from the mountains, keeping alert for any signs of the source of the fire as he heads further east.
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Thunder breaks across the sky. The peal is massive and shakes both the sky and ground. Dark clouds gather suddenly on the horizon
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Gideon quickly looks around for any places to shelter.
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You find a large hollow tree nearby with mulch scattered across the forest floor nearby, something had made a home here once, but has moved on.
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After securing the grav bike, Gideon stows his gear inside the hollow tree before he and Fido hide there themselves, awaiting the storm.
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You get a chance from your post here to see much of the wildlife as they also flee and find shelter. The rodents and birds are first. They have their own fur colorings and feather shades but seem too be largely the same as those found on other worlds. The larger creatures come next and the ground begins to shake somewhat under the tread of something truly heavy
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Gideon shudders involuntarily as he feels the vibrations of something truly massive passing by. However, curiosity quickly overcomes his fear and he quietly creeps to the entrance of the tree to poke his head out.
1:27 PM
The local breed of Elephant trundles through the clearing, its many trunks pulling leaves from dozens of branches at once as it passes by to shove into its large peg toothed mouth. It is constantly eating and moving, driving the lesser creatures before it as much as moving away from the incoming severe weather.
1:27 PM
It does not seem to have hostile intent, but is big and is moving away from a hazard.
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Seeing even such large creatures fleeing the storm, Gideon considers that it might be best to wait out the storm from the safety of the Esperanza. He signals the ship to land and begins collecting his gear.
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The ship makes its way down to you as the skies truly begin to darken and lightning flashes in the horizon. The bolt is forked and thick, and you can see a fire has started where it has impacted the ground and ignited dry tinder.
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Gideon and Fido hurry onto the ship with the grav bike and gear. As soon as the hatch closes, Gideon orders the ship into low orbit above the storm.
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You break through the storm clouds and return to space watching the large supercell form below. It appears that lighting is the cause of the previous forest burns you had seen while exploring this mountainous planet.
5:23 PM
(3xp, 5000 credits )
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(Sweet. Thanks. I forgot to ask before, but would the Esperanza’s survey scanner have a chance of detecting anything new on the planet that wasn’t already on the charts? I had forgotten about that fitting when I asked about scanning before) (edited)
8:41 PM
Gideon settles in to watch the storm, awed by its majesty but dismayed that it will make colonization more difficult.
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(the survey scanner gives broad like 30,000 foot level general impressions of a planet. So we can see life signs, if there are minerals, electrical systems in use, signs of civilization, ect, but it is broad impressions, nothing specific.. Nothing is going to replace actually landing and exploring- GM side, I also didn't want to institute a system that was going to turn into arrive in system, make one short post about scanning, leave. Thanks to some Galatea Council upgrades the survey scanner can also detect MES disturbances but not what specific discipline or energy is causing it. ) (edited)
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(Okay. Good to know!)
10:26 AM
Gideon instructs the automated crew to inform him when the super storm has passed, and then he and Fido turn in for the night. (edited)
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Awakening the following morning you can see the weather is still a factor down below. Heavy rain and wind is lashing the continent you had been exploring on and any wildlife there has gone to ground. You see no evidence of major fires, the rain seems to have put out anything that had been ignited by lightning.
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Gideon checks to see if any of the other continents was unaffected by the storm.
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The small eastern continent and the southern reaches of the central landmass are not under storm cells right now and can be explored without much trouble from the weather.
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Gideon, brow furrowed as he examines the map, orders the Esperanza to land on the northern end of the small eastern continent. As the ship begins its descent, he and Fido grab their gear again and head to the airlock.
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The sun is shining down here and you can see the shadows of large creatures rising from the ocean depths to suck in large quantities of air. They sing their subsonic song to one another that your scanners are able to pick up.
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Gideon plays the whale song through the ships speakers and listens meditatively. He considers taking the Esperanza into the ocean to follow the large creatures, but worries he might scare them. Instead, he orders the ship to record everything it can and make landfall.
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Upon landing on the shore you're reminded of the shores of Tece, with the rocks, tidepools, washed up seaweed, and the creatures that lurk inside of them. This is a veritable wealth of life and a cross section of the ocean's bottom layer here, and sample cases are being readied by the ship's automated crew, anticipating your needs.
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Gideon’s savors the salt air for a moment upon making landfall, and his mood quickly brightens when he spots the shore nearby. Leaving the grav bike by the shore, he scrambles on all fours to the rocky intertidal zone and begins carefully picking his way to the pools.
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(survive/wis)
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(crab, fish, or amphibian, lets discover an animal! )
🥳 1
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(Amphibian!)
🥳 1
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❤️ 3
😍 2
8:34 PM
The frog almost manages to slip away from you but your hands are steady and you keep it from jumping into the water where it would vanish into the murk. It is horned, with vestigial wings on its back.
❤️ 3
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Gideon grasps the squirming frog in his strong hands and carefully examines it, turning it this way and that. Spotting the vestigial wings, he hums thoughtfully to himself. Though he’d seen amphibians before, he’d never before heard of a creature at home in water, on land, and in the air. He takes one last glance around the tide pool, looking in particular for any interesting plant life, and then returns to the Esperanza to secure the frog in a specimen case. (edited)
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(I forgot to ask: do I recover any effort from spending a night on the ship? Currently, I have 1 effort committed for the day and 1 effort for the scene)
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Eisheru, et al. 10/16/2021 10:53 AM
(yes if you got uninterrupted rest your effort will return to you.)
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(Great!)
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The tide pool has urchins in it and bright colored sea grasses. The beach also has dead and dull colored examples of them that have washed up from their moorings below the waves as their root systems became too weak to anchor them@
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After safely storing the frog, Gideon grabs another two sample cases and returns to the pools. Knowing that sea urchins can contain useful biomolecules, he places a few in one case and some sea grass in the other. Returning to the ship, he deposits them with the crew and then climbs onto the grav bike, eager to head south and start exploring the rest of the island.
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(Want to name that little guy?)
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( Koax)
❤️ 1
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Sample cases in hand the choice becomes now heading inland or pushing down the coast to see if the terrain changes
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(Let’s head inland)
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Heading inland you enter something of a rolling grassy plain where only sparse trees anchor the ground in place here. You can see evidence of the region being scoured by dust bowls in the dry season due to the lack of trees and rotten bark crunches underfoot from where mighty trees had fallen and rotted away over centuries.
8:04 AM
bugs of all varieties climb over the decay here, feasting on what nutrients remain within the pulpy bark
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Gideon dismounts and scoops some insects and loam into one of his collection cases to examine later in the lab. After relishing the springiness of the soil, he returns to his grav bike and continues heading south.
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(d10)
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Heading south from the grasslands things continue until the grass becomes more lush and you enter a broad forest. Pine branches thicker than your bike sway overhead in the gentle wind and you see hives for insects among some of the tallest branches. The forest floor is dirt and mud, with compacted leaves and the hoofprints of passing animals pressed into the soft ground. Mushrooms grow on the trunks of trees, gathering the darkness and moisture and turning it into a larger colony. (edited)
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Gideon stares in awe at the massive branches overhead, proof of the forest’s untouched antiquity. Spotting the hives, he decides to keep his distance for fear of stingers. After collecting a few mushrooms, he decides to track some of the hoofprints.
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The prints are small, about the size of your hand and feature three toes. The central toe is twice as long as the others and has a hooked claw built into it. From what you can tell now that you've been tracking quite a bit, you can tell this is a four legged animal, about the size of a dog.
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Gideon looks for a fresh set of tracks to follow, hoping to lay eyes on one of the creatures.
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The most recent set of tracks is from within a few hours old and leads deeper into the woods. They get deeper into the mud as the ground gradually turns more swampy.
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Gideon continues following the tracks, keeping an eye on his survey scanner as the terrain changes. He periodically checks to make sure that Fido isn’t having too much difficulty with the swampy terrain.
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The clinging mud is making it hard for Fido to keep up. He barks and snarls, trying to keep fighting forward as best he can, but the creatures here must have some kind of adaption to keep them from sinking,
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Gideon drifts his grav bike over to Fido, dismounts, and lifts his furry friend onto the back. “Not the most pleasant environment, is it. I wonder how their hooves avoid sinking too deeply in the mud…” he muses, while doing his best to brush the bigger chunks of mud off Fido. After a minute, Gideon remounts the bike and continues his pursuit.
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Looking at the tracks here you notice some kind of webbing between the toes. The lines are fine and were hard to see on the older mud, but now you have an idea of how they're managing to stay on top.
7:45 AM
YOu see a clearing ahead that is elevated and looks to not be quite as wet as everything else.
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Gideon heads for the clearing, hoping to get a better view of his surroundings.
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You can see the creatures ahead, bedding down and resting here. Their time through the mud has worn them out and they do not even have the energy to flee. Hooves infilled with webs, and long bill like snouts on a deerling frame make for an odd creature, but they do not seem hostile, just tired. THere are five females here, with twice as many calves resting here on the clearing.
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Gideon slows down as he approaches the creatures, hoping not to frighten them away. Once he notices that they are females and young calves, he resolves not to interfere with them. Taking out his binoculars and scanners, he observes them for a time, recording as much as he can.
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They seem to be in no hurry to leave. They're all exhausted and perhaps even sick. The bioscanner is not sure what to make of these previously undocumented creatures, but you can see foam around their noses and mouths.
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(Would the whispering wind allow me to detect what, if anything, they’re sick with, or would that be more of a biopsionics technique?)
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(that would be more of a bioscopic thing since the issue at its core is disease, or a bioscanner if we just have some good ol technology) (edited)
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(Okay. That’s what I figured)
2:13 PM
The creatures seem sick, but Gideon has no medical expertise. After another minute, he decides to leave them. Turning the grav bike around, he begins to make his way out of the swamp.
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(which direction, back the way we came?)
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(Yes, I’d like to try to return to the forest and then continue heading south)
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The sun is beginning to fade as some late afternoon haze begins rolling in off the ocean. The waves are beginning to churn and the wind begins picking up as you find your way back to the coast. Swell and foamy caps on the waves signal more severe changes deeper out to sea.
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Gideon relaxes as he reaches the forest again, releasing a tension he didn’t know he had. He nudges Fido to leave the grav bike and the two of them make their way to the coast. Seeing the setting sun and churning waves, Gideon begins glancing around looking for a place to shelter for the night. Then, remembering the intensity of yesterday’s storm, he thinks better of it. “Esperanza, this is Gideon. Are you detecting any meteorological events headed for my position?”
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“The storm that we encountered yesterday approaches” the robotic communications officer reports. “The storm is fast moving and dangerous “
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“Roger that. Esperanza, make for my position and prepare for pick up.”
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Esperanza does so, and you are back in orbit as the storms hit.
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Gideon instructs the crew to monitor the storm and then retires to his cabin to get some sleep.
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(3xp, 5000 credits)
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(Great! That's a lvl up for me. This time, I'd like to invest in biopsionics)
4:17 PM
**Level Up** Level: 4 Focus: n/a Old HP: 16 HP Roll: 14(+8) New HP: 22 New Skills: Biopsionics 0 for 1SP, Biopsionics 2 for 2SP Free Biopsionics Technique: Mastered Succor Current AB: 2
4:17 PM
(How does this look?)
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(If you rolled a 14 and our old health was a 16, you’d be 17+con mod if you have one)
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(Okay. My Con mod is +2, so that’d be 17+8?)
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Eisheru, et al. 10/25/2021 6:52 PM
(yes that is correct, for 25 as your new HP total) (edited)
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(Okay, then. Big HP boost! The character sheet should be all set)
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By morning it seems the storms haven’t moved. Forming planets like this often have violent weather events as the natural processes that make an eventual climate settle.
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Rising in the morning, Gideon stops by the lab to feed Koax before heading to the bridge. Settling in the captain’s chair, he calls up a view of the planet, checking to see if any land masses are currently unaffected by storms.
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The robotic crew does not anticipate a landing today will work or be without risk due to the atmospheric disturbance.
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(Okay. Is there anything useful I could do in the ship’s lab with the samples I brought back?)
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(We have research points generated from it already which have been added to the Greystar pool)
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(Great! In that case, I think Gideon will just spend a day relaxing and waiting for the storm to pass.)
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The storms do not seem to be passing anytime soon. Another day drags on and the atmosphere almost seems to be worsening. Weather reports from onboard the ship are unable to project any kind of break in the cloud formations safe enough to transit. (edited)
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Gideon frowns as he reads the weather reports. It doesn’t look like he’ll be able to return to the planet any time soon. A quick review of the Canto system’s data informs him that everything else orbiting the star is lifeless. With a few taps, Gideon brings up the sector map. “Helm, plot a course for the Kora system.” With luck, the storms will have cleared by the time he makes his return trip.
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(I’ll get a report together )
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(Okay!) Once the course is laid in, Gideon settles deeply into his command chair. Once again, he feels a thrill of excitement surge through his body. How far he’d come from the beaches of Terezinho! “Helm, engage.”
10:53 AM
(I need to draw still but i didnt want you stuck waiting)
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(No problem! Take your time)
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(Here you go King)
Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 10/27/2021 3:07 PM
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(Sweet!) As the Esperanza enters the Kota system, Gideon takes a moment to read over the planet’s data file. It looked like Kora would be his first inhabited planet to explore, and the locals might prove dangerous. Pulling up a map of the system, he looked for an isolated place to set down. “Helm, Head for the northernmost point of the southeastern island.”
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You can see the wreck of one of the large terraforming machines there. Its sides are painted red from the blood of past sacrifices here and a pile of skulls is placed before the ramp that leads into the guts of the machine. Even from here you can see it was ravaged by fire when The Scream happened, and the inside is probably a fused mess that will never work again -not that it is stopping the locals from their observances. It must not be ceremony time, right now you do not see anyone here.
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Gideon shudders at the sight of so many skulls. Even his only recently uplifted ancestors had never done anything so… barbaric. He’ll have to be careful. Gideon and Fido debark, sending the Esperanza back to orbit. After staring at the wreck for a while and deeming it not worth exploring, Gideon mounts his bike and begins heading southwest cautiously. (Gideon’s plan is to observe what he can of the landscape along the way and then sneak up on the village at the southern end of the island)
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(would you want to try to do it now, or in darkness? )
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(I’d like to approach the village itself in darkness, but use the daylight to cover some of the distance to the village. There’s a ways to go to reach it, right?)
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(yea that works great i just didnt want to throw you in the middle of thingds without firming that up_
8:02 AM
Approaching the village the forest provides enough concealment for your approach. From the air it looked like a few hundred people live here at least, and you're not sure how they would react to a foreigner in their midst, let alone one who is not human. Humans seem to be the only group living on this world from what you have seen so far, and there is no way to tell how much off world contact they might have had prior to The Scream.
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Gideon looks for a place to conceal himself that affords a view of the village and then settles in, planning to observe the village all day through his binoculars. While he is observing the village, he instructs Fido to alert him if anyone approaches their location.
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(sneak/dex, or survive wis for camo, i think either one makes sense)
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(Uh-oh. I went for survive wis and got 6)
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(They might shit the bed harder! lets find out!)
3:35 PM
(also 6, ties going to PC)
3:35 PM
You remain unobserved through the day. You count a hunting party of 12 going out, armed with bows and spears. OTher than them, you think about 200 people live here, and there is also a pen in the middle of the village where prisoners are kept. There are ten there right now, all males and all look to be injured in some way
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Gideon dismisses entering the village as too dangerous: the villagers have never seen an Utan, and don’t seem particularly friendly. From his vantage point, he tries to identify the settlement’s level of technology. He’s also alert to see if any villagers wander out into the village alone.
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Things seem Victorian at best here. (About TL2) just after two in the morning you can see a man and woman meet at the village entry to the south and after giving the guard a basket of food they head off into the woods
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Seeing the couple leave the village, Gideon leaves his hiding place and tries to sneak up on them.
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Some sort of romance is happening here away from the eyes of the village. You’re not sure what traditional taboo they must be breaking to do so in secret away from the village, but none the less you’re able to shadow them as they come to the edge of a stream deep in the wood
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After sending Fido to circle stealthily around the young couple, Gideon closes his eyes and reaches out to the forest, willing the vines and roots to ensnare the two humans.
2:23 PM
(I'd like to use metaflora)
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Their cries of surprise are strangled out as the vines rise from the ground and hold them into place
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Staying in the shadows, Gideon tries to make his voice sound as menacing as possible: “Why do venture into my woods so late?”
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(perform/cha)
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(7 for them) They are struggling in the vines but do not believe a monster is talking to them. "Let us go! We didn't do anything wrong!"
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Gideon fires a shot in their general direction. “Stop struggling, or the next one will be straight for your heads. Now, why are you creeping around in the dark? I won’t ask again.”
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"We are in love! We have to meet in the woods since it is not allowed!" You can see that had you acted in another minute or two they would be far less decent than they are now, so they're at least telling the truth about this. (edited)
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Gideon is quite relieved he acted when he did. “Why is your love forbidden? Who forbids it?”
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"The village elders. We are from two different castes, but we love one another and cannot stand being apart"
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“What castes? Why not simply go to another village?”
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“Another village? Walk hundreds of kilometers on foot with no supplies ? That’s just telling us to walk into the jungle to die “
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“And yet you march to the end of the island just to sacrifice captives to that machine.”
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“There’s a big difference.”
9:31 PM
They go quiet upon that. They’re not sure what you are wanting from them exactly.
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“One would imagine love would provide even more motivation than… whatever brings you to the machines. Why do you still go to them? What does your village hope to gain, that you are willing to sacrifice your own people?”
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“The machines bring the rain if they’re watered with the life of the people. The rains bring life to us. We are part of a cycle bigger than one man or woman or tribe “
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“And yet you are willing to go against that cycle, flaunting the taboos of your own tribe. What does your village produce?” Gideon asks, hoping the non sequitur will trick them into answering.
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"Just enough food to feed ourselves. Not much else. The ground is not good for growing anything anymore"
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“What if I told you… What are your names?”
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"Bordina and Chester" the woman says, before the man has time to interject
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“Bordina and Chester, what if I told you that I had a way to get you to another village, where you could practice your love openly?”
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"we would be outsiders there. When the time comes to choose who will be offered to the sky, who do you tihnk they will pick? The new ones that no one knows. That is a way to die just as easy as it is here"
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“So all the villages share your… custom. Then I take it the villages are in contact with one another, despite the distance?”
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“Every month when the moon does not rise the wise men of the villages exchange messages from afar. They think of one another and talk in their minds to try to bring the rains back
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“How many of these wise men does your village have?”
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“Three. We had four but he went mad with soeaking to the voices in his head “ (Based on what she’s saying so far and you having taken some academy training, it sounds like these wise men are telepaths and they’re torching a bit every time they use their powers since they’re not trained )
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(Very useful to know. I think I know what the GSC can offer them…) “Are these wise men able to do anything else unusual?” (edited)
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"Some have been able to heal the sick, but there has not been one who could in a long time"
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“That is certainly a great gift,” Gideon muses. “Well, I must be off, Chester and Bordina. I trust you’ll keep our conversation secret. How embarrassing it would be having to explain just what you were doing ihr here in the middle of the night. I wouldn’t try following me, or my companion might be forced to eat you.” Gideon psychically instructs Fido to growl menacingly from behind Bordina and Chester. Then, the Utan begins making his way back to his grav bike stealthily.
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They wait until you leave to begin making their way back to the settlement , their night of romance taking a turn none of them expected
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Once Gideon and Fido are far enough from the village that the ship won’t be noticed, Gideon signals the Esperanza to pick them up.
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(No troubles getting back to the ship, you played your cards right and acted intelligently.)
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(Though once I entered the conversation, I realized I didn’t have many cards to play!)
10:59 AM
Once aboard the Esperanza, Gideon retires to his cabin for a few hours of shut-eye. Upon awakening, he reviews the planetary surveys of Kora. Noticing that one island to the south seems lusher than the rest, he orders the ship to deposit him on its coast.
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(good ol' d10 for landing zone)
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The lush zone looks to have been watered recently and there is a fine mist in the air as soon as you land. It is humid and reminds you of Terezinho. Distantly, a massive trunk tower belonging to what looking to be an actually working climate machine sprays water into the air so it will mist across the entire region perpetually, the rains the other parts of the world are hoping to replicate. This is how this world was meant to look, and the dream has fallen short. Animals and birds scatter as your ship comes to land and upon exiting you see large nests of ground based birds , eggs left behind by the fleeing birds about as big as a tire of a car.
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Exiting the ship, Gideon pauses to savor the fresh air and admire the lush landscape. Spotting the nest, he and Fido move closer for a better look.
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The former is a towering structure that you can see distantly still. You’ve got a long drive through the jungle to get there but you can see many creatures especially lizards and snakes occupy the moist jungle branches here
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Mentally noting the arboreal creatures for further investigation, Gideon continues approaching the nearest bird nest, hoping to examine its construction and find a few eggs. (edited)
7:47 AM
The gossamer threads of the nest reflect something like a rainbow in the mist that covers the area. You see droplets running off your own armor and the flat surfaces of your bike. The eggs are an oil smear of color , with a slick coating on them (edited)
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Admiring the iridescent nest, Gideon records what he can with his survey scanner. He carefully places an egg into a sample case and then makes for the trees to examine a snake or lizard.
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(any preference as to what first? )
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(Lizard seems safer)
12:50 PM
You find one of the creatures sleeping lazily on a branch here, enjoying all the water in the air. It's skin seems scaled but very soft and you can see it has taken on some of the hues of the branches but is not a perfect representation.
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Gideon observes the creature carefully for a minute, admiring its natural camouflage, which blends into the environment far better than his own neon fur. Then, he grabs the lizard and attempts to force it into a sample case.
😟 1
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(Survive/wis)
8:47 PM
(☹️)
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The lizard rears back and a collar of flaps appears around its neck , spitting a spray of venom directly into you (physical effect save)
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(16, vs a difficulty of 10)
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You avoid being harmed or blinded by the spray. The lizard hisses and is not happy at being bothered.
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Baring his teeth at the lizard, Gideon slinks away from it and then begins casting about for a tree snake. “This time, we’ll keep our distance, boy” he mutters to Fido.
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Fido is concerned that the snakes will be much the same but sniffs around and thinks that a trail of one is found. There is a deep hollow in one of the tree where a large snake is coiled up. It’s eyes are reflective and are looking right at you
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Gideon activates his scanner and records what he can before backing away slowly, not wanting to risk provoking a second creature that morning. Once clear, Gideon mounts his grav bike again. Scanning the terrain, he locates the terraforming tower and sets out for it with Fido loping along beside him.
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There is a large clearing of plants that has been cleared from where the terraformer originally landed. The machine is towering, far bigger than even a capital ship, and dozens of ramps, access hatches, and otherwise ways into the ancient machine dot the landscape. Rain falls in this area due to the proximity to the machine's water spout.
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Gideon circles around the machine, looking for any signs of recent human activity on the ground or on the machine itself.
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There aren't any signs of human habitation on this planet, and it doesn't look like anyone has been to this region aside from you.
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Relaxing a little, Gideon begins looking for a ramp or hatch that looks like it might lead to somewhere important within the machine.
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You find a ramp on the side of the machine. This technology is unfamiliar even to the humans that built it, let alone a Utan, and it’s going to be difficult to divine where the sensitive parts are without going inside to look around
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Gideon tugs at the fur on his chin, completely at a loss as he examines the machine. Still, it’d be good to get a basic idea of the machines insides. Leaving the grav bike on the ground, he and Fido begin trudging up the ramp.
🧐 1
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Entering the ramp you see three supply intake bays have been left more or less how they were when the station was abandoned. Boxes and crates are neatly stacked up in many places and the air is thick with humidity
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Gideon looks for a computer terminal in hopes of pulling up a cargo manifest.
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You’re unable to see one here in the cargo room but there no doubt is one aboard somewhere. From inside the hangar it looks like you’re sheltering from a rainstorm. Mist collects on the metal shutter doors and drips like passing raindrops
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Gideon grins, basking in the feeling of moisture as it reminds him of home. After a moment’s reverie watching the droplets fall, he forces himself to turn away and begins looking for any passages leading deeper into the gargantuan machine.
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it looks like bay 3 has a ladder leading up to the next floor. Several warnings painted into the floor warn the crew about wet conditions.
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Seeing the warnings, Gideon smirks. The original crew of this machine may have been more technologically advanced, but they were hardly as nimble as an Utan! Heading to Bay 3, he begins climbing the ladder to the next floor. (Is Fido able to make it up the ladder?)
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(Fido would not be able to,, its vertical/sheer)
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(Would Gideon be able to carry Fido on his back?)
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(Fido has been described as fairly big and heavy. I’m leaning towards no, or at least not with lots of gear on)
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(Okay, fair enough) As he begins scaling the ladder, his arboreal limbs arms moving easily over the rungs, Gideon suddenly realizes that Fido can’t follow him. He looks down sadly. Since they’ve met, he’s never left Fido behind in his explorations. “I’m sorry boy, but I’m afraid you’ll have to wait here. I won’t be long. Why don’t you hide yourself behind those crates and let me know if anyone enters the hanger or approaches the ladder.” Then, after a last rueful glance at his companion, Gideon resumes his climb.
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Above the store room you enter some kind of crew level where the crew barracks, mess hall, and a workshop , with another set of secure doors leading to the secondary flybridge
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Moving through the crew level, Gideon halts when he reaches the workshop. Despite the Utan’s lack of technical expertise, he knows that the Greystar Confederation is in need of pre-tech salvage. Entering the workshop, he begins looking for anything that might be useful or salvageable.
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(Just want to be clear that taking things apart might result in the machine turning off. If you’re ok with that we will continue on)
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(At this point, I was just thinking of looking, not touching, to identify material that might be useful. Gideon likes the terraforming project and wouldn’t want to interfere with the machine’s operation, but he’d also like his report to be thorough. And if there happens to be any spare pre-tech lying around not plugged in to anything…)
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(That’s what I’m saying. I don’t think you’d really be able to tell what’s okay to take and what isn’t , for a number of reasons ) (edited)
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(Oh, okay. Would Gideon be able to tell anything from the machine’s computers, or is pretech so far beyond him that even trying to access data is risky?)
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There are certain things in the flybridge here that are clear-such as water intake, the speed of the fans and pumps drawing it in and spreading it, and the temperature of various systems within are all displayed. Things seem to be working nominally and aren't in need of attention.
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Pleased that the machine seems to be in working order, Gideon makes his way back to the hanger bay to rejoin Fido. Once reunited, the two make their way out of the machine and single the Esperanza to meet them in the nearest clearing. While waiting for the ship to arrive, he takes one last look around, savoring the natural beauty and dreaming of a day when the whole planet will resemble the lush island.
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(3xp, 5000 credits $
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(Great! Well, I think Gideon’s Learned enough about Kora for now. Off to the next world)
8:27 PM
Upon boarding the Esperanza, Gideon orders the ship to head for orbit. Stowing his gear, he stops by the lab to check on Koax. While there, he pulls up a star chart on the data station and begins studying the surrounding planets, humming absentmindedly to the winged frog as he pores over the data. After a few minutes, Gideon logs out and strides purposefully to the bridge. Settling into his chair, with Fido assuming his usual position, Gideon begins punching in coordinates. “Helm, set a course for Hartika Rita. Engage!”
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(Not sure if this is of interest to you but back in confederation space we have a number of things going on. I know there’s a big push gathering to get a road built from ash city to marmora on the surface of Acastus. Not sure if you wanted to do some overland exploration ahead of the road team or not)
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(Oh, definitely! That might also give me a chance to have the Esperanza upgraded. Would it be possible to combine the armory and ship’s locker into a single fitting to free up space for another fitting?)
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Eisheru, et al. 11/16/2021 11:12 PM
(the armory/ship fitting was only made into one line to make more space in the builder sheet. It doesn't have impact on the mass/power available for other fittings) (edited)
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(Ah, okay. So if the Esperanza’s sheet says Mass: 17/3, does that mean that there’s three mass available?)
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Eisheru, et al. 11/17/2021 6:19 AM
(yeah. Your best bet is to use the Omni builder and put all the fittings on the sheet that it currently has then play around with it)
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(Jacob has the best advice. there are 3 free mass available but as far as what to fit youll have to build your ship in the omnibuilder and see what you can get in there)
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(Okay. I’ll tinker around when I get home from work. Thanks!)
8:35 AM
Shortly before the Esperanza begins its spike drill, Gideon changes his mind. “Belay that order. It’s been a while since we were home. Lay in a course for Acastus.”
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(I've got 7 days home via the most efficient route, sticking to shipyards so we don't have to scoop fuel)
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(Okay. So, that’s 7 days to work on a skill in downtime? Could Gideon work some more on heal by continuing to review first aid material in the ship’s library?)
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(Yes that works )
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(Okay, I think that brings me to 11/90 for that)
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Returning to Acastus the Esperanza is docked in the shipyard for refueling and the small tasks that keep it maintained. It’s been exploring for some time and this is a chance to replenish ship stores as well. Heading down to Ash city this is once again the world of night , rains, and neon. A large work group is being assembled tomorrow south of the city for a road project going from here, following the existing road to Gray-Town, and then cutting southeast across the planet to the city of Marmora. A road and later railroad will mean easier overland shipping, and connections between people on a stormy world where air travel is not always possible
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Gideon sighs as he steps once again on Acastus. Staring out the spaceport windows, he sees that the planet is just as gloomy as he remembered. Still, he experiences an odd tinge of familiarity and comfort. Reaching for his compad, he pulls up the information he’d received on the road construction project, double checking to see if there’s a supervisor he should contact about signing on.
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The application is attached to the job listing and after about an hour you’ve been approved to help lead the project. The group is gathering south of the city. A group of twenty workers , six soldiers and a vehicle called a trailblazer specializing in making roads when fed plant matter are all preparing to head into the mushroom forests of this world on a course for Marmora.
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Hoping to get a good night’s sleep before setting out tomorrow, Gideon heads to his apartment. As his feet bring him along the familiar paths and memories return to him, it suddenly dawns on him that the GSC might have re-assigned his residence. Stopping in his tracks, he gulps before resuming his stride: there’s only one way to find out.
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Your place is as you left it but you see there is a fresh basket of fruit, chocolate , and some of the salted fish the planet is known for along with a bag of extra strength coffee for your upcoming travels. The wine included is still chilled , and the note is from Director Kensh. You smell his cologne faintly on the wrapping- he must have stopped it off personally but there’s no sign of the spook turned president now.
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Plopping his gear down, Gideon surveys his apartment and drops a hand to ruffle Fido’s head. “Welcome Home, boy. We’ll see about finding you some pillows.” Spotting the basket, the Utan walks over to the read the note. Grateful and flattered that the Director saw fit to drop it off himself, Gideon starts preparing a dinner of salted fish and fruit for himself and Fido. After enjoying the meal, Gideon arranges some pillows on the floor for Fido and the two of them promptly fall asleep, hoping for an early rise in the morning.
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(did we want to do anything in town or pick up any new gear before setting out? )
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(I think I’m all set on gear, but could I requisition a fungal hound? Also, could I have the Esperanza refitted with another instance of Power Trunk Streamlining while it’s in the dock?)
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(Post the updated plans in #shipyard-updates so we can see the final numbers. You could get a hound)
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(Okay, I posted the new plans in #shipyard-updates. My goal is to free up power for an Iron Rain array when I can afford one.)
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Morning comes and your fungal hound is delivered in the cage appropriate for its size. It is sleeping and it stretches out as it dreams. It’s twin tails bounce gently as is rests, and begins to rouse upon sensing you closeby. (edited)
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Gideon rises early and gathers his gear before settling down to observe his new companion. He’d seen fungal hounds before, but still can’t help staring in awe at the creatures unique physiology. Seeing the creature wake up, he reaches over to unlike its cage. “Good morning, boy,” he says, glancing around for any sign of the hound’s name.
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It doesn't seem to have one, but it woujld probably be imprinted with one from you. (since you've got your beastie already, the hound doesn't benefit from any of the gaiapsi abilities, unless you want Fido to hang out on the preserve at Khmarna Metascience Center for a while)
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Seeing no name, Gideon rubs his chin thoughtfully. “You need a name, don’t you. How about… Myke? Come along, Myke.” The Utan rises, hoists his pack, and exits the apartment, Fido and Myke at his heels. The three of them make their way south to the group’s gathering point.
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(I’d like to take them both with me. I figure I can send one to scout ahead and keep the other with me, or have them flank)
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(works for me!)
8:37 AM
You see the work team and the grav ATV sized trailblazer waiting at First Rise, ready to head down the established road to Grey-Town, before turning southeast to begin making the long trip through the mushroom forsts of this world. (did you want to pair up with Daimyen? He's between missions and the wilds can be dangerous)
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(Sure, I’d be happy to)
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@Damiyen Rodrick (feel like helping out ?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/24/2021 2:23 AM
(Sounds good 🙂 )
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The two of you meet at the southern side of Ash City, as the labor team begins coming together. Both of you are trapped with new gear, and everyone is eager to begin heading south to Grey-Town before pushing southeast toward Marmora over the coming days.
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Spotting Damiyen, Gideon strides over and extends a furry hand. “Agent Gideon, and these are Fido and Myke,” he says, nodding his head towards his two companions respectively. Leaning in conspiratorially, he continues in a low voice. “I’m glad to have you. This is actually my first time commanding a team.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/27/2021 3:34 AM
Gideon sees an average sized human male, a bit on the lean muscle side of the spectrum. He looks fit and used to rough conditions. His attitude seems a bit distanced, but his eyes are intense and seem to observe. He has a big sniper rifle on his back and a laser pistol on his hip. Damiyen takes a look at the Utan and is both impressed and interested seeing the Utan physiology. He throws a glance over to Fido and Myke (I had to research a bit on Utan and your channel 😄 I saw the quadrupled beast = fido and the fungal hound = myke, right? Looks super interesting!) Shaking Gideon's hand with a bit more of a squeeze than necessary, he says: "Hi Gideon, I'm Damiyen. To be honest, I've been more of a lone wolf in the past, so the whole partner thing is new to me, too.", emphasizing the partner to make clear that he does not want to be commanded by somebody he does not even really know. He then respectfully takes a step towards Myke and Fido and sees how they react to him. Afterwards he inquires about the concrete mission they are on. (edited)
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(Sweet! And yes, Gideon is assembling quite a menagerie) “This is Damiyen, boys,” Gideon tells his companions, motioning them towards the newcomer. “He’ll be traveling with us,” the Utan says as Fido and Myke begin sniffing. Turning back to Damiyen, Gideon adjusts the cutter rifle and bulging knapsack hanging from his shoulders. “We’ll be traveling by road to Gray-Town, and from there cutting southeast into the mushroom forests to clear a path to Marmora. We’ve got twenty workers, half a dozen soldiers, and a trailblazer ATV to lay down the road. I figured you and I could scout ahead once we hit the forest, but I don’t really know what to expect—I hardly ever left the psychic academy when I was here. Have you ever been out in the fungus?”
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(I'll post how the trailblazer works once I'm back to the books, Its from the new one )
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/28/2021 2:15 AM
Trailblazer
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/28/2021 2:24 AM
Gideon takes a moment with both Fido and Myke, enjoying their presence more than he openly admits. "I've never been out in the fungus, seems like it's a new thing for both of us. The scouting is exactly my thing, no problem there. Sounds like a fun road trip, that even earns us money. Speaking of which, what is our expected payment for this mission?"
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(Huh, I don’t actually know. Is that something Gideon would have learned when he applied for the job?)
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(I don’t typically tell players for many reasons )
7:41 AM
(But you’ve all been with me long enough to know I won’t waste your time)
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(Oh, definitely. I’m not worried)
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7:45 AM
Frowning, Gideon absentmindedly tugs at the teal fur on his chin. “You know, I don’t actually know… But I’ve never known the Confederacy to be stingy,” he finishes with a grin. “Well, shall we introduce ourselves to the crew?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/28/2021 9:57 AM
"Would've been good to know, given that we might risk our skin for this. Creating roads and stuff is nice, but at the end of the day, being nice is not something that fills your belly." Damiyen sighs a bit and says: "Yes, let's introduce ourselves to the rest of the crew. I would expect we will spend quite a bit of time together after all"
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Gideon approaches the milling workers and clears his throat. “All right, everyone, listen up,” the Utan shouts, trying a little too hard to impress. “I’m Agent Gideon and I’ve been assigned to supervise this project, and with me is Agent Damiyen,” he says, nodding toward the lean human. “We’ll be laying down some much needed road to Marmora, for which the Confederacy thanks you. But for today, we’re heading to Grey-Town. We’ll head out into the forest from there. Any questions? No? Then let’s move out.”
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(Grey town is 400km South which riding on your bike and the trailblazer we can cross pretty decently as far as pace. , if you didn’t want to rp or do anything with the existing road I can fast forward us there )
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(I don’t have anything in particular I wanted to rp before Grey-Town. Do you, Damiyen?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/29/2021 12:19 AM
(I'm okay with fast forwarding)
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Grey-Town is a small village, created back when Greystar was first considering setting down and making a capital here. It was difficult to persuade people away from the lights and sounds of Ash City, but the reign of the Still Lady and other troubles still made some want to go, and a few thousand people live here. It is just as modern as the large city to the north, but lacks some of the glamor and neon. Several logistics depots have been constructed here so cargo can be brought north overland and the busy airport in Ash City remains free for civilian traffic.
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(How late is it when the crew arrives? I assume we’ll have to spend a night in town before getting to work in the morning)
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(the drive would have been about 5 hours, so it would be early afternoon)
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/29/2021 11:13 AM
Upon arriving in Grey-Town, Damiyen says to Gideon: "Let's speak with the locals first, maybe they have some tips about the fungal forest. Afterwards we can decide whether we want to press on and make camp in the forest tonight or not"
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“That sounds good to me,” Gideon says, nodding along. As they enter the town, he begins scanning for any people or buildings that might prove informative.
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There is a small town hall since this is its own distinct settlement with its own administrative needs. The city also has a small barracks for local police and military, and the large cargo logistics hub where cargo lighters bring cargo down from the space station before it is distributed here, and trucked into Ash City.
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/29/2021 2:52 PM
(Town Hall would be an obvious choice, at least for official words. The barracks or cargo hub could be more interesting to learn personal opinions or rumors. Feel free to make a call, I'm fine with either of them 🙂)
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(Okay. Why don’t we start with the town officials) Spotting the town hall, Gideon decides its only courteous to introduce themselves to the town’s manager. Motioning the workers and soldiers to wait on the street, the Utan cocks his head towards Damiyen and then heads into the building.
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/30/2021 1:21 AM
Damiyen finishes his small chat with one of the crew members and follows Gideon
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The town hall is a functional space, not a pretty one, but it seems to do the job of watching the surrounding area and keeping the town running orderly well enough. Several workers occupy the bottom floor of the building, working at consoles, filing hard copies of papers, and otherwise performing the mechanisms of government. An information desk greets people coming in from outside so they can be directed to the right place. The city engineer and planning team are on the second floor.
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/30/2021 8:09 AM
Damiyen heads straight for the information desk and says: "Hi, I'm Agent Damiyen and this is Agent Gideon. We are leading the team to construct the road to Marmora and would like to speak with the planning team. Would you be so kind to let them know we are here?"
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There is some wait as calls are made, you're given water and as much food as you want to keep you comfortable while you wait. The planning team has other day jobs, and all of them leave as soon as they're able to come in and discuss the way ahead with you[ meeting you in a conference room two hours after you'd asked for an audience
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/30/2021 12:50 PM
Damiyen is not interested at all in the food and gets more and more annoyed by the fact that they are left waiting. He turns to Gideon: "This is ridiculous, as if we had nothing better to do than sitting around here all day. Maybe we should just leave and begin to build the road instead of waiting for these idiots to make their coffee and finish their Sudoku, or whatever it is they are doing." Waiting is not something that Damiyen enjoys, and Gideon learn that in those 2 hours.
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(I moved us into meeting them now, other than saying hello, they need to hear what specific information you wnt to be able to help you)
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Damiyen Rodrick 11/30/2021 12:57 PM
(Gideon would know that better than Damiyen, so he would probably let Gideon start the conversation)
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Though initially content to wait, Gideon begins to share Damiyen’s impatience. “If they were going to keep us waiting all this time, they could have at least told us,” Gideon growls. When the planning team finally arrives, Gideon straightens but pointedly remains seated. “Ah, I was beginning to wonder if the planning section had taken the day off. Agent Damiyen and I will be overseeing a construction of a new road between Grey-Town and Marmora. What can you tell us about the mushroom forests southeast of here? Terrain, flora, fauna, and the like?”
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"There are fungal hounds and mossgrubbers nearby, I'd expect you'll see lots of both within the first ten kilometers or so. The grubbers especially seem to like the scrap metal that gets thrown into the woods. The Confederation already has some uses for them and the purified metal ingots they...excrete.. Beyond that, you're going to be in untraveled country. There are routes you can take to avoid mountains, and most of the lava channels or vents should be concentrated further north than we are- so any difficulties you have are going to be things no one has encountered before for the most part. Any resources found along the route will be good things to leave infrastructure for. Trains going to or returning from Marmora hauling passengers and cargo will be good for the entire route.
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“Do the mossgrubbers pose any danger to our equipment?”
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"No. They're very slow, even at walking speed, they would never catch you, and they're not known to attack anyone for food""
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(I can’t think of anything else to ask. Want to wrap up the conversation?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/2/2021 1:01 AM
(Yes, let's wrap it up) "That will be all, thank you for your time" Damiyen says and heads out. "That was a total waste of time, we could've taken a drink instead and that would have been time used in a better way" he says to Gideon. "Speaking of drinks, want to have some?"
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(so we know there are hounds to think about, the mossgrubbers don't present a threat but their by products could be potent fuel for the trailblazer. I have not generated the hexes between here and there, that's something we won't find out until we all do this together- so any other information would have been a red herring at best)
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Gideon nods his head in agreement. “Well, we did learn something… but two hours! Why’d they keep us waiting for two hours! And yes, I could use a drink.” With that, the Utan begins looking around for any sign of a bar or tavern.
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THere is a small tavern in town that used to be responsible for just Greystar agents. Now it’s open to everyone and they do brisk business as a watering hole for the passing truck drivers
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/2/2021 2:52 PM
(we can fast forward this unless we want to rp drinking games 😀. Damiyen wants to chat a little with Gideon, but not get totally drunk, just having a social evening. If there are people talking about they forests that could be interesting, otherwise let's skip?)
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(Sounds good to me)
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(I don’t think the people here would be saying much since they don’t have a need to go into the woods)
👍 1
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(Okay. Gideon doesn’t plan on getting drunk, either. Can we fast forward to the following morning?)
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First rise comes, such as morning does on this world of permanent night. The first of the rune inscribed moons crests over the horizon and everyone else seems to be waking as well. There is already a pair of technicians getting the cutting head of the trailblazer ready to measure and cut the surface of the road. Its boilers are already waking up too, soon they'll be converting the cut plant matter into road surface. Other workers rub sleep from their eyes and begin hefting their tools, thermos of coffee, and other things they need to complete the workday. A few mag chain cutters have also been strapped to the side of the blazer to assist with limb removal. Everyone is prepared to go.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/3/2021 12:21 PM
"Looks like we're ready to go, let's lay some road!" Damiyen says to Gideon
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Gideon nods at Damiyen and raises a fist to stifle a yawn before addressing the crew. “All right, everyone, let’s get to work. Agent Damiyen and I will scout ahead. I want a guard on each side of the trailblazer and two with us.”
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(d10, as we move into our first hex)
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The trailblazer's engines fire and the first few meters of ground weeds are gobbled up. The reactor within begins turning the plant material into something to be used for road surface- and workers with mag chains begin cutting down a thin strip of trees in the immediate front of the Trailblazer. The fallen timbers will likewise be gobbled up by the machine, for additional material use. The two of you move beyond the noise, deeper into the woods to determine what type of terrain or hazards may lay ahead. You walk for about ten minutes before coming on the remains of an overgrown ground truck. The door is daubed with Still Lady sigils, though it does not seem like it has moved in a very long time.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/5/2021 1:30 PM
"Eyes open" Damiyen whispers and makes signs that indicate that he will circle around the truck and look for anything suspicious.
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Gideon unslings his rifle and begins scanning the surrounding forest while watching Damiyen out of the corner of his eye. Fido and Myke tense, ready to react.
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The truck has not been touched by human hands in a very long time. Its drivers compartment is empty but there are crates strapped down by tarpaulins, once blue, now stained an ash gray and black by the endless rains and mud.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/6/2021 11:07 AM
Damiyen signals Gideon that he does not see anything suspicious. He goes to the crates and tries to see if he can read anything on the outside that indicates what is in there.
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Gideon relaxes and joins Damiyen by the crates, Myke and Fido padding along behind him.
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The crate is labeled with the stamp of one of the Still Lady era factories. It looks like it is split between building materials and food, a supply convoy for some remote wilderness site that never made it to its destination from the look of things.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/7/2021 8:10 AM
Damiyen would like to investigate if any of the building material or food could be useful to the mission. Afterwards, the two inform the trailblazer about the vehicle, so that the trailblazer does not hit it. If there are interesting supplies, they inform them to pass near it and take what is useful. (Anything else? Otherwise let's continue?)
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The building materials look to be in good condition. Guard rails or even some light posts could be made for the first stretch of highway from what's inside. The wreck could even be towed out and fixed up with a small investment of credits. THe food is non perishable and might give your expedition some legs when its far from civilization on both ends of its route. (If either of you wants a TL4 ground truck, this is a good chance to pick it up) (Lets see if Gideon wants to do anything first) (edited)
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(Nope, I can’t think of anything to do with a TL4 truck. I’d be happy to grab the supplies, though. Some guard rails would be nice for any ravines we come to, or if we need to build a bridge) Pulling out his compad, Gideon notifies the crew of the trucks location and asks them to swing by it on their way. Then he nods to Damiyen: “Ready to go?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/8/2021 9:16 AM
Damiyen nods: "Let's continue" (edited)
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It is what you’d consider to be late morning on a night world like this one as you move past the truck and lay down several kilometers of road through the forest. So far the truck is the only interesting thing you’ve come across , that is until you find the body. Dangling from a nearby tree it has mostly gone to bone. A sack cloth over its head and a sign around its neck too faded to read from here, along with the tatters of a still lady uniform make up the rest of its features
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/8/2021 1:35 PM
"Huh I guess he belongs to the truck that we found back there. Maybe he annoyed his friends enough to make them hang him?" Damiyen says without being too serious.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/8/2021 2:03 PM
Damiyen goes to the hanging body and tries to see any details. Then he turns to Gideon: "Want to get him down?"
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Gideon nods. “Yeah, we should at least give him a proper burial.” With that, the Utan scrambles up the tree to lower the body down.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/8/2021 2:46 PM
Damiyen is impressed as he watches Gideon elegantly and quickly climb up the tree to get the body down. (edited)
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(Time to use those opposable toes!)
😀 1
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It’s a routine matter to cut the rotting cord that holds the body to the tree and it’s carefully let down. Now that you have a closer view the sign has the word “Apostate” carved into it. Crudely done, this looks like the work of a knife or meta tool.
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“Huh, I wonder what it took to be labeled an apostate in those days,” Gideon says, peering over the corpse. He signals one of the workers to meet them with a shovel and then gets to work digging a grave.
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The rotting uniform seems to be pulling down as you go to heft the body out of the way so a hole can be dug. It's got something squirreled away on it.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/9/2021 1:27 PM
Damiyen steps up and investigates the body
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There is a small data-pad in the body's pocket. I:t has been cleverly hidden into the lining of the uniform and is only visible now as much of the body mass that would have hidden it is gone now, eaten by animals and otherwise naturally decayed.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/10/2021 1:42 PM
"Well what do we have here". Damiyen plays around with the data pad to see what's on it
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Gideon stops digging, mops his brow, and shuffles over to Damiyen, craning over the agent’s shoulder. (edited)
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(Program/int damiyen
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/11/2021 9:05 AM
(4)
9:06 AM
Damiyen spends some time pressing buttons without any result. Frustrated, he hands it over to Gideon. "Gah. Probably worthless. Here have a look"
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(I was going to say, if Gideon has at least a 0 in this, he can assist and we would get some info)
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(Nope, unfortunately he doesn’t). Gideon scowls at the data pad, presses a few buttons, sniffs it, and then tucks it into his pocket. “If he was willing to go to the effort of hiding the data pad , maybe there’s something valuable on it. Someone in Marmora might be able to read it for us.” With that, Gideon gently deposits the corpse in the grave, pauses for a moment of silence, and then begins filling the hole back in.
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The hole is dug and a few intervening limbs are cut down to be fuel for the trailblazer and it’s road construction process. You think you can at least scout one more area before the need to set up camp for third rise and the long “night” (edited)
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Tossing the shovel back onto the trailblazer, Gideon turns to Damiyen. “Ready to go?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/12/2021 10:19 AM
Yup let's go
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Moving on from the vehicle and the body you push into the mushroom forest and encounter your first area of old growth that needs to be removed before the trailblazer can make headway. The keening two-throated whine of an Acastus Fungal Hound is heard as the tools begin powering up, followed by the cries of several others. They are not right on top of you,b ut they are close.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/13/2021 2:38 AM
Damiyen turns to Gideon: "That sounds like a whole pack of fungal hounds. If I'm right and the whole pack stumbles upon us, we'll be in trouble. Any ideas?"
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After notifying the work crew of the threat and warning them not to wander off, Gideon turns to Damiyen: “We could try to scare them away. Maybe bring down a few trees or toss a few grenades…”
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/13/2021 11:51 AM
"No grenades over here, buddy" Damiyen says and takes out his laser pistol. "Might have to do it the old fashioned way..."
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Gideon nods. “All right. Want to bring any of the soldiers with us, or should we leave them all guarding the trailblazer?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/14/2021 3:57 AM
"The trailblazer has the highest priority, we can't risk that anything happens to the crew. So let's leave the soldiers there, and try to scare the hounds off ourselves. We need to appear as intimidating as possible, then they will realize we are not easy prey and go away. That's the theory at least."
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(Following, you guys are mid plan so I didnt want to advance the scene)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/14/2021 9:15 AM
(Yes let's finish a plan first 🙂 )
9:16 AM
"Maybe we could get some grenades from the soldiers, or anything else that makes a loud noise. Do you have something on you?" Damiyen asks Gideon (edited)
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“I have three grenades myself. Let’s grab a few more from the guards and scare some hound,” Gideon says with a grin. “Not you,” he adds, glancing at Myke. With that, Gideon turns and begins to make his way back to the trailblazer, planning to check to see if at has any other noisy equipment they could borrow.
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The guards don’t have much in the way of explosives. You manage to scare up another two grenades from them but that’s about all they have on hand.
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(They’re not kitted for a battle , more for exploration. Items of kit just for killing and no extra survival purchase weren’t prioritized )
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(Okay) Handing the spare grenades to Damiyen, Gideon readies his rifle and begins ranging ahead of the trailblazer to search for the pack.
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You can hear the howls now, coming from in front of you and Gideon would estimate about 200m away given his time hunting and being hunted in forests on other worlds all throughout his early life
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/16/2021 4:27 AM
Damiyen follows Gideon, all the while keeping alert and trying to locate any of the howls more precisely. He has his laser pistol out and grenades ready.
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(if you guys have an idea to try to drive them off we can do that first, I don't want to throw you into combat without giving you an opportunity firsT)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/16/2021 7:59 AM
(are those shrapnel grenades? then we could just throw 1 or 2 of them forward and see what happens)
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(And I’ve got an advance melee weapon. Could we use that to chop down a tree near them to make a big crash?)
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Eisheru, et al. 12/16/2021 9:07 AM
(just an FYI grenades can be thrown 10m and have a 5m explosion radius.)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/16/2021 11:27 AM
(let's throw a grenade, the loud noise and shockwave of the explosion could already scare them away. They are wild beasts and if you don't expect a grenade, that should be a good scare. I would expect Gideon to be a bit ahead of Damiyen, so you are probably the one to throw one if you think it's a good idea.)
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(Sounds good to me) Ears twitching, Gideon begins moving closer to the pack, hoping to make visual contact. As he advances, he signals Fido and Myke to spread out about 10 meters on either side of him.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/17/2021 7:02 AM
Damiyen keeps a bit of a distance to Gideon, and walks in a little arc to remain undetected.
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From 50m away you can see the pack sniffing the air. You're too far for a grenade throw from here, but can make out the seven fungal hounds. Six look to be hunters, along with their seventh, the alpha- a very large fungal hound indeed. They scent through fallen mushroom stalks and overturned rocks, and occasionally lift their noses to scent the air, steadily drawing in closer
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Gideon move cautiously closer, stamping his feet loudly as he goes. Once has halved the distance, he stops, glares at the alpha, and tosses a grenade into the space between them. Still keeping his gaze on the alpha, Gideon begins to roar and beat his breast.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/17/2021 9:37 AM
(oh boy, full on attack? :D) Damiyen is impressed by the roar and joins the fray
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(need a hit/damage for the grenade, and I'll take a morale check for them, fi they pass then we'll get initiative) (edited)
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(Just to clarify, I wasn’t trying to attack them directly or hit anyone—just to throw something into the space between us)
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(Yeah but there is a chance they can scatter so if you’re throwing it we need it)
5:12 PM
(And the hounds will hear the blast and will take the morale check, but hitting them or not you’re announcing your presence. If they pass they’re going to attack)
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(Okay)
12:04 AM
(I rolled 20 — nat 19 +1 str)
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(Doesn’t scatter, will go the full ten meters forward and explode, but everyone’s out of the radius so no damage
6:33 AM
The explosion startles the hounds. There is some hesitation for a few seconds before the pack scatters, heading deeper into the woods as far and fast as their legs will carry them
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Seeing the pack scatter, Gideon feels a surge of pride. Overcome by his instincts, the Utan keeps pounding his chest for a full minute after the fungal hounds disappear.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/18/2021 1:28 PM
Damiyen is happy that they avoided a fight with a whole pack of hounds. He goes over to Gideon and after a while of pounding he lays a hand on his shoulder and says:"It's okay buddy, I think they got the message" while grinning. "let's get back to the trailblazer to make sure everything is fine"
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Gideon looks surprised when Damiyen grabs his shoulder and then smiles a bit sheepishly. “Yes, let’s check in,” he says, turning to follow Damiyen back to the trailblazer.
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The work crew was sheltering near it, or on top of it until the hounds were dealt with, while the security detail was dismounted and preparing to deal with anything making it past you. Everyone seems relieved that there was no loss of life here today and behind them you can see fresh asphalt made from plant matter, glittering under the light of the second rise moon.
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“All right, everyone. The pack has been dispersed. We can get back to work,” Gideon announces to the crew. “Want to keep scouting?” he asks, turning to Damiyen.
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/19/2021 10:56 AM
"sure do, let's go"
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(We're at about where we're going to get with one day of travel, if that changes anything. We can push on, but it's going to be true night as we enter the next zone)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/19/2021 3:06 PM
(spending the night scouting in an unknown forest is not something I would do without a good reason. I think we should call it a day and make camp. Gideon, do you you object?)
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(Nope. Setting up camp sounds good to me)
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(any special arrangements as we set that up? )
8:58 AM
(figuring out our security measures might be a solid idea too so if we do get an encounter we generally have an idea of the conditions within camp)
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(Maybe everyone on the road and two guards on watch at a time?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/20/2021 1:04 PM
(Sounds pretty good. i'd say pull the trailblazer back a bit from the end of the road and have one guard ahead of the trailblazer on the finished road as well as the other one behind the trailblazer on the road. Both of them should be able to watch their respective direction of road as well as the sides of the parked trailblazer, where the rest makes camp)
1:05 PM
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1:06 PM
(the X are the two guards, arrow point to the area they should cover, small blue rect is the blazer)
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(Take a re roll token damiyen. Really appreciate you going above and beyond on that )
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(Looks great! That works for me. Do we want Gideon and Damiyen to take a shift, too, or just the guards?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/20/2021 3:08 PM
(sure let's take the middle one)
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(Sounds good)
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(d10 for our encounter check! either of you)
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The pack returns close to midnight. The alpha and his four hunters have returned and are sighted 40m from camp, moving quietly through the night-seen through low light goggles.
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Gideon signals Damiyen quietly using his compad. “Do you see them? It looks like our friends from this afternoon have returned. I’m thinking of taking a few potshots with my las rifle to scare them off without waking the rest of the camp…” the Utan says as he unslings his rifle and begins tracking the fungal hounds through his scope.
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(Gunfire is 100% going to wake up the camp. Laser weapons aren’t silent )
9:38 PM
(But I think waking people up is probably the least of the problem)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/22/2021 1:01 AM
"I don't think that scaring them away will work again. They came back after the grenade, which means they are pretty desperate. I think we need to fight this time. Get ready, but leave me the first shot. If I can hit the alpha that could be enough to disperse the pack. For the case that they still attack, we should wake the soldiers, but only if quietly possible.", Damiyen says. He moves to a position that allows him to crouch down behind the trailblazer as cover and gets out his sniper rifle. (I would like to setup an execution attack on the alpha, if you think it's reasonably given the time it takes)
1:03 AM
(Image for fun 😄) (edited)
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(I think it would be tight, since we need to track them for a full minute from a prepared position and they need to remain unaware of you. They’ll get a notice check. If that fails, you can shoot, and then we will be in combat since they’ll be basically right on the camp by then
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/22/2021 6:35 AM
(Fine with me)
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(Failed their notice, so go ahead)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/23/2021 1:04 AM
(9) Damiyen takes out his Sniper rifle and crouches down. He puts the front of the rifle on top of a ledge of the trailblazer. Looking through the scope he locates the alpha, a huge fungal hound that looks really impressive. The hound is slowly approaching, so Damiyen concentrates, after a few seconds, there is only the hound and him. All the rest fades to nothing. He waits for the right moment, and when it comes, he slowly pulls the trigger, letting the shot take it's time. When the silence of the night is broken by the loud shot, he already knows that he hit. Putting down the sniper rifle, he takes out his pistol and says to Gideon: "The pack leader is down, let's take care of the rest." (edited)
🔥 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/23/2021 1:54 AM
(My shoot skill is +1, for the penalty) (edited)
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(He failed his physical effect save, so he's down
7:34 AM
The shot punches through the center mass of the Alpha. This might make an impressive trophy at some point and you've even managed to save the head. The rest of the pack howls, and the other six begin charging forward rapidly. (initiative)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/23/2021 7:43 AM
(5) (two rolls because of foci "Alert")
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(got a 3 for the pack, so Gideon, Damiyen, and the hounds. They're 20m away by the time Damiyen got the set up time for the execution handled and then took the shot)
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Gideon bares his teeth as he see the alpha drop. “Nice shot!” Aiming for the nearest hound, he hastily fires off a shot. As he does so, Fido and Myke thunder towards the oncoming pack.
8:30 AM
(Burst firing the cutter rifle, I got 14)
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(14 hits, whats our damage? )
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(13! That’s including +2 from burst firing)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/23/2021 11:25 AM
Damiyen also aims for the nearest hound and fires off his laser pistol (Attack=7, Damage=4)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/23/2021 11:51 AM
"Looks like I'm leading 1:0, but who's keeping count anyway" he says with a smirk to Gideon. (edited)
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The first of the hounds (after the alpha ) is cut down and the remaining pack members have a moment of hesitation between them before they surge forward to 10m from you. (Evasion save each)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/23/2021 12:19 PM
(success, 20 vs 13)
12:20 PM
(who got the killing shot? :D)
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(Success, 12 vs 12)
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(2 damage each)
2:41 PM
A hail of spines fired from the tails of the fungal hounds rains down on yoir position. The hail is too dense to entirely avoid, but you manage to get most of yourselves out of the way as they rain down in a barbed tip storm
2:42 PM
(treating the pack as a swarm, so that was their combined move, back to Gideon)
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(Can Fido and Myke attack, too?
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(They do on your turn yes)
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(Okay) “It looks like we’re even,” Gideon says as the lead hound crumples. Swinging his rifle around, he fires off a burst at the next closest creature and signals Fido and Myke to attack. (I only rolled a four for the cutter rifle. What do I roll for Fido and Myke?)
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(Their hit bonus is half your character level and their damage is 1d6 melee damage, but they do not do shock damage. It’s under the description for the core gaiascopic power ) (edited)
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(Ah, okay. Thanks!) (Fido rolled a 12 and Myke a 15)
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(Myke hits)
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(6!)
😎 1
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As melee combat begins, a hound is pulled from its feet and trampled beneath the tides of claws and jaws.
8:10 AM
(Damiyen)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/27/2021 11:40 AM
Damiyen is very calm and measured in the face of the rapidly approaching pack. He takes his time to aim and shoots one of the hounds that is charging him directly into the face, hitting it mid-leap. (Attack=17, Damage=6) Immediately after shooting with his pistol, he quickly holsters it and draws his Monoblade Knife to welcome the next attacker.
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(The -4 from a pistol in close combat makes it a 13, but it still hits )
5:46 PM
A second pack member is downed and the beasts lay in with Jaws and claws now that the hunt is on, but nothing is able to punch through the stout armor you’re all wearing (Gideon)
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Snarling as the melee begins, Gideon draws his sword and slashes at the closest hound as Fido and Myke pounce upon it from either side. (Gideon only rolled a 6 to hit, but does 3 shock damage to anything with AC less than 13)
6:01 AM
(And Fido and Myke roll a 3 and a 5 respectively. Oof)
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One of the beasts wounded by Damiyen already falls, leaving half the pack still locked in melee with you. Their body language shows their confidence beginning to waiver
6:44 AM
(Damiyen)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/28/2021 9:49 AM
(11 to hit, 7 damage, 2 Schock vs AC <= 15)
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The knife flashes out and the shock drops another of the creatures. Their morale broken the wounded survivors begin to turn tail and flee. (Main action to use fighting withdrawal and not trigger opportunity attacks and their move to move away from you. They’re not going to come back if you decide not to shoot them down, you’ve mauled them enough to know there’s easier food elsewhere)
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(I’m fine with letting them go if you are, Damiyen)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/29/2021 1:46 PM
(totally fine) "Looks like the party is over." Damiyen sheaths his knife and goes to pick up and reload his sniper rifle. "If you fancy trophies, help yourself, it's just not my thing." he says to Gideon and turns back to the trailblazer. "Let's hope the rest of the night is a bit more boring."
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Gideon nods and signals Fido and Myke to stand down. “Nice shooting,” he says, returning his sword to his belt. “And no trophies for me. Do you need any healing? I know a bit of biopsionics.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/30/2021 3:17 AM
"I wouldn't say no" Damiyen says
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Gideon faces Damiyen, places his hand on the agent’s shoulder, and closes his eyes. Probing with his senses, he repairs what he can, experiencing a momentary shiver as he expends psychic effort. (Okay, Damiyen heals 3 hp)
8:47 AM
Next, the Utan beckons his animal companions to him. With Fido and Myke obediently sitting at his feet, he rests a hand on their heads and heals each of them in turn. Lastly, Gideon turns inward and heals the damage caused by the fungal hound spines. (Gideon, Fido, and Myke each had only 2 damage to heal, so I don’t have to bother rolling)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/30/2021 11:14 AM
Immediately after the healing, Damiyen places a hand on Gideon's shoulder, mimicking the way Gideon has his hand on Damiyens shoulder and says: :"Thanks, Gideon. I appreciate this."
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Gideon grins sheepishly. “My pleasure. It’s nice to put some of that psychic academy training to work.” After a moment, the Utan breaks off and checks the power cell of his rifle. Shouldering it, he half turns towards his sentry position. “Well, I hope that’s the end of tonight’s entertainment.”
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(There would be one strain on Damiyen as well from the healing )
👍 1
4:56 PM
(Wouldn’t roll off for now since we didn’t get the night of rest, but the convoy is safe. D10 for the next area)
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Damiyen Rodrick 12/31/2021 2:46 AM
(5)
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The vehicles fire up again as first rise comes. Light such little as there is on Acastus begins making the forest visible enough to work through and the trailblazer begins working. The two of you begin moving ahead once again acting as scouts , walking for half an hour to the steady rhythm of saws behind you when you enter a clearing where a shuttle sized space craft has crashed and was forgotten about.
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Spotting the crashed shuttle, Gideon turns to Damiyen: “More wreckage just lying around? That must have been some war… I’ll check it out.” Flanked by Fido and Myke, the Utan shuffles carefully toward the downed vehicle. Once within about 10 meters, he motions for his animal companions to circle around the craft while he begins looking for any markings or entryways.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/1/2022 12:16 PM
Damiyen stays back a little and eyes the surroundings carefully for any activity.
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The wreck sure is quiet. You can see the early UNW emblem on the side and the large hole in the bottom where the Still Lady breaker guns shot it down.
6:18 PM
There is no sign of the crew but there are reports in the latter still lady days where they were found and hung
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Gideon approaches the hole and peers into the shuttle.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/2/2022 11:11 AM
Damiyen stays a bit further back and eyes their surroundings while Gideon inspects the shuttle.
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Looking inside its clear this shuttle belonged to both a Taros and one of the earliest users of magic in the Iron sectors region. A device that looks like a dream catcher has been fixed to the wall near the pilot compartment. It’s been slightly burned but overall it seems like the structure of the device is intact.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/2/2022 12:27 PM
"Hey Gideon, did you find something? Or have you fallen asleep in there?" Damiyen is near the entrance and calls out to Gideon.
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“No, everything looks safe,” Gideon says, scrambling out of the shuttle. “There’s some sort of strange… device stuck on the wall there. Every seen anything like it?” (Is Gideon able to detect any active psychic or magical effects in the shuttle with his psychic refinement?) (edited)
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(The dream catcher is a metaspace rubric. Write up for it is in our rulebook, but that’s the only effect here )
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“I think it’s a meta space rubric—a device for storing psychic energy. Nothing’s active now, but this shuttle must have had a psychic crew member,” Gideon informs Damiyen before heading to a console to look for a crew manifest or mission log.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/3/2022 1:05 AM
"uh huh. Sounds... useful?" Damiyen says, having not really any clue.
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(program/int Gideon . the computers are damaged, ect)
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“Maybe. I think they have to be imprinted or something…” Gideon says, concentrating intently on the computer before him. (8)
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The shuttle was under the command of Sebasteia , a UNW operative. Her entire expedition and its untimely end was captured on her Argus Web, recorded here as well. Her time on planet was less than a day and her entire short mission was captured here in detail. #sebasteia (Great read) (edited)
3:01 PM
(And you'll have this info now. Some pre GSC history)
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(Sweet! I’m traveling right now but look forward to giving it a read when I get home)
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Gideon let’s out a low whistle as he skims the files. After a few moments, he connects his data pad to the shuttle and begins copying them. “It looks like this shuttle belonged to a UNW agent; all her body cam footage is here. I’m sure someone at HQ will want to look it over.” Once the transfer is complete, Gideon disconnects his data pad, rises, and turns to Damiyen: “Well, I think that’s about it for this old wreck. Ready to head out?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/4/2022 1:26 PM
"I'm ready, let's go" Damiyen is happy to leave and do more interesting stuff anyway.
1:28 PM
(it's interesting to have those old channels with dead PCs and their history, nice move @Nekosmash 😍)
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(Thank you!)
8:04 PM
(Their locker is intact if you guys want to nab anything )
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/5/2022 1:42 AM
Damiyen heads to the locker and takes a look for anything useful
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/5/2022 5:52 AM
(is their a picture of Sebasteia? Do we now recognize something from the hanged body?)
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(The body was strung up years ago by Still Lady forces and is probably in an unmarked grave somewhere. I don't know what Hoef's character art for her looked like as he eventually was kicked out of the game for using some slurs and generally just being a giant creep ) The locker has come from UNW territory and inside, as Sebasteia was a taros, you find a Taros rifle, a bit battered, but the magnetic accelerator coils look to be working still.
🔥 3
😍 2
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Gideon clambers over to Damiyen and peers over his shoulder into the locker. “That’s some rifle! Those fungal hounds had better keep their distance.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/5/2022 3:53 PM
(Who takes the rifle? 😅 We could roll a die if you're interested as well 😀)
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(You can have it. Gideon isn’t much of a shot!)
🥰 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/6/2022 1:25 AM
Damiyen takes the Taros Rifle. "Seems like this gun has seen better days. But nothing a bit of care couldn't fix." He shoulders the taros rifle and drops his Laser Pistol. (Carrying too much stuff 😄 ) "Help yourself to the Pistol, the rifle should be more than enough to handle anything from a stopping power perspective" Damiyen leaves the shuttle and waits for Gideon to get out, too. "Should we get going again? There for sure is a lot of stuff in those fungal forests... I'm curious what we'll find next" (edited)
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Gideon slips the pistol into his backpack and follows Damiyen out of the shuttle. “Me, too. It’s like a walk through a museum of Acastus’ history.”
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The white powder like smoke belched by the trailblazer is catching up to you now. The soldiers with it estimate they're about twenty minutes from your position, and there is time to re-route a bit if you want to keep the wreck away from a path of travel people will be using.
😅 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/6/2022 8:22 AM
"Damiyen to Trailblazer: I'm sending you the position of a wreck in your current direction of travel. Gideon and me suggest you to adapt the course in order to avoid it. Would be a bit unfortunate if you hit the wreck and go up in a giant fireball while we are busy scouting." (edited)
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Gideon grins and waits for Damiyen to finish. “Ready?”
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(I'll leave it up to you guys if you want to bring it up in the meeting, to see if we want to tell the UNW about this. Repatriating a war grave might be a good political move and it will get both of you some standing with the Taros)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/6/2022 9:49 AM
(with "meeting" are you referring to #greystar-monthly-agent-roundtable ? I have not yet really an good overview of other channels beside personal channels)
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(I’m in the same boat!)
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Eisheru, et al. 1/6/2022 9:53 AM
(yes that would be the right place to bring it up Damiyen)
👍 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/6/2022 11:25 AM
(let's pretend for a moment that I do not really have a clue what that channel is exactly for and why it's "monthly" and that I don't get most of the things people are talking about there. 😃 Where could I, hypothetically 😂, read more about it and when would Gideon and me post there about the wreck we found? At the beginning of the month? When we finished the road? Immediately because it's a side-channel)
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Eisheru, et al. 1/6/2022 11:30 AM
(will answer you in our OOC server)
👍 1
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(I’m always happy to answer these kinds of questions too. I can’t address problems or gaps if I don’t know about them)
❤️ 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/7/2022 1:10 AM
Damiyen takes another look at the wreck and then turns to Gideon: "Sure. Let's go"
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(one more D10, and then we can discuss night arrangements again)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/7/2022 1:31 PM
(I rolled the last hex so I'll leave it to Gideon 😉)
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Moving past the shuttle wreck you progress another few kilometers into the forest before you emerge onto the shore of a large surface lake. This far from the volcanoes , dark water is a black mirror reflecting the star field above.
7:28 PM
Surface water is rare on Acastus. You’re probably one of the few who have ever looked upon this sunless sea
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Gideon stops in his tracks and stares at the starry sea. “What a beauty! This might make a good site for a settlement.” Fiddling with his survey scanner, he looks for any mineral deposits or other geological features that might support a colony.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/8/2022 11:15 AM
"I agree that it looks beautiful, but for what we want to do it's one big obstacle. We should probably make camp for tonight here and tomorrow we'll have to determine the best route around the lake without too much of a detour for the finished road." Damiyen is positively surprised about Gideon's enthusiasm concerning a possible colony.
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Gideon nods, his enthusiasm dimming a bit. “I suppose so. But imagine if people could leave behind dull Ash City and live out here, by the water. During my time at the academy, I could never get used to being so far from the shore…” With that, the Utan notices the work crew to meet them at their position and prepare to make camp. (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/8/2022 4:14 PM
Damiyen is interested in Gideons time at the university, but files it away for later. "I agree, the people will be very likely to settle here if it's suitable enough. Or, on second thought, scratch that last part, they will definitely settle if word gets out. That influences our road plan, assuming we want this lake to be known.
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If there are minerals they’re under too much water for the scanner to be able to pick them out. The woods are quiet given the advance of the work crew and heavy machinery. The smell of fungal hound blood on you is probably keeping the animals away too
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“So, should we camp right on along the water? We’d be a bit exposed, but we’d have one fewer direction to guard, and we’d be able to see anything coming.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/9/2022 11:17 AM
"Sounds like a plan. As long as the ground is stable enough for the trailblazer, we should be fine and you have a valid point about less directions to cover." (I suppose with that Gideon and Damiyen meet with the Trailblazer Crew at a suitable spot along the lake and start making camp)
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(Sounds good to me. Same watch set up as last time?)
👍 1
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(okay, sounds good. Emojis dont ping the channel so i was waiting on a reply)
8:19 PM
(lets get a notice.wis from each of you for our time on watch)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/11/2022 12:59 AM
(10)
1:01 AM
In the evening, Damiyen sends a report about Sebasteia's Shuttle to Greystar. (Mentioned you in #greystar-monthly-agent-roundtable Gideon 😉 ) Later, when Gideon and Damiyen are on watch, he starts a conversation: "You talked about your time at the academy earlier this day. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of academy are you speaking of? Are you a scientist?" (edited)
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Gideon looks up, startled. “Oh, no. The Psychic Academy. That’s what first brought me to Acastus. How about you?”
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(one sec., when you're done talking let me know, because Damiyen is going to notice something when he is alone on watch later) (edited)
7:51 AM
(RP as much as you want though)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/11/2022 1:04 PM
"I'm from... a bit further out. To be honest, I've never heard about the psychic academy. I had to cancel a long-term professional engagement on rather short notice, so I was in a bit of a hurry to leave. Since then I'm more or less on the move and do jobs that pay money. Did you meet Myke and Fido at the university?" He asks and gently reaches with his hand towards myke, holding out is hand a bit and watching for a reaction, but not pressing the matter if Myke is not interested.
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Myke sniffs Damiyen’s hand and then offers his head to be petted. “No. I appreciate what I learned there, but I couldn’t wait to get out and start exploring. I met Fido on the first planet I visited and he’s been with me ever since. Myke I requisitioned just before this mission.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/12/2022 6:41 AM
Damiyen pets Myke for a moment. Then he turns back to Gideon and says: "Let's hope for a quiet night, I'm not eager to meet another pack of fungal hounds." With that Damiyen stands up and resumes the guard duty. (Damiyen is done for now, @Nekosmash )
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Eisheru, et al. 1/12/2022 6:54 AM
(no need to ping Neko. Just saying you are ready to move on is plenty)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/12/2022 6:54 AM
(okay sorry I was not sure if he meant an explicit ping by "letting me know", I remember that we are supposed to avoid direct pings.)
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Eisheru, et al. 1/12/2022 6:56 AM
(all good! Neko gets notifications for every channel. So pinging for the most part is redundant outside of emergencies)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/12/2022 6:56 AM
(got it!)
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Watch duties are handed out, and as Damiyen sits alone on the edge of the banks the light of the Second and Third Rise moons make this dark sea look like glass. Ripples disturb the peaceful surface of the lake, and an elegant long necked creature emerges, 100m away to bask in the moonlight. Silver scales on its back catch some of the moon beams, and it looks to be just basking here quietly in a place where it thinks it cannot be disturbed. It is a large creature, almost whale like in size, with scales getting steadily darker as they move from the back, down the flanks and to what you can see of the belly (edited)
❤️‍🔥 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/12/2022 11:42 AM
Damiyen simply sits there and enjoys the view and the beauty of both the creature and the whole moment. As long as the creature does not do anything that looks aggressive, he simply savors the whole experience. (I assume that Gideon and me are on guard duty at the same time again) After a couple seconds enjoying himself, he tries to non-verbally signal to Gideon to come over and be quiet.
11:43 AM
(I really liked that)
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(you're the only one awake right now Damiyen) (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/12/2022 12:07 PM
(all right, then:) Damiyen tries to wake up Gideon quietly, so that he is able to see the creature as well. He signals him not to make any noise and leads him to the edge of the lake where Damiyen saw the creature.
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(sneak/dex Damiyen)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/12/2022 12:50 PM
(11)
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Gideon is gently awakened. You;'ve kept noise to a minimum and the creature in the lake doesn't seem to notice
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Gideon wakes and quietly follows Damiyen to the shore, where he silently admires the creature.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/12/2022 2:34 PM
"It's beautiful isn't it. I wanted to show you this, because I think we can no longer recommend this place for settlement. What do you think?"
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“Yes, I suppose it would be best to leave its habitat undisturbed. I never knew anything so large lived on Acastus.” Gideon pulls out his com pad and begins recording the beast as quietly as he can.
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The beast skims the top of the water, quietly disturbing the surface- otherwise content to bask
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/13/2022 7:00 AM
Damiyen keeps watching the creature while Gideon is recording
7:25 AM
The creature continues basking in the starlight for another several minutes before quietly slipping below the waves
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The passage of the creature leaves nothing on the surface of the lake. It is glassy and undisturbed, quiet as it was when you first ventured here.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/13/2022 8:28 AM
"Seems like the show is over, got any good recordings?" Damiyen asks Gideon
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“I think so,” Gideon says, proffering Damiyen the compad. “Thanks for getting me. I think we may have just discovered a new species…”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/13/2022 9:42 AM
"True or not, the experience was worth the trip already. You should probably try to get some rest, I'll finish my guard and then do the same. Who knows what happens tomorrow, the fungal forest seems to be full of surprises"
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(didnt have any other encounters planned for the night, and the creature seems content to be below the lake for the rest of our time here)
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Gideon nods and shuffles back to his sleeping bag, where he promptly falls back asleep.
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(I'm set to move on if you guys didnt want to RP anything else, let me know!)
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(Sounds good to me)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/14/2022 1:00 AM
(OK to move on)
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Re-routing east away from the lake the first half day goes smoothly. Mushrrom trees are felled, the road is being constructed and the wildlife is keeping themselves back and out of trouble. As the lunch hour dawns the machine shuts down on the border of a truly old and wild section of the forest. The mushrooms here are taller and far more gnarled than the others you've passed. The spaces between them are wider, but darker.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/14/2022 11:33 AM
"And here I thought we already were in the thick of it. Seems like the really hard part is still in front of us. The good news is the mushrooms are further apart so it's not as cramped scouting ahead, bad news is that I'm sure we will encounter bigger creatures in here" Damiyen says to Gideon. "We should be especially careful from now on"
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Gideon nods, one hand drifting absentmindedly to pat the grenades on his belt. “At least we can’t be more than a day or two from Marmora. First round’s on me when we get there.” (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/14/2022 12:32 PM
"Oh there will be multiple rounds, that's for sure" Damiyen says with a grin. "But before we can get thoroughly drunk, we need to get through that first." and Damiyen points towards the old part of the forest. "So what are we waiting for? How hard can a bit more scouting be?"
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Grinning, Gideon gestures to Fido and Myke and the three begin loping into the fungal forest.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/14/2022 1:51 PM
Damiyen follows behind them
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Twigs have been snapped and litter the paths as yo enter the woods and have your first proper look around. Something large has broken them from the trees- and you can see it is more than just the wind knocking them off their perches (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/15/2022 3:46 AM
Damiyen looks at the pattern of snapped twigs: "Oh boy, Gideon look at this. All those snapped twigs? Something huge must be living in this area of the forest." And he investigates them more closely, like: what is the average height of twigs snapped as well as the maximum height? How big are the bigger twigs that have been snapped? His goal is to get a better estimate of the size of the creature. Additionally, he also looks for prints to get more information.
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“Uh oh. I hope it doesn’t mind vehicle traffic or, even if we drive it off for now, we might have to organize a hunting expedition.” Gideon moves to assist Damiyen in investigating the creature’s passage.
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THe prints are about as long as the length of your grav bike. The breaks of the branches seem to top out under 10m, but just under. There are other breaks that are lower but nothing seems to be higher. The twigs range from thin limbs to some fairly sturdy ones in a few cases and there are bites taken out of them.
11:18 AM
The bites indicate a contiguous set of broad, relatively flat teeth meant for crushing rather than cutting.
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“Well, at least it looks like it’s an herbivore.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/15/2022 1:39 PM
"I would be careful with that assumption. Just imagine what kind of carnivore could exist if there are large herbivore around to hunt. Let's carefully follow those tracks, but keep a low profile. We don't know what we are dealing with here and I would prefer not to be surprised. If we have to face this creature it should be on our terms. For now let's keep it to reconnaissance. " (edited)
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Gideon nods affirmatively and begins following the creature’s tracks.
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(Gideon you’d have your effort back if you want to use any techniques to get a feel for the area )
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(Ah, thank you! I was so busy kicking myself for not taking tongue of beasts that I forgot I had the whispering wind!) After a few moments staring at the creature’s tracks, Gideon closes his eyes and reaches out to probe the local environment with his psychic senses.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/16/2022 2:31 AM
(I would also decrease my system strain by 1, or does a night with guard duty not count as a full rest?)
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Eisheru, et al. 1/16/2022 7:17 AM
(it would still count as you went to bed before and after you walking up to see that lake creature)
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There are no predators here right now but you sense several large herbivores deep in the woods, and an edible species of mushroom in this stretch of the woods.
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“There aren’t any predators around, but there are some herbivores deeper in the woods,” Gideon informs Damiyen, opening his eyes. “Also, I think some of these mushrooms are edible…” The Utan begins looking around for an edible mushroom to taste.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/16/2022 11:33 AM
"Uhm do you consider this a good idea? Just eating some mushroom because you 'think it's edible'? Sounds like a sure way to get poisoned, if you ask me. And would you care to elaborate how you know there are no predators around?"
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“I’m psychic,” Gideon says with a grin. “I specialized in Gaiapsionics, which lets me read the natural energies of a biosphere. I just sort of… reached out with my mind and communed with the life around us. I sensed some herbivores a ways off, but no predators.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/16/2022 1:51 PM
"Sounds handy for sure. Let's scout further ahead, if nothing is near our planned route, maybe we'll be fine without even seeing any creatures." Damiyen observes Gideon on his search for mushrooms with a rather sceptical face. He is not going to taste them unless there is food scarcity. (edited)
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Gideon continues scouting ahead, keeping a weather eye out for edible mushrooms to sample.
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The logs and fallen mushroom trees around you continue to be part of the ecosystem when they fall. Further growths and large mushroom colonies grow off their dappled flanks and the gaiascopic energies lead you to them as edible (edited)
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“Aha,” Gideon exclaims in triumph as he lunges towards the edible mushrooms. Kneeling down, he delicately picks one and sniffs it. “Here, boy. Smell good?” he says, proffering the fungus to Myke. Assuming Myke, the Acastus native, doesn’t recoil from the mushroom, Gideon pops it into his mouth.
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Myke tends to eat meat and other such protein rich things and is not interested in the mushroom. The flavor is buttery and smooth. You’re reminded of a root that grows in the jungles of Terezinho during the rainy season near the river banks
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/17/2022 2:46 AM
"Hah, buddy I totally get you" Damiyen grins when Myke refuses the mushrooms. He gets out some of his ration from his backpack and offers some of it to Myke.
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Myke seems more interested in the meat the ration packs have in them, coming close to sniff, and looking to Gideon for permission to eat.
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Gideon sighs and nods, “Suit yourself, boy.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/17/2022 1:33 PM
Damiyen looks rather smug while he shares his meal with Myke. "Alright now that we had lunch, let's resume scouting. Shall we?"
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“Let’s.” Smiling, Gideon returns to his feet and continues scouting.
8:21 PM
Moving into the woods it is not long before you see the culprit for the devastation of the lower tree limbs. It towers over you and continues eating , entirely undisturbed by your presence
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/18/2022 2:58 AM
Damiyen turns to Gideon: "We found the creatures. Can you tell it to move out of the way? It seems like you are good with animals"
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“I can’t communicate with it directly, but I might be able to give it a push…” Gideon says, closing his eyes and reaching out to the local flora. (Can I use Metaflora to cause the local plants to begin moving wildly, hopefully prompting the herbivore to move?)
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(sure, we can do that, commit whatever effort it takes) The plants begin swinging wildly as though in some kind of invisible wind. The creature groans in annoyance, but continues stomping away deeper into the woods and off your path.
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“Well, that should buy us enough time to lay down some road through here. I never knew Acastus had so many giant creatures!”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/19/2022 2:34 AM
"Well done Gideon, that could have been a lot more cumbersome. We should make sure that the trailblazer is not blocked" Damiyen notifies the trailblazer about the creatures and that the road should be clear for now. He tells them to go a bit slower behind them, and be observant about any more of those creatures. (edited)
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You get notice that a team from Marmora has set off, and is going to be meeting you tomorrow to complete the road from the other side- should you not run into difficulties.
7:37 AM
This long stretch of exploring unclaimed and never before seen wilderness is about to come to an end
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“Good to know we’re almost done, though I think I’ll miss it out here. All this fungus is beginning to grow on me… “Well, should we begin looking for a place to make camp for the evening?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/20/2022 1:02 AM
"Hard pass on the fungus from me... But the exploring part was nice, I felt almost like a scientist, with all the new stuff we discovered. I'm also looking forward to some time in civilization though. Having a drink in a bar right now sounds really nice. But I guess it's another night here first. " Damiyen tries to radio the team from Marmora to tell them about the giant creatures and forwards the news to the rest of the trailblazer crew.
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The next hours are spent making a winding path through the thick trees. Trucks will be lowering their speed through here but sawing the mushrooms down presents even more work and will destroy the ecosystem here. Improvements can be made some other time. In the great distance you can begin to hear the sounds of another trailblazer and as you make camp you see the thin smoke trail of a cook fire on the horizon. By noon tomorrow the foreman estimates you’ll be within rude gesturing distance of the other crew
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/20/2022 9:23 AM
("rude gesturing distance" 😂 )
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(Thank you!)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/20/2022 11:26 AM
"Seems like our little expedition is coming to an end. I can already see the smoke from the other crew. Let's hope for a quiet night, heh?" Damiyen says to Gideon and starts to arrange his stuff for the night. "By the way, you handled yourself pretty good with those giant creatures. Would have been a much bigger trouble if it wasn't for your special abilities."
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“Thanks,” Gideon says, smiling sheepishly (apishly?). “I’m glad we could find a peaceful solution. I’m not sure what we would have done with a body that big even if we managed to kill it!”
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Night passes with the sounds of the Dino’s munching on the trees, slowly moving deeper into the woods due to the new presences in the region (you)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/23/2022 11:40 AM
(no idea how to react :D, I'm okay with moving on, unless we have another guard duty)
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(I didn’t roll any encounters. We have one more hex and we are done)
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Entering the final region before the road is complete you finally rise out of the mnushroom forest into some foothills, where the survey scanner begins to chime.
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Hearing the device beeping, Gideon pulls out his scanner and checks the readout. (Sorry for the delay—busy weekend and then I had to have my heart broken by the Bills game 😭)
😄 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/24/2022 6:47 AM
Damiyen is happy to see more open sky again and enjoys the change of terrain for a moment as he is approaching the border of the forest. While Gideon pulls out his scanner, he takes his binoculars to look for the other trailblazer as well as anything interesting on the horizon.
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(Me too, I am still so sad) The scanner is showing some concentrations of common ingots nearby. They have little immediate value in their current state but a mine laid down by the polity might be able to extract tradable ingots from the ground.
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“I’m detecting some metal deposits nearby. It might be a good place for a mine. Want to check it out?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/24/2022 12:45 PM
"Maybe we should first see if we can meet the other trailblazer. They should not be far, afterwards our job is done and we can investigate any metal deposits, as we are here anyway." Damiyen looks if he can spot the other trailblazer somewhere, using his binoculars if necessary.
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You see a tree falling two kilometers from you- and the white-steam cloud of the mushroom material being turned into the road surface.
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Gideon acquiesces, looking slightly crestfallen. Spotting the falling tree and steam, he points and begins loping off in the direction of the approaching road crew.
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Without checking for the minerals for the moment you continue making your way towards the other crew and after another hour you finally see the last tree fall. Waves are exchanged and flag men survey to make sure the sections connect with one another. The trailblazer you are commanding is allowed to finish the road ,Theirs pulling off to the side to allow you to pass
8:18 PM
There is a mighty cheer as the road is completed.
🥳 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/25/2022 1:03 AM
Damiyen is happy to see the project being completed. He turns to Gideon: "As promised, we can now have a look at the deposits, if you are still interested. I'm sure the crew will wait for us for a while.
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Gideon nods. “Thanks. It’d be good to drop a marker back there or something.” Waving to the crew: “Well done, men! Why don’t you all give your feet a break? Agent Damiyen and I noticed some interesting mineral deposits on the scanner just a short ways back. We’re going to check it out and should be back in a couple of hours. Until then, rest up!” Turning to Damiyen: “Ready to go?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/25/2022 1:26 PM
"Lead on, buddy"
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Heading off path into the woods the scanner begins to chime as the trail of metal deposits near the surface begin to return the bounced scanning waves. Something of a small swamp has to be crossed to get to the other side of the clinging mud and dirty water. The deposits are about a kilometer away.
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“It looks like there about a klick away, through that,” Gideon says, pointing to the swamp and showing Damiyen the scanner’s display. “It looks like we’re going to get a bit muddy.” He begins picking his way with care through the swamp, looking for the driest path.
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Wriggling worms and bugs begin to crawl away from you as you begin stepping into the swamp. There is a splashing of water and it looks like there is an array of wildlife here
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/26/2022 3:12 AM
"Uhm do you consider it safe to just wade into the mud like that? What if there are some poisonous insects in there? And you don't know how deep the mud gets." Damiyen does not yet go too far into the mud. He looks around for something that could be used as a rope, like some plants or similar. He also tries to determine if there are any routes through the swamp that minimize the time in the mud, maybe by climbing through trees.
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(Gideon being a Utan would probably have an easy time using the treetops, i think it would hard or impossible for a human, but there are vines you can use for ropes here)
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Gideon straightens from all fours. “Oh, I forgot you humans have a harder time scrambling around than we do.” Looking around, he spots the trees and vines. “How do you feel about hanging from a rope? I could lower a vine to you and then tie a few more between the trees.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/26/2022 11:53 AM
"To be honest, I'm a bit envious about your physiology at moments like this" Damiyen says with a smirk. "Hanging from a rope is no problem, let's try that"
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Gideon enthusiastically takes to the trees and looks for a sturdy vine to lower to Damiyen.
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(I don't think there would be a check needed given your background)
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“Here,” he shouts, lowering the vine to Damiyen. “Grab on!”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/27/2022 1:02 AM
Damiyen grabs the vine and uses it to get across the swamp. (I guess some roll is necessary?) (edited)
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(nope, none needed. Gideon's background makes him good at this and with his assistance there's really no way you could fail unless you take some deliberate action to do so) The two of you make your way over the treetops, using branches and vines where possible, and using the ground in high spots that are relatively out of the muck. It is a messy, exhausting trek by time you make it to the other side, but none of you have been bit, stung,or otherwise given a health emergency by the wildlife living in the area. The scanner is chirping heavily now and you see a faint sparkle in the Second Rise moonlight beneath a web of slowly growing peat.
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“It looks like we’re right on top of it now,” Gideon says as he approaches the sparkle to get a closer look.
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(know/int)
🤞 1
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This metal looks to be iron, which can be tempered with the peat growing in this swamp to make carbon steel and other common industrially traded metal bars.
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“Looks like iron. With all this organic matter lying around, it shouldn’t be too hard to make carbon steel. Or–“ raising a clump of peat to his noise and taking a deep breath – “maybe we someone could open a distillery.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/28/2022 1:10 AM
"Distellery sounds good." Damiyen grins "What do you say, flag this for mining and call it?"
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Gideon nods, pulling out his data pad and flagging the location on Acastus’ datasphere. “All set. Ready to go?” He heads towards the trees, ready to help Damiyen again with climbing over them.
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(6xp, 150,000 credits, and our road has been constructed on the big map, where we previously didn;'t have a route)
🤑 5
🎉 5
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(That's a new level for me!) **Level Up** Level: 5 Focus: Gunslinger lvl 1 Old HP: 25 HP Roll: 28 New HP: 28 New Skills: Shoot 1 (from Gunslinger), Notice 0 for 1SP, Sneak 0 for 1SP New Psychic Techniques: Organic Purification Protocols for 1SP Current AB: 2 (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/29/2022 11:23 AM
(Gideon and me decided to stick together for another mission 🥳 ) "Now that the road is done, what would you think about a drink one we are back in Acastus? I happen to know a bar where Fido and Myke would be welcome as well. I think we earned that" (I would assume that Damiyen with his Connect skill is able to come up with one 😄 ) (And Gideon has an idea on what to do next, I think) (edited)
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Gideon grins: “I think a drink—and a shower—would be well deserved after all this. And once we’re back in Acastus, I’d like to track down someone to decrypt the data stick we found on that corpse.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/29/2022 1:14 PM
"Oh my god a shower, yeah let's prioritize that." Damiyen heartedly agrees and starts to head back down to the waiting trailblazer crew to get back to Acastus.
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Gideon drops to all fours and lumbers alongside him, with Fido and Myke falling in behind them.
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(You’ve been on Acastus this whole time. Marmora and Ash city are both very heavily built up places )
7:24 PM
(This has to be updated but overall aside from the big psychic site there’s a really big town here now and Aiya Tech has made its headquarters here )
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/30/2022 2:32 AM
(Oh my bad, I confused Acastus and Ash City... Either is fine as a place to find a bar. Marmora looks interesting)
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(Oops! Yeah, I thought the capital was called Acastus City, not Ash City. Thanks for the reminder)
7:35 AM
(Yes, Marmora sounds good. I assume we can find a hotel or government lodging to stay in while we’re there)
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(yep! Aiya tech and regular Greystar Confederation have offices here, and there are tons of bars since there is a lot of starship building beinf done here/places for orbital workers to live when done wit their shift) (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/31/2022 2:33 AM
Damiyen hops on the trailblazer heading for Marmora and looks to Gideon: "Let's go and see Marmora. We can be the first to actually use the road to travel there!"
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“Sounds like a plan,” Gideon says, scrambling onto the trailblazer and then turning to help Fido and Myke aboard.
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Heading inot the city you see it is surprisingly built up. Everyone here seems industrious and rows of bars and places to eat, as well as a nice hotel for visitors are all recent constructions. The site looks very advanced for these frontier, post-Scream times and you can tell that the owners of Aiya Tech have gone above and beyond in providing care for their workers, families, and visitors.
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Damiyen Rodrick 1/31/2022 11:21 AM
A play by post adventure (This game has no real time or voice sessions). Five years have passed since The Scream, a psionic disaster responsible for killing billions across the galaxy in one swift stroke. Humanity has clung to life now forced to continue without virtually any of its psychic citizens or psi-tech industries that developed around ...
11:23 AM
Damiyen looks at all of that while driving. "This looks much better than I thought! Those bars could keep us occupied for a whole week. Let's get to the hotel and have a nice shower. Afterwards we should probably try to contact the local GSC office about the data stick. Sounds good?"
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“Works for me,” Gideon says. Bidding farewell to the road crew, he hops down from the trailblazer and begins heading to the hotel.
11:59 AM
(Would cybernetics be available in Marmora? If we have some down time, I’ve been hoping at some point to get Myke some Dermal Armor so he can be a bit safer)
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(they'd be available here yeah)
12:39 PM
(this is as advanced as Ash City, so if we want to pick anything up we can make some lists. )
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(I can’t think of anything Gideon needs, other than replenishing rations, power cells, etc. Just Myke’s dermal armor)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/1/2022 1:09 AM
(I'm good as well)
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(alright, deduct for the dermal armor. There's a bumch of stuff in the works if you guys need mission ideas, together or apart)
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(Okay, the dermal armor’s paid for. We were thinking of working together, but I don’t have any mission ideas beyond finding out what’s on the data stick we found)
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The stick is given to programmers and after a day the results come in. On the third moon of Acastus it appears some kind of smugglers cache has been buried. This data stick has the coordinates on it, and can be plugged into the lock-chest there to bypass guessing the access code to open it.
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(Sweet! I’ve got a ship, Damiyen, so we can swing by the third moon if our next mission takes us off-planet)
7:13 PM
(Speaking of missions, are there any the GSC could use right now?)
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(We can help handle the underhill conflicts on Mitobouta, or if we want something less dangerous there’s exploring. Lots of planets around us we don’t know much about. Everyone’s been working on internal stuff more or less
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/2/2022 1:21 AM
(To Gideon: nice, because I don't have a ship, we should definetely swing by To Neko: I don't know anything about the underhill conflicts on Mitobouta 😄 And I can't find anything under Mitobouta on discord/wiki. How dangerous are we talking?) (edited)
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Eisheru, et al. 2/2/2022 6:14 AM
(Mitopouba. Underhill are semi intelligent large swarming insects. It would be combat based encounters, so decently dangerous given SWN and combat)
👍 1
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(I haven’t done any combat-heavy missions, but I’m happy to try one if you are, Damiyen. Otherwise, I’m always happy to explore new planets)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/2/2022 9:49 AM
(Both is fine for me too. Let's try a combat heavy mission and be careful not to die 🤪 )
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(Sounds good to me. I’ll just stock up on some weapons and armor)
11:51 AM
(Does Gideon have clearance to requisition TL5 equipment?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/2/2022 12:19 PM
(Upgrading armor sounds like a good idea. The "Icarus Harness" or "Assault Suit" sounds good. I guess none of those would impact my sneak ability?) (edited)
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(The only TL5 items we have unlocked are Storm armor, including our special variants, and shear rifles. No other TL5 armors, weapons, cyberwares, or medicines have been unlocked)
12:50 PM
(You've got enough face for the armor and gun though)
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(Great! Could I requisition some Crimson-pattern Monsoon armor, a shear rifle, a heavy cutter, and two Type B power cells?)
2:48 PM
(And sell of my Cutter Rifle)
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(That’s all available for purchase , you’ve got enough face. The heavy cutter is a heavy weapon so there’s some special rules there we haven’t encountered before
9:29 PM
(I can Pm those to you. damiyen, anything you need?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/3/2022 1:15 AM
(I would like to get an Icarus Harness and and a Magma Grenade) (Do we have access to information about what we are facing? That could be interesting to determine what to bring e.g. some Anti-Tox) (edited)
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(We will have our pick of missions when we get to the planet. I will roll a mass combat turn and we'll see how our various combats are doing. I make things off that. They do not use venom)
7:42 AM
(no one is really sure though, the underhill evolve based on fights they've been in, so there isn't a hard and fast set of characteristics or stats)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/3/2022 9:48 AM
(Okay for now I'm good with a Magma Grenade for 300 Credits and the Icarus Harness for 8000 Credits for a total of 8300 Can I store some of my stuff somewhere until after the mission? I don't want to get rid of e.g. the armored undersuit I'm currently wearing, because it's not always appropiate/feasible to wear full combat armor)
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(Yes, just set it to 'other' so we know you own it, it just isn't with you)
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Once Damiyen and Gideon are showered and rested, Gideon calls the Esperanza to meet them at the Marmora space port.
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(Anything else we wanna do before setting off?)
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(I’m all set)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/4/2022 1:19 AM
(Deducted 8300 credits for shopping and organized my stuff. Let's go) (edited)
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Upon entering the system you see Greystar ships in orbit, and the fighting has moved to the southern region of the planet. The command and control cruiser sends a signal , indicating the local planning officer would like to speak with both of you regarding a special mission. The broad strokes are that the orbital scouts have located some kind of underhill nest in progress. Destroying it can be handled easily by a small team, and doing so will prevent reinforcements from those birthing pools from joining the fights elsewhere.
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/4/2022 9:01 AM
Damiyen hears out the officer and then asks: "What information do we have about the underhill fighting tactics? Are there any known weak spots or tactics we can employ? How large is the team you want to send, or is it just me and Gideon?"
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They are a swarm and their tactics change once they get an idea of what they are dealing with. Their randomness and adaptability is what makes them strong even when individually we're more than a match for them. We think most of the swarm is concentrating on trying to over-run the string of forts and no-mans-lands we have set up to protect our current territory, and your team will consist of you, Gideon, and four of our best cyber-enhanced warriors. You'll be bringing a large bomb into that nest under construction and will be tasked with destroying any of the builder bugs you can find. We think they might be dragging anything useful there that they can, mostly their own fallen and some of ours, to be turned into food for the hatchlings"
11:06 AM
"Taking it out will cut off that flow of reinforcements, and we can actually start making a dent in the numbers we're dealing with"
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“Do they have any ranged weaponry or are they limited to close combat? And what sort of armor do the bugs have?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/4/2022 12:46 PM
Damiyen approvingly glances at Gideon, nods, and looks back to the officer, waiting for the answer.
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“They’ve got natural armor that’s about as equivalent to woven armor our own soldiers wear. The fibers have a lot in common. They evolve weapons , they’ve been fighting us for some time here and have created bone needle firing or acid throwing natural weapons “
5:11 PM
“For now we could clock that adaption at every one in five “
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/5/2022 3:18 AM
"What is our plan of getting in, and more importantly, is there a plan for getting out, both if the mission is successful as well as when things go south?" (edited)
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“Conventional drop, or landing via gunship. Getting out is going to be the same. There isn’t a way to mitigate risk , entry and exfil are going to be the riskiest parts of what you’re doing “
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“I’d prefer landing via gunship.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/5/2022 3:23 PM
Damien considers his purchase of the Icarus Harness for a moment, which is made for dropping, but then looks at Fido and Myke and gets it. Then he says: "Alright, gunship it is. Let's finish out preparations and meet the others at the ship. This is going to be one hell of a ride. I'll try to fit in a quick nap, I don't expect to get a lot of good sleep during that mission. See you there Gideon?" (edited)
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“Sounds good. See you there.”
4:24 PM
(Yep, I didn’t want to imagine Fido and Myke flailing through the air on a combat drop!)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/6/2022 3:04 AM
(if there is nothing else to do in the time between, Damiyen would like to meet Gideon at his quarters before going to the start of the mission at the gunship)
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Eisheru, et al. 2/6/2022 7:46 AM
(if you guys want to RP you can hop into it. Updates are usually delayed on the weekend,)
👍 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/6/2022 11:13 AM
A few hours later, a bit before the time the mission starts, Damiyen stands in front of Gideon quarters and asks to enter. "Hi Gidoen, it's me Damiyen. I wanted to talk to you before we get right into the middle of a combat mission. He steps inside if Gideon allows it and looks around for Fido and Myke."
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Gideon opens the door with a yawn, Fido and Myke peering out from behind his legs. “Sure, come on in,” he says, stepping aside and gesturing to a chair before settling down into one himself. Myke curls at his feet while Fido lounges behind the chair. “What did you want to talk about?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/6/2022 1:12 PM
Damiyen comes in and greets Myke and Fido, before turning back to Gideon. "We've done well constructing the road and fighting of the fungal hounds. However, when I thought about it during the last few hours, I don't really know your strengths and how you like a fight to go. Now, however, it seems like we'll be on a full blown combat mission, and there will be sticky situations, in which we need to know how to play to each other's advantage." Damiyen is in his full battle gear, wearing the Icarus Harness, the Stingray Rifle on his back and the Taros Rifle on his side. "So here is how Damiyen works" Damiyen pauses for a short moment and starts to lay down equipment. "The best fight is if you never let them get near enough to hurt you, so the Stingray MER Sniper rifle is my weapon of choice. I'm pretty good with it until about 1500m, probably a bit more if I would be risking more. If we get the change to ambush some of those underhill, I can pretty much takout one of them, as we did with the pack leader of the hounds." Damiyen goes a step to the side and lays down the Taros Rifle. "I've not yet shot this one, but for a bit more personal combat, I would go for a rifle and keep shooting at them. Nothing special here." "Should the enemy really get close, I'm a bit out of my comfort zone, although I have a Monoblade to at least keep fighting" Damiyen pulls out the Monoblade seemingly out of nowhere "I also got a Magma Grenade as a special present, maybe we can make use of it against the Underhill" "Oh, I got 2 Medpaks, let's hope we don't need them, but it's better to have them, than it is to be missing them." "And last but not least, I got this fancy Icarus Harness, allowing me to drop from heights without taking damage, as long as it's powered up."
1:13 PM
Damiyen is done with his equipment, and looks expectantly to Gideon.
1:14 PM
(sry for wall of text, this got out of hand a bit )
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/6/2022 1:26 PM
"I saw you doing Psionics, but I don't know what you're capable of. And neither do I know what Myke and Fido can do"
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Gideon nods along, following to Damiyen’s display interest. “Well, I’m not sure how useful my psionics will be against the Underhill. I mostly talk to plants… But, I can manage a little biopsionic healing, and I should be able to detect any hostile psionic usage down there. “I just requisitioned a suit of Monsoon Power armor,” he says, nodding to the suit in the corner of the room. “It’s the ‘Crimson’ pattern, which swaps the jump thrusters for an advanced stabilizing gyro. I should be able to move and fire my Heavy Cutter without any problems. I’m accurate to about 400m and can lay down suppressing fire if we need it. “For back-up, I’ve got a Laser Pistol, Monoblade, and a few standard Grenades, but I’m not much use in close combat. That’s more Fido and Myke’s strong suit. “Fido’s hide is about as tough as my power armor, and Myke’s new dermal armor gives him about as much protection as your Icarus Harness.” (edited)
11:20 AM
(Looking through the Unified Rulebook, I don’t actually see how much damage Fungal Hounds deal. It can’t be much, though—Fido only deals 1d6)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/7/2022 1:17 PM
Damiyen nods occasionally and seems to think while Gideon says this. "Where I am from, Psychics are well regarded, so I really appreciate the edge your psionic powers might give us. We should look for a way to use the local flora to our advantage then." Damiyen starts to slowly pace through the room, appearing thoughtful, as if he is solving a puzzle. "Given that you and me both are not much of a close combat figher, we should make sure that we are not swarmed. Choke points could help, as much as a good tactical position like higher ground with restricted access." He looks at Gideon and then at Fido and Myke and smiles friendly. "With Fido and Myke we should be careful how and when to use our grenades, otherwise we risk hitting them. How fast are you able to recall them? Will it reliably work in the heat of the battle?" Finally, he turns over to the huge armor in the corner. "That power armor looks really badass, and the heavy cutter means we have enough firepower if we need it. It's not really low profile though, we need to be careful not to attract too many enemies at once." Finally, he comes back and stands right besides Gideon. "Before we do this, there is one more thing: Should I not make it, here is the contact of Regen a taros female I met on my first mission here with the Greystar Confederacy. If possible, give her my Taros Rifle and tell her to keep it safe." "That's all I have, are you ready to go and kick some Underhill ass?"
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(Its a D6, I copied the Koth Hound stat block from 1E)
2:04 PM
(I added it to the book though, thank you)
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Gideon nods and respectfully accepts the contact info from Damiyen. “Here’s hoping you can show it to her yourself after our mission. I’ll meet you in the airlock in 10,” he says, heading to the corner to don his power armor.
3:40 PM
(That’s what I suspected. Thanks!)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/8/2022 1:12 AM
(I'm done with the interlude, 👍 to start the mission)
👍 1
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The deployment hangar is a mechanical ballet of technicians, armorers, training soldiers, and ships crew as the gunship you'll be taking to the surface is prepared. You see the four man cyber-ninja team you'll be heading in with, dutiful warriors more machine than flesh now ,killers all in service to the polity. These high risk deployments are what they specialize in, and the glory to be won here will see reputations rise for everyone. They look to be undergoing some kind of pre battle weapons check, and the pilots are overlooking the outside of the gunship to see if you are ready to take off. The ramp is down and the last of the weapons and external hardpoints are being loaded.
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/8/2022 2:39 PM
Damiyen hangs around somewhere near the ramp. After watching the pilots and the team, he walks over to the 4 cyber ninjas. "Hey I'm Damiyen looks like we're together on this mission. Did you encounter those Underhills before?"
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They are all veterans of the first underhill nest destruction team under Obsidia, soldiers later augmented to assist in further nest clearing operations. They have encountered the underhill before and fought them hand to hand in the confines of several nest tunnels.
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Gideon walks over and introduces himself to the cyber ninjas, eyeing their weapons and armor. “Do any of you have specialties? Close combat, scouting?”
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They each have long blades and a host of cyberware meant to make them deadly in all forms of combat. They are not armies unto themselves but man to man they look to be able to hit above their weight. They’re also trained in scouting but there’s precious little to get advanced notice of in the tight confines of an underhill hive
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/9/2022 2:22 AM
(would it make sense to try to contact Obsidia for any last tips before going in? Could be helpful)
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Eisheru, et al. 2/9/2022 7:17 AM
(wouldn't get to her in time. Even if she is back from the Rift it would still be days between messages getting there and returning) (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/9/2022 7:18 AM
(okay thanks for the info)
7:19 AM
Damiyen heads to the pilots and tells them: "Hey there, I'm Damiyen. Me and Gideon are ready for take off. So whenever you're done, we are good to go"
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"We are as well. Before we depart, would both of you accept a blessing?"
7:58 AM
You can see two of these Ninjas are taros, and have some sort of flame like pendant worked into the collars of their armor marking them as followers of Ognyena, one of the many Taros goddesses and thanks to the former Herald of the Protectorate, the most revered. (edited)
8:24 AM
"I am happy to accept the blessing, I believe we can use any edge that we can get on this mission"
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Gideon shrugs. “It couldn’t hurt.”
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There is a smell like burning ash, and you can see one of them approach their leader with a small bowl of ember. They are gently put out and you feel warmth, but not pain, as a symbol of the fire goddess is drawn onto your foreheads. The smell is relaxing, reminding you of wind blowing through an empty and peaceful forest.
12:09 PM
(you each get a re-roll token)
🔥 4
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/10/2022 12:45 PM
(You know stuff will be going south when you get 4 cyber ninjas and a re-roll token for the mission 😂 ❤️ )
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(Maybe we should have tried requisitioning a few tactical nukes…)
1:35 PM
Gideon’s entire body shivers as he feels the warmth of the ash, and then he straightens up. “Thank you. May we all return from this battle with our marks still burning.” (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/10/2022 2:06 PM
I close my eyes and enjoy the relaxing feeling, taking a deep breath. Then I open my eyes and say: "thank you for your blessing."
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“We have bugs to slay. Let’s mount up”. The ninjas sheathe their swords and lock their full face covering helmets into place. The reflective black metal looks on impassively at the world around them. The aircraft begins powering up as you all board and after a few minutes the ship is flying free heading for the site of the Secondary nest. You’re going to be dropped three kilometers from it so you have a chance to attack any supply or builder bugs that might be in the area looking for resources before moving on to hit the nest itself. Limited air support is available.
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(Cue ride of the valkyries 😄) (edited)
🤘 1
11:24 AM
“Do the bugs have anti-air? If not, let’s circle over the hive and LZ once to get the lay of the land.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/11/2022 1:05 PM
If it makes sense (view-wise) I use my binoculars to get as much information as possible while we fly
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(We don’t know if they do or don’t )
8:14 AM
(Notice /wis damiyen )
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/12/2022 8:40 AM
(7)
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You notice the ground is uneven and thankfully the underhill here haven’t decided to adapt camo Yet. Their black carapaces stand out among the ash gray and black mountainsides. You see a patrol of them on a peak your vehicle passes but the noise of the guns will alert far more than their screeching will. You don’t see any others near the LZ for them to communicate with. A plume of loose ashy dirt begins billowing as your flyer levels off and begins coming in for a landing amid the rocky uneven ground
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/14/2022 8:22 AM
"Seems like we're coming in rather hot! Get ready for landing everybody. We need to take out that patrol, good opportunity to warm up your rifles."
8:24 AM
(how far away is the patrol?)
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(We would have lost sight of them now that we're on the ground, but they cant see you either for the moment)
👍 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/14/2022 12:34 PM
"Let's try out this new armor" I say, and jump out of the transporter when we are ~ 10m above the ground for landing. (Testing my Icarus Harness ) (edited)
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Gideon waits for the gunship to get closer to the ground before stepping out, flanked by Fido and Myke.
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The armor works as intended. You have a smooth ride to the ground and you see the ninjas also jumping out, sweeping the area with carbine like weapons as the ship lifts off again, only on the ground for as long as it takes for everyone to disembark.
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As the gunship lifts off, Gideon signals it, requesting it circle back and begin strafing the underhill patrol.
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They’ll need time to get on station and have limited ammo. The crew chief calls off the strike , planning to save it to cover your extraction when every shot counts more. “We should be moving. They won’t catch up if we are swift “ the leader of the cyber ninjas says as he takes in the local area
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/15/2022 8:35 AM
I think for a moment and say: "But they will follow us. I'm not sure if entering the nest with a patrol following us is a good idea. We could also prepare an ambush and just wait to take them out."
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“That works for me,” Gideon says, checking the terrain for any useful features between them patrol and the entrance to the hive.
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There are many craters on this bombed out mountain peak ,and you find a relatively flat area with a few large ones that allow you do go prone and almost lay entirely into the surrounding terrain.
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Gideon motions the team to the craters and lies prone in one of them, Fido and Myke by his side. Activating his comms, he signals Damiyen: “Do you think the bugs are coming, or do we need to get their attention?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/15/2022 12:49 PM
"Don't worry about them noticing us, I'll take care of that." I position myself at a crater that is - drawing a line between the team and the patrol - the furthest away from them, at a middle distance (maybe 30-50m). I also duck down in a crater if there is a suitable one and get out my Stingray Rifle. Then I proceed to scope the direction from where we expect the patrol to come from. (If possible I would set up an execution attack, not sure if that is possible as the patrol is somewhat aware?) "Everybody stay down and hold fire until the patrol is near enough. Let them concentrate on me first and surprise them when they are close enough."
12:49 PM
(To make it clear, this is what I have in mind)
12:49 PM
Excalidraw is a whiteboard tool that lets you easily sketch diagrams that have a hand-drawn feel to them.
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(Looks good to me! Would you like me to have any grenades ready or save them for the tunnels?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/15/2022 3:01 PM
(if there is an opportunity to hit multiple Underhill I'd say go for it, but also keep some spare ones for the tunnels)
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(Okay. I’ve got four, so plenty to spare. Then again, suppressing fire with a heavy weapon might be nearly as effective. I’ll have to double check the rulebook when I get home)
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(An execution attack wouldn’t be able to be set up. You’d need to see your target for a full minute and the enemy would need to remain unaware of you for a full minute, and they’d trip the ambush by time you had them scoped in for that long )
7:49 PM
(Depending on how you prepare we might get a surprise round though )
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/16/2022 12:49 AM
(okay then I'll just wait until I see them and start shooting as early as possible [range is 1500m], drawing them to me and hoping for the ambush to work) (edited)
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The terrain is bumpy and uneven and the underhill do not come into visible range until they are 100m from you, cresting the hill in front of your ambush positions. A warrior, six drones, and a bulbous creature that looks to be some kind of support bug begin scenting the air, trying to make sense of the change in their environment.
8:12 AM
(surprise round)
🔥 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/16/2022 11:40 AM
"Enemy in sight. I count 7 enemies and a strange creature. Distance is roughly 100m" I say to the others and aim for the Warrior with my Stingray and take a shot. (Attack 19, Damage 9) (edited)
🥷 1
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Gideon motions Fido and Myke to stay put before raising his heavy cutter to begin laying down suppressing fire. (14 damage)
🥷 1
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Eisheru, et al. 2/16/2022 1:09 PM
(Suppression Fire does 1/2 damage with an evasion save to negate entirely. Should be 7 damage)
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(Ah, I missed the line about half damage. Thanks!)
👍 1
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Eisheru, et al. 2/16/2022 1:38 PM
(page 69, giggity, of the CRB has all the info on Heavy Weapons) (edited)
🤣 1
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The warrior falls , shot through by the stingray and then again with a blast of energy from the heavy cutter device. Two of the drones are wounded and they’re promptly finished off as the ninjas focus fire to bring them down and end the fight as quickly as possible. (Four drones and Big Beefy are left, let’s get initiative )
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(8)
💪 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/17/2022 1:06 AM
(6 and 6 for Alert foci, so 6 it is)
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(Gideon, Damiyen, bugs, ninjerks)
😆 2
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Gideon will roar and continue laying down suppressing fire, keeping Fido and Myke at his side until the bugs get closer.
💂 1
😎 1
10:52 AM
(Half of 18 is 9 damage)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/17/2022 11:30 AM
I use my Taros rifle to shoot a burst at the "Big Beefy" (Attack 19, Damage 10)
🔫 1
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The drones are not able to absorb more of the punishing heavy weapon fire and are torn to pieces by the gravity fields playing havok in their formation. The large beast seems to push through, groaning in pain. It looks to be readying some kind of projectile attack before Damiyen's shot blows enough of its head cavity away to bring the overgrown larva like beast down.
🔥 2
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/17/2022 1:31 PM
(that's all of them, right? Assuming we're out of combat) I slowly go to the place of the fallen warrior and afterwards the larva like beast, trying to get any useful information. (what weapons, any useful equipment, beacons, etc)
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The larva is organic. It does not have visible weapons that you could use , it seemed like it was just going to throw up on you from a distance, and you can hear acid slowly working its way through the flesh inside the now dead beast.
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Gideon opens a com link to Damiyen: “Nice shooting! Definitely better not having to worry about those bugs following us into the tunnel. Ready to head out?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/18/2022 1:26 AM
"Yeah, we got rid of those, the suppressive fire worked really well. Let's hope we did not draw too much attention. Anyway, we should get going." I answer to Gideon. While we walk, I turn to one of the Ninjerks and ask: "Did you ever fight one of those big beast creatures? It seemed like it was just about to release something towards us." (Let's head to the nest) (edited)
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"Just once, on Gudrun when we worked with the Pre-UNW Greenbriar inc folks to enter the largest nest we ever found to kill the overqueen. They are builders. The acid breaks down rocks and they turn the paste into some kind of cement, but we've seen them use it offensively before"
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/18/2022 8:56 AM
"Hmm interesting. Are there any other special creatures we should know about before entering the nest?"
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"They'll be new encounters for all of us if there are. They evolve to face the threats, rememeber?"
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/18/2022 9:36 AM
I let out a affirmative grunt and join Gideon again. "We should prepare for surprises inside the next. And we should probably also change tactics / weapons if we notice that they adapted too fast to our current choice." (And on we go to the nest)
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Gideon nods in agreement and begins scrambling forward, his natural gait appearing a bit awkward in power armor.
😄 1
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(lets get a sneak/dex each as we approach the hive)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/18/2022 11:36 AM
(9) (EDIT: I also removed a type A cell to reload the stingray) (edited)
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(5) (☹️)
🤷‍♂️ 1
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You begin moving toward the hive and are careful to make short bursts of speed across the ground , one half the team covering while the other moves. As you close to within 100m of the hive entry you can see something moving below the surface of the ground , moving a furrow of rock and dirt like the passing of a plowshare as it approaches the group at a high rate of speed.
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“Incoming,” Gideon cries, gesturing toward the furrow. “Everybody scatter and make for high ground!”
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/20/2022 11:46 AM
I do exactly that when seeing the creature plowing towards our group and try to find some surface that looks solid enough to withstand the onslaught, preferably a big rock.
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(evasion eave, each of us)
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(Failure! 8 vs 11)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/21/2022 1:13 AM
(Failure! 11 vs 12)
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(1 damage each) The ground in front of you erupts in a shower of earthy clods and dense stones as the spider like burrowing creature the size of a car emerges from the ground just a few meters in front of you. Its mandibles click and snap at the air and a large venom sack attached to its back begins to swell.
🙈 1
🕷️ 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/21/2022 11:19 AM
(Is there something around that I could use as cover? If I have a realistic chance to get out of the way before getting poison sprayed I would like to make a dash for it, otherwise open fire? )
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(Its largely open ground so there's not really any cover. The evasion save was to avoid that damage we've taken and we've both failed that, so an opportunity was already given. We can return fire, and the spray will work with similar mechanics to suppression fire.) (edited)
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(Could I use metaflora to create some cover and maybe interfere with the creature, or does that only work with pre-existing plant life?)
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(It only works with existing plant life )
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(Okay. I figured, but just wanted to check)
5:50 AM
(Well, Damiyen, I’m out of tactical ideas. I guess we just attack?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/22/2022 7:10 AM
(Same here, seems like attack and hope for the best)
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(Alright you guys cna go ahead, spider went)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/22/2022 8:58 AM
I am shocked by the sudden appearance of the creature. A bit dazzled, I shake of the stones and rocks that hit me. Immediately afterwards, my instincts kick in and I reach for my Taros Rifle, lift it in one smooth motion and fire off a burst. (Attack 8, Damage 10, 😑 )
😒 2
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Gideon opens fire as Fido and Myke surge forward. (Gideon: Attack 7, Damage 13) (Fido: Attack 5, Damage 2) (Myke: Attack 17, Damage 6)
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Myke is able to get in close and lock powerful jaws around the leg of the creature. The cyberninjas begin rushing forward, firing submachine guns and locking the beast up in close quarters combat alongside Myke. Whatever kind of acid attack it had been preparing for , it cannot do it now. Two powerful claw swipes send one of the ninjas sprawling onto their back. (Damiyen up)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/22/2022 9:17 AM
(I assume the ninja is not too far away) I move towards the ninja that was swept off his feed and position myself between him and the creature and fire another burst with the Taros Rifle: (Attack 12, Damage 16)
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(its within a single move action, but he was within melee with the creature so if you're placing yourself between the beast and the ninja you're also now in melee and cannot use your taros rifle)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/22/2022 12:12 PM
(okay then I would prefer to flank it and draw it's attention away from the downed ninja instead, if that's okay)
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(how would you go about drawing its attention? just basically keeping the turn you did? )
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/22/2022 12:49 PM
(Firing the burst, keeping the turn, but shouting at it: "Hey you! Yes you, ugly one. I'm over here!") (edited)
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(Alright. Gideon is up)
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“Nice, Myke! Get him!” Gideon shouts, continuing to fire his heavy cutter.
2:10 PM
(Gideon: Attack 18, Damage 14) (Fido: Attack 15, Damage 1) (Myke: Attack 6, Damage 5)
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The concentrated fire seems to rob the beast of it’s ability to fight on. It rears in its hind legs and tries to right itself before collapsing on the ground.
7:42 PM
There is a final hiss before it dies, Strength fleeing its body
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/23/2022 1:00 AM
"What the fuck was that" I say. Then I go over to the downed Ninja and offer him a hand to get up. Finally, I go over to Gideon and Myke and say: "Myke, I owe you one, interrupting his poison attack was just what we needed."
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You get the sense some nice steak once you make it back to Acastus will go a long way toward making Myke a happy fungal hound. The hive entry is 50m distant and it doesnt seem they have any other outward security, having handled the patrol and the subterrain watcher outside- though they no doubt might have some idea you're coming now.
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Gideon rubs Myke on the head. “Good job, boy.” “We should probably get moving before another of those things comes along,” he says, to the squad, setting off for the hive entrance. (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/23/2022 2:56 PM
I follow Gideon, being on maximum alert. "They will know we are coming, let's get moving"
Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 2/23/2022 7:48 PM
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(We don’t have to clear every room, just find and kill the queen )
7:48 PM
(But they are all labeled for convenience )
7:49 PM
Coming to the entryway you can see the bugs have actually made some improvements that resemble actual construction to the hive entry. The tunnels look to be reinforced with stone and timbers taken from the landscape
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/24/2022 7:51 AM
"Let's stick together, I don't wany anybody to get lost in this nest." I say, as we enter the nest. I look around the entry area. "Seems like we have the choice between left or right, any preferences?" I would like to try to see if there are some sounds from either direction (corridors to 2/3) or if one of them is more heavily used
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(notice/wis)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/24/2022 8:25 AM
(11)
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It seems like more activity is coming from the western sections of the hive. Nothing seems especially close but there are louder sounds coming from the west.
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/24/2022 12:15 PM
I turn to Gideon and the other Ninjas: "The western side seems busier. That means we can use the eastern route to avoid more of them, or go for the western route because where there is activity, there probably is the queen." (also reloaded my taros rifle with a fresh cell, stowed my stingray and readied a medpak and a magma grenade) (edited)
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“I say we take the quieter route and circle behind the queen. They’re more likely to have fortified against a direct assault.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/24/2022 1:09 PM
I nod to Gideon. "Give me a bit of a head start to be quiet when we turn corners. No offense, but I think that armor and the heavy cutter are not well suited for being quiet" I say and give Gideon a smile. I turn to the Ninjas: "I bet one of you is good at being quiet? Follow me towards the east corridor, the rest stays with Gideon" (I don't want to be too far ahead in case there are Underhill, only far enough to not immediately notice them about our presence as a big group)
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Gideon nods and waits for Damiyen to move ahead before following. He signals Fido and Myke to trail behind the group, their keen senses alert to any ambush from the rear.
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(okay, so Damiyen and the ninjas heading first into 3)
8:38 AM
This room is some kind of food storage chamber. Dead underhill, human and geon corpses from the fighting, and slain animals intermixed with harvested plant life are all slowly decaying into some kind of bacterial soup in this room. You see in the dirt many workers come in and out of this chamber but none are here right now- that may not be for long
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/25/2022 9:10 AM
I back out of the room and tell Gideon about it, then continue towards 5
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Gideon follows along with the other three ninjas, Fido and Myke bringing up the rear.
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(the tunnel branches in toward 5, and there is one that continues hugging that outside rim, which path did we want to take)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/25/2022 12:26 PM
(I would say we would take a peek at 5, to avoid being surprised from behind)
👍 1
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Within room 5 you hear sounds of industry, and can see three of the large larvae like worker bugs inside, protected by two warriors. They're working on turning the chamber into some other structure.
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/26/2022 3:15 AM
After seeing that, I return to Gideon and the others and tell them what is in there. "We have a choice, either we use the outer corridor and sneak by, leaving them behind us. The other option is to attack them. Choice 1 means we don't alert them that we are in the nest already and also don't give away our exact position. Choice 2 probably means the rest of the way is going to be tough. Opinions?"
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“I don’t like leaving them behind us, but I like giving our position away even less. I say we keep going.
🥷 1
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(Moving on from five to the notch cut out of the eastern wall just after it )
7:52 PM
Moving ahead the ninjas take point and the first of them peers into the side passage. He holds up a hand for a halt and a series of gestures report that two of the underhill warrior caste are within
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Gideon activates his comm system and addresses Damiyen. “Want to take them out? We should be able to kill them quickly.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/28/2022 4:02 AM
"We should try to take them out as quietly as possible. Maybe I could sneak up on one of them with a knife, if they are not looking directly at us. That leaves one other though. Are any of you able to sneak up on the other one?" I say to the group. "Or any other ideas on how to take care of them without alerting the whole nest?"
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(Its whatever you and Gideon decide, they're just here for backup)
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(I’m not particularly stealthy. Fido and Myke might be, but they only deal 1d6 each. Maybe a few of the cyberninjas could sneak in with you and I could come in guns blazing if the bugs survive the initial ambush?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 2/28/2022 11:14 AM
(Hmm sounds like we need to come up with some other plan. I assume the Ninjas are not here to set up an execution attack, if they are mainly for backup. That leaves only me and two warriors. I won't even get to one of them before they are alerted. Can we come up with another idea? Somehow it sounds like a bad situation, if we would suddenly alarm them of our presence in the middle of the nest 😄 We could also go in guns blazing and just move fast 🤷 ) (edited)
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(we wouldnt meet the conditions for an execution here anyway, not even with range)
👌 2
12:48 PM
(We;d get a surprise rouund if we start shooting, but moving into the chamber or spending a full minute setting up a shot is mathematically probably a certainty they're going to pass at least one notice check at this range)
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(The only two options I can think of are: pass by and hope they don’t notice us, or, find some way to block the corridor and trap them in there. But we only have explosives, so we wouldn’t be very subtle…)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/1/2022 1:58 AM
(Passing them with a group of 8 - Four Ninjas, Gidoen, Damiyen, Fido, Myke - seems unrealistic 😅 Let's ambush them and try to take them out fast and move forwards) (edited)
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(Sounds good. Do you want a chance to get close, or should I just open fire with the heavy weapon?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/1/2022 6:26 AM
6:28 AM
( 1 are the two warriors, Damiyen is 2 and the rest is 3. My plan would be that I go as the arrow shows and lure the two warriors behind me. Then I would immediately go/run/hurry through the second corridor on the right that also leads to the warriors position 1. That means Gideon and everybody else at 3 can fire without hitting me and I can attack them from behind if they retreat back where they came from)
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(We have a surprise round. So we will be bound by what you can do with a main and a move before initiative starts. You also are not allowed to split movement so if you’re engaging you’re either in visual or not)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/1/2022 6:32 AM
(How much movement would it be to move towards the arrow and duck into the second corridor to my right?)
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(5m)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/1/2022 7:04 AM
(If the green 2 is achievable with my movement, that's where I would like to be after luring the two warriors into the ambush from the rest of the group.)
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(So you're shooting first and then moving? )
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/1/2022 8:50 AM
(Hmm I have a readied magma grenade, so I would throw that into the corridor before ducking into the passage at the green 2 and stay in cover for the rest of the surprise round, while the others can shoot freely without risk of hitting me.)
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(that should work)
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(That sounds good to me. I’ll stick to normal shooting—no suppressing fire—to reduce our chances of alerting other bugs further down the corridor)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/2/2022 1:18 AM
"Everybody knows what to do? Great let's go." With that I ready my Taros Rifle and walk past the corridor where the two warriors are, without seeming to notice them. I continue to move towards the second passage and make sure that the two warriors see me in the corridor, before ducking into the second passage and throwing a magma grenade
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(okay, need a hit/damage for that , we jsut need to get over a 10 so it doesn't scatter)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/2/2022 7:49 AM
(I just clicked on the grenade, and hope that everything was configured correctly, normally it would be shoot/dex right? Got Attack=25/Damage=5)
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Eisheru, et al. 3/2/2022 9:43 AM
(Magma Grenade also does an additional 1d8 fire damage I believe)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/2/2022 9:46 AM
(Yes you're right. Rolled a 5 for Fire Damage, for a total of 10 DMG, thanks Eisheru!) (edited)
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The grenade is tossed into the room, and explodes. Fire and screeches from the warriors begin to fill the air as they burn. Tey're still alive as flames spread across their bodies
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(Hmm… I seem to be having trouble getting Roll20 to load in my browser)
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(Yes. They’ve added some new features today and they’re having some issues )
8:40 PM
(Hopefully it’s resolved by tomorrow )
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(Okay. I was planning to round the corner and shoot at the warriors. I’ll sleep on it!)
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(It seems like it has been working okay this morning)
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(Yes, I was just able to log in. Time to zap some bugs)
12:12 PM
Gideon rounds the corner and aims his heavy cutter at the nearest warrior drone. (Attack 5, Damage 14)
12:14 PM
(How severe are the flames? Would Fido and Myke be able to enter the corridor and get into melee range without being burnt?)
😅 1
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(anything in 2m gets burned for this round, the flames are indiscriminate, since its an AoE)
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(Okay. In that case, I’ll have Fido and Myke stay back)
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The cutter fires, blowing a hole out of the rocks nearby. The ninjas do what they can, emptying their SMG magazines into the room and killing the builder underhill inside.
8:20 AM
(we'll be in actual combat now, with Damiyen up)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/5/2022 2:21 AM
I turn around the corner towards the warriors and fire off a burst with my Taros Rifle (Atk=16, Dmg=21)
🔥 2
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The first of the warriors falls, the flames beginning to go out, but they do nothing to save the creature from the miniature dense railgun round that just destroyed the better part of its chest cavity.
3:12 PM
(Gideon up)
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(Uh-oh. I’m having trouble loading Roll20 again. It worked fine yesterday) (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/6/2022 2:33 AM
(I had more luck switching from firefox to chromium and clearing the cache / using a private window may help as well)
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(Okay. It’s not working on my phone, but I’ll try using Chrome when I get home)
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(Yeah. There have been some big problems with the new platform update. If you’re still having trouble I can do it. Jsut tell me what you’d like done )
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(Google chrome did the trick—though even that’s pretty buggy. I can’t see the map, but at least I can roll.)
9:16 PM
Gideon points his heavy cutter at the remaining warrior and blasts away. Seeing the flames subside, he motions Fido and Myke to attack.
9:16 PM
(Gideon: Attack 23, Damage 14)
9:17 PM
(Fido: Attack 7, Damage 6)
9:17 PM
(Myke: Attack 20, Damage 1)
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The second warrior is wounded, and sweeps a blade into the combat. (miss, 2 shock damage on Myke ) The ninjas spend the turn lingering closeby, but reloading their now empty weapons between the fights outside and in here
8:28 AM
(Damiyen would be up next whenever there's time)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/7/2022 8:30 AM
I get angry about the Warrior hitting Myke and fire of another burst at the warrior with my rifle (Atk:25,Dmg:10)
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The creature roars , before your well aimed shot sends it collapsing to the ground with most of its head missing.
10:27 AM
The combat seems to be over for the moment, but the noise of the creatures you'd been fighting and the gun battle has carried through the halls, a response will be coming soon.
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“Nice shooting,” Gideon tells Damiyen, entering the corridor to examine Myke’s wounds and scratch behind his ears. Straightening and surveying the charred remnants of the two warriors, he grins. “Well, I think they know we’re here. Better hurry.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/7/2022 12:47 PM
"Yes, let's not waste any more time, we need to find the queen" With that I head further into the nest, following the corridor. I also try to see if there is any indication of the "main" route to find the queen without spending to many time exploring side corridors.
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(if there's a construction method here, I think it would be too alien to really make any kind of sense of with anything close to assurance. Rounding the corner here we've got several different paths to take, what we see and find depends on where we go)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/7/2022 2:21 PM
(Given that we don't have any clue about the layout, I'd say we definitely would peek into 10)
👍 1
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Moving up toward room 10 you can see the chamber is empty and absolutely filled with eggs. Many of them are covered in birth slime. A few have hatched and dog sized grubs are blindly feeling their way across the slick floor.
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(Could I use suppressing fire to try to zap a bunch of eggs and grubs?)
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(Yes we could )
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Gideon plants his feet and begins firing his heavy cutter systematically throughout the whole room. (Half of 15 damage is… 7 or 8?)
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(rounded down, so it would be 7, if we need to reload after we should do that too, we've been shooting a lot so im not sure how your power cell is looking) Many shots are send into the room splattering eggs, the grubs and otherwise destroying a third of the organic material in this room. Green slime that is acidic enough to splash into the eggs and floor around it begins spilling everywhere as the heavy weapon sends beams of distorting energy into the chamber.
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(Oh, I thought that one of the features of the ‘Crimson’ pattern Monsoon armor was that meant I didn’t have to worry about re-loading. I have spare energy cells, though, so it’s not a big deal if I have to swap them out)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/9/2022 6:32 AM
I peek into the room after the shots and say: "Good call on destroying those eggs, but we should keep moving. If we don't manage to kill the queen, destroying some eggs is only a temporary win"
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Gideon
(Oh, I thought that one of the features of the ‘Crimson’ pattern Monsoon armor was that meant I didn’t have to worry about re-loading. I have spare energy cells, though, so it’s not a big deal if I have to swap them out)
(You’re right. All good)
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(Okay. Thanks)
7:08 AM
Gideon nods to Damiyen. “I’ll try not to get carried away again… It looks like the corridors are curving. The queen’s probably in the center somewhere, right?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/9/2022 7:09 AM
(Without knowing the layout that means 8 next?)
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(8 would be the direction we move in if we keep following tihs branch, correct)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/9/2022 7:46 AM
"I would second the guess about the center position, given that that's where she has the most protection." I glance in the corridor towards 13 to make sure it's empty and continue towards 8
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Room 13 has four newly birthed warriors within it, and they've noticed you. Their eyes are multifaceted like a spiders and you can see their weapon limbs are looking a bit different than ones you have fought so far, with four scything limbs instead of something ranged. They shriek at the intrusion, and the ninjas offer to try to hold them here if you want to press onwards before more of the hive notices you are here.
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(Do you want to fight or push ahead? I’m okay either way)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/9/2022 2:41 PM
"Come on Gideon let's go, the Ninjas can handle themselves, we have to find the queen"
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Gideon nods and starts stomping along after Damiyen, motioning Fido and Myke to follow.
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(we would then be pushing on in the direction of 6 and 11, which did we want to look at first)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/10/2022 9:14 AM
(following gideon's in character guess about the center, we would probably start with 11)
👍 1
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(sorry, the emoji's dont make the thread light up so I was waiting on a reply from gideon)
2:38 PM
(i just checked this on a whim and saw it there. try to send an actual message even if its just I agree, just so I know you need me) 11 has a long sloping tunnel that leads into the ground, into a dark chamber below. The decline is gradual enough to walk down and you hear the sounds of something stirring deep beneath the soil in the chamber below.
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(Oh, sorry! Will do!)
1:27 PM
“I think it might be more of those tunnellers. We’d better hurry before they converge on us.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/13/2022 3:27 AM
"I have the feelingthat this might be a bit larger then the tunnellers. Let's be careful approaching the next chamber until we know what awaits us." And I continue with Gideon towards the next chamber. (trying to be alert and sneaky)
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(So going into 11, or moving toward 12?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/14/2022 2:00 AM
(towards 11, where the sounds come from)
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(Yes)
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The war is warmer as you move into the tunnels leading down into the ground. Growths of small crystals that easily fit into the palm line the walls, and you know from previous studies of the underhill that these only form in the presence of the queen being nearby.
7:24 AM
The tunnel curves and you can see the chamber opening up below, as the ground continues gently leveling downwards
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/15/2022 8:43 AM
"See those crystals? This must be the Queen's chamber." I say to Gideon. "We should approach carefully and check for any traps." (edited)
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Gideon nods and drops a hand absentmindedly to one of the grenades on his belt. “Let’s have Fido take a look ahead. His senses are sharper,” he says, motioning Fido to creep ahead and raising the heavy cutter to cover him.
10:03 AM
(I can teleport Fido back to my side if he stumbles into a trap, right?)
💡 1
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(if he survives the damage of whatever trap is sprung, yes)
11:51 AM
(lets get a notice/wis for fido)
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!roll 2d6+1
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/15/2022 2:37 PM
Gideon Roll: [6, 5] Result: 12
🔥 2
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There are no traps in the tunnel, just a long descent to the queen, and an end to the war in this region if you claim victory
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“The tunnels clear,” Gideon tells Damiyen as he and Myke begin creeping after Fido.
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/16/2022 9:47 AM
I follow Gideon and ready my Taros Rifle, covering our rear should any Underhill come down behind us.
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(if we need to do anything before jumping into the fight, now is the time )
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(Do you want me to top everyone off with my biopsionics? I think we’re all missing a few HP, but it might not be worth the system strain.)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/16/2022 4:10 PM
(I'm good health wise, nothing that would be worth the strain.) I turn to Gideon and say: "So this is it, huh? The queen must be right in front of us. We now have the chance to end this war for good. Are you ready?"
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Gideon bares his teeth and hoists his heavy cutter: “Let’s take her out!”
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(initiative)
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(3. Oof)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/17/2022 10:57 AM
(3 and 6 = 6 because of Alert Foci)
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!roll d8+1
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/17/2022 11:45 AM
Nekosmash Roll: [5] Result: 6
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(Ties go to the PC, so it will be Damiyan, Queen, and Gideon. I'll get an actual arena type map together so we know where we are in the actual chamber itself)
11:47 AM
Entering the room, you see in the southeastern corner, there is a large vat of a honey like substance. The front half of a powerful spider like creature is lounging there, pulling itself to its many feet as it sees you enter the chamber from 20m away. You are walking across some kind of translucent looking honeycomb, with feeder drones and steam rising from below the floor to give it a semi clouded appearance.
11:47 AM
It seems strong enough to handle your weight, but are unsure how it might hold up to what is about to happen down here.
👀 1
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(Do the feeder drones look like they could be a threat or are they clearly non-combatants?)
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(We do not know)
8:52 AM
(They’re below the solid but transparent floor for the moment though . So they can’t easily get to you)
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(Okay. Good to know. Have to be careful with our grenades, then)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/19/2022 12:20 PM
I motion Gideon to circle the transparent floor counterclockwise and start moving a few meters clockwise to spread out, keeping my Taros Rifle pointed at the queen. (Are we already in full combat? Would the queen fit through the tunnel we entered?)
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Gideon begins moving counterclockwise as Damiyen indicates.
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(We are in combat and she would )
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/19/2022 1:53 PM
"Hey Gideon, look out for those feeder drones. The floor looks like it could give way or maybe they can chew through." I shoot a burst at the queen (20 / 8) (edited)
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(Let’s get a new initiative before we do anything , since we no longer have the ninjas )
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(Ah thank you)
4:42 PM
The shot strikes it’s foreclaw and you see some kind of acidic blood trickling from the wound. It roars and raises its abdomen. Some kind of liquid moves beneath its body and a spray of venom ejects from its mouth in a cone, a miniaturized rain shower blanketing the entire room
4:42 PM
!roll 2d8
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/20/2022 4:42 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5
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(Evasion save each. Five if failed. 2 if passes, and then Gideon is up)
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(6, 10, and 2. Gideon, Fido, and Myke all fail)
6:43 PM
Gideon snarls as the venom sprays directly onto his armor. Raising his heavy cutter, he fires at the queen while Fido and Myke charge.
6:46 PM
(Gideon: Attack 10, Damage 10) (Fido: Attack 11, Damage 5) (Myke: Attack 22, Damage 6)
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Myke manages to dive into the melee, biting down hard on one of the forelimbs and using his weight to keep the queen from lashing out with it. Myke snarls and barks as all dog like creatures do as it fights.
7:57 AM
(damiyen up)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/21/2022 10:06 AM
(I'm a bit confused about Myke's attack 🤔 Did my discord miss some messages? Because I thought it was Damiyen -> Queen -> Gideon. Does Myke act on his own?)
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(myke and the other animals act on Gideon's turn. Gideon went last in the round, so now it is you at the top of the next round) (edited)
10:32 AM
(We entered the chamber, you fired your taros rifle, the queen did her acid spray, Gideon and the animals attacked, now its back to you)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/21/2022 10:45 AM
10:45 AM
(I don't see anything from Gideon 😅 weird)
10:50 AM
(okay I see messages on mobile, that clears it up 😂 Was really confused for a while. Failed my evasion save for the spray and took 5 damage)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/21/2022 11:03 AM
Gideon quickly gets rid of the venom. "Ouch that hurts! I bet the blood of the queen is acidic, too. Myke should better be careful, Gideon!" Then I fire another burst with my Taros rifle: (atk=10/dmg=18)
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The shot misses, hitting the wall behind her as you move to quickly reposition yourself for another burst. The queen slams a massive claw down onto the floor, the one not being held down by a snarling Myke.
12:48 PM
!roll d20+6
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/21/2022 12:48 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [9] Result: 15
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!roll d8
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/21/2022 12:48 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [4] Result: 4
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(15/4 on Gideon if that hits, if not, no damage or shock) The floor cracks close to Gideon, and it begins to gently spider web with weight being so close to the damage
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(Nope, that’s a miss)
3:46 PM
Seeing the floor beginning to crack, Gideon mutters a curse and starts scurrying around the room. Once clear, he fires another blast at the queen while Fido and Myke continue to nip at her.
3:49 PM
(Gideon: Attack 13, Damage 17) (Fido: Attack 19, Damage 1) (Myke: Attack 21, Damage 1)
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The animas seem to be having an easier time fighting in here and a claw is torn off the beast. The queen shakes the chamber and the cracks continue to spread with her scream at being mutilated in this way
6:01 AM
(Damiyen)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/22/2022 9:28 AM
"Woah, look out for those cracks, Gideon!" If there are any cracks nearby, I move to a more safe location that does not look like it gives way on the next shake of the queen, preferably with some cover if there is any. Then I take aim again and fire off another burst with my Rifle. (edited)
9:29 AM
!roll 1d20 + 7 ! Attack Roll
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/22/2022 9:29 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [8] Result: 15 Reason: Attack Roll
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/22/2022 9:29 AM
!roll 2d12 + 3 ! Damage Roll
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/22/2022 9:29 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [7, 4] Result: 14 Reason: Damage Roll
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The shot bounces from her thick armor, and seeing her life steadily being chipped away at by the animals she directs her sweeping remaining talons towards the beasts, her mandibles trying to sweep them up in a single bite.
12:41 PM
!roll d20+5
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/22/2022 12:41 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [20] Result: 25
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!roll d8
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/22/2022 12:41 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [2] Result: 2
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!roll d20+4
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/22/2022 12:41 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [12] Result: 16
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!roll d6
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/22/2022 12:41 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [3] Result: 3
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(25/2 Myke, 16/3 Fido, and now gideon is up)
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(Myke’s down. How does dying work for animal companions? Do I have a couple rounds to get to him with psychic succor or do I have to heal him this turn?)
😲 1
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(Once npcs are reduced to zero they are dead. The actual special humanoid npc Companion that some folks pick up , or other PCs are the only exception to the rule and would benefit from psychic succor. Unfortunately , Myke had perished )
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(Oh no! I would have pulled him back sooner had I known. Rest in peace, Myke. You were a good boy)
😭 1
7:09 AM
Fido snarls and continues wrestling with the Queen. As her mandibles clamp down on Myke, the fungal hound lets out a whimper and collapses. Seeing Myke down, Gideon cries out and continues firing at the Queen. (Fido: Attack 11, Damage 3) (Gideon: Attack 11, Damage 10)
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The frenzied attacks have passion and feeling behind them, but they do not punch through the tough armor of the Queen, there is simply so much to hurt, and not enough damage being done to tilt the fight in your favor for the moment. (Damiyen )
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/23/2022 1:55 PM
I watch as the Queen kills Myke and for a moment I am shocked by the realization that he is not going to make it. But before I lose myself in grief, I focus on the fight and stash that for later. With cold determination, I take aim and fire off another burst
1:55 PM
!roll 1d20 + 7 ! Attack Roll
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/23/2022 1:55 PM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [12] Result: 19 Reason: Attack Roll
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/23/2022 1:55 PM
!roll 2d12 + 3 ! Damage Roll
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/23/2022 1:55 PM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [11, 7] Result: 21 Reason: Damage Roll
🔥 1
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The shot blows out the better part of the Queen's face. Enough is left to keep her alive, and her brain is intact enough to continue fighting, but you can see that like any wounded animal she is becoming more dangerous as she begins to feel cornered. Her mighty tentacles slam down on the cracking floor, causing the cracks to widen and grow rapidly. It looks as though you're standing on a cracking frozen lake or window. (evasion save, each of you )
2:00 PM
(her round isnt quite finished yet, just need to know the results before moving on)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/23/2022 2:04 PM
!roll d20 ! Evasion Save v12 Damiyen
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/23/2022 2:04 PM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [18] Result: 18 Reason: Evasion Save v12 Damiyen
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(Gideon: Pass - 20 vs 11) (Fido: Fail - 7 vs 11)
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The floor begins shattering and several large sections of it fall into the warm, honey like substance below. Gideon and Damiyen respond perfectly, moving to more intact sections of the glass like bottom of the room. Fido yelps as the floor closest to the queen falls into the goo below , and he fights to try to stay above the sticky mass. Like crocodiles on the bank of a river, the feeder grubs jump into the honey, and begin swimming over to him, like dark dagger shapes below the warm yellow amber surface of the liquid.
8:05 AM
(gideon up, Fido needs an exert/str at -2 to escape)
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(2, assuming no positive or negative modifiers behind the -2.) (Since that’s almost assuredly a fail, I’d like to use my main action to teleport Fido back to my side. Does he get to move or act after that?)
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(-2 is what he is taking the test at cumulatively, after everything that factors in. Your personal move action is to teleport him to him, the question is , can you teleport back with him as part of the same move)
9:47 AM
(of you can use your main action to do it, since techniques can be used on a main action if effort remains, and you just won't be able to shoot. Fido will have his move and main action , since he has not acted, you acted to save him)
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(Okay. I’ll use my main action to teleport him to safety, and then he’ll run back into the fray)
10:16 AM
Seeing Fido scrambling, Gideon closes his eyes for a moment and teleports his companion to his side. “Go get ‘er, boy.” Fido launches himself back toward the queen.
10:18 AM
(Fido: Attack 9, Damage 4)
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Eisheru, et al. 3/24/2022 12:09 PM
(You would still have a move Action for Gideon since the teleportation of your pet is a main action)
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While Fido charges at the queen, Gideon backs to the edge of the room, trying to put as much distance between himself and the feeder grubs as possible.
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(they're still under the floor/in the goo, which you're above, but now we know they can hurt you if you fall in. Damiyen is up)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/25/2022 3:12 AM
I watch as Fido tumbles down and I'm concerned for a moment. I look at the feeder grubs in the goo with a look of disgust and move further away from the cracked floor to a more stable position. Then I aim and fire another burst at the queen, hoping that the death of the queen also means that the feeder grubs leave us alone.
3:12 AM
!roll 1d20 + 7 ! Attack Roll
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/25/2022 3:12 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [4] Result: 11 Reason: Attack Roll
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/25/2022 3:13 AM
!roll 2d12 + 3 ! Damage Roll
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/25/2022 3:13 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [5, 3] Result: 11 Reason: Damage Roll
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/25/2022 3:13 AM
(meh)
3:14 AM
I shout over to Gideon: "How are you doing ammo wise? I have 4 shots with burst left before I have to reload. We should try to avoid having to reload on the same turn"
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“My cutter is plugged directly into my armor’s power source, so I don’t have to worry about reloading.
6:39 AM
(Also, do you think I should start laying down suppressing fire? It’s half damage, but my aim has been abysmal this fight)
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(Seen. Damiyen missed but I’ll wait for you guys to figure that out before I take the Queens turn)
❤️ 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/25/2022 8:23 AM
"Oh well, thats... handy! Me as a mortal over here will have to reload after 4 more bursts or start firing single shots, fyi" I shout back (I would start suppressive fire only if you could hit both the queen and all the feeder scrubs, otherwise we should concentrate on the queen and try to finish her quickly) (edited)
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(Okay. It sounds like the grubs are on a lower level, so that might be unlikely. I’ll just stick to blasting away normally)
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The queen slams another mighty limb down on the floor of the chamber, cracking more of the floor and the downswing descends toward Fido once again, the closest thing to her.
1:12 PM
!roll d20+6
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/25/2022 1:12 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [13] Result: 19
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!roll d8
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/25/2022 1:12 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [4] Result: 4
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(19/4 on Fido)
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(Just barely makes it past his ridiculously high AC!)
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(Queen is all done so it’s your turn now gideon )
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Gideon fires again at the queen while Fido continues to scratch and tear at her.
8:48 PM
(Gideon: Attack 11, Damage 12) (Fido: Attack 14, Damage 4)
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The queen is bothered by the continued assaults, but seems not to be harmed by the cutter fire or companion ripping at her flanks.
7:57 AM
(damiyen)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/28/2022 7:59 AM
"Damn it, she seems to be shrugging this off as if it's nothing. I currently have no better idea than keeping the fire on her, though. Anything on your side?" I shout to Gideon while aiming and shooting another burst at the queen.
7:59 AM
!roll 1d20 + 7 ! Attack Roll
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/28/2022 7:59 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [3] Result: 10 Reason: Attack Roll
🙈 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/28/2022 7:59 AM
(I won't even bother to run damage)
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The queen gathers what looks to be a goppet of acid, before firing it towards Damiyen to try to dislodge him from his position. The shot goes high, sizzling and hissing as it begins eating the rock of the chamber behind him- too far to harm him but the sound remains a constant bubble and reminder of the danger you are in. (edited)
8:04 AM
!roll d20+5
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/28/2022 8:04 AM
Nekosmash Roll: [2] Result: 7
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(misses, Gideon up)
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“I could throw a grenade and try to collapse the floor. The fall might do some damage, but the goo might protect her.”
2:47 PM
(Want me to try it?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/28/2022 2:53 PM
(I thought about that, but somehow I fear that she would be much better equipped to deal with the situation than we are, given that the feeder scrubs are able to navigate in there. Maybe your idea about suppressive fire was good after all 🤪 Maybe it's worth a try and hit both her as well as the vat in the south east corner that has the honey like substance)
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(Sure. Let’s give it a shot)
12:47 AM
Gideon lets out a roar of frustration and holds down the trigger of his heavy cutter, trying to catch the queen and the tank behind her in the fusillade. Meanwhile, Fido continues to tear at her.
12:49 AM
(Gideon: Half of 13 is 6 damage) (Fido: Attack 4, Damage N/A)
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!roll d20
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/29/2022 7:40 AM
Nekosmash Roll: [9] Result: 9
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(fails, 13 it is)
7:41 AM
Several of the feeder grubs are hit and the floor around the queen begins cracking and breaking. The queen looks to be heavily wounded as the fight continues, and the sounds of bugs rallying in capillary tunnels begins to hit your ears now . You have heard nothing from the ninjas since you parted ways.
7:41 AM
(Damiyen)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/29/2022 8:00 AM
"Judging from the sounds, we'd better hurry to finish this." and I take aim and shoot another burst
8:00 AM
!roll 1d20 + 7 ! Attack Roll
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/29/2022 8:00 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [7] Result: 14 Reason: Attack Roll
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/29/2022 8:00 AM
(does not hit)
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!roll d20+5
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/29/2022 10:01 AM
Nekosmash Roll: [19] Result: 24
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!roll d8
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/29/2022 10:01 AM
Nekosmash Roll: [5] Result: 5
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Another spray of acid this time finds its mark, striking Damiyen from his position, and the floor around him begins to weaken as the bile does its work (24/5, and an evasion save to jump to a more stable part of the floor)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/29/2022 12:39 PM
!roll d20 ! Evasion Save v12 Damiyen
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/29/2022 12:39 PM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [7] Result: 7 Reason: Evasion Save v12 Damiyen
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/29/2022 12:40 PM
I frantically try to get the bile off of me and don't manage to reach a more stable position
12:40 PM
(8 hp 😅 )
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Falling into the honey-slime below, Damiyen sees the feeder grubs jump in from the opposite bank where Myke was just a short while ago. (you'll get your turn before they do anything on the queen's turn. Gideon is up)
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(Want me to come help you or heal you? Or keep blazing away?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/29/2022 2:12 PM
(Keep up the suppressive fire, that worked well last time)
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“Why won’t you die?” Gideon shouts at the queen as he continues firing. Fido growls his agreement as he tries to sink his teeth into her.
3:04 PM
(Gideon: 12 damage, save for 6)
3:04 PM
(Fido: Attack 5 🙁)
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!roll d20
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/29/2022 3:35 PM
Nekosmash Roll: [4] Result: 4
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There is a shriek as the waves of gravity shearing energy tear the queen's head to pieces. With a piercing scream the entire nest rocks and cracks begin forming up the walls, and through the ceiling. Stones begin to strike soft places on the floor, and one splashes against the feeder grubs , pulping them. The nest seems to be coming apart,.
🔥 1
3:38 PM
(I'm thinking some kind of skill contest to get out of here might be fun)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/30/2022 6:44 AM
(Yay we killed the queen 💪 ) (Skill contest sounds good) "Hey Gideon once you're done putting holes into the Queen, would you mind giving me a hand over here? As much as I enjoy a good bath, this does not seem like the right time for it"
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(Do you guys need me to go over how they work or have you got enough of the idea from other threads ?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/30/2022 6:45 AM
(I have no idea, but if you have some pointers I can read up)
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(I could use some pointers too)
8:04 AM
Gideon smiles sheepishly and shuffles over to offer a hand. “Sure. Sorry.”
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(Each skill can only be used by the party once, You have to justify how you are using it to progress your goal in the given situation, so in this case we're trying to escape the underhill nest as it comes apart, so we have falling rocks, warriors trying to swipe at us from walls or crumbling floors, ect. We want to get to five successful passes before we get to three failures, )
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/30/2022 10:05 AM
"Ah thanks buddy", I say as Gideon pulls me out. "We'd better get out of here, and quickly. Looks like the whole thing is coming down" I say as I look around to the ceiling and the walls" Before moving, I also eject the almost spent cell in my taros rifle and replace it with a fresh one.
10:07 AM
(How big is Myke? Could I or Gideon carry the body without too much hindrance?)
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(Whoever does carry him would be encumbered, so you'd be taking skill checks for our skill challenge at a penalty, as you're also carrying the body)
👍 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/30/2022 12:56 PM
I step over to Myke's Body and take a moment to look at him. "He's been such a good boy. We probably wouldn't have made it without him. Do you want to take him with you? I will support you in that if you want it"
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(Would wearing storm armor help with the encumberance at all?)
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(its not about the weight so much as the physical awkwardness of carrying it)
1:26 PM
(your hands are still occupied, you're going to be dealing with shifting the weight so you can turn or move your body properly, ect)
1:26 PM
Around you, the nest continues to more violently shake apart - the time for this conversation rapidly drawing to a close.
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Gideon walks over to Myke’s corpse and tenderly picks him up. “Yes, he deserves a proper burial.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/31/2022 1:21 AM
"Okay let's get us out of here" I ready my Taros Rifle and hurry towards the tunnel we entered, ready to shoot anything that tries to stop us. (Going to attempt shoot/dex, afaik gideon would not attempt that anyway with Myke on his arms)
1:22 AM
!roll 2d6 + 2 + 1 ! shoot/dex
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/31/2022 1:22 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [3, 1] Result: 7 Reason: shoot/dex
😑 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 3/31/2022 7:15 AM
(For Gideon and me to plan next checks, those are my next 3 good skills, although I don't know if Connect is applicable in anyway :D)
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(It would be up to you to try to pitch how to make it applicable, but you can try any skill)
👍 1
8:55 AM
Damiyen moves into an escort position, using his knowledge of his weapons and how to position himself to provide maximum protection to best possible use. (1 success, 0 failures, Shoot has been used)
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(My only strong skill is Survive, which I roll at +2. If I can roll psychic skill checks, I have +4 for Metapsionics and Gaiapsionics and +3 for Biopsionics)
10:22 AM
Gideon draws on his psychically heightened senses and his long experience hunting in the jungles of Terezinho to stalk through the hive quietly, eyes and ears alert for any sign that bugs have passed by recently.
10:23 AM
!roll 2d6 +2 ! survive/wisdom
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Dice Maiden BOT 3/31/2022 10:23 AM
Gideon Roll: [3, 3] Result: 8 Reason: survive/wisdom
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(you can use skills you'[re not trained in)
3:21 PM
(and if you can justify how a psychic skill would work those are options)
3:22 PM
(two successes, no failures, shoot and survive have been used)
3:23 PM
Both of you emerge from the queen's chamber into the higher level of the collapsing nest. You find the bodies of the cyber ninjas, surrounded by what looks to be hundreds of bugs. One of them looks to be alive, but just barely and only due to their elaborate cybernetics. You recognize the face plate- the one who blessed you with ash before setting off.
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Gideon hurries to the wounded cyber ninja and sets Myke’s corpse down gingerly. Placing a gauntleted hand on the man’s shoulder, he closes his eyes and begins directing psychic energy toward healing him.
9:33 PM
(Can I use psychic succor normally, or should I roll a skill check instead?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/1/2022 1:35 AM
While Gideon is trying to heal the Cyberninja, I position myself in a good position to cover our backs. (I would like to use notice/wisdom and be super alert about any bugs coming into view to immediately react and take them down with a well placed shot, is that possible?) (edited)
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(healing him is not part of the skill contest so that just works normally, Damiyen, go ahead and roll)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/1/2022 7:42 AM
!roll 2d6 + 1 + 1 ! notice/wis
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Dice Maiden BOT 4/1/2022 7:42 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [3, 2] Result: 7 Reason: notice/wis
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!roll 1d6+1 ! Psychic Succor HP
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Dice Maiden BOT 4/1/2022 8:24 AM
Gideon Roll: [5] Result: 6 Reason: Psychic Succor HP
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(Two successes, one failure, with Shoot, survive, and notice being used) Gideon is able to inject some health into the wounded Ninja, focusing on recovery for the moment by inducing psionc healing. The noise, darkness, and now rumbling of the collapsing nest foil the senses and make alertness almost impossible- the bugs have not yet come this way, but they may soon.
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Gideon offers the cyber ninja a hand up. “What happened?” he asks as he double checks the other cyber ninjas to make sure none are alive.
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/2/2022 2:17 AM
"We need to get moving, I don't think that this nest will hold up for much longer"
2:18 AM
"Are you able to walk on your own?"
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(We don’t have time to talk right now unless you want to get buried alive )
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“I’m afraid we don’t have time to bring them with us,” Gideon says, nodding toward the cyber ninjas corpses. Closing his eyes, he probes the surrounding environment, looking for a stable route out of the hive. If he detects any roots or other plant life, he will encourage it to buttress their path.
2:52 PM
!roll 2d6+4 ! Gaiapsionics/Con
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Dice Maiden BOT 4/2/2022 2:52 PM
Gideon Roll: [2, 2] Result: 8 Reason: Gaiapsionics/Con
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(Success. We will see what damiyen does and I’ll advance into what might be our final scene )
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/3/2022 2:45 AM
I follow Gideon's instructions as he uses the plant life to find a stable route out, while around us everything continues to fall to pieces. I take a bit of a lead, because Gideon is carrying Myke and therefore not really able to defend against the bugs we might encounter. For most of the time, I'm trying to have a big enough lead to stop and shoot any bugs that we encounter without Gideon having to slow down. As we continue towards the exit, Gideon shouting behind me what tunnel to take at crossings, I spot a duo of bug Warriors at an intersection that we need to cross. I signal Gideon and the Cyberninja to stop with a hand signal and carefully sneak towards the warriors, with the intent to take them out unaware.
2:45 AM
!roll 2d6 + 1 + 1 ! sneak/dex
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Dice Maiden BOT 4/3/2022 2:45 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [4, 2] Result: 8 Reason: sneak/dex
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/3/2022 2:48 AM
Silent as a shadow, I sneak around the arcing tunnel and behind the first warrior. My monoblade easily slices through his neck and as he drops, I'm already jumping on the second one. Using his surprise about his gurgling companion, I slit his throat too. Back with Gideon, I signal the "all clear" and we continue towards the exit.
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(You should wait for me to let you know if a check passes before you just decide it does, especially if you’re also creating dangers or complications thst I didn’t add to the scene )
8:59 AM
(4 successes , 1 failure , sneak, notice , Gaia psionics , shoot and survive used )
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/3/2022 11:44 AM
(Hm okay will do so next time, I was assuming based on the previous 8s which all passed) (edited)
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(I frame the DC based off how you’re describing what you’re doing, the difficulty goes up and down depending on how much I get or what you’re describing )
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/4/2022 8:36 AM
(I only have Connect 1 left as a skill > 0 and can't imagine a valid use case here. Gideon, do you have better skills left? Probably Metapsionics or Biopsionics?)
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(Yes, both of those, but I can’t think of any ways to use them. Maybe topping off our health with biopsionics so we’re reinvigorated?) (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/4/2022 11:35 AM
(Maybe Biopsionics to keep us going and infuse us with a last effort of strength to make it to the exit?)
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Gideon motions Damiyen and the cyber-ninja to halt for a moment. Placing a hand on their shoulders, he tries to channel every last of erg of biopsionic power into them, hoping to invigorate them for one last sprint.
❤️ 2
2:21 PM
!roll 2d6+3 ! Biopsionics/Con
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Dice Maiden BOT 4/4/2022 2:21 PM
Gideon Roll: [3, 3] Result: 9 Reason: Biopsionics/Con
💪 2
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Wounds are healed, sore muscles are purged of acid buildup and you make it to the surface, tumbling out of the nest as the weight or rock and dirt collapses into the hole. A geyser of dust and steam rises from the ground and you can hear the crash of settling stones under you- as well as screaming bugs trying to escape. They are crushed beneath the weight of the nest and the Greystar ship in orbit is preparing to iron rain the site now that the queen has been confirmed dead. The gunship that brought you here swoops in low, visible mostly through the dust by its bright running lights, and takes off the moment you are aboard. (edited)
🔥 3
🥳 3
3:50 PM
(6xp, 50,000 credits)
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(That's a level up for me)
🥳 2
9:54 AM
**Level Up** Level: 6 Focus: n/a Old HP: 25HP Roll: 31 New HP: 31 New Skills: Biopsionics 2 for 3SP Free Psioniic Technique: Major Organ Restoration Current AB: 3
9:54 AM
(How does this look?)
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(Looks correct to me,)
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(We've brought peace to this region, I think mass combat with the remaining GSC troops can handle the last area, if you're both eager to get into other things)
🥳 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/6/2022 4:39 AM
On the Gunship, I turn to the Ninja and say: "You and your team played a vital role in the destruction of this nest. We three should could ourselves lucky that we survived and thank Ognyena for her blessing on this day. We will make sure, that the names of your fallen Comrades get proper recognition, when people talk about this event." I also walk over to Gideon and Myke. I slowly and a bit hesitantly reach over to put a hand on him, saying: "Hey Myke, you did well down there. We would not have made it, if it weren't for your fearless attacks during the various fights we had. Your bravery against the queen is something you will be remembered for. I will make sure of that." I turn to Gideon and say: "It was the right decision to take him with us, he deserves a burial fitting the warrior spirit he had. And I'm terribly sorry for your loss."
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“Yes, he was quite a good boy,” Gideon says, looking up at Damiyen with tearful eyes. “Thank you for your kind words. I’d be honored if you’d be there for his burial in space.”
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(did we want to play that out ? )
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(I’m bad at writing speeches. Maybe we could just fast-forward past Gideon delivering a moving eulogy and sending Myke drifting towards the sun? Unless Damiyen wants to say anything)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/7/2022 1:03 AM
(I INSIST on a > 500 words speech to honor Myke, that's the least you can do! Just kidding, I'm good with fast-forward 😉 For Nekosmash: me and Gideon will stay together for the time being. We would prefer a more exploration focused mission with a bit less combat if that's possible. Although, @Gideon I also saw https://discordapp.com/channels/345912178072879106/595003280782786572/961072341306200144 which might be interesting unless it's mainly combat again) (edited)
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(I'm struggling to see how rescuing smugglers from an enemy military facility would not involve combat in some way)
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(Yeah, it looks interesting, but I’m not sure if it’s our skill set)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/7/2022 9:05 AM
(I'm fine with starting something else, let's not get into another combat focused mission back-to-back)
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(Definitely)
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(there are plenty of Greystar planets within our borders that haven't really been touched, I can throw some names out of that helps)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/7/2022 9:59 AM
(some names would be great!)
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(Espinoza, most of the Dura-In system which has a few planets in it, Sana, Thea, Canto)
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(Espinoza looks interesting and resembles Gideon’s homeworld a bit. And Dura-In seems interesting with so many planets)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/8/2022 2:13 AM
(Let's go to Espinoza)
8:14 AM
(This is the only info we have here about the planet)
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(Awesome. Let’s lay in a course)
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(We have 13 days of downtime , basically crossing the entire length of the confederation from north to south)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/9/2022 2:50 AM
(We are taking Gideon's ship for this right? Because I don't own one currently. Also, I would like to spent those days learning the Taros Language if that's possible)
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(And I’ll put them toward learning heal)
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(His ship or a polity shuttle. Either way we are getting there )
8:35 AM
The Greystar presence on Espinoza amounts to a single colony that has expanded around the ruins of an old New Moon Cooperative listening post. Tens of thousands of people live here now but the city is at its breaking point- the locals becoming increasingly restless to expand into the jungle and have land of their own. The jungle is a dangerous place from what is known thus far. Several teams have been sent out, seeing new dangers every time they do
8:35 AM
Landing at the starport on the ground you’re not met by any officials , this being a bit removed from a state visit
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/11/2022 7:34 AM
"Well, here we are. After all this time on the ship, I'm happy to get moving again. Let's go and find someone official here" I say to Gideon.
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Gideon nods and begins looking for any official-looking buildings. (edited)
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There is a town hall in the center of the colony that seems to be where most of the actual Greystar business is handled. Things seem quieter there for the moment, the colony used to its problems and the people having given up going there for help
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“Doesn’t seem like much is going on there,” Gideon says, nodding toward the town hall. “Do you want to go in, or do you want to get the lay of the land in a bar first?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/11/2022 1:34 PM
"Let's go in first, and do the bar later. I would like to know what we are up to before taking some drinks"
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“That works for me,” Gideon says, entering the town hall with Fido at his heels.
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There is an attendant sitting at a desk when you enter, and they great you with the respect due Confederation agents. "Welcome to Espinoza , how can I assist you both today? " he asks, pleasantly, but otherwise with a sense of detachment.
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“I’m Agent Gideon, and this is Agent Damiyen. We’re just passing through and were hoping to do some exploring. Is there some kind of magistrate hear we could talk to?”
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"The Governor is busy, and you do not have an appointment, If you're looking to explore the catographer has an office on this floor, and their office can discuss sites of interest with you"
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“That’d be fine. Could you show us the way?”
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They agree and you’re brought to the mapping office where some sketches of the jungle are being compiled. Two clerks and a master map maker work in this room and you have their attention as you enter. From the look of things they can’t say what lies beyond the colony for certain for more than a kilometer or two
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Gideon approaches the master map maker and offers his hand. “Hello. I’m Agent Gideon and this is Agent Damiyen. We were passing through and thought we might do a little exploring. What can you tell us about the surroundings?”
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“Almost nothing as you can see. This world is a confused mess of jungle and danger , and well, we need folks like you to help us full in those blank edges of the map”
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/13/2022 7:38 AM
"Two questions from my side: 1. What are the dangers you encountered up until now? Any strange happenings going on? 2. Are there any places/regions/directions you would like us to prioritise? "
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1) The jungle is home to dangerous beasts of all varieties that don't seem bothered by humans or humanoids, and indeed see you as prey. Little is known about them, most variations have only been seen once or twice. All that is known for certain is most things in the jungle consider you to be food. 2) They have no information on this. Explorers have not gone far beyond the settlement without being attacked. One direction of travel out of the colony is no more important than any other with what is known so far.
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(Well, I don’t think we’re going to get much more out of him. Want to just pick a direction and go?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/13/2022 3:13 PM
(let's speak to some of the locals first, maybe they have a different view?)
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“Thank you for your time,” Gideon says, offering his hand to the mapmaker. “We’ll let you know what we find.” With that, he exits the town hall and takes in the surrounding buildings.
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/14/2022 4:16 AM
I follow Gideon and also look for somewhere local people would gather at the current time of day.
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There is a square outside the town hall where people are gathering. There is some light business being done here but with the colony being the small size it is, there has not been much opportunity to find resources or develop niche industries. Essentially, people try to make something novel or unique with what is on hand, and it does not amount to much.
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Gideon sidles up to some of the colonists and introduces himself. “How long have you been on Esperanza?”
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Most of the colonists here are new, coming within the last 1 to 3 years- before Greystar took administration of the world there was only a small New Moon Cooperative listening post here with no more than fifty staff members forming the permanent garrison. Everyone here has moved from more core Greystar worlds, finding their world governments unpalatable in one way or another. You would estimate more than one colonist has some troubles on their homeworld and are coming here to start over.
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Gideon begins asking around to see if anyone has ventured into the wilderness.
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These are civilians and their jobs tend to be more involved in keeping the colony itself running properly. Their duties don't take them into the jungle and even food production is handled in house here in greenhouses rather than claiming farmland by cutting down the jungle. Any rumors you pick up match what you've heard already, and no one has any new insight for you.
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Gideon turns to Damiyen. “Well, it doesn’t sound like the locals know anymore about our surroundings than the cartographers. Want to head out?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/18/2022 12:24 PM
"Yeah seems like we are going to have to see what we are coming up with. Let's head out then. I assume we head westwards? Do we need some form of transportation or should we just start walking?"
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“The jungle looked pretty dense. I think we might be faster on foot, unless we can rustle up a couple of grav bikes.”
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From what you can see within the bounds of the colony, it looks as though in most places you'll have to cut a path, making grav bikes not as expedient as you think they might be
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/19/2022 2:54 AM
I turn to Gideon and say: "Any last arrangements before we head out?"
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“Nope. I’m all set,” Gideon says, hoisting his backpack and heading westward out of the settlement.
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/20/2022 12:43 AM
(is the map PC knowledge? And off we go...)
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Eisheru, et al. 4/20/2022 7:27 AM
(If it's on World Anvil, its available to use by PCs)
👍 2
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(there is a map of the planet as the cover image of the Espinoza article)
9:15 AM
(d10 , either of you can roll)
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!roll 1d10
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Dice Maiden BOT 4/20/2022 9:52 AM
Gideon Roll: [6] Result: 6
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Heading west from the city gates you find yourselves with about 500m of space before getting to the border of a thick jungle. It feels like the color and contrast in this region has been turned up to its maximum and the incredibly vibrant plants are an assault of color and smell on the senses- though not altogether an unpleasant experience. Any path through the woods here would need to be cut, you cannot see more than a few meters into the dense undergrowth.
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/21/2022 3:57 AM
(heavy cutter time? :D)
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(Either that or we use our melee weapons like machetes. The cutter is loud, but I don’t think that’ll be a problem. Do you?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/21/2022 9:28 AM
(Okay let's use our melee weapons first, on second thought the cutter seems a bit risky/overkill when fired blindly into the jungle)
9:29 AM
I use my monoblade to cut through the undergrowth, looking for anything of interest
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Gideon draws his chain-blade and begins hacking away alongside Damiyen, with Fido bringing up the rear.
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(yeah, indiscriminately firing heavy weapons into the jungle is probably not a good idea haha) Moving into the jungle you both cut a narrow path into the trees. It is exhausting work, moving only a handful of meters over the course of an hour you come to something of a small clearing between some trees where their thick canopies have kept the ground cover from getting sunlight. There are no creeping vines here, and a multicolored serpent winds its way up the trunk of a tree 5m away, trying to get away from you.
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Spotting the snake, Gideon smiles and closes his eyes to probe his surroundings psychically. (I’d like to use the Whispering Wind)
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This close to the colony most of what you can feel is drowned out by the mass of people and life there, almost like looking at the sun while trying to see the stars. You do not detect much of anything else given the close distance and slow progress into the jungle for now.
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“I can’t detect much beyond the city behind us. Want to keep going, or to try getting a closer look at that serpent?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/23/2022 11:37 AM
"I'm not especially intrigued about disturbing serpents in the jungle. Let's keep going then" And I get back to hacking
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Gideon joins Damiyen in hacking.
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Cutting your way 250m into the jungle after a hard days work you find yourself in another open patch where the large trees have kept the smaller vines from encroaching too close. Fireflies trickle up from the ground here and you can see the even rectangular path you’ve cut back toward the colony itself. As you go to rest Damiyen sits on a moss covered rock, and when it shifts it gives a metallic creak, sliding to reveal another piece of metal below it. You’ve seen enough planes to know this looks like part of a wing
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Gideon hurries over and crouches down next to Damiyen. “What do we have here…?” he says as he begins to examine the base of the metal to see if there is more attached.
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/24/2022 9:42 AM
I stand up and also try to make out if there is a whole plane attached to the wing
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There is a wreck buried deep in the jungle soil here. The wing shows the emblem of a long gone New Moon Cooperative survey corps , and you’re unsure of the how much of the wreck lies below you
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“Hmm… Maybe this will help,” Gideon says, switching on his survey scanner and fiddling with the nobs as he tries to determine the size and dimensions of the wreck.
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The wreck would be about the size of a modern day prop flyer, buried deep within the ground , most of the wreck looks to be intact below ground, aside from hitting the ground at an angle too steep for its crew to survive
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“Looks like it’s buried pretty deep, but mostly intact. If we dig a bit, we might be able to access the interior. Maybe we can improvise some shovels.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/25/2022 1:07 PM
Damiyen agrees with Gideon and looks around for some improvisation, maybe a flat stone or a suitable piece of wood and looks for a good position to start digging
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The scraps of aluminum from a plane wing looks like it can be shaped relatively easily into something of a earth shaping tool, and you're both skilled enough in fixing things and improvising to shape the metal and keep yourself from cutting yourselves.
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Gideon grabs a piece of the wing and bends it into a scoop using his armor’s enhanced strength. Resting the improvised shovel against his leg, he uses the scanner to determine the best place to start digging. After a few moments, Gideon motions Damiyen over. “We’ll, this looks like the best place to start. Here goes!” he says as he hoists his shovel.
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/26/2022 11:05 AM
I also improvise a shovel and get digging at the appointed position that Gideon identified.
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(exert/con, both of you)
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/26/2022 12:27 PM
!roll 2d6 + 0 + 1 ! Damiyen exert/con
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Dice Maiden BOT 4/26/2022 12:27 PM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [5, 1] Result: 7 Reason: Damiyen exert/con
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!roll 2d6+1
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Dice Maiden BOT 4/26/2022 2:15 PM
Gideon Roll: [5, 5] Result: 11
🔥 1
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Evening comes rapidly as you dig, having excavated about half the plane from its current resting place. This was no doubt a microlight flyer and you think you can jimmy open one of the doors to actually get into the downward pitched pilot compartment to get at any bodies, and any buried data drives within.
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Damiyen Rodrick 4/27/2022 1:21 PM
"Oh man that's a lot of digging. Let's take a small break and then we can try to get inside. I wonder what happened here"
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Gideon clambers out of the hole and settles on the ground with a rattle of servomotors armor plating. Sipping his canteen, he surveys the wreck and clearing. “It seems awfully light-weight. Could it have been a survey vessel? Or a spy plane?”
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(I have seen this, just didn't want to jump into the middleof your conversation)
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(No problem!) While chatting, Gideon tries to determine whether the damage to the wreck was due to weapons or the environment, looking for scorches, sharp edges, etc.
🧐 1
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/2/2022 8:22 AM
(I'm waiting for the results of Gideon's inquiry, as it might influence our next steps)
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(Yep, just getting back to threads)
8:26 AM
The damage looks to be from impact with the ground. You see nothing that might have compromised its flight profile while it was actually in the air- at least from the outside. (So it wasn’t shot down. We don’t know what caused the crash otherwise ) (edited)
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/3/2022 2:31 AM
I see Gideon eying the wreck, and say: "Do you see anything interesting? Shall we try to get inside?"
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“Hmmm… No, there’s nothing interesting on the outside. It looks like it just… fell.”
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(you've dug enough to force one of the cabin doors open if we want to look inside)
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/3/2022 9:08 AM
"Well then let's open this up and see what's inside". I look for something to help force the door of the wreck open
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(your tools would work)
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/3/2022 9:10 AM
Using my tools, I try to open the cabin door we dug out
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The door pops open, and inside you can see two bodies that have desiccated to the stage of being dry remains. Scraps of flesh and uniform still hang from their bones, but animals and worms have feasted on most of it. You can see the computer system and data drive look to be damaged, but extractable.
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“Well, it looks like they’ve been here a long time,” Gideon says, poking his head into the cabin. He gingerly examines the tattered uniforms, looking for any identifying marks.
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The New Moon Cooperative Survey Corps logo, featuring the old gray and white polity flag, and the compass and sextant known as commonly used ancient surveying tools are decomposing patches on what remains of the two crew member's flight suits.
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(Any name tags?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/4/2022 2:01 AM
I go over to the computer system and try to extract any data
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If there were name patches on the uniforms they've since decayed as part of the natural process of decomposition. Not much of the uniforms or bodies are left.
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“They seem to have belonged to the New Moon Serving Corps, but I can’t make out their names or ranks.”
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You also can see that their data drive with their mapping data is intact, and might be able to be reviewed by a proper computer setup elsewhere.
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(Can data cores usually be extracted, or will we need to relocate the entire flier?)
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(it can be extracted and we can plug it into a proper computer whenever)
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/6/2022 2:34 AM
I go over to the data drive and see whether we can extract it
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It needs a proper computer setup to get the contents out, but the drive is in good shape for how long it was lodged into the ground, and should have the survey data on it before the plane crashed.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/6/2022 12:33 PM
If possible I take the whole drive out
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“Well, there doesn’t seem to be much else here,” Gideon says, glancing around the cabin to see if there is anything besides the corpses and data core. “Do you think we should try to bury the bodies? Or seal them back in here in case the New Moon Cooperative wants them repatriated?”
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(Yep, we have the drive now, we just can't do anything with it from here)
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/8/2022 11:42 AM
Damiyen thinks a moment about the bodies. "I don't think burying them is worth the effort. Let's seal them in and we can mark the location and send it to the New Moon Cooperatives once we know more." With that, I take another look around for anything interesting and leave if there is nothing.
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(the plane crash was the main thing in the grove here, but the drive probably has maps and survey data on it, so we can at least figure out what's in the immediate area)
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“Alright, we’ll seal them in. Want to head back into town to read their mapping data?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/9/2022 12:18 PM
"sounds good let's get out of this"
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Gideon crouches at the door and pauses for a moment of silence before exiting the vessel and sealing the door. He marks its location on his survey scanner and then climbs out of the hole, ready to return to town.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/9/2022 12:28 PM
I throw a last thoughtful look at the wreck while leaving, before I follow Gideon back to town
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(3xp, 5000 credits) The only computer setup here of worth that would have both experts, and a powerful enough set of processors to get through the encryption is located in the town hall, and as you enter the building you see that people instinctively get out of your way as you return dirty, tired, and with items in hand from the day of exploring the jungle. The large black box drive is taken by experts and you're invited to sit for a bit while they get to decoding it. Food and water are both brought yo you more than once to ensure you have your fill, After about an hour of waiting, you're invited in where a large map of the local jungle has been blown up onto a wall projector, with several different color electronic pins made into the display.
🥳 4
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/9/2022 2:13 PM
"So, you managed to decode it." I take a moment to study the map of the jungle. And wait for Gideon to have a look at well, before saying: "What do we see here?"
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Gideon rubs his chin and leans closer to the map, trying to figure out what the different colors indicate.
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'The Cooperative marked some resource deposits. The four blue flags look to be base metals. The two red flags are places they saw concentrations of animals that might be domesticated for various purposes. The green flag here looks to be some kind of shipwreck- a space freighter, to the north side of the continent that the cooperative never had a chance to go explore. "
🔥 2
8:06 AM
"They did some off shore scouting as well and found oil, and other fossil fuels that the colony could use to boostrap itself"
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“Well, that looks useful,” Gideon says, suppressing a grin. “I’d be interested in checking out that freighter…” he says to Damiyen, scrutinizing the map for a suitable landing site near the wreck.
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There is enough room to land a shuttle on the shore where the wreck has been beached, and you'll be able to establish some kind of base camp close by now that you know where to land and what the area looks like.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/10/2022 2:57 PM
"Gideon is right, the base metals and the animals is something the people could investigate on their own, now that the positions are known. Let's get to the freighter wreck next and see what surprises await us there." I walk over to the map and point at the suitable landing site. "We should be able to land a shuttle there and start exploring."
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Gideon nods. “Agreed. But first, why don’t we head back to the Esperanza and clean up. We can head out in the morning.”
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/11/2022 12:59 PM
"Cleaning up is a wonderful idea. Can't wait to get rid of all of this jungle stuff. It still feels like half of the bugs have decided to come with me, I'm itching all over"
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(We can probably forward through that unless there was a specific thing you wanted to roleplay before we head out to our destination)
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/11/2022 2:18 PM
(forwarding is fine for me)
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(Fine for me too)
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The time spent in the colony has you cleaned, fed, and boarding a transport before being bussed north through the sky to the beach where the freighter has been washed up. The freighter is a bulk freighter, a large model that looks to have had its spine shattered by some kind of combat in the space above the planet. Tenebrian Empire markings are seen on the top and flank of the vessel and it looks like its forward cargo ramp was lowered. The crew looks to have tried to abandon ship ,and must have been swallowed up by the jungle. Half the vessel is beached, and the other half is stuck firmly in the shallow water and its boxy metal flanks have been barnacled and crusted over by years of salt spray.
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Stepping off the transport onto the beach, Gideon savors the salt air for a moment before turning to the wreck. “Well, it’s certainly been here a while. Want to get a closer look?”
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/13/2022 2:05 AM
I hop off the transport and take a look around, it's been a while since I've seen a sea. I undirectedly talk to almost my self and say: "Looks like that freighter has been attacked, or at least it has seen some serious battle, for whatever reason. Judging from the look of the part in the sea, I don't think that any of the crew is still around. I wonder where they went..." I turn to Gideon and answer his original question: "Yes let's get closer. I really want to know what happened here"
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“I don’t know much about before the scream, but there sure seems to have been a lot of combat…” Gideon says, setting off down the beach with Fido at his heals.
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(Just wanted to give everyone a heads up: I’m going out tomorrow to spend a week in a cabin. I should still have internet access, but it might be pretty spotty)
🥳 2
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/13/2022 7:29 AM
(sounds awesome, have fun!)
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Fido begins sniffing around , not paying much attention to the ship wreck and instead looks to be just enjoying the smells of this new place. Shards of rusted metal debris are half buried in the sand like knives fallen from orbit, making a slow trail to the cargo ramp that is open at the ships bow. Some of it has been bent and twisted and you doubt it would support a heavy vehicle but looks strong enough to take your weight
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/16/2022 2:57 AM
"They left the door open for us. Want to have a look?" I say to Gideon and slowly and carefully approach the ramp
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“Lead the way,” Gideon says, beckoning Fido and then cautiously following after Damiyen.
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(We would be entering from the bow, the far right of the image)
😍 1
Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 5/17/2022 9:19 AM
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Upon entering the ship it looks as though the design of the freighter is an unconventional one. Entering some kind of cargo staging area you see a few ship status panels in this room, but nothing that would look like the bridge. Instead, cargo would be brought up from the cavernous deck below this one on the freight elevators in the next room, and then it would be carted out the front ramps of the ship by porters and cargo skiffs at the orbital dock it would have connected with. A ship this size would have never survived atmospheric entry, and its crash here makes the sandy beach the freighter's final resting place for more reasons than one. A flock of seabirds roosting inside this cargo staging bay fly skyward, annoyed at the sudden disturbance.
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Gideon waves at the birds before beginning to examine the cargo staging area for any signs that humans might have passed through recently.
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There is nothing here indicating anyone has returned to the ship since the original crew abandoned the vessel for what they thought would be the relative safety of the jungle.
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“Doesn’t look like anyone’s been in here since the crew left. Want to look for the bridge?” Gideon looks around for any signs pointing to the ship’s command and control area, while Fido starts sniffing around.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/19/2022 12:52 AM
"The bridge is the most likely place to find out what happened." I also look at the birds flying off. "I guess we don't have to worry about any humans, doesn't mean that there isn't some firm form of predator around. Be careful" I carefully begin to search further into the ship.
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(next room from the right, the large chamber in between the fins is where we'll be, with the two crosses in it)
7:31 AM
The cargo elevator room has been left largely intact. Power has failed here and it does not look like the crew was able to access any kind of bulk cargo in the hold. Two cargo skiffs left onboard for moving things around in the hold, and on space platforms have been left behind here abandoned- far too boxy and wide to get through the jungle. Moss and some other native plants have begun to root here, nesting in the dirt the winds have gradually brought in. An organic ecosystem has gradually managed to supplant the artificial one here made of metal, and many cables hang from the ceiling from the crash, cutting power to this section of the ship. A human scaled door leads into the galley and crew lounge from this cargo hold area.
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Gideon whistles. “You might be right about predators… it looks like the ship’s developed its own ecosystem!” Eyeing the vines, he moves to see if either of the cargo skiffs is still operations.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/19/2022 1:08 PM
(that was an awesome description of the cargo hold ❤️ ) "If there is some way to restore power, we might be able to take a look into the cargo hold. Good idea to check out those skiffs" I say and slowly approach the human scaled door, on the way I carefully check the environment for any dangerous animals / movement. (edited)
❤️ 2
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(notice/wis or survive/wis, your choice, just let me know what you picked)
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!roll 2d6+2 !Survive/wis
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Dice Maiden BOT 5/19/2022 4:06 PM
Gideon Roll: [4, 1] Result: 7 Reason: Survive/wis
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/20/2022 1:27 AM
!roll 2d6+1+1 ! notice/wis
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Dice Maiden BOT 5/20/2022 1:27 AM
Damiyen Rodrick Roll: [4, 2] Result: 8 Reason: notice/wis
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You see birds and small rodents have passed through here, along with slightly bigger creatures that might eat those things, but to the best of your limited knowledge about the world and its life forms, it does not seem anything apex or anything that might consider you a source of food has been through here anytime soon.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/20/2022 9:56 AM
I visibly lower my guard a bit and let go of most of the tension, feeling safe for the moment. "So, any luck with the Skiffs Gideon?"
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(the skiffs are too damaged, i missed that. They could be repaired in an actual garage somewhere if they got towed out, but as things stand right now they need more work than you;d have the ability to do in the field)
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“No… They’ve been here too long. A garage might be able to patch them up, though,” Gideon says, straightening and surveying the room once more. “Ready to head out?” he asks, nodding toward the door to the crew galley.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/21/2022 3:17 AM
"Lead on" and I follow Gideon through the door
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The galley and lounge look to have been given a lot of attention by animals , digging through the open containers of food, opening ones that were closed, and otherwise nesting in the cupboards of the room. Birds chirp from a nest, waiting for their mother to come home and feed them, and something that reminds you of a skunk nests in what used to be the oven.
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Gideon scrunches his face and quickly backs away from the oven. He eyes the scattered food containers. “Whoever the crew was, they sure left in a hurry. I wonder why they didn’t take their food with them into the jungle…”
9:29 PM
(Does the crew lounge have doors leading off to crew cabins?)
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/22/2022 3:31 AM
I think on this for a moment. "Maybe they had as much food as they could carry on them. But then something must have happened, otherwise they would have come back for food. I agree that this is rather mysterious" (I would like to search the room for any personal items of the crew, something that could give us more information)
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There are not private cabins on a ship like this but instead the ship officers, and ship sailors would have had their own large common area type rooms. Officers were located in the northern cabin, and sailors were south in that common room. The doors leading into both have been wrenched off the tracks and you could move them aside to get in.
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Gideon clomps over to the northern cabin, the servomotors of his assault armor straining as he shoves the door aside.
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The officers cabin is faring a bit better than the galley. Four bunk beds are in this room, each of them with a storage chest at their base. A locker on the wall to the right of each bed looks to hold the personal effects of whichever officer from each bed set did not get to use the chest. The chests and lockers look to have survived the crash with the planet's surface, though they've buckled or broken slightly and have not opened.
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Gideon searches the chests and lockers while Fido sniffs around the room, trying to detect whether any animals have settled in the cabin.
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Animals have made a cursory pass over the room but don't seem to have nested in here compared to the easier access to outside that the other rooms offer.
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(Any goodies in the lockers/chests?)
🧐 1
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(d100)
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!roll 1d100
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Dice Maiden BOT 5/25/2022 3:14 PM
Gideon Roll: [40] Result: 40
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You find a battered looking foldbox among the storage items here, but it doesn't seem to have anything in it. None the less, the compact but voluminous storage space seems useful.
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(anything else would just be junk)
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Gideon picks up the fold box, examines it, and opens and closes it a few times. With a huff of satisfaction, he puts it in his backpack and heads to the crew quarters. Once again, servomotors strain as he wrenches the door free. Then, he and Fido enter, looking for anything of interest.
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The crew lived in much more squalid conditions than the officers on the ship, a story told time and time again over the course of centuries going all the way back to the ornate offices age of sail captains lived in while their crews slept in hammocks below deck. This looks to be much the same. Broken bunks and twisted sleeping sacks are all that remains of the bunk room upon impact with the ground, and almost every free standing item has been broken, shredded, or eaten or nested in by the local animals.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/27/2022 12:30 PM
I inwardly am surprised by the ease of Gidoen pulling the doors off the hinges and enter after him, seeing the quarters. "Some things never change, huh. If you're just crew, the journey is not nearly as pleasant as if have some rank. Somebody has to do the rowing, no matter the ship, I guess" I say and take a look around.
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Gideon nods agreement with Damiyen. “I guess rank always has its perks. I can’t imagine taking a long journey crammed in all together…” the Utan says, sweeping his gaze over the room.
12:18 PM
(Assuming nothing more of interest is present:) “Maybe we’ll have better luck in the engine room,” Gideon says, turning around and clanking out of the cabin.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/28/2022 12:23 PM
"Don't be too optimistic. What what we've seen, I expect not much" and I follow Gideon.
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(I didn’t have anything else in there really. The foldbox is rare as is)
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Eisheru, et al. 5/28/2022 6:58 PM
(it's the SWN variant of a bag of holding.)
🥳 1
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Heading to the rear of the vessel you can see the damage that brought it down. The engine room is a mess of burned electronics , items throw about by the hull breach in space , and the remains of the engineering team that died either here or when the freighter plowed its own grave into the surface of the planet. You can see five bodies here, gone to bones inside their ship suits- face plates cracked or shattered.
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Damiyen Rodrick 5/30/2022 3:08 PM
(my father has died tonight. That means I will be offline for at least some time. Wanted to give you a heads up)
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(Sorry for you loss man. Here if you need anything )
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(Very sorry to hear that Markus)
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Damiyen Rodrick 6/1/2022 12:53 PM
(feel free to carry on, I will probably keep reading it and at some point I will most probably join again, otherwise I'll say so here)
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(sounds good, I'll repost our most recent bit of info and whoever can, take it from there)
1:47 PM
Heading to the rear of the vessel you can see the damage that brought it down. The engine room is a mess of burned electronics , items throw about by the hull breach in space , and the remains of the engineering team that died either here or when the freighter plowed its own grave into the surface of the planet. You can see five bodies here, gone to bones inside their ship suits- face plates cracked or shattered.
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Gideon grimaces at the sight of so many corpses, surprised that the survivors didn’t bother burying their shipmates. Going over to the consoles, he tries each of them, hoping to find one still active that might explain what befell the ship. He also keeps alert for any signs of pre-tech that could be salvaged.
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One of the consoles is active, and confirms that there was a battle in orbit. The ship was stricken in its power system and gravity did the rest of the work. Upon hitting the ground it was believed the reactor might go critical and the ship was quickly abandoned, though the power bled out instead, some hours later and the ship did not explode.
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Gideon’s tongue absentmindedly protrudes from between his teeth as, frowning in concentration, he attempts to locate the ship’s cargo manifest.
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The ship was listed as carrying building supplies and weapons for the developing fortress worlds on a salient of stars long lost to current post scream charts.
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(Just to be clear, there’s no discernable bridge on the ship, right? Just a Cargo staging area instead?)
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(Its not among the wreckage, but we know they suffered battle damage and crashed when they lost control, so we can reason it probably got atomized)
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(Okay)
1:21 PM
Stepping back from the terminal, Gideon surveys the corpses in the engineroom and takes a moment of silence. Then, Fido at his heals, he sets out for the cargo staging area and looks for a way down to the main cargo hold.
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(We found the elevators earlier but they are broken, there is also a maintenance ladder)
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Gideon hoists Fido onto his power-armored shoulders and descends the maintenance ladder to the cargo hold.
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The suit lights turn on as they sense the darkness and you look out over several packed boxes and crates along with silent rows of ranked up grav bikes and a few heavier utility vehicles. Among them are the pieces of a very heavy grav flyer looking vehicle and it seems to be the only one of its type in the hold
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Lowering Fido to the deck, Gideon approaches the grav flyer and examines its pieces more closely, trying to see if the might still be usable.
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It looks to be a gun cutter, a prototype heavy flyer just coming back into circulation by some polities. A salvage crew will have to cut the starship hull away to extract the vehicle but by the rights of salvage it is yours to do with what you wish
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(Awesome! Is it a prototype the GSC is already building?)
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(They found a copy of the plans but to the best of my knowledge do not have any in service, so recovering this would be the first if you have use for it, and cargo space on your ship to carry it around. Since its grav, you probably wouldn't need a ground vehicle anymore, as grav flyers can VTOL) (edited)
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(Sweet! The Esperanza has 40 tons of cargo space. In the rule book, it looks like grav flyers weigh 50 tons. Are pre-tech ones any lighter?)
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(we'll just call it even and say you can't fit anything else in your ship if you also have the flyer)
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(Thanks!)
8:08 AM
Gideon whistles appreciatively as he circles the grav flyer components. “I bet this’ll come in handy, Fido…” Having he inspected the flyer, he proceeds to the storage crates to see if they contain anything interesting.
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The crates look to just have average building supplies in them, and ammunition for various small arms carried aboard. The open exposure to the elements has ruined them all.
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Lastly, Gideon examines the grav bikes to see if any still function.
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None of them do anymore, as is. They would need extensive repair and likely a replacement of all their wiring and power systems to do.
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Having finished surveying the cargo bay, Gideon returns to the ladder. Once more hoisting Fido on his shoulders, he climbs to the main deck and exits the ship. Once outside, he calls the colony’s office on his compad. “This is Agent Gideon. I’ve located a wrecked freighter that went down before the scream. Sending you the coordinates now. There’s a mostly intact gun cutter in the main cargo hole. Could we get a salvage team here to cut it out and bring it back to the space port?”
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They report that they will send a team out, and scrambling them from the city is going to take about six hours. They suggest hunkering down, and they will need you to finish guiding them in when they get close to the site.
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(How late in the day is it? If there’s still time, I’d like to look in the jungle for any sign of the wreck’s survivors)
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(We have about four hours of daylight left )
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Fido and Gideon head to the jungle and start pacing along it’s edge looking for any signs that the freighter’s crew might have passed this way.
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(Survive wis
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(5)
🙁 1
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IT does not look like you will find anything after hacking for a few hours, the jungle long having swallowed any sign of their passage, and more than likely the entire crew themselves.
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Exhausted, Gideon makes his way back to the wreck to await the salvage team.
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A battered looking flyer, followed by two more with a cargo sling between them emerge from the canopy after you are back and spend two hours resting. You doze off, and are awoken by the sound of their engines as they level off and begin vertically landing on the nearby beach. It looks like close to twenty of the colonists are employed in this kind of work and no sooner do they hit the ground, than power tools are pulled from racks, and safety gear is pulled on.
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Gideon yawns and rises, heading over to the salvage crew. “Hello, I’m Agent Gideon. Who’s in charge?”
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One of the foremen waves a hand as he helps with the unloading of some of the other supplies, and you can see a few stripes on his hardhat and coveralls so he can be easily picked out from the rest of the workers.
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“The cargo is a deck down, so we’ll have to cut our way in. The main prize is a disassembled gun cutter. If there’s room, the ship has a few cargo skiffs and grav bikes we could salvage, too. Is there anything I can do to help?”
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(I think they might be able to give you busy work, but the main adventure;s worth of things has been complete, so if you're game to call this complete, we can hand out xp )
🔥 2
7:26 AM
(And get your cutter fitted)
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(Sounds good!)
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(3xp, 5000 credits, and the gun cutter)
🔥 2
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(Good for whatever you want to do next,)
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(Sorry! Had family in town for the last few days and got a bit distracted)
1:35 PM
(I’ve never had a vehicle before. Do I need to tinker around in the Omni-builder or are there default stats somewhere?)
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(you'd have to tinker in the builder for this one, especially since its homebrew. There's no samples to be found for it in the books )
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(Okay. I've been tinkering around a bit. Since it was recovered from a pre-Scream wreck, can I include any pre-tech?)
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(If you have pre tech to spend , but no components are being given out for free)
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Damiyen Rodrick 6/16/2022 1:45 AM
(heads up from my side: I'm going to resume playing, but solo for some time until things are more normal. I don't want to slow you down too much when I'm busy. It was great fun to play with you, hope we'll pair up again some time soon) (edited)
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(builder should have a gun cutter line enabled too if you're stuck Gideon)
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(I'll yoink this back out of the archive when you're back)
😞 1
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